PAINFUL END TO TOWNSVILLE FOR HAZELWOOD

PRESS REALEASE/Bigmate Racing – Photo: Darin Mandy

Despite a cool suit failure and nursing an injured shoulder from yesterday’s race, Todd Hazelwood has finished Race 18 of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship in 23rd.

The 22-year-old started from 22nd position and was on track for a personal best result, placed 15th after a stellar start to the race. 

Before the halfway point of the race, Hazelwood’s right shoulder from yesterday’s race was in excruciating pain, creating a tough race for the Bigmate Racing driver. 

“Really tough end to our weekend in Townsville, my shoulder eventually gave in today and made it a very long race of just trying to make it to the end,” Hazelwood said. 

“Absolutely shattered for the whole team at Bigmate Racing, I really felt that we had a chance for an awesome result today. 

“I got an awesome start and made up heaps of positions and put us in a really good contention for a top 15 result. 

“Unfortunately my shoulder began to give me issues just after my first pit stop, I was also battling with having no cool suit as it failed on the grid before the race, which also made it tricky. 

“From the halfway point I was driving with one hand as my right arm could hardly move the steering wheel. 

“It was a shame my arm took myself out of contention, I was just trying to push myself as hard as I could towards the end trying to bank some points.” 

Hazelwood now has his sights set on the next event at Queensland Raceway. 

“Aside from the body, the chassis and team were awesome all weekend and it’s the first time we’ve been able to fight and battle during the race consistently,” Hazelwood added. 

“I’m very proud of my team and cannot thank them all enough … Ipswich cannot come quicker and I am keen to show everyone what the team and I can do.”

The next round of the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship at Queensland Raceway is the Coates Hire Ipswich SuperSprint, held on 20-22 July. 

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