23 April, 2014
-For immediate release-
Red Bull Racing Australia tackles New Zealand head-on with the Warriors
Embracing the spirit of the upcoming ANZAC weekend, Aussie V8 Supercar drivers Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes threw
themselves in to a training session with local NRL side, The New Zealand Warriors. The Red Bull Racing Australia drivers
swapped a circuit for a stadium, in the bid to get a training leg-up on our local Kiwi V8 Supercar drivers at this
weekend’s ITM 500 Auckland.
Warrior’s players, including Shaun Johnson and Sam Tomkins, ran the drivers through their paces and pitched them against
each other in a number of their regular NRL training drills. Five-time V8 Supercars champion Jamie Whincup noted that
the ‘hit the gap’ training drill was a natural fit for perpetrations in the lead up to the weekend.
“I don’t think you can call yourself a racing car driver unless you go for a gap when it presents itself and it’s much
the same for NRL players,” Whincup said. “It was great to put on the boots, have a run around the field, get the blood
pumping, and have a training session with a different sporting code, learning from athletes who are at the top of their
game.”
It’s the first time in the sport’s 55-year history that a race will take place on the historic ANZAC weekend. Lowndes
who will make his 226th event start this weekend says that it will be a humbling experience.
“It’s an incredible honour to race on ANZAC day and we’ve had a great start to the week by being able to train and learn
from The Warriors,” Lowndes said. “I’m really looking forward to racing this weekend with a fresh new format and if we
can come out holding on to the championship lead, or somewhere there abouts, then I’ll be delighted.”
Warrior’s halfback, Shaun Johnson, noted that the drivers approached the training session in their own special ways, but
both managed to pull some impressive moves out of the bag.
“The boys both definitely had their own individual strengths but I think the race track is where they belong, and I’m
looking forward to cheering them on this weekend.”
The ITM 500 Auckland takes place from April 24 – 27, at Pukekohe Park Raceway.
-Ends-