With the penultimate round of the 2011 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series looming, Triple Eight Race Engineering’s Andrew Thompson is hoping for a
good result at the Norton 360 Sandown Challenge to firm his title chances.

After taking a clean sweep of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar races at the Super Cheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the series leader and his Triple Eight Race Engineering team have spent the past six weeks reviewing data and fine tuning the Monster Energy/Gear Wrench supported Commodore ahead of the final two events on the calendar.

While Thompson acknowledged it felt like forever since he was last on track he said he has increased his fitness training to ensure he is ready for this weekends three races.

“It’s a great feeling to finally be able to get back into the car and get racing again,” Thompson said. “It feels like forever since Bathurst.

“Sandown is a track I quite like, it can be a tough track for tyres so the setup will be very important and that is an area the Triple Eight Race Engineering crew have been working tirelessly to perfect.

“I haven’t done any racing since the Bathurst 1000. I was a spectator at the Gold Coast 600 but I have been doing a lot of training so I feel physically and mentally prepared to get back behind the wheel.”

With David Russell 178 points behind the Gold Coast based driver, Thompson believes Sandown’s three 15-lap races could potentially widen the points gap enough to firm his Championship contention.

“Even though Sandown is our second last round, there are still 600 points on offer so there is a long way to go so we are just keeping to the same plan we have had all year and hope we can have another successful weekend.

The Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series will support the V8 Supercar Championship Series at the Norton 360 Sandown Challenge from the 18th – 20th November.

For regular news and updates on Andrew Thompson or Triple Eight Race Engineering, head to www.teamvodafone.com.au