While the overall Championship title chase may be over for Hamilton’s Shaun Lawrence, there’s no lack of focus or commitment for this weekends final round of the 2010/11 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup as the field heads to Taupo for last ditch, season-ending points chase.
After a season that has had more than it’s fair share of joy and heartache for the Liquorland Racing Team, Lawrence is full of motivation to end the season on a high, on a circuit that he knows extremely well.
“We’ve given the car a huge once-over and it’s absolutely perfect for this weekend. We’ve got a really good base set up after competing there (in Taupo) last year and the weather looks like it’s going to be fantastic. I can’t wait!” said Lawrence.
Lawrence and the Liquorland Racing Team have taken this opportunity to do their own bit to support the Christchurch quake victims, and are running an auction which will see one lucky punter sitting alongside Lawrence for Hot Laps around the Taupo circuit on Friday afternoon.
The team’s preparation for the event was also given a boost with Hamilton company Automotive Technicians coming on board to help Lawrence get the car ready for this weekends action. A close inspection of the gearbox uncovered a fractured clutch plate which could easily have resulted in a complete mechanical disaster if not found.
“Todd (Brenssell, Automotive Technicians Director) has been fantastic and we’re really grateful for all of the help that he’s given us. After the mechanical issues we had during the last round at Manfield it would’ve been soul destroying to have another weekend like that!” commented Lawrence.
Practise takes place on Friday with qualifying followed by Race One on Saturday, and a further two races to complete the Championship on Sunday. Watch coverage this Sunday afternoon as TV3’s free-to-air motorsport programming continues to follow the Suzuki Swift Sport Cup.
