Motorsport News Issue 118 - 16-29 January 1998

Issue 118

$4.20 (NZ$5.95 inci GST)

OWi 1998

NEWS

Villeneuve declares: ‘We will never be friends’

By JOE SAWARD ANYHOW* HAVE AN F1 CAR: World Champion Jacques Villeneuve shows off his new look for 1998- the colours of Winfield, the cigarette brand born in Australia.

JACQUES Villeneuve has lashed out at rival Michael Schumacher on the eve of the new season.

Villeneuve has told the German magazine Das Bild that, contrary to the impression which he says is being created by Schumacher, the two drivers are not friends.

In fact, the World Champion says they “never will be” friends.

The new war of words ensures that there will be an even more intense rivalry when the two arrive in Melbourne for the Qantas Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in seven weeks’ time.

Villeneuve says he is annoyed at Schumacher’s claims that the two enjoy a friendly relationship.

I forgive Michael for his move in Jerez because he only caused trouble for himself,” Villeneuve was quoted as saying.

“What happened after that makes me furious.

We had a private get-together.

The only photograph taken, which was published in the newspapers, was taken by Schumacher’s wife.

That is not the way to behave.

I keep reading all these quotes from Michael saying we are friends. Lies.

I have had enough of all the verbiage about friendship. It is beginning to annoy me.

We are not friends and we never will be.’

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3

■ Late news; We hear that the

Forbes in shock Seton Falcon drive Exclusive report

by CHRIS LAMBDEN

■ Larry Perkins confirmed on Tuesday that the potential deal to run a car for Wayne Gardner officially died this week, the deciding factor being the unavailability ofDunlop tyres for an additional car.

TWO-CAR TEAM... Glenn Seton is looking fonvard to the benefits of getting back to a full-strength operation.

Forbes will also run on Bridgestone rubber.

Negotiations between Forbes and Seton’s manager Noel Watson began as late as mid-December, but the deal has come together well for both parties.

Confirmation of a second Seton car also brings to 18 the number of Level 1 cars on TEGA’s books for 1998.

This is 50 percent up on last year and promises a great season.

Rodney Forbes, at 30 ydars of age a relatively late motor sport starter, is thrilled with the development;

“We were looking at doing the whole Australian Formula Ford series,” he said, “but then we thought‘why waste a year?’

“We’ve got a tremendous deal with Glenn and it allows me to learn from him.

“Glenn knows what he’s doing and I’m expecting a lot of guidance from him.”

The Shell series will be an experience-gaining exercise for Forbes, but he harbours ambi tions of a top ten “or maybe the dream top five” at Bathurs^ later in the year.

Ji/lurf close to Indycar deal .and BMW looms as back-up!

By CHRIS LAMBDEN

I

GREG Murphy is very close to the finance deal which will secure an IndyCar drive with the Project Indy Team this year.

However, if it fails to come together for the first half of this year, a hot rumour is linking him with a reborn BMW Super Tourer team.

This would be headed by Lyall Williamson and supported

by BMW Germany.

The Indycar deal - a little more complex than the average sponsorship arrangement could well produce the $2 mil lion he needs to secure a drive with the team he briefly tested for last year.

While the finance deal looks promising, the catch is that it is unlikely to produce hard cash until mid-year.

Murphy is hopeful that Project Indy, which already has some $4 million of its budget in

brokering the deal was none other than Steve Hardman, the man who introduced the compa ny to Super Tourer racing here in Australia.

At the same time, internation al rumours suggest that Subaru star Kenneth Ericsson may move across to Hyundai to head the driver line-up. Bell is still expected to drive some events.

■ As we reported last issue, GaiTy Rogers Motorsport has completed discussions with HRT to purchase the car used by Greg Murphy in the latter part oflast year’s Shell series.'The team is due to take delivery late this week, but it is not yet clear which ofthe team’s two drivers, Steven Richards or Jason Bargwanna, will drive the new acquisition.

GLENN Seton will run a second Ford Falcon in 1998 after all - for V8 rookie Rodney Forbes.

Forbes’ V8 ambitions, revealed exclusively in our last issue, have borne fruit, in style.

Late on Tuesday, as we closed for press, a deal was finalised which will see the son of former racer Bob Forbes debut at the Australian Grand Prix meeting.

Final sponsorship details are still being put together, but there will be a degree of “interlocking” spon sorship between the Forbes car and Seton’s Falcon.

Forbes will undertake at least three full test days under Seton’s eye before making his race debut.

“Theoretically, Rodney could have raced from round one,” Bob Forbes said, “but both we and Glenn are adamant that it’s most important to do the test miles first, hence the late start - even though Rodney will drive a car as soon as January 27.”

Forbes will initially run in Seton’s current spare car, which has been up-dated, until Seton debuts his brand new car (expected at Phillip Island) at which point he will take over Glenn’s current car.

contract to develop and build Hyundai’s rally cars has moved from Australian Wayne Bell’s hands to MSB in the UK. And

WAITING PATIENTLY... One way or the other, Greg Murphy looks like having a full season of racing after all. place, is prepared to place the confidence in him and his hack ers to start the season before his own contribution is con firmed.

“The season really starts on

February 1,” he told Motorsport News this week,“although some of the teams are well into test ing already.

“Our deal really is that close, hut it will need the team to have the confidence in us that the money will be there mid 3 year.”

The possible BMW drive looks to be the result of a deal between Super Tourer’s strongest supporter, Peter Adderton, and Williamson, who headed the BMW Australia team until the withdrawal of BMW Australia last month.

BMW Germany is said to be disappointed by the withdrawal and prepared to back the mar que’s continuing presence here.

Without a current full-time Australian drive, the talented Murphy is an obvious choice and - if his IndyCar ambition remains unfulfilled in the near future - Motorsport News’ sources believe it is likely to happen.

At this stage, P’orbes is expected to run in the second car at Bathurst, rather than teaming up with Seton - “that would be a bit much of an ask for anybody in year one,” confirmed Forbes Snr. For his part, Seton is pleased with developments; “It’s good for us both,” he said.

“Rodney has got a good record so far and seems to have the ability to do well.

“There’s no doubt that the cost sharing that you can do with two cars as opposed to one will also help us.

Rookie buys Gardner Holden ROD Nash is the new owner of Wayne Gardner’s number 7 Commodore.

The 37-year-oId touring car rook ie took delivery of the car recently and will run the full Shell series, starting at Sandown next month.

Nash’s car will be prepared in Melbourne by Les Small, who w'ill run the car alongside Level One driver John Faulkner.

“John Faulkner Racing and crew chief Les Small have a lot to offer and can short cut all the technical stuff you need to learn,” Nash said this week.

He also said that the fact that Privateer drivers will race on Yokohama tyres from Lakeside, and that WGR’s car was a Tokohama’ car, made the decision easier.

Like Faulkner’s car Nash will use Rob Benson-developed RED engines but, despite 18 years expe rience in speedway, he does not plan on making an impact straight away.

“I understand I’m not going to set the world on fire this season,” he said. “This year is purely a learning curve.”

■ It’s not official yet, but we hear that Cameron McConville is set for a second season with the Orix Audi team.

■ The V8 Control tyre story lives again! AVESCO has this week asked V8 teams to make submissions on the desirability or otherwise ofintroducing a Control tyre across the entire category. The now annual ritual begins ...

■ Following recent meetings, Alan Jones was in a positive mood about his V8 Supercar prospects as we closed for press on Tuesday, but there is still no final word of his possible deal with Tony Longhurst. AJ is hop ing to have something firm by the end of this week.

■ A little bit ofFormula 1 is coming to Formula Holden.

Austrian Markus Friesacher will carry Red Bull colours this sea son, the Sauber sports drink sponsor adorning his Graham Watson-run Reynard 91D. ■ Milton Leslight has commit ted to run a full Super Touring schedule this season. His Toyota Carina, which appeared at the final 1997 season race at Amaroo Park, will be seen at all BOC Gases rounds, plus the AGP support and Bathimst 1000.

■ Nissan BTCC star Anthony Reid broke his wrist on the weekend and will not be able to drive for four weeks. After slip ping on wet cobblestone Reid’s Michelin Vallelunga tyre test was taken by German Michael I^rumm, while his Daytona 24 Hour Lister drive may be go to new Ford BTCC driver Craig Baird.

■ Australian Sprintcar ace Garry Brazier is returning to Garj' Stanton’s Mopar team in the US. Brazier, who split with the team last year, will be back when the World of Outlaws Series kicks off on February 13.

■ Jacques Villeneuve ended 1997 with a bang when he crashed heavily while skiing in the French Alps- on the nursery slopes! He spent the night in hospital but, while initial reports suggested that Jacques had bro ken a collarbone, the only dam age was slight concussion.

4

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Ford BTCC confirmed for Baird

By PHIL BRANAGAM CRAIG Baird has been con firmed as Ford’s second dri ver in the British Touring Car Championship.

The New Zealander, who Von’ the Bathurst 1000 with Paul Morris last year before being disqualified, got the news on Monday after a meeting of Ford Motorsport executives in England.

The news ends weeks of rumours, and settles all the works entries in the series.

Baird, 27, will partner for mer BTCC champion Vi(j]l Hoy in the West Surrey Racing-run team.

“It’s very, very good news,” said Baird on Tuesday.

“It will be a tough year, but an opportunity to get into the series doesn’t come along eveiy day.”

The Kiwi tested for the team in November after impressing all the visiting BTCC outfits at Bathurst.

But the announcement was delayed for some time as WSR boss Dick Bennetts was said to be keen on signing Brazilian touring car rookie Flavio Figuereido for the seat.

Baird replaces his Peugeotbound countryman Paul

must win

By JOE SAWARD

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Radisich in the Ford team.

He would ordinarily head straight to the UK after com pleting his Ti’aNZam commit ments this weekend, but is still hopeful of racing at Daytona at the end of the month.

MEANWHILE, anotherchange to the Ford program will the end of the WSRReynard link.

Reynard announced last Friday that its two year involvement with the Ford Mondeo project would end next month when it delivered its 1998 cars to WSR. Reynard’s Director of Business Development Richard West said that the deal was terminated due to “ongoing difficulties within the Ford of Britain BTCC Mondeo programme which we feel cannot be satisfacto rily resolved.”

This refers to the lack of speed the car has shown over the last season which, ironi cally, looks like improving this season (see Vallelunga testing report).

While no future deal is yet in place it appears likely that Bennetts’ team will take the Mondeo build program inhouse for the 1999 season.

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NARROWER: This overhead iew shows the effect of the new technical y^/^^^j^guiations.

FERRARI unveiled its new F300 Grand Prix car last week at Maranello and team principals put their necks.on the line, saying that the team would have no excuses if it did not win the World Championship this year.

“We want to win the World Championship,” said Ferrari President Luca Montezemolo. “If we don’t do that we will fail in our objec tives.

“We have the best struc ture, a complete staff and organisation and the best driver in thie world.

“The past season was rich in intrigue and I hope it is not the same this year.

“We were beaten by a car better than our own; with that, six or seven drivers could have been fighting for the title.

“We respect our rivals, but we will do everything to be the best.”

Team boss Jean Todt was similarly bullish.

“I will state openly today that our only goal must be to win the World Championship.

After four years of restracturing, now we have to deliver.

“As well as everything being done at Maranello, we have the best driver in the World and we believe greatly in the talents of Eddie Irvine.”

The F300 is the work of chief designer Rory Byrne and technical director Ross Brawn, both of whom joined Ferrari in the course of 1997.

“I am vei7 happy with the car,” said Brawn.“We have a very good concept and good detail and I am delighted by all our efforts.”

The engineers stressed that one of Ferrari’s strengths is that the entity

The technical challenge

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Russell ties the knot Congratulations are in order for Russell Ingall and his long time partner Julie, who finally married last weekend in Queensland.

The wedding was a present to the couple from Larry Perkins and his wife Rae, who attended the ceremony at Hamilton Island.

From all the staff and readers of Motorsport News, we wish you well. You look great. You too, Russell.

FERRARI technical director Ross Brawn said he faced a huge challenge because of the new technical regula tions as well as the new engine devel oped by Ferrari.

The new V10 is mated to a longitu dinal gearbox, replacing last year’s transverse unit.

There is also a raft of aerodynamic changes, including a more steeply raked nose, revised sidepod-mounted radiators and an altered airbox intake similar to last year’s Williams FW19.

But Brawn believes that rear aero dynamics could see the most change as designers attempt to claw back the downforce lost - commonly believed to be around 15-20 percent with the new technical regs.

“The narrow track throws up diffi cult areas with regard to diffusers, tyre gealing, things like that,” he said.

“You’re also going to see some unusual endplates on the front wing, which I’m sure is going to come in for a lot of attention [Ferrari used tri-plane bodywork during its first runs].

“The centre of gravity is also more critical, so more of an effort than ever

Ferrari Technicai Director Ross Brawn has gone into making that as low as possible.

“But the dimensions that we now have for the front end, to improve safety, mean that most people are going to follow a fairly rigid formula.

“I think you’ll see a lot of cars that are quite similar at the front.

“Maybe somebody’s got a radically different approach we haven’t thought of yet, but I don’t see anything radical ly new in general design terms.

“The changes on this car are prob-

ably the most significant that we have witnessed over the last few years.

“It really bears no resemblance to last year’s car.

“The new safety oriented rules that have come Into force mean that, even from the outside, the car is visibly different.

“The overall width has been reduced from 200cm to 180, the tyres are grooved and no longer slick, the chassis area round the driver’s iegs is now 30 square millimetres - up from the previous 25 - the cockpit entrance area is wider and the wing sizes have been limited.

“With all these changes, we esti mate to be some 3 seconds a lap slower this year.

“Previously, the design of the car had been done in England, but now with everything here in-house in a new design office that works under the leadership of Rory Byrne, this techni cal independence should be one of our strengths from now on.

“I am very pleased with the way the engine department has worked together with the chassis engineers.”

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the title'-Ferrari

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car - including the engine is built under the same roof and that the 1998 car is the first in recent history to have been conceived with the engine and chassis departments working handin-hand.

The car is powered by a new VIO engine, with a new 80-degree vee-angle, which has been designed by a team led by Paolo Martinelli.

Brawn said that he expects the F300 will be around three seconds a lap slower than the 1997 cars because of the regulation changes, which mean that the cars are narrower and will be running on grooved tyres.

The team started testing the car before Christmas but the first serious Work was done last week at Fiorano.

The original intention was for the team to move on to a test at Jerez in Spain but this has now put off, the team prefei’ring to stay at Fiorano so that if there are problems they can be solved relatively quickly.

Eddie Irvine will, howev er, be testing this week in Jerez, using an old F310B, modified to 1998 specifica tion.

SLEEK NEWCOMER:

A new Ferrari is guaranteed to turn heads, but the F300 iooked particularly smooth at the launch. With the start of testing, however, the aerodynamic additions have already returned (as seen on our cover photo)

Gone with the wind ■

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Take it as red FERRARI has said it is not concerned at the decision of main rivals Williams to switch from blue to red liv ery this season.

“Williams obviously have their own motives for changing the color of their cars,” Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said. / “I’m sure that if you were.- to ask one thousand Foi’mula 1 fans which was motor racing’s red car, they would say Ferrari.

“I can honestly say the last color in the world I’m scared of is red.”

The new Williams livery is in stark contrast to the mainly blue and white colors the team haVe run for more than a decade.

Ferrari 649 (F300) Specifications Chassis: carbon fibre and honeycomb composite structure.

Length: 4340 mm Width: 1795mm Height: 961 mm Wheelbase: 2953mm Front track: 1490mm Rear track: 1405mm Weight (with water, driver and lubricant): 600kg Suspension: Independent, push-rod activated torsion spring front and rear Drive: Ferrari longitudinal semi-automatic sequential electronically controlled gearbox Limited slip viscous differential 7 Forward plus one reverse gear Brakes: Ventilated carbon discs Engine: Ferrari 047 - 10 cylinders, 80-degree V Valves: 40 Displacement: 2997cc Power: 700bhp Magnetti Marelli static electronic ignition and digital electronic injection

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DEDICATED SITE: The new $23 million Ferrari windtunnel (above) at the team’s Maranello complex features a second-level return loop which rivals believe could present problems. A model of the new F300 goes through its paces (below).

FERRARI used the launch of the F300 to unveil its long-awaited 250kmh half scale windtunnel at Maranello.

The facility will also be able to run with full scale models, but at only 150kmh.

The windtunnel is believed to have cost something in the region of $23m and, according to Ferrari management, will be the first building in what is planned to be a Ferrari “Research City”.

The windtunnel, which was designed by architect Renzo Piano, features a five-metre diameter fan which needs 2000kW of power to run.

The tunnel is fitted with advanced

data-gathering and analysis equipment and can simulate every kind of motion encoimtered by an FI car.

The tunnel will not be used for some time yet as the calibration process is stOl going on.

Piano’s design features the return loop of the timnel at a different level to the working ai’ea and rival aerodynamicists have suggested that this may pro duce problems with temperature change.

Ferrari, however, seems to be very confident that the windttmnel will help to close the aerodynamic gap between the team and Williams.

5

McLean back in titlewinning Bimmer CAMERON McLean will be back in a BMW this sea son.

The 30-year-old from Brisbane will run the ex-Paul Morris championship-win ning 320i, starting at Albert Park on March 5.

His Greenfield Racing Team now has its Independents’ Cup-winning Opel Vectra for sale.

McLean says that he will be looking for top three results this season.

“The Greenfield team is acquiring the single most dominant car of 1997 and omaim is nothing less than to be an Independent taking wins away fi’om the works competi tors,” he said.

“Even without works sup port, the car will be good enough if I’m good enough.”

While the team will not receive works support as part of the deal, they are hopeful that they may receive some level of help later in the sea son.

“BMW will help us with road cars at the events, which is very good of them,” McLean says.

“And (BMW Motorsport Manager) Paul Rosche wiU be at Albert Park so it would be good to perform well in fi-ont of him.”

For McLean the move marks a return to the German marque.

After winning the 1995 Australian Sports Sedan championship in a BMW M3, he stepped into Super Touring racing in an exSteven Ellery 318 in ‘96 before driving the Opel last season.

Both the other two works BMW race cars are still availBMW able, though Australia’s John Kananghinis said that negotiations “with one or two people” were con tinuing.

“We would not pre-empt an3dhing that might happen,” he said. “If someone has something to announce it will be up to them to do it.”

-PHBLBRANAGAN

Crompton to race sportscars NEIL Crompton looks set to race sportscars in the United States this year.

With the US Super Touring series collapsing, Crompton has been at Dajdona sounding out teams contesting the US Road Racing Championship (for merly IMSA).

He has retained sponsor ship from brewery Labatt’s.

- DAVID HASSALL

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Hesketh attacks fag ban LORD Hesketh, the British politician and for mer Grand Prix team owner who is currently head of the British Racing Drivers Club - which owns Silverstone - has said that the European Union tobacco sponsor ship ban is “demented”.

Hesketh said that the poli cy is “bad, cheap, single-issue politics and it will cost us jobs”.

Hesketh said that the ban will force races out of Europe to the Far East and teams will quickly realise that it is cheaper to relocate to that region.

“Fifty thousand jobs are at stake,” he said,‘Tiut I get the feeling that people will only discover what they have lost when it’s gone.”

The European Union is proposing to ban tobacco advertising entirely from October 2006 although it will take some years before the idea becomes law.

-JOESAWARD

Government sees red over Winfield Tobacco Advertising Prohibition Act which bans WILLIAMS Grand Prix all forms of cigarette adver Engineering last week used tising except if it is associat Pinewood Studios to reveal ed with a major internation its 1998 colour scheme to a al sporting event which small selection of journalists would be lost to Australia if and guests flown in from tobacco was banned. countries where Winfield Wooldridge has already cigarettes - the new title granted the Australian sponsor - are sold.

Grand Prix an exemption for Winfield is the biggest-sell- 1998, but campaigners want ing cigarette brand in him to stop the Winfield Australia and New Zealand campaign as they say it is and Rothmans International clearly advertising a local (which owns Winfield) wants brand.

Rothmans International to exploit the Australian image to increase interna argues that Winfield is an tional sales. international cigarette As a result they have cho brand, which is sold in 13 sen a new kangaroo logo in countries on three conti an effort to link the ciga nents. No government action rettes with the fun-loving is expected against Winfield. relaxed atmosphere of Although the Williams Australia. team is refusing to reveal its The launch of the kanga full sponsorship package, the car at Pinewood fea roo logo attracted immedi ate criticism from Australia, tured continued backing Health from Castrol, Falke, Sonax, where Federal Michael Auto Motor und Sport and Minister Andersen Consulting.

Wooldridge expressed disap Henderson Investors and pointment that an interna tional tobacco campaign the Italian tile company linked to Mirage have not re-signed, should be while new backing comes Australia.

“We are disappointed over from Veltins, Goodyear and link Universal. the decision to The Universal deal is an Australia’s attractiveness as a tourist destination with interesting one, given the the promotion of cigarettes plans for a Formula 1 film in the next couple of years. in an international cam The American entertain paign for Formula 1 racing,” minment company - which is a spokeswoman for the 80% owned by Canadian ister said.

SAUBER Petronas team director Max Welti has The President of the drinks company Seagram left the Swiss team because team owner Peter Medical is best known for its movie Australian Sauber has taken over the role.

Keith studio, which has produced Dr Sauber said that he had decided to resume more Association successful films, Woollard complained that it many direct responsibility for the running of the team, after including the two biggestwas “a very bad message to two and half years in which Welti has run operations, send to the rest of the world selling movies of all time: and that left Welti without a role. that Australia is a place Jurassic Park and ET. “For many years we have worked together in a rela It is also a big player in where tobacco advertising tionship iftarked by success and friendship,’’ Sauber the world’s TV markets, goes ahead”. said. “With his great experience and everlasting com recently launched a TV He called on the govern mitment Max Welti has achieved a lot for our team, channel in Europe, has a ment to stop Williams from for which I would like to express my deepest gratitude.” running with the kangaroo record company, an expand ing electronics business and Welti has been mentioned as a possible team leader logo in Melbourne.

Rothmans was accused of a booming theme park divi for the BMW Motorsport FI program. sion.

-JOESAWARD circumventing Australia’s

By JOE SAWARD

Welti leaves as Sauber has a position available for a Transporter Driver/General Hand. takes control 6ARRY ROGERS MOTORSPORT

Some experience in the motorsport industry would be an advantage, but not necessary.

For further particulars and an appoi'ntment phone Garry Rogers on 018 319 690 J

i

16 January 1998

Crick to contest full SATCC TASMANIAN Greg Crick will make a strong bid to win the Privateer Cup in this year’s Shell series.

Formal confirmation that Crick will contest the entire year’s V8 Supercar races with backing from Ericsson and Trust Bank is expected in a few days.

Commodore Cup winner Dean Crosswell, also a Tasmanian, is to be part of the Ericsson Trust Bank Motorsport team.

Crosswell will contest at least two late Shell rounds and will co-drive with Crick in the long distance races.

Crick has taken over the day-to-day operation of what was the Alcair team from John Alcorn, although the former Alcair Commodore will continue to be prepared at Bob TindaTs workshop, north of Sydney.

“The final few details are coming together now,” Crick said this week, “but it looks as though we’ll be able to put in a strong challenge for the Privateer Cup. “Dean has done very well and will be with the team all year.

“He’ll be assisting Bob Tindal with the car, do at least two races later in the series and be well set for Sandown and Bathurst.”

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

Pavicevic to raco F3 FOLLOWING on the heels of Phillip Scifleet’s F3 test comes the news that Andrej Pavicevic will compete in the British series this year.

The Class B GT-Production Championship winner tested for the Fortec Motorsport team before Christmas.

He has agreed terms with owner Richard Dutton to run the championship in a Mitsubishi-engined Dallara 398.

“They were happy with my profes sionalism and feedback,” said Pavicevic before heading back to the UK. ‘They made changes to the car and I could relate what it was doing back to the engineers.”

BRITISH BREAK... Pavicevic tests the Dallara in the UK before signing with Fortec.

Marmalade for dinner!

VOTING for the 1997

The voting has resulted in Australian MotorSports- the final fom nominations for James Courtney (World Kart man of the Year is prov Champion), Russell IngaU (V8 ing to be very close.

Supercars), Glenn Seton (V8 With no single dominant force in Australian motor sport Supercars) and Mark Webber during 1997, the outcome of (British F3).

The winner of the 1997 the major award, and several MotorSportsman of the Year, category awards, could well along with the other eight cat surprise when they are egory winners, will be announced on January 30. announced at the awai’ds din Footy Show funny man ner, scheduled for Melbourne’s Trevor Marmalade has been Sofitel on Friday, January 30. confirmed as prime host for The final four nominees in motor sport’s major gala evening, the 1997 Australian the other categories, each v«th their own specialist voting MotorSport Awards Dinner. panels, are: Channel lO’s Bill Woods will International Achiever of host the MotorSport Awards segment late in the evening, the Year;James Couitney some of which will go direct to (Karting), Neil Crompton(US Super Touring),Jim Richards air in lO’s Spoils Tonight.

GETINTO GEAR FOR'98 AND ORDER YCKJRFREE CATALOGUE ISK)W! To order your FREE copy of the 97-’98 REVOLUTION Catalogue, mail or fax this coupon to our Head Office: RiEVOLUnriON RACEGEAR 592 WHITEHORSE RD. MIITCHAM, VIC. 3132 or

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(Nascar, Japan), Mark Webber (British F3).

Young Achiever ofthe Year: Marcus Ambrose(FF),James Courtney(Karting),Todd Kelly (FF),Gai-th Tender(FF).

Circuit Racer ofthe Year RusseU Ingall(V8 Supeivars),Paul Morris(Super Touring), Larry Perkins(V8 Supercars), Glenn Seton(V8 Supercars).

Personality ofthe Year: (voted by Motorsport News readere)Peter Brock, Greg Ijlurphy, Lairy Perkins, Glenn Seton.

Drag Racer ofthe Year: Victor Bray, Graeme Cowin, Glen Mikres,Joe Polito.

Rally Driver ofthe Year Neal Bates, Marty Beckton, Possum Bourne, Michael Guest.

Speedway Racer ofthe Year Craig Brady(Speedcar), Gariy Brazier(Sprintcar), Skip Jackson (Sprintcar), Brooke TatneU (Sprintcai').

Super Speedway Racer of the Year ICm Jane,Darren McDonald,Jim Richai-ds, Jason Wyffie.

Reader Graham Broderick ofSt Clair, NSW was the lucky reader drawn from Personahty ofthe Year voters to attend the MotorSport Awards Dinner.

Graham and his guest will fly to Melbourne, attend the dinner and take in the week end’s action at Sandown cour tesy pf Motorsport News.

Some tickets remain for motor sport’s big night. See page 19 for details.

1

Calder clean-up

CALDER’S road circuit could be slightly different before the V8 Supercars arrives for the SATCC round in June.

Concerns over the lack of grip as cars exit the final corner where it joins the start of the drag strip - par ticularly in the wet - have grown to the degree that Calder has been told by CAMS’ Circuit Safety group that it does not have a cir cuit licence for racing in the wet.

One solution bandied around a while back was to route the circuit through the original Gloweave corner but we understand this has been deemed too expensive.

It was then proposed to tighten the final turn so that cars are almost in a straight line before they reach the affected drag strip area.

As Motorsport News closed for press, however, Calder management were in a major meeting to discuss this and other issues.

It is understood that, with quite some time between thelast drag race this season and the arrival of the touring cars, the circuit will pro pose undertaking a substan tial cleaning exercise on the affected corner, rather than any reconstruction, which may be deferred until next year.

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

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Moet takes the fizz out of tradition Moet et Chandon has announced that it is ending its sponsorship of the Foraiula 1 podium ceremonies, although the champagne company is planning to continue to be involved in FI in other ways.

Moet et Chandon has tradition ally been sprayed after all FI races since the 1960s. It is understood that the company declined to pay the fee demand ed by the FIA to take part in the ceremony. A rival company is expected to take over.

■ Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo has made it clear that he expects better performances from Eddie Irvine this year. Montezemolo said that he hopes Irvine’s per formances in 1998 will be at the level of his better showings last year. He added that Irvine iS'aware of the situation.

■ Montezemolo has also confirmed that Michael Schumacher’s contract with Ferrari runs until the end of 1999, although there are prob ably options at the end of this season which would enable Michael to leave if a better offer came along.

H At 67 years of age Bernie Ecclestone says he has no thoughts of retirement. In a recent interview Ecclestone said that he was planning to work for another 20 years ...

■ The management of the Zhuhai Circuit in China has confirmed that the venue is ready to host a Grand Prix this year if the opportunity arises.

Waldon to race a Viper

Toyota's radical

By PHIL BRANAGAN THE field for the GT Production Championship is looking bigger than ever, following the confirma tion of several entries this week.

Garry Waldon will line up for the series in one of the Dodge Vipers expected on the grid for the first race at Calder on April 5.

The new car was due to leave the USA on Tuesday, bound for New Zealand, where it will be prepared by long-time Waldon ally Kevin O’Neill.

“I looked a getting all sorts of cars,” said the Bathurst 3 Hour winner, “but while I was chasing the Viper (in Ross Palmer’s Ferrari) I thought,‘now that looks pretty good’.”

Also appearing on the grid will be another left-drive American weapon.

Rod Wilson has just arranged deliv ery of a Chevrolet Corvette C5, which he will share with Peter Hill.

Wilson expects that the car, which features a 5.7-litre, aluminium pushrod V8 and quotes a 12.9s quar ter mile time, will be competitive.

“It has 350 horsepower, which isn’t far behind the Viper,” he says, “and at 1350kg it’s about the same weight as the Porsche.

‘With 18-inch wheels and the same calipers as the HSV Commodore, it should stop well and it handles tenlfically.”

Wilson expects the car to hit the track for the first time at the AGP meeting.

Toyota Supras are also expanding in number. Up to three of the high-tech turbocharged Japanese coupe are expected for the series, including one for Supercheap Autos chief Bob Thorne.

Curl joins Johnson team FORMER Perkins Engineering crew chief Dean “Cui’l” Orr has taken on the role of Team Manager at Dick Johnson Racing.

The 28 year-old, who was part of two Bathurst wins during his time with Perkins, started work with the team last week, replacing Les Laidlaw who recently moved across to Bap Romano’s team.

Orr arrives at DJR at a busy time.

While the team is building a brand new car as a sister to the

refurbished design debuted in last year’s long distance races, plans are also close to fruition for a move of premises.

The team will move from its long-time workshops adjoining Palmer Tube Mills in Bmsbane to a new purpose-built facility at Stapleton, mid-way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The new 22,000 sq ft building, currently at the foundation stage, is expected to be ready for occupa tion in March/April.

Toyota is gearing up for its most serious Le Mans assault to date with this incredible new car. MIKE KABLE reports: TOYOTA Team Europe, a name synonymous with world championship rally ing, has started testing its radical all-new challenger for this year's Le Mans 24hour sports car enduro.

The top-secret project, aimed at giving Toyota its first victory in the French classic, started less than 12 months ago, after the Japanese automotive giant had given the goahead to TTE's Swedish chief and former rally ace, Ove Andersson.

The result is a state-of-the-aerodynamic-art GT coupe powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine different to the one previously used by Toyota.

Toyota's cars have run in 10 pre vious starts at Le Mans for a best result of second place in 1992.

TTE’s newcomer is destined for a tough baptism in June, against the formidable V12 Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR, Porsche's GTl and Nissan's latest TWR-built con tender.

But it is not a one-off assault, according to Andersson, who says Toyota will campaign the car for at least two and perhaps three years at Le Mans.

A batch of six cars will be built, comprising three race cars, a test and development car and two road going cars to meet GT world cham pionship requirements.

The car's designer. Frenchman Andre de Cortanze, is also general manager of the project, which has a workforce of 65 people at TTE's Cologne-based facility in Germany.

De Cortanze's vast motor racing experience includes driving at Le Mans between 1964-71, when he was a class winner in a Ferrari GTO and a Renault Alpine.

He has worked with Renault Sport when it achieved outright vic tory at Le Mans in 1978.

He also had a 10-yeai- stint with Peugeot - which won the 24-hour gi’ind in 1993 with Geoff Brabham

-I

DRAMATIC SHAPE... Martin Brundle puts the TTE Toyota GT racer through its paces in initial testing at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

Note the cut-outs in the bodywork inboard of the front wheels and the wind-cheating low profile of the car, obviously with the long straights of (Photos by LAT Digital) Le Mans in mind. co-driving the winning car - and was involved with the Sauber and Ligier FI teams before switching to TTE. Ferrari's FI supremo Jean Todt, who was chief of Peugeot Sport at the time of its Le Mans success, had a hand in de Cortanze's appoint ment, recommending him to Andersson.

The fnendship between Todt and Andersson dates back to 1973, when Todt was Andersson's rally navigator.

Andersson, who masterminded the advanced new WRC Corolla last year, will forsake some of the

WRC's 14 rounds this year to con centrate on the Le Mans program, despite TTE regaining Spain's twotimes world rally champion Carlos Sainz for its 1998 line-up.

"This is a very exciting project for us, that means a lot for me person ally and for the spirit of our employ ees," Andersson told Mbtorsport News. ● 'We've wanted to do it for many years.

"TTE is a high-tech compan y, with everything that it takes to build rally and racing cars.

"The Le Mans car has brought us to another level oftechnology.

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TOYOTA Team Europe boss Ove Andersson says that the Japanese car maker has no intention of a future involvement in Formcda 1.

Andersson said that Toyota doubted whether the commercial returns would justify the expense of a Grand Prix project.

'Rallying is still one of the best ways to get a return, provided it is accompanied by a good marketing plan,” said Andersson.

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the engine design was also done here, and we're sourcing some components from outside suppliers.

We had intended to utilise the Toyota Motor Company's resources in Japan, but a fire in one of its engine components plants last year forced us to divert the manufacturing of some castings to Europe.

Andersson said Toyota had not decided yet whether to contest the 1998 GT World Championship series, which was endorsed recently

by the FIA. Its participation depends on the car's competitiveness in the initial test sessions at the Paul Ricard circuit in France.

The test driving is being conducted by former FI driver and Le Mans winner Martin Brundle, who has forsaken his TWR contract to be part of the Toyota line-up.

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Symmons FH Schumacher: race dropped THE

1998

Australian

Drivers Championship will be decided over only five rounds following the cancellation of the Symmons Plains race last week.

The Tasmanian race was set to be the second round of the series, one week after the Sandown opener.

According to a statement issued by the Formula Holden Association, the race was removed from the schedule after “an increasing number of logistical problems associated with transport ... across Bass Strait”.

It is believed that transport

for the race was so difficult that, at one stage, the association considered chartering its own vessel to head south.

But, at a cost of up to $4000 per entry, the cost of such an exercise would have been pro hibitive so CAMS and the association had little choice but to cancel the race.

“It is a great shame that we will not be able to entertain Tasmanian open-wheeler fans,” said the association’s President, Malcolm Ramsay, “but we were unfortunately left without a choice at this late stage.”

- PHIL BRANAGAN

no charges

THERE was a brief flurry of activity in Germany last week following confirmation that German state prose cutors were investigating whether or not they could bring criminal Michael charges against Schumacher for his manoeuvre against Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez two months ago.

The investigation followed a for mal complaint by a member of the public in the Cologne area.

Under German law, prosecutors are obliged to investigate com plaints from the public and, although the crash happened in

Spain and Schumacher lives in Switzerland, the driver is a German citizen and so comes under Cologne’s jurisdiction.

Later in the week Senior Prosecutor Hans Bernhard Jansen confirmed that the complaint had been investigated and that no crimi nal charges would be filed against the Ferrari driver.

Schumacher was deprived of his second place in the World Championship by the FIA but was allowed to keep all his wins and points. The punishment was widely criticised for being too lenient.

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Schumi watches his head

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t weighs no more than a small bag of shopping and looks more hke a piece of brightly coloured sculpture, but the helmet that cov ers a racing driver's head is the most important piece of equipment he has.

A racing helmet does one simple job - protection.

It keeps the driver free from the buffeting wind that rushes into his face at high speed and, in the event of a crash, it cushions blows and guards the skull and brain against injury.

Without a decent helmet, any racing car would be far too danger ous to drive.

The helmet also gives a driver a chance to express himself by pick ing the colour scheme of his choice.

Over the years. Grand Prix fans have seen designs ranging from simple white to highly elaborate.

Men such as double world cham pion Michael Schumacher put time and energy into making sure that their helmet not only looks good, but that it also works effectively.

After all, they can never be sure when they will need it to come to their rescue,

I

LIFE SAVER... The shape of Michael Schumacher’s helmet to improve airflow (above)compared with that of teammate Eddie Irvine. At right is the famous prancing horse on the back of Schumi’s Bell helmet.

of the driver's head. In terms of comfort, the helmet could hardly fit better.

From California, the helmet is sent to Belgium, where it is tended to by Pierre Van Gineken, who spe chumacher's helmet begins its cialises in preparing helmets for life in California, where it is competition. made to an exact specification by It is his responsibility to ensure that at each race there are enough the racing division of the Bell com helmets and spares to get through pany, one of the two manufactur ers, along with Arai, who supply the weekend, whatever the.weather. helmets to Foimiula One drivers.

Van Gineken attaches a visor Helmets made for racing drivers need to be lighter and stronger and chin straps to the helmet, than the ones that are sold to ensuring that they fit together per motorbike riders for everyday use, fectly. He then adds the rubber sur but in appearance they come out; rounds that sit around the base, looking very similar - same shape 1 enclosing the neck, and checks that the foam inserts go in properly. and a plain white colour.

Under the skin, though, Schu Only when he is happy that the macher's helmet is very different. helmet is up to the standard does It is made from a combination of Van Gineken give his approval. carbonfibre and kevlar, making it strong enough to withstand heavy mechanical job thenand passes into from the artisthe impacts while weighing little more His tic for Van Gineken is also the man than a kilogram.

A group of ten people work in charged with painting each helmet Bell's research and development with the same, distinctive design.

Schumacher's helmet has long section in the US and much of their time is spent on coming up with carried a scheme based on the colours of the German flag, yet new concepts for racing designs.

Not only is the helmet strong, it since joining Ferrari his helmet has also carried the team's symbol, a also fits the driver perfectly.

After Schumacher joined prancing horse, at the back.

"You have to be a technician as Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro in 1996* well as an artist and you have to be a mould was taken of his head and flown back to the US. very, very careful," says Van Gineken.

There, workers prepared foam "There are so many people inserts that can be placed into the watching around the world that helmet, exactly matching the shape

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somebody would notice if you made a mistake. / It takes time to get used to a design, but I have done Michael's a few times now, so I know what I am doing."

Even so, he spends an entirfe day painting a single helmet, making sure that every aspect is perfect.

Fortunately, the kevlar in Schumacher's helmet means that, unlike cheaper versions worn by many bike riders, it is not weak ened by the paint used to reproduce his design.

At races, it is Van Gineken's responsibility to look after the hel mets and make sure they are at the right place at the right time. , Before Schumacher ventures onto the track, his helmet is checked over and fitted with the radio equip ment that allows the driver to talk to team members in the pits.

Most obviously, this involves fit ting a microphone into the helmet so Schumacher can be heard by his crew, then a receiver is taped into Michael's ear just before he pulls on his fireproof balaclava, worn under neath the helmet.

V

an Gineken also provides a variety of different visors, which can be changed over between sessions in the car. Some are adapt ed for rain while others are intend ed to be used in glaring sun.

Each, though, can still be used if the weather changes suddenly while Schumacher is in the car.

EU battle continues

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To help visibility, the helmet is also fitted with a series of clear plas tic strips over the outside surface of the visor before the race begins.

These, of course, are known as tear-offs and provide the-driver with a simple way of improving his view. As one piece of plastic becomes covered in dirt and oil, it is simply ripped off and discarded, exposing the clear piece under neath.

With good timing, the tear-offs should last the whole race.

Help comes from the helmet in another, more subtle way as well, for its very shape aids the aerody namics of the car.

The 1996 Ferrari, most notice ably, relied heavily on getting as much air as possible into the airbox located above the driver's head.

To help out, Schumacher wore a specially shaped helmet that chan nelled the wind in the right direc tion, the result being an increase in power and a smoother ride for the driver.

Most of all, though, a helmet refr resents safety.

Over the past ten years, they have become much lighter and a great deal stronger, saving lives along the way.

Sunday, Jan 18, 1998 -3.00pm Sunday, Jan 25 1998-1.00pm

All event dates in this calendar were correct at the time of printing. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations for date changes.

Series or events telecast on Network Ten are marked with an asterix.

Check your local guides for screening details.

See the full range of BELL, the worid's leading helmet, at Revolution Rac^ear. I Free Call 1800 804 778 for your nearest store, j

THE European Com mission has warned the FIA that it intends to take action against the existing contracts between the governing body and Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula One Holdings regard ing the promotional rights to Grand Prix racing.

The EU Competition Directorate, under Belgian Karel Van Miert, has con cluded that these are in breach of European anti trust legislation and must be changed.

Van Miert is also report ed to be worried that the FIA statutes are not com-

patible with the EU com petition laws.

We understand that the FIA was given a threeweek deadline to come up with ways of solving the problems before the EU takes official action.

Van Miert is also believed to have concluded that Ecclestone’s role as Vice-President FIA (Promotional Affairs) is a conflict of interest with his position as head of FOH. The current Concorde Agreement - which began on January 1 1997 - gives FOH the commercial rights to FI for 14 years, in exchange for large pay ments to both the FIA and the FI teams.

The main concern over

the deal between Ecclestone and the FIA is believed to be the length of the agreement, but Ecclestone wants this to be extended so that he can float FOH on the stock exchange.

Without a long-term deal for the TV rights to FI, it is unlikely that FOH will be floated.

It remains to be seen the FIA and how Ecclestone will react to the EU warning.

It is unlikely that FIA President Max Mosley and Ecclestone will agree to changes without a fight.

They may threaten to withdraw Grand Prix from the EU and move the FIA from Paris to Switzerland.

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Arrows set to retain Danka DESPITE enormous busi ness problems, Danka Business Systems - the title sponsor of the Arrows team in 1997 says that it is planning to continue to support Tom Walkinshaw’s team in 1998.

The American office machinery business says that the reason it was not listed on the official FLA entry list was because its agreement with Arrows allows the team to name a co-title sponsor in 1998 and negotiations are still taking place between the team and a potential title sponsor.

Our sources suggest that this is a major inter national tobacco company.

Arrows is due to announce its full package for 1998 when the new car is launched early in February.

The team is not planning to do any testing between now and then as there is little point in con tinuing with the old Yamaha-engined package.

The new Brian Hartdesigned Yamaha VIO has yet to be officially announced but Yamaha is expected to be the name on the cam covers of the engine.

- JOE SAWARD

F1 launch time

By JOE SAWARD

unveiling their cars for the coming Grand Prix season with Stewart Grand Prix leading the way on Tuesday with the launch of the SF2.

The car, which has been designed by Alan Jenkins and his team at Milton Keynes, will be tested at Silverstone as soon as possible after the launch.

On Thursday Benetton offi cially unveils its B198 in London, although the car spent four days testing at Jerez last week in the hands of Alexander Wurz and Giancarlo Fisichella.

The prototype car ran reli ably and the team was satis fied with performance to date.

The team is expected to reveal some new sponsorship deals and will probably name a new test driver - Likely to be either Briton Oliver Gavin or Dane Jason Watt.

Jordan is planning a major launch for the 198 chassis at the vast Royal Albert Hall one of the largest auditoriums in the world.

Benson & Hedges is inviting hundreds of guests and media to unveil Damon Hill’s new challenger, which has been designed by Gary Anderson and his team at Silverstone.

The prototype Jordan will be flown to Spain immediately after the launch and should begin testing at Barcelona next Wednesday.

The day after the Jordan launch, Prost Grand Prix will be unveiling the Prost-Peugeot APOl in Barcelona, The launch is being held in Spain because France’s difficult anti-tobacco laws mean

Another Gurney makes his mark ... with Green!

■ Alex Gurney is the winner of Team Green Academy’s ‘Class of‘97’.

The 23-year Gurney is the youngest son of Dan Gurney. He didn’t start rac ing at his parents behest until the end of last year after gi-aduating from uni versity and will race in this year’s Barber-Dodge Pro Series and enjoy an end-ofseason test in a Team Green Indy Lights car.

THIS week sees no fewer than six Formula 1 teams

r

■ Helio Castro-Neves will drive for Tony Bettenhausen in 1998 in the Fedex Championship Series. The Indy Lights runner-up test ed the car last week at

Hisses

LBiTTENa IN A JORDAN AT LAST... Well, not quite. Damon Hill Is still waiting to try a Jordan Ft car for the first time, but tried out this simulator at the recent Autosport International (Photo by LATDigital) Racing Car Show in Birmingham. that Gauloises - the team’s biggest backer - gets no cover age if the launch takes place in France.

It will also mean that there will be no delay between the launch and the start oftesting.

Prost drivers Olivier Panis and Jarno Trulli have spent the last few days doing fitness training in the Italian Alps at Cervinia, at the base of the famous Matterhorn peak.

The day after the Prost launch there are plans for two separate presentations: l^rrell in London and Sauber in Vienna.

The Tyrrell launch will be held at a restaurant in Chelsea in London’ and the team is intending to run the last Tyrrell - the 026 - on British circuits until going to Barcelona on February 2.

On the same day, Sauber

is planning t6 unveil the Red Bull Sauber Petronas C17 in the glorious setting of the Orangery in Vienna. This was formerly the summer palace of the Habsburg Family and boasts 1440 rooms, rivalling Versailles as one of Europe’s most impres sive palaces.

The prototype C17 will be taken from Vienna to the Ferrari test track at Fiorano for its first shakedovsm runs a couple of days later.

Sebring and the team (which ran Patrick Carpentier to rookie-of-the-year honours last season)and the muchcrashed Brazilian are expected to announce a deal shortly. Emerson Fittipaldi, with whom Heho has a per sonal services contract, was instrumental in putting the deal together.

■ A1 Unser Jr on the new Penske PC27:“I like the car a lot. The(new MercedesBenz IC108E) motor feels great.” Unser produced a quick lap of 20.1s at Nazareth and joined new teammate Andre Ribeiro last week for three days of testing on the Homestead oval in south Florida.

■ Tony Kanaan is in for a long stretch at Tasman Motorsports. The Brazilian has signed a five-year con tract to drive for Steve Home’s team. He will carry sponsorship from LCI International, Mitel Semiconductor, Gatorade, MTV and Silicon Graphics.

Honda engines permitting, rumours suggest Gualter Salles will get the second Tasman seat.

■ Jimmy Vasser and Paul Tracy started testing the first new Honda HRKpowered Reynard 98Is at Sebring just prior to Christmas. Tracy and Team Green also planned to run for two days at Homestead but Tracy dam aged Team Green’s new car too badly to continue test ing after bouncing over the Sebring curbs on his second day of testing.

■ One driver not on the CART grid this season will be Raul Boesel. With no FedEx championship dri ves on offer, the Brazilian veteran has signed to drive for McCormack Motorsports in the 11-race Indy Racing League sea son. He was due to test the team’s G Force-Oldsmobile for the first time at Walt Disney World last week end.

CLOSING DOWN

Sauber signs Muller as test driver SAUBER has signed German Jorg Muller to be its test driver for the com ing season.

Muller won the 1996 Formula 3000 Championship and spent last season as a test driver with Arrows.

Tom WaUdnshaw had an option with the 28year-old German to continue this season but chose not to continue the relationship and so in

December Muller tested for Sauber at Barcelona.

Jorg replaces Argentina’s Norberto Fontana, who has been Sauber’s test driver since'the start of 1995.

Fontana did not impress the team last year when he stood in for (lianni Morbidelli.

Fontana is understood to be talking to Tyrrell about a possible drive for 1998, but that looks like stajdng with Jos Verstappen.

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■ Stephane Rate! says that the two unconfimied USA venues for the FIA GT Championship ai’e likely to be Road America and Laguna Seca. The event organiser vowed back-to-back US events as important to the series.

Commenting on the absence of Spa and the Nurburgi’ing from the cal endar Ratel said that the objective was to take the series to venues that would attract big crowds.

The season opener is set down for the little-known Oschersleben circuit, in the former East Germany, on April 8. A number of dates published in the Castrol calendar last issue were \wong - we will print the revised list when it is finalised.

■ Laurent Aiello, the 1997 STW Drivers’ Champion, will again be supported by Jorg van Ommen in Peugeot’s fac tory squad for the 1998 series. Van Ommen fin ished fourth in ’97.

S Michelin says no to FI in 1999 LATEST SHAPE... Jim Richards takes delivery of his Dutton's Grand Prix Raliy contender at Porsche Australia's Melbourne headquarters.

Richo aims for four despite less power

■ Matthew Neal, the 1993 and ’95 BTCC Privateers’ champion, will launch his’98 campaign in an ex-works’97 Nissan Primera. Neal, who shared Steven Richards’ Primera at Bathurst in October, swapped to a Rouse Sport Nissan mid way through last season.

- QUENTIN SPURRING

JIM Richards is taking a power cut of around 120kW in his bid to win a fourth Dutton’s Grand Prix Rally.

The Melbourne driver will line up for this year’s event in the latest Porsche 911 for the six-day event, but is unfazed that the new car will not have the same performance as his modified 911 Turbo.

“Anyone who believes that the new 911 hasn’t got a realistic chance of winning the event should think again,” he said.

Richards will be co-drIven in the event by

Liz Burgess, who will be shooting for her own hat-trick.

Their strongest competition will probably come from Audi works driver Cameron McCorwille, who will be reunited with his 1996 GT Production Championship-winning Porsche 911RS Club Sport.

Car owner Tom Warwick will navigate.

Also expected to feature are Porsche Cup front-runner Greg Keene, Daryl Kenwood (Dodge Viper) and John Lamb in a 5-litre V8powered 1970 Ford Capri Parana.

However, there ● are MICHELIN has officially announced that it will not some in FI who feel that be entering Grand Prix Goodyear’s announce ment may be a political racing in 1999.

There have been rumours move to lull the opposi for a couple of years that tion into a false sense of the French tyremaker was security and to pull back planning to enter FI to take the number of teams on its major rivals being supplied.

Michelin could be play Bridgestone and Goodyear, but with Goodyear having ing the same game.

Over the Christmas announced that it is pulling out of FI at the end of 1998 period there was much Michelin appears to have speculation in Italy that decided that taking on Ferrari may be switching Goodyear to Bridgestone alone serves lit from Bridgestone for 1998, but tle purpose.

On the face of it, the the team’s spokesman announcement means Claudio Berro said that that Bridgestone will Ferrari remains under have a tyre monopoly in contract to Goodyear.

-JOESAWARD FI in 1999.

Belgian GP troubles A BELGIAN court has concluded that it could not overrule the country’s tobacco advertising ban, putting the Belgian GP in further doubt.

The legality of the ban was challenged by several groups

including the race organisers, local businesses and the regional government, which argued that the ban was,in breach of European rules which allow for the free movement of goods and services within the EU.

I

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New look for Renaults

Agent enquiries weicome

WORK has started on Winton’s latest round of construction, which will see new pitlane garages and hospitality suites.

The Benalla Auto Club will spend $500,000 on the new facilities, which fol lows on from a 1km track extension and resurfacing which we completed last year.

Once complete the facil ities will cater for up to 1000 corporate guests at the 3.1km central Victorian track.

“It will provide corpo rate guests with an excel lent view of the motor racing, as it is located in the Paddock area oppo site the braking area at the end of the new main

straight,” said the BAC’s Chief Executive Mick Ronke.

The new garages, which will he built by local firms, will provide lock up facilities for up to 20 cars.

The upgrading of the track’s facilities is expect ed to be finished by the end of March.

n a few weeks time I will walk out of my front door and 30 hours later I will be at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne saying G’day to a bloke wearing silly shorts.

The Formula 1 season will be on again and I suspect there will be little time to ponder that 100 years ago it took my great-grand father 166 days on a windjammer to get from England to the mouth of the Norman River in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The world is getting smaller.

Without moving from my chair I As far as I am concerned this is can tell you about today’s road accidents in Adelaide, about a major failure. FI does not even have a race on every continent. bushfires burning in New South Wales and how many people That would be a good start. If FI have drowned on Elwood Beach people are scared of the nasty bits of Asia there are nonetheless in the last couple of days.

If I was really lazy I could move more “Westernised" places such my TV into the office and, thanks as Hong Kong and Singapore which would cause the beautiful to a flashy new digital TV system, I could watch Slovenian television. people very little pain.

Chinese television. Russian televi Such ideas have been around sion. Hell, I can even watch for years but FI has never been Kuwaiti TV. Before long I will be willing to invest, searching instead watching Channel 7 Australia ... people from Iowa) can be heard for a quick buck wherever possi It’s a small world - and it’s get saying things like; “Gee Ira, look! ble. It has been the same story in ting smaller. There are times This must be Vee-et-narm” as you America, where Grand Prix racing NEEDS to be if it wants to be a when I wonder if Formula 1 racing sail through the Italian section. understands all this. Actually, I real World Championship.

Disney’s designers were obvi think all the FI bosses would ben It is not a popular view, but *it ously aware of the failings of the efit from a trip to Disneyland. A US education system and so in an seems to me that Europe’s domi good shaking on Space Mountain effort to help General Joe Public nation of Grand Prix racing - while might wake them up to realities there are little hints along the way being historically easy to under which they currently do not appear such as a gondola, the Eifel stand -should change. to see.

Tower, a London bus and a kan The problem is not one of trans The most revealing attraction, garoo. portation but rather of coming to however, would be of a more gen By the time you escape you terms with the idea. When Max tle nature. It is called “It’s a Small find that you are humming the Mosley was elected President of the World’’. catchy little tune. It is the FIA for the first time - four years This was designed to show monosodium glutamate of music. ago - he promised that he would everyone that, apart from colour, And, like dear old MSG, if taken in turn FI into more of a global sport. culture and the make of the large amounts “It’s a Small World” It got him lots of votes from litmachine guns, every one in the world is _____ pretty much the same.

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When finally get toyou the front of the queue, you climb aboard a small boat which can carry at least 10 people from Minnesota and 15 from anywhere else (all the FI team boss es plus Bernie and Max)- and, with the clunk of an underwa ter chain, you set off into a tunnel and emerge in a brightly coloured hangar through which your boat meanders along a series of canals.

On all sides of you are hundreds of little automated dolls, clad in different costumes to indicate the various nations of the world.

These horribly cute little robots perform automated dances and their mouths open and close while hidden loudspeakers belt out a song called “It’s a Small World” over and over and over.

If you substituted the costumes for racing overalls and the music for sentences like; “My car is very good, I am very happy” and “Now I am looking ahead to the next race”, you could create someone with the basic characteristics nec essary to be a modern Grand Prix driver.

The costumes in “It’s a Small World” are designed to tell you where you are; empty vodka bot tles and silly hats, for example.

Indicate Finland and bloodstained tea-towels indicate that the visit has reached Israel.

Throughout the tour the people from Iowa ahead of you in the boat (every boat seems to have

13

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There are more people living in The team bosses can come up Shanghai than there are in the with lots of good reasons why we whole of Austria or Portugal and it should not have fewer races in is a close run thing with Belgium.

Europe. There are already enough Asia has nearly 60% of the races, they say.

This is true. There is no reason people in the world and Grand Prix racing visits the region only why the World Championship once in a year. It is no more than 12 hours flying time from Europe.

If the location of FI races was decided on popu lation there would be 10 races a year in Asia, two in Africa, two in Europe (although arguably there should only be one), one in Latin America, one in Russia and one in North America. should expand beyond 16 races. It There would be no race in is purely a question of greed.

Australasia.

Each extra race pays more money.

Team bosses complain that the Iftion youbeing followthe thedeciding logic of popula factor, extra travelling would be prohibi China has the right to no fewer tively expensive - as they trip out than four Grands Prix each year; to their $10m private jets - and that it would be too Cartoon by Allan Schofield much for the crews to manage.

This is a load of old flim-flam. With fewer European races there would be less need for the overb l own motorhomes in which they love to sit with their technological toys and the money could be spent on more sensible things.

The currentphilosophy is to take the money and do as little as possiblefor it Why invest in thefuture if you can do everything on your own doorstep?

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can produce the symptoms of Kwok’s disease - commonly known as “Chinese restaurant syndrome” - which consists of headaches, burning sensations and sweaty palms.

The tune stays with you for several days. You could shoot yourself in the head and you would wake up in hospital still humming “It’s a Small World”.

The Grand so Prixmuch world inhas been growing recent years that it seems to me that we may have forgotten that the world is shrinking around us, FI has just plodded along, being comfortable and nice. After all, no-one likes too much change.

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tie countries in Asia and Latin Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and America and everyone thought Tianjin (where?).

There would be three in India what a fine chap he was, but he has faiied to keep that promise. (Bombay, Calcutta and New Each year we visit the same oid Delhi) while the other three Asian countries in Europe. Every time he races would have to be rotated is chailenged on the subject between Indonesia, Bangladesh, Mosley says that he needs more Pakistan, Japan, Vietnam and time to sort it out.

Thailand.

The FIA has just given him This, of course, is not going to another four years in office and I happen. Grand Prix people do not hope that by October 2001 we will like large smelly cities where peo be going regularly to Grands Prix ple live in cardboard boxes and in the United States and to new dogs die without anyone buying events in Asia and Africa. them flowers.

You need only to look in refer The annual visit to Sao Paulo ence books - let me do it for you - is disliked by almost everyone to discover that around 3.1 billion some FI folk even refuse to go of the world’s 5.2 billion people because it upsets their delicate live in Asia. sensitivities.

he current FI cal endar is not wellorganised. It is daft to be flying to Australia, Canada and Japan and then flying back after just one race. It would be much more intelligent to have two races on such trips as used to be the case - so that costs of flyaway events could be spread.

But before these problems can be solved, the attitudes in Grand Prix racing have to change. The current philosophy is to take the money and do as little as possible for it.

Why invest in the future if you can do everything on your own doorstep?

With Europe as it is now devel oping, there is little difference between races in different coun tries and Grands Prix in every state in Australia. If the state gov ernments paid up, such a thing could be possible with the current FI management.

But, as the world becomes smaller, the World Championship is shrinking as well. It is time to look further afield ... ... So perhaps the problems which the sport is experiencing with the European Union are a blessing in disguise. ■

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Zanardi’s Italian Job Alessandro Zanardi swept all before him in the 1997 CART Championship. i PHIL BRANAGANprofiles his winning year. while Zanardi looked to be struggling to hold on.

After 12 of the 17 rounds the two were split by only six points, but that’s where it ended. In the next four races (he missed the California final) Zanardi scored 68 pointy; Tracy scored zero.

That was the telling blow.

It was left to other drivers, like Greg Moore, Mark Blundell andGil de Ferran, to take the battle to Zanardi and, while all shone on occa sion. the Italian had it all under control.

Outgoing champ Vasser was overshadowed until the penultimate race of the year at Laguna when he won, while de Ferran never actual ly won a race, but went bloody close at Portland... , That’s where Mark Blundell broke through. The only other team to have both drivers score wins was PacWest, Mauricio Gugelmin and Blundell both threaten ing to win for some races until the Pom zapped by at the death for a brilliant maid he battle for the drivers’ en victory.

Blundell backed it up at title was split info two dis tinct phases; the pre-Zanardi Toronto, then ‘Mo’ took his first half of the year and the first win at Vancouver and Blundell capped it off with an second half when the num ber 4 Reynard-Honda was opportunist win at California after Gugelmin ran 240mph simply on a different plane.

Zanardi did manage to for pole. Bet against this win relatively early (at Long team in ’98 at your peril.

The other great revelation Beach’s third round) but it was not until Cleveland’s of the year was Moore. At 10th round that he backed it Milwaukee he became the up and,from then on, he was youngest ever driver to win a race and he backed it up the like a runaway train.

The start of the season following week at Detroit. He ran hard everywhere and looked like a Penske bene fit, with Paul Tracy taking looks entirely capable of tak up the running after three ing the title next season.

While the ‘new guard’ was brilliant, consecutive wins

making its mark the ‘old’ was struggling. Michael at won Andretti Homestead and looked good elsewhere (second at Milwaukee and Detroit) but never truly looked like taking the fight through to the end of the year.

Scott Pruett never looked as good again after winning in Australia, while Bryan Herta and Bobby Rahal flashed signs of competitiveness at Rio and Laguna respec tively but looked like makeweights elsewhere. '' Which is a hell of a lot more than can be said for Al Unser Jr. Look; every one loves the Huckleberry Finn of open-wheelers but he finished 13th in the series, led zero lapg and drove clumsily on .more than one occasion. He was blown away for speed by his team-mate at most races and never, ever came to grips with the car.

Then, at the end of the season, Roger Penske fired Tracy. As the Americans are wont to say, go figure,

LEX Zanardi started the 1997 PPG CART World Series as over whelming favourite and ended it as dominant Champion.

But what happened between people’s pre-sea son expectations and the Italian’s Championship filled out one of the most enter taining and competitive series in recent years.

Zanardi guaranteed Ganassi Racing's second straight crown by dominating the back half of the year, but not before eight different dri vers took wins - three of them for the first time - and several pretenders led the points chase until the mercu rial Alessandro put them in their places.

It was a year which saw an extraordinarily level engine war, the as-expected Goodyear-Firestone tyre face-off and the emergence of a new chassis manufac turer in Swift and the virtual extinction of another in Lola.

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ne of the best features of the season was the engine battle. Honda took the title by sheer consistency, but only after Ford and Mercedes-Benz threatened to take the 1997 honours from right under theii” nose.

All three engine houses did -a brilliant job adapting to new regulations, which man dated less engine boost (down to 40 inches). By the start of the season all three had already recovered most, if not all of their lost power

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CHAMP, CflALLENGER...

Zanardi dominated the tatter half of the sea son (above) but Tracy (right) was the man in the early going. Here he celebrates his Brazilian victory.

THE EYES HAVE IT... Scott Pruett had an up-and-down year, the highlight of which came with a win on the Gold Coast.

THE TRUTH HURTS... Lola had nice logos, but bad cars.

(Photos Darrell Ingham/Jamie Squire/ Pascal Rondeau/David Taylor tor Allsport.)

and, as the year went on, the numbers continued to climb.

Witness Gugelmin’s scary 240mph qualifying lap at California...

There was little to choose between the three. Ford seemed to have good topend at the expense of mid range while Mercedez-Benz had a slight edge in fuel comsumption. Several races

became edge-of-the-seat viewing because a Benz dri ver (or, at Detroit, two) was making an economy run for the flag while the refuelled masses lined up to beat him from behind.

Ford won the first two races of the year and, at one stage, Benz took five straight races and threatened to dom inate the season. But Honda seemed to be good in all departments top end, mid range and economy without being deficient in any.

That’s what wins titles.

Then there was Toyota.

The engines continue to show a frustrat ing Jeckyll and Hyde personal ity: they would blow up without any warning (like during a formation lap) but then run 500 miles in another race without missing

a beat. At least they do one thing consistently: they make very little horsepower.

There must be a reason ● why Toyota are continuing with this. But no-one seems to know what that reason might be.

The future looks interest ing. New engine rules will see a reduction of engine capacity to 1.8 litres and an increase in boost until rulemakers need to pull the beasts to heel again.

All four engine suppliers have pledged ongoing sup port to the series, providing long-range stability for teams and sponsors.

The a newchassis playerwar thisfeatured season.

The Californian-built Swift chassis emulated the Reynard by winning on debut at Homestead and showing plenty of promise elsewhere.

It never won again - though Christian Fittipaldi’s Surfers crash set the program back quite a bit - but the American car looks like being a con tender well into the future.

That is more than you can say for Penske, which is odd considering Swift won one race and Penske took three.

But all three came on mile

W January W98

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HORSES for COURSES... Honda (left, top) won the engine title again, but Mercedes-Benz and Ford ran them close. Toyota was nowhere to be seen.

GOT SMART... Greg Moore (above) emerged as a genuine star in his sec ond year on the circuit. The Canadian is backed up by star rookie Patrick Carpentier this year.

WHAT YOU REALLY, REALLY WANT... Mark Blundell(right) had a winning package - PacWest, Reynard, Mercedes, Firestone. He proved it three times. simply screwed them.

T Reynard’s ovals where the car was okay 971 was the class of the field (in the hands of Tracy) and, almost everywhere. No matwhile that in itself looks ter what environment the 971 impressive, the points scored was in it showed speed and

by Roger’s men do not tell the consistency. Granted, it was whole story. in the hands of some great In qualifying trim the car... drivers and excellent engi really, there was no qualifying neers but it responded well. It trim for the car. The PC26 was a rare thing to hear an showed no interest in turning engineer complain they up the speed on new tyres couldn’t find the set-up.

Then there was Lola. At over a single lap. Tracy and Unser had to make demon the start of the year the starts just to get anywhere T97/00 promised much, (hence Paul’s rush of lap one / Patrick Racing continued its accidents) and, in a field as ' association with the marque competitive as this one, that while Forsythe switched from

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Reynard and several other showing occasional flashes of teams showed interest. brilliance until jumping into a Untii the testing started. Swift at Laguna. Ironically, at The alarm bells started early; the final race of the year, Patrick switched in January, Fernandez’s much-revised as soon as the car’s short Lolaf^ishedthird. comings became apparent.

Then 1998 pilot Tony Forsythe went back to their Kanaan tested Tasman’s Lola 1996 Reynards untii 97s at Firebird in October and could be sourced. In one fell smashed the lap record, runswoop six Lolas became ning up to 0.5s faster than any paperweights.

Reynard had ever been there, Other teams had no Oooops... choice. Tasman battled bravely until acquiring a >CT”here will be few changes Reynard for Andre Ribeiro, I next season. The Reynard leaving Adrian Fernandez in teams wili keep Reynards Lolaiimbo. while Newman-Haas and Richie Hearn struggied on Deila Penna will run Swifts, with his Ford-powered car, Penske will run Penskes and

That said. Firestone faces Lola’s effort will be a ‘works’ team, mainly because it’s a huge challenge next sea hard to see a customer team son. Known albatross Rahal, risking a bad season... who dumped Honda just as In the tyre wars things they were getting strong, were even to start with. When switches to the brand next Tracy won at St Louis season...

All in all, it was a fabulous Goodyear had won four races. Firestone two. Then season. This year there will the Japanese tyre maker won be change; it has a new the final 11 races in stunning name (the FedEx fashion.

Championship), the cars are it wasn’t totally convincing now ‘Champ cars’ again, and - Goodyear cars were well in we won’t get to see the circus the hunt at airnost all of the in the flesh until October. races, as shown by de.

But the signs are there Ferran - but, especially in that the show is going from qualifying Firestone had a strength to strength.

Roll on March. small but telling edge.

1S

l6Jmaiy1998

Mark Webl»er’s multi-year Mercedes-Benz deal marks him as a man of the future.

PHIL BBAirA€rAN details the career that has got him to where he is today.

Getting to the 3 ● Ti intedstar 1

T’S now widely known around the country around the world that Mark Webber and Mercedes-Benz are an item.

For 1998 and beyond the 21-year-old’s motor racing career will be overseen by the German giant’s motorsport department, which is responsible for programs in Formula One, CAET’s FedEx Championship series and the FIA International GT Championship.

Such a deal would be a dream come true for any young driver in the world, but the fact that it has hap pened to an Australian dri ver with only four year expe rience makes it all the better.

Eveiy year young interna tional drivers arrive in Europe with hundred of thousands - maybe millions - of dollars of backing, whether from rich famihes or in sponsorship.

So how did a skinny kid from Queanbeyan, with rela tively modest but valuable support from Yellow Pages, and his own self-belief and the faith of a few others, get to a point where MercedesBenz offered him a contract?

Like most other motor rac

j

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ing-mad teenagers around the world Webber’s first steps onto a race track were in a kart.

“My first race was at Fairbairn (in the ACT) in a Junior National Heavy,” he says.

“My attitude was, Tm going to be just like Alain Prost and finish every race!’.

But it was actually raining and I was on slicks. I ended up in the gravel...

“I raced karts from 1991 until the end of ‘93. The biggest race I probably won was the New South Wales

0

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AWESOME: Mark loves driving the big and powerful Mercedes GW racer and can’t wait to race one.

Junior National Heavy state title .at Orange. After that I moved into Clubman Light and had, well, some success.

We were always there or thereabouts, not really set ting the pace.

“But my engines and chas sis were being built in Queanbeyan. I had fantastic support from people like Andy Lawson and people like that. We kept the big shots from Sydney on their toes.”

After this invaluable train ing Webber graduated into Formula Ford racing.

“In 1994 we moved into Formula Ford in, funnily

ex-Craig enough, Lowndes Van Diemen, We were all learning a tremen dous amount, myself hnd Andy.

“In my third race in the Driver to Europe I was third at Phillip Island and we had a few other top-six finishes.

“In ‘95 we did Formula Ford again. This time we had a new car, a ‘95 Van Diemen, and we picked up sponsor ship from Yellow Pages.”

That, by itself, was a turn ing point in Webber’s career.

In his second race in the green and red VD Webber had starred at Sandown, but

slim.

We want to get invoivea witn a young, aspiring guy in the sport.

It was because, with the Austrahan Grand Prix about to land on the company’s corin doorstep porate Melbourne, Yellow Pages were looking for motor racing opportunities.

“They had the big picture sorted out and knew what they wanted to do. And they’ve come through it as big winners.

“I’ve seem some motor-

“They came back to us and said, ‘that’s perfect, that’s exactly what we want to do.

sport proposals come in while I’ve been sitting there in Yellow Pages offices. It

for the next, non-champi the onship event at IndyCarnival in March the car had changed hue to yel low.

And sponsorship deal wasthe as a result of a gennine ‘cold’ approach rather than someone-knowingsomeone or a contra deal.

“Ann sent in a proposal.

We had six done up and, really, the chances of some thing coming back were quite

(Photo by David TayiorMiisport) DreaKs your nccii L .IdL tllcj don’t manage to get very far at all; all the effort that they go to. The marketing people ask me if I know him, or him, and it’s hard.”

The season continued in fine form. At Phillip Island the yellow car was on the fourth row of the grid as the cars assembled in pouring rain but, half way through the first lap Webber was in the lead and pulled away to win the race by an enormous margin. , But speed was not enough and Jason Bright won the series.

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FORMULA FORD: In 1996 Mark alerted the world to his talent by dominating the prestigious FF Festival at Brands Hatch in his first season in Britain.

(Photos by lat Digital)

FORMULA THREE- This year Mark stepped up to Formula 3 and took the Rookie of the Year award, running constsently at the front against drivers with better equipment.

MARK WEBBER “We had the most pole positions and, probably, the most DNFs as well, but I learnt a lot that year,” Webber remembers.

“We had some fantastic racing again Brighty and Jason Bargwanna. They In such a male-dominated were the two guys I respect sport as motor racing, ed the most; they were very hard, but fair, and very there’s quite a twist to the quick...”

Mark Webber story to Despite not winning the title Webber was already date - he’s managed by a looking further afield. woman.

“At the end of that season we went to the Formula Ford In three years, the Festival. I originally wanted former Brit has to do the leOOcc class, so we succeeded where many went over quite early to see if we could do it. blokes have failed, taking “(Van Diemen chief) Ralph a young talent to the brink Firman said we’d probably struggle because our champi of Formuia 1. onship finished so early, you In a world of Boss haven’t raced for three months and you’re a bit clothing, carbon-fibre rusty. That was probably his briefcases, boys and their way of saying, ‘let’s do a deal’! big toys, that’s quite an “We kept pushing and did achievement. It hasn’t a test in the ISOOcc Zetecbeen easy and money engined car. It went well and two days later Ralph offered has been tight, butjt’s ail us a Festival drive in the Zetec class. So we did the suddenly become worth it.

Festival and finished third CHRIS LAMBDEN and it was just amazing. talks to the woman behind “Ralph was pretty pleased.

He said,‘go home, come back Australia’s Young-Manin February and bring your Most-Likely. helmet.

“That result allowed us to sort a deal - a very, very nn Neal first appeared on the good deal - and that meant Australian motor sport scene we were doing the British / in 1994, but few realised just Championship in ‘96. We fin- ^ how relevant her background in the ished second in the champi--' UK was to be. onship, won the European Formula Ford in the UK was race at Spa and won the going through a bit of a lull in the Festival.” iate-’80s and Ford grabbed some one from tl^eir PR company to try he success led to various and get things going again. That approaches for Formula was Ann Neal and over the ensuing Three the following year, but years she was involved in the intro the approachers, used to see duction of the Zetec engine (negoti ing successful European and ations at the highest level) in the South American drivers head UK and the general rebirth of home and I’etm-n loaded with Formula Ford as a category - by cash, had trouble coming to this time facing stiff competition terms with the fact that from Formula Vauxhall Junior and Webber didn’t have an F3 Formula Renault. budget for 1997.

In the meantime, she'd met and “I still never really had a married Australian enthusiast Rod full budget,” he says. “In Barrett and the couple decided to Formula Ford, Duckhams return to Australia (although they were onboard and Yellow would eventually separate), origi Pages continued their sup nally to Perth. port, but even though money “Nothing much was happening in was tight the car was always Perth,” Ann smiles today, “so when ■prepared to a ‘full budget’. he was transferred to Sydney in “In Formula Ford I had 1993, I started going to some of the the best equipment but in races."

Continued next page

WJamiyW98

17

Guiding hand to the top WINNING PARTNERSHIP: Ann Neal has helped Mark Webber make the most of his outstanding talent.

(Photo by David Hassall)

handful of them (it was six) tailored to certain companies.'

“I literally picked the six from the Yellow Pages - and one was, of course, Yellow Pages - and we sent them in.

“Three weeks later they phoned up and said, ‘We want to do it!’.

“Mark and I were driving along in a car somewhere and I turned to him and said, ‘I don’t believe this someone wants to sponsor you!’

“Yellow Pages knew the GP was coming to Melbourne, they were doing quite a bit of corporate hospi tality at the race, had a young achievers program, Mark suited it, and so off we went.

“They’ve been brilliant since day one...”

Mark was immediately competi tive in the 1995 championship and Ann convinced herself that she had a worthwhile driver: “I guess because of my time and experience in the UK I tend to be able to pick whether a driver is good quite quickly and early on Mark showed that kind of flair.”

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Formula Ford engineer Mick Kouros knew Ann from her UK role and, before long, she had been offered the job of administering the Australian Formula Ford Championship in 1994.

The other thing which Ann had done back in the UK was provide the PR for FI racer Johnny Herbert: “There was only Mike Thompson and myself. Mike was the manager and I was the PR Officer.

“I had some ideas, perhaps thought I could do it better in some ways. It was a learning curve for me, but it was very useful to know the way things worked in motor sport in the UK.” Above all, she learnt the value of contacts.

During 1994Mark there- was initial con tact with contesting his first FF season with very much a

family-run team, in Craig Lowndes’ 1993 car.

“Late in the year he had a good run at Sandown, then stuck the thing on pole at the Australian GP, and I thought, hmmm, looks fairly good. I knew he had a good karting background and so, when he asked for some assistance in getting sponsorship, we had a good chat.

"Quite a lot of young drivers, as they do, had asked for help in chas ing sponsorship, but that’s not real ly what I like doing.

“So when Mark asked I said, ‘Look, I don’t like contacting lots of companies cold. I don't like doing it, but I’ll help you get a sponsorship proposal done up’ and that’s what we did.

“Unlike with other drivers, where I’ve done numbers of printed ver sions. I said to Mark, ‘Let’s not waste your money, let’s just do a

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retty soon it was clear that Britain should be the next step; I hadn’t spoken to him about it, but Yellow Pages were getting more, and more involved in the pro gram and so mid-year I sat him down and said, ‘What do you want to do?’

“He said he’d like to try and crack it in Europe, but how would he do it? He was still only 18 at the time...

“Because of my Formula Ford contacts in the UK, it was the obvi ous place to go. I’d worked with Duckhams over there, knew Ralph Firman at Van Diemen very well, had been faxing Mark’s results over to them anyway, so they knew what was going on.

“We went over to just watch the ‘95 Formula Ford Festival. Just a recce trip, to see what the options were for ‘96.

“Mark tested a Zetec car for the first time while we were there. Two days later Ralph was on the phone saying the test was really good, do you want to race in the Festival?!

Continued Page 46

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Continued from page 17 Formula Three I didn’t. But that was the best we could do. Alan Docking was absolutely fantastic; he and his people there are very smart, and they are compet ing against people like Jackie Stewart and Renault.

It’s tough to compete with them on a financial front but we did the best we could and, on a lot of occasions, we were out-qualifying and out-racing them.”

At the stall;His of‘97 Webber straggled. opposition had been pre-season testing for weeks but lack of money meant that he was not.

“I was in Queanbeyan, reading Autosport’s report on the official test at Bonington for the first race! I thought, ‘that’s handy’. It was hard to swallow. to went I “When Bonington I went pretty much straight into qualifying cold, but I qualified seventh for the race and came home sixth. My neck was strug gling to do a race distance but, at that stage, I hadn’t driven a racing cai' since the Fonnula Ford Festival.

“The team was very patient with me for the first few races. I was off the pace to start with, but right there for the rest of the year.”

“Even at Macau; by the end of the weekend we were right there. We pulled through.”

‘Pulled through’ is a bit of an understatement. At the fourth race of the year the Australian rookie set the

Ralph[Firman of Van Diemen]was pretty pleased. He said, ‘go home, come hack in February and bring your helmeF.^^

British establishment back on their heels by winning in dominant fashion.

“We went to Brands Hatch. We were quick in testing there and quick in qualifying. I said to my race engineer Paul, ‘I think it’s a good idea to put tyres on that have done a little work, they would be a little harder’. The corners there are long and it loads the tyres for a long time.

“But no-one else did it. I went out and did some laps fast enough to get provision al pole. Jonny Kane and Dumbreck kept coming in, putting on fresh wet rubber and it just wasn’t the right idea. In the second session they had found out, but we still grabbed pole by six tenths. It was the biggest margin of the season and eight of the laps were quick

enough for pole.

“And then it was dry for the race. Everyone was say ing I wouldn’t be able to do it for the race but I got a good start, kept my head down and rattled off 20 laps and won it. It wasn’t really sur prising because I was in con trol all the way.” he win raised Webber’s Tprofile in the sport con siderably but, in the mean time, there was real life to deal with. His tight budget meant that he had to find a job to support himself and, as many had done before him, Brands Hatch’s Racing Drivers’ school was his savlour.

I bought myself a little Ford Fiesta 1.1 and, in that car, it was a four hour return trip to Brands Hatch from (near Attleborough

EXPERIENCE THE THRILL OF RACING V8 COMMODORES A dat^ of exhitaration,

Silverstone). That was all for £63 a day and I had to take petrol out of that!

“People may think I am having a whinge, but it’s hard when it’s frosty and icy and you are working at Brands five days in a row.

Sitting in a London traffic jams on motorways in the freezing cold is something that is hard to get used to; it’s very character-building.

“But I always wanted to get the results. I always wanted to keep pushing forward. So you just have to go through it.”

The Brands Hatch performance - and strong showing at non-championship F3 events at Spa in Belgium and Zandvoort in Holland underlined the form the Webber had already demon strated in Australia and in British FF racing; that, far from being fazed by big occa sions, they brought out his best.

“Big occasions are fantas tic. I don’t know what it is; for most of those big races we’re there, even if there are different circumstances.

Some are street circuits where you can’t do testing, so maybe drivers'that get onto the pace a little bit quicker go to the front. I like them.”

So, after four hard years, Mark Webber has his foot on the ladder of international motor racing success.

It’s totally inappropriate to say he has made it; the task and opposition ahead of him is daunting.

But the journey so far has been a very impressive one.

DEAR DIARY... Today I met a kid from Queanbeyan. He drives well but he’s no damn good off the back foot. And diary-I want to captain the one-day side... (pnoto bylatDigital)

Just another day at the office August 19,1997 down as one of theWebber. more significant dayswill in the career of Mark Following his impressive test for Mercedes-Benz's AMG-run GT racing squad in Italy, the world was waiting to see what would happen next to the young Australian.

But, in the meantime, there was real work to be done and Webber reported to his driving instructor’s job at Brands Hatch for something different: today the visiting Australian test cricket team would be at the track for a publicity opportunity.

As one of the school’s established drivers, Webber took the opportunity to meet some of his favourite cricketers and chauffeur them around the track, but soon the Aussie cricketers were put at the back of his mind.

While at the track his mobile phone rang with the call he had been waiting for; Mercedes-Benz was offering him the deal of a lifetime.

“I was actuaily at Brands Hatch when they rang through and said,‘We’re going to fax through the contract and would you like to look at it?’ I couldn’t wait for it to / come through.

“So I finished off scaring Steve Waugh,jumped in the Fiesta 1.1 and drove home. I didn’t even open the front door, I just ran straight through it! There it was ...”

But Webber showed the levei-headedness that has been a hailmark throughout his driving career. He didn’t sign it straight away.

“We wanted to change a few things. A contract is for both parties to agree to and we wanted to change a few things around.

“They were very happy about that; They see it as being a partnership between us and that’s what they want for our future.” .

The future starts in April with Mercedes’ first race in the FIA International GT Championship.

In the meantime, there are fitness camps to attend, test sessions on the track and a settling-in period in his new apartment in Germany.

And an AMG company car to get used to ...

Anyone want to buy a nice, used 1.1-litre Fiesta?

- PHIL BRANAGAN

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS: He may not have won the championship, but Webber was mighty impressive in his first full season of FF in Australia, but perhaps the most notable aspect was ^ the backing of Yellow Pages- won, rarely, without someone knowing someone ‘

^

(Photo by John Winkler - Thunderpics)

m?

Join Australia's motor sport stars and host Trevor Marmaladefor a huge night ofentertainment and the honouring of motor sport's 1997 achieversfrom all comers of the sport. It's Australian motor sport's big night and you can be there too.

r JOHNBOWE 1994 & 1995 MotorSportsman of the Year

CRAIG LOVmDES 1996 MotorSportsman of the Year

Who will be the 1997 MotorSportsman of the Year - Courtney,Ingall, Seton or Webber?

Friday January 30, 7.30pm Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne Bookings close shortly!

Tke 1997 Australian MotorSport Awards is a comkined promotion ky

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20

W January ^998

A better mouse trap The stunning TTE-built Neal Bates Toyota Corolla WRC rally car Story by Jon Thomson There have been important turning points in Australian rallying over the years; The innovation of the Southern Cross International rallies in the 1960s; the introduction of special stages with the Castrol rallies in the 1970s; Ford’s local works BDA Escort team in the same decade; Subaru’s RX turbo in the early 1980s; Greg Carr’s Lancia Integrale in the late 80s; and now the Neal Bates Corolla WRC - each of these significantly changed the face of the sport of raHying in this country.

The Southern Cross brought European rallying to a landscape marked by long-distance reliability trials, while the Castrol redefined the sport, with short, sharp stages times to the second and the BDA Escorts were the Supercars of the era, which saw intense factory rivalry.

The Subaru RX brought four wheel drive rallying to Austraha at a time when the sport was attempt ing to reinvent itself with new eligi bility rules, while Greg Carr’s Lancia was the first four wheel drive super car to run here and ushered in a totally new chapter .

Now, almost a decade on, Neal Bates will tackle the 1998 Australian Rally Championship in a car that is at the very cutting edge of rally car technology - but can it win the title which Bates last won in 1995, at the end of a hat trick of ARC victories.

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POTENTIAL ... The combination ofNeai Bates/Coral Tayior and the Toyota Coroiia WRC wiii make for a very interesting 1998 season.(Mpixphoto) The WRC Corolla is arguably the most revolutionary rally car ever campaigned in this country.

Engineered by Toyota Team Europe (TTE) with a clean sheet of paper, it appears to have a clear

advantage over its opponents from Subaru, Ford and Mitsubshi.

The Corolla has a wheelbase which is almost 100mm shorter than the Escort; but, more impor tantly, at 4100 mm, the Corolla’s overdl length is more than 300mm shorter than the Celica (4424), compromises with the new car.

While the Celica was always the 111mm shorter than the Escort first choice of Toyota’s gnomes in (4211) and just over 200mm shorter than the Subaru(4340) and Lancer Nagoya, the TTE boys wanted the Corolla as the basis of its World (4330).

The overhang at each end is, by Championship arsenal.

Size, as in most pursuits, is all- any standards, minuscule com pared with the opposition and this, important in rallying and the Celica grew bigger and, in its last combined with all the other factors - including a low overall weight incarnation, was given a particular and very high torsional rigidity ly big turbo to remain competitive. means the Corolla has a distinct That was fine, until the FIA advantage, even down to the point imposed turbo restrictors to reduce where TTE has to ballast the car to the risk of another Group B outcry. reach the 1230kg minimum weight The disqualification from world rallying gave the team some requirement.

While the Corolla shell is inher breathing space away from the con stant pressure of transporting a ently stiffer than the Celica, the car has been designed with an integrat competitive rally team around the world all year, but also gave TTE ed cage which makes it even stiffer, the leverage to convince Nagoya allowing more precise handling and that the smaller Corolla was the stability.

The integrated cage uses over 45 way to go. metres of tubing in its constraction Outed in November 1995, Toyota had a design team of 16 engineers and to say it is comprehensive is an rmderstatement. on the World Rally Car case by In simple terms, the Corolla will February 1996 - and Japan had never have to lug around the mass already decided the car would be the Celica did. based on the new Euro Corolla.

Any photo, or video, of a World The compact size of the Corolla meant the car would have a distinct Rally always showed that the

advantage over its key opponents in ● turbulent waters of early 1995, 1998 in the ARC - but its very after many heads had rolled at TTE innovation and state of the art because of the humiliating disquali fication for cheating the turbo design coulc^ work against it, if the restrictor rules in the hopelessly heat of competition takes its toll.

The Corolla WRC was bom in the outgunned Celica.

There was a resolve to make no

GUTSY Departing from its predecessor’s suspension specs, Coroiia WRC’s front-end employs McPherson struts and Ohiin damping, wrth springing and damper rates to suit Bates'requirements.(Owen Hammond)

16January 1998

21

Celica was never as poised, or at pension rates, Bates has declared nelling all power into turning the ning bypass, the new Corolla has a the Celica in the past and are home, in the rally environment as the Corolla to be an easy car to motor over and getting it started. smaller turbo and a better rev equally confident they will produce the Subaru, for instance. drive, now that he is used to it.

Similarly, if an alternator belt range, allowing good power to be even stronger results from the Apart from that, TTE expended In terms of becoming acclima- breaks, or slips off and no charge is made all the way to 7200 rpm, Corolla. vast sums on getting the Celica tised to the car. Bates had a steep going to the battery, the S3»stem whereas after 6000 in the Celica Interestingly, the Corolla is the down to fighting weight, engineer- learning curve first of the WRC machines to have ing every aspect of the car to make from the time his an east-west engine layout, rather the goal - not to mention the little first drive in the than the longitudinal layout of the turbo tweak, which was described machine in anger Escort, although it could be argued as the most ingenious piece of at the Rally of that the Subaru’s boxer layout is an motor sport cheating ever uncov- Indonesia, each-way bet.

That resulted in ered by the FIA. There is still an enormous Free from the task of having to very few kilome amount of development ahead for tres behind the attend weight-watchers meetings, the Corolla, which is yet to win a the design team could concentrate wheel, a throttle WRC round, although it did lead on on other aspects of the car which problem putting its first outing in Finland before would enable it to go faster than its him out of the problems slowed it. event on the first opponents.

And therein lies the problem for One of the first things to attack day. the Bates team. was the gearbox, which was At Rally Australia, The car will obviously be the best he had to use the designed with a bigger casing than mouse trap in the ARC in 1998, but the Celica, allowing both a sequen suspension settings will teething problems bring it back tial shift and a rationalisation of of his TTE team to the field? hydraulic pumps in the car. mates and, at the In the Rally of Canberra, Bates The hydraulic systems control same time, get used battled several problems which in the active differentials, the gear to the sequential the end didn’t prove a barrier to shift and the power steering, as shift gearbox and the victory, because he had such a mas well as a projected ABS system on very different drive sive lead and both Bourne and the Corolla. characteristics of the Ordynski had retired.

This is achieved with just a sin Corolla compared But Bates and his team are keep gle pump operating two circuits, with the Celica. ing their fingers crossed that the The Celica was a one for the power steering, the Corolla is not only fast, but also the car which inher other for all of the other systems. most reliable car in the title in One of the major problems with ently imdersteered, 1998, while Bourne is hoping his the Celica was the so-called but the stiffer decision to stay with his proven Superstrut suspension, which was shorter, narrower Subaru WRX will give him a relia not only too wide and increased the and better bal bility advantage - the outcome of Corolla track of the old car, but also did not anced the season ahead will certainly produce the handling benefits its offers far more resolve the issue.

PRESSURE ... Rally of Canberra woes caused Bates concern.(Owen Hammond pic) Japanese developers had hoped for. options and can be One thing is for certain, the made to oversteer.

On the Corolla, suspension is by analyses power requirements and the useful torque died away quite Corolla has lifted the stakes to a McPherson Struts all round and It is a car which responds faster shuts dqwn unnecessary systems to quickly, higher level and will force the other the damping is by Ohlins, which and more precisely to changes of ensure that the car can get to the The two litre 3S-GTE engine is manufacturers to bring WRC ver has worked with TTE to develop direction. next service without draining the familiar to the Bates team, which sions of their rally machines to the the shock absorbers for the car.

Bates found this out in Canberra battery and then have the problem have produced strong results with ARC for 1999 and beyond.

Mitsubishi has used Ohlins for and, with the suspension tuned to fixed. its past two World Titles with WORLD RALLY CAR COMPARATIVE DIMENSIONS his liking, the car blitzed the oppo The engine is basically the same Tommi Makinen and these are the sition. as that used in the Celica - but, WIDTH LENGTH dampers to have in WRC cars at WHEELBASE .

In terms of the sequential shift with the benefit of hindsight, the the moment.

CELICA 1770mm 4424mm ' 2545mm mechanism on the all-new six speed turbo characteristics are very dif COROLLA 1770mm 4100mm 2465mm They feature a reservoir at the Xtrac gearbox, the shift times have ferent to enable better power and SUBARU 1770mm 4340ibm 2525mm bottom of each strut to aid cooling, been reduced, with a shift now tak torque across the rev range with a ESCORT 1770mm 4211mm 2550mm ' unlike many struts in recent times ing around 6/lOOths of a second, turbo restrictor in place.

LANCER which featured remote reservoirs compared with the average time for 1690mm 4330mm 2510mm ■:/.)

While the Celica was “choked” by hooked to the top of the strut by a conventional shift of about the restrictor, leading to the cunbraided hose.

15/lOOths of a second - in ather COSY... Corolla WRC’s east-west positive boost turboed 3S-GTE DOHC inline-four.(Owen Hammond) The remote reservoir system is words, up to one third quicker with more prone to allow air bubbles the sequential shift. into the system, dramatically The shift is actually located to reducing performance when it is the right of the steering wheel and most needed. employs a single joystick rather The design of the Corolla WRC than paddles on the wheel, as have has also allowed more wheel travel been used by other makers and in FI. than that allowed by the Celica.

The Corolla has about 200mm of TTE decided on the stick to pre travel, compared with 185 for the vent the gearbox shifting over Celica. jumps and in rough stages.

It is in this area that Bates’ team A conventional floor-mounted in Canberra has worked hard, since gearstick is also mounted in the their Corolla arrived in the national car, acting as a back-up system and, while no clutch is needed capita] from Perth in November.

In between Rally Australia and when using the joystick once under the Rally of Canberra, the spring way, the third pedal is still retained and shock absorber rates were for starts and driving in traffic. altered dramatically, with Bates One interesting aspect of the new preferring a softer spring and a Corolla is its intelligent electronics, more progressive damper to give which allows the management of all both more stable handling on rough electrical power requirements around the car. roads and better “bite” on tum-in.

The Bates team also had a quite Any rallyist who has spun and different suspension philosophy stalled on a stage will know just compared with the previous Celica, how hard it can be to gdt a grumpy, with TTE steering clear of the hot and bothered rally car fired up Superstrut system for some considagain. * erable time during its relationship The Corolla’s system can instantly with the team. shut down all other electrical needs Apart from the changes in suswhen the starter is required, chan-

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16 January 1998

1997 World Championship review

Searching for a new superstar Jacques Villeneuve won the title but failed to win many hearts.

Michael Schumacher drove rings around everyone, but ruined his reputation in the end. It was that kind ofseason.

Words:JOE SAWARD Photos:ALLSPORT

thought that Jacques Villeneuve would sweep aU before himMarch to win the W’ay back in we 1997 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. He should have done. The Williams-Renault FW19 was clearly the best car in the field.

When he took pole position by 1.7s in Melbourne, it looked as though we were in for a year of domination.

In the end, however, Jacques scrambled to the title in a finale of high drama at Jerez at the end of what had been a very unsatisfying season for the Williams team and for many of the millions of FI specta tors.

Frank WiUiams and Patrick Head may have not been wholly satisfied but they know that a win is a win and this year they collected another eight victories, a record ninth Constructors' title - the fifth in six ^ years - and another Drivers' title to add to its collection.

When you analyse the Williams failures this year there is no doubt that the team must take some of the blame.

The Australian GP was lost because of a wheel nut problem on Heinz-Harald Frentzen's car; Hungary was thrown away with a refuelling equipment failm-e (again for Frentzen) and the tactics at Monza gave David Coulthard the opportunity to get ahead of both Williams drivers.

Monaco and Spa were disastrous

CHAMPION EFFORT: Jacques Villeneuve did just enough to take the World Championship and was-in the end-a very popular winner.

races, the result of poor tyre choices.

One can blame the team, but the driver is the ultimate decision maker in such matters and so Villeneuve and Frentzen must take the blame. lUeneuve's accident in Montreal was ridiculous; he lost his cool and crashed in the German GP as well while his practice crash at Magny-Cours compromised his race.

In short, he made too many mis takes.

His starts were poor, his yellow flag awareness was dreadful and in the end it almost cost him dearly although, to be fair, one has to ask whether Jacques' exclusion from the Japanese GP was fair compared to the (light) tap on the wrist which Michael Schumacher received for deliberately trying to drive Jacques off the road in Jerez.

Jacques is clearly a very good FI driver but he has yet to mark him self out as a truly great Grand Prix star. There is a suspicion that almost all of the current drivers (with one or two exceptions) could have done the same job - or better in the same car, with the same amount of experience.

In much the same way as Damon Hill struggled, so Jacques' talents will always be disputed until we have seen him in another car or until we find ourselves drawing sharp breaths when Jacques does something seemingly impossible.

Villeneuve, it is important to add that he has brought to Formula 1 a breath offresh air.

He says what he thinks - bless him even if sometimes it is not the right time to speak and his desire to express himself through his clothes and his hair makes the paddock a much more colourful place.

It is a pleasant change from the clean-cut Action Men dolls we have

V:

Clearly beaten by Villeneuve, he did what a 10-year-old does when he knows he is losing a game - he tried to kick over the board. It was brattish and unsporting and his parents should have beaten such behaviour out of him 15 years ago.

He did the same thing to Damon Hill in Adelaide in 1994 and got away with it but at Jerez the media rejected the stewards' absurd decision that it was "a racing incident" and tore Schumacher to shreds, The last three years of reputationbuilding after the Adelaide incident were simply thrown away.

Schumacher continued to protest his innocence to a ludicrous extent and merely made himselflook worse.

In the end the FLA. had to act, but

grown used to in the eventual punishment was recent years. ridiculous. The FIA World Council If Japques got rid took away Schumacher's second place in the World Championship of his ,bver- protec but left him with his wins and tive minders and was allowed to relax points. It was an in-elevant penalty a little, he would which achieved nothing, except to become an infinitely make the governing body look more human - and, 'ridiculous, as is always the' But there was a serious side to the case, more likeable FIA's dereliction of duty. An entire - character. generation of young drivers will now assume that a racing driver should That is the difference. Alain Prost used to do it, Ayrton Senna did it on a regular basis, but today only Michael Schumacher knows ho.w to doit.

If we seem to be overly critical of

ichael Schumacher has tried .hard for the last few years to become someone who is liked in the paddock. He is greatly respected for histalentsbut, as he proved at Jerez, he is stfll a greatly flawed competitor.

M

be willing to do such things if he wants to win. Inevitably, someone will get hurt as a result of that rul ing - politically expedient and logical though it vvas ...

The saddest thing

about

LETTING IT ALL HANG OUT: No doubt Michael Schumacher was the star of the season, driving the Ferrari brilliantly and winning when he should not have, but in the end he virtually ruined his reputation.

THE DISJOINTED COLOURS OF BENETTON: Jean Alesi was once again disappointing, but so was the entire Benetton team. By mid-season, the team was in disarray and eventually team boss Briatore had to leave.

9 MILU SEVEN. -" /ggXSBS^

f

Schumacher - and something which upsets many fans - is that he is the best driver in Formula 1. He is incredibly skilled.

His victories at Monaco and Spa this year were both extraordinary and unforgettable. He won five times in a car which should not real ly have been up there with the Williams.

If only he could learn to behave like a sportsman and not rum his reputation with stupid and cymcal

HIGH FLYERS: The young Jordan duo gave us plenty of thrills during the year. Giancarlo Fisichella (abovejumping the kerbs at Monza)came

m^oeuvres as ne did in Jerez.

If he does not change his ways this great driver will always be remembered as a bad sport. Perhaps that does not matter to him, but to real fans of Grand Prix racing it is an important point. We would rather watch Michael lose in a gen tlemanly fashion...

out the better, while the brooding Half Schumacher(right) proved to be a uttie too erratic even for Eddie Jordan.

Ihe Villeneuve-Schumacher duel kept the crowds pouring in through the turnstiles and the tele vision audience cruised ever upwards. Although both combatants were flawed, they were still well ahead of the supporting cast.

Villeneuve's teammate HeinzHarald Frentzen ended up officially second in the World Championship, after Schumacher was kicked out of the list, but his was a frustrating year.

Unlike Villeneuve, he did not arrive at Williams with a startling performance. His showing in Australia, was good and he might have won but for a wheelnut prob lem, but the image of his perfor-

mances in those early races was not a good one. Often in FI image is more important than reality.

Later on he shrugged off pressure from the critics to deliver some veiy sound performances. He won at Imola, beating ViQeneuve fairly and squarely, and as the year progressed he might have won two or three other races.

In Hungary he was let down by his machineiy and in Jerez he sacrificed his own race to help Villeneuve. He could have ended the year with three or four wins- but he did not- and so the critics have coneluded that his was a bad year. It was not. It was a classic learning year and he should be able to build on that in 1998.

His somewhat laidback approach was sharpened up as the year went on and he seemed to work harder than he has in the past.i.The natural talent has always been ^ere; it was the dedication that was lacking.

DEddie edication has long beenas one of Irvine's problems weU. He likes the money, the girls and the expensive toys but he has not always been willing to work hard to get it.

He was hired by Ferrari to be a solid number two to Schumacher and he occasionally rose to the task.

The rest ofthe time he was either off the pace or crashing into someone else.

Eddie did not help his cause by using his mouth more often than his brain.

He had accidents in Melbourne, Brazil, Hockenheim and Austria.

There were other times when he simply got in the way and caused problems - such as in Spain, where he earned a well-deserved stop-go penalty? And yet in Argentina and at Suzuka he drove brilliantly.

Unless there is more brilliance and less smart-aleck chatter, Eddie's career will soon draw to a close. In a way this will be sad because there is talent there, but for most of the drivers, the day Eddie stops racing FI will be a good day. They do not like dicing with Eddie and that, surely is the ultimate condemnation.

In the Constructors' World Championship, Benetton emerged in third place, but it was McLaren which did more winning than Benetton, although it was, in many respects, a very fortunate year for McLaren.

McLai-en was lucky to win in both Melbourne and at Jerez. Monza was a bona fide victory, brought about by clever strategy and good team work.

The team's weakness remained the chassis, which was never quite as good as the Williams. The Mercedes-Benz engine was powerful - probably the most powerful of all the 1997 engines - but it was not reliable and when it was detuned for reliability it was not on the pace.

There is little doubt that given the

Continued next page FRENCH TEARAWAY: Olivier Panis turned in some good performances for the new Prost team, but his season was ruined by breaking both legs in Canada.

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24

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GOODBYE GERHARD: The veteran Berger(above) signed off his career with an emotional win in Germany while teammate Alesi kept everyone entertained with his on-track antics(above right)...

Continued from previous page right car David Coulthard is a World Champion in the making.

The team has not always made him comfortable - and forcing him to let Mika Hakkinen past at Jerez did nothing for the relationship.

Hakkinen has long deserved a vic tory. He is a great driver but he seems something of a modern ver sion of Ronnie Peterson.

He has enormous natural speed and flair, which makes him popular with the crowds, but his ability to analyse things does not appear to be on a par with Coulthard. He drives around problems. enetton's 1997 was pretty miser able, except for a marvellous weekend at Hockenheim where Gerhard Berger created a little fairytale on his return to FI after several races out of action and the distressing death of his father in an aeroplane accident.

In fact, Berger should not really have won in Germany. The strategy chosen by the team was not very good but, thanks to a mistake by Giancarlo Fisichella, the veteran Austrian came through to win his 10th and last Grand Prix victory.

The sport will miss Gerhard, who seemed to be part of the furniture of Grand Prix racing, always ready with a quip and a smile. There were times when he became the voice of sanity in the sport and the role was an important one.

Gerhard never really achieved all he might have done because his career coincided with that of Ayrton Senna but, unlike his friend, he is getting out of FI alive and well and that in itself is a blessing after so many violent accidents through the years.

Gerhard actually finished behind Jean Alesi in the World Championship -they were fourth and fifth-but Jean never looked like winning in 1997.

He continued on his merry way being blisteringly quick on occasion and then doing something complete ly daft. His running out of petrol in Melbourne was an act of breath-tak ing madness and it had a veiy bad effect on the team.

As the year went on it was very clear that Jean was not enjoying himself and he wanted out.

Ih fact the whole team needed a good shake-up. Flavio Briatore's quirky ways might have worked when there was a Schumacher onboard to lead the team but once Michael departed, taking a few of the crew with him to Ferrari, Flavio lost the plot.

MIXED EMOTIONS:

.m The team suffered as Briatore wheeled and dealed over Prosts and Minardis emd Concorde Agreements when he should have been concen trating on running the racing team - which was never a job for which he was qualified.

No-one in FI was unhappy to see him go and he cannot have been too upset because he took a pot of gold with him...

David Richards is much better qualified to put the team back on top, but that could take a few years to achieve.

One bright point for Benetton in 1997 was the arrival of Alexander Wurz, who joined the team as test driver — bringing a pot of Austrian gelt from A1 Telekom. When Berger was forced to stand down because of sinus problems, Wurz did a splendid job as his replacement, giving Alesi a scare on occasion.

sive was new boy Wurz not of the onlyGiancarlo impres 1997.

Fisichella and Jarno Trulli also carved names for themselves.

Having spent half of 1996 driving for Minardi, Fisichella was signed up by Jordan for the 1997 season although he remained under long-_^ term contract to Benetton (are yoil following all this?).

In the first few races he was rather overshadowed by Ralf Schumacher, but gradually Fisico's smooth style and natural speed put him ahead of his German teammate.

And then he built up the pressure to such an extent that by the end of the year everyone had forgotten Ralfs early speed.

Giancarlo should have won his and Jordan’s - first Grand Prix vic tory at Hockenheim but, under pressure from Berger, Fisichella cracked and went off. It was not the kind of

Damon Hill's terrible title defence was highlighted in Hungary (left) when he couldn’t believe his bad luck. But at least he had fun with teammate Diniz(above)...

thing one expects to see from a real drafted in with Prost.

Trulli's performances disappointtop calibre driver but perhaps a lit tle more experience will add polish ed the blind in the FI paddock but if to Giancarlo's natural speed. analysed properly were quite His other chance of a win came in remarkable. At Hockenheim he outArgentina, where,his teammate psyched Villeneuve and at Zeltweg behaved like a complete moron and he blew the whole field away until drove him off the road - much to the his engine let him down. intense annoyance of the Jordan And he achieved this having commanagement pleted less than 50 single-seaters SsdiLacher might be includ- faces in his life. A great start to ed in the list of bright young hopes 'what will probably be a great career. for the future, bui there are not One has to feel a little sorry for many in FI who believe he will be in Olivier Panis because, while Trulli Graifd Prix r^ing beyond the end of was grabbing the glory, poor old his Jordan contract He is not his Olivier was hobbbng about ti^ng to

the fact that the results sheets did not show it.

Johnhy drove the car to its limit in rapes- when overtaking is always difficult. The Sauber had a problem

seem to appreaate this and his arrocrancp is a little tiresome He is going I have to leam both humility and a little more control if he wants a initem fotof in FI To b™in with he looked to be doing vSy well - Buenos Aires

he was rolled by poor reliability or poor qualifying. And then he broke his legs and any hope of rictories for Prost went out ofthe window.

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25

MOMENT OF TRUTH; David Coulthard looks in hir mirrors to see that he has beaten Jean Alesi out of the pits to win the Italian GP. TOO MUCH TO TAKE: Rubens Barrichello in tears after finishing a superb second at Monaco for the fledgling Stewart team.

■r

Michael Schumacher plants his Arrows was a big disappointment and it was pot really surprising because you cannot make a banquet without good ingredients.

Tom Walkinshaw took over the team in mid-1996 and tried to put together a team, but it was too much ito ask fpr big results in 1997.

In fact Arrows came closer to a in than anyone really expected with Damon Hill's remarkable run in Hungary, but for most of the season the team struggled.

The Yamaha engine was not much good, but beefed up by TWR engineers it began to get more competitive. The Arrows chassis was not bad and got better after John Barnard and his engineers had been over it with a fine tooth comb.

But the early season failures Damon only just qualified in Australia and his car did not even get to start as it broke down on the parade lap - blew up any dreams of glory which Damon was harbouring.

Damon lost motivation and it was only after Tom Walkinshaw gave him a rather pubhc boot up the rear end at Silverstone that he began to turn in the performances expected of a World Champion.

Everything came together in Hungary, where the Bridgestone tyres were working very well and Damon drove a great race, only to be robbed of victory in the closing stages with a hydrauhc glitch.

Pedro Diniz did himself no harm at all in 1997, partly because Hill was in cruise mode for part of the season and partly because he lacks experience.

Pedro will never be a great and it is doubtful that he will ever be a winner, but he is a very good number two and he has LOTS of money.

The a very niceStewart car but team were built let down far too often by the Ford VIO engines, The number of failures became almost laughable as Ford and Cosworth engineers took risks to get the horsepower up as fast as possi-

ble.

woth GP celebratory cake into the face of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone (above).

TIME FOR A SHOWER:

Mika Hakkinen finally won his first GP in the final race of the year, but in practice in Belgium (right) he ended up having a Spa bath...

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The only real high point was Monaco where the rain, the track. good Bridgestone tyres and a high attrition rate enabled Rubens Barrichello to finish second to Michael Schumacher - albeit a very long way behind.

The team has a great deal of potential and a great deal more support fi-om Ford than is immediately obvious. It needs only a little bit more experience and fewer sermons to the masses from JYS (particularly when they upset the FIA) and it will develop into a very serious operation.

Tl Tinardi also changed hands in the Jan Magnussen spent most of the IVicourse of 1997. Bought at the season being something of an after end of 1996 by Flavio Briatore, who thought with the team. He received was looking to make a fast buck by precious little support and strugbuying cheap and selling the team on gled, but he came through the hard to British American Tobacco for a times and earned his place again in vast profit, Minardi never showed any 1998. signs of producing a decent result.

Nevertheless, it would be wise for The early part of the year was him to start beating Barrichello on a ruined with electronic dramas and regular basis if he wishes to remain in FI for fee longer term. then there was a long period during Tyrrell also suffered very badly which it was unclear who - if any one - was running the team. from Ford engines. The V8 was not Eventually a frustrated Briatore only unreliable but it was also huge gave up his plans and sold his ly underpowered and so there was shares to fellow investor Gabriele never really much hope for Mika Rumi and the team finally began to Salo and Jos Verstappen, who are a make progress - by which time the very quick pair of peddlers, season was over...

Unfortunately you cannot compete Ukyo Katayama was wasting his with flashy sportscars when you are time in his final year and he knew driving a Morris Minor. it. Trulli soon had the edge on him At the end of the year the Tyrrell and then he found himself under Family finally accepted the pressure from Tarso Marques. inevitable and took the millions off Retirement was the right choice British American Tobacco in for Ukyo. exchange for the team. It was nice to Mention of the Lola team is best see a once-great team leave FI withleft short as it was a complete out going bankrupt - just for a unmitigated and hopeless disaster change.

and led to that fine company going into receivership.

Hopefully the new owners will rebuild Lola and will one day take another crack at FI in a more seri ous and intelligent way.

company - particularly in Japan where Bridgestone was humbled in front of its home crowd.

The Goodyear whitewash was a combination of good strategy (sign ing up the right teams in 1996), good engineering (lap times tumbled as

The FI season was between marred the by political in-fighting teams and Bernie Ecclestone over the Concorde Agreement and over Ecclestone's plans to float his busi ness on the Stock Exchange.

This is an essential step for the futm-e stabihty of FI racing - Bernie cannot live for ever - and the sooner it is achieved the better.

Other political battles, such as the fight over tobacco sponsorship laws in Europe, did nothing for the image of the sport.

The on-track action, however, was pretty good and some of this was due to the tyre war between Goodyear and Bridgestone.

At the end of the 17 races, Goodyear had completed a clean sweep of victories. This was a mar vellous job by the American tyre

new compounds and good fortune, were developed) The Bridgestone teams often did well, but rarely made it to the finish.

Goodyear says it will be back in 1998 but will pull out at the end of the year - it will be interesting to see whether this is really the plan or part of a brilliant new strategy.

While the tyre war added a new dimension to the sport, there is no doubt that Grand Prix racing is ciying out for a big new star to take on Michael Schumacher. A man who can perform miracles in cars which are not up to the job.

Most of the FI team bosses are aware of that need - which may explain the large numbers of young sters being tested in recent weeks.

Somebody somewhere has to be the ace of the new generation ... ■

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Ordynski moves Aussie third in up an Evolution Paris-Dakar

Pressure on to match ^tes and Bourne

Ed Ordynski is likely to of Bates in Canberra in cant support for privateer Group N runners, with long have the latest Ralliart November.

The Evo rV, in the hands time Lancer runner Michael Evo IV Lancer to contest Guest switching to Subaru the 1998 Australian Rally of Tommi Makinen, has cap Championship in a bid to tured the past two World over the past few months.

The revised format of the match the WRC Corola of Rally Championships for Neal Bates and the Mitusbishi, despite the Australian Championship for Manufacturers will place upgraded Subaru of advent of more highly adapt reigning ARC champion ed WRC machines from Ford strong emphasis on good per and Subaru, with both formances in both the outright Possum Bourne.

Ordynski, who switched to Makinen and his team-mate, categories and in Group N. Ordynski is apparently a full-on Group A attack on Richard Burns, showing the national championship repeatedly that they could keen to defend his Round after years of dominance in take the fight up to the Australia title by contesting the ’98 version in September, the Group N category, will other works machines.

The car is apparently but it is unclear at this stage campaign a new Lancer simi lar to those campaigned by already in Ralliart’s Sydney what sort of vehicle he will the Mitsubishi World workshops and is undergoing use, as Holden, the team he Championship team this preparations for the first drove for last time aroimd, is year, under the auspices of round of the championship unlikely to enter a team of at Coffs Harbour in late Commodores this year.

Ralhart Australia.

Mitsubishi is apparently The South Australian dri February. ver was unavailable for com Ordynski showed at Rally not keen to risk its reputation in the three week marathon ment when Motorsport News AustrMia that he could bet event, but Isuzu GM is appar ter the times set by both went to press - the former Australian champ was on a Bates and Bourne on some ently entering a team of stages in the outmoded Evo Jackeroos, including cars for busman’s holiday on a motor III machine and, despite his Peter Brock and Australian cycle tour of Central Australia - but it is under lack of pace in Canberra, the Safari winner Bruce Garland stood he pressed hard for the Evo IV should be a match for - and Ordynski may be offered a drive in one of the updated car after his Ralliart the Corolla and Subaru.

It is unclear at this stage if factory 4WDs. Evo III Lancer was out -JON THOMSON gunned by the WRC Corolla Ralliart will give any signifiDESIRABLE... A stablemate to Makinen’s Evo IV Lancer(below)for Ordynski.(Mpix photo) T

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The first Australians to lows his extraordinary per by more than a minute after tackle the legendary Paris formance in winning the winning the 11th stage of the Safari first time out in 1997. rally on Monday.

Dakar Rally are impress Saby finished the 411kms Sydney’s Bruce Garland, ing as the marathon rally reaches the two-thirds driving a works Isuzu V from Gao to Timbuktu Imin distance mark in the Cross, was lying 49th after 17secs ahead of his compatriSahara Desert. being as high as 12th out- ot and fellow Mitsubishi driThis year’s Australian right before encountering ver.

Fontenay’s overall lead is Safari-winning motorcycle problems in his first attempt rider, Andy Haydon, is third on the daunting dunes of now down to 9min 25 secs, with over 2,800 km to go in the motorcycle division, north Africa.

Garland was leading his before the rally’s end in behind Dakar legend Stephane Peterhansel and class in the revolutionary T1 Dakar on Sunday.

Saby suffered only one Richard Sainct, also from Isuzu, which is based on, Jackaroo mechanicals with a minor hitch, when a rear France, on a KTM axle started to overheat, but It is an amazing performa- futuristic lightweight body.

Frenchman Bruno Saby finished the stage without ce by the former motocross rider and Dakar debutante cut overall leader Jean- losing any time.

-JON THOMSON on board his KTM and fol- Pierre Fontenay’s advantage Colin McRae, Piero Liatti and Kenneth Eriksson wiU again line up to drive for reigning champion Subaru in the 1998 World Rally Championship.

McRae and Nicky Grist will be joined in the triple Manufacturers’ world title winning 555 Subaru World Rally Team’s full 14-round WRC schedule by the allItalian pairing of Liatti and Fabrizia Pons.

McRae and Liatti will open the season at this weekend’s

555 Subaru ’98 line-up Monte Carlo Rally in their Impreza WRC98 entries and will then be joined by Eriksson for the Swedish Rally on February 5.

“I believe we have the strongest team in 1998,” said

Subaru team manager John Spiller. “Although Kenneth will be doing fewer rallies than last year, I am delight ed that he has agreed to stay and be a vital part of our assault on both titles.” used as the base for their World Rally Car. Drivers will again be the Finn, Harri and Rovanpera Spanish star Oriol Gomez.

HERRIDGE KIT CAR? Although says the chances he of running a Hyundai Coupe Kit Car are “way off” at the moment, young Formula 2 charger Dean Herridge admits the possibility of running the lat est specification Hyundai is certainly in his team’s plan ning.

Herridge, who finished second in last year’s F2 title, will start the year in his regular Group A Hyundai Coupe, although sponsor ship arrangements will determine tiow many events he will compete in during the ARC Super Series.

“At worst, we’ll do the Coffs Harbour event and the Forest Rally in WA with the car in the same spec as last year,” Herridge said.

“We’d love to update the car to Kit Car spec later in the year, but that will all depend on funds.”

There are no ‘bolt on’ bits available to make the Group A Hyundai any quicker than it was at the Rally of Canberra last November and Herridge says increasing the horse power would be pointless until an upgraded gearbox is fitted to the car.

“We'll just try to get some more weight out of the car and consolidate on the improvements we made during last year’s champi onship,” Herridge added.

API Rally Australia and the FAl Rally of Canberra are also on Herridge’s cal endar for this year.

His opposition in 1998 is expected to come from reg ular F2 runners Ross Mackenzie (Daihatsu), Brett

From,the y

TESTING TIMES

By Peter WhittA Editor -Australian Rallysporlilews Middleton (Honda), Lee Peterson (Nissan) and Simon Evans (Toyota), while Rick Bates is also expected to run a Group A Daihatsu Charade in the Super Series.

TWO SEAT TITLES? hen SEAT makes the debut with their World Rally Car at the 1998 Neste Rally Finland, they will become the fifth team to run at the top level in the World Rally Championship and the fourth to run a World Rally Car - they will also be the first manufacturer to compete in two different categories in the World Rally Championship at the same time.

In addition to their four wheel drive, turbocharged car work, SEAT stood at the end of the 1997 season as the double winner of the 2litre Cup, a title which they also wish to retain in the 1998 season.

Plans are currently being made at SEAT Sport’s head quarters at Abrera, inland from the Spanish city of Barcelona, as they make their unprecedented double attack on the World Championship series in 1998.

They will continue to use the Ibiza Kit Car in Formula 2, while the Cordoba will be

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Testing underwayisforwell the Monte Carlo Rally, which begins on January 19 and the Swedish Rally, but many of the teams have already suffered at the hands of their drivers.

Colin McRae, suffering from a stomach virus, rolled his Impreza WRC97 on the ice in Sweden, while Ford’s new recruit, Bruno Thiry, wrecked an M-Sport Escort World Rally Car in Lapland.

Unfavourable weather reportedly hampered the teams in their preparation for the event, with Subaru being affected in Sweden and Toyota’s tests being hindered by heavy rain in Monte Carlo.

NEW CANBERRA DATE be Rally heldofon the first The Canberra will weekend in December this year, a week later than orig inally calendared.

1998 will be the final year of the rally without Asia Pacific Championship status, which is expected to be achieved in 1999.

This year, it will form part of the Australian Manufacturers’ Championship, although again this will only entail two events.

The Rally of Adelaide will, not be run this year, mean ing Canberra and API Rally Australia will be the only events counting towards the Makes title.

0.

Ferguson takes his first win In excess of 12,000 fans Ferguson found himself attending the Triple M soloing in the final to claim Full Throttle Meltdown his inaugural win, after fel watched local hero Scott low South Australian David Feguson drive his Top Hawke failed to make the Alcohol Dragster around call due to severe engine a tight field at Adelaide damage.

International Dragway on To say that Ferguson was January 3 to take his first elated with the resxilt would event victory. be an imderstatement, as the A round of the Australian young Adelaide-based alky Drag Racing Series (ADRS), competitor has something of the event carried bonus a cult following with the SA points towards the National fans and he thoroughly Championship. deserved his victory.

NEW SUIT... Match race winner Robin Kirby debuted his Pennzoil-sponsored Top Fueller at AIR.(Steven White pic)

It wasn’t all bad news for Hawke, though, as he man aged to run his best-ever pass in competition and gathered bonus points for low elapsed time, top speed and number one qualifier.

In addition to the Top Alcohol bracket, there was a

two-round match race between the Top Fuellers of the Victorian duo, Robin Kirby and Darren DiFilippo.

Kirby won both races in his newly-backed Pennzoil dragster, both vehicles gain ing valuable track knowledge for the prestigious Easter

Nationals event at Adelaide International Raceway in April.

Other winners at the AIR event: Marcus Chambers Arthur (Competition), KalarofF(Super Stock), Mark Gedye (Competition Bike), Rob Azzopardi (Super Gas),

Dale Bragg (Junior Dragster), Sven Stalp (Modified Bike), Michael Jennings (Super Sedan), Graeme Elliott (Super Street), Mark Mitchell (Modified), Helen Russling (Supercharged Outlaws) and Steve Walsh (“The Advertiser” Street ET).

Tenneco Automotive for AmatI

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with Walker Exhaust Systems,” Amato said.

“Tenneco Automotive then brought their OE level engi neering, technology and quality to an aftermarket high performance product line - DynoMax. Amato has a long history “Since then, DynoMax has with Tenneco Automotive via always been involved as a his Keystone Automotive sponsor of my Top Fueller Warehouse. from the beginning.

“When Tenneco Automotive “On the ride control side, launched the DynoMax High we go way back with Rancho Performance Exhaust range (US brand)and Monroe.

12 years ago. Keystone was “Given the high level of doing a great deal of business performance and quality that Tenneco Automotive, pro ducer and marketer of ride control and exhaust system products, has announced its sponsor ship this season of American Top Fuel leg end Joe Amato.

Tenneco Automotive prod ucts deliver. I’m very proud to have this new association with my race program.”

Tom Evans, President of Tenneco Automotive, finds the alignment with Amato makes a powerful combina tion.

identification, Tenneco Automotive actually learns from what happens on the race track and uses that knowledge to offer consumers better products.”

Amato, who is chasing an

unprecedented sixth NHRA Top Fuel World Championship in 1998, will display his new sponsor’s blue and orange corporate logo on his fueller.

Tenneco Automotive operates 70 facilities in 22 coun-

tries - with three Australian manufacturing plants for Monroe Shock Absorbers, Walker Exhaust Systems and Monroe Springs - and has worldwide sales of over US$3 billion.

“Technology exchange plays a major part in Tenneco Automotive’s approach to rac ing sponsorships,” Evans

said.

“^hile many companies put their names on race cars simply for product or brand

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Nostalgia Racers at Raceway Park The Australian Nostalgia Racers will hold the first event of the national

ANR

Chairman

Norm

Longfield.

“We have fielded many calls from this region during the past few years, which led to the formation of the

Lucas Oils 1998 Nostalgia Drag Racing Series at Raceway Park, Heathcote, on February 28.

Victorian nostalgia move The event marks the first ment.

Victorian outing for the “Now that these competi Australian Nostalgia Racers tors have a true nostalgia and support will also be format in their own back forthcoming from the yard, we are expecting a very Victorian Nostalgia Chapter. large turnout of not only “This will clearly fill the period-style race cars, but void that has existed for a lot currently competing vehicles of the Victorian and South that slot straight into our Australian competitors,” said format.”

The event will also cater for Show ’n Shine vehicles ranging from Hot Rods and Cruisers through to Street Machines, as well as trade stands.

Admission costs are rea sonable and family passes are available.

For further information, call the Australian Nostalgia Racers in Sydney on: (02) 9639 8000, or for local trade and Show ’n Shine enquiries, contact the Victorian Chapter by phone on: (03) 9478 9922.

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■ Confusion reigned supreme in the second round of Funny Car, both Peter Russo and Ron Atholwood being held up in the pits by officials and being told that they wouldn’t be running until 9.30pm well after the scheduled 8.05 for which they were ready and at that point, giving them no chance to return for the final round if they were to make it.

■ American Glenn Mikres had an interesting crew mem ber helping him in the pit area in fellow countryman Rick Johnson.

Johnson campaigned nitro Funny Cars for many years in the US,even spending a year and a half behind the wheels of one of Roland Leong’s famous Hawaiian cars.

Perhaps the most interesting car he drove was the four wheel drive Funny Car of the legendary “TV Tommy” Ivo, the first Top Fuel driver to ever run a five sec ond et and one of the original Disney Mouseketeers!

Despite Johnson’s low-key pro file, he made many friends at the event and entertained the crowd in an interview during a rain delay.

■ Another interesting face hoveling around the pit area at Calder on Saturday was former Heathcote promoter and now world head of Super Touring racing, Alan Gow. Gow, who now resides in England and controls the com petitive British Touring Car Series, always was a big fan of the nitro Funny Cars.

While at Calder, he caught up with his long-time favourite Funny Car racer Peter Russo.

■ Pro Stock Motorcycle racer Brian Lennon crashed in the first round of eliminations, the Melbourne rider falling off his Melbourne Suzuki Pro Bike just past the finish line.

Lennon’s bike headed off into the dirt after half-track, hitting a bump and sending him over the handlebars - Lennon was taken to hospital for x-rays, the medical officials suspecting a broken ankle.

■ The Best Appearing Car and Crew Award was won by Glenn Seraceno and the Ted’s Cameras/Fuji Film Super Gas Torana, which was making its return to the track following the passing of its owner Steve Smythe last year.

Smythe was a 27-year employ ee of Ted’s Camera Stores and their Pm-chasing Manager, along with also being a dedicated Super Gas racer.

Ted’s Camera Stores Managing Director, Richard Robertson, a life-long friend of Smythe, paid tribute to his friend by purchas ing the car from his estate and giving it to Smythe’s former part ner Seraceno and the crew to run.

“Steve would have loved us doing this by carrying on in his memory and I’m just happy we’re in the position where we can help the guys do that,” Robertson said.

‘TVe’ve bought the car and we’ll continue to pay all of the costs for the guys while they want to race.

“I’m sure ‘Chooker’ would be pleased to know that we’ve been able to win the Best Appearing honour and he’s probably having a bit of a chuckle about it now.”

- GERALD McDORNAN

1

ON THE WAY... Bob Shepherd's Funny Car slithers out of control and turns hard left, tipping dramatically on its way to the wall. (Thunder-Pics photos)

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10

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CONTACT!... Shepherd slams into the safety wall and the car ignites, before it rebounds into the opposite lane.(Sheehy's Photographies pics)

Shepherd wipes out while Atholwood and Tucker win Report by GERALD McDORNAN Ron Atholwood, Rob Tucker and Les Donnon were the big winners at Calder Park’s USA v Australia Nitro Funny Car meeting, held in front of a solid crowd at the Melbourne venue last Saturday night (Jan 10), although Bob Shepherd was the big loser, the Sydney racer spectacularly crashing his new fuel coupe during a license pass.

Shepherd’s car, just after launch ing, appeared to split a fuel line, dumping fuel under the tyres and sending the Thunderbird hard left and into the concrete safety walls.

Shepherd was knocked out in the contact and then travelled in the car the entire length of the track with a fuel fire blazing away before careering across the track and making contact with the oppo site wall and stopping.

Thankfully, the safety crews were quickly onto the scene, putting the fire out and attending to Shepherd.

Shepherd appeared to be okay, although dazed from the incident and suffering from burns to his hands and feet - as a precaution, he was airlifted to hospital for observa tion, being held overnight before being released the following day.

Atholwood, making his first appearance since his controversial win at last year’s Nationals - and at just his third meeting in 12 months - ran consistently in the beautiful Atholwood Brothers Pontiac Trans Am to take the win over the four car field, in the final defeating the in-form Garry McGrath.

Reigning Australian Top Fuel Champion Glenn Mikres, making his debut in a fuel Funny Car Down Under, found it hard to come to grips with the US Forces Olds Cutlass, with severe tyre shake plaguing the American on each attempt at a run.

“Funny Cars are my first love and I’m glad that I’ve finally got to get behind the wheel of one here,” Mikres told Motorsport News.

Despite the tyre-shaking prob lems which, during the second round of the Chicago shootout for mat, were so severe that the centre of the diff pulled straight out of the housing, Mikres was still smiling at the end of the night and looking for ward to climbing under the body of the car again at Raceway Park at Heathcote this weekend.

“We’ve got to go find another rear-end for this car, but once we’ve done that, we’ll be at Heathcote and looking to turn the tables on these guys,” Mikres said.

With McGrath and Atholwood facing off in the final round, the much anticipated showdown for the money with a US car didn’t happen, although four-time Australian Nationals Champion Peter Russo did get to face Mikres in the first round.

The Autopro/Exide Batteries Dodge took the win in a wild, cyhnder-dropping, tyre shaking duel with the American, running a 6.31/157 and sending the crowd into a screaming, standing ovation.

‘We’ve been having troubles for a year, but the car is starting to come around and to have a win against Mikres i^ satisfying... any way we can get a win over an American, we’ll take one,” said Russo, who won last year’s USA v Australia series.

The Atholwood Pontiac, despite not running in the fives, did run two solid back to back passes of 6.02, the first being a shut-off run at around 900 feet when the car started to “mix it up” on the top end, while the second, in the final round win over McGrath, came at the expense of a blower belt, which departed at 800 feet.

“While we’re disappointed we didn’t run a five, the figures show us we would have run easy .75s or .80s on both runs,” Atholwood said after the meeting.

“With three meetings in a year, we don’t get the opportunity to run much faster than that, so we’re

happy that we could get a win, have the car in such good condition at the end of the night apd, most importantly, put on a show for the crowd.”

The Atholwoods had just one minor problem for the meeting, a spark plug blowing out of the engine on the burnout for the sec ond round, after which they shut down - after repairing the hole, the team returned for the final round.

McGrath, while being downed in the final, was happy with his first round 5.75/255, which stood for low et of the event.

“I would have loved to have won. but these cars are just so tempera mental and the Powerball/Pennzoil Olds decided it would throw the clutch out of it on the last run,” McGrath said.

“But, that’s the challenge of these things, getting them to run a quar ter-mile. The people know how dif ficult they are to run and they appreciate our efforts, which is just great.

“This weekend at Heathcote, we’ll be looking to come away with a win and set the track rqcords in the process.

In Pro Stock, despite reigning champion Joe Polito dominating qualifying and coming away with the low elapsed time and top speed of the meet bonus points, series leader Rob Tucker continued his dominance with regards to event wins, taking out the final against Polito on a holeshot.

Tucker’s win is the third in three meetings and the driver of the Performance Wholesale Olds Cutlass looks to be well on his way to claiming his first Australian Pro Stock Championship.

The shock of the event in Pro Stock was the non-qualifying per formance of two-time Nationals winner Tony Wedlock, the Hi-Tec Oils/Ultimate Financial Group Pontiac struggling to record a best of just 8.66 seconds.

Wedlock’s 8.66 didn’t make the top eight, with the bump spot rest ing at an 8.51 set by the Chev Cavalier of Nick Moutsos.

After qualifying second behind Polito, Tucker began his advance to the final round with a solid 7.95/170 win over the troubled Olds Firenza of Tony Cusolito.

In the semi-finals, Tucker edged out the Valvoline Chev Beretta of Rob/'Quattrochi by just four-hundre'ths, Tucker winning with a 7.-96/170 to a holeshot-aided 8.08/168.

On the other side of the ladder, Polito’s run to the final appeared to be easy, the Dynomax Ford advanc ing uncontested when Polito’s oppo nents, Moutsos and Gerry Parents, both had problems.

In the first round, Moutsos’s American Performance Imports Chev failed to fire, leaving Polito to solo to a 7.87/171, while in the sec ond round Parents, in an effort to overcome Polito’s performance advantage, rolled the lights and left the startline before the lights were activated — Polito’s 7.93/170 was good enough for lane choice in the final.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Donnon, aboard the Castrol/Trevor Birrell Racing Suzuki, took a final round win over the number one qualifier, Lee, aboard Dale Gilbert’s “Alien” Suzuki, scored the top spot with a 7.87/166, just ahead of Gavin Bales’ Serco/Wiseco/Turnbull Transport Suzuki and Donnon.

Donnon downed Bales in a great semi-final contest, while Lee made his way to the final round with a close win over the ICI Autocolor Suzuki of Denis Ackland.

In the final round, Donnon took the win with a 7.89/159 over a fast closing Lee, who ran a 7.91/165, the win margin just being a few hundreths of a second.

Winners in the other categories contested were: Rod Rainford (Super Comp), Graeme ‘Pig’ Murphy (Super Elim), Scott Fitzpatrick (Super Mod), Craig Brewer (Super Sedan), Robert Azzopardi (Super Gas), Garry Jenner (Super Street), Terry Emery (Mod Bike) and Kelly Bettes (Junior Dragster).

WJanuaiyM

Chevrolet to race in'98 American motoring giant Soon after, despite Force stating Chevrolet has finally revealed that the two cars were run as plans to enter NHRA’s Pro entirely separate entities, he was Stock division in 1998, as pre- dumped by GM, ending any hopes dieted in a world exclusive in he had of gaining Chevrolet backMotorsport News over six ing - something which he had sought for a number of years. months ago.

Kurt Johnson, the first NHRA To expand their Funny Car fleet, announced last Pro Stock racer to ever record a six Chevrolet second elapsed time, multi-national November that they would be supevent winner Larry Morgan and ‘ porting “first in the fours” Chuck NBA star Tom Hammonds will all Etchells and his Kendall Oilswheel factory-backed ’98 Camaro backed team.

Z28s in the 22-race NHRA Winston “Eveiy street car I’ve ever owned has been a Chevy — two Camaros, Drag Racing series.

“Camaro has been Chevrolet’s an S-10 pickup and a Blazer — so winningest brand in NHRA drag I’ll feel right at home in a car wear racing, capturing close to 400 victo- ing a red bow tie,” said Johnson, a ries over the years,” said Dick legendary winner of 10 Pro Stock Almond, Camaro Brand Manager. final rounds..

‘The success on and off the track “The ’98 Camaro body is very of Don Prudhomme’s Camaro slick and I’m sure our upcoming Funny Car last year with Ron wind tunnel tests will show we Capps driving confirmed our belief have a number of advantages over that NHRA drag racing is a perfect the competition,” said Morgan,= 43, venue to showcase the Camaro Z28. winner of eight Pro Stock final “We’re delighted to welcome such rounds, outstanding drivers as Kurt, Larry Hammonds, 30, a power forward and Tom to Chevrolet. They bring a for the Minnesota 'Timberwolves remarkable record of success and NBA basketball team, will run a experience in Pro Stock competition.” limited Pro Stock season in ’98, with Johnson’s car will/again be plans to run a full season in’99. backed by ACDelco, while Morgan The last factory-backed victory will retain the Raybe'stos sponsor- for a Camaro in NHRA’s Pro Stock ship which he secured during the division was in 1985, when Joe 1997 season - Hammond’s Camaro Lepone Jr, who has visited will be supported by Winnebago Australia on a number of occasmotor homes, Mac Tools and ^ions, defeated Bruce Allen in an Kendall Oils. 'all-Camaro final round at the Chevrolet’s signing of just Kurt Winston Finals in Pomona.

Johnson and not his father.

Also joining the Chevrolet team Warren, was interesting in that in ’98 is teenage sensation Cristen originally it was expected that the Powell, three-time NHRA Pro Stock cham Considered to be one of the rising pion would also join the bow-tie stars in NHRA drag racing, Powell brigade in ’98. won her first Top Fuel final in But our sources indicate that it Englishtown, N.J last season, a was ‘WJ’s” breaking of the histori- year which also saw her complete cal 200mph barrier last season that her senior year in high school, kept him under the Pontiac umbrelPowell’s Reebok-backed Top Fuel la, with the sister GM company to drggster effort will round out Chevrolet wanting to further capi- Chevrolet’s Top Fuel entries, as talise on his achievement. support for Larry Dixon, driver of Also thought to be headed Don Prudhomme Racing’s Miller Chevrolet’s way in ’98 was seven- Lite Top Fuel dragster, continues time Funny Car World Champion after a successful first-year partJohn Force, although he had a nership in’97. major fallout with GM after his secIn addition, Chevrolet will supond team car, driven by Tony port Chevy S-10 pickup teams in Pedregon, fronted at the races with NHRA’s new Pro Stock Truck class.

- GERALD McDORNAN Ford support and a Mustang body.

Well, be both sad andI guess gladI can that Scotty Cannon’s tour has ended and he’s gone home to the US to get ready for a busy season on the tour.

After starting the International Top Doorslammer Series at Ravenswood in Perth, we then took in events at Adelaide, Calder Park, Raceway Park at Heathcote and Willowbank, with the only break being a two week gap between Calder and Heathcote so there was absolutely no rest for the wicked.

Scotty licked us all while he was here, making the final at every event he contested and winning in Perth, Adelaide and at Raceway Park.

With the events he didn’t win at Calder and Willowbank, I was sure glad he made a couple of mistakes in the finals, which allowed me to get a couple of wins.

It certainly is good for the ego to say you’ve beaten the five-time World Champion, even though I did get lucky!

31

HjoyH In regards to getting I down the track quicker g* and faster, I’d sure like to get a new Castrol Chevy, although I don’t think my old mate Murray d Anderson can fit me in now that he’s a “world renowned” chassis builder.

Scotty was really impressed with the way his OnSat Studebaker went, I mean, it only ran the second fastest speed in the world - everon its first full run down the track, He said he’s never driven such a good car and now, with his performances in the new car in the news, there’s a queue forming with not oniy Aussies, but Americans as well, at Murray’s door, I suppose he’s got to iook after his “career” and I’ll just have to go to the end of the queue!

although Peter Gratz, who only showed up at the last race at Willowbank, ran a 6.43/219 off the trailer.

So, with more laps to gain some knowledge about the tuneup. I’m certain that he’d be running as quick, if not quicker, with that blower as the PSI and Rootstype.

Each blower is suited better to different conditions, with the Whipple, to me, seeming better in the cooler conditions, while on days like we had at Willowbank, where it was 39 degrees and the the serious humidity was around 80%, the On done a terrificside, job Murray’s building Roots is the better blower. these cars and he’s starting to get The PSI, which I’ve run for a the recognition from around the Scotty showed why he’s won five IHRA Prous Modified titles - couple of seasons now, floats in world that he truly deserves. especially at Rpceway Park, when between the other two, so we’ve Hopefully, over the next few everyone else' ran like crap, not got a great mix for the class. months, he’ll update the chassis on the Castrol Customline.

I only hope, now that the per even getting anywhere near any formances have been well docusix second passes.

After that, we’ll work out what But he goes out and runs a mented, that ANDRA locks in the we’re going to do with my car 6.54 off the trailer and then backs overdrive rules for five years to whether we update it, or build a new car. it up with three runs of 6.49, 6.58 end any further arguments, and a 6.47 - he’s an absolute pro I sure would like a new one, fessional in every aspect and has ’cause if Scotty comes back again no doubt that the Doorslammer bracket in Top the next summer, I want to be ready. eyes only for getting the job done There’s and performing to the very best of next couple of years should be a 'he Willowbank round of the real serious contest, with cars his ability.

I’ve got to tell you that Scotty is popping up everywhere and run International Top Doorslammer Series was the last event that an absolute inspiration and to ning real fast. have raced with him for the past My only disappointment about Troy Critchley ran with the Castrol couple of months, despite getting Scotty’s tour is that some of those team, with Troy soon heading off beaten up on most of the time, cars, due to different reasons, to the states with his girlfriend, has been one of the highlights of couldn’t make the tour and only Paige. my career, as I’m sure it was for turned up at the last event, Troy wants to learn all about That puts the pressure back the Chevy engines and he’s trying everyone else who lined up against him. onto me fairly seriously as, due to to get some hands-on experience It’s not everyday that we get a the fact that I’m trying to help build with some of the best engine racer the calibre of Scotty coming the class and get sponsors builders in the US. to Australia and I cherised every involved - which will help make it Since he joined Marie and moment of it. easier on everyone else - I have myself, he’s learnt a lot about the to make sure both the Castrol cars hemis and, with a dream of own ing his own engine shop one day, The of all the withperformances different blowers oncars the are ing. up and running and perform- believes this is the right time to It’s a whole lot of hard work make the move to gain the experitour goes to show that the over drive rules which were set by and, to tell you the truth. I’m look- ence.

ANDRA, while they might not be ing forward to the day, which It’s been a fast ride for Troy 100%, they’re pretty close to won’t be too far into the future, since joining the Castrol team and being on the mark. when I don’t have to worry about I’m sure it’s been one that he With the PSI blower on the the class, knowing that it’s on the won’t forget - especially that Castrol Chevy, I ran a 6.28/225 road to further success -from that Winternationals win in '86, where best, while Scotty, who runs a 16- point on, I can concentrate only on he got his first gold Christmas 71 hi-helix Roots blower on his getting my Castrol Chevy down tree, car, ran a best of 6.30/226. the track quicker and faster each We’d like to thank Troy for all The only blower which didn’t run. his help over the last couple of get a good run during the series I can tell you, though, that it will years and we wish both him and was the Whipple screw blower. only get more exciting from here.

Paige the best.

UA /●

HEATHCOTE VICTORIA

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32 Report by SCOTT JUG

Canberra Dragway gave specta tors their first taste of drag rac ing in 1998, with the New Year Funny Car Challenge held on the eighth-mile facility on Januaiy 1.

Run in conjunction with the Street Machine Nationals, the annual event has provided spectac ular shows in years past and, with a record 160-plus entries, this yearproved to be no exception.

The Fantastic Plastics were headlining this year’s show, along with Ben Gatt and Eddy Archbold’s Top Doorslammer cars.

Thankfully, the 6,500-strong crowd was treated to record-setting runs each time the Funny Cars ran, with new-found Funny Car hero Garry McGrath in his Olds taking a fine win over Peter Russo’s Dodge in the final.

Bob Shepherd and Keith Agius also put in solid performances, leaving a very satisfied crowd look ing foi-ward to their return.

With storm clouds blanketing the drag strip and greater Canberra area, the event had several stop pages due to light showers and almost reached its conclusion.

However, a wild ride from Darryl Walford in his ’56 Customline in the Super Comp final brought pro ceedings to a premature end, with most brackets at the finals stage.

Agius and Shepherd rounded out the four-car nitro-burning field, with both Shepherd and McGrath instant crowd favorites with their eighth-mile brnmouts.

Roimd one saw Agius better the track record set by Chuck Haines and his Gravity Storm jet dragster last year, which stood at 3.992/203, Agius’ 3.872/201 charge easily accounting for Shepherd’s 4.341.

Russo was up against McGrath in the other pairing and McGrath held a handy lead until about half track, when his car made a hard move towards the wall, forcing McGrath to click it early.

Russo held on to win, with 4.053/199 to McGrath’s coasting 4.57/122.

Round two saw McGrath up against Shepherd and the side by

FUNNY BUSINESS IN THEA.C.T.... Garry McGrath won the Nitro Funny Car class and reset the strip's terminal speed record.(R&L Sports Shots)

McGrath outguns Russo in Canberra

Super Comp had a nine car field age in time to contest the fin al which after qualifying was reduced against Russo.

McGrath replaced Agius in the to eight, with Shane Wall’s blown final and, after another one of his small block LX Torana unable to trademark long, smoky burnouts, return for eliminations.

Fred Cavasini led the charge in there was no doubt as to who the crowd favourite was. qualifying with a 5.21 over Walford’s 5.36 and Dennis McGrath gained the jump on Russo at the start line and was Moreau’s stunning ’73 Alfa never headed, running 3.95/206 BerUna’s 5.42. and retaking Russo’s mph record in Graeme Silk rounded out the the process. field, a troubled 6.0 pass the result In the consolation final, of lunning a three-speed transmisShepherd was to make a solo, but si(m.

Rick Chilton in his small block was unable to turn the engine over-, on the start line, the most probable "Chev-powered Mazda RX3 made it cause a locked-up clutch. to the final against Walford and was lucky not to have been collect ed by Walford’s out of control OH, WELL ... Funny Car champ Peter Russo happily worked on his launch technique. ^R&L Sports Shots) machine. , Walford staged the car about one and a half feet to the left of normal '1 for the final and, after leaving on Chilton, things seemed just fine imtil half-track. side eighth-mile burnouts had the crowd on its feet.

McGrath had no trouble negotiat ing the track this time round and reset Haines terminal speed record in the process, carding a 4.01/203 over Shepherd’s improved 4.16/201.

Agius and Russo were up next, with Russo needing to run better than McGrath’s 4.01 to make the final against Agius.

Russo dutifully did so, running a 3.912 at a new track record of 204 mph, but lost on a holeshot to Agius’ early shut-off 3.93/187.

Agius hurt the crank on that pass and couldn’t repair the dam-

"I

Walford’s car started to move around and turned hard right in front of Chilton’s car, slamming into the right-hand wall.

Chilton darted over into the lefthand lane, narrowly avoiding Walford, whose car then swerved back into the left-hand lane, collect ing the wall and rolling to a stop.

Walford emerged in the finest James Bond tradition, shaken but not stirred, with the chassis being extensively damaged.

The only other bracket to be decided was Top Doorslammer, with Gatt piloting the EA Falcon to a well-deserved victory over Archbold.

The next meeting at Canberra sees the return of the Jet Cars on February 7, with Chuck Haines up against mu own Roscoe McGlashan - and,if the Nitro Funny Car meet ing is any guide, that one should be a barnburner.

GREMLINS... Bob Shepherd had had better days.(R&L Sports Shots)

W January 1998

33

Funnies turn it Etchells keen on in Perth The fantastic plastic nitro Funny Cars driven by Allan Dobson and Lloyd Jones thrilled a packed house at Perth’s Ravenswood Raceway on Saturday,January 3.

Dobson, at the wheel of Allan and Cheryl Greene’s “Greene Machine” Chevy Beretta, took a welldeserved 2-1 win on the night, run ning three consecutive 5.7s - all at over 250 mph - while Jones, dri ving his and brother Graham’s Southside Engine Centre Dodge Daytona, claimed low elapsed time and top speed of the meet with a great pedaling 5.57/275 in the first round.

After running a wild, tyre-hazing 5.57/264 check-out pass in the afternoon, Jones took the first round win with the above-men tioned run, downing Dobson’s 5.79/252.

In the second round, crew chief Glenn Mikres loaded the Southside Engine Centre Daytona for bear, but a broken blower belt ended the

team’s run, while Dobson stormed away to a 5.75/262 win.

In the final round, Dobson claimed the event win with another 5.79/259, while the brutal Jones car smoked the tyres on the launch.

Speaking to Motorsport News after the event, Cheiyl Greene said the bucks-down Greene team were delighted with their win and the crowd’s response to the Funny Cars’ efforts.

“We’ve only had five or six opportunites to race since we got this car over two years ago and to come out and run consistently like we did is a thrill for the team,” a happy Cheryl said.

“It’s so hard for the boys to get a handle on running one of these beasts, but what we accomplished at Ravenswood on the night enables us to take our car home in one piece and come back and run again.”

Graham Jones told Motorsport News that he was happy with his team’s progress after just their

fourth time out with their new Dodge.

“Lloyd’s really starting to get a handle on what the car is doing on the run now and he’s driving the car well,” Jones said.

“We’re just trying to learn about this deal and Glenn [Mikres] has been of great help to us.

“It’s a great experience running a fuel Funny Car, as that’s all Lloyd and I ever wanted and we’re just happy we’ve been able to achieve what we already have in such a limited amount of occasions.”

While Jones is certain the Southside team vrill be travelling to Calder Park for the Nationals in March, the Greene team aren’t sure of their plans.

“We would dearly like to make the Nationals, but the trip is so costly,” Cheryl Greene said.

“It has cost us $15,000 for each trip we’ve made to the Nationals and it’s hard to raise that sort of money. If we can, though, we’ll be there. ” - GERALD McDORNAN

$20,000 Bracket Attack Canbeira Drag Racers Club wiE hold its 1st Annual $20,000 Bracket Attack on Easter Saturday,April 11.

This eighth-mile event will pay the winner $10,000 in cash at the end of a big day of drag racing and the nmner-up will receive a $3000 payout.

With such a significant prizemoney pool on offer, the event is expected to comfortably attract an entry list in the 200-240 zone to the National Capital over the Easter long weekend, where racers

will be able to determine exactly who is the best bracket racer in the country.

This is an event that will allow the little guy, the backbone of Australian drag racing, to take on the heavyhitters and come out on top.

The 1st Annual $20,000 Bracket Attack event already has sponsor ship support from American Auto Parts - Sydney and Eagle Ignition Leads.

Sponsorship opportunities are available to be associated with the

Bracket Attack, which represents the most popular style of Sportsman racing currently in the United States.

A racer entrant package is avail able by faxing racer details to: (02) 6257 4821, or by phone on; 0412 341260.

The meeting is to be run by the Canberra Drag Racers Club Inc for more information, interested companies should contact Bill SivertSen on:(02)6257 2733 during business iiours, or on: (02) 6288 4041 after hours.

Maternity leave for Rachelle Splatt f

Top Fuel star Rachelle Splatt expects to missing from the national drag racing circuit for the next twelve months after announcing earlier this week that she is expecting a baby.

Splatt. the first woman in the world to run 300 mph. plans to

garage her new Valvoline Hansenchassised fueller until November, or December, this year.

“I hope to put the car on display at the next Top Fuel round at Calder Park Raceway en -January 31," commented a delighted Splatt. ●T‘ll be there signing autographs and meeting the fans and assisting

the track’s commentary team when the Top Fuel teams are runmng.

“My current plans are to contest the 1998/99 championship sei’ies and several other match race shows - hopefully, our sponsors will return with us after the break.”

American Funny Car star Chuck Etchells has told four ti me Australian Nationals Funny Car Champions Peter and Helen Russo that he is keen to tour Australia with his foiu-second, 300,mph fuel coupe and has authorised the Melbourne couple to negotiate a deal on his behalf, a deal that could see him race Dov/n Under next sea son.

Etchells and his wife, Shelley, who also hails from Melbourne, are extremely keen to head Down Under, having put a trip off for the last few years and, in a recent let ter to the Russos, asked them to try and put a deal together.

“Shelley, naturally, wants to visit her family with Chuck and they both believe it would be great to combine it with a bit of a racing tour, if it was possible,” Peter Russo exclusively revealed to Motorsport News.

“Tim and Kim Richards [crew chiefs for Etchells] are also keen to come to Australia, which is a bonus, so we’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”

“Having someone of the calibre of Chuck here, along with Tim and Kim Richards, would only be good for drag racing in Australia,” Russo said.

“Chuck is about the best there is a^d, with the Funny Car class starting to come on strong again in Australia, with good cars popping up around the place. Chuck’s pres ence would only bmld up the profile and performances'of the class.

“And, ultimately, that means a whole lot more profit for the pro moters, which is what they’re in business for.”

Etchells created, history on October 1, 1993 when he drove his Kendall GT-1 Dodge Daytona to a 4.98-second run - the first-ever four second Funny Car et in the history of drag racing - at Heartland Raceway Park in Topeka, Kansas.

Another star US Funny Car racer, A1 Hofmann, in an exclusive interview with Motorsport News late last year, said that he was also keen to tour Australia again.

Hofmann and his wife, Helen, who also hails from Melbourne, also have a strong bond with the Russos, communicating with them on a regular basis.

“A1 is a great racer and a good friend and it would also be fabulous to have him here as well,” Russo

said.

“A1 and Helen helped keep us racing a few years back and to be able to line up against him again would be an honour and a special moment.

“It’s no secret that he wants to come back and we’d welcome him anytime.”

Both Etchells and Hofinann have run bests of 4.90 seconds, with Etchells having topped 315 mph, while Hofmann has imn over 313.

They have both also reached a peak position of second in the Winston points, having won in excess of 10 NHRA national events each.

- GERALD McDORNAN

New mm.President r. i

The International Hot Rod Association(IHRA) has appoint ed Bill Bader as the sanctioning body’s new President, effective inunediately.

A bid by Bader to purchase a majority voting interest in the IHj^ has also been approved and accepted by it’s co-owners, Elton Alderman and Tom Billstein.

Alderman and Billstein will remain in place on the IHRA Board of Directors, as well as remain major shareowners - Bader joins them as a fellow director, along with new board members. Bill Bader Jr and Aaron Polbum.

“Bill has been involved in the key areas necessary to sucessfully run a racing series,” said Alderman.

“His experience and excellent reputation, backed by a major com mitment, which includes his own investment in the IHRA, sends our participants and sponsors a strong positive message.”

Bader, 54, is also the ovmer/track

operator and promoter of one of the nicest facilities on the IHRA trail, Norwalk Raceway Park, outside of Norwalk, Ohio.

The track annually hosts one of the largest events on the tour, the IHRA World Nationals.

The track is an immaculate, racer and spectator-friendly drag racing venue and, if Bader’s past record as a track owner/operator are any indication, the IHRA will achieve nothing short of excellence.

Bader is the ultimate track pro moters and his position is a huge boost to the IHRA racers, members and spectators and will have a great impact on the future and cer tain grovfth of the IHRA. “I look upon this as a wonderful and exciting challenge,” said Bader in accepting his new duties.

“There’s an awful lot of work to be done, but at the same time I’m excited by the IHRA’s untapped potential.”

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

1997/98 ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING SERIES - POINTS TO JAN 11. 1998.

PENNIDIl 'W

97/98 ANDRA Top Doorslammer Series .475 I. Victor Bray, Castrol Racing . . . .435 2. Scotty Cannon, Racetech/SCW ,330 3. Troy Critchley, Castrol Racing .310 4. Andrew Searle, Searle Racing .

160 5. Lucky Belleri, Lucky’s Toy 6.

7.

8.

Peter Kapiris, Kapiris Bros/Pennzoil . .140 100 Shane Elcoate, Thunder Road .80 Lui Raschella, Raschella Racing ,80 David Koop, Koop DeVille . . . ,70 10. Colin Will, Tectaloy Coolants

97/98 ANDRA Top Alcohol Series 1. Gary Phillips, Lucas Oils 105 2. Scott Ferguson, Tonkin’s Car Audio .100 3. David Hawke, Dave Hawke Racing 90 4. Wayne Newby, Newby Blowers .80 5. Steve Marker, Spectra/Thermo-King . .65 .60 6. Mark Brew, BOC Gasses .60 Tom Easton, VDO Eliminator . . .60 Matthew Featon, See-Doo .40 9. Stan Tindal, Hi-Tec Oils .40 Steve Read, Pommie Steve Racing

I. 2.

3.

4.

5.

97/98 ANDRA Pro Stock Series Rob Tucker, Performance W’sale 310

Joe Polito, Dynomax Perf. Exhausts . .240 160 Tony Wedlock, Hi-Tec Oils 140 Robert Quattrochi, Valvoline Bruno Cugnetto, VPW Mail Order . .120 120 Gerry Parente, Parente Racing 7. John O’Kearney, John Williams Auto . .100 8. Craig Hastead, Cragar Performance . . .60 60 Tony Cusolito, Top Gun Racing 10. Hans Van Dyk, Hans Van Dyk Racing . .40

I -k

34

16January 1998

Victor tops Cannon at Willowbank Report by KEN FERGUSON

Five-time IHBA Pro Mod cham pion Scotty Cannon ended his Aussie tour with a runner-up finish at Willowbank Raceway on January 3 behind our own Victor Bray.

This event was the first round of Willowbank’s Castrol New Year Series and the final round of the International Top Doorslammer Series- and the many thousands of fans flocked through the gates to see Cannon, the Pro Mod legend, in his last race Down Under.

Nine cars fronted for the event, which included the retmm of Peter Gratz in his ’57 Chevy.

Gratz recorded a best of 6.43/219 on his compulsory qualifier and extended special thanks to sponsors Valvoline and Autobam/Ipswich for their help in his speedy return to the track after fireballing his car in August last year - Gratz also paid

tribute to the skills of Gary Phillips.

Now running a brand-new combo, Gratz said that, with Phillips’ knowledge, they had sort ed the cai- in one meeting for a good base-line set-up and can now only improve.

Mick and Shane Elcoate also fronted with their Gladstone Dyno Tuning 1941 Willys and ran their best numbers ever when Shane put the car into number one spot with a 6.416/212, only to be pipped by Cannon, who followed with a 6.410/217 only ten minutes later.

The Elcoate’s Willys can, howev er, boast the quickest eighth mile time in the country for a Doorslammer with a 4.15-sec ET. Willowbank’s new format Tn the Superformance Top Doorslammer bracket saw each car contesting one round of racing and the two quick est winners going to the final, with third and fourth quickest to meet in the consolation final.

Bray and Cannon reached the final after recording 6.45 and 6.43second times, respectively, while

REBORN... Feter Gratz’s Valvoline Chevy is back on track. (Nix Fix)

SHEER GRUNT... Victor Bray’s flying Castro!'57 Chevy made the winner’s rostrum in Queensland.(Nix Fix) Andrew Searle and Gratz grabbed the two spots available in the con solation final.

Elcoate was a notable omission from the finals after suffering oil pressure problems, which prevent ed him from reproducing his top class form from qualifying.

Searle took an easy win over Gratz, with a 6.71/217 to Gratz’s troubled 17-sec pass.

Gratz had incurred bearing dam age the previous round and opted to take it easy to save a valuable engine and live to fight another day.

The final saw Bray knock off the Pro Mod legend in his Castrol Chev with a better-reacting, but slower 6.51/217.

Cannon’s OnSat Studebaker had the wood on Bray for nearly the entire race, until the blower burst plate failed at about the 1200 foot mark and he slowed to a 6.49/196.

While Cannon took out the International Top Doorslammer

Series over Bray, the local legend still heads the Australian Series.

The spectacular, fiery jets of Arizona’s Joe Brown and Western Australian Roscoe McGlashEui faced each other in a three round match race.

Brown, driving his “Arizona Outlaw” ’57 Chev fuimy car, record ed the quicker times of the two with 7.31 sec and 222 mph, McGlashan going as quick as 7.87/193.

McGlashan took a 2-1 win when Brown could not start in time for the first round and red-lighted in the third.

Other winners on the night included Scott Leo in The Wreckers Hotline Top Comp bracket, Ian Neilsen in Headsense Super Comp, John Widgery in Cragar Performance Super Sedan, Gavin Spann in Morgan and Wacker Comp Bike, Shane Rumph in Superformance Super Street, Steve Jurgensen in Pipemaster Modified Bike, Dave Ferricks in Ken Lowe

Race Cars Modified and Mark Allan in Performance Wholesale Lunati Junior Dragster.

Current national Comp Bike champion Rhett Lougheed won’t be defending his title now, as he has accepted a position as an engine builder on the World Superbike scene.

Lougheed will be giving up the luxurious Gold Coast lifestyle and climate to go to work for the Lester Harris factory Suzuki team, which is based in Hertford Heights, 25 kms north of London.

Lougheed will be closely associat ed with Peter Goddard, who rides for the team.

Lougheed left Australia on January 9 for what is initially a one year contract, but plans to be there for a lot longer.

I’m sure everyone up here wishes Rhett well and there could possibly be one very tough D/Comp bike for sale soon, a machine which has gone as quick as 8.34 seconds.

LOST THE BATTLE, WON THE WAR... International Doorslammer Series winner, Scotty Cannon. (Nix Fix)

IMFRESSIVE... Arizona's Joe Brown fires up his ‘Arizona Outlaw’jet-powered ’57 Chevy (below), the touring American going down 2-1 to local Roscoe McGlashan.(Nix^P^

16JamiafyW98 ^

35

Murph's memcirable debut V8 Supercar star Greg Murphy joins the Good 01’ Boys of super speedway By GRANT NICHOLAS

Kiwi V8 Supercar hero Greg Murphy experienced his first taste of ACDelco Cup racing on the Goodyear Thunderdome at Calder Park Raceway at the recent Christmas event, run ning in the top three at one stage in his Schwantz All Pro Team Chevrolet Monte Carlo before ignition problems side lined him.

Despite not finishing, Murphy attended the post-race media con ference alongside race winner Jim Richards and placegetters Dean Wanless and Terry Wyhoon, telhng the assembled journos and photog raphers of his new passion for super speedway-style racing.

“Hell, that was great out there. It was fantastic. There were guys spinning everywhere and somehow I managed to get through the smoke and keep our Clarion car off the wall,” exclaimed Murphy in a US drawl, mimicking Tom Cruise from the Days of Thunder movie.

“I was on the radio, telling the guys in the pits about the spinners and then, a short time later, I looped the car across the grassed area in front of the pitlane - I bet “AN ABSOLUTE BALL"... Murph’s Thunderdome blooding made an indelible impression on the young Kiwi hard-charger.(Tony Glynn pic) the television guys got that one, as I scrambled back onto the track.”

Prix meeting at Albert Park - I I’ve raced ‘in the past,” Murphy were very quick and in the future I tively young form of racing moving Chat between Kevin Schwantz will have to ensure that we are forward. may eventually become a motor- enthused. and team njanager Scott Williams sport journeyman like Jim “I think I had something like 40 more consistent,” Murphy said.

“They help each other and work during 1997 led to Murphy - with Richards and have a run jn a wide laps in practice under my belt “I was pleased with the whole together to keep everything current additional backing from Champion range of categories and events. before qualifying commenced., thing, as we were able to mix it and provide exciting entertainment Gold Spark Plugs - taking over the “My first experience in an “The crew fitted my first batch of with the best. I was passing others - the V8 Supercar guys at time only reins of the #34 ClarionA/^ision/No ACDelco Cup car was when I did new tyres for the two lap qualifying and they were passing me and I want to make things difficult.

Fear Chevrolet Monte Carlo, when my licence test with Marshall session and they really transformed some how managed to have the “Fm looking forward to having former motorcycle champion Brewer about a week before the the car’s handling. spinners miss me on several occa another go in the car at Adelaide sions. race meeting.

Schwantz decided to go back to the “All of a sudden, the extra grip International Raceway this week “The first time I turned a wheel allowed me to go into the turns a US to prepare for this year’s inten “You certainly can’t throw these end and the car has been changed sive Busch Grand National in the race car was during Friday’s lot faster and it felt very stable - I things into the corners; you have to to flat track configuration at John NASCAR Series that takes in a practice sessions for the December gridded up in thirteenth spot next keep them as smooth as possible. Sidney Racing’s shop for the halfmile oval.

27 event and my time on the track to Ian Thomas, which wasn’t too The key to a good lap in an total of 31 championship rounds. bad.

Schwantz offered his mount to was minimal, as we had several ACDelco Cup car is keep it smooth “The two 50-lap races will be minor problems and then on “My approach for the race was to and straight and that is where my another challenge for me and I’ll Murphy, as the young Kiwi contin Saturday one of the rear axles take it easy for the opening stage, openwheeler experience in Formula certainly learn a heap more over ues to make presentations in vari there with 17 to 20 cars running learn a lot and get the thing to the Holden helped. ous corporate boardrooms seeking broke.

“I knew which way the track finish. alongside me.

“The post-race media conference support for his proposed 1998 went and that sort of thing, as I’d “Scotty has told me that Kevin “I knew that we would pick up was fun, as the drivers were FedeX Championcars champi driven several road cars around the speed during the race and then I extremely open, frank and friendly. [Schwantz] won at AIR at his debut onship campaign. meet at the track, but I’ll be happy Thunderdome before, but at a very would gradually progress towards This is something that is currently “While I have nothing big firmed reduced rate of speed compared to lacking with the V8 Supercars - to finish both races. the leading group once I was com up for 1998, the Thunderdome “A win would be nice, as I \von the Chevy. they are not having a good time, or fortable with the race package. drive was an excellent opportunity the Shell Australian Touring Car “I had an absolute ball, but the fun, associated with their racing.

“In fact, getting one of these 3400 to experience another form of Championship round at Mallala “Everyone wants to help among pound cars through the steeply car wasn’t quite right, as I felt we motorsport,” explained Murphy. last year - but I guess an ACDelco “I’m also racing in the special banked turns with so much power used up the tyres a bit quicker than the NASCAR ranks - the organis Cup victory anywhere would be Lamborghini events at the Qantas under your right foot takes a differ- the others, especially after 20 to 30 ers, the teams, supporters and fans great,” the young Kiwi concluded. all seem to want to keep this relaAustralian Formula One Grand ent approach from anything else laps - when they were new, we

1997/98 GOODYEAR AUSTRALIAN SUPER SPEEDWAY SERIES - POINTS AFTER ROUND 3 OF 6 1997/98 ACDelco Cup .845 Jim Richards, Pyroil/No Fear ...

Kim Jane, Bob Jane T-Marts/Repco . ..833 820 Terry Wyhoon, BP Car Care Neville Lance, King Koil/Autopor 742 Ian Thomas, Valvoline/Killer Loop . . .732 Rodney Jane, Auscar Alloy Wheels ..731 646 Andrew Calvert, Signpro Jimmy Ellis, GB Galvanizing/Mundays .642 Paul Stocker, Consolidated Waste .. .640 ,637 10. Scott March, Pro Heads

1997/98 Strathfield National Cup I. Jason Wyllie, Trust Bank/Compuerland ..840 2. Darren McDonald, Powermac 806 3. Eddie Abelnica, Melb’s Cheap Cars ..801 4. Nathan Pretty, DeWalt/Goodyear ..,754 5. Richard Howe, Ferntree Gully Bolts .749 6. Marshall Brewer, Fastrack/Cigweld . .738 7. Matthew White, Freighter/Holden ...730 8. Shane Houlahan, Houlahan M’sport . .705 9. Darryl Speers, l&V Truck & Trailers .702 10. Nicole Pretty, DeWalt/Goodyear ... .659

1997/98 Konica Sportsman Series I. Con Vereker, Vereker Smash 525 2. Graham Crawford, Crawford Racing .470 3. Leanne Ross, Chris Milton Engines ...466 .455 4. Ron Savas, Balnarring Panels 5. Graeme Gilliland, G&G Engineering ..449 6. Gerry Raleigh, ICI Autocolour, Kerrys ..425 7. Tony Howlett, Hewlett M’sport 419 8. Neville Blight, Neville Blight Car Sales 415 404 9. Graeme O’Brien, Dennis Panels 10. Mark Sutherland, McLean Race Eng. ..402

3S

[^®j]®[?S[p®[70

16January W98

at the 1995 New Jeff Gordon was, justYork like banquet, very emotional when he received cheques for $2.3 million on December 6 for bagging the Winston Cup crown.

He earned a record $6,375,658 during the year, two million more than 1995.

Gordon became emo tional when thanking his team owner Rick Hendrick, recovering from cancer and under house arrest in his Charlotte home for fraud.

Gordon later partied in private with his wife, Brooke and the Hendrick team, with none other than Donna Summer providing the music.

A total of 24 drivers won more than one million dol lars during 1997, with sec ond in points Dale Jarrett earning $3,240,542 and third-placed Mark Martin $2,532,484.

The 1998 point fund will be upped one million to total five million, R J Reynolds and their Winston brand having pumped in $65 million since the series’ inception in 1971.

Rickards expands ACDelco Cup fleet Two-car team possible with funding boosted Current ACDelco Cup my current Pontiac and then series points leader Jim use it purely as a back-up Richards and Canadian car,” Richards said.

NASCAR team owner and “Providing the additional preparer Dick Midgley sponsorship funds can be have purchased three sourced, maybe Steven Chevrolet stock cars from [Richards], or another driver, 1994/95 series champion could drive the spare car.

Brad Jones.

“I plan to run the Monte Richards now has at his Carlo in Adelaide this disposal two additional Saturday night, as it best Chevrolet Luminas in super suits the flat track and it speedway configuration, plus should enhance my champi a road race course Chevrolet onship prospects.

“If we don’t get more fund Monte Carlo.

The imported BSR-built ing, we wont be changing the Monte Carlo - Richards’ des body shape or styles on any ignated road course car - of the cars, as it takes any was raced by Jones at only where between $10-15,000 to update and reskin an one meeting, before the for ACDelco Cup car. mer multi-AUSCAR champi “It would be great to have on decided to concentrate fully on his factory Audi young Steven in a second car, but the whole deal Super Touring aspirations.

“Ideally, it would be nice to depends on corporate sup turn the ex-Jeff Gordon port.

“Hopefiilly, we wUl be able Winston Cup Lumina into a Pontiac Grand Prix similar to secure the backing that is to my current machine, as required to run both of the the chassis is very similar to cars under one banner; if not.

we’d present them with their own markings.

“Our current Pontiac is a bloody ripper - it looks great and handles fantastically, so in the long term it would be nice to have a stable of four Pontiacs.”

Richards believes that the ACDelco Cup class has the potential for further growth in the near future, as the Network Ten and Optus tele vision, plus specialised and general media coverage, is increased.

Richards also stated that he would like to take in sev eral US Winston Cup shows this year, providing that an appropriate budget exists.

In the meantime, the three-time Dutton Grand Prix Rally champion is look ing forward to giving a new 1998 Porsche 911 its compe tition debut when this year’s event kicks off in late February.

- GRANT NICHOLAS

ore than 200 hours of US TV will be devoted the NASCAR’s 50th anniversary season in 1998 and this will be backed by more than $50 million of advertising,

M

nternational Speedway Corporation announced it has finalised agreements with the Kansas City gov ernment to develop a site for a 1.5-mile, 75,000 seat speedway within the county - ISC is primarily owned by NASCAR's Bill France.

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III

troubles stemmed from.

Hendrick pleaded guilty to mail fraud, in connection with the US Government’s invesigation into the Honda Motor Company bribery scandal. now Hendrick

By Martin DCIarl^l faces up to 50 civil resigned again last week, law suits from competing leaving the door open for Honda dealers, who are Jackson to again look else accusing him of gaining where for what will probably cars in an unfair manner be a limited Winston Cup, under US import trade poli or Busch Series, program in cies in the 1980s.

1998.

During Hendrick’s one year house arrest he is to sever all contact with his Phil named Hammer the crew has been chief businesses, including his for the newly-formed racing operations.

Irving Rick’s younger brother Washington Motorsports that wili provide John will now oversee the a Ford Taurus for driver NASCAR teams.

"I have come to realise Rich Bickle in 1998.

Hammer has worked for that what I did was wrong and I accept responsibility Bickle over many years dur ing Rich Jr’s extensive short for that,” commented a track career in the north. shaky Hendrick.

“This is one of the most He last worked as crew chief for Hendrick difficult days of my life. I Motorsports and drivers accept the fact that I may Ken Schrader and Ricky only have a couple of years Craven before moving on to to live - 1 am at peace with be a chassis specialist for that, because I have been both Craven and Jeff blessed with a wonderful Gordon. family and friends.” workedStoddard as the car chief Frank who on Jeff Burton’s winning Roush team in 1997, has been named the crew chief for the operation, moving veteran Buddy Parrott to the team manager position.

Tim Steele, the Supercar 1996 and 1997 ARCA Champion, wiil drive for vet eran team owner Bud Moore in 1998, forming a combined effort between Moore’s Winston Cup team and Steele’s ARCA operation.

TV viewership Darreil his Western WaltripAuto whoParts lost Ratings of theforWinston Cup America sponsorship at Series was up a massive 61 season’s end, looks set to % in 1997, the seventh year have Home Ddpot on board the entire season had been his self-owned Chevrolets broadcast live. n other race track news. in 1998.

Yarborough The do it yourself mega North Carolina Motor Motorsports announced giant is in competition with Speedway, Rockingham, has now become solely MikeSkinner’s sponsor, ,'iVs 1998 sponsor to replace owned by Penske Lowes- an announcment is , RCA and support driver Greg Sacks. Thorn Apple expected shortly.

Motorsports Inc. Waltrip has released his Valley Premium Meats will A North Carolina judge dismissed a suit by crew chief, Jeff Hammond, back the Ford Taurus, to be Speedway Motorsports in a shake up within his watched over by new crew chief Mike Hillman, who chairman Bruton Smith, organisation.

Dave McCarty has worked with Sacks at Team who had tried to gain con replaced Hammond, who Sabco. trol of the track. has been with DW on more he ‘Hat Man,’ Bill uddy Barnes, or ‘Red than one occasion.

Brodrick - television Hammond was with Dog’ as he’s been viewers saw the silverWaltrip for 43 of his 84 vic known around the circuit for haired and bearded tories and two of three many years, has just been Brodrick in victory lane at Winston Cup titles. named the new crew chief McCarty is the former every Winston Cup event at Team Sabco for driver Sterling Marlin and the crew chief on Waltrip’s has had his employment terminated with the Unocal Coor’s Monte Carlo for NASCAR truck team, pilot 76 fuel company. He is ed in 1997 by Rich Bickle, 1998.

Barnes will oversee where they were runners-up expected to return in anoth er position within the sport.

Marlin’s maiden season in the title chase.

Hammond was rehired in with Sabco and will work under team manager Tony 1996 by Waltrip, but the The NASCAR testsrecent were closed Ford Glover, who last worked magic of yea/s gone past tests and will not count has not surfaced during with Marlin at Morgan towards the seven tests their two-year remarrige.

McCLure Racing in 1996. each team is allowed at the ASCAR team owner start of the year.

The tests were added by Rick Hendrick was sen for Dale in Steve Park,Earnhardt who will drive NASCAR, allowing the gov tenced on December 31 to the Cup series next year with sponsorship from house arrest for one year, erning body and the Ford teams to evaluate the new Pennzoil, wiil carry #1 on with a three year probation Taurus and work on the the flanks and roof of his period and $250,000 fine. aerodynamic rules, to even Hendrick is only allowed Monte Carlo.

A deal was struck, no to leave his Charlotte, North competition for the upcom doubt with money changing Carolina, home for ongoing ing season.

Several teams took hands, between Richard treatment of his leukemia Thunderbirds to Talladega and also for church services.

Jackson, who had owned Along with the three and those that did noticed the number one and Dale Winston Cup teams of Jeff that the Taurus was the Earnhardt Inc - Jackson will Gordon, Terry Labonte and slower of the two cars. now carry #14 on his The first official Ford test Ricky Craven, Hendrick’s Pontiac’s. was scheduled for Daytona Morgan Shepherd was empire also owns the Truck on January 6-8, with test Jackson’s driver at the operation driven by Jack speeds available to the Sprauge, plus 89 auto deal beginning of 1997 and at season’s end - but he erships where his legal press.

1

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SPEEDWAY With three wins to his credit, including back to back victories at Mt Gambier and Nyora, reigning WSS champion Skip Jackson has continued to build his impressive lead in the 1997/98 World Series Sprintcars Championship.

Jackson, looking an absolute cer tainty to take out another WSS title, headed Brooke Tatnell hy 2130 points after 12 of the sched uled 16 rounds of the national series had been completed.

V With four rounds remaining, it’s almost inconceivable that Jackson could be toppled by the resurgent Tatnell, who holds a substantial enough points lead over Max Dumesny, Brett Lacey and Trevor Green to virtually guarantee a run ner-up finish to Jackson in the gru elling series.

WARRNAMBOOL(Jan 1) WSS Round 8 Adelaide’s Aussie battler Trevor Green returned to the venue of his greatest victory, Premier Warrnambool’s Speedway and kicked of his New Year in the best possible way with victory in Round 8 of the World Series Sprintcars.

Green held on for a narrow victo ry from local hero Max Dumesny, who, given another lap or two, may have changed the outcome of the race.

Queensland’s Nathan MacDonald was running second with just three laps to go when Dumesny ran him down and passed, him using the high line on the super-quick bowl.

While the race ended up with a close finish, just six laps from the end Brooke Tatnell was leading by

16Jmaiy1998

37

Skip tightens WSS grip about half a lap when a steering failure saw him hit the wall and roll and get hit by American Brent Antill, whose car also rolled and burst into flames.

“I’d like to commiserate with the Shell team. Fair dinkum, Brooke was in a league of his own, it was a real shame,” Green stated on the podium. “But we’ll take this tonight with pride.”

Dumesny’s close second place before his “home” crowd had him pumped as well.

“It was an excellent race; I thor oughly enjoyed it. Nathan and Greenie did a super job,” Dumesny told the parochial crowd. “It was bad luck for Brooke;‘he was in a league of his own, but we had a great race back there and it’s sure good to be back here and have a good race.”

While Green’s win may have seemed fortuitous, he was on the pace from the word go.

During time trials, he put the Adrad Radiators/Greens Welding.

Services J&J around the track in 10.994 seconds. Antill (Mad Harry’s) was the closest challenger at 11.275, but no one else was under 11 seconds.

MT GAMBIER(Jan 2) WSS Round 9 The following night at Mt Gambier was in many ways a carbon copy of the previous evening, with Green once again

Vale: Doug Drew One of the founding twins of Avalon International Raceway, Doug Drew, died last Thursday (8/1/98) after a long battle with cancer but Doug’s legacy will live on, his son Jeff taking over the titvdar helm at Avalon in recent times.

Motorsport News extends it condolences to all the members of -BRETT SWANSON the Drew family.

topping the time trials and the points following the prelimi nary heats.

Unfortunately for Green, he couldn’t mirror the feature race vic tory - thanks to some engine dra mas - WSS points leader Skip Jackson taking victory at Mt Gambier.

Peter Murphy was an impressive runner-up, being the only driver close enough to pressure Jackson, as Danny Smith was a distant third with a freight train of cars behind him, consisting of Brett Lacey, Dumesny, Nathan MacDonald and Tatnell.

NYORA(Jan 4) WSS Round 10 After a delay to grade a water logged section of the Gippsland venue, the cars eventually hit the track, but the featiu-e race, which once again fell to Jackson, was a total contrast, with conditions being black and dusty and making it very difficult for both drivers and spectators to see.

Jackson further enhanced the chances of him doubling up as series champion when he took out the 30-lap feature over Dumesny, who continued his good recent form.

Green was back on the podium in third place and leapt to third in the points chase, which saw a furious fight for second place between Tatnell, Green and Lacey.

The times really came alive at the end of the time trials, with MacDonald being last to trial, but quickest at 13.476s.

Jackson and Green were next and these guys were three of the last four cars to run. Danny Smith and Murphy completed the top five.

As the leaders cleared out in the feature, or should that be dusted off

those behind, the minor positions changed, with Jackson winning from Dumesny, Green, Tatnell, Danny Smith, Andrew Scheuerle, David Murcott, MacDonald, Terry Bracken, Darren Jensen, Lacey, Chas Calandro, Mike Van Bremen and Peter Smith.

“I tried to be careful not to lose

my line, keep it smooth and straight and not slip up,” Jackson stated later.

“The start meant everything, as Max really knows what to do and is really good to race against. Once I was in front, I just had to keep my nose clean in traffic.”

To a Warmambool-like reception of “we love you. Max” from a vocal crowd, Dumesny stepped up to take his runner-up trophy.

“It’s good to have everyone cheer ing for me - I don’t get that sort of reception in NSW!” he said. “I wasn’t quick enough to get Skip, but maybe it might have been dif ferent if I’d won the start.”

Green, ever the renegade, spoke up about the conditions:‘The track was just disgusting tonight. I feel really sorry for you, the spectators.

Hopefully, next time when we come back, it won’t be like this.”

-BRE'TT SWANSON

WORLD SERIES SPRINTCARS CHAMPIONSHIP UPDATE NEWCASTLE(Jan 7) WSS Round 11 1. Terry McCarl 2. Brooke Tatnell 3. Max Dumesny 4. Kerry Madsen 5. Skip Jackson 6. Danny Smith 7. Terry Bracken 8.

Andrew Scheuerle 9. Bob Jackson 10. Nathan MacDonald 11.

Darren Jensen 12. Brett Leadsman 13. Joel Knott 14. Trevor j Green 15. David Anderson 16.Peter Craft PARRAMATTA (Jan 10) WSS Round 12 1. Todd Shaffer 2. Garry Rush 3. Brooke Tatnell 4, Fred Rahmer 5. Skip Jackson 6. Max Dumesny 7. Bob Jackson 8.

Terry Bracken 9. Terry McCarl 10. Brent Antill 11. Danny Hart 12. Lynton Jeffrey 13. Brett Lacey 14. Anthony Lambert 15.

Peter Murphy 16. Kerry Madsen POINTSCORE STANDINGS AFTER ROUND 12 OF 16 1. Skip Jackson 8400 2. Brooke Tatnell 6270 3. Max Dumesny 4855 4. Brett Lacey 4485 5. Trevor Green 4475 6. David Anderson 3380 =7. Andrew Scheuerle 3345 =7. Danny Smith 3345 9. Gariy Rush 3230 10. Phil March 2690 11. Terry Bracken 2640 12. Peter Murphy 2200 13. Anthony Lambert 2140 14. Chas Calandro 2055 15. Nathan Mac Donald 1925 16. Peter Smith 1735 17. Mark Reuter 1600 18. Terry McCarl 1350 19. Darren Jensen 1300 20. Mike Van Bremen 1230 21. Mark Wells 1190 22, David Murcott 1160 23. Joel Knott 1105 24. Todd Shaffer 1100 25. Ryan Farrell 880

Sprintcar Classic win by Shaffer at Parramatta Mr Pennsylvania USA’s Excitement” Todd Shaffer out classed a strong field at Parramatta City Raceway on January 1 to win the Coca-Cola Sprintcar Classic.

Hailing from Millerstown in Pennsylvania, Shaffer drove the USA#2 O’Brien Aluminium J&J to a convincing win over Brad Heywood in the #46 Fleet Wizard Gambler in second and Garry Rush in the #2 Castrol Maxim in third.

Shaffer won a feature event at Wynns Newcastle Speedway the Sunday night prior and is starting to unleash the talent that team mate and operations manager Fred Rahmer obviously brought him to Australia for.

Early leader was three-time and current Australian champ Garry Brazier in the #21 Mopar Performance Schnee, but with only a handful of laps remaining he pulled to the infield with mechani cal dramas.

It is very rare that the Brazier team suffers any sort of.disappoint ment with their equipment, due to the meticulous preparation they

undertake before each week’s racing.

The USA was strongly represent ed on the track and in the top placings, with California’s Brent Kaeding running a strong fourth in the #69 Maxim.

Kaeding was followed home by fellow countryman “Fast Freddie” Rahmer, who survived a thrilling and at times physical battle with Garry Rush as the Aussie legend came from position #10 to claim third in the 30-lap final.

Heywood was having a great night, showing the form that earned him a championship win in the World Series Sprintcars event in the 1992/93.

Originally, Heywood had planned to run this year’s World Series event, but it appears he will now concentrate on domestic racing at PaiTamatta and Newcastle.

Rush is still in fantastiefform.

The 53 year-old fi’om Kellyville won the Valvoline Australian Grand Prix on Boxing Day and the top three result for January 1 sees the veteran in a very consistent frame of mind.

Brett Leadsman is starting to hit

NICE LEGS... Todd Shaffer and Fred Rahmer take in the Sydney Harbour sights.(Tony Loxley pic) some form in the #33 Squirt in the Dirt Gambler, finally getting past a shocking run of bad luck to start the season that saw several rollovers, motor problems and a variety of complications.

Terry McCarl showed some glimpses of the talent he is known for in the USA, with a smooth drive in the #99 CR&D Sid Moore-owned Twister chassis, eventually running seventh after starting fi’om position eight in the main event.

Loadsman won his first heat, fin ished third in his second appear ance and qualified out of position four for the main event.

After holding out the big guns for the majority of the race, Loadsman would eventually settle for sixth with a great drive.

Heat wins on the night were shared by Loadsman, Kaeding (USA), Queensland’s Dean McComb, Kerry Madsen, Lynton Jeffreys, Brazier, McCarl (USA) and Rahmer(USA).

The B-Main was won by JJ Mineef in the #14 Suziwreck Grizzly from Wayne Skipper in the #24 O’Brien Aluminium and thirdplaced John Shore in the #66 Ampol J&J. Rahmer won the Stars Dash from

Rush in second and Brent Kaeding in third.

The night was man’ed by a spec tacular crash involving QLD State Champion McComb, who flipped in his second heat and repaired the car to make the B-Main.

Unfortunately, something broke in the car’s steering and he can noned into the turn 3 tyre wall at over 150kph, flipping the car over several times and destroying his machine ° McComb, who made a brief foray back to racing after electing to take some time off this season, was unhurt.

- WADE AUNGER

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US star Yoder nails John Pyne Thrills ’n spills in Teterin Engineering Series V

ricocheted up to the wall in the ran to the main straight.

Yoder got caught down low with the lapped car and was loose just a split second too long as he and Pyne crossed the line.

Report by WADE AUNGER '■■r'

>

Billed as “The Flyin’ Hawaiian,” American Super Sedan driver Shane Yoder has impressed everyone he’s come into contact with in the early rounds of the $50,000 Teterin Engineering Series.

The talented 30 year-old from Holland, Ohio, settled into the right hand drive concept without a hitch in his USA#1 Teterin Engines Camaro and has looked a legiti mate chance for victory at both Wynns Newcastle Speedway and Pan-amatta City Raceway since the seven round series began on December 29.

Round One was originally sched uled for Boxing Day at Newcastle, but the heavens opened up and can celled the show, shifting everyone to PCR for the opener.

PARRAMATTA - ROUND ONE Lismore’s Paul O’Neill was in superb touch in the #5 Lismore Nissan Danny Smith Camaro and would run consistently up the front in his heats and eventually bag the main event with a solid drive in the 25-lap final.

The battle between John Pyne and Yoder never really eventuated, except for a few hectic laps in heavy traffic in the main event when Yoder began to sort out the car and make his way towards the front.

Frank Hansell was the early leader in the #51 Commodore, until Pyne brought on the yellows when his neck restraint came off and landed on the track.

Officials sent the #9 Teterin Camaro to the tail and Yoder began to fire at the restart.

Nerang’s Nick Girdlestone was right in the thick of it from the start in the Murray’s Race Parts #7 Gegg car and he and Yoder tangled through turn 4 when a three-way pass by the American came unstuck.

Yoder was forced over the bank, where he slammed down on to the trotting track and bent a right rear shock - for several laps Yoder per severed with an ill-handling car, but decided to pull in rather risk further damage.

O’Neill thrashed his way through the field to take on early leader Wayne Russell in the #27 Mobil Lubricants car and Pyne was mak ing his way to the front after com ing from the rear in a big hurry.

When O’Neill got thi'ough to the lead and pulled away, Russell had to contend with John Pyne and a thrilling battle ensued for the remainder of the event.

Alan Baker had the #1 Stein Falcon up to fourth and was flying around the circuit in his usual spec tacular fashion.

A post-race protest marred a great race, the result seeing John Pyne being relegated from third to eighth for not going all the way to the tail (three cars started behind him) on the restart.

O’Neill took the win from Russell and Baker.

NEWCASTLE - ROUND TWO This was to be a night of contro versy and some amazing develop ments.

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OUTCLASSED... #9 Teterin Engines Camaro of John Pyne was topped by Yoder’s #1 Camaro. (Tony Loxiey pics) It had been an unusal time, no question.

Many couldn’t recall the last time they heard an American get such a deafening cheer from the Newcastle fans, especially seeing as it was their favourite son who copped the thrashed l|is way back to the tail of mauling.

Pyne’s car in the 8-lap events.

Even though it was a narrow vic In heat one, Stu Robertson was tory for the American, it may well leading from John Pyne and Yoder have been the most significant win and, as the three of them bunched of the series, because it gave the up in turn 4, there was contact Hawaiian and his car owner. Max between the two lead c^rs and all Baigent, a huge boost in confidence. three drivers spun. ' Maitland’s Robertson was again Pyne kept the car going, while in great touch, steering the #4 Robertson and Yoder stalled and Terry Olsen Transport Falcon to were sent to the tail at the restart. another podium finish, again trailThe crowd howled in protest, ing Pyne and Yoder home to believing that Pyne should claim third. have joined his dance part Mt Hutton nice guy racer ners at the rear, the stewards Peter Garratt provided the saying that he didn’t stop the real excitement of the night car and that’s why he wasn’t when his #5 Peps Parts required to be at the rear.

Commodore vaulted the turn The second appearance for - ^ 1 wall and ruptured the fuel Yoder was just as controver tank, leaving a spectacular sial, this time with the trail of fire when he limped USA#1 car tagging Pyne on on to the infield. the main straight, causing Though Garratt was Pyne to tag Wayne Russell rfrf' j unhurt in the incident, the and spin in turn 1, bringing #5 car was crippled for the on the yellows. rest of the night.

Russell stalled and was !

Controversy would again sent to the tail, Yoder also cloud what has been an fil sent packing. ultra-competive concept Again the crowd booed, since the first green flag, Yoder himself pulling up on with Brown, Ron Pyne and rsf the main straight and ask Alan Baker all receiving the ing: “If I didn’t stop, how black fl ag for different oncome I gotta go to the tail?”

"THE FLYIN' HAWAIIAN,’’ SHANE YODER track incidents.

Again Pyne was unstop The interest is centred around on the inside when the cushion pable in that heat and again the who goes to the rear of the field in American thrashed back to the rear went away and the Kurri Kurri the event of an accident and who is champ"appeared to have sealed the of Pyne’s car by the chequers. result. the “innocent party” and gets to go The dash came along and it back to their original position.

Robertson had closed up on the brought Yoder and Brown together The net result has seen to be a lot lead duo and Yoder was looking for on the front row. of confusion and more than a httle an inside ran now that the highline Brown got the jump in the #6 frustration among drivers and pro Jones Cams machine and led narwas not an option. motion alike.

With two laps to go, the rowly over the American.

Brown informed the promotion at American pulled up on the inside At the halfway mark, Pyne was the end of the night that his car and went for the pass, eventually right on Yoder’s tail and, as they owner, Neil Wasson, would be park slipping through with half a lap to came on to the main straight, the ing the car until fuidher notice, fol go, ' American got a touch loose and - The crowd went nuts. lowing an incident that saw Brown Pyne tagged him.

Yoder crossed the line ahead of black-flagged after an altercation in Yoder stopped spinning just milturn 3.

Pyne and Robertson by half a car limetres from the inside concrete John Pyne was not about to take wall and the crowd lit up for the length. no for an answer when it came to third time that night. Yoder was NEWCASTLE - ROUND THREE the winner’s cheque, but he almost again sent to the tail and again he came back to run third. lost the entire shooting match going John Pyne was obviously stung from being blitzed on his home turf into Teterin Tm-n for the last time.

Pyne stole the dash win from Coming up on a lapped car with two days prior, so on New Year’s Brown on the last corner, with a Yoder hot in pursuit, the driver of day he bounded back into winning beautiful pass on the outside to the #9 Teterin Camaro cannoned form to stem the charge from take the chequer by half a car into the tail of the slower car and Yoder, albeit only just. length.

A big crowd on hand became very vocal and, amazingly (after a series of incidents), USA’s Yoder became the new hero.

After being sent to the rear on two occasions in his heats, Yoder

The feature was' a thriller, with John Pyne getting to the front, just ahead of brother Ron and the vastly improved Robertson, using his first string motor in the #4 Terry Olsen^ Transport Falcon.

Yoder chased down Ron Pyne and made quick work of him, while John was just ahead in a car that didn’t seem to be 100% right in the corners.

With only ten remaining, Yoder pulled up on the outside and raced alongside P3me for almost two laps, eventually completing the pass and immediately sending the crowd into a frenzy.

With five to go, Pyne pulled back

MOTOR!

> DODGE ,

NEWCASTLE - ROUNB FOUR Behold, a new challenger!

Fourth round, fourth new win ner, this time in the form of QLD star Nick Girdlestone, who really flew in the #7 MuiTay’s Raceparts machine.

It wasn’t a convincing win by any means, largely due to the fact that Girdlestone only took the lead with one lap remaining, powering through on the inside when leader Ron Pyne was baulked by a slower car on the main straight.

Ron Pyne was a completely dif ferent racer on this night.

He was smooth, calculating and even quite conservative in places, guiding the #7 Auto One Camaro through the traffic and out of the hard spots for the majority of the 20-lap final.

Though Girdlestone was always in contention, it didn’t appear that he would be afforded an opportuni ty to make the winning pass, until of course the final lapped car of Robertson came into play.

Girdlestone blasted away to a narrow advantage to take the win from Pyne and third-placed Yoder.

“I’ve always liked this place,” Girdlestone told the crowd, “but we just don’t get enough time to prac tice here and it always costs us on the experience scales.”

Yoder straggled from the outset of the evening.

In the first heat, the #1 Teterin Camaro was way too loose and in the second appearance it was an extreme contrast.

Not until the two-lap match race knockout series did the American get to grips with the very drivey surface.

Robert Carrig was the surprise packet, though, in the #16 Manual Transmission Factory Camaro, rak ing his way through challengers Garratt, Robertson, Ron Pyne and Girdlestone, before eventually going down to John Pyne.

Can-ig had been suffering terri bly from “wrong place, wi'ong time” syndrome for most of the season, so it was pleasing to see him win a heat race earlier in the night and show strong form in the knockout series.

Yoder came out and accounted for Pyne 2-0 in the best of three final, but this was not without its share of drama either, one attempt ed rqce ending up with both drivers spinning in turn 3.

Going into turn 1 of the feature race, Yoder pulled off all his tearoffs -“I stiU can’t believe I did that; it certainly cost me the race,” he would say later - and found that he was unable to see clearly enough to draw close to Pyne and Girdlestone, let alone make a pass.

John Pyne suffered his first DNF of the summer, when he suffered diff damage in a crash with Greg Smith in the Church Air Falcon and Carrig.

Birthday boy Robertson had a shocking night, ending what most had hoped would be a continual string of podium finishes for the quietly spoken Maitland charger.

SREEDWAY

Tutker lime for Bowey and Pryor V

Don Bowey showed his mas tery of the Riverview Speedway at Murray Bridge by winning round two of the Tucker Time Formula 500 Championship Series on January 3 in his Breeders Choice JHR. Adding to the series for round two was the arrival of series spon sor Trevor Harding in his Tucker Time/Nuford entry from Western Australia, along with Anthony Chitty, also from WA. Bowey started from pole with Jason Loveday and Harding along side and led all the way.

Harding then had a battle with Ken Willsher, which finally fell to the Victorian with the help of lapped traffic.

Shayne O’Shea came home fourth, after starting out of position 12 in the feature race.

Bowey won both the opening and final heats to be the highest point scorer.

Heat two featured plenty of action when Mollenoyux rolled after contact with Ken Willsher, heavily damaging the Stallard Willsher recovered to win the heat.

Harding, Loveday and Urpeth also scored heat wins.

Cousins Ken and Darryl Willsher now led the championship on 109 and 93 points, respectively, followed

by Pryor (76), Swayn (75), Urpeth and Dillon (72 each), Loveday (69), Cruse (68), Mollenoyux (61) and

Mt Gambler on January 2 fea tured the debut of American Dianne Tobias in the USA #20 Breeders Choice/C&G JHR out of the Bowey stables.

And, while it was not a round of the series, the event was well-sup ported with over twenty cars from Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia and, of course, the USA. Brent Hough was the first victim, rolling out of the first heat after contact from Chitty, who was black flagged for his part in the incident.

Woodberry then dropped out while leading, leaving Ken Bowey (Breeders Choice JHR) to take the win.

Pryor won heat two and then backed up to win the 15-lap feature over Harding and Woodberry.

- BRETT SWANSON

US RACER... Dianne Tobias

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Western Australian drivers dominated the holiday show at Speedway City, Adelaide on January 4, winning the main events and breaking track records in the process.

Perth’s Trevor Harding took his potent Suzuki-powered Murphy car to victory in the Speedway City Formula 500 Cup, finishing ahead of former Victorian champ Ken Willsher in his self-built Kenset mount, with Tasmanian Viv Rocklift rounding out the top trio for an all Interstate podium.

Last year’s runner-up, David The 15 contestants performed after drifting high into the loose Swayn, finished fourth. admirably, although it should be dirt and hitting the wall.

Brian Chadwick took his sixth Leading Adelaide hope Jason noted that the WA team’s average Loveday’s Rotax-powered Harris age at 16 is considerably higher than Street Stock feature from six starts, car had seemed set to claim at least the locals, whose average age is 13. while Steve Murphy’s third straight third place, until a fuel pump elec Sixteen year-old Luke Dillon’s Super Sedan feature came his way, trical fault sidelined the luckless excellent form in Speedcar events but only after fixing a broken tie local. continued, when he won the feature rod and spark plug which sidelined him in eaiiier heats.

Formula heats went to Don Bowey, race ahead of Adam Baines and Willsher, WA driver Rob Brown and Peter Boehm.

Placegetters in the hard-fought fellow Perth pilot Anthony Chitty, Not so fortunate was USA driver Sedan feature were Danyle Launer who broke Luke Dillon’s 8-lap record Jimmy McBee, who rolled the John and Steve Vaughan.

- DAVID McNABB in his last outing.

Walsh Speedcar in his first heat The WA domina Speedway City F500 Cup winner#22 Trevor Harding and Anthony Chitty. (Frank Midgley) tion continued when the sandgropers defeated a South Australian team by 50 pts to 47 in the inaugural '"Junior Sedan Interstate Challenge.

Leading performer for the visitors in this enthralling contest was Ron Robinson in a Daihatsu Charade, while prominent for the SA team were Mt Gambler’s Anthony Beam and Steven Lines, who set a new 10-lap record in the final.

Sandgropers rule roost in delaide F500 1

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16Jamryl998 ● ● ● ● Report by SUE HOBSON

Reigning Australia champion Peter Logue continued his pow'erful run to take victory at the annual Tri-City Super Sedan Challenge at Warrnambool, Hamilton and Mt Gamhier on December 26-28.

The 27th anniversary of this event has again produced a top field of nominations, this year also offering an international flavour with two American drivers steering at one round each.

Tony Hill, the new member of the D.A.R.T. Australia team, drove the C.O.M.E. Racing Dark Zone Commodore of Danny Amato at Warrnambool for the first night, with Phil Penny taking over the drive in the Kingchrome Tools Motion Autobarn EF Falcon of Paul Tindal for the Hamilton round.

Hill time trialled in seventh posi tion on the Premier clay, finished second in one heat and was holding seventh in the A-Main Final when his tyre deflated after clipping the wall earlier in the event.

Penny time trialled in 18th at Western Speedway, but took a sec ond and third in the heats.

Unfortunately, a flat right front saw him retire from the final, although he had been moving through the field and looked confi dent behind the wheel of the Falcon.

However, even with some top names among the 28 names on the driver’s list, this was no deterrent for the 48 year-old Morwell tyre importer.

Logue, racing the Chev-powered Repco Motorsports Z28 Camaro sponsored by Penrite Oils, Cheap Tyres Morwell, .U-Pick Car Wreckers, Gippsland Signs and Logue Wreckers - took the victory on all three nights, never relin quishing his lead at the top of the leader board over the entire series.

Mick Nicola, racing the new Traralgon Car City-sponsored Camaro, was also dialled-in for the series, finishing second in the point scores behind Logue, taking second place in each of the feature events.

MAESTRO... The dominant AUS#1 Repco Motorsports Camaro of Peter Logue moves around the outside of SA #77 Bili Miiier.(Geoff Gracie pic)

logue dean sweeps Tri-City Super S^un Challenge Hamilton

TRI-CITY TOP TRIO... Winner Peter Logue (left), runner-up Mick Nicola and Steve Stewart, third.(Geoff Gracie) Warrnambool Premier Speedway was the host of the first night of the series and time trials saw Logue clock the fastest lap time of 14.08 (beating last year’s best time of 14.21), with Nicola coming in second with a time of 14:18 seconds.

The series has adopted the format of fastest time trialler to the rear of the grid for heat racing, but Logue deemed this of little consequence, as he came through the field to take victory in both his heats.

Other heat wins went to Steven Murphy (Murphy’s Crash&Tovring), Steve Reddecliffe (M&J Auto Wreckers),'Tracey Duncan (Ridgeline Glass) and Nicola.

Mt Gambler’s Gavin McEachern (Spectrum Distributors) clipped the

wall with the rear end, riding the wall between turns 1-2 in spectacu lar fashion before crashing the Pontiac in the back straight- lucki ly no damage was sustained, McEachern still crossing in fifth position.

Geoff Trewin (Western Autos) had been holding a confident lead in the B-Main Final when a broken ball joint forced him into the wall; Trewin sustained major front and rear-end damage, his retirement giving Warren Meissner the win in the B-Main Final.

Logue was top pointscorer but drew four to cause a top four inve.rsion for the six lap trophy dash.

This gave McEachern pole, how ever it was Nicola who took the win

Max Dumesny Motorsport

to start on pole for the A-Main Final.

Nicola took the lead when the green flag flew in the non-stop 25 lap feature event.

Logue moved into second, with the pair moving away from the field and McEachern holding down third.

Steve Stewart (Dry Creek Wreckers), Gavin McKenzie (McKenzie Plant Hire) and Peter Nicola (Traralgon Mixed Concrete) were all vying for fourth, with Murphy holding down seventh and Hill eighth, until Robert Burke (CarLovers) drove around the out side of Murphy to take the position.

As Nicola and Logue began to work their way through traffic.

Logue took the low fine and Nicola the high, Logue getting the better run to come under to take the lead.

John Rodda (K&J Rodda) had also begun moving through the field and was having a great race with Bill Miller (Blair Athol Auto Parts); likewise were Stewart and McKenzie.

With two laps to go, Hill pulled up high with a flat tyre, Logue lap ping all the field up to third place before taking the chequered flag.

Final placings were: Logue.

Nicola, McEachern, Stewart, McKenzie, Burke, Murphy, Rodda, Miller, Steve Reddecliffe, George Courtot (Daylesford Truck Sales), Meissner, Hill, Kym Cottrell (Scotcher Petroleum) and Duncan.

Logue again set the fastest lap time in time trials, clocking 16.11, with McEachern clocking the sec ond fastest time of 16.44, with heat wins going to Trewin, Duncan (x2), Rodda(x2)and McKenzie.

Peter NicPla piloted the VN Commodore to take victory in the B-Main after powering around the field to the lead.

Logue, as top point scorer, drew two and a top two inversion gave Rodda pole for the six lap trophy dash.

Logue took the lead, however, with Burke coming through to take second.

Unfortunately for McEachern, a broken pinion in the diff saw him retire for the night.

Unfortunately, the under-pre pared track quickly deteriorated when the green flag dropped in the 25 lap feature event.

The first restart was effected when Amato and Cottrell came together in the first lap, both cars being towed from the track, Amato sporting a broken rack and retiring from the series.

When racing resumed, Logue again took the lead with Burke in second, followed by Rodda, Trewin and Courtot.

Rodda had moved into second with Trewin in third, when Rodda spun in turn 1 after a nudge from Trewin, the latter being rewarded with rear of field for the restart.

Logue again took the lead with Rodda in second, but it was Mick Nicola who had been working his way through the field, that took over third.

Two further cautions were trig gered before Trewin and Vaughan

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Leslight again!

RUNNER-UP HAT TRICK... VIC #16 Mick Nicola, second in all three Tri-City Super Sedan Challenge rourids and the overall series, dives under VIC #27 Geoff Trewin at Warmambool’s Premier Speedway.(Geoff Gracie pic) came together as they went around to pass the witches’ hat to take a start.

An attempted move by Vaughan ^ ‘ on Trewin before passing the hat saw Vaughan collect Trewin, who was forced to retire with extensive front end damage - Vaughan was black flagged.

The cautions and retirements continued throughout the race.

However, a great duel was being staged at the same time between Logue and Mick Nicola.

Both were racing for the lead, Logue holding the front position, but Nicola trying every line to make the pass.

Peter Drew, Murphy and Courtot came together in turn 3, all three cars retiring for the night, with Courtot luckily only sustaining superficial damage, but Murphy sporting a bent chassis.

Burke was the next retirement when he pulled infield with diff problems.

This left only six cars on the track, but with nothing between them.

Logue maintaineql the lead to take the flag, with Nicola a very close second. Stewart crossed in third followed by Rodda, Miller and Duncan.

Mt Gambler It was Mick Nicola who was the fastest time trialler on night three, clocking up a time of 15.34, followed by Logue in a time of 15:44 and Murphy third with 15:46.

There was less than 0.30 seconds covering the next 10 positions.

Unfortunately for Stewart and Rodda, their nights finished early, both with blown motors, Stewart

during time trials and Rodda in the first heat.

Likewise, Burke was another retirement, still experiencing diff troubles in the South Coast

was holding down fourth,_but being closely followed by McEachem with McKenzie in sixth.

With the kaders now beginnmg to wind their way through traffic, the top four became more spread Pontiac, Heat wins went to Miller (x2), out and, with 12 laps to go, there Logue (x2), Steve Reddecliffe and was a clear gap between Nicola and Drew, Logue setting a new 8-lap TindM. McEachern was making his pres record in a time of 1:58:22 in heat ence known behind Drew and SIX. Nicola had moved up onto the back of Logue.

With two laps to go, there was nothing between the cars of Tindal, Drew, McEachem and McKenzie.

Logue had pulled out a quarter of a lap lead over Nicola, with Tindal half a lap further back.

Final placings were: Logue, Mick Nicola, Tindal, Drew, McEachern, McKenzie, Miller, Peter Nicola, Murphy, Vaughan, Steve Reddecliffe, Duncan, Meissner, Courtot, Debbie US TOURIST... Tony Hill(Geoff Gracie) Reddecliffe (M&J Auto Wreckers), Ian Giles and Michael The trophy dash saw Nicola on McLennan. pole, Nicola going on to take the Tri-City Series Pointscore win. setting a new 6-lap record of 1:31:12, taking over three seconds Logue (3471), M. Nicola (2906), Stewart (1542), McEachern off the previous record, (1502), Miller (1381), Rodda Spectators were again treated to a non-stop 25-lap final, with some (1196), McKenzie (1176), Duncan (1061), Tindal (1043), of the best racing seen over the Murphy (922), S. Reddecliffe three-day meet (with no retire(878), Drew (877), Meissner ments duiing the event) (763), Burke (690), Courtot Logue drove the high me around (652), P. Nicola (634), D. Nicola to take over the lead, but it Reddecliffe (515), Vaughan was Tindal - who had the Ford (505), Giles (481), McLennan dialled-in - taking the high line to (463), Whittle (412), Launer drive around the field and move (394), Cottrell- (376), Hill (353) into third, immediately putting the Nankervis (262), Trewin (227), pressure on Nicola, Penny(159) and Amato (112).

With 19 laps remaining. Drew

crowd with an opening lap swoop that took him from 10th to sixth.

Jamie McHugh, having worked feverishly throughout the day to replace an engine in his Miami Smash Repairs Falcon, had pro gressed from 12th to fifth when he slammed hard into the turn 2 wall, unhappily joining Paulger on the infield for the second time in 24 hours.

Lehmann (Ampol Commodore), Brian Missen (ABS Camaro) and Korn (Murray’s Race Parts Camaro) were the only other finishers.

The four preliminaries were taken out by Rod Gough (American Truck Spares Pontiac), Paulger, Randall and Brims, who smashed his own eight lap record in the process.

Time trials produced a few sur pole position, only to lose his power prises, with local lad Peter Trezise steering on lap 2, which forced him upstaging some more illustrious to surrender the lead to Leslight.

Leslight’s task was made easier rivals aboard the ex-Allan Butcher Camaro, while Paulger made a mis when his nearest rivals, involved in a good five-car scrap for the minors, take on his lap and dropped six were hindered by the lapped cars of spots.

Brims recorded another new Graeme Lehmann and Des Korn.

These two, involved in their own track record in clocking fast time, battle and seemingly oblivious to only to invert the first four posi what was happening around them, tions in the pre-race lottery.

Leslight, Marshall and Randall caused a large amount of frustra were next quickest, followed by tion and anger as they refused to Gough and TVezise. yield.

The Formula 250 feature event They also brought about the pre mature demise of Shane Paulger, was taken out by Des Carsburg, who,flattened a tyre whilst trying ahead of Peter Mullen, Chris Tunnah, Dean Oeser and David to force his way past.

Kenna.

Paulger was again one of the big - CHRIS METCALF movers in the field, thrilling the big

John Leslight continued his domination of the 1997/98 Coastline Vehicle Transport Super Series with a comprehen sive victory at Toowoomba’s on Charlton Raceway December 27.

Starting from position three in the 30 lap finale, the Murwillumbah-based Super Sedan veteran moved into the lead on lap 4 and cleared away from his pur suers to extend his points lead to an almost unbeatable margin.

Ross Brims, who dominated qual ifying with two new track record times, steered his BP Fuels Camaro into second position, ahead of Ian Marshall (Fulcrum Suspension Commodore) and Wayne Randall (Ian Boettcher Motors Mazda RX7).

Randall started the feature from

Sadler’s Brighton teenager Nigel Sadler is the new South Australian Speedway Solo Champion after winning by half a bike length from defend ing champion Ryan Sullivan at Riverview Speedway, Murray Bridge,last month.

Sadler took the lead with a bril liant outside pass on the final cor ner of the last lap when he round ed up Sullivan, the winner of the last three SA titles, in the sudden death, six rider, six-lap final.

Gawler' young gun Jason Hawkes put in a gutsy and deter mined ride to finish third, while Old Norlunga’s Ashley Watson fin ished fourth.

Li

Shane Bowes looked set for hisi first state title victory, but pulledout with mechanical problems ! while leading, the manifold com ing off the head. , Brett Woodifield was excluded when he fell on turn 3 on the sec ond lap while in third place.

A delighted Sadler said he was “over the moon” with his win. ^ “I was looking to qualify for'the final and, once there, it was backto square one - with the likes of Bowesy and Ryan there, anything can happen,” he said.

“A final like that is pretty cut throat. It really gets the blood boiling.”

-MARK NEALE

John Sidney Racing J

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42 Former AustralianLeigh Solo Champion Adams is the early leader round of the ten International Speedway Motorcycle Masters Series.

After three rounds of competition, Adams held a narrow advantage over another former Australian title holder, Jason Crump.

In fact, it’s the Aussie fourth consecutive meeting.

Queensland’s Jason Crump contingent involved with NSW star Todd Wiltshire was closed on points leader Leigh this season’s national tour Adams after scoring his third desperately unlucky after blowing nament who have domi victory in the lucrative Series an engine while dicing for the lead nated the opening rounds. in the A-Final.

500 International Speedway With rounds completed America’s Sam Ermolenko rode Masters staged at Wayville at Brisbane’s Archerfield Showground in Adelaide on brilliantly, as did Mildura’s Speedway (round one), Adams.

January 10.

Gosford Showground The previous night, the Czech A capacity crowd of 10,000 people Speedway (round two) witnessed another fabulous meet- Republic’s Tomas Topinka, riding and Mildura’s Olympic mg as the annual Masters Series his potent Tyrepower Jawa, scored Park (round three), a brilliant victory to win the fourth reached the halfway point of this Australian speedway rid round at Mount Gambier’s ers held down the first five year’s ten round tournament.

Crump, riding an O’Brien Borderline Speedway on January 9. spots on the points table.

The 23 year-old former Czech Aluminium GM,has now won three England’s former World - temrt of the five rounds contested in champion was clearly the best rider Under 21 Champion Joe and thoroughly deserved his first Screen heads the interna Australian speedway’s most cele Masters Series victory. brated international evcent. tional challenge and is Defending series champion “I’m delighted with my victory next in line in the points tonight,” said Crump. “But it was Adams finished second, with from the initial stage of the senes. an expensive night, as I blew up my Sullivan third - Joe Screen (England), Wiltshire and Lemon best engine.

Crump already has shown he’ll be a strong “I’m looking for more consistency also made the A-Final.

Pointscore after 5 rounds in the series, as two meetings have contender with some gutsy not produced the consistent results L. Adams (82), J. Crump (79), R. performances.

After Adams took out you need to be a force inthis event. Sullivan (75), M. Lemon (69), T. You have to make the A-Final at Wiltshire (59), J. Screen (56), T. the first round. Crump then GOSFORD PODIUM... Mark Lemon, Jason Crump arid Ryan Sullivan.(David Lamont) Topinkpf (52), S. Ermolenko (42), showed some vintage form eveiy event to win this series. and took the A-Final at Gosford, “Just look at Leigh Adams - I’ve P. Karlsson (42), R. Holta (37), Another World Speedway Champion, American Sam before he picked himself up off the won more meetings, but he still P. Swist (28), J. Staechmann Ermolenko, has had a terrible start track at Mildura and won the A(21), S. Johnston (21), C. Watson leads the pointscore cause he’s been to the tournament. so consistent.”

Final at Olympic Park.

(16), J. Lyons (14), R^ Kessler One of the success stories of It was Crump’s effort at Mildura Mildura’s Mark Lemon again (11), S. Bowes (10), C. previous International Speedway Manchester (6), B. Woodifield which had the fans talking. turned on a powerful display to fin Masters Series tournaments, He showed plenty of courage (5), M. Poole (4), B. Collyer (0), ish second, while Adelaide’s Ryan Ermolenko has struggled to find to come back from a heavy fall to - TREVOR LONG Sullivan was placed third for the T. Rose (0). that familiar vintage form which win the important points deciding gave him the 1993 World A-Final.

Championship.

By Dennis New The incident occurred after Ermolenko had a disastrous Crump tangled with Mildura’s start to the tournament after igni Jason Lyons and crashed heavily the fast-finishing Todd Wiltshire tion problems robbed him of valu and top rated Czech Tomas during the early stages of the Aable points at Archerfield.

Final - the Queenslander lay on Topinka.

He made up some of the lost Six riders faced the starter in the track for several minutes after the spectacular crash and was the A-Final at Archerfield and ground at Gosford Showground Adams was always in command Speedway when he took out the complaining of back pains.

B-Final, but still has a lot to do if After receiving attention from of the situation. he is to figure in the final rostrum medical and track staff. Crump Jason Crump was in a class of mark outside passes and snatch the hile Adams and Crump have placings for the 1997/98 season declared he’d start in the rerun his own at Brisbane’s final podium place. been doing the winning, Master Series. and subsequently won a tremen A run-off was also needed to After three rounds, Ermolenko Exhibition Speedway on another Aussie, Todd Wiltshire, dous race, which had the huge December 20 when he success- determine fifth placing after Noel had scored just 21 points, 32 has been also doing some win crowd roaring. fully defended his Queensland Skinner and Davey finished with points adrift of the white-hot Lyons was excluded from the ning of a different kind.

Solo Championship crown with 10 points apiece, At a personal level, Wiltshire Adams and, even at this early race after causing the accident Skinner, who would have fin an outstanding performance in has proven he can again race with stage, it appears that Ermolenko involving Crump. ished second if not for a poor perfor the 1997/98 event. can, at best, only hope for a major the best in the world in his come “This was a'particularly hard With the promoters opting to use mance in heat 6, where he dropped back to the world speedway placing. meeting,” Crump said.

The tremendous form shown the traditional format of 2-0 heats points to riders who finished below “The standard of this field is motorcycle scene. by the Australians in the early and no final, the outcome of the him on the scoreboard, was unopWiltshire spent the past five truly world class and just qualify rounds has almost completely meeting was determined as early as posed after Davey’s mount expired years on the sidelines after he ing for the A-Final is a tough heat four, when Crump came up on the opening lap. was seriously injured at Adelaide’s shut out the internationals. assignment.

The overseas riders need to Chris Johns finished strongly against crowd favourite Tony Rose “My O’Brien Aluminium GM is North Arm Speedway during the in his first event. with two wins, but a slow start to make up plenty of distance in the running well and I’m confident of running of the 1992 Australian remaining seven rounds, though When Rose detonated an engine the night mined his prospects. doing really well in this series," Solo Championship.

Paul Stewart was next best, but He made his return to racing in the likes of Screen, Peter on the final lap and failed to finish.

Crump added.

Karlsson (Sweden) and Topinka Crump’s only serious threat for the also lacked the consistency and “Although there’s a long way to Europe during 1997 and is contin (Czech Republic) cannot be dis aggression needed to succeed at crown was no longer a contender. go. I’m really happy to have won uing the good form Down Under.

In his first international meeting counted.

Despite a minor scare in his final this level. in Mildura as I started my racing Pointscore standings after Youngsters Dave Watt and in Australia (December 29), ride when an inspired Gary Davey career at this venue, which makes round three of the International Clinton Leltch both collected wins led briefly. Crump was never seri tonight pretty special," he conclud- Wiltshire not only almost won the show, but has clearly proven he Speedway Masters Series were ed. ously threatened at any stage and and showed enough to suggest that has won the battle against all as follows: they may be genuine contenders in won each of his races by a comfort the not too distant future.

Leigh Adams (Australia) odds - both psychologically and able margin. t’s the consistency of Adams and Litre Sprintcars provided a supThe big surprise of the night was Sullivan which has already physically - in his bid to make a 52;Jason Crump (Australia) 49; Ryan Sullivan (Australia) 43; Todd the excellent showing from Wayne port progi'amme that saw Murray demonstrated they’ll be prominent successful return to racing, Wiltshire (Australia) 37; Mark Kennedy, who upstaged some more Fleming and Bruce Ayers collect, in the points throughout the series. ngland’s Joe Screen has been Lemon (Australia) 37; Joe Screen high profile contenders to gi’ab sec- heat wins, the standout performer of the (England) 34; Peter Karlsson Ayers also took out the 12 lap feaAt this writing, both riders have ond placing.

(Sweden) 30; Tomas Topinka Kennedy started superbly with ture, his second for the season at qualified for,the three A-Finals,, international rider contingent.

Republic); Sam Screen showed good form in (Czech while Adams' has the slightly bet wins in his opening two rides before this venue, in record time ahead of ter finishing record, with a fourth the opening round heats at Ermolenko (USA) 21; Steve losing to Crump in heat 13. comeback driver Teny Black. David (at Mildura) and a second at Archerfield and qualified for the A- Johnston (Australia) 21; Rune He was victorious again in his Palmer,Fleming and Ray Eager, Holta (Norway) 21; Jason Lyons Gosford to add to his victory first Final. He followed up with a plac 1997/98 Queensland Solo next outing and then settled for a ing in the B-Final at Gosford, (Australia) 14; Piotr Swist (Poland) up at Archerfield.

Championship points : Crump 15, third placing in his final ride to fin The defending Series 500 before he won the B-Final at 14; Jan Staechmann (Denmark) Kennedy 12, Rose 11, Collyer 11, ish with 12 points.

14; Craig Watson (Australia) 9; Champion could not have asked Mildura.

Third placing overall was decided Skinner 10, Davey 10, Johns 9.

Robbie Kessler (Germany) 5; Mick for a better start to the defence of Screen, who has served by a run-off between Rose - who Watt 8, Stewart 8, Leitch 7, Trent his crown.

England well in the international Poole (Australia) 4 Chris put in some breathtaking rides to Bucholz 5, Rod Heathcote 4, Shane Adams emerged as the top arena during the nineties, is well Manchester (USA) 3; Collyer remain in contention after another McCabe 3, Darren Groves 2, Ricky qualifier from the heats and from placed in points to figure in the (Australia) 1, Tony Rose engine failure - and Brent Collyer.

Nicol (res) 2, Peter Byrne 1, Danny (Australia) 0. gate six powered home ahead of results as the series unfolds.

Collyer won the start, only to Jordan'(res) 1, Scott Smith 0.

- CHRIS METCALF have Rose execute one of his trade-

Adams holds out Crump

Crump cruises 0 State crown

W

E

WJamiy 1998

43

Calder Briefly Historic Practice A Panoramic read Day

By BRIAN REED

ITS hard to imagine a 476-page book on A GOOD way to wear off motor racing at Mt. some of the excesses of Panorama that hardly mentions Peter Brock, Christmas is to crank up Allan Moffat, Dick the Historic car and Johnson and Co. In head for Calder Park on fact, Larry Perkins February 15 for the now doesn’t get a mention traditional VHER at al!

Practice Day. “Bathurst: Cradle of This is an excellent opportunity to iron out any Austrahan Motor Racing”

by John Medley is bugs before the 1998 racing described in the foreword season gets underway in earnest. by one of the legends of the mountain, Kevin The Calder Practice Day Bartlett as “arguably the doesn’t have any races definitive Bathurst book”, scheduled but is run strictly The author has according to race meeting painstakingly traced procedure - and there are every race contested at plenty of runs to make it Mt. Panorama from 1938 well worthwhile. until 1973 - that is except It is also a good opportu for the long distance tour nity for Historic enthusi ing car events run there since asts who don’t have a car to 1963. race to learn marshalling It has been a monumental and flag waving skills task which has occupied the there’s always a need for author for almost two decades. more assistance at meet But the end result is a master ings in these important piece of Austrahan motor rac areas. ing history.

At the end of the day the Medley has faced the VHRR invites all officials inevitable problem of having and participants to enjoy its to extract the fiction from the hospitality in a convivial facts and concedes his book atmosphere. For further will create much controversy details contact Brian and argument due to omis Simpson (03) 9744 7309. sions and inaccuracies. For an historian to make this admis sion (in spite of the years of B m m research) is both honourable and realistic.

The author traces the ori gins of the tourist road at Mt. Panorama in post-Depression days and begins with the “mixed grill” racing at Easter and October and its humble circumstances pre-war.

The book is not only well written but is generous with anecdotes that bring the story

and don't forget Phi/lip Island

WITH the Qantas Australian Grand Prix

event from 1938 until the inevitable closure following the Easter meeting of 1973. All the cars, all the drivers, the fields and the results are included - with race times thrown in for good measure.

The extent of the autlior’s research and his eloquent transference of information into highly readable prose is com mendable.

i 1-.C Ti ●„ „ to lite. It will rekmdle memories, for instance if you were a lucky early user of one of the 6 toilet pans at McPhillarriy Park at the opening meeting in 1938 which was attended by more than 20,000 spectators. Or maybe the memories will be even more vivid if nature called later in the day!

The special challenges that make Mt. Panorama stand out from other circuits are highlighted, challenges that have no doubt contributed to its longevity and popularity.

There are lots of funny stories about the amateurish approach in those early days when you “run what you b rung”. Safety wasn’t 'an issue, scrutineering was minimal and partying was a priority (for spectators and competitors alike). It you crashed or blew up your car, getting h ome could be a problem as competing cars (even single seaters) were road registered

well into the 1950s. No doubt they made quite an impression around the streets of Bathurst before and after the meetings, Track conditions didn’t stop the likes of the great Lex Davison (described as “a very brave man”) who was timed at more than 230km/h down the narrow. bumpy Conrod Straight in 1948. Ten years later he won the AGP at Bathurst driving a Ferrari.

Not surprisingly, accidents were frequent given the nature and condition of the track, the mostly road-going cars and the many inexperienced drivers - to get a competition licence in those early days required nothing more than sending some money and your licence would arrive in the mail - no questions asked!

Following the early history of Mt. Panorama, the author begins an amazingly detailed chronological account of every

Accompanying the year-by-year account of the racing at Mt. Panorama is the transi tion from backyard rac ing in the formative years to the level of pro fessionalism required to contest, for instance, the Australian Grands Prix run at the mormtain.

Names such as Lex Davison, Doug Whiteford Alec Mildren, Stan Jones Bill Patterson, Frank Matich, Bib Stillwell, the Geoghegan brothers and the hundreds of others who competed there over this period are all part of the history of this much acclaimed, unique motor racing circuit, Many great black and white photographs are used to generously illustrate the book including the work of wellknown photogi-aphers as well as others boiTowed from pri vate collections.

“Bathurst: Cradle of Australian Motor Racing” (1997) by John Medley is published

by Turton and in Armstrong Pty. Ltd. ir.

Sydney. RRP is $89-00 and the book is available fr om Tony Johns Motor Books , 52 Kenmare St., Mont Albert, Vic., 3129. Phone (03) 9899 9898.

When Junior turns 40

meeting only a matter of weeks away the Historic

By BRIAN REED fraternity is gearing up AS the 40th anniversary of the estab for its share of the action lishment of the Formula Junior cate beginning with the gory approaches, new attempts are Phillip Island Classic being made to resurrect the category (February 28-March 1). in Australia.

Races will be run for cars Formula Junior was devised by Coimt complying with the CAMS Lurani and commenced in Italy as* a 5th Category Historic Cars training ground for Formula One drivers regulations for J, K and Lb in 1958. It has been continued for some Racing, M and 0 Sports and years in European and American Historic Racing, SA, SB, and Lb racing with the likes of the Lurani Sports Cars, Group N Trophy & Monoposto Series and many Touring Cars, and P and Q other events are being planned for the Sports and Racing Cars.

40th anniversary celebrations in 1998.

Also, there will be MG In fact, three or four cars from Victoria races and regularity runs have been entered for the European for Pre and Post-War vehi events - not a bad way to spend our win cles. ter months in the northern hemisphere.

A nice little touch in the Formula Junior was an important part regs. for this meeting states of Australia’s racing history, being the “Drivers born on or before fi rst international Formula to have a February 28, 1928 will not series of events in this country. have to pay an entry fee”.

Some of these cars in the early sixties That shouldn’t cost the were locally constructed such as Elfin VHRR too much in lost rev and Lynx, and then there were the over enue! seas factory built cars from Lotus, Entries for Phillip Island Brabham, Lola and others. close on January 30. The It is believed there could be as many as meeting is promoted jointly 80 cars in Australia elegible to compete by the Victorian Historic in this category.

Racing Register an the Sadly, the class was allowed to fall into Victorian Mini Club Inc. decline, and many of the cars were modi The secretary is Janis fied by their owners in an attempt to Holloway (03) 9390 2191. remain competitive within Groups M and - BRIAN REED 0.

CALLING ALL JUNIORS... Juniors, like these Elfins, will soon have their own races.

Building on the work already done by Victorian John Caffin, a concerted effort is now being made to form a register of all potential cars and to establish a group known as the Australian Fomiula Junior Association.

And good news is that at least one pro moter, Paul Samuals of Wakefield Park in NSW, has agreed to run events exclu sively for Formula Juniors at the meeting in April, provided a minimum of 10 cars are entered. It is understood that this fig ure has already been assured.

There will be three events for both front and rear-engined cars. These cate gories will be run together with substan tial trophies to the series winners on a

separate pointscore basis. » Samuals is also prepared to arrange special accomodation in Goulbum with a meeting room facility which could be used on the Saturday night for the inaugural meeting/ function of the AFJA. If you happen to own a Formula Junior or know of anyone else with a car that is eligible, please contact Kelvin Prior, 13 Inglis St., Berwick, 3806. Fax (03) 9540 0077.

Already contact has been made with the FJHRA in England which has offered its support.

Who knows, one day we may even host a series in this country with overseas cars and drivers participating.

On the Wednesday following the Phillip Island Classic(March 4)is the Swanston Walk Parade when,it is hoped, a big contin gent of Historic racing, sports and touring cars will again participate in a drive through the streets of Melbourne followed by the static display.

The display coincides with the lunch break for thousands of work ers and shoppers who are also treated to a feast of motor racing history as they chat with the proud owners and admire the cars.

Not only does this event provide an oppor tunity for the Historic movement to display its wares, but it’s also a wonderful promotion for the AGP carnival itself which gets under way the following day at Albert Park.

It is hoped that many of the interstate competitors who have raced at the Island will stay for the Swanston Walk Parade. Ron Townley(03)9783 3562 is organising the event, and storage for race cars and trailers can be arranged.

■ As usual, there will be a number of important Historic events on the AGP pro gram which provide a wonderful conti’ast to the high-tech modern day Formula One cars, and a visit to the Historic tent is a ‘must’ for all Grand Prix patrons.

■ Other Coming Events: ● Rallye de Bordeaux - the Gastrohomical Motoring Event of the Decade! (Jan. 23-26.) ● All-bitumen tour of Victoria’s Historic winery regions matched with bitumen driving tests and intel ligent navigation.

Restricted to pre1976 Classic and Historic vehicles.

Director: Ian Swan (03)9723 4478 phone/fax. ● Wings, Wheels & Water - An Extravaganza of Cars, Bikes, Boats and Aircraft with displays from the ’20s to the ’90s complete with fashion and music, plus trade walk, memorabilia, books, art show, food and refreshments.

Something for every one!

RAAF Base, Point Cook - Australia Day weekend (Jan. 25-26.)

Enquiries: Bernie Knight - Ph/Fax (03) 5222 2608 or Terry Lawrie-Ph.(03) 9553 2290 Fax (03) 9532 1382.

-BRIAN REED

% A

KARTING

W Mm 1998

0

TKo.

"Who's going where?"

V

The silly season Is well under way. A lot of world class karters, team bosses and manufacturers are spending more time on the phone, or behind their desks, to sort everything out for the 1998 season. The question ''who’s going where”is heard more often or not these days than "who had the fastest lap time?”

STEFANO LUCCHESI, editor of Karting international magazine, tries to sort out the puzzle.

PANTANO TO TONY KART? The super-talented Giorgio Pantano has left Biesse/Rotax.

For some time it looked as if Giorgio would return to CRG, the team where he had his European Formula A suc cesses.

When we went to press, though, it almost looked cer tain that Pantano would switch to CRG’s arch-rival, Tony Kart.

He is expected to be racing on the Kosmic brand, with Vortex engines tuned by Mauro Villa.

The team will be managed, we understand, by Reggio Emilio-based Sassi, who ran the quai-works Birel team for Italian pilot Miko Venturi.

The weekend before the Charlotte race, Tony Kart director Roberto Robazzi con firmed at the South Garda track that they were close to inking a deal with Pantano, although he was not able to confirm any details, except for the chassis and engine.

BU'TTON TO CARS? Current European Formula Super A Champion Jenson Button is, it seems, close to a deal to compete in the British Ford Championship next year with support from the crack works Van Diemen squad.

Should Button not race in cars next year, a full season of Formula Ford testing is planned, alongside a European kart racing pro gram with the GKS Lemmens

they might go for the mega quick Italian Andrea Belicchi, who might return to Fullerton.

Belicchi has had a year with some superb perfor mances, especially at the World Championship, where he did veiy well.

With his PCR chassis, he was fastest in the chronos, finished ninth in the first final and took a welldeserved fourth spot in the final.

Earlier this year, there were rumours that Belicchi would switch to Formula Renault, so let’s see what happenA Fullerton need a better year than they had in 1997, that’s for sure.

Fullerton did not have anything like the success that it had the year before and for Belicchi the switch to Fullerton might be risky and maybe even a backward move, as the Fullerton chas sis is not manufactured inhouse, which makes quality control difficult to police.

STAYING PUT... 1997 Formula A World Champion Aussie James Courtney will again run with Tony Kart. (Thunder-Pics) team that cairied him to the 1997 title.

GKS Lemmens is appar ently keeping a place in the team open until the New Year, while Jenson finalises his plans.

At Charlotte, Jenson who is now recognised as the hottest young karting prop erty worldwide - was apparently courted by Tony Kart, KAELL AND BORGHESE TO STAY? PCR’s Rickard Kaell and Stefano Borghese seem to

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be staying for another term.

The sympathetic Kael had a very good showing in Lonato, where he won the first final.

Borghese had a difficult season and was thwarted by bad luck.

Ville-Pertt Teuronen (who is on duty in the Finnish army these days) has quit karting he’s looking for opportunities to race touring cars.

Teuronen’s Blanken colleague Pierro Redeker. has quit also, but he isn’t lost to

Bruijn Racing team, Raikkonen has shown his spped more than once this year using secondhand material and he could surprise a lot of people.

MISLIJE’VIC TO F3 WITH KMS? The future of Johnny Mislijevic is still unclear.

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454 Main Nth Rd Blair Athol SA 5084

IAN WILLIAMS TUNING 68 Richmond Rd Keswick SA 5035

Phone: 08 8262 7611

Ph 08 8293 6677 Fax 08 8293 6933

DAVIDSON TO BIESSE? It is 90% certain that this year’s Fullerton driver Anthony Davidson will be driving with Biesse next season.

Ant will be usingJohn Gravett-prepared Rotax engines and Bridgestone t}Tes. This will see Ant working once again with John and Jean Gravett, with whose engines he had so much suc cess in 1996 - winning four out of eight European FA Grands Prix.

Formula C European and World Champion Gianluca Beggio will stay at Birel, as he signed a two year contract last year.

It is not certain whether his Birel colleague, Ben Horstman, will stay.

Ronnie Quintarelli, also on Birel in 1997, is supposed to be on the move, probably to Tony Kart.

Rumours are rife that FULLERTON AFTER Birel are keen to sign Tony MANETTIAND Kart driver Natale Maggio, BELICCHI? or Max Orsini, who still has a contract with Swiss There’s also a lot of talk Hutless - that would bring about Fullerton and an end to Orsini’s successful rumours are getting partnership with tuner stronger that mega-star Alessandro Manetti will Achille Parilla. switch from CRG to Orsini is also talking with Biesse.

Fullerton.

That could have to do with Guiseppe Palmieri will the fact that Fullerton will stay with Swiss Hutless.

So, all things considered, it be the importer of CRG is clear that there will be a engines.

If Fullerton can’t get lot of changes - and these Manetti (because of the are only concerned with salary they have to pay him). Formula Super A!

He could stay with Tony Kart, although there is a good possibility that he might race for the KMS team in the German F3 championship.

Tony Kart team-mate Davide Fore will probably stay with Tony Kart.

He will team up with 1997 FA World Champion James Courtney, Nicolas Kiesa is racing in the Formula Ford winter series and could decide to go auto racing, Andre Lotterer is moving into cars and Kiesa could join him in the German Formel Konig series.

Christophe Vassort is also expected to leave Tony Kart as a driver.

He may set up his own team, as did Guy De Nies last year, or rumours suggest that he could go to the Birel France team, or the Sodikart squad.

KARTING

16 January 1998

^5

imry Perkins turns to karts Bathurstguru Bathurst legend Larry Perkins has turned his attention to karting foil wing a successful intro ductory foray at the Oakleigh circuit by his enthusiastic offspring, Jack and Nichola.

A fortnight ago, 11 yearold Jack put in some 130 laps in a Demon XP Rookie at the Melbourne suburban facility under the watchful eyes of Larry and DP Karts’ George Sera, the latter supplying the hardware and relevant hands-on expertise.

The outing sealed the deal and Jack is now the proud owner of a brand-new Demon XP Rookie, which sports a potent blueprinted DP Karts race motor.

Last week, it was 13 yearold Nichola’s turn and, as the lap count rose, it became per¬

fectly clear to Larry that both he and “mum” - his long-suffering wife, Rae will now be attending far more race tracks than his existing V8 Supercar sched ule embraces.

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(Drew Price Engineering), the Melbourne-based Demon and Arrow kart manufacturer.

George Sera, who has a strong background in drag racing - particularly in Pro Nichola very competently Stock - has sired a signifi put in her inaugural karting cantly raceworthy brood of laps in one of DP Karts’ AX5 his own, with sons David, Juniors and has since indi James and Paul competing cated that a nice new in Midgets (Arrow AX6), machine of similar ilk would Clubman Light and Class be the way to go in the Australia (Arrow AX6), immediate future. respectively.

The DP Karts link with A dab karting hand him the Perkins clan was estab self, George competes in lished via Melinda Piice, one Clubman Heavy (Arrow of the drivers of the all AX6), but has yet to get female Castrol Cougars Larry into a similar machine Perkins Engineering-built - time will tell, but don’t be and maintained touring car - surprised to see the Castrol Melinda happens to be the Racing pan-tech being modi daughter of Dave Price, DP fied internally to accomodate Karts principal, who is the at least three karts. uncle of Drew Price of DPE -TONY^ GLYNN

CASTROL KITTEN ... Rookie Nichola Perkins (above and left) quickly settled into the rhythm at Oakleigh in her AX5, getting the thumbs up from an appreciative audience (below) comprising George Sera (DP Karts, left), Gerald McDornan (Motorsport News) and her delighted father, Larry Perkins. Coupled with the purchase of a Demon XP Rookie for young Jack, Nichola’s successful outing means LP has a karting future. (Tony Glynn pics)

a. -T.-

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Doohan's Repsol Honda Photo by Mike Cooper/Allsport

for them, or no-one else.

MICK Doohan will continHonda’s announcement ue to ride in Repsol regarding Doohan’s future is ''Honda eolours this sea said to be ‘imminent’. son.

Despite reports that the After months of speculatwo parties agreed terms as tion'“about whether Doohan would ride for his own long ago as early November, it is thought that Honda is Marlboro-funded Hondabacked outfit an announce-, keen on delaying the announcement so they can raent confirming the Repsol ■start 1998 (their 50th deal is expected shortly. anniversary year) with a Speculation that Doohan bang. was looking at a deal with Meanwhile Doohan will Marlboro was immediately join the rest of the Honda silenced by the announce squad for summer testing ment that the tobacco giant this month, starting, at will back the new Honda 500 Eastern Creek on January GP team of Max Biaggi and 22.

Erv Kanemoto.

-DARRYL FLACK/ www.max... Massimiliano Biaggi is going 500 with Marlboro.

This confirms reports from PHIL BRANAGAN team insiders several weeks ago that the Honda-Repsol deal was continuing, but whether Doohan’s concerns over sharing his set-up data paign the Aprilia 480 V-twin this year.

By DARRYL FLACK with his Repsol team-mates With John Kocinski having already FOUR-time world 250cc champion Max have been resolved is yet to tested the MoviStar Honda 500 vacat Biaggi has ended weeks of speculation be known. ed by Albert Puig in addition to by announcing that he will ride a The main reason for Biaggi’s long-awaited announcement, works Marlboro Honda NSR500 in 1998.

Doohan’s wish for autonomy Biaggi is believed to have reached The Italian superstar confirmed that was that data-sharing with agreement with Marlboro some weeks he has signed with team manager Ery the other Honda riders, most ago.

Kanemoto in America on Friday, notably Alex Criville and But, apparently, he instructed January 9. Later this month the team Tadyuki Okada, allowed Kanemoto to establish a bonus fund will conduct an official launch in his them to score wins over the for GP wins, and a even a champi home city of Rome.

Australian in 1997. onship victory.

His move from the quarter-litre In addition, it’s understood In turn, Kanemoto was forced to ranks to the blue-riband 500 class fol that Repsol had always take out ‘insurance’ in the event of lows his chief 250 nemesis Ralf that the demanded any Biaggi race/title wins.

Waldmann’s shock decision to camQueenslander ride a Honda

while Max goes 500

Ann Nea Continued from page 17 “This was huge. Zetec; Festival; never done any thing like this before.

“And, of course, he went -and finished third ...”

It was the pivotal point in Webber’s career, but the fact of life of modern motor sport meant that money would be needed: “From that day his drive (with Van Diemen) for ’96 was secure as long as we could come up with suffi cient budget.

“They (Van Diemen) had Duckhams, of course, so we needed to find the remain ing portion. It was just a matter of convincing Yellow Pages to take their money overseas, especially when they are an Australian product.

“Yellow Pages wanted to stand by Mark, and they did.

“My role became more managerial, as well as the press side of things.”

T

he 1996 season was a big one for Webber, cul minating in the Formula Ford Festival win. But when the pair returned to Australia to seek companies to join Yellow Pages in tak ing the next step, they hit a brick wall.

“Mark had the results, but no-one was listening to us. It was very frustrating.

“We were very aware that the Olympics were getting closer, which would dry up all the sponsorship, so get ting Mark to FI was becom ing quite an urgency...”

It was at this time that the link with rugby interna tional David Campese materialised. Campese had retired from international rugby and was setting up a

small sports marketing com pany. The two were made for each other.

“We’d thought of David at least a year earlier, because they both come from the same town (Queanbeyan, NSW) - and Mark’s dad Alan used to play rugby with him way back - simply as a promotional photo-shoot thing.

“But now we’d decided that Mark really needed an ambassador back here in Australia to keep pushing the cause.

“David had been playing with the Wallabies in England and Mark rang him to introduce himself.

“A bit later, we heard the team was leaving for Australia that day and so, on spec, we rushed off to Heathrow with a CV in hand and searched the terminal until we found the team. I think David liked the initiative...’

Campese had also been lectured on the merits of M. Webber by former Williams team man Peter Windsor.

Windsor had taken Campese to the Italian GP as a guest some years earli er and so when Windsor rang, Campese listened.

Contacts, contacts.

The link with Campese’s company raised the profile that bit further, both here and in Europe, where the former Wallaby is still idolised.

Even so, money wasn’t easy, but there was enough to commit to Alan Docking’s F3 team - although some budget would remain to be found later in the season.

Neal, her young son and her client shared a modest house in the UK, with Mark often driving the couple of hours each way to Brands

Troy’s waiting TROY Bayliss is still waiting on the confirmation of works Ducati engines for his assault on the 1998 British Superbike Championship.

Bayliss, who will be riding for the Groundwork South East Ducati team, is in line for the full factory engines along with severahother Ducati teams, including the leading Reve Red Bull squad.

Team engine builder John Hackett, who replaces former chassis-building legend Colin Seeley, will manage Bayliss s team.

Bayliss is the first Aussie to race big-bore four-strokes in the UK since Wayne Gardner, who was able to use it as a cru cial springboard to a Honda GP ride.

As a result, Bayliss’s shock decision to take his family to the UK after cementing his place in Team Ansett Air Freight Suzuki team has more to do with his long-term career goals than money.

-DARRYL FLACK

Willis wil RISING Australian Suzuki Superbike star Mark Willis wiU compete at the first round of Shell Australian 2-plus-4 cham pionships at Symmons Plains on February 8 despite breaking his shoulder in a motocross training accident last week.

The 21-year-old lost control of his Suzuki RM250 while practising on a purpose-built track on his family’s property near Narrabri, NSW. Suzuki is stiU to announce a rider to fill the seat vacated

by UK-bound Troy Bayliss,

literally picked six companies from the Yellow Pages - and one waSy of course, Yellow Pages - and we sent the proposals in.

Three weeks later they phoned up and said, ^We want to do it!\”

Hatch to earn $100 a day ■ Haug was spied across teaching at the Racing the room and the opportuni School. ty taken for a brief introducThe pair would rock up to tion. Webber and Haug F3 races in Mark’s $1500 agreed to keep in touch, Webber’s 1997 F3 seabomb (parked next to the Brazilian drivers’ 7-series son, with Aussie Alan BMWs) and race home Docking’s F3 equipe, pro afterwards to save accomduced one dominant win, a modation costs and allow couple of poles and fourth in Neal to stay up until all the championship, but the hours faxing results and people who mattered knew reports to 100 outlets. it was a modestly-budgeted “Every bit of money team and, under the circumcounted and Mark knew stances, a tremendous that. He realised that every effort, time he went out on the aug kept in touch and track he had to perform.

“He made the sacrifices by mid-season the conand put in the committed ' versations were getting serieffort. I’m got quite sure how ous. The rest is jecent hiswe made it money-wise tory.

Apart from Yellow Pages, sometimes, but we got there.

In the end, it would be an and some support from the earlier opportunistic meeting Australian GP Office, there with Mercedes motorsport has been no other support boss Norbert Haug that from Australia, and Neal is would provide Webber’s big still bemused by it: break.

“Companies still don’t It came, would you believe there’s value in believe it, at the 1997 backing someone overseas, Australian GP Ball. Neal but I no longer accept that had made sure that Yellow as a valid excuse.

“Yellow Pages has Pages took a table at the function and that Mark was proved that you don’t even there. Contacts, contacts... have to be selling products

H

overseas for it to work. If you do a really good media campaign back in Australia (obviously the results help) the value is there.”

Yellow Pages has just committed itself to a further three years backing Webber.

“They’re fantastic. They know that where once they had a whole Yellow Pages car - more recently a race suit - that when Mark makes it to F1 there’ll just be a Yellow Pages logo some where. They knew that from day one, but they had a lot of vision and they just want to see it through and be there when he makes F1...”

With Webber now a signed-up Mercedes works driver, Ann Neal’s role will change in 1998.

And then there’s her other client - World Kart Champ James Courtney who, quite simply, won’t race in Australia for some years. He's expected to be ready for F3 in two years.

“With Mark, the role is changing all the time. I think I’ll be spending more time in Australia this year, satisfy-

but Suzuki Australia Marketing Manager Perry Morrison has dismissed reports that former works Suzuki SWC and Yamaha 500 rider Kirk McCarthy was on the verge of saddling up alongside Willis.

“I’ve heard about the story concerning Kirk, but we haven’t spoken to him, and neither has Peter Goddard (Suzuki team owner). That doesn’t mean we will be only entering one bike in 1998 we’re still looking around for another rider,” Morrison said.

-DARRYL FLACK ing sponsor and media demands for him. He can’t come back quite as often as he has done, so it’s impor tant that we plan a really good year’s media Campo’s people are terrific in helping with that and we work closely together on it.

“I’ll still be going to Mark’s races, although again the role will change. I still think ifs important for Mark to have someone there to look after his best interests. He’s in one of the best teams in the world, so I don’t have any real worries, but just in case, you need an ally on hand...

“What we’re doing w'ith James (Courtney) to raise his profile is to ride him on the back of what we do with Mark.

“Where we can, we involve James in things with Mark. However, there’s going to come a time when he is going to need corpo rate support from Australia and it’s not that far away.

“He’s fortunate that he’s in a works drive with Tony Kart which doesn’t need a lot of funding, but that’ll change when he gets into F3 in a couple of years. We have to start working on that now.”

N

otice the phrasing WHEN he gets into F3, not IF. There’s something of the Margaret Thatcher in Ann Neal. You wouldn’t want to argue with her assessment too much. After all, as we said at the start, with Webber she's delivered where many have fallen short.

And if - sorry, when Webber makes the final step to FI, Australian motor sport fans will have much to thank the quietly spoken Pom for... ■

WJamiafy 19SS

Off Road Buggy - USA import, all the gear, V6, 3-soeed auto, needs finishing. Was $15,000, sell for $10,000. Ph: 02 4883

Sedans

6906, 1.9

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Sports Sedan Lancer, 13B fueFinjected, intercooled turbo.

Fresh engine. Suspension set up by Centreline Suspension.

Compeftivecafreadytorace.$10,500.Ph:Matk0398442309. ..9

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Historic Group M Renmax 23B. Australian version of Lotus 23B, 1598CC t/c Ford, 5 speed Flewland gearbox. Selling because I am too old to drive as quick as car will go! Price down to $45,000. Ph: Laurie Knight 02 6925 3257. 119 Honda Civic 4 door Chev Sports Sedan. Professionally built, tubular chassis, independent f&r, competed hiliaDlimbs a circuits, good history. $45,000ono. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527 (BH). 119 Enzed Trans-Am Camaro, as raced by Steven Johnson.

American-built, best of equipment, available complete with spares or roller. Possible trade. Ph: Bruce Jenner 00 11 6425 763370. .19 Gemini Coupe, front runner in Old series. Many fastest laps and always injop four. Ready to win 1998 series. Plenty spares.

Serious offers around $5,500. Ph: Craig 07 3350 1156 or 014 061 899. .18 Mini Cooper 1380cc, 1964 Club Car. Championship-win ning car, Lakeside 1997. New engine or sell engines. 1:03.47 Lakeside (Bob Paige). $13,000. Ph: Tim 07 5444 5444. no

Ford Laser TX3 GT-P Class E. 1997 Class E Championship/Bathurst 3 Hour-winning car. Complete with brand new spare engine, full gearbox rebuild pre-Amaroo, full dry break system, heaps brake spares, 26 new/used slicksAwets. Everything you need to win Bathurst and the cham pionship in 1998. $17,000. Ph: Trevor Haines 0412 057 295. 119 HQ race car, Thunderdome 36 second car ready to race $4,800. Aiso HQ T'dome engines, ready to race $1,500: HQ cage $280: HQ suspension, 2 sets $600: HQ . Ph: 03 9432 3370 119 3.36 Salt

HQ Holden race car. C&B Performance engine. Heaps of spares. Ready to race. Very urgent sale required. All offers considered. Ph: 02 4943 2782 or 0416 005 174. n9 HQ 2 door Sports Sedan Chew, roiler, rebuilt, new parts, Sachs coilovers, fourspot f&r, quickchange rear with LSD, 1976, original log book. Has history. $20,000ono. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527 (BH). no AUSCAR VP, 360hp 315 motor. Super T10 box, Harrop rose jointed front end. 4-sp calipers, adj Bilstein susp.Pi equipment, fuel churn, rattle guns and line, radios, scan ners, dent puller, steel chest. Spares include axles, susp, springs, shocks, body parts, too many to mention. Help given first meetings. $15,000. James (03) 9563 7072 or (015)800 342. 119 Targa Car - RX7 twin turbo, current model. Dismantled Jap import.$9,800. Ph:0394168741 or 0418 554829. .19 Urgent sale - ex Bathurst Walkinshaw shell, comes with all wiring, dashboard and roll cage. Has all fibreglass.

Includes log book. Rare model, must sell. Best offer above $6,000. Ph: 03 5996 5609. 119

AUSCAR Sportsman #50. Falcon XF, one season old, never' bent. Fresh 9.5 engine. Excellent condition, urgent sale (moving OS).$12,500ono. Ph:019 142929 or 039874 2561. IJ9 Mazda RX7 Series 1, complete car less motor and trans.

Car disassembled, good cond, 4.4 ratio locked diff with double row bearings, $2,200. Ph:0449 334 786,

Escort Mk II 2 Litre Sports Sedan. 8 pt alloy cage, fresh high HP engine, Koni suspension, brake bias, LSD with ratios, harness and race seat. Spare wheels/tyres, enough spares to build another car. Log book, good racing history. $10,000. Ph: 03 5762 5177 (BH) or 03 5762 3710 (AH). 119 VL Sportsman. Fully rebuilt motor. Comes with spare pads, trolley jack, radio system, 4 spare wheels. $10,000ono. Ph: 02 65851397 (AH). 119 Holden HJ Chew 350. Modified 4W disifs, lowered, turbo 400, Neale's wheels. Recaros, Momo, GTS dash. White, as new, still running in. $15,000ono. Ph: 02 9440 8909. 119 Mazda RX3 Club Car, professionally maintained, brand new 13B race Bridgeport, Koni/Bilstein, Group A brakes, compre hensive spares package including engine, gearboxes, cfiff, axles, wh^s etc. Good history. $12,000. Ph: 015 050 435 or 03 52483044. 119

119

Fiat 128SL Coupe, 1973, white, 1.51 Lancia motor, 5-speed box, extractors, 2in exhaust. $3,500. Ph: 07 3260 5836. 119

vs Commodore AUSCAR, immaculate. Complete roller, less engine. Yellow light, fire bomb, fuel cell and churn, harness, complete Autometer instrument panel, turbo brakes and M21 gearbox, new gears and bearings in diff, C, R and P cage. All new panels, needs engine and minor assembly. Asking $15,000. Ph: 018 176 420. ,.a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 Gp N. Built March 1997 for inter national competition. Full spec list can be supplied to genuinely interested persons. Offered for sale with or without comprehen sive spares package. Ph: David 08 9444 3833

Porsche 993 RSCS, Fully rebuilt for 1998 season, eligible for GT-Production and Class A Porsche Cup. Double adjustable shock absorbers, race ready, immaculate. $158,000. Ph: .02 9450 2100 or 0418 229 900 (AH) 117 HQ racer Thunderdome spec, needs fuel tank, VGC body straight, motor good, some artwork done. $3000 ono. Ph: 03 93108926. Ask for Brian, n?

Lotus Cortina, Group N or Targa car class winner. Aluminium roll cage, race seat and harness, Minilites/Hoosiers, spare gear box and parts. Immaculate showroom condition. Only $25,000.

Ph: Tino 018 577 583 or 03 5821 4014 (AH). 1IB RS2000 4 door, unfinished project, 99% rust-free. Roll cage, LSD, spare engines, gearboxes, suspension etc. Newly trimmed seats, minor paint and reassembly required. Ideal Club Carcar. $5,800ono. Ph: 07 38880081 (AH). 118 Sports Sedan, under 2 litre Mkl Escort, 5 speed Haitech, reiiabie complete car with many spares. $9000. Ph: Don,.07 5462

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BMW M3R. 242kW, one of 15 built for GTP Racing. BMW aircon, stereo, rear seat and standard M3 clutch (race clutch included). 26,000km. $130,000. Ph: 0417 732 723 or 07 3289

Peugeot 205GTi 92, reg 7/98. Groii'p N factory everything.

CAMS log book etc. Quick laps Eastern Creek 1:59. Heaps of spares. $24,000ono. Ph: Peter Ross 02 9240 9995 or 0414 251

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411. 118

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Gemini Club Car, 13B extended port, side draught DelOrto, Racing Heat manifold, new Sparco 14 x 6.5 race wheels, aluy minium drop tank. Car in excellent condition. $5,500. Ph: 04 334786. I IB

(AH).

Ford EF Club Car. Roll cage, never raced, painted inside and out, new front end and brakes. Professional cage, disc brake 9" 31 spline. New seat, gauges etc. $10,000. Ph: 0755 463526 or 018 071 925. ns

2415. 117

4419 (AH). 119

Sports Sedan KE70 Corolla. 13 BPP, 55mm DCOE, brass button clutch, 5 speed,., Volvo 4 spot front, 16" wheels. Spare tyres, panels, parts and reg trailer. $12,000. Ph: 02 4261 5262

Nissan 300ZX twin tuifao GT Production car. Freshly rebuilt engine. Chrome moli cage. Coilover Koni suspension.

Adjustable front end. Heaps Of potential, ready to race in 1998. $30,000ono. Ph: 024977 1881 or 0413 871 514. ua

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Mitsubishi Lancer Evo II, built by Rallytech 1995, ex Nomura, 3rd Group N 1995 ARC, 2nd 0/r Rally of Canberra 1995. Spares kit. $35,000 as is, or $38,000 with new motor. Ph: 0418 104 853 or 03 5248 5518 (AH), hb Escort Twin Cam, 1970, complete less g/box. Rust free, new duco, new valves, pistons, manifold, new front seats. Crash pad round h/lamp needs assembly. Ideal Targa Historic, $8,700. Ph: 08 8278 5988 evenings. 1 le Datsun 1600 Sports Sedan, unfinished project, full tubular frame, lift-off body, Spax shocks, A-arm front end. Set-up for 13B rotary. Heaps of spares. $2,500. Ph: 0419 334 786. hb Two 74 HQ Sedans, 1 running, registered 4 speed manual + 1 spare part car, auto. Together $1,700. Ph: 03 9699 8461 and leave a messagp. u8

H ealey 1957 BN4 factory hardtop, 12 port head 3000 new wide chrome wires, tyres, leather, historic regularity compe tition only. Best presented car at Lakeside Histories. $42,000.

Ph: 02 6662 1480 or 02 6663 3232. 117 Subaru RS turbo rally car. Full Grp N spec. Genuine lega cy RSR. Tidy car with good history. Spares package included. 555RSR. $19,950. All offers considered. Ph 08 8384 4112 bh 08 8322 3536 ah or 0411 176 160 117 Cortina GT Group NB, Queensland's fastest 4 door GT, under 1600 NB Championship winning car. As new, Dunlop racing rubber, new.Gbrry Brown engine, 2 meetings old.

Immaculate condition, numerous spares. $10,500 ono. Ph: John Sorraghan 07 3269 0770. 117

continued over page

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NAME: ADDRESS:

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Cars:

□ Sedans □ Open Wheelers General: □ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers

□ Speedway □ Drag □ Photographs □ Other □ Wanted

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WJdwary 1998 Van Diemen BF87 with RF89 update. Will sell complete or as roller. Car has just been rebuilt, avail able with heaps of spares. Moulds, jigs, ratios etc. $10,000. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527 (BH).

TT ■. f

119

Amaroo Clubmans (2), new, red or green, Toyota 4AGE motors, 5 speed, mags etc. $28,000each. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527 (BH). 19

* £‘

Chevrolet Camaro Z28 1995, and Pontiac Formula Firebird V8. Both with 350 Chev LT1 and 4 speed auto, twin air bags, ABS, RHD compiianced. $59,900 each. Ph: 03 9772 9907. 117

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VW Scat Speedcar, Stanton 4 bar, alioy wheels, splined axle, PRO shocks, spare wheels, f/axle, r/rods.

Enclosed lightweight trailer. Proven fast, reliable unit, reace ready, ideal budget racer. $14,000. Ph: 07 3397 1335. 19 IROC Z Camaro, Jess engine, Vic 9, $11,000. Frankland ■4.86 quick change, 54 3/4” wide $2,200; 202 steel main caps $300; 186, 202 roller rockers $240; Set 4 Duke Southard videos (PAL) US $80. Ph: 03 5422 1942 (BH), 03 5422 7037 (AH), ng

Jaguar E-Type Coupe, Marque Sports. New 325 bhp engine, Webers, extractors, triple plate clutch, AP calipers, etc.

Full respray, looks great! Eastern Creek 1:40 secs. $ 36,000.

Ph: 02 4990 1699 or 02 4998 7345 (H) w

Historic Group Q Bowin P4. 1300cc Corolla motor, 5 speed Hewland gearbox. Make an offer. Ph: Laurie Knight 02 6925 3257

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Commodore Cup car, new 1996, race winning, lightest built.

Immaculate 100% finishing record. Tate engine, all the best components, no big crashes, 8 wheels and various spares. It you want to win this is the car for you. $35,000. Ph Andrew Moinnes 0411 530 555 n?

Formula Vee Elfin NG, twice NSW Championship win ner. Fresh top hp engine, new battery and brakes, chrome wheels, spares, lightweight trailer. Consistent top 10 runner in novice hands. Ready to race. $8,500ono. Ph: 02 4575

Modified Production 3 litre VK Commodore, top line competitor, class winner. Best oing, no expense spared.

Race ready, too much to list. $9,000. Ph>.Darren 03 5444 1400 (BH), 03 5447 2132 (AH), iis

1080. 119

Mustang 1996 Coupe SS/A, 351 Boss, C-4 auto, 35 spline, full spool 9" diff. Runs ll.Oet, 120mph. Call for more specs, sell complete or less motor and trans. $32/000. Ph: 02 9683 6351 or 018 414 672. ns

Kaditcha 1979 F2. Eligible Group Q. Golf engine, Hewland Mk9. Ratios, spares. $20,000neg.

Must be sold. Ph: 03 5881 4411 (BH), 03 5881 1506 (AH).

1.

Historic Group Q Rennmax Palliser. 1598cc t/c Ford, 5 speed Hewland gearbox. Not complete.

Price, with bits, starts at $10,000. Ph: Laurie Knight 02 6925 3257. ng

Kaditcha 1982 F2 Mk9, Golf engine. 1st, Sportsmans division. National F2 series 1997. Spares package to suit purchaser. $26,000neg. Must be sold.

Ph: 03 5881 4411 (BH), 03 5881 1506 (AH), m

Falcon vs Commodore Mustang Sports Sedan, 351 ci, top 10 finisher Indycar and O'Brien Series. Complete with spares or will separate. Price neg, around $29,000. Ph: 047 821145 (BH) 117

Si®wsiiM3si§} WfB Uisi®3a}q) "f300,000

Strathfield National Cars Super Series over 8 Rounds

in total prize money & contingency prizes

1st prize for each round $10,000 Prize money for all starters Channel 10 National television for all rounds Over 20 cars available for sale.

Contact Alison Brewer on 03 9217 8831

You could be racing at Round 3 - December 27 mmiUBsm] at the Goodyear Thunderdome Contingency Sponsor Program 1997/1998 Awaid Rookie Of the year

Sporsor

Prtze

Return airfare^ (he r^ts accommodation fix hvo people staying at either the Kuala LumparParUroyal or Pemang P&kroi-al valued at $5,500 to the winner ofeach round at the Goodyear Thunderdome.

Crew Chief of the Year Strathfield National Cars Cooper Tools Produa valued at $600 for StrathfieW National Car winners. Total - value for season $3600.

Best Presented Team Stradiheld National Cars Re\ofution Product valued at $400 to the winner.

Strathfield National Cars Champion Product valued at $500 for 6 rounds. Total value for season Hard Charger $3000 3/4 Race Leader Strathfield National Cars Traveloc^ One ni0}ts accommodation indudaig dinner and bre^dastfyfhvo people for the wirver ofeach specified cat^ory. Valued at $225.

435. 119

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I

I

Open Wheelers

2 X Vauxhall Cavaliers, 1995 Super Tourers, with extensive spares (incl. engine) $80,000 ea plus spares or $200,000 the lot (export prices) Ph Rob Tweedie 018 162 762. n?

Std Saloon, XW Sedan, Reco 302 W auto, 2 fibreglass bucket seats, 2 5-point harnesses, 2 RCl window nets. Has tank protec tion barwork fitted (compulsory for ‘98). Ready to race. $2,000ono. Ph: 03 9726 4297. ng Sprintcar wanted. Low bar Schnee or Maxim. Complete rolling chassis with or without spares. Must have late model components and no junk. Ph: David 03 5248 3044 or 015 050

1

119

“Vwar:-!.

2257. 119

TM,SWm

Superkart. 1997 Stockman, 94 Honda RS125 Bkit engine. Near new crahk and bearings. Won 5 Of 8 races 97 Aust Champs. Free specs and advice $10,000.

Warren (02) 6765 4651 AH or (02) 6765 8858. 119

Alnimln;

Super Sedan, VN Commodore. Quick-change diff, Wide Five, Willward Brakes, Engineering power steering. Complete ready to race less motor. $12,800. Ph: 0418 514 444 or 03 5176 .

maanujtBilB

—%

Drag Racing

'I

k

Elfin 622. 1972, Group Q logbook. Car fully sorted, immac cond, truly race ready. Probably the best and fastest ANF2 cast. Eastern Creek 1m35s. Hart, FT200, wets and dyrs, 3 sets wheels. Max (018) 44 2060 . 119 Off-road, USA import. Fox. S/Bros hubs (Hoatara), Wright, Wiliwood, Saginaw, CNC, Centrelines etc. Big travel, a winner. $10,000. Ph 048 836 908. 119 Van Diemen RF93, complete race package, fresh paint. Spare engine, wheels, ratios, panels, springs, wishbones. Exo cond, $33,000. Ph (03) 5439 5399 (AH). 1 19

.12

Ai:

Torana GTR Club Car Group 2E, log book, 285 bhp Lewis motor, triple Webers, fully sorted, ready to race. $9990. Ph: 08 82761933 or 08 8333 0883 (AH) iv

Reynard 923 F2, Golf engine, immaculate. Three races only, huge spares package, ratios, wings, wishbones, floors etc. Trailer..For information, inven tory, Phone 02 4963 4254 (AH), ua Excell Kart, blueprinted Yamaha KT.IOOS. Includes trolley, stand, helmet, gloves, kart cover and nose cone. Heaps of spares, done very little work. Excellent condition. Must sell. $2,500. Ph: 03 5174 0196. 18

Strathfield NatanalC^ rravefocfee

The supporters & competitors of the Strathfield National Cars cateiKory offer you this space to list the sale of your National Car here for FREE. Fax your deserption to 03 9532 0134 to be placed here for FREE next issue.

1993 Swift rolling chassis, new stainless floor, 7 sets of springs, 2 sets of wheels, spare nosebox, many other spares. Ex Mark Noske car. 2nd in SA Championship, winner at Bathurst in 1996 and AGP supports. $17,900 neg. Ph: Ben 0414 789 790 or 03 9631 3156. 11Formula Holden, Reynard. Huge spares package, good HP, available for AGP. Lease or own for $45,000.

Mark (03) 9764 4866 or (0417) 85 3642 or Greg (03) 9762 6232 or (0414) 85 7241. ng

Commodore AUSCAR New car. Never raced. Some assistance avail able. Ph 03 9553 1384.

Commodore VS AUSCAR. Immaculate. Complete roller less engine.

Yellow light, fire bomb, fuel cell and churn, harness, complete Autometer instrument panel, turbo brakes & M21 gearbox, new gears and bearings in diff, CR&P cage. All new panels. Needs engine and minor assembly. Asking $15,000. Ph 018 176 420 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. Ph 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 3HP. 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.

1

*i

16 Jamary 1998

FRANK PONS RACING

fcJiuipeirRartis iTvorraii s I25cc Australian Championship winning kart, '97 Stockman Chassis with full bodywork, 'B' kit '94 RS125 engine, just rebuilt with new crank, mains, etc. $10,500. Ph: 02 9824 7350. 117 Speed Clubman kart, 2 fully blueprinted Yamaha KT100S, 2 racesuits, stand and trolley, $1750. Swiss Hutless Clubman, chrome moly chassis, blueprinted.

All spare inc didital tach, $1600. Open double trailer $300 or together $3650. (02) 4883 6253 (AH), (02) 4883 6021 (BH). „9

Alfa 33, 1.7ti set of excellent vented discs and calipers. Ready to bolt in, $350 ONO (03) 9889 1149. us Chew 33-S short motor - Ross race pistons 10 of, Manly 6" al rods, steel 4 bolt crank, Lunati 50147 roller cam, Rollmaster timing set, Romac balancer, B&M flexplate, water pump, head bolts and sump. $3,250. Ph: John Boyle 0412 169 510. ns Chew 331 Venolia gas port pistons, Child & Albert 6" al rods, 6 off $450; Lunati 50147 roller cam, new Lunati valve springs to suit $680; Pro-cam solid camshaft (eg Crane CC290) with lifters $290. Ph: John Boyle 0412 169 510. 18 Tube bender, Swaidsir elec/hyd 45mm and 38mm dies $4,300. Longacre corner scales as new $2,000.

Longacre bump steer gauge $250. Ph: 0418 104 853 or 03 5248 5518 (AH). 118 Nissan R190 diffs, 1 x 4.6 ratio $325, 1 x,4.875 ratio $375, 1 x 5.1 ratio $425. Ph: 0419 334 786. Id Bargain-priced small-block Chew Cosworth

Aeroquip lines, new panels and paint. All top equip ment,, proven record (94 NSW Champion) very quick in novice's hands. Lots of spares, immac cond. $10,500ono. Ph:(0417)582 008. 16

casmim .-<r;~lswr

Engines Chew 366 methanol, bowtie block, 17 degree. Dart aluminium heads, matching manifold, Crower crank, JE pistons, T&D roller rockers, dry sump. 650hp strong motor, full recondition. $17,500. Ph: 03 5176 2257, 018 514 444. 119

Trailer. 28'. Suit any purpose. 240/12V lights, kitchens, benches, pressure water. Side awning.

ISmths old, prof built, immac cond. Cost $18,000, sell $9500.(018) 74,0135 or (07) 3204 7443, 119

12 port 202 aluminium head (Perfectune) $1,400; 4,71 GM blower + Fisher manifold, suit 202, complete with extractors. Thermotec, spare belts, pulleys $1,500; knifeedged 202 Commodore crank .010" $350; 186-202 dry sump $1,000. Ph: 03 5422 1942, 03 5422 7037. 119

-i

Mi

1®

Mazda 13B PP, built tp Racing Beat spec, genuine 310hp. S§t ip for injection, all brand new, just run in $5700.(0419)334 786. 119

pistons, valve-springs, stud-girdles, bearings, s/h cams and gaskets. Will swap some parts for 750 methanol carby in running order. Ph: Mick 03 5472 4116. 16 Mitsubishi iancer Ewo front LSD, new $1,500.

PIAA Super Rally d/lights $200. Marvel brake pads, as used by Marty Beokton $400 per four wheel set.

Suits Lancer. Ph: 0418 104 853 or 03 5248 5518 (AH). 118

Formula Vee NG Elfin. Brand new Elliott Bond motor (zero miles), hi flow manifold, Bilsteins all round,

Multi purpose trailer. Prof built, dual axle, elec brakes. Suit g.mall sedan, open wheeler, karts, motor bikes. Full floor, low sides, carry racks. New cond $2650 ONO (0417) 28 1746 or (02) 4959 8374. 119

Gearbox, Holinger 6 speed, ex Mark Poole.

Relifed after Bathurst, many spares available. $12,500ono. Ph: James Rosenberg 08 8524 8131. na Nissan factory race wheels, 16x9 $1,000, 17x9 $850. Ph: 0419 334 786. 118

Ford 2 Itr Cosworth, 2 x 45s, $15,000 spent, not assembled, with 5-speed, 2.5" exhaust. Suit Escort.

Ready to be assembled. $10,000. Ph: Andrea 08 8285 4912 or 0412 071 442, 118 L34 engine, currently in sports sedan, 48mm IDF aooel dizzy, flywheel clutch, Yella Terra rockers, Edelbrock Torker, ex Janson L34, must go to fit Chev. $8,500. Ph Michael 02 9905 6114 118

J-.4V 4'

Trailer to suit F/Ford, fully enclosed tandem axle.

Includes hydraulic brakes, tilt roof for walk-in access, full annex. Registered, Priced to sell quickly at $3,500. Ph: Trevor Haines 0412 057 295. 119

Wanted Dick Johnson photographs, preferrably of his Sierra and Blu-Stuff and Greens-Tuf Falcons and EL Falcon. Ph: Ryan Story 08 8852 1370. 19 Autocourse, 1993 (Prost). All offers consid ered, (02) 9439 3077 or AH (02) 6352 2957. 119 Racesuit, must be CAMS approved, size small, to $300. (02) 9635 6754 (H), (02) 9638 7354 (B), (015) 499 903 (M). 119 Shockers, to suit 93 Swift FF. Must be adjustable or Bilstein, URGENT (0418) 130 133 or (03) 6326 5555. 119

Trailers/T^ansporters IT-

Parts

a

Ex Group A .Corolla race wheels, 16 x 6.5 inch, 4 stud pattern or centre-locks. Full magnesium, resprayed white with polished edge. Suit late model FWD car $690ono. Ph: 0414 251 384. 119

IT' za

MI Mi

Tyres; 4 Falken RX06GB tyres - 205 x 60 x 14. have done 10 laps, suit Club Car or sprints. Only $500. Ph: 0412 337 227. 119 Wheels. 4 Simmons 16 x 10 two-piece polished alloy outers, new $250 each: two 16 x 10 steel outers, HQ pattern, alloy centres, 3 piece $100 each; two 16x10 4 stud Datsun, ally centre $100 each. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527(BH). ,,9 llratercooler, brand new for motor up to 400hp.

Measures 810mm x 310mm, suit 6 cylinder or rotary motor, $745ono. Ph: Ken 0412 546 157(VIC). 19 Mkl Cortina parts. GT close ratio gearbox with GT short shifter or std shifter. 1498cc GT intake and Weber carburettor and some other Ford V8 parts. Best offers.

Ph: 03 9850 6993, 0419 554 019. 119 Brakes. Mazda series V, four spot front, effective and light, suit Sports Sedan. Bargain $420. Ph: Ken 0412 546 157(VIC). 19 Tyres, Formula Ford, 13" Avon ACB9 and ACB10, Dunlop CR82, little use, cheap. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (AH), 07 3807 0527(BH). 1.9 2 X 40mm Delorto side draft carburettors, suit recon $300: 2 X 308 crankshafts (one std) $150ono. Ph: 08 9295 4031 after 6pm weekdays, ail day w/e. 19

^

Pit crew required for Super Tourers, voluntary basis, Sydney area, mechanical experience not necessary. No criminal record. Male or female.

Fax your details to 02 9774 1448. na

Nissan U-D Turbo, 180HP/6 speed, 18'x8'2”Wx7'8''H body, large storage lockers, long range tanks, rego, clean, comfortable and fast. Vehicle must be sold, but no more time wasters please. Bargain at $18,500 ono. Pli: 03 5248 3044 or 015 050 435. ne

I

Other

Tandem trailer. Fully enclosed, 2tonne capacity.

10'x8'x5'6”, elec brakes on 4 wheels, lights, roc.ker springs. Reg 9/98, $5000.(07) 3372 4384 or (0414) 82 9435. 119

7” Carello Biode headlights, new. ideal for rally car $25 each. Auto Actions and other motorsport publications. Every AA since 1979. Huge collection. $300. Ph: 03 9748 3608 (AH). 119 Motor books: Australian Motor Racing Annuals - No 8 $75, No 9 $150, No 10,$150, others $25 each. JH1000 1981 $35, 1982 $150, 1983 $25.

Others available. Also 300-fOther car books. Ph: . ■ 02 9997 7832. 119

r

Mazda Oiiesel transporter. 3 tonne with winch, ramps, tyre racks and storage compartments. 48K on clock, 9 mths reg. $8500 Greg (0419)36 1908. 119

^Motorsport News' RACE

Mazda T3500 turbo diesel dualcab, 10 speed, h/duty towbar, exhaust brake, bul l bar, power steering, custom-built rear ute, carry 7 pas sengers. $20,500ono. Ph: 08 8344 4349 (AH). 018 847 137 (BH). 18 Car trailer, as new, e;ec brakes, chrome ilvheels, truck tyres. Full susp, tare 630, GVM 2000. Long reg, will fit Falcon. $3200 ONO. Phone (02) 9440 8909. 19

Sparco double layer nomex suit, blue, small; black leather nomex boots, size 8; nomex balaclava, socks, al l brand new. $675 the lot, will separate. Ph: 03 9761 1704. 19 Onyx 1:43 models. The early sports racing cars, complete your collection. Most of 1998, some of 1989 and all of 1990. All B&M. $1,100.

Ph: 049 598 555. 118

gives you the opportunity to promote your products and services to ; the widest possible range of motorsport competitors and enthusiasts, i 1

Advertising in RACE#il^^cP5ts asJttfe as $50 per issue! ^ For bookings,

f

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MOTORSPORT TRAILERS specialising in custom buillt traiBers for allB motorsports

HYDROPLANES Rd2 7 Dec 97 Rd3 I Jan 98 Rd4 I Mar 98 Rd5

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DISPLACEMENTS

Condoblin (NSW) Yarraiuonga (Vic) Eppalock (Vic) Goolwa (SA)

■

Rd2 Rd3 Rd4

30 Nov 97 I Feb 98 I Mar 98

Rd5

29 Mar 98

Adelaide ^54) Mellon (Vic) Eppalock (Vic) Goolwa (SA)

w

Piioriii. r snoNsoHED h r

46-52 NobiSity Street, Moolap, VIC 3221

Kwikstripe « Robinvale Transport Group » Haven Adelaide R&A Fencing ● " S &JRooftilers ●> Supporters Club " Terminus Hotel Yarrawonga « Record Marine * ● Heathcole Sand, Soil & Gravel» Flag Hotels, Inns 6* Resorts « Melton Ceramics *

Ph 08 85 224 809

Call Gerald Mt

n

onXQ311S27 7744

COMMENT

50 lejamary 1998 Watch yourself, Kim

I

Dear Sir,

Editorial

0.

the quality of your publication dur

Technical Editor

ing the slow months of major motorsport. When still purchasing the

; I'ony Glynn Assistant Editor Phil Branagan Graphics Co-ordinator Viv Brumby

Advertising Advertising Manager Gerald McDornan

Administration Managing Director Chris Lambden

Contacts !89 Orrong Crescent Ctiulfielcl North VIC 3161 (PO Box 1010 North Caulfield 3161) Phone: 03 95TT 7744 l ax 03 9S27 7766

^

3m

toPOBox -pnce w - Of^ gjvep ro jypPC. The yaS of Motcr' ■'T»w/r doc ror nee*

Se^iec^ s'^Talk

' paper to help pass this period it s nice to still get plenty of good up-todate info or good interviews to read, such as the John Bowe one featured , issue.

ASST ED: For superbikes go to Symmons Plains, Phillip Island, Winton, Mallala, Wanneroo,

I

Well done to you all on keeping up David Hassail

—

> H-

I L. t

pM

316;"'

Calder, Hidden Valley and Oran Park.

Front or rear steer refers to the location of the steering box, either in front of or behind the front axle line. Older cars has front steer, but these days most cars have rear steer as it gives better steering geometry.

ASST ED: Sorry to disappoint you Anne but there are no

Formula Fords, Aussie Tourers, ral lying or actually anything that has four wheels and can be raced!!

After attending the December 27 races at the Thunderdome and

Motorsport News binders avail able at this time.

I would like very much to be involved in a team (I am in New

enjoying a gi-eat AC Delco Cup race, one thing has come up which I want

Enquiring minds want to know

Zealand) and have pit crewed in

to point out. Kim Jane is a good dri ver due to the amount of wins he

many forms of motorsport although driving is my real forte!

If anyone can be of assistance,

has put together at the Dome, but why would someone of his calibre hold up Dean Wanless? Arrogance comes to my mind.

It was inevitable that Jim would

please e-mail me at: team.dash@xtra.co.nz or write me at 35 Blomfield Street, Rotorua, New Zealand (Phone 07-347-1621).

catch Wanless, but he doesn’t need

Kurt Williams

When too many V8s are 6are/y enough Dear Sir, I feel I am at the end!

You continually force feed us with

Dear Sir,

V8 everything!! Just short of what

Could you please help me with some information.

they have had for breakfast and when they last showered.

It is not the only Motorsport category we wish to read about. I would

The easy one first: Which rounds of the Australian Touring Car

^i

have thought a credible media would give us an overview of ALL

any help with it. Kim’s car was not in the hunt due to his spin and sub

Motorsport.

Is it that the V8s pay you to have

sequent damage but he continued to race the leaders as he was being

!

Einail. msncws(a>corpltnk*com.au ' Cornpu:ien/c: ioo237,ii6S

learn to watch'your mirrors more

ry’s and overseas formulas at your peril.

Contributors

and get out ofthe fast boys way.

Congratulations to Greg Murphy on his debut but I hope he now has a

Susan Schmidt Penshurst NSW

better respect for the oval track rac ers after his comment of “how hard could it be”. I didn’t see him win the

ASST ED: Eh? While we admit V8 stories have dominated the

General: Mike Kable, Jon Thomson, Brian Reed. Darryl Flack FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Ian Bamsey, 13wyn Dolphin US: Bruce Smith, Ptiil Morris NZ Jofin Hawkins Speedway: Dennis Newlyn, David McNabb, Wade Aunger, Geoff Rounds, Mark Neale, David Iramont, Chris Metcalf, Sue Hobson, Michael Attvi'ell, Tony Millard (UK) Rally: Peter Whitren Drag Racing: Cierald McDornan, Greg Ward, Jon Asher (LISA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson, Scott Jug Super Speedway: Maain Clark (USA), Brett Swanson Karts: Ian Salvestrin, Allan Roark, Graeme Burns, Edward Krause Photographers: LAT, Dick Klynsmith, Zoom Phcjtogrciptiics, Neil Hammond, Nigel & Diana Snowdon, Brad Steele, Tony Glynn, Thunder-Pics, Marshall Cass.

Mike Harding, Brisbane Motorsport, Prank Midglc-;y, John Bosher, Phil Williams, Mike Patrick (UK) MOTORSPORnr NEWS i> p'jDlanecl by AusTOl.TSiun Woioisport News l.rcl ACN No 060 179 928 ;■ C Uimftden (Mmaging). D Hissiili. A Glynn i Publisher: C Lambden Printed by: Wilke Color 37-49 BrcMns Rd Ckiyton 3168 Distributed by: NDD Ltd .M.«c-r;;il publ'ShetJ by MCTORSi'ORT NEWS's ropyoghr jnd nviy oor he repfoaucrci :n ic'.l or in ‘prifl Withour rhri wriiipn pprmiision of rne publ'snp'' Iriee'ancp c.omr:hu{ions ef»>' welcome, iirtfj wmlo it!} ciifc will be token. Austrolos-Jn ' Moforspoti News f'ty Ltd fl oes not <.icccpi tesponsibiliiy for fl iimoge or loss of rntUeridl submitted.

. ^

only the dinosaurs on your cover or have you been threatened by them?

You disregard other local catego

lapped again.

Wanless would probably have lost the lead but who knows? So Kim,

■Si

r

race, and didn’t he spin at some stage?

Re Michael Rohrlach looking for Nascar and Jeff Gordon pictures,

1

have you tried these sites? http7/www.jeftgordon.com http://www.gmcgriff.com/pictures/ http://www.erc.msstate.edu/~roger/n ascar/rasn.html

i

Shayne Hunter shunter@eisa.net.au

Dear Sir,

mentators (including yours A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS... Greg Murphy has won races in Formula Pacific, Formula Holden, V8 Supercars and Super Touring. How long (Photo by Tony Glynn) before his first NASCAR win?

opposition with a lot of respect.

See page 35 for his account.

Hitting the binders

Shaking in the Isles

Dear Sir,

Dear Sir,

I am part of the PROCAR team which run the Century Batteries

I’m a young (23) Kiwi guy coming to Aussie to live in May 1998 who lives and breathes motorsport.

I race Karts in New Zealand and

GTP Championship. We obviously subscribe to your excellent publica tion.

follow motorsport around the counti7 and overseas.

1 am coming to Australia to broaden my horizons and my knowledge to help me with my dream of a career in motorsport.

I would love to meet and hear from anyone and any clubs who are involved with karting, HQs,

Championship (or Victorian Touring Car Championship as it seems to be these days) have rounds of the Australian Superbike Championship on the program?

And now the technical one. If you can’t answer it, could you supply the address of a NASCAR team.

I have read mention of “Front steer” and “Rear steer” NASCAR

My question is: do you have binders designed for storing (and

this means, ( I know it’s not rear-

keeping in order) copies of your pub lication?? If so, how much?? Once I

wheel steering but other than that I have been wondering for a few

know that, then I’ll need to know how to order them. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

years).

Phil Compagnoni Himter Institute of Technology

Anne Reid via E-mail

philhp.compagnoni@tafensw.edu.au

1 0

Subscriptions

03 9527 7744

rteAD,JoiTv£.TM£ se£Twe6oA*“ r

81

9

gy

Oo

\

m ■--■ 'Mm 51 m*

ber, and have purchased every issue since your ’96 Bathurst preview. I know everybody says it, but it’s true; yours is by far the absolute best motorsport magazine going around.

I’m just writing to ask you for an address for the Heinz-Haraid Frentzen Fan Club. I know there is one, but I’m not sure where to write to. I would appreciate any help you could give me.

Keep up the good work.

Ashley Crawford, Frankston, Vic ASST ED: We don’t know of any local Frentzen fan club. Write to H-Him at Williams Grand Prix Engineering, Grove, Wantage, Oxfordshire 0X12 ODQ.

By Barry Foley

I’W CEANlNt^OUT AS FAR AS I CAN.. |WOUi-t> DO ...

A SHRuC, Of TWe

HAND Off MX)K at I’D KNOI^RSoRe he’d seen MY Board.vouiPItIB (toORSWORKIMAOUT yCiNAC&UllTN driver .-WCNVOO 0 tOATTKiHOWlFtie u. tANMe-neM..

W60SU

' ' ' '■iinilir ADVERTISING WORKS. IT’S THAT SIMPLE! Call Gerald McDornan on

S

I (klFOMty HE WOOUD NDD HISHE4D oa SOMETHINC, ,JUST SO I WOOUO KNOW He WAD SEEN MY PITSi&nAI60ARP. H£ tOOU) 3TJST UPTHlS...

I have been buying your maga zine on and off since I can remem

chassis. Could you tell me what

Opinions e.xpressec) in Moiorsport News dte not , neress;j/il>' move of Austmlashin Motor.spon News Ply Ltd or its sta!i * !k*commendt?d ond m-iximuni pnee vinly.

(I vccr-?6 lyyues) 'Ao'stuilia SI OS OvericEiis (Air Moill New Zealand, PNG A$160 AS I 70 Makiyiia, Indonesia AS 180 Phillipine.s, HK, Japan US, Canada AS 200 ASZtO LurofTe Po.st or fax ro address above.

Bankcard, VISA Mastercard. Anex accepted

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