This weekend’s Perth SuperSprint also sees the Dunlop Series return to action, with Matthew McCutcheon proudly flying the New Zealand flag among the Super 3 competitors.
The Kiwi impressed on debut in Newcastle, finishing second in class in the first race, before working his way forward from the back in Race 2 after suffering an engine failure in qualifying.
“Newcastle was a pretty daunting place as a Street Circuit for my first round in a Supercar,” McCutcheon told Velocity News. “Eggleston Motorsport made me feel so much at home, which was the really good part. The car felt really good to drive.
“We took a bit of time and were chipping away in practice and quali. We had a good day on Saturday, getting up to second, which was awesome, but on Sunday unfortunately having that motor blow in qualifying really set us back, having to start dead last.
“It was cool being able to come through the field, Newcastle’s not really known for its passing so to be able to do some was pretty cool.
“What really hurt us last round on Sunday was that early Safety Car when there was oil on the track. That was the end of the race. I’d managed to pass a few cars but if the race played on I would have been able to get a couple more.”
Wanneroo Raceway in Perth brings another unfamiliar circuit for the 20-year-old, however, he says he’s had plenty of time to prepare in the long seven week break between rounds.
“Coming to Australia I don’t really know the track layout, I’ve never driven on the tracks,” he says. “I’ve been doing a lot of sim time, and the team are awesome and sent me through some videos and data of last year so being able to soak up all the information I can before I get here has been a real help. I’ve also been keeping up my fitness. I’m lucky my apartment has a gym and a sauna downstairs so being able to do that is helpful.
“We’ve been heat training too, because these cars are the hottest cars I’ve ever driven, so getting heat trained, physically trained and mentally prepped for new circuits has been massive.”
McCutcheon says a win is not off the cards in Perth, and the team are aiming to make a statement following their mechanical issues in Newcastle.
“After the disappointment from Round 1, with the motor blowing and starting and starting off last, we want to come out and show everyone what we can do. We’ll go and take the practices as they come and learn what we need, then for qualifying we’ll have a big hitout and aim for the top.
“I would love a first race win. Coming to Perth we’ve got high hopes but we’ll see where we end up after qualifying. I definitely don’t think it’s off the table for this weekend. I’m definitely going to push hard and try and get it for the team.”
The Dunlop Series is following a new format this weekend with time races set to increase the amount of track time competitors get under green flag conditions. Both races are timed at 40 minutes long.
Qualifying for Race 1 is at 2.10 pm on Saturday with the first race to follow at 6.00 pm. Race 2 qualifying is at 12.25 pm with the race at 6.05 pm.
McCutcheon is joined by compatriot Ryan Wood in the field, with Wood already emerging among the Super2 pacesetters.
All sessions will be shown live on Sky Sport 5.
Header Image: Matthew McCutcheon
