Paul Weel has yet to claim a podium finish in V8 Supercar action, and the PWR Racing driver has his sights set on claiming that maiden podium on the biggest stage of them all – the Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000 this weekend at the famous Mount Panorama circuit.
Weel, who will again share the #50 Holden Commodore with championship contender Jason Bright, believes the pair should not be counted out when people are looking for a race winner.
“We're strong, we're a chance, don't worry about that,” he said. “We both have all the motivation we need – Brighty wants to stay in the championship mix and I want to crack my first podium.
“We've both been doing Bathurst long enough to know that everything has to be working on the day, but we've got a great car and an incredible bunch of people who really believe in what we're doing, so look out!”
Weel's best Bathurst result was eighth back in 1999, and he has finished a round in podium position only once before, at the 2003 Clipsal 500. However that was only after another he was awarded third place due to a post-race penalty against another driver – meaning he has yet to stand on a podium in V8 Supercars.
“I don't think I'd call myself a glory-seeker,” he said. “It's more a point of pride that after seven seasons in the main game, I think I'm experienced enough to be making that step up – no pun intended!”
Both drivers have put behind them the pain of last year's Bathurst 1000, when an excellent run came to an abrupt end in a sickening collision with fellow Holden driver, Nathan Pretty. Bright admits that the only way to look is forward.
“We've moved on,” he said Bright. “It's tempting to think about ‘what if' but we're just focusing on the job at hand. The equation is pretty simple for me to win the championship – I have to beat Marcos Ambrose, and everyone else, on the track. If that means winning Bathurst, then that's what I have to do.
“Winning Bathurst is a goal in itself, but using it as a cornerstone to winning the championship would be the ultimate result for me.”
