GT4 SERIES EUROPEAN NORTHERN CUP
9-11th June 2017
Red Bull Ring, Austria
4.3km / 2.6 miles
After a disappointing race weekend at Brands Hatch, the Bullitt Racing team implemented a substantial test program, working closely with our highly experienced engineers from McLaren.
A minor issue with the gearbox was identified and was swiftly corrected. Our McLaren 570S GT4 was tested extensively at Silverstone and then secondary checks were competed again in Austria, immediately prior to the up coming race weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
The specialist engineers were confident that the gearbox issue had been rectified.
Qualifying:
Andy Meyrick, our PRO driver was first out for qualifying, he fought hard for clear air due to the extensive number of race weekend entries at the Red Bull Ring.
However, just before the chequered flag, Andy lit up the timing screens purple and produced a stunning time of 1:48.519 taking pole position for Bullitt Racing!
Stephen Pattrick then took to the track for the AM session which again was extremely busy but despite the traffic issues Stephen found clear air.
He produced an outstanding 1:49.702 just 1.2 seconds off Andy! This is a significant achievement for Stephen being so close to the teams PRO driver Andy Meyrick.
Race 1:
The lights went green and almost immediately the race was neutralised with a safety car due to a heavy crash after a spin by the #10 McLaren.
The marshals did a great job to remove the car from the track and clear up the debris allowing the race to continue. Fortunately, the #10 driver walked away unharmed.
Whilst behind the safety car Andy reported that all was well and continued to work to ensure the tyres were warm, ready for the restart. Within just a few laps the lights went green once again and the safety car pulled back into the pits.
Andy didn’t hang around, after a couple of laps he was putting significant distance on P2! This was sure to help with the pit stops.
The halfway point quickly came and Andy pitted in P1. The team produced a fantastic pit stop but the car was released just one second too early. This was quickly picked up by race control and within a couple of laps the #33 Bullitt Racing McLaren came into the pits to serve a one second stop/go penalty.
As a result this dropped the car back, however, Stephen once again pulled out an amazing drive displaying his skills throughout his stint and recovered the drop in places to bring the car home in P7.
Race 2:
After a tough Saturday the team focused hard on preparing the car for another hour race just after 11 am local time.
This time Stephen Pattrick started the race in P23 due to issues with the car after race 1. The lights went green and Stephen immediately put in some impressive laps and moved up the field. He was competing well and fighting with the very best drivers on the track.
He pitted in P17 and handed over to Andy Meyrick who during his stint overtook an impressive 14 competitors.
Due to spectacular driving from both Stephen and Andy the team finished P2 in class securing Bullitt Racings first podium!
This rounded off a fantastic weekend for Bullitt Racing as not only had we achieved a podium but we were the fastest car in all sessions over the weekend.
Great work by the team.
Andy Meyrick said:
“What a great weekend with Bullitt Racing! Considering that this was only the third ever race meeting as a new team, the result is outstanding.
“Stephen was fantastic all weekend, he really put in a competitive stint and drove exceptionally well.
“The car felt amazing and I can’t wait to get to the next race”.
Next up is the Slovakia Ring on 15-16th July – See you there!
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