29 March 2009 / WOOD BENEFITS FROM TRACK TIME AT GRAND PRIX
V8 Supercar rookie Dale Wood has learned a great deal about his #16 Hi-Tec Oils Holden Commodore over the course of the Sprint Gas Manufacturer’s Challenge at the Formula 1 ING Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne this weekend.
Wood finished the final race of the event in 24th position after a strong first half of the race, where he was running door-to-door with many of the more established drivers in the championship.
Wood’s early pace was curtailed by excessive tyre wear in the second half of the 15-lap race, leading the 25-year-old to nurse the car home in the non-championship race.
Craig Lowndes won today’s final non-championship race of the weekend ahead of Mark Winterbottom and Russell Ingall.
Round 2 of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series will be staged in Hamilton, New Zealand on April 17-19.
WHAT DALE HAD TO SAY …
Dale Wood - #16 Hi-Tec Oils Racing Holden Commodore
“We made some changes to the car and made some improvements but it made it weaker in some other areas,” said Wood.
“So overall we didn't have a gain in lap times but at least we know now.
“We had pace at the start of the race but the set-up destroyed the rear tyres so we had no pace at the end. So I was just trying to get to the end.
“I understand the car a bit more now and I'm looking forward to Hamilton."
RESULTS: Race Three
1. #888 Craig Lowndes
2. #5 Mark Winterbottom
3. #39 Russell Ingall
4. #22 Will Davison
5. #8 Jason Richards
6. #17 Steve Johnson
7. #2 Garth Tander
8. #9 Shane Van Gisbergen
9. #111 Fabian Coulthard
10. #1 Jamie Whincup
26. #16 Dale Wood
RESULTS: Event Points
1. #888 Craig Lowndes – 286 points
2. #5 Mark Winterbottom – 284
3. #22 Will Davison – 258
4. #17 Steve Johnson – 228
5. #8 Jason Richards – 222
6. #9 Shane Van Gisbergen – 184
7. #1 Jamie Whincup – 184
8. #111 Fabian Coulthard – 180
9. #10 Paul Dumbrell – 154
10. #7 Todd Kelly – 144
29. #16 Dale Wood - 42