V8action#14

01

RACING'S IN OUR BLOOD

9 771839 842000

AUS $9.95

ISSUE 14 ISSN 1839-8421

INC GST

THE YEARBOOK ISSUE

/v8actionillustrated

/v8actionillustrated

Image: lat archive

62 32

50

CONTENTS 4

TEAM PAGE

6

GIL’S G-FORCE

8

Captured

10 12 36

41

57 62 72

80 84 88

18

The Yearbook

Cracks in the Defence

Whincup’s quest for a seventh title was put on hold

What happened to Volvo?

After a stellar 2014, Volvo’s 2015 was well short of the mark.

By the numbers

The twists and turns of the Townsville Street Circuit

Boss v Boss

Gil sits down for a chat with V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton

The intensity on first laps is very high...

People go pretty nuts on the opening laps but you can’t really damage the car. It’s tricky one.”

WILL DAVISON

29

A Touch of Frost

Your 2015 V8 Supercars Champion

racer’s Say

Some of V8SC’s best give their own account of the 2015 season

The Return of the Kid

Ryal Harris made history in the 2015 Australian V8 Utes Series

The Master

John Bowe is still at his best, and loving it!

Miss V8 Supercars 2015

44

Katie Stevens

5 THINGS

96

Steven Johnson Australian Trans-Am

Charlie O’Brien winds back the clock

100 NSW Production Touring

Chris Reeves goes back to back to claim the NSWPTC championship

102 Comeback Kid

Miracles do happen! And they happen to Nick Foster

104 LAST LAP

We pay our respects to two of our heroes who left us this year. Jules Bianchi 1989-2015, and Justin Wilson 1978-2015. .com

Head to V8ACTION.com for more stories, awesome images and to purchase back issues to complete your collection.

Facebook.com/v8actionillustrated

instagram.com/v8action

88

Cover Image: Daniel Kalisz

01

9 771839 842000

AUS $9.95

ISSUE 14 ISSN 1839-8421 RACING'S IN OUR BLOOD

The Rise and Fall of 2015

94 98

THE YEARBOOK ISSUE

INC GST

#14

The sun shone brightly on Mark Winterbottom throughout 2015. No more so than when pictured here on a stunning afternoon at Queensland Raceway where he cruised to two race wins.

TEAM PAGE

EDITORIAL

Publisher: Michael 'Gil' Gilbert: gilt@v8action.com Managing Editor: Jonathon Momsen jonathon@v8action.com To Whom it May Conce Sub-Editor: Jesse Cross Contributors: Jonathon Momsen Harold Martin Luther Jnr.

PUBLISHING

Gilbert Media Group ABN: 9612-4055714.

ACN: 124 055 714

PHOTOGRAPHY

I will be attending the

coverage of the event Contributors: Nathan Wong, Ross Gibb, LAT Photographic, Dirk Klynsmith, Steve Mison, Dewi Jones, Chris Gentle, Cassie Gilbert and Michael Gilbert.

DESIGN

Art Director: Ren Hex Design Assistant: George Karkoulas

ADMINISTRATION

V8 Action has provide

well as Australian GT a

Office Manager: Cassy Gilbert Motivators: Gypsy Gilbert, Ivy Gilbert

ENQUIRIES

This coverage will cont Phone: 02 9542 2248 Web: www.v8action.com content for V8 Action Office: Suite 21, Durban Court, 838 Old Princes Hwy, Sutherland, NSW, 2232 Post: P.O Box 1243, Sutherland NSW 1499

SUBSCRIPTIONS

www.v8action.com www.isubscribe.com.au www.magshop.com.au

DISTRIBUTED BY

Gordon & Gotch Australia Pty Ltd www.gordongotch.com.au

Regards,

STUFF WE NEED TO SAY

V8 Action Illustrated is published quarterly by Gilbert Media Group. Editorial contributions are welcome but must be guaranteed to be exclusive to V8 Action Illustrated. We are not responsible for the return of any unsolicited material nor are we for the return of any products sent to V8 Action Illustrated offices. Not all letters can be answered but we appreciate your correspondence and usually print the Michael Gilbert most informative letters in the magazine.

No material may be reproduced without Publisher written consent from Gilbert Media Group.

V8 ACTION TEAM

All material contained in V8 Action Illustrated is protected by the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968.

MICHAEL GILBERT

FEARLESS LEADER PUBLISHER

Gil always has plenty of war stories from taking care of his two kids. When he asks “When was the last time you had poo on your hands” the rest of us think he’s gone mad. Turns out he’s not just the hardest working man at V8 Action Illustrated but also a proud dad and an enthusiastic over-sharer.

4

|

2015 YEARBOOK

REN HEX

HUGE FAN OF AWOL ART DIRECTOR

“I’m like Batman, I look evil but I’m not.” There are always those villains in horror films that people seem to trust. Maybe it’s because they can’t hear the evil music playing when we see them. But eventually, each of the good guys figures out the villain is evil, and they have to die. Meet our villain/designer.

JONO MOMSEN

WILSON SMITH

CADET JOURNO

Online Wizard

THE LEGEND

What a top bloke. This guy wrote most of the first issue he was involved with here at V8 Action (including the team page bios).

While you could say it was a baptism of fire, graduating uni on Friday and interviewing Miss V8 Supercars on Monday might not be the toughest gig on the planet.

THE INTERN

We just call him ‘Wilson’.

It’s like Cher. Or Prince.

The Web Designer Formally Known as Wilson joined the mag for this issue and has done an awesome job on all of GMG’s sites. If there’s anything about putting a hectic new web page together this guy doesn’t know, he probably just hasn’t Googled how to do it yet.

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MOTORSPORT CATEGORIES. AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MOTORSPORT PHOTOGRAPHERS. AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MOTORSPORT MAGAZINE. V8 ACTION ILLUSTRATED. Subsiduary of Community Action Press PTY LTD

ABN 961 240 557 14 A

Dunlop. Official control tyre of the V8 Supercars.

Dunlop is proud to be the official control tyre for the V8 Supercars. Drivers have long selected Dunlop for its high performance qualities, from the world of racing to the everyday road. So if you need tyres, ask about a Dunlop tyre - what we learn on the track, we take to the street.

Visit www.dunloptyres.com.au

V8ACTION.COM

|

5

GIL’S GFORCE

W

hat a massive 2015! We crowned the determined Mark Winterbottom as our new V8 Supercars champion, seen young gun Cameron Waters tear up the Dunlop Series, and witnessed Ryal Harris break records in the Utes. All we can say is that 2015 was a good year to be a Ford fan. The blue oval now holds all three major Australian V8 titles. We’ll be watching and waiting to see how the General and the rest of the manufacturers respond this season.

Regardless of which side of the fiercest rivalry in motorsport you’re on, we’ve brought you the stories that mattered most in the 2015 championship battle in this one of a kind collector’s edition. The V8 Action 2015 Yearbook brings together the highs and lows of a tumultuous season with world class photography and analysis.

It’s no accident either. Hours, days and weeks of blood, sweat and even a few tears are poured into every magazine we produce. The time spent fine-tuning V8 Action into what it is now is only worth it because you’ve been there with us, watching us grow into the best motorsport publication in the country.

We’d like to thank you, our loyal readers, for your support and wish you all the best for an action packed 2016. You might even see the V8 Action team around the paddock – just look for an afro poking out above a camera.

MICHAEL "GIL" GILBERT just doing my best

6

|

2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

7

Where: Circuit of the Americas, Austin TX When: Sunday October 26, 2015 PIC: Charles Coates/LAT

Soaked in sweat, rain and champagne, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton lifts his eyes to the heavens after claiming his third Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship at the 2015 US Grand Prix.

THE RISE & FALL

Image: lat archive

10

|

2015 YEARBOOK

the rise & fall

OF 2015 WORDS: Jonathon Momsen

Let loose for a season of thrills and spills, the V8 Supercars ripped through 2015 leaving destruction, awe and sprayed champagne in their wake. It’s time to relive the biggest moments that unfolded as we saw one champion torn off his throne, and a new one crowned.

V8ACTION.COM

|

11

THE RISE AND FALL | CRACKS IN THE DEFENCE

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

Cracks in the defence Retaining a V8 Supercar championship is a Herculean effort. To do it three times in a row borders on impossible. Coming into 2015, Jamie Whincup had only one thing on his mind: defending his championship for the fourth time in a row! Winning Race 1 at Clipsal was the perfect start. Whincup vowed to defy the odds again... to his peril.

Whincup battled through a tough round at the Gold Coast. He would eventually finish the first race of the GC600 in 24th after slumping 15 laps behind the leader.

The Red Bull crew worked overtime to get him back on track, albeit looking a little worse for wear.

12

|

2015 YEARBOOK

again fall short of the mark at Bathurst.

He’d be out of the running with three rounds left in the championship. This isn’t the end of the road for the sixtime champion though. Having won five races in 2015, including the Jason

Can’t get a break, it’s just been one of those years unfortunately” jamie whincup

Richards trophy at Pukekohe, it looks like there’s plenty of racing left in him.

Weekends like Pukekohe have been the hallmark of Whincup’s career. 2015 is an exception to the rule.

Mechanical gremlins, strategic errors and spending some time well off the pace of the Prodrive Racing Falcons left Whincup on struggle street for most of the year. He was in the running, but wasn’t tearing the championship apart like he had been. His string of six championships over seven years made him seem untouchable. For the rest of the pack, Whincup faltering in Adelaide gave the field and inch. And, as the saying goes, they took a mile.

Despite not holding onto his title, any win in V8 Supercars is an achievement which shouldn’t be taken for granted.

This season’s performance from Whincup is still something he can be proud of. Having driven with the late Jason Richards, claiming the Jason Richards Trophy will not only be a season highlight, but a career highlight as Whincup moves on from 2015.

Image: lat archive

C

lipsal provided a glimpse into the rest of the 32-year-old’s season. Not only would he miss out on the podium on Sunday, but he would be tempted with great race pace and a solid result in Race 1 on Saturday. A hit and miss weekend kicked off a title defence which would end in more miss than hit, leaving the door open for a new champion in 2015.

James Courtney put himself in the running by claiming the Clipsal 500 crown while Craig Lowndes and Mark Winterbottom lurked in and around the top ten. Whincup’s fourth place on Sunday wasn’t enough to make amends for a lowly 21st in Race 2, meaning his title defence had been turned into a title chase.

Things wouldn’t come around though for the embattled champion. As if a tyre failure at Adelaide wasn’t enough, a cruel twist of fate would see him

Whincup makes the most of his opportunity to celebrate, lighting up the rears as he takes the chequered flag at Pukekohe

V8ACTION.COM

|

13

Image: lat archive

THE RISE AND FALL | CRACKS IN THE DEFENCE

Before making the switch to Triple Eight Racing, Whincup raced alongside Richards for the 2005 season.

Together they made the podium at the Sandown 500 and the Bathurst 1000.

After Richards passed away in 2011, the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy became the prize for the round winner at Pukekohe. It’s now one of the most sought after victories in V8 Supercars, particularly amongst those who drove with and against Richards. In a season that was far from a fairytale, Whincup’s win at Pukekohe will be one to savour for a long time coming.

But the win in New Zealand was too little too late for Whincup’s championship race as Jamie’s shot at the title ended at the Gold Coast.

Despite being a ‘mathematical’ chance up until that point, the consistency and relentless will to win which had become 14

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Unfortunately it's the first time in a long time we haven't been on the podium on Sunday at the Clipsal 500. I don't mean to be negative, but that was the slowest car we've had around here for a long time.”

JAMIE WHINCUP

synonymous with Whincup in car #1 wasn’t there in 2015. Courtney would suffer a similar fate to Clipsal Race 2 winner Fabian Coulthard, spending most of the season in contention without making a real run at the title.

The win would be Coulthard’s only one of the season while Courtney would only win again at the Gold Coast 600.

Adelaide gave crews a chance to get their foot in the door, but there were still plenty of opportunities to be bounced straight back out again. For Whincup that opportunity came sooner than expected. And the hits kept coming.

A strong start to the year helps, but the V8 Supercar season isn’t a sprint. It’s a marathon. A test of ability, technology and wits. Without all three firing on full cylinders all season long, it’s near on impossible to claim a V8 Supercars championship. Combine that near impossible task with the near impossible task of defending a title, then, well, you get Jamie Whincup’s season. Rest assured you can never keep a good racer down. He’ll be back in the mix in 2016 with his eyes set on a new champion who’ll need eyes in the back of his head.

Whincup picked up an early win in Race 1 at the Clipsal 500. It would be a highlight of a season where he would only lead the championship for two races all year.

LIMITED EDITION

<< PX7019X

pulsarwatchesau

pulsarwatches.com.au V8ACTION.COM

|

15

THE RISE AND FALL | FOLLOW THE LEADER

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

FOLLOW THE LEADER There aren’t any points on offer. Overtaking chances are few and far between. A rolling start put cars out of the race before turn one. What should we call it? An ‘exhibition’? A ‘support race’? While it was fair to say the Australian F1 GP needed some help in regards to entertainment this year, the V8 Supercars certainly weren’t it.

Image: lat archive

“Our Touring Car Masters have had rolling starts now for a year and it’s 50/50 on an accident happening... I have a better idea – don’t do rolling starts”

P

rodrive Racing Australia fared best, claiming back to back to back to back 1-2 finishes. Others in the back of the pack weren’t as fortunate, with their cars reduced to parts ahead of the second championship round in Tasmania. The toll the street circuit took on the teams was to be expected. But without the round counting towards the championship, there isn’t any gold at the end of the AGP rainbow. Teams couldn’t add to their point totals, they could only count the cost of a monotonous and controversially calamitous weekend at

16

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Albert Park.

Particular attention was paid to the now notorious rolling start.

Chaos reigned supreme in Race 4 as drivers missed the jump as the leaders took off and only some of the pack responded, meaning those behind them collided heavily with cars that missed the jump. Australian touring car legend John Bowe didn’t hold back in his assessment of the weekend. “Our Touring Car Masters have had rolling starts now for a year and it’s 50/50 on an accident happening,” he told the readers of his column in the wake of the AGP. “I have a better idea – don’t do rolling

This weekend didn’t showcase the V8 Supercar category to its full potential.

I’ve said it endlessly, V8 Supercars is the toughest category in world motorsport.

Given the design of Albert Park there are very few passing spots” JOHN BOWE

NOT ALL TALK

Image: ROSS GIBB

Bowe knows what it takes

starts.” Part of the excitement of V8 Supercars, he says, comes from the unpredictability and skill in getting a V8 Supercar off the line. Add to that the dreary safety car laps which swallow huge chunks of a sprint race and the ‘exhibition’ becomes something the fans must now endure rather than enjoy.

Unfortunately for those present, the weekend didn’t kick off once the field was through turn one cleanly. Nose to tail for the most part, the procession wasn’t what V8 Supercars wanted to showcase to the world. Bowe agreed, “This weekend didn’t showcase the V8 Supercar category to its full potential”.

For a man so used to hyperbole, this was a gross understatement.

Without points on offer, or overtaking opportunities, race fans were left lamenting a day at the track. Some teams were left pulling all-nighters to be in a position to race at Symmons Plains. While still lurking in the shadows on the championship ladder, Frosty and the Pepsi Max Crew had put the Holdens leading the series on notice. It doesn’t matter where you are racing or whether or not it counts, four wins in a row is officially hot, and it would take massive changes from the rest of the field to close the gap [spoilers: they couldn’t].

Fall in line: Winterbottom and Mostert break away from the pack and stay there for the rest of the weekend.

Chaos ensues behind them.

John Bowe might not take to the track in the main game anymore but over his 225 V8 Supercar starts he picked up 51 podiums and 15 race wins including two at Bathurst. The 1995 ATCC Champion now toils away in the Touring Car Masters series where he​took down the 2015 championship, narrowly winning ahead of Jim Richards. Without going too over the top, Bowe has attained the status of “Legend” in the V8 Supercar world. In 2009 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Peter Brock, Allan Moffat and Bob Jane.

The respect he’s garnered over the years means, when he talks, we listen.

V8ACTION.COM

|

17

THE RISE AND FALL | SuperSprint Reigns Supreme

THE SuperSprint

REIGNS SUPREME The method in the sprint race madness becomes clearer when we look at the weekend as a whole rather than in twenty minute bursts. As it turns out the SuperSprint is the solution to problems we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even know we had.

WORDS: JONO MOMSEN PICS: LAT ARCHIVE

18

|

2015 YEARBOOK

With the departure of 60/60 at the end of 2013, the V8 Supercar world was ready and waiting for a new race weekend format to set the world alight.

Two seasons of action packed racing shows the powers that be got the mix right with the SuperSprint. While any format will have its pros and cons, the SuperSprint has given the fans plenty of reasons to fall back in love with sprint races, especially in 2015.

Unfortunately the shorter races have attracted some criticisms from drivers.

Erebus driver Will Davison says the early stages of a sprint race isn’t “really racing to be honest. It’s just who’s the craziest.”

Davison found himself facing backwards and the whole field filing past him just two corners into the race weekend in Symmons Plains as a result of contact

The intensity on first laps is very high...

People go pretty nuts on the opening laps but you can’t really damage the car. It’s tricky one.”

WILL DAVISON

on lap one. “The intensity on first laps is very high... People go pretty nuts on the opening laps but you can’t really damage the car. It’s tricky one.”

One key issue from the three race weekend the V8 Supercars have avoided in the new format is the flow on affect of bad performances affecting the starting positions in the next race. In the bad old days, there’d be one qualifying session with the finish positions of the first race setting the grid for the second. One spin or run of bad luck would ruin a weekend.

If you qualify in the top five and get turned on the first lap, suddenly your pace counts for nothing. You’re back in the pack for the day.

With the SuperSprint allowing qualifying for each race, Will Davison was saved from being reduced to a

James Courtney bore the brunt of Davison's frustration after being spun at Tassie. The incident wasn’t his fault but perhaps his reputation preceded him. Later in the season Scott McLaughlin would say Courtney "Just hits everyone", an accusation JC laughed off.

With a only a tick over 59km remaining, Will Davison fell victim to the SuperSprint’s urgent need to overtake.

V8ACTION.COM

|

19

THE RISE AND FALL | SuperSprint Reigns Supreme

Davison was again forced wide in the main race after starting on the second row

tragic weekend on lap one in Tasmania.

Putting the car on the second row, Will put the car down the inside at the hairpin, only for contact to send him around and into last place. The Erebus driver had fallen victim to the hustle and, in this case, bustle of the 60km sprint race. But he wouldn’t be punished again. He’d fight his way to 17th but start the second race of the weekend where he’d qualified in 9th.

His top ten performance in qualifying meant he’d stay at the pointy end of the grid for the entire weekend, rather than be set back due to the brutal nature of sprint races.

He says however, returning to a progressive sprint race format might make drivers more conservative. “It would probably be a bit different over the course of Saturday... I think sometimes progressive orders reward a certain style of driving,” hinting at

IIt would probably be a bit different over the course of Saturday... I think sometimes progressive orders reward a certain style of driving.”

WILL DAVISON

the drivers who shy away from the ‘craziness’ he described earlier. “If it’s progressive you chip in over the course of the weekend and want to be there by the end of the day.” It’s a balance of risk and reward. For Davison, the SuperSprint format tilts a little too far to the ‘risk’ side of the equation.

Fortunately for him though, Will would have another chance at redemption on Sunday. Another chance to qualify, and 200km to chase down the leaders. He put the Merc on

the second row again! Unfortunately for Davison he would have to wait until Perth to pick up his first win of the season as he was escorted wide on lap one.

The SuperSprint proved exciting for the fans but brutal on drivers. 60km doesn’t leave any room for error.

Double points on Sunday means any error is compounded. But with three opportunities to qualify and reset over the course of a weekend, any poor performance also carries with it a chance at redemption. A mix of 60km sprints and 200km slogs balance out the go hard or go homers with the to finish first, first you must finishers. For the fans it means more excitement and action packed racing, mixed with more strategy and drama over the course of a Sunday afternoon. With the fastest battling it out at the front of the pack, everyone’s a chance and anyone can come back to prevent a horror weekend.

Second Chance

Rewarding Pace

Old School

Will Davison's entire weekend would have been in tatters were it not for the opportunity to qualify for race two. Take a look at just how far up the grid he flew.

1 0

2

4th

3

4th 7th

5 10

9th

15 20

17th

25

23th Qualifying

20

|

2015 YEARBOOK

The Best of the V8s

Race

8

The number of grid places Will Davison would have lost had he started the second Saturday race where he finished the first.

We can argue all day long about what race format works best for the V8 Supercars. What we can't argue about though is the amount of overtaking and thrilling racing we've seen as a result of the SuperSprint format. It's door to door racing, just as touring cars were meant to be!

!

!"#$%&'( #)#*+$',-.$ /0$1#'*/2

:4&%$"5()5%)0$/0%;"<($"42%"=>0'"&%0$(7" /);"?*,"?+@"?0'/)(7A !"#$%"%0#1"#(%2(*"&3&",# !"#$%"%4#,56*%7%8"#1* !&'()*+"*"%8,9(:%7%8(:;,:<3#5(

.'/012"3(4$"5/$2"&$(67%89"!"#$%&'(%)"*+,#(%-,+.&",#/

!"""#$%%&'()%"*+,,"++-"+++

V8ACTION.COM

|

21

NO SPEED LIMITS WWW.WAKEFIELDPARK.COM.AU Braidwood Rd, Goulburn, Nsw 22

|

2015 YEARBOOK

THE RISE AND FALL | 2ND GOLD FOR SILVER ARROWS

2nd gold for silver arrows

EREBUS picked up another win in 2015. But where to now?

I

t was a long time between drinks for one of V8 Supercars’ hardest working teams. Betty Klimenko’s Erebus motorsport tasted success for the first time in 2014, picking up a race win at Winton. Mercedes would create history at Bathurst later that year as they crossed the line in fourth, making 2014 the first year four different car manufacturers finished in the top four of the great race. But it would be Race 9 at Barbagallo in 2015 when the Silver Arrows would climb to the top of the V8 Supercar podium again. The question now for Erebus is: what now?

They’ve proven they can win on their day. Davison was unfortunate not to do even better in Tasmania. A reshuffle at a couple of levels in 2015 puts Erebus in an interesting position in regards to their potential moving into the 2016 season. Not only will they inherit a new driver in David Reynolds, they will begin the year entirely independent. They made the decision early in 2015 to part ways with any of Mercedes’ motorsport programmes running

I hope for the team’s sake and David Reynolds' sake that they get there... I really like Betty and really respect what she’s trying to do.”

WILL DAVISON

out of Germany. They’d continue using the Merc on race day in 2015, but that’s where the loyalties and assistance ends.

This gives the Erebus team options with a peculiar set of circumstances looming.

The rule changes coming in 2017 could open up the field to a more diverse range of chassis and engine types, meaning the V8 Mercedes might not be the way to go. Without the backing of the European giant, Erebus is now free to make the best decision for their team.

The recruitment of David Reynolds and the team’s continued faith in Ash Walsh sees Erebus positioned to be competitive in V8 Supercars. Sure, they won a race last year and this year. Sure Davison put

in solid performances in qualifying and on race day through 2015. But the sole win in Perth wasn’t enough to classify them as contenders this year. As luck would have it, one of the contenders will strap himself in Erebus in 2016. Reynolds has the

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

Davison crossed the line ahead of Lowndes, Coulthard and pole-sitter Chaz Mostert in Race 9 of 2015 at Barbagallo.

V8ACTION.COM

|

23

THE RISE AND FALL | 2ND GOLD FOR SILVER ARROWS

On the move

Image: ROSS GIBB

Erebus can't afford to stand still

opportunity to reinvigorate the Erebus stable and lead the team, not only to race wins, but championship contention.

Davison proved this year they have the pace and the know-how to do well on their day. 2016 will just need to be a more consistent year to be deemed a success. Winning races isn’t easy but it’s where the bar is set now. Clearing the bar is another thing all together.

But Davison himself had success before joining Erebus. Moing to Tekno he’s said he’ll be in contention for the championship but doesn’t expect Erebus to be up there with him. “I certainly don’t expect them to be there in the next year or so,” he said having jumped ship. “I think they’d admit that too.” For Davison he felt his year revolved around getting the most out of a car that was 7th-8th fastest but had good tyre life. A recipe that yielded one win.

“They’re just a year or two behind everyone.” And that’s the trouble Erebus faces. While they are growing and progressing so too is the rest of the field. Despite the harsh verdict, Davison 24

|

2015 YEARBOOK

I certainly don’t expect them to be there in the next year or so... I think they’d admit that too.”

WILL DAVISON

will leave the team in good spirits, showing the crew at the track and behind the scenes has an atmosphere which can cultivate success. “I hope for the team’s sake and David Reynolds’ sake that they get there,” something he says with absolute sincerity in his voice.

“I really like Betty and really respect what she’s trying to do.”

With Klimenko at the helm and Reynolds behind the wheel, Erebus leaves 2015 with passion and determination fully stocked. 2015 was a year where potential was left to simmer.

Come 2016 it’ll be time for the Silver Arrows to go hunting for more gold, perhaps just not as much as they’d hope.

Will partnered with his brother Alex for the Pirtek Enduro Cup. It wasn’t to be for Mercedes this year but a major win in the Enduros could be on the cards soon.

David Reynolds has three career wins as a driver since 2013... One more than Erebus has as a team.

Reynolds joins Erebus having earned third place in the 2015 championship.

A similar performance in 2016 would be above and beyond Erebus’ current best performance of 14th. For Erebus, the continued development of Ash Walsh will be critical to their success as a team. Relying only on Reynolds as they have with Holdsworth and Davison would be wasting the potential Walsh has as a young driver. The line up is set.

Now they just need to get the job done.

TEAM PAGE

0 - 100 in 2.6 seconds

Certainly no cruiser Authentic Ducati performance and technology with iconic Italian style. Certainly the best value to go 0 - 100km/h in just 2.6 seconds! Book a test ride at your local Authorised Ducati Dealer today!

106

|

THE GREAT TEAMS ISSUE / 2015

V8ACTION.COM

|

25

THE RISE AND FALL | TAKING CONTROL

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

Taking Control

T

he clean sweep of the Australian Grand Prix was just the beginning. Prodrive Racing Australia had a glimpse at the top of the table in Perth.

At Winton, they took hold with both hands – and never let go.

A win for Chaz Mostert and two for Mark Winterbottom was enough to put Frosty on the top of the ladder.

The sweep in a championship round added insult to the injuries suffered in Melbourne. With bundles of points now headed to the Pepsi Max Crew the rest of the field were running around chasing calculators to determine if they were still a chance to claim the 2015 V8 Supercar Championship.

26

|

2015 YEARBOOK

We’ll try and repeat what we’re doing – it’s a good time at Prodrive at the moment, good to be involved.”

MARK WINTERBOTTOM

Winterbottom went on a destructive streak of performances which saw him go on to sweep Townsville, podium all three races at Ipswich and take out the Sandown 500.

He was, in a word, dominant. ‘Mark Winterbottom’ may as well have been carved in stone atop the championship ladder once he crossed the line at

Winton. In previous years, Winton had been the home of massive upsets with Nissan and Mercedes claiming wins in 2013 and 2014 respectively.

2015 was business as usual with both Pepsi Max Falcons on the podium for races one and two and a lone Frosty on top of the podium in race three.

As always at this point in the season, the championship was far from over. Winterbottom merely drew first blood after a tentative series start where no single driver stood out from the pack.

Winterbottom’s opening salvo of 2015 was a direct signal of intent: catch me if you can.

Armed with an FGX with power to burn, Frosty took to the track and showed no mercy.

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

TOTAL POINTS 88% - 23 CARS (Rest of the field) 12% 2 Cars (Pepsi Max)

MAX POINTS 20% - 113 (Missed Points) 80% 463 (Pepsi Max)

AVERAGE POINTS 100% - 308 (2 Car Average) 150% 463 (Pepsi Max)

It’s unfortunate for Chaz because he was quicker than I was in that race. But I’m so proud of the boys and girls back at the workshop. They’ve done a great job... Awesome results.”

MARK WINTERBOTTOM V8ACTION.COM

|

27

www.wilsonsecurity.com.au 28

|

2015 YEARBOOK

CE

20

Wilson Security

Our business is protecting yours.

D U Rapid L L CT EXCE

EN

DUCT

RO

ON

TI

C H Rapid P NOLOGY

W INN ER

A

Wilson Security

11

O

D

T INNOV

W INN

PR

Rapid

UC

11

E BEST T

PRO

Wilson Security

20

W INN

ER

11

ER

20

AUSTRALIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEADING MOBILE PATROL AND ALARM RESPONSE SERVICE

1300 WILSON

contact@wilsonsecurity.com.au

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

THE RISE AND FALL | CELEBRATING A CENTURION

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

Celebrating a centurion

A

kid was recruited to drive a Commodore at the start of the 1996 season. It was considered a risk for HRT to give him the drive. A just 21, Craig Lowndes had a full time seat with the big boys. He’d prove the nay-sayers wrong by winning in his first start at Eastern Creek. Then he won the round.

And then the championship! But he wasn’t done yet and, with 2015 done and dusted, is still far from finished.

Lowndes reflected on those early stages shortly after winning his 100th V8 Supercar race this year. Hidden Valley would be the site etched in history as the three-time series champion became the first driver to reach the milestone. Many thought Lowndes would end his career, walking away from the game with a duck. The tonne

John Bowe was blown away, Wayne Gardner said before the start I’d never win a race let alone a Championship” CRAIG LOWNDES

he’s put on over two decades certainly showed their opinions for what they were.

“Wayne Garner said before the start I’d never win a race let alone a championship,” Lowndes chirped through a toothy grin in the wake of his historic victory. The sentiment towards Craig has certainly changed since he first took to the Mountain in 1994. A much loved character, Lowndes was

greeted in pit lane to rapturous applause from his crew, his team mate’s crew and the crew of every other team in pit lane.

The crowd around the circuit and fans around the country saluted a champion of the sport in a moment which won’t soon be forgotten.

Lowndes also took out his 6th Bathurst this year. After making his first appearance on the Mountain more than 20 years ago now, Lowndes has joined a number of legends in this lofty tier of Australian motorsport. After clearing Skiafe’s record of 90 race wins, Peter Brock’s 9 Bathurst wins is the next milestone in reach for the sport’s only centurion. But time is not on Lowndes’ side. Winning at Bathurst is a tough ask. Three more victories could be hard to come by as he moves into the later stages of his career. Fortunately, recent

Pictured celebrating above, Lowndes’ 2015 Bathurst 1000 victory was career win 101 and his sixth Bathurst crown. It was also the fifth time he’s won the Peter Brock Trophy, the most times anyone has won the trophy since it was first awarded to Lowndes and Jamie Whincup in 2006.

V8ACTION.COM

|

29

NATIONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM No visit to Mount Panorama is complete without a stop at The National Motor Racing Museum, right beside the track at Murray’s corner. Inside you’ll find a constantly- changing array of vehicles that have made their mark not only on Mount Panorama, but in Australian Motorsport in General.

In the galleries you’ll see many of the dominant vehicles that ran in Australian touring car, open wheeler, rally, Motorcycle and speedway events. The stories of the many drivers and races are told through original trophies, race suits, leathers, race footage and photographs. Take a break in the theatre and watch the introductory history of motor racing in Bathurst since the 1920’s. Before taking a spin around the Mount Panorama circuit enjoy a coffee and take in the Peter Brock statue, Museum shop, & playground. Whether travelling with a car club, bus tour, caravan or the kids, we can cater for all your needs, check our new website for full information

www.nmrm.com.au

THE NAT IONAL MOTOR RACING MUSEUM OPENING HOURS: 9.30am to 4.30pm daily 400 Panorama Avenue Mount Panorama,

BATHURST NSW 2795

PH: 02 6332 1872 FAX: 02 6332 3349 30

|

WEB: WWW.NMRM.COM.AU

2015 YEARBOOK

v8ACTION

|

87

THE RISE AND FALL | CELEBRATING A CENTURION

so it’s one of those things you just don’t know where you’re going to end up. And to be here now is quite incredible.”

CRAIG LOWNDES

Mark Winterbottom sealed the title at Homebush.

But despite not winning a title since 1999, Lowndes’ consistent effort and performance in the top echelon of Australian racing has been proven by his impeccable record. 100 wins, now 101, shows just how committed Lowndes is to the sport, even though he wasn’t wholly committed to one side of the fiercest rivalry of motorsport. He left a dominant Holden Racing Team to race for Gibson Motorsport. His Ford would carry him to 11th that season.

He’d suffer his worst championship result in 2004 when he finished 20th with Ford Performance Racing. Luckily for our smiling centurion, he was rescued by Triple Eight Racing. The

iconic 888 made the transition through a number of sponsors and brought Lowndes back to his home at Holden, picking up plenty of wins along the way, returning Lowndes to the winners circle with the regularity he’d grown accustomed to early in his career.

Now Lowndes sits atop the race winners list, with every twist and turn of his career leading him to eclipse the records set before him. With no set date for retirement, 2015 will be a focal point of Lowndes’ great career, regardless of how far it falls from its end. And given the response to his 100th victory in Darwin this year, fans of all manufacturers will be hoping we see Lowndesey breaking more records in the years to come.

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

changes to the co-driver rules mean Lowndes’ potential to return and win the great race after retiring full time are better than ever. Gone are the days when two part-timers are thrown together. Lowndes, when/if he does retire from full time and return for the Enduro Cup, will be sat alongside a full-time driver and as always at the Mountain, will be in the hunt for a win.

And so he was in his first crack at the Mountain in 1994. Leading the race, the need to conserve fuel meant he couldn’t match the pace of a rampaging John Bowe who would go on to win the race. Luckily for us, the teenager didn’t take the loss to heart, instead he came back in 1996 to win the championship! Taking a year to race in Europe in 1997, he came back in 1998 and won it again!

Then he made it three series from as many attempts in 1999. Since taking the series by storm, Lowndes hasn’t let up and was still a major contender in this year’s championship until

V8ACTION.COM

|

31

THE RISE AND FALL | FRIENDLY FIRE

The HRT drivers fight hard for every position, including against each other.

Sometimes to their peril.

32

|

2015 YEARBOOK

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

FRIENDLY FIRE The competition in V8 Supercars is tough enough as it is. The last thing teams need is to be tripping over each other. Whether it’s on track or over the radio, mistakes within teams can be the hardest to deal with.

The old adage says to never collide with a teammate.

For the Holden Racing Team, heading into a meeting with both drivers and the team boss was the answer after Courtney and Tander collided at Winton. The matter was dealt with. But then it happened again!

We would have still liked him to come in when we asked him to but there are mitigating circumstances around the whole thing...

Onward with the business here.”

ROLAND DANE

Perhaps some more dwelling could help Jamie Whincup though. With 20 laps to go in the 2015 Bathurst 1000, Red Bull Racing Australia fans had just two words running through their mind: “Not again!” Tensions flared as Jamie circulated the 6.2km required to return to pit lane having ignored team orders to pit. To everyone’s amazement, Whincup flew down Conrod ahead of the safety car, pulling in to pit lane and exiting just behind his teammate in 2nd place. Any joy from the miraculous occurrence would be short lived, as it was revealed Whincup would be penalised for passing the safety car.

Reliving the split second decision to

Image: ROSS GIBB

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

C

ourtney careered into the side of Garth Tander’s Commodore in the next round at Hidden Valley. Two bright red Holdens shot off into the dirt.

Two red faced drivers were called in to the shed for another slap on the wrist.

Contact between team mates was on everyone’s lips again as the field lined up for the final race of the Gold Coast 600. A fierce stoush between the two drivers had the HRT hierarchy holding their breath, and preparing the cane for another post race ‘discussion’. Despite what we were all expecting however, cool heads prevailed between JC and Garth.

Tander explains how things go down when the dust settles. “We’re all big boys. You sit down and have a chat about it. Understand the situation.” Long gone are the days of fisty cuffs and brew-ha-has when teammates collide.

Finding what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future is all there is to it. “You have a grown up conversation about it and move forward,” Tander says. There are more races to come, it doesn’t help to dwell on mistakes.

V8ACTION.COM

|

33

THE RISE AND FALL | FRIENDLY FIRE

ignore the team orders of “Pit this lap” Jamie told Fox Sports’ Mark Skaife “As soon as I saw the safety car flags near the last corner I knew I was in big trouble”.. Before the dust had time to settle, RBRA boss Roland Dane was responding to the drama unfolding around him. With a shake of his head he made it clear this error was Jamie’s.

The eventual winner, Whincup’s team mate, Craig Lowndes said he expected “He [Dane] won’t be pleased” when Jamie met with him for the debrief.

As it was at HRT, the team came together to figure out just what went wrong. With all the information at their disposal, Dane came around and said it wasn’t all Jamie’s fault. Absolving Jamie from complete responsibility for the bungled shot at Bathurst glory, and potentially the championship too, Dane concluded to go “onward with the business here”. Moving on is a sound

As soon as I saw the Safety Car flags near the last corner I knew I was in big trouble.”

JAMIE WHINCUP

strategy. Red Bull will just be hoping when they move on they won’t be put in the same situation in 12 months time – again.

It seems it won’t matter how grumpy the team can be, a handshake and a few stern words is now the norm for a calamity within a team on race day.

The damage is already done; fighting amongst themselves won’t get the team anywhere. The consequences of these errors are evidence enough. Top 5 to 18th in the blink of an eye. The error potentially cost Whincup more than 120 championship points. While

anything could have happened after the pit stop, and double stacking would have set him back, the opportunity that went begging had major ramifications for his championship hopes. He was fortunate falling short in 2014 didn’t cost him more than it did. Regardless, Whincup dropped nearly 200 points in two Bathurst campaigns. That’s more than a regular race win. Dane was well within his rights to be frustrated with the results.

But despite what is said in the heat of the moment, these guys are a team.

No matter what trivial mishaps get in the way, they can only achieve their goals if they come back as a unit.

2015 has slipped through their grasp.

Pointing the finger or arguing the point will only sour a season which didn’t result in a championship. There’s work to be done, and one simple message: keep moving forward.

Whincup's DRAMAS

Missed Opportunities Possible Points

300

Actual Points Missed Points

222 78

Bathurst 2015 Possible Points Actual Points Missed Points 34

|

2015 YEARBOOK

300300

250250

200200

150 150

100100

50 50

00

Bathurst 2014

222 102 120

Chaz Mostert capitalised on Whincup’s headstrong attitude towards fuel conservation in 2014.

V8ACTION.COM

|

35

THE RISE AND FALL | WHAT HAPPENED TO VOLVO?

36

|

2015 YEARBOOK

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

what happened

to volvo?

WORDS: Jono Momsen | IMAGES: LAT ARCHIVE & ROSS GIBB

Scott McLaughlin had to “give it some jandal” in 2014 to get the Garry Rogers Motorsport Volvo into second place at Clipsal. In 2015, the footwear analogy for Volvo would be more like a busted double-plugger.

V8ACTION.COM

|

37

THE RISE AND FALL | WHAT HAPPENED TO VOLVO?

o much was expected from the youngster along with teammate David Wall, but Volvo underachieved in earnest in 2015. One of the greatest success stories in V8 Supercars in recent years has been the introduction of Mercedes, Nissan and Volvo to the competition. Of that, Volvo’s 2014 success at the hands of Scott McLaughlin won the most fans (and races for that matter) across the country. Unfortunately for those fans, success wouldn’t knock again in 2015.

“It’s probably about a 5/10 rating for us” a disappointed Scott McLauglin said following a season that saw Volvo without a win. “We had high hopes after finishing fifth in 2014... Obviously this year just hasn’t gone to plan.”

It wasn’t all doom and gloom in the GRM garages.

McLaughlin showed plenty of pace putting the #33 Volvo on pole five times.

The potential for success the team showed late in the piece made the difficult year harder to bear.

We had high hopes after finishing fifth in 2014... Obviously this year just hasn’t gone to plan.”

SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN

McLaughlin hinted at engine trouble as one of the causes for the slump in form but also towards a preparation which was less than ideal.

“We didn’t quite have the best offseason in regards to development where a lot of teams sort of jumped us a little bit in speed.” Handing competitors a head start in any sport is asking for trouble. In a sport like V8 Supercars, playing catch up will only

end in one result. Volvo found that out in 2015 with the young kiwi only featuring in a fraction of the podiums he picked up in 2014.

Despite being below expectations, 2015 provided glimpses of the brilliance McLaughlin showed last year. He put the Garry Rogers Motorsport machine on pole five times. Across the garage Wall struggled in the second Volvo, wrestling his way through the season in much the same way as his predecessor in the #34 Robert Dahlgren did. 2014 may prove to be a flash in the pan, but with James Moffatt replacing Wall in 2016, Volvo will be dual-wielding and firing from the hip. With nothing to lose and everything to prove after a disastrous 2015, the re-building has well and truly begun.

Volvo's Woes

GRM's 2015 hasn't lived up to the hype of 2014

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

GRM TOTALS

38

|

2015 YEARBOOK

2014

2015

WINS 4 0 POLES 10 5 PODIUMS 10 5 AVE. CHAMPIONSHIP POSITION 15th 16th

CHANGE

4 5 5 1

EXPERIENCE THE WORLD’S GREATEST MOTORSPORT EVENTS LIKE A CHAMPION! Gold Coast 600

Australian

GRAND PRIX

Clipsal 500

Triple Crown DARWIN

Le Mans

24 HOURS

Experience the excitement, energy and atmosphere of major motor sporting events both in Australia and around the world. Whether it’s V8 Supercars, Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, IndyCar, Auto racing tours package options take care of flights, accommodation, pre and post event touring plus ticketing, so you can enjoy the action.

Bathurst

1000

LIVE THE DREAM V8ACTION.COM | autoracingtours.com.au | 1300 768 471 | sales@autoracingtours.com.au

39

BY THE NUMBERS | TOWNSVILLE STREET CIRCUIT

BY THE NUMBERS

BREAKDOWN Turn 3

80km/h 2nd GEAR

Turn 5

Turns 7 & 8

145km/h 3rd GEAR

90km/h 2nd GEAR

Charters Towers Rd

175km/h 4th GEAR

Turn 10

170km/h 4th GEAR

turn 2

60km/h 2nd GEAR

TURN 13

55km/h 1st GEAR

Boundary StREET 260km/h 6th GEAR

Street

40

|

Turn 11

65km/h 2nd GEAR

TRACK

2.860km

1.270km

56%

Length of Townsville Street Circuit

Townsville streets used for the track

Track that isn't street circuit

900

260km/h

60km/h

Tyres allocated for the weekend

Top speed into turn 2

Regular speed limit into turn 2

2015 YEARBOOK

$8,825 Cost of fines if all 25 V8 Supercars were snapped by the red light camera on Boundary Street.

IMAGE: MICHAEL GILBERT

Accounting Recruitment and Practice Broking Specialist

People In Accounting is a privately owned boutique accounting recruitment and practice broking business. We are career advisors to the accounting profession, our clients include big4, mid-tier and smaller suburban tax practices as well as commercial industry businesses. We provide services in staff recruitment and retention, partner exit strategies, mergers and acquisitions and accounting practice sales.

Carolyn Betts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Director - Phone 0418 637 728 Email - cbetts@peopleinaccounting.com.au

V8ACTION.COM | 41 V8ACTION.COM | A

THE RISE AND FALL | ARE WE THERE YET?

Are we there yet?

Far from boring: the boys get the elbows out as they race to turn 3

Poor Ipswich. It cops such a bad rap. Since coming into the championship in 1999 it’s been called everything under the sun. Have we learnt to love V8s' ugly duckling?

I

t seems Queensland Raceway is just misunderstood. These six little turns are tricky and can catch out even the industry’s best.

It’s short and sweet. Only six corners. But this notorious stretch of track in Queensland’s V8 Supercar heartland has been home to some of the best V8 Supercar rounds of all time. 2015 didn’t disappoint with Frosty taking top honours in Ipswich. While the Queensland 500 enduro might be a thing of the past, ‘The Paperclip’ as it’s affectionately known still provided some thrilling racing in 2015. We asked some of V8 Supercars’ best what they thought of the trickiest six turns in Australian motorsport.

“It’s not the most imaginative circuit we go to that’s for sure,” HRT’s Garth Tander said. “It’s not the most enjoyable track we go to,” he continued. But despite a dreary time behind the wheel, Tander admits it can be a fan favourite. “I think it does produce good racing, especially for the fans. The way the track layout is they can see the whole track from

It’s not one of the most exciting joints but the challenge of getting a car around there spot on is bloody hard.”

Will Davison

any vantage point. That’s good for the fans.” Finally. That’s a ‘plus’ for Queensland Raceway from a bloke that’s raced there.

While they might not admire its charisma, this crop of drivers respect the challenges The Paperclip presents.

Scott McLaughlin earned a podium spot in the first race of 2015 at Ipswich and says success doesn’t always equate to enjoyment. “It’s not one of my favourite tracks but for some reason I’ve always gone pretty well there.” Even once drivers navigate the bumps and bends and end up at the pointy end of the field, they still don’t have many nice things to say about Queensland Raceway.

It seems the flowing circuit with an

Against the grain

T

aking a look back at the history of Queensland Raceway it’s hard to say why it carried the labels it does.

So many championship changing, career defining and awe inspiring moments have emerged from The Paperclip.

Maybe there’s more to this little piece of tarmac?

42

|

2015 YEARBOOK

abundance of overtaking opportunities doesn’t make the cut in the eyes of many drivers. Meanwhile the fans’ uninterrupted view means the track’s unique layout provides one of the best days at the track in the country. And despite what most people say we’ve found a driver with very few bad things to say about it.

“I actually quite like the little joint.”

Will Davison was quick to defend QR and its little quirks that make even a simple looking layout difficult. “It’s not one of the most exciting joints but the challenge of getting a car around there spot on is bloody hard.” And that’s what makes the V8 Supercars at QR an exciting time. Will continues: “It’s not Bathurst – You’re not going through 200km/h, concrete lined, blind crest corners but at the end of the day it’s the same challenge.”

With Davison’s defence of The Paperclip bordering on the fanatical, and race winners still shouting it down, it seems the debate will continue to rage on. At least we’re becoming a little more kind towards one of the staples of the V8 Supercar calendar.

1999

2001

The Paperclip burst onto the scene in 1999 with Garth Tander winning the first round. The track would feature twice in the 1999 season with the first running of the Queensland 500.

Perhaps the most bizarre finish to a V8 Supercar race ever seen, Steven Johnson and Paul Radisich won the Queensland 500 from the gravel trap after the race was red flagged.

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

2005

2010

2015

The late Jason Richards, pictured here in 2007, produced one of the most memorable V8 Supercar moments when he spectacularly rolled in the 2005 Queensland 300.

Dick Johnson, the V8 legend after which the main straight at Ipswich is named, returned to the winners circle in 2010 as James Courtney swept the round for DJR.

In a weekend more indicative of the championship than the circuit, Mark Winterbottom and Chaz Mostert dominated for the most part without giving the rest of the field much of a look in.

V8ACTION.COM

|

43

THE RISE AND FALL | THE DEVIL WE KNEW

44

|

2015 YEARBOOK

THE DEVIL WE KNEW For nearly a decade we waited with baited breath for the return of one of V8 Supercars’ most exciting talents. Marcos Ambrose’s V8 hiatus racing in NASCAR was one we couldn’t wait to see the end of. But only three races in, the dream reunion was set for a crushing divorce.

WORDS: JONO MOMSEN PICS: LAT ARCHIVE

Roger Penske’s allegiance with DJR has brought with it some changes but, more importantly, progress.

V8ACTION.COM

|

45

Image: ROSS GIBB

THE RISE AND FALL | THE DEVIL WE KNEW

B

ringing with him the world renowned Roger Penske, Ambrose’s first three starts in 2015 didn’t yield a top ten finish, his best leaving him 12th on Sunday at Clipsal. Marcos Ambrose, known affectionately by American racecallers as “The Tasmanian Devil” had lost the fight to return to his former glory with any sort of immediacy. Something that didn’t sit well with the two-time V8 Supercar champion.

“I’ve come down here to be the lead driver of a single car team and I can’t deliver what’s expected of me as a lead driver in the circumstances that are around me,” he told media following his decision to step down. The responsibility of leading the team meant, for Marcos at least, an expectation of performance and progress. While not having the former could have been expected, the 46

|

2015 YEARBOOK

I’ve come down here to be the lead driver of a single car team and I can’t deliver what’s expected of me as a lead driver in the circumstances that are around me” MARCOS AMBROSE

latter would take time and laps on the track. Ambrose didn’t see himself as being able to develop the DJR Team Penske Falcon within the time frame he expected. He stepped down letting DJR and Penske invest in the future.

This wasn’t necessarily a let off for DJR Team Penske. Team Principal and part owner Ryan Story said Ambrose’s decision put the team under the pump.

“It shone a spotlight on some of our

Ambrose returned to the track for the Pirtek Enduro Cup. The #17 FGX was running in 11th place when Pye hit the wall on top of the mountain ending the team’s Bathurst hopes.

Looking the goods

Nothing says DJR like Shell sponsorship.

But in true American fashion, the DJR Team Penske Ford was adorned with a broad range of sponsors over the course of 2015. One criticism of the US’ obsession with changing liveries is that it makes it hard to pick where your favourite driver is in the pack. But with liveries like these popping up, we’ll deal with change and just enjoy the view. We’ve waxed lyrical in the past that the dreaded fluoro yellow numbers could be done away with in favour of huge NASCAR style numbers on the door solving the identification and aesthetic dilemmas all at once.

Quality hoists you can trust Tufflift offers a complete range of car, truck and motorcycle hoists for every application. Our extensive range caters for both enthusiasts and professionals. If you need a 2 post for a workshop, a 4 post for storage at home or specialised equipment for commercial workshops and service centres, we have a hoist to suit every space and budget.

View our complete range at www.tufflift.com.au

2 Post Clear Floor Automotive Hoists

Motorcycle Lifts

2 Post Base Plate Automotive Hoists

General Garage Equipment

4 Post Automotive Hoists

Auto Body Rotisserie

Each hoist is built to comply with the required Australian standards

Structural, electrical and hydraulics warranties

Worksafe design registered

TL3.6P

H-S

Freecall 1800 TUFFLIFT (88 33 54) HEAD OFFICE / WAREHOUSE

QUEENSLAND WAREHOUSE

2 Dairy Drive, Coburg North VIC 3058

Richlands QLD 4077

.com.au

V8ACTION.COM

|

47

THE RISE AND FALL | THE DEVIL WE KNEW

deficiencies and it certainly heightened the urgency to get some of those issues resolved,” he said. Despite the initial struggles, Marcos taking a behind the scenes approach to V8 Supercars in 2015 gave DJR Team Penske the opportunity to focus on bringing the car up to speed.

“Marcos’ decision to step out of the car was one where he legitimately wasn’t sure if he was holding the team back, his lack of experience in these cars was holding him back, or there were some actual issues with the car,” Story said. “We found it was somewhere in the middle of those two things with more emphasis on the car not being where it needed to be.”

The car wasn’t top notch. Throughout the year though the team would grow and put together a Falcon that, on its day, would reach the podium in Pukekohe.

Scott Pye’s breakthrough V8 Supercars performance at Pukekohe 48

|

2015 YEARBOOK

It shone a spotlight on some of our deficiencies and it certainly heightened the urgency to get some of those issues resolved” RYAN STORY

was his first podium in the main game.

He put the car on the third row of the grid several times with two second row appearances in New Zealand. For a team looking for progress, Pye certainly delivered.

Much of that success, it appears, can be attributed to the hard slog the team faced following Ambrose’s decision to hand over the reins. “With him stepping out of the car,” Ryan Story continues, “It was very much a galvanising moment for the team in that it certainly made us all band together to try and resolve the issues we were having.”

And following that rapid development, any bookie would be forgiven for slotting Coulthard and Pye a little further up in the betting market in 2016, but the team is reserved in its assessment of their title chances in the New Year.

“Not yet,” Ryan Story said. “It’s too early for that for us yet. We’re still growing and developing.” While a podium finish was nice, one isn’t enough to stake a claim as title contenders. But Roger Penske’s decades of experience, along with Dick Johnson’s years in the business which aren’t to be discounted, have added and will continue to add to the team’s success. Ryan Story said “there’s an enormous amount” to be learnt from the US superpower. For their sake, we hope DJR are quick learners. A strong DJR means a strong V8 Supercars. A strong Team Penske is, well, inevitable. Will DJR Team Penske eventually live up to the hype? You better believe they will!

In possibly his last outing in a V8 Supercar, Ambrose finished 21st in the Sunday race at the GC600 alongside Scott Pye

V8ACTION.COM

|

49

THE RISE AND FALL | GOING THE DISTANCE

50

|

2015 YEARBOOK

WORDS: Jono Momsen | IMAGES: LAT Archive

GOING THE

DISTANCE

The Pirtek Enduro Cup is awarded to the duo with the most points over the course of the endurance races at Sandown, Bathurst and the Gold Coast. But does anyone really want it?

P

irtek Enduro Cup winner Garth Tander was less than enthusiastic about the gong in the lead up to his victory. “The only time that we realistically started to swap outright race results and going for gold with being conservative and going for the Enduro Cup was the last race at the Gold Coast... At Bathurst, you always go for gold there regardless of where you are in the Enduro Cup points or even in the outright championship.”

The prestige of a Bathurst victory has been built up over decades. The new kid on the block, the Enduro Cup, hasn’t had time to forge itself a legacy. With only two years under its belt, it will take many more legends and many more stories before its in the same realm as a win on the Mountain. What the Enduro Cup does provide however, is a definitive breakdown of the field’s performance across the Enduros. Unfortunately for the poor, unloved Enduro Cup, the V8 Supercar endurance races are some of the most sought after crowns in the

world of motorsport. A Bathurst 1000 win and a surfboard on the Gold Coast are highlights in any career. With the overall championship race thrown in the mix, the Enduro Cup begins to fade into insignificance.

So with their minds on other things, Garth Tander and Warren Luff perfectly executed a four race stint which saw them pick up two 3rd places and two 4th place finishes. The consistent run in some of the toughest races of the year was enough to claim the newest trophy in V8 Supercars. For the Holden Racing Team it was a just reward for their efforts over a gruelling 2100km of racing.

“It’s very much a team award so from that point of view it’s great result for our team to achieve that,” Garth continued.

“Our sport all year is very much a team sport and those three events probably showcase that more than any of the other events given that there’s two drivers involved, obviously quite a few pit stops over the course of those three

V8ACTION.COM

|

51

THE RISE AND FALL | GOING THE DISTANCE

weekends, a lot of strategy and mechanical reliability required in those three weekends as well.”

Looking at the task in front of the teams, it’s no wonder the Holden Racing Team is proud to have been crowned the best in the enduros for 2015. But HRT aren’t the only hard working team. They aren’t the only crew capable of finding themselves at the top of the sheets after four crucial races.

Going through the four races without picking up a win, it was car #2’s consistency that made the difference.

As Tander explains, they were helped by “a few mistakes from others over those three weekends where as we didn’t make any.” Not only was the team on the money for the three weekends, both Tander and teammate Warren Luff put impeccable stints back to back to prove

Our sport all year is very much a team sport and those three events probably showcase that more than any of the other events given that there’s two drivers involved, obviously quite a few pit stops over the course of those three weekends, a lot of strategy and mechanical reliability required in those three weekends as well.”

GARTH TANDER

they were the best in the business in 2015. “We worked well together as a driving crew. Luffy did a great job as well.”

When it all comes together, endurance racing can be one of the most rewarding forms of motorsport. When it goes wrong, it becomes an all out slog just to finish.

Weeks of work go into just one day of pain staking racing on circuits which can bite back just as hard as the drivers push to succeed. While the Pirtek Enduro Cup won’t be on every driver’s bucketlist, “what it represents is important” according to Tander. A team effort.

Consistency. Success in the toughest races of the toughest championship in the world. The award itself might not carry the prestige it deserves yet, but anyone who wins the Enduro Cup is deserving of the prestige they receive as endurance champions.

Sandown

Bathurst

Gold Coast

Tander burgled 4th place from David Reynolds late in the piece. On its way onto Dandenong Road the Bottle-O Falcon slipped off into the dirt giving the #2 the all clear to race past. Errors from Volvo and trouble at Triple Eight Racing, all in pit lane, would aid the Holden Racing Team in their efforts.

This year’s Bathurst 1000 had it all!

With rain and a late safety car thrown into the mix, not to mention Jamie Whincup’s annual blunder, the race was there to be won for HRT. Lowndes would prove unstoppable but Tander and Luff rounded out the podium with a 3rd place finish after starting way back in 22nd.

With it all on the line Tander and Luff went with a conservative fuel strategy in the Sunday race of the GC600 to edge out Shane Van Gisbergen and Jonathon Webb for the Pirtek Enduro Cup. With a 4th and a 3rd from the weekend, the HRT duo went home with a surfboard each and the 2015 Pirtek Enduro Cup.

52

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Winning is the only thing that matters on the Mountain.

No trophy or championship will change that. 300 points is the prize, but the glory of a Bathurst victory eclipses that by far

V8ACTION.COM

|

53

THE RISE AND FALL | BEYOND OUR SHORES

V8 Supercars' Global Footprint

5

4 3

2 6 1

1

Pukekohe and Hamilton 2001-present

(NZL)

4

Yas Marina Circuit 2010-12

(UAE)

2

Shanghai International Circuit 2005

3 54

Bahrain International Circuit 2006-08, 2010

|

2015 YEARBOOK

(CHI)

(BAH)

5

6

Circuit of the Americas 2013 Kuala Lumpur City GP 2015-???

(USA)

(MYS)

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

THE RISE & FALL OF 2015

BEYOND OUR SHORES

Pukekohe and Hamilton have featured on the V8 Supercar calendar since 2001, giving New Zealand a permanent place in V8 Supercars. Unfortunately for the rest of the world, any V8 Supercar presence has been fleeting. But will the series’ 2015 adventure into South-East Asia be a match for the V8s’ homesickness?

A

brave few ventured into I think the way the city of Kuala Lumpur our cars fly to test the waters for off the kerbs at the potential of an Asian places like this V8 Supercar revival. shows how tough they are With the fallen giants of Shanghai and and what they’re all about” Bahrain dead and buried, the Garden SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN City of Lights was alive and kicking.

“It was full on! And the track was just unbelievable!” Volvo’s Scott McLaughlin Exploration into Asia isn’t new. The F1 was in awe of the streets of KL. With Grand Prix circuits in Shanghai, Bahrain only five cars on track for the initial and the UAE have all taken a run at the exhibition, Scott reckoned the brutal V8 Supercars calendar. The Circuit of street track will showcase the V8s to the Americas in Texas had us up early in the world. “I think the way our cars fly the morning too. Evidently the calendar off the kerbs at places like this shows turned to Teflon because each event how tough they are and what they’re all would slide off into the murky waters about,” Scott added. of ex-V8 Supercar tracks with Bahrain

the only track attempting a Rocky-style comeback only to fall by the wayside the following year. Why will the KLGP in 2016 be any different?

After hitting the track, the drivers think the street circuit layout will keep fans enthralled. “It’s probably a smarter way to go about it, to get it going, is to do street tracks as international tracks,” Mclaughlin continues. “It just seems to be so much more exciting.” And when you look at the tracks the V8s have chewed up and spat out, it’s a fair point.

Big, open, ‘traditional’ tracks dwarf these powerful machines. Long run-off areas and low kerbs mean mistakes are free of consequence. For the viewer it doesn’t provide bundles of excitement.

V8ACTION.COM

|

55

THE RISE AND FALL | BEYOND OUR SHORES

GP Invasion

The traditional track layout doesn’t provide the confrontations which make V8 Supercars one of the biggest sports in Australia. The Kuala Lumpur City Grand Prix on the other hand encourages close quarters combat.

Fans will be inside the steel and glass canyon that is the city of Kuala Lumpur, with V8 Supercars roaring past, catching air and slamming into the concrete barriers.

While finances and travel will always play a part in preventing the series from becoming truly international, the relative proximity of Malaysia compared to the

It’s probably a smarter way to go about it... to do street tracks as international tracks” SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN

failed international rounds adds another bow to the quiver. If the 2015 KLGP exhibition is anything to go by, with such an exciting spectacle well within reach and in place for 2016, it’s only a matter of time until the KLGP is a regular feature in the V8 Supercar season.

Some locals not happy Motorsport is a crucial part of the Malaysian sporting calendar. Sepang, a purpose built circuit, plays host to the biggest events including the Malaysian Formula One Grand Prix and MotoGP. Putrajaya has also been converted into a street circuit at times. The new Formula E series took to the streets there in 2015. However the prospect of expanding the Malaysian motorsport experience has not been unanimously accepted by the locals in Kuala Lumpur.

While many flocked to the circuit for the KLGP, other residents felt imposed upon by the street circuit which cut into their daily commute. Others weren’t happy about the cars roaring past right below their apartments. I know - I don’t understand either. But it seems some of us are easier to please than others.

Street circuits always come with a swift backhand to the locals who are forced to shut down their city for the week. But with the crowds (and their dollars) flowing into the city, not to mention the amazing spectacle being put on right at their doorstep, we can only hope they begin to see the light.

AUSTRALIA’S BEST ENGINE MOUNTING SYSTEM • AUSSIE MADE AND OWNED “INNOVATING not IMITATING” #tuffmounts #makeitfi tfit

.

HIS AD T F O NTION

E N OR M O I T A NT 15.

PRESEVH-CM EC 20 D N VH-C VH -C CM L O I T R D Va VU alliN iian ants an nttss V8 8 Earl Ea arl rly yT Early VCORDE X E , VALI Valiants N M R P V Va Vali a li l i a ants n ts s V 8 Valiants V8 J U G O Full range ofFLOWE Y M OTE OF FABRICATIONS 10% ST QU U E J V I E billet accessories REC in stock

VB-VT Commodores 5 Litre V8

HQ-WB Holdens LS Conversion

FG Falcons V8 & Turbo Commodore LS Conversions

67-69 Camaros SB-BB & LS Conversions

HK-HG, HQ-WB & Torana SB & BB Chev

Ph: 1300 247 356 M: 0417 866 688

www.musclegarage.com.au

56

|

2015 YEARBOOK

VB VK LS Conv VB-VK X Member

HQ-WB Holdens & Toranas 308

THE RISE AND FALL | BOSS V BOSS

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

It doesn't matter how many tyres a team gets, it seems we either want more, or less, or a different type.

Getting the mix just right is one of the V8 Supercars adminstration's toughest tasks.

Boss v Boss Our fearless leader Gil sits down with V8SC CEO James Warburton INTERVIEW: Michael Gilbert

Image: MICHAEL GILBERT

V8A: With the KLGP being included in the 2016 championship, is expanding V8 Supercars’ profile overseas important for you guys?

Yeah, absolutely. From our perspective, just having the five cars there, but for a sophisticated market like Malaysia it was absolutely amazing what the following was by the end of the weekend... Quality of the competition even with just five guys racing through the streets was something that was really pretty amazing to see...

For us there’s a lot of sponsorship, there’s a lot of headquartered companies that are involved in our sport both at a team and a governing body level. I think it’s a really important market for us in terms of expansion.

I think it’s just very satisfying to put a full stop on those things and to know that the plans that we’re putting in place, despite all the critics, things are working hand over fist.”

James Warburton

V8A: How do you think you guys managed tyre allocation in 2015 and looking forward what impact will the increase in 2016 have on the championship?

I think in the early part of the year we cut back too much and we were able to address that relatively quickly and I think from that perspective and particularly having a set of greens on Friday really moved things through.

Obviously increasing the tyre allocation in 2016 was important and being more often on the softer tyre where the racing tends to be better I think is another important step.

V8A: What about you personally?

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in 2015?

I think just achieving the goals, achieving the growth from the perspective of the media deal. There was a lot of discussion and debate about that and just seeing the overall level of quality of where we are. So I think it’s just very satisfying to put a full stop on those things and to know that the plans that we’re putting in place, despite all the critics, things are working hand over fist.

Image: CASSIE GILBERT

V8A: Did you guys achieve everything you set out to in 2015?

Yeah I think so... I’ve always said this administration will always be judged in terms of growth... We’ve improved the profitability of the company by 80%... We’ve grown our crowds by 3%... We’ve achieved an extra 13.3 million cumulative viewers through the course of the year with our new broadcast arrangement... Our digital numbers are anywhere between 120% to 180% growth... And of course launching the Gen 2 platform as well in terms of transitioning from an automotive manufacturing market to an import... Now we can really think about our 10 year strategic vision for the sport and really get our eyes up beyond the horizon and plan a long way ahead.

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

When it's time to get down to business, it's all about results. So when the boss running the show here at V8 Action sits down and chats with the boss of V8 Supercars you know there's gonna be plenty to wrap up from a big year with some big changes. CEO James Warburton takes us through his year at the helm and breaks down what made his 2015 a year to remember.

V8ACTION.COM

|

57

PH: 07 3349 9111

d n u o S y l a r u t c u Str

www.palmersteel.com.au

Specialising in High Quality Structural Steel for almost 60 years S t r i n g e r s B e a m s P o s t s Tr e a d s L i n t e l s 58

|

2015 YEARBOOK

v8ACTION

|

46

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

THE RISE AND FALL | THE SHOWDOWN

THE SHOWDOWN Nobody knew what they’d leave Homebush with.

Some would have a trophy. Others a hero. Some of us would walk away with our head in our hands. But only one man could walk out with a championship.

There’s a different feeling in the air on a championship weekend. Sure, it’s November and it’s 28 degrees by the time we arrived at the circuit at 8am. But the anticipation is different.

Everyone still looks for the cars as they get to the gates. Everyone is still in awe of the sound of the first V8 Supercar racing past that day. But everybody also knows, that by Sunday afternoon, we will have a champion!

As with any round, there’s a leader. By the time the Sydney 500 rolled around, there was only one chaser. Winterbottom had it all to lose. Lowndes needed to hunt him

Hearts were in mouths as early as lunchtime on Friday as Frosty inexplicably found the wall in practice at turn 1. “The car wasn’t very good,” he admitted after Saturday’s races. “It was a bit of a handful. I tried to push the limits to see where it would go It was a bit of and it went in the fence.” Fortunately a handful. I for fans of the blue oval (and good tried to push honest racing), the Pepsi Max Falcon the limits to suffered only superficial damage and see where it would go would be fit for qualifying. and it went in the fence.”

And fit it was! With the title on the line Frosty was cold as ice. Pole MARK WINTERBOTTOM position for Race 1. Lowndes would down. With 179 points separating have it all to do but he wouldn’t get the two, a top fourteen finish for it done. He was nearly two seconds Frosty in each race was enough to behind his championship rival. He’d earn him the victory. Lowndes was in start in last – 24 places behind the unfortunate position of being a Winterbottom. Realising the season ‘mathematical’ probability. He needed may have just slipped from his Frosty to find the wall. And find it hard. driver’s grasp, Roland Dane made the V8ACTION.COM

|

59

THE RISE AND FALL | THE SHOWDOWN

You just needed to make sure you hit 37 laps and not the fence.”

ROUGH DAY

Mark Winterbottom

Ash Walsh proved a thorn in Lowndes’ side. As did many of the drivers who were back in the pack. Walsh proved there’re no easy passing options in V8 Supercars – you have to fight for every point!

60

|

2015 YEARBOOK

situation simple enough: “you can’t get worse than last”.

Ford fans weren’t quite popping champagne corks yet (it was still only 11:45am – not that the time of day ever stopped V8 Supercar fans). Frosty would still have to navigate 37 laps of the Homebush Bay precinct with the possibility of having to go to the second race to seal the deal. “You just needed to make sure you hit 37 laps and not the fence,” Frosty surmised.

His conservative approach was noticeable. Winterbottom dropped to fifth place, without contesting a single overtaking move from his competitors.

Lowndes on the other hand was

fighting tooth and nail for every position. It wasn’t to be a miraculous victory from last place like he pulled off in Adelaide in 1999. 15th was enough to keep the championship alive but on life support.

Race 2 would be a similar affair.

A solid finish would hand the trophy to Winterbottom; meanwhile Lowndes needed a miracle – not an exaggeration – he needed an actual act of God to stay in the hunt.

History now tells us, as the champagne flowed on the podium in the middle of a hot and sticky Saturday afternoon, V8 Supercars had a new champion.

James Moffat’s weekend was one he’d rather forget. Losing count of how many times he found the wall, we couldn’t help but feel sorry for the bloke as he found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time, with little errors costing him dearly. It could have been anyone (including the championship contenders) having a weekend like this in Sydney.

Depending on your allegiances, it was fortunate Moffat’s fate wasn’t to be shared with either Lowndes or Winterbottom, although it would have made things very interesting.

YOU BOUGHT A FREIGHTLINER. KEEP IT A FREIGHTLINER. We understand that you make your money on the road, Genuine Freightliner Service is designed to keep you driving. Providing rapid diagnosis, responsive turnaround and quality, consistent communication, robust parts availability and superb customer service - insist on Genuine Freightliner Parts and Servicing.

Having your truck serviced by an authorised Freightliner Dealer will ensure: Accredited Technicians Work will only be undertaken by accredited Freightliner Technicians.

They know Freightliner Trucks better than anyone and will only replace and repair that which is necessary and which you agree to.

Genuine Parts Only Freightliner Genuine Parts will be fitted, minimising the cost of vehicle breakdown and inconvenience to yourself and your business.

Correct Grade of Oil Only the correct grade of oil will be used for your vehicle, ensuring our class-leading standards for bothfuel economy and length of service interval are maintained.

Comprehensive Support Network Trained and certified dealerships which provide the highest level of knowledge, professionalism & service.

To find your local dealer visit freightliner.com.au or call 1300 66 22 30.

V8ACTION.COM

|

61

THE RISE AND FALL | 2015 V8 SUPERCARS CHAMPION

A Touch of

Frost

champion

Ten years of anguish, despair, resilience and commitment are over.

Nine times Mark Winterbottom had started a V8 Supercar season, and nine times he walked away defeated. He crossed the line in Sydney, and all of that changed. With a crack in his voice and tears in his eyes, he became the 2015 V8 Supercars Champion.

WORDS: JONO MOMSEN | PICS: LAT ARCHIVE

62

|

2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

63

THE RISE AND FALL | 2015 V8 SUPERCARS CHAMPION

Twice as nice

B

ringing the car around on the cool down lap, our new champion could be forgiven for letting his emotions out.

Not only was it an outburst of pride and passion, but it was an end to the physicallity, intensity and tension of the V8 Supercar season. “It’s just a release I guess,” Winterbottom said about crossing the line and sealing the championship win. “You’re just tense.

The chequered flag. The crew’s hanging over the wall cheering. It must have been fumy because I was tearing up a bit.” Frosty didn’t shy away from his emotions. Lifting his visor on his victory lap, the fans caught a glimpse of how much this meant to the category’s newest champ. “It’s an emotional thing.

We go through our life and it’s all about this so to get the ultimate reward, it all pours out.”

This championship wasn’t one that came easy for Frosty. No championship ever does. But his journey from a young gun backed by Ford in the Formula Ford championship to V8 Supercar champion is one that he’s extremely proud of. Looking back on his career so far he said “I’ve tried for so many years and stayed at the one team for such a long time as well... It’s years of work. It makes you respect people like Jamie [Whincup] to win six!”

Speaking of Whincup, one of the drivers sharing the podium with 64

|

2015 YEARBOOK

it must have been fumy because I was tearing up a bit. But it’s an emotional thing. We go through our life and it’s all about this so to get the ultimate reward, it all pours out.”

MARK WINTERBOTTOM

Frosty in Sydney as he claimed the championship, the six time champion had nothing but kind words for his successor. “He and his crew did an awesome job all year,” a rather sporting J-Dub said following Winterbottom’s win. “I’ve got no problem handing the #1 over.” We’re sure that’s only once he had lost the championship though.

Jamie’s tendency hasn’t been one of winning and then handing titles back.

His four straight championships from 2011-2014 are a testament to that.

Although he only has the one title to his name, Winterbottom is cherishing his time at the top. “It’s awesome to be a part of V8 Supercars history...

When people wear those t-shirts that say ‘2015 Champion’ that can never be taken off.” Now the season is over, he can bask in the glory for a moment.

Before the chequered flag dropped

Above: Frosty burns plenty of rubber on his way back to take hold of the 2015 championship trophy.

There’s nothing like celebrating a championship. Most won’t ever experience the thrill of being crowned the best in the business. At the Sydney 500, Frosty had two chances to bask in the glory of victory.

On Saturday afternoon the 2015 championship was sealed. Our champ, relieved and ecstatic at the same time, climbed out of his car and received a standing ovation. Winterbottom looked over the crowd and down pit lane as the best driver of 2015. The champagne flowed but it was too soon to be getting on the sauce for Frosty and his crew.

“Unfortunately they make you turn up tomorrow and race ‘cause I could hit the town tonight,” Frosty said following the second race on Saturday. The only downside to winning that championship early is the return to reality the next morning. 250km lay between Frosty and a cold one. But every cloud has a silver lining. With two days of being champion, comes two afternoons of celebrating. It was a weekend of tears and champagne for Winterbottom as he celebrated one championship win twice. A rarity, but one he, and his fans, would savour long into Sunday night.

*

V8ACTION.COM

|

65

THE RISE AND FALL | 2015 V8 SUPERCARS CHAMPION

66

|

2015 YEARBOOK

It was an emotional year for our champ.

In search of his first ever win, he wore a constant expression of determination.

When it was all over, he could finally relax and enjoy all that comes with being crowned champion.

though, Mark was sceptical of taking his eye off the ball.

With so many people gunning for the title, Winterbottom couldn’t waste a moment wondering what it would feel like when he became champion.

“You can’t think ahead because all of a sudden a guy jumps you and you’re feeling a different emotion because you didn’t win it.” When it came to the final realisation though, Winterbottom was understandably euphoric. “You wanna cry and laugh, so many emotions.”

One thing’s for sure it won’t be a feeling Frosty will forget. And despite the fact Ford is pulling its backing of the former FPR shed, 2015 was one of the most dominant years for Ford in Australian motorsport history. Winterbottom’s championship win was the cherry on top of Ryal

You can’t think ahead because all of a sudden a guy jumps you and you’re feeling a different emotion because you didn’t win it.”

Mark Winterbottom

Harris’ Australian Ute Series win and Cameron Waters’ title in the Dunlop Series – all lifting the blue oval to the top of the leaderboard in their respective categories.

And while he says it’s cool to be carrying the #1 in 2016, the hard work isn’t over yet. The pilot of the #1 in 2015 told us all in the wake of Frosty’s win, “the sport is forever evolving.”

Whincup, referring to the start of 2015 said “if you run the same set up as the year before you end up getting

swamped. We ran the same set up this year as we did last year and ended up being swamped.” It will take another monumental effort for Frosty to defend his title.

But with his loving family surrounding him, there’s no doubt Frosty will be battling for the 2016 title. In a new look FGX (well, new for Winterbottom) Frosty will be pushing through the pack in an effort to feel the thrill of victory once again. A feeling, he now knows, is like no other.

Season Stats

Championship position through 2015

Wins in 2015 MARK WINTERBOTTOM

1

(10 WINS)

25%

22%

JAMIE WHINCUP (9 WINS)

(2 WINS)

13%

(2 WINS)

JAMES COURTNEY (2 WINS)

FABIAN COULTHARD (1 WIN)

WILL DAVISON (1 WIN)

6

CRAIG LOWNDES (8 WINS)

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN

CHAZ MOSTERT (5 WINS)

3 4 5

20%

20% DAVID REYNOLDS

2

7 8

26

The number of races Mark Winterbottom spent in the lead of the 2015 V8 Supercars drivers’ standings V8ACTION.COM

|

67

THE RISE AND FALL | 2015 V8 SUPERCARS TEAMS CHAMPIONS

WORDS: JONO MOMSEN

Triple Threat

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

With nine championships between them, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup combined to be the most successful V8 Supercar pairing on the grid in 2015.

Indeed no other driver currently in the series has more championships than either of them individually. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise then that these two champions, armed with one of the best crews in the business, came home with the 2015 V8 Supercars Teams Championship.

68

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Experts In Classic Restorations SPRAY PAINTING | MINOR AND MAJOR REPAIRS | RESTORATIONS The team at Brisbane Collision Centre love the thrill of taking an old shell or relic and transforming it into someone's pride and joy. It is what we specialise in and love. Our dedicated team is passionate about all aspects of vehicle repairs and renovations. If you have a classic car that you would like to see restored to its former glory or out on the track again, give us a call or drop by and see us at our workshop at Sherwood Road in Rocklea. www.bnecollision.com.au 35 Sherwood Rd, Rocklea QLD 4106, Ph. 07 3848 4848 | Fax. 07 3892 5455

V8ACTION.COM

|

69

Image: LAT ARCHIVE

THE RISE AND FALL | 2015 V8 SUPERCARS TEAMS CHAMPIONS

70

|

2015 YEARBOOK

It was a great team effort to win the Teams Championship...

The guys have worked really hard all year and it’s a credit to them.”

CRAIG LOWNDES

Lowndes’ disappointment in missing out on his first championship since 1999 was there to be seen by all.

But a win at Bathurst and the Teams Championship was consolation enough to walk away satisfied with 2016. “It was a great team effort to win the Teams Championship,” he said following the race. “The guys have worked really hard all year and it’s a credit to them.”

His team mate was just as thrilled with the result for the Red Bull crew, recognising the importance of the Teams Championship to his team.

“The boss is pretty passionate about it,” Whincup told the media on the final weekend of the season. “All in all there’s plenty to celebrate with us winning the Teams Championship.”

Jamie Whincup played second fiddle to Lowndes as CL remained in title contention all season. Nowhere was this more obvious than when Lowndes picked up career win 100 at Hidden Valley.

A boost for the best Image: ross gibb

et’s not kid ourselves. The driver’s championship is the main goal for anyone on the V8 Supercars grid. But with any individual effort, there are others that contribute to the cause.

These ‘others’ are the laptop boffins.

The managers. The tyre changers.

The caterers. The amount of tasks needing to be completed to get through just one V8 Supercar round is enough to make us mere mortals’ heads spin. The teams championship provides a reward for the often unsung heroes of the sport. It also provides recognition for drivers who work across the course of the year to put up big numbers – together, not on their own.

Red Bull Racing Australia left it until the final race at Homebush to secure the win. With the pressure on, Lowndes and Whincup did enough to claim the last prize on offer for the season. Without the need to challenge Winterbottom on the track for the individual prize which had come and gone, the battle with PRA ended with Steve Owen’s front end coming apart on Dawn Fraser Avenue.

The rest, it turns out, was academic.

As if two champions with a wealth of experience wasn’t enough, the Triple Eight stable have expanded to a three car operation for 2016 with one of V8 Supercars’ future champions filling the empty seat.

The fiery Kiwi donning the Red Bull colours is none other than Shane Van Gisbergen. With a vast array of racing experience, SVG is more than capable of mixing it up with team mates Whincup and Lowndes.

Coming from a one car team at Tekno, the sheer weight of the data available to SVG will be enough to give his career the boost it needs for him to claim his first championship.

For Red Bull Racing Australia, the boost they’ll receive is also a generous one. SVG’s car control, combined with well timed aggression will be valuable weapons in the Triple Eight arsenal.

COMMERCIAL BUILDING - SHOP FITTING LAYOUT AND DESIGN - ARCITECTURAL JOINERY - FIT OUT

sector.   With  over  20  years  of  experience,  our  project  management  team  can  assist   you  with  every  trade  available  to  create,  build,  renovate  and  maintain  your  business  delling. Â

completion  of  handover,  we  can  do  it  all  for  you.

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF GAVIN BULLAS AND TOURING CAR MASTERS

W W W. RAINCITY.COM.AU

|

Ph: 1300

653 075 |

Email:

admin@raincity.com.au

TRUSTED BY:

V8ACTION.COM

|

71

THE RISE AND FALL | RACER’S SAY

Fierce rival: When asking who drivers most enjoy competing against one name kept popping up.

His talent and tenacity make Garth Tander one of the series’ toughest yard sticks.

RACER’S Say With a whole year of highlights, low lights and everything in between, the V8 Supercars pack had plenty to draw on when we quizzed them on what 2015 threw at them.

Interviews: Michael Gilbert | Images: LAT & Michael Gilbert

JAMIE WHINCUP What did you learn in 2015?

You can’t win every year.

You’ve had a few good things this year, do you have a favourite?

The Jason Richards Trophy for sure.

That’s my highlight for sure, standing on the podium accepting that.

Was there a point in the season where you and the team just gelled really well and worked really well together?

I’d say Bathurst... We were 30 seconds up the road in the Great Race...

We were in the box seat and putting on a good show up until that safety car.

It’s a long season. Were there any moments you just felt punished a little bit mentally?

Mate it was at Phillip Island. We had the wind, that cold wind off the ocean sweeping through the garage and we were freezing our balls off thinking “what are we doing here?”

What do you do when things aren’t going well? Any music you listen to or movies to help get in the right headspace?

I’ve got The Offspring. Grew up in The Offspring era.

we were freezing our balls off thinking ‘what are we doing here?”

72

|

2015 YEARBOOK

“You forget you’re living your dream.

Lee Holdsworth What do you do to unwind after a tough weekend? Music? Movies?

Hobbies?

I love chucking the headphones on... I also just like getting amongst my mates and having a bit of a laugh. If you sit by yourself you can dwell on things too much... Sometimes when you’re not getting the results you want you forget you’re living your dream. You’ve got to snap out of it sometimes... I think it was Garry Rodgers who told me: “If you keep looking back you’ll get a sore neck.”

We want to get to a point where we’re challenging for podiums and hopefully race wins. michael caruso

Michael Caruso What have you learnt in 2015?

I think the biggest thing is probably the ability to evolve and the ability to improve every weekend. Things change every year and the competition gets a lot stronger so you need to continuously keep developing on a week-toweek basis.

Any of the other blokes surprise you with their performance this year?

Garth, beside the last round, was in a really good position. Shane [Van Gisbergen] too, in a single car team showed it could be done with the right equipment and the right group of people around him.

Sometimes you forget where you are when you’re dealing with jetlag.”

What was your biggest motivation in 2015?

The biggest motivation, particularly here at Nissan, is that we want to get to a point where we’re challenging for podiums and hopefully race wins.

Consistent hard work off the track to bring Nissan back to the top is something that motivates me every single weekend.

SHANE VAN GISBERGEN Was there any time where you hit a bit of a slump in 2015?

A couple of times I had some bad flight times back from Europe and just struggled to get back on the right time zone. Sometimes you forget where you are when you’re dealing with jetlag. It’s all part of it though. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Do you still race any motocross?

I was just getting the bike fired up today... I haven’t ridden for about 2-3 years. Started scaring myelf and not being able to handle it. Now I’m a bit older and slower and won’t need to go as fast. I might go for a ride this weekend... I got 40 acres at my parent’s place here so it shouldn’t take too long to clear.

V8ACTION.COM

|

73

THE DUNLOP SERIES TOP 5

The 2015

Dunlop Series

Top 5 Their main aim might be the main game but don’t think for a second the battle within the Dunlop Series for the top spots isn’t as hot as any other battle in motorsport. Paul Dumbrell returned to defend his title after dominating 2014. The kids were put on notice – this game isn’t just for you! It turns out they learnt a thing or two, knocking the veteran off his perch. Some have already done enough to earn a V8 Supercar drive. Others still have more to prove. The top five in this year’s championship all have one thing in common: success. The only thing that varies is when they’ll have that success.

Some are currently having it, some might have had their best shot already. But the best part about the Dunlop Series is that we have plenty of young guns with their best days ahead of them!

WORDS Jono Momsen | MAIN PIC Ross Gibb

74

|

2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

75

THE DUNLOP SERIES TOP 5

01 Cameron Waters The winner of the Dunlop Series and the youngest driver to ever compete in the Bathurst 1000 has grabbed the top spot. The Karting wizard now has his first ever championship win in the series. The Melbourne native also stepped up to the V8SC competition to replace the injured Chaz Mostert making him a household name.

Starting with Go Karts and ending with a championship seems pretty substantial and don’t forget to factor in the kid is only 20 years old. A bright future is on the cards for Cam.

It's been absolutely awesome. Obviously I want to be in the main series so it's good to get a chance to get a drive there and find out what it's all about.”

01 02 Paul Dumbrell The 2014 Dunlop Series champion is 2015’s runner-up. On and off track, Paul is no stranger to staying busy. A successful business background means Dumbrell is part owner of the family company Automotive Brands Group having previously run one of the first Boost Juice franchises in Victoria.

While he didn’t come away with the 2015 Dunlop Series championship, Dumbrell has everything he needs to be great in motorsport and the outside world. Runner-up of the series only 77 points behind Waters seems like the start of even more great things for this touring car veteran.

76

|

2015 YEARBOOK

03 Jack Le Brocq

Image: MICHAEL GILBERT

Finishing strong, Le Brocq locked in third position just behind Dumbrell and Waters. As the CAMS Rising Star as well as a member of the Young Drivers Excellence Academy this 23 year old will continue to be an inspiration for young drivers throughout the Asia Pacific region.

He said completing his first full season in the Dunlop Series came with plenty of challenges. “We’ve had our up and downs like everyone. It’s the way it goes sometimes, it’s the same for everyone. It’s a shame I couldn’t come away with my first win.”

Image: nathan wong

Cameron Waters

Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst 1 Conrod straight Mount Panorama.

INCLUSIVE CONFERENCING PACKAGES FROM DELEGATE PACKAGES FROM

www.rydges.com/bathurst Emai: functions_bathurst@rydges.com Phone: 02 6338 1888

TWIN SHARE

Find Us On Facebook v8ACTION V8ACTION.COM

| 79 | 77

THE DUNLOP SERIES TOP 5

04 Todd Hazelwood

05 Chris Pither

Young Todd Hazelwood scored his first podium round finish in the Dunlop Series in the final weekend at Sydney. This coming of age for Todd is a sign of the potential he has as a driver. A consistent season and positive attitude saw him reach fourth in the championship. Luke Dinsdale, Todd’s engineer who has worked for a number of young drivers, backed Todd’s ability and determination following his breakthrough podium. “He’s a really nice kid and worked really hard for it and really deserves it.”

Image: nathan wong

Pither gave up a bundle of points by opting out of the final few races of the Dunlop Series in 2015, choosing instead to take a seat at Super Black Racing in V8 Supercars. The decision divided the field with some wishing him the best of luck while at the same time feeling he should have stuck with the series he started the year in. Only time will tell if the Kiwi’s decision to take the leap of faith a little early has paid off.

04 “Todd works really hard at this game. No doubt every driver does as well but I've worked with a few drivers now and the effort that he puts in is sort of over and above a lot of guys. I'm really happy he's got his first podium. It's been a long time coming.

Luke Dinsdale

THE TOP 10

2015 Dunlop Series Racer

FINAL STANDING

Cameron Waters

1966 Paul Dumbrell -77 Jack Le Brocq -379 Todd Hazelwood

-562 Chris Pither

-629 78

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Racer

FINAL STANDING

Garry Jacobson

-679 Andrew Jones -692 Shae Davies -892 Simon Evans -1005 James Golding -1028

V8ACTION.COM

|

79

RETURN OF THE KID

RETURN OF THE KID Hitting milestones is a cause for celebration. Being the first to reach a milestone however, etches your name in history forever. The Australian V8 Utes Series has only one driver who has ever won three championships: 2015 champion Ryal “The Kid” Harris!

WORDS: Jono Momsen MAIN PIC: Nathan Wong

80

|

2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

81

RETURN OF THE KID

Ryal put it best himself: “Winners do the worm.”

Enough said really.

“I had some sleep last night for once.”

Ryal’s relief in having polished off a season win with a race to spare is easy to understand. His attitude towards a dead rubber Race 3 at Homebush was a little less enthusiastic. “It's not as good if you win it in race 2. I'd rather have the pressure all the way down to race 3.”

Well you can’t have it all.

Regardless of when he won the 2015 Australian V8 Utes Series, Ryal earned himself a place in history as the first driver to win the series three times. “It's a privilege to be the first guy to have won three. I certainly won't be taking it for granted that's for sure.” Looking at the names of past champions, and those who have run in the series without earning a championship, it’s safe to say Ryal’s efforts will be hard to surpass.

Plans for a fourth title might have to be put on hold though. Ryal says he

The feeling of being the first to win three championships won't really kick in 'til tonight. It's a privilege to be the first guy to have won 3. I certainly won't be taking it for granted that's for sure” RYAL HARRIS

Image: dirk klynsmith

isn’t only focussed on ute racing, but could be aiming up at something a little different. “It's hard to get away from the utes because I actually make a bit of money racing the utes. So if we can come back and have another crack at the utes and can get the sponsorship together we will, otherwise I've got a chap up at the Gold Coast that's pretty keen to buy a GT car... We'll probably go again in the utes if we get the money together and then take a look at the GTs in 2017."

So with a possible move on the cards, Harris will look to make the most of 2016 if he stays put. The next move is up to him. With his current form, any decision is likely to be the right one...

Except for maybe the worm – the jury’s still out on that one.

82

|

2015 YEARBOOK

Australia’s fastest growing motorsport category just got better with the Hi-Tech Oils 6-Hour Enduro locked in for Easter 2016 at the spiritual home of Production car racing – Mount Panorama Bathurst. If it’s showroom relevant racing you fancy with packed grids and classic David vs Goliath battles waged between V8’s and Turbos, then NSW Production Touring has got you covered.

Contact us at gcmconsulting@optusnet.com.au for details on how to get involved.

Production Touring – We’re for the driver www.nswproductiontouringcars.com.au

V8ACTION.COM

|

83

THE MASTER

84

|

2015 YEARBOOK

THE MASTER Can somebody who has been racing their entire life ever really race ‘for fun’? While the tensions may have eased, Australian motorsport legend John Bowe hasn’t taken his foot off the throttle

WORDS Jono Momsen | MAIN PIC Michael Gilbert

In 2015 Bowe handled whatever the TCM series threw at him; the Mountain, the heat in Darwin and the rain in Phillip Island. Why would we expect anything less?

V8ACTION.COM

|

85

Image: ross gibb

THE MASTER

John Bowe has proven it doesn’t matter what he drives, he’s got what it takes to beat the best in the business. Heading to the Dark Side, Bowe entered 2015 behind the wheel of a Torana. The Ford stalwart finally gave in to the General, and it seems it was for the better.

With his 2014 TCM series winning Ford Mustang in the hands of Junior Johnson, and ‘Torana’ strapped across the front of the #18, Bowe became quickly acclimatised to his new ride. “The Torana has exceeded my expectations and the guys that built it at Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars did an awesome job with it,” he said in the wake of his championship victory. “I took the Torana on just as something of interest. It was fun... I really enjoyed it.”

In fact it exceeded everybody’s expectations. Bowe however, lived up to his reputation as one of the best drivers this country has ever produced by adjusting and winning on the fly. But this new experience, oddly enough, is nothing new for Bowe. It is the fifth model he’s won a national championship in (Ralt RT4 1984, 1985; Veskanda Chevrolet 1986; EF Falcon 1995; Mustang 2011, 2012; Torana SL/R 5000 2015).

86

|

2015 YEARBOOK

I love racing. Winning championships isn’t what I’m all about. I’m glad I won it because someone has to win it but it wasn’t my main focus. Being competitive is my main focus.”

JOHN BOWE

The championship though isn’t the be all and end all for Bowe. Despite having won two TCM titles in a row, he said “It’s not all about winning”. That’s not to say he wasn’t doing his best out there.

But it reflects the attitudes of many of the drivers who are just thrilled to still be racing; doing what they love. Bowe concedes “I’m glad I won it because someone has to win it”.

While his desire to reach the highest heights of the category isn’t strong, his passion for racing is still there for all to see. “I love racing,” he says, eyes beaming just at the thought of being behind the wheel of a race car.

“There’s hardly a day I go to a racetrack and don’t feel blessed to have been involved.” And that’s not to say he won’t fight for his spot on the track. It’s the competitive nature of motorsport and the TCM category that keeps Bowe coming back for more. “Winning championships isn’t what I’m all about...

Being competitive is my main focus.”

But considering his decades involved in the sport, you can see why Bowe is glad to still be in the car and in the thick of it, but not living and dying by his results. His achievements already are above and beyond what any young driver could dream of. A lifetime of success means Bowe doesn’t need to prove he’s the best in the business.

He’s been there and done that. All this season has shown is the class and temperament of one of the country’s greats. While he still puts in maximum effort, it’s not all on the line like it may have been a few decades ago.

The touring car master has not only won the series, he’s done it with a graceful attitude and refreshing humility.

In a world of motorsport filled with Hamiltons and Rosbergs, it’s good to know blokes like Bowe are still getting it done. All with a smile on their face and a moment to spare for the fans.

John Bowe’s leap to the Torana left some Ford fans frustrated, but his fan base received a healthy boost as Holden fans jumped on the Bowe bandwagon.

V8ACTION.COM

|

87

MISS V8 SUPERCARS

88

|

2015 YEARBOOK

V8 Supercars J9127 | Miss V8 Supercars | Stage 01 | 05 Dec 2014 2

MISS V8 SUPERCARS

MISS V8 SUPERCARS

© Hulsbosch Pty Limited 2014

KATIE STEVENS From 1500 entrants there could only be one winner. Katie Stevens put a full time job to the side and battled it out against 26 finalists to be Miss V8 Supercars 2015 PICS

WORDS Jono Momsen Chris Gentle & Michael Gilbert

V8ACTION.COM

|

89

MISS V8 SUPERCARS

T

he Miss V8 Supercars competition is one of the biggest model searches in the country.

To find a winner, judges look for a variety of factors across a series of categories. Our very own Michael Gilbert was on the panel again this year. Gil’s main focus when voting in a champion? “Are they

90

|

2015 YEARBOOK

After seeing the success of previous winners and the opportunities they were given it was an interest of mine and I really wanted to give it a go.”

photogenic? They’ve got to look good in a photo shoot.” We at the team think Gil and the judges were pretty spot on and that ‘photogenic’ is an understatement. Katie Stevens walked away from the contest with the winner’s trophy and lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool, as well as a photo shoot with V8 Action.

But the rewards from the

RESULTS

Winner: Katie Stevens Brisbane, QLD 1st Runner up: Tayor Curry Gold Coast, QLD 2nd Runner up: Monica Brown Townsville, QLD 3rd Runner up: Charlotte Cushing Gold Coast, QLD 4th Runner up: Tara Kelly Brisbane, QLD 5th Runner up: Saeran Tanton Townsville, QLD Miss Personality: Stacey Simpson Townsville QLD V8ACTION.COM

|

91

MISS V8 SUPERCARS

92

|

2015 YEARBOOK

competition don’t end there. Katie says her experiences have introduced her to the V8 Supercars world in a way she could never have imagined.

“I’ve been able to travel around a bit more and get behind the scenes a little bit more.” Travelling and being trackside for some amazing V8 moments is just the start for Miss V8 Supercars. Katie, with a full time job to attend to, is fighting off offers from all sides. “Since I won in October I’ve had so many opportunities being offered to me.

It’s more so working out what I want to do and shifting my focus more on to the modeling side of things.”

Katie added she feels the attitude within V8 Supercars is shifting, particularly in regards to how women are viewed in the industry.

While Miss V8 Supercars might

I could talk underwater with a mouth full of marbles so the interview section was probably my strength. I love talking so that was my favourite section.”

seem to resemble the old guard of V8 Supercars values, Katie says even the model search is changing the way it does business.

“They’re changing the ideas of having girls with short little dresses and wearing next to nothing towards more corporate and high end glamour. The way they’re changing the judging criteria over the years

and the direction they’re going is really cool.” The Miss V8 Supercars contest isn’t just a swimsuit pageant; it incorporates a range of topics keeping the contestants on their toes. “It was all over judging across the week from photographic to interviews to sportswear sections and routines. It was such a tough competition because there was so many different elements that girls had strengths in and not in others.

It made it really nerve-racking.”

Katie’s achievement in winning Miss V8 Supercars shouldn’t be understated and neither should her plans for the future. “I would definitely like to pursue something, even at the international level, down the track and perhaps even something like hosting or presenting would be my long term goal.”

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Hair and Makeup: Becky Gilbert BEX Makeup Styling: Hayley Cannon onelifestyle.com.au Styling Assistant: Aimee Delondre Production: Selina Macdonald at Procon Leisure proconleisure.com Photos: Chris Gentle chrisgentle.com Car: Charlie Schwerkolt Racing Big shout out to the number 18 team for getting up early and giving us access to their race car for the shoot V8ACTION.COM

|

93

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THIS PHOTO

01

Think this looks spectacular? There’s more where this came from. The top five finishers of the 2015 Bathurst 12-Hour include this Nissan GT-R, an Audi R8, an Aston Martin as well as a Bentley Continental and Mercedes SLG. It’s a schmick looking grid. Add the backdrop of Mount Panorama at dawn and you’re set for a visual masterpiece.

02

Nothing beats the roar of a V8 on the Mountain. But don’t let the V6 engine fool you. Not only is the GT-R fast, it can reach 100km/h in as little as 3 seconds. Its fastest lap in the race of 2:03.97 knocked a few seconds off the V8 Supercars. For some perspective, Greg Murphy’s ‘Lap of the Gods’ in the older generation of V8 Supercar was only a 2:06.85.

03

The pace of this beast brings with it certain challenges. Like getting the thing stopped!

While the spoiler’s size increases rear end grip massively, it also aids in air braking when pulling up from high speeds. While the V8 Supercars are battling to pass the 300km/h barrier, the GT3 cars have no such trouble with the GT-R nudging 311km/h this year. From there it takes a lot of stopping power to make the Chase.

04

Want one for yourself? Good luck to you. The road model of the 2015 Nissan GT-R will set you back over $208,000. That’s without the low gloss matte gray paint (recommended) which itself costs $6,950.

If you can afford it, we say go for it! If we had the option of driving home every afternoon in a Bathurst winner we’d certainly take it.

05

The 2015 Bathurst 12 Hour is the first time a Nissan GT-R has won at Mount Panorama since Jim Richards and Mark Skaife won the Bathurst 1000 in 1992. The acceptance speech was much more graceful this time though. The team at Nissan will be hoping their next success comes sooner rather than later. The speculated 2017 rule changes in the V8 Supercars might be just what this legendary Bathurst manufacturer needs.

94

| 2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

95

Image: nathan wong

TOURING CAR MASTERS

STEVEN JOHNSON An unexpected return to racing in 2015 WORDS: JoNO MOMSEN Steven Johnson has always had big shoes to fill. Stepping into Mustang Sally in 2015 was no exception. With the prestigious seat left vacant after John Bowe’s decision to race the Torana in the Touring Car Masters this

At the start of the year there were no plans for me to race in the TCM series then the opportunity came up when JB couldn’t race the Symmons Plains round... I had an absolute blast with all the TCM teams and competitors.”

Steven Johnson

year, Junior Johnson was given a shot at a handful of rounds on the TCM calendar.

“It’s funny how things work out,” Johnson said approaching the final round of the year. “At the start of the year there were no plans for me to race in the TCM series then the opportunity came up when JB couldn’t race the Symmons Plains round... I had an absolute blast with all the TCM teams and competitors.”

And from there you just couldn’t keep him out of the action! Johnson went on to race at Darwin, Ipswich, Phillip Island and even returned to Mount Panorama.

The five rounds were enough to lift him to sixth in the standings, but more importantly, gave him a taste for the 96

|

2015 YEARBOOK

series which is calling him back for more.

“We’re working hard to secure a permanent spot on the grid next year to have a run at full championship season, that’s my aim,” he says.

Once Bowe returned to the competition, the battle of Johnson v Bowe was reignited. But not only was the on track battle lively, the off track partnership bloomed to make the Wilson Security team one of the strongest in Australian motorsport.

We’ve seen already what the Touring Car Masters can do for past V8 Supercar drivers, with Bowe’s emphatic enthusiasm for motorsport being accounted for by the series. Johnson’s urge to compete will no doubt be served by taking a seat in the TCMs for a long time to come.

But Junior certainly won’t be making up the numbers and cruising every other Sunday afternoon. Picking up three round wins proves he’s still got enough to take the championship to his team mate John Bowe and 2015 runner up Jim Richards. Right now we just can’t wait to see Johnson, Bowe and Richards go at it again in another race for an Australian title. We’ll have to wait for another year of TCM to kick off before we see just what the future holds for one of the best rivalries and partnerships in Australian motorsport.

Mustang Sally roared back into life in 2015, giving Johnson another shot at the Mountain

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE BEEN HELPING YOU GET RID OF HARD RUBBISH AND GREEN ORGANICS FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS

Work shed full of items you no longer use? House cluttered with old bits and pieces that are taking up space? At WM Waste Management Services, we pride ourselves on making the process of disposing of your unwanted things easy and efficient.

100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED

Proud sponsor of Prodrive Racing Australia and 2015 Champion Mark Winterbottom 22

|

www.wmwaste.com.au | 1300 WMWASTE | 1300 969 278

2015 YEARBOOK

V8ACTION.COM

|

97

Image: dewi jones

AUSTRALIAN TRANS-AM

Charlie O’Brien 2015 Aussie Trans-Am Champion American muscle has been welcomed with open arms with the Trans-Am category being opened up in the Australian Touring Car Masters

98

|

2015 YEARBOOK

WORDS: Jonathon Momsen An unstoppable force descended upon the Australian Trans-Am series in 2015.

Charlie O’Brien dominated all seven rounds of the championship to become the 2015 champion in a flashback to Australian touring cars’ glory days. The numbers are incredible! With 22 race wins, Charlie O’Brien never gave the rest of the competition a look in. The

Pontiac Firebird that carried him there was untouchable.

But it wasn’t the make and model, or the 350 cubic inches of GM muscle, that got him over the line. O’Brien has been behind the wheel since the 1970 Pontiac Firebird he won the championship in was still in dealerships.

His breakthrough season was 1976 when he debuted and placed 5th in the Australian Touring Car Championship.

Nearly 40 years later he’s picked up his first series win on Australian soil. And while he’s said goodbye to his 50s, he certainly hasn’t left the skill that has

I had some used tyres on the Firebird but it was good to win the first race from the front row of the grid and stay there...

It is great to win the championship. I’ve had a clean, consistent year to say the least... The car has been incredibly good to drive.”

Charlie O’Brien

Charles O'Brien's season by the numbers

Charlie was methodical in tearing the championship apart. Winning from the front is easier said than done, but a look at O'Brien's stats from 2015 might make you think differently.

3

5

(43%)

(57%) WINS

PODIUMS

POLES

3

(11%)

earned him the status of an Australian touring car legend behind.

Back in 1976, he was the youngest round winner ever in the country’s top category. Now he finds himself as the veteran, racing some older cars on circuits of a by-gone era.

Nostalgia is a wonderful thing.

Seeing 60s and 70s muscle roaring around Lakeside Park is a glorious sight. With Charlie O’Brien behind the wheel, and winning, any race fan would be forgiven for shedding a tear.

Fortunately the Australian Trans-Am holds on to what so many of us have

held dear in the past. Classic cars, classic tracks and classic drivers.

But what 2015 brought us was a glimpse at racing’s brilliant past right in the here and now. Charlie O’Brien’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. Picking up 11 wins from the first 12 races, Charlie showed us that old dogs don’t need new tricks. He then proceeded to deliver a master class in touring car racing as he stretched the Firebird’s legs to open a huge championship lead. With 2015 done and run we can only wait and see what surprises 2016 has in store from a series which has already delivered so much.

25

WINS

(89%)

PODIUMS

POLES

6

(21%)

22

(79%)

WINS

PODIUMS

V8ACTION.COM

|

99

NSW PRODUCTION TOURING CAR CHAMPIONSHIP

BACK TO

BACK

While Jamie Whincup cracked under the pressure of defending his title, Chris Reeves had no such dramas winning the 2015 NSW Production Touring Championship in a car emblazoned with the illustrious #1. In a series where any entrant has a real shot at the title, the rest of the pack was left hoping for better things next year after an all too familiar finish to 2015.

Reeves celebrates his championship victory alongside Dylan Thomas and Steve Hodges

eeves battled through the middle of the pack in 2015 to claim top honours in Class D as well as the overall NSW Production Touring Club and State Championship. The point scoring system meant that while the #1 Toyota 86 wasn’t at the front of the field on race day, consistent class wins kept the reigning champion on top of the table.

“Our strategy from day one was to finish absolutely every race but at the same time not rolling over,” Reeves said. “We wanted to take it to the other class cars, the Cs, the Bs and even a few As, which we did.” And it was a sound strategy. The Triple Zero Racing Toyota 86 crossed the line in every race. Something that couldn’t be said for his championship rivals.

“Towards the end of the season everyone started to have issues... We 100

|

2015 YEARBOOK

did a bit of a Bradbury there I guess,” Reeves laughed. Indeed it came down to the final round at Sydney Motorsport Park. His closest competitor, Dylan Thomas, suffered a blown engine in Race 1. The rest, they say is history.

Not only was Reeves rewarded with the overall championship at the end of the season, he was also voted best and fairest by his colleagues.

The Tony Murphy Memorial Award was a just reward for a season which saw Chris Reeves race fast but clean on his way to back to back titles. “It’s probably better than the championship.

Being recognised by your peers is always an amazing thing. It was very humbling actually.” Respect, it seems, is mutual amongst the competitors in what can best be described as a ‘Gentlemen Racer’ category. The bond between the crews is strong, but so is their competitive drive. Recognising his assets in both regards was what

We wanted to take it to the other class cars, the Cs, the Bs and even a few As, which we did.”

CHRIS REEVES

pushed the field to crown Chris as the best and fairest for 2015.

Reeves fell short of a complete sweep of the series awards though.

Taking class, club and state honours, Reeves missed out on the endurance championship. The MoComm Cup went to series runner up Dylan Thomas. With the endurance season reduced to just two races, Thomas’ Evo X did the job in the 1 hour events. The missing piece of the puzzle was the 2 hour enduro at Wakefield Park which was cancelled this year.

“I absolutely love endurance racing,”

Image: steve mison

Class Warfare

Thomas said emphatically. “It’s great to have strategy and the whole team involved in the race.” A welcome addition to the season in 2016 will be the Bathurst 6-hour event which shows the growth of not just the NSW Production Touring Car Championship but also the resurgence of GT and production car racing at all levels around the country. But despite his passion for these longer events, Dylan says it’s important the category doesn’t include too many longer races. “If you started putting longer races in it will probably blow their costs out and it could dilute some of the numbers.”

While everyone in the series is looking forward to taking on Bathurst, don’t expect 6-hour events to become the norm in the state-wide series.

Looking further ahead for the rest of next season, back to back champion Chris Reeves is talking down any hopes of a third straight win.

“We’re looking to 2017,” he said. “I’ve got my eyes on a few things. Some of them with blue ovals,” he hinted.

Currently running the Toyota 86 in Class D, Reeves suggested he may be interested in taking a shot at the top class and picking up some race wins overall. “I’d like to have a bit of an outright crack. I think I’ve done everything in the classes I need to do.” But that’s the future. For now he’s coming in to 2016 with the #1 on the door again, something he knows will make winning another championship even tougher.

“I felt like I had a target on my back.

And rightly so. Everyone wants the #1 and it was really mine to defend.” And defend he did. How well he can fight off the pack in 2016 though remains to be seen. But with his comments regarding his future plans, we may be on the hunt for a new champion in the New Year.

A blend of sprint races and enduros put the NSWPTC competitors through an array of race styles and conditions across the state like a rainy afternoon at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Tense championship battles are great to watch, but the downside to most touring car championships is only having the one battle to enthral the spectators. NSW Production Touring Cars, as well as any other production car championship, has class battles as well as the overall championship to consider.

Even if youre not the fastest car on the track, there’s still a prize to be won. Despite missing the overall title in 2015, Dylan Thomas fended off Barry Graham’s BMW as he pushed for the Class A1 title. The point system in NSWPTC is based solely on class results, beat everyone in your class and earn maximum points. That’s how Chris Reeves won the title running in the middle of the pack. But with the championship winner coming from anywhere, it’s good to know you can still fight on the track to beat the cars in your class and take out a class title. It’s what production car racing is all about.

V8ACTION.COM

|

101

Image: ROSS GIBB

COMEBACK KID

Comeback Kid Nick Foster’s 2015 is like nothing we’ve ever seen our races. No points. Not a fantastic start. In fact, the worst possible start. 0. A goose egg.

A duck. Zilch. Zero. Nada. Three starts and no finishes. Nick Foster was 298 points behind the championship leader in the Porsche Carrera Cup Australia. But the impossible soon became the improbable. Then the improbable turned into the likely. Three wins in Townsville then gave Foster a real shot at the title. Not only would he go on to win the championship, but he’d claim the title with a race to spare.

The fact he took down the title is astonishing. The deficit he overcame and the gap he put on the field is what makes the series victory an extraordinary effort. In one of the greatest comebacks in Australian motorsport history, Foster recovered to be in first place on the championship ladder and earn an insurmountable lead heading into the final race in Surfers Paradise.

102

|

2015 YEARBOOK

This is by far the highlight of my career...

It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”

Nick Foster

To break down the immensity of the comeback Foster put on, if the Carrera Cup were the Bathurst 1000, he would have been 50 laps behind.

Then he would have nearly doubled Peter Brock’s record six lap victory, to lap the field 11 times. Scaling it back even further, in a one lap dash on Mount Panorama, Foster let the leader get through The Cutting before taking off from the grid. After a miraculous comeback however, he would have taken the chequered flag with his pursuers having just left The Chase.

Reigning champion and Bathurst 1000 winner Steven Richards opened the season with a clean sweep at

Adelaide but the margin he opened up wouldn’t be enough to stop a rampaging Nick Foster. Foster fought back winning four races in a row, twice.

Having not finished the first four races, Foster went the rest of the season finishing outside the top five only twice and never finished outside the top ten.

The remarkable feat wasn’t lost on Foster. “This is by far the highlight of my career,” he told media after sealing the title at the Gold Coast. “It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”

We agree Nick. And it’s one of the most amazing things we’ve ever witnessed.

At just 23 years old, perhaps the most exciting thing about this year’s Carrera Cup champion is the potential for greater things to come. Putting the likes of Steven Richards and Craig Baird away is no easy task. Nick Foster embodies many of the young stars coming through the ranks of Australian motorsport. Not only is the future bright, but it may be here already!

Steven Richards didn’t come away with the Cup in 2015. Instead, he picked up his fourth Bathurst 1000 victory alongside Craig Lowndes. Not a bad trade off really.

“Setting the standard for Quality & Value” Established 1930

’ CHOICE! THE MECHANIC S Sheet Metal Fabrication

Wood Working

Cutting Tools

Machine Tool Accessories

Measuring Equipment

Workshop Equipment

AS-4500 Vehicle Axle Stands

VJ-680 - Hydraulic Vehicle Positioning Jacks

HJ-16DA - Hydraulic Garage Jack - Low Profile

• 4500kg load capacity • 408 - 636mm height • Sold in pairs

• • • •

• • • •

1.6 tonne capacity Alloy construction Dual pump system 95-490mm lift height

Order Code: A332

Order Code: A344

$

680kg hydraulic lift per jack 270mm max. tyre width 620mm max opening Sold in pairs

$

129

279

SAVE $14

School & Tafe Equipment

!

E E R F

E! URCHASODE P H T I C BOOK W E THE UNIQUE*Conditionser:.

Order Code: J043

365

$

SAVE $18

Lifting Handling

US SIMPLY

r Customms.

Book pe ite • 1 x Freeese advertised th ith ly valid w on r ffe O • V

SAVE $20

ALU E

HC-1T Hydraulic Engine Crane

TCH-12D + TRC-7D Trade Series Tool Chest & Roller Cabinet Package

Order Code: A350

299

$

DOUBLE ACTION PUMP

SAVE $20

FOLDS UP

2300mm

• 1T lifting capacity • Fold up legs • 2300mm lift height

• Ball bearing slides • Protective drawer liners • Key lockable TCH-12D • 12 drawer tool chest • 670 x 445 x 495mm TRC-7D • 7 drawer roller cabinet • 685 x 470 x 1000mm

MINI MIG 180 MIG Welder • • • •

$39

Order Co de: L345

Metal Working

35 - 180 Amps 240V - 15amp Duty cycle 10% @ 180A Gas / Gasless Order Code: W240

429

$

Order Code: K006A

669

$

SAVE $44

SAVE $79

ERIES S E D A TR APW-140 Auto Parts Washer Floor Model

ENT, EQUIPM ’S HAFCO CHANIC E M E TH CHOICE IME! EVERYT

SUPER 12 Air Compressor

SB-200 Sandblasting Cabinet

140 litre tank 180 litre/hr 240V pump Safety link on lid 1060 x 520 x 270mm

• 348 L/min V-twin pump • 120psi pressure • 2.2hp, 240V motor

• Heavy-duty steel cabinet • 835 x 510 x 360-550mm blast area • Includes light, tempered glass screen, gloves gun & ceramic nozzle

Order Code: A374

239

$

SAVE $14

60L TANK

FREE76)

H (A3 BRUS

- JAMES Staff Member

VAL UE

Order Code: S289

$11

309

$

SAVE $21

www.machineryhouse.com.au/signup www.machiner

UNIQUE PROMO CODE

V8ACTION12 ONLINE OR INSTORE!

OFF BLAST PAPERLESS WARRANTY TRACK YOUR ORDERS EXCLUSIVE OFFERS LATEST RELEASES

ONLINE PROMOS CLICK & COLLECT COMPETITIONS NEWSLETTERS

Order Code: C340

$

919

SAVE $27

$70 FREE DISCOUNT VOUCHERS

ONLINE AT VIEW AND PURCHASE THESE ITEMS

N12

www.machineryhouse.com.au/V8ACTIO SYDNEY

PERTH

(02) 9890 9111

(07) 3274 4222

BRISBANE

MELBOURNE (03) 9212 4422

(08) 9373 9999

1/2 Windsor Rd, Northmead

625 Boundary Rd, Coopers Plains

1 Fowler Rd, Dandenong

41-43 Abernethy Rd, Belmont

Specifications & Prices are subject to change without notification. All prices include GST and valid until 13-09-15

V8ACTION.COM

|

103

01_V8ACTION_140815

TIP

• • • •

Image: lat archive

LAST LAP

THE LAST LAP Jules Bianchi 1989-2015 and Justin Wilson 1978-2015

H

ere at V8 Action we love motorsport. From the relative safety of our comfy office we watch on in amazement at the remarkable feats of endurance, skill and sheer grit that our heroes produce. Often it’s only when things go wrong we consider the risks our heroes take in the pursuit of victory.

Jules Bianchi and Justin Wilson were two of those heroes. Passing away in 2015 as a result of injuries sustained in the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Bianchi’s life as a driver was celebrated and mourned across the F1 and motorsport world. Similarly, Justin Wilson’s sudden passing after a terrible accident at Pocono sent shudders through the IndyCar Series. These are tragic reminders of the dangers drivers face every time they take to the track. For their determination in the face of danger we thank them. For their commitment, passion and ultimate

104

|

2015 YEARBOOK

sacrifice in the pursuit of their dreams we say thank you and vale Jules and Justin.

Their legacies will live on through safety precautions that are now being introduced as a result of their accidents. The FIA has put in place the virtual safety car to slow the field immediately when necessary and research is currently underway to find a solution to protect drivers in open cockpits.

I was one of many drivers who said this should stay as open cockpit racing but I think we’ve all had enough now and it’s time to do something serious about it.”

Jenson Button

Top: Wilson never let his talent and success change him. He remained a humble, loving racer right up until his final race at Pocono.

Bottom: Jules fought hard after his accident, remaining in hospital for nine months before succumbing to his injuries.

R

V8ACTION.COM

|

105

Make every car a sports car: BILSTEIN sport suspensions

BILSTEIN B16

BILSTEIN B14

BILSTEIN B8 Sprint

The simple addition of BILSTEINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ultra high-performance range of sports suspension can put you behind the wheel of your very own dream machine. Over five decades of motorsport victories are imbedded in the design of every BILSTEIN damper and the unparalleled quality of our suspension technology comes from driving literally millions of test kilometres under extreme conditions. If you refuse to compromise on driving, and when control, design and quality matter more than anything else, then BILSTEIN has the solution for you. For every curve, every circuit and every metre of tarmac.

BILSTEIN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Driving Experience.

www.bilstein.com.au Phone: 1300 459 208