28/Mar/2008
Paul Stokell is familiar with successfully piloting quite heavy machines around the 2.2 kilometre Wakefield Park circuit. Next weekend - April 4-6 - it all changes for Stokell when he returns to the Goulburn (NSW) venue for the second round of MINI CHALLENGE.
Last time the Brisbane-based Tasmanian raced there, in 2004, he took a dominating victory in Nations Cup. The contrast between his MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racecar and the Nations Cup car he used to race could not be more stark.
"The Nations Cup car wasn't really suited to Wakefield Park at all, but surprisingly we enjoyed a lot of success there," Stokell said. "It's a nice little racetrack and I'm used to muscling big heavy cars around it. Being front-wheel drive, the MINI CHALLENGE racecars should be perfectly suited to the circuit."
The only prediction Stokell will make is that the weekend will be unpredictable! Adding to his circumspection is a longer than usual 30 minute race two (where the top six from race one are reversed) and the introduction of weight penalties for the podium place getters from round one.
As one of those with 'success ballast' (attributed in 25kg, 15kg and 10kg lots respectively), Stokell is keen to see the effect that will have on his racecar.
"We won't know until we get to Wakefield. After round one, despite us finishing second and (team-mate Grant Denyer) third, the DecoRug Motorsport team had a bit of work to do on the setup of our MINI CHALLENGE racecars. The 15kg I have to carry will influence the handling, there's no question, but I won't know to what degree until I hit the track."
Current Series leader, Neil McFadyen has been consigned to a diet of lettuce leaves and water by his team since Eastern Creek to ensure the 25kg he is forced to carry will have the minimum consequence on his performance. With all his experience, McFadyen has never raced in a success ballast formula.
"It will be the first time I've driven in a class with success ballast, so I have no idea yet how it will affect my times or driving," he observed. "I know what having a passenger in a racecar does to the handling, whilst it won't be quite that dramatic, I have no doubt the 25kg will alter the way in which we approach the weekend."
After a strong showing in round one, Perth-based Glory Team Racing pilot, Dave Turner, has flown directly to Wakefield Park to get in some testing laps prior to the event and expects to be fighting for outright honours come next weekend.
"We were quite happy with sixth at Eastern Creek considering the quality of opposition we are up against in MINI CHALLENGE," he said. "We've tested to ensure we have the setup right for Wakefield and I was extremely pleased with the outcome. I anticipate we can be among the front runners next weekend."
Perth youngster, Todd Fiore, will be making his first visit to Wakefield Park and after a difficult Eastern Creek, the 22-year-old is primed for a big result to get his Series back on track.
"I didn't feel like the most popular person after crashing the car," Todd admitted. "Wakefield will be another big challenge. The race track looks to be a lot of fun and regardless of what happens there, it can only be an improvement on round one!"
MINI CHALLENGE will be supported by a big contingent of MINI owners and enthusiasts with convoys meeting at the circuit from both Sydney and Canberra.
MINI CHALLENGE action begins on Friday with three sessions, including qualifying at 3:00pm. Race one will be held on Saturday with races two and three on Sunday.
Highlights of the opening MINI CHALLENGE round from Eastern Creek will be aired on the Seven Network at 1:30pm (nationally) on April 5.
The post-produced television coverage from Wakefield Park will air on the Seven Network on April 26 at 2:00pm (nationally).
Current MINI CHALLENGE Series points (after round 1 of 8):
1.Neil McFadyen - 168
2.Paul Stokell - 162
3.Grant Denyer - 156
4.Nathan Geier - 120
5.Paul Fiore - 114
6.Dave Turner - 81
7.Gary Young - 78
8.Iain Sherrin - 63
9.Chris Oxley - 54
10.Ricky Occhipinti - 54
11.Michael Stillwell - 45
12.Callum Ballinger - 39
13.Tim Poulton - 30
14.Todd Fiore - 27
15.Darren Berry - 21
NB: MINI CHALLENGE UBER-STAR CAR does not score points in any round.
2008 MINI CHALLENGE CALENDAR:
Round 1: March 7-9 - Eastern Creek, Sydney, NSW (Round Winner: Neil McFadyen)
Round 2: April 4-6 - Wakefield Park, Goulburn, NSW*
Round 3: May 9-11 - Barbagallo, Perth, WA
Round 4: June 7-9 - Sandown, Melbourne, Vic
Round 5: September 12-14 - Phillip Island, Vic
Round 6: October 9-12 - Mount Panorama, Bathurst, NSW
Round 7: November 21-23 - Symmons Plains, Tasmania
Round 8: December 4-7 - Oran Park, Sydney, NSW
*Denotes V8 Supercar Development Series round
