Agathos and Gibbons Ready to Handle Wet APCS Opener

Dimitri Agathos and Lachlan Gibbons believe the predictable handling of their FullGas Racing Subaru WRX STI will be an advantage in the forecast wet conditions for this weekend’s first round of the Australian Production Car Series at Sandown.

While overheating issues compromised the performance of the Nova Employment/Castrol/Whiteline/All Drive Subaroo/Hog’s Breath Café North Parramatta entry at last month’s Bathurst 6 Hour, Agathos and Gibbons gave the cornering ability of the WRX a big tick, describing it as the “best it’s ever been.

“We’ve changed the radiator and coolant to resolve the temperature management problems that plagued our weekend at Bathurst,” Agathos said.

“Across the top of the Mountain, the car was handling brilliantly so there’s nothing wrong in that department.”

Rain is forecast for much of the weekend at Sandown, and the drivers believe it will be an advantage for the all-wheel-drive Subaru.

“Dimitri and I are both fast in the wet, and the AWD will give us strong traction off the slow corners,” Gibbons said.

“Our top-end speed deficit will become a lot less of a disadvantage in slippery conditions, so to be honest we’re hoping for it to pour all weekend.”

A massive 48-car field is entered for the race meeting, which consists of four one-hour races, each with a compulsory pit stop.

“The big field is going to present some challenges, not only with traffic management but also pit stops,” Gibbons said.

“If there’s a Safety Car during the pit window and everyone comes in at the same time, pit lane is going to be absolute pandemonium.”

Sunday’s two races will be live streamed via the Shannons Nationals website and Facebook page.

 

Australian Production Cars Round 1 Schedule

Friday, 11 May

10:10 – Practice 1 (30 min)

12:35 – Practice 2 (30 min)

15:10 – Qualifying 1 (15 min)

15:30 – Qualifying 2 (15 min)

 

Saturday, 12 May

9:05 – Practice 3 (15 min)

9:55 – Race 1 (60 min)

13:45 – Race 2 (60 min)

 

Sunday, 13 May

11:30 – Race 3 (60 min)

16:00 – Race 4 (60 min)