V8 SuperTourers3:38pm 23 April 2014
He has a continually growing legion of fans due to his nature and temperament both on and off the track, so V8 SuperTourers grabbed a few bites from Simon McLennan to see what his mindset is coming into the next round at Pukekohe.
So what’s your honest approach to this weekend – to simply be competitive or do you want to take trophies home?
I want to take trophies home, its taken too long to find my feet and I am at my wits end. The approach this weekend is all out and see how I get on, I need to aim high and not worry worry about all the things that have played on my mind in the past (damage, sponsors (lack of), whether we will make it to next round). With such a huge atmosphere as well, the drive is there to soak it up give it a good nudge. I am more fired up than I have ever been.
You’ve felt the wrath of this circuit before, not from your doing though – So what’s your confidence level coming into this weekend?
Confidence is high despite a chequered past at Pukekohe. You cant worry about what has happened in the past, yep it hurts at the time but you reset. I dont think about it. Pukekohe certainly packs a punch, but I love it – every lap is hairy, you cant take it for granted and just get out there each time and start again. If only I was more robot like…
You’ve had success on many race circuits, including Mt Panorama, and like all tracks Pukekohe has its unique qualities. So what kind of setup do you need to tame it in a V8 SuperTourer?
Massive forearms and biceps for turn one! Which I lack! Pukekohe is the most unique circuit we have in terms of its history, layout, and the fact it changes every time we turn up. You need a car that is fast on the limit through T1, rides the bumps well, and has good drive. Some grip over the hill is a bonus as well. If anyone knows the perfect setup for all that – let me know!
Having V8ST as part of V8SC for the first time is quite historical and you are part of the record books because of it – you feeling any extra pressure because of that?
Pressure or excitement… It will be my first time racing on the same bill as V8SC, so for sure I am excited. Pressure because I am desperate to perform, but my focus will be on taking it all in and transferring it to the right mindset. It will be one of those moments I will stop to look at every aspect of my team, and what I do, and understand how incredibly lucky I am to do what I do. I am normally a spectator at V8SC so this is going to be something to remember.
Since you will be first across the line to take the chequered flag on at least one race, are you willing to take a form guide and predict the next four that will be behind you?
How on earth do you do that? With under a second generally separating first to last in V8ST it could be anyone! For sure the M3 boys will be on form they are the benchmark, Foggy was super quick there last round, Evans and Pedersen as well. If I can get amongst them, or in front of them, I know I am doing a good job.
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