Only days ago, Chris Pither found out he would be steering a V8 Supercar at the Formula One Rolex Australian Grand Prix.
Now, he lines up for the first race at the Albert Park street track, starting 24th for the first race with the hope of moving up the grid over the 12 laps.
The V8 Supercars Dunlop Series driver got the call up from Garry Rogers this week, in need of a replacement driver for recovering David Wall, who suffered a foot injury at the Clipsal 500.
While Pither has driven the new generation V8 Supercar as a co-driver with Brad Jones Racing, the S60 has been a big adjustment. He had 30-minte two practice sessions yesterday to get up to speed for qualifying.
“Thrown in the deep end I guess, but the team’s been awesome, really inviting and positive – so it’s a great atmosphere here at Wilson Security Racing GRM,” Pither told v8supercars.com.au.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day (yesterday). It’s a steep learning curve with the car and familiarising myself with the car, it’s a lot different to what I’m used to with the Dunlop Series car … I haven’t driven this car ever before.
“So I’ve got a lot to learn and but I think we made some good progress over the three runs and I was happy with the gains that have been made.
“In my final lap of qualifying, just a mistake in the last sector cost me the chance to improve my time but apart form that pretty positive … hopefully we can move forward during the races.”
Team boss Rogers confirmed Pither was one of the names on his list of Pirtek Enduro Cup drivers, with Scott McLaughlin’s 2014 pairing with Alex Premat continuing this season.
And the 28-year old driver would love to hop into the Volvo for three of the year’s biggest events, alongside Wall, who he paired with in ’13, finishing 22nd at Bathurst.
“For sure – I’d definitely love to be involved for the enduros as well,” Pither said.
“It’s an unfortunate situation for Dave that I got the call up for this round, so hopefully he’s going to be better soon… I’d love to be involved in enduros and hopefully I can have a good run here this weekend.”
The progressive grid this weekend means Pither has the opportunity to creep closer to the front as he learns the car, as long as he stays out of trouble on the street circuit.
“It’s just about getting your head around and understanding the how the car makes it’s speed and maximising those areas,” Pither said of adjusting to the Volvo.
“I’m really looking forward [to racing] with that [the progressive grid] in mind.
“If we keep our noses clean and just take the opportunities when they present themselves, hopefully Sunday we’ll be a bit further up than today.”
Teammate Scott McLaughlin starts from sixth after winning the final race and event at Albert Park last year.
