Motorsport News Issue 114 - 21 November-4 December 1997 by V8 Sleuth

VUIeneuve'M (NZ$5.95incl GST)

II I 21 November-4 December 1997

Murphy dumped as The Kid heads home CRAIG

Lowndes

will be racing in Australia next year as part of the Mobil Holden Racing Team. The 1996 national champion has failed to gain the sponsorship necessary to continue his international career and now appears to have lost his Formula 1 dream. He will be joined in the two-car team by Mark as Skaife, Motorsport News pre dicted last issue. Within hours of the announcement, team manager Jeff Grech had walked out of the HRT workshop. His future with the team is unclear. Insiders predict more staff may leave the team. Greg Murphy is now out of a drive and the 1996 Bathurst winner is bewildered by the development. Murphy might be picked up by another V8 Supercar team or a

By DAVID HASSALL Super Tourer outfit for next year. His dream of getting an Indycar drive in 1998 is fading, but is still an outside possibil ity as a leading figure in the US is still trying to put a new team together for him. A despondent Murphy said he was surprised when he was told on Monday that Skaife was in the team and not him. “My hope was that Craig and I would be able to team up - but that’s business, I sup pose,” said Murphy. Lowndes also expressed enormous disappointment that he had 'effectively cost his friend Murphy the HRT drive. He said he was very emotional when he spoke with Murphy on Monday. “It was a real shame to break up that part nership with Greg,” said Lowndes.

“We have been together for three years and I would have liked him to be there on the grid beside me in February next year.” Craig is naturally disappointed at having to abandon his overseas career and admits he was working to get the backing right up to last Friday’s deadline irnposed by team owner Tom Walkinshaw. “The contract (with Walkinshaw) had a sec ond year, but the fund ing has dried up. “In the end I guess I have taken the safe option by coming back here. “Racing F3000 next year is out of the ques tion, but we still have to see about the future. “F would like to do some touring car races overseas or Le Mans Continued Page 7 11

LOOKING AHEAD: After a difficult season in Europe, Craig Lowndes will be back on familiar ground next season. 9 771320 974012

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21NombJW

Contoversy follows Schumacher ruling Light punishmentfor deliberated^ act By JOE SAWARD GRAND Prix racing made itself look ridiculous last week when the FIA World Council decided that Michael Schumacher would not face any serious pun ishment as a result of his cyni cal attempt to take Jacques Villeneuve out of the Grand Prix of Europe at Jerez and thus win the World Championship. FIA President Max Mosley said that the World Council had come to the conclusion that Schumacher’s swerve into Villeneuve was “instinctive and deliberate but was not premeditated.” Schumacher keeps his race wins and the points he scored but is kicked out of the World Championship standings. In other words, he is still listed as having scored the second-highest number of points in the champi onship, but is not officially the run ner-up. “It’s something I obviously accept due to the mistake,” said Schu macher, still refusing to accept that he crashed into Villeneuve deliber ately. “For me it is quite a tough deci sion. On the other hand, I have to admit I have made a mistake and I do accept the penalty. “I will take a lesson from this and I will do things differently next year.” Mosley said that the World Council had considered banning

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■ Amazing fact ofthe week; John Bowe qualified the GTP Ferrari at Amaroo as fast as he ever managed in a Group A Ford Sien'a. That despite the fact that the Ferrari is 200kg heavier than a Sierra and has 200 horse power less... ■ Quote of the week comes from FIA boss Max Mosley; "Schumacher is a human being and every now and then he will make a mistake. He admitted he did it deliberately but instinc tively and it was the wrong thing to do." ■ Close runner-up for quote of the week comes from Bemie Ecclestone on the Laboru Party donation row (see page 4); "Having paid 27 million pounds in personal income tax, it was reasonable to pay a million or two extra as a contribution towards a free and independent government for my country ..." ■ Century Batteries has extended its sponsorship of the Australian GT Production Car Championship by three years, taking it through to the end of 2000. The move miiTors BOC's extension ofthe Super Touring contract(see page 7).

Schumacher in 1998 but had con cluded that to do so would be “futile, because there is no driver compet ing in 1998 who would not be ready to accept a ban in 1999 if he could win the Championship in 1998”. Mosley said a han in 1998 would not be a deterrent and that, as a result, the World Council had decided to exclude Schumacher from the final results of the 1997 FI World Championship, although he would keep his race results. He defended the decision, saying that if Villeneuve had not been able

to continue at Jerez, Schumacher’s punishment would have removed him from the World Championship and Villeneuve would still have won the title. “Most important of all,” Mosley said, “is that this sends a message to all drivers at all levels of the sport, that if you do something you should not and a championship is at issue, then you will be excluded from that championship and you cannot possibly gain anything by engaging in an iUegitimate act.” Continued Page 4

Media turns on a champion

THE European media did not agree with the FIA that Michael Schumacher received “a major penalty”. Even his fellow countymen were aghast. Das Bild, Germany’s leading tabloid, described the ruling as “crazy.” Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung said that the FIA had lost all credibility with the decision. “It was illogical behav iour,” the newspaper said. “They issued a ridiculous penalty. Schumacher could not care less about taking a few hours of traf fic safety courses and los ing his second place this year. Why did the FIA not suspend him for next year?” The paper also pointed out the inconsistency in FIA decision-making, pointing out that “Villeneuve was disqualified in Suzulm after ignoring a yellow flag but Schumacher’s move at Jerez was not punished at all. The British press was similarly appalled by the decision and FI came in

■ Our very own karting world champion and MN columnist, James Courtney, has scored an invite to the prestigious Bercy karting event in France next week. He will join a stellar field, including some FI stars. We will have a report next issue.

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT... Michael Schumacher under the full media glare as he arrives at the hearing with Ferrari team manager Jean Todt. (Photos byLATDigital) for considerable criticism. The Daily Telegraph called the decision “scan dalous” and said that motor sport’s credibility had been demolished. “It is as much a blatant dereliction of duty as that of the race stewards at Jerez who failed to react after the incident,” the newspaper said. Britain’s biggest

tabloid. The Sun, ran a story with the headline “Carry on ramming” and said that the FIA and Schumacher deserve each other and concluded “they are the pits.” The Daily Mail said that the inquiry into Schumacher’s move at Jerez had ended up with the FIA judges being on trial.

“The charge they face from hostile world public opinion is one of white wash,” said the paper. The Guardian was sim ilarly dismissive of the decision and asked whether Schumacher’s involvement in the road safety campaign would have him lecturing from “the Highwayman’s Code.”

■ Say goodbye to Bigazzi. The Itahan-based BMW touring car team, which will be running BMW's'works' McLai'en FI GTRs at Le Mans next season, is changing its name. From now on it will be know as Team Rafanelh, after team owner Gabriele Rafanelli.

Schumacher at the hearing.

■ An announcement regarding the future of Patrick Carpentier is expected today(Thursday). Forsythe was expecting to name the Quebecois as teammate to Greg Moore for a two-car Players assault on the 1998 CART Championship.

The FIA ignores its own rules

■ Lust never sleeps. A current touring car team manager(a for mer FF racer himself) will be returning to his open-wheeler roots at Winton on December 6. The Van Diemen will, at least, not have to be transpoi-ted very far...

ONE aspect of the Schumacher Affair which the mainstream media failed to appreciate is that the FIA chose to ignore its own rules in the judgement. Article 123 of the FIA International Sporting Code states that “the entrant shall be responsible for all acts or omis sions on the part of the driver”. In practice, therefore, Ferrari should have been excluded from the 1997 Championship for failing to control its driver. When questioned on the sub ject, Max Mosley said that the World Coxmcil had decided not to invoke Article 123. The implication is that the governing body only abides by its own rules when it wants to do so - which cannot be in the best interests of the sport. Another question which the World Council failed to address was whether or not there would be any public sanction against the stewards at Jerez, who had dismissed the SchumacherVilleneuve incident as “a racing incident”, which was clearly a dereliction of their duty.

■ He may be having a look at rival BTCC teams, but Craig Baird will be in a BMW in New Zealand this summer. Baird will demonstrate a 320i to his home fans at Manfeild on January 11 and Pukekohe a week later. ■ BMW may have picked up a new pilot. Team manager Lyall Williamson repoi-ts that one of the team's cars has been sold to an unnamed newcomer to the Independents'ranks for next season. ■ Shawn Giles won all three Formula Xtreme races at Oran Park last weekend but it was still not enough to creep past Benn Archibald in the final points. Archibald took it steadily to follow Giles’ Honda across the line in all three races, beating his former Honda teammate to the title 258 points to 255. ■ Mercedes-Benz will defend its 1997 CART Manufactm-er's Championship with a "clean sheet of paper" engine which is both smaller and lighter than the current unit.

21 Nomkr 1997

fyrrell BAT bid By JOE SAWARD BAT appears to have con cluded a deal to buy Tyrrell, which will effec tively end Ken Tyrrell’s 30-year involvement in Formula 1.

FI hits the headlines Bernie’s $2.3 million donation causesfurore

ByJOESAWARD ^ very, very careful,” said MP ^ Diane Abbott. THE last week has been Another radical MP, Ken an extraordinary one for Livingstone, said that the Grand Prix racing, with ^ I scandal had undermined the sport becoming a Labour’s credibility with the major issue in parliament As we exclusively predicted British people and called for and claiming front pages last month, the BAT Keynard in most of the British PI team is to be launched in a public inquiry. “We would be fools not to London on December 2. newspapers. say it’s been incredibly dam Invitations for the event , The spotlight on PI was aging because we didn’t not, however, in the best have now been despatched to come out and say the whole interests of the sport as it Fl journalists and the team on centred on whether or not thing day one has begun advertising anony Livingstone said. “We are the British government’s mously for staff. f] only going to win back decision to exempt Formula The new team has long respect from the public on 1 racing from a Panbeen linked with a deal which this issue once we have had European ban on tobacco would involve the purchase of the independent inquiry and advertising had been influ Tyrrell and we believe that it deal’s the air.” enced by payments made to an arrangement has now When Tessa Jowell rose to the Labour Party by Fl boss been struck which will see . Bemie Ecclestone. speak in the House of TyiTell sponsored by BAT in In the course of the week Commons, she was greeted } 1998, with the ownership of with shouts of “sleaze” from it was revealed that the team being trEmsferred to Ecclestone contributed about the Opposition benches and the new organisation at the later in the week the $2.3m to the Labour cause'' end of next year. before the General Election BASKING... FIA President Max Mosley talks about the tobacco issue. (Photo by LAT Digital) Conservative’s spokesman In parallel, Reynard will on treasury matters, David in May. Chancellor Helmut Kohl to decision over the tobacco ban, build up a new team and will other countries have specific Heathcoat-Amory, was less This may seem a lot of calling it “the right decision discuss the situation. design a 1999 car. exemptions, I ask you to have subtle. money but in the course of the On October 16 Blair him for the right reasons”. a care for the effect on British The link with Tyrrell is week it was also revealed that “We saw the motor racing He said tha,t the money self met with Mosley and industry.” necessary so that the new industry successfully buying Bernie paid himself about from Ecclestone had played Ecclestone and four days Blair added that “there team will have qccess to the favours from a Labour $113m as his salary from no part in the decision-mak n after that meeting Kohl met funding available through the was never any favour sought Government,” he said. Formula One Promotions and ing process and deflected with Blair and expressed con new Concorde Agreement. nor given. “It is now certain that the Administration (which has attention from the issue by cern about the effects of a It is still unclear which Ecclestone said he had Labour Party has broken an since become Formula One saying that he would be insti ban. brand BAT will use with never asked for any favom’s. election pledge under pres Holdings). gating an inquiry into the According to Blair, the Tyrrell - and later Reynard “I met Mr Blair in July sure from a powerful indus The Labour Party later way all political parties are decision was not taken until 1996 and was veiy impressed but it is expected to be either , announced that Ecclestone trial lobby which just hap funded in Britain. the start ofNovember. with him and his plans for Lucky Strike or State Express ' pened to have given a lot of would get his money back on 555. Blair defended the deci Conservative Party leader our country,” Bemie said. “In money to the Labom- Party.” the advice of Sir Patrick William Hague attacked the sion, saying that a number of January 1997 I was asked by We also expect there to be a At the end of a tumultuous Neill, the chairman of the government, saying it was in Fl countries, including the a colleague to make a contri tie-in between the Fl pro week, Blaii- made a rai’e tele Committee on Standards in “turmoil and chaos” over the UK, have no legal tobacco bution to New Labour, which vision interview on BBC gram and the CART team, Public Life, who said that tobacco issue. sponsorship restrictions and I did. which is sponsored by BAT’s admitting that the govern this step should be taken in. “I’m not accusing the that the other eight countries Kool brand. “I have never sought any ment’s handling of the crisis order to avoid the appear favour from New Labour or Labom’Party of being paid to aU have “special exemptions” We believe that BAT and has not been as adept as it ance of any influence on poli- break their promises,” he or “special arrangements” for any member of the could have been as he had Reynard have reached some cyFl. said. “They break them for Government, nor has any kind of an agreement with been focusing on the develop Ecclestone said that he did free aH the time.” He drew attention to the been given.” Renault Sport for the supply ing crisis over Iraq. not want the money back and Hague went on to demand In the course of the week it policy in Austraha- which he of VIO engines for testing in In he course of the week it that he has a perfect right to to know which of the Labour said had the “toughest anti was revealed that Bemie had 1998 and for racing in 1999. was suggested that the donate money to whoever he ministers had taken the deci sponsorship laws anywhere previously been a big donor to They may, however, be Labour Government might chooses. sion to exempt Fl from the in the world” - but which the Conservative Party and badged differently as the deal modify its decision over The order to repay the tobacco ban. exempted Fl from the bans. has reportedly been recom is believed to be similar to tobacco sponsorship slightly' money led, not surprisingly, Amid further Conservative ' He pointed out that there mended for a knighthood. that of TAG and Porsche in in an effort to placate the out to accusations that the jeering, Blair said it had been Radical members of the is a similar exemption in which the TAG organisation raged European Union, but Labour Party had been mflu- “a collective decision”. Portugal and that in Italy Labour Party were shocked paid for the entire engine prothis would only bring Fl enced over the tobacco issue there is a ban but it is to discover the scale of the He went on to give details gi’am. under a European ban after donations and warned of the and the Prime Minister Tony n of events which led up to the ignored each year and a nom Such a deal had been 10 years. Blau faced a rowdy House of decision, revealing that Tessa inal fine is levied against aU dangers involved. thought impossible as The EU win be pushing for Commons at his weekly JoweU, the Minister of Public Fl teams with tobacco spon “These new, Johnny-come- this to happen when the 15 Williams has a deal with Question Time. Health, had met with Max sorship. lately, high value donors are health ministers meet on Mecachi’ome to mn rebadged Amid rowdy barracking Mosley on September 23. “You may disagree with coming out after 17 years of December 4. Renault VlOs and this hmits from rival Conservatives, Five days later Mosley and the decision we have taken,” the Tory culture - cash for the supply to two teams (the Blair defended the party’s Ecclestone met German he said, “but when all these influence - and we need to be other will be Benetton).

P13- The Box Seat

Castrol stays I BMW here or Asia? with Longhurst TONY Longhurst will continue to carry Castrol’s colours next season. Longhurst will contest his foiufth season at the wheel of a V8 Supercar Falcon with support from Yokohama and Ford. Longhurst is currently building a new Falcon at his Gold Coast headquarters for the new season. His current car will be raced at three events next season by Bathurst co-driver Charlie O’Brien. O’Brien wiU race at Lakeside, Oran Park and the IndyCamival before returning to co-drive the lead car at Sandown and Bathurst. “The car will be in the same livery it was at Bathurst,” said Longhurst this week. “We’ll be selling or leasing the second car some time during the year as we start work on the new Falcon as the season goes on. ‘TPs great to be in a position where we’ll have a spare car,and for Charlie to get some races in dur ing the season.” -PHILBRANAGAN

BMW Motorsport Australia is planning to defend its three Super Touring titles, despite not yet having been given the green light by Germany for 1998. The team is likely to con tinue'in its current form next year following a weeklong inspection of the team by BMW Asia-Pacific tour ing car chief Reudi Gmeiner.

But European reports also indicate that there is a chance - albeit very slim that the team could be relo cated to South-East Asia, or even disbanded altogether. The reports suggest Singapore as a possible base for an Asian effort and

that team manager Lyall WiUiamson has been to the island nation to seek infor mation. Williamson would not comment on the reports at Amaroo Park, other than to say that “we are proceeding with our plans for 1998”. “It is true that we do not have a firm program for next season,” he said. “But BMW Motorsport seems very satisfied with our procedures and results, and is likely to take back a positive report.” Gmeiner is a long-time adviser and confidant of BMW Motorsport chief Paul Rosche and, while BMW is making noises about not supporting Super Touring next season, it

appears that the bearded German’s word carries a lot of weight. Last season, Rosche him self visited the team’s Nomell headquarters for a re'view and the result was a marked increase in com mitment fi’om the manufac turer to the series, which paid dividends with three titles. BMW has already approved its three lead’ programs in Germany, Italy and Belgium and the feeling is that the involve ment of Schnitzer, which will nm Jo Winkelhock and Johnny Cecotto in Germany, -will only help to firm up a positive decision for Australia. -PHILBRANAGAN

Controversy follows Schumacher ruling Continued from Page 3

Mosley said that the council had also considered a fine but had instead insisted that Schumacher take part in an FIA road safety campaign in 1998. Schumacher said he accepted the penal ty but continued with the charade that the crash had been “a mistake”. “It is quite a tough decision,” he said. “The most important thing is for me to learn from it, to look to the future." Britain’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents later questioned the logic of using Schumacher as a role model in safety campaigns after he had admitted deliberately forcing Villeneuve offthe road. “There is a dichotomy between what he does in his professional life and what he is going to be saying,” commented Dave Rogers, the organisation’s Safety Officer. “He is going to be preaching road safety and yet he admitted he closed the door on Villeneuve.”

21Nomt0l997

Arise Sir Ron?

THE Chairman of the Australian Grand Prix, Ron Walker, has reported ly been recommended for a knighthood in Britain. The Independent news paper said that Walker’s name has been submitted by the leader of the Opposition Conservative Party, William Hague. Walker is the party’s overseas treasurer and is said to have raised $35 million for John Major’s unsuccessful re-election campaign earlier this year. He is also the treasurer of the equivalent Liberal Party in Australia. Fl supremo Bernie ' Ecclestone’s name is also reported to be on a list of names submitted to the new Labour Government for a knighthood. - DAVID HASSALL

Morris denies Nissan move By PHIL BRANAGAN

PAUL Morris has scotched rumours he will be defending his BOC Gases Super Touring title in something other than a BMW next season. Morris’s name had been linked to a number of different deals for 1998 but he said on Tuesday that he had nothing set for 1998. “My first priority is BMW,” said Morris. “I’m pretty sure that, as far as I’m concemecl, it’s business as usual. “I haven’t spoken to anyone else about next season. “I like racing and I’d look at anything but, until BMW sort out what they will do, nothing is settled.” Reports in the UK last week indicat-

ed that two Ray Mallock Limited-built 1997 Nissan Primeras that were available had been earmarked for Australia. The reports suggested that Morris and Steven Richards would drive the cars under the banner of Gibson Motorsport. But Garry Rogers said on Monday that nothing had been settled for Richards for 1998, other than the fact that he would not be driving the ‘96 Primera he drove this year, which has been sold. “We are working on something for next season,” he said, “hut ufitil all that is finalised it’s too early to say anything.” Morris, 29, joined the BMW team in

1992 and competed in the Shell ATCC and endurance races in an M3 in 1992/93. In 1994 he drove in the

Manufacturers championship in a 318i and also in 5-litre events in a Diet Coke-sponsored Holden Commodore. In 1995 he drove for BMW only, winning his first title, which he backed up this season, The BMW team had three contracted drivers this year, Kiwi Craig Baird, who moved into the team from the South African BMW team to become test driver, is being strongly linked to a BTCC drive with either Ford or Peugeot (see separate story).

Aerie! photo of Amaroo Park by Dirk Klynsmith

BMW Motorsport Australia may be about to have a solution for its ‘three-intotwo’ driver dilemma. Craig Baird tested a Ford Mondeo in England before ■ the Amaroo BOC finale and is in line for a BTCC drive with either Ford or Peugeot. Ford secretly tested five drivers with a view to plac ing one of them in its 1998 team alongside the contract ed Will Hoy. Along with Baird, Ford I tested Brazilian Flavio Figuereido, Vauxhall Vectra series winner Julian Westwood, 1997 Ford test driver Michael Vergers and TWR’s Kelvin Burt at Croft in north Yorkshire. But after being strongly linked with Peugeot, for which he drove in the Bathurst 1000, Paul Radisich has wandered back into the Mondeo frame. ■ The kiwi, who is managed by TOCA boss Alan Gow, is seen as a slightly expensive option for the Peugeot team. Ford had until last Friday before his current agi’eement ran out. If Radisich stays with Ford, Baird and Figuereido are tipped as the hot con tenders for the Peugeot

drive.

Burt, who drove previous ly for Ford, is expected to stay with the TWR-Volvo outfit, for which he has raced previously. - GWYN DOLPHIN

n McLaren has, as expected, established its own junior team in Formula 3000 for next season, using the same sponsors as appear on the Fl cars. The team, which j is being run by former Williams engineer David Brown,completed its first tests recently at the Albacete circuit in Spain with Nick Heidfeld (hi ving. n The bosses of British snooker are threatening to pull their sport out ofthe coimtry if they are barred fi’om accepting tobacco sponsorship. The sport’s bosses are demanding a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. n The Cancer Research Campaign took advantage of the tobacco scandal in Britain to announce details of a University of Manchester study of smoking, which studied over 1000 teenage boys to see whether sport influ enced their smoking habits. The report claimed that the boys were nearly twice as hkely to become regular smokers if they were motor racing fans. n Cooper Avon Tyres Ltd, a new company formed after America’s Cooper Tire took over Avon Rubber PLC’s tyre division, is planning to expand its involvement in motor racing as a means of promoting growth of its sales in Europe.

Baird set for BTCC

Move to save Amaroo ARDC financial crisis

PETER Adderton and Terry Morris may be involved in ensuring Amaroo Park stays open for racing in the near future. IT is like deja vu for the Australian The TOCA Australia prime movers Racing Driver's Club. Ten years after have offered support to the Austrahan the club went to the brink of collapse, Racing Drivers’ Club, despite the sale of it is once more in a financial crisis as the track being on the agenda “at next it heads into its AGM next Monday, week’s ARDC Annual General Meeting. with heavy losses accruing as a If the offer were accepted, the track result of its move to Eastern Creek would stay open as a motor racing venue while the club continues to run it and the split at Bathurst. According to the accounts pub on a day-to-day basis, even though lished last week, the club lost Morris and Adderton may own the track. $895,000 during the financial year ended June 30 this year and Under the proposal, at the end of the informed sources believe the club 2001 season the ARDC would have an has suffered losses amounting to option to buy Adderton and Morris out for a pre-arranged figure and regain y almost $1.5 million since then. control to either run the track or have it A club luminary who asked not to be named said he believed "the club developed as a residential estate. was in more than a little trouble". If the club did not do that the two "In order to survive, the club is businessmen would retain control and going to have to do something to have the same options. rationalise its interests and get back ‘We’ve spoken to a number of people, in a sound financial position," said including Peter and Teny,” said AlfflC the source. President Cohn Bond. “It is not all doom and gloom but “I don’t want to pre-empt what the members may decide but, if it doesn’t go through this year, I think it will next than that, but I don’t know about it.” Adderton was overseas this week and year. Morris said that both he and unable to comment. Adderton had “offered support to the A conservative valuation of the propclub for on-going racing. Peter may erly recently placed a value of $4.9m on the site. have done something more concrete

we are going to have to be very careful we don't end up like the Light Car Club in Melbourne," he added. It is believed the Club's take-up of the lease at Eastern Creek is the main reason for its losses in the 96/97 financial year, which, of course, included the financially suc cessful 1996 Bathurst 1000. The elections for the eight-mem ber board are currently underway with the postal ballot due to close tomorrow ( Friday) and the results to be endorsed at Monday's AGM. Colin Bond has not been opposed and will continue as president of the club but members are saying that the administration of the club has to be overhauled. Despite the losses and the prob lems facing the club, it is believed Ivan Stibbard's position with the club is secure and that he will continue as Continued Page 10

But real estate observers in Sydney say that $7m is a more reahstic value, leaving either the club or Adderton and Morris to face making a considerable profit, -PHIL BRANAGAN

n The Formula 1 teams met in London last Friday to continue discussions over the 1998-2008 Concorde Agreement. A n basic agi’eement with Bemie Ecclestone is now in place and only disputes between the teams need to be settled. “AH the com mercial aspects of the deal have been resolved with the teams,” Ecclestone said. “They have stopped squeezing my balls and are now at each otheris.” n Former Grand Prix driver Carlos Reutemann, who was hoping to be a major candidate in the next Presidential elections in Az’gentina, suffered an embarrassing defeat in the congressional elec tions last week. ■ The Stewart team has completed its negotia tions for a new factory and will move to the other side of Milton Kejmes later this winter into a large factory’ previously owned by the Swedish roller bearing company SKF. The team will not have a windtunnel at the new factory. ■ We hear that The Rolling Stones are plan ning to play a concert at Silverstone next summer. The event \rill take place a week alter the British Grand Prix so that all the infrastructiore for the race will be left up for a week to cope with the thou sands of rock and roll fans expected. -JOESAWARD

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n The British Alpine ski team has used the Jordan Grand Prix windtunnel at Brackley to experiment on ways to reduce drag in their quest for success in 1998 Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, Skiers Graham Bell and Andrew Freshwater say that the experience was very helpful. ■ Formula 1 teams are discussing the possibility of testing at Kyalami in February, despite an agreement between them not to run outside Europe so as to keep costs to a minimum. Teams are wor ried that the new grooved tyres will need to be test ed in hot weather condi tions, which will not be possible on any of the European tracks. ■ Alain Prost has con cluded a deal which will enable him to use Mugen Honda VIO engines until the end of December in order to help with the Bridgestone winter t}Te testing programme. The prototype Prost-Peugeot APOl will not be ready until January. Jordan will also be running Honda engines in December test ing but these will be ,the all-new VIO engine which has been designed and developed at the Honda Research and Development Centre in Wako. ■ The Pi’ost team has been busy recruiting in recent weeks and is expected to grow to 140 members of staff within a few weeks, a big step for ward from the 90 person nel with which it started this season. ■ Representatives of the Spanish oil company Repsol have visited sever al teams, including Tyrrell, Minardi, Jordan, Benetton and Stewart. There were also talks with Bemie Ecclestone. Repsol is trying to find a drive for Formula Nippon Champion Pedro de la Rosa. -JOESAWAED

Williams and McLaren cleared of race-fixing

WHILE the FIA World Council disgraced itself in the eyes of the world over its ‘pimishment’ of Michael Schumacher, at least it made the right decision over the ridiculous charges levelled against Williams and McLaren of race-rigging. The Times newspaper in London had accused Williams and McLaren of colluding to arrange the finishing order at the end of the Grand Prix of Europe at Jerez. The newspaper - which is not the journal of record which it used to be - said that it had unearthed tape record ings of radio transmissions between Villeneuve and his engineer Jock Clear which revealed that the team orches trated the finish. AFTER YOU... Villeneuve leads Coulthard in the closing stages at Jerez. (Photo by Allsport) There is little doubt that at the end of the race the Williams engineers told Jacques Villeneuve not to ONE interesting pfece of information Other sources say that in the end worry about Mika Hakkinen which emerged from the FIA World Council McLaren threatened to fire Coulthard if he and David Coulthard hut to meeting was that McLaren’s pit-driver mesdid not comply with the team orders think about the champi sages which are encrypted to ensure that This would explain why David was so onship. obviously unhappy at the end of the race, The only evidence suggest ing that something was amiss ^ ti® h the Some of the teams have been decoding post-race press conference were repeated messages from ® ,®°fiversations for some time,” The FIA President said that he saw Clear saying that Mika said Mosley, unknown, I think, to harm in teams listening to one another Hakkinen was “very helpful” , ®!^.. . “Everybody should be able to do so in and the comment just before Mosley said the McL aren tape from exactly the same way they can see the pit Hakkinen took the lead that Jerez featured a conversation between signals. “we discussed this”. David Coulthard and team manager Davey “I don’t like the idea of secret transmis These comments P™''® Ryan in which Ryan tried to persuade sions. It would be best if they were out in nothing as Clear and Coulthard to make way for Hakkinen the open and anyone could listen, including Villeneuve could easily have “They were having the utmost difficulty in the journalists. T doing so and Coulthard argued vehemently “I hope to secure the agreement of for his place." the McLarens go if the situaeveryone on that principle.” tion arose.

The McLaren mystery unscrambled

Frank Williams said that his team had talked to several other teams about race tactics but only because there were womes that Villeneuve might be held up. It is quite clear that the result of the race was not reported Max Mosley. .there was no airangement , , McLaren and Wilhams that Mika Hakkinen was going to win. They were able to demonstrate very clearly that was not the case.

“On the conversation b etween Villeneuve and his engineer Jock Clear, it is a fact that Jacques is a fairly wilfiil person who pursues his own course of action and Williams was very worried that, as it was on the veiw last lap, he would fight for his win. “It was described as near panic in the pit, as there they were, within a hair’s breadth of the World Championship, that he might in fighting the McLarens have an accident

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and lose the championship,

“They were d esperately say ing to him, “Don’t get involved, let them pass’. That was the sense in which they said ‘don’t let me down’. “I think in that situation, Villeneuve would have let evei-yone pass, until it got to the point where he would have lost sixth place. Then I am sure he would have fought to the end. “That would have been the correct thing to do as the

championship matters enor mously.” What was not explained was why the FIA chose to take the allegations seriously in the first place as clearly there was no evidence to back up the stoiy published in The Times newspaper. The suspicion remains, there fore, that the entire pi-ocess was simply a smokescreen to dis guise the weak judgement against Schumacher. -JOESAWABD

Prost F3000 plan

ALAIN Prost has con San-azin from the French F3 firmed that he is to work series, Italian F3 series mnin association with ner-up Marcelo Battistuzzi Formula 3000 team and Formula Opel driver Apomatox to try out a Paolo Ruberti. series of up-and-coming If any of the drivers prove drivers. , to be particularly impressive The scheme will be overthey may be offered a drive seen by Prost’s Cesare Fiorio, in the Apomatox F3000 team which suggests that, as next season, expected, he will be playing At the moment the team is less of a role within the FI believed to be considering organisation. deals with established F3000 The exact foi-m of the reladrivers Soheil Ayari and tionship has yet to be estabLaurent Redon. l ished, but initially The Apomatox team is Apomatox will test a number expected to be funded by the of young drivers to see if they same sponsors as appear on show exceptional talent. the Prost cars in FI, the proThe drivers b eing tested ject having been pushed conare Frenchman Nicolas siderably by Bruno Courtois, Minassian, who was runneran important Peugeot dealer up in the British F3 who has a shareholding in Championship, Franck Apomatox. Montagny and Stephane -JOESAWAED

What Villeneuve heard... THE race-fixing contro versy surrounds commu nications claimed to be fi’om Villeneuve’s race engineer Jock Clear to his driver after the collision which eliminated Schumacher and left the McLarens closing on the French-Canadian’s dam aged Williams. Of even greater concera to the team was that Eddie Ii’vine was also closing and they were not sure what the Ferrari dri ver might do if he caught Villeneuve. These are highlights of the transcripts, which J start as Villeneuve conj siders his options in light of damage to his car: Jock Clear:“Stay out. Irvine is too near to risk a stop. Coulthard and Hakkinen P2 and 3. Gently Jacques, gently.” (Later)“Jacques,if the '■ car is OK mid-25s will be OK to stay ahead of ^ Irvine. Good pace. Good pace.” (The lapped Shinji Nakano closes on Villeneuve) Clear: “Let

NOW HEAR THIS... Engineer Jock Clear with Jacques Villeneuve Mm past. Don’t lose any pace to do it. Coulthard P2, five seconds. Let the Prost pass on the straight, Jacques. Two McLai’ens P2, P3. Very close togeth er. That lap 25. 2.” Patrick Head (to CIeai’);”To repeat, Jock. We are more concerned with the championship than with the race posi tion.” Clear: “Keep concen trating, Jacques. Hakkinen up to position two, 6.0 seconds Villeneuve.” (Greater urgency) “Hakkinen quite quick and very helpful. (Later) “Be aware that Hakkinen is now in position two. He probably wants to win. Very helpful.”

(Later) “DC [Coulthard ] is conti’olling Irvine Hakkinen immediately behind you, Jacques. Immediately behind you Hakkinen. ‘‘ (Later) “Keep concentrating Jacques, Hakkinen is immediately behind. Last lap, last lap.’ (Extremely nervous) “Hakkinen has been very helpful. Jacques, position two. Don’t let me down, Jacques. We discussed this.

/ffl®

^^^_

Trulli signs with Prost

21Nomtief1997

Audi to return in'98

PROST Grand Prix has AUDI Sport will continue port of Germany,” said Kim at whether the BTCC cars, newer cars for 1998, BMW Motorsport Australia was confirmed that it has to run all-wheel-di’ive A4s Amaroo Park. “We expect which will be driven in in the BOC Gases series in that the cuiTent situation will England by Yvan Muller and expecting to run its current signed Jarno Trulli as remain.” 1996 models - until Team John Bintcliffe, will race on Olivier Panis’s.teammate 1998. British or French rubber. The only major change to Indeed, it appears that the Schnitzel- got the nod to race for the next two years. As for who will drive next the 1998 320i. The Italian raced for the the team is expected be the Australian team will become departure of co-owner Peter something of a model for season alongside Brad Jones, “These cars are already team in seven Grands Prix there is no decision yet, fast,” said team manager this year - as a replacement Adderton, who has asked to Audi’s European teams. The BTCC and German though the team is known to Lyall Williamson at Amaroo. be bought out by Brad and for the injured Panis - scor Kim Jones. STW team are expected to get be more than happy with “There are some significant ing his first points for fourth 1997 driver Cameron updates available for them so Team manager Kim Jones approval to seek title sponsor place at the German GP. At the Austrian GP he led ship, much like BJR’s deal McConville. plans to visit the team’s head they would still be competi “Third in the championship tive, I would think. half the race in impressive quarters in Germany next with Orix. There is no word on which is a good effort,” said Brad “We’ll wait and see what week to arrange delivery of fashion before dropping back and ultimately retiring with two 1997 cars for next season. tyres the team will use next after Amaroo’s races. “He Germany decides. Even if we The team will continue in year because, after a long beat me - though that’s prob engine trouble. were to get newer cars, these Trulli was negotiating its present guise, despite association with Dunlop, ably not a great career (the cmTent cars) would still move!.” with Prost for a one-year reports that Audi Australia Audi’s FWD car has been make pretty good deal as Frank Williams is was not supporting the team. developed on Michelins. Independents’ cars...” known to be keen to secure -PEDDLBKANAGAN There is no word yet “We’ve always had the supWHILE Audi expects his services at some point in the future. Prost was originally offer ing only a three-year deal but seems to have compromised. Both parties will be well aware that there is a buy-out Continued from Page 1 in the team; we got on with the job the included in the full-time line-up but clause in the contract for best we could, but it was a tough sea said in a prepared statement that he 1999 which Williams can pay just to keep my name in people’s son. “hoped Greg would sign for the team if he still wants Trulli. minds, like Tom Kristensen did this “We are really no closer to having to contest the Sandown 500 and Alain Prost says he has year. anything in place (with an Indycar Primus 1000”. deal), otherwise it would have been an been very impressed by Murphy said he was looking for a “But I haven’t spoken with Tom full-time drive next year but was still Trulli this year. about it yet - he was due here last easier decision. “That’s why I tpld (HRT boss) John waiting to see a firm offer from HRT “I was impressed by his week but it looks like he won’t get desire to learn,” said Prost, here until next month now.” Crennan in September I would stay on the enduro drives. HRT said it would announce what is with the team in 1998 and he said he “and by his motivation and' Murphy was left to wonder why he happening with the Holden Youbg had been dropped from the team after would get back to me.” the quality of his work. Skaife will drive with number 50 on Lions team some time in the next “He has a great deal of performing very well since joining his Commodore, in recognition of month. potential and I know he will HRT. Jason Bargwanna is hoping the suf “Maybe my thoughts on going to Holden’s 50th anniversary next year. be a big asset in our effort to achieve the ambitions we America had some bearing; I don’t Lowndes will carry his familiar ficient funds are raised to run the car number 15. have set ourselves for next know. I all season, but Steve Ellery and his Konica sponsorship are still in the pic “I am disappointed for many rea year with Peugeot.” Tom Walkinshaw is said to be disap -JOESAWARD sons, not least because I enjoyed being pointed that Murphy could not be ture.

Lowndes returns to HRT

Three more years for BOC BOC Gases will back the Australian Super Touring Championship for the next three years. The company announced its commit¬ ment following the final round of the 1997 Championship at Amaroo last week. The company’s director, Greg Sedgwick, said that the agreement was an important part of the com pany’s marketing sti-ategy. “BOC Gases is delighted with the results of its investment in Super Touring and our associa tion with some of Australia’s most profes sional driver's and teams, he said. BOC began its sponsor ship of the series in 1996 and increased its commit ment this season. Paul Morris, who sealed his second title at Amaroo, welcomed the BOC back ing, saying that it “increased the credibility of the championship and that helps all the teams and competitors get the backing they need to keep racing”.

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21 November 1997

MARK Webber added another notch to his international racing belt last Sunday at the Macau Grand Prix. Webber survived the car nage-ridden event to take a fine fourth place overall in his final drive for Alan Docking Racing. Soheil Ayari became the first Frenchman to win the race. But the race was anything but the usual event. The first 15-lap leg at the historic Guia circuit was halted, then restarted, after a huge accident. In the second the Safety Car was brought on for the second half when a dog strayed onto the track ... Webber qualified 11th, a huge 2.1s behind Ayari. Webber - on his first visit to the track - was just a few tenths slower than last year’s winner Ralph Finnan in a similar Honda-engined Dallara. Showing his familiarity with the track, Ayari was more than half a second clear of Italian teammate Max Angelelli, who was a, late replacement for Germqn star Nick Heidfeld, who Ij&d to pull out because of food poisoning. Behind the dominant Spiess boys came Tom Coronel, who beat Webber at the Marlboro F3 Masters at Zandvoort, and defending . Champion Firman for Paul Stewart Racing. Local ace Andre Couto, who had a big off on Friday, led British Champion Jonny

Webber stars at Macau Foggy

WORLD WIDE WEBBER... Mark Webber’s Macau debut resulted In an impressive fourth place in the Portuguese colony. His Australian Grand Prix and Yellow Pages DallaraMugen/Honda was out-horsepowered by the Opel-Spiess engines. Kane, who was only 0.3s clear of Webber despite run ning a higher spec Honda engine. A Thursday qualifying crash set Webber back. “(Mario) Haberfeld was on fresher tyres and went in big time into San Francisco, a third gear, ISOkmh corner, which left me nowhere to go. “I went up in the air and landed hard. One corner was

completely demolished. “I lost 20 minutes of track time. We think it cost us three-tenths. If it did we would have been sixth.” As usual, Webber’s Honda was struggling. “The Opel engines were just faster than us, basically. They were doing the same speed on the straights but they were running more wing, so they

beat us in the corners. The final minutes of quali fying were fraught. “The track gets quicker and everyone starts to push,” said Webber. “That’s when people shunt. “Minassian went in and broke his arm. There were three shunts on the last lap! Couto tried to kill himself He hit the wall and burst into flames. After a brilliant start Webber was quickly past Kane and up to fifth but Firman boxed him in on a corner and he fell to 13th. He made it back to sev enth and just avoided a three-car accident after 12

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laps which organisers later blamed on Angelelli. The Italian had tangled with Coronel and was blocking the track but, as soon as the track was cleared, his car ‘magically’ started and he headed back to the grid for repairs. Angelelli went on to win the first leg, but was later disqualified by stewards, who said they would recom mend a 90-day suspension of his hcence. They accused him of delib-

erately causing the Coronel accident. Ayari’s Dallara/SpiessOpel was second on the road in the first race ahead of Gay and Webber. But before the second leg there was drama as stew ards gridded Webber 16th, penalising him 30s for a jumped start in the three-lap restart. After reluctantly checking the vision from his on-board camera, the officials relented and allowed him to start from fifth. In the second leg, a dog appeared on the 6.2km track, threatening more chaos. The safety car came off after two laps when the ani mal was caught. Ayari won the second leg to secure his overall win. Second, 11 seconds behind, was. teammate and fellow Frenchman Gay, then Webber’s British F3 nemesis, Enrique Bemoldi of Brazil in a Dallara Renault. Webber was driving a heady, conservative race, which was just as well as he had a sticking throttle. “We could afford to be quite conservative in the second race but I was too conservative. “With the throttle I had a few moments, crashing into walls a few times. I had plenty of people tapping me,but I had a wide car! I just had to finish the second race because I had such a good (race) time in the first race.” After the race Webber was promoted to fourth with Angelelli’s disqualification and flew straight to Melbourne for the Australian Grand Prix launch, l

FELLOW Aussie Ben Walsh was out of luck in the Formula Campus event, Walsh was restricted to only three qualifying laps and started 16th but charged to sixth on the first lap. After passing ex-Fl man Franck Lagorce, he was chasing the leaders but a Japan-ese driver squeezed him into a wall, ending his race.

stays a Duke man

By DARRYL FLACK TWO-time Superbike World Champion Carl Fogarty has announced that he will be riding a works Ducati in the 1998

swc.

Ending weeks of specula tion, 31-year-old Fogarty has turned down a hig-buck offer to take a third seat in the Suzuki 500 GP squad. The Briton had earlier agreed to ride for the Belgian-based Alstare Ducati outfit, but once it learned that it would not receive the same equipment as the Virginio Ferrari-led Ducati team of Troy Corser and Pierfrancesco ChUi, it pulled out of its deal with Fogarty. Ten days ago, Ducati chiefs flew Fogarty to Bologna for urgent talks about his future where he was promised a lucrative future with the company on his retirement from racing. It is believed that Fogai-ty will ride for a ‘satellite’ onebike team attatched to the Ferrari outfit, and that he may run that team himself when he steps out of the sad-

die.

Fogarty told the English motorcycle press last week that Suzuki team chief Garry Taylor had been luring him with a contract he claimed was even larger than what Ducati was offering him. It’s understood that the long term security of the Ducati deal swayed him. Suzuki has been endeav ouring to find a third rider for its sponsorless 500 team (see separate story). Alstare, which won the SWC support Supersport class with a Ducati 748SP, is now Mkely to stay in the class but it is believed that the team is talking to Suzuki about a factory effort for Fabrizio Pirovano.

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Mansell-Norman deal for Lola? COULD Nigel Mansell be head ing back into CART racing with the help of Greg Norman? The former world champion and the world’s number one golfer are being linked to the works team that Lola will run in the 1998 PPG CART series. The long-time friendship between Mansell and Norman could allow the Shark to take a team co-ownership role in the same way as ‘celebrity’ CART owners Joe Montana and Walter Payton, and TV star David Lettennan. Former NFL stars Montana and Payton own shares of Ganassi and Payton-Coyne Racing respectively, while Letterman is Bobby Rahal’s partner. The profiles of Norman and Mansell is seen as an ideal way of re-establishing the Lola name, which has been decimated by poor on-track performances and the col lapse of Lola Cars Ltd under the debt of a doomed FI effort. New Lola owner, Irish entrepre neur Martin Birrane, is keen to fund a works team to rebuild the marque and Mansell has fond mem ories of Lola after winning the 1993 IndyCar title with the NewmanHaas Lola works team. Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises has become q business powerhouse since the golf star broke away from IMG some ydars ago. GWS oversees Norman’s growing business interests, which include clothing (through Reebok), golf clubs (major shareholdings in Cobra golf) and course design. Norman cuiTently has 28 courses under construction around the

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IRISH EYES ARE SMILIN’... New Lola boss Martin Birrane looks proudly on the first T98/00 CART chassis. Could it be that Nigel Mansell will-fit in it(remember the probiems he had at McLaren?) (Photo by LAT Digital) On another front, Mansell was visited in England last week by Jim McGee, his 1993 race engineer. McGee is now employed by Patrick Racing, which will run Scott Pruett and Adrian Fernandez next season. There is some talk in the USA that Mansell may drive ‘selected races’ in a third car for the team.

world at a reported fee of US$lm ($1.4m)each. “I’ve not heard of it,” said GWS’s Frank Williams when contacted about the deal last week. “(Motor racing is not our core busi ness. I’m not going to say that it can’t happen, but it’s the first I’ve heard of it.” Mansell has been keen on getting back into the sport at a high level md as number one driver in a facto ry team the Lola project could be the most attractive deal open to

MEANWHILE, any Lola effort may not be as uncompetitive as the form of their T97/00 CART car would indicate.

him.

Australian Grand Prix program set

THERE will be more to see and more to do at the 1998 Qantas Australian Grand Prix - including no less than four V8 Supercar races. Apart from the much-anticipated ‘rematch’ between World Champion Jacques Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher, spectators will be able to see the action on an extra, 13th superscreen and get close to the cars in the national paddock, where admission will be free. The other good news for spectators is that ticket prices have been held to 1997 prices. There will also be new spectator mounds for general admission ticket holders, who will be eligible for one of five prizes, including a $70,000 HSV Commodore and a lap of the track in a Fen’ari road car with Schumacher or Eddie Irvine. Early ticket buyers will also receive a free disposable 27-shot Kodak camera. There will also be a GP Expo featuring FI cars from the past and present. As well as the four V8 Supercar races, the support progi-am will feature Super Tourers, Formula Holdens and Formula Fords. ‘Modern exotic sports cars’ will be announced at a later date. These are likely to be the Lamborghini'onemake cars. r The Santos Kart Challenge, the Tattersall’s classic car demonstrations and drag racing demonstrations will again feature. The Holden Astra Celebrity Challenge will again be reseived for the fairer sex, this time highlighting sports stars. Olympians Shane Gould, Gillian Rolton and Kathy Watt are already confirmed for the face, along with Holden’s Deborah Hutton and World Triathlon Champion Emma Carney. There will be no traditional post-race concert but, in its place, there will be parties on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Hot on the heels of Adrian Fernandez’s season-best third at California Speedway comes the news that the heavily-revised car works on road courses, too. At a recent test at Firebird Raceway in Arizona, Tasman , Motorsport’s 1998 driver Tony Kanaan broke the outright lap record by a second, which is 0.5s faster than any Reynard has ever lapped the track. Tasman will run two Reynards next season.

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12 round series held around Vicloria/SA

Provisional 1998 500cc Motorcycle GP*

Rd 1 Mar 29 .. .Indonesia ,Rd2 April 5 ...Japan . .. Rd3 April 19 ..Indonesia Rd4 May 3 Spain . .. Rd5 May 17 .. .Italy .... ,Rd6 May 31 ...France . , ,Rd7 June 14 . .Portugal June 27 . .Netherlands Rd 8 July 5 Great Britain . ..Rd 9 July 19 ...Germany Rd 10 Aug 23 ...Chez Republic .Rd 11 Rd 12 Sept 6 .. .Italy ... . Rd 13 Sept 20 . .Spain .. . Rd 14 Oct 4 .. . .Australia . ,Rd15 Oct 18 .. .Rio ,Rd 16 Oct 25 .. .Argentina

1998 CART Cship*

Mar 15 ...Homestead ....Rd 1 Mar 28 ...Motegi Japan ...Rd 2 April 5 . . .Long Beach . . . .Rd 3 Rd4 April 26 . .Nazareth May 10 ...Riorde Janerio ..Rd 5 Rd6 May 23 ...Madison May 31 ...Milwaukee Rd 7 Rd8 June 7 ...Detroit . ,Rd9 June 21 ..Portland I July 12 .. .Cleveland Rd 10 Rdll I July 19 .. .Toronto Rd 12 I July 26 .. .Michigan ,Rd13 I Aug 9 ... .Mid-Ohio I Aug 16 .. .Elkhart Lake . ..Rd 14 I Sept 6 ...Vancouver ....Rd 15 I Sept 13 ..Laguna Seca ..Rd 16 Rd 17 I Oct 4 ... .Houston I Oct 18 ...Gold Coast... .Rd 18 Rd 19 I Nov 1 .. . .Fontana All event dales in this calendar were correct at the lime of printing. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations for date changes.

H Series or events telecast on Network 1 Ten are marked with an asterix. Check your locai guides for screening details.

ALAN Jones and the said Stone. “We fixed the Stone brothers have car from Phillip Island parted company after (where Larkham had a two years. huge accident).” AJ and Ross and Jones and the Stones, Jimmy Stone met last who were previously week to sort out what involved with Dick would be the future of Johnson Racing, joined both parties following an forces in October 1995 amicable split. and Pack Leader Racing The Stones have a com- was formed, mitment to carry on in The team fielded two 1998 with Mark Ford Falcons last season Larkham’s Mitre 10- for Jones and Paul backed team and may run Romano but, after Phillip a second car next season. Morris ended their spon“We’re still a fair way sorship of the team from sorting things out at Romano left and Larkham the moment,” Ross Stone joined the team, said on Monday. > Jones missed several “Alan is overseas and races this season due to when he gets back we will budget shortfalls but supsettle things.” port from Komatsu and, Jones is believed to for Bathurst, Conrad have several options for Jupiters allowed him to next season, most of finish the season strongly, which involve running his The cars were in conown team. tention in the end-of-seaIt may even involve him son endurance races, continuing in the Falcon Larkham finishing a he drove this season. strong third at Bathur^. “There are three cars,” -PHIL BRANAGAN

SPLIT PACK.... Ross Stone and Jones in 1996.

Kocinski’s 500 Honda return JOHN Kocinski is heading back to Grand Prix racing. The temperamental Californian has signed to ride for Site Pons’s MoviStar Honda grand prix team alongside Carlos Checa. The troubled and injured Alberto Puig is now left without a ride for next season. Kocinski last rode in GPs in 1994 for the Cagiva team after saying that if he couldn’t win the 500 world title in two yeare he would step out of the class. That decision was made for him when he was left without a ride in 1995, forcing him to move into Superbike racing. After a troubled season with the Ferrari-Ducati team last season he moved to the Castrol-Honda team for 1997, where he added the World Superbike crown to- 250 GP title he won in 1990. But during this year he has openly courted a return to 500s with Flonda Racing Corporation’s management and it came as httle surprise when he stepped back onto a 500 two weeks ago. Kocinski has his first GP ride in three years at Sugo, finishing fourth on a Castrol-backed NSR500. -PHIL BRANAGAN

ARDC finance crisis McCoy goes 500

Cpntinued from Page 5

race director and general manager. Stibbard said he is unaware of any move to terminate his contract and is confident the club can recover from the current situation. "We have been to the brink before and been in a less favourable situation than we are now and we came back," said Stibbard. "I believe we took our eyes off the ball in relation to Eastern Creek when we first took it over, we were tied up in the Bathurst ructions and we overlooked some things." Stibbard admitted things such as a $120,000 council rates and land tax bill had caught the club unaware when it took over Eastern Creek and also said that the club still hadn't found the secret to attracting a crowd to the Sydney circuit. "It is difficult and it will take a while to overcome the stigma with the circuit, but the club had to move because it would have been almost impossible to get a replace ment site for Amaroo, which is reaching its use by date," he said.

"Without a facility in Sydney the club would have been finished. "The key will be to dispose of Amaroo Park, which is on the agenda for Monday's AGM." With Amaroo sold, the club can then proceed with its plans to build a new dedicated drag strip at Eastern Creek, a move which will save almost half a million dollars each year in cleaning costs alone. The new kart facility is about to open at the Creek and even that held some costs overlooked by the club with power, water and other'infrastructure having to be provided to the circuit area by the ARDC for the operators of the kart facility. Stibbard is also planning a trip to Britain with Seven executives to meet with Alan Gow and the teams to discuss the potential for more BTCC teams to come to next year's race and for a bigger slice of TV revenue to make up the short fall at the Mt Panorama gate. "We made the right decision to go with the Super Tourers, it is a long term decision and will pay off in the end," Stibbard emphasised. -JON THOMSON

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GARRY McCoy will ride in the 500cc Grands Prix next season. McCoy will ride a Shell Advance-backed Honda NSR500 Vtwin in the Grands Prix in 1998 as part of a two - and maybe three - bike team. The team will be fielding a second bike for a rider yet to be nominated, and per haps a third for a ‘wild card’ local to ride in their own one-off GPs. Shell’s Australian marketing manager Jeff Hardwick is cur rently in Europe tying the deal together with IRTA, GP racing’s gov erning body. “A good local rider may be able to chal lenge the established riders,” said Hardwick on Tuesday. “In the past locals have had to put up with five-year-old bikes and had no chance. But if IRTA on it approve December 3 we will have a fifth 1998 Vtwin. The potential for publicity and so on is great.” maa

i-.'VO.

ADVANCING... McCoy is heading for 500s. For the ride on the much to secure the second machine no ride but to allow him choice has been made. to cover his expenses The choice is between n while living overseas. The program, which Spaniard Juan Borja, Team Rainey reject at the moment is for Sete Gibernau and one year only, will be based in Chester in Kirk McCarthy, hav England, near Shell’s ing been let go by the WCM team. UK headquarters and Melbourne will be crewed by an The all-Australian squad. rider is currently seek -PHIL BRANAGAN ing funds to, not so

but God gets a WSC ride

PETER Goddard was well on the way to signing up a deal to contest the World Superbike Championship with Team Harris Suzuki. The 1996 Australian Superbike champion returned to Australia last Monday following a meeting with Team Harris hierarchy in the UK. There had been strong specula tion that Goddard would takeover the running of Suzuki’s SWC effort following two indifferent years under the Harris regime, but he will now join forces with the team

behind the controls. The 33-year-old Australian has been a rider/manager since 1994, but has expressed a desire to race rather than administrate following his success in this year’s world endurance championship with Doug Polen. Goddard will replace Texan Mike Hale to sit alongside incumbent Team Harris rider, James Whitham. He will join Troy Corser (Fen'ari Ducati) as the only Australians in the 1998 title-chase. -DARRYL FLACK

Motorsport n

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n The future of Cosworth Racing remains uncertain with rumours that the car components firm Mayflower is to launch a hostile takeover bid for Vickers, Cosworth’s parent compa ny. BMW is rumoured to be planning to bid for the entire group, rather than just buy Rolls Royce from Vickers. n FLA President Max Mosley and the French Minister of Sport MarieGeorge Buffet met last week to discuss the prob lems over the French Grand Prix. After the meeting the two parties made all the right noises suggesting that the prob lems over television cover age will be overcome and the race will be able to go ahead next year. n Drinks magnate Paul Ricard, who created the French circuit named after him, has died in his home village of Signes at the age of 88. The circuit opened in 1970 and for many years was consid ered to be the safest motor racing facility in the world. It had facilities which were years ahead of its time and it became a major winter testing loca tion in addition to being the home ofthe French Grand Prix on 14 occa sions between 1971 and 1990. n British Sky Broadcasting and Cable & Wireless Communications are to launch a digital pay-per-view television service in Britain next year. Britain’s first digital TV service is expected to be bidding for the digital 'TV rights for the FI World Championship. n Italian Formula 3 Champion Olivier Martini, brother of former FI racer Pierluigi Mai’tini, tested for Minardi last week at Vallelimga. The test was pai-t of his prize for win I ning the title. n Former March Engineering boss Robin Herd is stepping down as chauman of Oxford United after two and a half years in charge ofthe soccer team. The team has been having trouble fund ing its new 15,000 seat stadium at Minchery Farm, which is now halfbuilt. Herd may well decide to return to Flin some guise or other. -JOE SAWARD

Computer Williams in the clear as guru moves to Senna Trial progresses Ferrari By JOE SAWARD

ITALIAN state prosecutor Maurizio Passarini surprised everyone as he began his summing up last week in the Senna Trial. Passarini requested that the judge drop charges against Williams team boss Frank Williams and against the three race officials: Federico Bendinelh, Giorgio Poggi and Roland Bruynseraede. Passarini refused to drop manslaugh ter charges against Williams technical director Patrick Head.and former designer Adrian Newey, but asked that Judge Antonio Costanzo give them oneyear suspended sentences - one of the lightest sentences available. “The prosecutor’s position is totter ing,” said Williams’ lawyer Oreste Dominioni,“and the request for a guilty verdict for the Williams technicians seems based on conjecture, arbitrary data and numerous hypotheses.

“It seems to me that the prosecuting running and may have shown that the magistrate has abandoned his initial steering column had snapped, Passarini said that the three had position and that his accusations have given “disconcerting evidence, which been greatly weakened.” Passarini continues to argue that would have been comical if it had not Senna’s steering column failed as he been so tragic". approached Tamburello corner, which The investigator also pointed out that caused him to crash. it took FOCA three months to give him WOliams argues that the car was run a copy of the film, while Williams had ning too close to the ground and that it one a week after the crash. hit the bumps on the track, causing “This is typical of the disdain with Senna to lose control. which the FI world has followed this Passarini has, however, turned his enquiry,” he said. Passarini added that Bernie guns on three FOCA employees who, he Ecclestone himself is being investigated alleges, committed perjury in giving evi dence about in-car cameita footage from for “other possible charges, such as aid Senna’s car. ing and abetting” and said he would use Eddie Baker, Alan Woollard and correspondence with FOCA boss Bemie Andy James - who were working for Ecclestone as evidence in his new invesFOCA TV in 1994 - all told the court tigation. The trial has one more session to that footage from the camera stopped come at the end of this month and the 0.9s before the impact with the wall. Passarini believes that this was not judge will then consider his decision, the case and that the camera was still which is expected in mid-December.

Jacques’ homecoming

WORLD Champion Jacques'Villeneuve has been applauded in his home town of Montreal. Villeneuve received a long standing ovation timed at 6 min 59.22 sec onds by an enthusiastic fan - when he attended a home game for the leg endary National Hockey League team, the Montreal Canadians, last week. Villeneuve was present ed with a home-team jer sey by the team and went on to have his photo taken (right) with the Canadiens, the biggest sports stars in hockey-mad Quebec. He made his way onto the ice rink to receive a special commemorative plaque.

The 39 year-old Briton joined Benetton from the aerospace industry five years ago and worked on the team’s active suspen sion, automatic gearbox, ABS and traction control systems. Michael During Schumacher’s champi onship-winning 1994 sea son, Czapski hit the head lines when it was discovered that the Benetton was running a system called “launch control”, which could be activated with a lap-top computer using a mysterious “option 13” on a list of 10 options. An FIA investigation was unable to prove that the system had been used, but Benetton was fined US$100,000 for delaying access to its sys tems, Benetton engineers are trying to play down Czapski’s departure, technical chief Nick Wirth saying; “It is the best thing that could hap pen”.

-JOE SAWARD

Cradcdown on FI electronics

(Photo by LAT Digital)

FI spy arrested A MEMBER of the com mercial department at Stewart Grand Prix has been arrested under Britain’s Official Secrets Act. Richard Tomlinson, an Anglo-New Zealand aeronau tical engineer with a firstclass honours degree from Cambridge LJniversity, worked for Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service between

BENETTON’S controver sial head of electronics, Tad Czapski, is to follow Ross Brawn to Ferrari.

September 1992 and August 1995. He was then dis missed. Upset by his firing, Tomlinson decided to publish a book about his time as a secret agent. He was restrained from doing so by a series ofinjimctions'obtained by the British Government and in February - after he had begun working at Stewart Grand Prix - he

agreed not to disclose infor mation. It was later discovered that after the settlement was reached he approached a publisher in Australia and given them a synopsis of his planned book. Special Branch officers were sent to Australia to interview the publisher and Tomlinson was arrested. He was remanded in cus-

tody for a week last Monday, charged with unlawfully dis closing information gained during his time government service. At the weekend Tomlinson wrote an eight-page letter to The Sunday Times newspa per in which he gave details of MIS’s efforts to stop him publishing his story and claiming that he is “a politi cal prisoner”.

FIA President Max Mosley has hinted that the recent controversies over advanced electronic systems on Formula 1 cars may lead to further restrictions. The FIA is worried that electronic brake balance sys tems, differentials and threedimensional engine mapping have led to developments which mean that the cars are no longer being driven by the drivers “alone and unaided”, as the FI regulations require. There are also worries about the degree of flexibility which should be allowed in bodvwork. - JOE SAWARD

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POLITICAL WINNER: FIA President Max Mosley has afamily history ofdealing with politics and seems to have enjoyed his recent victory in the European tobacco wars.

(Photo by Michael CooperAUspon/Ausi. Picture Library)

ony Blair should have known better. The British Prime Minister had done everything right: his landslide election victory in May had demolished a dithering and divided Conservative Party and created a strong Labour gov ernment; the raving left wing Labour lunatics had stayed locked up in a cupboard at Labour Party headquarters while Blair and cohorts hijacked Conservative poli cies, giving the impression that the new government was talking sense; his honeymoon with the British people and the govern ments of Europe had floated merri ly along, Blair skillfully matching the mood of the moment at every turn; his government had approval rat ings which even African dictators couid not manufacture; Britain was booming; Britain was cool. And then Saint Tony ran into Max Mosley... Even the name should have sent him spinning for cover. There are strands of DNA in the Mosley genes which seem to produce bril liant politicians. Max’s father was a great political player in his day. He must have been to be able to con vince people he was a serious con tender, despite jumping from one party to another. f you look back in history you will find that two major political play ers in the 1920s Jumped parties: Winston Churchill went from the Liberals to the Conservatives and Sir Oswald Mosley went from the Conservatives to Labour. Within a few years of his leap Sir Oswald was serving in a Labour govern ment. In 1931, however, frustrated by the Labour government’s unwilling ness to listen to his economic theo ries, he jumped ship again and tried to establish the New Party with the help of William Morris who had made a fortune building Morris and MG cars. This failed to get off the ground and a year later Mosley set up the British Union of Fascists, apparently believing that it was the only system that would prevent chaos and stop the rise of Communism. Fascism is, of course, a dirty word these days, but at the time many professionals and establish ment figures agreed with Mosley. In Italy Benito Mussolini had restored Italian national pride and was putting the people back to work; Adolf Hitler was starting to do the same in Germany and in Spain the country was being driven to extremes which would lead to the Civil War between Genera! Francisco Franco’s Fascists and the Communists and in France there were three or four different fascist movements, notably Jacques Doriot’s Parti Populaire Francais.

For a couple of years Mosley’s BUF was very successful, collect ing 40,000 members, but, as Hitler and Mussolini veered off into extremism, so too did Mosley. Violence at a meeting at Olympia in 1934 turned many away from the party and later Mosley’s marches into the East End of London, designed to provoke the Jewish communities, reduced the mem bership of his movement to just 5,000. When war broke out in 1939 Mosley was a spent force. He was interned, his name forever linked with fascist excess. The Encyclopaedia Britannica places him thus in history: “In spite of Mosley’s undeniable rhetorical and intellectual gifts the British masses resisted him” although it con cludes that he was “perhaps the most intelligent and ratio nal of all fascist leaders”.

fliers over the years, but he could go no further. His name was elec toral poison. Eventually Max decided to make his living (and have fun) in motor racing and gradually he found that, allied to Bernie Ecclestone, he could play politics inside the sport. He manoeuvred his way gradually to the presidency of the FIA. The automotive world learned that it was not wise to take on Mosley. Once he was in charge at the FIA, Max began to turn his guns on the politicians - if only to prove to himself and to the world that, given the chance, he could have battled with the best of them.

Britain’s acceptance that Formula 1 cannot be included in any Pan-European tobacco ban makes an enormous amount of sense. This is the line the Labour Party is using to defend the climbdown. There are, it argues, political realities and one cannot fight against them just to make a grand gesture. Logically they are quite right, but politically the tobacco business has been a disaster for Blair and his left wing luvvies. Max has sent the Labour Party reeling because it has long been the champion of such socially-acceptable causes as the banning of tobacco advertising. It was a popular policy with Britain’s politicallycorrect chattering classes and there is little doubt that it Labour gained votes. “Smoking,; said the Labour mani festo,“is the great est single cause of preventable illness and premature death in the UK. We will therefore ban l ll tobacco advertis-

^^Ch urchill was rather busy but he managed to find the time to ask what the British Government was

Max Mosley brought up was sur rounded by great political figures. Although his father was discredited he still knew all the right people. It is a little-known fact that Max appears in Sir Winston Churchill’s History of the Second World War, in the second volume entitled ‘Their Finest Hour”. The Battle of Britain was over, but in December 1940 London was being bombarded by the Luftwaffe. Churchill was rather busy but he managed to find the time to ask the Home Secretary Herbert Morrison what the British Government was doing to ensure that Max saw enough of his mother... No, this is not another Globetrotter fantasy. This is the truth. It is often rather stranger than fiction. At the time Lady Diana Mosley was in jail and Churchill was worried that the Lady Di of the 1930s was not being given enough access to her eight-month old baby boy. It was probably inevitable that Max wanted to be in parliament. He studied at Oxford and became the Secretary of Union Society - a job held by many political high-

doing to ensure that Max saw enough ofhis mother It goes without saying that Max was in his element.

lair should have seen it coming. In recent years the FIA has used Grand Prix racing as a blud geon. Governments do not gener ally take sporting bodies very seri ously, but one by one the countries of Europe have been whipped into kowtowing to the FIA. Mosley humbled the Italians over the Italian Grand Prix - they even gave him a medal. The Germans were battered into agree ing to allow tobacco advertising at the Luxembourg Grand Prix. The French were forced to compromise several times- but have yet to give in completely. The British gave way at the first push and in falling they took the whole of Europe down with them... The FIA Tobacco War of 1997which we expected to last for months - was over in just a matter of days. It will stand as one of Max Mosley’s masterpieces.

ing.’

a fracas in Ridley Road, Daiston and appeared at Old Street Magistrates Court charged with threaten ing behaviour. He was cieared of all charges because he explained that he had been defending his father against rowdy oppo nents! The threats - driven home to Blair at a meet ing with Bernie Ecciestone on October 18 - caused the Labour Government to cave in. There are 50,000 people employed by the motor rac ing industry in Britain and if tobac co money was pulled out thou sands of jobs would have to go. Millions of pounds of tax revenue comes from the neariy biliion pound motor racing industry. Formula 1 is also a flagship for British technoiogy. These are potent arguments. And so the Labour politicians dropped the pretence and announced that it wouid only sup- n port a Pan-European tobacco ban if F1 was excluded from the deal,

n a few short days Mosley has outflanked all the governments of Europe and beaten them into retreat, down a route he has pro vided for them. F1 racing will police itself over tobacco. You may not agree with smok ing - you may even believe that a tobacco ban is justifiable - but Mosley argued that there is no rea son why governments should be allowed to get away with such anti democratic behaviour. Max has punished them for trying. As the Labour ministers have fallen back, their critics are ham mering them from all sides. If motor racing should be excluded from a ban, why not darts? Why not snooker? Why is tobacco advertis ing banned in the publishing indus try? The politicians are in a pickle

uch a move would have been a catastrophe for Formula 1, not only because of the tobacco For Mosley, the satisfaction will money which keeps the motor rac ing industry afloat but also because not come from having demolished Britain’s vote against tobacco the entire European tobacco adver advertising in Europe would have tising ban, but rather from giving swung the balance in the European Saint Tony a good political kicking Union in favour of a Pan-European on the way. Max’s dad would be proud of him. He has taken on real ban. Mosley said that the FIA was politicians and he has run rings not willing to accept that and at the around them... For those who love motor rac Grand Prix of Europe warned the governments that this would not be ing, Mosley should be saluted. He a good idea. Grand Prix racing was has forced the governments to willing to pull out of Europe and accept that banning tobacco adver tising is a flawed principle. Tobacco simply beam the tobacco advertis is not the only way to fund the sport ing into the EU on the television. Mosley said he was not threat - but there is no reason why it ening, merely stating what would should be stopped from doing so'df happen. I must say it looked like campaigners do not like it, they will have to fight for a ban on the sale threatening behaviour to me. Mind you. Max is no stranger to of tobacco. Now all Mosley has to do is fig that. Back in 1962, when the FIA President was just a law student, ure out how to get the he had first-hand experience with Conservative Party to telephone the workings of the British legal him and ask him to sort out its n system when he was arrested after problems...

FXCLUSiyg:

FORMULA 1

Ja^ues Villeneuve s team. 1 had a bad lap with traffic coming into the pits and came out third. Then a small microswitch broke on the steering wheel, where the gearchange is. It’s a small piece, like something you’d have In the winter the new car arrived on a joystick on a video game! I very late, too late I would say, so couldn’t shift any more and by the that was a little bit frustrating. We time I came into the pits the gear April 13, Argentina/QI, 1st: couldn’t really iron out all the prob box had broken because of the all Jacques wins under pressure lems before the beginning of the'from Irvine. Schumacher crash the bad shifts. Michael was sec season. ond, so it was a pretty bad week es at first corner. In Melbourne the car felt great, end; disappointing after the races Argentina was a surprise i we’d had just before. but it was not until qualifying that because again it’s not supposed to we showed what we could do; I n JV;20pts/MS: 14pts. be my type of track. My start was was surprised that the gap was so very good. I got to Turn 1 and no big. May 11, Monaco/Q1, Crash: one was close to me and I was I made a bad start and by Turn Jacques misses pole for first very surprised! Then there was a time, starts op slicks in rain, 1 I had lost a position to Heinz and I was next to Johnny Herbert. But shunt behind which took Michael changes tyres and crashes out. off. They went to yellow flags for Schumacher wins easily. Eddie Irvine was on the inside and the safety car - I was worried that went for all or nothing. It pnded up On my last qualifying run I went being nothing. It cost the race for they would go to red flags, but they into Turn 1 too fast, got sideways didn’t. three people; Eddie, Johnny and Because we were on three and the guardrail put me straight myself. We were head and shoulders stops, it was a matter of pushing again - but it broke the car at the same time! We’d had the first four above the opposition at that race, as liard as I could. But we knew poles, so even though I was still we’’would be on the edge with so it was frustrating not to get any third it was a bit difficult to swallow. points. Of course I was pissed off. tyres. Halfway through the race I Sunday was a day we threw had a big lead and I just slowed But there were 16 races left and we knew we were competitive, so it down a little bit - probably a bit too away. It started raining an hour much. In the last stint I had to start before the race, but it wasn’t too was just a matter of saying, ‘It’s pushing again because Eddie was hard. So we went to the grid on going to happen to everyone in a getting a little bit too close. And P slicks. Sitting in the car, as I season and now it’s happened to always do before the start, all I blistered the front tyres. us. Let’s look forward and get on It was hard to keep Eddie could see was the grid. But it was with it’. behind, because he was in better raining at the back of the track. JV: Opts/MS: 6pts. Apparently when Michael did his final lap, everyone could see it was really wet, but nobody from our team was watching the TV! AM we had was our weatherman saying it was going to stop raining. On the parade lap I ‘Oh thought shiti’ It was too late. We knew we had made a mistake even before the start. For two or three laps on slicks it was hell. We came Into the pits to change tyres, but we had lost BAD START: Eddie Irvine bashes Jacque and Johnny Herbert out on the first comer of the first a lot of time and race. Jqcites bad been looking forward to the event after dominating qualifying. of course we

March 10, Australia/QI, Crash: Jacques takes pole by huge 1.7s margin but collides with Irvine on first corner. Schumacher finished second.

March 30, Brazil/QI, 1st: Jacques goes off on Jirst corner but is saved by restart; he wins. Schumacher struggles to fifth. 1 wasn’t looking forward to Brazil; it is not a track I enjoy. But it actually turned out to be good. At the first start I lost a lot of positions when I went straight onto the grass at Turn 1 and ended up in the middle of the pack. I was side by side with Michael and we both ran wide, but Michael was on the inside and I was on the out side. It wasn’t Michael’s fault; I just had too much speed. Luckily there was a red flag. I was happy we could stop just to-take the stones out of the pedals and from behind the seatl At the second attempt Michael had an amazing start, so he stayed in front. But he was running a lot of downforce, so as soon as we got on the straight I got by him. And then he just dropped back and Berger came up into second. Once

I got in the lead J was just racing against Gerhard’s lap times, basi cally. There was no point In being on the edge and going off; it was just, a matter of making sure that he wouldn’t catch up. JV: 10pts/MS: 8pts.

shape than we were. You never know what to expect with him and once he was in my mirrors I was just making sure not to make mis takes. But it was hard going, it was difficult. JV: 20pts/MS: lOpts. April 27, San Marino/QI, Retired: Jacques retires with gearbox problems. Schumacher finishes second to Frentzen. After two wins it was getting back on track and it felt great. We relaxed a little bit, we thought we had an amazing car and there was no point in really working on it. It almost sounded too easy. Then we got to Imola and it actually started getting more diffi cult. We got pole again, but it was a difficult one. Michael was close to us and Heinz also and that was more how it was going to be from then on. It wasn’t a great race, although Heinz won, which was good for the

had kept our 100 percent dry set up and It was Impossible to even go down the straights. I ended up hitting the barrier going up to Casino. You get desperate and when it’s like that you know there’s not much you can do. It went great for Michael, mostly because it was a mistake of ours, so that was even more difficult. All it would have taken was someone watching the TV or using our com mon sense, which we didn’t do. JV: 20pts/MS: 24pts. May 25, Spain/QI, 1st: Jacques wins tactical race after conserving tyres. Schumacher salvages fourth. After testing we knew that there would be a problem with tyres in Spain. But in a way it would be good for us; Ferrari always used up their tyres more than us, so for our own battle against Ferrari it was perfect. In qualifying it wasn’t easy. Pole was special because

there was a lot of pressure and a lot of energy spent on that one lap. David (Coulthard) made a bril liant start but we got him into the first corner and then Michael got behind me. I was trying not to push too much, just to make sure that I would bring the heat into the tyres slowly. I could see that Michael was being aggressive, but of course after three laps he had tyre problems and started slowing everybody down. I was able to build up a gap without overwork ing my tyres, do a pit stop, do two slow laps to make sure the new tyres were OK and then start pushing. That’s what made us win the race; not our speed, but the homework we did al l weekend and the week before. It was special, purely the way that it was won with teamwork. We were on a high, because we got back into the lead of the championship after losing it in Monaco. We thought now we had to keep working to make sure we stay in front. JV: 30pts/MS: 27pts.

it. I had to go to Canada early because I had stuff to do there. I hadn’t been there for a long time and I had family to see and my girl friend. And then I had to come back to Europe. I was in the room for five minutes. It was purely because I said the words like ‘shit’, words you’re not supposed to use in the newspapers, I guess. It was just a matter of saying,. ‘OK, I won’t use those words again’. It was frustrat-

Itfelt great We relaxed a little Mt^ we thought we had an amazing car and there was no point in really working on it... then we got to Imola and it started getting more difficult

June 15, Canada/Q2, Crash: Jacques makes transatlantic day trip back to Paris for FIA ‘disre pute’ tribunal. In the race he crashes on the second lap; Schumacher wins. I was surprised by the FIA request for me to go to Paris. All the comments were old ones. It was difficult to understand why it had to be that week, as it was probably the worst moment to have

ing to go all the way for that. Then it was back to Montreal for a media conference on Wednesday. The whole week was just heavy, heavy going. It was too many things adding up on top of each other and I was tired, very tired and my mind was thinking about different things. I was very frustrated to lose pole .to Michael because I really wanted it in Canada. At the start I was just driving easy. The track was very slippery, it was full of dust. I was taking it easy and

■j

’i

2]NomtsrW7

daries Frankly speaking m

Jac^fyes ¥Miheneu¥e had a tumultuous mm mhkh diimaMed with the dramatic of the World Champ iomhip . with ADMM COOPER, takes us through his year with some revealing liife at Williams...

Photo by Michael Cooper/Allsport

somehow I got into the last corner on the second lap and just misjudged it completely and went off. I went in too fast, got sideways - it just went straight in the wall. I just couldn’t believe what hap pened. I got out of the car and just thumped my head. I was so disap pointed, for myself, for the fans. It was the worst possible place for it to happen. It was basically an easy race that I threw away like a begin ner, like an idiot. And Michael got all the points! But life goes on. I had a party that night with about 50 friends and it finished pretty late. But I would rather have partied after winning ... JV: SOpts/MS: 37pts. June 29, France/Q4, 4th: Jacques qualified badly after crash on Saturday. Can’t better fourth in race and spins off in

‘

last lap lunge at Irvine, Schumacher wins, I dyed my hair before France. I saw the movie Trainspotting and I really liked the character Sick Boy. I just thought that it looked cool. I thought about it for two weeks and one day I just woke up and said, ‘Come on, today I’ll do it’ - without thinking about the repercussions of it, whether it would annoy people, about the media, about the PR, the sponsors. Then I thought, ‘Whoops!’ Some people got pissed off. It was weird, it was fun and the thing is you don’t notice it until you look in the mirror, so you tend to forget about it. People look at you, but a month later it’s normal, it’s become natural. Once I want to do something, I Continued next page

i 4

WORKING LUNCH: Jacques enjoys a brief break with his engineer, Jock Clear, in the Rothmans-Williams hospitality area. (Photo by Nigel Snowdo n)

Williams still has the capac ity to be enormously enthuAt 55 yeai’s of age, Franli Biastic, despite being con fined to a wheelchair. Williams Grand Piix Engineeiing has been enormously successful and the cars beaiing his name have won five of the last six Constructors’titles while Nigel Mansell, Alain Pi-ost, Damon Hill and now Jacques Villeneuve have each taken a Drivers’ World Championship in the same period. Success has tmned Williams Grand Piix Engineering into a very profitable company. It employs over 250 people and is based in a 28-acre “greenfield” factory,just outside the village of Grove, near Didcot. There is a separate factory for the Wilhams Touring Car- Engineering company and there will soon be a new compa LOOKING UP: Despite two more titles, the 1997 season has been a ny called Williams Sports Car difficult one for Frank Williams, yet his passion for racing is as great as it has ever been. Engineering, which will bmld GT (Photo by Michael'Cooper - Allsport/APL) racing machines for BMW. David Brown and Patrick Lowe on Wilhains owns 70 percent of his tion is principally about Bemie sell the staff at McLaren. team. His partner since the team ing his company to the pubhc was formed in 1977 is engineer assuming it goes ahead. It does not “Ther-e is really nothing we do Patrick Head, who continues to i-un in theory directly affect the FI world. about this sort of thing,” admits However, one has to consider that the engineering side ofthe operation. Williams, “except create an environ Frank was recently valued by The when Bemie goes there could be a ment in which people want to work. serious void inside FI. Sunday Times newspaper as having The problem is that the grass often “Bemie is a brilliant dealmaker a fortune worth Aus$110 million. looks greener elsewhere and people and understands the business so his He has been honoured by the always want to improve themselves British government with an OBE in - that is just the way it is. If they ai-e departure is obviously of concern. 1987 and in December 1994 was offered a lot of money it is veiy hai'd Bemie is not going to walk away and made a member ofthe French leave a mess. He is not that sort of a to turn it down.” man. It is about how he stractures Legion d’Honneur. Aside from the poaching of staff, ' his eventual retirement - and I sin Wflliams has had a lot of other disOne day he will probably be Sir Frank Williams. cerely hope that it is later rather raptions such as the Serma Trial and than sooner. He knows that we are This year,despite finally winning the arguments over the Concorde the championship,there have been concerned and I wouldn’t say we are Agreement and the flotation of relaxed but we do know that he Bemie Ecclestone’s Formula One more problems than usual. Williams and Head have been defend won’t walk away and leave it ing themselves in Italy untidy.” against charges that they were responsible for the manslaughter of Wilhams driver Ayrton Senna at Imola m May 1994; Williams ■j Y 1 ● “Absolutely,” says Frank. is fighting FI boss Bemie over tlt€ iJtlOltt QjJCllF. “Ifthe judge finds against us Ecclestone over the j j j j -no matter what he says Concorde Agreement andi ulClTlChe ttt the and how he carves it up-the most importantly of all for verdict will be guilly. Of Frank-Jacques Villeneuve and Heinz-Harald Frentzen but it would still be a major have struggled to stay ahead ofthe opposition on the race company. There rs no ques tracks. In 1996 WOhams tion about it. And there are won 12 ofthe 16 races but no words that can tone dovm this year Villeneuve and Frentzen Holdings. Does Frank think this that reality.” collected only eight wins in the 17 deflected any of the effort? Are there worries that a guilty races. Their form was inconsistent verdict could lead to damages actions ‘Tt is inevitable that these things and there were far too many inci musthave had some efifect,” he against the team in the law courts. dents. admits, “but how much that is I do “We very much doubt it,” Frank Frank reckons that sometimes one not know. You must remember that admits, “but you can never be quite can simply becomeitoo successful. sure; It is possible that you can 90 percent of what happens at “When you have kad a season like Williams goes on without being argue that the commercial ramifica tions will be limited because it has last year, you have a problem,” he directly under my control. Patrick, I explains,i>ecause people compare know, has lost a lot of a time - a vast been going on for such a long time, amount of time - over the Imola this year to that. Last year was a But, whichever way you look at it, it would be bad, bad news.” really exceptional year-by any affair. I blanche at the thought of standards. If we did the same every just how much of a loss of time that Faced with this wall of problems has caused. And that costs.” year there would be no people in the and the stresses of the racing this paddock any more. The other teams year, it must sometimes be hard to What about all the manoeuvring 'would not readily come along to par over the Concorde Agreement and get the motivation to keep on fight the flotation? ticipate and-more importantlying. Does Frank ever get motivation there would not be any people in the “That is for the lawyers really,” , problems or is the mge to win suffi grandstands watching us. says Wilhams. “They do more work cient to keep his drive? on it than I have to do. The disad “It cannot happen eveiy year, so it , ‘It is more than the winning,” really does not matter ifI am happy vantage of that is that they are Frank says. “It is about being in or unhappy. There is lot to winning. expensive. The advantage is that I motor racing. We are all here to win A good chassis is not enough.You am not having to spend five or six and enjoy that, but we all lose far need good everything: a good team more frequently than we win. I enjoy days a week on it. Having said that, the time lost is not found elsewhere. and good drivers wdth the abihty to being here. I enjoy paidicipating, ●get the best out of the car at all being part of a team, admiring the It is gone forever.” times.” Williams now has its own in-house drivers, admiring the cars. 'That is the interest. I love it.” It does not help that other teams legal department, in addition to ah notably McLaren and Ferrari - have those directly related to the design, Even when it gets to be unpleas been trying very hard to lure good production and funding of the racing antly cut throat? cars. people away fi-om Williams to “It’s competition, isn’t it?” What about the flotation? That strengthen their own engineering So Frank is stih loving ever minute of it? stafife and to weaken Williams, such will help to bring financial stability to the whole of FI. as chief designer Adrian Newey who “Absolutely!” -JOESAWARD joined other fonner Williams men ‘Yes, I think so. The actual flota-

“Patrick (Head) has lost a vast amount of time

thought of how much of a loss that has caused^’

wowtoth^eputetionofthe

IS 21Homk!l99I

FORMULA 1

Continued from previous page would feel very unhappy if 1 stopped myself from doing some hffiilljUglU at SihmtoiH thing because it's, 'No, you can't ! TAiSPG IT T0)THiE LIMIT:,. because this person’s going to be where he wokpofa aluH^onuhe Biiiii'SlP Grand Pri.X: n fifiiefifitv MiChe§' annoyed’ or something. Anyway, Frank liked it! I crashed on Saturday morning and it wasn’t a great qualifying, although I was still fourth. The start itself was good. I managed to get alongside Heinz, but 1 was running out of road. He moved over a little bit and 1 decided to lift. That’s when Eddie got by me. Already from the first tap I couldn’t keep up with Eddie, which was amazing. The only time 1 could keep up was when it started rain ing near the end. It was very slip pery, but it was fun in a way - you would slide and slide, almost go off and suddenly the grip would come back just at the edge of the track. The pits called me in, but I could see that it had stopped raining on half the track, so I didn’t come in. The others were catching up and the team was worried and they called me in again. I’d gone straight over a chicane so I thought this time I'll listen! So i came in for wet tyres. Eddie went off on the last lap and just got back on the track in front of me. I received a huge rock on my helmet - that was a little bit Turn 1. But then it was a matter of surprising! But into the last corner I worked hard, you gave every ener keeping Michael behind,. It was gy you had, you pushed to the got very close to him. He stayed on easy for the first few laps, but sud the inside and completely blocked edge and all you could do was fin denly the steering became funny, me. I tried to go round on the out ish fourth. very heavy. I didn’t know it, but the JV-. 33pts/MS; 47pts. side; I had a rear wheel on the left front wheel was loose. painted line and I just spun into the July 13, Britain/Q1,1st: I did 10 laps like that, keeping pitlane entrance. That was fun! I Jacques overcomes delay with Michael behind, but it was frustrat put it into first gear and got going loose wheel to win after again, went across the grass to Schumacher and Hakkinen retire ing because we should have been quicker. The pitstop took a long make sure I would get fourth. with mechanical problems. time, because it was hard to get Michael won again and was get The start was very good and the wheelnut off. Then I realised ting a big lead in the champi there was nobody close to me into what had gone wrong. There was onship. It was a day when you

no choice but to push and push and the car was great. 1 could catch up everybody but Michael he was too far ahead. When I was told he had stopped, I felt great; now we’re going to get some good points. Then I got close to Hakkinen. I knew it would be tough to beat film, but I could see he had blisters on his tyres. He was slowing down, sliding a little bit more and there were still six or seven laps to go. I

was studying where he was slow and where 1 could make my move, but it never came down to that because he blew his engine. There was luck, but there had been bad luck first. It put us back where we wanted to be in the championship. JV; 43pts/MS; 47pts.

Next issue: Villeneuve on the vital second half of the season

f/'

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i I

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2Wombst199I

Double the pleasure Marty Craggill ustralian Superbike King, r.

scored a

sweep of the titles in 1997

By TONY GLYNN

After a clean sweep of titles in the 1997 Australian Superbike Championship and the Shell 2+4 Superbike Series, Team Kawasaki Australia rider Marty Craggill was, not unexpectedly, looking forward to an international connection as a fitting reward for what can only be viewed as a stunningly successful season. Following discussions earlier in the season, a berth in the 1998 World Championship Superbike series with the Kawasaki factory was casually mooted at a Suzuka test session, provided the T l aPV***^, Melbourne-based hard-charger took out the Australian title. But, having come up with the goods in fine style, the 28 year-old was rather bemused to discover that the only available position had gone to Neil Hodgson, whose record of success pales into insignificance when compared with Craggill’s achievements. Similarly, the offer of a season in the all-Japanese series seems to have stalled, the two no-shows highlighting the worth of a highprofile corporate image developed in the board-room, as well as achievements on the track. A quick learner, the unassuming dual champion immediately shifted his focus to the next season of Superbike racing on the local scene, determining to not only maintain his winning form, but to also better use his considerable clout to springboard into the ulti DUAL AUSTRALIAN CHAMPION... Marty Craggill, astride Team Kawasaki Australia’s ZXR-7 Superbike.(Paul Barshon photo) mate environment, the World A second at Baskerville in about the engines, but there were nothing and even paid his own air Apart from the road racing Championship series that for the moment remains tantalizingly out championship, Craggill was also Tasmania was again a legacy of two sets of carburettors, 39mrn fares to help me get going. “At the start of 1995, when I got of reach. competing in the Shell 2+4 the lack of the outright power, but and 41mm, the 41s homologated Craggill was happy with his ability as kit parts the same as Suzuki a proper team job, Denis became Looking back at 1997, a rather Superbike Series, a fiercely con part of the team as my mechanic tested six-round support category to haul in Bayliss under brakes and does. philosophical Craggill acknowl “That got us up to around the with Glen McDonald for ‘95 and ‘96 edged that it had been a hard- for the V8 Supercar circus which outride him through the corners, drew all the two-wheeled notables though Bayliss was more than 145 horsepower mark and we were - but, at the end of ‘96, he decided fought season for a number of rea capable of blasting by a^ain on the now back where we were at the he didn’t want to do it anymore, as sons, but the lessons learned while and guaranteed a financially drain end of 1995 - it’s curious to think he now wanted to concentrate maintaining maximum performance ing and physically taxing season short straight. that we actually lost all that power more on his drag racing. for those participating in both no For the next outing at Winton, on both personal and mechanical “I got a new mechanic for ‘97, “Kawasaki Australia had spent shit- for a season, despite all the effort levels had translated into a winning holds barred Superbike series. Dave Martin, who was an A-grade edge that ultimately carried the rider, is really keen and has a feel Kawasaki rider to a brace of presti for the bike.” gious titles and a place in The valve seats on the titanium Australian motorcycling history. “The first race this season in the motor were damaged at the Creek, which the team considered neces six-round Australian Superbike sitated a change back to the earli Championship was at Calder Park, where the new Kawasaki indicated er-spec motor. “But Dave wouldn’t wear that that the bike was still slow,” and rebuilt the motor overnight,” Craggill mused. Craggill recalled “and I can tell you “It was slower than everything that I was very happy about that. and still only had the 135 horse “So, despite having qualified on power it had at the end of 1996, the second row, I won both races while we were racing against a easily, though I don’t think the bike Suzuki that already had 150 horsewould have lasted too many more power. “I felt that this was one of the laps. It did the job, though and that best races I’d put in for the year, “At the Phillip Island 2+4, I again loads on the motor, which was a the team put in, but I guess that’s was four races in a row that I’d actually, but I was too aggressive rode very well, but the bike was huge improvement on the old steel what developing engines is all won. “At that stage, Bayliss had won inline four cylinder engine, which about, as sometimes you get bit and ran into Troy Bayliss, who had still slow,” Craggill said. four races in a row also, I think and “Racing for the lead with was really like a road bike motor,” ten.” gone over to Suzuki. “We both ran off the track and Bayliss, Willis, Steve Martin and Craggill explained. Craggill won both the Winton he got a big jump on me in the “At Winton, we had titanium 2+4 races and then set sail to Shell round at Baskerville, taking lost about fifteeri seconds, but I Craig Connell, they were going recovered and got back up to sec- past me down the straight three rods, titanium valves, different alu- Eastern Creek, where the bike felt two wins there to my two seconds - and that got him a bit of a lead in ond, though my new team-mate, and four at a time. That was dis- rtiinium pistons, new camshafts, it had lost its edge in qualifying. Damon Buckmaster - who had heartening, but 1 was happy with bigger carburettors, a different Up until 1997, Denis Ackland the road race championship.” come over from Suzuki - won the my efforts and finished fourth, or cylinder head and so on. The Mallala 2+4 saw Craggill had been Marty’s mechanic for five race.” fifth - something like that.” ‘They don’t really tell me much years - “he basically did it all for Continued next page

“So, at Oran Park, despite eveiyone telling me to take it easy, I wanted to mentally screw everyone, so I put the bike on pole

^^ ^^ ^

Double the pleasure Continued from previous page

there to be aggressive and the fastest in every session and it paid off. i got a point for pole and, as the first race was cancelled after someone fell off, half points were awarded for that. “in the next race, all I had to do was go around and cruise behind Bayliss to win the 2+4 series - I didn’t want to do anything . _ stupid and throw away the championship because of the shoulder, so that’s

“So I began to train hard for Lakeside, where I’ve never really done any good and, for some reason, Kawasakis have always gone badly - in the whole history of Peter Doyle and Team Kawasaki Australia, they’d never won a round at Lakeside.” ° Craggill gave it his all and, in a stunning upset, won at the ultraquick Queensland circuit and turned the championship around.

in part to new rear suspension componentry for Perth, but the first race saw Giles lead Craggill over the line - “his bike was an absolute bullet and his motor was obviously ^ World Superbike engine. At this stage, our thing’s got 148 horsepower and he’s just pulling away. So don’t worry about him! “Now there’s three of us in the championship hunt, as Troy and I have been crashing our brains out and now Giles is in there.” After the n first race, H Bayliss still H held the points H lead, but Giles H edged Craggill H back to third. H Race two, H though, saw H Giles hamH strung with a g b r oken n exhaust pipe H and Craggill

absolutely blitz the field and take out both races to take that series’ points lead from nemesis Bayliss, Marty’s confidence in both himself and his machine now at an all-time high. Oran Park was to be the last 2+4 round, Craggill being mildly pressured by his peers “to take it easy and don’t crash - you’ve got a 12 point lead, so don’t about worry winning. “In between the Mallala % event and Oran Park was the second round of the Shell series at Phillip Island, which saw me nearly win my seventh H happily take race in a row, H the chequer. but Bayliss J * H That meant drafted me over H Giles wasn’t a the line with his K realistic conslightly superior \,1 tender for the horsepower ^ season-ender, and beat me by H but Bayliss still half a tyre in the H had to be dealt first race. with at the final “But some round at thing really Mal lala interesting hap C r a g g 1 1 1 ’s pened innthe favourite track. next race. On Missing about lap 7, I’d pole and it’s been sitting one point by a . behind him and HIRED GUN... Marty and his Swissauto-powered ElfSOO GP bike at Eastern Creek last year. (Tony Glynn pic) couple of hundoing it easy, He qualified well - a personal dredths again, Craggill was now running consistent, fast low 36s what I did and I won the title. best - and won the first race, duronly three points behind poleman “I still wanted to win races, as and knowing that I couldn’t draft I’d been on such a roll, but, in the ing which Bayliss fell. That result Bayliss as they squared off for race him. immediately reduced Bayliss’ lead one - now this was pure end, I was glad I didn’t take any “Coming out of MG, I highsided margin by 25 points. Hollywood, as the difference stupid chances. and broke my collar-bone. On the next outing, Craggill between first and scond in a race “Now, while I was very happy to “Straight back to the shed, take came home second to Steve result is five points. have won my first championship the leathers off and team boss Martin, Bayliss now having been Bayliss holeshot Craggill, who and everyone in the team was very Peter Doyle says don’t talk to any outclassed by the lead bunch. went past on lap one to lead every happy, I wasn’t really that happy, one, go home, see the doctor and A jubilant Craggill therefore won lap, Bayliss breathing down his as it wasn’t a ‘proper’ Australian get an x-ray. the round, collected a total of 40 neck for the 20 lapper and having championship. “The break wasn’t detected, points on the day, broke the to come to terms with the fact that “I always wanted to be the though and it took weeks before Kawasaki hoodoo and turned the Craggill had now assumed a two Australian Superbike Champion my own diagnosis was officially championship around - “Peter point lead as the flag fell. and so, while the Shell 2+4 confirmed,” Craggill recollected. “The next race is the last for the Doyle was absolutely stoked!” Superbike Series was a champi “I mean, I knew it was broken, With the title now within reach year and I’ve got a two point lead as I was nauseous and sick when onship win in its own right and I’d and Bayliss a mere 13 points major pressure!” exclaimed competed against exactly the ever I tried to swim for the physio. ahead, Craggill still had two rounds Craggill. same opposition, I felt that it wasn’t Something definitely wasn’t right, “He holeshots me again, I go (or four races) to garner the holy quite enough - it’s a personal . but no-one seemed to agree with past on the first lap, ride my guts grail. thing, I suppose. me. Anyway, I didn’t want the other Second on the grid in Perth by a out, lead every l ap for 22 laps. I “I guess you could say that at riders to know it was broken, par win, I party-yahoo! couple of hundredths of a second that stage I’d almost given up on ticularly Bayliss. to Shawn Giles on a revitalized “What a year! What a result. Two the Australian Superbike title. “So, at Oran Park' despite factory-engined Mobil RC45 Honda titles on the trot. I t doesn’t get much “But, as Bayliss had a big lead everyone telling me to take it easy, better than this. It’s hard to believe on me in the 2+4 title and I’d man was a slight setback, as that one I wanted to mentally screw every that I’ve actually realised my dream, point bonus was now an all-impor aged to pull that back successfully one, so I put the bike on pole. but there’s another season coming tant issue. to win that championship, I began “I was way ahead of everyone up and maybe this is only a starting Craggill’s lap times were a sec to think about his 53 point lead in else and, in some sessions, I was ond better than last season, thanks point - let’s hope so. nearly a second quicker. I went the Australian Superbike title. '«■

'■Ti

4 > A ’

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Musical chairs in GPsand Superbikes

JUST because Mick Doohan hasn’t made up his mind - or, rather, announced - what he will be doing in 1998, the grass has not been growing under the feet of any of the other riders in contention for Grand Prix and leading World Superbike rides. Following the loss of its Lucky Strike sponsorship and departure of Daryl Beattie and Anthony Gobert Suzuki have settled on a Japanese pairing to lead their factory 500 GP assault in 1998. The English-based team has signed ex-Honda man Nobuatsu Aoki and Japanese Superbike ace Yukio Kagayama, who rode a Suzuki 500 at Sugo two weeks ago. But there may also be a third rider run by the team. Discounting Noriyuld Haga - on whom the team has fallen silent after previously reporting he was signed - Carl Fogarty was a candidate for the seat until signing a long-term deal with Ducati(see separate story). That leaves former Yamaha WSC star Cohn Edwards as a candidate for the ride. But following the depar ture of John Kocinski (see other sep arate story) Edwards is considered the man most likely to sign-up alongside Aaron Slight in the Castrol Honda SWC team. There were reports in New Zealand on the weekend that Edwards, with whom Shght is quite friendly, had already signed for the team. ’That fits in with the plans of AMA Champion Miguel duHamel. The Canadian had been likely to jump to the WSC outfit but re-signed with Honda’s USA team on Friday. Meanwhile there are conflicting stories about Beattie. One report has said he is ‘likely’ to be racing toming cars in 1998, though there is no news of whether he would drive a Supercar or Super Toui’er. On Sunday Barry Sheene said on RPM that Beattie had said he would take a year’s break from racing. But other sources suggest that Beattie may not be done on two wheels yet. He is known to be talk ing to several teams and at least one source says that he could be back on a 500cc GP bike yet. Watch this space... -DARRYL FLACK

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THE MOMENT... Mike Fitzgerald's Peugeot 405 was being lapped by second-placed Brad Jones when the accident that stopped race one'occurred. Fitzgerald’s cars briefly caught fire (left) as Jones’Audi careered away up the hill. Once the race was stopped marshals were quickly on the scene to release Fitzgerald from the car with the jaws of life (above). He was taken to hospital with a mild concussion and suspected cracked ribs. (Photos by Dirk Klynsmith and John Morris/Mpix)

Morris emei^es from Amaroo chaos By PHIL 3RANAGAN PAUL Morris took out his second Super Touring crown in three years when he survived the chaos at Amaroo Park’s final round. The Queenslander capped the BOC Gases title with a win in the final race of the year after team-mate Geoff Brabham won race one. The usually dominantat-Amaroo Audis had to be content with second places. Brad Jones was second to Brabham on corrected time in race one while Cameron

McConville took that position in race two Jones had a gearbox fail while chasing Morris. The carnage rate at Amaroo was high. Tony Newman and Mike Fitzgerald had huge and separate accidents in their Peugeots while David Auger and Blair Smith also found their cars parked on pit straight. In both races the was Car Safety despatched while the mess was cleared up, while Fitzgerald’s huge shunt prompted race one to be red-flagged and restarted.

Entry and Qualifying

't was, they said, the ■biggest entiy in the cham pionship’s history at Amaroo. With 23 cars show ing up for qualifying that was a relief, especially in light of what would happen on Sunday. But there were some noshows. Steve Johnson had his second run in the CPW BMW fall over on the Tuesday before the race while Troy Searle failed to report in his Bimmer, still without a built engine exBathurst.

The other no-show was the second Hyundai, still unraceable from its Lakeside woes. Jenni Thompson stepped out of the second Knight Mondeo, allowing regular HQ competitor Claude Elias to take the drive. \ The only story from prac tice was the weather. In was hot, hot, hot; 40 degrees in an airless pitlane and 52 on the track. People were cranky and the cars and the tyres hated it. Jones’ Audi dominated.

INDIE DOUBLE... Mark Adderton took his first two Independent wins In the Phoenix Camry. (Photo by oirkKiynsmirn)

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leading the times on both days. Then, of course, for quali fying it clouded over and cooled down^-so all that went out the window. Rain threat ened but it never happened. Audi’s streak of six wins was under threat but no-one, reasonably, expected BMW to repeat their 1-2-3 from Lakeside. But they did. McConville led the times early in the session with a 50.13s but the Individuals were quick to put down any insurrection. Morris and Baird, running almost together on the track, peeled off a 49.61s and 49.90s respectively to take the ini tiative and it was not long until they improved to 49.55s and 49.86s for first and third. They were split by

Brabham, three hundredths quicker than Baird. But if he was to have a shot at the title he needed to get a point for pole himself and not see it go to Morris. So the second session was good news/bad news. The good was that'Morris didn’t take pole but the bad was that neither did Geoff. Baird did, a 49.83s on the slow track good enough to take pole for the first time in his (very) short BOC series career. This time Morris was second (49.9128s), pipping Brabham on 49.9193s. That was that for the Beem Team. No dramas, no problems,just speed. Behind Jones and McConville lined up in both sessions, Jones dipping into Continued over page

21 November W9I

CAREFULLY DOES IT... Jones picks his way through the damage of the race two crash between Blair Smith (left) and (Photo by John Monis/Mpix) David Auger’s Alfa Romeo. The Safety Car was despatched for this one too. Continued from page 19 the 49s with an 88 in Ql and running 50.19s in Ql. McConville dropped a tenth between s^essions on his 50.13s in the first but the team, like BMW, reported few problems. They empha sised the ‘race day’ philoso phy which was a tired but true indication of what t^ie team was doing, despite hav ing qualifying runs in Friday’s heat which suited the 4WD cars better than most. Also consistent was Jim Richards. The car was really suffering in the heat, show ing the highest tyre temper atures ever seen on the car, but Jim knuckled down to get two sixths, splitting his session times by 0.06s. The car was little faster than the older 850 had been in July. For the first time at a BOC race the team was running the second car for the Scott, Tony Queenslander grabbing two ninths and running a 50.99s despite limited seat time. Swapping places between the two Volvos were Richards Jr and McLean. For the first time McLean was on Michelin lOlBs and used then to good effect for a seventh (50.47s) and eighth (50.58s). His biggest problem was an off on Thursday, damaging a radiator, chassis rail and brand new splitter when he nosed the car in at

Goodyear corner. By Saturday all was fixed. Steven was in good form, as ever, also on “a more upto-date” Michelin of uncon firmed nomenclature. The Nissan looked as good as ever and unlike his father Richards Jr looked happy about the break in the high temperatures. Similarly close - and swapping grid spots - were Adderton and Warren Luff With experience at the oppo site ends of the spectrum the Toyota and Honda pilots were rarely more than a tenth apart which angered well for Adderton; he was on the hardest Dunlop he could get his hands on, and he was very confident of a good run. Young Luff, in his Amaroo debut, was particularly impressive with a best of 51.19s. The Honda seemed to lack a little straight-line speed but more than made up for it everywhere else, Luff looks comfortable in this company but has noth ing fixed for 1998 - yet. Twelfth was Justin Matthews. Nothing unusual there but the Faber-'Castell driver had done a 51.79s in Ql, a personal best by around 1.2s. The local driver explained it as “not having to save the car for Bathurst any more’l, but it was a stag gering gain in speed in three months. If that was good, so was Peter Hill’s effort in the sec-

ond session. The usually troubled Mondeo was going extremely well and Peter’s 52.27s in Q2 represented a personal best by some margin. He would line up 20th and 14th respectively. In the other Ford was rookie Claude Elias. The former HQ pilot was taking things steadily but looked out of his depth in 22nd and 23rd. Two more cars going well were the Fastway Peugeots.

Hyundai Lantra before getting into something more upto-date for 1998. At the back was Fitzgerald (running on some of Yokohama’s last 18 inch tyres) and Milton Leslight’s Toyota. The ex-TO MS Carina was also having its first run and had gearbox problems in the first session and ripped a front tyre in the second.

Dwayne Bewley’s 405 still

restart)

wore the battle scars of Lakeside but Tony Newman’s was in good like shape. Running Adderton on hard Dunlops the cars were separated by a tenth in the 51.9s in Ql while, in Q2, Bewley scorched around in 51.46s for 12th, a full second clear of the boss. Bob Tweedie qualified 15th and 13th respectively in his final appearances in his Vauxhall, while commendably close to him in his first run this year was John Henderson. His similar-look ing car, an ex-South Afidcan Opel, was older by a year and, considering his lack of track time, to get within 0.5s was a strong effort. Close behind was David Auger’s Alfa (battling imdersteer, especially in the first session), Blair Smith in Nigel Barclay’s BMW and Paul Pickett, having what he hoped was a last run in the

LOOK FAMILIAR?... We've got used to seeing Morris taking chequered flags this season. But Amaroo was a different story until the final race of the series. (Photo by oirk KiynsmUh)

Race 1 (21 + 8 lap Like race day was,Saturday mercifully, cooler but the humidity made rain a possibility.

Jones and McConville into ‘points’ mode with Baird encouragingly led the times running as his protector. for the ‘home team’ ahead of Jim muscled past McLean Morris, Baird, Brabham and, for sixth and so it went until as a preview of things to lap five when someone noticed Newman’s car and come, Adderton. Brabham and Morris went sent out the Safety Car. at the first comer like a cou After five laps trailing ple of prizefighters but it around away they went, was Brabham who held the Brabham shooting out of Castrol and immediately line the longest and emerged with the lead. rebuilding his lead. Almost Behind Morris Jones and immediately Jones slid past McConville at Honda and McConville had got Baird and Brad continued the took up the chase but, while charge, sweeping past his Michelins were hanging Morris on the run into in, Brabham set to building a lead of up to 2.5s. Goodyear for second. Behind, Steven and In the pack there wms McLean were resuming reg mayhem. Matthews was bat tling a misfire and, when his ular hostilities over seventh. car propped in the middle of He sprintcarred the Nissan a corner, he and Newman around the outside of the locked wheels. That broke Loop but couldn’t get by the ‘Holden’, both starting to one on the 405 and, sudden ly, Newman speared off the lose ground to Adderton. McLean’s charge was to be track, crunched into a back interrupted by a slow punc and flipped onto his roof ture. The car was stuffed, and But Adderton’s Dunlops Matthews immediately pit were working perfectly and, ted for attention, eventually getting fresh plugs to clear after mid-race, the Camry started to close on Richards the problem. Sr. As the field completed the But they wouldn't get that lap Moi-ris held third after a lap from McConville, Baird, far without a break. After McLean, Richards Sr, lap 16 Jones was on a charge when Brabham Adderton, Richards Jr, Scott, and, Luff, Bewley, Henderson, received a little baulk from Tweedie, Auger, Smith, Fitzgerald at Castrol on lap Hills, Pickett, Fitzgerald, 23 Brad was determined to Elias and Matthews. get by. At the turn in at the uphill kink he had his two Morris was battling. “The car was hopeless,” he said. “I right wheels on the very was just hanging on”. edge as the Peugeot took its McConville flew by into line, only to have the A4 third out of Honda and, plant it in the rear. In a flash - literally, as unable to fight, Mon-is went

BOC Gases Super Touring Champiouslilp Amaroo Park - November 8/9

Race 1 (21 + 8 laps)

Race time Vehicie Pos Driver 33:09.02 1 Geoff Brabham BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 33:11.56 2 Brad Jones Orix Audi Sport A4 Quattro 33:14.15 3 Cameron McConville Orix Audi Sport A4 Quattro 33:18.74 4 Paul Morris BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 33:22.56 BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 5 Craig Baird 33:38.71 6 Jim Richards Volvo Racing Volvo 850 7 Mark Adderton Phoenix Motorsport Toyota Camry 33:48.57 Vaivoline Cummins Nissan Primera 33:52.68 8 Steven Richards 33:58.88 Volvo Racing Volvo 850 9 Tony Scott 34:11.07 Fastway Couriers Peugeot 405 10 Dwayne Bewley 34:23.25 FAI Insurance Honda Accord 11 Warren Luff 12 Robert Tweedie 28 laps IBC Motorsport Vauxhall Cavalier Greenfield Mowers Holden Vectra 28 laps 13 Catneron McLean 28 laps Olympus Alfa Romeo 155 TS 14 David Auger 15 Claude Elias 26 laps Knight Racing Ford Mondeo Faber-Castell BMW 320i 16 Justin Matthews 25 laps DNF Blair Smith 24 laps N. Barclay BMW 3181 20 laps M F Motorsport Peugeot 405 DNF Mike Fitzgerald 19 taps DNF Paul Pickett Hve Motorsport Hyundai Lantra 15 laps All Auto Parts Toyota Carina DNF Milton Leslight 7 laps DNF John Henderson Opel Vectra DNF Peter Hills 4 laps Knight Racing Ford Mondeo 0 laps DNF Tony Newman Fastway Couriers Peugeot 405

Race 1 (21 + 8 laps)

Pos Driver

Vehicle

Race time -

35:50.06 1 Paul Morris BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 35:54.00 2 Cameron McConville Orix Audi Sport A4 Quattro 35:55.67 3 Geoff Brabham BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 35:56,60 BMW Motorsport BMW 320i 4 Craig Baird 36:09.40 5 Jim Richards Volvo Racing Volvo 850 30 laps Volvo Racing Volvo 850 6 Tony Scott 7 Mark Adderton 30 laps Phoenix Motorsport Toyota Camry Faber-Castell BMW 320i 8 Justin Matthews 29 laps 9 Claude Elias 26 laps Knight Racing Ford Mondeo 24 laps 10 Dwayne Bewley Fastway Couriers Peugeot 405 11 Cameron McLean Greenfield Mowers Holden Vectra 23 laps NC Peter Hills 19 laps Knight Racing Ford Mondeo DNF Brad Jones 26 laps Orix Audi Sport A4 Quattro DNF John Henderson 24 laps Opel Vectra DNF Robert Tweedie 15 laps IBC Motorsport Vauxhall Cavalier 9 laps Olympus Alfa Romeo 155 TS DNF David Auger Vaivoline Cummins Nissan Primera 8 laps DNF Steven Richards 7 laps DNF Blair Smith N. Barclay BMW 318i 1 lap FAI Insurance Honda Accord DNF Warren Luff All Auto Parts Toyota Carina DNS Milton Leslight M F Motorsport Peugeot 405 DNS Mike Fitzgerald Fastway Couriers Peugeot 405 DNS Tony Newman DNS Paul Pickett Hve Motorsport Hyundai Lantra Drivers points Morris 191; Brabham 171; McConville 155; Jones 126: Jim Richards 111; McLean 67: S Richards 42; Baird 35; Matthews 31; Newman 23; Auger 20: Tweedie 19; Bates 14: Adderton 14: Wakefield 10: Scott 7; Jason Richards 7: Johnson 7; Briggs 4; Cornish 3; Hills 2; Bewley 2; Elias 2: Pickett 1.

Manufacturers points BMW 220: Audi 194: Vch/o 158.

Teams Points BMW Motorsports 362; ORIX Audi Sport Australia 305; Hyundai Hve Motorsport 31, Knight Racing 30: Volvo Dealer Team 25; Fastway Courier Racing 17.

F/Lap On QuaiGrid 50.29 3 49.83 2 50.41 3 49.88 4 50.53 3 50.13 5 50.59 4 49.55 1 50.71 4 49.86 3 51.00 6 50.22 6 51.48 3 51.06 10 51.56 3 50.52 8 51.60 3 50.99 9 52.03 6 51.98 14 51,95 6 51.19 11 52,97 8 52.07 15 51.54 2 50.47 7 53.19 2 52.74 16 57.57 6 57.86 22 53.90 4 51.79 12 53.48 13 52.78 17 55.44 11 55.36 21 53.99 7 53.45 19 65.43 10 23 53.13 2 53.42 18 54.18 2 53.67 20 51.94 13 F/Lap On QuaiGrid 50.38 2 49.91 2 50.71 2 50.23 5 50.61 2 49.91 3 50.64 3 49.83 1 50.94 3 50.28 6 51.55 3 51.16 9 51.63 3 51.30 11 54.06 2 52.43 15 56.99 19 58.18 23 52.55 21 51.46 12 51.74 3 50.58 8 52.96 10 52.27 14 50.22 3 50.19 4 53.57 20 52.62 17 52,95 3 52.17 13 54.26 7 52.73 19 51.81 4 50.28 7 54.63 2 52.63 18 61.59 1 51.23 10 56.28 22 55.20 21 52.49 16 53.98 20

TOCA Challenge Independents Cup

McLean 186;S Hichaicte »23. Matthovc 111; Auger 81; Tweedie 78; Newman 74; Adderton 60; Bales 3*: Hi’s 30; WaketieW 24; Johnson 34: Jason Richards 23, Bewley 22: Cornish 16; Elias 13: Briggs 12; Lull 8: Pickett 6; Thompson 4.

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Hills gets Bathurst 1000 all-clear

IT IWS A BAD, BAD DA Y FOR PEUGEOTS.... Tony Newman went off on the very first lap of race one after contact from Justin Matthews. His Fastway 405 crunched into an earth bank and ended up on its roof (right). Newman, emerged unhurt from the car and waited white marshals right¬ ed the car (below). Note the wheel tracks which indicate how little control Newman had over the car once its front wheels broke.

Peter Hills has been cleared of his eligibility problems from Bathurst. Despite having modified the car from its homologa tion specifications Hills’ team only did so after ver bal approval from a scruti neer.

■ Thanks for the rubber Dept: Cameron McLean was on Michfelin’s A-list for the first time at Amaroo. As a reward for winning the Indie title McLean got the rubber which is usual ly reserved for BMW Motorsport’s and Volvo’s factory team.

(Photos by. Dirk KiynsmUh and dotin Mcnis/hfpix)

■ Thanks for nothing Dept; McLean’s Vectra had the Opel badge levered off its nose so he contacted Holden for a replacement. The Queenslander was told he would have to pay trade price just like every one else, so it cost the Independents’ Championship winner $28 of his own money to fly Holden’s colours. ■ The ‘split’ qualifying sessions, instigated by the drivers themselves at Lakeside, continued at Amaroo and worked well. Amaroo’s sub-50 second lap and the 20 plus car field made it almost com pulsory but the changes are unlikely to continue as the 1998 qualifying regula tions are likely to be quite different.

there was a quick fuel-rail fire - the 405 hurtled into the rock wall and slammed to a stop. It could have been worse ( third-placed McConville missed the Pug by millimetres) but Fitzgerald was stuck inside with a suspected cracked rib and mild concussion and, as the Safety Car came back, the race was red-flagged and the field stopped. There was still a race to finish. The results of the first part were declared at 21 laps and, after 25 minutes to clear the carnage there was an eight lap restart. Brabham got away well but Jones was better, scyfii-

ing across to take the lead, With a 2.5s lead from the first ‘leg’ Brabham had only to keep the leader in sight and that’s what he did, finishing 0.77s behind, McConville tried hard to get around the BMW (especially when Geoff had a baulk in traffic) but had to settle third overall, Morris, Baird and the clos ing Jim Richards followed in quick but steady order, while Adderton finished an excellent seventh to take his first Independent win in his best result yet in the Toyota, But, even with a frustrat ed fourth, Morris was home. At best Brabham could tie him for the title and, even

then Morris had it won on a countback.

orris had been most unhappy with his car and, with Brabham’s set tings on the car he was much more confident.

Bewley, Smith, Henderson, Auger, Elias and Tweedie. Obviously things were working much better for Morris. After two laps he was 1.7s ahead and looking secure. His only realistic threat was Jones. After a record

Brabham was not away well but Baird’s start from pole was just awful. Morris was quickly looking for a spot behind the fast-starting Morris but a tap in the Loop from Brabham forced him’ back to fift-h. Morris led Brabham, McConville, Baird, Jones, Richards Sr, McLean, Richards Jr, Scott, Luff, Adderton, Matthews,

50.22s lap he was through Baird at Goodyear on lap five, followed on lap 11 by a move through the wide open McConville. McLean suddenly found a lack of brakes in the Vectra on lap six. He wrestled the car into the pits and looked to be through for the day but, when the crew were changing wheels they discovered the pedal was back.

Race 2 (31 laps)

■ Steven Johnson con tinued the trend of step ping out of the CPW BMW and into the Safety Car. Wayne Wakefield made that same move earlier in the year before fellow Bananalander Johnson repeated it at Amaroo, run ning 12 laps in Volvo’s V40.

H Just don’t call him ‘Rusty, okay?. One of the highlights of the Orix Audi team’s race weekend was the new ‘do’ for team man ager Kim Jones. Brad’s boss’s own personal colour scheme of red-ish hair was the talk of the hill at Amaroo... ■ Apparently the Mike Fitzgerald Peugeot 405 is the same car Mark Adderton had his big acci dent in at the Phillip Island round of the series in 1995: ■ A pair in the air; Paul Morris and Geoff Brabham took time out from their championship duties to go for a morning hop in two army Bell helicopters. ■ Seen at Amaroo was David Campese. The union great - and, of course, Mark Webber’s manager was there as a guest of BMW Motorsport and showed great interest in ‘his ‘charges’, Campo’s reg ular wheels being an M3 road car. - PHIL BRANAGAN

RE-UNION OF BMW OWNERS... Union great David Campese swaps notes on M3 ownership with Paul Morris and Paul’s mum Lerlene. (Photo by Dirk Klynsmith)

lEihG®[rsr^c

21Nombef199/'

Cam jumped back aboard short track to take up their, and rejoined the race seven places, while the leaders follapsdown. lowed the Safety Car At the same time Richards around the full track.,. Jr suddenly had the oil presAny danger of getting sure alarm go off exiting everyone on the same page, Honda. He shut the Primera chaps? down immediately and After five laps there track coasted into the pits, hope- went greeh again and o« fully without major damage went Morns again, but this to an engine. time Jones wasn’t going to Tweedie had already had wait behind Brabham and a tap with Smith, leaving a was throwing everything at i tyre smoking for a lap and, him. It took until lap 22 on lap 11, he was searching until Jones found a hole at for a way past Auger when stop/go and he stormed off there was contact at stop/go. after Morris. Both emerged but, when But he was having geaij he turned in to Castrol box problems. He’s lost fifth Auger found a,tyre was flat and struggled on until lap and spun into'the middle of 26 when he found no drive the track. Smith, following at stop/go. The car couldn t fast with nowhere to go, hit even make it to the pit him head-on, hard enough entry and he had to park on to derange the Alfa and the motorbike track, twist the cage of the BMW. , That left Morris home Auger sat there for a bit and hosed. He was four secwhile the Safety Car was onds in front and cruised summoned but. when home to his seventh win in Tweedie came along he 16 races, having hopped out and aimed a McConville boot at the Cavalier (!). He zoomed past a struggling was furious that his car had Brabham up the hill on lap been biffed for the second 24, came in second ahead oi n time in the series. n Brabham, a close Baird and After the race stewards Richards, examined tape of the inciAdderton had struggled dents and decided all were early but, in the end, was due to racing incidents. flying after Scott, emerging

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SSiheIrr.Za flag and the Safety Car even led the field through the motorbike deviation at Castrol to avoid the mess. Once cars were waved around the Safety Car they were flagged through the

Thl'lest „an and .he «su,,.s,,ha,,ha r997-sp.c S40-soon Oe on „s wa,,o.aa.rada. Matthews was eighth from Elias, Bewley and the

th the nl°ans 97 but with the p^a

r/a‘.rhfe°d"ce“'""" ".nra^ill ye” —- Sfa raa. h.aa».oa£,h and AOOonon .on ha.h «apanha„«'eaaaa. (Photos by Dirk Klynsmilh) The 20 plus gi’id had been decimated by the carnage but there are strong signs

ment from BOC Gases the best Super Touring racing is yet to come.

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Emotional win for Fitzgerald By DAVID HASSALL

AN emotional Peter Fitzgerald celebrated his first national champi onship win in five years by taking both races in the final round of the Batteries Centufy Australian GT Production Car Championship at Amaroo on November 9. Ill-health has plagued the Fitzgerald family thig year and on the Monday,before the race Peter’s mother died. He dedicated the race and series wins to his mother, choking on the words as he

TIGHT SQUEEZE... Almond takes on Lintott in the big Viper as Bowe charges up the hill at the start of race one from Aitken and Dunn. Out ofpicture is Fitzgerald (pictured (Photos by Dirk Klynsmin} left), who won both races.

did.

“This is a great way to fin ish the championship after going through a pretty trau matic week,” admitted Fitzgerald later. Arch-rival John Bowe, who started both races from pole in the RPM Ferrari, made it considerably easier for the Porsche driver by spinning off both times. He recovered from these indiscretions to take second place overall on the day, but was still bewildered by the evil handling of the Ferrari on race day after it had been so good the day before. There were no such com plications for Fitzgerald, who later admitted that the two wins were probably the easiest of his impressive career once Bowe had elimi nated himself early both times. Ed Aitken drove solidly to take third overall and chnch third place in the champi onship standings from fellow Porsche racer Domenic Beninca, who watched both races from the sidelines. Beninca was a controver sial non-starter because he hadn’t? lodged his entry in time and then could not get

all his competitors to sign approval for a late entry. With an over-subscribed field, it was felt that it would be unfair to allow Beninca (and the Maserati entry for Peter McKay, which was also late) to bump an accepted entrant from the field. Apart from Fitzgerald in Class A, the other class champions were Andrej Pavicevic (Subaru WRX), Chris Sexton (Ford Falcon), Beric Lynton (BMW 323i) and Trevor Haines (Ford Laser TX3).

Entry & Qualifying After missing Lakeside, the ferocious Dodge Viper GTS returned in the hands of owner/importer Ray Lintott, as did Kevin Weeks and Max Dunn in their Porsches. Missing, however, was the second Poz Hype Ferrari of former champion Garry Waldon. The team had to replace the engine in Bowe’s car (which had damaged valves fi'om Lakeside) and the only one available was in the sec-

ond car, so Waldon was put on the sidelines. He was joined by Beninca, of course, who must have been doubly frustrated because his car was sitting in the paddock ready to go. Interestingly, the Maserati team had successfully secured permission from all the other entrants and McKay even qualified the car for both races (8th and 7th), but the team agreed not to start the first race and con tested the second only because there was a place available. Bowe was delighted with the handling of the Ferrari and took pole for both races, almost half a second quicker than newly crowned champi on Fitzgerald, saying it was the best balanced the car had ever felt. Fitzgerald has been half a second quicker at every cir cuit since changing to Motec engine management mid-sea son and was therefore very disappointed that his times were no better than the pre vious visit to Amaroo. Aitken and Weeks put

their Porsches on the second row for both races, but Kevin bent the valves of his car when he missed a gear in the second session and was forced to withdraw from Sunday’s races. Swapping places, but still on the third row, were Dunn in the black Porsche and Lintott, who found the big Viper a real handful in Amaroo’s tight comers. On the fourth row were McKay and Pavicevic, who also swapped places in the two sessions. Ross Almond (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo3) was fighting understeer, which was wrecking the front-left tyre, but just edged out the Impreza of Chris Kousparis, who couldn’t match the pace of class rival Pavicevic. John Cowley was next in both sessions with this big HSV Commodore GTS/R from Peter Boylan’s Subaru. Phil Kirkham was fastest in Class D, where Beric Lynton was in trouble rebuilding his BMW after a broken lower control arm had pitched him into the barriers

at between 80 and lOOkmh. “The car was fine until I crested the hill and then something in the suspension broke,” said a shaken L3mton. “From there I was just a pas senger.” The car had to be repaired because Lynton only needed to finish the first race to clinch class title from Troy Searle (who does not qualify because of religious reasons and starts his BMW each race from the back of the grid). In the absence of new champion Sexton, Dennis Cribbin was fastest in Class C with his Falcon XR6 from Mark Cohen’s Commodore (first championship run after debuting at Bathurst) and the Ford media Falcon being driven by Toby Hagon. Nigel Stones qualified fastest in Class E, but fellow Suzuki Swift driver Carlos Rolfo faced a major repair job after dropping a valve.

Race 1-20 Saps As Lintott and Almond rubbed panels going up the hill, it was Fitzgerald who

burst away from tile front of the grid to head pole man Bowe and Aitken. Fitzgerald was expecting a strong challenge from Bow'e. but the Tasmanian already knew he had trouble with the handling and going into the loop for the second time the rear end just snapped out and Bowe couldn’t catch it. Fitzy didn’t see the lose, having put his head down in an effoit to break away, and couldn’t believe it when he looked in his mirrors to see a big gap back to Aitken. From there the new cham pion was able to drive a con servative race as Aitken spent the second half of the racing fending off the recov ered Bowe, particularly in traffic. Dunn finished a distant fourth, well clear of Lintott’s Viper and Almond, who was a lap down. After being headed for the first half of the race, Pavicevic managed to get past Kousparis to wn Class B by eight seconds. Cowley broke a diff as he crossed the line, but still took

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ninth from Boylan, Ian McAlister (whose Volvo had new Michelins for the first time) and Anthony Robson (MR2). Phil Kirkham was next, the Mazda 626 driver dehghted with winning Class D over BMW rivals Searle and Ljmton, who wrapped up the title with his finish. Mark Cohen narrowly won Class C in his Conunodore SS while Stones scored his sev enth class win from nine starts this year in Class E.

Race 2 -- 20 laps

John Bowe might have been on pole, but he was not a confident man as the field assembled for the second race, despite making a couple of changes to help cure the Ferraii’s sudden oversteer. “The balance is gone; it’s really tally now, like a sprintcar,” he said after admitting to simply losing it in race one. “Yesterday it was the best it has ever been but now it wants to turn itself around every time I touch the throt tle.” JB was not totally sure about the reason for this sud den change, but wondered if it had something to do with the Michelin tyres as the

BMW team was having trou ble also using the same rub¬ ber. Whatever it was, the car was slightly better for the second race, but still bad enough to catch out the dri ver again. This time, though, John was leading the race, having caught out the fast-starting Fitzgerald with a lovely move out of Stop Corner when Fitzy was compromised by taking a defensive line on lap two. “I was just thinking how clever I was when I just lost it again,” Bowe said. “Then I was thinking how stupid I was! “There is a lesson there for any young driver; you can’t drive a car at 11/lOths when it just doesn’t want to be dri ven that hard.” After that, it was effective ly a repeat of race one as Fitzgerdd moseyed off in the lead, dropping his times at an alarming rate just to keep the race interesting. In the end, he looked in his mirrors to see the recovering Bowe suddenly instead of Aitken, but he had the situa tion well under control and took the flag a deceptively close two-tenths of a second clear.

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2Wombef1997

Morgan celebrates By DAVID HASSALL

UViAROOPARK CONTSOl

JUST as Peter Fitzgerald did in GTP, newly Australian crowned Porsche Cup Champion Geoff Morgan celebrated his title in fine style by winning both races at Amaroo. The Sydney businessman was in great form in his Vodafone Porsche GT2, beating the similar car of Greg Keene by three sec onds in the first race and pole winner Martin Wagg by 3.6s in the second race. Keene finished second overall for the day, giving the South Australian the Class A series runner-up position in a tight contest with Wagg on a countback. Wagg had certainly served notice by taking pole for both races on his home circuit, but race day was a bit tougher. In the first race he was leading Morgan half way around the second lap, but had a huge lose coming down the hill into Honda corner, sending dirt every where but thankfully not contacting the scenery or any other cars. He was able to rejoin at the tail of the field and then provided the only real inter est of the race with a charge back through the field.

■"’-S'l.

BLITZ... Geoff Morgan carves through the backmarkers on his way to victory. which eventually netted him fourth place, right behind Julian Harburg, who fended him off aggi-essively in the run to the flag. In the second race, Wagg was again quicker off the line and led Keene and Morgan over the top of the hill, but Morgan pulled off a stunning move, diving down the outside to pass both of them through the notorious loop. Wagg was unable to match the pace of the Vodafone car and had to set tle for second, well clear of Keene, Harburg and Ed Aitken in his GTP car. Harburg’s results - third

Aitken could not hold Bowe this time, having to be con tent to take third place in the race and the championship while Dunn was a distant fourth in his black RSCS. Lintott was next in the Viper, just three seconds clear of Pavicevic (who lost rival Subaru driver Kousparis through engine failure), then McKay, who drove through from his posi tion at the back of the grid (despite having qualified sev enth ...). Almond, Boylan and Robson (who lost second gear) rounded out the top ten of the largely processional race while the minor class winners were again Kirkham, Cohen and Stones. ■

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and fourth - were quite impressive considering this was the Queenslander’s first outing in the ex-Wayne Park RSR. Trevor John had one of his most competitive outings in the ex-Fitzgerald 944 Turbo in race one. He was holding off Harburg in third place until lap nine, when a little tap sent him off. The car was already overheating (obviously related to a blown head gasket during qualifying) and John parked the car in the pits rather than continue down the field. John was a non-starter for the second race.

Colin Ivory, who had gone off in the Wagg incident in race one and could only recover to finish 11th, was also a non-starter in the second race because of distributor trouble, FINAL PORSCHE C UP POINTS: Outright-Geoff Morgan 98, D’Arcy Russell 73, Greg Keene and Martin Wagg 61, John Potter, Chris Stannard and Ed Aitken 37, Max Dunn 28, Trevor John 27, Anthony Tratt 25, Roger Paterson, Cohn Ivory and Leanne Ferrier 16, etc Class A winner - Ge off Morgan Class B winner - D’Arcy Russell Class C winner - Tim Hearse

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2Wombsr1997

Rob Roy to honour Petor Broik TO recognise Peter Brock’s wonderful con tribution to Australian motor sport, and to mark his retirement, the MG Car Club and Friends of Rob Roy have invited him to be guest of honour at the sixth annual Historic and Classic Hillclimb meeting on Sunday November 30. Although Brock never competed at Rob Roy, as a youngster he used to ride his bike to the meetings and jump the fence to see many of the great names of motor sport such as Harry Firth, Stan Jones, Bib Stillwell and Lex Davison duelling for honours on the famous hill. Motor sport fans will have the opportu nity to meet Peter and his family, and see some of the cars in which he achieved his success. The featured marque at this year’s meeting is Bentley, and Chester McKaige along with the Bentley Drivers Club has arranged for a large display of pre and post war cars. The Club will conduct an official ‘run’ to Rob Roy and six of the magnificent ‘Derby’ Bentleys will be part of the exhibition co-ordinated by Earl Davey-Milne. A number of legendai'y 3-litre, four-anda-half-litre and Speed 6 pre-war Bentleys will also compete, and the rumble of their exhausts will bring back memories of their great racing successes, especially at Le Mans. Another car that dominated the Le Mans 24-hour race, but considerably later (during the 1960s) was the famous Ford GT40. Based on past efforts, had a 30-year old GT40 run in this year’s Le Mans race, it would have placed 12th outright. Ford GT40 replicas are now being con structed in Australia by former naval engineer Robert Logan at his factory in Dromana, and MN writer Brian Reed, who previously track tested the GT40 at Winton, has been invited to do some demonstration runs at Rob Roy on November 30.

Sandown salutes 50 valuable cars being damaged, grids for the ever-popular Group Report by BRIAN REED the most serious being Max N touring car events and impres at the FOR patrons Warwick’s McLaren MlOB sive line-ups amongst the MG Historic Tattersall’s Formula 5000. and Marque sports car classes. Sandown meeting on In fact, most fields were well During the Saturday program, November 8-9 it was a case of supported, which made for good Warwick experienced a suspen ‘two for the price of one’ sion failure at full song down the outright battles as well as keen not only a top class 26-race main straight, clouted the wall competition amongst the classes. program, but a 60-car tribute New South Welshman Ross heavily in front of the grand to one of the most famous stand, and took out Mike Donnelley dominated ‘the big marques in the sport. Glynn’s Lola T400 in the iron’ in his Mustang, while in There was plenty of ‘horse process. Luckily both drivers the tiddlers, it was veteran torque’ at Sandown of the 4escaped uninjured, and Warwick Victorian Ted Brewster’s Morris wheel types from Maranello with thinks the tub of the McLaren Cooper S that took the honours. the legendary prancing horse Ian McDonald also had a great hasn*t been twisted by the emblem in a fitting display to impact - but there’s quite a mess day in his Repco Holden, and mark 50 years of Ferrari. to clean up before the car will be proved to be uncatchable in the Spectators had the opportuni J, K & Lb Racing and Sports cat seen in action again. ty to walk amongst the Ferraris As for Mike Glynn, he and his egories. and chat with their proud ovvnA car worthy of special men crew spent an ‘all nighter’ get ers, and were then treated to ting the Lola back in business, tion at Sandown was the 1961 two demonstration runs by the and he was rewarded with a Cooper Climax Type 53, a 1.5 60 thoroughbreds (most of good win in the final handicap btre Formula One car which was which, not surprisingly, were race. He catapulted his car past owned by Yeoman Credit and Monza Red). David Doubtfire in the Elfin driven by Roy Salvador! in the It was a splendid cross-section Brussels, Syracuse, Naples, of more recent Ferraris - what a MRS as they approached the braking area at the end of the French, Britain, German, pity there weren’t any competi back straight for the last time. Danish, Modena, Italian and tion cars represented apart from USA Grands Prix as well as Just like the good old days! Bill Browse’s sports car. For But by far the most impressive other non-championship events. example, it would really have The Cooper was then fitted added another dimension to see peiformance amongst the F5000 brigade was by Lola driver with a 2.7 litre Coventry Climax and hear the ex-David McKay Andrew Robson who lowered his engine and was. raced in 250LM or the ex-Michele own lap record by a whopping Australia and New Zealand in Alboreto Formula One turbo car, 1.86secs., finally leaving it at 1- the 1962 Tasman Series by Lex but sadly the former left 12.45secs. Davison. After crashing through Australia some years ago to a Robson dominated all events the wall of the Longford pub in lucky overseas owner, and the for the F5000s until he broke a February 1962 (an incident that latter was put out of action(tem driveshaft on the warm-up lap is now part of Australian motor porarily, I hope), in an unfortu before their third race. racing folklore), ‘Davo’ sold No. nate tangle with the pit walT (Coincidentally, he broke the Fl-2-61 to Don Fraser who during a demonstration run at same part in the same spot last installed a 2.5 litre BRM engine, Philhp Island. but he had no real success with year). As for the racing itself, there His best practice lap on the car. was action a-plenty, especially in In 1976, Melbourne’s Tony Saturday of l-11.30secs. was several of the well organised 1/lOOths of a second quicker Osborne purchased the Cooper handicaps (although South than Mark Skaife’s outright and engaged Lou Russo to Australia’s Ron Guppy had good restore it back to Tasman speci cause to think otherwise when touring car lap record in the Holden Commodore V8 set less fications. It is a superb restora his diminutive Elfin 623 started than 2 months ago in the tion, and interestingly the behind some of the thundering Tickford “500”- a great effort for Cooper shared a garage at Foi-mula 5000s towards the end a 20-year old racing car, Sandown with Peter Whelan’s of the day.) although it doesn’t count in the Lotus 23 - the car that carried As has beqn the case at a record book because it was set in the same 2.7 litre engine when it number of Historic meetings of was raced by the late John practice. late, there were some unfortu Roxburgh. There were some very crowded nate incidents which resulted in

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Boral-Ford carries on Elfin legacy

A replica of the Bugatti ‘Tank’ Type 32, an interesting although decidedly unsuc cessful car that was designed for the 1923 French Grand Prix, will also be on (Msplay, thanks to Penrite Oil Company, and the five Austin 7s that went to England in 1981 to take on “the Poms” and beat them on their home ground, will all be compet ing at Rob Roy. A number of past ‘greats’ will partici pate in the afternoon parade of champi ons, and Robert Shannon’s Invicta will be driven by a famous motoring legend who participated in the early Grands Prix at Phillip Island, Reg Nutt. The traditional final feature on the pro gram will be the annual ‘shoot-out’ when the six fastest cars are invited to attempt to break the track outright record. Rob Roy is situated in Clinton’s Rd, Christmas Hills off Eltham-Yari’a Glen Rd, opposite the Sugarloaf Dam turnoff (Melways P264-K9). Practice is from 1 pm on Saturday. Competition begins at 10 am on Sunday. The Rob Roy Historic and Classic Hillclimb is supported by the Shire of Nillumbik, and further information can be obtained by phoning Don Kinsey on (03) 9439 5464. - BRIAN REED

SOUTH Australian Stan Keen won his first Australian Hillclimb Championship in 1975 driving an Elfin MRS, but earlier decided to buy another car from the Board brothers and Hall of SA.known as the Boral Ford. Keen wanted a sports car that had an engine and suspension that was interchangeable with his Elfin and his was the second of two cars built by the Adelaide firm. Construction on the Boral Ford began in 1973, and it was first raced in 1974 at Wanneroo in W.A. Keen was successful first time out. He then hillclimbed the car extensively, gaining a new record in 1975 at Mt. Cotton which stood for more than a decade.

In 1977 Keen sold the Boral Ford to Peter Middleton, and ft again changed hands in 1980. Richard Bertschinger was the new owner who restored the car and began racing it in 1990. Bertschinger took the Group A record at Mallala in 1994. Now the Boral Ford is up for sale to enable Richard Bertschinger to move onto other projects. The car has a Boss 302 Ford V8 motor with Weber IDA carbiuettors and a Hewland DG300 gearbox. The Boral Ford has an Historic logbook and is a potent race car. It comes with a transporter, and enquiries may be made by phoning Richard Bertschinger on(08)8388 5747. -BRIANREED

2Wornbermi

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THE EYES HAVE IT... There were marques from all over the world at Sandown. Above the Sprite Bug-eyes of George Forbes and Roy Best fight it out in the Esses.

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THE LONG AND THE SHORT AND THE TALL... Sometimes a good little car can take it to a good big car. Bob Harborrow’s Lola T192 leads Mike Glynn’s fearsome Lola T400 Formula 5000 through the tight stuff. (Photos by Neil Hammond)

1997Sandown Historic Resuits #1. J, K & Lb Racing & Sports Scratch Lb Racing and outright Ian McDonald (Repco Holden) Lb Sports Russell Budge (Zephsca) J Racing Richard Stanley (Amilcar) K Racing Graeme Lowe (Alta) #2. M & 0 Sports & Racing Cars M Racing (0-1500cc) Stephen Lunn (Elfin Mono) F. Junior Ric Kemp (Brabham BT2) Sports (0-16cc) Peter Whelan (Lotus 23) M Sports (over 1600cc) & outright Brian Sampson (Eiva Mk.8) M & 0 Sports & Racing (contd.) 0 Racing (0-1500cc) Keith Simpson (Eagle Imp) 0 Sports John Pitt (Lotus Clubman)

CLIMACTIC... Lou Russo (above) had a fine day in his CooperClimax. A HAPPY LOLA CUS TOMER!... Andrew Robson (left) took out the Formula 5000 lap record in his Loia. TANK BY NAME... Bob King and Penrite Oils’ John Dymond pose below with King’s Bugatti ‘Tank’replica.

(Photos by Neil Hammond and Brian Reed)

#3. SAG SB Sports Scratch S SB Sports (0 to 2000) and outright John Evans (Lotus Europa) SB Sports (Over 2000cc) Rod Chivas (Triumph TR6) SA Sports (0 - lOOOcc) George Forbes (Austin Healey Sprite Mk. 1) SA Sports (1001-2000cc)Peter Ffrench (Morgan) SA Sports (Over 2000cc) Bill Hemming (Jaguar XK150) SC Sports Mike Corke (fiatsun 240Z) #4. MG & Marque Sports Scratch MG (0-1400CC) Gary Edwards(MG Midget) MG (Over 1400cc) and outright Mort Fitzgerald (MGB) Marque Sports Douglas Growcott(Datsun 240Z) #5. P & 0 Sports & Racing Scratch P and outright Andrew Robson (Lola F5000) (New lap record) Q Racing Richard Carter (March 73B) 0 Sports Ian Ross (Elfin 360) #6. Formula Ford Scratch John Goddard (Royale RP24) #7. Historic Touring Cars Scratch Nc (Over 3500) and outright Ross Donnelley (Mustang) Nc (0 - 3500cc) Ian Jones (Torana XU-1) Nb (0 -IBOOcc) Ted Brewster (Morris Cooper S) N b (1301 - 1600cc) Jim McKeown (Lotus Cortina) Nb (1601 - 2000cc) Ian Watt (Triumph 2000) Nb (2001 - 2600CC) Eddie Dobbs (FE Holden) Nb (2601 - 3000CC) Bill Trengrove (Holden EH) Nb(Over BOOOcc) Greg McPherson (Mustang)

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#8. Regularity 1(Pre War) Barry Batagol (Bentley Speed 6) #9. Regularity 1 (Post War) Colin Sullivan (MG)

#11. Regularity 2(Post War) Andrew Stuchbery (WIGB) #12. J, K & Lb Racing & Sports H’cap J Racing Richard Stanley (Amilcar) K Racing and outright Patrick Ryan (MG TA) Lb Racing (0-1500cc) Harry Forde({MG TC Special) Lb (0ver1500cc) Ian McDonald (Repco , / Holden) Lb Sports(0 - 1500CC) Alan Bail (Lotus XI Replica) Lb Sports (Over 1500cc) Russell Budge (Zephsca) #13. MG & Marque Sports H’cap MG (Over 1400cc) and outright Simon Rodgers(MGB) MG (0-1400CC) John Gillett(MG TC Special) Marque Jennifer Corke (Datsun 240Z) #14. M&OSports&Racing H’cap 0 Racing (0-1500cc) and outright Len Nation (Austin Special) 0 Racing (Over 1500cc)Jim McConville (Brabham BT29) 0 Sports John Pitt (Lotus Clubman) M Racing (0-1500cc) Peter Matthews (Peugeot XJC Special) F Junior Ric Kemp (Brabham BT2) „ . .... , r,. M Sports (0-1600CC) Peter Whelan (Lotus 23) M Sports (Over IBOOcc) Barry Pritchett (Geneer Outlaw)

#20. MG & Marque Sports Scratch MG (Over 1400cc) & outright Moil Fitzgerald (MGB) MG (up to 1400cc) Geoff Foster(MG Midget) Marque George Vidovic (Python S302) #21. Sa & Sb Sports & Racing Scratch Sa Sports (Over 2000cc) & outright Bill Hemming (Jaguar XK150) Sa (O-IOOOcc) Roy Best (Austin Healey Sprite Mk.1) Sa (1001-2000CC) Terry Sully (Sunbeam Alpine) Sb Sports (O-20OOCC) Rohan Hodges (Lotus Elan) ‘ Sb Sports (Over 2000cc) Rod Chivas (Triumph TR6) Sc Sports Mike Corke (Datsun 240Z) #22. J, K & Lb Racing & Sports Scratch Lb Racing (Over 1500cc) & outright Ian McDonald (Repco Holden) Lb Racing (0-1500cc) Harry Forde(MG TC Special) Lb Sports (0-1500CC) Alan Bail (Lotus X1 Replica) Lb Sports (Over 1500cc) Russell Budge (Zephsca) J Racing Richard Stanley (Amilcar) k Racing Colin Kirkpatrick (Amilcar Ford Special)

#23. M & 0 Sports & Racing Scratch M Sports (Over IBOOcc) and outright Brian #15. Sa & Sb Sports & Racing H’cap Sampson (Elva Mk.8) Sb Sports (Over 2000cc) & outright Rod M Sports (0-1600CC) Peter Whelan (Lotus Chivas (Triumph TR6) 23)I Sb Sports (0-2000CC) Hamish McLennan M Racing (0-1500cc) Max McPherson (Elfin Sa Sports (O-IOOOcc) George Forbes (Austin Imp) F. Junior Ric Kemp (Brabham BT2) Healey Sprite Mk.lj 0 Racing (0-1500cc) Keith Simpson (Eagle Sa Sports (1001-2000CC) Terry Sully n Imp) (Sunbeam Alpine) 0 Racing (Over 1500cc) Jim McConville Sa Sports (Over 2000cc)Garry Lawson (Brabham BT29) (Triumph TR3A) 0 Sports John Pitt (Lotus Super 7) Sc Sports Mike Corke (Datsun 240Z) #16. Historic Touring Cars Scratch #24. Historic Touring Car H’cap Nc (Over 3500cc) Ross Donnelley,(Mustang) Nb (1301 -1 BOOcc) and outright Don Knight Nc (0-3500CC) Mark Brewster (Torana XU-1) (Cortina GT) Nb (0-1300CC) Ted Brewster (Morris Cooper Nb (0-1 BOOcc) Ted Brewster (Morris Cooper S) S) Nb (1301-1600CC) Jim McKeown (Lotus Nb (1601-2000CC) Ian Watt (Triumph 2000) Cortina) Nb (2001-2600CC) Brendan Wilson (FC Nb (1601-2000CC) Ian Watt (Triumph 2000) Holden) Nb (2001-2600CC) Eddie Dobbs (FE Holden) Nb (2601-3000CC) Robin Bailey (EH Holden) Nb 2601-3000CC) Bill Trengrove (Holden Over SOOOcc Greg McPherson (Mustang) EH) Nc (0-3500CC) Andrew Cannon (Torana XUNb (0ver3000cc) Greg McPherson 1) Nc (Over 3500cc) John Brash (Valiant Pacer) #17. P & Q Sports & Racing Scratch P (and outright) Andrew Robson (Lola #25. P & 0 Sports & Racing H’cap F5000) P (and outright) Mike Glynn (Lola T400) Q Sports Ian Ross (Elfin 360) Q Racing Ron Guppy (Elfin 623) Q Racing Ron Guppy (Elfin 623) Q Sports Malcolm Miller (ASP Clubman) #18. Formula Ford Scratch #26. Formula Ford H’cap Stephen Moody (Hawke DL15) Guy Miller (Elfin 620B) #19. Sandown F5000 Trophy David Doubtfire (Elfin MRS)

2Womter199/

By BRETT SWANSON Eddie Abelnica, the proprietor of Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars dealership in Melbourne’s south would know a bargain when he sees one. Eddie is also in his third year of competition in super speedway National Cars (formerly called AUSCARs), because he believes it is the best value motorsport divi sion currently running in Australia. “The National Cars - the brain child of Bill Jane - are Australian motor racing’s best-kept secret,” Eddie believes. “The prizemoney per round for the winner is $10,000 at the Thunderdome and $8,000 at Adelaide. The total prize pool is over $300,000. “By rny reckoning, that’s the third highest pay-out in Australian motor racing, after Group A and the ACDelco Cup Cars. “But, when you consider the cost of buying and running a frontline National Car compared to a Group A Supercar, or a NASCAR,then the percentage return has to make it the best around and, what’s more, it’s not just at the top end of the field - prizes are paid back to 20th position,” Eddie continued. Eddie first came to the Thunderdome five seasons ago after a history of Karting. His friends Bill and current NASCAR champion Kim Jane talked him into running in the Sportsman division. Eddie came up trumps in that first season, winning the champi onship before having a mammoth battle with current National Cars championship points leader Darren McDonald in the second year. The two drivers shared race wins and the points lead, until finally McDonald triumphed. Eddie then took the step up to AUSCAR, as it was then known, but success has eluded him, despite him being one of the fastest guys in the field. “You can only say it’s bad luck so many times, but it’s not from lack of trying that we haven’t won a race yet,” Eddie said. “We’re hungry for a win, we have a good team and we’re certain that we will win next time out. “In the first race at the opening meeting this season, we got tagged by Dick Howe’s Falcon. I don’t know, but we seem to be a magnet for that car. Anyway, the contact knocked the bumper bar off and we were black-flagged to remove it. From there, we fought back to seventh.” “In the second race, we were run ning third until I got some help from Jason Wyllie, which sent the It’s great to back racing again after the winter break and ian Thomas and i were happy with our results in the opening rounds of the ACDelco Cup Championship Series held at the Goodyear Thunderdome several weeks ago. It was a tremendous feeling to have both our Valvoline Chevrolet Monte Carlos run well - plus we kept our noses clean, as well as finishing both sprint races, consid ering Friday’s practice sessions were washed out due to the heavy ram.

Ian’s performance on the Saturday was impressive, consid ering the engine in his car had fuel pressure problems during the morning practice session, which prevented him from getting a race set-up. His first quick laps were during qualifying and he was quite happy

DEDICATED ... "Fast Eddie’’Abelnica is flying the super speedway National Cars flag. (Thunder-Pics/Agfa)

Eddie Abelnica Racing Australia's cheapest V8 class

plus, if you can build the motor yourself, I reckon you could do it for between $7000 and $10,000. “You can still run the Aussie gearbox in the Commodore, which costs about $500. We only needed the T-10 when we ran the road courses. “Right now, it is a buyer’s market and there are some great deals to be done. I even heard that HQ racer Tim D’Ombrain recently swapped two HQs for a National Car - how good’s that?” One of the prime selling points for Abelnica though is the televi sion coverage. “I thinlc I gain a business advan tage by being in the Nationals divi sion. I can’t afford to run ads on television ,but every month we get a flock of people come into the yard looking and buying cars after we’ve raced,” enthused Eddie. “We know this, because they tell us they’ve either seen the car at the track or on the television.” Bruce Williams, racing the Simoco Communications/Bendix Commodore was, according to Eddie, the top earner in the TV

car up towards the wall. I hit the wall hard enough to bend the diff, but we were lucky enough to get away with it and finished fifth over all.” Apart from the thrill of racing and the close competition, Eddie sees the class as being “the most affordable class to go racing in a professional way. “There are many other cheap classes to get started in, such as Commodore Cup. “But Nationals run both Fords and Holdens and they are current cars, which makes them very mar-> ketable. “If you are smart and can do a bit yourself, you can buy a top ten car for about $25,000 and then you can cover the cost of the season through the prize money. “Darren McDonald told me recently that he covers the cost of the racing, that is the cost of run ning the car for the season, from the prize money alone.” One other thing unique to the super speedway is the NARAF fund of $2500 per round that is set aside in the eventuality that someone

will damage their car - if you crash your car, you,make an application to the fund for some financial assis tance to repair yoiu car. Even the control tyre is favourable compared with other control tyre divisions. “The cost of a set of tyres for National Cars is $560 a set,” Eddie elaborated. “If you’re running smart on a budget, you can use one and a half sets a meeting. The cost for tyres in the Commodore Cup is $1000 a set and Formula Ford is $900 a set.” Eddie also believes the engines are good value, because they are bullet-proof “If you want a good Ian Tate or Larry Perkins-built motor, you’re looking at about $15,000 each,” said Eddie. “But these motors will last all season and I’ve never had an engine failure. “We get the motor freshened up before the start of the season and then don’t touch it again until it’s over. “I reckon some of the budget guys could get two or three seasons out of an engine if they really wanted,

with his 28.6-second lap time, considering the significant lack of track availability,

quite a lot-f had to back off on several occasions to allow them to cool down a bit. In addition, the bronze bush at the bottom of the steering shaft started to seize, making turning into the banked turns quite difficult. My car felt good in the second race, until I came up behind Terry Wyhoon’s Ford j Thunderbird with about five laps to go. A lot of oil was coming from his car and mine started to down on speed and probably slide around a bit when 1 closed in about a second and a half slower on him. than we should have been. It was unfortunate that I experi I guess everyone on the super enced a brake lock-up avoiding speedway was a bit slower in qual Ken James’ spinning Monte Carlo ifying, due to Friday’s wet condi in the early stages of the 60-laptions preventing anyone from turn per, as I was forced into the pits ing a wheel. several times under the yellow flag to let the crew guys check all four was four wheel drifting the car tyres. through the turns during the first race, which was stressing the tyres

e were both happy the way the team came together, especially considering that Ian’s car was in primer and it didn't have an engine, or any other components installed, immedi ately prior to the event. Our crew worked feverishly during the week to have both of our Monte Carlos on the grid in such a pristine condition. My former Sprintcar crew did a fantastic job of putting together our first ACDelco Cup car for me to debut - in the past, they assisted the more experienced John Sidney Racing guys,

he car was a little tight during the two qualifying laps and was pushing, thus I couldn’t get onto the throttle hard - we’re a little

Mm I

stakes last season; “Bruce had $100,000 worth of TV exposure from the class last season. From a business point of view, this has to be the best class of racing in Australia when you look at the cost of competing as against the prize money and the TV coverage.” Eddie spent some time during the winter testing in an effort to beat the young guns - Wyllie, McDonald and defending champion Matthew White. “I think we outsmarted ourselves a bit with our winter testing,” he reasoned, “With the car coming back from a refurbishment by John Faulkner Racing so much stiffer, we need to have a rethink on sus pension settings - but I think some more testing before the next round should see us back on track. “If we can stay out of trouble we’ve got a good spotter and a good radio - we should be able to garner a win this season. I think the Fords have more power, but the Holdens have a better package. “I think there is a big future for National Cars in Australia and, currently, we’re going through a growing period. “When the corporate world realis es the value they get with the cars visible to the fans all the time, including when in the pits and the TV exposure, I think the sport will go through the roof to the point where you have to run qualifying races. “With Bill Jane, Ed Ritchie and some other new people in key man agement positions, it’s like a breath of fresh air. These guys will bring some new vision and get it moving and, once it does, it will just snow ball from there.” In fact, Eddie is so convinced that this is the best class of racing in Australia at the moment that he is even willing to put his money where his mouth is. “I know there are plenty of older National Cars out there which are still eligible to run, so, to help encourage the sport I’m prepared to foot the cost of advertising any of those cars or parts that are out there, just to help get things mov ing,” he stated. “I know from my own business, if you don’t adver tise, you can’t seU them.” Eddie has no plans to move out of the division into the ACDelco Cup Cars ranks for quite some time. “I want to be at the front of the field. I won’t run a NASCAR in the middle of the pack,” he said. “To dc that, I would need about $250,000,, which I can’t afford. “With the Nationals being the best value for money for myself and my business, I think I’ll stay here a while longer and, hopefully, wie some races and a championship or two in the meantime.”

The planinnow is tothe get some testing before second round on December 6, as we need to find more comer speed in both cars, which will allow us to get: onto the throttle earlier while exit-' ing the corners, The boys in the Meibourn® I raceshop have just finished building my two new Valvolinesponsored J&J Chassis Sprintcass in readiness for the World Series Sprintcar Series that commences in Perth on Wednesday, November 26 - the weekerraJ before that, I’ll be debuting one ®f the ears at Parramatta Speedway.

he next four weeks will see me contesting the second round -of the ACDelco Cup Championship, plus a host of Sprintcar meets hopefully, 1 will have gained sev<eral top placings before I write the next column.

31.

2Wombe(W9I

Jeff Gordon clinched his second Winston Cup championship with a steady 17th place result at the Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 16, taking the title by a mere 14 points over Dale Jarrett, who finished sec ond in the NAPA 500. Gordon became the 13th driver to win multiple Winston Cup titles. Just like the Atlanta race last year. Bobby Labonte again saved the best until last, taking his first win of the season after leading 168 (the most 'ofthe 328 laps and dominating mid-race. It was Labonte’s fifth career win and it helped liim maintain seventh spot in the final points tally, in the process lapping everyone but the first five cars. ^ Mark Martin sat behind Jairett when the chequered flag dropped and he sat just one point in an'ears in the final points standings. "This was an unbelievable day,” said Gordon. “I never thought we were going to do it. It certainly wasn’t the best weekend for us, but it ended up working out. “We didn’t do it in any style today I three laps down), but we did it in style all year long.” Speaking of the fans’ response, he remarked, “normally the boos drown out the cheers, but not today when I got out of the car. If I get booed next year, it means I must be doing something right again. “I don’t expect evei-yone to be a Jeff Gordon fan, but I really appre ciate the loyal support.” Ford pilots Jarrett and Martin stopped on pit road post-race to congratulate Gordon’s Hendrick crew. “We did all we could do and that’s all you can ask,” said Jarrett. “We had a little carburettor problem, or

Golden Gordon's title again something. If it had run like nor mal, we would have been pretty awesome.” Geoff Bodine backed up his prac(.-(.g gpged, putting the QVC Ford convincingly on the pole with an awesome 197.478 mph speed, the fastest speed posted this season, Eamliardt looked set to finally end a 58-race non-winning strealt when convincingly took the lead on lap swapping the point before Eamhaidt took it back NASCAK threw a mandatory yel^ag to check tyre wear. Earnhardt continued to lead ^j^g caution, but Martin showed his hand and dove under The Intimidator, the pair swapping

the point several times before pit stops around lap 60. Jarrett headed his first lap dur ing the pit sequence and his Yates Ford team-mate Irvan also led, but exceeded the 45 mph pit road limit and was black flagged twice for two stop and go penalties. Labonte hit the front for the first time on lap 107 and led through two rounds of green flag pit stops, the second after the fourth and final caution, on lap 177 for the Earnhardt incident. Martin resumed the lead for the second time and looked set to win as he stretched his lead - however, Labonte turned up the wick and blasted by with just 30 laps remain¬

BREWER,PENNZOIL AND ACDELCO CUP ... Former Australian AUSCAR champion Marshall J Brewer and Pennzoil have com bined resources to move into the ACDelco Cup ranks at the Goodyear’Thunderdome metting on December 27. Brewer has purchased a Chevrolet Monte Carlo from Tasmanian speedway veteran Denzil Mead that is currently undergoing a complete repaint and rebuild before it is put through an extensive test and devel opment programme in the next four weeks. ‘Tor the first meeting. I’ll utilise an engine out of one of Ian Thomas s Chevrolet Luminas that I purchased for our Fastrack Racing two-seater rides - the engine came complete with dyno sheet readings from John Sheppard’s dynamometer and is quite a strong unit that will provide adequate power for my first ACDelco sojourn,” commented Brewer. “The engine that came in the car has all of the good bits and is under going a rebuild in the Adelaide workshop of Greg Hayes, I’ll most likely use that powerplant after I have a few races under my belt.” Brewer explained that he will not be contesting the South Australian round of the series at Adelaide International Raceway in mid-January, as he wants to continue developing the super speedway package this season before moving across to a road-race set-up. Brewer plans to race his Fastrack Racing Ford Falcon for the balance of the Strathfield National Cars series before he retires fi-om the category.

ing to win by 3.801 seconds. Final .^positions, round 32, Atlanta; B Labonte (Pontiac), Jarrett (Ford), Martin (Ford), J Green (Chevrolet), Derrike Cope (Pontiac), Petty (Pontiac) 324 laps, Hamilton (Pontiac), Nemechek (Chevrolet), W Burton (Pontiac) 323

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The BP Car care Group, com- mately came home third in the first prising a network of 155 fran- 40-lap race at the Thunderdome on chised dealer mechanical November 1, behind Kim Jane and Neville Lance. workshops, has issued a limit The 60-lap second race then saw ed production run collectible diecast Matchbox model of Wyhoon claim fifth, behind Kim Terry Wyhoon’s ACDelco Cup Jane, Jim Richards, Dean Wanless Ford Thunderbird, which was and Ian Thomas, campaigned by the team in the 1996/97 season. The models can be purchased from BP Car care sites around Australia. Wyhoon, again enjoying support from BP Car care, madq his 1997/98 season debut in his unique,locaHybuilt Thunderbird, turd I huiidLihiul which handled N \S( \l< superbly and ulti-

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laps, Benson (Pontiac). Final points standings: Gordon 4710, Jarrett 4696, Martin 4681, J Burton 4285, Earnhardt 4216, T Labonte 4177, B Labonte 4101, Elliott 3836, R Wallace 3598, Schrader 3576. - MARTIN D CLARK

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32 Report by DAVID OSTASZEWSKI Joe Amato defeated new 1997 Winston Champion Gary Sceizi in the Top Fuel final of the 33rd Annual NHRA Winston Finals at Pomona on November 6-9 and recorded the quickest pass in drag racing history at 4.558 seconds at a whopping 320.28 mph. Amato, Tony Pedregon and Kurt Johnson were the big winners as the NHRA closed the curtain on its 1997 Championship series. Amato, who was dealt a rare first round loss in the Budweiser Classic on Saturday, came back on Sunday and put his Jimmy Prock-tuned Action Racing Collectables dragster into the winners circle. Tony Pedregon scored his sec ond win of the season in the first all-Castrol Funny Car final round of the year. Pedregon qualified number two and marched thi’ough eliminations to set up a final round match with his boss, John Force. Pedregon set low e.t. for the floppers in the final round at 4.925/308.64 and passed Whit Bazemore to grab a second place finish in the final point standings. Kurt Johnson used a string of good lights and good runs from the AC Delco Pontiac to take the Pro Stock title over final round oppo nent Tom Martino. In the Pro Stock Motorcycle class. Matt Hines closed his great season with a final round win over John / Smith. TOPfUEL Larry Dixon Jr led the program with a 4.596/318.47 and had looked great during qualifying, with runs of 4.630, the 4.596,4.696 and 4.67$. But that string came to an abrupt end when he staged against the BME Chevy of Tim Gibson. Dixon was up in smoke at the green and the BME dragster of Gibson recorded a carefer-best 4.795/268.49 to send Dixon and his Miller Lite car packing. In another notable round one race, Scott Kalitta, in his last race for a while as a driver, was dealt a first round loss at the hands of Cristen Powell. The new-look ReeBok dragster recorded a 4.699/307.16 to stop Kalitta, who suffered his second parts-scattering engine explosion in as many days. The second round got underway with Powell taking her second straight win -with her new colors as she drove around Eddie Hill. Hill appeared to have the race in hand and was marching away until the blower belt exited the Pennzoil car, giving Powell the win 4.718/303.03 to 4.959/225.00. The next pair saw the same thing happen to the Bud King of Kenny Bernstein, but in this race Sceizi led from start to finish, posting a 4.610/315.23 that ended the day for Bernstein. Amato then took an easy win from the upset-minded Gibson -

Amato's 4.558/320.28 Pomona winner the quickest pass in history

CRUSHER... Joe Amato (above)sat his peers back on their heels with his Pomona-winning stunner against Gary Sceizi. (David Ostaszewski pic) Amato left first and never saw Gibson, recording a 4.656/313.80 to take the win. In the final pair of the round, Jim Head, rumoured to field a Funny Car as well next season, laid down a 4.776/284.18 in his Close Call dragster to stop the tyre-smoking, shut-off McDonald’s car of Cory McClenathan. In the semi, Amato left first and parlayed that into a 4.659/299.00 win over the closing fast 4.704/306.22 of Jim Head. Sceizi advanced into the final round when his 4.762/303.54 stopped the close in performance only 4.770/303.64 of Powell, as Sceizi had .053 in the bank right off the line. In the final, the same two cars that opened the season with a final round, tyre-smoking battle that went to Sceizi, staged to close the season. Amato was the only thing to stand in the way of the $50,000 bonus for winning the event and the Budweiser Classic on Saturday. At the green, Sceizi cut a great .437 light, only to go up in smoke.

He pedalled once, but no-one was going to catch Amato on this day. Amato stopped the timers with the quickest e.t. ever at 4.558 sec onds, blistering the speed traps at 320.28 mph. FUNNYCAR Four cars dipped into the fours, with Chuck Etchells and his Kendall GT-1 Dodge Avenger lead ing the way at 4.958/313.26. Tony Pedregon’s 4.982/309.49 was followed by recent Houston winner Dean Skuza’s 4.996/308.43 and Force wheeled his Mustang into the fourth spot with a 4.997/310.55. Cruz Pedregon unveiled his new green, red and black Interstate Batteries paint scheme for 1998 and grabbed the sixth position at 5.038, while Dale Pulde was behind the wheel of the Geronimo Camai'o, getting in the show at 5.198. The first round was a ■wild affair, with fires, upsets and bodies being launched. The first pair saw number one qualifier Etchells paired up with the Parts America/Havoline

Pontiac ofRandy Anderson. At the green, both cars left together, 'with Anderson starting to lose traction at 300 feet. Etchells seemed to be going into round two until the tyres broke loose, violently sending the car toward the wall - Etchells had to lift and Anderson just motored aroimd to get the win. Mitch McDowell had an incident similar to Jim Epler’s at Houston, the car going into a wheelstand when he pedalled it. McDowell’s front-end came up and the body left the chassis, tum bling gently to the ground. Skuza, who, ironically, was alonside Epler in Houston, was also next to McDowell and took the win at 5.059/309.27. The second round started with Anderson appearing to have his qualifying problems solved by tak ing a 5.044/306.12 to 5.475/224.15 win over the NEC Dodge of Gary Densham, while Tony Pedregon flexed some muscle with a 5.016/305.70 to 5.137/290.88 trouncing of Ron Capps and the Copenhagen Camaro.

Force kept Bazemore from clinch ing the second spot in the point standings when the Castrol Mustang laid dowm a 4.986/300.80 to stop the Winston Mustang's 5.138/306.85. Skuza then continued his win ning streak, taking out the Mooneyes Dodge of Kenji Okazaki, 5.001/307.79 to 5.332/224.21. Tony Pedregon started the semi by facing the Mateo Tools Dodge Avenger of Skuza. At the gi-een, Skuza took a slight advantage, but started to drop some cylinders - that was all for Skuza and Pedregon’s Castrol Mustang took the'win, 4.943./313.91 to 5.184/282.39. Pedregon’s final round opponent would be the winner of the race between Force and Anderson - the race was over before the green light came on, as Anderson lit the red bulb, giving the win to Force, 5.055/292.39 to 5.040/284.36. That set up the first all-Castrol final round of the year, Pedregon in the familiar green, red and white Mustang, while Force was in his Continued bottom of next page

1997 NHRA WINSTON DRAG RACING SERIES - FINAL POINTS AFTER WINSTON FINALS, 1997 Top Fuel Championship I. Gary Sceizi, Team Winston ..1837* 2. Cory McClenathan, McDonald's . . . .1660 3. Joe Amato, Keystone Warehouse . . 1597 4. Scott Kalitta, American Int. Airways .1301 5. Kenny Bernstein, Budweiser King . . 1279 6. Bob Vandergriff, Jerzees Activewear 1083 7. Larry Dixon, Miller Lite/Snake Racing .1071 8. Mike Dunn, Mopar Performance . . .1044 955 9. Jim Head, Close Call Racing . . .889 10. Shelly Anderson, Parts America

1997 Funny Car Championship I. John Force, Castrol Racing ... 186S* 2. Tony Pedregon, Castrol Racing HI I 3. Whit Bazemore, Team Winston . . . .HOS 1298 4. Chuck Etchells, Kendall/Mopar 5. Ron Capps, Copenhagen/Snake . . .1 174 6. Randy Anderson, Parts America . . . .1 167 7. Cruz Pedregon, McDonald's/Coke . .1166 8. Dean Skuza, Mateo Tools/Mopar . . .1083 9. Kenji Okazaki, Mooneyes/Prolong . . .959 924 10. Gary Densham, NEC Racing

1997 Pro Stock Championship 1963* Jim Yates, McDonald's Warren Johnson, Goodwrench (629 1575 Kurt Johnson, ACDelco Bruce Allen, Slick 50/Reher-Morrison 1110 Steve Schmidt, Schmidt Automotive JOSS .910 Tom Martino, MaMa Rosa Pizza .895 7. George Marnell, Marneil/Black .831 8. Troy Coughlin Jegs Mail Order 9. Larry Morgan, Raybestos Clutches . . .823 10. Scott Geoffrion. Mopar Performance .821

I. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

21 November 199/ n Winston Rookie of the Year and Top Fuel World Champion Gary Scelzi took out the Budweiser Classic race within a race” on the Saturday of the event, earn By Gerald MeDor ing the Alan Johnson-owned, Car champion would just Winston-backed team a replace it with one of the many spares he has. $100,000 pay day. Instead, Force surprised Much to the delight of the race sponsors Budweiser, everyone when he fronted Scelzi downed the Miller for the next qualifying sesLite entry of Larry Dixon in sion and eliminations with the final round. the special “Driver of the Year” commemorative body, The win set up the possi bility for Scelzi to take an which was supposed to only extra $50,000 bonus if he make one appearance, at could win the Winston the US Nationals in Indy a Finals the following day, few months back, The use of the specially although Joe Amato’s his toric 4.55/320 denied Scelzi painted Mustang drew the extra cash. incredible interest from all comers, especially from the a Dixon’s efforts to hide fans, so much so, in fact, the rival Budweiser that the few remaining brewery during the pieces of the limited edition Classic event telecast scale models of the car were didn’t go unnoticed, quickly snapped up - and Dixon wearing the com- the going prices of the pulsory Bud cap back- pieces rose from their retail wards during the tv cost of US$69.95 to well interviews at the bottom over US$300.00 each! end ofthe racetrack. As mentioned, though, M Joe Gibbs Racing happily for Budweiser, the announced at the Miller car failed in its quest Winston Finals that their to win the Bud Classic... Cruz Pedregon-driven unlike last year, when all Funny Car effort in 1998 the bonus money made ifs would be supported by way to the Prudhomme- Interstate Batteries - the owned team! same company which backs Gibbs’ NASCAR a First in the fours Winston Cup team - and Funny Car racer Chuck Hot Rod ntagazine. Etchells announced at The Gibbs team surprised the Winston Finals that everyone at the event by his Kendall flopper will running their final qualifynext year be cloaked in a ing pass at the event in the Camaro Z28 body. colours of the new sponsors, Motorsport News corre- enabling the team to get spondant Jon Asher has promotional and press phosome amazing behind the tos, with the new car drawscenes news about the deal ing rave reviews from all. - which saw Etchells jump ship from Mopar to U Another sponsor Chevrolet program for ’98 - announcement for next in our next issue, along year was Christen with a whole lot more infer- Powell’s signing of mation about who’s doing Reebok. what and with who for next Powell’s team, which is season. owned by Sportscar-owner (formerly known as IMSA) a When John Force Andy Evans, announced the banged a blower in qual- deal a few days prior to the ifying and destroyed the Finals, fronting at the event Ford Mustang body, with the car decked out in everyone expected that Reebok signage the seven-time Funny Continued from page 32 Indy-only, Driver Of The Year car. At the green, Pedregon was off and thundering, while Force had to pedal, getting close to the centerline - Pedregon set low e.t. for the class at 4.925/308.64 in taking the win and by 6 points moved into second place in the final Winston standings. That’s Force/Pedregon, one ' and two for the second year straight - The Untouchables are just that! PRO STOCK Jim Yates qualified num ber one at 6.973 and suffered the same fate as the number one qualified cars in TF and FC - a first round loss! Yates was paired up with Larry Morgan and his Raybestos Pontiac and, at the green, Morgan strapped a holeshot on Yates and held him

Cannon tour blasts off! J

: KILLER RED MATER ... Scotty Cannon poses next to his new, Murray Anderson-buut Studebaker.(Marshall Cass pic) run for their money,” said American drag racing leg A proud Anderson said engine, topped with a 14-71 end Scotty Cannon has the five-time World Pro building the car for Cannon hi-hehx supercharger. landed in Australia and Modified Champion. had been one of the high Amazingly, work began on The OnSat “Killer Red lights of his distinguished the car on just August 30, unveiled his brand new, Australian-built “Mater” has been built to full career. with Cannon taking his first Studebaker with which, IHRA specifications and fea “When Scotty first sat in brief ride in the car at he will be taking on our tures a “swing arm” rear the car I was sitting next to Willowbank Raceway last best doorslammer racers end/suspension set-up, devel Victor and he said, “What’s it Monday. Cannon’s first in the upcoming USA v oped by Anderson and Victor like having Scotty Cannon appearance will be at Perth’s Australia Top Bray and used on the two sitting in a car you built for Ravenswood Raceway, with Doorslammer Series. also at quickest and fastest him’ and I realised the appearances Cannon’s new Studebaker, doorslammers in the world - importance of the whole Adelaide, Calder Park, built by doorslammer-build- American Jim Odd/s Chevy deal,” Anderson said. Raceway Park - Heathcote ing guru Murray Anderson, coupe and Bray’s own ’57 Powering Cannon’s OnSat and Willowbank Raceways. is the latest state of the art Chevy. Studebaker is a'TFX hemi - GERALD McDORNAN chassis out of Anderson’s workshops. A delighted Cannon told Motorsport News this week that the car was everything he hoped for and more for his Australian tour. “I don’t think there’s any doubt that this car will be coming back with me to the states after I’ve finished my tour here,” Cannon said. “It fits me like a glove and the first quick burst I had in it told me that we’re on to something special here.” “I'm really looking forward SPECSAUSED MACHINING FOR to the series here first, though, and I think with * RESTORING 1950'S & DATER ENGINES TO STANDARD what we’ve got, we’re going to be able to give Victor and * SPEEDWAY aU of the other Australian DRAG RACING Top Doorslammer racers a

offfor a 7.045 to 7.023 win. .442, his 7.026/196.76 hold By the time the semis ing off his dad’s better began, only two of the top 7.008/196.85. In the final, Martino need twelve qualified cars remained, those being the ~ ed a holeshot and he got it, cars of Warren and Kurt cutting a .410 light, but the Johnson. power in the ACDelco The first race in the semis Pontiac was there for saw Martino and his Mama Johnson to drive around and 6.980/197.10 to Rosa’s Pizza Pontiac - which win, had qualified thirteenth and 7.039/196.99. knocked off Steve Schmidt PRO STOCK BIKE and Jeg Coghlin Jr - taking Matt Hines, as he has been on Morgan. This race was over just all season, was unstoppable. He took win number eight past the tree, as the Pontiac of Morgan broke^ giving out of a possible 14 events Martino the win at and laid down a string of 7.065/194.97. 7.30s along the way. The other match saw the Hines defeated defending father/son battle between event champion John Smith WaiTen and Kurt Johnson. in the final round, Warren had defeated 7.350/181.96 to 7.410/179. Gordie Rivera and Mark That ended up low e.t. for Pawuk, while Kurt had the class and his round two stopped Bruce Allen and 186.95 mph blast was enough to give the second Troy Coughlin. Kurt cut a great .422 light generation rider top speed of compared with Warren’s the meet.

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% Cowin rockets to Colder Pork win

By Gerald McDorjSn ■ This event was the last for the DiFilippo Family Team with their current combina tion, the True Flow Exhausts dragster about to be updated following Darren DiFilippo’s recent trip to the US. The team secured a number of sets of the latest Brad Anderson cylinder heads, along with a Nuclear fuel pump and expect the combo will be able to step them up to the pace required to be competitive with Cowin and Mikres. To help them get a handle on the new combination, the DiFilippos are currently speak ing with a number of experienced crew chiefs who could make the trip to Australia in the new year, with two-time Australian tourists Johnny West and Cory Lee being the current favourites on the list.

■ Super Gas racer Andrew Wakartschuk took an unusu al win while at the wheel of fellow racer Dean Gibbs’ LJ car Wacker’s Torana broke the back axle on the launch, sending the car wild ly out of shape while his opponent disappeared off into the distance. The experienced driver brought the three-wheeled Torana back under control before driving off the track surface. Amazingly, in the break-out class, his opponent didn’t look to see where he was and, you guessed it, broke out! Normally, if the Torana had been out of control and gone off the track, Wakartschuk would have lost the contest due to the “first or worse” rule, but with a driver who is in control of a stricken machine that drives off the track deliberately to avoid dropping oil, etc on the track, the “fii'st or worse” rule doesn’t come into play. Wakartschuk, who was even , more disappointed about the breakage after realising his oppo nent had broken out, obviously didn’t return for the next round. ■ Super Modified racer Peter Merrigan took out the “Dash for Cash” with the closest run to the bracket’s 8.90 index. The run-off incorporates all Super Mod, Super Gas (9.90) and Super Eliminator (10.90) cars, with the closest to his/her class index taking home the cash. Merrigan won $500 for his efforts. ■ Also in the money at Calder Park’s event were Junior Dragster racers Devin Souter and Wade Kisyma. Kisyma won $50 for the best reaction time of the day, while Souter won $50 for being closest to his dial-in during eliminations and a further $50 for taking out the event. ■ Foxtel’s Comedy Channel thought a stand-up comedian might help liven up proceed ings at Calder’s event. After starting with “I saw a couple of blokes out the front in dresses,” he was quickly booed from the stage!

Capitanio takes runner-up /

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POINTS LEAD... Graeme Cowin rocketed into the ’97 Australian Top Fuel Championship lead with a strong win at Calder Park. (Thunder-Pics) Report by GERALD McDORNAN

Sydney’s Graeme Cowin took a resounding win in the second round of the Australian Top Fuel Championships, held at Calder Park Raceway in Melhoume on Saturday night. Cowin took the win in a severe tyre-shaking, throttle-pedalling duel with former “student” Romeo Capitanio, the latter making his first appearance since-the Nitro Champs meeting at Eastern Creek in April - an event he also took runner-up honours in.

“My crew worked extremely hard and that’s what got us through to take the win,” an elated Cowin said after the final. “We really want to be able to run in the 4.7s at over 300, but that’s so tough to do and we’ll take every win that comes along while we head towards reaching our goal of winning the championship and run ning over 300. “Despite running 245 (mph) at half track, we couldn’t run much at the top-end, so we need to work on that a httle more if we’re going to run 300. “With so much rain yesterday, we were also a httle wary about blow ing the tyres off the car with a dicey track, so it’s something we couldn’t

really worry about today,” he said. Capitanio, who took his second runner-up spot in just three meet ings with his current car, said he enjoyed the showdown with his for mer mentor - Capitanio, taking a substantial holeshot, led off the start and extended it with quicker elapsed times to the 60 and 330 feet timers. “The car shook really hard and I had to pedal it, like Graeme did. But, when I hit the throttle, it didn’t feel like it was pulling much, so I thought I’d just shut-off and wait for Graeme to come by,” Capitanio said. “I had a bit of a laugh in the car, as I knew he’d be banging the throttle and doing everything he

could to pass me... he just had to beat me, which he did! “Anyway, he deseiwed the win for" the runs he put on the board earlier in the meeting,” a gracious Capitanio said. Cowin’s win, following his run ner-up finish to arch-rival Glenn Mikres at the Premier State Nationals at Eastern Creek Raceway a month ago, included a win over Mikres in the semi-final round and, after Calder, gives the 1995 Australian Top Fuel Champion an early 20 point lead in the championship. The Shell Rocketship had quali fied in third place with a shut-off 5.23 in the seven car field, with Mikres leading the charge, having recording an amazing 5.08/271 that included two pedals of the throttle, along with the Santo’s Cranes car using up nearly all of the lane. Cowin dowmed Mikres in a great semi-final match-up, nmning the low et of the event, 4.91/272 to Mikres’ 5.05/285 - a run for Mikres which was again plagued by severe tyre-shake. “It’s been a funny day, as we haven’t been able to get past 60ft without shaking the tyres really hai-d,” Mikres said after the event. “And, while we’ve been pedalling FIRST SIX ... On his first full run down the Calder Park quartermile, Albury’s Cameron Brooks drove his Pennzoil-backed AA/AP Chev Beretta to a solid 6.93/191. With plenty left in reserve, Brooks looks to be a future threat in the blown doorslammer wars. (Thunder-Pics)

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2WovemberW97 early in the run, Graeme’s car hasn’t been able to run ‘upstairs’ ... it’s just been a real mixed up deal, but well take the points and regroup for the next, round.” Rachelle Splatt’s attempt at tak ing the round came to a premature end after the first round, despite taking a win over Roy Smith. With the car going up in smoke not long after the larmch and with the engine revs rising to 12,000 i-pm, the Valvoline dragster severe ly damaged the real' mains in the block, requiring the team to change engines between rounds. Unfortunately, due to problems experienced during the changeover, the Valvoline team couldn’t front for their semi-final showdown with Capitanio, ending their day which had started v\dth a 5.13/277 qualify ing pass which slotted them into second spot in the field. “It was a tough day at the office for us, but we’re still happy with our qualifying pass, considering it was the first time we have run the bigger Waterman fuel pump and the MSD magnetos,” said Splatt crew chief Peter Wileman. “Everything that was in the car was brand new and, while a little of it didn’t come out looking new after the event, we think we’re in a good postion for the next time we come out.” In a rather lacklustre Top Comp bracket, Theo Pavlomanolakis teamed with Mai Harrington to take a deserved win with their Crow Cams/Pav-Tek Race Engines Camaro over former Nationals win ner Tom Easton. Easton had a horror day where everything went wrong, but luck allowed him to advance to the final round with his VDO Eliminator Altered. “I’ve had days where evei-ything went perfect but we got beat eaiiy, so I’ll take a runner-up spot quite happily, despite the day we’ve had,” Easton said. “We oiled the track, had a fuel leak we couldn’t find and smoked the tyres on the launch three times and we’re happy to see the end of the day - but, as they say, you’ve got to take them, all as they come!” a tired, surprised and jubilant

By Gerald MeDor n The Australia vs Japan Top Fuel and Top Alcohol Challenge, which was to take place at Fuji Speedway last weekend, was cancelled just hours before Australia’s rep resentatives - Top Fuel racer Robin Kirby and Top Alcohol racer Steve Reed - were due to leave for Japan. ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton told Motorsport News that, while disappointed about the cancella tion of the tour at such short notice, he and both Kirby and Reed were looking forward to the possibility of touring Japan again next season. “Despite the late notice of the tour, we got everything organised on time and it’s a disappointing ending,” Thornton said. “But everyone is keen to get to Japan, so we won’t be burning any bridges by complaining. These things just happen some times.” he said. ROMEO, ROMEO ... Romeo Capitanio’s presence was felt in T/F with a strong runner-up.(Thunder-Pics) Easton said. For their win, Pavlomanolakis and Harrington performed well, considering it was just the second meeting the pair had been teamed together -Pavlomanolakis supplied his potent blown small block Che-yy engine and did the driving duties, Harrington supplying his recordbreaking Chev Camaro. The pair qualified number one with a 7.58 and ran well under the national BB/Gas index during elim inations, with speeds topping over 183 mph. Super Comp was won by Bendigo engine builder Rod Rainford, with the Motivator Race Engines C/Dragster driving past South Australian Pro Stock racer Robert Quattrochi in the final roimd. After running his class’ first

n Raceway Park at Autocolour Suzuki, was actually Heathcote, Victoria, is having the event runner-up, Lennon’s a Working Bee at the venue Melbourne Suzuki team having on Saturday, November 29 been disqualified for a starting line and Simday,November 30. infiingement in the semi-finals. New Raceway Park promoter Results in the other brackets con Steve Bettes is hoping that any I tested on the night at Calder Park drag racers interested in helping were: Harry Nicolaou defeated Joe the new management get the Marrocco in the final of Super venue back to running national Sedan, Andy Papadakis defeated opens successfully will lend a Adam Geddes in Super Street, helping hand oh that weekend. Robert Hayley won over Craig For more information about Geddes in Super Modified, Col how you can help out, give Griffin defeated Des Woolstencroft Raceway Park’s office a call on 03 in Super Gas, Jamie Small defeated 9740 8980. Michael Viasakakis in Super Eliminator, Bo Vejby took out n While on the subject of Modified Bike over Darren Mason Raceway Park, it’s worth not and Devin Souter won Junior ing that their next three Dragster after defeating Kylie events are as follows: Goudswaard in the final. November 30 Test &'Tune/Street Meet December 14 ALTERED IMAGE ...^Tommy Easton took a wild, slip-sliding ride in his VDO Eliminator after dumping oil under the tyres. (Thunder-Pics) Street Meeting December 26 USA V Australia Top Doorslammer Challenge featuring five-time World Champion Scotty Cannon and Victor Bray.

seven second time the week prior in Adelaide, Rainford took the win in the final with an 8.06/165 over Quattrochi’s 7.87/170 from his Valvoline Pro Stock Beretta. Super Comp provided some excel lent racing and qualifying high lights, perhaps the most notable being the performances of the COME Engines cars of Sam and Issy Blummenstein, with both cars running well under their respective indexes - Sam Blummenstein qual ified first with a 7.26/189 from his V. B/AP Olds Cutlass. In Competition Bike, Jason Lee took his second win within a week aboard Dale Gilbert’s Pro Stock Suzuki. In a strange twist, Lee won the final over Brian Lennon, although Denis Ackland, aboard the ICI

n According to ANDRA, Sydney’s Eastern Creek ■Raceway has had it’s track licence for the time being reduced to just an 11.99 sec ond et limit, due to “damage” created when the track was cleaned following the recent Premier State Nationals. The “damage” is expected to be rectified by February, which means Sydney race fans will miss out on seeing Scotty Cannon in their home state. Fans will have to travel to Calder, Heathcote or Willowbank to see Cannon run.

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Report by STEVEN WHITE Records fell at the 1997 West End Festival State Championships held at Adelaide International Raceway on October 7-8, which saw Rob Tucker emerge victori ous in Pro Stock after defeating Tony Wedlock and establish a handy pointscore lead. In perfect weather, 130 competi tors contested the nine eliminators, which saw four new Australian National Records set - but there was an uncanny number of .398 and .393 red lights throughout the weekend. The Friday night qualifying ses sion saw many teams take advan tage of the perfect track, Joe Polito continuing his fine form with a 7.812/172.74 and immediately gain ing three tenths on his nearest rival in the sticky conditions. Saturday morning saw cooler conditions greet racers and fans alike, the cool air and hot track helping produce some truly excep tional qualifying times. Pro Stock

WEST

WEST END

NOGO... Potent Dyno Max Ford Probe of reigning champ Joe Polito (above)lost in the semi to bracket winner Rob Tucker. (Steven White pic)

Tucker tops Wedlock u Festival State Champs

Reigning Australian Pro Stock Champ Polito improved on his Friday night qualif^ng time in the first session on Saturday, holding onto the number one spot with a 7.787/173.81. Gary Parente jumped into second place with a personal-best 7.829, while Tony Wedlock, who has won the past three Spring Nats titles, ran consistent/7.8s during qualify ing, a 7.839 best earning him third Hopes of a local runner in the place. ,! Fellow Queenslander Rob Tucker final were dashed with Parente’s qualified fourth with a 7.842, while damaged roller follower and he was local runner Rob Quattrocchi drove unable to make the call - Wedlock into fifth with a 7.879 card. , looked dangerous with a John O’Kearney bought himself 7.876/170.84. The final was a classic. Wedlock sixth place with a 7.913 in the John Williams Auto Sales Pontiac, getting the jump with a ,453 light. Tucker not far behind with a .472. Andrew Kostecki drove his beauti But a 7.853/17274 saw Tucker ful Mustang into seventh with a 7.937, while Bruno Cugnetto take the title and the all-important couldn’t improve on his Friday championship poin^s, Wedlock night time in the new-look VPW recording a 7.923/170.77, his slowest Cutlass and sat on the bump spot pass and only 7.9 ofthe weekend. with a 7.944. Tucker has taken a 60 point lead Craig Hasted was on the outside in the series after round two and looking in, an 8.075 from the now moves to 210 points. Reigning champ Polito won Cragar T-Bird not enough to quali points for low ET and Top Speed fy him in the first all-seven second field at AIR. ,collecting 70 points in all and mov ing to a total of 150. Cugnetto faced the daunting, in form Polito in the opener, but gave P*ro Stock Bike himself every possible chance for an It was no surprise to see Les upset win with a .483 light to Polito’s .527. Donnon leading the pack, recording However, the Dyno Max Probe a fine 7.601 astride the Castrol had the power and Polito advanced Suzuki to top qualify. Gavin Bales rode into second with a 7.842/172-87 card to place with a 7.684, Jason Lee quali Cugnetto’s 7.953/170.08. fied third with a 7.750. Tucker and Quattroochi, contest Dennis Ackland (7.834), Angelo ed the closest run of the round, with the locM runner at the wrong Ganitis (7.925), Paul Andrews end of the finish line. (8.019) and Roley Gill (8.600) Tucker was away first with a rounded out the Castrol-sponsored .466 light, with Quattrocchi in hot Eliminator. DonnPn enjoyed the round one pursuit with a .471 reaction time but Tucker held his lead with a bye, coasting to a 7,688/170.03 and 7.898/172.94 to a 7.929/171.49 from into the semi-finals. Ganitis was a lucky winner, or Quattrocchi. perhaps Ackland was an unlucky Parente flew the flag for SA with a win over Andrew Kostecki, loser, the latter cutting a .398 red Parente recording a sleepy .592 light, while Ganitis covered only light to Kostecki’s .444 - however, a 60-feet before the bike stopped. Bales returned for eliminations 7.895/170.58 saw him take the win, Kostecki carding an off-pace after a top-end crash in an early 8.052/168.16 qualifying pass. Wedlock recorded a 7.877/171.03, - Bales was cleared to race and the winning through to the next round bike repaired, yet his race ended over O’Keamey’s 7.935/171.13 'before it begun, the Queenslander ~ With the majority of fans behind shutting off after the burnou and Polito, Tucker pulled off an upset allowing Gill to advance unchalround two win. lenged, while Jason Lee accounted Tucker cut a .472 light, while for Andrews with a 7.868./168.53 to Polito slept late with a .589, Tucker Andrews’8.090/158.42. recording a 7.854/172.51 and downIn the first semi, Gill was no ing red-hot favourite Polito, who match for Lee, who was into the recorded a slowing 7.912/162.48. final with a 7.813/169.23 while Gill

carded an 8.669/145.84 and Donnon recorded a 7.668/172.14 to down a troubled Ganitis. The final wasn’t to be the great race we had all hoped for, with Donnon breaking the beams early. Donnon’s .398 light handed Lee the easiest of wins, Lee recording a 7.831/162.16 for the win over Donnon’s cherried 7.695/171.91. Donnon had regained the points lead with a total of 170, Bales drop ping back to second on 150 points and the win moving Lee into third spot with 140 points.

Competition Victorian Rod Rainford was undoubtedly the big thing in the Just Commodore Spares-sponsored Competition Eliminator. In perfect qualifying conditions, Rainford recorded a stunning C/Dragster 8.019, some .361 sec onds under the 8.38 index. Not satisfied with that, in round two Rainford drove into the sevensecond zone with a simply amazing 7.971/167.03. The top three qualifiers were aU C/Ds, Rainford topping Wayne Cartledge, who drove .206 under the index and Jeff During, who drove .197 imder to qualify third. Chris Soldatos was the only other racer to qualify under his respec tive index, Soldatos driving .149 under the '7.47 AAltered index and recording a 7.321. John Handley drove into fifth place, followed closely by the Tectaloy Camaro of Danny Baines. Scott Ferguson wasn’t his usual tyre-smoking self, proving he wasn’t just show but had plenty of go and recording a 6.191 to qualify the Tonklin’s Car Audio Top Alky dragster in seventh place. Lui Raschella spent some time in the wilderness, but over the past nine months has showed some real promise and has started to run some great numbers in the big ’63 Bel Air - in Friday night qualify ing, Raschella recorded his quickest and fastest times to date, a fine 7.087/183.00 earning him eighth.

David Hawke made a welcome his amazing C/Dragster 7.971 and return to racing after a long layoff During accounted for Baines. In the first semi pairing, the and “AA Dave” as he’s known may well need his name changed to T/A C/Ds of During and Rainford marched into battle. Dave - his first full licence pass in A race can be one and lost on the the brand-new alky dragster pro duced a stout '6.13/213, T/A Dave line and During won with his .440 light - Rainford cut a .630 light qualifying ninth with a 6.374. Another newcomer running the before running an 8.154/166.05, but it wasn’t enough. During progress numbers is Dave Koop. In just his second outing, Koop ing into the final with a slower 8.266/159.94 card, recorded a 7.341 aboard the beauti Rainford, however, wouldn’t have ful ’57 Top Doorslammer Chev for tenth and was followed by Helen left disappointed, as he reset both ends for C/Dragster - the National Rusling (AA/AP) and Jason Durack Record now stands at 7.97 seconds (AA/G). Rainford coasted into round two and 167.37mph. Ferguson earned the semi bye after the round one bye, Soldatos also advancing with little trouble, and just needed to stage the car to advance to the final - but, after a as the starter motor broke on oppo nent Hawke’s ride - Dming, Baines thrash in the pits, the team strug gled to turn the car around, a dam and Handley also progressed. aged magneto the problem. The race of the round and per They hoped to stage the car on haps the event was between Cartledge and Ferguson, Cartledge just six cylinders, but the stubborn first away and Scott chasing - the JP-1 refused to turn over, the team hard-charging Tonkin’s dragster stranded in the staging lanes. During soloed for his second vic finished in a blaze of glory, winning tory in as many meetings, an by a coat of paint. “He hit the MPH traps first, but 1 8.351/166,05 giving him the West crossed the finish line first,”said a End Festival State title. Top qualifier Simon Butterworth very exited Ferguson. Scotty recorded a 6.177/220.37, defeated John Parisi in Caltex while Gartledge carded a slowing Bolivar Gardens Super Stock, while 8.466/127.04, an early back-off Mark Gedye top-qualified in Competition Bike with a proving fatal for Cartledge. But, if the Tonkin team thought 6.816/199.68 and a 6.789/198.28 their night’s excitement was over, from his Top Bike Harley before losing in the first round - Dannjr they were wrong. In round two, Scott lined up Groto won the Farmers Union Iced Coffee bracket after defeating Sam alongside Handley and cut the bet ter reaction time with a .468 light Scerri and resetting the P/Comp to Handley’s .546 - but all that Bike terminal record to 147.95mph. A redlighting Peter Merrigan seemed incidental to what hap handed victory to Alan Wood in pened next. Handley overpowered the track Cartronics Modified, while Craig before crossing the centre line, Geddes won Castrol Super Gas striking the 330 foot marker - the from Omar Sedmak, airborne marker then struck Complete Audio Super Street saw George Poulson redlight Ferguson’s helmet. Needless to say, Ferguson was against bracket winner Jim rattled and he, too, shook the tyres loannidis, while Arthur Bradbrook and crossed the centre line — it was emerged the victor in C&D a close call for both drivers, Motorcycles Modified Bike over Ferguson advancing to the semi to Stuart Chapman and Coca-Cola Junior Dragster went to Dale do it all again. Rainford downed Soldatos with Bragg over Kerry Mellett

SPEEDWAY

Hillenburg to run with Danny Smith

There’s a strong chance that American World of Outlaws star Andy Hillenburg will be joining Danny Smith this summer in Australia. Bendigo-based Sprintcar owner Les Harrower confirmed exclusively to Motorsport News last week that Smith has accepted the deal to drive the brand-new J&J chassis purchased by Harrower and which will run a John Sidney-prepared powerplant.

Harrower also said that “it should be a matter of days when we know what Hillenburg will decide,” but is optimistic that current plans to bring the 1997 top five WoO star to the east coast of Australia will come to fruition. If Hillenbm’g accepts the deal, he will be backed by the American J&J concern. Victorian Sprintcar fans will see the duo in action just after Christmas.

“We will race the car for the first time in Australia at Premier Speedway on January 1 at the World Series Sprintcars round that’s the plan at this stage, any way,” HaiTower said. Other Americans who have already confirmed to race in Australia - and possibly at Premier Speedway - are Brent Antill, Freddie Rahmer and Todd Schaefer. - GEOFF ROUNDS

Tatnell Masters S Despite the concerted efforts of Ron Krikke, Sydney star Brooke Tatnell ran out a wor thy winner of an enthralling Australian Sprintcar Masters at Speedway City, Adelaide, on November 15. Krikke had earlier smashed two track records to place his Maxim on pole for the 30 lap A Main, but a mistake by the “Bunbury Bullet” allowed Tatnell’s Shell Schnee to breathe fresh air.

Tatnell and Krikke crossed the line ahead of Phil March, the local ace turning in an excellent perfor mance to close within striking dis tance of Krikke. Former Masters winner David Anderson claimed foui’th in a race which claimed defending champion Garry Rush (blown motor) and Pete Smith, who rolled on lap 10. A full Masters report will appear in the next issue of Motorsport News. -DAVID McNABB

SPRINTCAR RACER ROB RANKIN’S RE'TURN ... Welder Rankin diced with death last February after suffering ammonia bums to his respiratory tract as a result of a workplace accident. During his lengthy stay in hospital, initially on a life support system, Rankin thoroughly assessed his life and expectations and determined that, along with his family and work, Sprintcars were still a necessity - thus, he will return to racing under the i Kevin McCalliun banner in a Foster chassis. - GEOFF ROUNDS

standring and the long black cloud

It had all the makings of a clas sic battle, but Mother Nature intervened at Parramatta City Raceway. Tough-talking NZ Speedcar star Graham Standring had baited Australian champ Craig Brady all week in the lead-up to the race meeting two weekends ago, but come race time and the Aussie’s car was nowhere to be seen. Not that Brady was scared - far from it in fact. A race accident the week prior at Wynns Newcastle Speedway, though, had badly dam aged the new #1 Murphy and it was back in WA being repaired by its constructor. Be that as it may. Standring wasn’t the lehst bit perturbed and focused his attention on the rest of the NSW fleet. With Warren Ferguson, Rod Bowen,'Troy Jenkins, Brady, Adam

Clarke and Darren Jenkins all standing head to head with him in the introductions, the Kiwi wheeled out a six-person Haka from some of his Maori mates to warm things up. With the racing underway, though, it was the Aussies with their tongues out, as they raced away to record comfortable victo ries in all their heats. Standring was taking some time to dial into the Dark Family #2 Esslinger, but come Dash time he was really looking good. Chris Stewart rang up the first win and Warren Ferguson looked fast in his #20 Esslinger, too, but the quickest at the time appeared to be the #14 Petty Enterprises Gaerte of Steven Graham. With Standring starting to fire, the Dash only got two laps in before the heavens opened and rained out the show. -WADE AUNGER

Max Elumesny Motorsport

V NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS 2]Homk!Wl

n Kendrick Race Engines tops the pointscore in the Sprintcar Association of WA’s engine building premiership for the 1997/98 summer of speed. With strong performances from Kendrick Racing Team drivers Mark Wells and Ryan Farrell and former member Ron Krikke, Kendrick is on 136 points in the inaugural title. ~ Second place is held by Murphy Racecars on 56(thanks to new fac tory driver Terry Cutts), with Performance Modifications (Shane Murphy)third on 50. The 360 engine building title is led by Albany Fuel Injection (Steve Gould) on 100, with JRE (Jamie Maiolo) on 84 and Street Quick Performance (John Green Jr)on 50. Murphy Racecars (Cutts, Murphy, Farrell) dominates the Open division chassis points with 186, with Maxim (Priolo, Ron and Shane Krikke)on 134. Gambler leads the 360s with 208 points (Gould, Maiolo, Barry

I. 2. 3. 4. S. 6. 7. 8.

n Victorian Gordon Cardwell claimed the Compact Speedcar honours during the Tri State Challenge at Wangaratta City Raceway on November 15. Second placing went to Victoria’s Ken Thomas and third to the ACT’S Troy Bolton. The Wangaratta Cup went to Brian Cardwell, with Bolton sec ond and Mick Rawlings third.

Queensland driver Andrew Scheuerie pulled off a shock win at Parramatta City Raceway on November 7, clinching the Goodyear Sprintcar Stampede in front of the biggest names in New South Wales. Scheuerie led home Garry Rush, Skip Jackson and Brooke Tatnell in succession in the beautiful #95 machine, running a smooth line and showing confidence in traffic to take the win. Rush hounded the youngster in the dying laps, but later admitted he wasn’t confident that he’d be able to make a pass, “He [Andrew] was running really fast. I was waiting for some sort of opportunity but it just never came,” Rush said on the podium. “These cars reall|f take it out of you. I started to get tired towards the end, too - young Andrew did a great job.” The quiet achiever of the night was undoubtedly Skip Jackson. Driving the new #7 Skilled

Merrylands 21 year-old Adrian Maher recorded his first Sprintcar main event win in the #80 Coldy’s Towbars Jenkins at Wynns Newcastle Speedway on November 1. Maher, a former Speedcar driver, started off the night in disappoint ing fashion, rolling the car and damaging the front-end. Reappearing for the main, he was plhced out of position #10, but the inversion put him on pole and that was all he needed to run away with an incident-packed 20 lapper. Maher recorded the win from a consistent Grant Tunks in the beautiful #55 Shantana Landcape JB and a veiy aggressive Joel Knott in the #44 Asia Motors Gambler.

popped the right rear wheel off in Engineering Jeff Jackson car. Skip was making rapid progress through turn four on the second lap. The team changed the wheel and the field as the chequers came down and, with a few more laps, Tatnell charged from the back in may have caused some real concern , fifteen laps to take the win, start off for Rush and Scheuerie. I the back of the Goodyear final and Brooke Tatnell was certainly Mr eventually run fourth - truly an Excitement, though, the #8 Shell inspiring drive. Probably the most pleasing Helix Schnee flying - literally, at times - in both the B Main and the aspect of the meeting was the suc Feature. cess enjoyed ■^)y interstate drivers Tatnell missed his second heat Matthew R'eed, Chas Calandro, Matthew Sullivan, Anthony and had to qualify through the B Lambert and, of course, race win Main, although that process was ner Scheuerie. - WADE AUNGER made more complicated when he

Clarke sets the pace

NEWCASTLE SPEEDCAR DRIVER ADAM CLARKE has really been on the pace in his #76 Out of Control Surfwear Ellis machine this siunmer. The confident youngster is chasing three feature winsfn a row at his home circuit - so far, out of the four feature races contest ed this summer in NSW, two have been won by Clarke, with the other two being claimed by Darren Jenkins and Rod Bowen. -WADE AUNGER

Maher’s maiden

Knott had the crowd and the commentators drawing very slight breaths as he ricocheted around Newcastle, wheelstanding, bicy cling and scraping the wall as he went. NSW Club Champion John Shore was holding down a strong place, until he half-spun the #66 (laltex Havoline car with only two laps remaining. Rookie driver John Cross came unstuck in a big way when he slammed the turn one wall and burst into flame.

POINT STANDINGS AFTER RDJ - NYORA SSI 11197

Matthew Reed Kato/Wholesale Auto/Balcombe Tiner Tim McCubbin Valvoline/Specialised Paints/ICI Stealth Darren Walsh Chemblast/Walsh F’glass Pennzoil JSR Wayne Milburn - Leishmann Panels JSR Mike Van Bremen - Speedway F’glass/Penrite/D&F Foster Jeff Judd Autopro/BP Gambler Steve Knight Flocon Engineering Gambler For more information on Hoosier Drag Rob Richardson - Lubri Maxx/Wrightway Refractories JSR Buckley’s Gaming Club Foster . . and Speedway Tyres cal! 02 9679 1990 j 9' Rob Rankin 10 Butch Hunter Aiiansford Caravan Park Gambler or 03 9331 6477 Fax 03 9331 7444

^ ^ RACING TIRE

n Poleman Shane Murphy led h-om the flag to take out the 20 lap 360 Sprintcar feature on November 14 at Claremont Speedway. John Green Jr was second, ahead of Steve Gould, the race being declared with a couple of laps to go after an incident between Marc Giancola and Brett Sartori.

Scheuerie shocks PCR

1997/98 SRA SPRINTCAR SERIES

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Bradford), ahead of Jenkins (Marden, Green Jr) on 76 and, on 30 points each, Schnee (Stubber), Murphy (Murphy) and JGR (Searle).

.404 376 362 .350 .321 284 .277 273 270 263

Cross had broken his leg in the impact, as the drive-line broke and he was unable to remove himself from the vehicle. Sensing the urgency, quick thinking paramedic David Higgins charged into the fire and pulled Cross to safety. Cross was later flown to John Hunter Hospital by the Westpac Careflight Helicopter - he will be racing again later this year, the enthusiastic and undaunted rookie racer said. -WADE AUNGER

BURNUP SUCCESS... After mastering their starting technique, Aussie champs Glenn Hough and Robbie Armstrong demonstrated their superiority and won the 1997 Ace ofAces International Grasstrack event at Stockbridge on October 25-26(pictured above) during their current UK tour. Hough and Armstrong also took home the gold in Kent on November 2.(Mike Patrick pics) Britain’s speedway dium is biggest closing its doors tosta the sport for two years. Odsal Stadium at Bradford is to undergo a major rebuilding pro gramme and, although the Bradford Bulls Rugby League team will continue to play there, no speedway will bq run there until 2000. It means thefe will have to be a new circuit for the British round of the World Championship Grand Prix and also for the British Elite League Riders Championship. Bradford Dukes Speedway club has former world champion Gary Havelock, former under-21 cham pion Joe Screen and Grand Prix rider Mark Loram among their assets and promoter Alan Hame says these riders will be loaned to other tracks until Bradford relaunches for the Millennium. The move is a big blow to the sport in UK, as Bradford are British League Champions.

By Tony M i 11a r<|„QK’ Cradley lost the use of its Dudley Wood circuit at the end of the 1996 season, but the team regrouped for a one-off meeting in October at nearby Wolverhampton. Their promoters are now con sidering whether they could race there on a regular basis, sharing the track with Wolverhampton and greyhound racing. Such a track sharing arrangement would be

Americans Greg Hancock and Bill Hamill, are both Cradley riders who have spent 1998 on loan at Coventry and Belle Vue, respec tively. However, the Cradley promo tion is still negotiating for a return to their original stadium, where the local .authority has vetoed a plan ning application for housing. If the site can be purchased from housing giants Barrette, then speedway could, after all, be back at Dudley Wood.

Karlsson in the field, as well as Sam Ermolenko, it was quite a performance by the Sydney rider. Boyce is spending Christmas and the New Year in England this year, before returning home where he will have a limited amount of racing, including the Australian Final. Boyce is, of course, one of four Aussies, alongside Ryan Sullivan, Leigh Adams and Jason Crump, in next year’s Grand Prix series.

Sweden’s 1984 World Champion Tony Rickardsson is returning to the British League on a regular basis for 1998 and will ride again for Ipswich, for which he competed for the last two months of the 1997 season.

ustralian Champion Craig Boyce won the prestige Blue Riband individual event staged to bring down the curtain to the sea son at his home track,Poole. Boyce finished second from the

Ipswich is also considering making an offer to Polish superstar| Tomasz Gollob to race regularly in I the British League, With the British meetings set to be televised live in Poland during 1998, there is a real attraction in terms of sponsorship for Gollob to race in the British League for the first time. Coventry, by World Champion headed Greg Hancock, has won the Craven Shield in end of season play-offs from the British Elite League. The top eight clubs competed for the trophy and Coventry met Kings Lynn in the Final over two legs. Coventry won both legs and overall took the Shield, 187-73. At Kings Lynn, they won 49-41, with John Jorgensen heading the scorers with 15, while Brian Andersen and Hancock grabbed 10 apiece. In the home win (by 58 points to 32), Andersen led the way with 14 and Hancock scored 12.

he massive indoor meeting at Brighton’s Conference Centre on Sunday December 14 'he last Grasstrack looks like being a 5400 meeting of the year seat sell-out. in Britain was won by It is the first time the Steve Schofield, who sport has been raced on won the ‘Bonfire Burna genuine shale circuit Up’ ahead of a truly indoors in Britain and international field at i many top riders will be Tonbridge. I taking part in the event, Aussie Jason Crum p ! including , current finished fifth in the six j Australian champion man final, behind three j Craig Boyce and Englishman in Scofield, j Adelaide’s Shane Parker. Glenn Cunningham and World Champion Greg Joe Screen, with French Hancock will be riding, as rider Phillippe Berger | well as a former world fourth. ! champion, American But it was a n i Sam Ermolenko and Australian triumph in the i Californian stunt rider lOOOcc Right Hand| Shawn McConnell. Sidecar event, as Glenn Ermolenko races just Hough and Robbie two weeks before he FIERY RIDE... JasonCrump heads Final winner Steve Schofield and Finn Joonas Kyhnakorpi at Tonbridge, Kent, in Bonfire Buniiip heat. Armstrong took the title, joins Dave Tapp’s Series , Rickardsson will commute from despite a disappointing display 500 troupe in Australia. unique in the British League, but is qualifying races behind earlier in the qualifiers. * a serious option, as Cradley is just Screen, but triumphed in the four- his Swedish home for meetings in The Victorian brothers-in-law iscussions are taking place'10 miles from the Monmore Green man final, ahead of Screen, Mark the UK and they will dovetail with that could see Cradley circuit and would generate a big Lemon and Marvyn Cox. his Polish and Swedish League repeated their win a v^ek earlie Heathens revived in time for the following. , With Grand Prix riders Mark commitments, as well as the in the Ace of Aces meeting m 1998 season in Britain. The last two world champions, Loram, Leigh Adams and Peter Grand Prix series. wiitsnire.

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Logue claims Queen's Cup

A quality 16-car field contested the Coca-Cola Queen’s Cup the first event on the Victorian Super Sedan calendar - on November 8 at Bendigo’s International Speedway, with Peter Logue absolutely domi nating proceedings. Although not a big field, some of Australia’s biggest names were competing, including current Australian, Victorian and South Australian champion Logue. Logue, who pilots the Repco Motorsports Camaro, has built a new 362ci Chev motor after win ning the National Title at Darwin in June. Sponsoi-ed by Penrite Oils, Cheap Tyres and Gippsland Signs, the Z28 demonstrated the reliability of a Rob Benson engine, Logue taking a convincing victory for his first race of the season. The #78 Stonehouse Racing Freightliner Jones Trucks EF Falcon, being driven by current Victoria 2, Tony Grinstead, was also on the track. The Ford was sporting a new dif ferential, with numerous modifica tions being introduced to the frontend, ultimately making the carmuch lighter than last season. Also behind the wheel of his new machine was Mick Nicola. Nicola, who has brought a new aerodynamically-designed Camaro from Danny Smith, looked set for a big night in the great-looking #16 Traralgon Car City-sponsored Chev. Holding the Ford banner again w'as cuirent Vic 3 holder Michael Clark, in the Track Tech Motorsports 351 Ford V8 EF Falcon. The husband and wife team of Steve and Debbie Reddecliffe(M & J Auto Wreckers/Bevic Auto Parts) was also on the track, both driving Camaros, with Steve steering the #11 American-designed ex-Test Team 350 Chev. Interstate campaigner Gavin McEachern was driving his newly pu7-chased 18 degi-ee 355ci Chev Pontiac. Sponsored by Trident Tyre Centres and Spectrum Distributors, the ex-Rick Slatter Tasmania 1 car(also built by American John Soares) looked very impressive on the night. Unfortunately for Ian Page, the Page Transports EB Falcon caught fire during practice, Page being

INSIDE LINE... Reigning Australian Champion Peter Logue’s black Camaro dives under Steve Reddecliffe during Bendigo heats. (Brett Swanson) unable to continue racing on the night. Heats were run over six laps, with each competitor running four heats each on the fast Bendigo halfmile. The action was fast and furious, Logue putting out the challenge straight away with three wins, other victories going to Clark, McEachern and John Rodda(K & J Rodda). Unfortunately for the Stonehouse Racing team, a gearshift linkage problem saw them unable to com pete in their first heat. Their second heat (heat 3) saw the team fare no better when they lost the bonnet, which departed from the Falcon in spectacular fashion, turning sideways to pass the judge’s box before coming to a halt in the crowd. Damage was received to the bon net clips of the Grinstead-driven Falcon when a racing incident occurred between rookie driver Scott Whittle (Western Auto’s), Nicola and Grinstead, Whittle spin ning coming out of turn 2. Whittle retired with a flat left rear and, unfortunately for the #16 Camaro of Nicola, a broken top wishbone saw the car towed off the track. Steve Reddecliffe made a spectac ular drive on two wheels along the wall between turns 1-2 in heat 5. Reddecliffe, very lucky he didn’t tip over, managed to right the caj: and continue in the race, although crossing the line in last position. When the green flag flew in the

20 lap feature event, Logue took the lead and never relinquished it for the entire race. Clark moved into second, with Amato in third and McEachern fourth. Amato lost ground as he came into turn 1, a short detour infield seeing him rejoin the race in fifth place behind Rodda. Nicola moved through the field after starting eighth on the grid. He was putting the challenge up to Amato when a racing incident occurred between the IROC Camaro of George Courtot

(Daylesford Truck Sales & Wreckers) and Ian Giles, triggering a caution. An eye broke on the suspension in the right hand trailing arnjf of the Giles car, causing the #81 car to veer in front of Courtot and leaving Courtot with no racing room - the IROC sustained front-end damage, with both cars unable to continue. Rodda was the next retirement, with a flat left rear. Whittle also retiring a short time later with a flat right front tyre. Nicola stalled in turn 2, bringing out the yellow flag.

When racing resumed, a ques tionable restart saw Clark lose two positions, McEachern taking over second behind Logue, followed by Amato with Clark in fourth. Amato then came underneath McEachern to take over second when McEachern went high in turns 1-2. Final placings in the 1997 Queen’s Cup were: Logue, Amato, McEacIiern, Clark, Nicola, Steve Reddecliffe, Debbie Reddecliffe, Bob Lilley (Australian Turbo Sales Tullamarine) and Jeff Blood. - SUE HOBSON

DEFLATED... Having run as high as,fourth, John Rodda eventually retired with a flat left rear. (Brett Swanson)

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21 Nombsr 199/

Leslight ups ante

BRISBANE EXHIBITION SPEEDWAY reopened for the 1997/98 season on November 8 with new promoters and many expected changes to its presentation. Brothers Lloyd, Mark and Ross Robertson, better known as the owners/promoters of the Holden Precision Driving Team, have invested heavily in the Ekka Speedway and plan to provide it real speedway” at an afforda*ble price. Adult entry prices were down to $12 and, to ensure a high standard of racing, a new track surface was laid - securitywise, a higher safety fence was built around the entire oval. Opening night featured the debut of the AMCA-National cate gory and a Speedcar feature - pictured above (Barry Marshall pic), NSW Speedcar driver Dave Lambert scorches inside Gary Hynds,the event won by Gary Mulcahy. - BARRY MARSHALL

Sydney Murphysprintcar roundedstar outPeter his American World of Outlaws cam paign with shows in Arizona and Nevada. After completing his round of engagements, he jetted into Sydney where he immediately launched into promotional work with the Westmead Children’s hospital. Murphy’s hectic schedule saw gives so much to so many young him compete 'in the Western people is what life is all about,”’ World event;3t the well-known Manzanita Speedway in Phoenix, Murphy added. Arizona, while he rounded out his commitments with the running of rounded out his campaign earlier thisOutlaws month the second annual Gold Eagle Peter Nationals at the Las Vegas Motor with two major shows, commenc ing at Manzanita Speedway in Speedway. Peter ran with the World of Arizona. The 30th Annual Western Outlaws extensively during the lat ter half of the season and World Sprintcar Championship was up for grabs, as not only the impressed observers. He had the drive in the Outlaws’ finest chased the prizemoney, but also some top names Williams car and the word coming from the team is that he will again from California. Peter commenced his assault link up with this operation in 1998 with a good performance in the for an extended race campaign time trials, after he timed in 17th starting earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Murphy and fastest from the 54 cars that ran engine-builder Ian McKee (Team against the clock. Despite missing one of the four Manager for the Murphy Racing Team) became involved with transfer spots to the A Feature Sydney’s Westmead Children’s from the heats (he finished in sixth Hospital to provide youngsters spot in heat one), Peter ultimately with the opportunity to not only sit reached the main event after he in - and look at - a Sprintcar took the runner-up spot in the B Main. close up, but Ian and Peter organ Murphy, however, missed a ised for the donation of toys from major placing in the 30-lapper for the Terry Ryan Wholesale Group during their visit to the hospital the Western World Championship, which was won by Mark Kinser (which sits on the site of the for mer Westmead Speedway, where from Stevie Smith and Sammy Swindell. Peter’s dad, Harvey, competed in Modifieds during the sixties). In addition to the Westmead From Manzanita Speedway, the World of Outlaws travelling Hospital visit, the Murphy team will also be selling “Bandage road show headed to Nevada and Bears” at all the circuits they race the gambling capital of the world. Las Vegas, for the running of the this forthcoming summer season. Two dollars from the sale of second annual Gold Eagle Nationals. every bear goes directly to the The two day show was divided new hospital - the Murphy Team between a Preliminary Feature will also conduct raffles at speed way venues under the Bandage and heats on the opening night and the main attraction the follow Bear banner to raise money. McKee finalised arrangements ing evening, incorporating heats for the hospital visit while Peter and a C, B and A main. First night out, Murphy was was still in America. “I’m really excited about being 35th fastest in time trials from 68 able to help the kids,” Peter said cars, but a ninth placing in the over the ‘phone while still in ,third heat ultimately left him unplaced in the B Main, won by America. Racing is one thing, but help- Johnny Herrera from Greg ing out with a cause like this that Hodnett and Brent Kaeding.

By Dennis New

Veteran Super Sedan cam paigner John Leslight extended his lead in the 1997/98 Coastline Vehicle Transport Super Series with a win in diabolical condi tions at Gympie’s Mothar Mountain Speedway on November 8. Starting the curfew-shortened feature event from pole position, Leslight (American Truck Parts Camaro) led from the outset and was still in possession of the top spot when the chequer was unfurled at midnight after just 18 t laps ofracing. In anothej- dominant display, Leslight also cut the quickest lap in time trials on the uniquely-shaped track that he rarely visits. Local favourite Cameron Meehan (Lewin Homes Falcon) pressured Leslight throughout the final 10 laps, but lapped traffic and thick dust hampered his attempts to make a move for the lead. The big mover through the field was Ian Marshall, who steered his Federal Tyres Commodore through into third position. The following night, Murphy stopped the clocks at 17.762 sec onds to erperge as 43rd fastest from 62 cars in qualifying time trials. His best effort on this night was a middle order placing in the C Feature, but his efforts were still praiseworthy, in view of the strong opposition he faced on this partic ular night,

eanwhile, it was a big night for Jeff Swindell, who took out the Second Annual Gold Eagle Nationals in advance of brother Sammy and Andy Hillenburg. It was one of the best perfor mances turned in by Jeff Swindell on the Outlaws’ tour. “We need to race here every week,” a delighted Jeff Swindell said from Victory Lane. “My crew gave me a great car and we made the right tyre choice. I kept wanting to run in the low groove, but JD (Kramer) told me to move up to the top.

ark Kinser rounded out the end of the Outlaws season with a win in the Western World event. Despite some commitments with the NASCAR Truck Series, Mark was a model of consistency in this year’s World of Outlaws Sprintcar competition and com pleted the season as the leading money earner and recorded more A Feature race victories than any other driver, with 24 wins to his credit.

Sammy his third Swindell career wrapped Outlaws up National Championship with a buffer of more than 100 points over Dave Blaney at the finish. Steve Kinser ultimately finished third in the standings, while the top ten were rounded out by Jac Haudenschild, Andy Hillenburg, Stevie Smith, Greg Hodnett, Johnny Herrera, Mark Kinser and Joe Gaerte. Despite competing in only a selected number of shows during the 1997 season, Australia’s Garry Brazier was placed 20th in the final point standings. In winning this year’s champi onship, Sammy Swindell won 19 A Features, 11 Preliminary Features and 18 Vivarian Dash events.

After finishing as top pointscorer indication of the depth within the after the six qualifying heats, a division at the moment. Unfortunately for Randall, his poor lap during time trials dropped the former Australian champion early success came to nothing when an engine ailment brought his back down the grid to eighth posi tion. night to a premature end - a simi Marshall threw caution to the lar fate befell Rockhampton veteran wind in the feature, passing cars on Rod Gough, who retired from pro all parts of the circuit in one of his ceedings with a gaping hble in the strongest performances for some engine of his American Truck Parts time. The reduced distance proved Pontiac. Time trials played a very impor crucial, because the lead duo was losing ground to Marshall when the tant role on thismccasion, with race ended. some major changes to the feature line-up. Rockhampton’s Mick Doblo con Doblo, Meehan and Jamie tinued his impressive recent fonn, starting alongside Leslight on the McHugh were the big improvers, front row and eventually finishing while Warren and McGeorge joined fourth ahead of Shane Paulger Marshall in a backward slide (Breaka Pontiac), Peter Warren through the field. (North Coast Concrete Commodore) McHugh, who has been battling and John McGeorge (Shell Pontiac). major handling difficulties since Don Birt (Bayside Glass Falcon) installing an Alan Jones-supplied and Paul Geary (Infinity rear wing on his Miami Smash Commodore) rounded out the top Repairs Falcon, failed to make it to ten, ahead of Geoff O’Keefe the finish in the main event. Round three of the Autobarn (Caioundra Exhaust Falcon) and Modified Production series saw Newcastle’s A1 Starling (McGuigan Brothers Pontiac). defending champ Greg Raymont A strong field of 19 cars fi-onted score his first win of the year, to do battle in front of yet another ahead of Todd Doyle, polesitter crowd. The preliminaries were Andrew Geppert - who stormed taken out by Wayne Randall (Ian back through the field after being Boettcher Motors Mazda RX7), banished to the rear on the opening Paulger, Warren, Meehan, lap - Gary Pagel and Peter Dovle. -CHRIS METCALF Marshall and Leslight, an accurate

Modifieds at Cascade The Cascade Apple Isle into second place. O’Connor tried to Raceway near Latrobe in move his Commodore up the inside Tasmania turned on maximum of Gray in the last turn, the two excitement on November 8 for making contact and, when Gray ran wide, O’Connor grabbed his its second meeting of the year. While the Sprintcars and Super first win from Bland, who claimed Sedans were the draw card, it was second. the Modified and Street Stock divi The second heat and final provid ed good, close action, but lacked the sions that produced the most excit ing racing, with some fierce on- drama and excitement of the first, track battles. Gray winning both despite strong Modified Sedans came out with challenges from Bland and Dale all guns blazing to keep the crowd Riley in the early stages of the 15 on their toes. lap final. Disappointingly, only four Barry Youl was lucky not to roll Sprintcars turned out for their first his car in the first heat, as he had the car up on two wheels in tm-n 3, i-un of the new season. Tony Smith powered away in the only to recover and hit the wall - he recovered to finish just out of the final after a strong challenge from placings, but record a finish that Brendon Claridge, who struck mechanical ills and failed to finish would earn him valuable points. In the early laps of the final, - Geoffrey Lette took second and Rodney Kerr led as Youl tried to Phil Chilcott third in his first Spi-intcar outing. pass his car down on the pole line. The Super Sedan final was won Finding a lack of passing room by Kemble Aylett, who was having down low', Youl decided to take the a good run from the front of the long way round and drive around the outside of Kerr, but could only pack - the big sedans are unfortu nately still down on numbers, but pull alongside as the two battled side by side for several laps to the they continued with good hard rac ing to keep the vocal crowd on their delight of a vocal crowd. Youl finally pulled in front and toes. In the final, Aylett took his led the final five laps to the flag, as Kerr fought off Jason Richards to Camaro to the front, driving a con sistent race to secure the win, the line. Dean Gray merged victorious despite Ne\dlle Harper tiying ever}' after one of the hardest meetings of trick in the book to get by. They crossed the line, Aylett his career in the Street Stocks. The first heat provided most of leading from Neville Harper. the action, as Kevin Bland led JaiTod Hai-per and Mick Bagorski. Neville Harper was then relegat going into the last lap when Gray tried to get up the inside coming off ed to sixth after ignoring a black turn two. flag for having his window' net undone and was fined $100 - how They made contact and Bland look like he was about to spin, but ever, there was a discrepancy with fortrmately w'as able to recover to the charge sheet and, after much discussion in the stewards room, he pursue Gray, who was leading and was reinstated to second position. Damian O’Connor, who had taken -ALLAN ROARK advantage of the situation to move

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be '96/97 summer season in Western Austraiia has taken off in fine style, with two sensational shows at Claremont Speedway sponsored by Quit, plus the open ing round of the Speedcar Country Challenge Series at Albany’s Artwell Park. The previous weekend to Claremont’s opening night, Bunbury City & Regional Raceway had their annual shakedown show. Now, I did say I wouldn’t believe Alf Barbagello was going to race a car until I saw him in a racesuit at the track, but damned if 1 didn’t see him have a run in Ryan Farrell’s new PMFM/Team Kendrick Murphy-built Sprintcar. Now, I know not to believe the rumours that had started, but after completing a number of laps close to the racing times for Bunbury, it wouldn’t surprise me if “Mr Sprintcar” pulls on a Sprintcar prior to this season’s Australian Championships.

bing the honours for the first second laps - two laps of 13:96 came onto lapped traffic, but rollover of the season. This came and 13:91 were reeled off during stopped going forward as his about when Gray came under the event, which also was a 6 lap brakes had started to fade. “I decided to back off a little to Jones, collecting the latter’s front record. The front row for the feature save the rear, as I thought i’d done end and sending him sideways. Higgs threw his Samsung consisted of RK and Cutts, but enough in making a break over the Pontiac to avoid collecting the Krikke was less than impressed as rest of the field,” he said - this spun Jones, only to touch side on the lower line had just been proved to be correct, as he went and the momentum causing Higgs watered and caused this part of the on to win, with Cutts closing over Murphy, Shane Krikke and Wells. to bounce onto his right hand track to be exceptionally slippery. The 360 wheels and softly roll over on the Sprintcars proved to be dream night entry to the main for the LJM crew, straight. as Jamie Maiolo Higgs escaped had the debut that unhurt, but his car everybody would was damaged suf wish for. ficiently to miss the He emulated rest of the pro¬ team mate Ron gram. Jones went on Krikke with a heat win, then an all to win the restart, the way win in the after Gray was sent rear of field. Feature. “The Kid” then Shane Murphy came out and led was doing double duty in both every lap of the Sprintcar divisions feature, with Gray and looked the pushing all the goods early in the way. night with two heat Vosbergen con tinued on with his wins, only to be taken out of congood form to hold tention in the final on to third. when Pino Priolo Paul Stubber (Vision (IKEA Maxim) was Construction a deserving winner Schnee) ran over in the final, holding the front of his car. off Ron Krikke (IJM DKProduce damaging the front wing. / Maxirn) and Shane A lot of the Krikke (Castrol action in the 360 Maxim) for the win, final was further but every time someone else led, back, as JJ Green (who came home something hap POTENTIAL... Terry Cutts(above) has teamed with GeoffMurphy. in third), Barry pened. Bradford and Marden all worked Firstly, Terry Cutts (Cutts their way through the 16-car field. Transport) put in a dominating Sedans were represented by drive, only to see it taken away in two divisions. Super and traffic when Ryan Farrell cut down Modifieds. on him, taking out his steering The Super Sedans started off the red # 16 of Cutts pulled a huge 360 degree wheelstand and rolled with a bingle between Craig 'Vosbergen and Barry Blake, after infield, crashing into an infield Vosbergen had his front-end sponsor sign. , Then Mark Wells (Team rearranged by the right rear of Gray, Kendrick PMFM) dropped a driveThe heat action was tight, with line with about three to go and Gray, Kevin Bell (Giacci Camaro), Priolo was the best of the rest after His worst fears happened at the Vosbergen (the 'old version). the restart. start as Cutts bolted away to the Jones and Peter Brook (Burnett

nyway, back to night one at iCIaremont on October 17 and I’ve had to eat my words again when Lee Redmond arrived at the track (thanks mate!). Lee-Roy has made arrangements with his new boss in Kalgoorlie to be able to compete at all this season’s shows at Claremont, plus any of the country shows for the 500cc Speedway Motorcycles. And he didn’t disappoint, taking three out of four wins on a track that didn’t really suit the bikes. His only threat on the night was veteran Nigel Flatman, who grabbed a win in heat two. Unfortunately for Flatman, he dropped the model in the first comer of the final, luckily only damaging his pride. Other good performers included rookie Lee Blackman, Keith McKinley and Doug Duff. Sidecars had another sensa tional night, with four different win ners from their five races. The combinations of Mark Vince \ Drew/Chris Page, Gianoncelli/Brad Castle, Russell Mitchell/Brett Evill and Brad Willis/Mick Sita all took out a win, while former Aussie champ Mitchell grabbed the final. “S' Ed Blakeny, with passenger Craig Roil, also had some good results during the evening. Mark Glazebrook jumped into father Ron’s V6 Potter Stealth in the opening heat of the Speedcars and ran away and hid for a fine win. Tom Watson Jr did fairly much the same in his new Esslinger Harris, but Joe Little closed the gap towards the end of heat two. Glazebrook’s luck ran out in the final when, with four laps to go, he climbed the front straight wall, flipping into turn one and leaving his black racer hanging in the Claremont safety fence, the rear end about eight feet from the ground. The race, though, was a clas sic, with Watson Jr in Watson Sr’s car and Tony Tucknott at each others throats - Tucknott ran sec TONY TUCKNOTT... Fontana power netted Tucknott(above) victory at Albany over Joe Little. (Brad Steele pic) ond all race until the red light for Glazebrook and was able to give lead. Fortunately for Krikke, Transport Camaro) all putting on week,amends, Ron Krikke wasfollowing out to make but Sharon Marriott (Team Kendrick great racing. Big Bad Bert would new sponsor Go-Crete the debut The they wanted with a win on opening Cutts wasn’t going to let him have PMFM) became entangled with take out heat one, while Brook it all his own way, grabbing quick Ant Kinley’s #45 Avenger, causing gabbed the glory in heat two. night. Watson Jr held on for sec ond. time during qualifying with a one her to land on her roof, severely Come the feature and Bert had all his luck come in at once. His Super Sedans might have been lap time of 15:01s. damaging her #75 Murphy. Farrell’s disastrous start to the low in numbers, but quality racing After a number of complaints, it potent little black beast proved to was on the cards between Bert season continued when something was decided to run hot laps (com be the quickest rat on the night, Vosbergen (Nuford/Pantera), let go in the front-end assembly mon sense in Sprintcars) and this only to have his lead start to dimin Kingsley Jones (Australasia during his second qualifying lap, proved to be Cutts’ undoing. ish when a blown head gasket Glazing/Pontiac) and Robbie Gray putting his #29 Murphy into the At the restart, Krikke led away slowed his Pantera down. As luck would have it, the cau Cutts, Murphy and Shane Krikke, in his potent Pontiac. turn four wall. Vosbergen took the opening Heat three was an RK white- who passed Wells as he ran high tions were pulled for a stalled heat, but all the excitement in heat wash, as Krikke started from the into turn one and two (1 had to men Terry Green on lap 12 and the two came when Dusty Higgs front and didn’t look back, in the tion that, ’cause as Shane said, “it race was declared due to Claremont’s curfew, giving Ben the grabbed something I never process becoming the first man to doesn’t Ijappen very often.”) At just after mid-race, Krikke win over Gray and Jones. thought I’d see - a Sedan grab- run around Claremont in sub-14

In the Modifieds, everybody was chasing the yellow Bunbury Holden-sponsored Sigma of Greg Freeman, who took three wins from three races, He didn’t have it all his own way in the feature, only winning by literally inches over Frank Does. Other good performers on the evening included Dave Pieces and Peter Richards, the latter copping some major damage when rear ended in the feature, The next night me make long haul to saw Albany, wherethe a field of fifteen Speedcars fronted for the opening round of the Country Challenge Series, Impressive on the evening was Mark Derosa in the ex-Billy Boat Stealth - the Esslinger-powered #57 dominated heats, winning three from three, but a lack of race laps proved his undoing in the final, The final saw second generation racer Derosa start alongside Jim Fleming, but it didn’t take Tony Tucknott long to move from his number eight starting position to second, He hounded Derosa and in the end his fitness came through, as Derosa became tired and let both TT and Joe Little through on lap 17. Tucknott used his newly acquired Fontana to continue on for his second feature win over Little and Derosa, with ’96/97 Rookie of the year Mick Goode holding on for fourth. Kelly Linigen learnt a lot in her recent foray on the west coast racing scene - driving the Ikea Gambler for Pino Priolo, Linigen found out' how different it was to compete at Claremont compared with her home track at Parramatta, Linigen impressed a lot of peopie with the way she handled herself both on and off the track and, hopefully, this won’t be the last we see of Kelly and the rest of her tribe on the west coast this summer. j le said he’d never do it, but 1 1 Wayne Cover is back on the track this season. After the loss of Michael Figliomeni, Cover purchased the Graeme Jones Gaerte Stealth and looked brilliant in the opening heat at Claremont, only to see the potent Gaerte damage a piston and con rod before the heat’s end. Down but not deterred, a new rod was chased from one side of Australia to the other, only to find out that one could not be sourced in this unusual length. But, as Cover is one of the main movers behind the Country Series, he didn’t want to miss out on the opening round in Albany and leased the ex-Wayne Marshall Murphy, with a iittle ol’ Chevy II under the bonnet. Cover is one of the reasons Speedcar racing is taking on a much-needed positive attitude this season, along with the help of John Bryant and Paul Robinson. “We want the racers to be more accessible to the fans at the tracks we visit, so we’re encouraging all the guys to stay behind for a drink afterwards,” Cover said, So, with wife Wendy by his side, it’s great to see him back on the track. Next time you’re at a country show, slide up next to the tall, lanky driver of car #4 and say hello. I’m sure he’d get a kick out of it. Will return? Word hasFigliomeni it that Mike Figliomeni wants to defend both his state titles (Speedcars and 360 Sprintcars) and is in the process of trying to put the deals together that are necessary to get back on the track. Wait for more in an upcoming issue of MN.

2WomterW97

Reed tops Nyora SRA opener Report by BRETT SWANSON Defending SRA Series champi on Matthew Reed had original ly planned to compete in the Sprintcar Masters on November 15, then a couple of things hap pened. Firstly, the end of series pool jumped from $12,000 to $16,500 and first place jumped a massive 140%, from $2,500 to $6,000 - the Victorian Series is supported by Spies Hecker, Max Dumesny Motorsport & Lubri Maxx. Secondly, to encourage teams to be ready for the start of the season, the opening round attracted double attendance points, as will all of the away rounds at Mt Gambier, Horsham, Mildura and Swan Hill. Having run Parramatta the weekend before - and having led the feature for some laps - and vrith a long haul across to Perth in a week’s time, Reed decided that made more sense to stay home and nin locally. And, at the end of the night, after a masterful drive on the tight and demanding Nyora Raceway layout on November 15, Reed was damn glad he did. Starting out of position four, Reed had a great dice with his good friend, Darren Walsh, actually hav ing to pass him three times due to yellow flags. Reed then had to overcome pole man Tim McCubbin, which he did with the aid of lapped traffic. From there, he went on to take a comfortable win over McCubbin and Walsh, with Wayne Milburn fourth - and first 360ci car home ahead of debutante Jeff Judd. As with most opening nights, the car count was down as teams con tinued to prepare for the season ahead. Sixteen cars turned up, with many experiencing small problems, not least of them the Stephenson brothers team. Having worked on the car till Sam, then getting up at Tam, the team rolled into the speedway late having missed engine starts and warm-ups - Shane then fired the car before the first heat, only to find that the fuel tap had fractured and was leaking methanol. Allan Barlee headed up heat one in the Flocon Engineering Gambler, with Milburn’s Leishmann Panels JSR alongside. Row two was the D&F racing products Foster of Mike Van Bremen, sharing with the second Flocon Engineering car of Steve Knight. Kerang’s Rob Farrer was next, with Rod Matthews’ Ballarat Pallett Co JSR joining him. The final row was made up of McCubbin’s Valvoline/Specialised Panels Stealth and Judd’s Autopro Gambler. Barlee wasted a golden opportu nity when he spun out of the lead on turn 4 of the opening lap. Van Bremen then moved to pole for the restart and led until lap 3, when he, too, spun in turn 4. Milburn was now in the lead and was doing it well, as Judd ran around with the bung plug having come out of the diff and a trail of oil coming from the* rear of the car fortunately, there was no damage to the diff. Farrer was also in trouble with a slight engine miss.

ON THE MONEY... Reigning SRA Series Champion Matthew Reed maintained his winning form.(Swanson) In the end, Milburn took the win from Van Bremen, McCubbin, Knight, Barlee, Matthews, Farrer and Judd. Last year’s feature winner Gary Chippindall had the Hussey Performance OTR on pole for heat two, ahead of Butch Hunter’s Gambler. Reed’s KatoAVholesale Automatic Transmissions/Balcombe Engineering/Reed Signs Tiner headed row two, sharing it with Rob Rankin in the Buckley’s Gaming Club Foster of Kevin McCallum. Rob Richardson had Fred Edwards’ Lubri Maxx/Wrightway Refractories JSR next, with Walsh’s Chemblast/Pennzoil/Raoe Tech JSR. The final row should have been Tony Simone’s Aladn Wreckers/Adams Towing Gambler with Stephenson, but the latter had discovered that they now had a leak in the water pump. Hunter had his usual and persis tent misfire and wisely waved everyone past before the start, which elevated Rankin to the front row. At the drop of the green, Rankin used his superior horsepower to grab the lead from Chippindall and Reed, who had a half lose in turn 4. On lap 2, Simone spun in the tricky turn 2, but had.spun far enough in to be left where he was. Same turn two laps later and Walsh spun, bringing out the yel lows. The order now was Rankin, Chippindall, Reed, Richardson, Hunter and Walsh. Turn 4 claimed its next victim, Chippindall, on lap 6, as Rankin went on to take the win from Reed, Richardson, Walsh, Chippindall and Hunter. McCubbin had pole for heat three, but threw away the lead with a half spin in turn 2 on lap 2. His re-entry onto the back straight was very messy and could have been disastrous, but a big dose of brakes brought the car back into line, but now in fourth place. Wqlsh was now leading, with Rankin hard on his tail looking for a way past. His opportunity came

when they came up to lap Hunter. There wasn’t redly much room to go under him, but that’s where Walsh went, as Rankin went high and passed them both to hit the lead. ^ Van Bremen, or should that be Van Spinem,looped it again in turn 4 of the last lap, as Rankin, Walsh, and McCubbin took the chequer. Van Bremen rejoined just ahead of Barlee and the pair crossed the line neck and neck, Farrer and Hunter completing the finishers. Walsh also spun in turn 4, but luckily it was after the race had been completed. The final heat saw Chippindall short cut turn 1 across the infield, contacting Reed on re-entry. Richardson from pole led all the way from Knight, as Milbum threw in a spin in turn 4 on lap 9. Reed made a lunge under Knight as they entered the last turns, but had a slight wobble and dropped a bit of ground, but held on to third from Matthews. Chippindall was next, but was

relegated a place for his early indis cretion, bringing Milburn up a spot - Judd and Simone completed the

field.

With not enough cars for a B Main, a six-car six-lap Dash was run to help distribute some of the myriad of contingency awards. Hunter was on pole from Farrer, Chippindall, Matthews, Milburn and Simone. Farrer was leading when Hunter spun in turn 3 and the hapless Simone ploughed into him, bending the front axle. * Farrer went on to win the Western Autos drum of methanol, while Chippindall and Milburn gi-abbed some Hoosier tyre vouch ers from Max Dumesny Motorsport, Matthews just missing out. Rankin was the highest point scorer by virtue of his two wins and received the Pro-Shock courtesy of Max Dumesny Motorsport. Rankin selected the number six inversion, which put McCubbin on pole from Walsh, Knight, Reed, Richardson, Rankin, Van Bremen,

Milburn, Barlee, Matthews, Chippindall, Fairer, Hunter, Judd and Stephenson, w'ho had finally made a race, but now the car was without power steering. Into turn one and Walsh out drove McCubbin, as he had in an earlier heat, to take the lead. Further back, though, Rankin was out high and got into a lazy spin, which brought him down in front of Richardson, Barlee, Chippindall and Van Bremen. Farrer’s car also stalled later on the front straight. Rankin, Richardson, Barlee and Chippindall were all out on the spot, with Van Bremen the only one able to restart. This time, McCubbin held the lead from the flag, with Walsh, Reed, Milbum and Judd all shuf fling Knight back. Knight’s race finished on lap 3, thanks to the infamous turn foui'. Reed was working over his mate, Walsh and finally made the pass, as Van Spinem spun in turn ‘2 for another caution. Farrer stalled once again and was sent rear again, as Walsh resumed ahead of Reed. Reed once again had to work hard to pass Walsh and, just as he succeeded, Matthews spun in turn 4. It took Reed three laps after the restart to pass Walsh for the final time and set off after McCubbin. Reed was pushing hard and edg ing in on McCubbin, having a look unsuccessfully until they hit lapped traffic. Reed made the right choice and was now in the lead with eight laps to go, as Judd and Van Bremen were having a bit of a dice. Van Bremen was clearly faster, but also looser, with spins and half spins allowing Judd to maintain fifth position. As the laps wound down, the race spread out, Reed eventually taking a comfortable win over McCubbin, who had a gap over Walsh Milbmn was fourth, ahead of Judd, with Van Bremen, Stephenson, Hunter, Farrer and Matthews com pleting the finishers. Reed now takes the early lead in ' the championship before heading to this week’s round at Mt Gambier. Reed needs to have another suc cessful race there because, follow ing that, he goes West, while the rest of the Victorian teams come

Winners circle for Skip

Skip Jackson, the 1997 Knoxville Track Champion, won the Linde Forklifts Shootout at Sprintcar Parramatta City Raceway last weekend, but it was 19 yearold lady racer Kelly Linigen who almost stole the show. Linigen wmn her heat race in fine style, then drew pole position for the Stein Sizzler Dash and pro ceeded to run away with the event, much to the delight of the fans in the stands. Former Australian champion Max Dumesny chased her dowm, though and, with half a lap remaining, he took the lead with an inside pass to won the event by only a wheel. Dumesny was inspirational in his,return to PCR and Sprintcar racing for the first time this season in the lan-Vale-prepared #V5

Valvoline “Valey” chassis - Max won his second heat, the Dash and just held on for second from a fast finishing Brooke Tatnell in the Shell Hehx #8 Schnee in the 30 lap Linde main event. It was Sydney’s Skip Jackson, though, who showed the form that has made him one of the country’s brightest lights. In only his second appearance with a new car built for him by brother Jeff, Skip hounded early leaders Linigen and Dumesny and effected the winning pass in lapped traffic to pull away to five car advantage. At one point with seven laps remaining. Skip was being reeled in by Dumesny and Tatnell, but quick work in lapped traffic pre vented his opponents from getting a sniff of victory. For Tatnell, it was the second

week in a row that he had to make a dash fi'ora the rear of the field, a suspected motor problem before a lap had been completed forcing him to stop the machine. When he restarted, Brooke slammed the brand-new car (com- ; pleted only that day) through the j field to come right on and almost steal second from Dumesny. Another driver right on the pace from the start of his 1997/98 debut was Blacktown driver Peter Mm-phy. Murphy looked sharp in the tan McKee-prepared #42 O’Brien Aluminium Maxim and finished a strong fourth in the Linde main event, while Kelly Linigen finished a gutsy fifth. Heat winners were Tatnell, Peter Attard, Jackson, Linigen and Dumesny. -WADE-AUNGER

21Howmber1997 RALLY OF CANBERRA entries closed for the FAl Just a day before official Rally of Canberra, only 18 entries had been received. An event spokesman said another 10 or 12 had been promised, but even then 30 entries for the sec ond biggest rally in the country is disappointing, to say the least. The close proximity of the Rally of Canberra to Rally Australia has created major problems for the national capital’s rally, with many local and international competitors having to forego their entries after sustaining damage or mechanical fail ures in our World Championship event, held just four weeks before Canberra. Despite the lack of entries, the field on offer should be quality, not quan tity. Neal Bates and Coral Taylor will start the rally as slight favourites on local ground, particularly now they have the new Corolla World Rally Car at their dis posal. The car has been fit ted with a new engine since Rally Australia and should be quicker than Possum Bourne’s Subaru and Ed Ordynski’s Lancer. However, Bourne is in fine form after winning the Aussie title and finishing fifth in Perth and the Kiwi and his Impreza 555 can never be left out of the equation. Ordynski, too, will be a chance of victory, driving the car Kenjiro Shinozuka drove in Rally Australia. With the absence of Greg Graham, Group N should be a Michael Guest walkover, but, with David West snap ping at his heels, Guest won’t be able to take things easily. New spectator facilities at Stromlo have been devel oped for this year’s FAl Rally of Canberra, offering better spectator viewing than ever before. Rally fans will be offered a feast of action, all within walking distance of the cen tral service area. The rally begins on Friday, November 28 and finishes on the Sunday afternoon. Spectator information is available by contacting the rally office on (02) 62072880.

Final VRC Pointscore Drivers: 1 Mike Reeves 55, =2 Cody Crocker, Phil Messer 35, 4 Mark Fawcett 32, 5 Graeme Wise 24, 6

The pair had to beat John and Damian Long in the Rally of the Pines to take their first championship and did so after the father

that Makinen will drive all 14 events and it is pianned for Burns to do the same, the first time Ralliait Britain has been solely responsible for

Toyota plans a three-driver team - Sainz for every event, Auriol for about eight and Loix (with Marlboro support) for the others. Nothing

0 V

testing in February, Homologation will be in April next year and the first rally is expected to be Catalunya. There has yet been no decision on whether to run the car under the World Rally Car rules. MARTY MARVELLOUS IN MALAYSIA arty Beckton showed his true form when he finished fourth in a round of the Malaysian Rally Championship on October 11 and 12. Beckton, 24, contested his second-ever Malaysian event in the tiny Perodua Kancil, a 660cc four-wheel drive turbocharged vehicle similar to the Daihatsu Mira. He finished the event fourth behind Karamjit Singh and Katsuhiko Taguchi in Proton Wira Evo 3s. Beckton also claimed first in class A1 and was delight ed with the result, particular ly as the roads were not suited to his car. “Unlike the last Malaysian event, the roads were quite fast and straight, so I had to drive that little bit harder to keep up with the bigger cars,” Beckton said. “Fortunately, we have improved on the gear ratios since the last event and managed some testing before the rally, which helped my performance.” Beckton was joined on the event by his long-time co-driver, Eido Osawa of Japan. Osawa, 44, said the result is a testament to Marty’s ability. “Marty’s driving is getting better all the time and I think now he can drive all kinds of vehicles with ease,” he said. Beckton has had a good year, winning his class in the Scottish Rally in a Vauxhall Astra after winning a “driver to Scotland” prize and competing in the ARC Super Series in a Group N Proton.

HOLDING THE ACES... Reigning champion Toinnii Makinen looks afair betfor the 1997 WRC Title. (Phil Williams photo)

RAC decides World Title

ommi Makinen starts the final round of the FIA World Rally Championship with a 10 point lead over his iii.val, Colin McRae. Ten points is the reward for winning an event outright and is normally a winning margin, but not in this case. If Makinen and McRae finish equal on points, the winner under the championship most-wins tie-deciding rule will be McRae! However much reigning champion Makinen, the long time leader in the 1997 series, feels he ought to win, the RAC Rally has a long history af sudden last minute changes of fortunes, One point (sixth place) will put Makinen beyond McRae’s grasp, but the RAC has neve'" been a

lucky event for the Finn-he Subaru is entering three tyres. The cold greasy conditions found in the British has never even finished the and SEAT four. RAC in the top six places Toyota has again forests in November have before and McRae has won entered with its Corolla often favoured Pirellis, the event twice already! World Rally Cars (Auriol which are fitted to the manThe race to the drivers’ and Gronholm) and these ufacturers’ championship title is the final outstanding will be matched against the winning cars of Subaru, decision in one of the clos- championship teams from In the Group N category, est seasons on record, a Ford (Sainz and there is a works car from most exciting finale to the Kankkunen), Mitsubishi the Malaysian manufacturer first 25 years of the World (Makinen and Burns) and Proton for Karamjit Singh Rally Championship. Subaru (Colin McRae, and Mitsubishis for Spain’s The Network Q RAC Eriksson and Liatti). Luis Climent and new RaHiy has attracted the In the World 2-Litre cate- Austrian Champion Kris largest entry of the champi- gory, entries have been Rosenberger. onship season; applications received from new World The RAC enjoys quality for the 160 available entries Cup winners SEAT right through the entry list, were oversubscribed by (Rovanpera, Gomez, Evans including Escort WRCars for and David Higgins), Nissan Ari Vatanen, Bruno Thiry, more than 50%. Quality as well as quanti (new British Champion mark Gregoire de Mevius and ty is also assured; no fewer Higgins), Volkswagen Andrea Medeghini. The RAC Rally begins on than 11 manufacturers have (Alister McRae), Renault entered cars on the event. (Head and Rowe) and November 23 and will finish Most top teams have Hyundai(Jimmy McRae). two days later on November entered two cars, but The RAC is a rally of 25.

REEVES VIC CHAMP and son duo retired all championship entries on ike Reeves and Robin Smalley are the new i after seven stages with every event. An announcement of Victorian Rally Champions, engine failure, despite leading the rally early Burns’ plans is deferred until despite crashing out of the on. final two rounds of the five A supporting sponsorship is round championship. J i m Sandy’s Possum confirmed. i: Having purchased the I Bourne-built Impreza Subaru has promised full WRX was the class of programs to both McRae ex-Les Waikden/Michael Guest Mitsubishi Lancer By Peter WliittA^ the field from there and Piero Liatti. Evo 3, the pair was hoping Back-up budget is being onwards, outpacing Editor- Australian Rallyspor^lws everyone to debut the car in style, but to take a con sought in the hope that Eriksson can be offered a vincing win. damaged the suspension in October's North Eastern Peter Evans 23.5 Peter Taylor and Col limited program. The team Co-drivers: 1 Robin Trinder were second in a will also compete in China. Rally, then rolled out of the Currently, the ProdriveDjerriwarrh Rally on Smalley 55, =2 Greg Foletta, Lancer Evo 3, with Darren November 8. Ian Fulton 35, 4 Tony Boyd Williams grabbing third in Subaru contract continues to the end of 2000 - discus Ballarat’s Phil Messer 32, 5 Rob Beekman 24, 6 his Galant VR4. sions are in progress to won the final round in a Kylie Evans 23.5 1998 TEAMS’ PLANS extend this. I Mitsubishi Lancer GSR, MILES AHEAD IN NSW I while North Eastern winner 555 sponsorship expires expects run at the end of 1998 and dis¬ Kankkunen andtoBruno i Ashiea James totally iles Sandy and Michelle Ford ; destroyed his Mazda RX2 in Murphy are the NSW Thiry on each of the 14 ral- cussions are currently being ; a huge 130km/h accident - Rally Championship, secur- lies next year. Nothing is made to extend this, but no : fortunately, neither James, ing the title with victory in definite, but other drivers decisions about which drif. vers (when three cars are i nor co-driver Brendan the final event at Wagga on are not expected. Mitsubishi has confirmed entered) will be nominated. i Clough were seriously hurt. November 8.

Wfii

will be confirmed for a while. NEW EVOLUTION V itsubishi’s latest rally car has been unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. The Lancer Evolution V features the following: alu minium wing panels, which reduce the overall weight of the car; front and rear wings made wider, enabling a slightly wider track; the design of the front panel has been modified and there are aerodynamic side pieces running longitudinally under the door sills. The first prototype was driven by Richard Burns and test driver Lasse Lampi in Japan during our winter. The car is due to be put into production in Japan in December, with the first car expected to be available for

NZ PIKES PEAK he Pikes Peak Hillclimb will have a sister event in New Zealand, with the Queenstown Gold Rush To The Sky to be run for the first time at Easter next year, April 9-13. With three-year backing from Malaysian-based Silverstone Tyres and the Queenstown tourism indus try, the event has also attracted strong support from the organisers of Pikes Peak. The 13.5km course in the Cardronna Valley climbs 3500 feet to the finish at 5000 feet above sea level. It actually services a win ter test facility used by northern hemisphere tyre companies and manufactur ers during their summer. Rod Millen and Monster Tajima, who have been the outright contenders at Pikes Peak in recent years, have already pledged to come to the South Island next Easter. Tajima is particularly keen to beat the Kiwi on his home turf. Possum Bourne is hop ing to put together an out right contender Subaru, rather than just running his Group A Impreza WRX.

21 November 1997

We busy at are the extremely moment prepar ing for the final rally on the Australian calendar, the Rally of Canberra next week and everyone in the team is working flat out to get ready for it. We brought the Corolla home from Perth and basi cally the preparation we have done has revolved around softening the car to make the car brake and turn in more in keeping with my style of driving. It is all about setting the car up to suit the way I like to drive.

Group N future for Jo Cadmun By October, 1993, she had At the Rally of Melbourne back in August there was competed in her first rally a driver who took a lot of as a co-driver and, despite the fact that she finished up people by surprise. While most eyes were on over a cliff in that very first the battle for outright hon- event, she was just as keen ours between Bates, Ordynski to continue with the sport, “I must be a glutton for and Bourne, or the Group N fight between Guest and punishment, but I wanted Graham, there was a driver more and rallying was going storming through at the back ''to be a part of my life. I knew of the field to take a signifi-/ it straight away,” she said cant honour. emphatically. From her first tentative The Austrahan Rally scene over the years has been littered with rising stars who burst onto the stage with a strong performance here, or there and who then either go to the top of the sport, or dim and fade away. In the past most of these have been blokes. In this instance, the rising star who has burst onto the scene is far from being a bloke - she is an attractive blonde who,if her plan is ful filled, will be a shining star of the sport for some years to come. Her name is Jo Cadman and, while the runs she has chalked up on the rally scoreboard have not yet reached a significant tally, one certainly gets the feeling that a big innings lies ahead. Cadman’s achievement at the Rally of Melbourne was to win the Silverstone Challenge, the reincarnation of the Corolla Cup, the one make series which provides a good basis for one make rallying. Some would argue on that basis that Cadman’s achievement then was not necessarily a massive one - however, while the Corolla field was small, it was of reasonable quality, with Tasmanian rising star Jason Slot and eventual Silverstone Challenge Champion Kirk Marks finishing behind her. Back in 1993, she met a rally driver and, after a quick drive on gravel, Jo had converted to the religion of rally. “It was just so exhilarating that I knew that I had to try it for myself,” she said.

steps as a co-driver in 1993, Jo took the/plunge and bought herself a car to contest the Gemini one make series in NSW and drove her first event in August 1994. “The Gemini was cheap and fun and offered a very level playing field on which you could judge yourself against the opposition - it is all down to driver ability,” she explained, Jo drove in just two events before winning her first rally, the Rally Des Dames in Canberra, admittedly an all female event, but one which attracted some more experienced drivers who were upstaged by the novice, In 1995, a full program of rallies was targeted and, ten rallies later in her first year of rallying, Cadman had won the NSW Group 7 Rally Series, as well as taking out the novice category and the 1600 class as well, The following year, a new challenge arose for Cadman with the Mazda 121 series it was circuit racing, but was a great experience for the young driver: “I had to give it a try and see what it was like and won two races in the series, which I was pretty happy with.” The Mazda series finished in June and allowed Jo to go back to rallying. “The Mazdas were great, but rallying is better, as the skill, factor is higher, you need a much higher degree of car control and the Mazda races were all over in ten minutes - you’d just be get-

ting warmed up and the che quered flag, would be out,” Cadmansaid'. Even though she missed six months of rallying, Jo was back in the forest and rallying again, picking up second in class in the NSW Clubman series that year. She found herself at a bit of a crossroads this year. Having served what she describes as a rear wheel drive apprenticeship, she was ready to change direc tion slightly, which is how she came to take on the front drive Corolla in the Silverstone Challenge. It was a late start, only driving the Corolla in the final two rounds of the series, which meant she had just one event under her belt before scoring her victory at the Rally of Melboiume. So where to now for Jo Cadman? Well, she has her career pretty strongly mapped out and believes that her ulti mate goal is to get into a 4WD turbo and try to win the ARC Group N title, but there is still a long way to go and a lot to learn between now and then. She failed by jpst one point to clinch the NSW Gemini Series outright last week. Leading by three points going into the final round, Cadman was trying just a lit tle too hard and crashed the car into a tree, proving she doesn’t mind having a go. Like a lot of motorsport competitors Cadman is look ing for sponsors, her career so far being sponsored main ly by J Cadman. In the meantime she will continue her work in the film industry, as a rally driving instructor at Sydney’s The Rally School and as a preci sion driver for television ads. 'Jo Cadman is sure to be a /competitor who will make a mark in rallying in Austraha - and she’s definitely a driver to watch for in the future. -JON THOMSON

I think the competition in Canberra is going to be pretty hot, despite the fact that there are only 32 entries, which really is a great pity. At the head of the field is Ed Ordynski, who has Shinozuka’s Ralliart Lancer and will be extremely hot, as will Possum, who has been in form all year. It is a pity that'the rally has attracted so few entries, because the organ isers have spent a fortune on grading the roads, which

spending some time with the family.

fter the outing in Perth's Rally Australia in the Corolla, I am pretty confident about its chances in are expected to be very smooth and fast this year.

t has been a long hard year for me and the whole team. My schedule has been very full, what with doing the Super Touring program and Bathurst, as well as driving the Viper in GT-P races and again at Bathurst - not to mention the rally program and the three WRC events we tack led this year. While amthe looking for wardI to Canberra rally next weekend, it will be good to have a break over Christmas and wind down with some water skiing and some rest, along with

Canberra. I have come to grips with the car’s characteristics now and, with some fine tuning such as I mentioned earlier, it will be very fast, particularly on my home ter ritory. We are doinghere some tyre testing in Canberra this weekend, with Dunlop having devel oped an all-new tyre. They have flown two Japanese engineers in for the test and it will be inter esting to see how the new rubber performs. It will also help to get the car tuned to the new tyres, which the test will allow us to do.

, ENTHUSIASTIC... Neal Bates has beenfine-tuning his potent Corolla.(Phil Williams pic)

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Winton Motor Raceway on November 16 was a hive of activity as crews prepared for the final round of the Victorian Superkart Club champi onships and also sought co-drivers for the one hour endurance race that followed. A strong NSW contingent included John Pellicano, who was chasing an endurance race win after it eluded him last year. A format change saw the lOOcc Juniors start five to ten seconds behind the lOOcc Light Class, which let the Juniors race each other with out becoming involved in the heavier drivers’ battles. But David Williams drove away from the Juniors pack and got into the lead group, the racing between his remaining five peers nose to tail all day - Scott Middleton finished second, one point in front of-Jarred Laws, who recovered from a bad first heat. In lOOcc Light, the McIntyre boys - Jason, withthree wins and Colin - domi nated the front running in their DAP karts, Darren Formosa the only one to chal lenge on the day; Ian Lennox, Barry Bredenback, John Sciarra and Andy Mathers had a great day dic ing with each other. The lOOcc heavy guys put on a great display, the front

2Wowmber1997

Coughlin edges out Pellicano

DEBUT VICTOR... #6 John Coughlin, on his way to a 250cc Formula E win, heads #18 Robert Erlenweir.(Graeme Burns) eight karts having very little daylight between them. Heat one saw five karts abreast approaching the esses, one kart spinning harmlessly and three karts taking to the grass, Geoff Unwin finding a puddle to stop in.

ENDURO WINNER ...A very happy John Pellicano.(Burns)

Ken Knight timed his passes to perfection and just edged Doug Brumby out of top spot, with Frank Kessels third. A strong field of 80cc karts was bolstered by the NSW entries of Linda Mapp and regular visitor Ross Hansen. Len Ariano rose to the chal lenge and emerged at the front of the leading bunch for first, ahead of Mapp and Hanson, with Colin Wilson and Darren

Dimn equal fourth and only two points behind. John Mulej took the win in B grade from Paul Ristic and David Peters. The 250cc.and 125cc class es ran combined, Peter Carter sorting his new 125 and, apart for crimped pulse hose in the second heat, successfully mixed it up with some of the 250s Peter Hageman held out Ian Farrer and newcomer Clarke

Todd came' a creditable fourth. ' n David Holdforth seems to have put the Victorian hoodoo behind him and con tinued on from his good run at PhiUip Island to take three straight wins from Ross Higgins, with Wayne Schultz edging brother Gary out of third in the 250cc Nationals. A field of eight 250cc Internationals entered, the largest number for a long

while. John Coughlin pur chased the ex-Paul Stebbing kart and had his first outing, edging out Pellicano for first, while Mike McCrudden recovered from a bad first heat for third. The one hour endurance race is a tradition in Victoria for the last meeting of the year and has become a real challenge for some. This year, Pellicano put up $150 for the first 250cc kart to finish, as one has never won the race before - Cable Gm-us and RCR Engineering put up $100 for the first 80cc and Keith Laws chipped in $100 for the first Junior. Twenty five karts started and the two 250s took offin tandem, though nobody worried, as they. never run for an hour. At about half-distance, in came Wayne Crossland, who handed over to Pelhcano, but Michael Crossland waited one lap too long to hand over to Mario Todarello in the other 250cc and ran out of fuel, putting them out of con tention - by this time, there were many dead karts. At the end of the hour, Pellicano and Crossland had done 40 laps and kept the money, while Ross Hansen and Doug Ward took the money for the first 80cc and second overall, Jarred Laws and Lee Barabasz taking the Juniors dollars. - GRAEME BURNS

BATTLERS... #33 Shane Weeks, #37 Wayne Gould, #55 Andrew Hallam and #29 Bruce Mason in lOOcc Heavy.(Burns)

21 November 1997

Horsham Grand Prix Super Heavy

Krieg downs Van Den Bei^he win by Edgar and Solly tops Luciani Report by GRAEME BURNS

As the Victorian Open Championships are to be held at Hamilton’s track in 1998, the Wimmera Kart Club held its 1997 Horsham Grand Prix on November 9 at the facility in the state’s western dis trict. Clubman Super Heavy saw the battle between Mick Krieg and John Van Den Berghe on once again, Krieg taking the honours this time, with Brett Douglas making a return to racing and cominghome third. Junior Clubman saw Ricky Occhipinti gain the upper hand over South Australia’s Andrew Hobby, while Leigh Van Den Berghe came home in third spot. Rief Corbett was one of several double winners and took out Senior National Light ahead of Ross Louden and Matthew Evans, who fought out the minor placings. The Midgets only had three runners, so they started behind the Rookies - and it didn’t take long for the quick er Midgets, Ben McCashney and James Emmerson, to mix it with the Rookies. The best of the Rookies was local lad Ben Taylor,

Ace Funny Car crewman Murray Edgar took the Clubman Super Heavy honoin’s at Seymoiu’ for Tony Kart during the Eastern Lions Kart Club open meet ing on November 2, with Scott Webb holding out Scott Morrison for the run ner-up spot. The meeting was conduct ed in fine conditions - con trasting with the inch of rain that fell on the Friday - and attracted 160 competitors, 12 classes being contested over two heats and a six lap final on the 1050 metre circuit only the final counted. Clubman Heavy and Over 40s were the most heavily subscribed classes, with over 26 entries in each.

Results Midgets 1 Jarrod Medwin 2 Ashley Rintoul 3 Andrew Budge

iSUPER HEAVIES... #25 Mick Krieg and John Van Den Berghe.(Graeme Burns pics) wbo won from C. Gardner and Geelong boy Rohan Garcia - third in the Midgets was Joshua Douglass. With the pow^r of the engines very similar in Jimior National Light, Chris Porter and Ricky Occhipinti setting each other up for passing moves produced a great spectacle as the lead

changed several times Justin Garner watched the battle from third spot. Porter ultimately taking the honours, Senior National Heavy saw Robin Dumesny win from Bryan Davis, with B. Brazier third, Rief Corbett picked up his second class win in Clubman Light, Tim O’Leary and LIGHT Work... #16 Tracey O’Rourke and #65 Tim O’Leary Chnton Sandwith coming out of the following bunch to take second and third, respectively. The years have definitely not reduced the will to win by the Clubman Over 40s drivers, the first heat seeing Phil Bee, Rod Westbrook and David Evans three abreast at the end of the main straight. Evans ran out of room and slowed Bee, while Westbrook seized the opportunity to bolt away. However, the patience of Kevin O’Donohue and G. Treloar paid off and they fin ished second and third, respec tively, behind Westbrook. In Junior National Heavy, Dealer Enquiries \ Leigh Van Den Burghe made ^ Wekome ^ 'up for hfs third in Junior Clubman by winning from Andrew Hobby and a consis tent Kenny Dean. Mt Gambier’s Malcolm Kilsby put his long years of experience to good use and bolted away in Formula 100, leaving fellow club member Mike Cain to take second from Martin Taylor. Clubman Medium saw P. .$5.00 WB3A carburettor ..$99.00 Throttle shaft... Tempoulos winning from .$5.50 Gasket kit $10.00 In-line fuel fitter Clinton Sandwith - who fin .$3.50 Repair <& gasket kit..$l5.00 Inlet fuel needle ished one place better than in Light - and Cobden’s Mail Order Specialist Euro 24127 mm Jason Pearson. V?S4 [Musterard O WB32 carburettor ..$99.00 In Clubman Heavy, the battle at the front was - IAN WILLIAMS TUNING between Mark Solly and 68 Richmond Rd Keswick SA 5035 Remo Luciani and, while Remo got faster as the day went on, he could only accu-

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mulate enough points for second as Solly kept the pressure on - J. Anderson was third,

Clubman Super Heavy GKCV 1 Glen Jones 2 Lincoln OWfeara Bendigo 3 Michael Prorok Junior National Light 1 JoshuaArandt ELKC 2 Travis Medwin ELKC 3 Troy Woolston ELKC Rookies 1 Jace Lindstrom ELKC 2 Dean Foster 3 Brooke Pearson ELKC Clubman Light 1 Paul DumbreU ELKC ELKC 2 John Moore 3 Clayton Groves

ELKC ELKC ELKC

Clubman Over 40s 1 Trevor Ansell ELKC 2 Glen Chadwick GKCV 3 John Budge ELKC

Junior National Heavy 1 Aaron Rintoul ELKC 2 'Troy Woolston ELKC 3 Shaun Molony Oakleigh

Clubman Heavy 1 David Aldersley GVKC 2 Peter Mobbs 3' Trevor Toseland ELKC

200 Clubman 1 Doc Pearson ELKC 2 Adam McEwen Geelong 3 Chris Randall ELKC

Reed Combined 1 Tommy Nicoiaou GKCV 2 Peter RowseU GKCV 3 Dominic ABbanese Geelong

RESA Light ELKC 1 Dean Miles 2 Craig Shillito Ballarat 3 Deane ShiUito Ballarat

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Ford Sierra turbo RS500, ex Seton 1992 Group A, 580bhp, 6 speed Holinger etc. Totally original, $35,000 firm (spares extra), Ph: 018 162 762(Sydney), 114 HQ race car. Very well presented. Sealed engine only 3 meetings old. Affordable and reliable racing for just $4,500, Ph: 03 9850 5566 or 015 527 854, 113 Datsun 1600 Sports Sedan, strong L20 motor, elec tronic ignition, oil-cooler, lightweight flywheel, button clutch, adjustable suspension, electronic rev limiter, Tilton brake bias, alloy wheels. Many spares. Second, OLD Championship, $8,000, Ph: Stuart 07 3285 4871

Datsun 1200 Coupe, Works copy rally car. Super close Pontiac Formula 350, 1971 Fresh 454, Super T10, 12 boll LSD Koni SUSP, many extras incl. original 350 and auto. $30,000 phone(02)6624 5200(AH) ns Subaru RS turbo rally car. Full Grp N spec. Genuine legacy RSR, Tidy car with good history. Spares package included. 555FISR. $19,950. All offe'res considered. Ph 08 8384 4112 hh 08 8322 3536 ah or 0411 176160

,5-speed, end-to-end alloy cage, HD loom, 10 wheels, strong club car, $3500 ONO (0418)453 444, 115

NASCAR, Pontiac Grand Prix, Complete roller, front steer. Good competitive car, will assist with set-up, $20,000 ONO. PH (02)4267 5134 or (0417)663 930, 113 Corolla KE20, two door sedan, 1972, 4K motor, good condition for age, VFO-806, $1700 (neg) Phone Millicent SA (08)8733 2347,

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HQ race car, The Boral car, one of the best presented in the class, 1996 NSW Champs - 4th, Div 1 Champ NSW nRRC, lap record Oran Park. Fresh C&B engine, spares, wets. Ring Dave Cameron (015)492 302 or(02)4754 2666. 115 HQ race car New C&B engine. Handmade extractors exhaust. Brand new suspension and bushes. Spare engine. Load of panels. Raced once since complete fershen up. $8500 ono. Ph 02 4942 6233 bh ns

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Mazda RX4 1973 Sedan rally car. 13B extend port. racing seats, harnesses, 8 point roll cage etc. Full rally specs. Must sell, or swap for Gemini series car. $3,200. Ph: 07 3350 4992. m Subaru RS turbo rally car. Full Grp N spec. Genuine Legacy RSR. Tidy car with good history. Spares package included, 555 RSR $19,950. All offers considered. Ph: 08 8384 4112(BH)08 8322 3536(AH), or 0411 176 160. ifa

AUSCAR VS, rolling less engine, inc yellow light, fire bomb, fuel cell, churn, CR + P cage, gearbox reco, diff needs minor assembly. $15,000. Ph: Anthony 018 176 420.

APOCALYPSE

emniAL

Sportsman AUSCAR, VL Commodore, fresh engine, good hp, spare body with cage and spares. Race ready. $13,000 neg. Ph: 018 811 458

Toyota MR2 Targa, Ideal low cost tarmac rally car or club racer. Fast, reliable (100 percent finishing record) Current NSW rego and CAMS log book. Realistic neg price or will accept part or full sponsorship in trade.Peter Whittaker (07)5599 5763 or fax (07)5536 2497. ns Chev Lumina NASCAR, 1996 Championship winner, RX-3 Coupe roiling chassis, needs TLC, but.would ex-Dick Midgley. Complete team for sale. Graham Smith make great Club Car or Sports Sedan. $1,300. Can deliv i03)9696 1686(018)993 543 115 er. Ph: 0412 323 941 (Sydney), m Group A VP Commodore, with Benson 560hp Holden HQ racing car. Complete and ready to race. Plenty of engine. Motec system. Harrop running gear, 16th outright spares, competitive car. C&B motor. Urgent sale required. and oth privateer at Bathurst 1997, Car comes with $5,500ono. Ph: Peter 02 4943 2782 or 0416 005 174. n« spares. SSO.OOO, Ph: 02 6355 5965. lU Corolla KE35 Coupe rally car. 2 litre 2TG engine, twin Webers, Detroit looker 4.8:1, four wheel discs, vented, four l spots. Brand new. Never rallied. Much more, ring for details. Ph: John 0755 314 001 (BH). 1 14 Datsun 1000 Coupe deluxe, A14, big port head, extractors. Wade cam, balanced crank, 45mm Del Orto, lowered, mags, body fair, reg 5/98. Also spare car, good body, no motor, $1500 the lot, will separate. Ph: Darren 03 9478 9048. n4 Cf

JJCnKT

Slcyllne DR30, FJ20T approx 250hp, intercooled, vari able boost control, new clutch, NIZMO suspension, new brakes, 3 inch exhaust, 80% Falken FK05 tyres, electric sunroof, air cond, CD, NIZMO fog lights. Recent respray in 2-pack. Neat, reliable, fast. Urgent regrettable sale for genuine reason. $15,800 neg. Ph: 015 369 386, 03 9947

Austin Healey Sprite, regular class winner. Historic Gp Sb. Recent lap records E. Creek, Amaroo, Oran, Wakefield. Meticulously maintained, fully developed motor and suspension. Receipts. Includes custom-built semi enclosed trailer. Spare wheels/tyres. $23,500. Ph: Denis 02 9418 3141 (AH)or 02 9955 3333. na

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1992 VP HSV GTS Commodore, build 14/128, anthracite grey, leather/velour steel blue interior, all GTS features - glass sunroof (tilt/siide), tinted windows, Kenwood stereo with 10 stack CD changer: Air fare deducted from sale price for Interstate buyere. $32,500ono.Ph: 0419 540 538. 112

Charity Bash Car - Peugeot 404 sedan, 1996. Full roll cage, harnesses, sump guard, new suspension, lights and bells and much, much more!. Everything brand new with receipts.<Never competed in a Bash or Historic rally event. $4,000. Flh: Joseph 03 9460 2583 or 018 522 270. 112 Club Car, Toyota Corolla KE20, programmable fuel injec tion, tandem trailer, extensive spares. $6500 Phone(015)

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1992(AH). 1,4

Datsun 1600 1972 model in excellent condition, rustfree, never rallied or raced. Ideal 1998 Round Australia rally car or Targa or Club Car. $1,600. Ph: Joseph 018 522 276(BH),qr03 9460 2583(AH). n.i Volvo 760 GLE, 1 ovrner, 1985 model, fantastic condi tion. Auto, air, electric v/indows, mirrors, central-locking, sunroof, six months rego, white, blue velour interior. $12,000 or best offer. Ph: 0418 262 373. 114

NASCAR, Oldsmobile, ready to race. Complete, fully pre pared by Tom Smith.Some assistance $28,500. Ph (0359) 96 4022. 113 Porsche 935 K3, Replica. Complete, ready to race. All factory equipment. 750ho flat fan engine, 13 inch discs, carbon fibre panels. Quickest Porsche in Australia. Including spares, wheels, moulds etc. Over $200,00 spent, must sell $89,000. Offers considered for both cars Phone Nick (0419)586 119, m

261 105, 113

HQ racing car, ex-D'Ombrain circuit oar. No oil paint ing, but has excellent top hp motor. Ready to race, spares, urgent sale. Bargain at firm $5,000. Ph: Andrew 0412 238 729. 112 Porsche 934 Turbo, Replica. Class A Porsche Cup con tender. Front-runner, 3.3L, 380 hp, airjacks. Adjustable sus pension, 5sp box with LSD, Harrop brakes, Motec system and spares inc. 2 sets of wheels and trailer. $69,000. 113

Sports Sedan, Lancer, 13B fuel-injected, intercooled turbo. Fresh engine, gearbox, suspension set up by Centreline. Very competitive car, ready to race. $15,500. Ph: Mark 03 9844 2309. 114 NASCAR, Commodore roller. Everything less motor. Spare wheels, tyres, springs, new paint, panels. Good car, go racing this season. $9,000. Ph: 07 5578 7870. 114

Escort Sports Sedan, mid-mounted Falcon alloy head six, single rail 4 speed, 15 x 10 Hoosiers, Hilux diff, Amaroo 58 sec. Log book. Ready to race, on reg trailer, some spares. $5,500ono. Ph:02 4973 1605. 112

continued over page

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<-* Fender Bender - Nowra 05 VC Valiant, winner of many features: 2nd pointscore 2 years in a row. Rebuilt motor, complete ready to race with plenty spares. $1,500 firm. Ph: Mick Salmon 02 9525 3430,0418 970 646. 514

Sports Sedan, TE Cortina, full space frame. Complete car. less engine. Full floating 9“ diff, big brakes, 2 sets wheels, full body moulds, spare panels $17,000 or trade for Commodore ute. Ph: 046 596 470. 12

Nota Fang (Type IV). Classic Australian sports car. Everything either new or restored, rare example in near concourse condition. Current NSW registration and possi ble Historic racing eligibility. Must sell. $15,000. Ph: 0411 083 536 or(AH)02 9558 5484.

Speedway

Super Sedan EA Falcon, ASCF rego, 355 Chev, methanol carby, speedway sump, coilovers, ally radiator, tandem trailer. Competitive car, nothing to spend. $12,000ono. Ph: 07 5447 1904. ,,2

Chevron B42 F2, chassis no. 1, factory team car. Immaculate and completely original. FT200 gearbox with spare ratios, fitted Australian F2 motor, can run BDA or BDG in Historic. Will trade road car American, European or Clubman. Ph: 03 9560 0801 or 018 105 348. 12 Spectrum 06 Formula Ford, new or second-hand cars available for sale or lease. Contact Borland Racing Developments(03)9580 5236. 1,3

5//HtoLX Mod Production Commodore, Konis, Char-lyn steer ing. 13 tyres on rims. 202 motor on methanol, roller rock ers, fabricated front end. Spare panels, one pice front, spares included. $7800 ONO Phone (08) 8284 7736 after 6pm. ,15

Torana XU1 Modified Production. Chassis, rollcage all together, fibreglass papels, 358 Holden, out down diff, torsion bars, sway bars wheels, 4 Mawee centres. Must go, make an offer. Ph: Q2 9820 3098. 114

Fender Bender. Very strong roll cage, spent $1,100 on engine, spare tyres, window net, harness, seat. Engine still sealed. $1,900ono. Ph: 02 9820 3098. 114 Compact, Lismore #35, Kawasaki Z1000 motor, hi-bar chassis, Gardner front end, quick-change diff, some spares. Custom trailer - tyre rack, toolbox - $6,500 with trailer, $6,000 without. Ph: 02 6652 8469 after 6pm. m

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Dash ten heads fully serviced with rockers, manifold and covers. Jerics with cooler, gear shift. Pontiac heads, rockers, covers, manifold - complete 9.5.t motor just rebuilt. One race old Ph 02 9636 4447 or 014 968 954 Detroit Locker suit LJ Torana. VGC. S1000. Ph 03 59967888 bh Cranbourne. MS Wheels, racing BBS and Ronal and rims 16" and 17' Must go, best offers. Also 16' and 17’ slicks and wets, and intermediates. $50 each,' Ph: 03 6331 2849 (BH), 03 6334 1385 (AH). 8 Carillo rods, 5.7 Speedpro pistons 60 thou $1,000. BEM gear drive to suit SBC $50. Ph: 02 6887 3251. Swap Meet, hi-performance a marine, speedway, drags, hot rods, street cars, last fours, circuits. All hi performance parts. Gates open 6am. November 30, Parramatta Speedway. Promoted by DBRA. Ph: 02 4578 4199. Engines: 186 Holden motor, one complete v/ith fresh Deck Racing head, one unbuilt, all parts in good order. Make an offer. Ph: 02 9820 3089. 14 Datsun A series option gearbox $1,200. Race head, stainless valves, custtom headers, twin Webers, $2,500. 13 x 8 deep dish mags $160. Nismo race crankshaft $500. Ph: Alan 03 9800 3299(BH). Racing seat, OMP, black with wings, used only once. Cost $500, now tor sale $350. Ph: 02 9418 3141 (AH), 1,3 Wheels, 16'x10" Globes, one set Torana, one set Ford and Valiant. Three races old. $800 per set. Bh: 03 63301881 (AH). .13 Extractors, suit Holden 202 engine, ex-racing,.suit street car. $100. Ph: 046 471 033. ,3 Charger RT instrument paineO, mint condition, recalibrated and reconditioned, $550. Genuine Charger RT mag wheels in excellent condition, with new centre caps, set of 5, $300. Ph: 08 8361 3162. 113 XU-1 4-Speed, Genuine M21, slinger style. Reconditioned, suit NC Torana etc. $850 Phone Dave (02)6765 4279 or (019) 457 106. 113 HSV parts, big brakes, struts, springs, shocks, used discs, new twin spot calipers $1000 a pair. New, VN Grp A Bilteins (never used) $600 a pair. Ph (08) 8983 1592, ,13

' I

Van Diemen RF95 FF, Scott Bargwannd otters for sale the ex-Mark Webber oar with engine and planty of set-up data. Immaculate, no expense spared. $40,000 Phone Scott (02)9542 1845 or(0414)417 022. H3 Formula Vee NG Elfin. Proven front runner. Elliott pre pared (zero miles on new motor) too much to list. Top car. $9000. Ph 03 9598 7558 ah or 03 9521 0888 115 95 Swift, fully rebuilt ready for 98 season. Cheap. Ph: 0755 949 711. ..2 1977 Kaditcha F2, chassis number 2, eligible for Group Q. Available as roller or complete, with or without spares package. Ph: 03 5881 4411 (BH), 03 5881 1506 (AH). 114 Kart - Kali Epoch, ready to race with three reed engines, mufflers, carbys, new wets and slicks, stand, trolley, kart cover, race suit, helmet. Must sell. $2,200. Ph: 014 481 812(BH), 03 5248 5083(AH). ,u Formula Vee. Ready to race with fresh engine. Ideal for circuit and/or hillclimb evants. Comes with lightweight trail er, all for $3,900. Ph:03 9850 5566 or 015 527 854. 113 Kaditcha 1982 F2, Golf engine, Hewland transaxle. Car is available with a spares package to suit purchaser. $26,000 neg. Ph: 03 5881 4411 (BH),03 5881 1506(AH). 113

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3 Litre UC Torana Modified Production, ex Vic 3, 4 meetings old, very competitive oar, all new fully adjustable suspension, 3 sets new tyres and mags. Fresh engine, heaps spares, tandem trailer. $8,000ono. Ph: Peter 03 5275 4904. ik

Formula Vee NG Elfin. Brand new Elliott Bond motor (zero miles), hi flow manifold, Bilsteins all round, Aeroquip lines, new panels and paint. All top equipment, proven record (94 NSW Champion) very quick in novice’s hands. Lots of spares, immac cond. $10,500ono. Ph: 03 9598 7558(AH). „2

Std Saloon XW Ford No. 40. 302 auto, two fibreglass seats, two five-point harness belts, window nets both sides. New fuel- tank, protection barwork fitted. Ready to race. $3,000ono. Ph: Chris 03 9726 4297(AH). ,,2

Open Wheelers

Edmunds Midget - Sesco engine, Halibrand wheels, outstanding restoration by original US owner, US$18,000. Ph: Ron Cameron 02 4628 8322(AH).

Formula Ford, Van Diemen RF86. Lamer engine, spares package, prolessionally maintained, excellent condition. $11,900 or $8500 less engine, or consider rent or lease. Ph (0418) 184 456 or AH (070)93 8808. 5 53

Formula Vee Renmax, ready to race, excellent hp Kleinig engine, superb cond, meticulously maintained, regular top 10 car throughout 1996. $7,000. Ph: Chris Cummins 02 9709 4655(BH), 02 9876 3446(AH). cent

Drag Racing 55 Chev 2 door, fibreglass doors, Lexan windows, 406 SB Chev, p/glide, 9" 35 spline, steel crank, roller cam. Car has done 9 runs since built, at 9.8/139mph. Best of every thing has been spent on car. $25,000. Ph: 015 149 200. 114

Morris Minor, Series II (1955). Full race car. Too many extras to mention or comes with Mazda 1300 body. $6000 Ph (02)9630 7976 or (0416)250 655. 1.5

V?-

Chenowth Magnum Stadium Buggy. Imported from US, chrome moly frame, turbo Laser engine with T28 turbo, Porsche trans, Bilstein shocks, Wright, Summer Bros hubs, UMP power'steer, Motec M4. Purpose-built trailer and spares. $25,000. Ph: Paul 03 9762 5089. 114

Parts Sheel driving seat, Reupholstered by Scheel. Tan in colour, cost $1200 new. In new condition, $550. Also a pair of black Stratos seats in excellent cond. $500. Phone (02) 9949 7875 John.ns Kart parts, engines. Fox 92L Parilla Revenge, com plete with pipes, $850 each. Redlock timing computer, features 40 lap memory, exhaust temp, $575. One set of bridgestone wets on rims, $220. Engine mounts, pipes, stands, helmets. Contact James (AH) (03) 5248

Ex-Grp A Corolla race wheels, 16x6.5 inch, 4. stud pattern or centre locks. Full magnesium l;gh'.weight, v/hite with polished edge (recently resprayed) $825 ONO. Ph (0414) 251 384. ,,3 Datsun 1600 parts, Doors, ditf, tail lights, head lights, harness, hubcaps, seats, gearbox, LSD, A arms, struts, bonnet, front, guards and lots more. From $5. Ballarat (03) 53 346 364. ,.3

Engines Hemi 245 race motor and gearbox. All complete. Ex speedway, recently freshened, not run in since. Street stock class, very quick. Cost $2800 all up. Sell $1800 ono. Ph 08 8396 5607 1.5 Race engine parts. Bow tie heads, complete with jessel. Ph 03 9315 4055 us 202 Holden, fully rebuilt, balanced, blueprinted. Fully worked head, roller rockers, Hi Energy sump. McGee injec tion, will sell with or without. POA. Ph: 03 5996 2263 or 0419 388 192. 114 Datsun A14, worked, big port head, ext, match ported, bal crank, Holden value springs, 45mm Del Orto. recurred dizzy, . Strong motor. $850. Ph:039478 9048. 114 Holden 202, methanol engine, just freshened. Forged pis tons, roller rockers etc. Plus new 3.3 engine, forged pistons, roller cam and lifters. $5,000 tor both, will separate. Ph: 03 5962 4540.0418 557 994. 114 Commodore VS, HSV, 185kW S.Olitre V8, low mileage, excellent condition, can hear running, still in car. selling to finance new engine. $4,200ono. Ph:039729 4618. 114 Formula Ford engine, not run since full rebuild. New rings, bearings, timing chain, tensioner etc. Complete, ready to install. Good hp. $3,950. Ph: Greg 07 5446 7611. in Lotus t/c motor, dismantled, new valves 1700 less cams, $3,570ono. Cosworth Sierra cylinder head complete $2,800. Steel crank, lightweight, $925. Tranx 4-spd sc/cr gearbox, rebuilt $975. Ph:08 8204 8869,08 8278 5988. m FJ20 motor, race prepared crank, sump, head, needs pis tons and manifolds. Bargain $750. Ph: Stuart 07 3285 4871. 13

5083.115

M-21 V8 conversion. All new, never used. Box, bell housing, L-34 shifter, L-34 knob. H/D clutchplate. pres sure plate, thrust bearing, tailshaft, crossmember. All receipts. Cost $1265. Sell $1150 ono. Ph 08 8365 5607 US

Data One transmitter, used once, with mount. $350 ONO Phone Steve (02) 9524 1528 or (018) 069 812. 115

XF Falcon Super Street Sedan, racing season 1 year, big hp motor, 4 meetings oid, spare wheels and tyres, gearboxes. Ready to race. $4,500ono. Ph: 07 786 1356 (AH) 07 786 1622 (BH). us Two ‘96 Maxim chassis. New one as a deluxe kit, other as a roller. One Rodek 372ci -12 Weld-tech heads, Kinsler injection. Just freshened. Urgent sale. Ph: 03 6363 1231 (BH), 03 6363 1382 (AH), lu VN Commodore Modified Production, less engine and gearbox, in as-new condition. A steal at $2,000. Ph: 03 5382 5940 (AH). 113

Street Stocker, TE Cortina. Fresh motor, top equip ment, heaps of spares, including complete spare car. Just hop in and win. $2,500 Ph: 02 6621 6072. 112

Chevron B34, 1976 Formula 3, with Historic logbook. As new 2 litre Novamotor. Spare set of rims with new wets. Spares. All in excellent condition. Recent Leyburn outright winner. Reduced to $45,000. Ph: 07 3396 1624. 112

Swift SC93 FF, Christian Jory offers tor sale ex-Stephen White car.'Complete with top Lamer engine or as roller. Many spares, currently 2nd Victorian Series. No expense spared POA. Tony Jory (03)63 265 555 or (018) 130 133. 13 Van Diemen RF97, rolling chassis. Like new, fully developed. Available after Bathurst. Phone Tim (0419) 588 884. 113

Holden 202, Race motor. YT head, E/Ignition, steel T/gears, blue crank, ACL, Starfire. All balanced. XV-1. Bathurs cam and lifters. Run 13.81 in wt. Cost $5400. Sell $1800 ono. Ph 08 8396 5607 115 Webers, 4 X 481DA Cobar manifold, complete with braided fuel lines and fittings. New, never used. Suit Ford Windsor $3500 neg. (02) 9579 6382 or (015) 468 166. 115

Mazda 13B pp, Rotomotion housings, 48mm IDA Weber. Tooth belt drive, baffled sump, modified dissy, fully rebuilt. New twin plate clutch, close ration Hollinger box. $5500 neg. (02) 9579 6382 or (015) 468 166. Brodix #8 heads complete, LA Krypinite rods, 5/8 stock crank, 010 race block plus assorted pistons and cams. Ph 03 9315 4055 us NASCAR block crank rods pistons roller cam dry sump pump Tilton triple plate clutch assembly Pontiace Grand Prix Suit display car. Incomplete-TIO steel hos ing gearbox. Ph 02 9636 4447 or 041 968 954 us Chev heads, Bowtie 18 degree heads with titanium valves. Ready to bolt on, $3850. Phone BH 0351 33 9993 AH 0351 33 9532 Mob (0412) 399 020. ns NASCAR Pontiac Grand Prix complete car. No expense spared. NASCAR chassis with Lumina body incomplete. Cambered 9" diff complete less centre, Ph 02 9636 4447 014 968 954. 115

Nissan U-D Turbo transporter, 6 speed, prof, built pan, large belly lookers, i/range tanks, long reg, comfortable, clean, reliable, impressive, selling well below cost to finance Super Tourer, $18,500 ono. Ph: 03 5248 3044 or 015 050 435. 112

Race car transporter, 1967 Bedford bus. 300ci motor. 5 speed synchro box, high speed diff, no rego, near road worthy, sleeps 4, interior all new. VGC. $6,200ono. Ph: Peter 03 5275 4904. 114

. j

21 November 1997

F-:

Sprintcar/NASCAR. 12/240V lighting, internal/external ramps, electric winch, tyre racks, bench, external tool boxes, alr-conditloned. Very low kms. $36,000ono. Ph: Ron Cameron 046 288 322. 112 Enclosed trailer, dual axle, annexe, workbench, cupboards, sink. White 7m x 2.4 x 1.8. Excellent cond. $7,250. Ph: 02 9901 4666(BH), 0418 975 819. nr F100 82 model, ex-Ambulance, auto, dual fuel, tow hitch, long reg and RWC. $9,800. Ph: 03 5996 2263 or 0419 388 192. 114

[HE Trailer, Double drop 42ft Aluminium sided and lined. Excellent cono. $35,000. Rob (045)731 338 115

Other Spoiler VR Supercar front spoiler. Ph 02 9545 0887 M5

Autocourse annuals for sale. 1979-80 to 1997-96. Will not separate. $1500 the lot. Ph 02 9534 5276. 115 Senna watch - TAG Heuer 6000 ladies, no. 553 of 1,000 world wide. Never worn. Presentation box, cata logue ,certificate, suit collector. Genuine enquiries only. Ph: 07 5573 3478. Collection 81 motor sport videos, many rare, mainly Historic racing. For full list send SAE to Mike Evans. 494 Fig Tree Pocket Road, Fig Tree Pocket, OLD 4069. lid

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Bathurst programmes, Australian Motor Racing, 1st AGP programme. Best offers. Ph: 017 115 898 02 4367 8004. 114 Flamecrusher single layer driving suit, medium size in blue $60. Red Fastman driving boots, size 7 $40. 1985 Mitsubishi AGP King Gee officials overalls, size 5. $50. All in good condition. Ph: 08 8522*5541. 114 Bathurst programmes 1970-1997, Marlboro and Mobil HOT items - posters, jackets, bags, mirrors etc, HRT race suit 1991. Peter Brock Gold Card, framed, no, 66. Ph: 02 4822 2938 after 7pm Great Race books, Vols 1, 3 to 8, 11 to 16 and Australia's Greatest Motor Race (1960-1980). All VGC, sell complete $500. Holden: official racing history, 30 Fabulous Years and many more. Phone David (076) 263 616 or e-mail crook@tpgi.com.au ns Great Race books, Vol 1 and Vols 3-9, and complete history 1960-80. Various prices. Ph: Anthony 08 8277 3752(AH). 113

Wanted i-34 engine must be genuine and known history. Needed for restoration of high output option L-34 ex touring car. Please call if have or know of one Ph 08 8396 5607 15 Autograph, Gregg Hansford's autograph required.

Also signed Bathurst photo from 1993. Phone bis. (03) 9827 9882 or fax (03) 9827 9514. 15 Intake manifold, to fit twin sidedraught DHLA Dellorjos to Ford 1600cc crossflow. Phone Steve (AH) (02)6766 5977. 1 15 Australian Motor Racing Yearbook, Number 20. Must be in good condition. Phone Scott on (03) 5025 7293. 115 Drivers wishing to compete in our championship winning cars for the 1998 NSW Formula Ford series. NB we will be testing in Sydney early December, For your spot ph 07 5446 7611. ns Four 13” X 9” or 10” rims for Escort Sports Sedan. Also, video of Brock's Austin A35 at Oran Park or Bathurst. Ph: Don 07 5462 2415. 113 Formula One kits - Tamiya 1/20 Wolf WR1, Brabham BT46. Other early ones. Protar FI Sports Car videos from 60s - 70s. Ph: Andrew 049 484 472. lu Kart, cheap. Must be suitable for beginner. Phone Dan Birch (07)5474 8961 or (07) 5474 98127. 1 15 Heuer dash-mounted rally stop watches, 8 day clocks, Haldas, speed pilots. Ph: Glenn Goad 03 9533 0100 or 0418 389 549. 12 Driver required, lor 1998 Formula Ford team (Queensland Championship Series). Reasonable bud get required. Novice welcome, instruction provided. Call Peter (0418) 184 456. 114

i^^rspoft News' RACE SMOP gives you the opportunity to promote your products^and services to : widest possible range of motorsport competitors and enthusiasts. : Advertising in RACE SffO#costs as little as $50 per issue! i Vi For bookings, call Gerald NcDornan on 03 9527 7744

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Commodore VN National Car with VR front 80% race ready with full fire system (3 points), remote oil systems, 2 sets of Auscar wheels, and speed nuts, fule churn and many more spares. $25 000 ono Pti Justin 03 9727 1725 or 018 389 695 EF Ford Falcon AUSCAR. Finished 2nd in 1996 ch'ship. Front runner car comes complete with John Sidney built Ford Windsor. Four-bolt motorsport block, dart, 2 alloy heads, Ferraro rods, JE pistons, Blake Holley carb. Ediebrock manifold motor produces 4/5^HP. Just fresh ened and has not run since. Dyno sheet available. Sachs 9" clutch, minimum weight flywheel, blueprinted super T-10 gearbox, Harrop uprights, hub front and rear brakes, stabiliser bar. Fully adjustable suspension front and rear, Bilstein shocks. Car is metallic gunmetal grey, has all the latest and best parts on it and is capable of running consistent 31 sec laps. Comes with all set up infomration. Good weight distribution and tyre wear. $35,000. Ph Rodney Jane 0418 556 467, 03 9886 5074 ah or fax 03 9267 0880. Falcon XR-8 National Car. Lightweight shell. All Harrop components Fresh top horsepower MTR with dyno sheets. A genuine top 3 car. Spares and transporter available. $33,500. Ph Mark Seaton 018 572 551. Falcon ex-Ted Robinson Ford. Windsor JE pistons. Sachs 9" clutch super T-10 g/box, Harrop upright, hubs and brakes, fully adjustable suspension, Bilstein shocks, set up information and spares. $29,000. Ph 02 4937 3333. Ford EF AUSCAR. Complete ready to race - $40,000 Complete in all respects less engine - $30,000. Best of all components from front to back. Ph 03 9769 9666. Ford EF AUSCAR. Set up for Thunderdome. Rebuilt motor, new pis tons, rings, bearings etc. Harrop floating diff. Kevlar x R8 front. Log book. Ready to race. $18,000. Ph 039 335 5750. SVO Block and Rods. Brand new. Keen to sell. Ph Mark Seaton 018 572 551.

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COIVIIVIENT

21 Nombei 1997

motorsport teams and drivers. They \ put on a great show for you!

Someone liked Bathurst 2 0

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Editorial t Editor I Oavid Hassali iTechnical Editor I Tony Glynn [Assistant Editor I Phil Branagan I Graphics Co-ordinator jViv Brumby

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Contributors General; Mike Kable, Jon Thomson. ; Brian Reed, Dartyi Flack FI;Joe Saward, Adam Cooper ; Europe: Quentin Spurring, Ian Bamsey, Gwyn Dolphin I US: Bruce Smith, Phil Morris NZ: John Hawkins Speedway: Dennis Newlyn, David McNabb, Wade Aunger, Geoff ; Rounds, Mark Neale, David Lamont, i Chris Metcalf, Sue'Hobson, ■; Michael Attwell, Tony Millard (UK) ; Rally: Peter Whitten Drag Racing: Gerald McDornan, Greg Ward, Jon Asher (USA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), , Nick Nicholas, Steven White, ' Ken Ferguson, Scott Jug Super Speedway; Martin Clark (USA), Brett Swanson Karts: Ian Saivestrin, Allan Roark, ' Graeme Burns, Edward Krause ; Photographers: LAT, Dirk Klynsmith, ; Zoom Photographies, Neil Hammond, Nigel £. Diana Snowdon, Brad Steele, Tony Glynn, : Thunder-Pics. Marshall Cass, ; Mike Harding, Brisbane Motorsport, ; Frank Midgley, John Bosher, ' [ Phil Williams, Mike Patrick (UK) ■ : nOTORSPORT NEWS is puaiislicd by Ausiralasian Motorsport New'S Pty Ltd ACN No 060 i 79 928 ; Di'-eccofS. C LamlxJen (Managing), D Hassali, A G!>nn : Publisher: C Lambden

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Distributed by: NDD Ud Material published by MOTORSPORT NEWS is : cop>t;ghc and may not be reproduced in full or in : pare without the written permission ot the ; pulJlishcr: Freelance contributions are welcome. : and v.'hiic all care will be taken. Australasian ; Motorsport News Pty Ltd does not accept , respensibitity for damage or loss of material submfUed. Opinions expressed in Motorsport Nevs-s are noi necessarily those of Austialasian Motorsfioh New.\ Pty Ltd or its staff. i^Kecommended and maximum price only..

Dear Sir, I decided to wait until both races had been run before I put in my two cents worth. So here goes. I’m sorry to say it, sports fans, but didn’t the sight of Holdens and Fords lumbering around Mt Panorama bring home the resound ing success of the previous long weekend? What a pitifully boring parade of look-alike bricks the same old egos shunted around for 6 1/2 hours. No wonder the Bathurst Consortium preferred the risk of a small grid to the overblown and now petulant V8 brigade. The AMP Bathurst 1000 on the long weekend was new, different, exciting and emotional (I was at the finishing line, screaming with everyone else for Bewley to keep going - who cares if it didn’t count, it was a great moment when he crossed the line). The Primus 1000 on the 19th was old, repetitive, dull and annoying. I used to be a V8 fan, but I’ve opened my eyes and my mind and found a better sport. Other V8 fans might at least be sporting enough to recognise another formula, with out behaving like imbeciles. Let’s just be thankful that the V8 race isn’t being televised overseas so the pathetic display of bad sportsmanship at the balcony pre sentation won’t be broadcast to the world. I know which one really is the Great Race and I know where I’ll be on the long weekend next year. Just goes to show you can’t beat the real thing. I hope those of you who didn’t go this year will realise you really missed something and will make the effort next year. The Bathurst 1000 does belong to us let’s not abandon it now. Andrew Doherty Suny Hills, NSW

Shuey Fokkers around Dear Sir, History has repeated itself in war. World War 1 a notorious German pilot by the name of Manfred von Richthofen (The Red Baron) ruled the skies. Now it seems that this cold, cal culating fighter has been reincar-} nated. But, instead of seeing his flying prowess in the sky, we see his talents in the premier category of motorsport. Formula One. He has kept his nationality the same (German) and his unique markings the same (a scarlet coloured flying machine). Yes, the Red Baron has been reincarnated as (gasp!) Michael Schumacher! Just as the original Red Baron shot down one of the allies’ gi-eatest assets in Major Lanoe Hawker, the

Tracy Szepessy Abeifoyle Park,SA

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reincarnated baron shot down another in (very) close combat in 1994. His name was Hill, Damon Hill. It was a close fight between Hawker and Richthofen, the same with Hill and Schuey. Eventually, on both occasions, the baron was the victor. Things were progressing well in 1997 for the German ace and it all looked set for the cunning double world champion to add another championship to his trophy case. However, fate would repeat itself and just as things looked well for our nemesis in 1918, a young Canadian pilot by the name of Captain A. Roy Brown (flying for the RAF) took the mighty baron from the sky.

To Larkham; a fan

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Dear Sir,

Ci.

rryrsin erpr,

a drive at HRT. I thought this was Motorsport News, not V8 News. Cameron Cooper garryc@aul.ibm.com ASST ED: Maybe, maybe not. Timing-wise, the FIA did MIN no favours when scheduling the final round 10 days before we came out and, with the cover age the race had received in the general media, it just wasn’t a front-page story any more.

Well done, 10 Dear Sir, Congratulations to Channel 10 on their fantastic coverage of the Primus 1000 Classic (as has been

Enclosed is a photo^-aph of my daughter, celebrating., Mark Larkham’s third place in the Primus 1000 Classic. Charlotte is a Bathurst baby, bom October 5 at 6;.30am - imagine my horror at having to watch the Bathunst 1000 in the maternity suite. While Charlotte does not under stand the politics behind the sport, she was grateful for the chance to say goodbye to Brock and was delighted when one of the nice blokes in motorsport finally had a good result. Hopefully, good foifune will shine on the Mitre 10 team next year. Paul Botterill Para Hills, SA ASST ED: Cute kid, Botterill. Congratulations. But explain something here - her mother

S ' START ’EM YOUNG... Mark Larkham has a new fan in seven week old Charlotte Botterill. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Except in our 1997 version, the name Manfred von Richthofen would be replaced by Michael Schumacher, A. Roy Brown by Jacques Villeneuve and the RAF by Williams FI. Congratulations Jacques, a wor thy winner twice? Luke J. Fomin Bell Park, VIC ASST ED: Good work, Fomin. EXCEPT... Capt Brown didn’t register the kiU. He reportedly hit Richthofen’s aircraft, but it was the Vickers machine gun on the ground that brought the Fokker down. It was manned by Australians... and no, Mark Webber wasn’t one of them.

GPs, not HRT Dear Sir, Why wasn’t the European GP put on the front cover of issue 113? Surely it’s more important than Mark Skaffe “looking certain’ to get

the case throughout the year); it is great to see their dedication to the coverage of motorsport. I would, however, like to know why pit lane reporters ask the

question time and time again to

drivers/teams who have been unfor tunate enough to come unstuck during a race; “How do you feel at this time?” I mean, really, what sort of stupid question is that? What do they expect them to say; “I feel just Jim Dandy, thanks.” Pllleeaasse!!!!! Now, does Australia know who the real kings of the mountain are - V8 Supercars. Congratulations to Larry & Russell, but my heart is with Glenn. Shame on all you supporters who “Booo” teams/drivers at these events. Do you not realise that internation al viewers are privy to the final results and presentations of this race? Is this the image you want to portray of Australian motorsport fans? You should take a lesson from the international audiences and get behind ALL of our Australian

;

made you STAY in the matern i ty suite when you could have been getting drunk with your mates and watching the race?!

Xfig complete FI plctUfe Dear Sir, In reply to Justin McGowan’s let ter in the 24/10/97 issue, there is another FI site that does live timing. Gale Force Fl(www.monaco.mc/fl) is the best one that I have come across. If you want the best news on the net, go to Atlas Fl(www.atlasfl.com). It’s so fast, I only need Motorsport News for anything not Fill You could also look up my home page, which isn’t anywhere near as good as those on www.powerup.com.au/~pepe. Thanks for the great mag guys!! Geordie Pugh Moorooka, QLD ASST ED: Thanks for the inter net addresses. As for not need ing any FI stuff fi-om MN; we’re telling Saward where you live...

By Barry Foley

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Billet-aluminium metering blocks eliminate the risk of porosity in the internal passageways forever. Almost impossible to detect and eliminate in cast metering blocks, the extruded-billet block from BG is

VPW introduces the Gold Claw from BG Fuel Systems. Discover the Gold Claw, the first all-new American-made racing 4-barrel to be produced in forty years. Gold Claw carburettors are available in a full range of sizes and directly replace Holley 4150 models. Choose from our Reaction-Time, Track-Master, Tunnel Ram, Road Race or General Performance styles and experience the advantages of a carburettor built specifically for you application. Loaded with innovative ideas and with several patents pending, these carburetors have broken new ground in at least six major areas. They produce more power and achieve higher levels of performance than was capable with previous designs.

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not only porosity-proof, it also looks good. Anodidized for durability, they are also colour-coded to indicate fuel type: gasoline or alcohol. Removeable Booster Venturii - an innovation no racing carburettor should be without. Available in Downleg, Annular Discharge, Straightleg and Annular Truck type, the removable boosters, made from extra-strength alloy, provide unlimited opportunities for tuning. Whether your engine is large or small, race or street, gasoline or alcohol, the Gold Claw can be adapted to suit. Gone are the days when specialised swaging equpment is required - the new booster venturii are conveniently retained in their fail safe position and secured by a tapered brass locknut. Patent pending.

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Introducing the Silver Claw from BG.

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