Supercars

TeamVodafone driver evaluation lineup

Chad Reed to lead driver evaluation lineup for TeamVodafone TeamVodafone is pleased to announce three fresh faces to pilot its Ford Falcon V8 Supercars at an official Driver Evaluation session on August 13, at Queensland Raceway. In a major ...

Edited: Jul 25, 2007, 2:16 AM

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Chad Reed to lead driver evaluation lineup for TeamVodafone

TeamVodafone is pleased to announce three fresh faces to pilot its Ford Falcon V8 Supercars at an official Driver Evaluation session on August 13, at Queensland Raceway.

In a major coup for the Team, and the sport as a whole, international Supercross superstar Chad Reed will suit up for a highly-anticipated stint behind the wheel of the leading Ford outfit's V8 weapon.

The Aussie, who has dropped a number of hints about trying his hand at four wheels instead of two, is a long-time fan of the series and will return to Australia from his Florida base especially for the evaluation.

"I am extremely grateful to both Roland Dane and TeamVodafone for giving me the opportunity to participate in a fully sanctioned driver evaluation day," said Reed. "It has been almost twelve months since we first spoke to Roland about a test and this is sure to be the highlight of my year."

"After spending time with Jamie, Craig and the team at Eastern Creek I can see the team is truly a world class operation and I will be taking this test just as seriously as they are."

Joining Reed on the day will be rising Formula Ford stars Tim Blanchard and James Moffat, two drivers making all the right moves in the popular open wheeler series.

Blanchard is the series leader, and Moffat is currently third, with both drivers eyeing a future in V8 Supercars in the near future.

The evaluation day is separate from the official test days in that the Team's regular drivers, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, are only permitted to drive a maximum of 10 laps, ensuring the focus is firmly on the efforts of Reed, Blanchard and Moffat.

Richard Lyons, who returns to take an endurance seat with the Brisbane-based team, will also participate in the session in preparation for the V8 Supercar endurance races Sandown and Bathurst.

Team Principal Roland Dane said he was excited at the prospect of seeing what Chad Reed is able to do aboard the TeamVodafone Falcon, and expected the naturally-gifted racer to adapt very quickly.

"The entire Team, many of which are motorcycle enthusiasts, are looking forward to see how Chad will perform in the evaluation session," said Dane.

"He is exceptional on two wheels and has a racer's mentality, so it will be interesting to see how he handles the challenge of four wheels."

"It won't be an easy task, the intricacies of V8 Supercar racing can only really be learnt through experience, but we are certain that once he develops some confidence behind the wheel he will lay down some very quick times."

Dane said that he was also looking forward to how Blanchard and Moffat would adapt to the challenge.

"I believe it's important to identify and provide the opportunity for talent in the Formula Ford series to shine through."

"A number of current V8 Supercar drivers, including both Craig and Jamie, cut their teeth in the series."

"It promotes strong fundamental skills and allows racers to learn the majority of the top circuits in the country."

"We want to make sure that drivers such as Tim and James are in everyone's peripheral vision and their talent is recognised and nurtured."

"It will also be good to have Richard along for the day, this will give him a chance to reacquaint himself with the car that he will share with Alan Simonsen at the endurance races and get in some valuable track time."

Lyons is permitted to participate in the evaluation session as he has not competed in any V8 Supercar sprint events.

Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup will be on hand to provide expert advice to the drivers as they learn the ins and outs of the cars and how best to tackle the technical circuit.

The TeamVodafone duo both finished on the podium at last weekend's Round 7 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at this track, and are well versed in what the 3.12km layout demands.

-credit: tv

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