Reynolds: No 'gun to your head' with new format
Supercars
13 May
New SuperSprint format debuts in Perth
Practice session on both race days before knockout qualifying
Perth track action starts Friday
David Reynolds says the revamped SuperSprint format, set to debut in Perth, ensures teams won’t have a “gun to your head” come qualifying.
A tweaked SuperSprint format, with added practice time, will be used for the first time at this weekend’s Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint.
Drivers will complete 20 minutes of practice before knockout Boost Mobile Qualifying on Saturday and Sunday, giving teams an extra opportunity to fine-tune their cars.
Reynolds said the added practice time not only starts the day earlier, but helps teams get more knowledge to attack qualifying, which in Perth is ultra-important.
Since Perth’s debut in 1973, 67 of 95 races have been won from the front row of the grid.
“We've got a long practice on the Friday and then every day we have a practice session. So, normally we just roll up on a Saturday and it's just straight into high pressure qualifying,” Reynolds explained.
"Now the day starts a little bit earlier, more relaxed and you get to try a few things in your car and then go qualify.
"So, you don't have a gun to your head when you wake up in the morning thinking about qualifying on fresh tyres, you can sort of ease yourself into the day. So, it's probably good from a human standpoint and stress levels.
“It should be good for our team because the more testing work we can do in our team, the better data and better knowledge we can have, so it's only a good thing for you.”
Reynolds scored a podium with Penrite Racing 12 months ago, and is keen for redemption after a costly trip to New Zealand.
The Team 18 driver dropped from fifth to 11th over the course of the weekend, finishing 24th and last in the Sunday race with steering issues, a day after spinning out following contact with Brodie Kostecki.
“The track itself is quite short and always produces quite interesting racing,” Reynolds said. "Last year my car was really fast there and I’ve got some pretty good results there over the past.
“Last time for us in New Zealand wasn't the best showing. So I hope we can turn it all around and start heading further up the grid.”
Track action at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint commences on Friday. Tickets to the event are on sale now. International viewers can follow all the action on Superview.
