What can Hendra do to improve car #343 after bagging first place for the last round? Having the car set up mildly for the previous track session, Hendra sure has ways to improve the Jazz to lengthen the gap between #343 and #146. Currently, the separation between the two cars is at 240 points- with #343 holding 1145 points and #146 with 905.
“The car is undergoing an engine rebuild currently. It has been left standard with only a standalone management that we can tune with on the dyno, once the car comes back from Epul Speed Workshop.”
You would think the car is balanced with corner weight balancing after winning first place, but according to Hendra, the Jazz had a simple “kedai tayar” alignment for the last round. He plans on fine tuning the car’s handling with corner weight balancing for the next round. Will the gap between #343 and #146 increase? Or will the change in handling means that Hendra would have to readjust his driving style?
As to why corner balancing was not done on the previous round, Hendra expresses his concern with the team’s finances, “with a small budget and lack of a main sponsor, we make full use of what we have.”
Only minor improvements have been planned for the car; with majority of it being handling modifications. Running on what seems to be coilover suspension, #343 will finalize its handling customizations with alignment and chassis reinforcement mods.
What Hendra wants to focus on for the next race coming 15th October is his mentality towards racing. “I give in 300% focus prior to every race and I would not be able to do it without my partner who teaches the team a lot.
“With this long break that I have, I feel like I can finally breathe again. Schedule has always been tight for me,” said Hendra, referring to the busy life that he has outside the race track. He feels like he can finally plan out a proper strategy for the next round to maintain his place as champion in the Jazz Cup series.
“It is important we stay aware and very detailed with the final inspection of the car. The smallest of details need the most attention, as we want to avoid unnecessary mistakes.” Hendra then signified the importance of having confidence in his car, saying “it’s the old timer’s secret. They are highly confident of their car’s potential.” He believes it is something only experience can build, which requires patience and perseverance. That in itself challenges a racer’s character- which aside from driving skills, is just as important to secure a spot in the podium.
Save The Date 15/10/2017 at Sepang International Circuit.