Supercars
Morris, Longhurst Queensland practice notes
OLD Queensland sparring partners Paul Morris and Tony Longhurst topped the time sheets after the first practice sessions today for this weekend's VIP Petfoods Queensland 500 at Queensland Raceway. Morris, who surprised the majority of V8 Supercar ...
Edited: Apr 15, 2002, 11:45 PM
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OLD Queensland sparring partners Paul Morris and Tony Longhurst topped the time sheets after the first practice sessions today for this weekend's VIP Petfoods Queensland 500 at Queensland Raceway.
Morris, who surprised the majority of V8 Supercar critics with his win in round seven of the Shell Championship at Calder Park in Melbourne last month, set the fastest time of the day with a lap of 1 minutes and 10.65 seconds around the 3.1km circuit in his Big Kev Commodore.
Morris' brand new Holden was written-off in a practice accident by co-driver Matt Neal in the last round of the Shell Series at Oran Park in Sydney a month ago. Reverting to the older car for Sunday's event certainly does not seem to have affected Morris' speed or chances.
"I guess it is very encouraging to be on top of the time sheets this early in the weekend, but we need to reproduce the efforts tomorrow in qualifying," said Morris.
"We are not getting carried away, but this has certainly put a smile on the face of all the boys."
Morris and Longhurst were involved in an amazing incident at Winton Raceway in 1994 when, as BMW teammates in the national 2-litre championship, they crashed into each other at the end of the main straight.
Longhurst then got out of his car and proceeded to try and punch Morris through the open window of his car while he was still strapped into his seat a scene, which has appeared on more than one sports "blooper" video tape in recent years.
Longhurst was signed by the Holden Racing Team earlier this year and will be teaming up with his 1988 Bathurst-winning co-driver Tomas Mezera in Sunday's race.
"I enjoyed racing here last year ad it is nice to be back with such a competitive and professional outfit like the Holden Racing Team," said Longhurst.
"I did the time on new tyres and Tomas (Merzera) has been cracking out some very good times on old rubber, so overall we are looking OK for the weekend. Today has certainly proven everything is going in the right direction."
The third quickest time today was set by Tasmanian Greg Crick in the Pirtek Falcon he is sharing with Gold Coaster Marcos Ambrose this weekend.
VIP PETFOODS QUEENSLAND 500 - PRICES
FRIDAY - Adults: $5; Under-12 free SATURDAY - Adults: $22; Concession: $12; 12-under free; Paddock: $5 SUNDAY-Adults: $38; Concession: $20; 12-under free; Paddock: $10 WEEKEND PASS - Adults: $50; Concession: $25; Paddock: $15
Tickets for this year's VIP Petfoods Queensland 500 can be purchased through Ticketmaster7.com or by phoning 1 300 888 086.
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