Round two of the Mortorsport Australia Logitech G Pro Invitational cup has provided one of the feel good moments in the championship, with 9ine 5ive SimSports duo Dylan Rudd & Ric Kuznetsov delivering their maiden podiums in the series at the Watercraft Performance Centre Phillip Island super sprint on Wednesday night.
Results of 6th & 7th in race 1 set the pair up nicely, charging through in race two crossing the line in a remarkable 2nd & 3rd positions.
This marks a massive milestone for the 9ine 5ive SimSports team, who have firmly shown they are one of the top flight teams in the business.
We took the time to sit and speak with both Ric Kuznetsov & Dylan Rudd during the week to get their thoughts and opinions after their breakout round at Phillip Island.
R: A wonderful moment at Phillip Island for the both of you and the whole 9ine 5ive SimSports team, it must be a great feeling to be able to collect your first podiums. What where your thoughts as you crossed the line?
DR: “I was relieved once I saw the checkered flag as it was very intense and a lot of pressure being up the front, but at the same time I was stoked for Ric and myself to come home for our first podiums”.
R: And for Yourself Ric? I’d imagine you would be feeling quite proud?
RK: “It Was an unreal feeling seeing two 9ine5ive cars on the podium together. Super proud of the 9ine5ive team for how far we come”.
R: And what about the display of car speed you where able to show Dylan. Where you surprised by the pace you had around Phillip Island?
DR: “I was not surprised by my pace around the island as it’s always been one of my better tracks. I knew If I could execute a couple of clean races that a good result was possible”.
R: Ric, I’d imagine you’d very much echo the comments of Dylan, but for you how was the race car? You definitely looked fast and comfortable. Did you expect to be fighting up the pointy end this early in the championship?
RK: I knew we had a fast car after winning SCOPS but didn’t expect to be fighting for the top step of the podium in the Logitech G Pro invitational Cup. The boys at 9ine5ive have been working super hard and it shows with the recent results we have achieved together, so massive thank you to them!
R: So Dylan, After a dominant display of pace which saw you challenge the likes of Jarrad Filsell, what are your expectations moving forward heading to Spa?
DR: Although I’m coming off a good result my expectations will remain the same looking for top 10 results. I missed spa round last season so unsure of how my pace will stack up against others. The team and myself will continue to put in the hard work to hopefully keep the momentum going into the next round.
R: Lastly, Ric, track on track you and the 9ine 5ive team keep getting stronger. What is the expectation now? What do you focus on?
RK: The expectations will be to keep trying to improve and be able to fight the likes of Jarrad Filsell at every track we race at. To be fast on one track is great, to be fast at every track will be the goal.
R: well thanks to the both of you for your time. It’s been great to see what the both of you achieved at Phillip Island, I wish you nothing but the best for the upcoming rounds.
