IT was a practice session with a twist yesterday for three young Clipsal 500 drivers who hail from Adelaide.
Tim Slade, Scott Pye and Nick Percat went back to where their driving careers began – racing in a 125cc go-kart – for a friendly session at Monarto Karting Complex Circuit.
The activity was supposed to be a bit of fun and bonding for the three to reminisce about their days growing up and early careers in South Australia, as well as to launch the Australian National Sprint Kart Championships to be held at the track in late March.
But it also gave the drivers a chance to hone their skills ahead of the four-day racing event this weekend.
Pye, who will race in the V8 Supercar Series for the first time at Clipsal 500 in a Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport Holden, said he now felt more at home in a V8 Supercar than a go-kart, despite his break in the sport coming when he raced the lower-powered vehicle.
‘‘As we found out. . . it’s a lot more difficult than we thought,’’ he said.
‘‘You don’t realise without doing it for so long. They are great fun, though.
‘‘I’m going in (to the Clipsal 500) as a rookie and I’m still relatively inexperienced in V8 Supercars, so I’m just looking forward to the opportunity I’ve been given.’’
V8 Supercar Series driver Slade, who will pilot an Erebus Motorsport Mercedes- Benz, likened the two vehicles to ‘‘chalk and cheese’’ but was just as eager to whip around the circuit and pass his younger cohorts.
‘‘From a driver’s point of view, in these we’re sitting 30mm off the ground. There’s no suspension,’’ he said.
‘‘Whereas the V8 you’re obviously sitting further off the ground, they are heavy, there’s not as much grip and a lot of power.’’
Percat relished the opportunity to practise in a vehicle similar in setup to a Porsche, which he will race in the Carrera Cup category for Team BRM this year at Clipsal 500.
He had his first drive of his race car last week.
‘‘The Porsche is more similar to a go-kart because the engine is in the rear. It’s got a little grip,’’ Percat said.
‘‘I’ve done Formula Ford and V8s and to go into a Porsche, it’s a completely different driving skill.
‘‘It takes a bit to adapt but by the time qualifying and racing comes around, it will be fun.’’
The three feel no pressure coming into their home event this weekend and are more relaxed, buoyed by the hometown support from family, friends and fans that they receive.
‘‘I always feel very at home at the Clipsal race,’’ Slade said.
‘‘Everyone shows their support and I feel very welcome when we come home.’’
