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Newly upgraded Mercedes completes successful test
RAM Motorsport has completed a successful first test in its recently upgraded Mercedes-AMG GT3 at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Originally imported from New Zealand as an older model, the Mercedes has been upgraded to the current Evo specification with GWR Australia and Garth Walden on hand to support Michael Sheargold in his maiden drive in a GT3 car.
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Around 300km was completed as the Mercedes ran faultlessly throughout the day.
For Sheargold, the experience was an enjoyable one as he made the progression into the GT3 steadily.
“I think I was equal parts excited and nervous, but once I completed a few laps you notice the aero holding through the corners plus the added braking performance,” said Sheargold.
“By the end of the day, I had lapped SMP the fastest I’d ever done it so it was a pretty good base to start. I’ve still got to fine some time, but I’m pretty sure with new tyres and additional set-up changes we can hopefully continue to chip away at.”
Walden described the day as successful as he prepares to co-drive the new entry alongside Sheargold.
“It was a pretty good day,” he remarked.
“The Mercedes ran great all day, it was our first shakedown in the car after purchasing it and we installed the Evo kit as well, so it’s current spec.
“The main aim for the test was to get familiar in the car as it was the first time for Michael in a GT3, so it was really about getting him used to the ergonomics and how it all feels.
“We were chasing the weather or the first half of the day or so we thought, it was supposed to bucket down but we only got 10-minutes at lunchtime so we got dry running all day and completed around 300km.
“I jumped in had a skid throughout the day, which was good and we mucked around with car set-up towards the end.”
Still without a livery, Sheargold explained the Mercedes will continue his team’s green and black appearance, but be subtly different to the other cars in the fleet.
Meanwhile GT Trophy contender Brett Hobson also tested, though the day was cut short by a minor fault with his Nissan GT-R GT3 after being totally rebuilt during the past few months.
“Brett went really well. We had a little problem with the car in the middle of the day, which forced us to put it away, but before that it was all going fine,” said Walden.
“We could have probably fixed it at the track, but it was easier to take it back to the shop.”
Wall Racing also completed testing at SMP in Adrian Deitz’s Lamborghini Huracan GT3, while Triple Eight also gave its Mercedes-AMG GT3 a run at Queensland Raceway.