December 16, 2011

MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner Drives a TeamVodafone V8 Supercar

With 2011 champion teammate Jamie Whincup helping him out, Casey Stoner impressed the V8 stars likewise the Repsol Honda rider loved the Triple 8 Commodore.

"(Driving a V8 Supercar is) something I have wanted to do since I was quite young actually and the opportunity to finally get in one and have a go is something pretty special to me," Stoner said.

“I didn’t expect to be in Craig’s actual race car. To be behind the wheel of something that won a race a few weeks ago is very special and I appreciate it.”

Stoner said coming to grips with a large V8 Supercar was a massive change to what he’s used to with the two-wheeled MotoGP machine.

“In its own ways the track feels narrower especially going into the left hand corners. With these cars you can use actually quite a lot of the track so that can feel a little similar to being on the bike,” Stoner explained.

“With everything I am learning today, I have to forget everything I know about bikes and change to learn to drive these, and it is the same thing going from cars to bikes.

“I am surprised at how well they absorb the kerbs, they are still going to be a stiff race machine but they do absorb the bumps pretty well and of course the power is still there.

“We have to deal with a fair bit of power myself. The hardest thing I have had to do is change whatever I know about braking and changing through gears. I am having to rethink it again.”

Whincup said Stoner was giving it his all out on track and said he was impressive behind the wheel and had what it takes to race in Australia’s premier motorsport category.

“While it was fun for him I know he wanted to do a good job and he certainly impressed everyone here,” Whincup said.

“I think for sure Casey has something to offer V8’s. I am not sure how close that is for him, hopefully he goes on and does awesome stuff for us Aussies in Moto GP and on two wheels for a bit longer.

“Life after two wheels for most of those guys is car racing and I am sure his eyes are set on V8 Supercars because it is one of the strongest categories in the world.”

Lowndes too was impressed with Stoner’s progress throughout the day.

“He did a really good job and is the ultimate professional it was an amazing experience to work with him,” Lowndes said. “Getting through the kerbs and across the fast section around the back took some getting used to. The technical side, low speed stuff he was right up to speed on straight away.”

“It is fantastic to have someone of Casey’s caliber in one of our cars. To see what he does on TV on two wheels and then see what he can actually do on four wheels is a real treat.”

TeamVodafone boss Roland Dane hinted that a drive for Stoner in a V8 Supercar is a possibility in the future. “I see no reason at all why Casey shouldn’t be very competitive in a V8 Supercar,” Dane said after Stoner’s test.

“When you have spent most of your life away, chasing your dreams you have to work pretty hard at it. I think Casey has developed a steely determination to succeed at anything he does.”

“He is as much a fan of V8 Supercars as we all are of Moto GP.

“It is in his hands if he wants to drive a V8 Supercar. One day I suspect he will end up doing it.”