By TeamVodafone 6:43 PM Sat 20 November, 2010
Source: V8 Supercars Australia
TeamVodafone’s Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes are aiming to salvage crucial championship points in this weekend’s Norton 360 Sandown Challenge following an unfortunate turn of events in Tasmania.
Whincup is currently second on the leaderboard, while Lowndes is fourth after being leapfrogged by Mark Winterbottom at the Symmons Plains event.
Back-to-back races mean the team is working in overdrive to ensure both cars are in top form for the November 19-21 event, which will see drivers compete in a race on both Saturday and Sunday.
With just two races left in the championship, the competition has become fierce and Whincup will be gunning to defend his championship crown against leader James Courtney.
Whincup, who came second in the Sunday race at Sandown last year, will be aiming to diminish the 50 point gap which stands in the way of his title bid.
The driver said he had put the disappointment of last weekend’s race behind him and was set for the dog fight.
“Tassie was really tough and definitely one of our lowest moments for this year. This weekend we’re looking to put that behind us and really focus on the task at hand,” he said.
“Sandown is always an enjoyable track and I came second here last year so hopefully I can better those results and gain crucial championship points.
“This is really my last chance to have a good crack at the championship crown. It’s definitely going to be a dog fight from now until the last lap in Sydney,” he admitted.
Lowndes, who came second in the Sunday race last year, will seek to redeem valuable championship points on the fast flowing track.
The driver fell a place on the championship ladder following the Tasmania event after he was a forced DNF due to a gear lever issue.
However, Lowndes said there were no concerns for the #888 car, which is already back in fine form for the weekend.
“I’m excited for this weekend because it’s a track I know extremely well. I’ve had some great results at Sandown in the past and this weekend will be my last opportunity for the championship,” Lowndes said.
“We had a mechanical issue at Tassie which the boys have resurrected, so we have no concerns leading into the race about the problem reoccurring.
“Physically we are in good shape for this weekend and I’m eager to go out there and give it everything I’ve got. I really have nothing to lose,” he added.
The Norton 360 Sandown Challenge will kick off with Practice this Friday at 10:55am at Sandown. For regular news and updates on TeamVodafone, be sure to visit www.teamvodafone.com.au.
