FULL FORCE ATTACK
The nail biting adrenalin fueled ultimate race of the year, the Sydney Telstra 500 is finally here. Hosted by the temporary Homebush Street Circuit this race will crown the 2009 Fujistu V8 Supercar Series Champion.
With 300 points up for grabs in this finale round, Howard Racing’s David Russell is determined to steal MW Motorsport’s Jonathan Webb’s championship lead.
“To be honest the pressure is on Webb at the moment as he has the lead to loose, my only pressure is to win” Russell.
Russell is going into the finale round with one very clear objective; maximum attack, maximum points, series championship win.
There are only 79 points separating Russell (1507 points) from current series leader Webb (1586 points) and according to Russell, “If I go into the last round having train hard and win both races, that is the best I can do and hopefully my ticket to winning the championship.”
This year Russell has shown immense determination in his driving. During the Bathurst 1000, Russell battled Sonic Motors Racing’s James Moffat for second place – in the end leaving him in the dust. During Race Two, Russell gave Webb a good run for his money by gaining and maintaining a lead from the start, but due to wet road conditions the race was red-flagged.
The 20 Fujistu V8 Supercar drivers will be competing on an even level playing field as they take to the inaugural 3.4km anti-clockwise circuit for practice 8.50am this Friday.
“I’ve been physically training hard and studying the Homebush track layout and we (Howard Racing Team) flew down there a few weeks ago to have a look around.
“Through and through it’s a classic street track with lots of concrete walls, there are definitely similarities to the chicanes of the Gold Coast and the Clipsal 500 circuit” says Russell.
Russell and the Howard Racing Team are confident with both the car and Russell’s focus and preparation going into the most important round of the year.
“I’ll be going in on the weekend in full attack mode, giving more than 110% and then I will just have to wait and see where I end up; I will not be holding back” says Russell.
Howard Racing had a fantastic ride day at QLD Raceway last week for Sponsors where Russell managed to increase mileage behind the wheel of the # 27 BF Falcon throughout the day.
“I did some competitive times and the team have been working really hard to put a quick car together, I’m really confident with the way the car is feeling.
“Like any new circuit we’re going to have to take quite a few things into consideration and watch for the surface changes and navigate through the few bumps, it’s going to be a really exhilarating track.
“It’s definitely going to be an extremely exciting weekend, the atmosphere at Homebush will be second to none, fans and spectators will no doubt be treated to some very close racing and action in our category” Russell.
The three-day motor-racing event, which will roar to life this coming weekend is expected to attract upwards of 250,000 people to Homebush Bay. It is estimated $20 million worth of refurbishments were carried out to the site and in developing the circuit.
You can watch all of the excitement and coverage from the finale round of the Fujitsu Series on the Seven Network, 12 December, 2.00-3.00pm.
Source Nicky Howard, HG Motorsport
