Round three of the 2011/12 Suzuki Swift Sport Cup proved to be a case of “oh so close” for Hamilton’s Shaun Lawrence following a predominantly wet and wild round held at the Teretonga circuit near Invercargill last weekend. Early signs were extremely good with Lawrence taking the Liquorland Suzuki to second fastest on the timesheets during Friday’s practise sessions.
The team elected to use a new set of front tyres for qualifying, a move which unfortunately failed to pay the dividends they had hoped for. The extra grip didn’t suit the car set up, with Lawrence ultimately qualifying in a frustrated eighth position for Race One, a 30 Lap mini-enduro which included a compulsory pit stop for all crews.
The pit stop was always going to prove to be a pivotal moment in race. In a class renound for close racing and performance equality, any time gained by an efficient stop would be a huge bonus. For the Liquorland Racing crew, a near perfect stop saw Lawrence climb from seventh to second position overall with just under half of the race completed.
“The guys did an unbelievable job!” explains Lawrence. “We had a similar situation last year, and it’s a fantastic example of how the guys behind the scenes are the unsung hero’s” he added.
With everything going to plan, all was looking good for a major points haul as Lawrence did his utmost to hold position. The car, unfortunately, had other ideas and was struggling for top end speed. On a relatively open circuit such as Teretonga, it didn’t take long for Lawrence to be caught by the chasing pack, ultimately coming home in fifth position.
Race Two got under way in torrential rain, and a frustrated Lawrence threw caution to the wind. Using the now familiar “reverse-grid” format, Lawrence (a self-confessed fan of the wet) charged his way through the field to come home in an excellent third position. The points from the first two races would see Lawrence of the third row of the grid for the final race of the weekend.
Race Three got underway with a definite dry racing line on an otherwise wet track. Just a few laps in, the Heavens opened once again, and it was a determined Lawrence that had his sights set on another podium to finish the weekend. Ironically it was the wet track (normally working in Lawrence’s favour) that proved to be his undoing with the Suzuki aquaplaning off into a sand trap.
Although he was able to get the car going again, it look an eternity to get the car back on the track and the team had no option other than to settle for last place. The points gained from the weekend however have seen Lawrence climb back up to fourth overall, and with the Championship only half over there’s still plenty to play for.
The field now have just a week-long break before taking to the Levels Circuit for the final Southern Round before heading back up North. Once again, coverage is broadcast free-to-air on TV3 this coming Sunday, January 22.
