Troy Bayliss Tests V8 Supercar

Published on 12 Jun 2009 by Toni M.

We all know that Troy Bayliss is a 3 times World Champion on two wheels and yesterday he officially tried four wheels, test driving TeamVodafone’s V8 Supercar at Queensland Raceway.

Bayliss turned in 80 laps of the circuit pitting after each five lap run to consult with the team’s engineers. The former Superbike rider rider turned driver, did a sighting lap with Craig Lowndes, the 3 times V8 Supercar champion riding shot gun, to allow him to become familiar with the circuit before setting out on his own.

Bayliss best time was an impressive 11.8 lap, less than half a second slower than Craig Lowndes.

Troy Bayliss:

“That was a dream come true. I have been a huge fan of V8 Supercars for a long time and to finally get some laps in one felt amazing. A lot of the on-track principals transfer between the bike and the car and once the excitement of the first few laps wore off I felt like I was back at the office trying to perfect my corners and reduce my lap times. I can’t thank TeamVodafone enough, they have been fantastic and extremely patient with me as I worked my way through today’s sessions. I can honestly say I have the bug, I definitely want to do more laps and try and get out there in either the Development Series or the endurance races.”

Roland Dane, TeamVodafone Principal:

“Troy has really hit the ground running, he is the consummate professional . He is used to working in the top league of European motorsport, therefore there is nothing more we can teach him about procedures. He has fitted in with our team very well and is straight on the money lap time wise. If he raced at Willowbank tomorrow in our category he would be mid grid immediately, probably a few drivers in the championship that will need to watch their backs now. “

Source | teamvodafone