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.

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)

Championship ready to rumble in Perth

Australian V8 Supercars, Fiasco Sports

The V8 Supercars Championship is set to take off, with the series ready to race at the Perth 400 held at Barbagallo Raceway.

With the championship well underway and the Perth weather putting on a good show, the V8 Supercars drivers are race ready for the fifth round of the series.

Fabian Coulthard is looking like the favourite for the race win tomorrow in his Brad Jones Racing Holden, finishing fastest in both Practice 1 and Practice 3.

Volvo youngster Scott McLaughlin has also set the pace, finishing Practice 2 on top by one-quarter of a second.

Current championship leader Mark Winterbottom finished inside the top six in all three sessions, being in a consistent position to extend his championship lead in his Ford Peformance Racing Falcon.

Ford Performance Racing’s other drivers Chaz Mostert and David Reynolds are also looking on the money, finishing inside the top ten in all three open-practice sessions today.

Local driver Garth Tander struggled today on home soil, finishing a best of 13th position in Practice 1.

Holden Racing Team’s James Courtney was taking it up to Coulthard in the opening session, missing the fastest lap by only 0.0075s.

The first Mercedes driver was Will Davison, finishing in fifth in Practice 2.

Tomorrow’s race will see the split qualifying and race format, with two qualifying sessions and two 100km races, which can be seen live on Channel Seven’s coverage of the V8 Supercars Championship.

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/championship-ready-to-rumble-in-perth/#sthash.0P97J9XB.dpuf

Hazelwood Race Ready for Debut at Perth 400

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

TODD Hazelwood is set for his debut at Barbagallo Raceway for Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series, after having a successful test day at Queensland Raceway with Matt Stone Racing last week.

The South Australian is currently leading the Rookie standings in the Dunlop Series, and is currently 11^th overall in the championship, looking to further his championship status this weekend at the Perth 400.

“I cannot wait to get back into the car this weekend for the Perth 400, it will be my first time around the circuit so it will be a challenge to learn the track fast to get up-to-speed to my competitors,” Hazelwood said.

“The track at Barbagallo is one I’ve been looking forward to, as it has some unique aspects other Australian circuits don’t have and from what I’ve been told is tricky to look after the tyres.

“The team and I had a very successful test day last week at Queensland Raceway, and I am forever learning more about how to get the best out of the V8 Supercar and I feel I have made some key improvements that will help me greatly this weekend.”

The 18-year-old also has a sponsor coming on-board for the round at Perth – the Pool Shop Group who trade from two locations, Kalamunda in the Hills and Floreat in the Western Suburbs of Perth.

Todd’s new sponsor for the weekend

Owner of the Pool Shop Courtney Bishop said they are very excited to be sponsoring the teenager, and that they are not new to motorsport sponsorship, after partnering with the Perth Motorplex for many years.

“The Pool Shop Group is very excited to announce a new partnership with up-and-coming V8 Supercar racer Todd Hazelwood,” Bishop said.

“After contact with Todd and viewing his impressive resume and career plans, it was a no-brainer to get our brand behind this young star.”

Round 3 of the Dunlop Development Series Championship will begin Friday morning, with Hazelwood to hit the circuit for the first time for Practice 1 at 9:15am (AWST).

Race schedule – Perth 400 Barbagallo Raceway

Friday: 09:15: Practice 1 (40 minutes)
13:10: Practice 2 (40 minutes)

Saturday:11:00: Qualifying 1 (40 minutes)
13:25: Race 1 (38 laps) live on Seven

Sunday: 11:40: Race 2 (38 laps)

Top 15 Finish for Race 1 at Winton Raceway

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood in the pits ready for Qualifying 1

AFTER a strong practice session yesterday, Todd Hazelwood raced his way to position 15 in Race 1 showing promising pace for tomorrow’s final race at Round 2 of the Dunlop Series Championship at Winton Raceway.

The South Australian showed strong pace from the beginning of the day, finishing qualifying in position 13 with a lap time of 1:24.5447.

Race 1 saw Hazelwood three-wide on the outside of Turn 1 during the opening lap, falling back a few positions after being pushed wide, coming out in 20^th position.

The 18-year-old pressed on, charging his way back through the field to finish an impressive 15^th place over the 25-lap distance.

“After a good qualifying session this morning we were feeling confident we could produce a top-ten result in Race 1,” Hazelwood said.

“It was promising to know that we had good car speed throughout the race it was just a shame to get caught out on the outside at the start which hurt us with track position on the opening lap.

“Although 15^th isn’t the place we want to be, I am forever improving and I’m understanding the car better every time I get behind the wheel.

“It’s important during my learning stages to gain as many championship points as possible and set ourselves up for a strong placing in the championship at the end of the year.”

The teenager will hit the circuit for the final race tomorrow, with his starting position for Race 2 based on his finishing position for Race 1.

Hazelwood is currently sitting outside the top ten of the Dunlop Series Championship on 216 points in 12^th position.

Race 2 will start at 1:15pm AEST and the lap times can be viewed live through www.natsoft.com.au.

Winton 400

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

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)

Home Round Debut for Hazelwood at the Clipsal 500

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood’s Ford FG Falcon ready to race

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood will make his first round debut in the Dunlop Development Series at his first home race in three years at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500.

The 18-year-old has never raced around the historic Clipsal circuit, with the teenager more than excited to race infront of his home crowd and have the support from his local sponsors, family and friends.

“It’s more than a dream come true to race at the Clipsal 500 event, after being a spectator my whole life,” said Hazelwood.

“I also cannot wait to make my debut with the team at Matt Stone Racing, our test day the other week went better than expected and I am really looking forward to see how the weekend plans out with the other strong competitors in the field this season.

“It’s amazing to be supported by local South Australian companies and running at one of South Australia’s major motorsport events, and I can’t wait for it to all kick off.”

Hazelwood will first hit the circuit at 1:20pm for Practice 1, with the second session commencing at 4:05pm.

If you want to keep up-to-date with Todd Hazelwood’s progress throughout this week at the Clipsal 500, please like and follow him on Facebook and Twitter and show your support.

Dunlop Development Series – Clipsal 500 Adelaide

Thursday
Practice 1: 1:20pm
Practice 2: 4:05pm

Friday
Q1 Group 1: 11:00am
Q1 Group 2: 11:25am
Race 1: 6:15pm

Saturday
Q2 Group 1: 11:25am
Q2 Group 2: 11:50am
Dunlop Series: 5:45pm (in-between the two twilight V8 Supercar races)

Dunlop Development Series stronger than ever

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Fiasco Sports, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Each year the V8 Dunlop Development Series grows and this year’s series is set to be huge with 30 entries confirmed for the opening round at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500.

Ash Walsh is set to be a strong contender for the 2014 Dunlop Series. Image: Ash Walsh Motorsport

The Official V8 Supercars Series kicks off this week on Adelaide’s streets, with all eyes on the Dunlop Development Series, kicking off the season with 30 entries confirmed.

After last year’s stellar entry list including the names of Casey Stoner, Chaz Mostert, Jack Perkins, Dale Wood and Steve Owen, 2014 is once again looking to be a strong season and will also be a debut for many young and talented drivers.

One driver looking particularly strong for this year is Ash Walsh, who will be racing under Matt Stone Racing for the third year after picking up five race wins in the series last year, just missing out on the title.

Ford Performance Racing are also coming back into the series after a one-year absence, partnering up with young Cameron Waters in an Enzed sponsored FG Falcon.

Ex-V8 Supercar drivers will also make-up the grid again, with Paul Dumbrell making his way into the series this year, alongside Paul Morris and Taz Douglas.

Erebus today also announced they will make their debut into the series, with their Erebus Academy driver Jack Le Brocq who recently finished third in the Bathurst 12-Hour race is set to make his debut into the series with Image Racing.

Adelaide-based team THR Racing Developments have progressed from the Kumho V8 series to the big stage of Dunlop Series, with Jordan Ormsby and Jay Verdnik the two confirmed drivers for the first round, with Josh Hunter and Matthew Hansen also making the jump from Kumho to Dunlop series.

Two Formula 3 drivers are also set to make their debut into the series this year, with Gold Star champion Tim Macrow to race with Gallagher Motorsport, and winner of Shannons Supercar Showdown, Todd Hazelwood, to compete under Matt Stone Racing.

Brad Jones Racing will also be another team to look out for, with Andrew Jones and Chris Pither set to steer their VE Commodores this year.

Reigning Dunlop Series team MW Motorsport will once again be strong a three-car team including drivers Andre Heimgartner, Ryan Simpson and Morgan Haber, while Eggleston Motorsport will also be running a three-car team, with Garry Jacobson, Ant Pederson and Dumbrell behind the wheel.

The Dunlop Development Series have changed the format of the races for the season, including two 40-minute races and two 15-minute qualifying sessions.

While the round opens at the Clipsal 500, teams and drivers will compete for the title across seven-rounds including Winton, Bathurst, Townsville, Sydney, Ipswich and Perth.

The drivers will first hit the Clipsal circuit at 1:20pm for their first practice session for the year.

Official Clipsal 500 Adelaide entry list

#	Team Sponsor Name	CAMS Competitor Name	Driver	Model
10	Image Racing	Image Racing	Taz Douglas	FG
11	Worlds Best Technology/Castrol	Bruin Beasley	Josh Hunter	VE II
20	Team Advam	Brad Jones Racing	Andrew Jones	VE II
24	Worldwide Gaming	Gallagher Motorsport	Tim Macrow	VE II
25	Dreamland Bedding	S & J Automotive	Dan Day	VE II
26	Finance Ezi	MW Motorsport	Andre Heimgartner	FG
27	Parramatta Smash Repairs	MW Motorsport	Ryan Simpson	FG
28	Miraflores Estate/Haber Excavations	MW Motorsport	Morgan Haber	FG
32	Alphabet	Josh Kean	Josh Kean	VE II
35	Matt Stone Racing	Matt Stone Racing	Todd Hazelwood	FG
38	Eggleston Motorsport	Eggleston Motorsport	Ant Pederson	VE II
42	Icebreak Racing	Brad Jones Racing	Chris Pither	VE II
44	Pacific Hoists / Halda Race Pilot	Rsport Race Engineering	Fredrik Lestrup	VE II
45	THR Motorsports/S.A.Racing & Logistics	THR Developments Pty Ltd	Jordan Ormsby	VE II
46	THR Motorsports/S.A.Racing & Logistics	THR Developments Pty Ltd	Jay Verdnik	VE II
48	R&J Batteries	Emery Motorsport	Geoff Emery	VE II
49	Image Racing	Image Racing	Jack Le Brocq	FG
50	Forpark / Australian Custom Moulders	Matthew Hansen	Matthew Hansen	VE II
51	Poll Performance	Jim Pollicina	Jim Pollicina	FG
54	Eggleston Motorsport	Eggleston Motorsport	Garry Jacobson	VE II
56	TEAM ENZED FPR	Prodrive Racing (Australia) Pty Ltd	Cam Waters	FG
58	Go Karts Go	Novocastrian Motorsport	Aaren Russell	FG
60	Gulf Western Oil	Matt Stone Racing	Michael Hector	FG
62	Warrin Mining Volvo Construction Equipment	Adam Wallis	Adam Wallis	VE II
67	Sargent Security Racing	Nemo Racing Pty Ltd	Paul Morris	FG
71	Action Racing	Action Racing	Marcus Zukanovic	FG
73	Formula Tech Performance/Interquip Racing	Brett Stewart	Brett Stewart	VE II
75	McGill Motorsport	Auto-Motion Australia	Aaron McGill	VE II
87	Infants Friend	Matt Stone Racing	Ash Walsh	FG
88	Eggleston Motorsport	Eggleston Motorsport	Paul Dumbrell	VE II
98	Voight Contracting	Rsport Race Engineering	Aaron Tebb	VE II

Written by Loren Hazelwood. @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/dunlop-development-series-stronger-than-ever/#sthash.1Tzukl18.dpuf

New V8 Drivers for 2014

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Fiasco Sports

As young drivers smashed their debut in the series last year, we decided to look at what the new drivers for 2014 have prepared behind the steering wheel for one of the biggest seasons in the series yet.

Source: Left Lane News

V8 Supercars has once again lifted and explored into new depths, and will not only have four manufacturers – but five including the announcement of Volvo’s S60 machine.

The series is at its peak with car and driver development, with four new drivers set to make the grid for this year’s season, and in just over one week the V8 Supercars will rumble on the streets of Adelaide for the Clipsal 500.

Last year’s rookies Scott McLaughlin and Chaz Mostert both picked up race wins, impressing the teams with McLaughlin now the star factory driver at Volvo and Mostert replacing Will Davison at the highly established Ford Performance Racing.

With 2013 rookies impressing, this can only mean that stronger talent will arise from the development series, with Bathurst winner Nick Percat teamed up at Walkinshaw, Jack Perkins racing at team Jeld-Wen, Dunlop Series champion Dale Wood to race with Brad Jones Racing and the newly imported driver from Sweden Robert Dahlgren to finish the line up at the new Volvo team.

These four drivers are extremely talented, and come from a large background of motorsport not only in Australia – but also on the international circuit.

Nick Percat / Source: http://www.v8supercars.com.au

Nick Percat
Walkinshaw Racing #222
Won Bathurst in 2011 with Garth Tander and since was Holden Racing’s endurance driver, while also making a strong stance in the Australian Formula Ford Championship and Dunlop Development series, then in 2013 moved on to race in the Carrera Cup category last year.

Jack Perkins / Source: V8 Supercars

Jack Perkins
Team JELD-WEN #18
Son of the great Larry Perkins, this will be a comeback for the development star, originally raced for Jack Daniel’s Racing in 2007. Perkins has a large background in motorsport, racing Aussie Cars, Dunlop Series and Formula Ford, while being a crucial part for the endurance rounds, racing with McLaughlin, Russell Ingall and Tim Slade.

Dale Wood/ Source: V8 Supercars

Dale Wood
Team ADVAN/GB #21
Wood last year claimed the Dunlop Development Series crown, while having a long career in motorsport, starting in motocross before beginning state-level Formula Ford. The Queenslander also paired with newcomer Perkins for the Bathurst 1000, as well as Todd Kelly and Tony D’Alberto.

Robert Dahlgren / Source: V8 Supercars

Robert Dahlgren
Valvoline Racing GRM #34
Sweden’s own has come to conquer the Australian V8 series, with Dahlgren’s previous racing results including winning the British, Swedish, Norwegian and Scandinavian Formula Ford Championships, racing in Formula 3 and racing in the World Touring Car Championship for Volvo Polestar Racing.

The new drivers this year bring a wealth of experience and a different culture of racing to the field, which will make for one great V8 Supercars Championship for 2014.

Written by Loren Hazelwood @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/new-v8-drivers-for-2014/#sthash.lrmybl6o.dpuf

Media by Loren Hazelwood

Motor sport media, marketing and content specialist

Ford

Tough Weekend for Hazelwood Bouncing Back in Race 2

Hazelwood Focused on Debut in North Queensland

Championship ready to rumble in Perth

Hazelwood Race Ready for Debut at Perth 400

Top 15 Finish for Race 1 at Winton Raceway

Successful Wet Practice at Winton Raceway

Hazelwood Eager for Round Two at Winton

Home Round Debut for Hazelwood at the Clipsal 500

Dunlop Development Series stronger than ever

New V8 Drivers for 2014