For Steve Read, this weekend’s goal for the Castrol EDGE Winternationals re-run is simple –
‘We’re here to spoil the day for some of the bigger teams and put on a great show’.
In what has been an abbreviated season for the English native, Read and his team have had flashes of brilliance – from the strong 4.7 / 300mph run in January at Willowbank Raceway in searing heat, to his first-round victory over Sydney’s Phil Read at the March round at the same track.
‘It’s been a feast or famine deal this season’, remarked Read.
‘When the car has made it down the track, it’s been in the 4.70 and 4.80 region, or it’s gone straight up in smoke off the start line’.
And that’s exactly what happened on Read’s single attempt at Willowbank’s fabled quarter mile last month at the rain-affected Winternationals saw the car go up into immediate tyre smoke, with Read readily admitting that they don’t have much data to work from on a cold track.
“The conditions last month were unique and we had to take a calculated guess, which unfortunately didn’t pay off, however we did manage to gain valuable data”.
With this weekend’s racing closing the curtain on their 2011 campaign, Read and his team are looking forward to finishing on a winning note, as well as enjoying the experience with his many race fans.
“The race fans are great here at Willowbank and being our home-town event, we look forward to giving them something to cheer about during eliminations”.
“As always, we invite race fans to drop by and meet the team, pick up a Team RSR shirt, a Hero Card and enjoy the races”, Read concluded.
WHAT: Castrol EDGE Winternationals Re-Run
WHEN: July 15-17, Willowbank Raceway, Ipswich, QLD