The Mobil 1 HSV Racing Team is working flat out to complete its latest raft of updates planned for roll out at next week’s Coates Hire Ipswich Super Sprint.
The Clayton squad abandoned plans to head straight from Townsville to Queensland Raceway in order to fast-track upgrades aimed to help the struggling team move closer to the front of the Supercars grid.
Enduring one of its worst campaigns to date, the squad is eager to address deficiencies with its Commodores for James Courtney and Scott Pye, which has limited the team to four top 10 finishes from 14 races.
The team is however beginning to take forward steps with Courtney enjoying a ninth place finish at Townsville, which followed an eighth for Pye at the previous round in Darwin.
While the activity back at the worksop is encouraging, Courtney is keeping a lid on his expectations for Ipswich.
Mid corner handling issues have blighted the team this year with the issue further highlighted by increased speeds due to the new construction Dunlop tyre.
The exact details of the upgrades remain unclear although it has been reported that the squad has assessed buying components from other teams.
“The boys are flat out trying to get some things ready to go in so we will be testing stuff (at Queensland Raceway),” Courtney told Speedcafe.com.
“How big the componentry will be is a matter of if the machine shop can finish the job it in time.
“I can assure you that (using technology from other teams) is not happening. I certainly wouldn’t be upset if they decided to roll out a Triple Eight chassis and say ‘this is yours’, but it is not happening.
“There has always been a lot of action at the workshop but let’s hope it is the right action that gives us some car speed.
“The boys have been working flat out fixing a few little issues that we had with the car. We have a few little things that might bring us a little bit more speed.
“I have gotten excited too many times over the past six years. I will curb my enthusiasm and wait for the results to come before I get excited.”
The latest batch of upgrades has been overseen by team owner Ryan Walkinshaw who has been in the country since the Watpac Townsville 400.
Courtney admits the prolonged stay from Walkinshaw has been important for the team as it continues its restructure following the departure of team principal Adrian Burgess in May.
“There has been so much movement within the whole organisation,” he added.
“I think having Ryan (Walkinshaw) here to try and stabilise it all, and show he is in and working with it all, is important for the guys, the whole team and our fanbase.
“We really need him at the moment. There are few holes in our organisations that need to be filled so the team is actively trying to find those right people. It is an important time.”
The Coates Hire Ipswich Super Sprint is scheduled for July 28-30.
Discussion about this post