FROM the smile on the face of Dave Pennells on Thursday, it was clear he enjoyed the experience of racing a Radical at Mount Panorama for the first time.
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But taking part in Challenge Bathurst’s Supersprint was about more than just fun for the experienced Bathurst driver.
He was using his track time to gather data and get feel for the Radical SR3 RS he will race at Mount Panorama as part of next year's Bathurst 12 Hour support program.
“That was my first time in the car, it was fun but it was totally different to what I’ve driven before, it takes a bit of time to get used to,” Pennells, who has previously raced cars such as Porsches and a Mini Cooper at the Mount, said.
“I’m going to do the 12 Hour weekend in it, so yeah, it’s a bit of data gathering.”
READ MORE: Pennells to compete at Challenge Bathurst
His son Stuart Pennells is also driving a Radical at Challenge Bathurst, but will hand over his seat for the 12 Hour event.
“My licence won’t be updated in time unfortunately, but Brad Shiels, another local boy, is going to run it it for me,” he said.
“Given the way this car goes, he’ll be a chance of winning the thing.”
The Pennells got to share the track with the likes of two-times Bathurst 12 Hour winner Chris Mies and while lapping some 30 seconds slower that the factory Audi driver, still enjoyed it.
“We’ve not really raced together before, we’ve done regularities together before, but that’s it,” Dave Pennells said.
“So yeah, it’s a bit of fun.”
