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Alajajian Draws On Bathurst Enduro Experience In Quest For Winton Success |
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Tuesday, 15 May 2007 |
 Sydneysider Chris Alajajian believes that his recent experience driving a Production Car in the Bathurst 12 hour has given him an advantage when it comes to this weekend’s third round of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series at Winton Motor Raceway in Victoria.
North Shore resident Alajajian says that a newfound level of consistency – developed thanks to the long stints he drove in the 12-hour race last month – will back up his already proven race-winning speed and car control to help further his young V8 Supercar Career.
Alajajian, 20, won his first ever V8 Supercar race, at Wakefield Park,
just a week before the 12 hour race and heads to Winton looking forward
to putting his developed skills to best use.
”It certainly helped my driving and I think it gave me a newfound level
of consistency,” Alajajian said of his recent endurance racing
experience.
”It helped grow my ability to hold a consistent pace over a longer race
distance and that will translate directly into how I need to drive the
V8 Supercar.
“As everyone knows the chances of winning are so much higher when you
drive a mistake-free race and I think that I achieved something that
will help me towards that when I drove the production car.
“It’s certainly something I can use to my advantage,” he said.
Alajajian and his Protecnica Racing team head to Winton Motor Raceway
for the first time in a number of years, the driver having not been
there since 2004 – the year he won the Australian Production Car
Championship.
Despite a three year gap between events at the rural Victorian circuit
Alajajian said that the track was an enjoyable challenge – with some
similarities to his happy hunting ground of Wakefield Park.
”In a way it’s similar to Wakefield, and I hope that the results are too!” he joked.
”It was a long time ago when I last drove there but it’s a tricky
circuit. I last drove there in a Subaru and before that in a BMW so it
will basically be like a new circuit for me in my V8 Supercar.
“I do enjoy the twisty stuff at the back of the circuit, although it is
very hard to pass, so I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
With the Fujitsu series now well into it’s stride – despite it being
the Protecnica team’s second round this weekend after missing the
season opener in Adelaide – Alajajian said that things were going to
plan for his first real concerted attack on V8 Supercar success.
”Everything has come together,” he said.
”The race win at Wakefield Park was fantastic. I can’t reflect on races
two or three but to get that first win in a V8 under my belt was very
satisfying.
”I’ll admit to having a fairly high level of confidence after my win
but I’m not over-confident. I’m taking a very focussed approach this
weekend so I know where I stand and how I’m going at all times.
”I’ll be listening to the team and their advice and aiming to bring the
car home in each race for a good – no, great – finish!” he enthused.
This weekend’s third round of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Championship
Series will be held over three races at Winton Motor Raceway, several
hours north of Melbourne on the Hume highway near the township of
Benella.
Qualifying and race one will be held Saturday with the following two races to be held on Sunday, May 19th.
The races will be broadcast on the Seven Network.
For more information about Chris Alajajian please visit his website, www.thechris.com.au
Chris Alajajian is supported by Jack Hillermans Smash, Nudie Juices, Elf, Protecnica Racing and Standox.
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