PREMIAIR Racing driver James Golding’s final race with engineer Simon Hodge was brought unstuck by an unusual incident.
As captured by V8 Sleuth photographer Ross Gibb, PremiAir unsafely released Golding’s #31 from its pit bay just as Macauley Jones was swinging across for his first fuel and tyre service.
The result saw Jones’ #96 Camaro spun in pits, requiring his crew to execute a three-point turn by hand.
“Getting turned around in pitlane was a bit of an odd one to be honest,” said the Brad Jones Racing driver.
“That kind of turned our race into a bit of a disaster.”
Jones came home 22nd and Golding 20th, the latter having received a drive-through penalty.
“We will go over all that happened and work out what needs to be changed so it doesn’t happen again, but in the meantime, I am sorry to Macauley and also to all of our team to end our season this way,” said Golding.
PremiAir confirmed post-race that Hodge will now return to Triple Eight, having been loaned out for the final four rounds of the season.
That had allowed Geoff Slater to move into an overarching director of engineering role; whether Slater will now transition back directly onto the #31 or a recruit is sought is to be seen.
With the sister Nulon Camaro of Tim Slade also having a difficult run in Adelaide, a big off-season awaits Peter Xiberras’ squad.
“That is season 2023 done, and season 2024 has already been being thought about for the last two months,” said team manager Stephen Robertson.
“We won’t really be having a break; we will keep on rolling right through Christmas.
“Everyone will have a little time off of course, but we want to keep the momentum going of what the team has built on this year, so we can come out swinging next year.”
