Motorsport eNews Issue 34 - December 11-17, 2007

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Issue No. 034 11 – 17 December 2007

Toll with Tander?

V8 champ gets red car – keeps toll stickers

Ford’s newest V8 supercar team

EXCLUSIVE: todd Kelly speaks after first jdr test

Editorial Editor: Grant Rowley grant@mnews.com.au National Editor: Andrew van Leeuwen andrew@mnews.com.au Staff Journalist: Bill Riddell bill@mnews.com.au Executive Editor: Phil Branagan editor@mnews.com.au

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The ‘A’ Team

Issue No. 034 | 11-17 December 2007

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6 Greedy Ingall 8 Renault guilty 10 Rosberg staying 12 Evans above

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Contributing Writers F1: Joe Saward, Mark Glendenning, Adam Cooper, Paolo Filisetti Europe: Quentin Spurring, David Addison US: Martin D. Clark, Phil Morris Speedway: Greg Boscato, Geoff Rounds, Darren Sutton, Tony Millard (UK) Rally: Ryan Lahiff Drag Racing: Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Ken Ferguson, John Bosher National: Mark Wicks, Mark Jones, Aaron Shaw, Daniel Powell

Photographers Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Marshall Cass, John Morris/Mpix, AF1 Images, James Smith, Peter Bury, Neil Blackbourn, Chris Carter, Coopers Photography, Ash Budd, Paris Charles, Neil Hammond, Joel Strickland, Mike Patrick (UK) Motorsport eNews is published by Australasian Motorsport News ABN 55 125 120 702 Publisher: C Lambden Copyright: Material published in Motorsport eNews is copyright and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written permission of the publisher.

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chat 20 5 minutes with ...

Branagan opinion 22 23 Lambden 43 Punter

Tander, HRT and Toll TwoCommodores,thanks All fine but no fine Two more years for Nico to V8 Supercars?

Todd Kelly Success takes its Toll The power of TV Christmas specials

race 24 Simonsen a Classic Allan wins GT Title

28 Read Reigns Phil beats all-comers 32 Karting & Speedway Young Guns

trade 34 Trade and Industry / Raceshop / Classifieds

welcome Bowe-ing out - JB signs off...

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Will Toll follow Tander?

V8 SUPERCARS

HSV: All steady

Dirk Klynsmith

GARTH Tander and Toll-HSV’s key players may not be the only traffic heading from the HSV team across the Clayton compound to HRT. While last Friday’s confirmation that the 2007 V8 Supercar Champion will partner Mark Skaife in Holden’s factory team was not unexpected, industry sources this week are telling eNews that the Toll sponsorship is likely to appear on the 2008 HRT cars.

It is being suggested that Toll boss Paul Little, a noted Tander fan, was unaware of the impending shuffle of Holden drivers until quite late in the process, but then insisted that the branding move across as well.

As part of a package deal, Toll has had secondary space on the HRT cars during its time as primary HSV sponsor.

While he was unable to shed any light on the team’s sponsorship status, Tander is treating his move to the Holden Racing Team as a fantastic opportunity, despite the fact that he is leaving a two-time titlewinning team.

“This is something that I have wanted to do for some time,” said Tander, who will debut a brand-new Commodore VE at the Adelaide 500 in February.

“I am treating this as a fantastic

opportunity. Everyone I have spoken to has said the same thing; ‘Why are you leaving Toll-HSV?’ But HRT has a fantastic history in the 1990s and the early 2000s.”

Tander will be among familiar faces in HRT. Apart from the time he spent there as an endurance driver in 2006, Rob Crawford turns red as the team’s new manager and Matt Nilsson, who engineered Tander’s Commodores for the last two years and who also joined HRT briefly last year, makes the move.

“I would not have done this unless Techo [Nilsson] was coming with me. It has been a great partnership. And I did not know about Rob until after I signed! It was not like I was stepping into the unknown, I know most of the guys at HRT from driving there last year, anyway.”

IT’S a case of holding station, as far as Toll HSV Dealer Team’s new manager Erik Pender is concerned.

Pender steps into the role in the new year after the recent confirmation that Rob Crawford, who has managed the team since 1999, will move to the Holden Racing Team next season.

“There’s nothing that needs fixing in the team,” says Pender. “My aim is to continue as things are now.”

Pender, who joined the team eight years ago when it was known as Holden Young Lions, will have two new race engineers to deal with next year. His spot on Rick Kelly’s #15 Commodore will be filled by Alistair McVean, who joins Toll from Walkinshaw Performance, while the team is yet to fill Matt Nilsson’s spot on the #16 car. ‘Techo’ will join Garth Tander and Crawford in red next season.

In the meantime, new driver Paul Dumbrell will have his first drive of a Walkinshaw car this Friday. The team will be in operation at Winton for a drive day.

Todd confirmed at Jack Daniel’s Racing V8 SUPERCARS TODD Kelly’s new ride with Jack Daniel’s Racing came into immediate affect at Winton today (Monday), when he got his first taste of a JDR Commodore VE. Kelly will drive the #11 black Holden, partnering Shane Price in the Larry Perkins-owned team.

“At the start of the day, nothing made any sense and we were speaking different languages. Now, we are all on the same page and it has been a really productive day,” Kelly told eNews.

“Everyone has worked really well together so, from that point of view, it has been quite good.

Kelly was impressed with his first run with his new team-mate.

“I can tell you he is fast! He had me going all day!

“To team up with him will be good, that is not something that I am concerned about at all.”

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V8 SUPERCARS PAUL Dumbrell will drive with the Toll HSV Dealer Team in 2008.

The 25-year-old will step into the #16 Commodore VE, replacing Garth Tander who has vacated his seat to partner Mark Skaide at HRT. “You can’t get much better than signing with the team who has won the past couple

of titles,” Dumbrell told eNews.

“They’ve got a very good engineering base with Walkinshaw Performance.

It’s one of those things were everyone wants to be involved with one of the top teams and now I’ve got the opportunity to prove I can do it.

While he gearing up for the new season, he agreed there can be no excuses in 2008.

“That’s right, and that’s what

I’ve always wanted,” he said.

“If I can’t do the job, I don’t want to waste anyone’s time or money not doing the right job. Now that I’ve got the right equipment behind me, I’ll be able to prove that I can.”

The Dumbrell-to-HSV news comes after months of negotiations with rival Ford team Stone Brothers Racing.

“That was one of our options,” he admitted.

Dirk Klynsmith

Dumbrell takes Champion seat

“It was a strong option, but I’ve been supported well by Holden over the past few years and they’ve helped me out.

Simon McNamara was pivital in getting me to stay with Holden.

I want to remain loyal to them.”

In related HSV news, Paul Radisich will drive with the team in the endurance races, and will act as an advisor to the team.

– GRANT ROWLEY

So, who goes to Stones?

The prized ride in #9 seems set to be between Van Gisbergen, Webb, Owen and Besnard ...

V8 SUPERCARS

Marshall Cass

WITH Paul Dumbrell making a late switch in plans to accept a drive at the HSV team, the question now becomes who will occupy the second Stone Brothers Racing seat in 2008?

Dumbrell had for some months been sitting on an SBR option and, if reliable sources are correct, told Holden at the Tasmanian round of the V8s, just three weeks ago, that he was planning to take it up.

However, the impending shuffle among Holden drivers – which started in earnest that same weekend – appears to have thrown up the HSV option at the last moment, which the young Melbournian has taken (see separate story).

This development throws open the second seat at SBR and, on the face of it, there appears to be a few likely contenders. At the same time, there also appears to

be uncertainty over the final destination of the Autobarn sponsorship, which was also slated to go to SBR. Drivers? There are reportedly up to four possibly in the frame, depending to a degree on the sponsorship equation – current SBR Fujitsu Series driver Jonathan Webb, young Kiwi Shane Van Gisbergen (currently driving the SBRrun Team Kiwi car), current Autobarn (Rod Nash Racing)

driver Steve Owen and …

David Besnard.

Van Gisbergen and Webb are able to add to the sponsorship pool with personal sponsors, while Owen is well thought-of at Autobarn and has done everything he possibly can to earn his place in the V8 field.

And, after some time in the wilderness, a fit and motivated ‘Bezzy’ did an excellent job alongside James Courtney at

Sandown and Bathurst …

Typically, the Stones are playing it close to the chest – but will be looking to lock something in as soon as possible.

SBR is due to undertake a two-day ‘ride’ programme at Eastern Creek, today (Tuesday) and tomorrow, with some suggestion that a number of contenders may well do some laps.

– ROWLEY/LAMBDEN

n Rising V8 Supercar star Lee Holdsworth will get some extra laps at Mount Panorama next year, with the news that he will race a Commodore in the WPS Bathurst 12-Hour in February.

The 24-year-old will share a Production Car-spec Commodore with brother Brett Holdsworth and carowner Steve Briffa.

“I am really happy to be able to compete – it is a really great concept and should be a whole lot of fun,” said Holdsworth. n James Bergmuller will

n There are more changes at Toll HSV Dealer Team.

The title-winning squad is looking for new data engineer after Craig Spencer, who crunched the numbers for Rick Kelly this season, announced he was returning to Europe to pursue a gig in the world of Motocross. n As we closed this issue, we hear that Leanne Tander was going well in Formula Asia V6 testing at Sepang.

The Formula 3 runner-up had a wet session yesterday (Sunday) but was within 0.5s of the series’ frontrunners, and today was right on the pace in dry conditions. n Casey Stoner will not need surgery on his injured shoulder. The MotoGP World Champion was cleared of more dramatic treatment after visiting a specialist in Sydney last week.

Aussie Ingall going small AUSSIE RACING CARS RUSSELL Ingall is likely to contest two motor racing series in 2008.

The two-time Bathurst winner is set to drive in the Aussie Racing Car Series next year in a Holden Commodore-bodied car.

The former Stone Brothers

Racing driver recently completed his last drive with the Queensland Ford team at Phillip Island, and will announce his new deal with Paul Morris Motorsport in the coming month to drive a brand-new Supercheap Auto-backed Commodore VE. But like his new team-

mate, Ingall looks certain to complement his V8 Supercar duties with regular appearances in the Aussie Racing Car Series.

Morris has been a staunch advocate of the pint-sized racers, competing in all but two of the races in the 2007 season.

– GRANT ROWLEY

Dirk Klynsmith

drive the third Greg Murphy Racing entry in the 2008 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series.

The Formula Forder has purchased Tasman Motorsport’s last VZ Commodore, the car that was the spare for the team this season, and will run the car alongside Dale Wood and Sam Walter at GMR.

Marshall Cass

BRIEFLY...

Knight time for VIP CARRERA CUP NEW Zealand driver Andy Knight looks set to drive in the Australian Carrera Cup Championship next year.

The current Toyota Racing Series championship leader is likely to drive for the Craig Baird-run Team VIP Petfoods outfit next year.

While not committing, the 21-year-old was hopeful of getting the deal sorted soon.

“I hope it comes off, it will

be good,” he said.

“The best thing is that I will be able to compare data with Craig. It all looks like a very good deal. The racing in a saloon car is going to be a bit different, it will require a different style, but having Craig with me will make it easier.”

Baird said that offering Knight a ride in his Australian team is the step in the right direction for the 21-year-old.

“It’s hard for the young

guys to get the backing and budget to come to Australia to do the championship,” Baird said.

“It would take time for him to adapt his driving style, but any of the guys who do well in single seat categories can adopt well to the Carrera Cup cars.”

The first round of the 2008 Carrera Cup Championship is set for the Clipsal 500 event in Adelaide, February 22-24.

– GRANT ROWLEY

news

Morton’s Stars on the Rise V8 SUPERCARS

Dirk Klynsmith

FORD Rising Stars Racing is set to become the newest addition to the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

First reported by eNews (Issue #031), the Jim Morton-owned team is on the verge of securing a PWR Racing licence to contest the 2008 main V8 Supercar Championship Series with an FPR-prepared Ford Falcon for young gun Andrew Thompson.

Thompson had his first taste of Ford Rising Stars-power last week when he drove one of the team’s cars at a corporate ride day.

The main series seat is also likely to be complemented by a Fujitsu V8 Series entry for the team’s 2007 driver Grant Denyer.

Denyer left the team after Bathurst but is set saddle back up in FRSR colours for 2008. It would also make Denyer a likely contender to partner Thompson in the endurance races.

Morton told eNews that all of his plans

should be sorted within the week.

“We know where we want to go, we’ve just got to sort out a few deals by the end of the week and things will be more clear,” he said.

“We can confirm that we’ve got a commercial arrangement with FPR. We’ve formed a partnership with them in terms

of the equipment we use, but everything else is in our hands – all the commercial arrangement, driver selection etc.”

While some things need to be sorted, the team’s sponsor from this year, Hagermeyer, won’t be supporting the Ford Rising Star Racing in 2008.

– GRANT ROWLEY

BRIEFLY... n The FIA World Motor Sport Council says that McLaren’s 2008 car will continue to be scrutinised until February 14 when Ferrari, McLaren and others will be allowed to make representations to the next World Council meeting.

n Honda Racing F1 is

set to continue with the Earth Dream livery in 2008 although the team says that it will be evolving the concept from ‘My Earth Dream’ to ‘Earth Dreams’, thus opening the way for Honda to become involved in projects that are designed to solve social problems around the world.

– JOE SAWARD

FORMULA 1

THE FIA is taking legal action against The Sunday Times about comments made in September by columnist Martin Brundle.

The former F1 driver, World Sports Car Champion and influential television pundit is not about the back down and in his column on Sunday launched an attack on the FIA World Council’s decision in the Renault case.

Brundle’s entire column can

be accessed via the link on page 21 (Opinion).

The analysis of the McLaren-Renault decisions was surprisingly lacking in other newspapers but The Scotsman pulled no punches, saying that Mosley should resign (see here: http:// sport.scotsman.com/index. cfm?id=1919592007).

That’s not going to happen but it’s interesting that people are starting to think as such.

– JOE SAWARD

Formula 1 is Russian around FORMULA 1 FORMULA 1 is going to Moscow.

The Russian capital is set to host a street event featuring F1 cars, similar to the one held in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, since 2005. In two years, the event has attracted 1 million spectators (who watch for free) and has gained major sponsorship.

The streets to be used are expected to

include the road that runs in front of the Kremlin citadel alongside the Moskva River.

Teams expected to take part include Renault, Williams and Force India.

Rotterdam Racing, which will conduct the Russian event, is now looking for a sponsor for the event but that is unlikely to be a big problem as there are many firms in F1 keen to make an impact with Russia’s 150m people.

– JOE SAWARD

Peter Bury

n Formula BMW has had a training centre in Valencia for some years but in 2008 the series will start operations with a mobile unit that will tour from country to country, thus giving more youngsters the chance to sample the cars.

This is expected to increase the number of drivers wanting to join the series and broaden the geography spread of the young hopefuls.

Brundle Sued

news

Renault escapes Spy penalty FORMULA 1 racedeadline.com.au

RENAULT has escaped penalty over Formula 1’s latest spying scandal.

Renault F1 was guilty of a breach of Article of 151c of the International Sporting Code, which prohibits “any fraudulent conduct or any act prejudicial to the interests of any competition or to the interests of motor sport generally” – but decided to impose no penalty.

This is the same decision that was given to McLaren in July. The FIA later called McLaren back and in September, fined the team US$100m fine and took away all of its Constructors’ World Championship points.

The decision does seem unusual, in that the team had admitted that Phil Mackereth, who joined from McLaren, had McLaren data. There were 33 files on 11 disks that Mackereth took home from McLaren and a computer file which was a screen grab of the technical specifications of the McLaren MP4-22A. He also had

possession of two hard copy drawings of dampers.

All of this amounted to 762 pages of data, a figure nor dissimilar to the McLaren case. A percentage of data ended up inside the Renault computers and elements of that data was viewed by a number of Renault engineers.

This would appear to be worse than the McLaren case, as there was never any evidence that McLaren any of the data that was found in the possession of Mike Coughlan.

The WMSC went on to say that it is only concerned “with what Renault had access to or was influenced by as only this could have had an impact on the Championship.”

This was not the case in the McLaren

hearing where there was no evidence that McLaren had access to anything and yet the team was still punished.

There is a question also about why so many Renault engineers looked at the McLaren data if there was no value in it and no intention to try to learn from it. The fact that it was not used is not the point.

The differences between the two cases are undoubtedly worrying and the lack of evidence in one case and the evidence that has been rejected in the other is something which is bound to lead to questions. In the case of McLaren, the team was doubted at every turn, in the case of Renault the team was consistently given the benefit of the doubt.

– SAWARD/STAFF

Nico Stays Put

BRIEFLY... n The FIA’s legal action is interesting. It is perhaps worth noting that back in November 1997 Max Mosley told F1 Racing that “the day you start being offended by criticism is the day you’re getting too old or going crackers or something of that kind.”

– JOE SAWARD (GB, 0 pts)

10

Racedeadline

n Formula One Management’s trophies have been awarded. The Promoters’ Trophy went to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which has now been dropped from the F1 calendar (work that one out!) and the ASN Trophy went to Finland, thanks to the efforts of Kimi Raikkonen and Heikki Kovalainen, who scored 140 between them.

Britain scored 129 thanks to Lewis Hamilton, David Coulthard and Jenson Button (Anthony Davidson did not score), while Spain was third thanks to Fernando Alonso’s 109 points. Brazil picked up 94 points (all Felipe Massa’s, with none from Rubens Barrichello) while Germany got to 93 points thanks to the efforts of Nick Heidfeld, Nico Rosberg, Sebastian Vettel, Adrian Sutil and Ralf Schumacher.

FORMULA 1 NICO Rosberg has agreed to a new contract with Williams, ending speculation that he will move to rival McLaren.

The German had a contract until the end of 2008 with a Williams option that extended beyond that, if the team performed to a certain level. In an effort to head off McLaren advances, Williams offered Rosberg, 22, a solid deal for 2009 and this was sufficient to entice him to agree to stay.

The news means that McLaren has one fewer candidates for the available drive and, despite ridiculous

stories in Spain that Alonso might return to Woking, the thinking now seems to be that the team will promote from within, with either Pedro de la Rosa or Gary Paffett drafted in alongside Lewis Hamilton.

It is still possible that Renault’s Heikki Kovalainen might move to Woking but that really depends on whether not Alonso agrees to race for Renault. At the moment, Alonso, who we believe wants US$30m a year, seems content to look at the offers on the table. It remains to be seen whether this is a price that anyone will pay.

Our sources at Red Bull

Racing say that he is definitely not going there and Honda is not thought likely, as that would involve paying out Rubens Barrichello $10m. In any event, the team is unlikely to be ready for a top driver in 2008 and it would be wiser to use the money to improve the cars rather than spend it on a driver.

The reality is that Renault may be Fernando’s only choice.

But if that is the case, and the Spaniard must take what he is offered if he wishes to race in 2008, then Flavio Briatore is unlikely to meet Alonso’s financial demands.

– JOE SAWARD

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No more driving Schus FORMULA 1 RALF Schumacher looks to have driven a Formula 1 car for the last time.

sutton-images.com

The 32-year-old was extremely unimpressive in a test with Force India at Jerez last week and has all but admitted he will not race next season.

“I took on the test as an opportunity to prove myself,” he told German newspaper Bild. “It is not expected that I will join Force India, so it looks like that was the last time I will drive a Formula 1 car.”

The six-time GP winner experienced a number of off-course excursions and was slowest of the 20 drivers present on the day.

His brother Michael Schumacher has advised him to not drive for the team, which was named Jordan when Ralf drove there in 1997-98.

“I don’t know what his intentions are,” the elder brother told German magazine Auto Motor und Sport, “but before he came here with this car – I don’t know what it is called – I told him he shouldn’t do it.”

“He can still deliver good results,” added Schumacher, “but he doesn’t have the right options at the moment. I said to him a long time ago that there are so many other things in life that are fun.”

Slimmer Limits FORMULA 1 THE FIA World Council has voted through new rules in an effort to curb expenditure on Formula 1 in the future.

The proposals are most radical and seek not only to curb testing and the use of windtunnels, rig testing and CFD but also intend to place restrictions on design and manufacturing, and even the number of team members allowed at races.

Wind tunnel testing will be severely restricted, with teams limited to using one nominated tunnel (McLaren, Williams, Toyota and Honda each have two) operating on one, eight-hour shift per day (some teams’ tunnels run around the clock in three shifts).

In order to avoid F1 teams switching to water-tunnel testing, the rules include a ban on testing in any fluids other than non-pressurised air.

Further details of this will be given to F1 team bosses on January 11 and there will be detailed regulations put forward at the spring meeting of the WMSC.

– JOE SAWARD

11

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Monte off ‘09 WRC racedeadline.com.au

RALLYING IT’S OFFICIAL: There will be no Monte Carlo round of the World Rally Championship in 2009.

The news comes as part of the announcement of the 2009 and 2010 WRC schedules, the first two seasons to run under the rotating rounds system.

That means that the ‘09 season will be opened

by Ireland, not Monte, with Sweden also missing out, a new round in Poland, and a return of Rally Australia.

But 2010 is even more radical. While Monte and Sweden both return, there are new rounds in Jordan, Indonesia, Russia and Bulgaria.

The Monte Carlo rally has not been part of the WRC only twice since 1949 – in 1974 and 1996.

2009 WRC Schedule 2010 WRC Schedule Ireland Norway Cyprus Portugal Argentina Italy Greece Poland Finland Australia Spain GB

01 February 15 February 15 March 05 April 26 April 24 May 14 June 28 June 02 August 06 September 04 October 25 October

Monte Carlo Sweden Mexico Jordan Turkey New Zealand Indonesia Russia Bulgaria Germany Japan France

24 January 14 February 07 March 11 April 25 April 16 May 20 June 18 July 08 August 22 August 12 September 10 October

Evans to V8 Supercars?

RALLYING

12

Joel Strickland

SIMON Evans is looking to circuit racing as “cheap practice” for his rallying program.

The current Australian Rally Champion was a flag marshal at Sandown’s Shannons Nationals round last Sunday, completing the necessary criteria for a CAMS National Circuit licence.

And once he has the licence, Evans plans on using it.

“I would love to do some circuit racing, because with the way our pace notes work

in rallying these days, we are pretty much driving the same lines,” he told eNews.

“So doing some circuit stuff is like cheap practice for rallying.”

Evans is yet to firm up any plans for his low-key circuit racing program in 2008.

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

13

Percat signs for Sonic in ‘08 FORMULA FORD

Dirk Klynsmith

NICK Percat will race a Sonic Motor Racing Services Mygale in next year’s Australian Formula Ford Championship.

The South Australian debuted in the series this year, starting out with a factory Spectrum drive before defecting to a Team BRM Van Diemen for the latter part of the season.

But next year he will have French machinery, lining up with the newly-crowned Champions in one of the team’s Mygale SJ07a chassis.

“I’m very excited,” he said.

“They’re a team who is always at the front, so it’s my best

opportunity to win the title.”

The deal places Percat in title favouritism, having won his first race, and the first for a Van Diemen for the year, in Tasmania last month.

“I think we’ll be up there next

year. We’ve had some really good pace later in the year, I guess since I’vse settled into the category, so we should come out firing next season.”

Percat will drive a Sonic Mygale for the first time at

Winton this Friday. He will continue to be supported

by Walkinshaw Performance next season, and is currently looking for further support for the program.

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Brad to have Synergy and a Star FORMULA FORD

14

Lowe will test the team’s factory Spectrums in early January.

In the meantime, Lowe drove with the FRSR V8 squad at Wakefield Park as part of his ‘rookie’ status within the team.

“Got to do a few laps, that was a lot of fun,” he said.

“I learnt a whole lot out there. I didn’t realise they could brake as well as they do.”

– GRANT ROWLEY

Dirk Klynsmith

BRAD Lowe has been confirmed as the first driver for Synergy Motorsport.

The new Sydney-based team, run by former racer Justin Cotter, has picked Lowe based on his experience and speed. In taking the drive, Lowe also becomes the rookie driver for V8 Supercar team Ford Rising Stars Racing.

“I’m pretty excited about

driving for Justin’s team,” Brad told eNews.

“I didn’t do the last couple of round so of the Formula Ford championship, so I just want to get out there and prove to some people that I can do it.

“I want to prove it to myself as well. After the season we had this year it’s been hard to get sponsors, so I want to have a good year to build my way back up.”

news

Molly tests Corolla RALLYING

Joel Strickland

MOLLY Taylor got her first taste of Toyota power at the Waldorf Rallye des Femmes last weekend, where she drove one of TRD’s Group N(P) Corollas.

Taylor, daughter of Neal Bates’s long-time navigator Coral, has been competing in the ARC in a 2WD Mitsubishi Mirage.

But she is looking at getting hold of a 4WD car for next year’s ARC season, and the weekend’s ‘test’ has furthered speculation she will be in a Corolla in 2008.

“We’re talking to plenty of people in regards to stepping into a more competitive fourwheel-drive,” confirmed Taylor.

“It was great chance to test a front-running rally car in full

rally conditions without the pressure of fighting for results.

“It’s a car that takes a lot to get used to, it’s certainly very different to any car I’ve ever driven before, but already I can see where I improve and make up time.

“I’m very hopeful having tasted the Corolla now that we can find the budget to run one next year in the ARC.” – RYAN LAHIFF/STAFF

Toyota gets set Ryan Lahiff

RALLYING TOYOTA is looking towards 2008, with the launch of next year’s factory motorsport program, and a Super 2000 ‘simulation’ rally for reigning Champ Simon Evans.

Evans and co-driving wife Sue took to an S2000 Corolla, identical to the one they’ll use in next year’s Australian Rally Championship, as the course car in the Waldorf Rallye des Femmes in Canberra.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; the car suffered an ignition problem, although it wasn’t enough to dampen Evans’s spirits.

“I’ve tested the car a couple of times during the year, but in total I’ve probably driven it no more than about 40km,” he said.

“Today was a chance to properly get used to the car and plan ahead of our title defence next season.

“It’s really enjoyable to drive, and I especially like the fact that you need to be aggressive to get the most out of it.”

Last week’s Toyota program launch in Sydney revealed that TRD are planning to run a second Aurion in tarmac rallies next year, as well as throwing some factory weight behind Beau Yates’s drifting program.

– RYAN LAHIFF/STAFF

15

Seven Aussies AUSSIE RACERS AUSSIE Racing Cars is preparing for a big season, with a new calendar and a big television package on Channel 7.

The Aussie cars will compete in a seven-round series, with two rounds in New South Wales, two in Victoria, one in Queensland and one in Tasmania, plus its slot on the Grand Prix support bill.

The addition of the Aussie Racing Cars complements the category’s existing exposure on the Foxtel network.

In other Aussie Racing Cars news, the category has received a boost with the introduction of a free DVD rental scheme with Video Ezy. When you rent one selected new release DVD, you can receive a complementary rental Aussie Racing Cars season review DVD.

– GRANT ROWLEY

Marshall Cass

16

Foundation helps out HAVING A RED HOT GO THE Peter Brock Foundation is set to help future racing drivers find competitive race seats in a variety of racing categories in Australia.

While the Brock Foundation will not offer financial assistance (it is a charity-based organisation), the charity of the late Peter Brock want to guide the next generation of racing stars into quality race seats in junior categories, like Commodore Cup, Aussie Racing Cars and Formula 3, for example.

Phil Brock and David ‘Skippy’ Parsons have been selected as the ‘Brock Youth Development’ program’s ambassadors, who will tutor and assist the youngsters with their career progression.

Brock Foundation chairman Lewis Brock said that placing the right driver in the right category is the aim of the program, as well as helping them source valuable sponsorship.

“It’s not about us handing money over to a driver,” he said.

“It’s about giving them the tools they need for later in their

careers and the responsibilities that come with it.

“We’ve been talking about doing something like this for a year so its very exciting to get the program off the ground.”

One of the initiatives that the Brock Youth program will feature is school visits, incorporating its driving squad, including driver education at high schools.

“Peter was so fantastic with the schools program and very passionate and that’s something that we want to continue.”

– GRANT ROWLEY

news

James Smith

GTs/Carrera Cup clash AUSTRALIAN GT

TERRY Little and the team behind the Australian GT Championship are considering the possibility of legal action against Confederation of Australian Motor Sport.

There are claims that CAMS

is preventing competitors from using latest model Porsche 997 cars in the GT Championship due to a commercial arrangement between CAMS and Carrera Cup. Little believes as many as 10 drivers are considering purchasing FIA GT3 997 cars for use in the Australian GT

series next year.

“Other countries in the world run both Porsche Cup and FIA GT3 – so we have some issues to resolve there,” said Little.

“We are hoping to resolve this but if it doesn’t come in around the next 10 days or so, it may result in legal action.”

– BILL RIDDELL

Tanderer and Tanderer Two Dallara 307s and a 304 likely for Leanne and GT FORMULA 3 TANDERSPORT may expand to three cars next season.

Trying to add a Formula 3 title to the V8 Supercar crown, Garth and Leanne Tander are looking to run a second Mercedes-engined Dallara 307 to their squad, which will include a similar car for Leanne and the 304 she raced

this season.

“Someone has approached us,” said Garth Tander today [Monday]. “It is something that we could do, preparing a car and transporting it to the tracks with our cars.”

The news means that there may be as many as 10 2007-model cars – and as many Mercedes-Benz motors – racing in the series next year.

COMING THIS WEEK

Australia Rd 8 WSS

-Tasmania Rd 3 SRA - Avalon, VIC Nex T Week (December 21-22) Australia Wed 26 Rd 9 WSS Speedway City, SA Rd 9 PCR

Parramatta, NSW

NEED A CAR?

CLICK HERE John Morris/Mpix

17

Gurr takes a Karting Step

Frankie gets Mugged

KARTING ALAN Gurr is considering a fulltime return to karting after finishing second in the inaugural VACC 4 Hour endurance race at VACC Park, Port Melbourne.

AUSSIE Superbike racer Karl Muggeridge will ride with a new team in the World Superbike Championship in 2008.

where the team is, that’s where Romeo and Juliet are meant to have lived, so I hope it turns out to be a love match.

“It’s a deal that will be the biggest of my career.

It surprised me to get the email from team manager Frankie Chili. In the end, it all got turned around in just over a week.”

Muggeridge, 33, has struggled this season due to unreliable and hijacked equipment and other technical difficulties, finishing 16th overall of the 34 riders in this year’s world championship.

Muggeridge will join the well-established DFX Honda team, based in Italy, on a one-year deal worth about $1.5 million dollars, with an ongoing option after that.

He recently parted with the troubled Alto Evolution Honda team and received the new offer “out of the blue” via an email from former world superbike rider Frankie Chili.

“It’s a great relief to have finally signed,” Muggeridge told Motorsport eNews.

“The city of Verona is

– GEOFF ROUNDS

CALL OF THE WEST John Morris/Mpix

– GRANT ROWLEY

INTERNATIONAL TOM Drewer will head stateside to race in the IMSA Lites series next year.

Ash Budd

18

Honda Primages

Gurr, the driver of the #26 Irwin Tools/Britek Ford in this year’s V8 Supercar Championship Series, is eyeing a slot in the next year’s reborn CIK Championships, either as a driver, team manager or both.

After taking second place with team-mate Tim Slade in the VACC 4 Hour, Gurr has a renewed enthusiasm for the sport where he was originally unearthed.

“I read about the revamped CIK, and I was immediately interested. Karting has always been something that I’ve enjoyed,” he said.

“When I saw it was coming back, I started thinking about whether I run someone, or I drive, I’m not sure how it could work out, but I’m definitly interested.”

Meanwhile, Gurr’s V8 future hangs in the balance after a difficult 2007 season with Britek. Gurr has no firm plans in place for next season but continues to keep his eye on driver movements over the off-season.

WORLD SUPERBIKE

Drewer will campaign a West sports car, similar to what he drove to victory in the Thundersports series, for the ’07 championship winning PVM Racing Team.

“I think racing in the USA can only help my career,” said Drewer.

“The opportunity to race at circuits like Sebring, Road Atlanta, Lime Rock and Laguna Seca doesn’t come along every day of the week and I will be going all out to perform well in a totally new environment.”

Drewer, 23, has resigned from his day job and will head to America in January.

The three-tier series, which starts in March, is a support category for the American LeMans Series, completing

six rounds on their calendar.

Five meetings will have two 30-minutes races while the final round at Laguna Seca will feature a 75-minute enduro.

The new West is an updated version with greater downforce from a tunnel floor and improved paddle shift system.

“I guess I will have to spend plenty of time on the PlayStation learning the tracks, but at least I know the car pretty well,” said Drewer.

19

5 Minutes with ...

TODD KELLY

The former HRT pilot had his first test in a JDR Commodore today at Winton MOTORSPORT NEWS: Your first day in the Jack Daniel’s car is over. How was it?

TODD KELLY: It was good, really good. We got through a hell of a lot of stuff, starting off with the little driver comfort things. Then we moved on to a huge list of things, like setup stuff.

At the start of the day, nothing made any sense and we were speaking different languages. Now, we are all on the same page and it has been a really productive day.

Everyone has worked really well together so, from that point of view, it has been quite good.

car feels. We went through a big process and, by this afternoon, we had achieved a fair bit. We worked things out and got the car to how I like a car to feel, and then Shane [Price] jumped in and he was happy about how it felt to him.

But, it is not all about how I like the car to feel. Every race is not going to be done my way! How the car was before, if I took the time to learn to drive it that way, it would probably be alright. But from here, what we need to learn is how to merge the two directions together to get the best out of it.

It must be difficult for you, after working within the same group of people for such a long time.

It is. I thought that it would take a little longer to feel absolutely comfortable about it, I thought that it would take a few rounds. We have covered so much ground today that I feel a lot more at ease. This is a big thing for me. I have gone through so much of the same stuff [at Clayton] and to learn new stuff is a challenge.

There are thousands of small things that you do, the way you read things, interpret things. They are different to the bloke in the next garage but you never know how different until you actually go in there and get amongst it. There is a lot of stuff to sort out.

That is the challenge for you, moving forward? To merge your style into the team without throwing out the good points of the car?

Yes, that is going to be a bit of a balancing act, getting that right. You can have it 100

What are your impressions of the car from driving for the first time?

I was amazed how light the

20

What is you impression of Shane as a team-mate?

I can tell you that he is fast! He had me going all day!

That is the biggest thing. To team up with him will be good, that is not something that I am concerned about, not at all. I am enjoying working with him, hopefully I can offer bits and pieces along the way.

PHIL BRANAGAN on. You have to be happy with that.

Do you like Jack Daniel’s?

I do. I don’t drink stacks of it, but any time I order a drink like that, it has been Jack Daniel’s.

One thing to get used to will be the popularity that the team has had since JD arrived two years ago.

In terms of the relationship Yes, it is. That is a great start to you have with a team-mate, the relationship and everyone this is a turnaround for you, in the pitlane has a lot of isn’t it? You have always been respect for the Perkins crew. a ‘junior’ in the team.

One other thing that has Yep, I have always been ‘him’! happened is the reaction. I I felt for both Shane and Jack was waiting to see what [Perkins] over the last couple people would say and the of years, trying to learn it all on amount of emails that have the run. I always had Murph come through has been huge and Skaife, or Lowndes, around – probably, really, thousands of people who have been on me when I was their age. my website. Just to sit down They have not had that and, hopefully, I can bring a little bit and read what people have said in their reaction to this of that to the team. A different whole thing has been almost experience can be a big help mind-blowing. The reaction to them and, hopefully, they

I FELT FOR SHANE AND JACK OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, TRYING TO LEARN IT ALL ON THE RUN TODD BRINGS A DECADE’S WORTH OF EXPERIENCE TO JDR

percent the same and yet, it is still completely different, because there are so many things to get right. You need to be a little bit smart about what you like, what you want to keep and what things you want to get rid of.

But hopefully, we will make some of the right decisions over the next few months and get the car up the front of the grid somewhere.

will be teaching me as well.

That should be good.

Is you impression of the team that it lacks in any department?

No, not at all. Everyone is on the same page and they work together really well. The morale inside the team is absolutely fantastic. All the things I hoped for in the leadup to today have been spot-

has been positive, right across the board. They have been right behind my move and that will be interesting, to see what response we get in the opening rounds.

That is comforting. As a driver, you never really know what people will say until you move. You probably only rely on people thinking you are a dickhead moving from a Holden team to a Ford team!

chat

Holden Motorsport

21

MICHAEL Jordan quit the Chicago Bulls 14 years ago. His exit Phil Branagan from the stage was Executive Editor called ‘retirement’ at the time, and while he came back and ‘unretired’ – a few times – that moment in 1993 marked the end of an era.

That happens in sporting teams. By design or circumstance, champion teams are pulled apart and rebuilt. Sometimes, it takes years for them to regain their competitive status.

Holden will be hoping like hell that does not happen to Toll-HSV Dealer Team. Three of the team’s key players – Garth Tander, team manager Rob Crawford and Matt Nilsson, GT’s engineer – will turn red next season. Erik Pender, the man who guided Rick Kelly to the 2006 title, moves up to TM. Rick and Paul Dumbrell will both have new voices on the end of their headsets next season.

That does not mean that the team will flounder.

There is still plenty of talent and information within the squad; the cars will be the same (as Crawford points out, they have not been damaged that much this season) and there is a strong degree of continuity, despite the new faces.

But, with opposition teams largely retaining the same makeup in 2008 as they had this year, there will be just one more thing to watch in what already appears to be a fascinating scenario next season. All combinations take time to ‘gel’; even Jordan had to cope with that fact during the six title-less seasons before the Bulls won the NBA crown in 1991.

The Tolls have set the bar high over the last two years.

Winning a third straight title in this most competitive era would be some achievement. Doing it after major changes within the team would be remarkable. Win or lose, it will make great theatre in 2008.

opinion

Will the head-hunting

Take its Toll?

Phil Williams

Letters

Have your say, email us at mail@mnews.com.au. Keep letters to the point.

Good (Production) Sports I was fortunate enough to compete in the CUE 1 hour Production Sports races at Phillip Island the week before the V8s.

While many series including many so-called professional championships are struggling for numbers, we had over 50 entries for the event with 45 starters in the main race on Sunday.

22

There is clearly nothing wrong with the current regulations for marque and production sports.

Let’s leave the rules alone and focus on the organisation and the fun factor and without the hindrance of our controlling body, we can continue to have competitive, good clean fun racing.

Brian Ferrabee Yatala, QLD

Bye Bye Barry I was surprised to hear Barry Oliver announce that the last race on Sunday at Phillip Island would be the last for him as the series commentator.

I have enjoyed Barry’s insightful commentary and good humour for the last 20 or so years. It was always comforting to attend a V8 event at any track in the country and hear his voice

over the PA system.

I would like to extend this opportunity to wish Barry all the best for the future.

John Mills john.mills@hexion.com Todd in black?

I will start by saying you produce a fantastic magazine, and eNews is brilliant.

But my main issue is Todd Kelly taking a massive

opinion

The Power of Television THREE cheers for former F1 driver Martin Brundle who this week put himself on a collision course with the FIA and Max Mosley over the Renault/McLaren espionage conundrum As you will have read in the news pages, Renault has been found guilty of similar charges for which McLaren was fined US$100m (and still faces investigation of its 2008 car) yet escaped without penalty.

Seasoned F1 journalists appear stunned. They are scratching their heads – but saying exactly what you think when it involves the governing body, and Mosley, is apparently easier said than done.

Except Brundle, who writes for the British Sunday Times.

Oh, I forgot to mention,

Chris Lambden mNews Publisher he’s also the brains on the commentary team of ITV’s respected F1 TV feed.

The FIA has announced it is to sue the Sunday Times for libel after Brundle said it conducted a ‘witch-hunt’ against McLaren in an earlier column.

Far from being chastened, Brundle has come out with all guns blazing, claiming that the timing of the legal action is no coincidence: “The timing of the writ is significant, in my view, given the FIA’s decision to find Renault guilty of having significant McLaren designs and information within their systems, but not administering

any penalty,” Brundle wrote at the weekend.

“It is a warning sign to other journalists and publications to choose their words carefully over that decision.

“I’m tired of what I perceive as the ‘spin’ and tactics of the FIA press office, as are many other journalists.

“I expect my accreditation pass for next year will be hindered in some way to make my coverage of F1 more difficult and to punish me. Or they will write to ITV again to say that my commentary is not up to standard despite my unprecedented six Royal Television Society Awards for sports broadcasting. So be it.”

Them’s fighting words. And even the FIA must understand that, of all people, Brundle

commands world-wide respect. And, thanks to ITV, he has the numbers.

He also, from his own time in a number of teams, is able to cast a realistic overview: “Very few drivers or key team personnel in F1 can look you in the eye and honestly say they have never witnessed or been part of a transfer of information between teams. The purpose of poaching other team players is to fast-track the development and performance of the car.

It’s a question of where the line is drawn about transfer of knowledge and intellectual property.”

Absolutely.

Read Brundle’s full article here: www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/ formula_1/article3021312.ece

eLETTER OF THE WEEK Now the rebuttal …

Ah how far away last year seems for the boys in red.

They seem to have forgotten how they blocked their way to the 2006 title in the last round of the year.

Now they win again, fair and square this time, but still all they do is whinge.

Tander deserves the championship (at least he

won races unlike last year’s winner), but what Lowndes did to Tander in Race 3 was very mild compared to what took place last year.

I think all of the top contenders should be congratulated for producing close racing with out the tears. As for Lou Cattelan’s rant about Lowndes tapping or pushing Tander (eNews

Dirk Klynsmith

backward step in his career by joining Perkins.

Granted, we may not have seen the full potential of the Perkins cars with two rookies behind the wheel, but I would have thought someone that has as many miles as TK would have looked for a front running team (eg Stones – oops, can’t say that to a red man).

The position that Todd is filling is that of an older driver looking to only compete for another season or two, not still be here in a decade. I hope to be proven wrong, but a change over the fence would have been a better change.

David Randall dran0930@bigpond.net.au

opinion

sutton-images.com

#033), take off those red coloured glasses and have a good look at what has been another excellent season of V8 racing.

Neil McKechnie neil.mckechnie@yahoo.com.au

Horspwr Clothing is giving away a t-shirt each week for the most creative letter. Send yours to mail@mnews.com.au, or Motorsport News PO Box 7072, Brighton, Vic 3186 23

SHANNONS NATIONALS ROUND 10 – SANDOWN

24

race

Danish Pasting Thanks to some help from Triple 8 and a very reliable Ferrari, Allan Simonsen and Tim Leahey had no trouble decimating the field at the Sandown GT Classic

Dirk Klynsmith

25

Dirk Klynsmith

Classy winner: Sven Burchatz wrapped up the Porsche Driver’s Challenge with fourth, top, while the Palmer/Stokell Lambo was second, above. The Aston may have been a pre-race fave, but mechanical problems left them out of the running, below.

Chris Carter

Twigg also retired.

Simonsen and Leahey lead the field by as much as five laps but an unscheduled late pit stop to remove a piece of paper blocking the cars cooling system shrunk their lead.

“It was a fantastic race, I really enjoyed it,” said Simonsen.

“Obviously that was what I needed. I needed pole, I needed to win in order to win the championship, I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend.”

Ian Palmer and Paul Stokell finished second, in the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The pair slowly carved through the field from ninth.

John Teulan and Steve Johnson brought their Ferrari 430 home in third, four laps down. Sven Burchartz wrapped up the Porsche Driver’s Challenge with help from Jon Trende and Dean Fiore. The trio finished fourth overall, five laps down.

The Aston Martin DBRS9 of John Kaias and Will Davison suffered engine dramas from Thursday onwards. The car dropped two of its 12 cylinders and a new ECU and a Prodrive technician were flown in from overseas. But sadly it failed to improve the car, and after pressing on, they finished eight laps behind the winning Ferrari.

– BILL RIDDELL

Dirk Klynsmith

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Dirk Klynsmith

A

LLAN Simonsen wrapped up the Australian GT Championship with a dominating performance at the Sandown GT Classic last weekend.

Together with co-driver Tim Leahey, the pair topped every session and lead every lap of the race.

Simonsen came to the final round 17 points behind the Lamborghinipowered Bryce Washington, under the rules of dropping your worst round.

The Coopers Ferrari lead the start of the three-and-a-half hour race from pole while Washington leapt from third on the grid to challenge early.

But on just the second lap an electrical gremlin sparked a fire in the Lamborghini Gallarado, ending Washington’s championship hopes.

Shortly after, the Porsche GT3 RSR of Des and David Wall was forced into the pits with a broken suspension link. They were exceptionally quick, and after rejoining the race David set the fastest lap of the day – finishing 13th, 28 laps behind the race winner.

There were only two other DNFs; the Ted Huglin/Craig Baird Ferrari 360 GT destroyed two alternators and the Porsche of Paul Tressider and Max

race

Mertens Holts Garry’s Charge

James Smith

A LATE Safety Car provided a dramatic end to the one-hour Production Car endurance race during the Shannons Nationals finale at Sandown Raceway.

Leigh Mertens (VZ Commodore) held off a gallant Gary Holt (BMW 335) in the final few laps to claim race honours, while Holt was crowned Champion after a turbulent season.

It took Mertens 26 laps to take the lead, a move he timed perfectly as the Safety Car came out soon after. Mertens defended well over the final six laps from Holt with Steve Briffa (Commodore) third, wrapping up the Class A in the process.

Len Cave (Celica) won Class B, Martin Doxy (Astra) C and Rocco Rinaldo (Alfa) D. Tony Ricciadello wrapped up the Sport Sedan championship after winning the final round despite heavy competition from Daniel Tamasi and Kerry Baily.

Front-runner Dean Randle was out of action after a heavy Race 1 incident, leaving Tamasi and Ricciadello to fight out in front. Tamasi won the opening race in style and then dominated the second, but crashed out of the final leaving Ricciadello to win the race and round

from Baily.

Geoff Emery has now won five Commodore Cup crowns. Emery won the opening race from Marcus Zukanovic in a close fight and then recovered well to finish fifth in the final after Race 2 issues to secure him the championship.

Brett Holdsworth won the round and the final race from Jason Domaschenz and Michael Graham.

Kris Walton won all three races in the final Saloon Car championship round in dominating style, but two thirds were enough to clinch Bruce Heinrich another championship. He even sat out the final race with the crown in the bag.

John Goodacre and Steve Kwiatkowski fought closely for second overall for the round with Goodacre the victor.

– AARON SHAW

James Smith James Smith

We’re Back! Ricciardello, above, and Emery, left, both won their respective championships again in 2007, having both lost out last year. Kris Walton was in the thick of the Saloon Car action, below.

James Smith

27

AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING TOP FUEL CHALLENGE

Read and Ready 28

race

John Bosher

The International gurus were in town (and so was the fickle Sydney weather), but Phil Read rained on everyone’s parade.

DANIEL POWELL reports

29

T

HE invasion of two of America’s best Top Fuel stars – Mike Dunn and Cory McClenathan – wasn’t enough to stop reigning Australian Champion Phil Read from taking victory in the Top Fuel Challenge at Western Sydney International Raceway (WSID) over the weekend.

Although the Top Fuel Challenge was interrupted by a large storm, which consisted of heavy rain and hail, at the completion of the opening round of eliminations for Group 1, the meeting was

30

able to continue after a delay of nearly two hours.

Read was simply too strong in the Top Fuel final, where he faced Dunn and posted a sharp 4.801s/279.04mph, while Dunn failed to challenge Reed and get down the track cleanly, as he posted a 9.682s pass.

Fellow American McClenathan (5.368s/ 190.40mph) was ousted in the semi-final at the hands of Read, who posted a blistering 4.781s/308.28mph.

In the opening round of eliminations McClenathan

disposed of Allan Dobson, Read did likewise to former Australian Champion Darren Morgan. Dunn made easy work of Terry Sainty despite losing a blower belt close to the finish line, and newcomer Mark Mariani took the win over top qualifier Martin Stamatis.

For Stamatis, it was heartbreak after he had topped the qualifying sheets with a 4.684s/320.36mph in what was the fastest ever Top Fuel field in Australia, but couldn’t face the start in the opening round of eliminations

due to being unable to find forward gear on the start line.

Brett ‘The Boss’ Stevens was in dominant form in Top Alcohol easily downing Ben Bray in the final by recording a 5.818s/241.80mph to his 10.007s/85.02mph after the latter failed to get off the start line.

Stevens was consistent throughout the eliminations after he had qualified poorly in seventh, he was too quick for defending Australian Champion Wayne Newby in the opening round (5.697 seconds at 252 mph), and

race John Morris/Mpix John Morris?mpix

Barbagallo that walked away as the round victor in Pro Stock by downing Scott Porter with a 7.266s/187.21mph Barbagallo was in top form all weekend, with consistent low seven second passes after he was too good for Frank Nirta 7.231s/ 187.86mph in the opening round of eliminations. He defeated Dave Newcombe in the semi finals with a 7.263s/187.21mph, and also came out on top of the pack in qualifying with a 7.268s/187.31 mph.

– DANIEL POWELL

John Morris/Mpix

then progressed through to the final by defeating Gary Phillips (5.886s/249.63mph).

The path to the final for Bray saw him defeat Steve Reed (5.929s/241.80mph), and John Cannuli after a 5.861s/239.10mph.

Queenslander Aaron Lynch was quickest in Top Alcohol qualifying with a 5.669s/251.77mph, but lost a blower belt when he faced Cannuli in the opening round of eliminations.

In the third and final of the Group 1 field for the Top Fuel Challenge, it was John

International guests: Mike Dunn, above, made it through to the final but was beaten by Phil Read. Above main, Read dealt with McClenathan in the semi-final.

31

Rochford Rocks ‘Em KARTING

I

D’Alberto/Michael Griffith (Monaco/Leopard). The Dale and Glen Wood team DNF’d after two hours with mechanical problems.

The Gillard/Leopard entry of Bobby Bourke and Gary Pegoraro won the Masters division. The duo placed an excellent ninth outright despite

a punctured tyre in the early stages of the race.

Prior to the feature race, demonstrations of pocket bikes and historic karts kept spectators entertained. A 50 minute mini-enduro for Midget drivers was won by Damon Strong.

– MARK WICKS

Joel Strickland

N his very first outing as a senior driver, 16-year old Daniel Rochford has beaten V8 Supercar drivers and the cream of Australian karting to win Saturday’s VACC 4-Hour Enduro at Port Melbourne.

Teamed with former Australian Rotax champion Josh Arandt, the CC Racing duo completed 238 laps.

Just 24 seconds behind was the Phoenix/Rotax kart of Alan Gurr and Tim Slade. This was an exceptional effort for two drivers who have been out of karting for several years.

While not spectacularly fast in a lap time sense, their consistent pace and well-timed pit stops kept them right in contention.

“I had a ball out there” Gurr said. “A race that long certainly takes its toll on the body, but it was very enjoyable.”

Third, and one lap down, were regular karters Jake Spencer and Steven Scoble (Arrow/Rotax). Fastest qualifiers Reif Corbett/Ben Walter were the first Leopard powered kart home in fourth.

Jack Perkins proved he’s got no problem doing long stints

in competition, teaming with Shane Price and taking sixth. “(but) I’d forgotten how many bumps you feel in a kart compared to a V8 Supercar!” he said.

Jason Richards and his engineer Adam DeBorre (Arrow/Rotax) finished 10th, 11 seconds ahead of Tony

Young Gun v Old Hands: Daniel Rochford, 16, above, took on V8 Supercar drivers Shane Price, Jason Richards and Alan Gurr, below, and won together with Josh Arandt in the 4-hour karting enduro.

Ash Budd

32

race

Farr’s First at Hobart John Morris/Mpix

WANLESS WORLD SERIES SPRINTCARS

ROUND 7

ROBBIE Farr has re-entered victory lane after a stunning victory at the Hobart round of Wanless World Series Sprintcars.

Farr, pictured, drove around both Brooke Tatnell and Max Dumesny within the final 10 laps of the event to record his first victory for new car owner, Barry Waldron.

Tatnell and Dumesny shared the front row after winning their respective dashes, and it was Dumesny who looked on course for his first WWSS victory of the season, but lapped traffic baulked the defending Champion.

Conversely, Farr – who set Comp Cams Quick Time – got the better run through traffic and was able to edge his way past both his nemeses.

The win over Dumesny and Tatnell catapults Farr to third placing on the points standings and he remains within striking distance for the Championship overall.

Finishing fourth in one of his most promising performances of the season was American, Jason Johnson, whilst Jason Dawkins was the first local driver home in fifth placing.

The race was highly regarded by all on hand as the

best A-Main of the Series to date and Farr believes he now has the ability to take the next step now they have a handle on his new J&J Chassis – one that is foreign to the former

Crash spoils Loudoun’s win SPEEDWAY

-MATT PAYNE

POINTS AFTER 7 OF 14 ROUNDS: Tatnell 1000, Dumesny 974, Farr 968, Trevor Green 942, David Murcott 920.

Guerin breaks ‘em

another at an early race restart and crashed heavily on the front straight.

Adrian Maher was running second in the A Main until oil pressure problems forced him to retire. Loudoun, pictured, grabbed his-first ever sprintcar feature victory. He comfortably lead home Ken Sartori and Bruce White with Ryan Farrell and Marty Perovich.

– GREG BOSCATO

John Morris/Mpix

Bevelite Glass Motorsports speedster Ian Loudoun last Saturday night scored his maiden sprintcar A Main victory at Parramatta City Raceway.

Unfortunately the win did not earn him championship points after a two-hour delay caused by Stephen Grassmyr crashing out in the opening heat.

The ‘Gas Girl’ Kelly Linigen lead the opening heat until Grassmayr entered turn three too quick, backing his Maxim hard into the outer wall.

Complaining of back and leg pain, he was transported to Westmead by Ambulance chopper.

Track promoters abandoned the heats and dash events with just enough time to run the main event races.

Starting positions in the A Main were determined by qualifying times and while pole sitter David Doherty dropped back down the field retiring late in the race with a flat tyre, Loudoun quickly took charge and really wasn’t headed for the entire race.

Garry Brazier, who returned after his previous weeks WSS domination, started out of position 13 but tangled with

Aussie Champ.

SPEEDWAY Broken Hill Speedway roared back into life last weekend for the first time this season as the outback venue played host to the South Australian 360ci Sprintcar state series.

With drivers converging from three states (New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria) the racing was a closely fought affair within the pack.

Local driver, Darryl Guerin made the most of his home track advantage to win the feature race over Adelaide's Jamie Hendry.

Mildura's Terry Kelly impressed the large crowd on hand to claim the final step on the victory podium in what was his Sprintcar debut.

Shane Hendry (Jamie's cousin) rounded out the top four from the 12-lap journey.

– PARIS CHARLES

33

34

35

Don't sit so close to the screen. Dont take it so seriously, otherwise we can take it outside.

GranT Rowley on Tuesday afternoons

Don't sit so close to the screen. Dont take it so seriously, otherwise we can take it outside.

GranT Rowley on Tuesday afternoons

36

opinion Andrew van Leeuwen mNews National Editor

rear of grid

Buying coats of many colours the newer designs.

Of course, things change substantially when drivers swap teams. Last year, for instance, he dropped Jack Daniel’s stuff because Steven Richards swapped to FPR. Apparently, his daughter likes Richo, so she had to make do with perfume. This year, Trev is back on the hunt because he is a Todd Kelly fan, and so are his mates.

I saw Trev last Friday and he looked to be in a bad mood.

I asked him what the matter was.

“Garth,” he said. And that was all he said.

The end of season driver shuffle looks to be just about done. Most of us have it hard enough at this time of year wondering what to get for

punter@mnews.com.au

Peter Bury

THERE’S a bloke down at the RSL most Fridays named Trev.

It’s hard to miss Trev. He has long hair, wears check shirts and walks with a limp. I asked him about the limp one time, but he didn’t seem keen on answering. Since he is roughly 2m tall and weighs about the same as a small Mazda, I was not keen on pressing the point.

Trev is a funny bloke. He knows that I am keen on racing, and so is he. So keen, in fact, that he buys all his friends and family members team gear for Christmas. His logic, which is hard to argue with, is that by the time other outlets are putting their prices up for Christmas, V8 Supercar teams are all having end-ofseason sales of last year’s stock, and making room for

presents, how we will afford a holiday and how the relatives will treat us when they visit.

Imagine being a driver and adding a lack of job security into that mix.

Looking slick, Jens ...

FORMULA 1 got a little less groovy recently.

Honda F1 went retro at the latest testing session at Jerez, donning some slick tyres.

And no they didn’t do it for fun, it was a serious evaluation headed by Bridgestone, with the view to the possible return of

slicks in 2009.

Given that the ‘grooved’ slicks introduced to Grand Prix racing in 1998 have done little except make the cars slightly uglier than they otherwise would be, lets hope these bald bad boys find there way onto the ‘allowed’ list in the ’09

It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. And, if Trev gives you the wrong team’s shirts and caps for Christmas, try to understand, and smile.

Odd Spot tech regs.

With Traction Control gone and slicks a chance of coming back, MNews is now hoping the FIA will also make Jackie Stewart/Emerson Fittipaldi-spec sideburns mandatory for drivers holding a valid Superlicence.

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