Pre-Bend test a 'head start' for MSR

A rookie test day at The Bend Motorsport Park has proven a strong “head start” for Matt Stone Racing ahead of next weekend’s OTR SuperSprint.

MSR took Cameron Hill’s #35 Truck Assist Chevrolet Camaro to The Bend for a rookie test day last Friday.

It was the second time the team tested at The Bend this year, with Hill and Le Brocq turning laps in late March after the Thrifty Newcastle 500.

Rookies are allocated three test days per year, with Hill completing both at The Bend. On both occasions, Le Brocq was permitted to complete 10 laps.

Last week's Tailem Bend test has come at the perfect time for MSR, given Supercars will race at the South Australian venue next weekend.

“We’re still learning these cars. The more time we get to play with them the more we can fine tune them, so it was all about trying some more ideas,” Hill said.

"We were happy with the car and it was in a good window so from there it was about making the finer adjustments which should hopefully give us a bit of a head start when we roll out for the race meeting at Tailem Bend.

MSR also tested at The Bend in March (pictured)

"It was great to get down here and test at a track that we normally don't; a different track surface, obviously different style of corners.

"To be racing here in a few weeks time, it’s a super well-timed test day. Hopefully it’s going to give us a leg up.”

Friday’s test was far smoother than the team’s March running, which was disrupted by a power steering issue.

The Yatala squad is now well-placed to put its learnings to work next weekend, with the OTR SuperSprint the final sprint round of the season.

“It was nice to get to Tailem Bend and do some laps before we’re back here in a couple of weeks,” Le Brocq added.

"It’s also great for Cam, another rookie day and plenty more laps under his belt which is great for him and should be a good head start for him coming into the weekend.

"It was a good day from the MSR boys, they got through a full-on program, found a few things that worked, a few things that didn’t work. We feel like we’ve got a pretty good direction coming into the Tailem Bend round.

"It’s always a nice head start, you never really get to see the circuit in the way we have a couple of weeks out from the event.

"Definitely a bonus for sure, and hopefully something we can maximise on and hopefully it helps us have a good weekend.”

Le Brocq and Hill are eighth and 22nd in the drivers’ standings heading to the August 18-20 event.