PRESS ROOM

Van Gisbergen Gives Hamilton the Thumbs Up

15 April 2008

SP Tools Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen has given the new Hamilton street circuit the thumbs up after making the trip south to view it yesterday.

Van Gisbergen, born and bred in Manukau, returned to New Zealand last Friday to spend some time with family and friends before round three of the V8 Supercar Championship Series this weekend.

While no-one has raced at the Hamilton circuit before, the SP Tools Racing driver feels comfortable in his home-land and is looking forward to putting the SBR Ford Falcon BF to the test on the 3.4km circuit.

JELD-WEN Motorsport’s James Courtney is also chomping at the bit to get on the track. The Gold Coast-based driver is looking forward to putting an end to the talk of recent racing incidents and future deals by coming away from Hamilton with strong results.

The JELD-WEN Motorsport driver says SBR cars are suited to street circuits and the level playing field that a new race in Hamilton creates is a perfect opportunity to make big gains in the Championship hunt.

The New Zealand round of the championship always holds a special place for Stone Brothers Racing, with Ross and Jimmy Stone originating from Onewhero, near Pukekohe.

Ross Stone recognises the importance of this round for his three-time championship winning team; he sees this weekend as an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the SBR cars and get back on the top step of the podium.

The SP Tools Racing and JELD-WEN Motorsport Falcons will be on track on Friday at 12:50pm for practice. Qualifying and race one will follow on Saturday with the final two races on Sunday.

James Courtney, #4, JELD-WEN Motorsport

“I can’t wait to get to Hamilton.

“Traditionally SBR cars work well on street circuits and Hamilton is a level playing field as no one has raced there before.

“SBR is looking forward to a solid result.

“There has been so much talk over the break, I’ll be glad when the talking is over and I can concentrate on what matters; the racing.”

Shane van Gisbergen, #9, SP Tools Racing

“I got down to Hamilton yesterday to have a look at the circuit and it’s pretty good.

“It’s quite wide in a lot of places but we won’t know how good the passing opportunities are until we get on the track and get a feel for the surface.

“The weather looks like it might play a part this weekend; it hasn’t stopped raining since I arrived in NZ!

“While there is no advantage to anyone at a new circuit like Hamilton, it feels like my home event in some ways. I’m really excited to be home and can’t wait to get out there.”

Ross Stone, Team Principal, Stone Brothers Racing

“James is in a poor points position after so much promise early in the season so it really is time to turn all the hard work into a solid result.

“With Shane it will be up to the team to help him through the New Zealand race as there are some high expectations for him back home. We are confident that if we look after him and he does his job he could be the surprise packet.

“I believe the SBR team is working well and I am sure our cars will be strong on the new street circuit. We have a lot of Kiwis in the team so we are looking forward to going to Hamilton. Now is the time for us to put together the complete package and walk away with a result.”

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Van Gisbergen Gives Hamilton the Thumbs Up

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