[V8SC] Reindler: That's more like it!

by SSG



That's more like it!
15 March, 2010

After a testing start to the 2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series, Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing's Karl Reindler was pleased to finally be back on home shores for the start of the season proper.. "I really enjoyed having a chance to gel with the Brad Jones Racing guys in the Middle East," Karl admitted. "Okay, so it wasn't the perfect result, but in my mind we came away having met at least some of our goals - we also came away as a tighter group and that was important heading towards the Clipsal 500."

From opening practice it was clear that a fresh start and some prior track knowledge would play into Karl's hands.

21st fastest in the first combined session, less than a second off series points leader Jamie Whincup was a good start despite completing just nine laps, but more encouraging was the name of the driver immediately behind him; 2009 series runner-up, and the Holden factory's number two, Will Davison.

Friday's final session saw more high-fives in the BJR pits as Karl recorded the 22nd fastest time, this time just a tenth behind Davison, and only three tenths off the pace of team-mate Jason Bright. Interestingly word also came from the notorious turn eight speed trap, that Karl was the second fastest driver through the corner; that's commitment.

After an outstanding opening day, Saturday dawned full of hope for qualifying and whilst quick out of the gate, Karl's efforts were soon thwarted with a power-steering failure. His early laps were quick, but as more rubber went down onto the circuit, his opponents continued to improve their times, dropping Karl back to a frustrating 26th. There was some good news though, his qualifying time was just a tenth slower than reigning Fujitsu Development Series champion Jonathon Webb who is considered the benchmark of the 'rookie' drivers.

Karl started Saturday's race cautiously from the back of the pack but still managed to take four positions on the opening lap. From there he conserved to his first stop to be classified 18th. Rejoining in 23rd place he continued to improve to be on the tail of team-mate Jason Bright heading towards the second round of pit-stops before an issue started to develop mechanically, Karl radioing in that he could sense a drama with the balance of the engine. Despite the problem he continued to gain places, ultimately moving into 14th place. Sadly the engine expired on lap 32 of 78, the crew discovering afterwards a valve seat had failed which ultimately destroyed the valve train bringing the car to a stop on the run to the final turn.

"I felt strong and the car felt great, we only had a slight bit of understeer and the balance was generally pretty good," Karl admitted afterwards. "I was quite pleased with the track position early in the race but unfortunately we had another mechanical gremlin which ended our race early. It was disappointing, but we now we have a great tyre bank for tomorrow."

An overnight engine change saw Karl ready for Sunday qualifying, but after qualifying 26th (again less than a tenth off Webb) Karl admitted to being a little cautious after Saturday's mechanical issues, although comfortable to still be within a second and a half of the pole-sitter.

Another strong start saw Karl start to pick off his opponents and move into the top 20 inside ten laps. He moved as high as 18th where he was battling with former champion Craig Lowndes before pitting for the first time on lap 24.

Climbing back through the field, Karl got back to 22nd before his second stop where he managed to also finally get some fluids after the drink bottle pump failed during his first stint.

As the action intensified, the track started to break up in turn eight bringing out the safety car. After the restart, Karl was caught up first by Steven Johnson after the Ford driver spun whilst overtaking the Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore, which dramatically slowed Karl's progress, and then by Craig Lowndes at turn nine, the Triple 8 star rejoining after an off, straight into Karl's path, pushing the left front guard onto the wheel forcing a tyre rub for the duration of the race.

At flag-fall Karl was classified 20th, which again was one of the aims for the weekend, and interestingly, despite all the frustrations of the second race, Karl improved his lap times again over the pace of the leaders and at times in the closing stages was just seven tenths off the leader's pace.

"We had an up and down weekend when you look at the results, but from my perspective we had another very good weekend of learning in the car, and I've shown that I have the speed to run comfortably inside the top 20.

"I still need to get more in tune with the car for that one 'all out' 110% qualifying lap, but that is something that I feel like I am getting better and better at every time I get in the car.

"Finishing race two in twentieth is a good result for myself and the Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing team - the boys executed great pit stops all day, and called a good solid race strategy for me.

"Every session we get faster, and I learn more and more about the car, and about the things I have to do as a driver to become a better V8 Supercar pilot. I never stop learning, and I am loving every minute of it!"

Karl and the Fair Dinkum Racing Sheds team now head to the Australian Formula One Grand Prix in Melbourne in two weeks time (March 25-28) for three 13-lap 'non-championship' sprint races.

Karl Reindler is proudly supported by Brad Jones Racing, Fair Dinkum Homes & Sheds, No Fear, Oakley, Biante, Thomson Aviation and Bostech Drilling.

2010 V8 Supercar Championship Series
1. Jamie Whincup (Holden) - 771 points
2. Mark Winterbottom (Ford) - 714
3. James Courtney (Ford) - 696
4. Shane van Gisbergen (Ford) - 630
5. Lee Holdsworth (Holden) - 573
6. Craig Lowndes (Holden) - 552
7. Rick Kelly (Holden) - 530
8. Paul Dumbrell (Ford) - 489
9. Michael Caruso (Holden) - 462
10. Steven Johnson (Ford) - 455

28. Karl Reindler (Fair Dinkum Homes & Sheds Holden Commodore) - 114

2010 V8 Supercar Calendar
#4    AGP, Albert Park, VIC    (25-28 March)
#5    ITM 400, Hamilton, NZ    (16-18 April)
#6    Ipswich 300, QLD    (30-2 May)
#7    Winton, VIC    (14-16 May)
#8    Hidden Valley, Darwin, NT    (18-20 June)
#9    Townsville 400, QLD    (9-11 July)
#10    L&H 500, Phillip Island, VIC    (10-12 September)
#11    Supercheap Auto 1000, Bathurst, NSW    (7-10 October)
#12    Gold Coast Supercarnival, QLD    (22-24 October)
#13    Falken Tasmania Challenge, TAS    (12-14 November)
#14    Norton 360 Sandown Challenge, VIC    (19-21 November)
#15    Telstra 500, Sydney, NSW    (3-5 December)




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