Motorsport eNews Issue 47 - March 25-31, 2008 by V8 Sleuth

The world of motorsport every week – directly to your desktop

Issue No. 047 25 – 31 March 2008

Whincup: Overseas Options

V8 Supercar’s Championship leader considers american dream

Editorial Editor: Grant Rowley grant@mnews.com.au Deputy Editor: Andrew van Leeuwen andrew@mnews.com.au Staff Journalist: Phillip Mahoney philm@mnews.com.au Executive Editor: Phil Branagan editor@mnews.com.au

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Contributing Writers F1: Will Buxton, 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

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.

Issue No. 047 | 25-31 March 2008

news 5 Whincup OS 6 Gore and Walker 8 Fernandez Racing 14 Young Aussies 16 ARC Boost

chat 20 5 minutes with ... opinion 22 van Leeuwen 23 Phil Branagan

race 24 New IndyCar 28 Kart Nationals 32 Bathurst 36 NASCAR 38 Off-Road

Someday, he’ll fly away The feud continues Not, not Adrian. Jose Taking on Europe Honda head to Canberra Jamie Whincup Rally Honda Changes at CAMS Season preview Mainlanders suprise Easter Festival A-Wimmer-way Down and Dirty

trade 40 Trade and Industry / Raceshop / Classifieds

welcome Bargwanna gets in some practice lappery [Note: Objects may appear smaller in mirror ...]

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

PART 2:

Courtney Watch V8 SUPERCARS

Marshall Cass

JAMES Courtney’s future is still up in the air – and likely to remain so for some time. Following our cover story last week, confirming the presence of Courtney’s manager, Alan Gow, in Australia, discussions moved behind closed doors. Gow is scheduled to fly back to the UK today (Tuesday). Whether he has been successful in securing Courtney’s future beyond this year is unknown. Gow himself would not comment: “it’s a sensitive issue and therefore there’ll be nothing to say for

some time,” is all he would say on Monday. What is clear is that, other than remaining with SBR, a move to any other ‘serious’ V8 team – such as HRT, FPR, Triple 8, HSV – would require the displacing of a driver currently under contract beyond 2008 – and that can be as sensitive as an issue can get! The fact remains that there simply may not be a team willing to make that call, and that Gow may consider returning his driver to overseas duty – either in the Japanese sports car championship or, an outside chance, the BTCC – for which Gow is the promoter.

John Morris/Mpix

Britek look to new engines to find gains V8 SUPERCARS BRITEK Motorsport has acquired three engines from Race Industries, formally owned and used by WPS Racing. The Melbourne team is expecting the first of the engines to arrive this week, as

part of a program to assess its own engine program. “We will see where we are with our own program when they arrive,” said Britek’s Chris Jewell this week. “The other ones should be here next week, or the week after.”

The purchase of the WPS engines, which were built by Craig Hasted, does not mean that Britek is closing its own engine shop. Jason Bright is expected to debut the team’s new BF Falcon, with its first inhouse D3 engine, in Perth on May 9-11. – PHIL BRANAGAN

FOR FORMULA 1, MOTOGP AND WRC NEWS, OPINION AND ANALYSIS CLICK HERE TO

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Whincup to do a Marcos? V8 Championship leader considers a future in The States, but before that, the Whiz Kid has local business to attend to first ... V8 SUPERCARS JAMIE Whincup has his sights on an international racing career – but only after he completes his V8 Supercar career in Australia. Whincup, 25, has told Motorsport eNews that he would like to follow in the footsteps of former V8 Supercar champion Marcos Ambrose and race in NASCAR in the future. “I see what Marcos Ambrose has done, the risks that he has taken and what he has achieved overseas,” said Whincup. “I think that is unbelievable, I would love to be able to follow in those footsteps.” But the current series leader, who missed out on the 2007 V8 title by a single point, is at pains to point out that he has a number of goals to achieve before he hops on a 747 to America, or anywhere else. “My full focus is on the V8 Supercar Championship, I wouldn’t try to do a 50-50 effort in a couple of series. Even small things, outside your championship, would be out. It is so tough as it is, I would want to put my 100 percent focus into that.” In the meantime Whincup, who won his second Adelaide 500 last month, is looking to extend his points lead, in spite of the red-hot form shown by arch-rival Garth Tander at Albert Park’s non-points race two weeks ago. For more with Jamie Whincup, see page 20

Peter Bury

O ACCESS THE WORLD’S FIRST INTERNATIONAL ‘VIRTUAL’ MOTORSPORT MAGAZINE ...

BRIEFLY... n Marcus Marshall will join his US counterpart Jamie McMurray this weekend in Martinsville (Virginia) for the sixth round of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Marshall and McMurray will promote the Irwin Industrial Tools Ultimate Tradesman Challenge, which includes the World Final to be held at Phoenix International Raceway in November. The winner of the Australia/New Zealand Final at Bathurst in October will attend the World Final for their chance to win a cool US$1.26m. n The Olympic Torch was due to flame into life in Greece today. Not something that usually makes the pages of Motorsport eNews - except that A1 Team China driver Congfu Cheng will be one of the torch bearers. ‘Franky’ is a Beijing native and will race in the next A1 round in Shanghai next month. n As if the Aussie influence in the British Touring Car Championship is not enough, there will be a familiar face in the SEAT team at the seasonopening Brands Hatch races this weekend. Dave Ward, formerly of Tasman and SCAR, will appear as Team Manager of SEAT Sport UK.

! Walker R A W S ’ IT After weeks of tension, Craig Gore and Derrick Walker’s financial feud is going public. MARY MENDEZ reports IndyCar DERRICK Walker and Craig Gore remain at loggerheads over the demise of the relationship of Walker Racing and Team Australia. After Walker proposed a deadline of last Tuesday to resolve matters, it appears that legal action over the relationship is inevitable. Gore, driver Will Power and engineer Dave Faustino have moved to KV Racing Technology, which will run a Dallara-Honda in the familiar green and gold colours. Both parties have issued statements in the last few days with, not surprisingly, differing accounts of what has occurred. Said Walker; “I was extremely disappointed by Craig Gore’s announcement to take Team Australia, our driver, and sponsors to KV Racing. Contrary to Gore’s recent statements, I developed the concept of Team Australia in 2005. Over a three-year period, Team Australia had

great success in using motor sports as a marketing tool for Australian companies, including Gore’s winery, Aussie Vineyards. “Despite the success of the team, Gore defaulted on his financial obligations to Team Australia throughout the 2007 season. Walker Racing was forced to loan the team substantial funds in order to continue competing in the Champ Car World Series. Walker Racing is still owed in excess of $1,500,000 by Gore and his related entities. “I relied upon Gore’s repeated assurances that he would fulfill his commitments to the Team Australia program and to me. Until Gore’s recent announcement to take Team Australia to KV Racing, I was led to believe that we would be moving forward together as a team in 2008. I believe that Gore’s actions are a serious default of his contractual commitments and fiduciary obligations as a business partner. “I have given Gore ample

opportunities to resolve these disputes informally. Unfortunately, it appears I will have no choice but to take legal action.” Today [Monday] Gore issued a 1500-word statement that stated, in part; Team Australia was created by Gore and Kevin Kalkhoven in 2004; All sponsorship funding and acquisition costs (US$20m over three years) were provided by Gore, CCWS owners’ companies and Kalkhoven; Gore claims he is owed US$500,000 by Walker; Gore owes Walker US$1.1m, which he has undertaken to pay; Gore provided all drivers to the team, including Will Power; That Walker signed Power in mid-February, without Gore’s knowledge or consent; That the decision to end their association, taken in January, was agreed upon by both parties; That Walker provided Gore with an “unacceptable” budget

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r and Gore at loggerheads

for 2008; That Gore will “relishing the opportunity to have my day in court” should Walker proceed with legal action. Walker will continue racing this season, with a three-car entry in the Atlantic Series, formerly a support category for the Champ Car World Series. Nigel Mansell’s two sons, Leo and Greg, will drive, along with Canadian Kevin Lacroix. After visiting the A1GP in Mexico City, Walker says he’ll “try to pursue a program” for the 2008/2009 season (starting in

September) when it switches to the new Ferrari chassis. Walker wasn’t the only person hurt by the split between Walker and Gore. Canadian Alex Tagliani expected to be in the second KV seat alongside Oriol Servia. “After excellent tests at Sebring with KV and a very constructive meeting with a sponsor in Montreal prior to the merger, I really thought I would get a ride,” explained Tagliani to RDS.ca. “But it is still a question of money. It seems that KV has turned to a driver that would bring more money than I do.”

Happier times: Derrick Walker, Kevin Kalkhoven and Craig Gore, above, at the launch of Champ Car Atlantic Series in 2005.

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Running with the Bulls? Fernandez Motorsport to hit the track, possibly as soon as Wakefield Park ... V8 SUPERCARS

Dirk Klynsmith

FUJITSU V8 Series stalwart Jose Fernandez is close to establishing his own V8 Supercar team to compete in the Development Series. Fernandez, who has driven for Dick Johnson, Britek and Prodigy in the past, is nearing a deal to enter Paul Cruickshank’s spare Falcon chassis in the remaining rounds of the Fujitsu Series. The suggested deal would see PCR prepare and maintain the Falcon, running under the Fernandez Motorsport banner. While the deal isn’t dependant on Fernandez himself driving the car, he is keen to get back in the game and control his own destiny. “I’ve wanted to get my own team up and going for some time,” he said. “I’ve got a few minor sponsors and I’m in negotiation with a major backer. There are a few hurdles to overcome but I’m pretty close. The team will run under Fernandez Motorsport, using a distinctive ‘bull’ logo, representing his Spanish background. – GRANT ROWLEY

Bull fighter: Jose Fernandez is trying to piece together a deal to run a car in the Fujitsu V8 Series. If it happens, it will be a Ford, it will be prepared by Paul Cruickshank Racing, but it won’t necessarily be driven by Fernandez himself ...

AMSC gone as CAMS restructures GENERAL THE Australian Motor Sports Commission has been disbanded. CAMS has implemented one of the outcomes of the organisational review conducted by Ernst & Young and closed the AMSC, and is establishing a commercial division to be responsible for its own commercial dealings. As part of the transition process, the CAMS Board last

week appointed Allan Moffat as Chair and Graeme Emerton as Commissioner to join Colin Osborne as a Commissioner to manage this transition process. These appointments are legally necessary to wind-up the operations of AMSC. A Commercial Operations Division is being established, headed by Cathy Hattersley, with the experienced Michael Masi assisting. Both started with CAMS earlier this month.

BRIEFLY... n A.J. Foyt Racing, returning with Brit Darren Manning in the IndyCar series, has re-signed Tequila producer, Cabo Wabo, the original Rock and Roll tequila founded by legendary rocker, Sammy Hagar, as a sponsor. n John Menard, billionaire

owner of the Menards hardware store chain, announced his return as title sponsor of Tony George’s Vision Racing team, backing veteran driver Ed Carpenter (George’s step-son). For many years Menard competed as a team owner at the Indy 500 and then joined the IndyCar series, succeeding with three titles, two with Tony Stewart in 1996 and 1997 and again with Greg Ray in 1999. Noteworthy is that since leaving open wheel for stock cars, NASCAR star Stewart, drives for competitor Home Depot. n AFS/Andretti Green Racing has announced that Indy Pro Series veteran Arie Luyendyk Jr. has joined its two-car Indy Pro Series team. Luyendyk, who will join Raphael Matos at AFS/ Andretti Green Racing, will drive the No. 26 Automatic Fire Sprinklers Dallara.

INDYCAR MICHAEL Andretti may save the Toronto Grand Prix. Andretti Green Promotions, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Andretti Green Racing, which promotes the IRL’s St. Petersburg race, has signed a letter of intent to purchase the assets of the Grand Prix Association of Toronto. “Toronto is a place that I have always loved,” said Andretti, who is a partner with Kim Green and Kevin Savoree in AGR. “It’s a great racetrack and a great venue. If we are able to put a deal together to own and operate an event in Toronto, I would certainly count that as another win there.” The race, in Canada’s financial capital, has ENJOYED strong crowds and sponsorship for many years, predominantly from brewer Molson (which merged with Coors in 2005) and then Steelback, before Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven took over the event’s promotion (as he did the Long Beach Grand Prix). Toronto has always been of interest to IRL founder, Tony George – and is the only exChamp Car race to be shown as a market on the IndyCar website map of events. Although no race is planned for 2008, the city is thought to be in favour of the event, although should the traditional, city-edge Exhibition Place course (where Andretti won seven times) not continue to be available, an alternative site, Downsview Park, could be considered. – MARY MENDEZ

Andretti Green steps in to buy the race he won – seven times

Dirk Klynsmith

n Michael Schumacher has finished his latest race on the podium – and it was on two wheels. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion rode a Honda Fireblade to third in the SKOOX Cup at the Pannoniaring in Hungary last Thursday, behind Martin Bauer and Andres Meklau in a Superstock race. For a look at the Schu in action, have a look here: http://www.pannonia-ring. com/index.php?popup=0&id =14&dir=Motorrad%2FSchu macher – MENDEZ/STAFF

Mikey to Save Toronto Race?

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KV TOPS SEBRING INDY TEST

Servia, Power top 2-day IndyCar ‘Transition’ session at Sebring its first opportunity to test their unfamiliar IndyCar package, after the team had taken delivery of two Dallaras just 15 days earlier. “Despite the best efforts of Dallara and the IndyCar Series, we still don’t have all the parts necessary to be ready in time to test in Sebring,” said Brian Lisles, NHL’s General Manager.

“It’s a big disappointment for the team and an enormous setback because we will be losing valuable track time that will be difficult to recover. The

team continues to work hard to complete the cars in time for the Homestead (1.5-mile oval) test March 24-25.” – MARY MENDEZ

First time out: KV Racing Technology had 15 days to get used to a Dallara, and Power, right, and Servia, below, are within half a second of Penske. Not bad ...

IndyCar Media IndyCar Media

KV RACING Technology topped last week’s IndyCar ‘transition’ test at Sebring. After Will Power led the sheets on Day 1, team-mate Oriol Servia was fastest on the second day of the test, for Champ Car teams switching to the IndyCar Series. Servia’s 52.7035s lap bested the Aussie’s 52.9451s, while countryman Ryan Briscoe led the Indy teams two weeks ago with a 52.4202s. “All credit has to go to the crew guys because it is an absolutely outstanding effort to be able to get two cars together in such a short space of time,” said Power, 27. “I will be working hard at getting to know the team. I owe them all a dinner already because they have put in some serious hours to get these cars ready in time for this test.” But while KV, Dale Coyne Racing and Conquest all made it to Florida for the test, Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing had to withdraw from

Enrique’s Conquestadors Bernoldi joins Perera in Opes Prime team “I think Enrique and Franck will make a great duo,” said Conquest co-owner Anthony Blumberg of Opes Prime. “When you add these two exceptionally talented drivers to the team that Eric has put in place, I feel Conquest Racing will surprise a few people this year in the ‘new’ IndyCar Series.” – MARY MENDEZ Dirk Klynsmith

CONQUEST Racing has confirmed Enrique Bernoldi and Frenchman Franck Perera as its drivers for the IndyCar Series. Bernoldi, 29, is best-known in this part of the world as a Formula 1 driver, having raced in 28 Grands Prix is 2001-2002. Perera, 24, was runnerup in the 2007 Formula Atlantic series.

Proddies new lease on life

Australian Manufacturer’s Championship added to the Production Car fight PRODUCTION CARS

Dirk Klynsmith

AUSTRALIAN Production Car Racing is heading in a new direction with the announcement that the formula will compete for the Australian Manufacturer’s Championship, which will run alongside the driver’s championship. At the same time, the class will follow the lead of the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour that was held earlier this year, hosting a mix of enduro and sprint rounds. “The timing is right to take the next step for Production Car Racing,” said CAMS President and Production Car racer Colin Osborne. “This category has a special place in Australian motorsport heritage and the return of the Australian Manufacturer’s Championship as a title will add a new element and incentive for manufactures to invest in the series and give the championship stability and continuity in moving forward.” Holden have had a strong association with production car racing in the recent

past and have been quick to give their support to the changes. “The series is the ideal entry point to Australian motor racing for many manufacturers,” said Holden Motorsport Manager Simon McNamara “We have the opportunity to showcase

models that cannot race in other motorsport programs, therefore from a marketing perspective it is very attractive to the manufacturer at a very cost-effective price point.” The series will kick off with a threehour enduro at Phillip Island in June.

Storey gets first taste of Supercars FUJITSU V8s

sutton-images.com

FORMULA Ford driver Rob Storey has sampled a V8 Supercar for the first time. Storey, the son of renowned V8 engineer Wally Storey, drove Colin Sieders’s Ford Falcon AU at Oran Park last week. “It was great to get some laps in a car that wasn’t a Formula Ford, but it was definitely eye opener” Storey said. “It was also pretty good to get a look inside the cars that Dad has

worked on for so many years. “Dad gave me a bit of advice before the test – the dos and don’ts of V8 Supercar. The main thing he said was just be easy on the gearbox and engine.” Storey is the Sieders Racing Team’s nominated test drive for the year, and was given a whole day in Colin’s car after the Fujitsu V8 regular was sidelined due to a scheduled operation. Colin will be back in action for the next round of the Fujitsu V8 Series at Wakefield Park (April 5-6).

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Dirk Klynsmith

Webb to race in Hamilton Fujitsu star to get early Hamilton miles in Porsches with a focus on 2009 ... CARRERA CUP JONATHAN Webb just can’t get enough of driving Porsches! After competing in the second round of the Australian Carrera Cup Championship at Albert Park, the Fujitsu V8 Series front-runner has secured a drive with New Zealand Porsche outfit Triple X Racing for the non-championship Hamilton street circuit round.

“I thought after having a run at the Grand Prix, the only thing to do was keep going and drive at Hamilton!” Webb told eNews. “I’ve got no real expectations. I drove over there a few years ago and ran in the top three or four so if I can do something similar, maybe come away with a trophy, it’s a bonus. “They are pretty competitive over there. They race in new cars, (David) Reynolds is there,

(Craig) Baird, and a couple of very quick locals. It will be fun. “I really enjoyed the Grand Prix. When the pressure isn’t on, it’s always more enjoyable.” But when you look at the bigger picture, Webb is looking to cement a spot in the main V8 Supercar Championship Series next year, and he sees this as the best way to get a good look at the new circuit. “I’ve got no idea what the

place looks like,” he said. “We’ll just head over and enjoy the fact that we’ll be learning a new track. “Part of the reason of going over there is to look at the track. My aim is to be racing in the main series next year so this is the best way to have a good look at the place.” The inaugural Hamilton V8 street race will be held on April 18-20. – GRANT ROWLEY

Aussie and Utes racers with Supercar futures FUJITSU V8s

Marshall Cass

FORMER Aussie Racing Cars driver Chris Ensby is planning a Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series campaign for season 2009. The Queenslander is currently working with former V8 Utes driver Matt O’Grady to put together a twocar V8 team for the development series next year. But while the plans are in place, the two-Sunshine Coasters are yet to go shopping for the hardware. “It’s not official yet, but we’re definitely working towards setting up a team,” Ensby told eNews.

“At the moment we are trying to get the money together so we can run two cars. As to where those cars will come from, we have a few options, but until we get an exact budget its hard to know what we have to spend. “And that’s the stage we are at now … looking for the budget.” Ensby also revealed that depending on the speed of the program coming together, the team could even debut later this season. Ensby finished 28th in last year’s ARC series, while O’Grady finished 15th in the 2006 V8 Utes Series. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Bringing some Mongrel to the Fujitsus: Chris Ensby and Matt O’Grady, above, are working towards a V8 Supercar future.

McFadyen considers Macau sutton-images.com

CURRENT Australian Formula 3 Championship leaderNeil McFadyen is considering racing at this year’s Macau Grand Prix. The prestigious Formula 3 race is on the wish-list for McFadyen, who is getting a taste of International competition by taking on Brits Ben Clucas and James Winslow in this year’s Aus F3 title fight. “I have set myself goals for this year and the F3 title is definitely high on the list,” he said. “We are currently leading the points and second and third in the championship are both drivers from abroad. I am a proud Aussie and will be doing my best for us, If I am on my game it will be a great battle. “And if I win I am planning on contesting the Macau F3 GP as it is a huge personal goal of mine to race there in Formula 3.” McFadyen is a former Australian Formula Ford Champion (2003) and a former Australian Driver’s Champion (2004). This year he is balancing his F3 commitments with a full-time ride in the MINI Challenge. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Australians off to mixed start AUSSIES OVERSEAS

sutton-images.com

THERE are many Aussies competing overseas this year, with the first round of various championships getting underway over the Easter weekend. Due to events in England and France not completed until Monday (Tuesday morning Australian time), eNews can’t bring you final results. Click back next week for full results. But in the meantime, there has been some interesting things happening to Australian’s competing on the other side of the world. Australian Formula Ford Champion Tim Blanchard got his British Formula Ford campaign off to a great start, qualifying on the front row of the grid. Fellow Aussie Glen Wood sits in the mid-pack.

John Martin and Sam Abay are doing their best in British F3, with Martin securing seventh in the first qualifying session. Abay’s best is 11th for Race 2. In the West European Cup (Formula Renault) at Nogaro in France, West Australian Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo convincingly won the first race, while Ash Walsh continues to come to grips in his new surroundings, finishing 12th (and fifth of the rookies). Walsh has endured a trying debut overseas, with his testing interrupted when he was turned around at Heathrow Airport and deported back to Australia after an issue with his Visa. Upon returning to Australia, he immediately headed back to Europe when he completed in two final days of testing at Barcelona.

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John Morris/Mpix

Calendar changes for F3/FFord

F3 bumps FFord off Indy bill – FFord takes spot at Symmons – F3 has two rounds at The Island! FORMULA 3 THERE has been a shakeup for the calendars of Australia’s two major openwheel categories, with Formula 3 and Formula Ford both changing their 2008 schedules. The biggest change is on the Indy 300 support card, with F3 replacing Formula Ford. It was thought that the Fords would be on the streets of the Gold Coast having relinquished their Clipsal 500 berth for F3, however a late decision by Indy organisers to

go with F3 instead has seen the Ford schedule changed to include Symmons Plain. “It’s absolutely disappointing, particularly from the competitor’s point of view,” said Formula Ford category manager Margaret Hardy. “But decisions like this aren’t made by us, we just apply to be involved.” But Hardy was quick to point out that the return to Tasmania was by no means a disaster. “Tasmania is a perfect replacement. They always get a good crowd, we get very well looked after, and the racing is

always good there.” According to a statement from Formula Ford the decision was based on corporate hospitality. However Indy 300 promoters IMG declined to comment on that matter, except to say “we receive a number of submissions from various categories to be on the support program for the Gold Coast Indy 300 each year and upon weighing everything up we have selected Carrera Cup, Aussie Racing Cars and Formula 3 to appear this year.” But the Indy inclusion isn’t

the only calendar change on the horizon for Formula 3. The series is looking to dump the final round of the Shannons Nationals at Sandown in November (which would have been the season-closer) in preference to a second tilt at Phillip Island. As a result, the Gold Star could finish at either the Indy 300, or the Symmons Plains round of the Shannons Nationals (with Indy as a non-championship meeting), depending on the expectations from Nationals organisers. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Shannons encourages hallmarks AUSSIES OVERSEAS

Dirk Klynsmith

THE Shannons National Motor Racing Championships is encouraging all its categories to hold ‘hallmark’ races within their respective calendars. Following the example of Formula 3, which has the Superprix at Symmons Plains, and Australian GT which has its 3 Hour enduro at Sandown, pictured right, Shannons Nationals boss Rob Curkpatrick wants all the categories to have their own feature race. Sports Sedans already have its highlight race, the Clem Smith Cup, which is

awarded to the winner of the last race at Mallala. Another new event for 2008 will be a one-hour HQ Holden endurance race, also at Mallala, to be run under lights. Commodore Cup is also considering a 1 Hour race at the season-ending Sandown event. “We’re working with individual categories to create their own hallmark events,” he said. “Formula 3 had its Superprix, and that was a terrific highlight event. The Clem Smith Cup for Sports Sedans is a longer 15-lap race with some good prizemoney.

These are the sorts of events that we are encouraging, just to bring another level of interest to the class.” The first round of the Shannons Nationals is next month at Oran Park (April 26-27). – GRANT ROWLEY

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The Civic Centre

Honda Australia commits to parcial Rally Championship campaign for 2008 RALLY

Dirk Klynsmith

ON the eve of the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship, Honda has sprung a surprise announcing plans to bring a Super 1600 Civic Type R to the series. Despite limited outings overseas, Honda’s move to compete locally came as an unexpected surprise, with plans to contest two rounds this year; the Rally of Canberra and the Rally of Melbourne. “Honda Australia are very keen to show off the potential of the Civic Type R in the Australian Rally Championship,” said Honda Australia PR Manager Mark Higgins. The Civic has developed a giantkilling reputation in its debut season contesting last year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge. Despite running a front-wheel drive transmission, the Civic Super 1600 should be well suited

to the local rally stages, and has the potential to challenge the leading S2000 and Group N rally cars. “We’re very excited about this collaboration with Honda Australia, in what is a crucial market for Honda. The Australian Rally Championship is a very important and challenging series, made up of fast gravel roads that should suit our car well,” commented Team Manager Alessandro Mariani. In a further surprise move, Honda’s entry will be driven by reigning British Rally Champion Guy Wilks. The 26-yearold Brit, who has also spent several seasons in the Junior World Rally Championship with Suzuki, is excited about the prospects of competing in Australia. “I can’t wait for the Rally of Canberra. I am sure we can deliver some very strong results in the challenging Australian series,” he said. – RYAN LAHIFF

A Wilkes and a way: Reigning British Rally Champion Guy Wilkes will steer Honda’s Super 1600 Civic Type R, below, in two rounds of the Australian Rally Championship.

The Big DRAG RACING

The Return of The Rocketman

THE Australian Nationals will be held in Sydney for the next three years. ANDRA and Western Sydney International Dragway have confirmed that the New South Wales venue has been awarded the rights to run the prestigious annual event until 2010. The ‘Big Go’, first staged in 1965, has circulated around Australia’s tracks on an annual basis, except for in the early 1990s, when it was held at Calder Park. But

Top Fuel Legend Graeme Cowin to back Darren Morgan TOP FUEL AUSTRALIAN drag racing legend Graeme Cowin and current Top Fuel competitor Darren Morgan have announced a partnership that will see the two combine to attack the Australian Top Fuel Championship headon, beginning with the Nitro Champs in May. The partnership reunites Morgan and Cowin’s Rocket Industries in Drag racing’s elite bracket following several record-setting seasons together, both in Australia and in the USA. Morgan’s Wicked Quick Top Fuel Dragster has been stepping up its pace since its debut in September last year and with the experience brought to the team by Cowin, Morgan says he is set to take a

big step forward: “Graeme is all about business. He is a champion and he knows what it takes to win,” says Morgan. “I was part of Graeme's team when he was winning events and setting speed and ET records both here and in the USA – he goes out to win and that is the way we approach our race efforts. He helped to inspire me to become involved in Top Fuel racing when he was running his own team – to be able to race with Graeme at this level again is a dream come true.” “Darren and I have been friends for a long time. He is prepared to work hard to win – to do whatever it takes. He wants to achieve a lot in this sport and if we can help then we are happy to do that,” said Cowin.

TROY CRITCHLEY FACES US COURT

Aussie racer charged over six deaths DRAG RACING

TROY Critchley has faced court in the USA over his involvement in the deaths of six people in a racecar accident last year. The Brisbane-born racer faces six counts of vehicular homicide due to recklessness and 22 counts of reckless aggravated assault relating to the 22 others injured in the Tennessee incident last June. Critchley, 37, also faces

16 civil damages claims totalling more than US$100 million. Has had a trial date set for November 3 and has been released on US$35,000 bond. The former drag racer, who has not raced since the accident in Selmer, Tennessee, was performing a burnout when his Chevrolet Camaro crashed into spectators. Ironically, he was attending the event to help raise funds for the Care for Kids charity.

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g Go hits The Big Smoke when championship racing left the Melbourne venue in 2001, Willowbank Raceway, with backing from Queensland Events Corporation, won the rights to host the event at its Ipswich facility. The Nationals will open the 2008/2009 Australian Group One Championships and the Rocket Allstars Racing Series

on Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6. “Despite the season long chase for the Australian Championships, the Nationals remains a very special event in the calendar, for racers and fans,” said ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton. “The Willowbank team and Queensland have done an

outstanding job with the event over the past six years and we thank them.” Western Sydney management was pleased with the announcement. “It’s a great result for our track and New South Wales from an events perspective,” said WSID Managing Director Tony Beuk. “This is the most historic and

After a four-year break, Ridgeway returns DRAG RACING AFTER a four-year hiatas, fourtime Australian Drag Racing champion Peter Rideway will make a return to the quarter mile in his brand-new, purpose-built Monaro Pro Stock racer. The Victorian will drive the car (built by American Don Ness) for the first time in private testing soon, before making his debut in the car at the Castrol Edge Winternationals at Willowbank in June. Ridgeway told eNews that he’s aiming to take his Monaro

to the front of the pack. “I suppose its been a long time retired, and I have a bit more left in my tank,” he said. “I don’t like to make any predictions because the other guys out there are the ones who are setting the bar at the moment. We’ll obviously aim at the front of the pack and do our best.” – GRANT ROWLEY For a complete look at Ridgeway’s new toy, see the latest edition of Motorsport News, available at all good newsagents Wednesday, 26 March

John Bosher

Monaro, Ma-a-a-te!

prestigious event in Australian drag racing and to have it at WSID is a tremendous boost for our calendar. Willowbank Raceway has done a tremendous job with the event and we plan on taking it to an even higher level.”

Funny Car star Al Hofmann dies DRAG RACING FAMED American Drag racer Al Hofmann has died. The former NHRA nationalevent-winning Funny Car driver, with his tough guy demeanor, and who gave John Force his most biggest challenges in the mid-1990s, died on March 20 of a massive heart attack at his home in Eustis, Florida. He was 60. Hofmann won 15 times in 32 final-round appearances, and was a regular in the NHRA top 10 between 1991-1996. His five-win 1995 campaign saw him finish second in the standings to Force. – DAVE OSTASZEWSKI

5 Minutes with ...

JAMIE WHINCUP

The V8 points leader is looking OS – but New Zealand has his full attention

So, what takes your fancy? What categories appeal to you from a distance? Looking from the outside and watching, without doing too much homework, NASCAR is very appealing to me. Purely, I like the amount of track time that they get. Here in Australia, we have a fantastic series but the fun part of the job – and that is getting into the car and driving around the track, fast – is very limited. As far as race meetings and test days go, I would love to be able to race about 40 weeks of the year and go to a test day, and slap on five or 10 sets of brandnew tyres. That catches my eye.

the championship leader, do you take a different approach to Hamilton? No, not at all. We will all go out there on a level playing field and do the absolute best job that we can. From that point of view, it is just the same – get the car on the pace as quickly as we can.

Peter Bury

MOTORSPORT eNEWS: We hear that there are international ambitions for J Whincup. What can you tell us about that? JAMIE WHINCUP: It is something I would like to do in the future. I have always just made the most of now [Ed: A sponsor plug in an interview. WorldClass work, Whincup!] and that is what I live by! But in the recent few months, I have opened up a bit, to think about what may or may not happen in my long-term future. Of course, it is important for everyone to understand that my focus is here, squarely on TeamVodafone and the 2008 V8 Supercar Championship. But as I get older, I need to think about my long-term future and as I said, I envy my friends and the other Australian drivers who have had an overseas opportunity. Maybe one day, I may get an opportunity like that.

PHIL BRANAGAN

Have you seen it [NASCAR] up close and personal? No, I haven’t. As I say, it may be a long-term dream for me. I see what Marcos Ambrose has done, the risks that he has taken and what he has achieved overseas. I think that is unbelievable, I would love to be able to follow in those footsteps. Would you look at something in the not-too-distant future, to try to dovetail some overseas racing with what you are already doing here? No, I would always focus on one thing at a time. My full focus is on the V8 Supercar Championship, I wouldn’t try to do a 50-50 effort in a couple of series. Even small things, outside your championship, would be out. It is so tough as it is, I would want to put my 100 percent focus into that. When I decide to do something else, I will do just

that, and then only if I have achieved all the goals that I want to here in Australia. Back to the job at hand. Short of having two round wins, the start of the season could hardly have gone a whole lot better for you and the team. No, the start of the season has been unbelievable. The Clipsal result was unbelievable and it has really put us in good shape for the year. But there are 12 rounds to go, a long way left in the year, and we have really got to keep developing the car and I have to keep improving my driving as well. It is going to be an exciting year and I am sure that the other guys are going to keep racing me all the way to the end. The next race is a different challenge – a new circuit for everyone in the series. With

Do you attack street circuits any differently to any other track? I do enjoy street circuits, I love Adelaide and I love Indy. I am sure that Hamilton will be no different. It suits my driving style, it suits the way that my car is set up. I just love the variable elements of racing on a street track, the manhole covers, the white lines, the crowned roads, the beer bottles on the track! It is always unpredictable and exciting and you have to be on the ball. Are you looking to make good in New Zealand? It is a ‘home race’ for a few teams but not yours. No. We will be going there knowing that it is important for us to go well in NZ, maybe not as important as it is, say, for Tasman. It is important for the team because we only visit New Zealand once a year and there is a lot of interest over there. It is important to do well everywhere but, as I said, we are confident. We have a good car and it works well at street circuits, and I believe that I drive well in those conditions. We will do our homework, and try to hit the ground running over there.

chat

Dirk Klynsmith

Rallying support from Honda opinion Andrew van Leeuwen mNews Deputy Editor

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PERCEPTION is a funny thing. For instance, when the news of Honda’s limited Australian Rally Championship program came up as conversation at eNews HQ this morning, it was agreed that this was big news for rallying in this country. It wasn’t until far later into the deadline that one of the staffers who was subediting the story piped up with “is this what we’re getting excited about?” And it was a fair call; when push came to shove, the story is about a two-wheeldrive rally car, running just two rounds of a five round series. Why were we getting so excited? But with the ARC in its current form, the word ‘factory’ breeds excitement. In fact, any word that isn’t ‘Toyota’ or ‘Corolla’ breeds excitement. That’s not a cheap shot at Toyota, I’m sure rally fans around the country applaud their commitment to keeping the ARC alive (I know I do), but it’s just that one manufacturer isn’t enough. So while Honda’s commitment to Australian Rallying isn’t huge, it’s something, and it’s something that could lead to bigger and better things. And that brings me back to perception,

for what might not be big news for another category, is for the ARC. As a life-long fan of rallying it pains me to say this, but at the moment, anyone taking any interest in the ARC is worth getting excited about. Guy Wilks driving a Super 1600 Civic in two rounds of the ARC might not be a

huge win for Australian Rallying, but I’m sure they’ll take it. And as much as I like Simon Evans, I hope Wilks grabs the little Civic by the kahunas in Canberra and blows the Evanses away. Then maybe Honda will decide to hang around, and that will be big news for the ARC …

Letters

Have your say, email us at mail@mnews.com.au. Keep letters to the point. Bulldust at a Gate I’m a big fan of Motorsport eNews and GPWeek. I go to Eastern Creek for the V8s, A1GP and ride days. Whenever I go to the A1GP or a ride day I never have problems, but at the V8s I do. Whenever I go to the ‘Creek’ I go in the rear gate, but I was told on the Saturday morning

to go to Gate 4. Now, I couldn’t go in this way. When inside, I was then told to move my parked car twice; never had any problems before. Even my 11-year-old daughter was asking me what was going on. What’s it going to be like when Oran Park is gone? M Fernance m.fernance@optusnet.com.au

A Whincup fan? A number of drivers and team owners have made some unfair comments towards Whincup, which I believe are totally uncalled for. Tim Edwards “maniac” comment, if it wasn’t so offensive, would have been pretty hilarious because I have no idea where he pulled

it from. If you look at Eastern Creek, Whincup pulled off two of the greatest battles of the weekend without incident – plus you don’t win the Barry Sheene medal and come second in the championship by driving like a maniac. Montanna Damm tannahleigh@yahoo.com.au

opinion

CAMS Bashing is a sport that is not uncommon in the annals of motor racing in this country and it is something of which Motorsport News has sometimes been accused. Being the referee of anything is never a job that is going to bring universal praise, given the nature of the sport. But on this occasion, it is worth noting that it appears that there are steps being made in the right direction. It is not unusual for organistions like CAMS to bring in outside consultants to go through the place with a

opinion Phil Branagan Executive Editor fine-tooth comb and point out what works and what doesn’t. But sometimes, what follows is a reluctance to follow through and actually implement what recommendations emerge from such a process. So, it is good news that CAMS is implementing at least some of the changes recommended in the Ernst & Young organisational review conducted some time ago.

eLETTER OF THE WEEK HD: How Dumb … I write to you having just reviewed the latest programming guide for the Easter weekend, disillusioned with the scheduling (or lack thereof ) consistency of Channel Ten in relation to Formula 1 telecasts;

particularly given their widespread statement of increasing F1 coverage to include live qualifying and races on Ten HD. As a life-long F1 fan, this statement was sufficient incentive for me to invest in a Full HD television.

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CAMS’ Rising Stars

Without knowing specific details, it appears to be only a plus that the commercial matters previously the domain of the Australian Motor Sports Commission are being brought back ‘in-house’. Under the supervision of CAMS’s CEO and Board, such matters will be, and should be, be conducted in the domain of the members who, after all, are the ones invested in the sport. I do not know Cathy Hattersley, who will head the Commercial Operations Division, but I do know Michael Masi and Allan Moffat,

who will chair the Commission charged with the transition from the old AMSC structure to the new. In my experience, both move to get things done sooner rather than later, and neither put up with much rubbish. If, in these days of largely outsourced category management, we have to have an ASN with a large, expensive infrastructure rather than one that is small and efficient – and that is a whole separate debate – these recent moves appear to be positive ones. So, no bashing here, then.

It’s therefore disappointing to say the least that the Malaysian F1 qualifying session was shown at 12:40am on Sunday, with the race at 11pm Sunday night. If they don’t think it rates sufficiently well enough to justify live free-to-air; couldn’t they sell twice the advertising space (the entire reason TV networks exist) by running it live on Ten HD then replaying the race at their free-to-air timeslot of

11pm on Sunday night? In closing and on a far more positive note; I offer my congratulations and thanks to the entire Motorsport News team on taking the lead in Motorsport publishing in this country and pushing ahead with your eNews format. The timeliness of information and your endeavours to update information throughout the week where relevant are both refreshing and rewarding as a reader. Ian McMah imcmah@netspace.net.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

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Together, again Merged, married, merry. American open-wheel competition is finally united, and the coming season looks damn tasty. PHILLIP MAHONEY takes a look at the new-look IndyCar Series

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IndyCar Media

INDYCAR

The ever-quick Tony Kanaan will be after consistency in 2008 to mount a real challenge for the title after some less favourable results last season. And can Dan Weldon get back on Dixon’s pace in the formidable line-up at Chip Ganassi? Whatever happens, 2008 looks certain to be an exciting year for IndyCar. The newly-combined series has been a long-time coming and is the best recipe to forget the past and focus on an increasingly promising future.

Honda Media

HIS year’s all-new IndyCar Series will kick off at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the GAINSCO Auto Insurance Indy 300 on the 29th of March, and after the successful offseason merger of America’s two openwheel championships, the new-look Indy Car looks set to be one of the most exciting in years. Australia will be represented Ryan Briscoe and Will Power who could both win races this season. After a disappointing 2005 IRL IndyCar campaign (which ended in a firey crash at Chicagoland), Briscoe was shuffled to Penske’s American Le Mans Series Porsche program last year. That combination yielded a couple of round victories, giving Roger Penske the confidence to replace the NASCAR-bound Sam Horish Jr with Briscoe in the prime IndyCar seat. Briscoe and Penske are very real title contenders and should look to break through for their first championship win together. While Briscoe has some sort of continuity, the only thing that isn’t changing for Power is the colour of his car. Having left Walker Racing for KV Racing Technology, Power will have to learn the Honda/Dallara set-up, while getting up to speed on the ovals. Power, a Champ Car round winner, will be partnered by Oriol Servia. Servia will provide a real test for Power as both drivers make the switch from Champ Car to the new Indy format.

Power’s first test in the car at Sebring was positive with some competitive times being posted. However, the first real form indicator will come early this week at Homestead-Miami where the teams will test ahead of the opening round. One advantage that Power will have is the Champ Car farewell meeting at Long Beach. The race will be run by the IRL, but using Champ Car’s Panoz chassis. The race will count for IndyCar points, and it will be Power’s best chance to cash in early. Many of last year’s main IRL players will be back for the new season, with the exception of defending Champ Dario Franchitti, who will compete in selected NASCAR races this season. After an incredibly strong year that saw him finish second in the championship, Kiwi Scott Dixon, driving for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, enters 2008 as one of the favourites for the title. The 2003 IRL champion will look to continue his racewinning form that saw him stand on the top step four times last year. Only a miscalculation in fuel consumption saw Franchitti pinch the title off him in the very last corner of the series last year. One of the most interesting questions to be answered this year will be Helio Castroneves’s ability to step up to the plate with Team Penske. Many believe that if he can avoid being shown up by his team-mate Briscoe, then he’ll be in contention for the championship. Danica Patrick will look to break through for her maiden win in the series. After some strong showings last year, 2008 should be her year to step up.

Title contenders: Ryan Briscoe, above, looks good in Penske red. Danica Patrick, top, will be keen to get her first IndyCar win.

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IndyCar Media

IndyCar Media IndyCar Media

Varied aims: Tony Kanaan, above, will look towards a more consistent 2008, as Scott Dixon, below, has only the championship on his mind after a disastrous end to last season. Will Power, right, has a lot to learn in his first ‘IndyCar’ Series.

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SPRINT KART CHAMPIONSHIPS LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA

Bart and Arrow Bart Price won the prestigious Clubman Light crown, while there were a number of new faces on the top step of the Sprint Kart podium. MARK WICKS reports

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Ash Budd

KARTING

MIX of first-time and multi-title winning drivers stood on the top step of the podium at the 46th annual AKA National Sprint Kart Championships in Launceston, Tasmania last weekend. Bart Price won the coveted green plates for Clubman Light. Pole-sitter Steven Scoble, defending Champ James Sera and Price made a break over the first half of the race before becoming embroiled in battle mid race. Price (Arrow) worked his way to the front and held a small margin to Sera through to the end. In Clubman Heavy, NSW engine builder Shayne Piper upstaged the regular guns, beating Jason Hryniuk, Matt Wall and fastest qualifier Pater Lawler. Two Senior National titles went to NSW’s Matthew Waters. In Heavy, Waters (Arrow), local Mark Brown and defending Champ Daniel Stein broke away and established a lead, with Waters taking the win.

But in Lights, Waters didn’t have it all his way. There were 15 lead changes during the 21-lap final, with Waters getting home ahead of Dominic Lostitch and Nicholas Tanti. Heat winner Cian Fothergill led at the start but was forced wide and out of the placings on the final lap. After winning the pre-final in every junior class, James Kovacic was in with a real shot of winning all three categories. Having clean-swept the qualifying and heat races in Junior Clubman, the Monaco driver had his hands full for the first half of the final as Chris Hayes, Ben Lincoln and Adam Lindstrom all had a turn at the lead. However, Kovacic fought back for a clear win ahead of Lincoln and Scott McLaughlin. Tyler Greenbury (Tony Kart) picked up his maiden Nationals, winning the Junior National Light class. The race was run in two parts after Sean Butcher flipped, bringing out a red flag. Matthew Brabham charged from grid 23 to second ahead of Cameron Waters (later DQ’d), Kovacic, Blake Sciberras and Warren White Jnr.

Top Kart’s Nathan Morcom edged out Sciberras and Garry Jacobson across the line in Junior National Heavy, however, the result is under appeal. Clubman Super Heavy was all about Scott Simpson, pictured above, the Redspeed driver undefeated as he claimed his fourth title in the category and his third on the run. Ben McKinlay and Phill Straughen filled the podium. James Sera traded the Clubman Light green plates for the Leopard Light set. David started from pole but dropped to third as Grant Smith and Jordie Lindstrom took over the front running. David later retired with an engine problem. Ryan Sanderson then took over P1 before Sera (Kosmic) worked his way past. Amrit Kandola was third. Starting off pole, Justin Schneider (Arrow) never looked back in Leopard Heavy. Fastest qualifier Rick Pringle and local Zane Wyatt dropped back after contact. A fastfinishing Pringle recovered for second ahead of Nathan Mills.

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Ash Budd

National pride: Left, Matthew Brabham, son of Geoff, finished second in Junior National Light behind Tyler Greenbury. Above, the crowd of drivers meet for pre-race briefings. Below, Justin Schnieder won Leopard Heavy.

Ash Budd

Two crowns! Matthew Waters, above, picked up both the Senior National Light and Heavy titles.

FESTIVAL OF SPEED MT PANORAMA, BATHURST

Easter Mountains Last weekend saw the return of racing to Mount Panorama at Easter. JAMES SMITH reports for Bathurst

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HISTORICS

James Smith

HE inaugural Shannons Bathurst Festival of Sporting Cars was run over the Easter weekend and drew a quality field of 490 entries from around Australia. The weekend saw a return to full clublevel racing at The Mountain, 35 years since the last meeting at Easter. Drivers, 300 officials and an estimated crowd of 10,000 were drawn to the low cost, fun racing. No prizes or trophies, just enjoyable racing. After Saturday morning practice, 38 races were run using imaginative track entries and military precision. Some new categories for Marque and Production Sports Cars saw Mountain Marques and Sporting Panorama Classes. With many drivers having their first experience at the mountain, Masters Training was conducted on Friday by a team of expert champion drivers including Spencer Martin, Leo Geoghegan, Ray Gulson, John Leffler, Warren Weldon and many others who imparted their knowledge on driving technique, car setup and track analysis.

Close call: Brad Tilley, above, nearly trashed his Mustang is opening practice on Friday, while A.J Boughen, top, was a show-stopper in the Easter Historic weekend.

The event drew 70 Historic Touring Sports Cars, 85 Historic Tourers, 95 Marque Production Sports, 55 Improved Production and 120 Regs including a 1932 Riley, 2 D-Type Jags replicas and 2 C-Type Jag replicas, proving Historic motorsport is powering in Australia. Bill Trengrove dominated the Historic Tourers in his ‘64 Mustang, leading Bill Meekes Rallye Sprint home in all races. Rick Newman finished with two wins and a third in the Improved Production class

with Scott Fleming winning one and two seconds. Ben Shoots filled the placings. Historic Sports saw Stewart Mahony winning three races, chased by Michael Spruyt, Bob Rowntree and Geoff Pike. Bill Pye and Iain Pretty dominated the Mountain Marque class whilst David Barram and Peter Jackson fought out the Sporting Panorama class. Brad Tilley driving the Bob Cox Mustang streeted the opposition in the Soft Tops vs Hard Tops Sporting Tourers.

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Falcon on top: Newman, above, won Improved Production at Bathurst.

Coopers Photography

There are always ups and downs at The Mountain: Damien Meyer, above, guides his Mazda towards The Cutting ahead of the Marque and Sports Production class. Below, Phil Whalley’s Alfa hits the wall before The Dipper.

James Smith

History repeating: The hungry pack of Historic Touring Cars across the top of the mountain, top, while Simon Phillips smokes it up through Hell Corner.

NASCAR NATIONWIDE CUP ROUND 6 – NASHVILLE, TENN

Wimm

NATIONWIDE CUP | DRIVERS points

Bowyer 877, Edwards 866, Reutimann 806, Ragan 771, Bliss 757. (Ambrose 552, 16th).

NASCAR Media

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mer’s a Grinner Scott Wimmer kept RCR in the Winner’s Circle. By MARTIN D CLARK IT may have been a rare off weekend for the Sprint Cup Series but that was not enough to prevent Richard Childress Racing from extending its domination of NASCAR’s top two divisions. Driving the Chevrolet he shares with Jeff Burton, Scott Wimmer took the spoils on Saturday in the Nationwide Series race at Tennessee’s

Nashville Speedway. Driving his first race of the year, Wimmer stretched his fuel mileage and held off RCR team-mate and Cup interloper Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards, who was looking for his fourth consecutive win at the track in his Roush Ford. For the third race in succession, Kyle Busch had the dominant car and lost the race Ford Racing

all by himself. After leading 125 laps, Busch lost control exiting a turn, clipping Bowyer and running through the infield grass, causing fender damage that saw him finish two laps off the pace. Also two circuits off the pace at the finish was Marcos Ambrose, who never really seemed to click at Nashville. He qualified 15th but, with only three caution flags over the 225 lap race, opportunities to pit for adjustments were scarce, and that bit the Tasmanian. “We’ve got two weeks now to have a think about things and make some progress,” commented Ambrose. “Today was not a great day for our team, but the potential is certainly there. We’ve just got to put our heads down and work hard on finding more speed. We had a really, really tight race car and we just couldn’t get it good enough.” Ironically, while Ambrose was clearly off the pace, there were celebrations on the other side of the JTG garage. Teammate Kelly Bires qualified fifth, led the race for one lap and scored a career-best fifth after fighting his way up the order in the late laps.

Hitting the Right Note: Wimmer, left, took his fifth career Busch/ Nationwide win, ending the three-year winning streak of Carl Edwards, right. Marcos Ambrose, #59 above, struggled but Kelly Bires, in Clorox car, roared home to fifth.

NASCAR Media

Rentsching an early lead Shannon and Ian took the first round of the Australian Off Road Championship OFF ROAD SHANNON and Ian Rentsch have stormed home to victory at the ARB Pinjarra Engineering Hyden 400, the first round of the 2008 Australian Offroad Racing Championship. Rentsch took control of the race from TRD’s David Fellows on the second last lap, completing the 400km race in 3 hours 50 minutes and five seconds. Duelling for second and third were the thundering V8 Jimcos of Brad Prout and 2007 Australian Champ Hayden Bentley. Prout fought off a hard charging Bentley to secure second outright by just under 30 seconds. Saturday’s prologue in the spectacular arena at ‘Smithy’s Place’ saw Fellows dominate the dusty prologue and pole position. The Proclass buggies of Rentsch, Bentley, Milburn and Prout were hot on his heels, proving all had been busy in the sheds during the off season.

As the offroad race cars greeted the starter at Smithy’s for the point-to-point section to Hyden and back on Saturday, the heavens opened. Catching many by surprise and drenching the track, leaving many teams caught short on tyre selection. Fellows made the best of the slippery conditions, opening up a two minute lead on Rentsch, Bentley, Prout and last year’s ARB Pinjarra Engineering Hyden 400 winner Eric Phillips. Fellows continued to comfortably lead the pack during Sunday’s first three-lap section, adding a 40s buffer to his overnight lead. However heading in to the final two lap section of the race, disaster struck for the TRD team. An oil line blew on the Jimco, ending their charge for the chequered flag. Shannon Rentsch assumed the lead, but behind him the attrition continued with podium contenders Phillips, Hanson and Milburn all out in the dying stages of the race, leaving Prout and Bentley to claim the

minor podium positions. Travis Robinson became another addition to offroad racing’s collection of rising stars. The 17-year-old from Perth, locking in fourth outright in his first AORC event. Brad Gallard kept the crowd entertained, flying the 6-litre Chevy-powered Trophy Truck high off the triple jumps at Christie’s Hill. Gallard took the Extreme 2WD class win and seventh outright. Geoff Pickering’s Mitsubishi Pajero continued to look unbeatable in the production 4WD Class, finishing ninth, just ahead of Mark Murray’s V8 Patrol in 10th outright. Harley Cooke was the quickest of the Performance 2WDs crossing the line in 12th. Out of the 64 starters 19 completed all three sections of the event. The next event of the six round Australian Offroad Racing Championship will be the Donald 500 in Victoria, on May 3/4 followed by the Tattersalls Finke Desert Race, starting in Alice Springs in June.

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Go Robbie!

Farr takes the Easter Trail, bunny and the spoils ...

EASTER TRAIL ROBBIE Farr loomed ominous all weekend as he does at most Easter Sprintcar Trail races and again this year was no exception. Farr claimed another Easter Trail final round win at Warrnambool’s Premier Speedway and captured the most aggregate points to claim the 29th running of the popular three day event. He again masterd the Warrnambool high banks, coming from pole position defeating Mitchell Dumesny subbing in his father’s iconic V5 Valvoline Maxim, which came from eighth. Ryan Farrell was third with Danny Reidy blasting his way to fourth after starting in 15th place. It was Farrell who set the early pace of the 44 cars, quickest in time trials with a 10.763s from Warrnambool youngster Jamie Veal (10.766s). The night prior was a win no one saw coming. At a venue known to be tight and tough on inexperienced racers, teenager James McFadden did everything right on the ‘bull-ring’ racetrack to win. The smooth-driving McFadden led home Farr, and the quickest time trialler, Andrew Scheuerle. On a perfect track, McFadden came off pole with Danny Reidy on his outside. Following the earlier theme of the night the race started with a full restart from a jump, and then at the restart with the first lap about to drop, Grant Anderson was hit hard at turn three, ripping his front right wheel off and launching into the air landing on the fence a good 60 metres from where he became airborne. McFadden wasn’t bothered with the restart, going straight to the front with Reidy pushing hard for second. With 18 laps left, Reidy had to back off

as lapped traffic came into play. As a result Garry Brazier jumped onto his tail, and Farr snuck into second, passing both Brazier and Reidy. Two laps remained and a the pace was fierce. The first four cars headed to the finish line and Brazier tried to pull a gap that didn’t open. The result wasn’t good; he ended up wrecking his car on the fence. The remaining laps were still full of drama. McFadden led and Farr was coming quickly, then in a big surprise to all, Reidy retired, elevating Andrew Scheurle up to third. Good Friday was just that for Brisbane-based Reidy as he claimed victory in the opening night of Easter Sprintcar Trail at Avalon International Raceway. Reidy made his job a lot easier coming from pole, with two heat wins along the way. His fellow front row starter Steve Lines trailed Reidy home with Farr third and the everimpressive Darren Mollenoyux in fourth. The Defending Easter Trail champion Reidy sported a shaved head in victory lane from a recent trim to raise money for the Shave for Cure cause jumped Lines and was never headed. Lines raced to second after looking set to miss the trail after he sustained damage to his three chassis during the season. With the help of Foster Chassis and Cool Chassis, Lines was able to take his place in the field and stand on the podium. Mitchell Dumesny started his injured father’s Maxim from the second row along with prerace favourite Robbie Farr. It was Farr challenging early in the night as he did all weekend and showed he will be one of the drivers to again watch on next year’s Easter Sprintcar Trail and during the domestic Australian season. – GEOFF ROUNDS

rear of grid

Bernie and the Jets NOPE, we are not sucking up to Mercedes-Benz by running an image of the Safety Car at the Shannons meeting at Bathurst at the weekend. No, the object of our interest was at Mount Panorama last Tuesday. And that would be Bernd Schneider who, among gather such titles as five DTM crowns and numerous Sportscar victories has never once managed to race at the famed mountain course. But all that might change. Bernd drew comparisons between Bathurst and the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. "A little mistake could lead to a big crash but I would like to come here to do a race," said Schneider. Whether he will ever get to take in the Great Race remains to be seen. Usually, factories are a little coy about letting

their brand superstars play with others, and M-B do not (currently) compete in V8 Supercars against Henry and

The General. But it has happened before. And, with the company’s motorsport division being

run by Norbert Haug, a man with a passion for mountain racetracks himself, you never know ...

Young. Restless. Not Niki Odd Spot

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WE liked this pic. It is good to see the name ‘Lauda’ back on a racecar. This comes from the Speedcar Series races at Sepang, the NASCAR-like series for some of the elderly legends of the sport. But the thing is, this is Matthias Lauda, who father Niki won the world drivers’ championship three times. And Matty ... hasn’t. So, since there is a ‘lowering of the bar’ in the mega-buck series, some suggestions; put Jim Richards and John Bowe in the cars. We reckon that the likes of Jean Alesi and Johnny Herbert, both GP winners in their day, may find the heat in the kitchen a little warmer if Richo and JB are there to amp it up a little ... So, please, someone, do it?