Davison out for redemption after tough DJR start

Will Davison 10th, Anton De Pasquale 21st in points
Davison won opening heat at 2022 Pukekohe round
DJR driver out for redemption at inaugural Taupō event

Will Davison is counting down the days until track action commences at the ITM Taupō Super400, with the Shell V-Power Racing Team driver out for redemption after a tough start to 2024.

Dick Johnson Racing has yet to reach the podium this season through six races, while Ford rivals Walkinshaw Andretti United, Penrite Racing and Tickford Racing have scored podiums and poles.

Davison is 10th overall with a best finish of fifth in Melbourne, while Anton De Pasquale is 21st after a Grand Prix undone by a DNF (first-lap collision) and DNS (out-lap suspension failure).

DJR is no stranger to success in New Zealand, with Davison winning the opening heat of the 2022 Pukekohe round, before missing out on another win due to a loose wheel in the finale.

This time round, Davison said DJR has zeroed in on Taupō to "get on top of a couple of the issues that you're facing."

It comes after Team Principal Dr Ryan Story laid down the gauntlet for the team to "stir the pot" after starting the season on the back foot.

“We come to every race hoping to be on the top step of the podium, and we’re working towards that,” the two-time Bathurst winner said.

“The season hasn't been the best start for us, but of course, after a tough weekend, you put your head down and you count down the days until you can get to the next track to redeem yourself and get on top of a couple of the issues that you're facing.

“A really unique challenge of learning a different circuit… it’s got me really excited to see who can get on top of it as quick as possible.

"I think it's going to be quite a challenge for us with 200km races. Sights high on trying to get ourselves on the podium.”

The Taupō event will be a first for all 24 drivers in Supercar machinery, and Davison — a veteran of over 500 races — believes the tricky circuit and strategy curveballs will lead to an “exciting” weekend.

"I think there's huge variation out at Taupō, from corner to corner,” Davison said.

“So, it's gonna give us all some headaches, but that's what it's all about — a challenge. Tight and twisty little track, but it looks really technical.

“There's gonna be some screaming drivers. There's gonna be some very happy ones. It’s going to open strategy up in the races with the minimum fuel drop gone, fuel stint strategy, high tyre degradation.

“So, I'm expecting an exciting weekend and hopefully not too much screaming on the radio for us, just some celebrating.”

Track action in Taupō commences on Friday with 90-minute practice at 10:55am AEST/12:55pm NZST.