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Hansford ready to commence title tilt
2021 GULF WESTERN Oil Touring Car Masters Sydney round winner Ryan Hansford will be looking for more of the same when the series bursts back into life in the harbour city next week.
The Multispares Racing Holden Torana driver had his best ever weekend at Sydney Motorsport Park last year – winning two races and the round – and giving the Queensland-based team a leg-up in their title aspirations.
“I had my best round in Sydney last year, the car works well, and I love driving there, so I’m pleased to be starting the season back at SMP after Newcastle was postponed,” Hansford said.
“I was really looking forward to racing at Newcastle again, especially in this Torana as the old car was fast around the streets, but this car is so much better developed.”
Like most TCM squads, Hansford’s team has not been sitting still when it comes to the development of their bright yellow and blue Torana.
A new front shock absorber package developed with legendary suspension tuner Murray Coote (MCA Suspension) has delivered improvements to the Torana, including the way the car manages bumps while allowing the driver to get back to the throttle earlier and harder.
Developed with the Newcastle and Townsville street circuits in mind, the Queenslander remains confident there will be benefits on the faster, more flowing circuits as well.
“Whilst the new shocks are really for the street circuits they were so much better, I’m really keen to try them at Sydney too,” Hansford said.
“Like all race cars, shock absorbers play a very important role in the car dynamics and every tenth of a second gained is so important.”
Hansford finished a close second in the 2021 TCM title fight and enters the new season as an early favourite.
The 2022 season commences at Sydney Motorsport Park alongside the Supercars Championship next week, with practice and qualifying to be held on Friday, 4 March.
The Trophy Race and first points-paying race of the season will be held on Saturday, with two further races on Sunday morning.
Every race will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sport.