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Test provides invaluable learnings for Aston Martin team
Winton hosted GT Trophy competitor Mike Bailey who gained not only invaluable guidance, but fixed a teething electronics problem in his Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 ahead of the season’s resumption.
Prepared by Jordan Roddy of Bespoke Motor Cars, Bailey tested both his regular 2011 green liveried Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 and his recently acquired 2015 example beck-to-back for the first time.
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Providing further assistance was Supercheap Auto TCR Australia driver Dylan O’Keeffe, who was on hand to provide tips and advice.
“We’re still learning, we’re very new to this and I’m in this for the fun,” said Bailey.
“As you can see from the Aston Martin it’s not about the technology to try and win, it’s about going out there using petrol and burning rubber.”
Problems arising from The Bend impacted the handling were traced back to the mapping and software, but were resolved early on providing Bailey plenty of time get reacquainted behind the wheel before the season’s conclusion.
“Getting back into it yesterday, I think we made a few of those modifications to repair it,” Bailey explained. “We did a good set-up and actually compared it to the blue version, which is a spare.”
An incident at Phillip Island’s opening round, required Bailey to order replacement components from Germany but a mix up during the delivery process left him needing to find parts quick and purchasing a newer 2015-spec Aston Martin provided an easy solution.
“After crashing at Phillip Island, I ordered spares from Europe, which are not very easy to get hold off, but those components were returned back to sender in Germany and we had only one week left before Bathurst,” he explained.
“The only option was to buy a local car, so that is what we did and we bought the second car as a back up or raid parts from.”
With the two Astons taken to Winton, it provided a unique opportunity to compare the pair although Bailey will continue to race the 2011 version, preferring to keep the kilometres on the newer model low.
“Yes, absolutely. It was good to test the two Aston Martins back-to-back because the 2011 and 2015 were very different in driving characteristics, but the times were similar, within tenths,” Bailey summarised.
With O’Keeffe there to support, Bailey was delighted to gain advice and knowledge during the day
“Being able to compare stories, corners and go through the video with Dylan was invaluable,” said Bailey.