Wilson Security Racing L&H 500 race report

Wilson Security Racing finish strong at L&H 500 Phillip Island

#3 Wilson Security Racing: Tony D'Alberto

Photo by: Chris Von Wieldt

In the face of adversity, Wilson Security Racing has responded exceptionally well, finishing in 21st at the L&H 500 Phillip Island today.

With regular Wilson Security Racing driver Tony D'Alberto resigned to the sidelines due to a case of the chicken pox, the team dug deep to finish the race in a competitive position.

Replacement driver Taz Douglas and co-driver Dale Wood qualified an eyebrow-raising 17th. Douglas started the race and ran in the mid-pack during the opening laps before being spun by Jason Bargwanna.

The #3 Wilson Security Ford eventually dropped a lap, but when Wood got in the car, he returned to the lead lap, eventually bring the car home in 21st place.

D'Alberto watched the race from the comfort of his home in Melbourne, Victoria. He is confident of being 100 percent fit for the next V8 Supercars event at Mount Panorama for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 on October 6-9.

DALE WOOD (endurance co-driver)

"I was pretty happy with the way the race turned out for us," Dale Wood said.

"Finishing 21st isn't great, but Taz got spun to the back of the field and we had to work hard to get back towards the leaders.

"I think our strategy was pretty good. We lost the lap but picked it back up.

"The pace we had in clean air was really good. I could press on and I thought I was setting some good times. Around other cars, we got chewed up a bit, but really, I have no complaints. I got plenty of laps in the car and with Tony back for Bathurst, I'm very confident we can get a good result there."

TAZ DOUGLAS (replacement endurance co-driver)

"Getting spun around early wasn't what we wanted," Taz Doulas said.

"Had we stayed in that mid-pack position, we might have been a bit further up. When I had some of those fast guys around me, I was easily able to keep up.

" I have to thank Al and the Wilson Security team for allowing me to drive this weekend. It was a great experience and one of the best V8 Supercars I have ever driven.

"Tony will be back for Bathurst and I wish them all the best."

TONY D'ALBERTO (regular team driver)

"Watching that race from the couch at home was one of the toughest things I have ever done," Tony D'Alberto said.

"It was good to see the boys have a pretty clean run through the race. The early penalty was frustrating, but that is part of how it goes.

"I'm feeling pretty average at the moment, and I'm covered in spots, but I'm going to be fighting fit for Bathurst in a few weeks. I really want to make up for missing this round."

AL D'ALBERTO (Team owner)

"I want to congratulate the team for pulling together in difficult circumstances this weekend," Al D'Alberto said.

"Having a driver change can really change the dynamics, but all of the team adjusted appropriately and pressed on with what they had to do.

"I'd also like to thank Taz Douglas for stepping into the drive for Tony. It was a pleasure to have him in the team and I hope we can work with him again in the future."