Phillip Island: WPS Racing Saturday report

WPS CONTINUES TO DIG DEEP AT THE GRAND FINALE

The WPS Racing outfit continued to dig deep during the second day of proceedings at the Caterpillar Grand Finale on Phillip Island in Victoria today.

After making several changes to the set up of their WPS Racing Falcons for this morning's qualifying session the team's drivers Max Wilson and Jason Bargwanna started the opening race from 24th and 27th respectively.

During the opening laps of the 23-lap journey both drivers moved up three positions to run just outside the top 20. Bargwanna was the first of the pair to complete his compulsory pit stop on lap 10, he returned to the circuit in 24th position.

Two laps later the WPS crew executed another clean stop to change the rear tyres on the #8 WPS Racing Falcon.

As the race continued both Wilson and Bargwanna pushed hard but were unable to climb any further up the order and cross the line 20th and 21st respectively.

Polesitter Todd Kelly won today's race ahead of Garth Tander and Mark Skaife. Championship contenders Rick Kelly and Craig Lowndes finished fourth and fifth respectively closing the gap in the chase for the championship to a mere three points. Bargwanna is in 13th place, 61 points clear of Cameron McConville and Wilson 15th.

Tomorrow's action consists of two 32-lap races at 11:20am and 3:30pm.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY----..

Jason Bargwanna - #10 WPS Racing Falcon

"The main aim for the weekend was to make sure we kept out of trouble and added some championship points to our tally to make sure we maintained our spot in the standings," said Bargwanna.

"There were a few hairy moments during the opening few laps but I played it conservative to make sure I got to the end.

"We made a slight change in to the setup of the car in the pit stop which seemed to help me a bit as the car got better the race continued."

Max Wilson - #8 WPS Racing Falcon

"We made a little bit of progress from yesterday but still have a fair bit of work to do before we can move further up the order," said Wilson.

"Our focus is now on making sure we can finish both races tomorrow to make sure I can stay inside the top 15 for the championship."

Mark Larkham -- Team Principal

"I'm pleased both cars finished the race in one piece with no damage and we can focus on getting more speed out of them tomorrow," said Larkham.

"Starting from where we were did I thought it was going to be tough to stay out of trouble, especially considering our lack of outright speed, but it is pleasing to know both drivers drove a smart race and brought both cars home straight."

-credit: wps