Release 30/11/2008

 

HEPBURN USES V8 SECRET TO IMPROVE LAP TIMES   

 

Timaru driver John Hepburn continued his BNT V8s Championship learning curve during Round 3 of the series at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch this weekend.

 

Hepburn secured three finishes, all within the top twenty, with a best result of thirteenth in Saturday afternoon's opening race of the round. 

 

However the real positive from the weekend came after a chat with the experienced Clark Proctor, a former competitor in the series. Proctor told Hepburn, a former champion in both motorcycle and truck racing, that a different style was required for V8s. "Clark told me that you have to learn to drive in a totally different fashion. You have to be more patient on the throttle." That fact was borne out when Hepburn looked at computer data that showed he was getting on the throttle on part of the circuit twelve metres earlier than some of his fellow competitors.      

   

Hepburn's new approach paid dividends throughout the remainder of the weekend as he began recording better lap times as the round progressed. Hepburn was full of praise for Proctor's input and also to one of the other team's contesting the series - Porter Brothers Racing. When the newly formed John Hepburn Racing Team required a length of steel on Saturday night the rival outfit cut a length of steel to suit from a shelf in their transporter.

 

Hepburn also overcame several problems throughout the weekend to achieve his results. Brake problems hampered him as he made up numerous places in Saturday's race while a wheel bearing had to be replaced after Sunday morning's race. In the reverse grid event John was "hammered off the start" as he was wedged as the field got underway.

 

Hepburn was however "very pleased" at the conclusion of racing. In just his first full season in the category the advice has sped up the learning curve considerably.

 

While Hepburn is still seeking a major sponsor he receives fantastic support from the South Canterbury region. His 2008/2009 BNT V8s Championship campaign is being

supported by Auto Align, Timaru Signs & Graphix, Blastcraft, Petrie Mayman Clark, Robinsons Auto Dismantlers, Drummond & Etheridge, Timaru Metal Recyclers, Ashley Electronics, Paul Smith Earthmoving and Crash Repairs.

 

The next round of the championship takes place at the team's home track, Timaru International Motor Raceway from 9-11 January.  

 

Lindsay Beer

on behalf of Johnny Hepburn Racing

021 351 499

 

To contact John Hepburn - phone 0274 326 934

The attached photograph shows John Hepburn of Timaru in the John Hepburn Racing Commodore at Powerbuilt Tools Raceway in Christchurch at the weekend during Round 3 of the BNT V8s Championship - please credit SportProMedia.com

 

CALENDAR 2008/2009 BNT V8s CHAMPIONSHIP