The 2022 Supercars Championship is only a week and a half away from kicking off, as Team 18 enjoyed a successful pre-season test day at Winton Motor Raceway.
The team used the day as a critical step in their preparation for the first round of the season at Sydney Motorsport Park, shaking down both cars after an off-season rebuild and testing various upgrades and setup changes ahead of the season opener.
Mark Winterbottom progressed through an extensive testing program as the IRWIN Commodore completed over 100 laps and was pleased with the improvements made to the balance of the car throughout the day.
Scott Pye also heralded a successful day with 85 laps around Winton Motor Raceway after resolving a power steering issue that had plagued the team at previous rounds and kept the #20 Holden ZB Commodore in the garage for most of the morning.
It was also Pye’s first day working with Richard Hollway as his race engineer for the upcoming season.
Team 18’s 2021 Bathurst co-drivers Michael Caruso and James Golding also had some time behind the wheel today and assisted the team with their development..
Team 18 returns to the track when the 2022 Repco Supercars Championship kicks off at the Beaurepaires Sydney SuperNight on 4-6 March, which will be shown live on Channel Seven and Fox Sports.
QUOTES
Mark Winterbottom, driver – #18 IRWIN Racing Holden ZB Commodore
“We just finished our first test day and driving the car for the first time in 2022,” said Winterbottom.
“It was a hot day, really hot day and kind of gets to the point in the day when the track goes away.
“I thought we had a really productive morning, I guess everyone says that at test days but I can tell you I’ve driven away from here frustrated and disappointed before but I’m leaving here happy and pumped for the season.
“I think we’ve done a lot of work in the off season, my car is brand new and it felt great and to get back in it was fantastic.
“A big thanks to all of our partners staying on this season, the car looks great, it feels good and I can’t wait to go racing in a week’s time.”
Scott Pye, driver – #20 Holden ZB Commodore
“It was amazing to be back in the car today, we unfortunately had our gremlin from Bathurst carry over, but the boys did a good job and got it fixed and we got out again just after lunch,” said Pye.
“We had a big program, we even got Jimmy Golding in th ecar today and he got plenty of laps and we finished off the day bedding some brakes so we are in a good position heading into the first event at Sydney Motorsport Park next weekend.”
“The team is feeling good, the car is running like a dream and we’re ready to roll.”