Motorsport eNews Issue 38 - January 22-28, 2008

The world of motorsport every week – directly to your desktop

Issue No. 038 22 – 28 January 2008

FIRST LOOK!

Ford’s factory fighters unveiled

W8 HINot!Lap

a V e GP. at th 10 e See pag

$20 Million MAn

lewis extends mclaren deal until 2012 for big dollars

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

Australasian

The ‘A’ Team

Production Graphic Design & Web: Jayne Uthmeyer design@mnews.com.au

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Issue No. 038 | 22 – 28 January 2008

news 5 Steeling a look

Orrcon/Castrol colours out 6 We’ll be there!

Walden’s gonna make it 8 England 2012 No not Olympics, Lewis!

13 Lester is More NZ young gun to Oz CCup 17 Rallying Support AMSF thinks WRC 18 Toyota Tourenwagen Lexus to DTM?

National Sales Manager: Oriana Kennedy oriana@mnews.com.au P 03 9596 5555 F 03 9596 5030

Administration 357 Nepean Highway, Brighton East, VIC, 3187 (PO Box 7072, Brighton, VIC, 3186) P 03 9596 5555 F 03 9596 5030 admin@mnews.com.au

MD / Publisher

Chris Lambden publisher@mnews.com.au

Contributing Writers F1: Mark Glendenning, 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

chat 20 5 minutes with ... opinion 22 Reindler 23 Branagan 35 Punter

race 24 A1GP 25 NZV8s 28 Outlaws Downunder

Photographers Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Marshall Cass, John Morris/Mpix, AF1 Images, James Smith, Peter Bury, Neil Blackbourn, Chris Carter, Coopers Photography, Geoff Gracie, 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.

Freelance contributions are welcome, and while all care will be taken, Motorsport eNews does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of material submitted.

Opinions expressed in Motorsport eNews are not necessarily those of Australasian Motorsport News or its staff.

International photos supplied by Sutton Images, www.sutton-images.com – click here to check out their exclusive poster deals

Greg Murphy Racing at Daytona Raining, pouring & liveries Still on holidays!

All about a Christian J-Mac is da man Farr and away the best

trade 32 Trade and Industry / Raceshop / Classifieds

welcome Tim’s off to the UK. Party at his house!

Check out the latest eNews supplements via http://www.mnews.com.au

WOW cloud brewing?

Chassis purchase from Ford Performance Racing looks shakey as WPS/WOW team prepares for 2008

Marshall Cass

V8 SUPERCARS THE 2008 V8 Supercar program of WPS/WOW Racing appears to be under a cloud.

The team’s proposed upgrade to Ford Performance Racing Falcon BFs appears to be, at best, delayed and, in all likelihood, unlikely to happen. As recently as today [Monday] the team had not

taken delivery of a car from FPR, and an FPR team member confirmed to eNews that the car was at the team’s shop and that there were “several” teams willing to discuss buying it.

WPS/WOW was to have two FPR cars ready for the start of the season. The team confirmed in a statement issued at Phillip Island last December that it had “agreed to purchase two V8 Supercars

from Ford Performance Racing” progressed smoothly and and that the “terms of that quickly, but that there have agreement are to be finalised been difficulties in the process. in an agreement acceptable to In the meantime, eNews both parties.” believes that the older WPS Our information is that, and WOW cars are being following what can best be prepared for the new season. described as a difficult end When contacted by eNews, to its relationship with Team both team manager Keith Kiwi Racing during the 2007 Evers and media spokesman season, FPR management Chris Jordan declined to was most keen to ensure comment. that the deal with WPS/WOW – PHIL BRANAGAN

Split colours, split teams at HSV V8 SUPERCARS

Phil Williams

WHEN the HSV Dealer team launches its 2008 cars – expected next week – it will be with increasingly-popular ‘split’ liveries.

Former champion Rick Kelly’s HSV car will carry signage of a new primary sponsor, with an over-all black and silver scheme (HSV’s corporate colours), while the other car,

to be driven by Paul Dumbrell, will sport Autobarn colours.

The announcement will bring to an end ongoing speculation concerning the auto aftermarket company’s sponsorship, once seemingly destined for Stone Brothers Racing.

Whether Autobarn remains as a secondary sponsor with SBR, given the late switch, remains to be seen.

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Colours of the Champions?

Minor change to the paint scheme and minor changes to the team could equal a big year for Ford Performance Racing FORD Performance Racing has unveiled its warpaint for 2008.

Only minor changes to the schemes are noticable, while the important ingredients – the drivers and the core of the team – remain largely unchanged.

Mark Winterbottom (Orrcon) and Steven Richards (Castrol) stay at the helm of the BFs, with both drivers’ engineers providing continuity – Clinton Wilson with Winterbottom and Phil Keed with Richards.

Richards said that he is very comfortable heading into the season.

“We’re feeling good, and there is no doubt that the best way to

go into a new year is with having the key things stable,” the former Bathurst winner said.

“We showed great speed at the end of 07 and I’m confident we can start the season that way.”

The new colours deliver prominent backing from new sponsor Hagermeyer (promoting electrical wholesalers Lawrence and Hansen) on the rear quarter panels.

Also, signage from BP Ultimate has been made more prominent on the front bars of both Falcons.

The cars will be seen for the first time at the V8 Supercars season launch at Docklands, Melbourne, on February 6.

Britek pulls out !

CK O SH of OZ Rally BRITEK Rallye Sport has withdrawn from the Australian Rally Championship.

The former factory Ford rally team, along with major sponsor Pirtek, have abandoned its rally plans with immediate affect. The team’s two Fiestas are for sale.

“It was a very difficult decision to make, but with sponsorship uncertainty for the future going beyond 2008, it ultimately left us with no alternative,” said team owner Jason Bright.

It comes at a tough time for the ARC, which is now left with just one official factory team in the championship (Toyota).

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BRIEFLY...

A number of V8 Supercar drivers will be at the Brisbane International Motor Show next week. On Saturday (February 1) James Courtney will be on the Ford stand, the covers will be lifted off Russell Ingall’s new Supercheap Auto Racing Commodore VE at midday and at 2pm, Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup will be on the Ford stand. n

JC’s colours – Van Giz rides SBR unveil Courtney’s 2008 strip, as Shane Van Gisbergen is confirmed in #9

n Dig deep at the V8 Supercars test days and it will be for a good cause. Entry to the Winton Raceway test on February 12 (gold coin donation) and Queensland Raceway on February 14 ($20 per car) will see all proceeds going to the Variety’s Club’s children’s charities. Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series teams are also invited to attend. n Dean Canto may have lost his V8 Supercar drive but his mum will make her debut on Januray 27. Anna Canto will race in the Ladies Only Race Day at Lithgow Kart Raceway, to help raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The inaugural event last year raised more than $10,000 for the cause.

V8 SUPERCARS JAMES Courtney’s revised race strip for 2008 isn’t a patch on the news that Shane Van Gisbergen will be his teammate for the new year.

The New Zealand youngster, who drove for Team Kiwi Racing in the final half of the 2007 V8 Supercar

Championship Series, has been promoted to the #9 ride, replacing Holden-bound Russell Ingall.

Van Gisbergen’s seat at Team Kiwi Racing has been taken

by Kayne Scott – revealed by eNews (Issue #037). An announcement regarding the new TKR squad is scheduled for Saturday (Jan 26).

According to team owner Ross Stone, he hopes that Courtney’s revised colour

scheme will bring more in the way of results.

“SBR and JELD-WEN are more than confident that we can challenge for the title,” he said “We have had some success with James with two Bathurst podiums but we believe that there is a lot more in the tank.”

On the team front, SBR has appointed David Stuart as Team Manager and put together a new engineering team.

Walden: Ford or Holden?

V8 SUPERCARS WALDEN Motorsport will be on the grid at Clipsal – but it is undecided yet whether it will be in a Ford or a Holden.

The Sydney-based team is currently in negotiations with two drivers – one who requires a Ford and one who needs to race a Holden. Both are experienced drivers – both in sedans and open-wheelers.

Team boss Brian Walden confirmed that they would

definitely be in Adelaide for Round 1 and beyond.

“We’ll be there,” he said.

“We have to be there, so regardless, Walden Motorsport will have an entry at Clipsal.”

If the team secures the ‘Ford’ driver, the most likely option for Walden would be to purchase an ex-Team BOC Falcon, in the case of the Holden, the team would grab one of the available ex-PWR Commodores.

– GRANT ROWLEY

BMW and Red Bull unveil FORMULA 1

BMW-Sauber has launched its third F1 car, the F1.08, and have pinned their hopes on it achieving that elusive first Grand Prix victory for them this season.

The car is an aggressive evolution from last season’s F1.07 which took the team to second place in the constructors’ championship.

Having ironed out the issues with the initially troublesome F1.07 by the end of last season, BMW-Sauber had a good base from which to work on the new car.

With no reliability issues and no major aerodynamic deficiencies to erase, the team has worked hard on ensuring

front end stability, overall grip and improved weight on the F1.08.

“I think with the F1.08 from what we see from simulation and wind tunnel we are quite confident and looking forward to seeing the positive results," BMW’s technical director Willi Rampf said.

Two of the most obvious developments on the car are a new, meaty and aggressive triple-plane front wing, including BMW’s now infamous protruding ‘scoop’ and an innovative ‘Heck’ wing, which has taken the idea of a T-wing and extended it to an attached point on the engine cover.

After a three-day stand-alone test in Valencia, Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld and Marco Asmer

all took turns at the wheel and declared themselves happy with the new car.

Meanwhile Red Bull Racing unveiled their 2008 challenger, the RB4, in a low key ‘roll-out’ at Jerez. With drivers Mark Webber and David Coulthard sporting ‘Herbie goes Bananas’style retro stripes and circled race numbers on their overalls, Team Principal Christian Horner and design gurus Adrian Newey and Geoff Willis watched over the launch with a silent satisfaction.

The RB4 is visually not far away from the RB3, and it would certainly seem that in an effort to resolve the team’s crippling reliability problems of 2007, the new challenger has carried over much of what did

work in the latter parts of the season.

Both Newey and Willis insist that underneath its sleek exterior, it is both almost entirely new, and far more complex than any Red Bull car to date.

“This is the first time we've had the same engine going into a second season,” Horner said at its unveiling.

“Our target is to build on the progress we saw at the end of last year.

“Hopefully we'll start where we finished, but obviously a fundamental issue we need to address with this car is reliability. That cost us a great deal of points in 2007, so a lot of the design focus has been on reliability.”

McLaren locks in Hamilton FORMULA 1

Sutton-Images.com

LEWIS Hamilton and McLaren will stay together until the end of 2012.

While the Briton’s initial 2007 contract was rumoured to be worth in the region of £300,000 ($666,000), with that figure naturally rising with performance and points related bonus clauses.

Suggestions are that this five-year extension could see Hamilton on a base salary in excess of £8 million in 2008, with that figure set to rise year on year until 2012.

“Following our initial Formula 1 agreement with Lewis, he went on to exceed all expectations for a rookie in Formula 1,” Ron Dennis said.

“Given Lewis’s performances over the course of the 2007 season, it is clear that improved financial terms were fully deserved and this formed part of the friendly negotiations with Lewis’s manager [and father] Anthony Hamilton.”

“Today’s announcement will take the length of our relationship with Lewis to a total of 15 years, which we believe is among the longest running associations between a sportsman and a team in the history of sport, particularly motorsport.

This is a great achievement for everyone

involved, including Anthony.

“Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is looking forward to the new season, and we all expect that, with Heikki coming on board to partner Lewis, we will have a very competitive year.”

Of course, with his ultimate protégé now firmly ensconced at the team coming in the wake of other long term deals, rumours continue to circulate of Ron Dennis’ potential departure from the team.

Speculation rises that Dennis may sell his shares and walk away from Formula 1.

Talk of the manufacturing giant buying Dennis’ 15 percent stake in the team have been around for some time, but are now increasing in their regularity and volume.

While Dennis himself insists he is a racer at heart and that his motivation is as strong as ever, political pressures on him from both internal and external forces following a publically damaging 2007 season may well have taken their toll.

Following comments made last season that he would consider stepping back from the dayto day running of the team, there seems little chance of Dennis staying in his current role into the next decade.

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The Bull unleashed: David Coluthard got the first taste of the RB4 at Jerez, while the BMW-Sauber ran at Valencia.

For pics of BMW’s challenger, see Wednesday’s copy of Motorsport News – available at all good newsagents.

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FORMULA 1 TEST Jerez, Spain Day 1 P Driver 1 Raikkonen 2 Massa 3 de la Rosa 4 Vettel 5 Kovalainen 6 Bourdais 7 Rosberg 8 Trulli 9 Piquet 10 Coulthard 11 Liuzzi 12 Nakajima 13 Glock 14 Rossiter

Team Time Laps Ferrari# 1:19.846 59 Ferrari# 1:20.123 42 McLaren# 1:20.548 54 Toro Rosso 1:20.732 40 McLaren# 1:20.936 48 Toro Rosso 1:20.997 47 Williams 1:21.143 47 Toyota# 1:21.314 84 Renault 1:21.696 41 Red Bull 1:21.746 49 Force India 1:23.035 44 Williams 1:23.134 42 Toyota 1:24.351 56 Super Aguri 1:34.862 10

Day 2 1 Alonso 2 De la Rosa 3 Raikkonen 4 Rosberg 5 Massa 6 Kovalainen 7 Vettel 8 Bourdais 9 Webber 10 Nakajima 11 Glock 12 Fisichella 13 Kobayashi

Renault McLaren# Ferrari# Williams Ferrari# McLaren# Toro Rosso Toro Rosso Red Bull Williams Toyota# Force India Toyota

1:19.503 70 1:19.650 111 1:19.708 90 1:19.756 81 1:19.772 85 1:19.780 130 1:20.305 86 1:20.346 76 1:20.392 80 1:20.526 66 1:20.598 109 1:20.764 76 1:22.060 55

Follow the Kimi FORMULA 1 THE 2007 season began in earnest last week as all the F1 teams bar Honda and BMWSauber turned out in Jerez for the first foray of 2008 testing.

With Honda’s new car not set to be launched until the end of January, there seemed little surprise in their absence, while BMW-Sauber set up shop in Valencia to run its own private test.

Quickest straight out of the box in Valencia was World Champion Kimi Raikkonen, below, who put the new Ferrari F2008 on top on its first run, eclipsing team-mate Massa by three tenths of a second.

Only McLaren and Toyota joined the Italians in running their new car on the opening day, with Pedro de la Rosa taking his McLaren third, with Heikki Kovalainen fifth on his debut for the team.

The duo were split by the impressive Sebastien Vettel, who continues to outshine his new team-mate Sebastien Bourdais.

Day 2 saw Fernando Alonso mark his return to Renault with the top time of the day, and ultimately the test, with a 1:19.503 in the 2007 R27. His time saw him go more than a tenth of a second faster than de la Rosa in the new McLaren MP4-23, with Raikkonen third

in the F2008.

The test ended on a high for the other team to have launched its car before the test, as reigning GP2 Champ Timo Glock overcame rainy conditions to set the fastest time of the day for Toyota. The German was three tenths of a second faster than the man he succeeded as GP2 Champion, Lewis Hamilton.

Meanwhile David Coulthard put his brand new Red Bull RB4 through its paces, winding up 12th – one position and three tenths of a second behind Mark Webber in last year’s Red Bull.

Day 3

Ferrari

1 Glock Toyota# 1:19.799 96 2 Hamilton McLaren# 1:20.099 73 3 Alonso Renault 1:20.363 49 4 Bourdais Toro Rosso 1:20.407 51 5 Massa Ferrari# 1:20.500 85 6 Kovalainen McLaren 1:20.535 79 7 Kobayashi Toyota 1:20.577 53 8 Raikkonen Ferrari # 1:20.646 88 9 Nakajima Williams 1:20.758 57 10 Sutil Force India 1:21.705 71 11 Webber Red Bull 1:22.275 53 12 Coulthard Red Bull# 1:22.581 54 13 Hulkenberg Williams 1:24.023 65 14 Vettel Toro Rosso 1:24.873 50

# indicates 2008 cars All timing unofficial

Mosely talks tough on F1 Budget Cap FORMULA 1

WITH Formula 1’s costs seemingly on an everheightening spiral, FIA President Max Mosley is set to impose budget caps on the sport from as early as next season.

Mosley is due to meet FIA technical advisor Tony Purnell along with financial chiefs representing all 11 Formula 1 teams at a meeting in Paris on January 31, to discuss methods by which budgets could be capped, areas in which finances need to be curtailed and reasonable limits to

place on both those areas.

A Technical Working Group will be set up, with a view to finalising 2009’s regulations on spending by the middle of the year.

But Mosley had a warning for F1 teams.

“If the Financial Working Group are [sic] unable to devise a satisfactory method of checking expenditure or if a majority of the competing teams do not agree the proposals by 30 June 2008, the cost reduction measures voted by the World Motor Sport Council on 7 December 2007 will be adopted for 2009 in their entirety.”

These restrictions included a massive cut back in aerodynamic testing and CFD technology, plus restrictions on Rig Testing, Design and Manufacturing, Suspension and Brakes, Hydraulic Systems, Bodywork, Weight Distribution, Circuit Testing and personnel at races.

At the same time, the cost of the F1 Superlicence is also set to rise. In 2007, it cost under 2000 Euros, plus a fee of 447 Euros for each world championship point.

In 2008, the base cost is 10,000 Euros – plus 2000 Euros per 2007 point.

11

Look who’s driving Minis ...

Fiore brothers and Doulman sign up to brand-new one-make racing championship MINI CHALLENGE THE new Mini Challenge series ranks have been bolstered by the announcement of three new entries, including some sibling rivalry.

Paul and Todd Fiore, brothers of Carrera Cup regular Dean Fiore, will race for Sherrin MotorSport this year. Their cars will be backed

by Landscape Development, Custom Irrigation, WA Kerbing and Newscape, all vying for coverage via the series Channel 7 TV package.

“Their following the V8s was a big drawcard, racing in front of the big crowds with great atmosphere and the opportunity to run with

Sherrin was another good reason, their a very impressive and professional team,” said Paul.

There is also the added pressure of racing against a sibling, but that is something that Paul is looking forward to.

“There’s a lot more riding

on this, I can’t let my younger brother beat me!

“I think he will give me a good run, though. There’s no doubt about it. But at the end of the day we have a huge amount of respect for each other, there shouldn’t be any big dramas.”

Former BMW touring car driver Peter Doulman will run an as yet unnamed driver with his M3 Motorsport, with the possibility of another entry.

“It’s probably one of the best racing categories, in terms of the way it’s set up, that I’ve ever seen,” said Doulman.

“With aspects like the weighted system, reverse grids and controlled changes, the series is one of the best factory-backed categories out there and I’m amazed more people haven’t jumped at the chance to sign up.

“We’ve contracted a driver to drive for us but as part of the deal it has to remain a secret for now – although it will be a little special I think.”

– BILL RIDDELL

Reindler eyes America

FORMULA RENAULT ASH Walsh will enter the Formula Renault Western European Cup this year.

The 2007 Australian Formula Ford runner-up has secured support from the Australian Motor Sport Foundation and will drive for respected team

Hitech Motorsport.

Walsh tested Formula Renault cars on three different occasions at the end of 2007 and is hoping that those miles will put him on the front foot.

“I’m very much looking forward to moving to Europe and taking the next step in my career,” Walsh said.

sutton-images.com

Walsh signs with Hitech

AUSTRALIA will be represented at this weekend’s Rolex Daytona 24-Hour race, with Karl Reindler tackling the famous American enduro.

The former Australian F3 champ will race a Pontiac GTOR for MCM, an entry he will be sharing with Italian ace Diego Alessi and enduro veterans Vic Rice and Hal Prewitt.

According to Reindler, the opportunity was one too good to pass up.

“It’s a world class race, “ said Reindler.

“Everyone’s heard of Daytona, and when we tested there it was amazing. Driving around the banking for the first time is a bit like driving through Eau Rouge in Belgium for the first time – just awesome. Both the track and the event have so much prestige, so it’s a great

Peter Bury

SPORTSCARS

opportunity.”

But while Reindler’s season will start overseas, he is yet to confirm a program for the remainder of 2008. However it seems that the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series is still Reindler’s preferred option.

“There’s a very good chance I’ll be on the grid at Clipsal,” he said.

“That’s what we’re really looking at.”

Reindler jetted to the US today (Monday) and will test again before the weekend’s race.

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

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Jono steps up to Carrera Cup Kiwi hard-charger set for Australian career with Greg Murphy Racing CARRERA CUP NEW Zealand youngster Jono Lester will drive in the Australian Carrera Cup Championship this year.

The 18-year-old will drive an ex-VIP Petfoods Carrera Cup Porsche for Greg Murphy Racing, with backing from engineering suppliers Blackwoods. GMR expands back to a two-car Porsche team with last year’s driver Peter Hill staying on board.

The Kiwi, who won last weekend’s round of the NZ Porsche round (and became the youngest-ever round winner in Carrera Cup history) is hoping to turn his improved NZ speed into results in Australia.

“It’s bloody good to be moving over to Australia,” he said.

“We wanted to do some international stuff, and if you do it right, this can set you up, so bring it on.

“It’s a lot more cut-throat in Australia. It will be a learning year for me, but I’m not going to be complacent. I want to be sitting in the top five or six. That would be great for me. That’s not an outrageous goal.

“It’s an awesome opportunity. I know a lot of people are going to be pretty envious of some I have to make the most of it.”

Lester currently sits in fourth place in the Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge, says

that his goal is to race in V8 Supercars.

“I drove the Tasman ride car the other week at Taupo.

That gave me a little taste of what it’s like, and it was great.

That’s a goal and that’s what we’re going to work towards.

I think it’s an achievable goal as long as we get the right results.”

Lester and his family have enjoyed a professional and personal relationship with the Murphy family for

over two decades. Greg Murphy won the NZ Shell Formula Ford Scholarship in 1991 with Richard Lester Motorsport – Jono’s dad.

Since then, the family’s have remained good friends, with Jono running under GMR banner since his days in Formula First.

It is expected that Lester will compete in the Australian Carrera Cup Series using Murphy’s famous #51.

– GRANT ROWLEY

John Morris/Mpix

Another Holdsworth in V8 Supercars FUJITSU V8s THERE will be two Holdsworths in V8 Supercars this year.

Brett Holdsworth will drive in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series this season, steering a Sydney Star Racing Commodore VZ. The older brother of V8 Supercar young gun Lee Holdsworth has been a regular contender in Commodore Cup for the past few years, but will now turn his hand to Supercar competition.

“I’ve been trying to do it for five years, but we finally pulled it off,” he said.

Holdsworth has competed minimal laps in V8 Supercars, having done a 10 lap stint

in Lee’s old Smith’s Trucks Commodore a few years ago. Before Christmas, Brett tested the Sydney Star racer at Oran Park, but is under no illusions that it will take time to get in the groove.

“I really haven’t done any test days. I’m going in pretty fresh, pretty green,” he said.

“For the first couple of rounds I just want to get comfortable in the car. I’d hope to be running top 10 by mid season, then maybe top five towards the end of the year.

“I really just want to get used to the new car. It’s such a big step up from Commodore Cup.” Brett will drive the Sydney Star chassis that was purchased from Garry Rogers

Motorsport two years ago. Ironically, it was the chassis that Lee made his GRM debut with in 2006.

And one day, Brett said he’d like to race with Lee in the Bathurst 1000.

“Yeah, that would be good. We’re doing the 12 Hour together (in Steve Briffa’s VZ Production Car), but it would be better to do the main race, It’s not out of the question one day. It’s something we’ve talked about doing since we started racing.”

Holdsworth will carry support from TTM, Insight Group and Hairy Lemon and will be partnered at Sydney Star by United Oilsbacked driver Brett Hobson, pictured.

– GRANT ROWLEY

Egglestone expands Fujitsu entry BEN Egglestone will return to the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series in 2008, driving Kayne Scott’s ex-Team Dynamik VZ. The New South Welshman spent the 2007 season on the sidelines, saving and building resources for a big crack at this year’s title. He will enter his new mount in the FV8 Series, and will also run another two V8s in the Touring Car Challenge.

One car will be driven by James Stuart, who’ll race the recently purchased exChris Alajajian Commodore, while Egglestone will steer his ageing ex-Perkins VX Commodore himself.

Egglestone told eNews that

he’s looking forward to the season ahead.

“We’ve got the tools to do it now, so we want to hook in and try to get to the front of the field,” he said.

“The ex-Dynamik car has been prepared really good.

The car was great when we got it – we’ve made a few small changes to get it the way that we want it.

“With the Touring Car Challenge racing as well, it should be a good year, busy year for us.”

Egglestone and Stuart will test their new cars at Wakefield Park before the opening round of the Fujitsu V8 Series at Clipsal on February 21-24.

– GRANT ROWLEY

Marshall Cass

FUJITSU V8s

Kayne’s car: Ben Egglestone has purchased the ex-Team Dynamik car that Kayne Scott used to score victory in the reverse grid race at Mallala in 2006.

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Denyer looks at options

Television star turned race driver still needs to find a Fujitsu home for 2008 FUJITSU V8s

Marshall Cass

GRANT Denyer’s Fujitsu V8 Supercar plans remain up in the air as MNews went to press, despite receiving clearance from Channel 7 to compete in the full championship.

The network’s star is searching for further backing to race in his fourth V8 season, while also trying to lock down a team to drive with.

While it was speculated before that he may be part of the Ford Rising Stars team, it is now believed that his most likely home would be with Matthew White Racing in the

same car that he raced in the final round of last year’s Fujitsu Series at Phillip Island, pictured.

“We are still working on finding the budget to do the job correctly – we are half-way there, however time is running out,” Denyer said.

“If we can top up the budget to do the job properly, then I would love to have another crack at a full season – especially given that the Seven Network have given me clearance to do the full season for the first-time ever.”

Howard Formula Ford test shoot out FORMULA FORD HOWARD Racing will test four young drivers in its Spectrum 011Bs before deciding who will drive their second entry in the Australian Formula Ford Championship this year.

Two New Zealand and two Australian drivers will get a chance with the regular Fujitsu V8 Series team at Queensland Raceway this Thursday.

Andrew Waite, Martin Short, David Lawrence

and Scott Auld will all have a steer of the factory Spectrums, all aiming to secure the second seat alongside current Junior Clubman Champion Chaz Mozart.

Team manager Warren Davis said that he is pleased with how the new Formula Ford team is coming together.

“It’s all coming together quite well,” he said.

“It’s going to be a competitive series this year, with some pretty experienced guys running.”

– GRANT ROWLEY John Morris/Mpix

Lindbom looks to Champion team FORMULA FORD FORMULA Forder Kristian Lindbom looks set to switch from the CAMS Rising Stars to Sonic Motor Racing ahead of testing this week.

Lindbom, 18, will test the

Sonic’s Mygale at Oran Park and Eastern Creek after a finishing fourth in last year’s series.

“I’m excited by the opportunity I’ve been given to test the Mygale for Sonic,” said Lindbom.

“We have an offer on the table from Sonic, but naturally there’s a cost associated with it. We’re working hard at the moment to secure the funding to complete the full season with them.”

COMING THIS WEEK

InternationAl

World Rally – Monte Carlo Daytona 24 hr – Indianapolis

NexT Week (February 2 -3) Australia

A1GP- Eastern Ck, incl F3, Aust GT ...

Drag Racing – Perth Top Fuel

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Rossi up for the Challenge Still smarting, but ready for Sepang test MOTOGP YAMAHA is burning the midnight oil to reclaim the MotoGP title.

Testing of the 2008 model YZR-M1 starts in Malaysia next week, with Valentino Rossi – now on Bridgestones – joining the Michelin-shod bikes of Jorge Lorenzo, Colin Edwards and James Toseland.

The Fiat-backed works team held its launch at Turin’s historic Lingotto building, which was Fiat’s car factory from 1923 until 1982 and which features a test track on the roof.

Rossi attended the launch

with his hand still showing the signs of his injury from a heavy fall in the final round of the 2007 championship in Spain.

“My hand is much better, if not yet perfect, and I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike in Sepang next week,” he said.

“Everyone has been working very hard over the winter and I think our new bike is quite good, although of course we still have a lot of work to do.

Everyone is very motivated and I know that we have the best team there is.”

Aurion, Aurioff BATHURST 12 HR

TOYOTA Racing Developments won’t field a car at this year’s WPS Bathurst 12-Hour, having completed a final evaluation on the TRD Aurion’s eligibility today (Monday).

The team was initially looking at fielding an entry in the Automatic class, but has decided after today’s testing at Phillip Island that to make the car’s safe and competitive will not be possible in the

short timeframe before the event.

“We had a test day scheduled for Targa, but what we did was take the opportunity to re-confirm that we won’t be able to do it,” said Toyota’s motorsport manager Todd Connolly.

“We wanted to go to Bathurst and break new ground by competing in the Automatic class, but unfortunately as we’re

A MOONLIGHT SONATA

BATHURST 12 HR CHANCES are that Hyundai is not going to win the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour – but the entry could be a winner anyway.

Yamaha

Students from Melbourne Kangan TAFE will be working around the clock – literally –

to make sure that the Korean marque makes it through the tough race at the Mountain track. The youthful team will prepare a Hyundai Sonata, donated by Hyundai Australia, which is entered in the Under2.5-litre Production Class. The car will be driven by Greg

Toyoy=ta

AMSF gets Dirty ...

Foundation lays groundwork for the next Atkinson WORLD RALLY YOUNG Australian rally drivers may soon have a clearer path to the World Rally Championship, with the Australian Motor Sport Foundation planning a rally program by 2010.

Time beats TRD Bathurst entry prepping two Super 2000 rally cars and the Targa Aurion, we have run out of time to develop a 12-hour car to a level that we would deem as competitive.

“So unfortunately we won’t be on the grid at Bathurst in 2008.”

The WPS Bathurst 12Hour will be run at Mount Panorama on February 10.

While not exclusive of rally drivers, the AMSF is currently geared more for circuit racing.

But as part of a revamp of the AMSF philosophy, including

embracing the US (see below), a proper rally program is in the pipeline.

“There’s nothing formal in place just yet, but we’re planning for the rollout of a program in 2010,” said Quentin Crombie, General Manger of the AMSF. “Rallying is still welcomed in the AMSF as it is, but we just don’t have the same structure

as we do for circuit racing at this point. But its absolutely in the scope of our three year strategic plan.”

Australia has never had a large competitive presence in the WRC, with Michael Guest and Chris Atkinson the most recent Aussies to compete at the world level.

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Subaru

... and goes to USA AUSSIES OVERSEAS

Hyundai

Sticker, Ross Buckingham, Brett Youlden and James Augustine.

This is the second Sonata to be donated to the school for ongoing education, and the latest car shares its space with an Accent used for the same purpose.

THE Australian Motor Sport Foundation has revealed a new philosophy for its 2008 funding allocation, with US-based James Davison being announced as part of this year’s program.

The program has typically catered solely for young drivers looking to Formula 1, but recentlyappointed General Manager Quentin Crombie says a new approach is now being taken.

“When I became General Manager six months ago we did a lot of research into open wheeler racing,” said Crombie.

“And while we still believe that Formula 1 is the

pinnacle, the Indy Racing League and Champ Car both have their places. We see them as viable series and important in their own right.

So we’ve certainly broadened our vision.

“James has proven himself as an exceptional driver, and we see him as someone who is very worthy of our support. And his goal of the IRL is a fantastic end goal.”

Davison will be joined in the program by three young Aussie in European series – John Martin (who will race in British F3 and A1GP), Tim Blanchard (British Formula Ford) and Ashley Walsh (West European Cup Formula Renault).

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Ralf wants a DTM drive DTM

Sutton-Images.com

RALF Schumacher could be headed to the DTM. Schumacher, who quit the Toyota Formula 1 team at the end of the season – before he was pushed – might follow fellow former Grand Prix drivers Jean Alesi and Mika Hakkinen into the DTM with Mercedes-Benz.

The company’s AMG division, which builds and operates its 4-litre V8 ‘silhouette’ racecars, arranged a test drive for Schumacher, 32, in a C-Class DTM racecar at Estoril, Portugal, along with former Jaguar Racing driver Christian Klien.

“The cars are really cool to drive,” Schumacher told Bild newspaper.

When asked if he was going to sign with the team, Schumacher replied, “You should also ask (Mercedes competition boss) Norbert Haug. We will get together next week and talk about how we go ahead together.

“The fact is, I really had a lot of fun. These cars are good in the high speed corners, which is not what I previously thought, and the engine is at a really high level.”

Hakkinen retired at the end of the 2007 season and both Mercedes and the series promoters are keen to replace him with another big-name driver.

Audi has stated it has no interest in Schumacher.

– SPURRING/STAFF

Lexus set to tackle the DTM DTM

Lexus.jp

LEXUS may be heading to Germany to take on the DTM. The debut of the Lexus IS F Racing prototype at the recent Tokyo Auto Salon has sparked belief that the manufacturer will take on the German might of Mercedes and Audi in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.

The car will run in the Japanese Super GT (formerly JGTC) series from Round 3 this year in the GT300 class to

prepare for an assault on the DTM as soon as 2009.

However it would most likely not join until the DTM releases an upcoming raft of rule changes, expected as soon as 2010. The changes are designed to reduce costs and attract new manufactures to the series after the withdrawal of Opel in 2005.

Former Jaguar F1 tester and now JSGT regular Andrew Lotterer has been test driving the machine recently and may be in line to race it.

Diesels to feel the pinch in WTCC WTCC DIESELS will be getting their wings clipped in the World Touring Car Championship.

The FIA’s World Touring Car Commission has decided temporarily to restrict the performance of turbodiesel engined cars

in the WTCC, to allow gasoline powered cars to compete on an equal footing.

Last year’s WTCC was almost won by SEAT after its late-season introduction of a diesel version of its Leon racecar, prompting BMW to accelerate its own diesel development.

SEAT will run a works team of five diesel

cars this season and BMW is expected to follow, although Chevrolet is not ready to go that route and no privateer yet has a diesel option.

Performance will be controlled through limits on fuel pressure, boost pressure and air : fuel ratio.

– QUENTIN SPURRING

news

5 Minutes with ...

GREG MURPHY

The Kiwi Rockstar talks about the 2008 season, GMR, and a kid called Lester ...

When people have hard times – the same for teams – they always say, they have learned something from that experience. What have you learned?

No, I could not say that I have learned anything, as such. It has just been hard.

I think a lot of other people learned a lot, especially last year. People in Tasmanland have learned a hell of a lot. Fortunately, a lot of the things I have learned in the past have formed what I have contributed, to be able to turn things around. I can’t say that I have learned a lot in the last little while.

During the latter part of 2007 there were some encouraging signs for the team.

It had some moments, definitely, that were better and, hopefully, we can take some of those forward into the season.

But I am looking forward, to the new stuff that we have coming on-line. That should have been happening very

Marshall Cass

MOTORSPORT NEWS: With the 2008 season almost upon us, you must be anxious to get your hands on a steering wheel.

GREG MURPHY: You are always like that. When you have been doing it for as long as I have, you look at it a little bit differently.

We have had a couple of seasons of very, very average performances. When that happens, you tread a little bit carefully but there have been so many things going on, so many changes that you cannot help but be half-excited about it.

PHIL BRANAGAN

soon but it did not make it into the time frame that we were looking at. Time is not going to allow us to do everything that we want to do, so that is hard. But a lot of good things are going to happen before too long, so there are high expectations.

With the things that happened last year, were they mainly the organisational changes that came with Jeff Grech?

There were a lot of structural changes. We were very fortunate that his timely departure from his previous employer allowed us to strike.

It was perfect and the impact there has been ginormous, there is no doubt about that.

The things that we need to do, the ones we really needed to implement, he was the one who put those in place.

He knew how to go about it, he knew how to make them happen. That is crucial in the development of the race team.

What is the time frame on the development of the new cars?

Well, we are going as fast as we can. We want them as fast as possible and if things come together, we will have them straight after Adelaide. If

we don’t, that moves to after Eastern Creek. The first chassis is waiting and complete, and is being put together as we speak. The second chassis is well underway, being welded.

It is going quite well but there are a few supply things that we need to be sorted and they are slowing us down.

When something like this happens, do you get to carry over any of the set-up stuff you learned from the old cars, or is it like starting with a clean sheet of paper?

For me, last year’s car was incredibly unresponsive to what I needed, and what I was looking for. It was very hard to learn a lot and to take from that information that is going to carry over.

So, the new car should be more traditional, in the way that it is going to respond. I am hoping that we will learn a lot very quickly and use a lot that I have learned in the past – maybe not last year, but before that – and bring that along to assist in getting the new car up and going.

The less-experienced guys that we do have are probably struggling to use their talents and skills, and, last year, in a lot of ways, that was the case

in getting the car where we needed to go. I expect that the knowledge that we do have will get it up to speed pretty quickly.

Some exciting things coming up for Greg Murphy Racing ...

There are. It is chaotic at the moment, which is great for the operation.

It is expanding at a great rate, with the number of cars that we are running and the people that we are employing.

This is a little business that going from strength to strength, and is becoming something that we can be proud of. We look forward to getting some more championships under the belt at Greg Murphy Racing in the future.

Is it a bit like extending the family, having Jono Lester involved as a driver?

It will be great, if that all comes together. That will be superb.

It is slightly ironic, considering that his dad is the guy who got me into car racing and got me my first deal, back in 1990 when Richard was running it. That would be wonderful, if we could help his boy out. He was still in nappies when I started racing in Formula Ford – so it makes me feel old, that is for sure! ...

chat

Dirk Klynsmith

The mystique of Daytona opinion Karl Reindler Daytona 24hr driver I TESTED at Daytona in early January, and it all went well.

It was the first time I had driven the car, and it’s a really unique car, so it took a bit of time to get used to it and adapt, but gradually I got quicker and quicker and I got down to some good times.

The daunting thing was that at the test there was close to 70 cars with the prototypes and the GT cars there, so when you drive out on a track you don’t know, in a car you don’t know, with 70 cars on track, it’s freaky. But the more time you spend doing it, the more sued to it you get.

But it was also the first time I’d been on

track in a sedan with traffic, so coming from open-wheelers, where you’ve got almost 360 degree vision, to this thing where you can hardly see out of the front windscreen, it was crazy.

I got plenty of laps in at the test. There were three days of testing and a couple of hours each day, so I got plenty of track time. You’re in your mirrors a lot because the prototype cars are a good eight seconds a lap faster than the GTs, so it’s hard to get a quick lap in without traffic.

But everyone’s in the same boat and it’s all part of the learning experience, The last time I raced under lights was karting back in about 2000. But we did have a night practice session and I did my fastest lap under lights, so I felt pretty comfortable. The vision under lights was really good, the lighting is exceptional.

Results-wise, I know the outright pace of the car isn’t there. Its not as quick as the Porsches and Mazdas, so a Top 10 or Top 15 in qualifying would be good. But I know the car is probably the toughest car in the field, so with the old saying to finish first, first you must finish applies, especially in a 24-hour race. I’m confident in the car lasting the distance, and it’s a wellbalanced car so it’ll be consistent with tyre wear. With such a long race it’s about consistency, so as long as I’m consistent we’ll be there.

Also it’s a team effort, because I’m sharing this experience with three other drivers. But I’m comfortable with my team-mates and I already have a good relationship with them. And they’re all pretty quick as well, so I’m pretty optimistic about it.

Letters

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

Double the Dale?

Being a Foxtel subscriber for the last two years, I have enjoyed the live NASCAR coverage of the Busch and Cup Series every weekend.

I notice Network Ten will be showing the full Nationwide Series and some Cup races this year and was wondering if they had purchased exclusive

rights or it would be a situation like MotoGP where it is shown on both?

I am sure that I speak for all NASCAR fans in Australia that we don’t wish to be subjected to the same deal as F1, where races are shown when they feel like it. They way Ten handled F1 scheduling was a disgrace last year, and I hope

they wake up to themselves in 2008 and don’t do the same with NASCAR. Brent Edwards brent@phones2u.com.au ED: NASCAR coverage will continue to be shown on Foxsports, as well as Ten HD. But why not buy a set-top box and watch it on Ten, because

viewer numbers will speak volumes when it comes to programming decisions.

TKR keep on kicking!

Good on TKR for hanging in there yet again.

It’s always nice to see the little guys stay above water.

Callum Sudok Palmerston North, NZ

opinion

Want your livery launch to be fresh?

I TEND not to tear much of my hair out these days because, to be honest, there are less handfuls to grab.

But there have been moments over the last few weeks when this caper has caused me to reconsider that policy. This is a busy time of year, particularly when the teams take into account that the ‘old’ season barely finished and there is much to do before the ‘new’ one starts.

But, boys and gals, liveries.

Towards the end of 2007, I

opinion Phil Branagan Executive Editor started asking people about their 2008 looks and, broadly, the responses I got were, we are waiting until the end of January/start of February because we do not want to get caught in the rush after January 1.

Humph.

Here we are, late-ish January approaching, and hardly a lick

eLETTER OF THE WEEK Developing entries In response to Chris Lambden’s opinion piece about the size of V8 Supercar Championship Series grids, size does matter to many fans that I know/blog with.

The general consensus among us is that larger grid sizes equals closer racing and more carnage, which most of us like to see (why don’t they

make a ‘Greatest Hits’ DVD?).

Unfortunately running a V8 team is an expensive business, and you could understand why PWR, WMS, and FRSR aren’t into philanthropy when it’s going to cost them at least $5 million a year.

of paint has been officially unveiled. Yep, I know that some folks are waiting for the Brisbane Motor Show and the V8 Supercar season launch to show off, but the fact is that most of the sport’s fans are going to neither of those events.

And, I am aware that this is not a perfect world, and that individual teams have different issues with timing the release on their paint. In fact, I know that one team and its naming rights sponsor are currently on

a war footing, so far apart are they on agreeing on what their racers will look like this season.

But now, we are going to have a blur of colour, from almost everyone, all at once.

So, a word to the wise. If we get to the stage where this scenario is repeated in 2009, toys will be hurtled from prams. Those who are diligent and ready in early January next year will get much of the attention. Avoid the rush, get the crayons out early and please, save some of my hair …

my idea is to offer the two or three vacant grid berths to half-decent development series teams and drivers, at all events.

It would be an extension of the rookie practice session. At some events, they could double up (ie. development series and Championship series races), as the development series races aren’t that long, and at the others they’d probably relish the opportunity to

stay fresh.

Wouldn’t it be great for some up-and-coming steerers such as Jack Perkins, Jonathon Webb, and David Reynolds to either get/keep their eye in in a couple of Championship series events?

With many of the development series teams linked to Championship series teams, it shouldn’t be that difficult Daniel Herrero Taree, NSW

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

A1GP ROUND 5 – TAUPO

race

Victorious Vietoris

The home town did everything but win the Feature race in New Zealand – that honour went to Team Germany instead ...

Euan Cameron

T

EAM Germany is back in the A1GP winner’s circle after Christian Vietoris won his maiden Feature race in New Zealand last weekend, becoming the third driver to win for the German squad.

Vietoris’s Taupo win came despite immense pressure from France’s Loic Duval, who had led the race until the first round of stops. It was then that Vietoris made his move, leapfrogging the Frenchman and taking the lead. Duval did his best to pressure Vietoris into giving the stop back, but was unsuccessful, even losing second place to Canada’s Robert Wickens at the second round of stops.

“It was a really brilliant weekend for us,” said Vietoris.

“The car was a little bit off the pace on Friday but we improved it all weekend and we were on the pace for qualifying and the Sprint race this morning. The team did two good pit stops in the Feature, which put me to the front and held me there.

“It was really hard to keep Loic Duval behind me, especially on the long back straight, but we managed to hold position and I am very happy.”

While the home team may not have won the Feature race, it was still an all round good weekend for Jonny Reid. He was fastest in qualifying, walked home the Sprint race, and put in a storming drive in the Feature to finish fourth after dropping near the back of the top 10 at the start.

As a result A1 Team NZ moved to the top of the leaderboard, displacing Switzerland.

Neel Jani and the Swiss team had a shocking Feature race, Jani copping two penalties – one for jumping the start and one for overtaking under yellows – and finishing 14th. His only saving grace was a point for setting the fastest lap of the race.

The New Zealand round saw a new driver in the Australian seat, John Martin taking over from Ian Dyk. And it was a promising debut from the former Australian Formula Ford Champion, Martin finishing ninth in the Sprint race, ahead of the previous round’s winner Indian Narain Karthikeyan.

He finished 17th in the Feature after crashing early on in the race.

race

Euan Cameron

Euan Cameron

JMac on top NZV8

Euan Cameron

Good start, then bad start: Team NZ was fastest qualifier and won the Sprint race, but missed out on the Feature thanks to a bad start, top. France’s Loic Duval was an early leader in the Feature, but was eventually passed by the German entry, above. John Martin’s solid debut for A1 Team Australia was slightly dampened by a crash with the Dutch entry in the Feature, below.

JOHN McIntyre has staked his claim for the NZV8 series, winning a hot and dusty round at Taupo last weekend.

The reigning series Champion won the first race of the weekend in style, climbing from third on the grid to overhaul Any Booth and Kayne Scott.

Booth responded by elbowing McIntyre wide at the first corner of Race 2, before holding on for the win. But the stewards deemed the incident at the start to be Booth’s fault, and he was penalized post-race,

handing the victory back to McIntrye.

Seventh in the reverse grid Race 3 was enough to secure the round for McIntyre.

“It’s absolutely sensational to win the round and extend the championship lead,” said McIntyre.

“But the circuit was very difficult with dirt being pulled onto the racing line and we’ve never had a reverse grid race with so much damage.”

Points: McIntyre 574, Angus Fogg 469, Scott 464, Paul Radisich 449, Booth 375, Paul Manuell 375, Cameron McLean 334, Clark Proctor 327, Dean Perkins 294, Luke Youlden 229.

A1GP NZ SUPPORTS Euan Cameron

A1GP | TEAM'S points New Zealand 82, France 80, Switzerland 80, Germany 65, South Africa 59, Ireland 50, Netherlands 50, Great Britian 48, (Australia 4).

JONO Lester was a fortunate round victor in the Battery Town Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge round at Taupo.

Having finished third behind Craig Baird and Matt Halliday in the first two races, Lester’s first turn of luck happened when the leading pair took each other out in Race 3.

Euan Cameron

Lucky Lester!

The crash meant Lester finished second to Jody Vincent, however Vincent was relegated to fifth post-race for jumping the start, handing Lester the round.

In the Toyota Racing Series, Earl Bamber won the round and wrapped up the threeround International Series.

Andy Knight continues to lead the series.

OUTLAWS DOWNUNDER PARRAMATTA CITY RACEWAY

Robbie and The Ou The Outlaws came out to play in the rain at PCR and Robbie Farr shot them all down .

GREG BOSCATO reports

utlaws

race

John Morris/Mpix

F

ORMER Australian Sprintcar and Speedcar champion Robbie Farr took out a superb win in the Outlaws Downunder V event held at Parramatta City Raceway last Sunday night.

Driving for East Coast Pipeline, Farr held command from a very determined American Craig Dollansky until his engine let go with just five laps remaining, leaving WSS Champ Brooke Tatnell second and Outlaws star Joey Saldana third.

The three-night Outlaws meeting was affected by heavy rain across Sydney, resulting in the cancellation of Friday and

Saturday, nights making for a busy Sunday schedule.

Danny Lasoski was the star on Thursday, setting fast time over Steve Kinser, Saldana and Farr, before winning the opening Dash race and sharing the front row with Kinser for the preliminary A main.

Kinser led early until Lasoski stamped his authority. After starting back in position 10, Donny Schatz blasted by second placed Kinser on the final lap to take second, leaving Kinser third with Jason Meyers, Saldana and Farr the top six finishers. Debuting a new machine, Dave Lambert took out a heat race only to crash early in the Main.

Lasoski again set quick time with Jason Sides (USA), Dollansky, impressive 20 year old Sammy Walsh, then Farr and American Jason Henderson the top six qualifiers after the heats.

Rain struck again during the C Main but they kept on with the show. Sides took the B over Walsh with Henderson and Craig Brady making the transfer into the A Main.

Farr was too dominant in the A Main but had Dollansky on his tail for most of the race, Tatnell held third but had to fend off Lasoski then Saldana.

Engine troubles forced Dollansky out, leaving Tatnell in second place. Schatz held a

solid sixth then fifth for most of the race with his car not set up for the different track conditions after rain.

After a bad qualifying time, Kinser started back from position 21 but he forged forward finishing up 12th place just behind Garry Brazier.

Early in the Main, teammates Skip Jackson and Jason Meyers were running together until suspension failure saw Jackson out after hitting the wall Meyers ended up in sixth.

After problems on Thursday, Swindell ran strongly picking up seventh while fellow American Paul McMahan started well only to drop back to eighth.

race

John Morris/Mpix

Farr away: Robbie Far, left and below, grabbed the feature lead early and won . Danny Lasoski, above, shone on Thursday night, while Craig Dollansky, top right, challenged Farr until engine failure handed Brooke Tatnell, bottom right, second place.

John Morris/Mpix John Morris/Mpix

John Morris/Mpix

rear of grid

Kenny the Grand Poo-Bah IT may not have been F1 or even V8 Supercars, but one of Australia’s A-list celebrities made a public appearance at a recent motorsport event.

Australia’s favourite plumber Kenny was on hand at the

Avalon Raceway to oversee the running of the Great Australian Dunny Derby.

The event attracted over 20 competitors who crashed and bashed their way around the Speedway with dunnys in tow.

Kenny’s ‘dunny role’ was the Grand Marshall, or in this case ‘the Grand Poo Bah,’ and his live commentary kept the large crowd (over 4500 people) well entertained throughout the night.

The event was won by local driver Brad McClure and at the end of the event Kenny awarded McClure the prized trophy in the form of a specially designed dunny seat.

– PARIS CHARLES

The Punter is on Vacation

Paris Charles

Clever Canadians ...

VLMM

t o p Odd S

WITH Montreal’s infamous ‘Champion’s Wall’ having ended so many F1 star’s races in the past, Canadian GP organisers are trying a new method of limiting the carnage.

Motorsport eNews sent National Editor Andrew van Leeuwen all the way to Canada to check out the new innovation, which has been nicknamed ‘Slow Snow.’

Okay, so this may be the most wildly inaccurate story ever to grace the pages of eNews, but it is a perfect example of why the Canadian Grand Prix isn’t held in January …