Speedcafe.com Race Guide - Gold Coast by Speedcafe

Armor All Gold CoAst 600 oCtober 21 - 23 2011

Preview includes... Q&A with Marc Lieb

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

The Gold Coast turned it on again in 2010

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

INTRODUCTION RACE GUIDE GOLD COAST SEPANG

EDITOR/PRODUCTION: Stefan Bartholomaeus NEWS EDITOR: Grant Rowley SALES/MARKETING: Leisa Emberson IMAGES: Edge Photographics QUESTION & ANSWER: Marc Lieb PARTNERS: Castrol EDGE, IRWIN Tools, Jack Daniel’s, Orrcon Steel, Pirtek, Vodafone, HDT, Norton 360, Toshiba, Armor All

Reality check

n the words of the reigning V8 Supercars Champion James Courtney, the motorsport world received a shocking reality check earlier this week with the death of Dan Wheldon.

Competing in the final round of the IndyCar Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Wheldon was just days away from heading to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 when he was involved in the horrific multicar crash that claimed his life. Survived by a wife and two young sons, the tragedy has taken away far more than simply one of the world’s great racing drivers. This week will see a range of tributes to the Briton, with the perpetual trophy for the event’s winner being renamed as the ‘Dan Wheldon Trophy’ among the first to be revealed. It’s a highly commendable move by V8 Supercars, creating an eternally positive link between Wheldon and the Armor All Gold Coast 600 from an immensely sobering situation. While everyone will show their respect to the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner in a different way this week, the Gold Coast provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate his remarkable racing life with a truly great event. With Wheldon’s fellow IndyCar drivers Will Power and Tony Kanaan both late withdrawals from the race in the wake of the Las Vegas accident, it’s a credit to all involved that the spirit of the international format has been able to be retained. One looks forward to seeing both Will and Tony back on the Gold Coast in 2012. For Speedcafe.com’s tribute to Dan Wheldon’s career, click through to pages 45 and 46 of this Race Guide. Green means go! STEFAN BARTHOLOMAEUS Journalist, Speedcafe.com Editor, Speedcafe Race Guides

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Race Guide

Q&A with MARC LIEB

ith 28 international drivers required for the second running of the Armor All Gold Coast 600, the V8 Supercars teams have searched far and wide for their co-drivers. Of those without previous V8 Supercars experience, American Porsche racer Patrick Long was the star of the 2010 event - triggering an influx of GT drives this year. One such GT racer is German Marc Lieb, who will swap his Felbermayr-Proton Le Mans Series Porsche for Alex Davison’s IRWIN Tools Racing Falcon this weekend. Speedcafe.com’s Stefan Bartholomaeus spoke to the 31-year-old before he headed out to Australia. SPEEDCAFE: You will get the chance to test the car at Queensland Raceway before racing at Surfers Paradise this weekend. What are you expecting? MARC LIEB: Well, I expect a lot of horsepower, I expect a very difficult car, and an very interesting day. This day is probably the most important in the whole week – getting familiar with the car, with the team, the mechanics, the engineers. It is very important. One day is not a lot, but you just have to squeeze everything out of the day. It is going to be really important for me. SPEEDCAFE: You’ve raced with Alex Davison before at Felbemayr. Will that make it easier for you this week? LIEB: Definitely. We know each other from a few seasons together. This is a different car, but I know how he works, he knows how I work, so we match together well. We have the same comments about the car.

easier for your guys, compared to say the IndyCar drivers? LIEB: When you are driving a GT car, compared to an open-wheel car or sportscar, you have a lot more room in the car, and it’s moving all the time. A GT or Touring Car, you have to fight the car. It’s a completely different driving style, compared to open-wheel. I think we have it a little easier than the open wheel guys, but they are all professionals, they are all good guys. When you look at the international drivers that are coming to the Gold Coast, it’s a classic combination and it’s really interesting. SPEEDCAFE: I’m sure you’ve seen the entry list for the event. Is there any driver that you’d like to benchmark yourself on? LIEB: The top guy last year was Andy Priaulx. He is one of the quickest guys in the BMW in Le Mans and American Le Mans. He won the World Touring Car Championship three times. He is one of the top guys. He has a bit of experience in these cars, and when I spoke to Patrick Long about last year, he said that Andy was the fast one. SPEEDCAFE: Even though you haven’t driven one of these cars yet, could you see yourself coming out here to drive a V8 Supercar more often – like the Bathurst 1000? LIEB: Yeah. These longer racers are basically what I’m doing all the time. The shortest race I did was a four hour race – normally I’m doing six hour races, or between 12 and 24 Hour races. It would be a dream to do the endurance races in Australia.

If I have a strange feeling about the car and I ask him “Is this normal?” and he says “yes,” I will just have to adapt to it. I trust him 100 percent. For me, I have to adapt, so this is really import, Alex helping me.

Bathurst is the ultimate track. It is on my list as one thing that I want to do. I spoke to some guys who did the Audi guys who did the 12 Hour in the R8 and they said that Bathurst is so cool. It’s very similar to the Nurburgring Norschliefe. It’s a little shorter, but it has all the elevation changes. It’s a fantastic track.

SPEEDCAFE: On the whole last year, we saw the guys with GT experience do very well on the Gold Coast. Do you think the process of adapting is

I drove the track in a road car in 2001 with Alex. He showed me the track, and it blew me away. It’s really cool.

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Race Guide

s 8 V s t e e m e n O la u m For

urity Racing Falcon Tony Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Alberto in the Wilson Sec h wit m tea will zzi Liu io Ton er Formula One rac Surfers Paradise event, as bring his own unique flair to the this weekend. The Italian is set to test ing boots seen at the pre-event witnessed by his personalised driv

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Race Guide

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

CIRCUIT INFO

The famous Surfers Paradise Street Circuit was modified for the first running of the internationally-flavoured Armor All Gold Coast 600 event last year. Reduced from 4.7km to 2.96km, the revised layout shortened construction time and reduced disruption to the local traffic and residents, in addition to allowing spectators to see the cars pass by more frequently. V8 Supercars Lap Records Practice/Qualifying 2010 Race 2010

Lee Holdsworth James Courtney

Holden Commodore VE Ford Falcon FG

1:11.9101s 1:13.1332s

Race Guide Race Guide

DID YOU KNOW? A total of 17 drivers in the Armor All Gold Coast 600 are making their first start on the Gold Coast circuit. The Gold Coast newcomers among the internationals are: Darren Turner, Vitantonio Liuzzi, Marc Lieb, Richard Lyons, Richard Westbrook, Stephane Sarrazin, Emanuele Pirro, Oliver Gavin, Allan Simonsen, Jรถrg Bergmeister, Dirk Mueller, Joey Hand, Marino Franchitti, Augusto Farfus, Boris Said and Christian Klien, while V8 Supercars regular James Moffat completes the list. There are nine drivers returning of the 18 who competed last year: Ryan Briscoe, Mika Salo, Gianni Morbidelli, Alex Tagliani, Fabrizio Giovanardi, Helio Castroneves, Patrick Long, Sebastien Bourdais and Andy Priaulx. There is a grand total of 392 Formula 1 Grands Prix of experience on the grid at the Armor All Gold Coast 600 with seven former F1 drivers and one current F1 pilot among the entry list. The current F1 driver is Italian Vitantonio Liuzzi, who currently drives for the Hispania Racing Team. He will race on the Gold Coast on his

weekend off between the Korean and Indian Grands Prix and is a veteran of 78 F1 starts. The seven former F1 drivers are Mika Salo (109 F1 starts), Gianni Morbidelli (67), Christian Klien (49), Emanuele Pirro (37), Sebastien Bourdais (27), Jan Magnussen (24) and Stephane Sarrazin (1).

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

The Indianapolis 500 and Le Mans 24 Hour are two of the world’s classic races and winners of both are on the grid for this year’s Armor All Gold Coast 600. The Indianapolis 500 winners are both Brazilians and former Penske teammates. Helio Castroneves, again driving with Tim Slade this year, is a threetime winner (2001, 2002, 2009) and Gil de Ferran, who has signed to drive with Jonathon Webb, won in 2003. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was due to compete in this weekend’s event, though sadly passed away after an accident at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on the weekend. The Toll Holden Racing Team have signed Brit Darren Turner – a two-time GT class winner at the Le Mans 24 Hour – to co-drive the #1 Commodore with James Courtney. Italian Emanuele Pirro is the Le Mans 24 Hour winner among the Gold Coast field. The pint-sized veteran, who is also the oldest of the international visitors at age 49, won the race outright five times for Audi in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006 and 2007. French trio Stephane Sarrazin, Simon Pagenaud and Sebastien Bourdais have all come close at Le Mans, finishing runners-up for the works Peugeot team in recent years. Seven drivers – Darren Turner, Marc Lieb, Mika Salo, Oliver Gavin, Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Long and Jan Magnussen – have all won their class at Le Mans.

Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Garth Tander must start as one of the favourites for the Armor All Gold Coast 600 – and not just because of his recent Bathurst victory. Tander has seven wins on the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit, and has finished in the top two positions in 10 of the last 13 races he’s started here. He is tied with Greg Murphy for the most V8 Supercar pole positions on the Gold Coast with three.

Race Guide

THE CRAIG LOWNDES GUIDE TO THE GOLD COAST DAYTIME: CRAIG ONON THE PERTH GOLD COAST CRAIG

CRAIG ON THE ARMOR ALL GOLD COAST 600

The Gold Coast is unlike anywhere else in Australia and when the race is on, everything ramps up even more, making for one very full on event. Surfers Paradise loves the V8 Supercars and you can really tell, there are always plenty of people in town and the local restaurants and pubs get into the spirit of things as well. There are not many places around the world where you can watch some motorsport and then step right onto the beach, it’s a unique setting.

The Gold Coast 600 is a unique event, which goes hand in hand with the unique setting. This will be the second year that we have raced with the international drivers, only this year all regular drivers must be paired with an international, which does make things a lot fairer. The quality of the international guys is impressive and last year they all had a great time. I’m definitely looking forward to teaming up with Andy Priaulx again and hopefully we can bring home a surfboard.

EXERCISE OF THE EVENT: SIMPLE BICEP STRETCH Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you workout schedule needs to suffer. TEAMVODAFONE DRIVER CRAIG LOWNDES shows you the potential of a hotel room/bedroom as a mini-gym with another stretch in your ‘on the move’ training programme.

1) Place one hand on a wall and completely outstretch your arm. Get in a shoulder width stance with the same side leg as the arm

2) Rotate your body and face the 3) Hold for 20 seconds and opposite direction. You should now repeat with the other arm. be facing the opposite direction from your arm that’s on the wall.

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

NIGHT TIME:

1TWO3

A unique Mediterranean restaurant where you can choose the menu size to suit you, 1two3 offers different dishes from all along the Mediterranean. Phoenician Tower east, Surf Parade, QLD 4218 / (07) 5538 5123 /

MOO MOO BAR AND GRILL

If you’re after a good steak restaurant then you can’t go past Moo Moo. Don’t be put off by the name though, they do serve a variety of dishes! 2685 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach, QLD 4218 / T: (07) 5539 9952 / www.moomoorestaurant.com

FISHERMAN’S WHARF TAVERN

A great pub in a great location, perfect for a beer after the race and it’s not far from the circuit. 60/70 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, QLD 4217 / T: (07) 5571 0566 / www. fishermanswharftavern. com.au

600 SOUNDS

Looking for something to do after the on track action has finished? Then check out 600 Sounds, the official after race concerts put on by V8 Supercars. Broadwater Parklands, Southport, QLD 4215 / ww.v8supercars.com.au

Race Guide

TECH PREVIEW with

CAMPBELL LITTLE

TECHNICAL by CAMPBELL LITTLE Wednesday Queensland Raceway test The big issue for the pre-event test is that we’re so tyre limited. I don’t know how we’re supposed to give these guys any miles on soft tyres when all we can give them are used sets. We’re also permitted to run a set of our race tyres, but when you think that we’ve got two 300km races to do, and typically 70km is the useful sort of distance teams can get out of a soft tyre, that means we should be using four sets in each race. We only get 10 sets for the weekend, so to suggest we should use one of those at the test day as well... there doesn’t look like there’s been a lot of thought put into it. Soft tyres The introduction of the soft tyre should make the event even harder for the internationals. The soft tyre is a weird tyre. Our hard tyre would be considered to be a medium to soft tyre in any other category in the world when they look at the number of consistent laps that the cars can do on them. In a sportscar endurance race, they’d expect to get 50 or 60 laps out of a tyre with very little speed drop-off. They’d consider that a medium compound tyre. It’s not possible to get two laps out of these tyres at the same speed. The degradation on the soft tyre is almost four

or five times that of the hard tyre - it’s really extreme as we’ve all seen. So managing the tyres will be a big issue. Even when we go to the event, we’ve got four 40 minute sessions, so it’s possible to be doing 25 laps in each session. But we’re allowed two sets of pre-marked tyres. If you bring pre-marked hards, they’ll learn the race track but they won’t learn what the soft tyre feels like. If you put them on softs you’ll get two sessions and then have nothing left for the other two. So it’ll be a real juggling act. Expecting these internationals to go out and start the races on new tyres without having had any quality practice time on them is quite unfair. The other big issue with the softs is that when you flat-spot them, you really flat-spot them, and we’ve found that the softs are more prone to locking than the hards. The drivers report that the steering feels lighter on the soft tyre, so there’s actually less feel for the grip level, making it harder to tell if it’s a big one (lock-up) or small one. Flat-spotting a tyre early in the weekend will certainly hurt. Circuit The shortened circuit is quite fast, and isn’t as hard on brakes as the old layout. The chicane speeds seemed to be significantly higher than in previous years, probably

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

because the brakes weren’t as tortured, which gave the drivers a bit of confidence to carry some speed through them. The surface changed day to day last year due to the break-up and different bits and pieces. There are a lot of surface changes, but to be honest last year the track wasn’t a real problem. We’ll have to wait and see what affect the soft tyre has on the surface. We’re either going to tear the track up even more, like in Townsville, or tear up some cars. Tyre debris on the circuit will be a huge issue. It was bad there in the past with the hard tyres and it’ll be a lot worse with the softs. Again it’ll be about managing the drivers. The guys that drive them all the time complain about feeling a wobble or a bump or a vibration while on the soft tyres and don’t know whether it’s a real problem or if it’s just pick-up. You typically ask them to drive through it for a while and see if it can come good, but that’s not the cleverest thing at times as well. We haven’t got the loads around this circuit that we do at Bathurst or Phillip Island, so we won’t see tyres falling apart outside of kerb damage, which we saw a bit of last year. Strategy We’ll probably see a lot of the internationals starting the races again this year. Running the 75 litre tanks in these 300km races means the fuel windows are very

big, but teams may end up splitting the race in thirds anyway due to the tyres. That means the pitstops will be quite short, which will really hurt you if you try and run your co-driver in the middle of the race (requiring two driver changes). A few people tried that last year, but the way it worked, starting with the lead drivers didn’t create much of a gain because they were dragged back with Safety Cars. Then in the end they came out of it worse because they had their co-drivers coming up against the main game drivers in the middle stint, and I think that problem will be made even worse this year with the guys trying to learn how to drive the cars on the softs. Fuel consumption won’t be an issue. Last year we saw a Safety Car right at the opening of our fuel window, but if we see that this year it’ll take a brave heart to go there because we simply can’t run 50 laps on a set of tyres. Maybe the Stone Brothers or the Triple Eight cars might be able to, but I wouldn’t think anybody else could. Heat We’re only looking at 26 or so degree days, so it won’t be really hot, but it will be interesting to see how the internationals get on driving with cool suits and so on. Not taking anything away from the co-drivers, but even the sportscar guys, they have air conditioning in their cars now, so we’re running a lot hotter in the cabin than they do. Some of the guys haven’t done a lot of racing lately either, so it could stretch them.

Race Guide

SPOTTER’S GUIDE

Car Number: 1 Team: Toll Holden Racing Team Driver: James Courtney Born: 29 June 1980 Starts: 181 Wins: 9 Co-Driver: Darren Turner

Car Number: 2 Driver: Garth Tander Team: Toll Holden Racing Team Born: 31 March 1977 Starts: 402 Wins: 50 Co-Driver: Ryan Briscoe

Car Number: 3 Driver: Tony D’Alberto Team: Wilson Security Racing Born: 9 December 1985 Starts: 114 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Tonio Liuzzi

Car Number: 4 Driver: Alex Davison Team: IRWIN Racing Born: 3 November 1979 Starts: 100 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Marc Lieb

Car Number: 5 Driver: Mark Winterbottom Team: Orrcon Steel FPR Born: 20 May 1981 Starts: 236 Wins: 15 Co-Driver: Richard Lyons

Car Number: 6 Driver: Will Davison Team: Trading Post FPR Born: 30 August 1982 Starts: 186 Wins: 6 Co-Driver: Mika Salo

Car Number: 7 Driver: Todd Kelly Team: Jack Daniel’s Racing Born: 9 October 1979 Starts: 348 Wins: 19 Co-Driver: Richard Westbrook

Car Number: 8 Driver: Jason Bright Team: Team BOC Born: 7 March 1973 Starts: 375 Wins: 17 Co-Driver: Stephane Sarrazin

Car Number: 9 Driver: Shane van Gisbergen Team: SP Tools Racing Born: 9 May 1989 Starts: 126 Wins: 2 Co-Driver: Emanuele Pirro

Car Number: 11 Driver: Greg Murphy Team: Pepsi Max Crew Born: 23 August 1972 Starts: 406 Wins: 28 Co-Driver: Oliver Gavin

Car Number: 12 Driver: Dean Fiore Team: Triple F Racing Born: 1 December 1983 Starts: 72 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Gianni Morbidelli

Car Number: 14 Driver: Jason Bargwanna Team: Jana Living Racing Born: 26 April 1972 Starts: 371 Wins: 7 Co-Driver: Allan Simonsen

Car Number: 15 Driver: Rick Kelly Team: Jack Daniel’s Racing Born: 17 January 1983 Starts: 289 Wins: 11 Co-Driver: Jorg Bergmeister

Car Number: 16 Driver: David Reynolds Team: Stratco Racing Born: 3 July 1985 Starts: 53 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Alex Tagliani

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Car Number: 17 Driver: Steven Johnson Team: Jim Beam Racing Born: 6 September 1974 Starts: 377 Wins: 3 Co-Driver: Dirk Muller

Car Number: 18 Driver: James Moffat Team: Jim Beam Racing Born: 18 June 1984 Starts: 22 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Joey Hand

Car Number: 19 Driver: Jonathon Webb Team: Mother Energy Racing Born: 10 December 1983 Starts: 54 Wins: 1 Co-Driver: Gil De Ferran

Car Number: 21 Driver: Karl Reindler Team: Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing Born: 18 April 1985 Starts: 47 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Fabrizio Giovanardi

Car Number: 30 Driver: Warren Luff Team: Gulf Western Oil Racing Born: 21 April 1976 Starts: 103 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Marino Franchitti

Car Number: 33 Driver: Lee Holdsworth Team: Fujitsu Racing Born: 2 February 1983 Starts: 189 Wins: 2 Co-Driver: Simon Pagenaud

Car Number: 34 Driver: Michael Caruso Team: Fujitsu Racing Born: 25 May 1983 Starts: 112 Wins: 1 Co-Driver: Augusto Farfus

Car Number: 39 Driver: Russell Ingall Team: Supercheap Auto Racing Born: 24 February 1964 Starts: 467 Wins: 27 Co-Driver: Jan Magnussen

Car Number: 47 Driver: Tim Slade Team: Lucky 7 Racing Born: 3 August 1985 Starts: 71 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Helio Castroneves

Car Number: 49 Driver: Steve Owen Team: VIP Petfoods Racing Born: 18 December 1974 Starts: 125 Wins: 1 Co-Driver: Boris Said

Car Number: 55 Driver: Paul Dumbrell Team: The Bottle-O Racing Born: 1 September 1982 Starts: 265 Wins: 1 Co-Driver: Christian Klein

Car Number: 61 Driver: Fabian Coulthard Team: Bundaberg Racing Born: 28 July 1982 Starts: 148 Wins: 0 Co-Driver: Patrick Long

Car Number: 88 Driver: Jamie Whincup Team: TeamVodafone Born: 6 February 1983 Starts: 231 Wins: 48 Co-Driver: Sebastien Bourdais

Car Number: 888 Driver: Craig Lowndes Team: TeamVodafone Born: 21 June 1974 Starts: 432 Wins: 81 Co-Driver: Andy Priaulx

Race Guide

THE BAGMAN

SPEEDCAFE.COM’S

THE N A M G A B ON TRACK FORM – SEAS

’S SAY

FORM - THE BAGMAN

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#1 Toll Holden Racing Team JAMES COURTNEY Nationality: Australian DoB: 29 June 1980 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2005 2010 GC600: R1: 10th, R2: 4th (Warren Luff ) Career Highlights: 2010 V8 Supercars Champion, 2001 British Formula Ford Champion, 2nd 2002 British Formula 3 Championship, 2002 Jaguar Formula One test driver DARREN TURNER Nationality: British DoB: 13 April 1974 2010 GC600: Currently Races: GT1 World Championship, YD AMR Career Highlights: 1st 2007 & 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours GT1 Class, 2nd 2006 Le Mans 24 Hours GT1 Class, 4th 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship, 4th 2008 Daytona 24 Hour

THE BAGMAN’S SAY This car continues to lack the outright speed of the team’s #2 entry, but has at least recorded strong top 10 finishes in recent races. The death of Dan Wheldon a week prior to the race has particularly rocked this entry, with Turner a last-minute replacement. The Briton is a decorated GT racer, but may suffer from a lack of preparation time.

#2 Toll Holden Racing Team GARTH TANDER Nationality: Australian DoB: 31 March 1977 V8 Championship debut: Phillip Island, 1998 2010 GC600: R1: 1st, R2: DNF (Cameron McConville) Career Highlights: 2007 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 2000, 2009 & 2011 Bathurst 1000, 1997 Australian Formula Ford Champion, 2nd 2000 V8 Supercars Championship RYAN BRISCOE Nationality: Australian DoB: 24 September 1981 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: 7th (Will Davison) Currently Races: IndyCar, Team Penske Career Highlights: 2008 Gold Coast IndyCar winner., 3rd 2009 IndyCar Series, 5th 2010 IndyCar Series, 2003 EuroSeries Formula 3 Champion, 5th 2007 Indianapolis 500

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Tander has a an extremely strong record on the Gold Coast, and is full of confidence after his recent Bathurst victory. Briscoe has more V8 Supercars experience than most of the co-drivers, and won on this circuit in IndyCar’s last appearance here three years ago. This entry looms as the biggest threat to TeamVodafone.

Race Guide

#3 Wilson Security / Tony D’Alberto Racing TONY D’ALBERTO Nationality: Australian DoB: 9 December 1985 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2005 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: 17th (Tiago Monteiro) Career Highlights: 1st 2007 V8 Supercars Development Series, 6th 2007 Bathurst 1000, 5th 2005 V8 Supercars Development Series, 6th 2006 V8 Supercars Development Series TONIO LIUZZI Nationality: Italian DoB: 6 August 1981 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Formula 1, Hispania Career Highlights: 2nd 2001 Formula Renault 2000 Germany, 1st 2004 International Formula 3000 Series, 15th 2010 Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, 6th 2010 Korean Grand Prix

THE BAGMAN’S SAY This team scored a strong top 10 finish at Bathurst in its last start, but may be in for a struggle here as the championship returns to the Soft tyres. Liuzzi is without doubt one of the most naturally gifted drivers in the field, and will benefit from having competed in the now defunct Speedcar Series. A top 15 will be a good result.

#4 IRWIN / Stone Brothers Racing ALEX DAVISON Nationality: Australian DoB: 3 November 1979 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2004 2010 GC600: R1: 5th, R2: DNF (David Brabham) Career Highlights: 2006 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 V8 Development Series winner, 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship MARC LIEB Nationality: German DoB: 4 July1980 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Le Mans Series, Felbermayr-Proton Career Highlights: 1st 2010 24 Hour of Le Mans GT2 Class, 1st 2006, 2009 & 2010 Le Mans Series GT2 Class, 1st 2005 & 2002 FIA GT Championship N-GT/GT2 Class, 1st 2007-09 Nurburgring 24

THE BAGMAN’S SAY This pairing will have strong chemistry having raced with each other before in Europe. Lieb is one of several GT drivers picked up for the second season of the international driver format following the success of Patrick Long last year. With the soft tyres in play, a top 10 result could be on the cards.

Races 14/15 - Townsville

Race Guide

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#5 Orrcon Steel / Ford Performance Racing MARK WINTERBOTTOM Nationality: Australian DoB: 20 May 1981 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2003 2010 GC600: R1: 21st, R2: 3rd (Luke Youlden) Career Highlights: 2006 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 V8 Supercars Development Series winner, 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship RICHARD LYONS Nationality: Irish DoB: 8 August 1979 2010 GC600: Currently Races: IndyCar, Team Penske Career Highlights: 2004 Formula Nippon Champion, 2004 SuperGT Champion, 5th 2007 Bathurst 1000

THE BAGMAN’S SAY The #5 Falcon hasn’t been too far off the pace of TeamVodafone’s benchmark in recent races, finishing fourth at Bathurst. Should be a pole contender this weekend, but could struggle to see the podium on the Soft tyre. Lyons steps in to replace Will Power at late notice, and should be right on the co-driver pace considering his recent Phillip Island and Bathurst experience.

#6 Trading Post / Ford Performance Racing WILL DAVISON Nationality: Australian DoB: 30 August 1982 V8 Championship debut: Winton, 2004 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: 7th (Ryan Briscoe) Career Highlights: 2006 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 V8 Development Series winner, 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship MIKA SALO Nationality: Finnish DoB: 30 November 1966 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: DNF (Andrew Thompson) Currently Races: ALMS, Risi Competizione Career Highlights: 2nd 1990 British Formula 3 Championship, 1st 2008 & 2009 Le Mans 24 Hour GT2 Class, 1st 2007 American Le Mans Series GT2 Class, 2nd 1999 German Formula 1 Grand Prix

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Davison will be out to avenge his Bathurst 1000 disappointment, which saw an early lead evaporate when his co-driver crashed out of contention. Salo was all but invisible here last year, sharing the unloved fourth Walkinshaw entry with Andrew Thompson to a pair of DNFs. Like its sister entry, poor Soft tyre life may see this car off the podium.

Race Guide Race Guide

#7 Jack Daniel’s / Kelly Racing TODD KELLY Nationality: Australian DoB: 9 October 1979 V8 Championship debut: Eastern Creek, 1999 2010 GC600: R1: 20th, R2: DNF (Scott Dixon) Career Highlights: 2005 Bathurst 1000 winner, 2003 Sandown 500 winner, 2nd 1998 Australian Drivers’ Championship, 4th 2005 V8 Supercars Championship RICHARD WESTBROOK Nationality: British DoB: 10 July 1975 2010 GC600: Currently Races: FIA GT1, JR Motorsport Career Highlights: 1st 2009 FIA GT Championship GT2 Class, 2006 & 2007 Porsche Supercup Champion, 2nd 2008 Spa 24 Hour, 2nd 2008 Daytona 24 Hour, 3rd 2010 Le Mans 24 Hour GT2 Class

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Todd Kelly’s season has struggled to pick-up since news of his decreased off-track role within the team emerged. Westbrook is a more than capable GT racer, and shouldn’t be underestimated. This pair may be made to look worse than they are however by the team’s lack of consistent Soft tyre speed.

#8 Team BOC / Brad Jones Racing JASON BRIGHT Nationality: Australian DoB: 7 March 1973 V8 Championship debut: Symmons Plains, 1997 2010 GC600: R1: 7th, R2: DNF (Alain Menu) Career Highlights: 2006 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 V8 Supercars Development Series winner, 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship STEPHANE SARRAZIN Nationality: French DoB: 2 November 1975 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Peugoet Career Highlights: 1st 2007 Le Mans Series, 1st 2010 Le Mans Series, 2nd 2007 & 2009 Le Mans 24 Hour, 3rd 2011 Le Mans 24 Hour, 5th 2006 Monte Carlo Rally

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THE BAGMAN’S SAY This team dragged a fifth place finish out of nothing at Bathurst thanks to solid strategy and a slice of luck. Bright has had inconsistent speed this year, but will be relishing another Soft tyre event. Sarrazin has one of the more diverse racing backgrounds of all the co-drivers, but lacks touring car miles. A top 10 will be a good result.

Races 14/15 - Townsville

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Race Guide

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#9 SP Tools / Stone Brothers Racing SHANE VAN GISBERGEN Nationality: New Zealander DoB: 9 May 1989 V8 Championship debut: Oran Park, 2007 2010 Gold Coast: R1: 3rd, R2: 2nd (Johnny McIntyre) Career Highlights: 2006 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 V8 Supercars Development Series winner, 2nd 2008 V8 Supercars Championship, 2nd 2002 Australian Formula Ford Championship EMANUELE PIRRO Nationality: Italian DoB: 12 January 1962 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Career Highlights: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007 Le Mans 24 Hours winner, 5th 1989 Australian Grand Prix, 1st 2001 & 2005 American Le Mans Series , 1st 2000 & 2007 Sebring 12 Hours

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY Van Gisbergen was in fine form here last year, chasing Jamie Whincup all the way to the flag on Sunday. SBR cars have been real contenders on the soft rubber this year, proving the benchmark in late-race speed. That advantage may need to be used to its fullest here however as Pirro no longer races full-time. A top place may be a difficult task.

#11 Pepsi Max / Kelly Racing GREG MURPHY Nationality: New Zealander DoB: 23 August 1972 V8 Championship debut: Calder, 1997 2010 GC600: R1: 13th, R2: 15th (Yvan Muller) Career Highlights: 1996, 1999, 2003 & 2004 Bathurst 1000 winner, 1996 & 1997 Sandown 500 winner, 2003 Bathurst 24 Hour winner, 2003 & 2011 Bathurst 1000 pole position winner OLIVER GAVIN Nationality: British DoB: 29 September 1972 2010 GC600: Currently Races: American Le Mans Series, Corvette Racing Career Highlights: 2005 & 2006 Le Mans 24 Hour GT1 Class winner, 2002 & 2004 Le Mans 24 Hour GTS Class winner, 1st 2005, 2006 and 2007 ALMS GT1 Class, 1995 British Formula 3 Champion

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY Pole position and a podium finish were great results for Murphy at Bathurst, despite coming with a dose of fortune. Gavin is highly respected in the GT world, and knows all about looking after big V8 equipment over long races. Any finish inside the top 10 will be a good result for this car on the Soft tyres however.

Race Guide

#12 Triple F Racing DEAN FIORE Nationality: Australian DoB: 1 December 1983 V8 Championship debut: Adelaide, 2009 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: 14th (Gianni Morbidelli) Career Highlights: 2nd 2008 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, 4th 2005 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 5th 2007 Australian Carrera Cup Championship GIANNI MORBIDELLI Nationality: Italian DoB: 13 January 1968 2010 GC600: R1: DNF, R2: 14th (Dean Fiore) Currently Races: Italian Superstars, Audi Sport Italia Career Highlights: 1989 Italian Formula 3 Champion, 1st 2007, 2008 & 2009 Italian Superstars Series, 1st 2008/09 Speedcar Series, 3rd 1995 Australian Grand Prix (Footwork)

THE BAGMAN’S SAY One of the few combinations to have carried over from 2010, Morbidelli appeared one of the faster co-drivers at last year’s Queensland test but failed to impress once action moved to the Gold Coast streets. The Italian will be better for the experience however, so could put Fiore in a position to run for top 15 finishes.

#14 Jana Living / Brad Jones Racing JASON BARGWANNA Nationality: Australian DoB: 26 April 1972 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 1998 2010 GC600: R1: 11th, R2: 20th (Alex Tagliani) Career Highlights: 2000 Bathurst 1000 winner, 2nd 1997 Australian Drivers’ Championship, 2nd 1996 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 7th 1998 & 2000 V8 Supercars Championship ALLAN SIMONSEN Nationality: Dannish DoB: 5 July 1978 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Le Mans Series, Team Farnbacher Career Highlights: 2004 IndyCar Series Champion, 2nd 2005 Indy Car Series, 3rd 2007 & 2008 IndyCar Series, 2nd 2004 Indianapolis 500, 3rd 2003 Indianapolis 500

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Bargwanna had a Bathurst to forget, but will be expecting a strong result on the Gold Coast following the last minute seat switching that has left him paired with Kelly Racing endurance driver Allan Simonsen. While the Dane appeared not fully comfortable during his stints at Bathurst, his input should see this car challenging the top 10.

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#15 Jack Daniel’s / Kelly Racing RICK KELLY Nationality: Australian DoB: 17 January 1983 V8 Championship debut: Queensland, 2001 2010 GC600: R1: 14th, R2: 6th (Owen Kelly) Career Highlights: 2006 V8 Supercars Champion, 2003 & 2004 Bathurst 1000 winner, 2001 Australian Drivers’ Champion, 1st 2007 Clipsal 500, 2nd 2000 Australian Formula Ford Championship JORG BERGMEISTER Nationality: German DoB: 13 February 1976 2010 GC600: Currently Races: American Le Mans Series, Flying Lizard Career Highlights: 1st 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours GT Class, 1st 2010 ALMS GT Class, 1st 2006 & 2008 ALMS GT2 Class, 2006 Gram-Am Series Champion, 1st 2003 Daytona 24 Hour

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Bergmeister is in a similar situation to fellow Kelly Racing co-drivers Oliver Gavin and Richard Westbrook - a highly accomplished GT driver having his first start in V8 Supercars and around the Gold Coast track. Keeping the car on-track and the tyres underneath him will be a good performance considering Kelly’s desire to strengthen his championship position.

#16 Stratco / Kelly Racing DAVID REYNOLDS Nationality: Australian DoB: 3 July 1985. V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2007 2010 GC600: Career Highlights: 2007 Australian Carrera Cup Champion, 2004 Australian Formula Ford Champion, 4th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series, 6th 2011 L&H 500 Phillip Island ALEX TAGLIANI Nationality: Canadian DoB: 18 October 1972 2010 GC600: R1: 11th, R2: 20th (Jason Bargwanna) Currently Races: IndyCar, Sam Schmidt Motorsport Career Highlights: 7th 2004 & 2005 Champ Car World Series, 8th 2006 Champ Car World Series, Winner 2004 Road America Champ Car race, Pole Position 2011 Indianapolis 500

THE BAGMAN’S SAY As expected, Reynolds starred on the hard tyre in qualifying at Bathurst, but will need to reset his expectations for the Gold Coast races on the softer rubber. Tagliani has perhaps the best combined car and circuit knowledge of all the internationals, so has no excuses for being anything but the best performed of the four Kelly Racing codrivers.

Race Guide Race Preview

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#17 Jim Beam / Dick Johnson Racing STEVEN JOHNSON Nationality: Australian DoB: 6 September 1974 V8 Championship debut: Oran Park, 1994 2010 GC600: R1: 16th, R2: DNF (Dario Franchitti) Career Highlights: 1st 2001 Queensland 500, 1st 2001 Canberra 400, 5th 2001 V8 Supercars Championship, 3rd 2007 Bathurst 1000, 3rd 2001 Clipsal 500 Adelaide DIRK MULLER Nationality: German DoB: 18 November 1975 2010 GC600: Currently Races: America Le Mans Series, BMW RLL Career Highlights: 1st 2011 ALMS GT Class, 1st 2007 FIA GT Championship GT2 Class, 1st 1998 Daytona 24 Hour GT1 Class, 1st 2004 Nurburgring 24 Hour, 2nd 1999 Le Mans 24 Hours GT Class

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Team preparations took a massive detour due to this car’s major accident at Bathurst. DJR will be keen to get back onto the Soft tyres after struggling badly for speed at Phillip Island and Bathurst. Muller’s regular ride is a rear-wheel-drive V8, so he is well positioned to impress. Should be around the top 10 at the end of the races.

#18 Jim Beam / Dick Johnson Racing JAMES MOFFAT Nationality: Australian DoB: 18 June 1984 V8 Championship debut: Phillip Island, 2010 2010 GC600: Career Highlights: 2nd 2009 V8 Supercrs Development Series, 3rd 2008 Australian Carrera Cup, 3rd 2007 Australian Formula Ford Championship JOEY HAND Nationality: American DoB: 10 February 1979 2010 GC600: Currently Races: American Le Mans Series, BMW RLL Career Highlights: 1st 2011 Daytona 24 Hour, 1st 2011 ALMS GT Class, 3rd 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours GTE Pro Class, 1st 1999 Star Mazda Series, 1st 2011 Sebring 12 Hour GT Class

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Moffat has shown signs of improvement in his rookie V8 Supercars season, but the team’s recent struggles have been a setback. Hand drives alongside Muller in BMW’s ALMS program and could be one to watch.

Race Guide

#19 Mother Energy / Tekno Autosports JONATHON WEBB Nationality: Australian DoB: 10 December 1983 V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2006 2010 GC600: R1: 8th, R2: 16th (Sebastien Bourdais) Career Highlights: 1st 2009 V8 Supercars Development Series, 3rd 2005 Australian Carrera Cup Championship, 2010 V8 Supercars Race 26 winner GIL DE FERRAN Nationality: Brazilian DoB: 11 November 1967 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Career Highlights: 1st 2003 Indianapolis 500, 200 & 2001 CART World Series Champion, 2nd 2003 IndyCar Series, 3rd 2002 IndyCar Series, 2nd 2009 American Le Mans Series, 1992 British F3 Champion

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Like Pirro, De Ferran hasn’t been a full-time driver for a number of seasons, and faces a tough task to get up to speed in this competitive field. The Mother Energy Falcon represents a user-friendly package for the Brazilian however. A top 10 result is a big ask.

#21 Fair Dinkum / Brad Jones Racing KARL REINDLER Nationality: Australian DoB: 18 April 1985 V8 Championship debut: Bathurst, 2008 2010 GC600: R1: 9th, R2: DNF (Fabrizio Giovanardi) Career Highlights: 2004 Australian F3 Champion, 8th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series, 3rd 2006 A1GP Shanghai Feature Race, 7th 2011 V8 Supercars Championship Race 7 Barbagallo FABRIZIO GIOVANARDI Nationality: Italian DoB: 14 December 1966 2010 GC600: R1: 9th, R2: DNF (Karl Reindler) Currently Races: Career Highlights: 1st 2011 European Touring Car Cup,1st 2007 & 2008 British Touring Car Championship, 1st 2002 European Touring Car Championship

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Another pairing to still be in place from last year, Reindler enjoys the Sprint tyre and has shown flashes of speed this season. Giovanardi wasn’t the fastest of the internationals last year but represents a solid choice. His touring car resume speaks for itself, and a repeat of last year’s Saturday top 10 is not out of the question.

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#30 Gulf Western Oil / LD Motorsport WARREN LUFF Nationality: Australian DoB: 21 April 1976 V8 Championship debut: Queensland, 1999 2010 GC600: R1: 10th, R2: 4th (James Courtney) Career Highlights: 1st 2002 & 2003 V8 Utes Series, 2nd 2005 V8 Supercars Development Series, 1st 1999 & 2000 Mitsubishi Mirage Cup, 3rd 2003 Sandown 500, 5th 2010 Bathurst 1000 MARINO FRANCHITTI Nationality: Scottish DoB: 7 July 1978 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Career Highlights: 1st 2010 American Le Mans Series, 1st 2009 & 2010 Petit Le Mans LMP2 Class, 2nd 2011 & 2008 Sebring 12 Hours, 2nd 2006 Petit Le Mans GT2 Class

THE BAGMAN’S SAY The Gulf Western Oil Commodore will again enter the event as the least favoured entry, despite Luff’s best efforts over the season. This pair needs to focus on staying out of trouble and see where they end up.

#33 Fujitsu / Garry Rogers Motorsport LEE HOLDSWORTH Nationality: Australian DoB: 3 July 1985. V8 Championship debut: Sandown, 2004 2010 GC600: R1: 19th, R2: 9th (Greg Ritter) Career Highlights: 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Race 26 (Sydney), 1st 2007 V8 Supercars Round 8 (Oran Park), 3rd 2009 Bathurst 1000, 7th 2010 V8 Supercars Championship SIMON PAGENAUD Nationality: French DoB: 18 May 1984 2010 Gold Coast: Currently Races: Career Highlights: 1st 2010 American Le Mans Series, 1st 2006 Champ Car Atlantic Series, 2nd 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours, 2nd 2009 American Le Mans Series

THE BAGMAN’S SAY The GRM cars are usually quick on street circuits, with last year’s Gold Coast event being no exception. Pagenaud has proven extremely fast in high-downforce openwheel and sportscars, but faces a big task to adjust to V8 Supercars. Even so, a top five isn’t out of the question.

Race Guide

#34 Fujitsu / Garry Rogers Motorsport MICHAEL CARUSO Nationality: Australian DoB: 2 February 25 May 1983 V8 Championship debut: Bathurst, 2006 2010 GC600: R1: 4th, R2: 11th (Patrick Long) Career Highlights: 2003 Australian Formula 3 Champion, 3rd 2009 Bathurst 1000, 1st 2009 V8 Supercars Race 10 (Hidden Valley), 2nd 2007 V8 Supercars Development Series AUGUSTO FARFUS Nationality: Brazilian DoB: 3 September 1983 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, BMW Career Highlights: 1st 2008 & 2010 Nurburgring 24 Hour, 1st 2011 Dubai 24 Hour, 2003 European F3000 Open Champion, 3rd 2006 & 2009 World Touring Car Championship

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Having starred last year with Patrick Long in the co-driver’s seat, this entry shouldn’t be too far away from the team’s #33 car in 2011. Farfus is another coming from BMW’s GT program, having spent previous seasons as part of the marque’s World Touring Car program. Shouldn’t be far away from the top 10.

#39 Supercheap / Paul Morris Motorsport RUSSELL INGALL Nationality: Australian DoB: 24 February 1964 V8 Championship debut: Eastern Creek, 1996 Current Championship Position: 22nd Career Highlights: 2005 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st1995 & 97 Bathurst 1000,1st1998 Sandown 500, 1st 1999 QLD 500, 1st 1993 British Formula Ford Championship JAN MAGNUSSEN Nationality: Danish DoB: 4 July 1973 2010 GC600: Currently Races: American Le Mans Series, Corvette Career Highlights: 1st 2009, 2006, 2005 & 2004 Le Mans 24 Hours GT1/GTS Class, 1994 British Formula 3 Champion, 1st 1992 British Formula Ford Festival, 6th 1998 Canadian Grand Prix

THE BAGMAN’S SAY These two veterans cuts their teeth together in the British Formula Ford Championship in the early 1990s. Magnussen is considered by many to be a lost talent having failed to fire in F1, but has forged a enviable career in GT racing. Could be one of the stronger co-drivers, despite being one of the elder statesman.

Races 5/63/4 Hamilton Races â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Adelaide

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Race Guide

#47 Lucky 7 / Stone Brothers Racing TIM SLADE Nationality: Australian DoB: 3 August 1985 V8 Championship debut: Adelaide, 2009 2010 GC600: R1: 18th, R2: 19th (Helio Castroneves) Career Highlights: 2nd 2005 Australian Formula Ford Championship, 7th 2008 V8 Supercars Development Series, 2nd 2011 V8 Supercars Championship Races 16 & 18 HELIO CASTRONEVES Nationality: Brazilian DoB: 10 May 1975 2010 GC600: R1: 18th, R2: 19th (Tim Slade) Currently Races: IndyCar, Team Penske Career Highlights: 1st 2001, 2002 & 2009 Indianapolis 500, 2nd 2002 & 2008 IndyCar Series, 3rd 2003 & 2006 IndyCar Series, 4th 2001 CART World Series

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY Castroneves was the first to find the concrete in practice last year, but is unlikely to make the same mistake twice. While a showman by nature, the Brazilian is as professional as they come, and should have a competitive car underneath him if recent Soft tyre performance is any gauge.

#49 VIP Petfoods / Paul Morris Motorsport STEVE OWEN Nationality: Australian DoB: 18 December 1974 V8 Championship debut: Bathurst, 1999 2010 GC600: R1: 6th, R2: 1st (Jamie Whincup) Career Highlights: 1st 2008 & 2010 V8 Development Series, 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Race 20 (Gold Coast), 2nd 1999 Australian Formula Ford Championship BORIS SAID Nationality: American DoB: 18 September 1962 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Career Highlights: 1st 1997 & 1998 Daytona 24 Hour, 1st 1998 Sebring 12 Hour, 1st 2005 Nurburgring 24 Hour, 1st 2010 NAPA Auto Parts 200 (NASCAR Nationwide Series)

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY Said competed in the V8 Supercars endurance races with Paul Morris Motorsport in 2008 - an experience that should help greatly this weekend. Should prove one of the quicker guys in practice at Queensland Raceway, but may find the unknown Surfers course more difficult. Will provide Owen with a reasonable platform for a result.

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#55 The Bottle-O / Rod Nash Racing PAUL DUMBRELL Nationality: Australian DoB: 1 September 1982 V8 Championship debut: Symmons Plains, 1999 2010 GC600: R1: 22nd, R2: 5th (Jacques Villeneuve) Career Highlights: 1st 2002 V8 Supercars Development Series, 1st 2010 V8 Supercars Race 23 (Sandown), 2nd 2001 V8 Supercars Development Series CHRISTIAN KLIEN Nationality: Austrian DoB: 7 February 1983 2010 GC600: Currently Races: Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, AMR Career Highlights: 1st 2003 Masters of Formula 3, 1st 2002 Formula Renault 2000 Germany, 2nd 2003 Formula 3 Euro Series, 3rd 2008 Le Mans 24 Hours, 5th 2005 Chinese Grand Prix

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Dumbrell has been up and down in his retirement year, and had a strong day at Bathurst turn sour in the closing stages. There is no doubting Klien’s talent, but his lack of touring car experience and FPR’s poor Soft tyre form may not mix well.

#61 Bundaberg / Walkinshaw Racing FABIAN COULTHARD Nationality: New Zealander DoB: 28 July 1982 V8 Championship debubt: Oran Park, 2004 2010 GC600: R1: 17th, R2: 12th (David Reynolds) Career Highlights: 2005 Australian Carrera Cup Champion, 2001 New Zealand Formula Ford Champion, 3rd 2004 Australian Carrera Cup Championship PATRICK LONG Nationality: American DoB: 28 July 1981 2010 GC600: R1: 4th, R2: 11th (Michael Caruso) Currently Races: American Le Mans Series, Flying Lizard Career Highlights: 1st 2004 & 2007 Le Mans 24 Hour GT/GT2 Class, 1st 2005, 2009 & 2010 American Le Mans Series GT2 Class, 1st 2009 Daytona 24 Hour GT Class

THE BAGMAN’S SAY Long did a super job for Garry Rogers at Surfers in 2010, and was hot property heading into this year’s event. The American has the potential to again star in the opening stints of this year’s races, but may be hampered by grid position. The #61 Commodore hasn’t been the fastest car this year, but a top five is not out of the question.

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Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

#88 TeamVodafone / Triple Eight JAMIE WHINCUP Nationality: Australian DoB: 6 February 1983 V8 Championship debut: Queensland, 2002 2010 GC600: R1: 6th, R2: 1st (Steve Owen) Career Highlights: 2008 & 2009 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 2006, 2007 & 2008 Bathurst 1000, 2002 Aus FFord Champion, 1st 2007 Sandown 500, 1st 2006, 2008, 2009 & 2011 Clipsal 500 Adelaide SEBASTIEN BORDAIS Nationality: French DoB: 28 February 1979 2010 GC600: R1: 8th, R2: 16th (Jonathon Webb) Currently Races: Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, Peugeot Career Highlights: 1st 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2007 Champ Car World Series, 1st 2002 International Formula 3000 Championship, 2nd 2007, 2009 & 2011 Le Mans 24 Hours

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY Whincup remains the benchmark in the V8 Supercars Championship, and lacks no motivation after seeing the Bathurst 1000 and his points lead disappear due to an electrical issue. Bourdais has a superb CV and impressed many with both his speed and patience last year in the Mother Falcon. Will relish the chance to take on Priaulx this year.

#888 TeamVodafone / Triple Eight CRAIG LOWNDES Nationality: Australian DoB: 21 June 1974 V8 Championship debut: Calder Park, 1996 2010 GC600: R1: 2nd, R2: 10th (Andy Priaulx) Career Highlights: 1996, 1998 & 1999 V8 Supercars Champion, 1st 1996, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2010 Bathurst 1000, 2nd 2005 & 2006 V8 Championship, 2nd 1994, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2011 Bathurst 1000 ANDY PRIAULX Nationality: British DoB: 8 August 1973 2010 GC600: R1: 2nd, R2: 10th (Craig Lowndes) Currently Races: Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, BMW Career Highlights: 2005, 2006 & 2007 World Touring Car Champion, 2004 European Touring Car Champion, 1st 2005 Nurburgring 24 Hour, 1st 2011 Sebring 12 Hour GT Class

THE BAGMANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SAY This entry should push its sister car all the way, with Priaulx having been every bit as fast and dependable as expected here in 2010. Lowndes admits that Whincup has his measure on street circuits these days however, so this pairing must rank as the second favourites for victory. Pit stacking may again be an issue.

Race Guide

VALE DAN WHELDON 1978-2011

he motorsport world suffered a great loss just days prior to the Armor All Gold Coast 600 when British IndyCar driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the open-wheel category’s season-ending race in Las Vegas. The two-time Indianapolis 500 winner and former IndyCar Series Champion was due to have his first taste of V8 Supercars on the Gold Coast this week, driving for the Toll Holden Racing Team alongside long-time friend James Courtney. The below timeline, first published on Speedcafe. com in the hours following his death, overviews Wheldon’s remarkable racing career. Dan Wheldon’s racing history: 1996 - Graduates from karts to join British Formula Vauxhall Championship. Records three race wins and a third place in the overall standings. 1997 - Competes in European Formula Ford Championship, finishing fourth after three race wins. 1998 - Finishes third in European Formula Ford Championship before being narrowly defeated in Formula Ford Festival final by Jenson Button. 1999 - Having failed to secure a budget to race in British Formula 3, moves to United States of America to compete in USF2000 Championship with John Baytos (Primus Racing). Takes a dominant series victory with six race wins. 2000 - Wins on debut before finishing second in points to Buddy Rice in Toyota Atlantic Championship. 2001 - Competes in Indy Lights Series with PacWest, winning two races and finishing second in the overall standings. Takes Rookie of the Year award. 2002 - Races final two IndyCar events of season with Panther Racing, for which he had been acting as test driver, scoring a best result of 10th at Chicago. 2003 - Misses first two races of IndyCar Season before eventually taking over Michael Andretti’s ride at Andretti Green Racing. Crashes out of Indianapolis 500 with frightening flip in closing stages. Scores third in the final race of the season, cementing 11th in points and Rookie of the Year honours.

2004 - Records 11 top three finishes during the 16 race IndyCar season with AGR. Ends year with three wins and second in standings, having finished third at Indy. 2005 - Wins four of season’s first five races, including the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first Englishman since Graham Hill in 1966 to win the 500. Wins a further two races later in the season and is crowned IndyCar Series champion. 2006 - Switches to Target Chip Ganassi Racing and wins on debut with team at Homestead-Miami. Also takes victory in Chicago season finale but loses championship to Sam Hornish on count-back of wins. Again runs strongly at Indy, finishing fourth despite a late-race puncture. Began year by winning Daytona 24 Hour alongside Scott Dixon and Casey Mears. 2007 - Wins season opener in Homestead for third consecutive season. Wins again at Kansas and ends season fourth in points. 2008 - Repeats previous season performance by winning two races and scoring fourth in the standings. Races the year-ending non-points event in Australia with Panther after making way for return of Dario Franchitti to Ganassi squad. 2009 - Runs full season with Panther for the first time. Finishes second in the Indianapolis 500, his best result of the season, on the way to 10th in points. 2010 - Returns for second season with Panther, again scoring a best result of second in the Indianapolis 500. Ends season ninth in points. 2011 - Puts together Indianapolis 500 program with Bryan Herta Autosport after failing to secure a fulltime IndyCar ride. Wins second Indy 500 trophy after thrilling finish. Selected as official test driver for 2012 IndyCar project. Later in the season, is the only driver selected to run for the $5 million prize in the Las Vegas finale, racing for Sam Schmidt Motorsports. Finishes 14th in Kentucky before suffering fatal injuries in a multi-car accident in the early stages at Las Vegas. Speedcafe.com extends its sincere condolences to Dan Wheldon’s wife Suzie, sons Sebastian and Oliver, and his extended family and friends.

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Race Guide

COLOUR

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Shane van Gisbergen was a standout performer on the streets of the Gold Coast last year, taking a third and a second from the weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s races alongside co-driver Johnny McIntyre

Race Guide

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS - TOP 28 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

Craig Lowndes TeamVodafone Jamie Whincup Team Vodafone Shane van Gisbergen SP Tools Racing Garth Tander Toll Holden Racing Team Mark Winterbottom Orrcon Steel FPR Will Davison Trading Post Racing FPR Rick Kelly Jack Daniel’s Racing Jason Bright Team BOC Alex Davison IRWIN Racing Steven Johnson Jim Beam Racing Lee Holdsworth Fujitsu Racing Tim Slade Lucky 7 Racing Greg Murphy Pepsi Max Crew Fabian Coulthard Bundaberg Racing James Courtney Toll Holden Racing Team Steve Owen VIP Petfoods Racing Michael Caruso Fujitsu Racing David Reynolds Stratco Racing Russell Ingall Supercheap Auto Racing Jason Bargwanna Jana Living Racing James Moffat Jim Beam Racing Jonathon Webb Mother Energy Racing Paul Dumbrell The Bottle-O Racing Todd Kelly Jack Daniel’s Racing Karl Reindler Fair Dinkum Sheds Racing Tony D’Alberto Wilson Security Racing Dean Fiore Triple F Racing Warren Luff Gulf Western Oil Racing

Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Ford Falcon FG Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII Holden Commodore VEII Ford Falcon FG Ford Falcon FG Holden Commodore VEII

2329 2229 1895 1848 1687 1646 1638 1502 1448 1411 1382 1328 1294 1275 1177 1133 1150 1072 1067 1046 995 968 952 923 829 829 818 654

Race 20 - Bathurst

PREVIOUS RACE WINNERS

Race Guide Race Guide

PAST WINNERS Year Driver(s) 1994 John Bowe 1996 John Bowe 1997 Russell Ingall 1998 Mark Larkham 1999 Paul Radisich 2000 Paul Radisich 2001 Garth Tander 2002 Jason Bargwanna 2003 Russell Ingall 2004 Greg Murphy 2005 Craig Lowndes 2006 Todd Kelly 2007 Garth Tander 2008 Jamie Whincup 2009 Garth Tander Mark Winterbottom 2010 Garth Tander/Cameron McConville Jamie Whincup/Steve Owen

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Team Dick Johnson Racing Dick Johnson Racing Castrol Perkins Racing Larkham Motor Sport Dick Johnson Racing Dick Johnson Racing Garry Rogers Motorsport Garry Rogers Motorsport Stone Brothers Racing K-mart Racing Team Team Betta Electrical Holden Racing Team Toll HSV Dealer Team Team Vodafone Holden Racing Team Ford Performance Racing Holden Racing Team Team Vodafone

Car Ford Falcon EB Ford Falcon EF Holden Commodore VS Ford Falcon EL Ford Falcon EL Ford Falcon AU Holden Commodore VX Holden VX Commodore Ford Falcon BA Holden Commodore VY Ford Falcon BA Holden Commodore VZ Holden Commodore VE Ford Falcon BF Holden Commodore VE Ford FG Falcon Holden Commodore VE Holden VE Commodore

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Race Guide

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FRIDAY Start - Finish Category Duration Session 07:50 08:10 V8 Ute Series 20 minutes Practice 08:20 08:40 Touring Car Masters 20 minutes Practice 08:50 09:10 Formula Ford 20 minutes Practice 09:25 10:05 V8 Supercars 40 minutes Practice 1 (All Drivers) 10:20 10:50 Carrera Cup 30 minutes Practice 11:05 11:25 Touring Car Masters 20 minutes Qualifying 11:35 12:15 V8 Supercars 40 minutes Practice - Part 2 (Co-Drivers) 13:00 13:20 Formula Ford 20 minutes Qualifying 13:35 14:15 V8 Supercars 40 minutes Practice - Part 3 (Co-Drivers) 15:00 15:20 V8 Ute Series 20 minutes Qualifying 15:35 16:15 V8 Supercars 40 minutes Practice- Part 4 (Alll Drivers) 16:30 16:50 Carrera Cup 20 minutes Qualifying 17:05 17:25 Touring Car Masters 20 minutes Race 1 SATURDAY Start - Finish Category 08:30 08:45 Formula Ford 09:00 09:20 Carrera Cup 09:35 10:05 V8 Supercars 10:15 10:35 V8 Ute Series 10:50 11:20 V8 Supercars 11:30 11:50 Touring Car Masters 12:00 12:20 Entertainment 12:35 12:55 Formula Ford 13:40 16:20 V8 Supercars

Duration 11 Laps 20 minutes 30 minutes 12 laps 30 minutes 20 minutes 20 minutes 11 Laps 102 Laps

Session Race 1 Race 1 Qualifying Race 1 Top Ten Shootout Race 2

SUNDAY Start - Finish Category 08:30 08:55 V8 Ute Series 09:05 09:25 Carrera Cup 09:35 09:55 Touring Car Masters 10:10 10:30 Formula Ford 10:45 11:15 V8 Supercars 11:30 11:50 Entertainment 12:00 12:20 Carrera Cup 12:30 12:50 V8 Ute Series 12:52 13:02 Drivers Parade 13:00 13:20 Entertainment 13:40 16:20 V8 Supercars

Duration 14 Laps 20 minutes 20 minutes 11 Laps 30 minutes 20 minutes 20 minutes 12 Laps 10 minutes 20 minutes 102 Laps

Session Race 2 Race 2 Race 3 Race 3 Qualifying

Race 2 Race 21 - 300km

Race 3 Race 3 Race 22 - 300km

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Ryal Harris (top) will be looking to continue his Bathurst form in the V8 Utes, while Cameron Tilleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular Valliant Pacer makes a return to the Touring Car Masters

Race Guide

CHEQUERED FLAG

A mistake from Mark Skaife let Marcos Ambrose through to victory at Hidden Valley in 2003

Races 21/22 - Gold Coast

Jamie Whincup held off Shane van Gisbergen to take the victory last year, while Mark Winterbottom was third

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