V8 Supercars

Top 15 Finish for Race 1 at Winton Raceway

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood in the pits ready for Qualifying 1

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 20th position.

The 18-year-old pressed on, charging his way back through the field to finish an impressive 15th 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 15th 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 12th 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)

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Holdsworth holds the silverware for maiden Erebus win

Australian V8 Supercars, Fiasco Sports

Lee Holdsworth has stolen the show at Winton Raceway, claiming Erebus Motorsport’s first maiden win in Race 2, with Fabian Coulthard scoring the Race 1 victory. 

 

Team owner Betty celebrating on the podium with Holdsworth (right) and Coulthard (left)

 

After a long year of engine development and no sponsorship, the team at Erebus Motorsport have finally claimed a well-deserved win with Lee Holdsworth taking the top-step on the podium in a thrilling Race 2.

 

Fabian Coulthard took the Race 1 victory, and battled with Holdsworth throughout the entire race, with his tyres starting to fade away with six-laps to go.

 

Holdsworth passed Coulthard with three laps to go, Coulthard just making his way onto the podium after Ford Performance Racing driver Mark Winterbottom passed Coulthard with one lap to spare.

 

It was a hard day at the office for Volvo favourite Scott McLaughlin, who failed to finish Race 1 due to mechanical failure, and finish at the rear of the pack in Race 2, despite leading one quarter of the 100km race.

 

Another record was broken for rookie driver Dale Wood, who claimed his first podium finish in the V8 Supercars series finishing third for Race 1.

 

The first race at Winton Raceway endured no drama until McLaughlin stopped on the middle of the enfield, with the safety car being introduced into the race.

 

After the first safety car, drama unfolded with young gun Chaz Mostert being forced wide on the exit of turn one, spinning and involving both Tim Slade and James Courtney in the incident.

 

Another incident was caused at turn six on the same lap, involving Nick Percat and David Reynolds.

 

The two incidents caused another safety car, which later saw Todd Kelly endure engine dramas, causing a yellow flag.

 

Coulthard took the chequered first after a safety car filled race, closely followed by Shane van Gisbergen and Wood taking his maiden podium in third.

 

Race 2 was a sprint to the finish, with the 100km race safety car free.

 

McLaughlin got the jump on Coulthard at the start of the race, with Holdsworth following closely behind the front duo.

 

The S60 Volvo of McLaughlin’s was forced to pit early on in the race, with McLaughlin giving his lead to Coulthard.

 

It was a sprint to the finish line and a true testament to had the best tyre strategy, with Holdsworth making the jump on Coulthard with few laps to spare.

 

Holdsworth took the Race 2 victory, with Winterbottom second, Coulthard third and David Reynolds following close by rounding out the top four.

 

Race 3 will feature a 200km format to complete the Winton 400.

 

Written by Loren Hazelwood. @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/holdsworth-holds-the-silverware-for-maiden-erebus-win/#sthash.j9oBipfs.dpuf

Successful Wet Practice at Winton Raceway

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Film and TV, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood after Practice 1

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 11th 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)

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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

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 11th 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)

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Twitter world reacts to new V8 restart rule

Australian V8 Supercars, Fiasco Sports

The world of Twitter has reacted to the new safety car restart ruling, which caused Jason Bright’s VF Commodore to roll at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide. 

Shane van Gisbergen and Rick Kelly were both penalised because of new restart ruling. Source: V8 Supercars Official

Shane van Gisbergen and Rick Kelly were both penalised because of new restart ruling. Source: V8 Supercars Official

New rules were introduced to the Australian V8 Supercars 2014 season and with it controversy between drivers, teams and supporters.

During Race 2 at Round 1 of the championship held at the demanding Clipsal 500 Adelaide circuit, a crash causing a safety car unleashed the new restart format, which saw Jason Bright roll through the Turn 1 centre chicane, and Shane van Gisbergen and Rick Kelly both penalised for jumping the start.

The new rule has caused controversy throughout the field, with drivers, teams and fans having their say on the social media network, Twitter.

Mark “Frosty” Winterbottom was not impressed with how the Race 2 ended…

Screen Shot 2014-03-06 at 2.59.12 PM

Even Formula 1 Champion Jenson Button had his say, with V8 drivers Lee Holdsworth and Will Davison joining into the conversation…

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Former team owner of Stone Brothers Racing Ross Stone expressed his opinion…

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The new rule states that drivers cannot exceed 60km/h in the first Acceleration Zone (AZ), therefore all drivers behind the leader have to maintain the speed of 60km/h, controlled by the leader, and cars cannot accelerate until they have passed the final AZ board.

V8 Supercars’ decision to introduce the AZ acceleration zones at restarts was recommended and approved by the V8 Supercar Commission for the 2014 season.

If you would like to have your say about the new safety car restarts and the introduction of the AZ acceleration zones, use the hashtag #V8SC.

Written by Loren Hazelwood. @LorenHazelwood

– See more at: http://fiascosports.com/twitter-world-reacts-to-new-v8-restart-rule/#sthash.yHNECg3u.dpuf

Inside Top-Ten Finish for Hazelwood on Debut at Opening Dunlop Series Round

Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing

IMGP3446

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood made an impressive start to his Dunlop Development Series campaign, finishing ninth in the second race of the championship.

The 18-year-old had never raced around the Clipsal circuit until this event, making his debut in the series with Matt Stone Racing even sweeter placing inside the top-ten at his home round.

Hazelwood was stronger as each race passed, with Saturday’s Group 1 qualifying showing the rookie on pole position, and after Group 2 qualified the teenager managed an impressive thirteenth spot.

“So stoked to finish inside the top ten on my debut, it hasn’t really kicked in yet because it has been such a hard road to get to this point, but I am over the moon to say the least,” said Hazelwood.

“My aim for this weekend was to just simply survive the technical street circuit, so come away with a top-ten result certainly exceeded our expectations.

“The car was fantastic all weekend, and it was great coming into the round knowing that the car had a very competitive race package, which is a true testament to all the guys at Matt Stone Racing.”

Hazelwood also had a great start yesterday, finishing just outside the top ten in twelfth position after his first race in the V8 series.

After round one of the Dunlop Development Series, Hazelwood currently sits in eleventh spot in the championship on 153 points.

The teenager’s next Dunlop Development Series race will be the second round of the championship, at the Winton 400 on April 4-6.

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

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

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: www.v8supercars.com.au

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 / 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/ 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 / 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

Todd Hazelwood Secures V8 Development Series Drive for 2014

Australian V8 Supercars, Dunlop Development Series, Todd Hazelwood Racing
Todd Hazelwood with team owner Matt Stone.

Todd Hazelwood with team owner Matt Stone.

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN Todd Hazelwood has confirmed he will race the 2014 Dunlop Development Series, racing with Queensland-based team Matt Stone Racing.

The 18-year-old will race in an ex-Stone Brother Racing’s Ford FG Falcon, making his debut with the team at his home round in Adelaide, the Clipsal 500.

Hazelwood is excited to announce his new venture into the series and believes this is a massive step forward for his racing career.

“I’m very proud and excited to be part of this year’s championship, it was a huge challenge by everyone involved to make this happen and I can’t wait to kick the year off at my home event, the Clipsal 500,” Hazelwood said.

“The year will be a steep learning curve for me and I will be going into the championship with a realistic mindset … but like anyone else in the field, I want to perform at my best and I believe I have one of the best packages to do that.”

The teenager had his first test day with the team last week at Queensland Raceway, which was a great success.

“My first test day last week was very productive and it’s a pleasure to work with such an experienced and professional team, they know how to maximise the potential out of both the driver and the race car which will be a massive bonus for my first season.”

Team owner Matt Stone was also impressed with Hazelwood’s first test and looks forward to the first round in Adelaide.
“It’s good to run a rookie again in a V8 and we were impressed with Todd’s ability to quickly adapt to driving a V8 and had a very productive day testing,” Stone said.

“We have faith that Todd has the skill to drive the car competitively at Clipsal and we will be working on his race-craft and comfort ability with all the other cars around him.

“It can be very daunting racing a V8 around a street circuit but we have every faith that Todd will continue to impress.”

Hazelwood also has worked hard in the off-season to gain the support of Tecalemit, Airtec, Repco, Da Mario’s Pizza, Slape & Sons, Gadget Graphics and Winning Spirit.