Adelaide: Tony D'Alberto preview

D'ALBERTO'S V8 SUPERCAR DEBUT LOOMS

Tony D'Alberto will make his V8 Supercar Championship Series debut this weekend at Adelaide's Clipsal 500 in what is the biggest step in his motor racing career to date.

After winning the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series in 2007, D'Alberto has teamed up with Rod Nash Racing in 2008 driving an ex-Mark Skaife VE Commodore in the grueling 14-round championship.

The team, which runs from TDR's Kilsyth workshop, is headed by the experienced team manager, Graham Jenkins , and now has a full staff of quality mechanics and engineers.

"This has been my goal since I started circuit racing in 2002," Tony said.

"We have put a lot of effort into getting the right staff and equipment to go racing in Australia's top category."

While Tony is confident of improving performances over the year, he is also realistic about the challenge that lies ahead.

"The races are longer, the teams and drivers are more professional and there is a lot more at stake this in this series."

Mental and physical fitness will play a big part at Adelaide with two grueling 250km races.

"I have had a full training program over summer to prepare for this season," Tony said.

"But nothing compares to the experience of being in the car under pressure in racing conditions.

With major support from Bottle-O, Holden and GMAC in 2008 there is a host of other sponsors that have made the program possible: D'Alberto Holden, SEN, Biomax, PPG, Wilson Security, Brother, Phil Munday's Panels, Bellmont Coatings/Composites, VACC, Interleasing, Pure Sport, The Good Guys, Wizard Advertising and KC Tools.

"We have a really good group of supporters this year and it is great to partner with them in 2008," Tony said.

"I hope we can give a really good return for their association with the team."

Tony will hit the track on Friday for qualifying with two 250km races on Saturday and Sunday.

-credit: tonyd.com.au