Tough Weekend for Hazelwood Bouncing Back in Race 2

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood charging his way from 23rd to tenth. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

ROOKIE DRIVER Todd Hazelwood managed the best out of bad situation, finishing an astonishing tenth place starting from 23^rd on the grid after not finishing yesterday’s Race 1 due to an alternator wire failure.

The Thomas Steel Racing/All Purpose Pest Control Falcon showed great pace, moving up thirteen positions in a strong field of the Dunlop Series during Round 5 of the championship.

“The Ipswich 400 was a tough weekend for us, we had good race pace and kept out of the carnage all weekend but we didn’t get the result that we deserved,” Hazelwood said.

“Race 1 was a huge disappointment for the team and myself. I had low voltage on the screen from lap two and I was trying to manage the issue the best I could, the radio, cool suit, fans and lights were all turned off and I was just trying to bring the car home to gain some valuable points.

“Knowing were I was placed was a big disappointment as I would have started pole position for Race 2 and moved towards the top four in the championship standings, but that’s racing and we moved on straight after it had happened.”

The South Australian said he enjoyed coming through the field, having some great battles with far more experienced drivers in the series.

“I battled tough with Chris Pither, Andrew Jones and Tim Blanchard throughout the whole race and personally it was great to show that I could race from 23rd to tenth with pressure from behind … the guys who I had behind me were fast and very experienced and it’s always good for me to learn from tough race situations like this.” Hazelwood continued.

“The car was fast the whole race and I felt we deserved to be inside the top five with the package we had … it was a great fight back and I really enjoyed it.

“The guys at Matt Stone Racing did a fantastic job with the car all weekend and we will work even harder in preparation for Round 6 at Bathurst.

“I can’t thank my sponsors and supporters enough for getting behind me and making all of this happen, I wouldn’t be racing without them!

The 18-year-old is currently leading the rookie standings and is now eleventh in the championship on 744 points, with the teenager looking to bounce back at Round 6 of the Dunlop Series held at Bathurst on October 9-12.

Set-up changes the key for today’s Qualifying and Race 1

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood in Practice yesterday. Credit: Matthew Paul Photography

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood is ready for his race debut at Queensland Raceway in the Dunlop Series, and believes after yesterday’s practice the car will be great for Qualifying and Race 1 for Round 5 of the championship.

Yesterday saw the teenager finish Practice 1 in fifth place, and in Practice 2 a respectable twelfth.

“In practice I was very happy with the amount of set-up combinations we tried throughout the two sessions yesterday,” Hazelwood said.

“The key aspect we achieved was to understand what set-up to run in Qualifying and also in Race 1 today.

“It was good to go out in the first session and finish inside the top five … it is great for the team and myself to be on the front foot from the first session and to continue towards the right direction.”

The Thomas Steel Fabrication/All Purpose Pest Control Falcon currently leads the rookie standings in the series and is seventh in the championship on 666 points, with the 18-year-old looking to extend his rookie lead after today’s results.

“The field was separated by a small margin throughout practice yesterday, and it will be even closer in Qualifying,” Hazelwood continued.

“It’s going to be a crucial session … fingers crossed we can put it all together for today!”

The Matt Stone Racing driver will hit the Willowbank circuit at 10:35 (AEST) this morning for the first Qualifying session for Round 5 of the Dunlop Series.

Round 5 V8 Supercars Dunlop Series – Queensland Raceway (AEST)
Saturday: Qualifying 1 – 10:35 (30 minutes), Race 1 – 15:25 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate
Sunday: Race 2 – 13:55 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate

Hazelwood Prepared for Home Track Test Debut

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Hazelwood is keen to race at Queensland Raceway. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

MATT STONE Racing driver Todd Hazelwood is ready for his Dunlop Series race debut at Queensland Raceway, which is the team’s testing circuit.

The 18-year-old has previously raced at the Willowbank circuit, having competed in National Formula 3 a year ago.

The South Australian says that he cannot wait to turn his first race laps at this circuit, and believes this weekend he can further his current seventh position in the championship.

“Really looking forward to having another crack behind the wheel of the Thomas Steel Fabrication V8 Supercar this weekend,” Hazelwood said.

“Last Wednesday we had a great test day trying a couple of things with set-up which will hopefully give us a bit more speed.

“Three out of the four previous rounds this year I had never raced at before. … Ipswich is Matt Stone Racing’s home track and I have also raced here in the past.

“It will be good to jump in the car for first practice tomorrow and solely focus on car setup and getting the most out of myself.”

Hazelwood is currently seventh in the Dunlop Series on 666 points, and is currently leading the rookie standings in the championship.

“In the last two rounds we have been consistently running inside the top ten and close to the podium at times and it would be good to have another strong weekend and maintain my lead in the rookie standings,” Hazelwood continued.

“It will be a tough weekend though, as there are over 30 cars nominated to race for Round 5.

“Every round this year we have moved forward in the championship standings so hopefully we can keep the momentum rolling.”

The teenager will hit the circuit this morning at 11:15am (AEST) for his first practice session.

Round 5 V8 Supercars Dunlop Series – Queensland Raceway (AEST)

Friday: Practice 1 – 11:15 (40 minutes), Practice 2 – 13:20 (40 minutes)
Saturday: Qualifying 1 – 10:35 (30 minutes), Race 1 – 15:25 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate
Sunday: Race 2 – 13:55 (29 laps) live on Seven/7mate

Hazelwood Moves to Fifth in Series After First Race at Townsville

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood. Image credit: Digital Realism

AFTER REMAINING consistent throughout the series this year, Todd Hazelwood has moved to fifth in the Dunlop Development Series after finishing an impressive eighth in Race 1 for Round 4 of the championship at Townsville.

The 18-year-old stayed out of trouble and climbed his way through the field, and the teenager is looking to further his way through the field again in today’s Race 2.

“After a disappointing qualifying, we were aiming to move into the top ten and gain crucial championship points,” the South Australian said.

“It was a crazy race filled with safety cars, making it tough to stay out of trouble, but we did well to keep moving through the pack and gaining positions.

“Throughout the race I really struggled to get the car balanced, we spent all night looking through the data after Race 1.”

The Thomas Steel Fabrication driver will be on-track today at 1:15 (AEST), starting from position eight after today’s qualifying session.

“Really pleased with the changes we made for qualifying today, which really suited the track’s conditions,” Hazelwood continued.

“It’s always nice to beat my personal best in qualifying, hopefully in today’s race we can get a good start and move closer to the front.”

Hazelwood has moved from ninth to fifth in the championship currently on 600 points, whilst leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Series.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Sunday:
Qualifying 2: 9:25
Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Hazelwood Tops Rookie Standings in Practice

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has set the quickest time in the rookie standings in today’s two practice sessions, setting the eighth fastest time overall for Round 4 of the Dunlop Development Series at Townsville.

The 18-year-old was pleased with his practice result, considering the teenager has never set foot on the Reid Park street circuit before.

“Going into today we just wanted to gain great track knowledge and get a good feel for the car,” Hazelwood said.

“After our test day there were a few things we wanted to try which fortunately worked in our favour.

“Looking forward to a strong qualifying session tomorrow morning, hopefully we can produce fast laps and put us in a good starting position for Race 1.”

The Matt Stone Racing driver will be on track tomorrow morning for the first qualifying session, to then race later in the afternoon for the first race of the Townsville championship round.

“I’m pleased to be in the mix with some seasoned campaigners from the V8 Supercars field, and this puts me in a good position to battle with experienced drivers,” Hazelwood continued.

“We’re currently looking through data and hopefully we can unlock more speed for tomorrow’s race and qualifying.”

Hazelwood is currently ninth in the Dunlop Series sitting on 510 championship points, while leading the rookie standings in the series.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Saturday: Qualifying 1: 8:45, Race 1: 15:30 (Race 1 live on Seven/7mate)

Sunday: Qualifying 2: 9:25, Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Hazelwood Focused on Debut in North Queensland

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

EIGHTEEN-YEAR-OLD Todd Hazelwood has never raced up north of Queensland, and after Perth’s success he is ready for his debut at the Townsville street circuit for Round 4 of the Dunlop Development Series.

The South Australian also had a successful test day a week ago at Queensland Raceway, believing he has what it takes to consistently remain inside the top-ten.

“I cannot wait to get out on track and cut some laps around this tricky street circuit … there is some really cool aspects about the Townsville circuit that I believe will suit my driving style well,” Hazelwood said.

“We had a very successful test day last Wednesday and I’m feeling confident that we can keep moving up through the field.

“Perth was a dream weekend, everything went to plan and we were able to capitalise on every situation.

“If we can qualify strong again it will help set-up our weekend perfectly, and hopefully we can bank some good points and move forward in the championship.”

The teenager is currently inside the top-ten of the championship in ninth on 510 points, and is currently leading the rookie standing in the Dunlop Series.

Hazelwood has also picked up some great Queensland sponsors who will be supporting him throughout the round at Townsville.

“I’m really excited to start new partnerships with Thomas Steel Fabrication, ACS Engineering, City Generators and Protile for this weekend,” Hazelwood said.

“Without the support from these businesses we would be unable to race.

“With what we have installed for our sponsors this weekend they are sure to enjoy a great weekend and hopefully we can get some good results for them too. “

Hazelwood will hit the circuit today for practice; check the schedule below for television and racing times.

Round 4 Dunlop Development Series Townsville 500 (all times AEST)

Friday: Practice 1: 9:00, Practice 2: 13:25

Saturday: Qualifying 1: 8:45, Race 1: 15:30 (Race 1 live on Seven/7mate)

Sunday: Qualifying 2: 9:25, Race 2: 13:15 (Race 2 live on Seven/7mate)

Fourth Position Overall for Hazelwood at Perth

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood. Photo credit: Cam Waters

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has finished an astounding fourth place for Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series at Barbagallo Raceway in Perth.

The 18-year-old held off his more experienced rivals in the thrilling final race for the round, closely finishing in fifth position.

Hazelwood was only 12-points shy from his first Dunlop Series podium, but still managed his personal best result finishing fourth for the round.

“It was such an awesome feeling to have two top five finishes this weekend, there has been so much work going on behind the scenes to produce this result and I’m really proud to accomplish this,” Hazelwood said.

“I had some great battles throughout the race and it was tough to decide weather to push hard or conserve tyres, but with a great team behind me I was able to maximise both and have strong speed towards the end of the race.

“It’s great to race against ex-V8 Supercar drivers in this field, not only am I learning a lot but it also proves to myself that I have what it takes to mix it with some of the best.”

The youngster is now planning to find funding for the next round of the Dunlop Series at Townsville.

“With today’s great result, hopefully I have now proven to potential sponsors that I have what it takes to be racing in the V8 Supercars field,” Hazelwood continued.

“It would be great to find a major sponsor for Round 4 of the championship at Townsville.

“We would love to back-up our strong results produced in Perth, continuing our strong consistent form in both the rookie standings and the overall championship.”

Hazelwood currently leads the Dunlop Series rookie standings, and with today’s result the rookie has moved up to ninth in the championship on 510 points, with only 84 points separating ninth to third in the championship.

The next round of the Dunlop Development Series will be held as the Castrol Townsville 500 in conjunction with the V8 Supercars, over July 4-6.

Hazelwood Gains Championhip Momentum in Competitive Dunlop Series Round 2

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd racing at Winton. Photo: Belinda Douglas

TODD Hazelwood has once again outperformed with his rookie status, finishing Race 2 of the Dunlop Series in 11^th place out of 30 highly experienced racers at Winton Raceway.

With only making his fourth Dunlop Series start, the teenager drove his way through the field from a position 15 grid spot, gaining a strong advantage after the safety car restart avoiding the carnage, gaining the 18-year-old a 12^th place finish overall for the round.

“Race two was action packed, the start was nose to tail and there was cars going everywhere, I was very lucky to survive lap one and not get turned around,” Hazelwood said.

“The safety car restart was crazy, I could see a couple of cars starting to hit the brakes hard in front of me and it was just a chain of cars running into each other, and I was fortunate to somehow miss the chaos and avoid damage.

“I’m very pleased with finishing 11th in Race 2 and 12th for the round.

“Both the team and myself worked hard all weekend and this is a great reward for my sponsors and supporters knowing that we are forever improving and getting closer and closer to the front of the 30 car field.”

Hazelwood is currently sitting outside the top ten of the Dunlop Series Championship on 288 points in 11^th position out of 34 drivers.

“It’s a great feeling knowing we are 11th in the championship in just my second race meeting in a V8 Supercar,” Hazelwood said.

“There is some very experienced drivers both in front and behind me, so we have to be pleased with our current position.”

Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series Championship will be held at Barbagallo Raceway for the Perth 400 in conjunction with the V8 Supercars, May 15-18.

Successful Wet Practice at Winton Raceway

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Film and TV, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood after Practice 1

In the challenging Winton conditions and wet weather playing its part, South Australian Todd Hazelwood managed to sneak his way into the top 15, finishing combined practice in position 14 with a lap time of 1:26.1324.

“Really happy with how practice unfolded today, we have good car speed and I’m really enjoying the challenging conditions at Winton,” Hazelwood said.

“In Practice 1 we tried a few things with set-up, but the Winton surface had changed a lot since the team ran here last which also caught out many drivers up-and-down pit lane.

“The second session we had really good car speed, but unfortunately the way the session unfolded caused us to post the two fastest laps when both red flags were out in the session.”

With the teenager finishing inside the top 15, this enables Hazelwood to run in Qualifying with Group 2, being a great advantage for the 18-year-old.

“Really pleased that we are inside the top 15, as this really hurt us for Round 1 at Clipsal.”

“Knowing that we have good car speed and that we are in a good position makes me feel confident that we can be inside the top ten for Race 1.”

The South Australian is currently sitting outside the top ten of the Dunlop Series Championship in 11^th position on 153 championship points.

The Dunlop Series will be running alongside the V8 Supercars this weekend at the Winton 400 as a support category, with the Dunlop Series set to hit the circuit for Qualifying tomorrow morning at 9:55 (Group 2).

Race 1 will also be telecast live tomorrow at 3:15pm (AEST), check your local guide for further details.

Winton 400
Saturday (5 April)
9:30: Qualifying 1 Group 1 (15 minutes)
9:55: Qualifying 1 Group 2 (15 minutes)
15:15: Race 1 (25 laps)

Sunday (6 April)
13:15: Race 2 (25 laps)

Hazelwood Eager for Round Two at Winton

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood testing at Queensland Raceway, preparing for Round 2

AFTER having a successful start to the Dunlop Series season at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide, Todd Hazelwood is ready to continue his championship at the second round of the series at Winton Raceway this weekend.

The 18-year-old had a successful test day last Saturday at Queensland Raceway with Matt Stone Racing, with the teenager making the most of the bad weather getting great wet practice.

“The test day was great for the team and myself, at first it didn’t look like we would get any dry running in, but after three sessions the sun was out and the track was in good condition to do some fast laps,” Hazelwood said.

“I learned a lot throughout the day, it was great to understand how the car handles in the damp conditions and to finesse my technique throughout the rest of the day.

“There is still a lot of room for improvement, I need to continue to learn as much as I can to give myself the best opportunity to succeed this year.”

The South Australian is currently sitting outside the top ten of the Dunlop Series Championship in 11^th on 153 championship points.

The Dunlop Series will be running alongside the V8 Supercars this weekend at the Winton 400 as a support category, with the Dunlop Series set to hit the circuit for the first time Friday morning at 10:35am local time for Practice 1.

Winton 400
Friday (4 April)
10:35: Practice 1 (40 minutes)
12:35: Practice 2 (40 minutes)

Saturday (5 April)
9:30: Qualifying 1 Group 1 (15 minutes)
9:55: Qualifying 1 Group 2 (15 minutes)
15:15: Race 1 (25 laps) – telecasted live AEST (Channel 7/7Mate)

Sunday (6 April)
13:15: Race 2 (25 laps)

Media by Loren Hazelwood

Motor sport media, marketing and content specialist

Dunlop Series

Tough Weekend for Hazelwood Bouncing Back in Race 2

Set-up changes the key for today’s Qualifying and Race 1

Hazelwood Prepared for Home Track Test Debut

Hazelwood Moves to Fifth in Series After First Race at Townsville

Hazelwood Tops Rookie Standings in Practice

Hazelwood Focused on Debut in North Queensland

Fourth Position Overall for Hazelwood at Perth

Hazelwood Gains Championhip Momentum in Competitive Dunlop Series Round 2

Successful Wet Practice at Winton Raceway

Hazelwood Eager for Round Two at Winton