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.
MURPH READY TO RACE IN WET PERTH CONDITIONS
Murphy is looking for a change of fortunes and new beginning for 2012 with a string of incidents and personal injury marring strong results this year in his Pepsi Max Crew V8 Supercar.
The weather for the weekend is predicting rain across all three days however this doesn't dampen the excitement of Murphy with the Kelly Racing prepared cars showing strong wet weather pace in the past with a string of podiums and race victories in 2012.
The format for the weekend will see a three qualifying and race sessions requiring usage of the soft and hard tyre in each race. One of the qualifying sessions will also be specific to the hard try only. This relies on dry weather only and the teams have the option of reverting to the thick treaded tyre upon slippery conditions at any time.
MURPHY AND REINDLER IN THE POINTS IN HAMILTON FAREWELL
Racing in Hamilton for the last time home town hero Greg Murphy was keen to put behind him the previous two days and deliver a strong performance in his Pepsi Max Crew V8 Supercar. With limited track time throughout the weekend Murphy again struggled with his Commodore in Qualifying and posted the 24th fastest time for the session.
Despite a raft of new components in his car from the previous day Murphy remained uncomfortable with his set-up throughout the race jostling for position on the hard tyre and having difficulty with the overall handling. Once the Pepsi Max Crew applied the soft tyre following the first pit stop Murphy was then able to attack for position and maintain consistent pace lapping ahead on the time sheets of the preceding eight cars.
Murphy finished the race in 17th position and obtained some valuable championship points for the event.
Karl Reindler in his Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore qualified 26th and then in this afternoons race had his own set-up problems unable to maintain solid grip in the rear of the car. Reindler set about trying to look after the rear tyres for the duration of the race coming home in 20th position.
Next round the series heads to Perth a home event for Reindler and also where he last year put the car in the top five in qualifying.
SUCCESS CONTINUES TO ELUDE MURPHY AND REINDLER IN HAMILTON
Starting from 19th position on the grid following the mornings qualifying Murphy didn't even get the chance to complete one lap pitting straight from the warm-up with an oil system related issue. The issue on his Pepsi Max Crew Commodore is believed to stem back to the previous days accident despite a number of key components being replaced including further drive belts this morning.
Murphy's crew made some quick repairs in the pit garage prior to joining the rest of the field on lap three. Whilst Murphy was able to maintain strong race pace thereafter he was left to lament any further issues when he encountered a puncture to his left front on lap 25. His day ended on lap 37 when he returned to the pit with continued suspension issues with the front left wheel.
Reindler was enjoying a strong run in the early part of the race including completing both pit stops without issue however on lap 40 under safety car conditions and running in 22nd position his car came to a complete stop before the corner at the end of pit straight. Efforts to restart his car remained fruitless and the safety teams removed his car from the circuit.
