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Whincup's Views Ahead of Winton

21 Aug 2013
For 11 straight races, a Triple Eight driver has been on the podium at Winton Raceway.But despite that, Whincup recognises Winton's challenges.
2 mins by James Pavey
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For the past 11 straight races, a Triple Eight driver has been on the podium at Winton Raceway.

Both Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes won a race at the Victorian circuit last year, and the team has been on the top step after six of those 11 races.

But despite that, Red Bull Racing Australia’s Whincup recognises the challenges of the three-kilometre track, which many other teams call home.

“Winton is the test track for all the Melbourne-based teams so without doubt we will have our work cut out for us,” Championship leader Whincup said.

“The guys who test down there will have an advantage – especially with the Car of the Future set-up. But that’s okay, we’re not daunted.

“History shows we have a good record there and some good results. So we’ll put our heads down and try and bring back that silverware to Queensland.”

Despite tyre issues at the last event, the Coates Hire Ipswich 360, Whincup feels the team is equipped to tackle the Winton 360 and have the advantage heading into the PIRTEK Enduro Cup.

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“We’ve had a month between the two rounds and everyone at Red Bull Racing Australia has really put their heads down.

“We’ve got some new parts and some new thinking coming in to Winton this weekend. Fingers-crossed that makes us quicker and we can put in our best performance of the year.

“Winton is the end of ‘Chapter One’ of the Championship. It’s really important to lead into the season of endurance on a good note. And for the Championship, it’s also going to be important to put in a couple of solid results… Both cars are handling really well and if we both put our best foot forward this weekend we should be in with a good shot and come out one-two in the Championship.”

Winton is the fifth of the year’s six 60/60 Super Sprint races, with Saturday’s race once again divided into two halves with a short break between.

With the Dunlop Series competing at the event, Casey Stoner will also be back behind the wheel at the Winton 360. At the last event, he recorded his best result this season – fifth in the final race.

Tickets are still available for the Winton 360, which begins on Friday.

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