Jim Beam Racing News
Friday Practice sessions a good hit out for JBR
11 July 2009
After years of preparation, discussion, planning and finally construction, the Townsville street circuit came alive yesterday afternoon with three practice sessions at the Dunlop Townsville 400 here in North Queensland.
It was the first real chance for Jim Beam Racings Steven Johnson and James Courtney to get out on the new circuit and really begin to understand how to take on this impressive circuit.
Courtney got the first look in car #18 and quickly put together a series of consistent lap times on a selection of older tyres. Posting a 1.13.75 at the end of the 35 minute session became the new benchmark for the rest of the V8 Supercar field who joined Courtney and Johnson in the second session of practice.
"It's going to be a tough track to pass on" said Courtney after his first look at the track.
"The circuit is really deceptive in places and extremely tight".
Johnson got his chance to test out the circuit in the second 50 minute practice session. Clocking the tenth quickest time in this session at 1.14.31, Johnson was pretty happy with the way the car responded under brakes.
"This session was about getting the car settled and to work on a few through some set up changes." said Johnson.
"Getting on a new circuit for the first time on old practice tyres is really about set up. I am really looking forward to Qualifying on good tyres as that's when we will see which Team has got command on its car and of the circuit. I cant wait".
At the end of practice yesterday both Johnson and Courtney were fairly happy with the performance of both their cars, but it was not hard to see that they are both very keen to get on with the rest of the weekend.
Qualifying for Race 11 starts at 1030am with the Top Ten Shootout at 1125am and Race 11 at 3.05pm.
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