V8 Supercars star Shane van Gisbergen says his first time in a 900-horsepower Sprintcar was both a daunting and exhilarating experience.
Organised by mutual sponsor Lucas Oils, both van Gisbergen and his V8 team boss (and enduro co-driver) Jono Webb tested the 900-horsepower beast usually raced by Andrew Scheuerle at Archerfield Raceway in Brisbane.
And according to van Gisbergen – famous for his love of going sideways – he found the experience a little intimidating.
“I grew up racing Speedway from when I was 10 till 15, but never anything this quick,” van Gisbergen said.
“I was a bit intimidated initially because it’s tight in the cockpit, the walls are close and Sprintcars have so much power. But I got more and more comfortable and the speed came with it.
“When you sit in it, it doesn’t feel comfortable because you’re so upright and driving it like a bus, but when you get going the rush takes over. The power these cars have is just awesome.”
Webb echoed his driver’s thoughts that the car is frightening and exhilarating in equal parts.
“They are so different to anything I’ve ever driven. Sprintcars are wild and out there, but a lot of fun. I definitely want to do it again.” Webb said.
“It’s a bit overwhelming at first because everything is just so unnatural. I thought it was going to kill me because if you’re not careful it wants to tip you into the wall.
“After I eased into, and stopped wobbling around the bottom it wasn’t as daunting as I first thought. The Lucas Oil boys gave us a brand new car, so I had to make sure I brought it back in one piece!”
