Luke Youlden heads to round five of the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship with TekworkX Motorsport full of confidence after a breakthrough in Townsville and a pre-season test at The Bend Motorsport Park.
In Townsville Youlden claimed his first pole position and race win with the team, also serving as TekworkX’s first ever time at the top in their short Carrera Cup history. Despite being taken out in race three Youlden claimed a strong points haul and now sits eighth in the overall standings.
Earlier in the year Youlden and the TekworkX Motorsport team, including Max Vidau, tested at The Bend Motorsport Park. The test came prior to their scintillating pace at the Australian Grand Prix, with the fast and flowing nature of both tracks a key similarity.
TekworkX Motorsport have maintained a strong testing programme through the year as well, recently spending a day at Sandown Raceway in between rounds.
“Townsville was awesome from a team and a personal perspective, for me being able to get back to the front after some challenges in the opening rounds and for the team to get their first pole and win,” said Youlden.
“We ticked all the boxes in executing on Friday and putting qualifying together, the way it ended was a bit unfortunate, but we can head to Tailem Bend knowing we can put ourselves right at the front of the field.
“Before the season we did a test at The Bend, it’s got some similarities to the Grand Prix circuit with its fast corners and we were the fastest team at that race. We were really quick during the test as well so I feel that we should be able to achieve those results again.
“My starts could have been better in Townsville but I don’t expect that to be a problem again this weekend, every other race this season I’ve almost been quick off the line and gained places.
“We’ll aim to replicate our practice and qualifying performances from last round and give ourselves the best shot in the races.”
Luke Youlden will hit the track for the Porsche Paynter Dixon Carrera Cup Championship from July 29-31 at The Bend Motorsport Park.
Championship Standings:
1. Harri Jones – 540
2. David Wall – 501
3. Dylan O’Keeffe – 403
4. Dale Wood – 362
5. David Russell – 344
6. Max Vidau – 341
7. Callum Hedge – 319
8. Luke Youlden – 317
9. Jackson Walls – 304
10. Christian Pancione – 295