Stanaway eager to move on from Townsville frustrations

Richie Stanaway is hopeful Queensland Raceway will provide a platform to put his Townsville frustrations firmly behind him.

The Supercars rookie’s struggles were plain to see at The Reid Park circuit resulting in a radio tirade aimed at his Tickford team following a pit stop tyre mix up in Race 17.

Stanaway was seen drifting his #56 Falcon on purpose to highlight his annoyance at the situation, which then prompted team management to step in to curtail his behaviour.

The 26-year-old finished the two races in 23rd and 20th respectively.

Two weeks on from the incident the New Zealander is hopeful that this weekend’s Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint will offer a chance to banish those memories.

Queensland Raceway has proved a happy hunting ground for Tickford after recording five top 10 finishes across its two cars last year, including a win for Chaz Mostert.

“I’m excited to get back out and have another crack at it this weekend,” said Stanaway.

“Townsville was obviously pretty difficult so we’re looking forward to putting it behind us.

“QR has been a pretty strong track for the team in the past, so hopefully we’ll roll off strong and carry it through the weekend.

“I turned some laps there last year so I have a little knowledge of the track, but it’s still a tall task ahead of us.

”We’ll keep working hard, stick with the program, and look to move forward throughout the weekend.”

Stanaway sits 26th in the championship standings heading into this weekend’s round at Ipswich, which begins on Friday.