Hazelwood ready to bounce back after fifth placing on day one

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Hazelwood in Practice yesterday. Credit: Jake Burgess/0-100 Photography

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has placed fifth in practice for Round 2 of the V8 Supercars Dunlop Series at Barbagallo Raceway for the Perth SuperSprint this weekend.

The round is coming off the bat from a successful test day last week at Matt Stone Racing’s home track at Queensland Raceway, and the 19-year-old is confident going into qualifying tomorrow.

“Our performance in Practice 2 was very encouraging and showed that we have genuine speed to compete for the podium this weekend,” Hazelwood said.

“I was held up in traffic on my fastest lap which cost me time.

“We have good potential to move further forward tomorrow and hopefully we can put it all together in the short qualifying session tomorrow, as the times are very close so the smallest mistake will be costly.”

The teenager believes that preserving the tyres as much as possible will help this weekend in the races.

“The practice session was rather frustrating as the first few flying laps of the session were the fastest, and then for the last 30 minutes we were making good progress with set-up but didn’t have enough tyre life left to get a reading if we were making progress or not,” Hazelwood said.

“But it was good to have a long run on the tyres and see how long they lasted.

“We had good speed on old tyres, which will help us with long high tyre degradation tomorrow.”

The South Australian will head into Round 2 of the championship at Perth sitting inside the top ten of the Dunlop Development Series in ninth position on 174 points.

The Mike Kable Young Gun managed to finish fourth on debut at Barbagallo last year, and wants to go that step further gaining his first podium in the series.

Today’s racing kicks off with Qualifying and Race 1, which will be live on Foxtel.

Racing schedule: Perth SuperSprint (Live on Fox 5)
Saturday
Qualifying 1 – 11:55 (40 minutes)
Race 1 – 14:15 (28 laps)
Sunday
Race 2 – 10:10 (28 laps)
Race 3 – 12:45 (28 laps)

Hazelwood Reflects on Perfect Rookie Season

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood Racing team at the Sydney NRMA 500

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood could not be more pleased with how his overall rookie year in the V8 Supercars Dunlop Development Series, after winning the prestigious Mike Kable Young Gun Award and finishing his personal best in the final race of the season at the Sydney NRMA 500 in fourth position.

The Tecalemit Australia driver managed to finish seventh for the round after an altercation in Race 1 finishing 20th, and also walked away being the highest placed rookie in eighth place on 1131 points.

“Sydney was a great success for the team at Tecalemit Racing, Saturday was good in a lot of ways even though our result was disappointing – we showed great race speed and ability to race through the field at a clean rapid rate,” Hazelwood said.

“Sunday was a much better day for the team, it was a long night Saturday getting the car prepared for the early morning qualifying so it was great to reward the team with ninth in the session.

“Race 2 was close and tough the whole way, and I was fortunate enough to avoid serious damage on a number of occasions during the opening laps of the race.

“I was able to use my great car speed and put some serious pressure on Andrew Jones for the remaining 10 laps of the race and on the final lap I had a crack for third but it didn’t quite pull off.

“It was still fantastic to finish fourth in the race and eighth overall in the series.”

The 19-year-old was also very humbled to receive the Mike Kable Young Gun Award for 2014.

“It was an absolute honour to win the Mike Kable Young Gun Award, all of the previous winners have gone on to have very successful careers in motorsport – it is a great reward for what has been an incredible journey throughout 2014,” Hazelwood continued.

The rookie believes that 2014 was the perfect way to start his debut V8 Supercar campaign, and it would have not been possible without the help from his team, family and sponsors.

“The team at Matt Stone Racing have done an incredible job all year, they have helped me get up-to-speed at a rapid rate,” Hazelwood continued.

“A big thank you must go out to my Mum, Dad and Sister for their dedication and work this year, without the help from my family I would not be racing.

“My sponsors throughout 2014 have been amazing and I can’t thank each and every one of them enough for all their support.”

Hazelwood is now focused on the off-season and cannot wait to hit his home streets of Adelaide for the first round of the 2015 Dunlop Series racing with Matt Stone Racing and compete under the Tecalemit Australia banner.

Todd Hazelwood Finishes Fifth in Action Packed Bathurst Enduro Race

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Hazelwood crossing the line after the 38-lap race. Photo: Speed Shots Photography/Nathan Wong

ROOKIE DRIVER Todd Hazelwood has defied all rookie-odds, finishing an impressive fifth place in the Bathurst Wilson Security Medic One endurance race for Round 6 in the V8 Supercars Dunlop Development Series.

Due to safety cars, the race was shortened to 240km with the South Australian racing from ninth place on the starting grid – battling right to the end.

Pit stops played a huge part on the result, with the 19-year-old having to learn the whole new dynamic of taking a pit stop during a longer race.

“The race was one of the toughest I have ever endured and so much happened during the race,” Hazelwood said.

“The team did a great job in the pits helping us gain a few positions on the track … we changed the tyres on Lap 10, so by the end of the race I was really struggling with tyres but I just drove the wheels off the car and held on.

“Five guys behind me had fresh tyres on with 10 laps to go and I was under immense pressure, I just had to believe I could hold on and make this work!”

Despite not electing a co-driver, Hazelwood was quite impressed with his own physical and mental health during the race.

The rookie was stoked to finish fifth on debut in at V8 Supercar at Bathurst – and also mentioned that this felt like a win to him.

“I’m really proud of our efforts during the Bathurst weekend, we kept the car straight and came home with a strong result,” Hazelwood continued.

“All of this would not be possible without the on-going efforts from the team, my family, sponsors and supporters – I cannot thank them enough.”

The fifth place pushed the teenager to eighth in the championship on 966 points, with Hazelwood currently leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Series.

The finish also left Hazelwood the highest ranked driver that did not race in yesterday’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

“We will now start preparing for Sydney, hopefully we can finish the year off with a good result.”

Round 7 is the final round of the Dunlop Series championship, and will be held at the Sydney Olympic Park circuit at Homebush on December 5-6.

Rookie Hazelwood Finishes Ninth in Qualifying for Bathurst Enduro

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood made a great rookie debut, P9 in Qualifying

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has qualified inside the top ten in the V8 Supercars Dunlop Development Series for this afternoon’s Bathurst 250km endurance race.

During a 30-minute session that was red-flagged twice, the 19-year-old drove a strong lap to secure him ninth on the starting grid for the 41-lap race.

Hazelwood also finished a strong ninth position in Practice and at one stage was a high as fourth on the lap time board, with the teenager stoked with yesterday’s results.

“Very pleased with our efforts in both Practice and Qualifying,” Hazelwood said.

“It has been a tough day both getting confidence around the Mount Panorama circuit and understanding what set-up to use.

“We need to work on set-up for today’s big race … hopefully with some more homework we can find some more speed for the race later this afternoon.”

The rookie driver also mentioned that this race will be his biggest challenge to date – and he is still focusing on getting further towards the top of the series championship.

“250km around Bathurst is going to be my biggest challenge in my racing career – both mentally and physically,” Hazelwood continued.

“I feel being placed ninth is a good starting position and we have the potential to go forward from there.

“Maintaining our position in the race would be amazing, it would feel like a win for us … hopefully we can have a good and clean race, keep out of trouble and bank some good points for our championship.”

The teenager is currently eleventh in the championship on 744 points, with Hazelwood currently leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Series.

Hazelwood will hit the Mount Panorama circuit in his Tecalemit Ford Falcon at 9:55am local time for a brief warm up session; with the race being telecast live on Channel 7 at 12:30pm.

Race schedule – Mount Panorama, Bathurst
Saturday: Warm up – 9:55 (15 minutes)
Race 1 – 12:30 (250km) live on Seven

Hazelwood Pumped for Debut at the Mountain

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Hazelwood sporting a new Tecalemit Racing/Thomas Steel Fabrication livery

DUNLOP SERIES rookie Todd Hazelwood will be making his debut at the historic Mount Panorama circuit today, and could not be more excited to make his V8 Supercars Dunlop Development Series debut.

The 19-year-old tested last week at Queensland Raceway for this year’s new 250km race format and said this helped with his preparation leading-up towards this week.

“Testing last week went really well, I mainly focused on cold-tyre pace and pit-stop procedures,” Hazelwood said.

“This will be the biggest race of my career to date, 250km around Australia’s toughest track including a compulsory pit-stop in front of big crowds – the pressure could not be greater.

“My mental and physical training for the last few months has been successful, hopefully I can take some of the rookie success at the mountain.”

Although Hazelwood has focused on mental physical strain for the mountain, one of his biggest tasks was to find the financial support to make it to the endurance race on Saturday.

The South Australian is very thankful for all the on-going support and would like to thank Tecalemit Australia, Thomas Steel Fabrication, iSeek, Verto, Australian Post-Tensioning and The Pool Shop Group for partnering with Hazelwood for the Bathurst week.

This is a dream come true for the teenager and he cannot wait to hit the circuit this morning for Practice 1.

“I’m super excited about this week … it is very special to be racing at the iconic Bathurst 1000 weekend for the first time in a V8 Supercar,” Hazelwood said.

“I cannot wait to get on track and absorb all of the emotions the mountain brings.”

The teenager is currently eleventh in the championship on 744 points, with Hazelwood currently leading the rookie standings in the Dunlop Series.

Hazelwood will hit the Mount Panorama circuit for the first time in his Tecalemit Ford Falcon at 10:05 local time.

Race schedule – Mount Panorama, Bathurst
Thursday: Practice 1 – 10:05 (50 minutes)
Friday: Practice 2 – 10:25 (50 minutes)
Qualifying – 15:55 (90 minutes)
Saturday: Warm up – 9:55 (15 minutes)
Race 1 – 12:30 (250km) live on Seven

Tecalemit Australia Partners with Hazelwood for Bathurst

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

V8 SUPERCARS Dunlop Development Series regular Todd Hazelwood is proud to announce that Tecalemit Australia will be the major sponsor at the Bathurst Endurance Round.

The vehicle hoists and lubrication equipment brand are excited to be supporting the 18-year-old for his debut in a V8 Supercar at the Mount Panorama circuit in October.

“All of the staff here at Tecalemit Australia are very excited and proud to be the naming rights partner for Todd Hazelwood Racing at the mighty Bathurst event,” National Sales and Marketing manager of Tecalemit, Dean Rothapfel said.

“We are strong supporters of Todd and his family, and we trust Todd will perform well on-and-off the track to ensure our Tecalemit brand will receive great recognition and exposure throughout the event.

“We can’t wait to be involved with Todd and the team – and we all look forward to cheering him on in the Tecalemit V8 Supercar.”

Tecalemit are a regular sponsor of the young South Australian, having jumped on board at the start of Hazelwood’s National Formula 3 campaign in 2013.

The teenager is very grateful for Tecalemit’s strong support during his racing career to date.

“It is fantastic to have the iconic South Australian business come on-board as the naming rights partner for Bathurst and I am very proud to continue our partnership going into the biggest round for the year,” Hazelwood said.

“Tecalemit have been a strong supporter of mine over the last two seasons, and I believe there is no better event than Bathurst to come on-board as a major partner in the V8 Supercars Dunlop Series.

“Without the support of Tecalemit and my other sponsors throughout 2014, the Bathurst dream would not have been possible.”

About Tecalemit:
Tecalemit has been a name synonymous with lubrication equipment since the 1920’s and commenced manufacturing operations in Australia in 1941.

Tecalemit’s vehicle hoists & lubrication systems can be observed in many leading light and heavy vehicle workshops Australia wide.

At Tecalemit, they understand the importance of reliability and safety and built their reputation around by only providing quality products. They can also assist with the design and lubrication equipment specification to provide a state of the art workshop development.

Tecalemit are the leaders in providing solutions for critical and sophisticated lubrication systems for the mining industry, managing many complex fixed and mobile plant lubrication projects.

Whatever your lubrication equipment needs, Tecalemit can provide equipment based solutions that safely deliver reliability, durability and improved productivity, making your job easier.

For more information on Tecalemit contact on 1800 68 55 77, or click the links to view their website, Facebook and YouTube pages.

Written by Loren Hazelwood for Todd Hazelwood Racing and Tecalemit Australia.

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

Successful Townsville Debut for Hazelwood Moving to Seventh in Series

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

Todd Hazelwood in Townsville. Photo: Dirk Klynsmith

DUNLOP SERIES rookie Todd Hazelwood has moved to seventh in the championship, after a successful debut at the Reid Park circuit held on the streets of Townsville.

The 18-year-old had a challenging weekend, finishing Race 1 in eighth and Race 2 an impressive 13th, after being taken out on the final corner early in the race, recovering from a bad situation to finish towards the top ten.

The Thomas Steel Racing driver was also setting some of the fastest times in the race, despite being in traffic.

“Yesterday I was unfortunate to be turned around during the early stages of the race … it was a shame as the car was well balanced and we were one of the fastest cars on the track,” Hazelwood said.

“That’s racing though, when you’re racing hard unfortunately these things happen but we made the most out of a bad situation.

“I was pleased to finish 13th after falling back to 26th, it was fantastic to use sheer pace and determination to drive through the pack and pass cars left, right and centre.

“I was hoping the race was five laps longer, as I caught up to the tail end of the top ten.”

The South Australian managed to finish tenth for Round 4 of the Dunlop Series, and is looking to further his championship position at the next round in Ipswich.

“Overall, we must remain positive and use this to our advantage to bounce back stronger at Ipswich in a months’ time,” the teenager continued.

“We will have a test day in-between now and the next round, hoping to find more car speed.

“Ipswich will be a strong round as I have done plenty of testing laps around there, unlike every other circuit I’ve raced at this year.”

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

The next round of the Dunlop Series will be held at Matt Stone Racing’s home circuit Queensland Raceway, on 1-3 August.

Media by Loren Hazelwood

Motor sport media, marketing and content specialist

Todd Hazelwood

Hazelwood ready to bounce back after fifth placing on day one

Hazelwood Reflects on Perfect Rookie Season

Todd Hazelwood Finishes Fifth in Action Packed Bathurst Enduro Race

Rookie Hazelwood Finishes Ninth in Qualifying for Bathurst Enduro

Hazelwood Pumped for Debut at the Mountain

Tecalemit Australia Partners with Hazelwood for Bathurst

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

Successful Townsville Debut for Hazelwood Moving to Seventh in Series