After nearly five months on the sidelines, Thomas Randle is hoping to pick up from he left off when racing resumes for the Super 2 category this weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park.
A last start winner in the second tier Supercars series on the streets of Adelaide in February, Randle says his hopes are high when the sport returns after the extended COVID break.
“I haven’t been in the Skye Sands Super2 car since the Sunday at the Superloop Adelaide 500, so I’m pretty keen to get back in a race car,” Randle said ahead of this weekend’s racing.
“After such a long break from being in the car I think we might all be a bit rusty – there’s only so many miles in the simulator you can do, but thankfully we have two practice sessions tomorrow (Saturday) to blow the cobwebs out!”
“But still I feel good about things – Adelaide was such a highlight for myself and for my family, and I hope we can continue on this weekend and win a trophy.”
Just making it to the track has been a battle for the Victorian 24-year-old – who had to bolt for New South Wales last week when border closures were announced.
“I got to spend some time with one of my great sponsors, Angelo Turcin from ACT Fence in Canberra, and since we’ve been back in Sydney preparing the Skye Sands Nissan to hit the track,” Randle said.
“It was frantic last week just to get out of the state, and it’s a weird time for so many people up and down pit lane, but we think we’re as well placed and prepared as we could possibly be to be up the pointy end this weekend.”
“I have to commend the whole team from MW Motorsport – the staff he has have shown some serious dedication to leave their family and leave their homes for this chance to race and it is appreciated so much by all of us.”
Again Randle expects his main competition to come from familiar faces – with championship leader Brodie Kostecki, Will Brown and Jordan Boys to provide his stiffest opposition.
“Whoever finishes in front between Brodie or myself tomorrow in the race will likely be the series leader – it normally doesn’t matter so much in Round 2 – but it does at the moment with such uncertainty about when we might be racing next.” Randle said.
“It’s obviously an unbelievably unusual year – who knows if there is more racing to come this year, we’re pretending it might be the final round, because it may just well be the final round.”
At this stage the next round of the Super 2 series is scheduled for Sandown in September, which is increasingly unlikely to happen as Victoria’s positive COVID test numbers spike.
“I’ve got to thank Skye Sands, ACT Fence Hire and DeVilbiss for their continued support during these tough times, and its great to also have Herzog Steel, Exclusive Building Group and Weber Stores onboard for this weekend at SMP.”
Randle will hit the track tomorrow morning for the first of two practice sessions ahead of qualifying and their opening race. They return Sunday for qualifying and a final race.
All of the action is live across the weekend on Fox Sports 506 and Kayo.
Schedule:
Prac 1 - Saturday 10:15
Prac 2 - Saturday 12:30
Qualifying 1 - Saturday 14:40
Race 1 - Saturday 17:05 (18 Laps)
Qualifying 2 - Sunday 11:35
Race 2 - Sunday 13:45 (18 Laps)