Supercars: leader Will Brown does not think about the title before Gold Coast

“All those guys at the top of the championship have been so consistent this year it’s been really difficult. We have achieved 16 podiums in 20 races and I still don’t feel like we have a big advantage or that we are comfortable.

“This year it’s been about consistency and it’s been very difficult to win a lot of races (Brown has four wins), as any of 10 guys can win a race. The field is very strong this year. I try to prepare as best I can, get out of the back of the truck and get into the rhythm as soon as we can.”

Brown is no stranger to having to fight a teammate. Last year he was partnered with Brodie Kostecki (the 2023 Supercars champion) at Erebus Racing, pushing him hard at times to finish fifth in the 2023 championship with four wins.

The 26-year-old Queenslander is once again enjoying the battle with his teammates and remains ahead of Feeney in the title race.

“We are both fast and every time you go to a track you want to beat your teammate and that is a lot of pressure in itself.

“I had the same thing last year with Brodie and I’m a big believer in having a fast teammate who pushes you forward and makes you try harder and prepare better.

“If your teammate is faster than you, then you have to improve,” Brown said.

The challenging nature of Surfers Paradise’s tough street circuit never fails to entertain and this year will be no different. Just to add more spice to the weekend’s proceedings, curb jumps and chicane cuts will incur new penalties, yet to be determined.

For many drivers, and Brown is one of them, it is a favorite stop on the racing calendar as the design allows for no errors, punishing poor driving but rewarding those who push the limits of the track and machine.

“I love the Gold Coast and it’s my second favorite track behind Bathurst. I love the place, it offers very good races and the atmosphere is incredible.

“The track is great and to be in the top five here you have to hit the wall several times. It’s just an exciting place to run and I really enjoy it.

“At a lot of tracks you make a little mistake, run across the grass and keep going, here it’s a little more dramatic and adds to the excitement,” he said.

The best of the Kiwis in the championship is Matthew Payne, sixth (1659) with Andre Heimgartner, 12th (1422); Ryan Wood, 16 (1285); Richie Stanaway, 17th (1267) and Jaxon Evans, 23rd (913).

Formula One – Mexico is very different from Austin

Liam Lawson is back in action in round 20 of the Formula One championship. The New Zealander made headlines at the United States Grand Prix last weekend, going from 19th on the grid to crossing the finish line ninth and adding two points for the world championship.

This weekend’s race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico will be a challenge for the 22-year-old, who will be eager to build on his initial bid in the 2024 F1 championship to reiterate that he belongs in the top tier of single-seaters. . racing.

Another good result could allow him to consolidate a full-time job in 2025.

“Mexico is very different from Austin; A different style of circuit, with the main difference being the altitude, which means the car has a lot of downforce. The speeds we reached are some of the highest of the season,” Lawson said.

“The grip is quite low, so the cars spin quite a bit, which makes it difficult to handle the tyres.

“For me, I’ve only been there once before to do a free practice session in 2022, so it will be similar to Austin, having to relearn everything, but with the luxury of three instead of just one. “I’m looking forward to doing it again and I’m excited to get back in the car.”

– Eric Thompson is a former international motorcycle racer and racing mechanic and has written for Motorcycling Weekly, Motorcycle International and Classic Bike in the UK. He has also dabbled in saloon racing and karting and has reported on motorsport for the Herald since 2006 and, in particular, New Zealand racing at national and international level.