Surfers Paradise: WPS/WOW Racing Friday notes

CHALLENGING START TO GOLD COAST CAMPAIGN FOR WPS/WOW RACING

WPS/WOW Racing drivers Jason Bargwanna and Max Wilson encountered a challenging start to their campaign in the V8 Supercar Challenge, Round 11 of the 2007 V8 Supercar Championship, on the streets of Surfers Paradise at the Lexmark Indy 300 today.

During this afternoon's three-segment qualifying session, Bargwanna, who won the corresponding round in 2002, piloted the #10 WPS Racing Falcon to the 19th fastest time around the 4.47km circuit.

Wilson, who is one of only two drivers in the V8 Supercar field to have campaigned a Champ Car and V8 Supercar, started his sixth start on the Gold Coast round by posting the 11th fastest time during opening practice.

The Brazilian will start tomorrow's opening 27-lap race on the 11th row of the 31-car grid after qualifying in 21st position aboard the #8 WOW Racing Falcon today. It was actually the #10 WPS Racing Falcon of Bargwanna that edged out Wilson for the final transfer spot into the second segment of qualifying.

Mark Winterbottom secured pole position ahead of Garth Tander and James Courtney.

This weekend's V8 Supercar Challenge consists of three 27-lap encounters, one tomorrow at 4:05pm and two on Sunday either side of the Lexmark Indy 300 Champ Car race.

WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ...

Jason Bargwanna - #10 WPS Racing Falcon

"Today was a busy day with three sessions but the guys did a great job in improving the car throughout the day," said Bargwanna.

"We made it through to the second segment and had some decent pace onboard. The red flag came out at just the wrong time and we could have gone a bit quicker, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that.

"Tomorrow we will try to keep our nose clean for the first few corners and then see if we can push forward. It's a very narrow first couple of corners so you have to be careful.

"Right throughout the day the car had good balance and I think we will have a strong race car.

"I'd really like to be able to get some points on the board here at Surfers, both for the crew and also for Craig, who is back at home keeping track of our progress."

Max Wilson - #8 WOW Racing Falcon

"We didn't make the first cut-off in qualifying but I think we can show better pace tomorrow," said Wilson.

"Our car was good in practice but we didn't get the best out of it for qualifying. Now we have three races to get back up there and get some points at our home event.

"Craig loves this event and it's a real shame he can't be here, so the next best thing is for us to give him something to cheer for back at home."

Craig Gore -- WPS/WOW Racing Team Owner

"The boys did a solid job today and I'm sure Max and Bargs would like to be a little higher up the order," said Gore.

"This circuit is incredibly tough so if we can play it smart and move forward over the course of the three races we could still be in for a good result.

"Both our cars have more potential and should be good over a race distance, so there is every chance we will see the WOW car and WPS machine on the improve tomorrow."

-credit: wpsracing.net.au