Mark ‘Frosty’ Winterbottom and Scott Pye jump at chance to see jumping crocs

SUPERCAR drivers Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye have gotten up close and personal with the Territory’s famous jumping crocs in the lead-up to the first of the two weeks of Darwin racing

Supercar drivers Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye take time out to see the jumping crocodiles.

TEAM 18 Supercars drivers Mark Winterbottom and Scott Pye received an up-close experience with the Territory’s famous jumping crocs in the lead up to the first of the two weeks of Darwin racing.

After a shortened quarantine the pair and their team have been exploring the Top End with the Original Adelaide River Queen Jumping Crocodile Cruises being one of their favourite destinations.

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Pye in particular was hugely impressed with the experience in the lead up to the first of two Darwin Supercars rounds.

“It has been great to get out and about with the team and see the crocs which are iconic in Darwin,” Pye said.

“It makes you realise how vulnerable you are out there with there being a lot more than I expected to see. They’re so impressive and to be that close to them makes you realise the power they have.

“Racing wise Darwin is a tough one. Qualifying is really important as it is everywhere but up here with the temperatures where you only get one crack it can be rather difficult.”

With the announcement of the second Darwin round, the SuperSprint, both racers will now be heading into four straight weeks of racing, something they’re both looking forward to.

Winterbottom was looking forward to the four weeks straight of racing, echoing Pyre’s thoughts on a need for a strong qualifying round.

“Darwin’s been good for me previously and I have good history here,” Winterbottom said.

“Qualifying is always crucial and that one lap is hard to get here as it’s hot and the first lap is usually the fastest lap.

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“There’s all these factors that come into it but essentially fast car wins the race and qualify as quickly as you can which can be tougher to do here than elsewhere.

“For us drivers if we’re away we want to race and four weeks of racing in a row is as good as it gets for us.”