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[6-HOUR] Luff/Kostera top practice
by Stefan Bartholomaeus
Team Mitsubishi Ralliart duo Stuart Kostera and Warren Luff topped Friday’s private practice ahead of this weekend’s Dial Before You Dig Australian Six Hour, cementing their favouritism for the race.
The West Surfing Products Lancer Evo X ended the day just half a tenth of a second quicker than the John Bowe/Peter O’Donnell BMW 335i, with fellow TMR drivers Glyn Crimp and Mathew Cherry a further second and a half back in third.
Luff, who also raced for TMR at this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour, believes tyres will be a determining factor in the race.
“It’s going to be all down to tyre wear, I think it’s going to be a major issue here at Eastern Creek,” he said.
“I think from the start there will be a fairly conservative pace at the front of the field, if you charge away at the start you will just burn up your tyres.
“The race really starts in the last 45 minutes.
“I’m really looking forward to it; I think we’re set for a good race.
“Stuart has been going really well in the championship to date, and we certainly have the package to get the job done.
“I haven’t driven the car since the 12 Hour, but Ralliart have done a great job preparing it.”
Meanwhile, Kostera will also have an eye on points this weekend, as he is campaigning in the full Australian Manufacturers Championship season.
“We really need to get a good result to get back in the championship points hunt,” said Kostera, who suffered tyre problems at Phillip Island.
“The quality of the field at the front here at the Six Hour is a lot stronger than in the past couple of rounds, so it’s going to be hard work.”
TMR’s third entry of Inky Tulloch and Steve Jones ended the day fourth, ahead of the Peter Conroy/Mark Brame Disc Brakes Australia Evo VIII, and the Jim Hunter/Barton Mawer/Gavin Bullas Subaru WRX STi.
Other key news from the day was the addition to the field of two racing veterans – Paul Morris and Graham Moore.
Morris will partner Ryan McLeod and Garry Holt in the Holden Astra, while Moore joins the Osbourne Motorsport Mazda 3 MPS squad for the weekend.
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