Motorsport eNews Issue 159 - June 15-21, 2010

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Issue No. 159 June 15-21 2010

WESTERN FORCE

WA looking good for 2011 return to V8 Supercar schedule. Full details inside

Audi do that?

Germans pull off amazing Le Mans win, while Peugeots fail

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Issue No. 159 | June 15 - 21 2010

news 4

Wild West gets closer WA set for 2011 round 7 Getting Davo’s groove back Will happy with new HRT rig 8 Mostert debuts in a V8 Laps for AFFC leader 10 Smoke and Mirrors Stewart wants more TPCR 16 I Finke I Can Fellows wins desert race

chat 22 Five Minutes With ...

Craig Lowndes

comment 24 Adam: Too many enduros Klynsmith: Le Mans

race 26 24 Heures Du Mans 32 Winternationals 38 NASCAR

trade 42 Classifieds

BARBAGALLO FUTURE LOOKI

The recent WA State Budget might not have included further funding for Barbagallo Raceway V8 SUPERCARS THE chances of V8 Supercars returning to Western Australia as soon as 2011 have not been dented, despite the recently released WA state budget not including further funding for Barbagallo Raceway.

A late decision was made not to visit WA this year, due to ongoing disagreements between V8 Supercars Australia and the WA Sporting Car Club over the circuit’s ageing facilities – despite the state government’s promise of nearly $5 million for upgrades made late last year.

With that money set to be allocated later this month, the

jury is still out on whether it will be enough to entice V8 Supercars back to the circuit in 2011.

And while eNews understands that further, more significant state government funding is not out of the question for Barbagallo Raceway, it will not be budgeted until at least 2011/12, with the recentlyreleased budget’s sporting allocation set aside for a revamped rectangular stadium ($83 million) and upgrades to the WA State Netball Centre ($26 million).

While WA’s Minister for Sport and Recreation, Terry Waldron, was unwilling to comment

on the next state budget so soon after the release of the 2010/11 budget, he did say that negotiations for V8s to return to WA were ongoing, and on track for 2011. “$4.7 million is confirmed for the project,” Waldron told eNews, “$3.2 million from the State Government and $1.5million from the WASCC, [and] that money can be used immediately [when] negotiations are completed.

“The State Government, V8 Supercars and the WA Sporting Car Club are currently negotiating the Financial Assistance Agreement relating to safety improvements,

development of pit lane garages, track lighting and services relocation.

“Those negotiations are ongoing, however we are confident of resolving the discussions satisfactorily this year.”

V8 Supercars Australia’s media manager Cole Hitchcock agreed that, despite no allocation in the state budget, there is still every chance that V8s will return to WA in 2011.

“Everybody understands the importance of WA to all of our stakeholders,” said Hitchcock.

“A major aim or ours is to continue to be a truly national sport. Having said that, we’ve

motorsport news

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LOOKING BRIGHTER

y, but the key players in the Perth issue are confident of 2011 resolution made our position with the conditions at Barbagallo Raceway clear – we won’t be back unless they improve.

“We are verypleased with the many conversations we’ve had with the government in recent weeks, and we’re extremely hopeful that we’ll reach a very positive outcome for our fans in Western Australia, our teams, our sponsors and our sport for next year.”

V8 Supercars made an unofficial return to WA last week, with TeamVodafone and Ford Performance Racing both holding ride days at Barbagallo Raceway. Mutual sponsor Norton (Symantec) hosted a

function at Burswood Casino near Perth, with more than 800 fans turning out to mingle with Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom and James Moffat.

According to Matthew Drake, Symantec consumer spokesperson, the reception from local fans highlights the importance of racing in WA for major sponsors involved in V8 Supercars.

“We were really impressed by the response of the fans that attended our Norton 360 Perth Challenge party,” Drake told eNews.

“We had great feedback from both the Holden and Ford

fans that attended. The fans appreciated seeing the drivers in such a relaxed atmosphere and being able to get up close, get autographs and spend time chatting with the stars of the sport. Norton has a strong customer base in Western Australia and Perth has a lot of very passionate V8 Supercar fans.”

Those comments mirror the thoughts of Wilson Security boss John McMellan, who back in March told eNews that “WA is our second largest business. The way our funding for motorsport works is that it is a state-by-state thing, and all the states are in, which is why we do it.

“If we don’t have a round for our second biggest business, that’s a negative. If I was the state manager in WA, I’d be asking why I would spend money on something that I’m not going to get in my state.”

With the financial year coming to an end, big businesses will be close to locking down marketing budgets for 2011 now.

In other words, there has never been a more critical time for a decision on the future of V8 Supercars in Western Australia.

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Dirk Klynsmith

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Phil Williams

BJR TAKES ON NEW VE V8 SUPERCARS

LOWNDESY’S NEW RIG AUS SAFARI CRAIG Lowndes will be smiling all the way through the 2010 Australasian Safari.

As previously reported, the TeamVodafone ace will drive a V8-powered Holden Colorado in the event, with PWR Performance boss Kees Weel navigating.

“The Australasian Safari is an event I have

been wanting to take part in for years,” said Lowndes, “so when the opportunity came up to drive the Colorado for Kees and the PWR/ Holden Rally Team, I jumped at it” The 3500km event starts in Perth on September 17, and finishes eight days later.

The final course of the 25th anniversary event is expected to be confirmed in the next few weeks.

THE rush of new Commodores looks unlikely to slow down any time soon, with news that BJR will have a new VE later this year.

The Jones Brothers team was due to take delivery of a new Walkinshaw Racing bodyshell today (Tuesday) from WR’s Clayton headquarters. The car will be built up over the mid-season break and is set to make its debut at Phillip Island.

Jason Bright will race the car in Trading Post orange, with Matt Halliday co-driving.

Of course, the Holden Racing Team is due to debut two new WR Commodores in Darwin this weekend, while TeamVodafone also has a new VE, for Jamie Whincup.

As reported previously, Craig Lowndes will have his new car ready at Phillip Island. motorsport news

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V8 SUPERCARS

WILL Davison is confident that the new Toll Holden Racing Team chassis will give him his groove back after an embattled start to the season.

Currently sitting 15th in the points, last year’s runner-up has struggled to find speed

from his VE Commodore, despite it being exactly the same chassis that he raced so successfully in 2009. He and team-mate Garth Tander will both debut new cars this weekend, and after a shakedown and a test, Davison is feeling pretty good about it.

“Mentally, it’s a fresh start,” he

told eNews.

“It’s my first new car, so regardless of performance it is exciting. But obviously I am hoping for a performance gain, too.

“The car hasn’t felt right all year. I’m not one to get carried away after test days, but I had a very good feeling in this new

Dirk Klynsmith

DAVO: FEELING BETTER

car straight away, and that’s something that I haven’t had all year. It’s strange, because it’s the same car I had last year, but stranger things have happened in this sport.”

“So I’m pretty happy heading into Darwin. I feel that I’m due for a good result.”

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

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ZZZ EVPVSRUW FRP DX www.mnews.com.au

BRIEFLY n Australian karting legend John Pizarro is hosting a benefit night in Sydney on July 3 for log-time Kiwi rival Raymond Hart, who is battling cancer of the liver and pancreas. The function will be held at a brilliant inner-city Sydney location, with guest of honour (and former kart student) Craig Baird heading a list of motorsport guests. For more information, email us at mnews@mnews.com.au for an info sheet. n Centaur Racing will have a different team manager in Darwin this weekend.

With Darron Tait unable to make the trip, ex-Tasman Motorsport man Graham Jenkins will call the shots for Tony D’Alberto.

FORMULA FORDER RACKS UP DEBUT V8 MILES V8 SUPERCARS

AUSTRALIAN Formula Ford Championship leader Chaz Mostert has tested a V8 Supercar for the first time, cutting laps in Wayne Miles’ BF Falcon at Queensland Raceway recently.

Mostert completed 40 laps in the ex-Michael Patrizi Falcon, with V8 veteran Glenn Seton on hand to guide the rookie through the experience.

“It’s basically similar to a

Formula Ford, except with more power and bodyroll,” Mostert told eNews.

“I came in blindfolded a little bit – I really didn’t know what to expect – but it turned out really well. Plus, I gave the car back in one piece, which is a big bonus.

“Having Glenn there really helped as well. He’s a very good operator, and he knows a lot about setting up and driving these cars. It made a big difference to be able to

come in after a session and run things by him.”

But while Mostert was impressive on debut in a V8 Supercar, he said there were no plans to debut in the Fujitsu Series before 2011.

“I need to concentrate on Formula Ford this year, because it is a close fight at the top there,” he added.

“Hopefully I can get the title under my belt, and then we can look at our options.”

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

n Reverend Doctor Garry Coleman, V8 Supercars’ Chaplain, was among those honoured in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Coleman was awarded an Order of Australia medal, for ‘services to the community through Chaplaincy and coordination roles with the Motor Racing Ministries’. n Elliot Barbour will make his Touring Car Masters presented by Autobarn debut this weekend at Hidden Valley.

The 19-year-old was due to run his 1972 Chrysler Charger for the first time at Winton, but was prevented from running by a delay in the arrival of engine components. Joining Barbour on the 33-car entry list for Round 3 are Greg Keene, running a recently-acquired Porsche, while Amanda Sparks will contest her first round of the season. n 17-year-old Stefan Borsato will also debut at Darwin, in the Australian Formula Ford Championship.

V8 INJURY LIST GROWS V8 SUPERCARS

THE carnage has continued in the Richards family, with Jason Richards’s father Dave the latest to suffer some injuries.

Just weeks after the Team BOC driver suffer a facial injury, which resulted in a broken nose, Richards Sr has two misfortunes last week.

First it was a missing finger, which came after a mishap with an angle grinder. But then, as he was leaving to assist JR with his karting

program in Christchurch, Dave took a tumble down some stairs, and trying to not make his finger injury worse, broke the wrist on his other arm!

“He will miss the next two races,” Jason explained, “he has only missed seven events in my racing career, which is up to 26 years now.”

Apart from being a supportive parent, Dave manages the tyre bank for the #8 Commodore which, of course, qualified on pole last year at Hidden Valley.

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NASCAR GETS THE ‘OK’ NASCAR

OWEN Kelly will make his NASCAR Nationwide debut this weekend at Road America.

Following eNews’ exclusive report last week on Kelly’s bid to contest this year’s three Nationwide road course events, the Tasmanian has inked a deal with Baker Curb Racing in this weekend’s 50lap race.

Baker Curb’s Ford Fusion has been driven by Sprint Cup driver Greg Biffle for the majority of the season.

“They were looking to put a road course racer in for this race so that has worked out well for me and I’m very

grateful that it has all come together,” Kelly said.

Road America is the first of three road courses on the Nationwide schedule, with Watkins Glen and Montreal to follow in August.

“The first aim is to try and do the other couple of road course races in August, but obviously I’m talking to the team about doing some of the oval track stuff as well. So I’d like to turn this opportunity into some more races,” he said.

“The first thing is to get this first race out of the way and get it done nice and clean and tidy and then start working on trying to do more races.”

PERKINS HEADING NORTH FUJITSU V8s

JACK Perkins is hopeful of contesting Round 4 of the Fujitsu Series at Townsville next month, but might use a different car.

Perkins is one of 26 entries lodged for the event, having raced a PMM-built VE Commodore at Queensland Raceway and Winton. As he looks to lock in a Townsville deal, uncertainty remains over whether the car – which owner James Rosenberg has listed for sale – will be

available for use.

Running at Townsville would mean Perkins is eligible to contest the Bathurst round of the series. Drivers contesting the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 can only race in that weekend’s Fujitsu round if they’ve done 60 percent of the series prior; with three rounds the cut-off.

“Entries closed on Friday, I’ve got one in,” Perkins told eNews.

“My intention is to run, but it’s by no means locked in yet. James’ car is for sale and there’s a few people interested in it.

“We’re talking to a couple of other people about using other cars, so if it does get sold we’ve got a couple of options to look into.

“I want to do the Bathurst round, and I need to have done three rounds before that, so I’m keen to do Townsville.”

Paul Morris is also currently entered to race in Townsville, after he won the Queensland Raceway round in May in the sister VE to the car Perkins has raced. in the last two rounds.

– MITCHELL ADAM

Purchase any JBR / DJR merchandise between the 26th May - 30th June 2010, For your chance to WIN!!! A Framed piece of JBR memorabilia Support Australia’s No1 Ford Team

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PMM IN DRAG! V8 SUPERCARS

GREG Murphy won bragging rights over team-mate Russell Ingall at the Castrol EDGE V8 Winternationals at the weekend.

The four-time Bathurst winner prevailed over Ingall 2-1 in three match races at Willowbank. Ingall had low elapsed time of the event with an 11.0s run, while Murphy set the track V8

Supercar speed record at over 135 mph.

“What a great experience” Murphy said.

“I don’t think our reactions in the decider were anything to write about and my Castrol EDGE Commodore had a lot of wheelspin, but I was able to get the win light, which I’m pretty happy about.”

- it also means I’’ve got bragging rights in our team, at least until Darwin next weekend!”

Ingall echoed the sentiments.

“Today was great fun, we were a bit worried about too much grip being the biggest issue as the track is so tacky – that is the first time you will hear about a V8 driver complaining about too much grip!” Ingall said.

“We got off to a good start though and Murph and I had a few close runs – since he has had not a great start to the year though I thought I would let him win it.

Just call me a nice guy.”

NASCAR STAR BACK TO AUS? SPRINTCARS

John Morris/Mpix

10

NASCAR star Tony Stewart could return to Australia to race Sprintcars again this Christmas and New Year period.

Stewart raced at Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway last summer, contesting four events with Garry Rush’s Pick ‘N’ Payless outfit during an off-season holiday. While final arrangements have yet to be finalised, Stewart is keen to make a similar trip this summer.

“He’s expressed and interest in coming back out, around the same time as he did last year, and we want him to come out, but it’s not 100 percent confirmed at the moment,” TPCR General Manager Ashley Van Der Stelt told eNews.

“Tony is a busy guy, and the plan could change depending on what happens with his NASCAR team between now and the end of the season.

“We’ll probably know for sure either way in the next couple of months.”

– MITCHELL ADAM motorsport news

www.mnews.com.au

11

McLaren sends warning FORMULA 1 AS the points table tightens, the World Drivers’ Championship is becoming a developmental war between the team technical boffins as much as it is a battle between the drivers out on the track.

Despite consecutive one-two results for McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in Turkey and Canada, McLaren boss Martin Whitmarsh says his team is in danger of falling behind Red Bull Racing if it does not ramp up its development efforts through the remainder of the season.

“It is a classic case that if we don’t develop the car at a quick-enough pace,” he told reporters after Hamilton’s Canadian

victory, “then we will not win races and we will not win this championship.

“We have got an underlying development programme, and we are trying to bring 0.15-0.25 seconds every race. If you do that upper end of the scale in four races, then that is one second.

“We won’t stand still. We have a reasonably big upgrade that we are fighting to have for Silverstone, and if that is there then I would be disappointed if it is not a much bigger step than that. But I also expect, Red Bull Racing to fight back.”

Whitmarsh also hoped McLaren’s experience as a ‘battle-hardened’ team will allow to come to the fore later in the season.

“We have been through a lot of world

championship fights and we have probably got a bit more experience in our team than Red Bull Racing - but we don’t underestimate them. They are going to come back strongly, for sure, and we have to make sure that we continue to develop the car.”

Meanwhile Ferrari has also pledged to redouble its development efforts for the remainder of the season, having admitted it wasted too much resources on trying to perfect its F-duct system.

While Ferrari hasn’t won since the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, Fernando Alonso left Canada fourth in the standings and remains well in contention, only 13 points adrift of championship leader Hamilton.

sutton-images.com

coverage P G o t o et 1/M For full F CLICK HERE to g , and news Week magazine! to GP eek.com www.gpw

KOREA TURNS TO CAMS FOR EXPERTISE

Pirelli closes in

FORMULA 1

12

CAMS will seek expressions of interest from its licensed officials, to assume senior positions with the event. These are available through CAMS’ official website, www.cams.au.

Courtesy GP3

THERE will be a fair bit of Aussie know-how in the maiden Korean Grand Prix.

CAMS has announced that it will provide its opposite number, the Korea Automobile Racing Association (KARA), with training for its organisational and operational staff, and officials, prior to the inaugural Korean GP on 22-24 October. The partnership will be for at least three years.

FORMULA 1 PIRELLI is firming as favourite to become the sole tyre supplier to Formula 1 into

2011 and beyond.

Pirelli’s director of motorsport, Paul Hembery, was seen in lengthy talks with Formula One motorsport news

His tough season continued in Canada but Felipe ends Silly Season

MASSA RE-SIGNS WITH FERRARI

Ferrari

FORMULA 1

n on F1 deal Teams’ Association (FOTA) representatives at Montreal during the Canadian Grand Prix weekend.

It appears that FOTA is already sold on Pirelli, with Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner describing the Pirelli proposal as ‘commercially and practically very attractive’.

But it is the FIA, not FOTA, which will make the final decision, the FIA President Jean Todt warned the teams in Canada. www.mnews.com.au

Meanwhile Michelin’s competitors chief Nick Shorrock said that his company remained in the running and was awaiting feedback from FOTA. He also said it was crucial that a decision be made soon as time was running out as far as developing new tyres for 2011 was concerned.

Complicating matters is the fact that Todt favours a tender process, which would delay a final decision by some weeks.

Massa in a press statement.

“Throughout my entire Formula 1 career, I have always raced with an engine made in Maranello and it is a matter of pride for me to be able to continue working with a team that I regard as a second family.”

In his five seasons with Ferrari, Massa has taken 11 wins, 30 podiums, 15 poles and 12 fastest race laps.

sutton-images.com

FELIPE Massa will be staying at Ferrari until at least the end of 2012.

The news brings to an end speculation that either Mark Webber or Robert Kubica might replace Massa as teammate to Fernando Alonso at the Scuderia in 2011.

With Alonso also contracted

until 2012, the Ferrari driver lineup is locked in place for the next two and a half years.

Massa joined Ferrari in 2006 and has only raced with Ferrari motors throughout his entire F1 career, which he began in a Ferrari-powered Sauber in 2002.

“I am happy to be given the opportunity to drive for Ferrari for a further two seasons,” said

COULTHARD HONOURED WITH MBE FORMULA 1 HE never was world champion, but David Coulthard’s long Formula 1 career has now been formally acknowledged

by Buckingham Palace with the awarding of an MBE for his ‘contribution to motorsports’.

“A big thank you to all those who have helped me and to the whole motorsports community,” Coulthard told the BBC, “because the platform of

motor racing has given me this opportunity.”

During his 15-year F1 career Coulthard won 13 Grands Prix, took 62 podium finishes and finished second in the 2001 World Championship.

With a total world championship points haul of 535 – scored for Williams, McLaren-Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, the Scot became the most successful British F1 driver, in terms of points scored.

13

Honda Racing

SWIFT AMPS UP INDY BID IndyCar defe INDYCARS

SWIFT Engineering has announced more details, and images, of its new IndyCar concept.

Last week the company presented its proposition to the IndyCar ICONIC Committee in its bid to partner with the series to design and manufacture the next generation IndyCar for 2012 through 2016.

“I’m very proud of the Swift team who over the past nine months, have put together a compelling value proposition for the Indy Racing League,” said Jan Wesley Refsdal, Swift’s President.

“Swift’s engineering, manufacturing and commercial departments contributed significant effort and internal budget to develop a cost-effective, safe, exciting and modern look race car. We believe our latest concept is worthy of the fastest and most technically diverse racing series in the world.”

The seventh Swift IndyCar 14

concept is dubbed #70 “Road to Indy” and proudly displays the Interstate 70 sign as this is the main road travelling from west to east through Indianapolis, Indiana.

“The monocoque is larger than the current spec,” stated Chris Norris, Swift’s chief designer. “It is designed to accommodate driver size from Danica [Patrick, 152cm] to Justin [Wilson, 192cm] with added padding beneath and behind the driver.

“In addition we have added anti-wheel lock blades dubbed, ‘Satan’s teeth’ aft of the front wheels, attached to the front of the sidepods. Also an antilift approach to the design of the front wings and sidepods will dramatically reduce the likelihood of the car getting airborne.”

IndyCar ICONIC Committee is reviewing Swift’s and four other manufacturer’s value propositions and is expected to make its decision for the next generation IndyCar for 2012 – 2016 competition in the near future.

INDYCARS THE Indy Racing League has defended its Safety Team in the wake criticism of its handling of the fiery shunt suffered by Simona de Silvestro at Texas Motor Speedway two weekends ago.

With the Safety Team delayed by an equipment malfunction, de Silvestro suffered burns to her right hand as she extracted herself from the burning wreck.

“I hit the wall, saw the fire, and figured it would extinguish itself like most of them seem to do,” the Swiss driver explained to Speed TV. “I tried not to panic because I saw the Safety Team and I figured they would just come over and start spraying the sidepod. But it never

happened. In all the other crashes I’ve watched, they usually extinguish the fire and then get the driver out. But when that didn’t happen, I thought, ‘this isn’t good’. I was trying to get my headrest out of the way so I could get out but it was stuck. I put my hand down to help push off and that’s when I got burned.”

After the race HVM team owner, Keith Wiggins, was scathing of the tardy rescue effort. “The Safety Team should be ashamed of themselves,” he said.

But in a prepared statement the Indy Racing League defended the Safety Team’s response: “First and foremost,” the statement read, “we make the safety of our competitors a priority when on the track.

The primary hose on the series’ motorsport news

TK wants more RHR at AA

RAHAL II IN AT D&R WHILE Mike Conway is on the mend after a major shunt on the next to last lap at the Indy 500, his Dreyer & Reinbold team has chosen Graham Rahal to fill the Dad’s Root Beer custom-designed Hot Wheels seat.

The 21-year-old will drive in the Iowa Corn 250 at Iowa Speedway on June 20. The youngest winner in IRL history will be reunited

with Justin Wilson, driving the 22 Z-Line Designs sister Dreyer & Reinbold car. The two were team-mates in 2008 at Newman/Haas Racing.

“We are thrilled to have Graham drive for us this weekend,” team co-owner Robbie Buhl said.

“We obviously wish that Mike could be with us, but we just want him to have a quick recovery. Iowa will be big weekend for DRR as we unveil the Dad’s Root Beer one-

Honda Racing

INDYCARS

INDYCARS

off paint scheme designed by Hot Wheels on Father’s Day. Graham was a perfect fit and we couldn’t be happier to have him behind the wheel.”

Tomas Scheckter, who drove one of four cars for Dreyer & Reinbold at Indy, was Conway’s replacement last week at Texas Motor Speedway. The team has not indicated who will drive in two weeks at Watkins Glen, the beginning of four road course events.

– MARY MENDEZ

ends Safety record safety truck malfunctioned, so the safety team had to go to the backup of the bottles. All equipment is checked prior to going on track before every

race. We are examining why the hose malfunctioned to ensure this equipment failure will not happen again.”

“Our Safety Team consists

of approximately 24 highlytrained safety personnel with a minimum of 14 attending each event - two trauma physicians, three paramedics and nine firefighters/EMTs. Team members have an average of 20 years of experience in their respective areas. The safety team is recognised for its high standards and high performance and this problem will be addressed.”

Meanwhile de Silvestro has been medically cleared to drive in the next round of the IZOD IndyCar Series this weekend, at Iowa Speedway.

– MARY MENDEZ

Honda Racing

Honda Racing

www.mnews.com.au

TONY Kanaan fears he is about to lose an important ally within Andretti Autosport as the team’s fourth driver, Ryan Hunter-Reay, looks set for the sidelines due to a lack of sponsorship.

While Kanaan, the team’s most experienced driver, has established a good working relationship with HunterReay, the situation between the 2004 IndyCar champ and younger team-mates Marco Andretti and Danica Patrick has at times been less cordial.

“Ryan has been doing a great job,” Kanaan said.

“He won the race in Long Beach after our team hadn’t had a win in two years. We worked together well in Texas.

He’s a great addition to the team and pushes me to the limit. You can’t leave a talent like that at home. I won’t take a pay cut to sponsor him unless he puts my name on his car.”

Meanwhile, with a series of five consecutive road courses coming up, former A1 GP champ Adam Carroll was to have tested with Andretti Autosport at Watkins Glen.

However, the scheduled IndyCar test day at the Glen was washed out by persistent rain.

– MARY MENDEZ

15

James Smith

Hughes gets Morris for Winton COMMODORE CUP PAUL Morris is the latest high-profile driver locked in for the third-annual Commodore Cup Endurance Challenge at Winton in just under a fortnight.

The V8 Supercar team owner will slot in alongside 19-yearold Josh Hughes, and will do battle with the likes of Lee Holdsworth, Shane Price and

Steve Owen.

According to Hughes, currently fifth in the Commodore Cup standings, the signing of Morris is a big boost to the small team.

“I wanted an experienced codriver for the event, someone I could learn from,” he said.

“Paul obviously has lots of experience in all different types of racing, and has a really good record in

endurance races.

“It’s really good for the category as well, and it shows that V8 Supercar team owners are paying attention to Commodore Cup as a breeding ground for young talent.

“From a personal perspective, it’s really good to develop a link to a V8 Supercar team at this stage in my career as well.”

Former Fujitsu V8 Supercar

driver Sam Walter has been confirmed as a starter alongside category newcomer Danny Buzadzic, while Scott Andrews will be joined by former champion Tim Shaw.

Alternative Freight Services has been confirmed as the title sponsor for the event, running with the Shannons Nationals on June 26-27, with 21 cars entered.

– LACHLAN MANSELL

Peter Kittle Motorsport has claimed another another Finke Desert Race win, with Dave Fellows behind the wheel in its Toyota-powered Jimco buggy. Well played.

16

motorsport news

www.mnews.com.au

17

PTRS eyes Aussie expansion in 2011 FORMULA 3

Phil Williams

ASIAN outfit Team PTRS Racing will look to increase their involvement in the Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship next year.

Through a tie-in with Team BRM, Chinese driver Zhang Shan Qi runs in the Australian Championship, following a oneoff run at the final round of the 2009 season, where he raced with R-Tek. With less than half-a-dozen car races under his belt prior to

the season, Shan Qi has steadily improved, and qualified third at Mallala. The 18-year-old’s car runs in PTRS colours, with two of the Chinese team’s personnel on hand at each round to assist.

“First of all Australia is close to us – Europe and America seem so far away,” PTRS Assistant Team Manager Leah Lo said.

“We know it’s probably more competitive in Europe but Australia is more affordable and still very competitive. It is a stepping stone before we think of other counties.

“It’s important for us because we’re in Australia to gain experience. It’s very different for the drivers with people they work with and get along with compared to Asia. What we really want when we come to Australia is to learn from the

people here.”

“We hope to bring more drivers to Australia. It’s beautiful; there is a nice environment and nice friendly people to work with. If we can bring more young drivers to Australia to race we will.”

V8 Touring Cars on track for PB at Winton V8 TOURING CARS THE Shannons V8 Touring Car Series is set to field their biggest-ever grid at Winton on June 26-27.

Twelve entries have been received for the third round

of the 2010 season, a boost for the series after four raced at Symmons Plains and six at Mallala. Should they all race, it’d be the biggest field for the SV8TC in its three-years.

Among the newcomers, former Fujitsu Series outfit

Sydney Star Racing will return to the scene, running Aaron Tebb in one of their ex-GRM VY Commodores, and ex-Fujitsu Series racer Dean Neville will run his BA Falcon in the series for the first time.

Chris Delfsma (AU Falcon)

and Isidoro Ambrosio (VY Commodore) will also make their debut, while Ben Eggleston (VX Commodore), Steve Ingwersen (VS Commodore) and Leigh Moran (EL Falcon) are scheduled to have their first hitout of 2010.

program in the country. Drivers selected will be fast tracked to ensure peak performance in pursuit of their motor racing aspirations and goals.”

Drivers wishing to nominate for the 2011 Program must meet specific assessment criteria including age (14 years and above), demonstrating elite past driver performances,

and the ability to provide the balance of an operational racing budget.

Nominations close on Friday September 10, with the successful candidates to be names in late October.

Currently, Matthew Brabham, Garry Jacobson, Liam Sager and Jack Le Brocq are competing as part of the program.

ROLL UP, ROLL UP GENERAL NOMINATIONS for the 2011 CAMS Rising Stars program are now open.

The Risings Stars program allows young drivers to receive funding to run in state or national Formula Ford, through the program’s official racing services provider, Minda

Motorsport.

“This Program is a unique opportunity to launch a young drivers racing career,” said Australian Motor Sport Foundation General Manager Martin Stillman.

“The CAMS Rising Star Program has demonstrated over recent years to be the leading driver development

Dirk Klynsmith

18

motorsport news

EC launches Eight Hour Proddie enduro PRODUCTION CARS

Dirk Klynsmith

EASTERN Creek has announced it will host an Eight Hour Production Car race this November.

The November 20-21 event is set to cater for Productionbased Touring Cars complying with CAMS 3E Regulations, FIA Under 2-Litre Group N Asian and New Zealandbased Production Cars, with the Australian Racing Drivers Club putting $100,000 of prize money on the line.

“The Eastern Creek Eight Hour will be the first time Asian competitors will have

the opportunity to compete with Australian Production Cars, and could lead to Eastern Creek becoming an annual round of the Asian Production Car Endurance Championship,” ARDC President Andrew Leithhead said.

"Eligible teams from New Zealand and Asia are showing strong interest. An entrant list numbering 40-plus vehicles is entirely possible.”

Tickets to the event have been announced at $20 per car-load of spectators, while a two-hour race for the Radical Sportscar Championship will also be on the program.

James Smith

Win on Sunday, sell on Monday PRODUCTION CARS FPV General Manager Rod Barrett will get some extra seat time in one of his own cars in the inaugural Australian 6 Hour at Eastern Creek next month.

Barrett will race with Peter Boylan and Geoff Morgan in the July 17-18 event, in the www.mnews.com.au

FPV F6 driven by James Moffat, Ken Douglas and Ray Hislop to fifth in February’s Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour.

After a long stint on the sidelines, Barrett got back into the racing in the V8 Utes’ Legends event at the Clipsal 500.

“It’s a very good car, I’ve done a drive day in it at Eastern

Creek, I’ve tested at Eastern Creek and done a full day at Sandown in the wet,” Barrett said of the F6.

“It’s a very familiar car to me, because that’s what my business is all about, I’m actually test driving my own product which is great.

“I think the Bathurst 12 Hour proved that the car has

got reliability over a long period, and whilst it may not be as quick as the Japanese four-wheel-drive cars at the beginning of the race, it will definitely come into its own as the hours tick by. The plan will be just to keep in a competitive spot in the early part, then launch an attack at the podium come the end of the race.”

19

Luke Nieuwhof

Zappia grabs Top Doorslammer DRAG RACING JOHN Zappia had to show plenty of determination to take the Top Doorslammer Championship all the way to the Winternationals, and it paid off when he won the final and the series over

Robin Judd.

It all came down to that last race and when Judd shook the tyres it all went to Zappia, who had his own driving to do with a wild, weaving pass.

“It was like driving the old car for a while there, I’m not used to doing so much

FEMALES FIND SUCCESS DRAG RACING

THE Rocket Allstars Racing Series was home to several female champions, showing off the diversity enjoyed in drag racing.

Christine Steffens took her second championship in Supercharged Outlaws, Kelly Corbett won the Modified championship and Terri Sander earned a Super Street title.

Corbett in particular

enjoyed a great season, also winning the John Storm Memorial trophy for the most points earned during a season.

She remarked it had been along time since winning one of the prestigious gold Christmas tree trophies.

“I haven’t had one of these since 1998,” she said, referring to her last championship, which came in the Junior Dragster category.

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

steering in this one,” he said.

“We needed to put on a pair of smaller tyres and it moved around a lot more.”

Zappia said while he kept his nerves under control, the Winternationals was still an event that required intense concentration.

“The pressure didn’t let up with the chase going right to the final,” he said.

“I almost crossed the centre line on that last one, that would have been an awful way to give him (Judd) the trophy.”

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

Winterly Winternationals DRAG RACING CONDITIONS at the Castrol Edge Winternationals were among the best ever seen in Australian drag racing.

Crew chiefs were virtually salivating at the chance to use all the horsepower the cool conditions provided on a high-traction strip.

Santo Rapisarda’s team crew chief, American Glenn Mikes was in awe.

“It’s like Star Wars conditions,

the air is great, the track is real tight,” he said.

Jim Read Racing crew chief Bruce Read had to change his approach as conditions went from too cold to near perfect.

“We had a mindset of where we were going to tune the car, then the sun comes out,” he said.

“It’s probably as good as you can get. It’s a little bit scary because you wonder if you’ve brought enough to the line.”

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

ANDRA Pro Series news is proudly presented by:

20

motorsport news

news Ken Ferguson

Stamatis honoured by title ever Western Australian to win the title.

He top qualified with a 4.65s time, then progressed through the rounds, setting low ET and top speed along the way with a

4.60s/316mph pass.

Stamatis says he was proud to take the trophy home to WA. “When I was racing Top Fuel years ago I never thought I would be in this position,” he

said.

“It is such an honour to bring the Top Fuel title to WA for the first time, I can’t express how proud that makes me feel.”

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

Bray changes pace

least take home one piece of silverware from the event, after going out in the semi finals of Top Doorslammer with his Castrol Monaro.

Bray said it was not something he expected and remarked on how different the light Toyota was to drive,

especially with a hairy moment in the braking area.

“Anyone who saw the replay would have seen how wild it got, I don’t know how the Pro Stock guys do it all the time,” Bray said of the lightweight ANDRA Pro Series category.

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

DRAG RACING MARTIN Stamatis dominated Top Fuel at the Castrol Edge Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway, becoming the first-

DRAG RACING TOP Doorslammer is normally Ben Bray’s category of choice, but it was in the exhibition Pro

FX at the Winternationals that he made his mark.

Driving a Toyota for Gas Motorsport, Bray won the final over Archie Kajewski to at

FLETCH’S FINE SEND-OFF DRAG RACING BILL Fletcher came out the winner in Supercharged Outlaws at the Winternationals, with his opponent John Loy red-

lighting in the final.

It was a fitting send off for Fletcher’s position in his current dragster, with a new ride set for the next season.

Fletcher also took out the Willowbank Raceway Track

ANDRA Pro Series on

Championship en-route to the win.

“That’s probably my last drive in the dragster, we have another one almost finished ready to come out next season, one of my sons will

probably take over the drive,” he said.

“John Loy was very kind to me leaving that cherry for me, but there will be another time to get me back.”

– LUKE NIEUWHOF

Wednesday June 16, 11:45pm Top Fuel, Nitro Champs

Next ANDRA Pro Series Round: Fuchs Australian Nationals, Sydney Raceway, September 10-12 www.mnews.com.au

21

Five Minutes with ...

CRAIG LOWNDES

‘Lowndesy’ is back in business, after two solid rounds in Queensland and Winton. Now, he has Hidden Valley and the World Cup to look forward to. By MITCHELL ADAM MOTORSPORT NEWS: How was your trip over to Perth?

CRAIG LOWNDES: Good, it was worthwhile.

I think HRT had been over there and FPR arrived basically as we were leaving. The major teams had gone over there and done their bit, which is great.

There’s a huge level of interest, still, over there for V8 Supercars, so it was nice to at least have our ride car running around Wanneroo.

I’ve seen some pictures, and it looks like quite a few fans rocked up to watch.

Yeah, they had more of an open day for the fans. We had a lot of people come in to share the day, say hello, and get things signed that they probably would’ve tried to get signed if we were racing over there anyway.

Speaking of long-haul race meetings, Darwin’s coming up this weekend.

Hidden Valley has been pretty kind to you guys in recent years.

Yeah. It’s a circuit that we enjoy. The heat and conditions are obviously very different to most of the places we race at.

The tyres will be same as last year, in the sense of using the Sprint Tyre through Sunday’s race.

It’s a circuit I enjoy and we’ve had some great success there in the last three or four years.

You were probably the king of the ‘one set of Sprints a weekend’ format last year, in terms of managing that set. This weekend at Darwin, it’s back to a similar format with one set for Sunday, are you feel confident?

Yeah, it’s obviously a format we went well with last year. Thinking back on last year and how we managed the tyre is the mostimportant thing.

I think Alex Davison had his best result of the season, they put their Sprint tyre on right at the end and managed to make it work and, of course, Michael Caruso won the race. When you look at what Alex did in the sense of his speed, that was probably the right strategy and something all of the teams will look at for Sunday’s race.

We’re heading to Darwin after two weekends of all-Sprint tyre racing; do you have a preference at this stage between the different formats?

If you look at my results, I think I’ve been more competitive with the Sprint tyre, so I’d love to be able to use that more often. I think the Sprint tyre is more durable than maybe we first thought, so I’m sure that’s something the category will look at, going into next year’s format.

There’s a fair bit going on at Triple Eight HQ, Jamie’s getting a new car this

weekend and you’re due to get one at Phillip Island, how are you guys feeling going into the second half of the season?

Pretty confident. I think, in the last couple of years, my performance from the midyear on, to the end, has always been strong. I’ve never really started the season off as well as I would’ve liked.

To be in the position we’re in now, coming into the midway point of the season, I’m delighted. Jamie’s looking forward to a new car, and hopefully I’ll get a new rocket for Phillip Island, so Skaifey and I can do the best we can.

At the moment, the confidence in the team is high, Jamie is definitely determined to try and get the championship lead back from James Courtney; so it’s all high spirits at the moment.

You’re also in another points battle, the eNews World Cup tipping competition, against some other V8 drivers and readers, do you plan on watching much of the World Cup? For sure. Soccer wasn’t something I’ve followed all that much in the past, but since doing the Rexona’s Australia’s Greatest Athlete [TV show] and actually meeting [Socceroo midfielder] Jason Cullina, it’s definitely given me more of an interest to follow it and watch how they go representing our country.

Dirk Klynsmith

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motorsport news

chat

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

23

SOME things in life are a mystery to me. Like the appeal and inexcusable popularity of Two and a Half Men, bad weatherman jokes and Bieber fever.

Last week, an announcement that Eastern Creek will run an Eight Hour Production Car race in November joined that illustrious club. I’ve got nothing against circuits aiming to put on big events, but this one seems rushed and illthought out on many levels.

In the statement, ARDC President Andrew Leithhead said “For a long time, competitors have been asking for an event for productionbased racing cars in Sydney 24

– and Eastern Creek is the perfect venue.”

Sydney does in fact already have a Production Car enduro this year, Andrew. It’s the Australian 6 Hour, a round of the Australian Manufacturers Championship within the Shannons Nationals. At your circuit. Next month.

But let’s not let facts get in the way of a gung-ho announcement.

For me, there are bigger issues. The timing strikes me as off. I wouldn’t have thought that announcing a November event in June is ideal when it comes to getting local competitors involved, let alone the much-vaunted Asian and New Zealand teams. And why

Dirk Klynsmith

More hours not exactly more power

Opinion

Mitchell Adam – Deputy Editor

put it on the same weekend as a V8 Supercar round? And a little thing called the Macau Grand Prix?

If the ARDC thinks there is room in the marketplace for this event, why not hold off, find a good date for 2011 and do it properly.?

Or, better still, why not get behind the Australian 6 Hour?

Work with the organisers of that to incorporate classes for the internationals and make it a marquee event for your circuit moving forward, rather than putting further strain on the, sometimes fragile, pool of Production Car competitors.

There is a real danger of

diluting grids with the timing of the event, and the alreadyscheduled final round of the AMC at Sandown in late October. For a number of key players in the championship, the announcement was the first thing they knew about the event, which makes me wonder about the level of consultation with competitors.

At the end of the day, they’re the ones who are going to have to decide whether to chase another $20-30,000 to do another long-distance race at relatively short notice, in a year where most will have already done the Bathurst 12 Hour and Australian 6 Hour. motorsport news

opinion PHIL Branagan kindly suggested that, after I had some sleep, I could write a piece on my first trip to Le Mans. Sleep is definitely something I need right now, but sadly, I will be winging my way back home as eNews goes online so it’s now or never; so little time!

Oddly, with the 24 Hour, time is aplenty and although I have been threatening to come here for over 10 years, this year was my first chance and it is all I have imagined it would be. The facilities aren’t great but the track is something to marvel at and easily rates up there with Bathurst. A three-minute lap gives you plenty of time to do things, and four-hour sessions enable you to get around the track and be creative.

Being new to it, initially, I tended to do the obvious, but once into the groove I tried to be creative. My mate and fellow contributor, Le Mans veteran Andrew Hall, gave me a great hand with that.

The spectators are something else altogether, and one of the greatest

highlights was the street parade though town on Friday afternoon. The drivers actually get out of the cars and walk around 500 metres, signing pretty-well everything stuck in their direction and they love it! It took Jean Alesi two hours! The colour and atmosphere was like nothing I had experienced before.

The race itself is fantastic, it starts at 3pm with sunset at around 8.30. The crowd is massive, with all the grandstands full and a picnic feel to the event; fans dress up into Viking garb or any other sort of fancy dress and, of course, they drink and drink.

The fans thin out around 1am but at least half are still watching. By 3am there were very few around – a lot are sleeping in the stands.

Quite a few of us stayed up through the night and into the day, and we were a sorry lot by around 11am. Oddly, as I write this I am more hungry than tired but I reckon that is more to do with adrenalin than anything else. The podium and track invasion (despite the barbed wire) is fantastic and

Opinion

Dirk Klynsmith – Motorsport News shooter

really does get you pumped.

The surreal feeling of working till midnight and realising you have only worked nine hours of the race is a bit of a shock and makes the night quite hard.

Obviously I had to do the Dunlop Bridge shot at dawn.

Standing in the very cold conditions, waiting patiently with around another 30 snappers in an area the size of a small bedroom, was difficult and although we ended up with a ‘typical’ shot it wasn’t the greatest dawn so I will just have to come back next year!

Sleep? What’s that?

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

25

24 HEURES DU MANS LE SARTHE, FRANCE

26

motorsport news

race

WHEN IT COUNTS Peugeot were the fastest at Le Mans, but Audi were there – in numbers – when the chequered flag fell. DAVID ADDISON reports on a surprising race

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

27

P

EUGEOT suffered a spectacular own goal at Le Mans as each of its works cars, plus the privateer Oreca entry, retired and Audi took a one-two-three finish.

The Pedro Lamy/Sebastian Bourdais/ Simon Pageland Peugeot 908 HDi-FAP led initially but suffered a suspension pick-up joint pull out and retired early allowing the Franck Montagny/Stephane Sarrazin/ Nicolas Minassian entry to chase Marc Gene/Anthony Davidson/Alex Wurz.

Gene pitted just before 22:30 and needed a new starter motor, engine management system and alternator and fell down the order allowing the third car to take the lead. That retired early on Sunday morning with an engine failure, replicated later by Wurz and then by Loic Duval in the privateer Team Oreca Matmut entry.

Audi assumed the three leading positions with Timo Bernhard/Romain 28

Dumas/Mike Rockenfeller in the lead despite an incident in the pit lane on Saturday when the car ran over a careless cameraman who was injured. The second car of Andre Lotterer/Benoit Treluyer/ Marcel Faessler took second despite a late-race trip into the tyres by Lotterer, but the biggest scare of all came for thirdplaced Tom Kristensen/Allan McNish/ Rinaldo Capello that went off at the high-speed Porsche Curves on Saturday evening. The Great Dane came across a slow Andy Priaulx who was limping his BMW M3 to the pits after a puncture and AP tried t move out of TK’s way. Sadly he misjudged the closing speed and Kristensen was committed to the outside line, which then became occupied by Priaulx. The Audi ran as wide as it could but spun into the gravel and lost 10 minutes being recovered. From then on it was always playing catch-up, and couldn’t overhaul the other Audis.

LMP2 was won by Poms Danny Watts/ Nick Leventis/Jonny Kane in the HPD that duelled early in the race with the similar Highcroft Racing car of David Brabham/ Marco Werner/Marino Franchitti. Problems (see sidebar) accounted for the American team and left the Brits clear to take out the class.

GT1 was embarrassing as the depleted entry either crashed, caught fire or broke down. The winning Saleen, three yearsold, was crewed by Gabriele Gardel/Julien Canal/Roland Berville and was the leasttroubled car while the GT2 fight lost the works Corvettes (new to GT2) after one car succumbed to a cranks sensor failure and the second retired with engine failure after Emmanuel Collard crashed when being lapped by Anthony Davidson’s Peugeot.

That gave the class win to the Porsche of Wolf Henzler/Richard Lietz/Marc Lieb.

A great race? Perhaps not. One full of surprises? Definitely. motorsport news

race

Dirk Klynsmith

Dirk Klynsmith

Flaming Bad Luck: Peugeot’s hops finally went up in flames at the hands of Franck Montagny, above, handing a 1-2-3 to the Germans, left.

PROBLEMS GALORE R

Andrew Hall

www.mnews.com.au

ETURNING Le Mans winner David Brabham suffered disappointment in the Highcroft Racing LMP2 HPD. Brabham was beaten to pole position by Danny Watts, and then chased the Brit in the opening stint.

The American-run car lost time early on when Marino Franchitti lost feeling in his leg with the seatbelts too tight, and then Marco Werner suffered a puncture at the first corner and to limp the 13.629 kilometres at 60 km/h. Then the car suffered a water leak and a major cooling problem which resulted in the team spending many hours working on the car to get it back out for a final lap with Marino at the wheel – it was classified 25th.

29

Going the Distance ... or not: Sebastien Bourdais and co looked the goods but couldn’t get a result for Peugeot, above, while the all Mansell effort didn’t get far either, below. eNews snapper Dirk Klynsmith had a ball shooting both the famous ferris wheel, right, and BMW’s ‘Art Car’, top right.

Dirk Klynsmith

30

motorsport news

race

Dirk Klynsmith

Dirk Klynsmith

Results :: 24 HEURES DU MANS

Dirk Klynsmith

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

www.mnews.com.au

# 9 8 7 6 42 007 35 25 24 41 77 89 50 97 72 95 76 28 78 40 75 52 37 88 26 39 85 11

Class LMP1 LMP1 LMP1 LMP1 LMP2 LMP1 LMP2 LMP2 LMP2 LMP2 LMGT2 LMGT2 LMGT1 LMGT2 LMGT1 LMGT2 LMGT2 LMP2 LMGT2 LMP2 LMGT2 LMGT1 LMP2 LMGT2 LMP2 LMP2 LMGT2 LMP1

Drivers M.Rockenfeller, T.Bernhard, R.Dumas A.Lotterer, M.Fassler, B.Treluyer T.Kristensen, R.Capello, A.McNish S.Ayari, D.Andre, A.Meyrick N.Leventis, D.Watts, J.Kane H.Primat, S.Mucke, A.Fernandez M.Lahaye, G.Moreau, J.Charouz M.Newton, T.Erdos, A.Wallace J.Nicolet, R.Hein, J-F.Yvon K.Ojjeh, T.Greaves, G.Chandalon M.Lieb, R.Lietz, W.Hentzler D.Farnbacher, A.Simonsen, L.Keen R.Berville, J.Canal, G.Gardel M.Holzer, R.Westbrook, T.Scheider S.Gregoire, J.Policand, D.Hart G.Fisichella, J.Alesi, T.Vilander R.Narac, P.Pilet, P.Long M.Rostan, R.Meichtry, P.Bruneau J.Muller, A.Farfus, U.Alzen M.Amaral, O.Pla, W.Hughes P.Van Splunteren, N.Hommerson, L.Machiels C.Nygaard, T.Enge, P.Kox P.Salini, S.Salini, T.Gommendy H.Felbermayr Sr, H.Felbermayr Jr, M.Konopka D.Brabham, M.Franchitti, M.Werner J.de Pourtales, H.Noda, J.Kennard T.Coronel, P.Dumbreck, J.Bleekemoelen P.Drayson, J.Cocker, E.Pirro

Cars Audi R15 TDI Audi R15 TDI Audi R15 TDI Oreca 01-AIM HPD ARX.01 Lola B09/60 Pescarolo 01 Judd Lola B08/80 HPD Pescarolo 01 Judd Ginetta Zytek 09S Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Ferrari F430 GT Saleen S7R Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Chevrolet Corvette C6.R Ferrari F430 GT Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Radical SR9 Judd BMW M3 GT2 Ginetta Zytek 09S Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Aston Martin DBR9 WR Zytek Porsche 911 GT3 RSR HPD ARX.01 Lola B08/47 Judd Spyker C8 Laviolette Lola B10/60

Laps 397 396 394 369 367 365 361 358 341 341 338 336 331 327 327 323 321 321 320 318 317 311 308 304 296 291 280 253 31

CASTROL EDGE WINTERNATIONALS WILLOWBANK RACEWAY

Stama-Time Martin Stamatis claimed the Top Fuel title as the 2009/2010 ANDRA Pro Series wrapped up with the Castrol Edge Winternationals.

LUKE NIEUWHOF reports on the Willowbank action

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motorsport news

race

Ken Ferguson

www.mnews.com.au

33

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motorsport news

race

Ken Ferguson Ken Ferguson

www.mnews.com.au

PERFECT conditions provided record-setting performances at the Castrol Edge Winternationals at Willowbank Raceway on the weekend, its reputation as Australia’s biggest and best drag racing event kept firmly in tact.

Many national records fell, with the quickest times ever seen set in Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Top Bike and Pro Stock.

Top Fuel’s title chase came down to the last race. While WA’s Martin Stamatis had one hand firmly on the trophy, his team mate Phil Read, left, had the opportunity to steal it away if he defeated Stamatis in the final, and took bonus points for both low ET and top speed – which Stamatis also held after a first round 4.60s/316mph blast.

When Read smoked the tyres on the start line, though, it marked the end of his chance at the title and Stamatis was victorious, making it a clean sweep of the event with a top qualifying medallion included in his haul.

Victorian Phil Lamattina was the only other driver who could play a part in the championship but he went out in the semifinals to Read.

The other exciting championship conclusion was in Top Doorslammer, where the two Western Australians, Robin Judd and John Zappia, matched up in the final for a race that would decide the title.

When Judd went up in tyre shake it opened the door for

Zappia, bottom left, who raced to the win as well as getting low ET points for his stunning 5.80s pass, which became a new national record.

NSW’s Maurice Fabietti was also in contention, but in the first round appeared to have a gearbox issue with his Holden Trade Club Monaro, which meant it could not start.

Top Alcohol’s championship was already decided with Lucas Oils Funny Car driver Gary Phillips wrapping it up before the event, but it didn’t stop the racing being among the best ever seen in the category.

NSW’s Aaron Hambridge top qualified with a new best ever time for the class, a 5.51s run. He also made it to the final where he took on and defeated fellow Sydneysider Wayne Newby.

The quality of performances in Top Alcohol was unsurpassed, with the bump spot (the time needed to qualify into the eight car field) a 5.66s from Adam Marchant, a time that would have top qualifier at many other rounds.

In Top Bike, it was a Chris Matheson master class as he won the event and set a new national record of 6.05s.

Queenslander Matheson, remarkably in his rookie season, had the championship already wrapped up. Each of his runs, including the record 6.05s, was shut down early so he could safely pull the bike up each time, travelling at ‘only’ 200mph on a bike which was doing

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205mph at half track and has a theoretical terminal speed in the region of 250mph.

He took the win in the final over WA’s Mark Drew, who also earned top speed points for a 210mph charge in qualifying.

Pro Stock was regarded by many as the best category of the event. Lee Bektash top qualified his Mopar with a 7.02s run, the quickest ever seen.

However he was forced to pull out with engine damage which elevated Dave Newcombe into the top spot.

Eliminations were a 16 car field and it eventually came down to an all Queensland contest between newly crowned champion Aaron Tremayne and Denis Whiting. It was all Tremayne however in a fitting end to an event that saw him earn his third title.

Pro Stock Motorcycle came down to two Kawasakis for the first time in a long time. Peter Cochrane showed massive performance gains and after top qualifying with a 7.27s pass and used a 7.34s in the final to defeat a 7.42s from Phil Howard.

The championship went to Andrew Badcock who simply had to stage in qualifying to earn it. However that was not all smooth sailing after he shut down in the first session after the burnout and then missed the second.

In the Rocket Allstars Racing Series, championships were also decided. Graeme Frawley won the title, driving a car owned by the Radford family.

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He also went runner up on the day to Wayne Cartledge.

Christine Steffens took her second title in Supercharged Outlaws, surviving a challenge from Western Australia’s Don Freind who went out in the first round after the long tow east.

Kelly Corbett in Modified and Terri Sander in Super Street also won ANDRA titles.

The youngest-ever champion in Australian drag racing was crowned, with Caleb Oberg taking the Junior Dragster series at just 12 years and two months of age, in a category where racers can compete until they turn 17.

Fortunately, there were few incidents. National headlines were made on Day 2 of the event when Supercharged Outlaws racer Neil Murphy had a heavy two-car collision with Paul Stephen, far right.

Murphy’s Mustang, only just repaired from a previous accident, shook the tyres and hooked right into the opposite lane, where Stephen himself had aborted the pass due to tyre shake. The Mustang hit hard into the back of the altered with severe damage to both cars but fortunately both drivers were protected from any serious injury.

Frank Nirta rolled in the braking area during Pro Stock qualifying after his parachutes failed to release while Omar Sedmak, a championship contender in Super Stock, got loose during qualifying also and hit the wall.

Aaron Hambridge, top, won Top Alcohol, while Gary Phillips wrapped up the title.

Chris Matheson, above, wrapped up his title-winning Top Bike rookie season with victory and some sensational pace.

Ben Bray, right, made the semi-finals in a Pro FX cameo.

motorsport news

Ken Ferguson

Ken Ferguson

Ken Ferguson

Ken Ferguson

Ken Ferguson

Ken Ferguson

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NASCAR Round 15 – BROOKLYN, MI

The First

ELEVEN Denny Hamlin did it again, dominating in Michigan to take his fifth win in 10 races

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motorsport news

race

TOYOTA Media

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I

Toyota Motorsports

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T’S a good thing that NASCAR has a Chase to determine its Sprint Cup winner. Because Denny Hamlin is threatening to turn the 2010 title into a one-man show.

For the second week in a row the man in the Joe Gibbs Toyota dominated the opposition, and led 126 of 200 laps at Michigan to take his fifth win in the last 10 events. This, in a season compromised by having his knee reconstructed less than two months ago.

“The healthier I get, the more I can concentrate on the race car,” Hamlin said. “I am constantly thinking about what we can do to make this car better, and the more success we have the hungrier I get.”

Only a late caution for debris on the track stopped the FedEx car running away from the field, race, particularly after running and in the end, Hamlin beat slowly during yellow flag periods, home Kasey Kahne by a small but otherwise Ford’s new FR9 but comfortable margin. engine is proving to be a boon “It’s a great accomplishment for the Petty team. obviously to win on so many Poleman Kurt Busch was third, different racetracks,” said Hamlin, his Dodge looking sharp in the after taking his 13th career win. first half of the race before losing “And to be able to unload and its edge when the race was there know that you’re going to be to be won. competitive for a race win week “After the track got rubbered in, in and week out, gives you a lot Denny kept gaining speed and of confidence For the first time ours lost a little bit,” Busch said. really in my career I feel that “To lead laps, to sit on the pole we’re at that place.” and to finish third in our Miller Kahne looked to be the only Lite Dodge means a lot to us. I man to challenge Hamlin on the was pulling hard for our Dodge, superspeedway’s high banks. but it was like David vs. Goliath He had to nurse his engine out there. ” temperatures for much of the

motorsport news

race

NASCAR Media

NASCAR Media

The Usual Suspects: Denny Hamlin won again, far left.

Kurt Busch was fast in the first half of the race but third was the best he could do, above. Kasey Kahne took second, right, aided by slick pitwork. Note the steam venting from the engine during the stop ...

Hendrick Motorsports’ Jeff Gordon gave the top four some nice brand equality, while Tony Stewart put a tough Spring behind him when he rounded out the top five.

Defending Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson was fifth, while Dale Earnhardt Jr returned to some sort of form, moving from 27th to seventh, fighting off Jeff Burton to hold that position.

For points leader Kevin Harvick, the race was a struggle, his Childress car battling all race to a 19th place finish. Marcos Ambrose finished a solid 15th after being spun out early, going down a lap, then recovering, while chasing aero set-up ...

www.mnews.com.au

Results :: Helluva Good 400, Brooklyn, Pos.No. 1 11 2 9 3 2 4 24 5 14 6 48 7 88 8 31 9 16 10 20

Driver Make Denny Hamlin Toyota Kasey Kahne Ford Kurt Busch Dodge Jeff Gordon Chevy Tony Stewart Chevy Jimmie Johnson Chevy Dale Earnhardt Jr Chevy Jeff Burton Chevy Greg Biffle Ford Joey Logano Toyota

Team Gibbs Petty Penske Hendrick Stewart Haas Hendrick Hendrick Childress Roush Fenway Gibbs

Sponsor FedEx Ground Budweiser Miller Lite DuPont Old Spice Lowe’s Amp Energy Caterpillar 3M Home Depot

Qual.

7 4 1 6 17 3 27 5 16 12

Top 10 Points: Harvick 2169, Kyle Busch 2147, Hamlin 2122, Kurt

Busch 2051, Kenseth 2019, Johnson 1999, Gordon 1987, Burton 1945, Biffle

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rear of grid

DUMBRELLS SWITCH CODES

t o p S d d O

THE Dumbrells had a unique experience last weekend, when Collingwood and Western Bulldogs AFL teams went head-to-head for the Robert Rose Cup. Robert Rose, who played for both clubs, was involved in a car crash at age 22, resulting in him becoming a quadriplegic. And, thanks to Collingwood’s sponsorship of Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport, Lucas and his big brother Paul took to Etihad Stadium to toss the coin pre-game.

“It was an awesome experience,” Lucas told eNews.

“These footballers are professional athletes, like V8 Supercar drivers, so it was great to be on the ground and see them working up close.

We were very fortunate to get to shake hands with both the captains. It was just a great experience.

“We also went down to the rooms after the game, and with Collingwood winning, it was a great atmosphere. That was special as well.”

Dumbrell also hinted that there will be some reciprocation before the season is out.

“We will definitely get some of the Collingwood players out to Sandown for a ride in the car. Who knows, we might even get Eddie McGuire out for a ride, too ... if he’s not too busy!”

– ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

For a good cause: Collingwood FC captin Nick Maxwell shakes Lucas Dumbrell’s hand at the start of the Robert Rose Cup last week.

MORTON/RICHO TAKE EARLY LEAD

AS New Zealand readies itself for its first World Cup finals match against Slovakia, it’s pretty tight at the top of eNews’ FIFA World Cup Tipping Competition.

Readers Matt Morton, Vincent Dumarski and Ford Performance Racing driver Steve Richards currently lead the way, each having tipped six correct results with a zero margin, having nailed the opener (South Africa versus Mexico) as a draw. There is also simoox on six, although a three goal margin leaves him fourth on the list.

That makes Richo the best of the V8 Supercar stars, with Craig Lowndes in 14th, Mark Winterbottom in 18th, Michael Patrizi in 20th and Will Davison way down in 29th. eNews editor van Leeuwen is the best of the ‘staffers’ in ninth position.

And as eNews went to press, there were just three matches left in Round 1 – don’t forget to have your Round 2 tips in time for Honduras versus Chile on Wednesday evening.

Good luck, tipsters! www.mnews.com.au

eNews WC Tipping Top 10 Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Name Matt Morton Vincent Dumarski Steve Richards simoox Grant Rowley Trevor Campbell Torbz Vincent Tran Andrew van Leeuwen srosevear

Margin 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 2 0 0

Score 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4

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