Sprint Gas Racing has backed up its impressive Bathurst performance with another first class result, this time at the Nikon SuperGP on the Gold Coast today.
Across the two 150 kilometre races Greg Murphy finished sixth and fifth while Jason Bargwanna was 11th and 10th. The results mean that Murphy secured fifth place and Bargwanna 10th overall.
Murphy’s car was competitive all day, recording the second fastest lap time in the second race. “This morning the car felt fantastic, it was the best race car that I’ve driven this year,” Murphy said.
“And it was just as good in today’s second race. We had the car nicely balanced and were able to push hard. It is satisfying to have recorded one of the fastest lap times (in the second race). We made a change in practice yesterday that really improved the car and set up our weekend.
“Overall I’m really happy; it’s been one of the standout days of the year.”
Murphy lost some pace in the second half of the final race today after bending his car’s steering. “I was right behind Lowndes who kept hitting the tyre bundles,” Murphy said. “Every time he flicked them they moved onto the track meaning I’d hit them also. I was committed to the corner and couldn’t change my line.
“This happened repeatedly and eventually bent the steering – changing the balance of the car.
“Fortunately it didn’t force me out of the race, but I lost some pace which dropped me off the back of Lowndes. My preference would have been to keep fighting rather than be a second or two back.
“But we finished which is the positive.”
Murphy’s top five result was complimented by a top 10 drive by Jason Bargwanna. “It was a good solid result, I’m really pleased with today’s performance,” Bargwanna said. “It was good to have both cars in the top ten.
“We didn’t qualify high enough, but I believe we can qualify in the top 10 tomorrow which will really help us. I think we have a top five or six car to be honest, hopefully I can race up there tomorrow. That’s the goal.”
New Team Manager Mike Henry was elated with today’s result. “It was just what the doctor ordered,” Mike Henry said. “After our performance at Bathurst it was important for us to back this up with another good result.
“Both Bargs and Murph drove well today. They were fast, pushed when they needed to, drove smartly and returned to the garage with straight cars. I couldn’t ask for anything more.
“The team was also sensational. A series of quick, no nonsense stops helped improve our position on the track today. Murph was being held up by Giz (Shane Van Gisbergen), so when he pitted he pushed hard, recorded the then fastest lap time and we came out ahead of him on the track. Nice work.
“I’m really proud of everyone today – job well done.”
ends
Last 5 posts in SuperGP
- Horror on the Streets of Surfers Paradise - October 26th, 2009
- Double duty for NZ's Shane van Gisbergen - October 21st, 2009
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