BATHURST DEBUT ‘REALLY AMAZING’
Toowoomba V8 Supercar driver enjoys challenge
MOTORSPORT: It wasn’t the result Will Brown wanted but the V8 Supercars rookie rates his Bathurst debut as “really amazing”.
Competing for Erebus Motorsport with co-driver Anton De-Pasquale, Brown finished 24th overall, bought undone by a mechanical penalty and car damage after De-Pasquale struck a wall.
“It was a tough way to finish things off,” Brown said.
“But it was a really amazing weekend.
“Anton is not just a co-driver, he’s a great mate, and to be able to go to Bathurst and compete with him like we did was fantastic.
“Both the (Erebus Motorsport) cars had great pace all weekend and we’re glad to be part of a great team.”
De-Pasquale proved just how good the Erebus V8s were, holding pole position for much of Saturday’s Top 10 Shoot-out.
“It was nerve-wracking but at the same time exciting during the shoot-out,” Brown said.
“We couldn’t believe how long he was able to hold onto the number one spot.
“We would’ve been the first rookie pair to start on pole.”
Brown and De-Pasquale were eventually pushed back to third spot on the grid after a blistering Jamie Whincup run.
Matching the pace early in the race it was only a mechanical penalty flag that slowed the duo down.
“Anton was really good early,” Brown said.
“It was just unfortunate we had a little trouble after the start of my stint.
“We had a door latch problem, there was nothing I could do about it.
“We dropped all the way back to 23rd but I managed to work my back up to the top 10.
“The car had great pace all weekend and every time I passed someone I gained a little more confidence.
“It’s really unfortunate that a small mistake then put us out of the race.”
About to enjoy a week off, Brown will soon turn his attention to the October 19-21 Gold Coast 600.
“I think it’s just as tough a race as Bathurst,” Brown said.
“It’s going to be a real challenge for Anton and myself.
“This is exactly the type of thing I want though.
“I want to keep building on what I’ve already achieved.
“I’d love to be the main driver one day.”