How rookie test helped Evans, BJR make gains
Supercars
18 Apr
Jaxon Evans confident of gains at recent recent rookie test
Brad Jones Racing Camaros have been plagued by a braking issue
Bryce Fullwood the highest BJR driver in 14th overall
Jaxon Evans believes gains were made at a recent rookie test day amid Brad Jones Racing's tough start to the 2024 season.
Gold Coast-based Evans recently tested his #12 SCT Logistics Camaro at Queensland Raceway in the lead-up to his home round, the ITM Taupō Super400.
The first two rounds of BJR's 2024 campaign has been plagued by a braking issue that has affected all four of the team's Camaros, with the Grand Prix particularly chastening for the Albury squad.
Evans rolled out in what proved a "super beneficial" day at Queensland Raceway before scoring a first-up podium in last weekend's GT World Challenge Australia round at Phillip Island.
Heading to Taupō, Evans feels he has found some more confidence, while the team gave some new changes the "tick of approval" in a bid to turn its season around
“It definitely felt like I made some gains. It was super beneficial not only for myself, but I think for the team as we’ve been struggling, so it was good to get some testing done," Evans said.
"It was awesome to get some test items over the line and either cross them off or give them the tick of approval before we get to a race weekend, so we’re not learning on the fly at an event.
“In terms of driving it was definitely beneficial for me. I got the opportunity to fine tune and hone in on some of the skills required to drive a Supercars fast. Little technique things are pretty hard to fix up on the fly.
“I was very happy with how the day went and it was a massive effort from everyone at Brad Jones Racing to make sure we had a big crew on site to ensure we could get all the changes we wanted done. It’s then a big turnaround to get the car ready to fly to New Zealand."
Evans has been busy since the last Supercars round at the Grand Prix, firstly testing a Porsche in Malaysia before testing and racing his Ferrari at Phillip Island.
All the seat time has helped the Kiwi improve his race fitness, which was affected by foot burns sustained at the Bathurst 500 in February.
“I’ve tried to fill up my calendar as much as I can and it has certainly been a busy time between the Grand Prix and Taupo," he said.
“There was a trip to Sepang where I did some testing for Porsche, a test and a race in the Ferrari, and a Rookie Day in the Supercar, so I think any seat time is good just to try to keep your eye in.
"I know they’re completely different cars, but for me I feel like when I’m on the track driving it’s the best thing I can do for my preparation to be race fit."
