We’ve wrapped up the 2017 PIRTEK Enduro Cup on the streets of the Gold Coast with Car 22 crossing the line in sixth, and Car 02 in 13th place today.
It was another solid result for the team, with plenty of positives to take from it.
The weather gods were smiling today, as Surfers Paradise was bathed in sunshine for the second 300km race this weekend.
The day started positively for James Courtney and Jack Perkins, with JC putting in the ninth best time in the morning qualifying session. That meant he booked a spot in the Top-10 Shootout this afternoon.
Unfortunately for Car 02, the balance wasn’t quiet there for Scott Pye, meaning he and Warren Luff would start the race from position 17.
JC’s shootout lap was outstanding. He picked up five grid spots as he ragged it around the track, meaning he and Jack would be out of P4 for the race.
Both co-drivers started the race, and kept their noses clean for their 35 lap stint.
A slight roll-bar adjuster drama pushed Jack back to seventh, but Luffy moved forward a couple of places to 15th.
JC and Scotty then jumped in and went to work.
In a repeat of yesterday, the remaining two stints were a relatively straight forward affair.
JC picked up a spot just after the stop to move to sixth, a position he would remain for the rest of the afternoon with no major threat from Mostert behind, and just lacking that touch of pace to challenge Winterbottom in front.
Scotty battled a front-end vibration in the closing 20 laps, forcing him to take the conservative approach through the chicanes, staying off the kerbs.
He did a great job to maintain his position in 13th, managing the gap behind.
So that is curtains on the three-round enduro season, and a big thanks must go to Jack and Warren. They have done a stellar job all year.
Next, we cross the ditch to New Zealand, for the penultimate round of the championship.
JAMES COURTNEY
“To grab sixth was good, one we will take positives from.
“The get in the shootout is always pretty cool, and to pick up those spots was really valuable.
“The car was good today, we just needed that tiny bit extra to contend with the guys in front.
“Jack did a great job today, and has done a great job all year. It’s been a pleasure having him in the car with me.”
JACK PERKINS
“It was a good result today. We had a few little issues to work through in the first stint, but I got the car back to James straight, and in a reasonable position to contend.
“Overall, it was nice to get sixth, it’s the best result we’ve had together this year, and everyone has worked hard for it.
“James did a fantastic job in qualifying and the shootout, he ragged that thing around here.
“I can’t thank the team enough for this year, it’s been really enjoyable. We would have liked to get a few more results, but everyone did a great job this weekend.”
SCOTT PYE
“We just didn’t have the balance today unfortunately. We could catch people, but just couldn’t get past.
“In the end, we had a vibration in the front, and it wasn’t worth pushing too hard and making a mistake because of it, so I brought the car home where I could.
“A massive shout out must go to Luffy for his work this year. He’s been fantastic for me and for the team. He has hardly put a foot wrong.
“Now we focus back on the sprint rounds, and making sure we finish the year off as strongly as possible.
“I’m looking forward to getting across to NZ.”
WARREN LUFF
“We just lacked a little bit of balance today that meant passing cars was really difficult.
“Scott did a good job at the end to bring it home. 13th is a reasonable finish all things considered, so there were still some positives to take.
“The year as a whole has been great. Obviously second place at Bathurst was a highlight, but I’ve really enjoyed working with Scott, I think we’ve made a great partnership.
“The team this year as well has been fantastic. It’s a good place to be at the moment.
“Thanks to everyone for their support this year.”