Eastern Creek: TBE race report
Wilson - Radisich Battle The Elements in Shortened Race at Eastern Creek Round two of the V8 Supercar Series got underway at Eastern Creek this afternoon with drivers experiencing extremely wet conditions, however it didn't dampen the ...
Wilson - Radisich Battle The Elements in Shortened Race at Eastern Creek
Round two of the V8 Supercar Series got underway at Eastern Creek this afternoon with drivers experiencing extremely wet conditions, however it didn't dampen the spirits of the large crowd of supporters in attendance.
Right from the rolling start behind the safety car the pace was exceptionally fast considering the extreme weather conditions.
Radisich, driving the Team Betta Electrical car #88 was finding visibility near impossible - dropping three placing's in the first four laps of the race, choosing not to extend the car in such dangerous conditions.
Wilson, driving the second Team Betta Electrical Falcon also dropped his initial starting position of 11th by three positions also, preferring to race on the side of caution.
Lap five saw Mark Skaife lock brakes whilst duelling with Marcos Ambrose, sending his Commodore off the circuit.
As the rain became even heavier throughout the race, the incidents increased with Steve Ellery becoming the next victim of the slippery conditions, spearing off the circuit at turn one and crashing heavily into the wall.
Team Betta Electrical chose to bring Radisich in for fuel on lap 33, returning to the circuit in 22nd position with Wilson taking on his fuel load just four laps later on lap 37, rejoining the race in 16th position.
The teams positions remained fairly constant throughout the race with the respective cars managing to make up just a few placing's preferring to keep the cars intact rather than throw caution to the wind under such conditions.
Toward the later stages of the race Craig Lowndes had a dual with Garth Tander for several laps with neither prepared to give an inch, door handle to door handle they continued with each driver showing great ability in car control, Lowndes finally taking second position, much to the crowds surprise and yet again proving he really is the rain master.
The safety car entered the circuit on no less than five occasions throughout the race, again highlighting the extreme conditions being experienced by the drivers.
Both Wilson and Radisich commented on how difficult the conditions were to race in, with visibility down to zero on occasions.
"It was extremely taxing out there said Radisich, they certainly weren't ideal conditions".
"I wish I could have finished further up in the points, however I'm pleased to have finished the race without incident".
"Conditions were not unlike the final round here last year, that event was equally demanding on ones concentration" commented Radisich.
"The Team provided us with very competitive cars this weekend, unfortunately we can't control the weather, I really do feel for all the supporters, having to endure such elements" - Radisich concluded.
Max Wilson in car 888 also ran a very consistent race, climbing his way back into 10th spot after completing his mandatory fuel and tyre stops.
"It was pretty tough out there and you couldn't see much ahead of you at all, it was fairly dangerous on occasions".
"It was extremely hard to maintain traction to the road, however I'm not too disappointed with the result, at least I have gained some points from this round" - said Wilson.
"I will be focusing now on round three at Pukekohe in New Zealand in three weeks time to further consolidate my position in the championship" - Wilson concluded.
The race was finally stopped on lap 68, nine laps short of the planned 77 lap event, with the first placing's being awarded to Rick Kelly in the K- Mart Commodore, Craig Lowndes Ford FPR and Garth Tander in the Valvoline Commodore.
-tbe-
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