Protecnica to make first foray into V8 Supercars.

By Matthew Agius

Australian Formula Three outfit, Protecnica Racing, are set to make their first endeavour into V8 Supercar competition, when star driver Chris Alajajian jumps into the team's newly acquired Holden Commodore at the Fujitsu Series support event at Queensland Raceway.

Having competed in production cars, open-wheelers and a one-off in Australian Rally, Protecnica Racing has turned its focus to the challenge of competing in the feeder series for Australia's largest category of motorsport. The Sydney-based outfit recently purchased a former Team Dynamik VZ Commodore and are readying it for competition at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich in three weekend's time.

Team Principal Scott Anderson is keenly anticipating a new and interesting challenge in V8 Supercar racing, but is adamant preparing a competitive entry will be by no means easy.

"Running a car in the Fujistu V8 Supercar Series is a massive undertaking, we're not under any illusions that it will be a walk in the park," said Anderson.

"But by the same token, we won't be out there to just make up the numbers. It's a challenge we're getting stuck into, and we're not doing anything by halves.

"We've worked with Chris for a number of years, and feel this is a natural progression of that relationship and our evolution as a team. The guys who work on the car, we're all mates, we all do it because we enjoy it, and I'm sure we'll put in a good account of ourselves."

The team has won numerous tin-top titles. In 2004, Chris Alajajian won the Australian Performance Car Championship, whilst Justin Hemmes conquered the national Performance Car series. Last year, Alajajian was a competitive driver in the Australian Formula Three series, taking victory at several rounds and finishing in the top three of the championship.

Having recently completed two tests at Oran Park in the team's new VZ Commodore, Alajajian is looking forward to his V8 Supercar debut at Queensland Raceway's Fujitsu round, which will support the main V8 Supercar series in it's sixth round of the year.

"I'm fortunate enough to have a great team behind me in Protecnica Racing as we enter the Fujistu V8 Supercar Series, they've been supporting me a lot in recent years and are great to work with," said Alajajian.

"It's going to be a whole new challenge for us, but if you throw anything at the Protecnica guys, they'll achieve good things. They're a group of smart, enthusiastic and dedicated guys. They're mates off and on the track which helps them communicate with each other and prepare the car on a more understanding basis.

"The tests we've had so far have been very productive, we're pleased with what we achieved across the two days. We were able to get used to the car and learn about it. We changed the car in between the two test days, really working on the setup using the knowledge we gained from the first day. There were a heap of things we changed, and the outcome to the changes were very positive.

"From the moment I went out on the track on the second day it felt a lot better. By the last session we did, we were pretty confident it was going to be the best setup we've had on the car so far."

The Fujitsu V8 Supercar Championship Series is currently in it's seventh year of competition - providing a route for young talent to make its way into the tough cauldron of V8 Supercar racing. Queensland Raceway will be the third round of this year's championship - with rounds at Adelaide and Wakefield Park already being completed. Despite the 'development' series being a popular avenue for racing team's to compete in, Protecnica was originally anticipating overseas competition, however the New South Welsh squad instead to focus on increasing their local pedigree,

"We looked at going overseas for this year, but it wasn't feasible, even if you get the money together there aren't any definite spots anywhere, it's going to be a major gamble," said Alajajian.

"So we decided to look at what we can work towards locally. V8 Supercars is the obviously answer, and the Fujistu Series is a good stepping-stone to getting there. It's going to be a very competitive category to race in and I'm looking forward to it.

"Our main aim in the remaining five rounds of this year is to learn as much as we can, and prepare ourselves for next year, but we'll obviously be pushing and trying to do the best we can.

"We've learnt a lot already, I can't wait till we get to Queensland. We're not going to compete for the championship this year, but I feel like we'll be a competitive car in the field, and by the end of the year I'd like to be competing for top five positions.

Before Protecnica Racing competes in their inaugural V8 Supercar event at Willowbank, Alajajian and the team will contest the Eastern Creek Round of the Australian Kumho Tyres Formula Three Championship. The Queensland Fujtisu Series round will be held from July 22-23.