Bayliss relishes challenge of first official V8 Supercar practice session
Multiple World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss completed his first official practice session in a V8 Supercar today, clocking up a number of valuable laps in the co-driver’s session at Queensland Raceway in preparation for the upcoming endurance events.
The Gold Coast-based racer, renowned for his efforts on two wheels, climbed aboard the Paul Morris Motorsports-prepared Triple F Commodore for a productive 35-minute shakedown.
The session provided Bayliss with an opportunity to familiarise himself with the car and crew, including co-driver Dean Fiore, who he will team up with at the 500km Phillip Island and 1000km Bathurst events.
Bayliss made steady, solid improvements over the course of his 17-lap stint. He eased into the challenge but the competitive instinct soon took over, apparent as he explored braking and grip limits of the 600+hp touring car.
At the conclusion of the session his best time was a 1.14.28267.
“The day was another learning experience,” Bayliss said. “I was out there with a lot of the guys from the main game and received a few touch ups to officially welcome me to the series.
“I would love to be able to stay out there all day but being here was just a chance to do a few laps and to let people know that I’m here and will be competing at Phillip Island and Bathurst.
“Overall, I think I need to spend a little bit more time in the car as each lap I did I got better and better and I feel as though I’m getting a good handle of everything – I just can’t wait to get out there for my first race.”
Bayliss will be an interested spectator for the remainder of the Queensland Raceway weekend and will work alongside Fiore and the team at Triple F Racing to prepare himself for his first ever V8 Supercar race in three weeks time, the L&H 500 at Phillip Island.
