Who's the Fittest Driver?

Three V8 Supercar drivers battled it out today to see who was in the best 'sprint' form ahead of the 60/60 Super Sprint format at next weekend’s Coates Hire Ipswich 360.

James Courtney, Tim Slade and Chaz Mostert challenged themselves – and each other – at the Goodlife Health Clubs Fortitude Valley for early bragging rights coming into the next event on the 2013 calendar.

The drivers were pushed to their limits, with the fitness challenge including sit ups, push ups, burpees, bike sprints and more all under the direction of Goodlife Health Clubs Fortitude Valley trainer Rafael David.

Holden Racing Team’s James Courtney said it was a fun way to take on his rivals ahead of the Coates Hire Ipswich 360.

“It was a great way to compete against each other outside of the track, it was fun and we also got a bit of extra training in,” Courtney said.

“I think there is a common misconception that race car drivers just sit in the car and drive. It’s quite funny because we train as much as any professional athlete.”

The iconic factory backed team is looking to repeat the success it had earlier this month.

“It is great to be coming off the back of a fantastic Queensland event at Townsville and heading into a motorsport mecca at Queensland Raceway,” Courtney, who placed second behind teammate Garth Tander at the last event, said.

“We have really passionate fans and we hope we can deliver more results like what we did in Townsville."

And while Courtney may have come home ahead of him on track at the last event, it was Slade who trumped the others and took home bragging rights for being the fittest of the three drivers. Slade and Courtney were close throughout the challenges, but it was the #47 Heavy Haulage Australia racer who took the win with his stint on the bike. 

Slade is currently the highest placed Erebus Motorsport V8 driver on the Championship ladder is hopeful to improve at next weekend’s event.

“We have great cars and like everyone else in the field we are still working out all the little things, so hopefully as the year goes on we can continue to improve,” he said.

Dick Johnson Racing newcomer Chaz Mostert is looking forward to racing at the Queensland circuit.

“I’ve raced at QR in the Dunlop Series so I am looking forward to tackling 'The Paperclip' as part of the V8 Supercars Championship,” said Mostert.

All three drivers will be on track at the Coates Hire Ipswich 360, being held next week from July 26 to 28. Tickets are still available through Ticketek.

The Coates Hire Ipswich 360 is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the state.