Frosty: Sprintcars is ‘real blokes racing’
Mark Winterbottom speaking with Robbie Farr prior to climbing aboard the two-seater Sprintcar
Mark Winterbottom has labelled Sprintcar racing as ‘real blokes racing’ after he saddled up in the Orrcon Steel-backed East Coast Pipeline two-seater Sprintcar piloted by former Australian Champion Robbie Farr at Brisbane International Speedway.
Having grown up around speedway with his father being a two-time Australian Sprintcar Champion, ‘Frosty’ has had an appreciation for dirt track racing for many years, however, this appreciation went to another level last night.
The 28 year-old was awestruck after climbing out of the machine that produces 900 horsepower, 250 more than a V8 Supercar, and is only half the weight of Winterbottom’s Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon V8 Supercar.
“That is just awesome,” said Winterbottom.
The Orrcon Steel-backed East Coast Pipeline two seater Sprintcar with Winterbottom on board
“Sprintcar racing is real blokes racing, on dirt turning in flat out and smelling that methanol – it’s just unreal.
“To go for a ride in a two seater Sprintcar is a unique experience and it really blew me away.
“It’s a great opportunity to be part of it thanks to Orrcon Steel’s involvement with the East Coast Pipeline team, the only word that can describe it is awesome.
Winterbottom’s team-mate Steven Richards, a two-time Bathurst champion, has had the opportunity to drive a Sprintcar previously but after riding as a passenger last night he was simply in awe.
“That was just incredible, it is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before,” said Richards.
“You’re not used to turning into a corner with so much throttle on and the grip that these cars produce is just phenomenal.
“I’ve been very lucky to have a drive of one but going for a ride as a passenger with a good steerer is just something else.
“If I go anywhere near as fast as what that felt this weekend, I think I’ll win by a lap.”