08/12/2008

TRIMBLE SECURES SERIES TOP TEN AFTER CHALLENGING FINAL ROUND

Global Jet International V8 Supercar driver Michael Trimble has finished inside the top ten in the 2008 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series despite a challenging round at Sydney's Oran Park last weekend.

Trimble, who made his debut aboard a V8 Supercar during the opening round of the series in Adelaide during February, was one of the star performers in the series during the first few rounds.

After his debut round the Gold Coast-based driver was placed fifth in the series standings. Trimble then showed more speed as he continually came to grips with the characteristics of the #64 Global Jet Commodore by climbing to third spot following round two at Wakefield Park.

Round three at Sandown in Melbourne was looking to be a 'break-out' round for Trimble. He had earned a front-row start for the final race and had the round win within his reach. Unfortunately, when he was spun by a fellow competitor mid-way through the race it ended his shot at the podium.

Over the ensuing three rounds Trimble enjoyed some mixed results while showing glimpses of his true potential.

In the final round at Oran Park last weekend Trimble battled to get a handle on the set-up aboard the #64 Global Jet Commodore to qualify in 14th spot. His weekend performance then took a turn for the worse when his engine began to overheat in the extreme temperatures faced by competitors in the opening race.

With yesterday's second race held in contrasting conditions to Saturday's event following a heavy rain showed just prior to the start, Trimble endured a fogged up front window forcing him to the pit area for it to be cleared and effectively ending his charge towards the front of the field.

"I've been left wondering what could have been really. After the first three rounds I was second in the points and knew that I still had a fair bit of improvement within my driving to come," said Trimble.

"My driving has certainly improved over the year but for a variety of reasons we just didn't get the points on the board to stay right up the pointy end of the standings.

"To have finished fifth on debut was certainly a highlight for me, given the fact that I'd only had one day of testing in a V8 Supercar prior to the start of the year. While finishing inside the top ten overall is a good result, and a lot of people would be happy with that, I know that I have got a lot more to offer."

Steve Owen won this year's Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series as Jack Perkins took out the victory at the final round.

Trimble's focus has already turned to finalising his plans for next year as he looks to build on the experience gained during his rookie year during 2008.

The opening round of the 2009 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series will be held in conjunction with the Clipsal 500 event around the Adelaide Street Circuit on March 19-22, 2009.

2008 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series Round 8
Oran Park, NSW

2008 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series Final Standings
1 Steve Owen 1762 points
2 Dean Canto 1621
3 Jonathon Webb 1527
4 David Reynolds 1494
5 Jack Perkins 1399
6 Dale Wood 1122
7 Tim Slade 1061
8 Karl Reindler 1056
9 Michael Trimble 1053
10 Mark McNally 973

RESULTS: Round Points
1 #500 Jack Perkins 288 points
2 #37 Dean Canto 279
3 #23 Tim Slade 258
4 #94 Jonathon Webb 231
5 #74 Mark McNally 198
6 #99 David Reynolds 183
7 #47 Sam Walter 180
8 #19 David Sieders 180
9 #62 Steve Owen 165
10 #73 Marcus Zukanovic 153
25 #64 Michael Trimble 45

RESULTS: Race Two
1 #500 Jack Perkins
2 #23 Tim Slade
3 #37 Dean Canto
4 #73 Marcus Zukanovic
5 #99 David Reynolds
6 #94 Jonathon Webb
7 #74 Mark McNally
8 #47 Sam Walter
9 #19 David Sieders
10 #58 Drew Russell
20 #64 Michael Trimble

RESULTS: Race One
1 #37 Dean Canto – 22 laps
2 #500 Jack Perkins
3 #94 Jonathon Webb
4 #23 Tim Slade
5 #62 Steve Owen
6 #74 Mark McNally
7 #19 David Sieders
8 #47 Sam Walter
9 #27 Karl Reindler
10 #98 Brett Hobson
DNF #64 Michael Trimble

RESULTS: Qualifying
1 #62 Steve Owen 1:09.9216
2 #37 Dean Canto 1:10.3733
3 #46 Dale Wood 1:10.4375
4 #42 Shane Price 1:10.5025
5 #500 Jack Perkins 1:10.5732
6 #19 David Sieders 1:10.7380
7 #74 Mark McNally 1:10.7894
8 #47 Sam Walter 1:10.8157
9 #23 Tim Slade 1:10.8469
10 #99 David Reynolds 1:10.9442
14 #64 Michael Trimble 1:11.4317

Archived News

Michael Trimble aboard the #64 Global Jet Commodore

Trimble after climbing out of the #64 Global Jet Commodore

Trimble working hard behind the wheel at Oran Park

Looking down on the #64 Global Jet Commodore