Hazelwood's saving grace amid miserable run

Todd Hazelwood is hoping his Townsville form can help put a stop to a lowly run of form.

Hazelwood failed to finish a race higher than 17th across the Winton and Darwin events.

The Matt Stone Racing driver left Perth banging down the door of the top 10 in the points.

After Darwin, where he recorded finishes of 16th, 24th and 23rd, he is 14th overall.

It came after he raced to 23rd, 17th and 18th at Winton.

Townsville has so far proven to be Hazelwood’s strongest track, with his speed proven across a number of teams.

He famously qualified fourth for MSR in 2019, and scored his maiden pole with Brad Jones Racing in 2020.

The 2017 Super2 champion has finished five of the last six Townsville races in the top 10.

Just three times in the last 12 races in Townsville has Hazelwood failed to qualify in the top 10.

Given his Winton and Darwin frustrations, Hazelwood is itching to get to Reid Park.

“We’re looking forward to putting Darwin in the past and bringing on Townsville,” Hazelwood said.

“Townsville has always been one of the best events of the year for me as far as results are concerned.

“I never like to use previous results as an omen, but we know we’re in with a shot.

Hazelwood celebrates pole in 2020

“I’d love to get a podium, it’s been a long time coming, and it’d be the first one for the team as well.”

Hazelwood held a top 10 points position early in the season.

MSR teammate Jack Le Brocq secured his best result of 2022, sixth, in the second Darwin race.

Hazelwood, who won both Townsville races in 2017, said the recent woes have only motivated his team.

“There’s plenty of fire in the belly at the moment,” the 26-year-old said.

“Coming off a bad round in Darwin to a strong event pumps up the whole team.

“It’s a big programme trying to put a two-car team together.

“We want to put on a show. Hopefully we can bring home some trophies.”

Cars will hit the track for dual practice sessions next Friday. Purchase your NTI Townsville 500 tickets now.