While relatively new to the Red Bull Racing Australia stable, Car 888 engineer Grant ‘Shippy’ has wasted no time making a name for himself amongst the team both at home at the factory and out on track as Craig Lowndes’ wingman engineering him to seven podiums already in the 2015 including the historic 100th win milestone.
So when it comes to the circuits he loves to race at most, here’s what our man of the moment had to say…
5. Circuit of The Americas
Austin, TX, USA
Circuit of the Americas was such a great experience for all of us. The circuit was a great driving and engineering challenge because there were so many different corner types.
Some were fast & flowing; some were tight, like hair-pins; heavy, straight braking; and the high-load triple right-hander.
Visiting Austin was also a terrific opportunity to expand our ‘cultural’ horizon.
4. Phillip Island Circuit
Phillip Island, VIC, AUS
Phillip Island is another iconic circuit that we are fortunate enough to race on. The view from Pole is pretty incredible, with the circuit dropping away to expose a view of Bass Straight.
This circuit is so fast and flowing that car balance is absolutely critical for speed. This circuit is also surprisingly physical, with the drivers turning the whole lap bar the main straight.
3. Clipsal 500 Street Circuit
Adelaide, SA, AUS
Adelaide is such a great circuit to kick our season off in style. The chicane early in the lap sets a tone for the level of commitment that is required to drive this track at the limit.
Turn eight is such an iconic corner in our series, and the whole last sector provides a great setup challenge. A demanding circuit, challenging race format and massive crowds make this a circuit very special.
2. Gold Coast 600 Street Circuit
Gold Coast, QLD, AUS
The GC600 circuit has always been one of my favourite circuits, well before it became a V8 Supercars Championship event. The fast, beach-side chicane and precision that the concrete walls demand make this one of the biggest tests of both driver and car.
Being the event that traditionally follows Bathurst, the Gold Coast has always provided a small opportunity for redemption. Two of my favourite victories were here with Frosty in 2009, and Davo in 2012; on the back of devastating Bathurst campaigns.
1. Mount Panorama
Bathurst, NSW, AUS
Mount Panorama is easily the greatest race track in Australia, and it is difficult to describe without excessive clichés.
The significant elevation change gives this circuit such unique character, and television doesn’t do it justice. It is the most difficult and demanding circuit, and makes for such a challenging race.
The excitement keeps building all week, and seeing the Turn one hill full of people at 4.00am Sunday morning builds the nerves before the start.
