Paul Radisich driving the HPM Racing Falcon. Photo / SportProMedia
New Zealand driver Paul Radisich will rely on experience to make up for lack of testing when he tackles the new Hamilton street circuit this weekend.
Radisich will compete in the New Zealand V8 Trophy event as part of the support programme for the third round of the
V8 Supercars.
The 3.4km Hamilton track includes five right turns, two left turns and a chicane.
With three overtaking areas identified, a big unknown for Radisich is how his HPM Racing team Ford reacts without much testing to establish handling.
"We'll have a quick run just prior to the race to make sure it's pointing the right way and that everything is working," he said today.
"We won't have any time to really work on it, so what you've got is what you've got.
"You need good brakes and to be able to put the power down instantly. If you can do that, you've got a good car for street racing."
Melbourne-based Radisich spent the summer competing in the New Zealand V8 Championship, which concluded last month.
The former world touring car champion finished fifth overall, with Nelson's John McIntyre claiming his second successive title.
While drivers from that championship make up most of the trophy event field, there is one high-profile addition in Australian Jack Perkins.
Son of six-time Bathurst champion Larry Perkins, he will drive a Meguiars Commodore.
Practice on Friday morning will be followed by qualifying in the afternoon.
Races one and two will be on Saturday, with the final race on Sunday afternoon.
Radisich is well familiar with the rigours of a street circuit and said the formidable barrier walls would add to the atmosphere he encountered during V8 Supercar racing.
Street courses were always a challenge and Hamilton would be no exception, he said.
"It will be very fast and the back section is quite tight, plus the normal scenario of not a lot of room for error," he said.
"Your judgment has to be 100 per cent all the time."
- NZPA
