PAYCE-BACKED RACERS DELIVER AT BATHURST 1000 AT MOUNT PANORAMA - 2015
- Mount Panorama, NSW.
Brian Boyd salutes PAYCE racing teams on their tenacious performances at Mount Panorama 2015
The 2015 Bathurst 1000 was held at Mount Panorama where PAYCE backed drivers raced in changing conditions.
Rain plays a big role in the qualifying and racing at Mount Panorama
Six PAYCE-backed teams represented at Bathurst 2015
Six racing teams backed by PAYCE competed across four categories in the 2015 Bathurst 1000 meeting. The teams delivered some strong results over the four days in very competitive conditions.
Brian Boyd, PAYCE Managing Director and long-time supporter of Australian motorsport, witnessed the PAYCE-backed drivers and teams produce some of the most enthralling racing of the meeting. Mr. Boyd stated all were to be congratulated on their outstanding performances throughout the four day event.
Scott McLaughlin delivers standout performance in the Bathurst 1000 - Brian Boyd
"The standout performance was Scott McLaughlin in the Bathurst 1000, along with co-driver Alex Premat, in the Wilson Security Racing GRM (Volvo Polestar Racing) #33 Volvo S60," Brian Boyd enthused.
"Scott and Alex drove consistently hard throughout the race that saw fortunes changing with several safety car periods and showers and for them to finally take fifth spot when the chequered flag came out was well-deserved and a fantastic result," Mr. Boyd said.
The two Volvos demonstrated their pace in the practice sessions with Scott delivering the fifth fastest lap time on day one and David coming in 11th fastest, Brian Boyd said.
"Scott was on top of the speed trap times down Conrod Straight on day one, recording the fastest outright speed of the field with a breathtaking 296 kilometres per hour run," Brian Boyd continued.
"Alex also got off to a good start in the co-drivers' session recording fourth fastest time so the scene was set for good performances from the team, barring incidents."
Hot Saturday practice session in the rain
The final practice session on Saturday saw Scott McLaughlin and Alex Premat still well in contention with the eighth quickest time. David Wall and Chris Pither meanwhile were twenty-first fastest. Everyone's attention was then focused on the rescheduled Top 10 qualifying session. Qualifying was subsequently shortened. Scott McLaughlin recorded seventh fastest lap time and placed the number 33 Volvo S60 into the top ten shootout.
Brian Boyd said the unpredictable wet conditions throughout the Top 10 qualifying session worked in the favour of some drivers while others had to grapple with the deteriorating conditions. Fortunately for Scott, he was able to bring the car out early when only light rain was falling.
"He did a blistering lap that put him in second position and then the team had to sit through the rest of the cars' runs to determine the final spots on the grid," Mr. Boyd said.
"All six following drivers were slower than Scott, putting the number 33 car on the front row of the grid for the first time this season."
Garry Rogers gives Scott McLaughlin first race stint
Garry Rogers decided to start the #33 Volvo with Scott McLaughlin in the car for the first stint. While not able to repeat 2014's explosive start that saw him dive into the first corner from third spot on the grid and then lead up Mountain Straight, McLaughlin raced with determination to clinch the lead on the 3rd lap and was never headed until lap 32. Teammates David Wall and Chris Pither in car number 34 unfortunately did not have any luck in their corner and their race came to an early demise on lap 15. An unfortunate engine-related problem forced them to retire from the race.
David Wall said it was undoubtedly disappointing for the whole team, but there was no forewarning and the engine lost a cylinder.
"That's the way it goes, so bring on the Gold Coast race," he said optimistically.
Pit stop strategies worked for some... Not for others - Brian Boyd
Various pit stop strategies were apparent as the race progressed. The split strategies as well as yellow flags caused the #33 Volvo to be shuffled about in the field, though most importantly always not far from the leaders. Scott McLaughlin brought the car home in 5th spot and within ten seconds of the race winning times. The fifth place represented a fantastic effort from the team and drivers, given the inconsistencies of the weather and multiple incidents throughout the race.
Scott McLaughlin said it had been a tough race day and mentally taxing with the ever changing conditions.
"I was happy to climb into the top ten and Alex did a fantastic job in the race today. The team gave me a great car and a great strategy," he said. "Fifth is a good result, my best at Bathurst and there is more to come."
Car number 33 held supremely in the rain-hampered conditions and overall the team were happy with its performance and reliability under such changing conditions. The top five place also moved McLaughlin into the top 10 of the 2015 championship.
Macauley Jones celebrates his 21st birthday in true racing style
Macauley Jones in the #14 PAYCE Commodore celebrated his 21st birthday prior to the meeting and revelled in a solid weekend of racing. Friday's qualifying session was unfortunately blighted by red flags on two occasions. Macauley maintained his consistent pace and racing lines to record a top ten finish with 7th fastest, putting him at the sharp end of the grid for Saturday's 250 km mini-enduro race.
The 41 lap enduro was raced in a blend of conditions, with three safety car periods and a late shower of rain to contend with. Jones drove a solid race and mixed it with a number of drivers to finish the enduro in eighth position. The strong placing moved Jones up the 2015 championship rankings to be in 12th position overall.
"I'm eager to carry the good performance forward to the series decider at Homebush on 5-6 December," he said.
Brian Boyd congratulates young racer on his best result to date
Jones was congratulated by Brian Boyd on his best result to date. Mr. Boyd said Macauley continues to impress with his driving and maturity.
"Macauley gives 100 per cent every time he is on the track and he is gaining valuable touring car experience with co-drives in this year's enduros," Brian Boyd said.
Touring Car Masters delivers blistering racing
With an expectation of being a white hot contest between the two PAYCE backed cars, the Touring Car Masters turned out to be the case. Bowe took two wins and a second and Johnson one win and two seconds across the three races.
Johnson shattered the qualifying lap record, putting the infamous Mustang Sally on pole for the first race. Johnson led the field all the way in an action packed race that was limited in racing time. The truncated laps were still enough for Bowe to move up into second place, giving PAYCE cars a 1-2 finish and Johnson laying down a new race lap record.
Bowe was determined to take full advantage of his front row position in Saturday's second race and illustrate why he is a true champion. He pushed into the lead at the first corner in the Torana SLR5000 and was never headed. Johnson meanwhile worked tenaciously to hold onto his well deserved second position. The two PAYCE-backed racers swapped the lap record as they went on to finish 1-2 again, only with the positioning reversed from the previous race. The final race on Sunday saw Bowe once again ahead Johnson on the run home with a small margin of half a second separating the pair.
PAYCE's Brian Boyd congratulate formidable team
PAYCE Managing Director Brian Boyd congratulated Bowe and Johnson on their impressive performances, stating they were a formidable team.
"Both cars are presented in immaculate condition and it's a credit to the teams that they are now the ones to beat," brian Boyd said.
PAYCE-backed #22 Porsche GT3 continues with good form early on
The PAYCE backed #22 Porsche GT3 with Richard Muscat at the wheel continued with good form in the early practice session, recording fifth fastest. The session achievement represented a superb effort from Richard who was only back in the country for less than 24 hours from his flight from Germany. Richard had been racing at the Lautizring in the Porsche Motorsport Junior Program only days prior.
A highly contested qualifying session saw the first ten drivers under the lap record. Richard was among the top ten, putting in a more than credible drive to avoid a severe crash and to post a time of seventh fastest. He later in the day went on to finish in eighth position in the first race.
The race on Sunday was run under cleaner conditions and Muscat had a moderately un noteworthy race excepting one close moment and came home close to the leading pack in 7th position.
Strong drives deserve praise - Brian Boyd
Brian Boyd congratulated Muscat on strong drives in his two races, saying he was impressed with his competitive racing against far more experienced drivers.
"Richard has driven well all through the season and as he demonstrated at Bathurst he has the pace to run with the leaders and is ready to pounce if they put a wheel wrong," he said.
"Overall, Bathurst was a great meeting for PAYCE drivers and their teams and importantly everyone stayed safe. All teams had challenging races and they can be justly proud of their performances over the weekend," he added.
- Brian Boyd – Managing Director of PAYCE Consolidated Limited Limited Sydney NSW
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