V8SDS: Michael Trimble Queensland preview

CONSISTENT TRIMBLE SHOOTING FOR THE PODIUM IN QUEENSLAND

Throughout the opening three rounds of the 2008 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series Gold Coast driver Michael Trimble has been 'Mr Consistent' to be currently placed second in the championship standings.

Trimble has steered the Global Jet Commodore to six top ten finishes from the eight races already contested in the 2008 series, however, the 23-year-old is this weekend out to chase the 'podium that got away' during the last round at Sandown.

After qualifying fourth Trimble was one of the front-runners all weekend before starting on the front row for the final race at Sandown last month. Unfortunately though a podium result slipped from his grasp when Dale Wood made contact with the Global Jet Commodore sending Trimble into a spin.

"Last round at Sandown I was determined to keep out of trouble and continue to rack up the points, everything was going to plan until mid-way through race three," said Trimble.

"While missing out on a podium at Sandown is disappointing, it has provided me with more incentive to go out and chase a spot on the podium this weekend at the home event for me along with my sponsors Global Jet, King Springs and Archers Smash."

The 3.1km Queensland Raceway venue is a circuit that Trimble knows well given the fact that it was his test circuit in 2007 while competing in the Porsche Carrera Cup Series with Paul Cruickshank Racing.

"Queensland Raceway was my nominated test track while driving with PCR in the Carrera Cup Series last year; when you combine that with my racing experience I've probably done thousands of laps around the joint," said Trimble.

"Qualifying will be vital this weekend as passing opportunities are extremely limited, so the best opportunity to make sure you are up near the front will be during qualifying."

Trimble will take to the circuit aboard the Global Jet Commodore for practice on Friday followed by qualifying and the opening 14-lap race of the round on Saturday. Sunday's action will be highlighted by a further pair of 14-lap races.

After three rounds in the series experienced V8 Supercar driver Steve Owen leads the way on 786 points followed by Trimble and David Reynolds on 618.

-credit: michaeltrimble.com.au