Iain Sherrin believes that the desire to go back-to-back in the Australian Production Car Series is still stronger than ever ahead of their opening round at this weekend’s Shannons Nationals.
Iain and brother Grant were crowned 2017 title holders after winning the final three races to edge out Bob Pearson, who was unable to build on his six race wins earlier in the season.
Despite last year’s campaign getting off to rocky start due to mechanical problems, the Queenslanders will start the 2018 season full of confidence after a sensational victory at the recent Bathurst 6 Hour.
Iain is adamant that the motivation to win still remains due to the love of the sport.
“We always have a good time but we’re super competitive and we’re always going there to win,” Sherrin said.
“I don’t think the desire to do that ever wanes and I think there’s new challengers every year, new competitors, so the desire to win and go back-to-back is strong.”
Although the Sherrins will give themselves every chance for that formidable second title, the toughness of the competition talent made up of a whopping 48 entries will make it a difficult task.
Alongside the return of 2017 runner-up Pearson and fourth placed pair Dimitri Agathos and Lachlan Gibbons, DJR Team Penske endurance driver Tony D’Alberto has teamed up with TV personality and 2016 Australian Endurance Champion Grant Denyer.
Australian Motor Sport Hall of Famer John Bowe will also take part in the race.
“I think it will definitely be harder to go back-to-back this year,” Sherrin added.
“It’s obviously something we’d love to do and we’ll definitely give it our all to do that, but the competition is certainly going to be fierce this year.
“There’s more competition this year and there’s a few new cars that are coming in and particularly faster cars that are going to be up around our car.”
While the pressure on the duo will increase after their fine form leading up to the opening round, the main focus for the humble Sherrin Rentals team this weekend is mainly about scoring points.
“We want to win each race that’s the main focus but at the end of the day we want to come away from the round with as much points as you can,” Sherrin explained.
“The worst thing you can have is DNF’s and not collect any points because it’s a long season and a bad round can really hurt you at the end.
“A bad round can really hurt you at the end of the season, so we will focus on getting points.”
The live stream from Sandown Raceway of the Shannons Nationals will be available from Sunday morning at speedseries.com.au
Click here to buy your tickets to Sandown online at the CAMS Shop.
