Motorsport eNews Issue 181 - November 16-22, 2010 by V8 Sleuth

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Issue No. 181 | Nov 16 - 22 2010

news 4

Heavy Vettel Seb charges to F1 title 6 Taking it to the Max! Factory Ford plus JC plus Pepsi 8 No security blanket Wilson Security out of SBR 11 FPR wants you! Richo still a wanted man 14 They’re (coming) back GM to return IndyCar 16 Living happily Evans after Sue to step down

chat 26 Five Minutes With ... Chief Executive Officer, David Gardiner Commercial Director, Bruce Duncan Motorsport eNews is published by nextmedia Pty Ltd ACN: 128 805 970, Level 5, 55 Chandos St, St Leonards NSW 2065 © 2009. All rights reserved. No part of this e-magazine may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without the prior permission of the publisher.. The publisher will not accept responsibility or any liability for the correctness of information or opinions expressed in the publication. All material submitted is at the owner’s risk and, while every care will be taken nextmedia does not accept liability for loss or damage. Privacy Policy We value the integrity of your personal information. If you provide personal information through your participation in any competitions, surveys or offers featured in this issue of Motorsport eNews, this will be used to provide the products or services that you have requested and to improve the content of our magazines. Your details may be provided to third parties who assist us in this purpose. In the event of organisations providing prizes or offers to our readers, we may pass your details on to them. From time to time, we may use the information you provide us to inform you of other products, services and events our company has to offer. We may also give your information to other organisations which may use it to inform you about their products, services and events, unless you tell us not to do so. You are welcome to access the information that we hold about you by getting in touch with our privacy officer, who can be contacted at nextmedia, Locked Bag 5555, St Leonards, NSW 1590.

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Paul Dumbrell & Rod Nash

comment 28 Branagan: Stand-offs

van Leeuwen: Seb’s OK. Really

race 30 V8 Supercars 40 Formula Ford 42 Touring Car Masters 44 ARC – Rally Victoria 48 NASCAR

trade 58 Classifieds

THE NEW WORLD CHAMP!

EBASTIAN Vettel is the youngest driver to ever win the World Drivers’ Championship – but he did not know until after he took the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. The German was kept in the dark by Red Bull Racing management, and race engineer Guillaume ‘Rocky’ Rocquelin did not tell him that Fernando Alonso was outside the top five, and too far back to claim his third title. “To be honest I did not know anything,” Vettel said. “I wondered. In the last 10 laps, my engineer Rocky was giving me advice to help me get the car home. I wondered why he was so nervous. “I thought we must be in a good position, then he said ‘it’s looking good’, I didn’t know what he meant. I just focused on myself, and they came on the radio and screamed that we have won the world championship. “I am a bit speechless to be honest, I don’t know what you’re supposed to say in this moment. It is unbelievable. I went to bed and kept thinking about the race, about what might happen. I had some good imaginations and a good feeling.” Vettel used a little bit of inspiration in the biggest race of his career. When he suited up for the race, he found that the word ‘Monza’, the site of his first pole position and GP win two years ago, was written on his balaclava. “First of all it was not the same as two years ago,” he said, “because I have that one at home and I haven’t washed it. Yeah, actually it wasn’t me, to be honest, it was my engineer who wrote that on my balaclava. “At some point this season, he asked me what word describes something that make you very happy and makes you feel good? And a couple of days later I came back to him and I said ‘Monza.’ And he asked why and I said that I won my first Grand Prix there and just everything that happened after that, the race was amazing, after that, being on that podium, seeing the people coming from everywhere, I think it’s one of the best podiums you can stand on, seeing the team, Toro Rosso, listening to the Italian anthem in Italy. “I was surprised when I came in the garage and put my balaclava on and I saw ‘Monza.’ I think it taught me twice just to enjoy today, once for the reason I said, the race in 2007 and secondly the race this year when we were flat out until the last lap and fighting. I considered it one of the best races this year for us, because it was extremely difficult and we still finished fourth. Thanks a lot, because I was feeling good before the start.”

WEBBER: 2010 STILL A POSITIVE YEAR MARK Webber says that 2010 was still a positive season, despite failing to win the Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi last weekend. A poor qualifying session, followed by an ineffective strategic call early in the race, combined to leave Webber eighth in the season finale, leaving team-mate Vettel to

become World Champion. “When you aim high and you miss the target, the arrow’s got to go a long way down,” he said. “I’m very disappointed by what happened on Sunday evening; I aimed for the biggest target in motorsport, the Formula 1 World Championship, and it didn’t work out.

“But there are still lots of positives to take out of the 2010 season. I’ve taken five pole positions, four victories, and I’m even proud of some of my second places because they were well-executed race weekends. In due course, I’ll probably look back and think this season wasn’t a bad effort.” motorsport news

news

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COURTNEY, FPR TO GET MAXIMISED

Pepsi deal to FPR – which will expand to 4 cars in 2011 V8 SUPERCARS THIS could be the look that James Courtney will carry into the 2011 V8 Supercar Championship Series. Following last week’s revelation that Pepsi Max will sponsor a car next season [see breakout] eNews sources report that a deal that will see Courtney in a fourth Ford Performance Racing entry, in the colours of the iconic cola brand, is agreed in principal, and awaits only a formal agreement on the future ownership structure of Jim Beam Racing to be activated. As previously reported in eNews, we believe that Courtney’s multi-year contract with JBR contains a clause allowing him an early exit, should the ownership structure of the team change. We believe that is imminent, following recent dialogue

between team co-owners Dick Johnson and Charlie Schwerkolt. This would also be consistent with a statement issued last Tuesday by Courtney’s manager Alan Gow, which shot down reports in the daily media that Courtney had held “secret talks” with the Holden Racing Team in Melbourne. eNews believes that there is no truth whatsoever in the Courtney-to-HRT story – the timing of which was, coincidentally, perfect to distract anybody’s attention from speculation on a Courtney/Pepsi/FPR deal ... We would point out that nothing in the wording of Gow’s statement expressly rules out what we are describing in this report. Any such signed contract or agreement could, in all likelihood, place Courtney in breach of his current contract with JBR – as would Courtney making

any comment on such matters before his current team’s position is clarified. Hence, the rather bland, but understandably necessary, reference to focusing on this year’s championship. Such a deal would also be in line with the stated aims of Ford Motorsport’s Chris Styring, who told eNews three weeks ago that Courtney remained “a wanted man” by the company, and also with the consistent and long-held aims of Prodrive boss David Richards and FPR Principal Tim Edwards to expand their team to four cars. With Rod Nash Racing’s Bottle-O entry to continue with Paul Dumbrell [see separate story] and the recent confirmation that Telstra will back car #6 for Will Davison, FPR looks to have a formidable lineup for next year ... – PHIL BRANAGAN motorsport news

news

NASCAR Media

Artwork by James Cormick. Cool, eh?

Gow’s statement FOLLOWING reports in the daily press last week linking Courtney and HRT, his manager Alan Gow issued this statement; “Whilst it’s very flattering that the media are speculating so much over James’ future, I can categorically state that he/we have not signed any contract or agreement for James to drive for any other team or manufacturer next year: None. Zip. Nil. Zero. “Let me be very clear on this; James is contracted to Dick Johnson Racing and that is the only contract or agreement in existence for him to drive in the V8 Supercar Championship. I really can’t put it any more plain than that. “People may try to pick over my words and look for a loop-hole in what I am saying, but there is none, because anything else reported in the media has absolutely no basis of fact whatsoever. “Enough is enough. James remains 100-percent focused on winning this year’s championship, and delivering more race wins for both his team and Ford fans who have supported him for many years.” www.mnews.com.au

Cola, with a twist V8 SUPERCARS PEPSI’S entry into V8 Supercar racing brings one of the world’s most recognisable brands into the sport – via a novel route for V8 Supercars. News of a deal started to emerge in the past two months, as PepsiCo appointed M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment to ‘match’ it to a team. The London and New York-based firm opened its Australian office in October 2009, with Andrew Condon as managing director. Condon brought sports marketing experience from gemba, whose directors include Essendon AFL great-turned-coach James Hird, and Lion Nathan, whose brands include V8 Supercars platform sponsor, XXXX Gold. We understand that there was early dialogue with Ford itself and that there were several teams under consideration for the sponsorship program, including Stone Brothers Racing, which looked to be involved at one stage through the #47 entry of Tim Slade. But then, things started to change at Dick Johnson Racing and the

possibility that Courtney may become a free agent entered the equation. The involvement of M&C Saatchi – which is separate to, and not to be confused with advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi – opens a potential new door to the sport. Its portfolio of partners is wide and impressive and there could be opportunities for some other brands – even those represented by other sportsoriented agencies – to become involved in the sport. Ironically, Pepsi, which was founded in 1898, will represent a change of colas for Courtney, as Jim Beam Racing carries backing from Coca Cola. With global sales exceeding $60bn, and almost 300,000 employees, PepsiCo’s US brands include Pepsi and Pepsi Max, 7Up, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Quaker Oats and Frito Lay potato chips. Locally, Schweppes manufactures and distributes Pepsi drinks under license, and the company’s other local brands include Gatorade, Monster Energy and Solo. – PHIL BRANAGAN

Speaking of beverages ... V8 SUPERCARS PEPSI is not the only beverage coming into V8 Supercars next season. eNews hears that Rockstar Energy drink will come back to the sport next season, and could be

a sponsor of the Holden Racing Team. The Las Vegas, US-based company, which sells its drinks in more than 20 countries, is expected to take significant signage on the cars driven by Garth Tander and TBA. Rockstar was previously

involved in the sport through its deal with Tasman Motorsport, which started at Bathurst in 2007 and which saw the brand continue with the two Commodores through the rest of the season. – PHIL BRANAGAN

Phil Williams

WILSON OUT, LUCKY 7 IN V8 SUPERCARS

WILSON Security will know by this time next week whether or not it will be a V8 Supercar sponsor in 2011. It was recently revealed that Wilson will not continue its title sponsorship with James Rosenberg Racing, which runs Tim Slade through Stone Brothers Racing. With a sponsorship deal with the Essendon Football Club about to be announced, it is now unknown whether

the company will continue in V8 Supercars beyond the end of this season. “It’s not like we walked away [from JRR],” said Wilson boss John McMellan. “We agreed that they had a plan that didn’t suit us. We’re happy with them, they are happy with us, so it’s been very amicable. “We’ve now got a window that is very small to see whether we stay in V8 Supercars or not. It’s probably sevento-10 days. The end of Sandown will

be D-Day.” One option might be Brad Jones Racing. McMellan has been a big supporter of both Jason Bright and Karl Reindler in the past, and Bright is currently without a title sponsor for his car in ’11 thanks to Trading Post heading to Ford Performance Racing. As for the JRR/Slade car, eNews expects to see Lucky 7 step up as title sponsor for next season. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

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“I hope you get as much enjoyment from this publication as I have in bringing it to you” John Morris

The unsung international star of Australian sport

MARK WEBBER: TWO STEPS FORWARD A pictorial history of Mark Webber’s involvement in Formula 1 racing from early days to the present. Superbly photographed and edited by John Morris, this book captures outstanding real life photographs of Mark Webber’s motor racing journey. Author and photographer, John Morris, has been a leading photo-journalist for Australasian Motorsport News magazine for well over a decade and his images of all forms of motorsport have been one of the important elements of that publication over that time. John is an unashamed Mark Webber fan, and this book is a brilliant tribute to this down to earth star of Australian Motor Sport. “...determination, willingness and enthusiasm, it’s that sort of commitment to succeed that has seen him come through to the top” Alan Jones, F1 Champion, MBE

“...one of the ‘unsung’ international stars of Australian sport. To get to the very top level of world motorsport without family wealth or substantial corporate support or contacts is a massive achievement.” Chris Lambden, Australasian Motorsport News Mark Webber: Two

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ark Webber practice ’s Jaguar career started rather session for culminated in disappo 14th with Mark the Australian Grand place at the conclus intingly. A difficult lasting just Prix. The time in suspens 14 laps, race itself ion of the official ion failure. before being qualifying continued in theForward forced to same trend retire Two Steps The followin Mark Webber: on lap 15 with a g race in rear began reversin Malaysia fire extingu g towards Webberwas even more dramatic, woes struckisher unexpectedly ’s Jaguar on the as Giancar starting discharged grid. Next,io Fisichella oil related once more and he was forced onto Mark’s problem the inboard face. s. to retire the numberThe mechanical Mark took 14 Jaguar with Brazilian a remarkable provisio Grand Prix. grid, which He continu nal pole position in Friday ed this history The was the best-ev Qualifyi er qualifyi form to start the tyres cool race was run in ng result race from ng for the heavy rain they lost for third on pit straight grip in a the and whilst Jaguar in their large four year Mark was barriers. The resultin puddle, causing trying to keep his F1 eventually wet weathe March to g debris crash classifie r triggered heavily d in 9th a second place. More retirem crash and into the a red flag. mechanical ents followed as excellen problem reliability t qualifyi s. Howeve and r the team ng results were moving him Mark was able thwarte eventually to score into the found some d through points in Jenson Button top ten degree of for the honour.in the world driver’sfive of the six mid championship season events, Mark Webber and battling with from Autocar ’s efforts were rewarded magazin with the e. 2003 “Driver of the Year” award

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(left) A fresh faced Mark Webber ready for his ﬁrst race in Formula One.

Two Steps

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(right) You could almost see Mark’s smile through his helmet as he guides the Minardi on its ﬁrst laps of the circuit.

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124

125

FPR keeps Dumbrell – and

Dirk Klynsmith

V8 SUPERCARS IN a remarkable twist, Paul Dumbrell has announced that he will continue racing for Rod Nash’s The Bottle-O Racing squad full-time in 2011. Dumbrell faced assembled media just 30 minutes before the start of Saturday’s race at Symmons Plains, and admitted that while he had originally told the team that he would retire after Homebush this year, a last-minute change of heart will see him continue in car #55 for at least another 12 months. “A couple of weeks ago, I sat down with Rod [Nash] and Tim [Edwards], and told them my decision not to continue racing next year, which was alluded to the team the following week,” said Dumbrell. “For those who don’t know, Garry – my father – was diagnosed with cancer in the

middle of this year, and was given single digit chances of living through it. From a family perspective, along with Lucas [Dumbrell] in 2008, it’s been a rocky road. “I’ve taken over Autobarn this year as well, something that I’ve really enjoyed and something that FPR, Rod and Bottle-O have been fantastic about accommodating. “So, in the last week, I met Rod and Tim three or four times to come to a resolution. I was faced with a decision that either way I was going to regret, it was just the degree that I was going to regret it. We don’t like to play games, but we’ve come to conclusion that I will continue for another year.” While Nash has publicly offered to support any decision Dumbrell made, he revealed during the press conference that an immediate retirement would have been

disappointing. “The thing I was disappointed about with Paul potentially leaving was that we both came into it to get set-up this year, and Paul has come in not only from driving a Holden, but under all the pressure that he’s personally been under,” he said. “I think we can all acknowledge that he’s had some good success, and he’s consistently hung around tenth position in the championship. “I was disappointed that we did all this hard work, and it would have been a lot easier to fire out of the box with Frosty (Mark Winterbottom) next year on a consistent basis, and be a bit stronger.” The news locks Ford Performance Racing’s line-up in as Mark Winterbottom (#5), Will Davison (#6), Dumbrell (#55) and James Courtney (#10) for next season. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

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motorsport news

d still wants Richo V8 SUPERCARS

that the team’s preference is to retain Richards’ services for the endurance races next season. “I’d love to still keep Richo as part of the team, as one of our co-drivers, there is no doubt about that,” said Edwards. “We could do a lot more with him as well. That’s something we need to explore. Needless to say half of pit-lane will be chasing him as a co-driver, so we’ll have to work through that. team.” Richards was also vocal on “Clearly his first choice is to the subject of 2011 during try and get a full-time ride the Symmons Plains weekend, somewhere.” admitting publicly that he was Edwards also revealed that on the market during Friday’s FPR will give Richards time post-practice press conference. to explore options of a full“I'm pretty pleased with the time ride elsewhere, before way things are going,” he said. imposing any deadlines for an “I’m sitting here unemployed at enduro contract. the moment for next year but “Absolutely. But if he can’t hopefully things can change.” [find a full-time drive], then I’d – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN love to keep him as part of the

Dirk Klynsmith

STEVE Richards is still a wanted man by Ford Performance Racing, despite there being no full-time ride available to the veteran for 2011. The announcement that Paul Dumbrell will continue racing into 2011 has closed the door on Richards’ chances of fulltime drive at Broadmeadows next season, after the veteran was set to take over the BottleO seat if Dumbrell walked away. But with Dumbrell staying, and Will Davison poised to join FPR as the driver of Richards’ current mount, the veteran will need to look elsewhere if he wants to compete in every race of the ’11 season. However, FPR boss Tim Edwards has revealed to eNews

Tinkler no to DJR V8 SUPERCARS WHATEVER happens in the future of Jim Beam Racing, it will happen without Nathan Tinkler. The mining businessman and horse racing identity, who had been connected to a buyout of Charlie Schwerkolt’s share of the Ford team, will not proceed with any form of acquisition of a share of the team. Tinkler’s exit was confirmed in a PR statement last week. “Nathan Tinkler is not proceeding with the acquisition of a share in Dick Johnson’s V8 team and wishes the team every success in the future,” the statement said. “Nathan is passionate about motorsports but as a spectator only.”

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For full F1/ MotoGP/ WRC coverage/news, CLICK HERE to get to GPWeek magazine -

www.gpweek.com Sutton Images

AGP Showdown FORMULA 1

HIS Friday looms as the deadline for the immediate future of the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix to be clarified. A dispute between the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and CAMS has placed a cloud over the race’s future. The dispute is over the fees paid to CAMS for its involvement in the event, with AGPC Chairman Ron Walker claiming that CAMS is demanding

$800,000 to conduct the event. Late last week, CAMS counter-claimed that its payment is closer to $500,000. CAMS CEO David Morgan said last week, in a letter to its member and officials, that “The FIA requires that a Grand Prix may only be organised in Australia if CAMS is prepared to sign an Organisation Agreement with the FIA. At CAMS request the FIA has extended the deadline for CAMS to confirm it will

sign such an agreement until November 19. Under FIA rules, without CAMS agreement as ASN, the AGP will not be conducted.” A resolution is expected in the next few days. Ironically, the dispute has somewhat overshadowed the news that the 2011 event will be backed by Qantas. The beleaguered international airline, which is celebrating its 90th birthday, made the announcement on Saturday. The 2011 AGP is on March 24-27.

Running of the young bull FORMULA 1

Sutton Images

ANIEL Ricciardo will take over as Red Bull Racing’s man in the Middle East tomorrow [Tuesday]. Red Bull’s Junior driver will get his second young driver Formula 1 at Abu Dhabi. He will be joined by fellow F1 youngsters Jules Bianchi, Cesar Ramos, Stephane Richelmi and Andrea Caldarelli for Ferrari, Jerome D’Ambrosio and Mikhail Aleshin for Renault, Sam Bird for Mercedes GP, Pastor Maldonado for Williams, Vladimir Arabadzhiev and

Rodolfo González for Lotus and Jean-Eric Vergne for Toro Rosso. “I can’t wait to get another crack at driving Red Bull Racing’s amazing Formula 1 car,” said Ricciardo, who was runner up to Aleshin in the Formula Renault 3.5 series. “I’ve been hanging out with the team and drivers all year at the races and it’s made my urge to drive the car again even stronger – if that was possible! It’s a year since I last drove the car (at last year’s young driver test) and I really want to make the most of the two days.”

motorsport news

A Virgin no longer FORMULA 1

VIRGIN RACING Media

IRGIN Racing will have a new title next season. Marussia Motors, which is making a new supercar, has stepped up its sponsorship program, and the team will now be known as Marussia Virgin Racing. Marussia is headed by former driver Nikolay Fomenko, and the Moscow-based company been a partner of Virgin Racing since the team launched a year ago.

Lotus Back in Black FORMULA 1

www.mnews.com.au

part in our design process, so keep an eye on our website www. lotusracing.my for more details. The person who designs the livery we finally choose will be joining us at our first test next year to see the car out on track for the very first time, so for Lotus and F1™ fans it is the chance of a lifetime to help us take the next step forward in our amazing story in 2011.”

Sutton Images

OTUS Racing is bringing back the Black. The first-year team announced last week that it would race in the evocative black and gold colours, made famous by Team Lotus in the 1970 and 80s. The best news is, fans will have a chance to design the cars’ livery

themselves. “We are all very excited about the move to a black and gold paint scheme for next season, and we want our fans to help us design the livery that will be racing around the world next year,” said the team’s Head of Marketing Silvi Schaumloeffel. “We will shortly be announcing exactly how the fans can take

CHEVROLET CONFIRMS INDYCAR RETURN

GM Racing

INDYCARS CHEVROLET is returning to US openwheeler racing. On Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, executives of Chevrolet announced their return to competition with a new aluminum block and cylinder heads that will be a direct-injected 2.4-litre V6 twin turbocharged motor. The engine design is a joint effort between GM and Ilmor. “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a proving ground for manufacturers since Louis Chevrolet, our co-founder, first raced here in 1909,” said Chris Perry, Vice President of Chevrolet Marketing. “Our return to IndyCar as Chevrolet enters its centennial year is natural.”

The first team to commit to the new motor will be Team Penske. “This is really a great marriage,” said Roger Penske, who influenced Chevy’s return and is co-owner of Ilmor Engineering that will build and maintain the Chevy Indy engines. “I’ve been with Chevy before with four Indy 500s, 31 victories, and a couple of championships. It will give this series a tremendous amount of boost.” Chevy’s V8 engines have already achieved a great history in Indy car racing, competing from 1986-1993 and then 20032005, winning 104 races, including seven Indy 500s on the way to six championships. The next team to commit to Chevrolet in 2012 could be the series’ other powerhouse, Target Ganassi. The

Earnhardt Ganassi NASCAR team recently extended its Chevy deal, but only after being courted by Toyota and Ford, which was looking for a frontrunning team to bolster its Roush Fenway team. But having recommitted to GM, it appears logical that the IndyCar side of team will follow suit, when the time comes. Power could soon find himself with an Australian-designed Chevrolet Camaro in his driveway. “It’s fantastic news, said Power. “What the series needed was another manufacturer, and Chevy being an American brand is a perfect fit. Hopefully, it can entice even more manufacturers to come into the series. But this alone is great news for everyone associated with IndyCar.” – MARY MENDEZ

NASCAR stars could head for Indy 500 INDYCARS CHEVY’S return could lead to NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers competing at the Indy 500 in 2012. Randy Bernard, IndyCar’s CEO, and Bruton Smith, owner of Speedway Motorsports Inc. (SMI), have discussed the double header between the Indy 500 and Charlotte 600 on 14

Memorial Day weekend. As a great promotion, any driver to win both events in one day could receive a huge multimillion dollar bonus. Now that Chevy is involved, it is even more likely to happen. “Thank God we finally have an American-made engine back at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” said Tony Stewart, right, who won the

1997 Indy Racing League championship and competed in five Indianapolis 500s before moving to NASCAR. “Chevrolet is such a huge part of American motorsports,” Jeff Burton said. “To not have an American manufacturer at Indy for the 500 is disappointing. It’s great for the 500 and for Chevy to be back as an engine manufacturer in the Indy

500. Some might say well, I wish they were spending that money here in NASCAR but we need an American manufacturer for the Indy 500.” “I’m happy to hear that the bowtie will be back,” said Jimmie Johnson, four-time NASCAR champion. “Maybe that will give me a chance to go race there someday.” – MARY MENDEZ motorsport news

Pastrana to NASCAR sutton-images.com

sutton-images.com

No Good NASCAR SPRINT CUP

NASCAR SPRINT CUP

GM may be back in the motor racing business, but don’t look for a Goodwrench brand on any of its cars. General Motors has decided to drop Goodwrench brand in the United States. The brand, which has been used by GM dealers to promote vehicle repair and maintenance services, will be replaced by Chevrolet Certified Service, Cadillac Certified Service, Buick Certified Service and GMC Certified Service. The brand launched in 1974 as Mr. Goodwrench, and was changed to Goodwrench Service Plus in 1996. Goodwrench sponsored Richard Childress’s NASCAR team between 1988 and 2008, particularly as primary sponsor on on Dale Earnhardt Sr’s #3 Chevy.

ONE of the USA’s most popular drivers, Travis Pastrana, is quitting rallying, and taking to the ovals. Pastrana, an 11-time X Games gold medallist, last week quit Subaru’s rally team and confirmed that he will

move to NASCAR. He plans to race a Toyota in seven NASCAR Nationwide races in 2011 and 20 races in 2012, driving for Pastrana-Waltrip Racing, a new team he will co-own with Michael Waltrip. “I’ve been following NASCAR closely for years as a fan of the sport with competing in

the sport a life-long dream,” 27-year-old Pastrana said. “I decided it was time to try and turn that dream into reality and with the help of the Bechtel family [Gary and Blake], Michael Waltrip Racing and Wasserman media group I’m now one step closer!” – MARTIN D CLARK

Cup contenders: all clear NASCAR SPRINT CUP

Toyota Motorsports

NASCAR carried out a pre-inspection of the three championship contenders Homestead-Miami cars last week at their Concord, North Carolina R&D center. The idea behind the pre-scrutineering was to avoid issues with the Jimmie Johnson, Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, with all three cars fitting under body templates when they arrive at the season finale. All chassis are pre-inspected at the R&D center before racing, the idea of preinspecting a complete car is a new one. – MARTIN D CLARK

TK: Trucks with Team Kyle? NASCAR

sutton-images.com

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COULD the next stop for Tony Kanaan be in a Truck? Kanaan, whose IndyCar contract with Andretti Autosport ended early after the loss of sponsor 7-Eleven,

is in talks with Kyle Busch to possibly drive for Busch in the NASCAR Truck Series. Rumours also have Dan Wheldon as a possible shoe for Busch next season, if he can’t secure a ride within IndyCar. – MARTIN D CLARK

McConville to TASSIE SIGNS fill in for Beretta this weekend V8 SUPERCARS

V8 SUPERCARS teams will be taking the ferry to Tasmania for at least the next three years. Tasmanian Premier David

V8 SUPERCARS CAMERON McConville will be back behind the microphone at this weekend’s Sandown round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series. McConville will return to doing live-shot TV work as a replacement for Mark Beretta, who will be away on holidays. McConville will join Mark Larkham in pit-lane, his first piece-to-camera gig since being let go from ONE HD’s Formula 1 coverage at the end of last season. “I still really enjoy the media

Bartlett announced last Friday that the V8 Supercar Championship Series will continue to race at Symmons Plains after signing a $1.7m deal. “It’s with great pleasure today

stuff, but this year I’ve had to really focus on the business,” said McConville, who took his second V8 win at Surfers. “All I’ve done this year is some Fujitsu Series and Utes commentary, so I have big shoes to fill from Beretta, and I’ll be a bit rusty. But I’m looking forward to just getting out there and having some fun. Channel Seven wanted someone with racing and TV experience, and I know all the guys in the paddock because I’ve been doing some racing this year.” – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

Behind every g AUS RALLY

Dirk Klynsmith

ONE of rallying’s favourite daughters called time on a glittering career at last Saturday night’s Rally Victoria and ARC presentation. Sue Evans fought back tears as she announced that last weekend’s ARC season finale would be her last event as a codriver alongside husband Simon. “I have done some amazing things in rallying and met so many amazing people,” she said. “Thanks for the memories basically. But it is time to be a parent, be a mum, a wife and get on with life. Its time.” Together, Simon and Sue Evans have won an Asia Pacific F2 title and four Australian Rally Championship titles, all in different cars. This year’s ARC title, wrapped up in the penultimate round, was won in the family’s Subaru Impreza. – NEIL BLACKBOURN motorsport news

S UNTIL 2013 the State Government can announce a $1.7 million deal to secure the V8 Supercars for another three years here in Tasmania,” Bartlett said. “Tasmanians love their V8 Supercars, Tasmanians support

this event massively and the Tasmanian Government sees it as a great thing for our economy and for our community.”

James Smith

great woman

BOOK REVIEW

Neil Blackbourn

www.mnews.com.au

Want a Lowndes book? O-kay! AS Christmas continues to approach, the motor racing books continue to hit the stands. The latest is Craig Lowndes: The Inside Line. Now, the book is marketed as an autobiography, with stalwart journalist Mark Fogarty as a co-author. Realistically, it probably would have read better if it was just a plain old biography by Foges, because he is a man with a healthy command of the pen, and would have done the job perfectly. As it is, for us in the media who know both Craig and Foges well, it’s hard to imagine Craig using words like ‘punditry’ and ‘erudite’. These are words that Foges uses, and

Craig possibly doesn’t know exist, so it sounds like Fogarty, not Lowndes. The only other criticism that we’d offer is that there is only one photo in the whole book of Craig in a Falcon, and given he has spent the last decade in Fords, it would have balanced the book nicely to have some photo evidence. Beyond that, the book is a good read, has some nice little insights into the workings of the great man (Craig I mean, not Foges). And given the mass appeal that Craig has, it will surely be a stocking stuffer this Christmas. Craig Lowndes: The Inside Line retails for $35 and is available in bookstores now. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN 17

FORMULA FORD THE Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship’s newest round winner Geoff Uhrhane will plot a move to overseas competition after this weekend’s season finale at Sandown. Uhrhane claimed his maiden national round win at Symmons Plains and is looking to race open-wheelers

internationally next year. The 19-year-old has identified British Formula Ford and Star Mazda in America as possible destinations, and has started preliminary discussions with teams on each side of the Atlantic. “I’d like to head over to England or America. If we can get everything together, that’s definitely where I’ll be going,” Uhrhane said. “We’re basically looking at

our options so far, seeing what it’s all about over there. Definitely either British Formula Ford, or maybe something in America, like Star Mazda. There’s a few different series over there (America), which would be quite good. “We’ve spoken to a guy from a British Formula Ford team, Nick Tandy [JTR boss], I’ve spoken to them and I could go and run there next year,

and there’s a Star Mazda team, who are pretty keen as well. “We’ll wait and see what happens at Sandown and hopefully plan something in the coming weeks to head over and have a test, hopefully of both cars, actually. “I’m not too fussed either way, they’d both be really good to drive. I think I’ve got to give it a go while I’m still young.” – MITCHELL ADAM

Uhrhane heading overseas

Dirk Klynsmith Richard Craill

Gersekowski wants F3 fulltime FORMULA 3 BEN Gersekowski is set to contest the full Australian Formula 3 Championship in 2011. The Queenslander made his national debut in the final three rounds of this year’s championship, driving an ex-TanderSport F304 Dallara he’s also used to win the QLD Racing Car title. Now, 18

Gersekowski is eyeing a full National Class campaign. “That’s what we’re trying for, certainly,” the 18-year-old said. “I’d like to do it for the whole year, that’s what me and my Dad have been thinking, but we’re just waiting for the calendar to come out for next year, so we can start organising things. “I think I went into [national F3] at the right time as well,

having done a couple of state rounds before doing those three National rounds, I got to come to grips with the car. “There was a whole buzz of being at the National rounds, and I learnt so much about the car and the racing. I loved it.” Gersekowski indicated he’d stick with the F304, with outright race wins to Tom Tweedie and Tim Macrow in the older-model cars showing

they’re still competitive against F307 Dallaras. “We’ve got that car now, so we’ll do that for a couple of years and see what happens,” he said. “Both the ‘04s and the ‘07s have their pros and cons, but I’ve been told with the ‘04s that you’ve got to grab it by the scruff of the neck and drive it hard.” – MITCHELL ADAM motorsport news

news FORMULA FORD THE new Stealth Formula Ford chassis will make its Australian Formula Ford Championship debut at Sandown this weekend. The Stealth S311D will debut in the hands of West Aussie Pete Major, and will be run by TanderSport, in conjunction

with Fastlane Racing. The car is actually built in WA by Fastlane, under the direction of Brett Lupton. While Fastlane has been around Formula Ford for years, and has won two AFFC titles, this will be the FFord debut for Garth Tander’s team. “The new chassis has been doing a fair bit of testing over

in Western Australia recently and we are really happy with how the car has performed, “ said Tander. “We are feeling positive about our debut in the Championship this weekend. The Sandown event for our operation is really a toe in the water exercise, just to see where we are at with the car and to allow our driver to

get up to speed so we can hit the ground running in the first event for 2011. “At the moment, we are really just looking to gauge where the competition is at, at this level of motor racing.” Victorian Josh Hunter will also make his National Series debut, with Sonic Motor Racing Services.

Stealth & TanderSport to make FF debut

Dirk Klynsmith

Porsche Cars Australia Pty Ltd is seeking the following suppliers and service providers for its motorsport activities in Australia, as well as a full-time contractor for its media services; 

Marquee Hire (Tender – Porsche Carrera Cup)

 Caterer (Tender – Porsche Carrera Cup)  Photographer (Expressions of Interest – Porsche Carrera Cup & Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge)  Commentator (Expressions of Interest – Porsche Carrera Cup & Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge)  Media Officer (Position Application – all Porsche Cars Australia motorsport activities) Interested parties should contact Jodi Zylstra by email: jodi.zylstra@porsche.com.au to request a copy of the appropriate documentation ASAP as submissions for the above positions close 5pm EDST, Friday 10th December 2010 www.mnews.com.au

James Smith

LONGER AND STRONGER SALOON CAR

SALOON Cars will kick off their 2011 season with a new, longer-distance format at Wakefield Park. Like Commodore Cup’s annual Endurance Challenge at Winton, the Saloon Cars season opener will consist of a pair of longer races with two drivers per car. Each race will have a driver change, but no tyre change or refueling, with the exact length of the races to be determined following testing to ascertain a Saloon Car’s range on E85 fuel.

One aim of the format is to attract some higher-profile drivers into the category’s Falcons and Commodores for the event. “At this stage, it’ll be 50 laps or one hour, but we have to do some calculations on the E85 usage and that might come back to 45 minutes. We’re going to do some testing before we finalise it,” Category Manager Les Morrall said. “We’re going to try and kick off every year with that same event. I’ve spoken to a heap of people who are going to run and they’re going to try and get some, maybe, celebrity drivers to come in and

help us out.” The Australian Saloon Car Series will retain a six-round schedule next year, with Wakefield Park followed by rounds at Winton Motor Raceway, Eastern Creek, Sandown, Morgan Park and Phillip Island. “Everything’s going along pretty well,” Morrall said. “We’ve got a lot of new people who are showing a bit of interest, all of the normal suspects will be back again next year so it all should be good, hopefully.” – MITCHELL ADAM

These days, Rod Sharpe enjoys reading his Motorsport eNews on iPad. Why? Because we gave him the iPad, that’s why. Rod was the lucky winner of our recent subscription competition. 20

motorsport news

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VEGAS, BABY! KARTING

TEN Australians this weekend will compete at arguably the biggest event in world karting – the SKUSA SuperNats in Las Vegas. The event over the years has attracted the likes of Michael Schumacher and many IndyCar stars, along with the best in world karting. It takes over the carpark of the Rio Hotel and Casino, and 485 competitors will race across the 11 categories on offer, including Raphael Matos and Dan Wheldon – who will race an Australian constructed Arrow machine. Representing Australia in the main event – KZ2 Gearbox – and racing for the $20,000 in prizemoney– will be Australian Champion, Victorian Matt Wall and Bundaberg’s Kel Treseder. Wall will have a Kosmic chassis and TM engine at his disposal – the only Kosmic chassis in the field – and he’s feeling the nerves heading to the world’s party central. “I’ve not been this nervous about a race meeting in a long time,” he admitted. “It will show us to what level Australia has against the world’s best. The SuperNationals always brings together some of the best karters in the world and drivers from other forms of motorsport (IndyCar star Raphael Matos is the headline car racer this year). “I’ve done everything there is to do in Australian karting, but this is a new

challenge altogether.” Treseder will line up with the full support of the CRG factory team and will have Jon Targett in his corner. He will utilise a CRG chassis/Maxter engine combination. Treseder will pit alongside American, Gary Carlton – who recently finished in the top three of the WSK World Series in Europe and is one of the big hopes for the $10,000 first prize. “We’re really excited about the event and can’t wait to get to Vegas,” Treseder said. “It’s going to be a fantastic event, with some big names from the world of karting. To be racing against someone like Marco Ardigo will be a dream come true. It’s phenomenal Australian karters have this opportunity to compete against these factory drivers and I’ll

be giving it my best shot!” David Sera will be racing in the TaG (Touch and Go) category aboard an Australian-built Arrow chassis. Joining him in the KartSport North America team will be IndyCar star, Dan Wheldon – also aboard an Arrow. Other Australians in the TaG category include Kristopher Wall (no relation to Matt) and Scott Saunders. New South Welshman, Joseph Mawson was a late inclusion to the TaG Junior supporting event, also joining the Australian contingent will be Kip and Scott Foster from WA (TaG Master and TaG Junior respectively), Eric Smith (TaG Master), Craig Willis (TaG Master) and Victorian Adrian Lazarro (TaG Junior). – MATT PAYNE

NATIONS CUP FOR OZ? KARTING

MEANWHILE, a further 10 Australians have descended on the La Conca circuit in regional Italy for the Rotax MAX World Challenge. The event, which brings the best Rotax racers from around the world, sees the strongest contingent of Australians in its history, and we have a great chance at taking out the Nations Cup – for the best performing nation at the event. 22

Racing in the 125 Rotax MAX class will be Troy Bretherton, Kyle Ensbey and West Aussie Steven Scoble. Junior MAX will see Aussie Champion Jonathon Venter, Pierce Lehane and James Macken race against the world’s best. Victorians Travis Millar, Jason Pringle and Queenslander Damian Ward will represent their nation in DD2, whilst Canberran – Tony Prendergast – will take inspiration from another Canberra racer who recently raced for a world title

in the Masters DD2 category. All competitors have exactly the same equipment at their disposal, with chassis and engines distributed via ballot prior to practice getting underway. This is the greatest number of Australians ever represented at the event. “We’re ecstatic that we’ve been able to offer 10 Australians the opportunity to race at the World Finals,” said Australian Rotax importer, Ian Black from IKD.

“It’s a fantastic event and when you look down the entry list, it truly brings together racers from all over the world. Traditionally, Australia has performed very well at this event and the entire team is really pulling together to chase the best nation trophy.” Our Juniors could be considered our best hopes for success, whilst Ward and Pringle will both prove trouble for the front-runners in DD2. – MATT PAYNE motorsport news

The “Sprin g Horse-Po wer Challe cars and b nge” has a ikes. In wh full line up a t promises keep the 2 of some of to be the b 0th of Nove Australia’s iggest dra mber free fastest g racing eve for the bes nt in Victor t line up of ia. So cars and b ikes in the country.

See 16 of the country’s best Doorslammers with the names of Victor and Ben Bray, Marice Fabietti, Peter Kapiris, Sean Mifsud, Peter Blake, Matthew Able, Gary Phillips, and Ray Bernard are confirmed for the 20th November 2010.

Calder Park is proud to announce that 8 Pro Stock cars have joined in the line up racing full 1/4 mile in the Spring Horse-Power Challenge. This is a boost to our already impressive line up of cars and bikes for November 20. Lee Bektash (Dodge Stratus), Andrew

Adults Concession (14 - 17 years old) Kids (14 and Under) Family (2 Adults - 2 Concession)

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Stavroulakis/Con Sideris (Dodge Stratus)Joe Polito (Ford Escort), Jason Grima (Ford Mustang), Ian Brown (Pontiac Grand Am), Richard Caval (Dodge Avenger), Arthur Kolaroff (Pontiac GXP), Bill Perdikaris (Ford Escort)

6 cars from the NSW Supercharged Outlaws Club have entered into the Spring HorsePower Challenge November 20, running in Supercharged Eliminator. More and more of the country’s top cars and bikes are entering the line up on the big day November 20. Don’t Miss out on what will be the biggest day in Victoria for drag racing. David (QuickDraw) McGaw (Pontiac Funny Car), John Ward (Chevy Dragster), Bill Gable (Pro Mod Pontiac), Andrew (Rocky) Hodgson (Dodge Avenger Funny Car), Paul Stephen (Chevy Altered, Mike Watkins(Small Block Chevy Altered), Mal Gower (Ford Altered)

Luke Nieuwhof

New milestone on horizon DRAG RACING UNPRECEDENTED just a few years ago, the race is on for a small milestone in Drag Racing; being the first AA/ Altered Production classed car to run a 5s pass. There are two drivers who are currently leading the way to this marker, Western Australians Daniel Gregorini, above, and Maurice Brennan. Both also plan to race in Top

Doorslammer in December in Round 2 of the championship at Perth Motorplex. Gregorini is hopeful that a new engine combination including an M5 supercharger will boost his Scratch & Match Autocolour Camaro to the benchmark. “We had a promising start at the test and tune, going 3.98s to half track but at the first event we had electrical problems that held us back,”

he said. “The car was still launching really hard though, we were covering the first 60 feet in under a second.” Gregorini will make the switch from Top Comp to Top Doorslammer for the ANDRA Pro Series round. Being the first Top Doorslammer to run a 5s pass with a Rootes-style supercharger is also still on the cards. “We’re starting to get close

and we will be doing some testing before the national round to see if we can improve some more,” he said. “G-Force Race Cars are going to be giving us tuning advice from Dubai, so hopefully that will give us an edge.” Daniel will be joined in his racing by father Peter later this season, who will compete in a dragster in Supercharged Outlaws. – LUKE NIEUWHOF

Solieman on top in Sydney DRAG RACING ROUND 4 of a rapidly progressing Sydney track championship was held on the weekend with small fields but some tight racing. Fred Solieman took the win in the Super Comp category, a combination of traditional

Super Stock and Super Compact brackets. He defeated the popular Pac Performance MX6 of George Rehayem. Jeff Penton was able to beat out Troy Papadopoulos in the Supercharged Outlaws final when Papadopoulos left a big 0.208 red light on the tree. Top Sportsman continues

to be an interesting feature of the Sydney championship and it was Darryl Stephen coming out on top when Steve Fowler red lit himself out of contention. Meanwhile, the second round of the WA state drag racing championship will be held this Friday and Saturday

at Perth Motorplex. Friday night sees sportsman qualifying while Saturday will play host to eliminations rounds and a Top Fuel match race between Darren Morgan and Phil Lamattina. For more information go to www.motorplex.com.au. – LUKE NIEUWHOF

Next ANDRA Pro Serie Goldenstate Titles Perth Motorplex, Dec 24

motorsport news

news

Mariani just misses cut DRAG RACING SYDNEY Top Fuel driver Mark Mariani unfortunately missed making the field at the NHRA World Finals in Pomona,

California on the weekend. With a best pass of 4.05s for the 1000ft racing distance, Mariani qualified 21st out of 26 cars, but well outside of the 3.93s needed to get into the

Top 16. The team impressed two weeks ago when they made the second round of the Las Vegas Nationals. The operation will be left in

the USA during the off season and the team will return next year to compete in a few more events at the start of the championship. – LUKE NIEUWHOF

Adding to the Adamos tally DRAG RACING

es Round:

Luke Nieuwhof

ONE of Western Australia’s fastest families will be competing in numbers at Perth Motorplex on Saturday, with four Adamos family members taking to the quarter-mile drag strip. While Alesha Adamos in her Super Sedan and her cousin Nicole Adamos in her Junior Dragster are already well established, it will be Nicole’s sister Michelle Adamos and Alesha’s brother Laurence Adamos joining the fray as they begin competing in the Modified category. Michelle, 22, who has raced before in the Junior Dragster category, said she is looking forward to taking on Laurence, 19, in some friendly rivalry. “We are going to have lots of fun together racing, it will really be like the old days racing in Juniors as a family,” she said. “I’m definitely not scared of him, he asks me all the time if

am I scared of being beaten by him, I say just because you’re bigger doesn’t mean you will win!” Michelle, pictured, says her dragster, imported from the USA, suits her well. “The car feels comfortable and safe, so I can hopefully settle in well,” she said. “My main aim is to get myself used to the car and get the feel for it before we start racing as such and competing. Obviously the quicker I pick it up the better, but I will take it slow until I get the hang of it.” The family aspect is an important part of racing for Michelle and she said she could not do it without their support. “Dad is really proud and I think he is really excited, it has been a year long project and it has all come together,” she said. “The amount of work that has gone into it has been major, it looks good and it sounds fierce, I have a good feeling about how it will all go.” – LUKE NIEUWHOF

ANDRA Pro Series on TV:

Top Alcohol, Sydney Dragway

cember 3-4 Saturday November 20, 7:30pm www.mnews.com.au

Five Minutes with ...

PAUL DUMBRELL and ROD NASH ‘PD’ will stick with racing V8 Supercars for Rod Nash Racing for at least another year, after months of indecision about his future. He spoke to the media at Symmons about why he changed his mind, getting a first podium (which he did 24 hours later!), and his tough family fight QUESTION: Is next year definitely the last year? PAUL DUMBRELL: I believe so. I sat down with Rod and talked about a three-year deal; we did a three-year deal at the start of this year. I’ll be nearly 30 next year, and I’ve had a good innings, and I’ve always said that I want to call it on my terms. I’m pretty confident I’ll be able to do it next year. If you can do it next year, why not longer than that? PD: I have challenges within motorsport, and outside of motorsport. It’s common knowledge my pursuit of triathlons and marathons, and I sit here today shitting myself about my challenge in two weeks time in Mexico (ED: Dumbrell will take part in Ironman Couzmel on November 28). Rod, are you happy with this outcome? ROD NASH: Yeah, I can put up with him for another year. As everyone is aware, we both crossed the line into the [Ford] side this year, and as a team we had to put it together. The way this team operates, and the way we’ve been acknowledged, its past what my expectations were. The thing I was disappointed about with Paul potentially leaving was that we both came into it to get set-up this year, and Paul has come in not only from driving a Holden, but under all the pressure that he’s personally been under. I think we can all acknowledge that he’s had some good success, and he’s consistently hung around tenth position in the championship. I was disappointed that we did all this hard work, and it would have been a lot easier to fire out of the box with Frosty (Mark Winterbottom) next year on a consistent basis, and be a bit stronger. 26

With PD making this call now, it gets us right back on track. [And] it’s good for Frosty, because like any team person, you need a competitive team-mate, and he’ll have that. I can’t speak for what else is going on in the team, but it is a three-car team, and certainly these two are very close and very competitive. Was there any one thing that forced the about face? RN: You should ask me! I just held his arm … PD: As I said, I was pretty comfortable with the decision I made prior to Indy, but I was always going to regret it whether I retired this year, next year, or in five years time. A number of people that I have very close to me and advise me sat me down and talked me through my decision. I had dinner with Rod a week ago, and he spoke to me as Rod Nash from Rod Nash Racing, and then spoke to me as a friend and advisor. We talked about the challenges that I face in my life every day, and even he said ‘well, it’s not black and white, that’s for sure’. In the last 48 hours I missed my flight because I was meeting with Rod, and there wasn’t one single thing, there were just a few compromises from a number of parties which allowed me to make a decision. Will you still have an active role with the business next year? PD: Yeah, there’s no change there. Has your father’s status changed [in his fight with cancer]? PD: Yes. He had a single digit chance of living, and he’s been lucky to have been one of the five to 10 percent chance that has been able to live through it. There’s

obviously significant risks long-term, but certainly it’s looking good at the moment. Will you give it away altogether at the end of next year, or will you do the enduros the year after? PD: I don’t know about that, I’m not quite sure. RN: One of the things I’ve advised Paul on is that when you get ambushed with personal, family issues – which we all get from time to time – sometimes it’s easier to take short-term views just to move on. That’s one of the contributors to how he’s been able to make this decision, because we all think too far forward sometimes, so I think this allows him to move on now, next year and beyond is still another world, all the options are still there, and he’s approaching 30 with some personal plans he’d like to achieve. But he is 28, single, so as far as I’m concerned he hasn’t got too many commitments! Short term views are good on that basis. Next year is just a whole other year. You just need a trophy now. PD: Aaron [Noonan] is the man of stats, and he’s got a stat next to my name which I’m going try and resurrect. How many more races do I have to go, Aaron? (AN: Until Abu Dhabi next year, for most events without a podium). Well I’ve got to change that! RN: In my 50th birthday card this year, Paul indicated that part of the present process was to give us both a podium, so I’m happy that it doesn’t have to necessarily happen this year. The way it was going I needed it to happen this year, but it can go into next year now. But sooner rather than later, we’ll keep working on that one. motorsport news

chat

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

Phil Branagan – Executive Editor

UICK; someone do Qantas a favour. Its Airbus 380s are not falling out of the sky – not quite – so you would think that any positive publicity would be welcome right about now. Then, it announces that it will sponsor the Australian Grand Prix, right in the midst of a dispute that could see the race called off. The Australian Grand Prix Corporation claims that it spends $800,000 with CAMS to get the event run, and that that is too much. AGPC Chairman Ron Walker has suggested that they might even bring in people from overseas to run the event 28

at Albert Park. There was no detail that I was aware of how he justifies that; perhaps all those people would fly to Australia for free, and he could provide free accommodation. [I note that he said this while in Abu Dhabi where the media centre, for one, was run by gentlemen from Melbourne and Perth.] Then, CAMS had its say. It claims that the amount is closer to $500K and after making a number of points, including the safety of the event, included, and I quote, “Under FIA rules, without CAMS agreement as ASN, the AGP will not be conducted.” Look; this will get settled.

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OPINION

Walker will talk to Bernie Ecclestone, who will talk to the FIA, who will talk to CAMS. The AGP will go ahead in March, as planned. But, just as in war, the first casualty of motor racing politics can be the truth. In a week where there should be – is – much to celebrate in the sport, like a new and deserving World Champion, and a great season from Mark Webber, this is a bad, bad look. For an event that costs Victorian taxpayers nigh on $50 million a year, a public dispute about such a relatively minor amount looks petty and pathetic. Stuart Appleby got $270,000 for winning the Australian Masters on the weekend but, when he was done, he did not insist that IMG paid for his tees. The AGPC performs a financial balancing act, caused largely by the huge

John Morris/Mpix

GOOD MESSAGE, BAD TIMING

wad of money that goes OS for the fee for every race. Perhaps the financial confessions we have heard of late might lift the somewhat convenient ‘commercial in confidence’ veil that surrounds other aspects of the AGP deal – but I doubt it. And, to CAMS; if threatening the very future of the AGP is your preferred position, sack whoever is doing your PR. If it is, we could understand why people who observe this sport – the fans, the sponsors and the media – might form the opinion that the best thing to do might be to close the doors, ring up Paris and start a new, smaller, more efficient and less belligerent ASN. And, to Qantas; I will keep flying your airline. Just fix your engines, and next time, when you have good news to announce, don’t do it on a Saturday. motorsport news

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! R A B DER N C WU

OPINION

ndrew van Leeuwen – News Editor www.mnews.com.au

comment

HAMPIONSHIPS are funny things. We’ll start with Formula 1. We’re an Australian magazine, and as such, we’ve been supporting Mark Webber this season. And not just this season, but pretty much every season since he was racing Formula Ford in Australia back in the mid-1990s. There isn’t a person within eNews HQ that wouldn’t have preferred seeing Webber standing teary-eyed on the podium in the wee hours of Monday morning, as our first World Champion in three decades. However, it didn’t pan out that way. And when the chequered flag fell and the title went to Sebastian Vettel, I wasn’t sad. He’s a deserving Champion, as much as Webber would have been, and here’s why ... For starters, Vettel is not the boogie man. He’s actually a really nice guy – I know because I’ve worked with him on several occasions – and while he’s been crucified in the press, particularly in Australia and the UK, he doesn’t really deserve it. I mean, what did he do? Take advantage of the fact that his team wanted to give him the best chance at winning the World Championship? What a monster! How dare he! I mean, who else would do that? Oh wait, every other racing driver on the face of the planet, that’s who. I’m sure if Red Bull Racing had offered Webber the better front wing in Silverstone, he wouldn’t have said ‘not if Seb can’t have one. That would be wrong and unfair. Frankly, I’m shocked at the very suggestion’. He would have taken it and done his best to win the race, because he’s a competitor, and that’s what competitors do. Secondly, it’s only fair to note that Vettel was the fastest driver at RBR this season. Okay, he wasn’t at Barcelona or Monaco, but on the whole, he really was. 10 pole positions is a pretty damning statistic. And if it weren’t for a spark plug in Bahrain, and wheel nut in Australia, and an engine in Korea, Vettel would have had the title all but wrapped up before Abu Dhabi anyway. Yes, retirements in Turkey and Belgium were Vettel’s fault, but he’s young and he does make mistakes. So does Webber. He had only two retirements all year – one was an avoidable collision with Heikki Kovalainen in Valencia, and the other was a brain fade in Korea. In terms of reliability, Webber had a charmed life in ’10, and if he hadn’t made those two mistakes, he would be the World Champ. This isn’t about trying to dump on Webber. The bloke had an awesome season, and we’re all really proud of him. I’m just trying to point out that Vettel does deserve to be our new Formula 1 World Champion. Now for the V8 Supercars side of things. The title took a few twists and turns throughout the weekend in Tasmania, and came out looking almost exactly as it did going in, with Courtney holding a narrow lead. Here’s my theory; while it looks for all money like Courtney has all the luck, if not the speed, to win this title, I wouldn’t be surprised if Whincup ‘pulls a Vettel’. By that I mean, with two race meetings to go, goes on an almighty winning streak to bring home the bacon. One thing is for sure – barring disaster at Sandown, we’re going to have a proper, live title fight heading into Sydney. Bring it on! 29

V8 SUPERCARS RACE 21-22, SYMMONS PLAINS

Dirk Klynsmith

FORD’S PERFOR motorsport news

race

It was a weekend of fluctuating title fortunes, first time podium finishers, and stunning speed from the crew at FPR. ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN reports from Tasmania

PERFORMANCE REVIVAL www.mnews.com.au

21 e c a R

ARLIER in the year, people were lauding James Courtney as the Sprint Tyre King. But on Saturday in Launceston, Craig Lowndes proved once and for all that he is the man most fitting of that crown. Back in 2009, most of the V8 Supercar field got through Saturday’s race on a single set of Sprints. But that was a 100-kay race, and there were people wondering if the extra 20 clicks they would have to travel in 2010 would be back-breaking straw. Not with Lowndes in charge, and in charge he was. Having started second after a poor third sector in the Shootout, Lowndes stormed off the line to lead Garth Tander and the rest away, and then dictated the race on his own terms. He was smooth, precise, and seemed to choose only to do fastest sectors and laps when Tander looked to be mounting a challenge. As a result of his expert tyre management, Lowndes was still lapping in the 52.5s bracket with two laps top go. In other words, he was in a class of his own. “We had a great day,” said Lowndes. “We didn’t quite get the pole, but to get into clean air [at the start] and look after the tyres was important. As long as you looked after the tyres, they were fine.” Tander, battling a throat infection, didn’t exactly get blown away from Lowndes, but was happy to concede that beating car #888 wasn’t ever an option. “That’s as good as we could have done today,” he said. “Craig has good speed when he needed it. We need to find a tenth or a tenthand-a-half to give Lowndes a run over a race distance.” Beyond Lowndes, Man of the Day award went to Greg Murphy. ‘Murph’ shrugged off his usual qualifying doldrums to grab the last spot in the Top 10 Shootout, and the proceeded to match his regular qualifying time and hold the top spot until three cars from the end. Having made up six spots in the Shootout alone, he made it one more during the race to grab his first podium finish since … ummm … well, it was a heck of a long time ago. “Straight out of the gate I was very comfortable,” said Murphy. “Today was fantastic. I was trying to chase these two but they had it covered.” Beyond that, the race was hardly an epic. There were no Safety Cars, no rain, and the best dice for a position was between Jason Bright and Shane van Gisbergen for 12th. There was, however, the continuation of the curious case of Ford Performance Racing’s fluctuating form, which was on the up again in Tasmania. All three cars made the Shootout, and then made it to the end of the race in the Top 10 – led by Paul Dumbrell (fourth) who had announced he would stay in the sport for another year just half an hour before the start of the race. Mark Winterbottom was fifth, but would have been third if it wasn’t for a little off-track excursion after his stop, and Steve Richards was eighth. An interesting titbit was that Tander was the only driver in the Top 10 who didn’t have his team-mate also in the 10. Russell Ingall was seventh (along with Murphy), Michael Caruso and Lee Holdsworth for ninth and 10th respectively for GRM, and Jamie Whincup was sixth to accompany Lowndes’ win for The ‘Fones. Speaking of Whincup, the battle for the championship was a strange one in Race 21. Neither Courtney nor Whincup could make the Shootout, the pair instead sharing the sixth row of the grid. But while Whincup made good inroads throughout the race, Courtney was left standing still, finishing 11th after looking rather unhappy with his DJR mount. 32

motorsport news

race

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

HERE were three different battles going on during Race 22 at Symmons Plains on Sunday; the battle for the race win, the battle for Paul Dumbrell to record his first podium finish, and the battle for who would lead the championship at the end of the weekend. We’ll start with the race, which belonged to Mark Winterbottom. With heavy rain falling overnight and into the morning, the race was destined to start on wet tyres. But they only lasted Lap 17, when the Safety Car was deployed and the whole field scrambled into the pit-lane and took slicks, most the Dunlop Sprint. By that stage pole-sitter Winterbottom and Jason Bright were in control of the race, with ‘Frosty’ withstanding a brief barrage

from Bright before settling into a small but comfortable lead. The deal was all but sealed after the second round of stops, when Dumbrell made it a Ford Performance Racing 1-2 by jumping Bright in pit-lane, with the pair storming to a historic win. “Without sounding arrogant, I don’t think there was a stage where I was really pushing overly hard,” said Winterbottom. “The car was great in the wet – no dramas at all.” For Dumbrell, the result held extra significance. He was running out of races to avoid being given the tag of ‘most event starts without a podium finish’. Yes, Dumbrell did finish third in Race 1 at Winton in 2006, but back then podiums were awarded on a round basis, and Dumbrell ended up sixth at that round. Now, podiums are for races, so technically, this

was a first. Bright was third, after showing buckets of pace from the moment the rain started to fall. He felt he actually had the speed to win the race, but couldn’t find a way past the FPR cars. However, he was hardly disappointed with his first podium since moving to The Alburys. “I’ve been saying for a while that the plan was to go into next year strong, and we’ve given up a few races earlier this year to concentrate on the bigger picture,” said Bright. “The plan was to be battling for podiums by the end of the year, and as long as we’re doing that we’re on target. It’s been really good to see the team working really well together; harmony in the work group is very important. It’s been a tough year – we’ve had some ups and downs and sometimes

it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the guys just kept digging in. It’s the best I’ve worked in and I’m really happy with the way it’s coming together. ” Finally, it was all happening in the battle for the title. Once again, neither Jamie Whincup nor James Courtney impressed during qualifying, the pair starting 10th and 21st respectively. And when Race 21 winner Craig Lowndes went flying into race contention on Lap 1, it looked as if he might have come out of the weekend right in the fight. However, on just the second lap the first twist came along. Lowndes slowed dramatically, his gear selector having been stripped from the housing. He was stuck in first gear, effectively out of the race, and a long way from winning the 2010 title. motorsport news

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Phil Williams

Race 22

Summer Dayz ... sort of: Shane van Gisbergen copped a penalty for turning Warren Luff around, top, while Courtney was lucky to leave with the lead after a difficult day in the wet, above. Will Davison was less lucky, again, with a failure leaving him out while in contention for a podium, below.

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

Phil Williams

Dirk Klynsmith

Next to cop a blow was Courtney. He wasn’t exactly flushed with speed, and the desperation manifested into an on-track altercation with Lee Holdsworth. Courtney was given a drive-through, and Whincup moved into the progressive title lead. By this stage TeamVodafone had used what seemed to be superior pit work to bump Whincup up into fourth position. It looked like he’d landed on his feet, until he pitted late in the race for more fuel. Huh? Why would he do that? Turns out it was human error; not enough fuel had gone into his car during the second stop, necessitating a third. It dropped Whincup back to 15th, three places behind Courtney, and kept the title fight status quo. That is, at leats until we get to Sandown in five days time ...

WINNERS JAMES COURTNEY: Is this guy having a championship year or what? When things go bad for him, they seem to go even worse for his title rivals, in this case Whincup and Lowndes. #1 on the Pespsi FPR car in 2011?

GRANT McPHERSON: Never heard of him? He took over engineering S Richo’s car in Tassie, and it looks like it will be a happy, if brief, marriage. PAUL DUMBRELL: There isn’t a person in the V8 paddock who would deny PD that first proper podium. Well done, mate.

LOSERS WILL DAVISON: He was nine kays slower down the straights than Tander, apparently, and then his oil ended up all over the track when he was third in R22. Maybe, just maybe, he’s fallen down the pecking order at Walkinshaws ... CRAIG LOWNDES: Could be right in the title fight now, if he’s gone on to get a result on Sunday. Instead, he’s behind Frosty. THE ‘FONES: Errors from Triple Eight are rare, but they made a howler during Sunday’s race with Whincup. Not enough fuel is the sort of problem FPR used to deal with. Never expected it from T8, not with the pressure mounting. 36

FIGHT CLUB!

STEVE Richards is generally a pretty quiet bloke. But on Saturday, he fired up big time – and Rick Kelly caught the brunt of it. It started with an on-track altercation during qualifying. With the tiny Symmons Plains track bound to cause some traffic chaos, Richards and Kelly got caught up in a brake-testing match. Who was in the right and who was in the wrong depended heavily on who you ask, but regardless, it boiled over into a pit apron shoving match. “When I was on one of my

quickest laps Richo started his lap right in front of me and it obviously hindered our progress,” said Kelly. “I actually backed off and got a bit of a gap so that I could have another go ,and I had another go, tried to start another lap a little later and Richo had just finished his lap and backed off in an awkward position, which destroyed that lap as well. “It put us back where we were, which was a little bit disappointing. I know the track is short and we all have to try and find the space,

John Morris/Mpix

FPR: Wow. The guys from FPR took car speed and turned it into a result. Who saw that coming? Seriously, though, they had a great weekend from start to finish.

but I thought he could have shown more respect than that and I expected more from him. “In the pit lane afterwards we were both discussing what had happened out there on the track, and he was having trouble seeing my point of view. He got a bit hot under the collar, and to be honest, I found it a bit amusing and a bit of fun. “I don’t have any dramas with that sort of thing off the track. I think it adds a bit of colour and it was a little bit of fun.”

MIDNIGHT RUNNERS V8 SUPERCAR fans might complain about the odd delayed telecast due to a football clash through the course of a season, but Western Australia copped the worst clash of all last weekend, with Symmons Plains being bundled out of the schedule for Telethon. Telethon, which is broadcast on Channel Seven, is a 25-hour live entertainment broadcast to raise money for Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth. It has been shown every year since it started in 1968, and given the cause, V8 Supercars understandably took a back seat for the weekend. In fact, there was no V8 Supercar action on TV until 11:45pm on Sunday night.

“Telethon is an institution in Western Australia, and unfortunately there was a clash,” said Cole Hitchcock, V8 Supercars Australia media manager. “We’re disappointed for our fans, but we think everyone would understand in these circumstances. It’s not ideal, but its something we’ve just dealt with.” Naturally, no one will begrudge giving a charity show that raises more than six million dollars a year for sick children the TV time. But the sooner the anti-siphoning laws allow digital channels to be more involved with sport, the better off sport fans will be. – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN motorsport news

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CONFIDENCE IS KEY

Rob Lang

ON Saturday at Symmons Plains, there was some resistance from the so-called bad qualifiers in the V8 Supercar field. After a season of hearing how bad they are at getting a single-lap out of a V8 Supercar, veterans Greg Murphy, Steve Richards and Russell Ingall all made the Top 10 Shootout. Once they were there, ‘Murph’ was undoubtedly the star. Having just scraped through with 10th in regular qualifying, Murphy went within 0.11s of his regular qualifying time in the Shootout, going closer than everyone except Garth Tander. As a result, he jumped from 10th to fourth on the grid, beaten only by the ‘Big Three’ in Tander, Craig Lowndes and Mark Winterbottom. “When you’ve got confidence in

your equipment, that’s what happens,” Murphy said. “I was confident in the Shootout. I knew that in qualifying it was going to be so close, but I did think we’d be a bit further up. In the Shootout I was confident with the car and I just had to try and repeat what we’d done in qualifying. We got close to it, and I would have liked to have held top spot for a bit longer, but the thing is the three guys that ended up ahead of us in the Shootout have done a lot of Shootouts recently, and all three of them are extremely good at it. So to get beaten by those three blokes is not too upsetting. “It was nice to be able to have a go, be confident with the car, and know that it isn’t going to bite you.” Murphy’s most famous Shootout

FROM THE COUCH with PHIL BRANAGAN MARK Beretta’s vacation is, obviously, not going to involve shaving. It cannot be much fun doing pitlane reporting in the rain – I still have nightmares from my experience of it – but that was the task the Seven-ites www.mnews.com.au

faced over the weekend. They managed to do it pretty well; on a circuit with a 52-second lap, with cars in and out of the pits, it would have been easy to lose track of who was doing what, but they never did. Having said that, the

moment is, and always will be, that lap at Bathurst in 2003. Seven years later, At Symmons Plains, it was a totally different challenge. Instead of having to keep up the pace over a more than six kilometres of circuit, the diminutive Tasmanian circuit is about not making any mistakes over its two-kilometre distance. “You only have to make a little mistake, and that’s it, because you don’t have the chance to make it up,” added Murphy. “You don’t have another couple of kays worth of corners to try and improve. In saying that, no matter where we go now little mistakes cost you, but here there is a couple of braking areas, a couple of corners, and that’s it. The most important bits are Turns 1-2, and off the back straight.” – ANDREW VAN LEEUWEN

goings-on in pitlane somewhat disguised the fact that the two races were, er, processions, so far as determining the winners was concerned. Lowndes on Saturday, Frosty on Sunday. Here’s the thing. It’s game time. With the title on the line, everyone needs to step up, and so does the TV coverage. While the pictures are just fine, I would like to see more

‘big picture’ information. I would hope that there are ‘live’ points during the races at Sandown this weekend, just as there were in the Formula 1 coverage last night. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing how Cam McConville fits in to the broadcast this week. In F1 and NASCAR, there is one ex-driver who has a microphone; in V8 Supercars, now we have four … 37

Results :: Race 21 – Symmons Plains, TAS

Results :: Race

Pos

Driver

Team/Car

Qual

Pos

Drivers

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 DNF DNF

888 2 51 55 5 1 39 6 34 33 18 14 9 15 7 8 17 19 47 4 3 22 12 10 30 16 24 21 11

Craig Lowndes Garth Tander Greg Murphy Paul Dumbrell Mark Winterbottom Jamie Whincup Russell Ingall Steven Richards Michael Caruso Lee Holdsworth James Courtney Jason Bright Shane van Gisbergen Rick Kelly Todd Kelly Jason Richards Steven Johnson Jonathon Webb Tim Slade Alex Davison Tony D’Alberto Will Davison Dean Fiore Andrew Thompson Warren Luff Tony Ricciardello Fabian Coulthard Karl Reindler Jason Bargwanna

TeamVodafone Commodore Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore Castrol Edge Racing Commodore The Bottle-O Team Falcon Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon TeamVodafone Commodore Supercheap Auto Racing Commodore Dunlop FPR Falcon Fujitsu Racing/GRM Commodore Fujitsu Racing/GRM Commodore Jim Beam Racing Falcon Trading Post Racing Commodore SP Tools Racing Falcon Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore Team BOC Commodore Jim Beam Racing Falcon Dick Johnson Racing Falcon Wilson Security Racing Falcon Irwin Racing Falcon Centaur Racing Commodore Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore Bing Lee/Panasonic Falcon Bundaberg Red Commodore Gulf Western Oil Racing Commodore Stratco Racing Commodore Bundaberg Red Commodore Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore Rock Racing Commodore

2 1 4 10 3 11 9 6 7 5 12 8 14 17 20 8 19 21 26 25 23 18 15 28 27 29 13 22 24

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 DNF DNF DNF DNF

5 55 14 39 51 2 7 24 6 33 9 18 17 21 1 19 11 47 4 34 30 8 12 3 15 16 22 888 10

Mark Winterbo Paul Dumbrell Jason Bright Russell Ingall Greg Murphy Garth Tander Todd Kelly Fabian Coulth Steven Richard Lee Holdswort Shane Van Gis James Courtne Steven Johnso Karl Reindler Jamie Whincu Jonathon Web Jason Bargwa Tim Slade Alex Davison Michael Carus Warren Luff Jason Richard Dean Fiore Tony D’Alberto Rick Kelly Tony Ricciarde Will Davison Craig Lowndes Andrew Thom

Top 10 Points: Courtney 2662, Whincup 2612, Winterbottom 2462, Lowndes 2405, Tander 2328, van Gisbergen 2178, R Kelly 1936, Holdsworth 1919, Dumbrell 1848, Caruso 1835.

motorsport news

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22 – Symmons Plains, TAS

ottom l

hard ds th sbergen ey on

up bb anna

ello

s mpson

Team/Car

Qual

Orrcon Steel FPR Falcon The Bottle-O Falcon Trading Post Commodore Supercheap Auto Commodore Castrol Edge Commodore Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore Bundaberg Red Commodore Dunlop FPR Falcon Fujitsu Racing/GRM Commodore SP Tools Racing Falcon Jim Beam Racing Falcon Jim Beam Racing Falcon Fair Dinkum Sheds Commodore TeamVodafone Commodore Dick Johnson Racing Falcon Rock Racing Commodore Wilson Security Racing Falcon Irwin Racing Falcon Fujitsu Racing/GRM Commodore Gulf Western Oil Commodore Team BOC Commodore Bing Lee/Panasonic Falcon Centaur Racing Commodore Jack Daniel’s Racing Commodore Stratco Racing Commodore Toll Holden Racing Team Commodore TeamVodafone Commodore Bundaberg Red Commodore

1 11 2 5 12 13 7 14 18 20 19 21 17 27 10 15 9 25 24 29 16 4 26 22 6 28 8 3 23

Dirk Klynsmith

www.mnews.com.au

FORMULA FORD ROUND 7, SYMMONS PLAINS

Chaz’s title, Uhrhane reigns in rain Dirk Klynsmith

In the penultimate round of the 2010 Australian Formula Ford season, the title was wrapped up and the championship welcomed a new winner, REBECCA WYATT reports

ASMANIA turned on all four seasons as Chaz Mostert emerged victorious to wrap up the 2010 Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship in Round 7 at Symmons Plains, while Geoff Uhrhane claimed his maiden round win. The racing was tight and fast all weekend through all conditions, starting with a fine and sunny qualifying session on Friday afternoon. Qualifying in second place behind Ash Walsh by just 0.01s, a titanic battle between Mostert, Walsh and 15-yearold Cameron Waters in Race 1 was the highlight of the weekend’s racing. The lead changed many times over the course of the race, with the trio skipping away from the rest of the field. Into the final lap, Waters held the upper hand ahead of Mostert and 40

Walsh, with a small error in the dying stages leaving the door open for Mostert and Walsh to take the chequered flag ahead of Uhrhane who had a lonely race behind the leading pack. Greeting the drivers on Sunday morning was a very wet and slippery track, which sent the field into a spin, many of the drivers calling on their experience in karting to deal with the wet conditions. Nick Foster excelled in the wet, setting the fastest laps in Races 2 and 3 before finishing in second and first respectively, and accumulating points while much of the field struggled to find grip. Trading blows with Foster, Uhrhane put in a consistent effort, finishing in first and second in the final two races. A DNF for Walsh in Race 2 saw him start from the rear of the grid in the

final race, the Queenslander charging through the field and eventually finishing third in the day’s final race, before being docked championship points for a final lap incident with Waters. While the rest of the field fought amongst themselves for the points, Mostert was quietly going about putting the finishing touches on an impressive championship season. Race 2 saw Mostert finish outside the points in 12th position, with a gearbox replacement required to have him out on track for the final race, and fifth place sealing fifth for the round, and the championship for the Queenslander. “I’m just ecstatic,” he said, “we didn’t really have enough speed in the rain, but it’s just an awesome feeling. I can’t really describe it; I’m just over the moon.”

Consistency was the key to the round points accumulation, with Uhrhane’s third, first and second placings enough to seal his first round win, ahead of Foster and Trent Harrison in a perfect 1-2-3 for Mygale. Impressive carving through the field in the rain saw Foster also awarded the EWP Hard Charger Award. In an impressive debut performance, the ACT’s Matthew Hart finished seventh overall for the round. As the series heads into the final round this weekend at Sandown, Mostert has the championship win sewn up, but Uhrhane and Foster remain locked in a fierce battle for second place overall with Uhrhane holding the upper hand by a mere two points. Points: Mostert 300, Uhrhane 227, Foster 225, Walsh 190, Ryan Simpson 150, Waters 101 motorsport news

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John Morris / Mpix

Mostert slugged it out with Waters in the opening race, above. Walsh was in the thick of it early, right, before having a tough Sunday. Shae Davies, below right, was among the drivers to find the mud in the wet, while Foster, below, picked up a win.

Phil Williams John Morris / Mpix

Dirk Klynsmith

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TOURING CAR MASTERS ROUND 6, SYMMONS PLAINS

Local boy does good

John Bowe forged back into Touring Car Masters title contention with a pair of wins on home turf. RICHARD CRAILL reviews the Symmons Plains action

OHN Bowe and Symmons Plains Raceway’s notoriously fickle weather were the only two constants during Round 6 of the Touring Car Masters series presented by Autobarn. The rest of the grid had wildly contrasting fortunes that were good for some and not for others, shaping an ever-increasingly tight battle between the top three drivers for the Touring Car Masters crown. After failing to score a point at Bathurst last month, Bowe put his title hopes back on track after dominating his home round and sweeping both of the races contested.

Only two of the scheduled three races were contested after the second race was cancelled due to delays in the program after a Formula Ford crash held up proceedings as the Armco barriers were repaired. Bowe, complete with a new engine after his Bathurst failure, was imperious at Symmons and took pole position before he went on to win the first race – held in the dry on Saturday – in commanding style. He twice re-set his own lap record en-route to his win, with few in the field able to show similar pace. Thus, he started Sunday’s only race from eighth on the grid thanks

to the series reverse top-eight rules – but even this wasn’t enough to stop him from winning. In wet conditions, Bowe carved his way through from eighth to first in just four laps and said the changing conditions were all part of the experience. “It’s Tassie! It’s the nature of the place that things change so quickly,” he said afterwards. “I’m pleased with the result. It’s great for Dick Savy, who prepares the car. He does it all in house and has done a fantastic job to get the car on track for this weekend.” Series leader Gavin Bullas was perhaps the biggest loser of the weekend, destroying

one engine in qualifying and failing to finish the first race – after charging to fifth from the back of the field – after the replacement blew an oil line just a few laps from home. Car repaired, the defending champion charged to eighth in the second race to score solid points to get an otherwise frustrating weekend somewhat back on track. Camaro drivers Steve Mason and Andrew Miedecke were in the thick of the action all weekend, providing fans with an entertaining dice in Race 1 for second that lasted until the final lap when Mason locked his brakes and slid wide in the final corner, letting Miedecke through.

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James Smith

Gavin Bullas’ title hopes took a hit, above, while Andrew Miedecke, below, had a tough Sunday.

James Smith

Leanne Tander provisionally moved into the top five of the series standings with another series of strong performances, whilst Group 2 drivers Bernie Stack, Chris Stillwell and Cameron Tilley were standouts in the wet second race as all three diced for top five positions. Stack – already a front-row qualifier in the rain earlier this year – led the first three laps of Race 2 in the wet and held on to finish fourth, the best ever finish for a Porsche in a TCM race. Falcon Sprint driver Jim Richards did not compete due to conflicting dates with the Porsche-supported Drive Bathurst event, nominating Symmons Plains as his dropped round for the year. Final round results remain provisional due to the cancellation of Race 2, with amended points and standings to be made available at the next round of the series to be held this weekend at Sandown.

John Morris / Mpix

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AUSTRALIAN RALLY C’SHIP ROUND 6, RALLY VICTORIA

There’s no place like home ... Glen and Matt Raymond picked up a hometown win to end the 2010 Australian Rally Championship, as Victoria turned on some of its finest November weather

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Justin Collins

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Michael Vettas

LEN and Matt Raymond scored a hometown victory to round out the 2010 Australian Rally Championship, in a shortened Rally Victoria. Wet weather hit the event, based in Warragul on the outskirts of Melbourne – where the Raymonds are based. In a one-and-a-half day format, heavy rain saw the final five forest stages on Saturday cancelled. Justin Dowel and Matt Lee (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX) won their first ARC gravel stages on Friday to end the opening day with a 0.2s lead over the Raymonds (Evo X), as

Simon and Sue Evans lost over 20 minutes with drivetrain problems in their Subaru. Amid heavy rain and fog on Saturday morning, Dowel struck trouble, with a wire becoming wrapped around the right-rear brake caliper and puncturing the tyre. “It was very unfortunate, but there was nothing we could do about it,” Dowel said. “We were on a real charge through that stage and we were hopeful that we could take some time out of Glen, but it wasn’t to be.” That handed the lead to Glen Raymond, as weather closed in. The final Super Special stage around Lardner

Park, won by Michael Boaden and Helen Cheers, was the only competitive running of the afternoon. In the end, the Raymonds took the win by 40.2s over Dowel and Lee. “We drove to a plan this rally,” Glen Raymond said. “We knew if we could apply the pressure but keep our nose clean it would pay off. It was tight competition at the top, but our plan worked and we came out with a healthy lead. “We are so stoked to win our local rally. The rally conditions were tough with rain, mud and extreme fog. To finish was an achievement, let alone to

win. To say we are excited is an understatement!” Mark Pedder and Lee Tierney made it an all-Lancer podium in their Evo IX. “It started off really well – and then during the last few stages we had some dramas – in the fog and we went wide in a corner and smacked the bank and dropped 30 to 40 seconds to the leading guys,” Pedder said. Ryan and Rebecca Smart were the best of the nonLancers, finishing fourth in their Toyota Corolla, while Simon and Sue Evans eventually finished 13th, after dominating the Saturday running.

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Niel Blackbourn

Justin Collins

Justin Dowel and Matt Lee, above, led on Friday and encountered trouble on Saturday, but still came home in second place, ahead of Mark Pedder and Lee Tierney, above right. The Smarts, right, were the best of the non-Lancers in fourth, while Simon and Sue went like a blur as usual, below.

Michael Vettas

Neil Blackbourn

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NASCAR SPRINT CUP ROUND 35, PHEONIX, AZ

CARL DOUBLES UP

AS HAMLIN FALTERS

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FORD Media FORD Media

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T was, in all likelihood, one of the turning points in the history of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season – maybe of all time. Denny Hamlin dominated the Kobalt Tools 500 at Phoenix on Sunday. The points leader put the minor inconvenience of starting 17th behind him to chug through the pack, and took the lead from Carl Edwards on a restart on lap 66. When he lost the lead to the Ford man in a round of pitstops, he promised his disappointed crew that he would get the

lead back – which he did, on lap 106. He clinched the extra five points for the most laps led (he wound up leading 190 of 312) and it looked like he would stretch his points lead, going into the final race of the season this weekend. A Toyota driver was going to win the Sprint Cup. Then, it all went wrong. He was short on gas. Both Hamlin and team-mate Kyle Busch were forced to top up in lap 298 while Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick were in fuel-saving

mode. Edwards, who started on pole, squeezed 88 laps out of the tank of his Roush Fenway Fusion to end a 70-race winless streak, the longest of his career. “Jack Roush said, ‘I’d forgotten what it felt like to win one on fuel mileage, that feeling in the pit of your stomach for the last two laps’,” said Edwards after he took his 29th career Cup win. “I know that feeling! We needed this win, we really needed it.” It was a great weekend to be Edwards; on Saturday, he won the Nationwide race.

“It’s pretty disappointing,” a downcast Hamlin said after the race. “It’s tough to not be happy having the point lead going into the last race. But we were sitting pretty.” Ryan Newman was the best of the rest, taking second ahead of Joey Logano and Greg Biffle. Johnson beat Harvick is a slowmotion race for points, both drivers saving fuel, but not as well as Edwards managed to do it. Marcos Ambrose was 22nd, never getting any speed from the JTG Daugherty Camry.

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TOYOTA Media TOYOTA Media

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TOYOTA Media

Hamlin, who salvaged 12th, now leads Johnson by 15 points, with one round remaining. Both drivers are in prime form, so the race to decide who will lift the title, this week in Miami, will be compelling viewing. “I hope to put pressure on Denny and be on his mind throughout the course of the week,’’ Harvick said. “Those guys better be on their toes. Not only do they have the [Johnson] to worry about, they have [Harvick] and it’s going to be one race winner take all.”

NASCAR Media

Grounded: Hamlin was the man to beat until he pitted for a splash: Logano got going to third, after a helping hand from Gordon in the pits; Ambrose struggled to finish 22nd.

Results :: Kobalt Tools 500, Pheonix, AZ Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

No. 99 39 20 16 48 29 17 5 2 1

Driver Carl Edwards Ryan Newman Joey Logano Greg Biffle Jimmie Johnson Kevin Harvick Matt Kenseth Mark Martin Kurt Busch Jamie McMurray

Car Ford Chevy Toyota Ford Chevy Chevy Ford Chevy Dodge Chevy

Team Roush Fenway Stewart Haas Joe Gibbs Roush Fenway Hendricks Childress Roush Fenway Hendricks Penske Earnhardt Ganassi

Sponsor Aflac US Army Home Depot 3M Kobalt Shell/Penzzoil Crown Royal GoDaddy.com Miller Lite Bass Pro Shops

Qual 1 18 10 4 21 29 15 28 3 5

Top 10 Points: Hamlin 6462, Johnson 6447, Harvick 6416, Edwards 6198, Kenseth 6151,

Gordon 6124, Kyle Busch 6115, Biffle 6113, Stewart 6074, Kurt Busch 6033, Bowyer 6028, Burton 5958

White hot! TARGA INVITATIONALS

Rob Lang

THE Targa Invitationals again supported the V8 Supercars at Symmons Plains last weekend in ever-changing weather conditions. Jason White claimed the inaugural Rodney Howell Trophy in his Lamborghini Gollardo by winning two of the three races contested, while Race 3 on Sunday was cancelled due to Armco repairs after an incident during an earlier Formula Ford race. After qualifying on pole position, White won a hectic

opening encounter, with a full field of 31 cars and with battles raging throughout the order. “When I heard we were racing for the Rodney Howell Trophy this weekend, I just had to be here”, White said. “Rodney was a great friend of mine, so it means a lot to win.” Along with White, Ray Hislop (Ford BF Falcon) and Greg Garwood (Porsche GT2) filled out the overall Podium. Group B honours went to Dane Smith (Nissan Silva) ahead of, Leigh Findlayson (Mitsubishi Evo) and Matthew Grace (Datsun

1200 Coupe). It was not such a good weekend for John Briggs (Nissan Skyline) with constant engine and turbo problems limiting him to 15 laps for the

entire weekend. “Some days it rains, some day’s it buckets down, but that’s part and parcel with motorsport,” Briggs said. – DAVID CLIFFORD

Jon gets uncorked at TSS SPEEDWAY JON McCorkindale, in only his second full summer of Sprintcar racing, picked up the biggest pay cheque in his short career last Saturday night at the Tyrepower Sydney Speedway in the $10,000-towin Sprintcar Spring Nationals. McCorkindale took control mid race and despite the best efforts of many held onto take a sensational win over local star Martin Lawes with former Aussie champ Robbie Farr third. Rounding out the top six was American Outlaws star Jason Sides, having his first run with the Krikke team, last-start

winner Mitchell Dumesny and Darryl Campbell. Despite a huge but brief storm, the meeting did run and with 40 of Australia’s best joined by to Outlaws star Sides, the action was superb. The rain, despite the best efforts in wheel packing, made the track a one-lane affair and while it was very fast, passing was almost impossible making it a very testing night for all. The early leader in the 35 lap A-Main was Peter Attard, until he slowed and dropped back, and, after coming from sixth, it was Cameron Gessner who took control. A stoppage caused by Daniel Needham

saw Gessner and then secondplaced Ian Loudoun tangle and both were out on Lap 16. That gave the lead to polesitter McCorkindale but with racers like Farr, Sides and Mitch Dumesny powering forward it looked like he would lose the lead. It was a very happy McCorkindale who held on to score his maiden victory over Lawes and a fast-finishing Farr. Trevor Green finished 7th, Max Dumesny was 9th while Garry Brazier was a non finisher. Interestingly Sides was the big mover after starting back in Position 13 behind most of the front-runners he forged

forward to claim a solid fourth place in what was a warm up for his WSS campaign for the Krikke Motorsports team. The early 10-lap heat races saw wins to Max Dumesny, Corkindale (interestingly his first ever Sprintcar victory), Lawes, Loudoun, Brazier, Gessner and Green. Meanwhile, an incident in Heat 7 took out Rod BellBowen, Marty Perovich, Ian Madsen, Grant Tunks, Adam Layton and Peter Gordon. In the last chance B-Main, Kelly Linigen took out the win over Round 1 winner Ben Atkinson and Warren Ferguson. – GREG BOSCATO

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Staring’s ASBK title

James Smith John Morris / Mpix

BRYAN Staring rose to the top and claimed the 2010 Viking Australian Superbike Championship in Round 7 at Symmons Plains. Qualifying saw Jamie Stauffer on pole by nearly two-tenths of a second ahead of Wayne Maxwell, Josh Waters and Allerton, with Staring back in eighth after a dramatic crash in the Super Pole shootout. It was Honda’s Glenn Allerton who excelled in Race 1, taking the chequered flag ahead of fellow Novocastrian Stauffer and reigning champion Waters. Allerton pieced together a flawless opening race and worked hard to create and maintain a gap, but could not break the one-minute barrier in the wet Race 2 to challenge the front-runners. In Race 2, it was the Honda of Victorian Maxwell who claimed the win in Sunday’s wet ahead of Waters, and nearly half a minute clear of the rest of the field. Maxwell managed a consistent weekend and dominated proceedings in the wet, setting the fastest lap on

his way to a two-second win. Series Leader and Suzuki rider Troy Herfoss held an unassailable lead heading into the penultimate round of the 2010 Insure My Ride Supersport Championship, and continued his great run winning both races of the round. Christian Casella and his Triumph managed the fastest qualifying lap to take out pole position, with Herfoss in second and Aaron Gobert and Chris Quinn and their Yamahas in third and fourth. Casella was caught in a Suzuki sandwich in Race 1, with Herfoss and a hardcharging Brodie Waters finishing in first and third places respectively. Herfoss was given special dispensation to run the number 1 for Sunday’s racing, with 2009 champion Bryan Staring not competing in the category, and showed the rest of the field why he was displaying the champion’s number, blitzing the other riders by nearly four seconds to take the wet Race 2 ahead of Casella and Gobert. – REBECCA WYATT

GP2 WRAPS UP GP2

SERGIO Perez and David Valescchi split the wins as the 2010 GP2 season concluded up at Abu Dhabi. Perez, who will step up to

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Formula 1 with Sauber next year, took the lead of the feature race from second on the grid and never looked back. In the end, he led home polesitter Oliver Turvey by 21s, with Sam Bird holding out Dani Clos

for third. The Sprint Race went to Valeschhi, from fourth on the grid in the Reverse Top 8 affair. He grabbed the lead amid an action-packed opening handful of corners and went on to win

the season-ending race. Luiz Razia was second from Romain Grosjean, while 2010 Champion Pastor Maldonado could only manage 10th. Perez was eliminated from the race in a clash with Bird.

Bathurst 12hr 2011

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FJ20 Stanza

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Original 1965 GT Mustang Coupe, very clean car has the potential for development for the caring driver/ mechanic. Excellent body with all the right parts. New engine not run in 289 Mexican, block Dennis Johnson built. Close ratio top loaders maintained by Ken Zinner. One of the best presented cars. 0418827273

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Ford MK1 Escort Unﬁnished

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1972 Ford Escort MK1 Unfinished Rally Car. Full seamed welded body, CAMS approved roll cage, Toyota Hi-Lux diff, 2L Pinto Motor, big brakes, MK1 GT dash and GT grill, mini lites shell not rolling unfinished project. Plus other spares. 0422510155 www.my105.com/3223

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Lotus GT production drives available for Bathurst 12 hour 2011. Fully prepared arrive and drive packages for experienced drivers. NC license req'd. Be a part of a great event and a professional, championship 2 car team. Bathurst 12 hour 4-6 February 2011. 0410551898 www.my105.com/3100

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Odd Spot