DJR's hard grind not lost on Davison, De Pasquale
DJR grind not lost on Will Davison, Anton De Pasquale
Motorsport Powertrains undertook engine change mission
DJR forced into overnight rebuild after Davison Friday crash
The Shell V-Power Racing Team’s major efforts in the lead-up and throughout Bathurst race week haven’t been lost on Will Davison and Anton De Pasquale, despite going unrewarded in the race.
Davison/Kai Allen raced to 12th, behind De Pasquale/Tony D'Alberto in seventh, in a rapid Repco Bathurst 1000 that only featured one Safety Car.
Dick Johnson Racing was up against it leading into the race, with Motorsport Powertrains pulling off a major engine change mission following a spate of crankshaft failures at Sandown.
A global effort saw cranks sourced from around the world and freighted to Mount Panorama in time for the race weekend.
Then, there was on-track heartbreak for the team, with Davison escaping injury in a major qualifying crash. While Davison walked away, the car seemed in doubt for the race, only for an all-nighter to rescue the #17.
Come race day, the De Pasquale/D’Alberto looked set for a top five, before a “bad brake change” cost them dearly in pit lane.
"Mixed feelings about the race, though, because the car was actually performing well, and we had ourselves in a strong position, running in the top five,” De Pasquale said.
"Unfortunately, a bad brake change cost us a lot, and without Safety Cars to help, it set us back for the rest of the day. Otherwise, we were on track for a decent result.
"It was a huge team effort, especially with the crew coming off some long days and even an all-nighter. I'm really proud of everyone’s hard work."
Incoming DJR driver Brodie Kostecki won the race, with fatigue catching up to the team after its heroics.
"A huge effort by everyone, especially the crew after their incredible work on Friday night,” Davison said.
"We gave it everything, but a couple of small mistakes cost us a top 10, which was probably the best we could have achieved today.”
De Pasquale and Davison are ninth and 10th, and DJR fourth in teams’, heading to the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 on October 25-27. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
