Winton V8 qualifying could hold key

The V8 Supercars chasing pack is hoping madcap qualifying sessions at this weekend’s Winton meet will throw the championship race wide open.

The Supercars are out again just a week after a trip to Tasmania, where Red Bull Racing took a firm grip on the championship lead.

At Symmons Plains, the Red Bulls of Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes won each race after recording one-two results in qualifying.

Holden Racing Team’s (HRT) James Courtney said the pair were driving “rocketships” in Tasmania – making it near impossible to compete.

Courtney is the closest man to the two Holden drivers in the championship and says his team is pushing hard to close the gap on their home track.

“We won there last year but that’s in the history books,” he said.

“This year the field will be closer and more competitive again, so winning’s not a given.

“The sport is in constant development mode.”

Another driver who knows that all too well is Mark Winterbottom.

After running Red Bull close in 2013, Ford Performance Racing sits fourth in the constructors championships.

Winterbottom, now teamed with young gun Chaz Mostert, said his own performances so far this year was not up to scratch.

“We expected quite a lot when we started the year,” he said.

“We expected to roll out at Clipsall and be fighting for a win, but we struggled, it was a reality check.”

He hopes to hunt the Red Bulls during the new 10-minute qualifying sessions that leave no margin for error.

The 10 minute madness was debuted in Tasmania, but the short 52-second Symmons Plains circuit meant cars could pit and have a second crack at qualifying.

Winterbottom says they’ll be none of that in Winton – also Ford’s testing track.

“In qualifying, you’ll get one go,” he said.

“It’s such a temperamental place, it can be so nice to you and so cruel to you in the same day.

“Limited to 10 minutes, it’ll be tough for all.”

Winton hosts two 100km races on Saturday and a 200km race on Sunday.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!