REINDLER LEAPS UP THE ORDER AT PHILLIP ISLAND
Karl Reindler in his Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore leapt up the order in today's race at Phillip Island finishing 16th after qualifying earlier in 26th position.
Karl made several changes to his set-up after qualifying that improved the balance and feel of his car and was also able to avoid a couple of sizeable accidents mid race to finish strongly and gather good championship points.
After a less than positive qualifying session this morning Murphy was looking strong in the early part of the race in his Pepsi Max Crew V8 Supercar.
Unfortunately however Murphy came together with Steven Johnson in a fairly typical overtaking move however the angle of wheel on wheel impact caused enough damage to force Murphy to return to the pits losing two laps with suspension damage.
Once back on the track Murphy had excellent race pace however a good result went begging being too far behind to impact the field.
On a positive note all the Kelly Racing cars were quick throughout stages of the race providing good prospect for improved results tomorrow.
CLASS OF 2012 - KELLY RACING ENDURANCE LINE-UP
Kelly Racing has announced its endurance class of 2012 which includes Tim Blanchard - Jack Daniel's Racing car #7 (Todd Kelly), David Russell - Jack Daniel's Racing car #15 (Rick Kelly), Owen Kelly - Pepsi Max Crew car #51 and Daniel Gaunt - Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing car #11 (Karl Reindler).
Three of the four drivers are returning from last year's endurance races with the team providing strong continuity and a highly capable and experienced Daniel Gaunt completes the group of drivers.
All four endurance drivers were down at Phillip Island for the first official practice opportunity for the year completing a number of laps in their respective V8 Supercars.
MURPHY AND REINDLER MOVE FORWARD IN PERTH
A day of unpredictable weather was likely with dark clouds hovering over the short Barbagallo circuit. The rain set in early however subsided shortly prior to qualifying and a dry line began to form during the 20min session. The conditions were still treacherous with a number of cars attempting to go to the slick tyre mid qualifying and quickly retreating to the wet tyre again with significant lack of grip. Murphy pushed up the time sheets running amongst the top 10 cars however in the last couple of minutes was swamped by others that again risked the slick tyre eventually qualifying 17th. Reindler finished the session in 28th.
During the race both drivers made strong early gains opting for the soft slick tyre after the first pit stop. The Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore ran as high as 18th and when pitting later in the race overshot the pit bay on the slippery concrete and bringing the car home in 23rd whilst battling oversteer throughout.
MURPHY SHINES IN THE RAIN
On a rain-filled day Pepsi Max Crew Driver Greg Murphy shone with a strong performance in all four of the day's practice sessions not outside the top five all day including 2nd overall in three of the sessions. The sticky conditions proved difficult with a number of cars slipping off the track however Murphy kept a cool head and ensured his car is well positioned heading in the weekend.
Karl Reindler also had a good day in the tough conditions gaining confidence throughout and eventually posting a time in the top 15 by the final practice session. Reindler in his Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore could have finished further up the time sheets however in the latter stages of the last session the track started to dry out and the remaining cars on-track posted a number of quick times.
REINDLER RETURNS HOME TO BARBAGALLO
Heading home this weekend brings a smile to face of the young West Australian as he heads to a permanent circuit where he has completed a significant amount of laps ahead of this weekend's fourth round of the Championship at Barbagallo Raceway, WA. Karl Reindler has certainly experienced the highs and lows of racing at the short but tricky circuit, last year involved in a major incident off the start line. Reindler car stalled whilst starting from fifth on the grid and was subsequently collected at high speed by Steve Owen sparking a fuel cell rupture and major incident causing burns to his hands and face.
Reindler was personally treated by renowned burns specialist Dr. Fiona Wood and the favour will be returned Friday with Reindler careering his Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore with Dr. Wood aboard for a hot lap Friday afternoon.
Reindler with a new team this year is looking forward and is beginning to make good progression with his team and understanding of the Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore. Reindler will be looking to put in a strong performance for his home town crowd.
