Queensland: Winterbottom takes a ride in a Sprintcar

WINTERBOTTOM - SPRINTCAR RACING IS REAL BLOKES RACING!

Mark Winterbottom has labelled Sprintcar racing as 'real blokes racing' after experiencing an adrenaline rushing experience last night ahead of the Ipswich 300 at Queensland Raceway this weekend.

In a rare occurrence Winterbottom and Ford Performance Racing team-mate Steve Richards were passengers aboard the Orrcon Steel-backed East Coast Pipeline two-seater Sprintcar piloted by former Australian Champion Robbie Farr at Brisbane International Speedway.

Having grown up around speedway with his father being a two-time Australian Sprintcar Champion Winterbottom has had an appreciation for dirt track racing for many years, however, this appreciation went to another level last night.

The 28 year-old was awestruck after climbing out of the machine that produces 900 horsepower, 250 more than a V8 Supercar, and is only half the weight of Winterbottom's Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon V8 Supercar.

"That is just awesome," said Winterbottom.

"Sprintcar racing is real blokes racing, on dirt turning in flat out and smelling that methanol -- it's just unreal.

"To go for a ride in a two seater Sprintcar is a unique experience and it really blew me away.

"It's a great opportunity to be part of it thanks to Orrcon Steel's involvement with the East Coast Pipeline team, the only word that can describe it is awesome.

Richards, a two-time Bathurst Champion, has had the opportunity to drive a Sprintcar previously but after riding as a passenger last night he was simply in awe.

"That was just incredible, it is unlike anything I've ever experienced before," said Richards.

"You're not used to turning into a corner with so much throttle on and the grip that these cars produce is just phenomenal.

"I've been very lucky to have a drive of one but going for a ride as a passenger with a good steerer is just something else.

"If I go anywhere near as fast as what that felt this weekend, I think I'll win by a lap."

While Winterbottom and Richards will this weekend be in action at Queensland Raceway Farr will be contesting the Queensland State Championship at Archerfield.

"We're all motorsport fans at heart, anytime you can do something different, these guys have never had the opportunity to do this -- I think they've enjoyed themselves," said Farr.

"The shear acceleration and power to weight ratio of these Sprintcars is pretty impressive and I think that really got their attention.

"Being drivers themselves and having no control is also a new experience for them, we're all control freaks as a drivers, so probably sitting in the back hanging on to a bar is different to what they are used to."

Practice for the Ipswich 300 will begin this afternoon ahead of two races across the weekend where Winterbottom jokingly indicated that he may even put some of the lessons learnt from last night's ride into action.

"If it is wet I'm going to take a leaf out of Robbie's book. I'm going to turn into turn one flat, use the cushion and drive out of there this weekend," said Winterbottom.

-source: bammedia