It proved a disappointing Monochrome GT4 Australia round at The Bend for Mark Cotterell and Jarrod Hughes, but a recent run at Queensland Raceway has the duo confident of a return to form.
Hughes set the pace in practice driving the Mark Cotterell Master Jeweller Ginetta G55 GT4 before a CV component inside the driveshaft broke. The particular part wasn’t available at the track leaving the pair on the sidelines.
However, Cotterell completed a shakedown of the newly repaired Ginetta at Queensland Raceway and there will be further improvements when Monochrome GT4 Australia visits next month.
“Unfortunately there wasn’t much we could do,” said Cotterell.
“The CVs on a Ginetta are very specific and you just can’t them anywhere. You get them out of England or you don’t.
“It’s a 2018 specification Ginetta, but The Bend suited us and was our chance. I think Jarrod woke a few people up and neither of us were happy with it as we’ve been battling a problem with rear end grip.”
Work has begun to cure this after the recent run at Queensland Raceway where Cotterell also ironed out a few troubles to ensure the Ginetta will be one to watch on home turf.
“We had a few issues,” summarised Cotterell.
“We had gone through changing the plugs, fuel injectors and the rail, but it didn’t start, so we put the old ones back. Then we found a valve on the gear actuator when overheated stopped shifting.
“Since then we’ve sent the shocks to a dyno and I hope this helps our lack of rear grip.”
Plenty of learning was taken from the run and Cotterell believes the Ginetta will be on the pace.
Hughes even helped out as last weekend at Queensland Raceway as he was competing in another category.
Cotterell also praised fellow competitor Mark Griffith for providing great customer support as the Australian distributor for Ginetta.
“Griffo’s been amazing,” said Cotterell.
“With bits and pieces, he’s certainly helped me.”
A strong field again is expected for Round 3 of Monochrome GT4 Australia at Queensland Raceway as part of the Shannons SpeedSeries on August 2-4.