Having starred in Darwin over the last two years, IRWIN Racing’s Alex Davison goes to the next V8 Supercars event full of confidence and with one thing on his mind, a podium result.
Based on his Hidden Valley Raceway form of the past two years, and improved competitiveness this season, Davison is the one Ford driver that has the potential to challenge series leader Jamie Whincup.
Last year Davison scored his maiden V8 Supercar pole at Darwin, which backed up his debut podium the year before – when he came second behind Michael Caruso at the top end.
From pole, Davison enjoyed a decent lead over the rest of the grid and looked to be heading for his first race win when an electrical problem forced him into the pits and retirement.
Davison is expecting to be one of the strongest drivers at the event and said that after the highs and low of the last two years, Darwin owed him a good result.
“Darwin owes me after the result from last year, when the car broke down while we were in second place,” said IRWIN Racing’s Alex Davison.
“It’s a pretty good track and I enjoy driving there. It seems to suit the IRWIN Ford; it seems to work well there, we’ll be gunning for a big result that’s for sure.
“Hopefully we can get back up on the podium. For some reason we’ve always gone well in Darwin so I am feeling pretty confident heading up there this year.”
Having qualified on pole in last year’s Sunday race, Davison is again hoping for a strong starting position.
“Hopefully we can repeat the pole,” said Davison.
“We’ve been in the top 10 more often than not in qualifying, which has been a massive improvement from last year and a major goal of mine.
“We will just try to get it up the front for qualifying and make amends for last year.”
Davison, who enjoyed his first V8 podium at Darwin in 2009, was on track to make a second consecutive podium at last year’s event before an electrical problem forced his retirement.
“We’re sure that electrical gremlin won’t ever happen again, we know that,” said Davison.
“Reliability won’t be a drama. IRWIN Racing has been up the front this year, hopefully we can continue this form.
“I’d really like to win a race in 2011; we’re trying as hard as we can to get back up on the podium again.”
The SKYCITY Triple Crown, at Darwin’s Hidden Valley Raceway, starts on Friday, June 17. There is a 120 kilometre race on Saturday followed by the longer 200 kilometre race on Sunday.