Young Aucklander getting to grips with GT3 supercar

Australian GT debutant Richard Moore enjoyed his opening hit-out in the build-up to Sunday's Hampton Downs 101, round three of the Australian GT Endurance Championship.

Partnered with former Bathurst 1000 winner Tony Longhurst in the second Miedecke Stone Motorsport Aston Martin Vantage GT3, the pairing ended day two of the 101 weekend 17th in the order with a best time of 1:33.966. 

“It's f***ing awesome. It's such a cool car, you actually feel like you're in a video game,” said Moore, a former winner in the NZ SuperTourers.

“You sit so low, you've got pretty limited vision — which is actually pretty cool that way. There's a few points on the track where your focal point is right in your blind spot; that kind of stuff is a challenge that I really enjoy.”

The Auckland-based driver had to sit on the sidelines for much of the opening Friday practice sessions, after a train of red-flag periods during his stint saw proceedings interrupted. However, progress is coming — Moore said that more time behind the wheel should see him trim at least 1.5-seconds off his best time. 

“I got about six laps in, and started feeling like I was getting more comfortable. I know I'm braking too early and not releasing the brakes early enough as well because I'm not using the aero. 

“I'm looking forward to jumping in the car; staying out there for half an hour and not hearing anyone say ‘pit this lap’. But it's just going to come with time.”

While Moore is a regular at Hampton Downs, like everyone else it's his first time competing on the new Hampton Downs extention. The ‘Double Bastard’ corner that leads the new circuit back onto the old remained a talking point throughout pit lane.

“It's tight and its technical. It's a lot of fun. You'll be able to pass into what is now turn two, but from there on it's pretty much going to be a procession. Which is a bit of a shame, but it's a really, really cool layout.

“The Double Bastard is exactly that, I haven't got my head around it. I'm sure we'll get there.”