Actron Air Racing Konica series 2004 preview

Two Car Actron Air Racing Team For 2004 Konica Minolta Series

The Paul Cruickshank Racing operation confirmed this week they will run two cars for their major sponsor air conditioning giant Actron Air.

The Sydney based company has increased it's commitment to PCR to allow for a second Ford Falcon AU to race in the Actron Air livery.

Kevin Mundy returns to drive the number 56 car while car 65 will be piloted by newcomer Marcus Zukanovic who will step up to the Konica Minolta category after two years in Commodore Cup.

The Commodore Cup driver who has been runner up in the series in 2002 & 2003 had his first drive of a V8 Supercar at the teams test session at Willowbank earlier this week.

"I had a great first test session," said Zukanovic. "I spent the first half of the day getting the feel of the car and learning what-was-what before working on improving my times in the afternoon.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am giving it 100% I have moved to the Gold Coast to work with the team and learn more about the car and the series.

"As well as that I train at least five days a week with last years Konica champion Mark Winterbottom who has been fantastic in helping to get me prepared for the opening round," said Zukanovic.

Team Owner Paul Cruickshank was very impressed with his drivers saying he wouldn't be surprised to both Kevin and Marcus came away with a finish in the top eight at Wakefield Park.

"I am really happy with the way both drivers performed at the test day," said Cruickshank. "Kevin was especially impressive continuing his good pace from the Bathurst 30 lap race.

"This is Kevin's fourth year in the series and he is a lot fitter and hungrier than in previous years, I am really pleased with what he has achieved with his off season training.

"I think Marcus is going to be a bit of a surprise package," said Cruickshank.

"He really settled into the car well and for his first time in a V8 Supercar seemed quite relaxed.

"With the increased support from Actron Air and additional support from AMI Industries we have been able to relocate Marcus to the Gold Coast and he now works full time with the team to ensure he gets up to speed with the car as quick as possible," Cruickshank added.

Both drivers have been training hard in preparation for next weekends opening round of the Konica Minolta Series at Wakefield Park in Goulburn.

Sydney based Kevin Mundy completely changed his training schedule over the break adding four sessions a week with a personal trainer.

"This is my fourth year in the category and every year it seems to step up a level," said Mundy.

"I didn't want to be caught out at the first round so I changed my training regime and added these sessions with a personal trainer

to make sure I am as fit as possible come next weekend.

"The car felt great in testing and was good straight out of the truck.

"I am looking forward to this season more so than any of the others as I feel we have prepared better than ever before," Mundy concluded.

Goulburn's Wakefield Park circuit will host the opening round of the Konica Minolta Series on February 21st & 22nd, tickets are available for purchase at the gate.

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