It’s taken more than two decades, but the outright lap record at Phillip Island has been broken.
Driving the only Brabham BT62 in the country, Repco Supercars Championship driver Tim Slade lowered the mark at last weekend’s third Victorian State Race Series round contesting the MG and Invited British Sports Car races.
In its maiden appearance, Slade achieved a 1m 24.06s to beat previous benchmark achieved by Simon Wills during the opening round of the 2000 Australian Drivers’ Championship in a Reynard 94D Formula Holden, a 1m 24.22s.
Minimising risk, Slade started from pit lane and scythed his way through the field into clear air where he wasted no time to break the previous mark as the threat of weather closed in.
“We basically had one shot at the record,” said Slade.
“The track conditions were relatively unknown as the wind increased, it wasn’t a perfect lap, but great to tick it off and claim the record.
“It’s nice when a plan comes together. For me it’s good fun. Driving such a cool car like this is always great.”
It was a challenging build up for the team due to a lack of testing, but an elated Slade was quick to praise the team and car owner for providing the opportunity to set the record in such a rare racer.
“It hasn’t been an ideal lead up to the record attempt, limited laps on Friday and none yesterday as it was raining, and because also the car is so much faster than all the other MGs it’s against this weekend it is really hard to find clear track to put a lap together.
“Worked pretty hard and jumped through a few hurdles just to be out on track, and we have to thank the MGs and Invited British Sports Cars for accommodating us.
“Happy for the car owner, Matt and Scott from AMS Motorsport and everyone else who has been involved behind the scenes in getting the car here – it’s very appreciated.”