Mark Skaife to Test Drive Sprint Gas Commodore

Skaife, who has not driven a V8 Supercar since December last year, will drive in today’s 30 minute first practice session to help out his former Team Manager Jeff Grech and provide feedback on the development of the SGR car.

Skaife was approached by Grech to give Murphy’s car a run.

“Jeff (Grech) called me asking if I’d drive car 51 at Winton,” Mark Skaife said. 

“Jeff explained that the team had made really good progress with Murph’s car, the early season test had gone extremely well, development was continuing and he wanted some further feedback.

“I’ve worked with Jeff Grech and Mike Henry over the years and hold them both in very high regard, I didn’t have to be asked to drive Murph’s car twice.

“I love the thought of being able to assist where I can, especially with a team that are in the growth stages of car development.

“I’ve spent my life developing and racing cars and miss the full time aspect of driving and competing.”

The drive with Sprint Gas Racing is a one off for Skaife.

“This is a one off drive, which I’m really looking forward to after being out of the car since last December,” Skaife said.

“This opportunity has come around at the right time; I’m definitely feeling the need to drive a competitive car.

“It has been difficult going cold turkey since my retirement, but it has always been my plan to drive something throughout the year. I just didn’t think it’d come around this quickly.”

The opportunity to have the five-time Australian Touring Car Champion give Murphy’s car a shakedown is an important one for Sprint Gas Racing.

“To have Mark drive the car is an absolute privilege,” Jeff Grech said.

“Skaifey and I have been friends and colleagues for many years and shared a lot of success together.

Source: www.sprintgasracing.com