Whitley in round-4 bid
Queensland next on TCR series list
MOTOR RACING: Toowoomba driver Alexandra Whitley is hoping hard work can continue reaping rewards when the inaugural TCR Australia series resumes at Queensland Raceway this weekend.
Whitley is working overtime this week looking to lock in potential sponsorships which will assure her a starting place in round four of the series across Saturday and Sunday.
New Zealand-based Whitley has contested the opening three TCR rounds in a Volkswagen Golf GTI for Matt Stone Racing and is currently in 13th place on the series’ points table behind leader and fellow Toowoomba talent Will Brown.
“I am still chasing a little bit of sponsorship money which is always tricky in the motor sport game, but I’m working hard to finalise something this week and I’m confident of being on the grid come Saturday,” Whitley said yesterday.
Whitley will be making her first appearance at Queensland Raceway which is another stepping stone in her transition to front-wheel touring cars from ute racing.
“The series so far has been a real eye-opener and experience for me,” Whitley said.
“For me these are new tracks, in a new car with a new team, racing on things like slick tyres for the first time.
“But that is good and something I’m really enjoying.
“It’s a learning curve and I’ve already learnt a lot.
“Working with a professional team has been an eye-opener.
“Instead of me working under the car I have a team now doing the behind the scenes work. It’s pretty cool really.”
Whitley is hoping to tap into the track knowledge of former V8 Supercar driver and fellow Volkswagen Golf pilot Jason Bright ahead of Saturday’s 2.30pm opening race.
“I haven’t actually raced on the track but I remember racing karts at the nearby kart track which was one of my favourites so I’m hoping this track can become a favourite as well,” Whitley said.
“I know the first turn and the last turn, but Jason Bright will walk the track with me beforehand and I’m sure he’ll have some valuable tips for me which I appreciate.
“I’ve also been on the simulator.
“We have two half-hour practise sessions on Friday which might allow us to get in around 10 laps or so, depending on what adjustments we need to make during the sessions.”
With series rounds at Winton, Sandown and The Bend still to come Whitley has set herself a top-10 series finish goal.
“We adapt a bit more every meeting,” Whitley said.
“My best result is a ninth place finish before being caught up in a couple of crashes.
“Top-eight would be a great result, but top-10 realistically is a more reachable goal.”
Photo: Daniel Kalisz Photographer