As the Repco Supercars Championship teams return from the latest round in Perth, what did we learn from a sometimes rugged affair out west?
Erebus is the real deal
Coca-Cola Racing by Erebus proved it is more than capable of matching the category’s best by backing up its performances form the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Perth. Brodie Kostecki continued his consistent run at the front to extend his championship margin to 100 points from Optus Mobil 1 Racing’s Chaz Mostert. If not for a late move from Shane van Gisbergen, the West Australian was on target to add his third Supercars win. Instead, it was teammate Will Brown greeting the chequered flag in Race 8. Watch for Erebus in Tasmania.
Penrite Racing not far behind
Another big improver this season so far is Penrite Racing. The team had been building for a while under the leadership of David Cauchi, but the introduction of Grant MacPherson is already being felt as the Braeside-based operation continue to lead many of its fellow Ford contenders. Veteran David Reynolds endured bad luck in Perth, but his qualifying form was very strong as he sits sixth in the championship. Rookie Matt Payne endured somewhat of a breakout at Perth, qualifying and finishing sixth in Race 7 before following it up with ninth. Could Penrite Racing be leading the Ford hopes come endurance time?
Parity, parity, parity
The ‘P word’ was and continues to be used since Perth. The Ford teams may have a point as the stats display Chevrolet on eight wins to Ford’s solitary win following the disqualification of the Red Bull Ampol Racing Camaros in Newcastle. In podium counts, the Bow Tie has 21 compared to the Blue Oval’s eight and poles column is not much better for fans of the Mustang. However, does this mean the Ford teams need to up the game? Potentially. Will parity be a concern for the rest of the year? Probably. How will it effect the competition in Tasmania or what will be done to equal the two makes out? Unsure.
Shell V-Power Racing Team’s form slump
It’s been a disappointing start to the season so far for the perennial frontrunners as Will Davison sits ninth and Anton De Pasquale 19th following the third event of the calendar in Perth. The Shell V-Power Racing Team hasn’t scored a win or a podium this season, but the legendary team will aim to bounce back at Symmons Plains where its recent record is fairly strong. Changes in ownership and management should be settled by Tasmania.
The life of Gen3 components
During the weekend there were three or more failures of the gearshift mounting afflicting Cameron Hill, Tim Slade and Thomas Randle putting the life of some components under question. Reminder, this is a new package and problems will be found, some already, but the spectacle hasn’t decreased. Solutions will be found by Tasmania.