A FLEXIBLE strategy – that is what engineer Matt Harvey thinks will prove the crucial factor in this Sunday’s Bathurst 6 Hour.
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It is a factor he hopes the #16 Hi-Tec Oils entry of Steve Hodges and Sean Hudspeth he is working with at Mount Panorama gets right.
Harvey is no stranger to the demands of Production Touring Car races, but the longer time-frame of the Bathurst 6 Hour can present new challenges.
“I suppose that aspect of the race going five hours longer than a normal race is something that you have to consider,” he said.
“As far as the car is concerned, you prepare a car to last at a normal event anyway, and realistically your preparation should always be 100 per cent whether the race is an hour or six hours.
“But I think the biggest thing is having the strategy right and having the drivers up for the extra endurance.
“Normally the drivers get out of the car after one hour and that is a fair workout for them, but at Bathurst, you might get out of the car after an hour, have an hour’s rest and then jump back in. Or, if you’re unlucky, the engineer might tell you that you are double-stinting.
“The teams that are flexible with their strategy and combinations, on top of their fitness and reliability, obviously have the best chance of winning.”
Hodges and Hudspeth will steer one of the five Class A2 cars in the Bathurst 6 Hour.
Though it will be the first time Singapore native Hudspeth races both at Mount Panorama and behind the wheel of the VY CSV Monaro Mondo, Hodges has a long list of Production Cars success stories. Harvey said the goal is to add another.
“I think for Steve, he’s always at the front of his A2 Class, he has been A2 champion several times and he’s had competitive showings at Bathurst with class podiums in the shorter one hour races,” the engineer said.
“Last year he was very competitive in the 6 Hour, but an engine failure late in the race cost him a great result. For him, I think a class win is something he is more than capable of and it’s an obvious target.
“Sean is starting to make a name for himself on the international circuit and a Bathurst podium is something he could hang his hat on.
“I think both the boys would be, not expecting, but considering and hoping and planning for a podium.
“It would be a good way for them to repay sponsor Hi-Tec Oils as well, it’s not possible to do the race without them and they have been a really good supporter.”
Sunday’s race starts at 11.30am.