Motorsport eNews Issue 37 - January 15-21, 2008

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Issue No. 037 15 – 21 January 2008

CARUSO’S CALL-UP GRM RIDE GOES TO ROOKIE AS CANTO IS LEFT IN THE COLD

GREAT SCOTT! TEAM KIWI RACING CEMENTS FUTURE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Australasian

The ‘A’ Team

Issue No. 037 | 15 – 21 January 2008

news 5 Caruso!

6 SBR drivers?

9 Fisi the Force 10 Wurz so good 14 Fitzy goes large

chat 20 5 minutes with ... opinion 2021 Lambden Rick Kelly 33 Punter

Steps up to GRM The wait is nearly over...

Giancarlo to India Alex to test F1 again Three Porsches, thanks Bart Mawer Size doesn’t matter?

Change can be good Still on holidays!

race 22 Dubai 24h

Aussie VIPs win 26 World Series Sprinters Tatnell wins series 28 Parramatta Sprinters Skipping away 29 Toyota Racing Series Knight wins NZGP

trade 32 Trade and Industry / Raceshop / Classifieds

welcome World Series Sprintcar Champion Brooke Tatnell ‘takes a mo’ to say hello ...

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

Marshall Cass

Valued FV8s COMMENT Grant Rowley Editor eNews WHEN confirmation of Kayne Scott’s drive with Team Kiwi Racing comes through later next week, it will mean that the top three drivers from the 2007 Fujitsu V8 Series will be racing in the ‘Main Game’ this year.

Tony D’Alberto, Michael Caruso and Scott are set to do battle against the likes of Tander, Skaife and Lowndes in 2008, which confirms that the Fujitsu V8 Series is the place to make the grade in V8 Supercar.

The step is a big one.

While Mark Winterbottom (who won the development series after winning Ford’s karting talent-search in 2001) has made a lasting impression, Dean Canto may well be returning to the development series, after being replaced at GRM. It’s a tough business, but there is no doubt that it is the developmet series which has given many their chance.

‘Robins

Scott’s TKR

KAYNE Scott is set to make his full-time main series debut with Team Kiwi Racing this year.

Scott, who finished third in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series last year, will be confirmed soon as the replacement for Shane Van Gisbergen as the TKR driver.

Scott and TKR will use a recently-purchased Triple Eight chassis (T8009), run independently by TKR. The car will use SBR engines and was formerly Triple Eight’s spare chassis. The chassis is best remembered for its victory in the 2006 Clipsal 500 – Jamie Whincup’s maiden V8 victory.

Seven full-time staff will be

dedicated to the V8 program, based in a new facility on the Gold Coast.

The Queensland base will be TKR’s second home, with its new facility in Hamilton complete and functioning.

The Hamilton establishment (based just five minutes from the town’s street track) is home to the team’s ride cars, promotional cars, old Supercars, merchandise and offices.

After a tumultuous 2007 season, where the team switched from Ford Performance Racing to Stone Brothers Racing, the team is now in control of its own destiny.

– GRANT ROWLEY

PWR, Walden cars DNS, so ... ... 29 cars expected for opening V8 Supercar Championship round at the Clipsal 500

THE V8 Supercar field will most likely initially consist of 29 cars in 2008, following the close of entry registration on December 21, and the ‘for sale’ sign still attached to three V8 licences.

At that December close-off, the list did not include either licence held by Kees Weel (ex Supercheap Auto/PWR Racing) or the newly-acquired licence held by Brian Walden.

All three licences are now on the market.

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Under V8SA regs, if a licence remains unsold after three months, it passes back to V8SA who look to initiate a sale on behalf of the owner.

The situation is a mixed one for existing team owners. While the reduced numbers mean an increase in the share of the revenue ‘pie’ for the 29, the fact that three licences remain on the market may start to affect the value of all licences.

This latter may assist the likes of Jim Morton, the former

Fujitsu series team owner, who is still seeking to step up to the main series in 2008.

Morton told us on Monday that “we’re still working on putting the financial package together to make the step (up to the main series). Time is going by, and so it looks like we may be starting the year, at least, in the Fujitsu series.

“Fortunately, V8 Supercars Australia have been good enough to confirm that they’ll let us step up part way through

the year, if that’s the case.”

Despite a statement from the former Team Dynamik (in legal dispute with Rod Nash Racing over ownership of the licence currently being used by Nash) suggesting that it will win its case and that the licence will be for sale, V8SA CEO Wayne Cattach confirmed on Monday that V8SA is supporting and expecting Nash to field a car (for Tony D’Alberto), describing Dynamik’s claim as “premature”.

– see Opinon, page 20

news

son’ Caruso to the Rescue!

Fujitsu V8 runner-up gets Main Game chance V8 SUPERCARS

John Morris/Mpix

MICHAEL Caruso has replaced Dean Canto at Garry Rogers Motorsport for the 2008 season.

After finishing second in the Fujitsu V8 Series in 2007, Caruso will make his full-time main series debut this year, driving the #34 Commodore alongside Lee Holdsworth.

Caruso is excited about the prospect of his first full-time V8 ride.

“It’s been a goal that I’ve wanted to achieve for a while,” Caruso told eNews.

“It’s a great seat at Garry’s and the opportunity is there to be taken. They’ve been building on their potential for some time and Lee (Holdsworth) has been showing some good pace last year. With the new HMS engines coming, it’s certainly a good spot to be in.”

Holdsworth’s impressive 2007 was part of the reason why Canto was outed for 2008, but

Caruso is looking forward to the challenge of racing against his new team-mate.

“It doesn’t matter which team you’re at, there’s always going to be some competition, and that’s healthy. It’s a good way for both of us to move forward.

I know Lee is going to be quick this year so it’s good that I’ll have a strong benchmark and I’ll be doing my best to put some good performances in and doing the best for the team.

“I haven’t really set myself any solid goals yet. The series is very competitive, so it’s a matter of getting comfortable. Once that happens, I’m sure I’ll be able to get some good results.”

Caruso will drive the #34 Commodore that Canto used last year (the first VE built by GRM for the start of the 2007 season).

The former Ford Rising Star will get his first test with the team on February 14 at Winton.

– GRANT ROWLEY

So what now for Canto? from a team about it so I’ve just got to weigh up my options.”

Canto was told by Rogers last Friday that his services at the team were not required, but remains complimentary with regard to his two full-seasons with the Valvoline squad.

“It’s definitely a shame,” Canto said.

“I think with the new Walkinshaw engine deal, it’s going to be a strong year for them and it’s a shame that I won’t be there for it.

“Given the size of the team, with all the young blokes, it was a pleasure to have worked with everyone. They put in a lot of effort.”

– GRANT ROWLEY

Marshall Cass

AFTER a difficult 2007, Dean Canto’s axing from Garry Rogers Motorsport (first mooted in eNews #031), has come at a bad time for the 26 year-old.

With no drives in the main V8 Series remaining, Canto is now pressing ahead with plans to re-enter the Fujitsu V8 Series, and is already fielding interest about his services in the endurance races.

“I want to keep my face in there, work on something in some other categories,” he told eNews.

“I’m on the lookout for an endurance drive. I’m sure I can provide a team with good speed and have their car finish at the front. I already had an approach

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BRIEFLY...

■ CAMS has announced the composition of the Investigatory Panel into the incident that occurred during the Mount Buller Sprint tarmac rally event, which took the life of codriver Paul Flintoft, in November 2007.

The panel will consist of barrister Robert Dyer, Dr Tom Gibsonand Adrian.

The investigation will be conducted in early February.

■ Ex-pat Briton James Winslow will drive for A1GP Team Great Britain at Taupo and Eastern Creek.

Winslow will complete the two rookie sessions at both rounds, Winslow drove to several race wins for BRM in last years F3 series as well as claiming the V6 Asia title.

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V8 SUPERCARS

speculation over past weeks.

With Team Kiwi switching, again, to a Triple EightSTONE Brothers Racing is supplied Falcon for 2008 (see expected to confirm its 2008 other story), SBR will be running driver line-up later this week. just the two main series entries After months of speculation, – although Stone re-confirmed and the confirmation in that the team will run a Fujitsu December that contender series car for up-and-coming Paul Dumbrell (and, it seems, Autobarn sponsorship) is to line Jonathan Webb.

As it has been over recent up with the HSV team, SBR’s weeks, the two contenders for plans have, mostly, firmed up. the main series seat alongside “We will be able to confirm Courtney appear to be the drivers this week,” Ross Stone, experienced David Besnard right, told eNews, “and the and 2007 Team Kiwi youngster sponsorship confirmation will Shane van Gisbergen. follow a little later. There are a Word out of New Zealand couple of loose ends to tie up (see news story, page 4) is that there, but everything is looking the experienced Kayne Scott is satisfactory.” locked into the Team Kiwi drive, James Courtney will, of which strongly suggests that course, pilot the Jeld-WenVan Gisbergen may have the backed SBR Falcon on one side SBR gig. of the garage, while it is the It is known that Ross Stone driver, and sponsorship deal, and the SBR squad rate the linked to the other SBR car youngster highly. which has aroused significant

Dirk Klynsmith

■ A the same time, new faces have joined the Australian Rally Commission, following the departure of former rally champ Ed Ordynski late last year. Newly added to ARCom are George Shepheard (QLD) and Adrian Dudok (ACT), while Spencer Lowndes, Warwick Rooklyn and Molly Taylor have been appointed as specialist advisors to the rally body.

SBR: Drivers this week

Operation: Enduring Laps V8 SUPERCARS

V8 SUPERCAR teams will get a greater opportunity to give more laps to their endurance drivers in 2008.

At four sprint rounds of the 2008 V8 Championship

Series, it is planned that cars may be driven by enduro codrivers (and rookies) during the first 30 minutes of Friday practice – indeed regular drivers inside the top 16 on the championship points table will not be allowed to use that

early part of the session, while those outside that Top 16 will.

These designated practice sessions will be held at Eastern Creek (Round 2), Sandown (Round 5), Qld Raceway (Round 7) and Winton (Round 8).

– GRANT ROWLEY

news

A fresh set of rubber V8 SUPERCARS

the tyre-punishing track.

Following successful testing, a new specification tyre will be produced for the Darwin round. This follows changes in the production technique of the current tyre, prompted by the use of a new polymer.

The change is not expected to affect performance of the cars.

Dirk Klynsmith

THERE are changes coming for V8 Supercars’ tyre system.

Dunlop will supply rubber in different quantities this season, to allow teams to better use tyres in practice and the races.

With a reduction in the number of tyres in teams’ tyre banks, all

of the ‘Sprint’ rounds will now see cars allocated with 16 tyres.

In addition, the new endurance event at Phillip Island will see cars allocated with four practice tyres and 20 race tyres, which will go some way towards easing concerns held by some teams over the prospect of a 500km race at

Reduced penalty for gun-jumpers V8 SUPERSARS A NUMBER of significant changes to V8 regulations have quietly been released

by V8SA – or are awaiting official confirmation, Jumped starts will no longer earn a mandatory, race-killing, drive-through in 2008. Instead, 10 seconds will be added to the race time via various options –

including an additional 10 seconds stationary during a Compulsory Pit Stop.

At the same time, V8SA has confirmed a reduction to four test days per car – including the open-to-the-public pre-season tests at either Winton or Queensland Raceway, as we revealed in December. The public will be able to attend the pre-season tests free-of-charge.

At the same time, we hear – although

not officially confirmed – that there will be a change to the ‘knockout’ qualifying format.

In 2007, the three ‘knockout’ timed qualifying sessions were of equal length, 15 minutes. For 2008, it is expected that the times will be slanted, as with F1, to 20 mins, 15 mins and 10 mins respectively.

The final top 10 session, of just 10 minutes, will be a rapid-fire shootout!

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■ The BMW Sauber team has confirmed a long-running rumour by announcing a new sponsorship contract with Deutsche Telekom. The deal comes in the form of a technical collaboration with T-Systems, the business customer subsidiary of the German telecommunications and IT conglomerate.

– QUENTIN SPURRING

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Fisi Confirmed sutton-images.com

■ Ferrari has finally settled on the ongoing role of Michael Schumacher in its Formula 1 program. It has emerged that the seventimes World Champion, who quit racing at the end of 2006, was offered the job of team principal before the new appointee, Stefano Domenicali, but turned it down.

Instead, Schumacher will be centrally engaged in developing the cars, which will involve track-testing at Fiorano (Ferrari’s private test circuit) and elsewhere.

He told Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper: “We had to understand where my presence would be most useful, so it took us time to establish my role, but I will be dealing with the development of the car inside the Gestione Sportiva. If the team need me to, I’d like to drive, but not too often.”

sutton-images.com

BRIEFLY...

FORMULA 1 THE Force India F1 Team confirmed the worst kept secret in Formula 1 last week as Giancarlo Fisichella was unveiled as Adrian Sutil’s team-mate for the 2008 season.

Vijay Mallya, the team’s Chairman and Managing Director, also announced Vitantonio Liuzzi as Force India’s test and reserve driver.

For Fisichella, 34, a move to Force India in 2008 will see a renewal of a relationship with the team’s Chief Technology Officer Mike Gascoyne, with whom the Italian worked at Benetton in 2001 and 2002.

Much is expected from Gascoyne’s first full car at the team and with onboard he will have US$120 million at his disposal to create a car that could shake up the midfield order. Such optimism is certainly shared by Fisichella.

“Contrary to what people may

think, this was not my only opportunity, it was the best one: with new owners and a competitive budget, I really think we can shake things up next year. I feel motivated and ready to help Force India get points on a regular basis.”

Sutil, meanwhile, is looking forward to working with the experienced Italian. The young German charger made a strong impression in his debut F1 season, and despite seeing a number of offers come in from rival teams, he deemed the potential of the new squad too great a prospect to miss.

“The opportunity to stay with a growing team that has strong ambitions is very positive for me at this stage in my career.

I am also very excited about the opportunity to work with Giancarlo. He is very experienced and has driven for a World Championship winning team, which can only help both myself and Force India learn and move forward.”

FORMULA 1 TOYOTA is aiming high with its new car, the TF108.

Watched over by the team’s new driver line-up of Jarno Trulli, Timo Glock and Kamui Kobayashi, the launch of the car, which carries the sporting hopes of the world’s largest motor manufacturer, took place at its HQ in Cologne.

Chairman and Team Principal Tadashi Yamashina made no bones about the expectations of the team in what will be their seventh year in Formula 1.

“Of course, our ultimate target is the middle step of the podium – we are in Formula 1 to win and we want to do that soon. Our clear

news

Expectations are High Toyota sets high targets for new TF105 TF106 TF107 TF108

target in 2008 is to make a big improvement in our results because we were not satisfied with our performance last year. We expect to have a truly competitive car so our drivers should be aiming to finish in the points regularly and challenging for the podium.”

The TF108 has been designed under the direction of Frenchman Pascal Vasselon and features a longer wheelbase, a major aerodynamic upgrade, revised suspension and a new gearbox.

The team was quick to claim that wind tunnel tests and simulations had shown the TF108 to be a marked improvement on its predecessor and the team wasted no time in outlining its

intentions to move closer to its long-term aim of winning races and fighting for the World Championship.

“The main reason for making the wheelbase longer is to achieve more stability, but secondly we also expect greater aerodynamic development potential, giving our aerodynamicists wider surfaces and more space to play with,” Vasselon explained.

“The aerodynamic concept of this car has changed. The TF107 was an evolution of the TF106 but this time the new package is a departure from recent Toyotas. The primary aerodynamic design philosophy for the TF108 is geared towards optimising the entire package. In mechanical

terms we felt we had a strong basis so we have focused on making a few refinements.”

Changes have also been made under the skin of the TF108 with an all-new gearbox, and the new standard ECU fitted to the RVX-08 power unit.

With Trulli returning for another year at Toyota, the team has an injection of youthful potential in reigning GP2 Champion Glock alongside the Italian, and Japanese hope Kobayashi in the development driver role.

With a clean, simple and straightforward car and two no-nonsense race drivers behind the wheel, 2008 could be shaping up to be Toyota’s most promising season to date.

F1 Engine Thaw FORMULA ONE FORMULA 1’s engine ‘freeze’ may be cut in half.

At a Paris meeting between the FIA and F1 team principals and engineers, a new initiative emerged to define all-new engine regulations, to be implemented in 2013.

That reduces the current commitment to five years.

No specification objectives were agreed, except that the engine would be both more environmentally friendly and more cost-efficient than the current 2.4-litre V8. The task of defining the engine was handed to the FIA, which has two years to come up with an acceptable new formula.

Meanwhile the FIA’s proposals for sweeping reductions in aerodynamic R&D, which the governing body had implied were agreed, have been put on hold until they have been fully evaluated against a range of alternative costcutting measures. It had been thought that the Federation had pushed through a ‘single shift’ restrictions on teams, rather than allowing wind tunnels to run 24 hours a day.

– SPURRING/STAFF

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SIGNING TESTING ACE ALEX WURZ SHOWS THAT ROSS BRAWN AND HONDA ARE GETTING SERIOUS

FORMULA 1 IN what was one of the most sudden and unexpected announcements of the winter period, the Honda Racing F1 team announced on Thursday that veteran Austrian Alex Wurz had been lured out of possibly the shortest retirement in history to become their test and reserve driver.

The Austrian is regarded as one of the best development drivers in the business, and his appointment gives the firmest indication yet that, despite testing restrictions set to give more running to teams who employ rookie drivers, Honda

are siding with experience in their determination to put the disappointments of 2007 firmly behind them.

“Alex has 11 years of top level experience in the sport and this depth and breadth of knowledge will prove invaluable to us as we aim to make Honda a competitive force in 2008,” HRF1 Team Principal Ross Brawn said in a team statement.

“We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Honda Racing F1 Team and very pleased to have secured one of the most experienced development drivers in Formula One.”

While Wurz’s new role sees him tasked mainly with development work, his appointment as the team’s reserve driver signals a major change of heart for the Austrian.

It was only back in October that Wurz announced his immediate retirement from active Formula One racing.

“I have always maintained that if you have a moment's doubt about what you are doing, then it is time to stop,” he said at the time. “Privately I began to have these thoughts earlier this year [2007].”

A Honda Racing F1 Team spokeswoman however confirmed to Motorsport eNews that in the event of either Jenson Button or Rubens Barrichello being unable to race, the Austrian would be called upon to substitute.

Regardless of the likelihood of getting back into an F1 racing scenario, for Wurz, inset, the lure of working with Ross Brawn was simply too great.

“The chance to work with one of the best brains in F1 in

HONDA BARES ITS TEETH WE could not let this go without a photo.

Aston Martin Racing’s Sportscar race team has signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with Gulf Oil International.

The team will celebrate the 40th anniversary year of the oil company’s maiden victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the famed orange and powder blue colours, unveiled in England on the weekend.

FOR SALE

BF FALCON V8 SUPERCAR Ex Paul Cruickshank Racing vehicle 2007 T8 chassis and suspension upgrades 2007 SBR spec engine C3 Ready for main game BF, or Fujitsu series BA Spares and maintenance packages available sutton-images.com

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Phone Paul Cruickshank 0419 398 377 paul@pcrnet.com.au

Wurz = Anti Climax sutton-images.com

FORMULA 1

Ross Brawn is very exciting,” he confirmed.

“I am also looking forward to working with Jenson and Rubens, two drivers who I know very well, and I’m sure we will form a very successful partnership over the coming weeks. For now, my immediate focus is on getting back in a Formula One car in Valencia and starting work with the team.”

sutton-images.com

sutton-images.com

ALEX Wurz’s signing as Honda’s test and development driver has dealt a sucker punch to Anthony Davidson’s dream of staying in Formula 1.

The Brit is yet to finalise a continuation of his contract with the Super Aguri F1 Team for 2008, and with Wurz ensconced in the Honda test seat and 2008 testing restrictions giving preference to rookie drivers, there is now little hope for Davidson to return to his former team should negotiations collapse with the Leafield-based squad.

Although both Davidson and Super Aguri F1 Team leader Takuma Sato were named on this year’s official FIA entry list as SAF1 drivers, the team has been quick to point out that while it is their intention to keep both drivers, neither has yet been signed for 2008.

Super Aguri endured a tough 2007 with the non-payment of money owed by one of the team’s sponsors, SS United, leading to stretched resources. With a resolution yet to be finalised in the ongoing dispute over a new Concorde Agreement and arguments still raging over the customer car issue, the team was also forced to restructure and streamline its staff numbers over the winter.

But while investment is needed, it is believed that team Principal Aguri Suzuki will draw short of selling his team in its entirety. All of this could leave the door open for a pay driver to fill at least one of the team’s seats. While Takuma Sato’s position would seem relatively safe as he is directly employed by Super Aguri, the same cannot be said for Davidson, who is still under contract as a Honda driver.

FUEL & TYRE SUPPLIERS

SHANNONS V8 Touring Car National Series Tri-State Racing Pty Ltd is recognised by CAMS as representing competitors in the new national motor racing category known as V8 Touring Cars.

Tri-State Racing is seeking to appoint a single national supplier for the supply of nominated (control) fuel and nominated (control) racing tyres.

The 2008 Series will consist of a maximum of 5 rounds at Shannons Nationals events, commencing May 2008.

Fuel Requirements: Quality 98 Octane unleaded fuel suitable for competition use.

Tyre Requirements: 280.680R17 slick and wet racing tyres.

For Tender details, please contact; Rob Curkpatrick 0414 294153 V8@curkpatrick.com.au

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John Morris/Mpix

Fitzy expands to three Baird, Mawer and Moffat link with Fitzgerald for Carrera Cup assault Mawer is excited to have Baird, the 2006 Carrera Cup Champion, in the same stable as him.

“Having someone with his calibre alongside me is a privilege. I’ll be watching his every step to see what makes him quick in these cars.

“It’s such a big bonus. Without him, I think I’d go OK, but with him I think we’ll be at the front.

Andrew Moffat will drive the car that Marcus Marshall raced last year. Moffat’s entry will mean that two Moffats will compete in the championship, as James Moffat is locked into the Sonic Motor Racing drive.

– GRANT ROWLEY

Dirk Klynsmith

PETER Fitzgerald’s Carrera Cup team has expanded to three cars for the 2008 season.

The Porsche stalwart will oversee the entries of Craig Baird, Bart Mawer and Andrew Moffat in the all-Porsche Series.

Baird’s entry comes after Tony Quinn sold two of his Carrera Cup cars. Baird will race his existing VIP Cup Car in Fitzgerald Racing colours.

Mawer’s entry, predicted by eNews (Issue 035), will see the former Formula 3 frontrunner use David Wall’s 2007 Cup Car with Opes Prime backing.

“Everyone keeps telling me that you don’t just jump in Carrera Cup and do well, but I really hope to be at the front by the end of the year,” Mawer told eNews.

Holden confirms Sportswagon for 12H HOLDEN will enter its new VE Sportswagon in the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour.

As first reported by eNews (Issue #032), the exciting new V8 production vehicle is being race-prepared by Paris Acott, with the

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car will be entered by Holden Motorsport, run by Mike Henry.

Holden entered the 12 Hour last year with two Astras (one team of V8 regulars and another with a team of females).

Only one Sportswagon is being entered, and is expected to be driven by three, or possibly four of Holden’s well-credentialed V8 stars. eNews believes that possible candidates for the 12 Hour may include Greg Murphy and Todd Kelly, who were both part of Holden’s victorious 24 Hour campaign in 2003.

– GRANT ROWLEY

news

BJR adds another Commodore

Albury team to prepare McNally’s Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series entry in 2008

John Morris/Mpix

FUJITSU V8s BRAD Jones Racing will prepare and maintain a Commodore in the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series this year.

After jumping across the V8 Supercar manufacturer divide over the off-season, BJR will run and prepare

Mark McNally’s existing Commodore VZ (ex-HRT) in the Development Series.

McNally raced with Tony D’Alberto Racing last season, before a mid-year switch to Sean Scott’s team. Now, McNally will have Level 1 support.

“It wasn’t a light decision, but

BJR is a Level 1 team,” McNally said.

“Brad’s team has a huge point to prove this year. Theier last couple of years have been a struggle but I think it’s going to be a strong year for them and I hope it’s going to be a strong year for me.

“The cars are different (BJR’s

Dirk Klynsmith

May AASA Rally AASA RALLY MAY is the time of year for the opening round of the AASA Australian Rally Championship.

The five-round series looks set to kick off at an event to be named, following delays in the plans of the AASA. Motorsport eNews believes that this is due to some personal commitments for Ed Ordynski, who will be the series’ director.

In the meantime, there appears to be a strong reaction to the series, which will cater for modern 4WD and 2WS cars, as well as 2WD classic cars. eNews believes that there has been as many as 70 enquiries for series regulations, and that at least one manufacturer has indicated that it is observing developments with interest …

VEs and McNally’s VZ), but they are all Walkinshaw cars. There’s stuff they’ll learn and I’ll be able to learn a hell of a lot off them.

“With their Level 1 input coming back into my car, I think we’ll get a bit of an advantage there.”

– GRANT ROWLEY

Aussie chassis takes on Poms AUSTRALIAN GT

THERE will be three Spectrum Formula Ford chassis competing in the British Formula Ford Championship this year.

In a major coup for the Australian-designed and built chassis, the Spectrum will be run

by Kevin Mills Racing, with Aussie driver Glen Wood confirmed as the driver of one of the cars.

The other two seats will be filled by European drivers.

A Spectrum chassis is currently on display at the Autosport Show in the UK. Borland marketing manager Paul Zsidy said that having a factory entry in the British Series

will be a streamlined pathway for Aussies to head overseas.

“We hope that it goes very well, and we hope it establishes a pathway for Spectrum drivers from Australia to compete in the UK,” he said.

“Formula Ford should still be high on people’s list to do when they leave Australia.

“It’s nice to think that at any given time, we can have Aussies beating the Poms on their home turf!”

Wood’s presence in the series means that there will be two Australian’s in the British Series.

Wood joins Tim Blanchard, who will drive a Mygale for leading team Jamun Racing.

– GRANT ROWLEY

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Superkarts confirmed at V8s EC SUPERKARTS FOR the first time in over 10 years, Superkarts will be a support class at a major motorsport event.

A field of gearboxed machines will line-up at Eastern Creek’s V8 Supercar round in March.

This will be the category’s first time as a support the V8 Supercar.

The last time Superkarts featured at a ‘big event’

was the 1996 Australian Motorcycle GP at Phillip Island. Prior to this they had a long and successful history at the Adelaide GP and Gold Coast Indy events.

“Within 24 hours of news going out, we were on the verge of track capacity,” said category organiser John Pellicano.

Most of the field will be 250cc International karts.

– MARK WICKS

Wootton it be nice?

Chris gets FBMW Pacific Scholarship

First Merc OZ test FORMULA 3 TESTING of the new breed of Formula 3 cars began last week with Opes Prime Team BRM completing two days of testing at Mallala.

James Winslow, who drove for the team last year, shook down two of the ex-Signature cars in 45 degree heat on Thursday.

The new Dallara F307 chassis features many aerodynamic and safety improvements and coupled with new Mercedes engine, which has dominated in Europe, times are expected to tumble.

This year, the F3 title will be contested by 2005-07 chassis and the older spec cars will be relegated to the National Class.

“I think as a team we are very excited about the potential these cars have. They look fantastic and so far their performance has been excellent from their first laps here today which, as an engineer, is exactly what you want,” said JP Messenger of BM. “The F305-7 cars are fundamentally more refined, advanced and generally are a step forward from the 02-04 chassis. Everything is better but I think safety and aero are the key advances.”

BRM are set to run as many as three of the new cars in the series, as well as Irishman Lee Farrell in the National Class.

14

FORMULA BMW WOOTTON it be nice to race a Beemer.

While we were gearing up for the festive season Chris Wootton was hard at work scoring one of four Formula BMW Pacific Scholarships.

After four days of evaluations at Sepang with 25 other candidates (nine of them Aussies) 19-year-old Wootton is now one of only 12 contracted BMW Junior Drivers in the world.

The scholarship provides over $80,000 towards a season of Formula BMW as well as a year’s intensive guidance through BMW’s coaching and education

program.

Wooton will drive for Team Meritus, who have dominated the series since inception in 2003.

Former champions from around the world include Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel.

The Brisbane-based personal trainer, who began his career in karting in 2005, took part in last year’s Mark Webber Challenge, his team finishing one place ahead of Webber’s.

Melburnian karting champion David Sera was deemed a runner-up, and should one of the four drivers be unable to utilise their scholarship, he will receive it.

news

Third-tier V8 Series confirmed V8 Supercars Australia gives bleesing for new Touring Car category to run with Shannons Nationals IT’S official! A new category for old V8 Supercars cars will be launched in 2008.

With just one year left for AU Falcon and VT/VX Commodores to compete in the Fujitsu V8 Supercars Series, CAMS and V8 Supercars have given approval for the V8 Touring Car National Series to compete at the Shannons Nationals.

The category will be run under Les Morrall’s Tri-State Racing group, with category management from Rob Curkpatrick.

The new series is based on de-registered Falcon and Commodore V8 Supercars which have been raced at some time since 1997. Only Falcon and Commodore vehicles that have a registered history with V8SA

Dirk Klynsmith

V8 TOURING CARS

will be recognised, and documentation will be needed to establish a clear line of history for each car. This means that no new cars can be built for the series.

The cars will run with a new controlled rear wing (same for Ford and Holden), controlled camshaft, and a rev limiter will reduce the rpm by 500.

Existing single stud 17inch wheels will be used with controlled slick tyres.

The category will be subject to strict technical requirements, and will run in the CAMS sanctioned Shannons Nationals Series.

Frank Lowndes has been appointed as the category’s Technical Consultant to

oversee the development of the technical regulations and to work with the CAMS technical people to ensure that the cars are as they should be.

The inaugural season will include four (or possibly five) rounds, kicking off at Mallala (May 17-18).

– GRANT ROWLEY

Wakefield make-over An Astute Aston AUSTRALIAN GT

WAKEFIELD PARK

Dirk Klynsmith

WAKEFIELD Park has just undergone a face lift instigated by new owners the Benalla Auto Club.

The BAC, long time owners of Winton Motor Raceway, as part of push to improve the track have resurfaced the entire circuit including pit-lane.

There has also been work done on the track edges and verges as part of the million dollar redevelopment. Earth stabilising additives have also been used to give the track edges greater stability.

Racing will return on Tuesday (January 14th), with a busy calendar planned for the year.

– BILL RIDDELL

JOHN Kaias will join forces with Astuti Motorsport to take his Aston Martin to the top of the Australian GT Championship.

Kaias, a relative newcomer to motorsport, imported the FIA GT3 spec DBRS9 in April last year campaigning it in selected GT events, but has yet to harness the race winning potential of the Aston.

Astuti Motorsport, after several years preparing Formula 3 cars, has harboured plans to run V8 Supercar or Sportscar team for some time.

15

news

Bayliss expects to be Ready WORLD SUPERBIKES

John Morris/Mpix

Sore, sorry: As Laconi rights his fallen Kawasaki, Bayliss, right, walks away with a broken collarbone.

MOTOGP

MARCO Melandri is happy to back up Casey Stoner at Ducati.

The Italian, who with Stoner unveiled the team’s new GP8 racer last week, says that the MotoGP World Champion is the team’s number one rider.

“Ducati treats both its riders equally, but Casey is the World Champion and so I expect to be the number two,” said the former Honda rider.

“I am the new rider and it would be stupid to think that I could come in to the World Champion’s team and be the number one.

“I’m here to grow and learn with the team and I will want to understand where Casey is better than me.”

Stoner’s new weapon is an updated version of the 800cc V-four on which he dominated last season. While Honda and Yamaha are developing new motors for this season, Ducati has worked on reducing friction and expanding the operating range of its GP7 unit to aid rideability and fuel consumption.

The new bike also features a lighter frame and revised rear suspension to reduce ‘pumping’ on some circuits.

16

HONOURS EVEN

SUZUKI CHALLENGES DUCATI IN ISLAND SUPERBIKE TEST WORLD SUPERBIKES THE 2008 World Superbike Championship is expected to be an intense battle, with Suzuki and Ducati trading fastest times at Phillip Island last week.

Following Troy Bayliss’s collarbone-breaking Day 3 fall, Yukio Kagayama took fastest time for the Japanese marque, topping Bayliss’s Wednesday time by 0.1s.

But the encouraging news was that the opposition was right behind the two pacesetters, with Michael Fabrizio and Ruben Xaus (Ducatis), Fonsi Nieto (Suzuki) and Noriyuki Haga (Yamaha) right behind.

Many eyes were on Max Biaggi, the Roman managing only eighth fastest on his Sterigarda Ducati, right. However, the team was understandably intent on making sure that

he was comfortable on his new mount and did not concentrate on either a qualifying tyre or Pirelli’s latest 2008 compound.

Ten Kate Honda missed the test, so we will have to wait to see the speed of Carlos Checa and Kenan Sofuoglu.

In Supersport, Yamaha’s Broc Parkes led the way from Jonathon Rea and Andrew Pitt.

John Morris/Mpix

Marco #2

TROY Bayliss expects to be fit for the opening round of the World Superbike Championship, despite breaking a collarbone at Phillip Island last Thursday.

Bayliss was fastest in the test until the final practice session, when he came off his Ducati 1098R at MG. He has flown to Italy to have the break plated.

“Basically, I went to pass Regis Laconi around Lukey Heights but when I

realised I couldn’t make it, I had to brake hard and high-sided coming in to the MG hairpin,” Bayliss explained.

“I have fractured the [right] collarbone close to the sternum and have also chipped the end of the sternum. I am not in too much pain and for now it doesn’t seem as bad as the last break I had to my collarbone.”

Bayliss, 38, who is expected to retire at the end of the season, is thought to need 21 days’ recovery before he will be fit to race. The season opens at Qatar on February 23.

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were seeing the award goes to … our unique look back at the 2007 V8 Supercar -->And season -->I see red, red, red: Formula 1 in 2007 was soap opera on wheels. We look back.

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CLICK HERE to go to our Want to subscribe? on-line subscription/info page

17

5 MINUTES WITH ...

BARTON MAWER

Former open-wheel hopeful turned Carrera Cup racer wants to be up the front

GRANT ROWLEY

MOTORSPORT NEWS: It’s must be a relief to get yourself a full-time ride again?

BARTON MAWER: Oh, for sure. I’ve almost forgot what a full-time seat feels like! I’ve waited for this for some time so I’m really pumped up for this season.

Peter Fitzgerald’s team won the last round of the championship at Indy (with Marcus Marshall at the wheel). Does that put any extra pressure on you?

No, not at all. If anything, that comforts me more.

I’ve only got to know Peter recently and having been to his workshop and seen the way they operate and the experience that his team has, it makes me confident that the preparation side of things is going to be spot on.

I can simply concentrate on my driving and learning the ropes.

What’s going to be the hardest thing coming to terms with the cars?

Everyone keeps telling me how stiffly sprung they are. I accept that, but I’ve driven some fairly stiffly sprung open-wheelers as well.

18

sutton-images.com

What’s your expectation?

Championship-wise, I’d like to be in the hunt for rookie of the year and be at the front of the field.

There’s no doubt that there are some classy and wellcredentialed drivers at the front of Carrera Cup, and I’d like to be at the front racing them.

SOMETIMES WHEN YOU’VE GOT DRIVERS ON THE SAME LEVEL, IT CAN CAUSE ISSUES MAWER WILL HAVE CRAIG BAIRD AS HIS TEAM-MATE AT FITZY’S TEAM

I think it’s just the sedan concept or differences, but the Porsche is probably as close as you are going to get to a fast open wheeler.

As a stepping stone, this is probably a wise choice for me.

You’ll have a good balance of team-mates, as well. A former champion (Craig Baird) and a rookie (Andrew Moffat). How do yo think that will work out?

Peter has been very careful with choosing his driver line-up. As you say, he’s got an interesting spread there.

Andrew and I will mostly be learning off Craig – I don’t know if I’ll be able to teach Andrew too much!

But it’s good for the team.

Sometimes when you’ve got drivers on the same level, it can cause issues, so we’ve all got our own goals and hopefully we won’t be treading on each other’s toes.

Does this cement you into a career on Australian soil?

It’s well known that you’ve wanted to be an overseas driver and you’ve tried to have a career off Aussie shores. Is now the time to focus on driving at home?

Prominently, yes. I’ve had to sit down and realise that I couldn’t continue in a career overseas in open wheelers and that’s been hard to accept.

My goal last year was to get a drive in touring cars in Australia. The way things have

evolved, it has all turned to Carrera Cup. Whether this is a step to eventually getting into V8 Supercars, or whether it opens up doors to go back overseas into Sportscar racing within the Porsche world – Porsche has such a broad network with their domestic Carrera Cup championships, Supercup and the endurance races in America and Europe.

So ideally, I could be heading back overseas. I’ve got no set plans, but I think if I can prove myself, it could open up a lot of opportunities.

With the experience I’ve had overseas, knowing the culture and the way they go racing, I think I could offer them some value. That’s further down the track ...

chat

Dirk Klynsmith

19

Is size that important?

OPINION Chris Lambden eNews Publisher WHILE things are ticking along pretty well at the shiny end of the V8 Supercar grid, spare a thought for some of those further back, still working hard on completing sponsorship packages for 2008.

Professional sport is a tough business and motorsport, like anything, is up against a raft of competitive sports all looking for the almighty buck to make things tick over. By its very nature, motorsport isn’t cheap, and so locking in budgets of the kind required just to take part in a professional manner is no easy task.

It’s not surprising, then, to hear that up to three V8 licences may end up ‘on the shelf’ in 2008, meaning that a 29car grid will line up when the V8 series kicks off at Clipsal in late February (see news pages).

In reality, 99 percent of people watching on probably won’t notice the difference. The action up front will be as frantic and compelling as ever, with the dice for 28th and 29th – someone has to do it – unlikely to catch too much air time. That’s professional sport.

The disappearance of two cars, in comparison with last year, is likely to

cause most concern in the background, at V8SA headquarters. It takes the category uncomfortably close to its contracted minimum of 28 cars.

The supply and demand economics of the professional end of the sport have worked well enough to date – after all, this may present an opportunity for someone to join the club at reduced admisssion price – but does V8SA now have to consider the ‘what-if’ in case things went south for a team; if its field fell below that magical 28 figure?

To be honest, I doubt it. There may well be a myriad of well-meaning socialist ideas – group subsidies, fighting funds etc – but in reality, they’re very hard work.

No, the market will prevail. Worse case scenario, if the unthinkable happened, would see V8SA copping a dollar penalty. Not the end of the world.

And before people get too precious, remember, the DTM, Germany’s own hyper two-brand formula, forges on with just 20 cars.

But while you trickle back to work along with the rest of Australia, do spare a thought for the sponsorshipseekers out there representing some of the teams – they’ve probably had an uncomfortable New Year.

Wouldn’t do it for quids! ...

Letters

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

Bring it on!

I have had enough of the offseason and I am ready to see some racing cars in action.

My questions are, is it going to be possible to see the V8 Supercar test day in person?

I would not mind taking a day off and going and see the cars and drivers in action, particularly as it is pretty expensive to go

20

to see the actual races. Will V8 Supercars be letting the public into the track?

Also, when are we going to get to see some 2008 cars? I am no expert here but I think that in previous years, there was a whole lot of new paint schemes on show right after January 1. This time around, I have not seen a thing.

I am depending on you! I am looking forward to the next couple of eNews. In fact, Monday night has become one of the highlights of my week – Top Gear on SBS, followed by a little peace and quiet, in front of the computer!

Bernie Ryan Logan, QLD

Ed: It seems like the new paint is running late this year, Bernie. There is going to be a rush of designs prior to the V8 Supercar launch on Feb 6.

And our understanding is that admission to the V8 test days at QR and Winton will be with a donation to charity, so take the day off and get there!

opinion

CHANGE IS GOOD OPINION Rick Kelly HSV Dealer Team THERE are a number of small changes in the wind this season and I think that two in particular are pretty good.

Last year, we would go out in the second and third sectors of qualifying on the rubber from the previous sector. The last part of qualifying was too long – you could bolt your old tyres on and go out to play around for a while. I will be happier to go out and have a go right away.

Everyone is going to need to be just that little more on the ball, ready to rock and roll. It might take a little bit of getting used to but I do not think that is going to be any drama.

Whoever learns that the quickest is going to be the most successful in the crucial third session.

There is also a change in the penalty in relation to a jumped start, now a 10 second addition to your compulsory pit stop.

I think that I know where (or who) that came from, but it depends how it is implemented in the end. If you jump the start by 15 seconds, you are

Defining F1 I have seen the publicity surrounding Network Ten’s introduction of a High Definition TV channel this year, and the suggestion that we will see F1 on it. While High Def F1 would be great, will it still be delayed?

Roger George Bankstown NSW ED: Good news Roger. Ten’s HD channel is expected to show F1 races live (yes, a 10pm start for European races!). We hear qualifying will also be shown on HD, but (thanks to Saturday Footy) it may not be live.

going to be alright, aren’t you!

If you jumped the start, it used to be a death penalty. I got done for that in Adelaide (left) some years ago – I think that they got me on a highspeed camera or something. To the naked eye, I did not jump the start ...

A drive-through penalty is extremely excessive for the crime; a 10-second penalty fits a bit more.

Take the pitlane total time of, say, 45 seconds, and make it 55 seconds.

That will not take you out of the race.

It will penalise you just enough to fit the crime and make sure that there is no reason to do it again.

Changes like these are in everyone’s interests, and it is good to see that people are being pro-active.

Speaking of change, there are a lot at the team this season.

This is an opportunity for me. I have a new engineer and a new data guy and I want to push myself to react positively and make the best of it.

I want to push myself. I have had four weeks in Mildura now, and it has been 40 degrees-plus for almost all that time.

That has meant getting up at 5:30 for training but I am sure that it is worth it!

eLETTER OF THE WEEK Will a new driver help?

You report (eNews #036) that Ian Dyk has been replaced

by John Martin as driver in Australia’s A1GP team.

It was always my view that Dyk was a pretty competent driver and, although Team Australia did get itself

somewhere near the front when, firstly, Will Power (first-ever round) and, briefly, Ryan Briscoe stepped in, Team Australia’s drought (results-wise) was more to do with engineering and technical back-up than anything else.

I guess we will see this week (NZ) and at the Sydney race – depending on the difference the inclusion ofsomeone with current F3 experience makes.

Regardless, I’ll be there in Sydney. Good luck Australia.

Roger Levenworth North Ryde, NSW

Horspwr Clothing is giving away a t-shirt each week for the most creative letter. Send yours to mail@mnews.com.au, or Motorsport News PO Box 7072, Brighton, Vic 3186 21

DUBAI 24 HOUR DUBAI AUTODROME

VIP does Dubai (4 x Aussies) + Porsches + Dubai x 24 = Victory.

22

race

23

T

HE VIP Petfoods team of Tony and Klark Quinn together with Craig Baird and Jonathan Webb claimed the 2008 Toyo Tyres Dubai 24hr, with fellow Australians Juniper Racing finishing fourth.

Both teams used Porsche 997 RSRs, just missing out on an all Porsche podium, after a Renault Megane Trophy snared third.

The race was marred by rain, together with crashes causing several ‘code 60’ safety periods limiting all cars to 60km h, the longest lasting for two hours.

“We didn't expect to be able to reach such a result, but after qualifying, we knew that

24

we were quick here,” said Tony Quinn.

“We were well prepared for the rain after the few races in Europe in which we have participated.”

Baird got the campaign off to a strong start, grabbing pole position in the dying stages of a two hour qualifying session from Allan Simonsen (Proton Competition) and Jeroen Bleekemolen (Konrad Motorsport), who raced in two cars.

The 90 strong field, with 400plus drivers, got a clean start.

The VIP car came under a lot of pressure early, dropping to third place behind teams Proton Competition and

Oktanas, Juniper Racing (Shaun Juniper, Max Twigg, Paul Kelly and David Russell) were fifth.

But the competition began to fall by the wayside as rain started to fall. The front running Konrad Motorsport Porsche was forced out with oil pump dramas and later Simonsen’s 997 RSR was also forced out of the race having lead early.

The Audi CR-8 9in its first competitive outing0 had its gearbox lock in first gear after stalling during a pitstop. The team had failed to update a software glitch in the gearbox.

From the sixth hour of racing, the VIP car cemented the top spot and had soon

established a lead of several laps.

Juniper Racing were placed as high as second but the Bleekmolen Race Planet entry of Michael Bleekemolen, his sons Jeroen and Sebastiaan together with Le Mans winner Jan Lammers settled into second in a GT3 Cup car.

The Delahaye Renault Belgium entry in a Megane Trophy punched well above its weight, finishing third, thanks primarily to strong strategy and superior fuel economy.

A second VIP entry of Dean Grant, Dan Pappas, Jens Richter and Trevor Scheumack) in a Cup car finished 46th on the 5.4 kilometer circuit.

race

Aussie, Aussie, Aussies : Team VIP Petfoods, above, showed the internatonals how it’s done, grabbing pole and leading around three quaters of the race on the way to the chequred flag. Juniper Racing, below, finished an impressive fourth, third in their class.

25

Schatz wins final round as Tatne WANLESS WORLD SERIES SPRINTCARS

ROUND 14

to be made and from there on in, Schatz wasn’t headed.

Pittman came home in second with Andrew Scheuerle securing third after a spirited battle with Danny Reidy.

By virtue of his fifth placed finish, Tatnell had done enough to win back the WWSS crown, defeating Robert Farr by 23 points.

Farr advanced to second in the Series after Dumesny’s demise and a 10th placed finish.

Trevor Green claimed preliminary feature honours over Cameron Gessner and Andrew Scheuerle.

– MATT PAYNE FINAL POINTS STANDINGS: Brooke Tatnell 2046, Robert Farr 2023, Max Dumesny 2010, Trevor Green 1977, David Murcott 1903.

Ash Budd

BROOKE Tatnell secured his sixth Wanless World Series Sprintcars crown at Brisbane International Speedway’s final round, while Donny Schatz put in a masterful performance to win the event.

The notoriously tight Brisbane track saw Schatz start the 50-lap, $20,000 AMain from ninth place and he scythed his way through the field to take the lead.

After a handful of laps, Schatz had moved to fifth before the ambers were thrown for Max Dumesny.

The veteran rolled after contact with Todd Wanless and with that ending any hope of winning the championship.

Schatz closed in on leader Daryn Pittman and moved alongside him on lap 17. It took another lap for the move

Ash Budd

26

race

ell claims sixth Title at Brisbane

Ash Budd

Friday nights all right for fighting: Trevor Green, above, claimed the preliminary feature win. Daryn Pittman, below, rebounded to finish the feature in second after this crash on Friday.

Ash Budd Ash Budd

The Usual Suspects: Max Dumsney’s championship hopes were destroyed , along with his car, above, while Schatz and Tatnell, below, grabbed the spoils.

Ash AshBudd Budd

27

Jackson Skips away to PCR win

John Morris/Mpix

Survivor: Skip Jackson, top, found his way through the carnage to win.

Steve Kinser, above, in an uncharacteristic tangle avoided a roll-over.

Ben Atkinson, below on two wheels, raced his way to third.

John Morris/Mpix

28

his third rollover in as many meetings, crashing out on the opening lap. Race leader Kinser tangled with a lapped car and was forced out with rear end damage. Points leader Ian Loudoun was running third before he lost a front wheel.

Next was Ken Sartori, who took a big dump exiting turn 2 and was out.

It looked like the race was Kerry Madsen’s but with a few laps to go he tangled with Scott Darley, rolling over and eventually failing to finish. The lead went to Mark Dobmeier until he ran out of fuel. Jackson forged through the field, passing Ben Atkinson and Grant Anderson taking an unexpectant lead.

Jackson continued on to take the win from Anderson and Atkinson with Jamie Veal, Grant Tunks and Darryl Campbell the top six in a crash marred A Main.

– GREG BOSCATO

John Morris/Mpix

FORMER Sydneysider Skip Jackson took out a great A Main victory last Saturday night at the Parramatta City Raceway.

In an incident-marred 30-lap International, the Knoxvillebased driver blasted from winning the B Main into the lead with a few laps to run, defeating an impressive Grant Anderson, with NT star Ben Atkinson third.

The meeting was dramafilled from heat one when Anthony Orr took a big dump exiting Turn 4. Race officials were then forced to cancel both dash races after Carl Trofa crashed heavily in turn 3, requiring a trip to hospital.

Racing was delayed by over 30 minutes as a result, qualifying times were used for the starters into the A Main.

The feature quickly became a race of attrition. Sharing the front row with Steve Kinser, Sydney’s Adrian Maher had

race

Shining Knight wins NZ GP make any gain on his fifth place start after running wide attempting to overtake Burdett.

Gaunt was relegated to the back of Race 3 after tangling with Nelson Hartley, forcing him to pit. Halliday threatened Knight after a Safety Car period but held on to win.

"Yesterday's first qualifying sessions were average but we managed to move from eighth on the grid to third in the first race. This morning was a bit average too but at least we maintained our spot after starting fifth," said Knight.

"It was really down to qualifying and that first lap.

After that I would have had to make a mistake to lose the lead. Where you start is so important. If we had started from fifth on the grid we wouldn't have won."

Ash Budd

ANDY Knight won the 53rd New Zealand Grand Prix at Manfield Autocourse, furthering his lead in the Toyota Racing Series.

Knight lead from pole in the final race to claim the weekend, keeping Matt Halliday at bay.

The weekend featured three races, the final feature race counting towards the title.

Knight grabbed a handy third in the first race on Saturday, working his way up from eighth. Defending series Champion Daniel Gaunt won the race after leaping off the line from third to grab the lead.

Nelson Hartley followed Gaunt, passing pole man Halliday.

Knight passed Halliday into Higgins Corner late in the race to snatch third.

Earl Bamber, 17, starred in the second race, eventully running away from pole after duelling with Halliday and Michael Burdett for several laps. Knight was unable to

Winners: Earl Bamber, above, claimed Race 2. Daniel Gaunt, below, was the star of Race 1 while Andy Knight, bottom, snared the final race and the round.

Points: Knight 564, Harford 458, Bamber 423, Jordan 378, Halliday 232.

29

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R32 GTS-T

I am very happy with the service I received. All three of the enquiries you forwarded were firm buyers and it was sold on a first come first served basis.

Again thanks.

I. Hills

Get it seen Get it sold!

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rear of grid

The Son of God. Zilla

THIS must be Godzilla’s Godson.

Many moons ago, Nissan crushed the life out of anyone who dared to take on its R32 Skyline GTR. So ruthlessly dominant was the AWD, AWS and twin-turbocharged straight-six that the car was anointed with the nickname of Japan’s favourite fire-breathing monster.

The Skyline tag is gone, and now Nissan has taken the covers off its latest GT-R, to be raced in

the Super GT Series in Japan. The new generation R35 replaces the Fairlady (which is rather charming Japanese-speak for the 350Z) and has been testing at Suzuki during some of the quieter winter months.

The roadgoing version of the new model was released in Japan five weeks ago and there is already a waiting list. And for those for whom 475hp is never enough, a lighter and faster V-Spec version is in the works.

The Punter is on Vacation

Nissan Motorsport

Odd Spot An absolute Fisser AND we could not let this pass without comment.

sutton-images.com

It’s now well-known that Giancarlo Fisichella will be topping up his superannuation racing for Force India this season. But his parting shot to Renault showed plenty of class. Not. Asked by La Gazzetta dello Sport if he is disappointed with Renault, Fisichella answered: “Yes, very much, especially because of the many years together.

“The winning car they promised never came.”

This is the part where Motorsport eNews points out that in three seasons with Renault, Fisi won two GPs, climbed onto the podium nine times and banked 151 points. Not bad.

While all this was going on, The Bloke in the Other Renault scored 14 GP wins, 30 podiums and 297 points. There were two Drivers’ titles among that lot (neither going towards Italy) and the last Bloke in the Other Renault, Hekki Kovalainen, beat Fisi in the championship – in his rookie year.

Adrian Sutil is waiting to face Fisi at Force India. The young’un must be laughing his head off looking foward to it.

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