MATT Stone says becoming the first Supercars team to shakedown a Chevrolet Camaro Gen3 race car is ‘a bit of a win’ for his eponymous squad.
Rookie recruit Cameron Hill scored the honour of turning the first MSR Gen3 laps at Queensland Raceway this morning before sharing the workload with teammate Jack Le Brocq.
Per a recent change to testing rules, the 60km limit that had previously applied to shakedowns is no longer, meaning MSR can continue running until the track closes today.
“We’re just excited to get out here with our Gen3 car and start the learning for ourselves,” said team owner Stone.
“We’ve seen a lot through the prototype and heard a lot so it’s good to be out here and doing it for ourselves and getting our own information.
“To be the first Chevy out there is always a bit of a win.”
Stone admitted there were times when the timeline to make today felt “iffy” and that they’ve still got plenty of work to ensure a shakedown of its second car can take place on Thursday.
“Getting a second car out here in just two days’ time is now proving to be another hurdle as parts continue to be the big issue but we’re confident we can keep working towards it,” he noted.
Stone, the son of Supercars Hall of Famer Jim Stone, admitted he had been somewhat surprised by his initial impressions of the car itself.
“It has been surprising, there’s similarities to the old car and some things that are very different,” he said.
“It is definitely a Supercar in nature but it’s a very new beast so it’s exciting to have it in the flesh on the track and start the process of getting ready to race.”
Le Brocq offered a brief insight into the Truck Assist Camaro’s performance.
“The car is unreal, heaps of power,” said the one-time Repco Supercars Championship race winner.
“It’s going to be pretty interesting on this rear tyre, especially come Newcastle for 90-odd laps.
“It’s an awesome credit to the guys, we’re the first Camaro on track in Supercars apart from the prototype.”
Dick Johnson Racing is also shaking down the first of its two new Shell V-Power Mustangs today at QR, while the Blanchard Racing Team is testing at Winton.
