Phillip Island: David Wall Sunday notes

Current Australian GT Series leader, David Wall has overcome significant pain and discomfort to finish in solid 19th place in this weekend's L&H 500, at Phillip Island.

Today's race was the first of this year's two endurance races on the V8 Supercar Championship calendar.

Competing in the # 333 Wilson Security Racing Ford with his co-driver Leanne Tander,

David was chosen to start the race. He quickly rewarded the team for their choice, getting off to a flying start.

As with the qualifying race, David got the jump on a number of the drivers around him and had worked his way into 26th place after the first lap.

David and Leanne fought hard throughout the race, staying out of trouble and working their way through the field. The pair were strong enough to bring the car home in 19th position and were the first of the older cars to finish the race.

"Before the weekend we set ourselves the goal of finishing the race in the top 20," David said after the race.

"We have achieved this so I am relatively happy, but I know there is more to be gained out of the car."

The biggest obstacle the #333 Wilson Security Racing Ford Falcon BF was the height difference between David Wall and his co-driver Leanne Tander. Both drivers and the team had worked to find a compromise on the seating position, however during the longer runs David found he was suffering physically.

By Sunday morning David's back and legs were covered in bruises and he was in significant pain. There was no let up for the New South Welshman in today's endurance race.

"During my second stint the pain was so bad it brought tears to my eyes," said David after the race.

"The pain had an impact on my ability to push in the later half of my second stint and towards the end of my stint my left leg began to go numb.

"Overall this weekend has been a great experience and it was great to finish the race.

"I have learnt a lot about the team and the car and am looking forward to returning for the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in less than a month."

David will be doing double duty at the Bathurst round of the championship, continuing in his championship battle in the Australian GT Series in his Porsche Cup S and his co-driver role in the Wilson Security Racing V8 Supercar.

"It will be a busy weekend for sure, but I am confident it will not be a problem as the Porsche and the V8 Supercar are very different cars so swapping between the two should be relatively easy," said David.

"We will also look at creating a seat insert for me to run during the endurance race. It may add a second or two to our pitstop, but the race long benefits will far outweigh this lost time."

-credit: dw