Team Vortex driver Craig Lowndes doesn't have a very good relationship with the Winton Raceway, home to this weekend's fifth round of the 2017 Supercars Championship with his last result worth even mentioning being a third placed finish two years ago when he was still behind the wheel of the Red Bull Racing contender.
However, after the added boost of his new contract with Triple Eighth, and a a much better performance at Barbagello last time out, the speed in Craig's Team Vortex 888 car there for all to see.
All he needs to do is harness that and some strong strategy and hopefully he will be able to take the challenge not only to his Red Bull Holden teammates, but the Ford powered DJR Penske duo of Scott McLaughlin and Fabian Coulthard.
While lady luck hasn't really shined on him of late, the most likeable driver on the Supercar grid is confident that the team is more than up to the challenges that lay in wait this weekend…
"We're feeling pretty confident coming into Winton for a much better weekend. Irish (John McGregor, Race Engineer) and I have worked very well so far this year and I'm looking forward to the challenges that Winton is going to present,” he said.
“The biggest challenge is finding a well balanced car. It's all about the flow through the top section of the track. Being able to brake late and putting the power down are the things we've been working on this year, so we're confident we can have a strong showing."
"I think we're going to be fairly good in Winton,” added Andrew Simpson - Team Manager. “The car's had good pace the last two rounds, even though the results haven't shown it. Craig's race form has been really fast, so hopefully we can take that to the podium in Winton."
"I think with Irish engineering now, he'll bring some new ideas to the table about how to do better there than we have done the last few years. We're looking in pretty good shape I think. I'll be surprised if we're outside the top 10, let's put it that way."
