“This week’s test at Queensland Raceway had an endurance race focus, with the team practicing pit stops and myself and Jamie making sure we had the driver change procedure perfected as every second in pitlane is important.
“I could not have asked for a better co-driver in Jamie, as well as being a quick and level-headed driver he also runs a very similar setup aboard his regular car which means we can both focus on racing rather than adapting to each others changes.
“Melbourne’s changeable weather always seems to play a part in the Betta Electrical 500 and I’m confident we’ll be able to set a cracking pace whether it is dry or wet. We’re entering the business end of the season now, and strong endurance race results are essential to maintain the team’s push for its first championship.”
“Aside from developing a few new parts, this week’s test was purely endurance-focused with myself and Craig practicing numerous driver changes and the team working on setting quick pit-stop times,” said Whincup.
“There were a number of positives to come from the test, and one of the biggest was that I feel just as comfortable and capable in Craig’s car as I have in my own all season.
“We know the team has what it takes to win at Sandown but every round presents a new challenge and new circumstances, we’re very well prepared and I’m very focused on setting fast, consistent laps for the entire race distance.”
The Toll HSV Dealer Team’s lead car now has extra racing significance, with the names Kelly and Kelly featuring on the side windows of the #15 Commodore. Both Kelly brothers are keen for a solid result, and each are equally committed to the defence of the junior’s title interests.
“Here at Sandown, the single most important thing is to finish. To this point in the season, if you have had a bad race you have another one or two to recover, but here there is only one chance,” said Rick Kelly.
