Round two of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship is upon us, and it’s a long awaited return for the series to Winton Motor Raceway. For Luke Youlden it marks an opportunity to reset after the slight disappointment that was the Australian Grand Prix round.
Luke started the year as the fastest driver in practice before claiming fourth in qualifying, despite being held up by traffic. Some bad luck hampered Luke’s weekend from that point, charging through the pack on a number of occasions from the back after being sent spinning in multiple races. In the final race of the weekend, Luke claimed the fastest lap and looked set for a podium before yet more contact forced him into a DNF.
Approaching Winton, the TekworkX team have completed some vital testing to ensure they maintain their position at the front while Luke has hit the reset button as he looks to kick start his season.
Last time the series visited Winton was in 2013 which coincidentally is also the last time Luke raced at Winton, when he did so in the Super2 series, claiming three top 10’s and a podium from the weekend.
“The test went well; we were on track with a lot of other teams and cars. That gave us a fairly good look at where we are pace wise comparatively. We’re hopeful that our pace from the GP and testing will carry into the weekend,” said Youlden.
“Qualifying will be a big focus, but its going to be probably the most challenging session of the year. We only get 10 minutes, luckily traffic won’t be an issue because the Pro’s are going out separate to the Pro Am’s, but to get enough tyre temperature in that window will be very tough. It could all be down to qualifying as well, passing could be pretty difficult in the races.
“At the GP we weren’t really able to capitalise on our speed, so it’s just a case of trying to consolidate this weekend. Not taking to many risks and taking a relatively conservative approach. If I can have solid top three or five results that will be ideal for our Championship points.”