Latest news with #WillDavison
West Australian
9 hours ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
V8 Supercars: Shell V-Power Racing's Will Davison gunning for ‘redemption' at Perth Super 440
Raising a glass in victory at Sunday's family dinner would be the perfect way to cap a weekend of 'redemption' at the Perth Super 440, according to Shell V-Power Racing's Will Davison. But the two-time Bathurst champion, who partners hometown Supercars winner Brodie Kostecki, knows it's going to take a near-flawless union with his new car to get the job done in a field that's as close as ever. Perth is practically a second home for Davison, with his partner and her family hailing from the state. And the 42-year-old is not impartial to Raceway either, having earned some of his best victories outside of the storied Mount Panorama at the circuit. Wanneroo is the perfect place for Davison and the team to wash away the bitter taste of last month's Tasmania 440 with a few bottles of victory champagne. 'We come here looking for some redemption and a big weekend,' he told The West Australian during a visit to the Osborne Park office. 'It's a second home race for me, let's say. I love (Perth). I've had a lot of success here, so really, there's no better place for us to come after a pretty difficult event in Tasmania a few weeks ago. '(The family) brings a bit of light-hearted element to it. I love having family here, and it's a great opportunity to see them. 'Of course, I love being able to have a good result in front of the family, but it certainly doesn't add any extra pressure but I'd certainly rather celebrate Sunday night at the big dinner rather than drown my sorrows, that's for sure.' While Davison said he'd lean on his positive experiences in Perth, he added they meant little heading into this weekend's rapid-fire races. 'I'm certainly proud of a lot of the wins I've had here and the podiums over the years, but it hasn't been for a couple of years, so certainly not relying on that,' he said. 'You come here upbeat with plenty of good memories and plenty of good things to reflect on but not relying on that in any way, shape or form. 'It's a really fast-moving sport, and 12 months is a very long time, so it doesn't really count for too much, to be honest. There are obviously trends you look for, and you know what it takes to be successful here. 'You channel every positive experience you have in this industry, but every race is a clean sheet of paper. 'This sport is a pressure cooker every single moment you're in the car. That's what we love about it.' Davison returned to Dick Johnson Racing in 2021, having previously branched out from the team in 2008. He found immediate success in 2021 and 2022, finishing fourth and fifth in the driver's championship, respectively, in those years. However, the last two years have fallen below the veteran's lofty expectations, with Davison finishing in 10th and ninth. The results led to a shake-up at Shell V-Power Racing, and the history-laden team landed reigning Bathurst 100 champion Kostecki from Erebus, with the Perth-born star breathing fresh air into the team. 'We're a very proud team with an amazing history, and I've ridden a lot of the waves with the team over the years,' Davison said. 'We have a very high expectation of us, and although we've shown glimpses over the last couple of years, we had a lot of success in 2021 and 2022, but since the Gen 3 era, it's probably been a little bit lean and quite frustrating. 'So there's been a big change. It's an exciting team; it's been a real upheaval, with very different morale and very different energy around the place. 'The expectation Brodie is putting on the team, what he's asking from the team, and the knowledge he's bringing to the team are immense. 'It's really exciting to see all these new ideas and hear the way they've been successful the last few years, which has been really good for us. 'As the year goes on, we're only going to see more and more success with our car.'
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Controversial Perth Supercars plan wins a famous fan
Supercars veteran Will Davison has thrown his support behind Western Australia constructing a street track near the Perth CBD, saying it will help bring the sport to the people. In January, WA Premier Roger Cook committed $217 million to create a new motorsport street circuit as well as a 20,000-seat music bowl and a function centre. The motorsport circuit would be constructed in the Burswood Precinct area, which houses the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. But the plan quickly attracted fierce criticism, with opponents raising concerns over noise pollution and the loss of natural green space. Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville are among the Supercars venues already boasting street circuits. Newcastle also had a street track, but a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from locals and the failure to secure a new Supercars deal resulted in the council restoring the area back to normal use. Davison, in Perth for this week's Supercars event at Wanneroo Raceway, feels a new street track would work wonders for the sport in Perth. "I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years," Davison said. "Some have worked, some haven't. But I'm a huge supporter of local motor sports circuits. "You explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. "We have our die-hard fans that love Supercars, love motorsport. "(But) there's a lot of people that are on the fence and (won't change their mind) until they come and experience it first hand, and feel that it's much more than a motor sport event." Davison said street circuits brought a different aspect to motor racing. "There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look left, right and centre. "They create a vibe and atmosphere that makes it much more than a motorsport event." In a huge sporting weekend for Perth, the Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, while the Supercars will be in action from Friday. Davison and his Dick Johnson Racing teammate Brodie Kostecki took on Socceroos pair Martin Doyle and Mat Ryan in a remote control car battle at Perth's Elizabeth Quay on Monday. Supercars veteran Will Davison has thrown his support behind Western Australia constructing a street track near the Perth CBD, saying it will help bring the sport to the people. In January, WA Premier Roger Cook committed $217 million to create a new motorsport street circuit as well as a 20,000-seat music bowl and a function centre. The motorsport circuit would be constructed in the Burswood Precinct area, which houses the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. But the plan quickly attracted fierce criticism, with opponents raising concerns over noise pollution and the loss of natural green space. Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville are among the Supercars venues already boasting street circuits. Newcastle also had a street track, but a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from locals and the failure to secure a new Supercars deal resulted in the council restoring the area back to normal use. Davison, in Perth for this week's Supercars event at Wanneroo Raceway, feels a new street track would work wonders for the sport in Perth. "I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years," Davison said. "Some have worked, some haven't. But I'm a huge supporter of local motor sports circuits. "You explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. "We have our die-hard fans that love Supercars, love motorsport. "(But) there's a lot of people that are on the fence and (won't change their mind) until they come and experience it first hand, and feel that it's much more than a motor sport event." Davison said street circuits brought a different aspect to motor racing. "There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look left, right and centre. "They create a vibe and atmosphere that makes it much more than a motorsport event." In a huge sporting weekend for Perth, the Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, while the Supercars will be in action from Friday. Davison and his Dick Johnson Racing teammate Brodie Kostecki took on Socceroos pair Martin Doyle and Mat Ryan in a remote control car battle at Perth's Elizabeth Quay on Monday. Supercars veteran Will Davison has thrown his support behind Western Australia constructing a street track near the Perth CBD, saying it will help bring the sport to the people. In January, WA Premier Roger Cook committed $217 million to create a new motorsport street circuit as well as a 20,000-seat music bowl and a function centre. The motorsport circuit would be constructed in the Burswood Precinct area, which houses the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. But the plan quickly attracted fierce criticism, with opponents raising concerns over noise pollution and the loss of natural green space. Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville are among the Supercars venues already boasting street circuits. Newcastle also had a street track, but a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from locals and the failure to secure a new Supercars deal resulted in the council restoring the area back to normal use. Davison, in Perth for this week's Supercars event at Wanneroo Raceway, feels a new street track would work wonders for the sport in Perth. "I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years," Davison said. "Some have worked, some haven't. But I'm a huge supporter of local motor sports circuits. "You explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. "We have our die-hard fans that love Supercars, love motorsport. "(But) there's a lot of people that are on the fence and (won't change their mind) until they come and experience it first hand, and feel that it's much more than a motor sport event." Davison said street circuits brought a different aspect to motor racing. "There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look left, right and centre. "They create a vibe and atmosphere that makes it much more than a motorsport event." In a huge sporting weekend for Perth, the Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, while the Supercars will be in action from Friday. Davison and his Dick Johnson Racing teammate Brodie Kostecki took on Socceroos pair Martin Doyle and Mat Ryan in a remote control car battle at Perth's Elizabeth Quay on Monday.
West Australian
3 days ago
- Automotive
- West Australian
Controversial Perth Supercars plan wins a famous fan
Supercars veteran Will Davison has thrown his support behind Western Australia constructing a street track near the Perth CBD, saying it will help bring the sport to the people. In January, WA Premier Roger Cook committed $217 million to create a new motorsport street circuit as well as a 20,000-seat music bowl and a function centre. The motorsport circuit would be constructed in the Burswood Precinct area, which houses the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. But the plan quickly attracted fierce criticism, with opponents raising concerns over noise pollution and the loss of natural green space. Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville are among the Supercars venues already boasting street circuits. Newcastle also had a street track, but a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from locals and the failure to secure a new Supercars deal resulted in the council restoring the area back to normal use. Davison, in Perth for this week's Supercars event at Wanneroo Raceway, feels a new street track would work wonders for the sport in Perth. "I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years," Davison said. "Some have worked, some haven't. But I'm a huge supporter of local motor sports circuits. "You explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. "We have our die-hard fans that love Supercars, love motorsport. "(But) there's a lot of people that are on the fence and (won't change their mind) until they come and experience it first hand, and feel that it's much more than a motor sport event." Davison said street circuits brought a different aspect to motor racing. "There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look left, right and centre. "They create a vibe and atmosphere that makes it much more than a motorsport event." In a huge sporting weekend for Perth, the Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, while the Supercars will be in action from Friday. Davison and his Dick Johnson Racing teammate Brodie Kostecki took on Socceroos pair Martin Doyle and Mat Ryan in a remote control car battle at Perth's Elizabeth Quay on Monday.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Controversial Perth Supercars plan wins a famous fan
Supercars veteran Will Davison has thrown his support behind Western Australia constructing a street track near the Perth CBD, saying it will help bring the sport to the people. In January, WA Premier Roger Cook committed $217 million to create a new motorsport street circuit as well as a 20,000-seat music bowl and a function centre. The motorsport circuit would be constructed in the Burswood Precinct area, which houses the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium. But the plan quickly attracted fierce criticism, with opponents raising concerns over noise pollution and the loss of natural green space. Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Townsville are among the Supercars venues already boasting street circuits. Newcastle also had a street track, but a combination of the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from locals and the failure to secure a new Supercars deal resulted in the council restoring the area back to normal use. Davison, in Perth for this week's Supercars event at Wanneroo Raceway, feels a new street track would work wonders for the sport in Perth. "I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years," Davison said. "Some have worked, some haven't. But I'm a huge supporter of local motor sports circuits. "You explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. "We have our die-hard fans that love Supercars, love motorsport. "(But) there's a lot of people that are on the fence and (won't change their mind) until they come and experience it first hand, and feel that it's much more than a motor sport event." Davison said street circuits brought a different aspect to motor racing. "There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look left, right and centre. "They create a vibe and atmosphere that makes it much more than a motorsport event." In a huge sporting weekend for Perth, the Socceroos face Japan in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, while the Supercars will be in action from Friday. Davison and his Dick Johnson Racing teammate Brodie Kostecki took on Socceroos pair Martin Doyle and Mat Ryan in a remote control car battle at Perth's Elizabeth Quay on Monday.
Perth Now
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Burswood boost: Supercars drivers back plans for new circuit
V8 Supercars veteran Will Davison says a street circuit in Burswood would bring the sport 'to the people', creating a whole new generation of fans and potentially racers in WA. Wanneroo Raceway, currently known as Raceway, will notch its 100th race this weekend at the Perth Super 440, the first track in Australia to do so, but the circuit has long been dated. For many categories, it is far too short, and the raceway itself is located in a hard-to-get-to corner of Perth that fans would be forgiven for not knowing existed. However, proposed plans for a track in the heart of Burswood that hosts Crown Resorts and Casino as well as state-of-the-art sporting coliseum Optus Stadium would ensure everybody knew the Supercars were in town. 'I've been around this sport for a long time, and I've been a part of a lot of the street races that have started from scratch over the last 10 or 15 years,' Davison said. 'Some have worked. Some haven't. I'm a huge supporter of supporting local motorsport circuits, but our cars and street events, you explain it in a way where you're bringing your sport to the people, particularly in the heart of the CBD. 'We have our die-hard fans that love supercars and love motorsport. There's a lot of people that are on the fence until they come and experience it first-hand and feel that it's much more than a motorsport event. 'There's so much going on at street events that are good for the kids, good for the family. There's entertainment everywhere you look. V8 driver Will Davison. Credit: Kelsey Reid / The West Australian 'And until you sort of feel that around a street track experience, the atmosphere that it creates... it's probably impossible to explain it to people.' Perth-born Supercars and Bathurst 1000 champion Brodie Kostecki was involved in the design process for the new circuit and said it was an 'exciting' prospect for motorsport fans in his hometown. 'I've been pretty privileged to be a part of the circuit design, which has been a great process,' he told The West Australian. 'I've been able to work with some really smart people in that field, and I think it will be an exciting time for everyone in Western Australia. 'It's going to be multi-use across multiple different sports and disciplines, so it's going to be great. 'I was part of the process to make sure the track's competitive, entertaining and good to drive, but I'm a very small cog in the wheel.'
