Toowoomba driver shows spirit after early crash in NZ V8 series
MOTOR RACING: She started her weekend “in the wall” but Toowoomba driver Alexandra Whitley quickly turned her BNT V8 fortunes around at the weekend.
Competing in round three of the New Zealand series, Whitley (pictured) crashed in race one of the three race round.
“We started from third in race one and we had some great pace,” Whitley said.
“It was a battle for second between myself Nick (Ross) and Lance (Hughes).
“A few laps in I went to make my move and tried to outbreak Lance on the outside of turn one.
“I braked late and hard, but it was a little too late.
“I speared straight ahead, across the previously dropped oil and as the wall edged closer the wheels continued to lock up on the slippery grass, which made it hard to turn and avoid the wall.
“I managed to slow the car down, but still crashed into and along the tyre wall.
“I was pushed back out and rejoined the race, but by then we were a lap down.
“I drove hard and consistently right to the end, but finished the race in last place.
“I was more disappointed for the Richards Motorsport Team, because the effort and hard work they put in was gone in a split second.”
Eager to make amends for her race one error, Whitley went on to record two fourth place finishes.
“We finished the weekend a very close fifth overall in the points, which was solid redemption after our crash and poor finish in the first race,” she said.
“We proved we’re here to race and are serious competitors within the category.
“Now we will prepare for Hampton Downs in a month’s time.”