As the BNT V8s head into round two at Taupo this coming weekend, Rob Wallace sits in second place on the class two points table and says he is pleased with forward steps his small team has made early on in the season.
“I’m so proud for my team we really didn’t expect to be second after round one. My goal was just to be a bit more competitive but really happy about the second overall for that round. It was also great to bank some solid results early on especially when we had just secured a new major sponsor for us – John Bull Footwear,” says Wallace.
“We’ve also been very fortunate this season to have some great support from Grand Design Timber, Waihi Auto Spray, TDDA and Novus Auto Glass.”
An off-season engine rebuild and a small amount of testing has given Wallace some extra confidence as his chases his first win in the class.
“We got the engine rebuilt over the off season and managed to get one test day at Pukekohe. We had a lot of issues with oversteer with the car so spent the day getting it a bit better. It was great to get more seat time at Pukekohe as it’s not a track I’ve had much time on and you need a lot of commitment over the top of the hill and first corner. Still hold my breath over the top!”
“Hopefully that first win will come soon but to be honest I’m just happy to be at the pointy end of the field since this is only our second season. “
Wallace says he doesn’t expect a win in the class to come easy with the depth of talent throughout the development class of the BNT V8 championship.
“There are some very good drivers this season and I think everybody has really stepped up their game so will be very interesting as the season goes on, the talent of the drivers is going to make it one to watch for sure.”
Round two, held this weekend at Taupo is a circuit he enjoys and as when racing gets underway on Saturday, Wallace says he’ll be aiming for a top three finish for the weekend.
“Taupo is one of my favorite tracks and have done a lot of laps there and now that we have got the car a bit more sorted we should do well. My aim for the weekend is to be in the top three and hopefully take away some more silverware but as I say there are some really talented drivers so it won’t be easy. There will be some great racing and close battles I’d say which I am looking forward to.”