Norton Hornets Call Sydney Happy Hunting Ground
Norton Hornets drivers Michael Caruso and James Moffat are confident of a competitive showing at Sydney Olympic Park this weekend – a track the pair has labeled as its happy hunting ground.
Caruso, one of few V8 Supercars drivers born and bred in Sydney, has the highest average finishing position of any V8 Supercar driver around the street circuit.
Since the event was first introduced to the V8 Supercars Championship in 2009, Caruso has racked up an impressive list of results. Of the eight races held at the track, he has finished seven of those inside the top 10, including a second place result in 2009.
“I love the circuit,” Caruso said ahead of this weekend’s Sydney NRMA Motoring and Services 500.
“My best result is second, but finishing first is always the aim.”
V8 Supercars has implemented two compulsory pit stops during each 250km race at the street circuit, which Caruso sees as a positive.
“Our speed over one lap will be good, but ultimately, it will come down to fuel economy, so the two minimum stops will help us remain in contention.
“We had a good run at Phillip Island, but were dogged by some mechanical problems. Since we tested at Winton mid-year, the speed of our car has been great, relative to my Nissan teammates. We’ve really found the set-up window of the Altima and had a few good results along the way. Hopefully we can continue that at my ‘home’ race in Sydney.”
Caruso’s Norton teammate Moffat also heads there with confidence, having qualified both of last year’s races inside the top 10, as well as having finished eighth at the street track in 2012.
“I’m quite confident that our car will be reasonably suited to the circuit,” Moffat said.
“It’s an old cliché, but we’d like to finish the season off as best as we can.
“I’m looking forward to Sydney. I qualified in the top 10 both days last year, and finished inside the top 10 on Saturday. It’s a track I enjoy and I hope we can wrap up the season on a high.
“The minimum fuel stops will definitely help us, but we’ll still be a little behind the eight ball. We’ll just have to see how the races pan out.”
The Sydney NRMA Motoring and Services 500 at Sydney Olympic Park kicks off on Friday with practice ahead of qualifying and races on Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are still available for the event through Ticketek.
