|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photo: Tom
Tweedie in action at the Sydney Telstra 500.
Image:
Click to download hi-res for media use
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Photo: Tweedie fighting
hard in his V8 Supercar debut.
Image:- Click to download hi-res for media
use |
|
|
|
ATTENDING PERHAPS the highest profile testing session
in his life, Tom Tweedie completed his first weekend behind the wheel of
a V8 Supercar last weekend at the Sydney Telstra 500.
With a
contract signed to compete in the full Fujitsu V8 Supercar series next
year, Tweedie made his debut on the streets of Sydney Olympic Park last
weekend in an effort to go ‘one up’ on his 2011 competition.
In
effect, the massive Event – attended by over 160,000 people – was a
three day test session.
With just 20 laps in a V8 Supercar under
his belt prior to the weekend, the weekends goal was to emerge with as
many laps as possible and learn the intricacies of driving a 1350kg,
600hp Ford Falcon V8.
The 21-year-old Sydneysider improved his
times by nearly three seconds across the two, 30-minute practice
sessions held Friday and completed more than 30 laps of the tight,
unforgiving Street circuit.
He then qualified the #26 MW
Motorsport BF Falcon 19th (ironically, his Formula 3 race number from
the season past) and aside from some damage caused as the field
hustled down towards turn one on the opening lap, came through race one
in flying colours and in 15th place.
After working with team
engineers between qualifying and the first race, Tom lopped more than a
second from his best lap prior to the race continuing the goal of
improvement across the weekend.
Race two was set for further
improvement before a broken bolt in the front of the car caused the
front splitter to work loose, forcing Tweedie to Pit lane and for three
laps worth of repairs. The car was returned to the track to assure Tom
of more track time with the #26 crossing the line a finisher in 18th.
Despite perhaps frustrating results for a driver accustomed to
winning races, Tweedie was still smiling at the end of the weekend.
“It was a massive learning curve for me all weekend and I’m
pleased to have gotten through it the way we did,” he said.
“In
the end, the weekend wasn’t about results but I was pleased with the
progress made. We know we need to find time but the best thing is we
know where to find it.
“One of the biggest things to learn about
these cars is stopping them – they are heavy and take a lot of work to
slow down. We could see on the data I was losing time there but as the
weekend went on I worked on improving that and getting closer to the
other guys.
“I think with a few more days testing before the
start of next season we are going to be in good shape and will show that
this was an invaluable experience for me.”
Tweedie said another
invaluable component of the weekend was working with the team for the
first time.
“I hadn’t met the guys before the weekend – we had
done the deal over the phone so when we arrived at the track Thursday it
was the first time I got to work with the mechanics and engineers at MW
Motorsport,” He said.
“They are a great bunch of guys and we
worked really well together. It bodes well for next year.”
Though testing is limited, Tom will drive the MW Motorsport BF
Falcon again during the off season before the 2011 Fujitsu V8 Supercar
Series begins at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in March next year.
Fans and supporter club members can stay in touch with Tom’s
activities over the off season by visiting www.tomtweedie.com.au
ENDS |
|
