Holden driver Rick Kelly and Ford’s Alex Davison might not agree on much through the season, but both have given the green light to a new section of paving through The Esses on top of one of the most challenging parts of the 6.213km circuit.

Since 1980, the inside of The Esses, just after the cars crest Skyline, has been a deep gravel trap designed to “catch” cars of drivers who misjudge the corner.

In what is a regular tradition for drivers arriving at the circuit, Kelly and Davison both did several reconnaissance laps of the track on Wednesday and took particular notice of the changes at The Esses.

Kelly, who won the race in 2003 an 2004 and will line-up in his own Jack Daniel’s Holden Commodore with his brother Todd this weekend, said that the paving was a “smart” move.

“It is going to be a big benefit as it will reduce the amount of debris that comes on to the track from the sand trap that has been there in the past,” Kelly said.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Friday’s Sunraysia Daily 09/10/2009.