The Bottle-O Racing Team enjoyed better results at Winton today with driver Paul Dumbrell qualifying in 3rd before finishing the 200km race in 10th.

The #55 Bottle-O Falcon was back in fighting form this morning after a difficult day yesterday where the team’s hopes were dashed by performance issues. 

The car didn’t immediately notch up fast laps in qualifying and it took 3 visits to the pits before everything was in place for a flying lap.  Dumbrell dug deep on his 9th qualifying lap, surpassing his previous efforts in each of the three sectors to complete a lap in 1:22.0181.  The time awarded him 3rd position on the grid and a promising outlook for the race ahead.

Dumbrell kept pace with the front runners on the race start, but dropped back slightly in the order to 4th.  A slow car in front held up the pace and Dumbrell was keen to get ahead and clock faster laps.  

The team completed their first pitstop on lap 22, changing all 4 tyres and taking on fuel.  Dumbrell returned to the field with renewed strength, clocking his fastest lap of the race on lap 24 in a time of 1:24.1046.  He continued to put down consistently tidy laps and had climbed back to 6th position by lap 29.

On lap 37 the safety car emerged to bring the pack to heel after a car ventured off-road.  The bulk of the field took the opportunity to visit the pits under the safety car.  Unfortunately the incident occurred 3 laps outside of the team’s pit window and Dumbrell was unable to take advantage. 

A second safety car was deployed on lap 44.  Dumbrell dived into pit lane to complete his stop but was held up by traffic in pit lane and headed back to the track in 20th.

Dumbrell was not content with having his hard work undone and set about making a charge.  He was not only up against an aggressive midfield, but also had to contend with a time limited race finish.  Dumbrell put in a truly skilful effort to claw back 10 positions in 15 laps.  His solid laps earned the team a race finish in 10th and 78 Championship Points.

The race finish provided a positive note for the round to finish on.  The Bottle-O Racing Team now has a four week break before the Championship Series resumes in the warmer climate of Darwin from June 18.
 

Copyright © Rod Nash Racing 2010

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