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[Aussie V8 Supercars] Glenfords Racing Claim First-ever Top Ten |
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GLENFORDS RACING CLAIM FIRST-EVER TOP TEN
Glenfords Racing today set a new benchmark for the team, claiming their first-ever top ten result in a V8 Supercar race.
Finishing in ninth in race two at Winton, Marcus Marshall claimed his and the team's best ever race result in V8 Supercars.
Starting from pole for the first race of the day, Marshall, in the Glenfords AGE Falcon got off to a flying start ahead of Jason Richards and Jamie Whincup and lead the field through the first lap.
One of the pacesetters all weekend, Richards found his way past Marshall, who then came under pressure from Whincup.
Showing improved car speed, particularly through the tighter sections of the track, Marshall was able to hold off Whincup's initial challenge and continued to impress by setting a series of strong laps to hold a slight gap over his old Formula Ford team mate.
With the compulsory pitstop window open at lap five, Marshall remained comfortably in second, and while many teams opted to pit in the coming laps, the Glenfords Racing team decided to make the most of the clean track ahead of them and continued to push hard.
When Richards, stopped for tyres on lap 18, Marshall again lead the race, pulling out as much as a 20-second gap on second, although he still had a pit stop awaiting him.
Marshall pitted on lap 31 having held the lead for 14 laps of the race and after a fast stop from the pit crew re-entered the race in 10th position with Craig Lowndes right behind him.
The following laps provided a great battle for fans, with the seasoned veteran trying numerous times to get around the Glenfords AEG Falcon before Marshall was able to hold his position and keep hopes of the team's first top ten finish alive.
An incident in front of Marshall saw Jason Bargwanna forced to retire, elevating Marshall to ninth, until Lowndes managed to find a way around Marshall on lap 42.
Determined to deliver the team their first top ten result, Marshall pulled away from Garth Tander in the closing laps and held on to tenth through to the chequered flag.
Starting the final race in 25th, Marshall made another excellent start, diving up the inside on the first turn to gain two positions. When Russell Ingall was caught in an incident, Marshall moved up to 22nd before a safety car was brought out due to the Ingall incident.
After the restart, Marshall was holding off Andrew Jones when an incident with the two drivers at turn ten resulted in suspension damage to the front left of the Glenfords AEG number 20 Falcon.
Marshall came into the pits but the damage sustained was enough to force the Glenfords Racing outfit to retire from the third race, taking the shine off what was a brilliant result in race two.
Marcus Marshall and the Glenfords AEG Falcon accumulated 68 points for Glenfords Racing from his first two races to finish 30th for the round and currently sits in 29th position in the championship with 241 points.
"I made a strong start in this mornings race, as did (Jason) Richards, but I gave it absolutely everything heading into turn one and held the lead which was important for the team."
"We had a lot more grip today, particularly on the slower corners and after a disappointing day yesterday it was a great turn it around to bring the team their first top ten result in V8 Supercars."
"Unfortunately things didn't go our way in the third race after we again had a strong start, but the damage to the car after the incident with Jones forced us to retire.
"But we had a great result in race two and we'll take a lot of confidence from that. There's still a lot of improvement in the car to come but we are starting to show some of the team's potential."
"Today was shaping as a great result for the whole team and everyone who has been supporting us. We showed in race two today that we can really mix it out there. The team's potential is beginning to shine through which is encouraging for our supporters and sponsors."
"Race three was disappointing and these incidents (with Jones) happen but it is an extremely tough game this, V8 Supercars.
"Our overall results don't show a great weekend for us.but we've gained a lot of speed this round and obviously our results in race two indicate where we want to be, but as we have seen today things can change dramatically in this competition so you have to be right on it at all times.",",1,1,0,1,"2006-06-04 10:18:37
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