Holden Racing Team takes charge of V8 Supercars points lead

Holden Racing Team has taken charge of the V8 Supercars points lead after a strong Clipsal 500 weekend where James Courtney became the first driver to win back-to-back since 2009.
“I think still we have some areas to clean up. Today they (Red Bull Racing Australia) probably dropped the ball and we were running with our ‘A’ game. Last year, towards the end of the year, we had really strong speed, just the reliability wasn’t there. A lot has been put in place since but we have a way to go,” said Courtney to v8supercars.com.au.

Courtney had a tentative start to the race weekend and finished 10th in the first race after a slow pitstop, while the second race saw him finishing second. Team mate Garth Tander joined him on the podium in the final race and is sitting third in the championship.

“Garth and I are here to win the Championship. We don’t care who is in front of us. We are massively hungry. The speed of the car is great so it is up to us to work together and park the egos within the team,” said Courtney.

The Holden duo were close in the final stages of the third race, sandwiching Tekno Autosports driver Shane Van Gisbergen. Tander tried to pass Van Gisbergen a couple of times, but dropped back towards the end.

”I was just sitting back enjoying the show hoping the fireworks would start. I was an insurance policy back there just making sure one of the HRT cars was on the top step,” said Tander.

Van Gisbergen got past Courtney at one stage, but handed the lead back to the HRT driver as he made contact while getting past.

“There was a bit of pressure. He was really quick, had a really good go. It was great sportsmanship when we came together. It was great to race so hard but to do in that manner,” said Courtney.

The Tekno Autosports driver is fourth in the championship, 36 points behind Courtney.

”A younger Shane would have and probably hit something. It’s just years. I’ve learnt. I have broken a few front bumpers off in my time. It was an awesome race. Through the middle I didn’t really know what was happening with strategy. I just enjoyed that last stint so much. I had one good go at him. Epic race. It was really cool. The last lap through turn eight was awesome. Really enjoyed it,” said Van Gisbergen.

The championship fight continues on March 28-29th with Symmons Plains, two weeks after the non-championship round in Melbourne.