Photo: JBR

Jim Beam Racing want another podium

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With two rounds remaining in the V8 Supercar Championship and the penultimate round to take place in Tasmania at Symmons Plains this week, Will Davison and Steve Johnson are looking to finish off the year on a high and a podium finish is in their sights.
Davison has made a habit of rectifying his results at tracks in 2008 that haven’t been so kind to him in past years.

Thoughts of a round win at Eastern Creek and a podium finish at Winton Raceway at circuits he had previously struggled at earlier this year in the back of his mind heading into the Tasmanian round.

“Tasmania hasn’t been a track that I have had super results on, but we have been able to change that at other tracks this year and that will be the focus this weekend,” said Davison.

Wary of a shorter circuit with limited passing opportunities, Davison expects qualifying to play a major role on the 2.4km circuit but also expects that the weather will play a major role.

“I’ve heard that it could be a bit wild down in Launceston with wind and rain so that will be a huge factor to consider if it eventuates.”

“I’m really focussed on getting back fifth spot in the Championship and there is no better way to do that than be on the podium at the end of the weekend,” said Davison.

Johnson is coming off his best qualifying effort of the season in Bahrain and is looking for a similar grid position come race one this weekend well aware of the differing nature of the two circuits, and with a brand new engine in his #17 Jim Beam Falcon in Bahrain, Johnson is confident of further improvement and speed this weekend.

“We are looking to follow on from Bahrain where we showed some very promising speed on a circuit that has some long sweeping corners and a lot of room, however things will be different this weekend,” said Johnson.

“Setting up the car and good quality qualifying performance is needed at Symmons Plains, there aren’t many passing opportunities but having said that the Launceston circuit is one I really enjoy.

“It’s short but it has some fast corners which I like. Pit stops are also going to be integral to get right this weekend, we were in the top ten there last year but a podium is what I am after before the year is out.”