Career Best Finish for the Rookie!
Newcastle Forecast: rain. Southerly. 17 degrees.
Townsville Forecast: clear skies. 56% humidity. 26 degrees.
-
Preparing for Round 3 of the Toyota Gazoo Racing 86 Series in North Queensland is more than becoming familiar with the 2.8km, 13 turn street circuit renown for carnage. The ‘winter’ weather is always a shock to the system and can impact tire and strategy across the entire field. In the beautiful conditions, Sherwell had a very positive result with his times only 7 tenths from the fastest car both the practice sessions and qualifying.
The second trip to the Townsville 500 for Michael Sherwell Racing had everything. It was almost a case of history repeating itself when Michael and the crew found themselves on the wrong end of a number of pile ups that saw the safety car repeatedly called into action.
“Our team made good set up and strategic decisions all weekend and did an amazing job turning the car around after damage in the second race,” said Michael.
The two practice sessions on Friday saw the number 55 keep pace with more experienced drivers. To qualify in 17th out of a 34 car field for Race 1 was the start the team needed. However, Race 1 was dominated by a series of close encounters that saw several teams struggling to make their vehicles road worthy.
“You really had to have your head on a swivel to avoid all the carnage that comes with a street track and concrete walls everywhere,” said Michael.
Race 2 saw number 55 start in 22nd position on the packed grid. With 34 teams from across Australia competing, the tight circuit was a true test of skill. With a series of clashes that saw more of the safety car than green flag racing, finishing the race with bent steering and damage still managed to finish in 17th position. The Sherwell Team had some serious penal beating and structural work to undertake before Race 3.
To come back from potential event ending damage was one thing, but to then record a career best race finish of 13th, Michael was stoked with the result. “To be 13th in the last race and then with a career best of 14th for the round in points was very pleasing for the whole crew who put in countless hours behind the scenes to get us there”, said Michael, “and to beat 20 competitors and we leave the round 19th in the series standings meant the de-brief watching the Supercars was even sweeter.”
-
You can view the full gallery of images from Michael Sherwell Racing here.
-
Michael Sherwell Racing is proudly supported by EVC / Haymans Electrical and Solar Cardiff / Nova Air and Electrical / Newcastle Live / The Grain Store / The Sign Shop / All Class Windscreens / Access Worx / Raceline / Gencom Wireless Solutions / Lake Macquarie Sheet Metal / Markey Insurance / Bonny Hills Beach Hotel / BJs Workwear / Hitachi / High Performance Father / Triple M Newcastle
