Motorsport News Issue 120 - 13-26 February 1998

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13-26 February 1998

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Is the next World Champion in this photo?

THREE-POINTED STAR Mika Hakkinen, David Co the stunning new McLaren. (rnOlO uy

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NEWS

Michael Schumacher thinks so. See imidefar details on the sensational new McLaren-Mercedes

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Seven set to buy' Bathurst

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as ARDC starts peace talks

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By JON THOMSON THE Australian Racing Drivers Club is poised to strike a deal with the Seven Network for the sale of the pit facilities at Mount Panorama, a move which would see the TV net work control the Bathurst facility.

Sources close to both the ARDC and the Network indicated that the deal is “virtually done” and only needs the signatures of the leading jjayers.

The move comes as the Club tries to extricate itself from the dire financial situation it found itself in at the end of last year.

It follows the approval given by members last week for the club to put the Amaroo Park circuit on the market.

Channel Seven executive Graham McVine told Motorsport News as we went to press on Tuesday that the Network was cur rently in negotiation with the Club and that the result will be someti vig veiy good for Bathurst.

“It is probably a little premature to be making statements about this; I think we would have something concrete to say tomorrow (Wednesday),” said McVine.

But, while he confirmed there is a deal being done for the Bathurst facility, McVine was quick to point out that any deal would not affect the running of the rival Primus

n The stewards at Sandown decided not to take action over the John Bowe/Mark Skaife inci dent in race one, but issued a warning to the Falcon driver: “Given the overtaking guidehnes published at the drivers’ brief ing,” said their report,“we have some disquiet at Mr Bowe’s dri ving, but on the evidence we are unable to comfortably find him guilty of an offence.” n As Peter Brock stepped up to accept a special trophy at the Australian MotorSport Awards night, a mobile phone broke the silence. Quick as a flash. Brock looked out and said, “If that’s that Frank Williams bloke, tell him I’ve retired!” n Cameron McConville has finally been confirmed as the . second Audi Sport driver this year. n Rob Benson’s Race Engine Developments company is about to move to much bigger premises in Melbourne. The new phone number there is(03)9380 8388. n As expected, Audi has con firmed that its Super Touring cars will race on Michehns this year. Following the example of the team’s overseas affiliates.

Brad Jones and Cameron McConville will start using the French rubber at Albert Park where Brad and Alan Jones debuted on the tyre last season.

1000 televised on the Ten Network.

“We have accepted the fact that there are now two races at Bathurst and that they are far enough apart that we can live with them and they can live with us,” he said.

“The main reason we are negoti- n ating for this facility is to guaran tee our security and temme for our race, the AMP Bathurst 1000.

Continued Page 9

Brock becomes ARDC patron PETER Brock has agreed to become joint patron of the ARDC, join ing three times World Champion Sir Jack Brabham in the role.

According to new club president Damon Beck, Brock said he was pleased to take the role as a mark of respect for the club which had done so much to further his career over the years.

“There is no greater icon in motorsport than Peter Geoffrey Brock and we are pleased he has agreed to be a patron,” said Beck.

“We are currently speaking with Peter about several projects that we are planning and it is very pleasing that he has decided to play an ongoing role with the ARDC in his retirement from racing.”

n As we closed for press word arrived that Pierfranchesco Chili (Ducati) topped tlje first WSC test session at Phillip Island.

Aaron Slight’s Honda was only 0.05s behind, while Cai’l Fogarty and Colin Edwai’ds kept up the V-twinW-four pattern. Troy Corser was seventh, while Peter Goddard went out on Tuesday but was only 11th fastest. n Late news: Paul Romano’s days of running an unsponsored car may be coming to an end.

Look for the car to shortly gain oil company support. The oil company concerned has not been involved with a 5-htre team before, and Romano would have to buy yellow paint...

Concerns over V8 policing

By CHRIS LAMBDEN THE number of V8 Supercar teams concerned about policing of hightech aspects of the catego ry is on the increase again.

While numbers in the class have increased spectacularly and the opening two rounds of the SATCC have provided strong entertainment, a num ber of teams continue to expess “a level of disquiet” concerning policing of elec tronic and other technical restrictions.

Such is the sensitivity of the subject that nobody is keen to talk “on the record” but the concerns are there.

While most queries centre around the sophistication of ti. electronic management sys tems, one team this week leaked to Motorsport News, as an example, a document which confirms that the 1997 SATCC tyre regulations were seriously breached by some teams - with tacit TEGA approval.

With the late inclusion of Gany Rogers Motorsport as a

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Level 1 team, Bridgestone reportedly faced a struggle, at the start of the 1997 season, to have enough tyres on hand to comply with the new rule, which required all Level 1 teams to use the one size, compound and construction of tyre.

They sought the permission of the Championship Technical Commissioner (Ray Robins) who, after consulting TEGA GM Ken Potter, agi'eed to allow the use of different tyres on some cars. i This was given, and,thus Bridgestone teams used dif ferent (front) tyres for the first five rounds of the 1997 SATCC (and the IndyCar supporting races).

The decision was never made public and only came to light after a complaint from another team - many teams apparently didn’t even know of the concession - which ini tiated an inquiry.

Acting TEGA Chairman 'Wayne Cattach asked fonner Chairman and Technical Committee member Bob

TYRE SWITCH... Bowe and Lowndesjoke at Sandown.

Forbes to undertake the inde pendent inquiiy.

His report, completed two weeks prior to the Primus 1000, confirmed that the con cession was given, that the teams used different tyres, and concluded that permission should never have been given - at least by the offidais concerned.

The eiTor was one of proto-

col, he concluded. The two officials were not empowered to make the decision.

There the matter rested.

The officials concerned were briefed on the matter and that was that.

But what of the myriad of unanswered questions?: l Did the use of different front tyres by some Bridgestone teams materially

affect the outcome of the first half of the SATCC? Tyres are, after all, crucial... l Why the secrecy over the concession? Certainly, one or two teams would have raised hell had they known... l What other technical queries or problems 'are also being kept under wraps? If so, are errors being made there, too?

The TEGA policy of addressing matters in-house may have some advantages in presenting a settled front to the world at large, but there are risks - for example, not one V8 team faced any charge last year in relation to techni cal matters.

Ai-e they all that squeaky clean? A number of their col leagues think not.

The incident highlights the difficulties inherent in having the chief technical official overseeing a category employed by the category itself There are those who believe that the chief techni cal official should be

employed by CAMS rather than TEGA, thus clearly defining a independent role.

Some, including Forbes, disagree: “Despite the odd problems along the way, I believe that the enforcing of the particu larly high-tech elements of our category are best achieved from within,” he said this week.

“The level of expertise and the knowledge of what exact ly is needed to ensure that the regs are complied with is within the teams. They know what can be done (technical ly) and what we have to look for to ensure compliance.”

Although not directly sug gesting it, Forbes’ words echo the feeling among a number of the teams that there are a few “getting away with it” and that not much is current ly being done about it.

With its numbers growing and the category looking good, TEGA’s biggest chal lenge remains ensuring that everyone is playing the game on a level playing field.

Laffite to be a dad at 54 Jacques Laffite, the former Grand Prix win ner and a regular com mentator with the French TFl television channel, has become a father again at the grand old age of 54, his partner Florence hav ing delivered a son Pierre on January 12.

Jacques has two grown-up daughters from a previous mar riage. n Bridgestone has rejected claims made by disgnmtled fonner Benetton driver Jean Alesi that the team has taken with it all the veiy latest data on Goodyear’s 1998 rubber. Goodyear sources say that Benetton returned all the data. n We understand that the Formula 1 team boss es are getting close to agreeing the new 19982008 Concorde Agi-eement. Claims that the deal is already done have been rejected by team bosses. Even if the Concorde Agreement problems are solved, FI still has to get through its battle with the European Commission before the long-term stability ofthe sport can be assured. □ Damon Hill became a father for the fourth time i^st week when his wife Georgie gave bii-th to a daughter. Damon was present at the birth but then had to rash off to Barcelona to begin testing.

■ Former Feraari Grand Prix winner Patrick Tambay, who works as a television com mentator for the French Canal Plus company, is standing in France’s regional elections, hoping to win a seat on the regional council of the Alpes-Maritime depart ment. In recent years Tambay has worked to promote youth activities in the commune of Cannet-RocheviUe, near Cannes. He is being sup ported by France’s opposi tion coalition.

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■ The expansion at Benetton Formula means that the Enstone team is now employing 300 peo ple, up 60 from the start of last season. At the launch of the new B198, team boss David Richards said that FI teams most now be treated like small corporations rather than racing teams and has recently huilt up the human resources depart ment at Enstone to cope with the growth.

■ Alain Prost has been voted the 12th most popular person in France and the most popular sportsman.

-JOE SAWARD

McLaren stays cool at launch

By JOE SAWARD McLaren gave the motor racing world a sneak preview of the new McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13 last week, but played down sugges tions that the team will be a major con tender for the World Championship this year.

“Our feet are firmly on the ground,” com mented McLaren boss Ron Dennis on sugges tions by people such as Michael Schumacher that his is the team to beat.

“We have no interest in predicting our com petitiveness - but it is hard to believe we could have worked harder designing and building the new MP4/13.”

The new car is thq/ first McLaren to be designed with input from Adrian Newey, the former Williams chief designer who joined McLaren in August last year.

Newey said that he does not know what to expect from the new car but that “the goal is to World wm the Championship”.

Dennis was keen to stress the amount of time that the team has spent in aerodynamic

work, claiming 12,000 man-hours in recent months.

This will be an advan tage as the team has suffered badly from poor chassis in recent years.

There'is no doubt, however, that the windtunnel currently being used by the team at the National Physical in Laboratory Teddington is antiquat ed in comparison to those of the other FI operations and that McLaren desperately needs its new facility, which is still at least two years away.

While the arrival of Newey will clearly help the team become more competitive, it remains to be seen whether he can do the job without the right tools.

The prototype MP4/13 appeared in an orange colour scheme, as was the case last year, and the team plans to have a full brand launch in Barcelona bn February 19.

The car is expected to continue to be silver with the backing from West, Mercedes-Benz and Mobil being supple mented with new spon from sorship Schweppes, Warsteiner and Finlandia Vodka,

The team will begin testing the prototype MP4/13 this week in Barcelona.

The new car will be the first McLaren to run on Bridgestone tyres and the team hopes that this will help to give the team a competitive edge.

Dennis says that the team has no internal problems relating to the decision at the European CP at Jerez in October to order David Coulthard to move over and let Mika Hakkinen take the victory.

I Our sources suggest that this is not strictly true as Coulthard is still unhappy about what happened.

Dennis made a spe cial point of stressing that the new car has passed all of the crash tests, the suggestion being that some of the other teams are finding it rather more difficult to get through the strin gent new demands of the regulations.

AGENT ORANGE ...

The new McLaren cut a sharp image in its orange cotour scheme, but wit! revert to stiver when the season starts at Atbert Park.

(Photo by LATDigital)

Grand Prix chief bows out on top Better deal for GP fans

THIS year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix aims to provide a better deal for ground pass holders, with improved viewing but no price increase over last year.

Big new mounds have been constructed around the track to provide good viewing for an extra 19,000 fans - including one named after the King of the Mountain, Peter Brock.

‘Brocky’s Hill’ has been created on the site of the Albert Park golf course near Powerhouse and overlooks the fast section around the back of the lake.

“I’m really thrilled that it is in the General Admission area of the track, and in the public golf course, because I’ve always tried to ensure that I’ve had a good rapport with the public,” said Brocky at the announce ment of his hill.

By DAVID HASSALL

ns Mojorjport SAYING GOODBYE... Judith Griggs at the Motorsport Awards.

Behind Brocky’s Hill on the golf course will be a free Grand Prix Expo, which will feature driver appearances and auto graph sessions with V8 Supercar drivers.

The National race paddock will be open to the public for the first time this year, with free entry.

An extra Superscreen opposite Brocky’s Hill making a total of 13 now will give fans an even bet ter chance of seeing the action frotn all around the circuit.

A number of competi tions are being held and all buyers of General Admission tickets prior to February 27 will get a free

single-use Kodak camera with 27 exposures.

And all patrons will be able to take part in the Grand Prix parties behind the Fangio Stand on Saturday and Sunday evenings, which replace the old post-race concert.

On the track, there are plenty of support races, with, the V8 Supercars now racing four times.

There will also be Super Tourers, Formula Holden, Formula Ford and the Celebrity Challenge, while the Lamborghini Challenge races are expected to be more inter esting than last year’s Ferrari events.

- DAVID HASSALL

AUSTRALIAN Grand Prix chief executive Judith Griggs will oversee her last race at Albert Park next month before mov ing to London for person al reasons.

Griggs was the GP’s first employee and has brought to fruition a race which has been voted the best Grand Prix in the world both times it has been held to date.

This is a remarkable achievement and Griggs is, of course, hoping her final race will give her organisa tion a hat-trick.

After the March 8 Grand Prix, Griggs will be replaced by 32-year-old John Hamden, her deputy of four years.

Griggs said last week that she was setting up her own motor sport consultancy business in London, but denied reports that she would be working again for Bemie Ecclestone.

She said she has started discussions with a number of contacts overseas, including Ecclestone, for whom she worked for four years as a contract lawyer before returning to Australia four years ago.

It was while negotiating the AGP contract wfith event chairman Ron Walker that the idea of taking on the job as chief executive officer first arose.

Hamden, an engineer, originally worked for Kinhill, the engineering company which was responsible for constructing the Adelaide GP circuit each year.

With Kinhill he was inti mately involved in the design and creation of the Zhuhai circuit in China, which will host a Foimula 1 Grand Prix this year or next.

In 1994 Hamden moved to Melbourne to co-design the Albert Park circuit and become the event manager.

Griggs believes he will make an outstanding chief executive as he already has a strong leadership position within the young organisa tion.

Like Hamden, Griggs is a native of Adelaide and start ed her working life with the GP there. She worked in the legal department from 1986 until being invited to London

by Ecclestone in 1989.

Griggs said she would cer tainly return to Australia to live, noting that her profes sional life seemed to go in four-year cycles.

13Febru2fyW98 0

The Enforcer becomes the reporter. That’s right, folks, welcome to Russell IngalTs first column for Motorsport News. And, as you would expect, he promises not to pull any punches...

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KELLY GANG MEMBER... Owen Kelly has joined the Young Lions program.

nother Kelly joins Young Lions

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THE Holden Young Lions have become the Kelly Gang with the announcement that Owen Kelly will be the third driver this year.

Kelly will join Steven Ellery and Todd Kelly (no relation) in the pro gram, in line with Mobil-HRT team manager Jeff Grech’s aim to “bring an unknown driver through the system”.

The 20-year-old from Tasmania is in his first season of Formula Ford racing, having started the year at Sandown last year in SH Racing’s Spectnun.

After graduating from karts, Kelly raced Porsche Cup in 1996 until he was injured late in the season at Phillip Island.

Grech has said that Kelly’s role with the team will more than likely be test ing only, leaving the more experienced ‘Toddler’ to share the Gibson Motorsport car with Ellery in the endurance races.

Owen Kelly is a second generation driver, his father Chas best known for his Targa Tasmania performances at the wheel of a Ferrari F40.

i there motorsport fans! Well, here it is, my first column all about the ins and outs and behind the scenes of V8 Supercar racing.

I hope to bring you a bit of info after each race of what you don’t see or hear - or per haps not meant to hear! And, of course, it will be unbiased (well,-maybe not always).

So here goes ...

It’s hard to believe that already we’ve been through two rounds of the Championship.

Sandown was interesting but probably not all that spectacular as far as racing goes, which is typical Sandown. It’s not the best overtaking circuit that we visjt - as I found out in the first heat when “l^r Black Flag” made his presence felt with a stop-go penalty for an unsuccessful passing attempt.

While on the subject of penalties, all the drivers have been given notice that CAMS has been given greater powers during races to issue instant penalties (stop-gos etc).

While this has its up-sides in respect to dri vers that do have deliberate indiscretions ie being penalised where it hurts in champi onship points - the down-sides are incon sistency, which I felt was the case after watching the Sandown race.

If incidents have happened through gen uine mechanical problems or where there may have been a contributing factor, the accused has no chance to defend himself because the damage has already been done. ' We will have to wait and see how suc cessful this system will be this year, but in any case Mr Schenken is a really great guy (suck suck suck!).

Atracing Symmons unlike fantastic Sandown,and the was Plains, absolutely Channel 10 were on the ball capturing all the incidents.

For a circuit that has a reputation of being hard to pass on, someone forgot to

“bad guy”. Imagine old western movies if there were only good guys - it would be pretty boring wouldn’t it!

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tell us drivers that.

The two races I had with Mark Skaife were probably the toughest races I’ve had since being in touring cars. It was one of those classic duels, trying to ^psyche each other out, me from the front, him from behind - I guess he won this time, but I’m sure there are going to be plenty of others as the year roils on.

I saw Mark after the meeting and we both agreed that it was great fun, plenty of bumper and door banging and exciting view ing - which is what it’s all about really. It’s good to see someone else not afraid to have a go.

On that subject, it was a good drive by Bargwanna. He has got a bit of “grunt” about him and should do alright for himself.

He’s also got personality, something one or two of the other young guns could take note of.

One thing that is often forgotten is that we are not only a sport; we are also in the entertainment industry, both On and off the circuit. There has to be a “good guy” and a

One thing that over probably didn’t come across clearly the weekend was the vast difference in tyre performance from the different brands.

Symmons is the hardest circuit we visit on tyres and by previous records is a happy hunting ground for Bridgestone runners.

And last weekend was no different.

I must admit, even though our Dunlop guys did the best they could, we were strug gling. And I feel sorry for the Yokohama run ners because they seemed to be in more ●Irouble than us.

It is unfortunate when the racing results come down to a large factor being tyres.

This is by no means sour grapes because there will be meetings this year where we will have the upper hand and I won’t be complaining at all, but at the end of the day I would rather race people on a level footing and the best driver come out on top.

Roll on control tyres. endthing of each column is atoShame One I would like includeFile. at the And this week’s winners are some mem bers of a very prominent Level 1 team who seemed to take pleasure by cheering in pit lane when I was turned around by Jason Bright in Race 3.

I think this was very unsportsmanlike and an embarrassment to their sponsors. We’ll see who gets the last laugh, boys. , See you next time. ■

BATTLING WITH SKAIFE: “The toughest races I’ve had since being in touring cars. ”

(Photo by Dirk Klynsmith)

Ferrari beats problems

AFTER weeks of prob lems with the new F300, Ferrari has taken the rad ical step of botching together a new rear end for the car, using the 1997 suspension to stop heat build up from the exhausts affecting the electronic systems.

The team had wasted almost a month with a string of problems, including the exhausts and a gearbox elec tronics glitch which saw it continually selecting neutral.

“Fitting the old suspension system will penalise us a little on aerodynamic peifomiance,” admitted team boss Jean Todt, “but we ai-e working on a new overall aerodynamic package for Melbourne.”

After changing the rear end, Michael Schumacher was able to do some muchneeded engine development and the team was happy that thefe were no engine problems until the final day of the test.

The program also includ ed much-delayed tyre work

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Webber in Benz at Albert Park

TRYING HARD ... Michael Schumacher works the F300 har d in testing in Italy last week. for Goodyear, Eddie Irvine had his first taste of the F300 in the course of Wednesday, although the testing that day was spoiled by rain which fell for most of the day.

The team decided not to travel to Spain this week for

a session which^had been planned at Jerez de la Frontera and will continue to develop the F300 in Italy.

While Ferrari may be under pressure in Formula 1, the car company itself is doing very well at the moment' and last week

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announced record sales of 3581 cars in 1997.

Ferrari said that the improvement in figures reflected not only more effident production and sales methods but also the success enjoyed in FI last year.

-JOESAWARD

MARK will Webber demonstrate the latest version of the awesome Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR at Albert Park next month.

It is believed that the car will be in Le Mans spec.

Webber announced that the deal had come together during the Australian MotorSport Awards dinner last week.

The 21-year-old will drive the howling 700hp monster on every day of the AGP, running at least two laps each day.

Webber, who is currently on a training course with the team in Austria, also con firmed that his race program will take in all 10 rounds of the FIA GT Championship, though his partner is yet to be confirmed.

Mercedes Motorsport boss Norbert Haug, who will be at the race with the WestMcLai'en team, has allocated a car, a mountain of spares and nine engineers and mechanics to run the car in Melboui'ne.

See Webber’s column on page 7 for more news.

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13Febmr^im

Williams dominate testing

Schumacher works miracles

By JOE SAWARD

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WILLIAMS took its new FW20 chassis to Barcelona last week and was quickly on the pace with the new car, setting the fastest times throughout the six days of testing.

Jacques Villeneuve drove for three days and set a best time of lm25.04s.

Heinz- Harald Frentzen then took over for the,next three days and set the fastest time of the week - a lm23.40s - as he did set-up work on the car and Goodyear tyre devel opment.

The team packed up delighted at the success of the first test.

Villeneuve ended up third fastest behind Giancarlo Fisichella’s Benetton.

Benetton started work on Monday with a plan to spend five developing days Bridgestone tyres and the B198, which had had some problems in earlier Barcelona tests.

Alexander Wurz did the first two days of the test, \vith a best of lm26.02s.

Fisichella then took over and on the final day of the test set a lm24.22s - which was 0.82s slower than Frentzen’s best.

Benetton said that it was quite satisfied with the test.

Sauber ran the new C17 chassis for four days, when Jean Alesi had his first chance to try the car.

The Frenchman set a best of lm25.37s on the first day but on Monday he crashed the car heavily after only 15 laps and damaged the rear end.

Johnny Herbert then took over the testing, but a gearbox software problem lost the team a lot of time on the fh’st of Johnny’s two days and his best was a lm25.46s.

McLaren actually set-the fastest lap of the test, early in the week, but as it was the only team using the old 1997 cars the lap times were largely irrelevant.

Mika Hakkinen stopped the clocks at lm22.74s while David Coulthard did a best of lm23.29s.

Jordan started work on

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ON TEST: While Williams set the pace with the new FW20(above in the hands of Villeneuve), Arrows put some miles on the (Photos by LAT Digital) new A19(below)prior to its launch and Jean Alesi had his first drive of the Sauber C17(below right).

Sunday with Ralf Schumacher completing two days with the new Jordan-Mugen Honda.

His best was a lm26.26s.

Damon Hill took over the testing on Tuesday and during his three days ofrunning did a best of lm26.06s.

Minardi ran its new M198 for five days with Esteban Tuero doing the first two with a best of lm29.23s before handing over to new signing Shinji Nakano, who did a lm27.19s.

Tyrrell ran for three days with Toranosuke Takagi, whose best of lm27.19s was 3.79s slower than Frentzen.

Neither Stewart nor Arrows were present in Spain, both preferring to stay in England for a few more days.

Stewart Grand Prix’s trou bles have not eased.

Rubens Barrichello ran the SF2 for the first time at Santa Pod drag strip and then moved on to begin work at Silverstone, where Jan

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New Zealand Touring Car Champ’stiip

Australian Porsche Cup

New Zealand Porsche Cup

Australian Sports Sedan Champ’ship

New Zealand Land Speed Record

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Australian Club Car Nationals

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Magnussen did only half a lap before he suffered an engine problem and managed only four laps later in the day.

Arrows had an easier time with the new A19, which con tinued its shakedown runs on Monday and Thursday before officially launching the car on February 17.

Frost Grand Prix stayed at Magny-Cours and ran for three days in freezing condi tions, then prepared for this week’s test at Barcelona.

WHILE some people in Formula 1 found that Nigel Mansell had the ability to send people into comas when he started talking, Schumacher Michael seems to have the oppo site effect.

The Ferrari star was asked by the parents of a 24-year-old fan in Italy to record a special message to help to bring their son - a Ferrari fan - out of the coma in which he has been since a motorcycle accident in March last year.

Schumacher’s message appears to have been suc cessful with the young man waking up after several weeks of therapy, no doubt wondering why Michael Schumacher has been talk ing to him!

- JOE SAWARD

F1 testing times Barcelona, February 1-6 Heinz-Harald Frentzen Williams FW20-Mecachrome Benetton-Mecachrome B198 Giancarlo Fisichella Williams-Mecachrome FW20 Jacques Villeneuve Benetton-Mecachrome B198 Alexander Wurz Sauber-Petronas Cl7 Jean Alesi Sauber-Petronas Cl7 Johnny Herbert Damon Hill Jordan-Mugen-Honda 198 Ralf Schumacher Jordan-Mugen-Honda 198 Minardi-Ford Ml98 Shinji Nakano Toranosuke Takagi Tyrrell-Ford 026 Minardi-Ford Ml98 Esteban Tuero

1m23.40s 1m24.22s 1m25.04s 1m26.02s 1m25.37s 1m25.46s 1m26.06s 1m26.26s 1m27.19s 1m27.19s 1 m29.23s

I r€M€Mng An Adelaide-based Team Manager is required for our Porsche Cup race team. Salary applies. In 1996 we were 3rd in the A class championship and 2nd in 1997. In 1998 our car and equipment have been significantly upgraded.

We also require two persons from each of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to help crew our race team for each local round (in that state) of Porsche Cup (support event for the 2L Super Tourers) and work under the direction of our Team Manager. Team clothing and an expense allowance provided.

Please apply in 'w^riting with full details of previous experience and skills to; Greg Keene, KRO Australia, 23 Marlborough St, College Park, Adelaide, SA 5069 or call 0418 835 300.

WFebwsiyWS

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I lostfour kilos on the day and was one knackered little camper p’

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ere in Germany it's minus two degrees and I'm writing this column from my hotel near the AMG factory, just prior to heading off to Zurs up in the Austrian Alps tomorrow, where I'll be joining the rest of the Mercedes GT squad for an extensive six-day fitness program.

I'm driving there in the morning. We're having the first day off, skiing and having a bit of fun, but then we have a meeting at 8pm with Tony Matthis about what we’re going to be doing for the next six days.

I was there before Christmas with Bernd Schneider and at the time he told me to enjoy this trip, as the one we're about to do now won't be much fun!

MAN OF THE MOMENT:Mark enjoys a quiet drink before the Australian Motor^port Awards Tony is the Austrian World Cup team ski at the Hotel Sofitel with his girlfriend Kim and James Courtney’s parents, Deanna and Jim. Soon coach and pushes his clients very hard. He after, Mark was collecting the major awards, including the MotorSportsman ofthe Year.

- i has been employed by Mercedes for sever al years, so there's plenty of people around and we tested about 12 different sets of so I can do my relaxing out there instead. to tell me just how tough it's going to be.

This next trip will probably be my last compounds, which requires 15 laps on each I've already heard about one of the set, plus an in and an out lap. one to Australia for a while, as the season things we're likely to be doing. Last year, After that, I personally had to pick the is looming up very fast and there's lots to be Alex Wurz discovered 3000 stairs that he best set of fronts and rears to do a one-hour done. tried to conquer, but battled to do. run, which is the first time I've driven for an Of course, I've only just got back from Apparently it's our turn to conquer it. Wurz my last trip home. hour noq-stop. is very fit, so if he couldn't manage it then| It was fantastic that Motorsport News That was quite difficult to do at the end of think it’s going to be very hard for the rest of a full day's testing, during which time I had and CAMS were able to bring me back for us! already completed 150 laps. I lost four kilos the Australian MotorSport Awards night and fter we finish in Austria, I drive back to on the day and was one knackered little I was really excited to be nominated again.

Like I said on the night, to win the .Stuttgart for a day or so and then fly to camper!

International Award wasn't such a big sur Madrid for a five-day test at Jarama with prise, but the second one - the big one Ricardo Zonta, Jean-Marc Gounon and After Jarama,Australian I'm heading backPrix, home for certainiy was.

Schneider. the Qantas Grand which It was a fitting occasion to publicly thank I tested at Jarama last month, too, and it I'm really looking forward to. Rather than went very well. I was very happy to have relaxing for a few days in Europe after the those that have helped me, in particular, of the opportunity to work with Bridgestone test. I'm getting on a plane as soon as I can course. Yellow Pages.

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It was also good to see so many familiar faces from my time in Australian Formula Ford there on the night, so there was pienty of catching up to do.

I also met quite a few new people on the night, too. I thought the most interesting of ail were Victor Bray and Harry Firth - quite different characters, but they both gave me some good advice.

I've been extremely interested to hear of the number of drivers contacting the David Campese Management Group, looking for assistance with their careers. They must think David has the magical 'goose step' to get them to the pinnacle of their respective classes!

N

ext month's Qantas Australian Grand Prix is really shaping up well and I'm pleased that I'm going to be associated with it.

For some while now we've been pushing hard to get a Mercedes GT out to Australia for the Grand Prix, so we can demonstrate to everyone back there the car I'll be driving in this year's FIA GT Championship.

Thanks to the sterling efforts of Judith Griggs and John Hamden at the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Jeff Fisher at Mercedes Benz Australia, they've pulled off what I consider to be mission impossible!

It had to be passed by so many different people, including Bernie Ecclestone, and now its happening. I’m really .excited to be involved in it.

It's going to be a real eye-opener and most people will be on the edge for their seats for sure.

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n Mark Adderton will be racing a Honda Accord this season alongside Kiwi Graeme Dodd, who has acquired an ex-NATCC Accord. Both cars will be prepared by Nigel Barclay. n Wayne Gardner has entered his remaining Coke Commodore for the Grand Prix meeting. The car will be prepared by veteran Sydney race engineer Harry Galloway. n Reports from Japan indicate that Takuma Aoki flew over the bars while testing and has been seri ously injured. Although reports are sketchy,it appears that the Honda works rider suffered spinal injuries and will be out for the season. n Paul Pickett is likely to join Peter Hills’ Knight Mondeo team in this year’s BOC Gases series. The Sydney HVe proprietor has his two Hyundais for sale. n Super Touring racing may be ongoing in the USA. An eight-round series based on the west coast is the aim offormer NATCC team owner Berle Smith, who is hoping for dozen car grids in the first year.

H Entries for the Historic Racing Association’s Olde BP Rally,from March 2022, are filling fast. So far former Vee racer George Reynolds is entered, as is former Volvo works steerer Gerry Lister. Further infor-

n Robby Gordon will drive for a CART team this year after all. Gordon will become the ‘test and engine development driver and consultant’-test driver for the Arciero-Wells team.

Initially it was rumoured that Gordon would take the race seat when Hire Matsushita retired after the Motegi oval race in Japan hut now a race seat for 27-year-old Gordon looks more likely for 1999. n Ford’s Visteon Automotive Systems has signed a multi-year contract to be the primary sponsor of Scott Pruett’s Patrick Racing Reynard-Ford.

Visteon is a wholly-owned subsidiary ofthe Ford Motor Company and manu factures powertrains, chas sis and electronic systems. n Michel Jourdain Jr demonstrated a ReynardFord at the heavily revised 4km Autodrome Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City last week as part of an eftbrt to bring a CART FedEx Championship race to the track next year. / n Toyota debuted its neW RV8C engine at Spring training. The RV8C has been designed and built at TRD,Toyota’s American racing division in Costa Mesa, California, and replaces the RV8B which was designed and manufac tured in Japan.

Vasser tops Spring Training

JIMMY Vasseris record of success at Homestead has continued when he post ed the fastest overall lap of CART Spring Training.

Vasser’s Reynard Honda completed a lap of 212.039mph on the 1.5-mile oval during the second day of the two-day open test.

Unofficially, 25 drivers bettered Paul "rracy’s 1996 qualifying record of 198.590 mph over the two-day ses sion.

“Our whole package still seems to be every bit as good as what it’s been the past SLEEK BUT SLOW... Ribiero was only 13th fastest in the latest Penske-Mercedes. couple of years,” said Vasser, the 1996 PPG Cup champi- right down there with on.

Jimmy’s time.’

Mauricio Gugelmin “We only used two sets of (PacWest Reynard-Mercedes) .LOLA’S new T98/00 has MEANWHILE, Frank tyres the whole time we were here. In the afternoon, we Demie has been recruited by was third fastest at 210.682 ^hown a lot of potential in mph. its first test.

Lola to strengthen the com changed our set-up around Yesterday was pretty and went for long runs. pany’s engineering team.

In a session run by Patrick “I’m still somewhat happy much a'Waste of a day, but I Racing at Sebring, with Scott Dernie, 47, will join Lola but not totally happy. was happy to see that my car Pmett at the wheel, the car as Chief Engineer, tasked to There’s still some room for was reliable and running apply his experience and run ‘straight out of the improvement.” well,” Gugelmin said. box’, using settings chosen expertise in improving the Michael Andretti (Swift performance of the engineer “The engine behaved really from experience, 009i-Ford) was second well. It was very similar^jto The team set the third ing process and its products. fastest at 210.756 mph.

Dernie has enjoyed success where we left off last year fastest time before packing “It was a good two days for (when Gugelmin set a world at the highest level, having up_ behind Alex Zanardi. us,” said Andretti closed-course speed record of Lola Chief Designer Ben spent 10 years at the Williams FI team.

“We didn’t learn anything 240.942 during qualifying at Bowlby commented, “With California Speedway), and time to dial in the car and yesterday because of the Among his credits is the wind. But this morning we there’s the potential to grow original Williams active sus really lean on it, I’m sure unloaded and the car was from there, so I’m really we’d have been right up pension system which won there. We know there’s more first time out,at Monza in great rig^t away. We didn’t happy.

“The circuit is a lot nicer to to come when the ’98 gearbox 1987. make one adjustment to the drive. I think we’ll have very casing and rear suspension is He also worked with car in the morning session.

“Had we done a little more good racing, even though Lotus, Ligier, Benetton, and delivered. As it is, we’ve sig we’re more than 10 miles an work to the car this after nalled our readiness to take most recently with the TWR Arrows team. noon, we could have been hour faster than last year.” on all-comers already.”

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Minardi driver headache MINARDI may have to find a new driver because the FIA is reluctant to give Esteban Tuero an FI Superlicence.

In'rprevious years there were specific rules for the issuing of Superlicences but these'were dropped because they proved to be rather inconsistent.

Instead, the FIA intro duced a rule (Article 47 of International the Sporting Code) which states that “the FIA reserves the right to refuse the issuing of a Super Licence without having to give the reasons for this.”

It seems that the 19year-old Argentine driver has not convinced the Formula 1 Commission that he has sufficient experience to be granted a Superlicence, having

GOING NOWHERE... Tuero waits to test the new Minardi. completed only a couple of half-seasons of racing at international level.

Tuero was bringing a considerable amount of money to the team from Argentine sponsors, who

may now ask for Norberto Fontana, the only Argentine driver who is currently in possession of a Superlicence.

Fontana hopes to sign a deal to drive for Tyrrell

(Photo by LAT Digital)

but there is no shortage of others keen to get the drive, notably Brazilian Ricardo Rosset, who is believed to be offering $5m.

-JOESAWARD

French wait for GP decision THE final decision over the French Grand Prix is expected this week as legislation allow ing the race to go ahead passes through the French National Assembly.

It is expected that the FIA will announce that the race can go ahead at Magny-Cours on June 28.

There is also expected to be a decision in the course of the week over the Belgian GP. Last week the European Commissioner, Competition Belgian Karel Van Miert, told the Belgian Parliament that the European Commission would not bow to pressure from the FIA to back down on the tobacco issue and intended to stop the bullying that he considers is an abuse of the FIA’s position.

Van Miert said that the FIA is a body which “does not hesitate to use all means possible to strength en its position” but said that “the Europearl Commission will resist these methods”.

-JOESAWARD

'' I

nd childish games- Jacques

JACQUES Villeneuve has called for an end to the “childish word games” between himself and arch-rival Michael Schumacher.

The pair have exchanged sharp words since their collision in the final gi-and prix of the 1997 season at the European Grand Prix in Jerez which led to the German being stripped of his second place in the championship.

They met after the race to dis cuss the incident but since then they have communicated mainly through tit-for-tat exchanges in the

press - mainly by Villeneuve!

“I always read it through the media,” said Villeneuve, at the launch of the Williams FW20 which will contest the/l998 championship season.

“People tell me he (Schumacher) said this and so I answer that and it’s just childish games. l “Everybody has already said adot of things and usually what is writ ten is not the positive thing because that’s boring.

“Nobody wants to read the posi tive things. I guess we will be the

focal point again because that’s what everyone wants to see.

“Why should I have a different attitude to Michael this year?Tf he’s fast. I’ll fight against him and that’s all.

“Last year is behind us. As long as there are not too many word games then it should be OK.” Schumacher responded last week by saying he would rather iron out any differences with Villeneuve in person, rather than maintain their “boring” war of words.

“We haven’t seen each other face-

to-f%ce since after the last race of 1997 and so all the discussion is being conducted via the press — which obviously has its own inter ests in the affair,” said Schumacher.

“If you’re not very experienced in this field, there’s the risk of com menting on statements which are always coming to you secondhand.

So that’s why, for years now, I haven’t bothered to answer them.

“In this case, there’s nothing to respond to. I’ve no comment on what’s been written.”

Seven set to ^buy’ Bathurst Mansell still wants to,race on a full-time basis.

Continued from Page 3 This is a role which “Money needs to be spent on the facility to takes in many of the management duties formerly bring it up to world stan dards and we are looking undertaken by long-time to quarantine the ARDC club chief Ivan Stibbard. from that responsibility,” Hones took up the new he added. role on Januaiy 29.

McVine said the Seven Stibbard will remain as Network wasn’t concerned racing manager.

Beck would not comby the ARDC’s financial ment on what tenure problems because he believed the Club now had Hones has been given or the right team running it, whether the club was head-hunting an executive the right business plan and a solid foundation to to take over the build on.

Operations responsibili- j “Seven has a 35-year ties. relationship with the It is known that human ARDC and we aren’t just resources company going to walk away from Morgan and Banks, an them when they hit finanorganisation headed by dal problems,” he said.

Porsche Cup champion ARDC president Damon Geoff Morgan, has Beck was reticent about approached some people commenting on the negotiabout the job with the ations with the Seven ARDC. Network but said that the Beck indicated that move by Club members to there had been talks with vote for the disposal of AVESCO chairman Tony Amaroo was a strong posi- . Cochrane at the opening five move forward. round of the Touring Car “With the appropriate information before them and a business plan together, the vote was overwhelmingly in favour of selling Amaroo,” said Beck.

In another move, the ARDC has announced that club deputy president and Porsche Cup racer Chris Hones has been appointed as Director of Operations

Championship at Sandown and that the discussions were “extremely cordial and accommodating”.

“Mr Cochrane, who I had never met before, was charming and I was very pleased to have the chance to meet with him and discuss motor racing matters,” said Beck.

The president would not comment on whether »

Stibbard’s move out of the full management role had allowed the opening of dialogue with AVESCO, which has denied the Eastern Creek facility a round of the SATCC this year.

The SATCC round is a crucial money-maker for most circuits around the country and it is understood the ARDC is keen to regain this opportunity, Just who will buy tbe Amaroo Park facility is unclear, but when the matter was first mooted by club executives late last year TOGA Australia co owner Peter Adderton tabled an offer to buy the track, which is now tightly wedged between semirural residential subdivisions.

The Club is pushing ahead with plans to establish new clubrooms at Eastern Creek over the next two years as well as negotiating with other operators to build drag racing and speedway facilities at the troubled western Sydney track, It is understood that the ARDC also has an urgent need to spend almost half a million dollars on drainage work on the track as well as service back rent to the NSW govern ment believed to amount to almost $200,000.

FORMER World Champion Nigel Mansell last week threw his hat into the FI ring once again, explaining that he has not been racing for the last two seasons because of contractual obligations.

“I have always enjoyed racing,” said the 43-year-old Brit, “and it really was not my doing not to race these last couple of years.

“I had contracts which paid me for not racing, but I am a free agent this year.”

- JOESAWARD

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T World of Sport

Motor Raiing Calendar Shell Aust. Tourihg Car Championship’* Rd3

Mar 29 .. .Lakeside

10 round series held around Australia

Slick 50 Formula Ford* Mar 29 .. .Lakeside

,Rd2

Eight round series held around Australia

Aust. Formula Holden Championship* Apr 19 .. .Phillip Island ...Rd 2 Five race series held around Australia

FedEx Champ Series*

Mar 15 . . .Homestead ... .Rd 1 Mar 28 . . .Motegi, Japan . .Rd 2 11 race series held around the United States

Indy Racing League

Rd2

Mar 22 . . .Phoenix

19 race series held around the United States, Australia, Brazil and Japan

FIA GT Championship

Rd 1

Mar 22 .. .France

10 race series held around the world.

Foinmulea 1 World C'ship Mar 8 ....Melbourne Mar 29 . . .Brazil

Rd 1 Rd 2

16 race series heid around the world

ACDelc® CUP NASCAR* Stra^hfield National Cup

Feb 14 ...Thunderdome . .Rd 5 Mar 14 . . .Thunderdome ..Rd 6 6 race series held in Australia

I Winston Cup NASCAR

HE opening round of the Shell Superbike Cham pionship at Symmons Plains was a good way the start the year.

I didn’t really have that good a weekend but the results, a first and a third, were pretty good, so I'm pret ty happy.

The first race may have looked like I was riding to a plan, but I wasn’t. Both Damon Buckmaster and I had been running dry clutches on the Zurich Kawasakis all weekend but I had a problem In the warm-up and I had to go back to a wet clutch for the race and it took a few laps for me to get used to it again.

By the time I’d figured it out Damon had gone. I had to ride really hard to catch him; he was still going hard and my lap times got faster. It was good to start with a win.

In the second race the clutch started to slip and there wasn’t much 1 could do. Damon was gone and Steve Martin was on a charge on the Ducati. Third was it; we’ll get back to dry clutches as soon as we can.

I think that the Ducati will struggle this year The bike is past its use= by date and having Troy Corser going back may upset things a little. i

i^T\/ Symmons is hard enough.-to deal with anyway. The break I before the next race will really

I Ducati will be the biggest chal lengers this season, Steve Martin especially. After a half season on the bikes he was riding really well at the end of ’97 and he’s settled now.

Craig Connell will be tough too.

People could also dismiss Suzuki but that would be a mis take. Mark Willis did very well; he was really hurting with his broken shoulder and the amount of pres sure on the shoulders at

help him.

Paul Free did quite well in his first Superbike round. It’s a big jump but he should do well the more he races.

T

he offer to race in the Bol D’or event in Europe was great.

They approached me about two weeks ago with the offer for France and for the Spa 24 Hours.

It was a bloody pleasant surprise!

There’s the French race in late July but the Spa race in October clashes with one of our races.

H

aving 1997 model Kawasakis doesn’t seem to be much of a setback. While the bikes are not rocketships compared to every thing else it’s good to be able to start the season with a well-sorted package. , There are quite a few things in the wind - like new carburettors that should help to make the bikes even better.

Ducati had their new bikes in their truck and also chose to raofe their proven machines. I think that

ji Mar 22 .. .Darlington g Mar 29 .. .Bristol ...

Rd 3 ,Rd4 ,Rd5 Rd6

9 33 race series held around the United States

AUST DRAG RACING* Feb 21 USA Jet Cars ....CP Feb 21 ; n Top Fuel Series ..WB Australian Top Fuel Series Round 5

Feb 28

Feb 28

Nostalgia Drags ..RP Lucas Oils Nostalgia event, featuring a blown front engined dragster match race with Roly Leahy and Maurice Fabietti.

Nitro Funny Cars .AIR USA V Australia lealuring Glenn Mikres, Peter Russo, Garry McGrath

THE BUCK STARTS HERE... Damon Buckmaster was in terrific form. (Photo by oirk Kiynsmith) Track legend: AIR-Adelaide Int. R'way, CIDCanberra Int. D’way, CP-Calder Park, ECEastern Creek, PAL-Palmyra R'way, RIRRavenswood Int. R'way, RP-Raceway Park, Heathcote, Victoria, TID-Townsvilie, WBWillowbank R'way

NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series

Feb 22 .. .Phoenix .

Mar 8 ... .Galnsville Mar 22 ...Houston .

Rd2 Rd3 Rd4

22 race series held around the United States

World Rally Championhip Feb 27 ...Kenya Mar 23 .. .Portugal

Rd 3 Rd 4

14 rally series held around the world

Q

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

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

Check your local guides for screening details.

Phillip Island’s World Championship round Superbike is coming up and I’m really keen to be there.

I’ve got and entry and Kawasaki will allow the bikes to run but, with one or two things this year, the budget is tighter than it was and I’m searching for support.

It costs about $20,000 to run in a race meeting but if I can come up with $8000 for tyres and fuel I can do it.

I think I’ve got a real shot at getting into the internationals and finishing on the podium. I’ll be looking for any support I can get between now and then; if anyone wants to step in and help, contact Motorsport News.

T

he rest of the World Championship scene is getting pretty interesting, with only 0.6s over the top 10 in the most recent test.

It’s good to see Yanagawa’s Kawasaki heading the sheets but Haga’s Yamaha is second!

Goddard was only just off the pace but 10th.

I think that the Ducati will struggle this year. The bike is past its use-by date and having Troy Corser going back may upset things a little.

Fogarty’s with a new team but I doubt that will make any differ ence. A bike’s a bike and he has a lot of experience.

Last year it was Ducati versus Honda all year but things may not be like that in 1998. We’ll see.

Kawasaki’s first biood In-form Abe

^ Feb 15 . . .Daytona 500 .. .Rd 1 n Feb 22... .Nth Carolina ....Rd 2 ^ Mar 1 ... .Las Vegas H Mar 8 ....Atlanta ..

Riding with Piergiorgio Bontempi will be great. Not only is he an experienced rider he and I are similar in the way we set-up our bikes. I rode his in Japan last year and was impressed.

KAWASAKI opened the 1998 Shell Superbike sea son in the best way at Symmons Plains with two emphatic wins.

Damon Buckmaster took the honours for the weekend by virtue of his pole position point, giving him the edge over Marty Craggill, with whom he shared the wins.

Qualifying was close, par ticularly the first session when the first four bikes were split by 0.2s. But in the second session Buckmaster asserted his authority, edg ing Craggill’s similar 1997 machine by 0.03s to get pole with 53.45.

With two 1998 bikes still in their truck Craig ConneU and Steve Martin had to make do with older machin■»

ery on their way onto the front row, ahead of the Bombadiere Kawa of late signing Kirk McCarthy.

Shawn Giles led Honda’s effort, shading the Suzuki’s of an injured Mark Willis and Paul Free.

After Giles took a huge dump-off in the warm-up (relegating" him to his ancient, back-up bike) race one was all Buckmaster, or so it seemed. He streaked away to a 2.3s lead in seven laps while Craggill busied himself fighting off the Dqcatis but, as McCarthy moved onto the tail of the Italians Marty eased away.

Buckmaster was in trou ble, having spent his tyrres early and Craggill mowed him down,taking the lead at

the hairpin with two laps to go. A fired-up Martin also got on terms with Bucky, slipping by on the final cor ner to edge him for second.

The second race followed the same pattern - but Buckmaster stayed ahead.

'This time it was Craggill’s turn to feel the Martin heat.

‘T made a lot of little mis takes,” said Craggill later.

“But no excuses. Damon and I were on the same tyre and he beat me.”

With a pair of fourths it was a brilliant first-up ride

by McCarthy, while Connell (who engine was changed between races) never really got the run that Martin did.

Points after 2raees: Buckmaster 42, Craggill 41, Martin 40, McCarthy 26, ConneU 22, WUlis 19, Giles 18,Free 17.

YAMAHA’S Norifumi Abe has continued his hot form at Phillip Island after a competitive lm33.85s on the final day of an esdiaustive four-day test at PhiUip Island.

The time is over a second faster than his 1997 qualify ing time, despite concentrat ing on testing tyres and parts for the new 1998 YZR500.

“I like the new bike very much and I’ve found two or three good tymes which will make it easier for us to con centrate on chassis set-up at the next test, the 22-yearold said. “Even when I wasn’t pushing for lap times I was consistently doing low 34s for race distance.”

Abe’s team-mate, former Modenas star Jean-Michel Bayle, focused the first two

rn 1

days of the test on getting laps on the bike to find a comfortable chassis set-up, while days three and four were set aside for tyre test ing. After lapping in a best of lm34.5, Bayle said, “I like the new bike and I got my confidence back after the first day and found a good feeling. We found a good base to work from which enabled us to concentrate on small changes to improve the handhng.”

New Red Bull Yamaha signing Simon Crafar made an impressive 500 test debut, recording similar times to Bayle.

Crafar’s team-mate Regis Laconi, who tested at crashed in Japan before Christmas, was fractionally faster with a lm34.47.

-DARRYL FLACK

ussies struggle

DODGING wild monkeys and enduring punishing temperatures and humidity, Japanese riders Akira Yanagawa and Noriyuka Haga dominated the threeday Falmmini World Superbike test at Shah Alam last week.

Yanagawa (Kaw) recorded the fastest time of lm25.891,just ahead of the lm25.928 recorded by Haga’s Yamaha.

Meantime, Harris Suzuki rider Peter Goddard crashed on the first day of the test, but returned later to record the tenth fastest time behind Carl Fogarty’s Ducat, and over a tenth faster than team mate James Whitham.

The other Australian rider Troy Corser (Ferrari Ducati) participated on the first day despite an ill ness, which ultimately forced his withdrawal fi’om the test.

-DARRYL FLACK

13Febfuafy1998

1/

tasMe the new Williams FW20 "There is no direct replace ment for him because of the vast fund of experience that he had built up in FI, Indycars, sportscars and so on. He had much more expe rience than the group of peo ple who have replaced him.

"But I am still very happy with the people we have.

They are working well."

The team has conducted a

By JOE SAWARD

THE most dramatic thing about the latest Grand Prix car from Williams Grand Prix Engineering is its bright red livery.

Ever since Williams shot to prominence with Alan Jones in 1979, the team has adopted a conservative atti tude to its colour schemes, with white and green fol lowed by white and blue.

The new FW20 in its red Winfield colours and white and yellow flashes presents a much more aggressive approach from the team.

The car carries a number one for the first time in 15 years because every Williams World Champion since Nigel Mansell has left the team the following season.

But not everything at Williams is new.

The design philosophy dictated as usual by Technical Director Patrick Head - is much as it always has been. You build on what you have and adapt the proven product to the demands for change.

The basic layout of the FW20 and the design concept of the car is the same as that of the Williams-Renault FW19 - which won 8 of last year's 17 Grands Prix and should have won more but nr mistakes by the drivers and the team.

But for the 1998 season there have been quite dra matic regulation changes which include the nan'owing of the cars, the introduction of grooved tyres and the increase in lateral safety to protect the drivers in a sideon impact.

The Mecachrome engine is not gi’eatly different from the Renault VIO with which the team finished the 1997 sea son.

"I think there may be a dif ference but it will be barely noticeable," said team boss Frank Williams.

"We finished last year with a world class engine and I believe we are starting this year with a world class engine."

The only uncertainty is

n ,7^ Snapon

SEEING RED...

Jacques Villeneuve and Heinz-Harald Frentzen are joined by technical chief Patrick Head with the FW20.

“Jacques is aware that people think Schumacher is the best and wants to prove that wrong,”says Head.

Wilson gets nod as second test driver

FRANK Williams has named Brazilian rising star Max Wilson as his team's second test driver.

Wilson will work alongside Columbian Juan-Pablo Montoya doing development work for Jacques Villeneuve and Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

As part of the deal, Williams will run with sponsorship from Petrobras, Brazil's state petrol company.

Wilson is 26 but has only been racover funding for the develop ment work.

In terms of the chassis.

Chief Designer Gavin Fisher's office has worked to incorporate the best aspects of FW19 with the changes forced by the regulations.

The car is an evolution.

"Technically it will be an interesting ' year," says Fisher, "because there will he a much greater diversity of designs than in preyious years.

"We are, however, confi dent that the ingredients which have made us the most successful team of the 1990s will be equally well-

ing in Europe for two years, doing an impressive job last season in his first year in Formula 3000.

Although he failed to win a race, he finished fifth in the European title race.

At the launch of the new Williams FW20,the team revealed its fuli spon sorship package and announced that it is to develop merchandising opera tions with the Universal Studios

suited to the coming season."

As usual, aerodynamics is the most important perfor mance-related aspect of design and the Williams windtunnel team at Grove, under Chief Aerodynamicist Geoff WiUis has been busy in the half-scale tunnel at the Wilhams factory.

"This car is a major devel opment from the FW19," explains Willis, "and we are pleased with the improve ments we have been able to make on the performance characteristics of the car."_ The prototype was com pleted early on the morning of the launch - Januaiy 28 -

Consumer Products Group.

The team continues to work towards its planned partnership with BMW with the news that BMW Motorsport is to be relocated at a new factory opposite Williams Grand Prix Engineering in Grove.

While the new headquarters is being built, work on the BMW GT sportscar continues to be done at the old Williams factory in Didcot.

and was then rushed to Silverstone where it was unveiled before testing began.

"We are eager to see how the competition has adopted the changes," admits Patrick Head.

"I would not say that we have any massive secrets in the FW20. We have a very sound and good base on which,to build throughout the year ahead. '"There is nothing radical about the suspension. We have new suspension geome tries but there are no new composite bits and pieces.

"The gearbox is still a

transverse unit but it is also new, although it has the same basic layout as the one we used last year.

"Lots of people seem to want to change to longitudi nal gearboxes but I doubt that having a longitudinal gearbox rather than a trans verse one is going to be a race-winning factor."

The FW20 is the first car Williams has designed since the departure to McLaren of the team's chief designer Adrian Newey.

"Obviously," says Head, "when you lose someone like Adrian you are losing some thing of value.

great deal of testing so far this winter, using narrowtrack versions of the FW19.

Does this mean that many FW20 parts have already been tested?

"In fact we have not done much testing like that," admits Head. "We have done mainly tyre development work and a bit of work on weight distribution.

"I think that tyres will be the biggest variable in 1998 and at the moment it seems to us, that the Bridgestones have a better driveability.

That is to say that they pro duce good laps for longer than the Goodyears.

"I am quite confident that we will be able to produce the quick l^p times with the current tyres, it is just a question of whether we can maintain those lap times for a long enough period.

"Goodyear has some new development tyres coming in February and they are very confident that this will be a big step forward."

Head feels that Villeneuve . is even more motivated than in 1997.

"He has come into the new season, or at least the prepa rations for it, in a positive and confident frame of mind.

"He very much wants to win the World Championship again because he is aware that a lot of people think Michael Schumacher is the best driver in the field. I think Jacques wants to prove that that idea is wrong."

Villeneuve himself says that he expects his chief rival for the World Championship to be his own teammate Heinz-Harald Frentzen which shows that he is confi dent that the FW20 will be the class of the FI field in 1998 ...

A rare opportunity to secure a piece of Austraiian motor racing history 1979 Phillips 4 door A9X Torana Touring Car

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- Presented in full Phillips corporate blue and white

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1982 Re-Car VH Commodore Group C These cars are offered for sale Touring Car - Last driven by Allan Grice & Steve Harrington at individually or as a package by tender.

Bathurst in 1984 For full tender information write to: - Numerous pole positions, track records and race wins.

Steve Harrington - First ever touring car to complete a lap in excess of PO Box 6768 St Kilda Road Central 100 mph average at Mt. Panorama.

Melbourne Vic 3004 Presented with full CAMS log book and impressive or call Steve on 0418 359 999 documented race history.

12

l^(pO®J^S[p®D^D

13Fetjfuar]fl998

Bernie on F1 in America

HRT boss Hog springs looter at Sandown HRT team manager Jeff Grech was fortunate he retiumed to the team transporter while the wreckage was cleaned up at the start of race two at Sandown because he sprung an intruder who was allegedly mak ing away with a nximber of mobile phones and wallets. Police took the man away to “help with their inquiries”. Just as well, too, because a number of fans wanted to apply some summary justice of their own ...

S Keryn Brewer was another victim of crime on race morning, having her suit bag, complete with gear and personal effects, stolen.

S The off-season was a good time for weddings.

As well as Russell Ingall, Craig Lowndes tied the knot with Natalie, Steve Ellery was hitched to Kerne and Ryan McLeod said;yes to Belinda.

H Mark Skaife might have been unhappy with being chopped off by John Bowe in the first race at Sandown, but JB had no qualms about it. “If he thinks every time he pokes his nose up by my door I’m going to jump out of the way he’s got a sur prise coming,” Bowe said at the end of the day. n Bowe was wheeling out the quotes of the weekend at Sandown. Of his poor starts he was very hard on himself: “I’m a dunce. I gave the races away at the start.” n Mike Conway was especially thankful to his sponsor OAMPS

Insurance after crashing heavily on Saturday.

“Mike arid the team are VERY well irisured,” com mented CAMPS chief Rob Porter as the Commodore was carted away to be assessed.

OVER BUT NOT OUT... Jason Bargwanna in the Valvoline Commodore just misses getting invoived (above)as Don Puiver roils his Commodore at Sandown.( Photos by Andrew Koriaki)

Don gets Pulverised

n The Sandown organis ers were a little embar rassed to find that some of their promotional litera ture had the Sandown 500 listed for September 14 a Monday! Rest assured, the race will be held on Sunday the 13th. n The new SATCC pointscore goes down to ^ 20th place instead of 15th like last year. First place in each race now gets 40 points and after that it is 36, 34, 32 and so in in increments of two until you get to 20th, which gets a single point. n After watching last year’s races mainly from the sidelines, Mark Skaife saw how much Russell Ingall always gained with his super starts. So in the few weeks before Sandown, Skaife did 30 practice starts in testing.

Not that it did much good in race two ... n Dick Johnson was in good spirits after qualify ing eighth in the older of the Shell Falcons. “It’s as fast as this old girl will go,” he commented - we assume of the car, not him. n Steve Richards made the observation that he had already done as much' testing as he had for the whole of last year - before adding that that only amounted to two days ...

- DAVID HASSALL

/

PRIVATEER Don Puiver had a rough introduction to the SATCC huriy-buriy at Sandown, but is deter mined to bounce back.

Even before qualifying started, he crashed the exLansvale VP Commodore twice, completely destroying the shell in the second.

And this was after an overnight trip back to Emu Plains, a two-hour drive from Sydney, to gets parts to repair darhage from the pre vious crash.

But, despite being shaken up by the roll-over on Saturday morning (apparent ly caused by a broken strut top), Puiver is planning his comeback.

“We have decided to rebuild the car and are cur rently looking for a VS Dencar shell,” he said last week.

- DAVID HASSALL

-JOESAWARD

Nakano joins Minardi

MINARDI has signed Japanese dri ver Shinji Nakano for the 1998 sea son.

The 26-year-old from Osaka - a protege of Mugen company boss Hirotoshi Honda - joins the small Italian team after a lacklustre sea son with Frost Grand Prix.

Minardi has yet to announce its full sponsorship package and to date the car has only been seen running in a neutral grey colour scheme, but it seems that there will

be greatly increased support from Fondmetal - the wheel-making company owned Minardi’s chief shareholder Gabriele Rirnii.

“I believe that Shinji may do exceedingly well this year,” said team boss Giancarlo Minardi, “after the difficulties he had in 1997. These are inevitable in any debut season.

“Now he is no longer a newcom er, I won’t deny that we expect a great deal from him.”

EARrS mfOflMAHCe PKODWTS

+ Radial Bearing = EarVs Australia V

-

BERNIE Ecclestone has said that he expects there to be a decision within the next three months on a United States Grand Prix in 1999.

Bernie said that there are several projects being dis cussed, including one in Dallas, another at Road Atlanta and a third some northern in where California.

He also admitted that dis cussions are continuing for a semi-permanent circuit in Las Vegas.

The northern California track could be Laguna Seca, but it may be a semi-perma nent track on Treasure Island, in San Francisco Bay. The suggestion that there might be a semi-permanent track in Las Vegas is inter esting as we have heard vague stories of a plan to build a golf course in the city which could bp converted into a race track once a year - not unlike the situation at Albert Park.

Bernie refused to say which was the most likely project to succeed but did say there are no plans to hold races at any oval facilities, which presumably rules out the idea of a GP on the infield at Indianapohs.

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MEANWHILE, Gustav Brunner is to return to Minardi after nearly five years with Ferrari.

The Austrian designer is a good catch for Minardi as it tries to build into a more competitive oper ation.

The 47-year-old engineer has been involved in top-flight motor racing since joining the ATS FI team in 1978.

-JOESAWARD

l^®O®£0[p®I7O

13

FORIV1ULA 1

Hard cards, Dalmatians and soap opera stars I am sure that a couple of cars running in Dalmatian spots would look no more out of place than Jackie Stewart’s tartan ribbons, although perhaps Cruella’s twotone hairdo would be rather too radical, even in these days of the blue-rinse wunderkind Jacques Villeneuve.

The wildest hairdo you are likely to see in a meeting of the current team bosses is Eddie Jordan’s “ageing rock’n’roller” and, some how, that doesn’t seem to fit him very well.

0)

u c Ct3

c o o CO

V

haven’t heard a Formula 1 engine, racing for a while and I have to say that I am just begin ning to feel a slight urge to have my eardrums blasted again, just as all those nice little stereocilia “hairs” inside the ear are beginning to stand up again after last year’s battering.

It is usually like this in January and February. Motor racing junkies are motor racing junkies.

In a way that Is'quite strange this year because the off-season has whipped past with all the speed of a rattlesnake’s bite.

And it’s been just about as poi sonous, too, what with Michael Schumacher’s corrupt move on Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez and his seedy denials and then all the sleazy suggestions which floated around over Bernie Ecclestone’s one million pound donation to the British Labour Party.

It was all rather depressing.

And then up popped a Euro bureaucrat in the form of Karel Van MIert and suddenly there are a load more problems for Grand Prix to hurdle before it can settle down and live happily ever after.

If it sounds like I am whinging, far from it. I am well aware that to be the holder of a Formula 1 per manent pass - a hard card - is a position which should not be taken for granted.

At an idle moment I concluded that nowadays you are more likely to win a national lottery than you are to be given the opportunity of a Formula 1 hard card for an entire season. If you don’t believe me, may I suggest that you add up the number of countries in the world with at least one weekly lottery (some have two or more) and then multiply the total by 52.

This the timewhether of year or when one isdiscovers not the FIA has decided whether you are a worthwhile person or if you are not worthy of the honour of being granted a hard card. Without one you are merely a human

being; if you have one you become cism from time to time keeps one of the chosen few. Angels everything bubbling away nicely in descend from the skies and you the newspapers and he has been immediately acquire a suntan, a known to throw out the occasional Rolex and a suit from Hugo Boss “speculative” story to a hungry jour (Well, somebody has to wear nalist to stir up a storm. them! Hugo, baby, that was a joke.

Urn. In German the word is ... dh years I had some dear, there isn’t a German word for Some problems withago passes and was wandering around the paddock joke...).

Anyway, before you are allowed with a nasty cardboard pass (oh, the shame, the shame!) when I to take on angelic (hard card) sta tus you have to sign a piece of received word that Bernie wanted paper which says lots of legal to see me in his office in the things (in very small print) about Control Tower. ’Whatchewan?” he said when I what you can and cannot do.

It tells you that if you get arrived.

“You wanted to see me.” squashed by a racing car you can not sue anyone. I could have told “Did I? Oh yeah. Gimme your you that. Have you ever tried to get pass. You’re a trouble-causer. An a coffin up the stairs of a court agent provocateur. You can’t have house while yoq are lying inside? a pass. Go away.”

You can call me dull but, as I Luckily, I had been tipped off in recall, nowadays you can sign any advance that Mr E was planning to waiver you like because none of play a jokaon me and did not the signatures mean a thing crumble into a gibbering pile on the because lawyers have somehow floor, begging for accreditation, proved that you cannot sign away when he took the cardboard pass your basic right to justice. away.

After a moment or two Bernie Old racing fans will probably remember the case of Mark realised that there was no point, Donohue, who died In an accident threw me the new hard card he in Austria in 1975 as the result of a had in his desk, clipped me round tyre failure on his Penske FI car. It the ear and told me to go and took his widow nine years but cause trouble. eventually she was awarded a total It is not always like that with the of US$20m iri damages, despite team -bosses. There are times that the fact that Donohue had signed yoijr views as a journalist do not all the necessary waivers. In the tally with their views as team man end she settled out of court for agers. This may be after you have US$10m rather than battling described their cars as “garbage” through the appeals processes to or when you point'out that their get the full amount. press releases have told a great I must have been bored when I long list of lies. was reading through all the small After that you simply cease to print on the hard card “waiver of lia get invitations to events. The mes bility” but I did discover some very sage is very clear, in the words of good news. To my absolute delight Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and I found that there WASN’T a clause Dolls: “Sit down, you’re rocking the saying that journalists are not boaf’. allowed to bring the sport into dis repute - which means, I suppose, Atlaunching this timetheir of year is that the FI press corps is not offi carseveryone and begincially censored. ning to test. They have new spon In a way it did not surprise me. sors who are glowing with pride Bernie Ecclestone is a very clever and optimism and old ones who man. He knows that a bit of criti- are hoping that this year the team

o

ne the whole, however, one cannot complain about the raw material on offer for journalists from the team bosses.

There are rather too many Scotsmen (now that Craig Pollock has joined Tom Walkinshaw and Jackie Stewart) and someone real ly ought to tell David Richards that the Don Johnson “look” went out with the Bee Gees.

But Frank Williams is manna from heaven, Alain Prost is cute, cuddly and very dangerous, and Jean Todt IS Napoleon Bonaparte.

Ron Dennis can be annoying but there is no doubting the fact that he’s a character. You don’t go from ash to cash like he has with out having a certain charm.

With Bernie and Max Mosley thrown in for good measure, and Eddie Jordan dancing jigs with his tongue, there are all the makings of

will come good and all the invest ment that has been made will sud denly become worthwhile.

And, of course, Williams keeps on winning ...

But we go along to the car launches and are supposed to be swept away by the gushing torrents of optimism.

I am sure that the other day I heard Ken Tyrrell suggest that he expects Tyrrell to gets some podi um finishes in 1998. Now you can call me cynical, but a Tyrrell podium looks, from a where I am sitting, about There are all the as likely as Ken spending all the money British makings ofa completely American Tobacco has given him to become an unbelievable soap opera = astronaut and go to Mars.

The easiest route for a which is, ofcourse, what journalist to take, of course, is to swallow his modern Grand Prix professional pride and be swept along with enthusi racing is all about asm. That way everyone is happy. The readers are not getting the whole truth, but as a completely unbelievable soap they do not know that, it doesn’t opera - which is, of course, what matter. The teams are getting the modern Grand Prix racing is all about. coverage they want and the jour nalist is getting a nice easy life.

Yes, the sport is still there on a The attitude was best summed- Sunday afternoon, but for the rest up, I suppose, in the recent Disney of the time the script comes movie One Hundred and One straight out of soap opera lah-lah Dalmations (don’t ask me why I land.

I used to think that this sort of was watching it) in which the actress Glenn Close plays the evil thing was not what the sport was Cruella DeVil, the wealthy boss of all about but now I find that I enjoy a fashion empire who is passionate it as much as the racing. Whatever, about fur and surrounded by sim I keep asking myself, are these pering, spineless (and rather fruitcakes going to do next?

And so, while the lure of the effeminate) assistants.

At one point one of the camp engines is lurking out there some followers says something slightly where, I can hold off for a few more weeks before Melbourne because I out of place.

“What kind of a sycophant do know that every week somebody, you call yourself?” Cruella roars. somewhere in FI, is going to do There is a pause. something silly.

“What kind of a sycophant Well, I mean, Minardi just signed would you like me to be?” comes up Shinji Nakano and Esteban the reply.

Tuero. I expect with that dynamite The logical conclusion in all this line-up they will soon to be knock - if you have logic like mine - is ing Tyrrell off the podiums ... that Cruella DeVII would make a Just stirring up trouble, you understand. Bernie’s orders. n very good FI team boss.

u

SYMMONS PLAINS O ATCC

ISFebmiy W8

IXo.

One-Two

f.

l Lowndes wins, Mobil-HRT takes another Symmons 1-2. l Bargwanna takes first SATCC podium: # On-form Seton stopped by holed radiator. ® Controversial Ingall/Bright clash in final race. @ Bridgestone dominates, Dunlop struggles, Yokohama blitzed. © Triple winner Crick dominates Privateer ranks.

Report by PHIL BRANAGAN 'F history has any say ii? matters Craig .Lowndes is well on the way to his second Shell Australian Touring Car Championship.

The Mobil-Holden Racing Team driver took his second straight round of the series at Symmons Plains after repeating his Sandown performance of winning two of the three races.

Team-mate Mark Skaife took runner-up position, not able to match Lowndes’ electrifying get aways, while Jason Bargwanna announced his arrival in the Big League with third overall.

Glenn Seton slaugh tered the first race field but a holed radiator in race two set back his hopes, while John Bowe ruined his day when the Shell Helix Falcon was spun around seconds into the first race.

Russell Ingall was the best of the nonBridgestone class run ners, driving feistily until a controversial clash in race three with Jason Bright.

But, given that the MHR'T took their third successive Tasmanian 1-2, it would have taken an act ●of God to derail the facto ry team’s Symmons momentum.

Entry & qualifying

It took a hell of an effort in fact, several hells of efforts - but a total of 27 cars made the trip across the Tasman in various levels of disrepair.

Actually 28 cars appeared but newcomer Rod Nash was left with insufficient signa tures for an appropriate

Photos by DIRK KLYNSMITH

licence, so the ex-WGR Commodore driver was left to play in the Sports Sedan ranks.

Defending Champion Seton topped the two unoffi cial practice sessions, which were unusual for the number of ‘sticker’ tyres used by the drivers. With stocks of the more usual used and marked tyres low a regulation allowed the exception, as at Sandown, but at Lakeside everyone is expected to be on ‘regulation’ rubber for the untimed sessions.

When it came time to go fast in the 14-minute qualifi er it was Skaife who set the pace, though not right from the start of play. A quick trip through the sand derailed the Mobil-HRT Commodore briefly but before the off Skaife had hammered out a 54.27s lap, good enough for his first pole since the Wanneroo race of 1994.

The former champion was pretty pleased with the result, if a little surprised.

“We’ve made tuning changes through the practice sessions to help the race set up,” he noted, “but that doesn’t always translate to qualifying speed. Still, here is the most important place to qualify well.”

Team-mate Lowndes was fourth on 54.54s and a little perplexed. His car was noticeably stiffer in the rear than the #50 machine and Craig was unsure what changes to make to close the gap to the poleman. All he did know was that changes were going to be made for the Sunday warm-up.

Old hand Seton had no such problems on his way to second, on 54.48s. He was delighted with the Ford Credit Falcon, even telling

the team after P2 to “put on tyres but don’t TOUCH the car”. He was looking forward to a big points haul and had a plan to deal with Skaife.

The plan was a ‘Ford Sandwich’. Jason Bright pro vided the other slice of blue oval bread in his Pirtek car, ominously running hard at the scene of his touring car debut a year ago.

Apart from his 54.53s best, good for third, Bright had broadened the smile on man ager Ross Stone’s dial by delivering a swag of 54.6s on his way to his qualifying time. 'There were four of them while Skaife cruised the end of the session and the Pirtek crew were (justifiably) looking forward to the race.

He was “stoked. The car is _ doing everything right”.

Larkham wasn’t stoked.

He was not happy with his set-up. “The newer tyres don’t aid me much,” he said.

“I drive the car a lot ‘on the nose’ and my style demands a lot from the front. It’s not pointing well”. Larko remained optimistic but, after a 55.13s lap, he was starting 12th.

Local Bowe followed on 54.74s. The Shell team were content, feeling that the car was down a little on qualify ing pickup after changes to three; “That’s it, no faster, the front end to eliminate The car will do 4.9s on used understeer cost it giip in the tyres and that (54.79s) is rear, resulting in oversteer, about as fast as we can go.

Like Lowndes, John was con- It’s no faster on new tyres.”

At least he was better off templating set-up changes for the AM. than Perkins. The Boss felt Johnson was not. He felt he was well down on his offthat the car was as fast as it sider on straight-line speed, was going to go and even surthe computer revealing a loss mised that “after seeing my of 0.6s to Ingall just on one time I thought Bowie would straight, go a second faster. Maybe I The engine (which went in don’t want the new car!” after qualifying at Sandown) Ingall was sixth. At least was not hauling out of the he was happy to be on row tight corners but, while con-

templating an engine swap (which he wouldn’t do) after the session LP had a big lose at the start of it. He tem porarily had the front brakes go AWOL at ACL comer and, with the rears locked, spun 180 degrees, hitting the armco on the inside.

The rear was smacked in hard, prompting a borrowed boot lid from MHRT and, while the Perkins crew got to work to fix the damage the man himself was left to pon der starting from 11th on

55.01s.

Worse, he lost some tyres.

After the off t«’o of his eight Dunlops were stuffed, and another had a decent flatspot. The indications were not good for Sunday.

Richards’ qualifying act was going well. The Valvoline Commodore abandoned its practice-only front ‘dinner plates’ for the meaningful session and Steven was on the ball for seventh on 54.85s, despite the cai- being “a little bit underdone”.

SYMMONS PLAINS ^ ATCC

13Fsbnisry1998

15

Three!

EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK, JASONS...

Bargwanna and Bright showed plenty of speed.

Bargwanna grabbed his first podium finish while, at this rate, Bright's wiil not be far away. /

Round 2 DECiSIVE...

The start of race two decid ed the resuit on the day.

White Skaife and Seton were stow away Lowndes and Ingail shot by from row two and into ACL corner.

FENCE POSTS...

Being a marshaii can be fun, unless something 1350kg heavy and way fast comes at you. Perkins had this off in quaiifying, scatter ing the officiais and setting back his weekend.

Bargwanna was happy to have his Sandown-damaged car in one piece after a few long nights’ work. The car was fine, even if Jason went the wrong way set-up-wise, and the youngster also made a public apology to Perkins for holding him up on his fast lap. Even if no observers of the relatively minor incident put all the blame on the rook ie...

Ninth was Romano. The absolutely unsponsored Commodore was also all fixed and the Queenslander was going like a blur, actually running third for much of one of the practice sessions. “The car’s a few years old,” he smiled, “but these Holdens they last!”

Behind Romano came Larkham, then Faulkner.

Australian Touring Car Championship mons Plains The battered Betta battler was happy to be anywhere after the hit it got a week earlier but the car was losing time during practice with a clutch problem. After a quick change he got on the pedal in qualifying but the loss of track time was mirrored with a 55.13s for 13th.

Longhurst was 14th, and not happy. He described his qualifying efforts as “depress ing”, which translated to his race prospects. After an encouraging fifth fastest in the first practice session the Castrol Falcon got worse as rubber was laid on the line, the team feeling that the lat est Yokohama tyres were not suiting the heavier going. His best was 55.27s.

Fellow Yokohama man, Steven Ellery, was next, a full half second in arrears.

The Young Lion similarly had little specific to complain about, feeling that the prob lem was just a general lack of speed.

Top privateer Greg Crick was 16th on 56.45s. It had been a buy time for the local, flying to Melbourne after Friday practice to pick up two Honda dealer awards, returning to home soil early Saturday morning. He was losing time on the straights, John Bowe offering the opin ion that the Ericsson car was one of the slowest on the straights.

Darren Hossack took the

honours for the Wynns duo, ending up 17th on 56.59s.

His Gibson car, and that of Darren Pate, was struggling for grip, Pate back five places finding the elusive balance and half a second on 57.05s. tough to come by.

Peter Doulman was going Kerryn Brewer was 24th in well in his updated but still the Cougar Commodore on unsponsored Commodore, 57.35s. She started a grass running well on Dunlop’s K1 fire on Friday during an off tyre to 18th on 56.61s after after the car flicked around being shown the lines of the on the back straight but track on Thursday by com things smoothed out on mentary ace and driving Saturday, wearing a new instmctor Barry Oliver.

RPM racesuit after her For Terry Finnigan things Sandown theft. The legs had were little better than the to be let out but, apart from other Yoko cars. „The that, it was business as usual Sydneysider was down in in the Holden-engined VR. 19th on 56.76s, just edging Newcomer Paul Weel was out impressive local Ray adding learning the track to Hislop. The ex-Seton Falcon his steep learning curve but looked composed on the cir the Tradelink Ford looked cuit and Hislop was looking unfussed as the 18-year-old for a good run on Sunday, circulated in 57.36s for 25th. which he was(mostly)to get.

Bringing up the rear was The fact that Ryan first-time tourer driver McLeod’s OAMPS Falcon D’arcy Russell. The Exwas there was little short of Porsche Cup driver was on a miraculous. The'whole rear mission to learn 5-litre racing of the car hack simply been from the inside and cracked a cut off the Sandown wreck 58.54s for 26th. and, with a significant Mai Rose missed the ses amount of help from Ford’s sion altogether. The black Greg Harbutt and JPS Commodore had a head crack Automotive(who usually look in practice and, with a heap after Seton’s panels) the car of help from the locals, had was back in white and look the guilty unit re-welded and ing pristine. After a 57.00s repaired for the princely sum effort the newlywed was lin of $40. That- and the loan of ing up 21st. a small marquee to keep his Steve Reed was having a equipment out of the ele tough time in the Lansvale ments - was one of the better Commodore. The car was, stories in what is usually a like most Yokohama cars. pretty cut-throat business.

Privateers Dash (4 laps)

did even better, spinning his Commodore 720 degrees through the Shell Sweeper After drawing pole position right in front of his alarmed Doulman left about 300 revs crew. too few on board and bogged Skaife was looking for a down, leaving Reed to lead good start but he didn’t find Crick and Hislop into ACL. one. After a decent jump he Behind Doulman came almost stalled and Seton and McLeod, Brewer, Weel, Rose Lowndes galloped away, and Russell. while Ingall followed in The Lansvale car had a fourth. Skaife regathered his solid lead after a lap but pace and got Lowndes at the Crick was in no mood to mess Hairpin for second but, around, pulling alongside behind, there was chaos.

Reed on the Sweeper on lap Bowe was travelling, mid three and tapping the multi pack, down towards the coloured Sydney machine. Hairpin - backwards.“He got Next time around it worked a bad start,” said Richards, and the local shot by to take “he was on the outside and the win. went over the kerb at the Hislop closed on the pair first comer. I saw him and I over the final lap but had to backed off as he came back be content with third from across.

Doulman and Weel. Brewer “I tried to avoid him, but had a big moment at the he hit the wall and I hit the Hairpin in lap two and lost tyres on the other side.” The position to Weel, while Rose Valvoline car broke a wheel and Russell followed. and lost a tyre in the incident but Steven got back out to Race 1 (22 laps) finish 21st, a lap down.

Bowe’s view differed. “We The Sunday warm-up was squared up, and he hit me full of action. On a green track, washed clean by heavy several times. I spun on the overnight rain, the session straight!” Once he turned he was red-flagged briefly when stmggled in; his diff housing was bent, the front suspen Eller>' smfed off at Pepsi, fill sion damaged and he lost two ing his car’s front with mud.

Once hostilities resumed tyres. He struggled out for Perkins did the same thing at the same spot but Hossack Continued over page

16

SYMMONS PLAINS O ATCC

13 February W98

Continued from page 17 eight more laps before a tyre blew at ACL and he took ages to come in.

While the seas were part ing Faulkner, understand ably cautious after Sandown, foun(J himself cruising down the centre of the track, eyeball-to-eyeball with JB, look ing for a'gap in traffic to move around the Falcon...

Seton’s qualifying perfec tion had translated to the race. Glenn led Skaife, Lowndes, Ingall, Johnson, Richards (about to run wide at Pepsi and pit), Bargwanna, Romano, Longhurst, Crick, Larkham, the delayed Perkins, Ellery, Hossack, Rose, Bright (“I got hit by everybody”), Finnigan, McLeod, Faulkner, Doulman, Pate, Brewer, Reed, Hislop, Weel and Russell.

From there, Seton smoked them. He built a small gap, produced three sub-55s laps and timed his win as he liked. He led Skaife home by 1.65s. It looked ominously easy.

The battle was between the HRT pair. Lowndes was right there until mid-race when he started losing space in traffic. He fell back as far as two seconds before gath ering it all up for a final charge but he wasn’t going to kill his tyres for no good reason.

Ingall was struggling for grip in fourth. After keeping Lowndes honest for three laps he started to go back wards, as was Johnson behind him.

But Bargwanna, who was around 4s behind Dick after a lap, was coming on strong.

On;lap 12 the Bridgestone overcame the Dunlops around the Sweeper and Jason took off after Ingall.

The Castrol driver’s slides were getting more and more lurid but he held on for fourth - which would become telling for race two.

Bright’s return through the field was impressive. He felt the Pirtek car was as fast as anything on the track but he was using his tyres to recover from his bad starts.

Longhurst had a hit in the rear from a Privateer in the Hairpin, Perkins moving by on lap seven and leaving Tony to the closing Bridgestone-shod Larkham and Romano. While the young Queenslander moved right onto Perkins but ran out of laps. Larkham’s race ended after 12 laps when he broke a front splitter, spin ning at the Hairpin. “My fault; all my own work,” he admitted.

Finnigan had a tyre go at the Hairpin on lap 16, while Crick took Privateer honours from a tyred Longhurst, Reed (ditto) and Hislop.

Hossack was 14th from Doulman and Brewer while Richards’ recovery netted 17th from Ellery, Pate, Weel, Russell, Faulkner and Rose.

Race 2(22 laps) The value of Ingall’s drive to hold onto fourth became apparent immediately the lights turned green. “I thought Glenn and I had made reasonable starts,” said Skaife later, “until...”

Until Lowndes and Ingall, from row two, surged past into the lead. Lowndes held the line into ACL,Ingall was second and the die was cast.

While Craig careered away from the field Ingall soon had a queue of cars behind.

Skaife probed away but made little initial ground, but Bargwanna was flying, stealing inside Seton for fourth and taking the fight right up to the HRT car.

Next came Johnson, Perkins, Bright (another bad start), Romano, Longhurst, Reed, Crick, Pate, Faulkner, Hislop, Brewer, Larkham and Richards. ... And Bowe. JB had motored sedately off the line, wary of any first lap carnage, but now his eyes were on and he was about to put the midfield to the sword. Sqbn he was in company' with Faulkner, the two flying through the field in tandem.

The stalemate up front continued, with the gaps concertining and Bargwanna looking the most impatient but there was no significant progress being made, least of all by Seton.

His temperatures were soaring. A stone had gone through the radiator and, on lap 12 he slowed on the back straight and Bright zoomed past. Seton parked, and the Credit crew had an engine change on their hands.

So, suddenly, did Faulkner’s, John parking the Fisher & Paykel car with a suspected dropped valve, l^ile Bright was making gi'ormd Bowe was doing even better, closing on Johnson in ninth and hammering past.

He closed on Perkins’ tail but would get no further, finish ing seventh after a brilliant

effort.

Ingall held on as long as he could but Skaife would not be denied. On lap 20 he went the long way around at the Sweeper and got the line into Pepsi, and second, despite a counter-attack.

But there was no stopping Lowndes. Any possibility of a challenge from Skaife was silenced by ruthlessness in traffic and Craig got home by 3.1s, from Ingall, Bargwanna and Bright.

Perkins had a second in hand over a superb Bpwe, while Romano, Richards and Johnson followed.

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Race 3(22 laps) This was going to be the decider. Lowndes and Skaife went to the front row knowing whoever won the drag into ACL would almost certainly win the day.

Faulkner and Seton had other problems. While every one else was on the grid both were sitting in their cars in their annexes, still getting their engine swaps finalised.

Seton made the race by about 1 minute, Faulkner by much, much less.

The day was decided by the drag face. Lowndes nailed it and so - again - did Ingall.

While Skaife was modulating his clutch Russell stormed past into second. Skaife had Bargwanna in his wheel tracks, a situation he would get used to.

Perkins followed from Romano, Bowe,' Johnson, Bright, Richards, Crick, Larkham, Hossack, Finnigan, Doulman and - 16th - Seton after a terrifying opening lap.

Lowndes disappeared. As early as lap six he was a sec ond a lap faster than the tiying Ingail. Hand in air, he won by 10 seconds,just like that...

The battle behind was fabu lous. Dunlops or not. Ingall would not lie down, impress ing even the man behind him.

“I could have driven into him 100 times,” Skaife comment ed. “But I must compliment Russell on his driving.” And

then, ho did.

Not that Skaife was getting any rest. Bargwanna was right under his wing for about the whole race and, when the opportunity came for Skaife Jason was going to grab it too.

On lap 20 Ingall left a sniff of room at the Hairpin and Skaife was there in a flash.

He eased through at Pepsi but then felt a little tap. It wasn’t Ingall fighting back, it was Bargwanna who was now third and cheeky enough to be looking for second.

The next time around Ingall had Bright to contend with. The Pirtek driver threw eveiything at Ingall but it was not until the penultimate lap that the inevitable happened and Ingall got a nudge in the door at Shell. He spun around without losing much momen tum but, as he came back onto the track he almost got col lected by the Ford of Seton.

Glenn had surged through the pack and with the tyrehampered Perkins under his wing, just missed IngaU. He’d survived-and came home fifth.

Ingall recovered to seventh ahead of Richards, Johnson and Faulkner, who had had a good run to 10th.

So, with six races down and six weeks off, Lowndes has won fom- times. The HRT will not always enjoy a spell like Febraaiy 1998 but, as things stand, Lowndes is going to take a power of beating.

1

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FIRST(AND SECOND) WIVES’ CLUB...

Natalie Lowndes (L) and Belinda Skaife had plenty to be happy about with their husbands’performances.

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Crick all the way

GREG Crick had things all his own way in the Privateer ranks.

Crick battled a lack of straight-line speed all weekend but overcame that and the oppo sition to take maximum points.

In the first race he quickly settled down in (11th) and had ‘pros’ Ellery, Bright and Hossack between himself and McLeod, Doulman, Reed, Hislop, Brewer, Weel and Russell.

Weel lost positions when he tried to go around the outside of Pate at the Hairpin but quickly got back into the action.

Crick rolled home by 34s, from Reed, Hislop, Doulman and Brewer.

In race two it was more Crick from, the Ericsson/Trust Bank car leading all the way to canter home by 27s from the on-form Doulman, McLeod and Brewer.

Brewer drove a strong race, putting Weel and Doulman behind her and running third for most of the race until the end.

Hislop was involved in an Ellery spin at Pepsi while challenging Reed, as did Weel a few laps later when a t3rre went down.

Reed, meanwhile, was in all sorts of tyres dramas. After two races all six Yokohamas were down to the canvas and he was forced to swap to new rubber, incurring a reai'-ofgrid start for race three.

Race three was a replay for Crick, hauling up to 12th and cruising home by 12s. Reed came through the pack for second, while Doulman completed a good weekend in third.

Brewer fell back to the last spot after a delay at the Hairpin, while the Fords of Hislop and McLeod’s battered CAMPS car DNF’d.

WHO’S GOING WHERE?... Finnigan, Hislop and Doulman are all facing different directions. It was the local who knew where he was going.

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SYMMONS PLAINS O ATCC Shell Australian Touring Car Championship toOiW-Z Qualifying

Time Team Car Pos Driver 54.2725 Mobil/HRT Commodore 1 Mark Skaife 54.4830 Ford Credit Falcon 2 Glenn Seton 54.5389 Pirtek/Skilled Falcon 3 Jason Bright 54.5474 Mobil/HRT Commodore 4 Craig Lowndes 54.745*4 Shell Helix Falcon 5 John Bowe 54.7995 Castrol/Perkins Commodore 6 Russell Ingall 7 Steven Richards Valvoline/Cummins Commodore 54.8517 54.9855 Shell Helix Falcon 8 Dick Johnson 54.9891 9 Paul Romano Romano Racing Commodore 10 Jason BargwannaValvoline/Cummins Commodore 55.0090 55.0111 Castrol/Perkins Commodore 11 Larry Perkins 55.1391 Mitre 10 Falcon 12 Mark Larkham 55.2665 Betta/F&P Commodore 13 John Faulkner 55.2779 14 Tony Longhurst Castrol/Longhurst Falcon Konica/Young Lions Commodore 55.8211 15 Steve Ellery Ericsson/Trust Bank Commodore 56.4524 16 Greg Crick 56.5297 17 Darren Hossack Wynns/Kmart Commodore 56.6135 18 Peter Doulman M3 Motorsport Commodore 56.7625 19 Terry Finnigan Sony Commodore 56.8587 Hislop Motorsport Falcon EF 20 Ray Hislop 57.0065 DAMPS Falcon EB 21 Ryan McLeod 57.0569 22 Darren Pate Wynns/Kmart Commodore 57.1706 Lansvale Smash Commodore 23 Steve Reed 57.3508 Castrol Cougars Commodore 24 Kerryn Brewer 57.3657 Castrol Falcon 25 Paul Weel 58.5497 Rod Smith Commodore > 26 D’Arcy Russell No Time Rose Commodore 27 Mai Rose

Race 2-22 laps

Pbs Driver 1 Craig Lowndes 2 Mark Skaife 3 Russell Ingall 4 Jason Bargwana 5 Jason Bright 6 Larry Perkins 7 John Bowe 8 Paul Romano 9 Steven Richards 10 Dick Johnson $11 Mark Larkham 12 Greg Crick 13 Terry Finnigan 14 Peter Doulman 15 Darren Hossack 16 Ryan McLeod 17 Kerryn Brewer 18 Mai Rose 19 Darren Pate 20 Steve Reed 21 D’Arcy Russell.

22 Tony Longhurst DNP John Faulkner DNP Glenn Seton DNP Paul Weel DNP Ray Hislop DNP Steve Ellery

Points

Lowndes Skaife Seton Ingall Perkins

230 184 172 172 170

Racetime 20:31.5346 20:34.6834 20:35.3302 20:36.4812 20:40.8631 20:52.3345 20:53.3695 20:54.3149 20:58.3154 21:01.0824 21:02.0550 21:22.1106 20:42.0187 20:49.6612 20:58.1395 20:59.4219 21:05.2065 21:06.2831 21:16.9804 21:18.0708 21:10.9684 21:23.1779 13 laps 12 laps 9 laps 6 laps 6 laps

Bowe 152 Johnson 130 Richards 124 Bargwanna 124 Bright 108 Larkham 92

F/lap 55.1865 55.2564 55.2284 55.2681 55.2396 55.9637 55.2937 55.7672 55.6397 55.6972 55.8731 57.1073 57.5557 57.8270 57.5506 58.0345 58.0475 58.1325 57.7630 58.3738 59.1193 56.3840 55.8373 55.2909 57.7611 57.9188 57.4557

On 4 6 6 6 5 10 5 5 8

Longhurst Romano Crick Ellery Finnigan Poole

72 68 68 44 43

4 5 10 3 14 6 6 7 3 5 2 10 2 5 5 7 4 3

38

STUCK

Race 1-22 laps

On PdsDriver Racetine 5 1 Glenn Seton 20:29.0230 54.9231 2 Mark Skaife 20:30.6788 55.0736 4 20:31.0956 54.9212 6 3 Craig Lowndes 20:42.6519 55.1743 8 4 Russell Ingall 5 Jason Bargwanna 20:43.5518 55.0716 5 4 20:56.3958 55.5319 6 Dick Johnson 6 20:59.0985 55.5423 7 Jason Bright 4 21:01.9666 55.5190 8 Larry Perkins 21:02.2983 55.7879 17 9 Paul Romano 8 21:21.0511 56.9453 lOGreg Crick 11 Tony Longhurst 20:32.7426 55.5772 3 4 20:55.1572 57.6493 12 Steve Reed 6 20:55.2786 57.4048 13 Ray Hislop 14 Darrerr Hossack 20:57.5904 56.8595 4 20:58.3989 57.7594 15 Peter Doulman 4 21:06.8364 57.9195 16 Kerryn Brewer 17Steven Richards 21:23.0396 55.2604 6 21:23.2447 56.6362 2 18 Steve Ellery 21:29.2900 57.7304 5 19 Darren Pate 20:32.2216 57.6442 8 20 Paul Weel 7 20:33.5814 59.5213 21 D’ArcyRusell 20:34.4708 55.5453 3 22 John Faulkner 20:39.0691 57.3805 6 23 Mai Rose DNpMark Larkham 12 laps 55.9940 w4 5 DNFlerry Finnigan 12 laps 57.3301 11 laps 57.6814 6 DNpRyan McLeod DNpJohn Bowe 9 laps 55.3627 4

Race 3-22 laps

Racetime 20:35.9806 20:45.8437 20:46.5390 20:50.7254 20:51.8236 20:53.0916 20:53.8626 20:56.4764 20:59.8475 21:00.6186 21:04.1507 21:18.1904 21:21.0194 21:30.7536 21:31.5602 20:43.3502 20:43.9360 20:44.0878 20:44.9335 20:59.9100 21:00.2496 21:12.2966 21:29.2830 20:49.0791 20 laps 15 laps 9 laps

Ros Driver 1 Craig Lowndes 2 Mark Skaife 3 jason Bargwana 4 Jason Bright 5 Glenn Seton 6 Larry Perkins 7 Russell Ingall 8 Steven Richards 9 Dick Johnson 10 John Faulkner 11 John Bowe 12 Greg Crick 13 Mark Larkham 14 Steve Reed 15 Tony Longhurst 16 Darren Hossack 17 Steve Ellery 18 Peter Doulman 19 Darren Pate 20 Terry Finnigan 21 Mai Rose 22 Paul Weel 23 D’Arcy Russell 24 Kerryn Brewer DNP Paul Romano DNP Ray Hislop DNP Ryan McLeod Faulkner Ashby Reed Doulman Smerdon Briggs

38 32 29 28 28 22

Ashby Hislop Rose Brewer Pate _ McLeod

Ai

22 20 20 14 10 8

?!\ap 54.9226 55.6226 55.4680 55.2782 55.6275 55.9879 55.5178 55.7216 55.6000 55.9399 56.3445 57.0527 56.0129 57.1677 56.3565 57.1918 56.7085 57.8753 57.6736 58.1278 58.2097 58.4113 58.9521 59.5137 55.9838 58.4455 58.5478

On 3 3 3 4 4 3 4 4 2 8 3 2 7 12 4 2 4 4 8 3 5 9 7 6 2 8 5

Price Osborne Mork Weel

8 6 4 2

13FebwsiyW98

Craig hoping history repeats A LOOK at history reveals that Lowndes is well on the way to winning the 1998 title -even at this early stage. A driver has won the opening two rounds of the ATCC 12 times in the past and only once has that driver failed to win the title. n There was a Saturday night auction for the locals where several items were up for grabs. Top price was paid for John Bowe’s 1994 Bathurst-winning racesuit, which fetched $1600, while Larry Perkins’s bootlid (freshly bent in qualifying) also brought plenty of interest. n On a happier note Perkins followed Bowe’s example of a week earlier, racking up his 100th start in an AT(1C race. n Lanys ex-WGR pan-, tech made the trip across the seas, still in its red (Coke)livery (with a blue hauler). With the whole shebang due in the paintshop yesterday (Wednesday)look for the more familiar Castrol hues at Albert Park. n The Fine Line: Perkins’ crew was fined $500 for refuelling in practice while ‘inappropriately dressed’.

Craig Lowndes copped a $1500 hit($1000 of which was suspended for three months)for a practice inci dent involving Jason Bargwanna. n Lowndes was nxrrsing a sore left hand. Not caused so much by having the appendage go ‘soft’ during his 1997 open-wheeler sea son, the problem was traced to his new-for-’98 wedding ring, which he removed for diiving with the full approval of bride Natalie. n There was no action on a race incident involving

Kerryn Brewer and Ryan McLeod, Apparently the observer’s report on the matter indicated that car 19 (Brewer) became involved with... car 19. n Brewer was wearing a new Cougars racesuit after her Sandown burglary. The item had been on display on a shop dummy at Revolution Racegear, Kerryn beating the media to the punchhne by stating, “from one dummy to another”. n 31 into 7 won’t go. The powers-of-observation award went to Dan'en Pate at Symmons. D2 blotted his copybook in practice when he inadvertently climbed into Darren Hossack’s car. n Greg Crick Honda got two gongs at the Honda Deeder awards in Melbourne, but Crick was going it tough on Saturday after a 0130 bedtime and a 0600 wake-up call for a flight to Launceston. n Seton’s push start to make the race three grid involved inter-teamwork.

Helping the Ford Credit troops was one of Castrol Racing’s mechanics. Glenn would have been grateful, but didn’t show it on the track; during his charge Seton passed all four Castrol cars... n Photography, not geog raphy. A noted shutter jock ey distinguished himself by flying south for the race -to Hobart, not Launceston. A long rental car drive later he was in the right city.

Funnily enough,the snap per had been to Symmons Plains before. n Shell Helix and Dunlop PR man David Segal missed the Symmons races, ending a decade plus attendance streak for ATCC rounds.

-PHDLBRANAGAN

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Grain where credit’s dee Congratulations Glenn Seton on winning the prestigious Circuit Racer of the Year Award.

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: Ifc' -

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Another award-winning performance for which we give you credit. Good luck in 1998.

<

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13Febru3fyW8

f (997

Webber’s double

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Young International leads the way as the youth ofAustralia takes over.

CAMS also took the opportunity to t was a great night for the young drivers of Australia - and the older publicly retire the number 05 from ones as well - at the fourth annual competition in this country as a tribute Australian Motorsport Awards in to the recently-retired Peter Brock.

The nine-time Bathurst winner also Melbourne on Friday January 30.

The Who’s Who of Australian took out the MotorSport Personality of Motorsport filled the Grand Ballroom the Year, voted for by ^readers of of the Sofitel Hotel to see Mark Motorsport News.

Racing legend Bob Jane was honWebber and James Courtney lead oured for a lifetime of distinction as a the way for the young brigade.

Webber took the International competitor and promoter, as was fdrAchiever of the Year award and the mer driving partner Harry Firth. Both coveted 1997 MotorSportsman of the received the Membership of Honour Year, while Courtney stole the night from CAMS President Peter Bready.

Our coverage of motor sport’s big with his acceptance speech sent from night follows...

Italy.

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CLOCKWISE,FROM TOP RIGHT: Mark Webber was night’s the big winner, taking home two awards. Three legends of the sport(L to R): Norm Beechey, Ron Harrop and Harry Firth. Master of Ceremonies Trevor Marmalade. CAMS honoured Bob Jane, here caught in a ‘CAMS sandwich’ with President Peter Bready and President of Honour John Large. Entertainer Marty Coffey can keep five balls in the air. The Sofitel Grand Ballroom was the perfect venue.

=am5 Motor

II

' (997

13 February 1998

Webber jets in to take the double MARK Webber had to seek special leave from Mercedes-Benz’s Motorsport boss Norbert Haug to attend the 1997 MotorSport Awards but his long trip proved to be worthwhile.

Webber took two tributes back to England with him: for MotorSportsman of the Year and International Achiever of the Year.

While accepting the awards the relaxed Webber (or was that jet-lag?) casually dropped two huge pieces of news; that Haug was extending his GT programme to take in all 10 rounds of the Championship this season, and that Mercedes-Benz would be allowing him to demonstrate on of the awesome CLK-GTR sportscars on all four days of the Australian GP. “It’s a privilege and an honour to receive this award,” he said after his second trip to the dais for the big one.

“It’s the first time it (MotorSportsman of the Year) has been presented to a single-seater racer, and I’d like to think I’m accepting it on behalf of all Australia’s single-seater racers.” .

Earlier, while accepting his International Achiever award, Webber

said “1997 was a very special year for me - my first in Formula 3 thanks to Alan Docking'. It was an important learning year for me and I enjoyed every moment of it.

‘There were some brilliant moments; winning at Brands Hatch, my drive in the support race at the British Grand Prix, third in the Marlboro Masters and fourth at Macau.

‘The international arena is a tough one to crack and I hope my achievements over the past two years provide the encouragement for other Australians to follow suit, and for corpo rate Australia to support their efforts.

‘There are a number of people to thank tonight- my Mum and Dad, my long-standing and loyal sponsor Yellow pages and my other sponsors and supporters; Mercedes, Qantas, Tag-Heuer and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

“And,finally, my management team David Campese, Daryl MacGraw and Ann Neal. I’d also like to thank Motorsport News and CAMS for making tonight’s events possible and for their support during the year.”

PETER Brock may have announced his retirement from behind the wheel mid year, but he is still as popular as ever with the motorsport fans of Australia.

Brock easily won 1997 Australian MotorSport Personality of the Year, an award decided by a poll among the readers of Motorsport News.

Brock’s acceptance speech got off to a humourous and unplanned start, when a mobile phone rang just as he was about to speak. “If that’s Frank Williams,” he said, “tell him I’ve retired!”

In perhaps the last of a massive number of speeches linked to his retirement.

Brock took the opportunity to thank all t the people behind the scenes who make up motor sport ands allow the front men to compete for the big prizes.

“Without everyone playing their part in - our teams, we simply wouldn’t have the opportunity to be out there, doing what we love,” he said.

I Brock’s MotorSport Personality of the Year was his third out of four awards given to date, the sequence broken only by the Craig Lowndes steamroller in 1996. a With Brock gone, the field is wide open for 1998...

NOMINEES FOR INTERNATIONAL ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Neil Crompton Russell Ingail James Courtney Mark Webber NOMINEES FOR MOTORSPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR James Courtney Bussell Bngaii Glenn Seton Mark Webber

the people’s Champion

PETER Brock made history at the MotorSport Awards, taking the MotorSport Personaiity of the Year for an unprecedented third time.

Brock dominated the ballot papers submitted

by Motorsport News readers, out-polling fellow Bathurst legend Larry Perkins by an impressive 389 votes.

Almost 5000 votes were polled by you, the readers. Brock and LP accounting for more than 40 percent of the total.

The best of the non-road racing drivers was, once again, Doorslammer ace Victor Bray, while James Courtney flew the karting flag in 13th position.

Mark Webber made the top 10 for the first year, while Jason Bargwanna also cracked into the elite group on the strength ofsome out standing performances in Formula Holden and for the Holden Racing Team.

The top 15 drivers in the final tally and their results were: Peter Brock Larry Perkins Glenn Seton Greg Murphy Russell Ingall Mark Webber Jim Richards Victor Bray Dick Johnson Jason Bargwanna John Bowe Craig Lowndes James Courtney Mark Skaife Wayne Gardner

1123 734 517 344 335 291 151 147 144 119 107 86 77 72 68

24.9% 16.3% 11.5% 7.5% 7.4% 6.5% 3.4% 3.3% 3.3% 2.6% 2.4% 1.9% 1.7% 1.6% 1.5%

<U

/

bsent Courtney brings down the house A

ONE of the highlights of the awards evening was the acceptance by MotorSport Young Achiever of the year James Courtney.

Testing commitments in Italy kept James, a dou ble World Karting Championship winner, away from the ceremony but long-time mentor and sponsor Jim Morton (right), head of NOMINEES FOR YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR Tonykart Marcos Ambrose Australia, read James Courtney out James’ Todd Kelly entertaining Garth Tander speech (right).

■'T'’

To Victor, the spoiis AUSTRALIA’S Top Doorslammer hero Victor Bray was delighted to win the Drag racer of the Year Award.

“I think it is an absolute joy being at the awards night especially if you win an award.

It really is a showcase of what you do all year.

“The award caught me by sur prise this year. To win twice in a row was fantastic. I am a mid dle-aged racer and it is great to see the young up and comings going through as well as seeing all the legends still around.”

Bray also took out the Drag Racing award last year.

NOMINEES FOR DRAG RACER OF THE YEAR Victor Bray Graeme Cowin Glenn Mikres Joe Polito

e she

'> }

13FebWfy 1998

(i)Q7

Some words from James Courtney If Dad is reading this I was wrong -1 thought for sure you would del^ote this job. Jim Morton is reading this I guess I was right Dad. If anyone at all is reading this I guess I have won and in that case irs really cool I am not sure which category this is for but it was really mad to be nominrjted in three of the top categories and to vrin one is special.

I am sorry I can't be there but duty calls.

At the present time I'm over in Italy in the freezing cold. I am here for some testing and the "Winter Cup". I'm then flying over to Las Vegas in the US for the opening round of foe North American Titles. I hove

best tyres (or tbe World Championships.

I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Honda Australia for supplying me wilh a great Honda car to drive while Tm in Austrafa. Not too many 17 year olds have a new car with power everything to drive around in...

Thank you Motorsport News for the coverage you have given me this year. You recognise and understand the importance of Karting in Europe where most major race teams send their talent scouts. Frank's son Jonnathan Williams spends a lot of time with me- he told me he is his lother^s eyes and ears in Karting.

I'm really looking forward to that- thank you Judrth Griggs and John Hamden for making it possible.

Lastly but not least, thank you Ann for being a Cool Manager. Without you I wouldn't have that mad Honda to drive and I wouldn't be involved with the Australian FI GP. Ann has done a good job hasn't she everyonel Both her boys nominated for all these awards...

My Mum and Dad first of all rdesen/e a big thank you because without their love, moral and financial support I wouldn't be where I am today - see, I do appreciate you DadI Thanks to my sisters Melinda and Rebecca as welL- they keep me in line.

Just before I go I have two things t want to tell you. Firstly, when I was in Monaco for the FiA Presentation. Jacques Villeneuve and I were both on stage having our photos taken with our trophies and Jacques said "At least there is one other cool dude

then been given special leave so I can return to Australia for the FI Grand Prix.

My team, TonyKart Italy, hove been the best this year. Both my mechanic Lucio Cavuto and engineer Martiin Koene are meticulous with everything they do.

Bridgestone also came through with the

around" pointing at my shoes. I thought that was neat.

Secondly I have a message for Mark Webber before I go "Mark, my shirts need ironing - what win I do?"

King Jim of the ovais

AFTER a calendar year that saw him compete on two con tinents Jim Richards took out the Super Speedway Driver of the Year Award.

The veteran allrounder finished second in the 1996/97 NASCAR series and currently stands third in the ’97/98 title. ^ “It was nice. I didn’t really expect to get it, but if someone had to I was glad to accept. It was a good night and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.”

Apart from his successes in Australia, Richards also took Australian NASCAR racing

Ul I MUId.

international during the year, when he scared the daylights out of the top USA

Winston Cup stars at the Suzuka NASCAR Thunder race in November.

NOMINEES FOR SUPER SPEEDWAY RACER OF THE YEAR Kim Jane Darren McDonaSd Jim Richards Jason Wyllie

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ll 13Febwary^338

f (997

Skip takes top title

S{ )tltC M:, .i.',

Seton’s circuit crown CURRENT Australian Touring Car Champion was not expecting to collect anything other than his Shell Australian Touring Car Championship trophy when he showed,up at the Sofitel.

Seton took on three other touring car drivers -two of them V8 rivals - to take home the prestigious circuit racing title.

“It came to me as a surprise,” he said.

“I don’t belieVe that I did a better job than a lot of the other drivers nominated for the award but I’m honoured to receive it.

“To win this award with the things that have happened in the last year is terrific.

“I’m sure that, in years to come, I will be able to look back on receiving this award as being just as big an event as winning the championship itself.”

SKIP Jackson is nothing, if not a determined racing driver.

The Sydney Sprintcar hero was not at the Sofitel to hear his name announced as the Speedway Driver of the Year.

Instead, Skip was busy at Newcastle, ^ winning the penulti mate round of the World Series.

It was worth it. Not only did Jackson win the round, that result helped him to hTs second straight title.

Brother Peter Jackson (pictured) did the honours on the night, but Skip

sent along an appro priate message.

‘Winning the award was good because Motorsport News do a good job in publicising

NOMINEES FOR SPEEDWAY RACER OF THE YEAR Craig Brady Garry Brazier Skip Jackson Brooke Tatnell

Speedway as,a category.

It is good to win the vote because there are a lot of other good competitors. To be picked by the panel makes me feel very grateful. I am glad to be able to race Sprintcars and have a good team around me.”

NOMINEES FOR CIRCUIT RACER OF THE YEAR Russell Ingall Paul Morris Larry Perkins Glenn Seton

Possum’s double FOR a man who started the season not knowing if he could finish it.

Possum Bourne was a happy winner.

“I feel pretty privileged - not being an Australian,” the smiling Kiwi said.

“It’s a pat on the back for all of my team. We don’t have a lot of money, contrary to popular belief, and we’ve pulled the shoestring pretty tight.

“I knew what I wanted to do at the start of the season and we managed to put it together.”

CAMS honours Bob and Harry NOMINEES FOR RALLY DRIVER OF THE YEAR Neal Bates Marty Beckton Possum Bourne Michael Guest

BOB Jane once said, at a previ ous Australian MotorSport Awards, that he would like to strap some CAMS personnel to a rocket and fire them into space!

So it was a genuinely touching moment when Jane, once the Bete Noir of the motor racing establishment in this country, and long-time ally Harry Firth were honoured with Life Memberships by the governing

body of motor sport.

Jane and Firth both made entertaining and heart-felt speeches on the occasion and Jane even received a kiss on each cheek from former CAMS President John Large!

With that the Bathurst-winning duo returned to their tables and enjoyed the celebrations with their many friends long into the evening.

SANDOWN

® ATCC

13Feb!U3fyW9S

23

look who's back l Craig Lowndes bounces back with victory

® Bowe blows the starts after setting the pace l Car and tyre parity very close l Many cars damaged in race two start crash l Seton’s title defence starts with solid third l Record field of 31 cars qualify r

By DAVID HASSALL

CRAIG Lowndes could not have written a better script for his tri umphant return to Australian racing as he raced to victory in the opening round of the Shell Australian Touring Car Champioi;ship.

“I’ve been beaten around the ears overseas and now I’ve come back,” said Lowndes with a huge smile after his win.

“It was a dream return. The Kid is ba ,'k!”

The first round lived up to the pre-season hype, with a huge field of highly competitive V8s turning on some great action for a healthy Sandown crowd.

Just 0.9 seconds covered the top 14 qualifiers and there was plenty of panel-swapping, including a huge nine-car pile-up at the start of race two.

But for Lowndes it was almost a repeat of his 1996 SATCC debut third in qualifying, second in the first race and then two great starts for two wins and overall victory.

Could this be an omen? He cer tainly hopes so.

John Bowe took second overall after taking pole in the Shell Falcon, bad starts costing him dearly.

Glenn Seton was typically solid, taking three third places for third overall but was worried about where he might find the extra pace, feeling that the Ford Credit Falcon was as good as it has ever been.

The Castrol boys were next, Larry Perkins taking fourth and Russell Ingall recovering from a honid race one to place fifth overall on the day.

i

Shell Australian Touring Car Championship Round ]

andown

Mark Skaife barely won the first round of his intra-team battle with Craig Lowndes by qualifying just ahead, but his race day was terrible and he was lucky to hang in there for sixth at the end.

Steve Richards, Dick Johnson, Mark Larkham and Tony Longhurst rounded out the top ten.

Jasons Bright and Bargwanna qualified well, but generally it was a tough initiation weekend for the new youth brigade.

Entry and Qualifying The previous record field for a touring car round was 30 in the final round of last year’s series at Oran Park, but 33 Wt the track on Saturday at Sandown and 31 finally qualified.

The missing two were Mike

Conway and Don Pulver, who both had big crashes on Saturday morn ing, doing considerable damage to their respective Falcon and Commodore.

It was actually the second big hit for Pulver, who had gone off on Friday and was collected by Greg Crick in the Ericsson Commodore, damaging the chassis rails of both cars.

The car was fixed overnight, but Pulver believes a strut tower must have been damaged and when this failed in turn one, the car flipped wildly, wrecking the shell.

The remaining 31 cars consisted of 11 Falcons (including 3 EFs) and 20 Commodores (16 VS, 3 VR, 1 VP).

There may not have been parity in the numbers, but there was on

THE KID RETURNS... Craig Lowndes scored a great victory at Sandown and celebrated hard with John Bowe and Glenn Seton (below).

(Photos by Marshall Cass and Dirk Klynsmilh)

o o © ©.c

the track with five Falcons and five Commodores in the top ten after qualifying.

John Bowe, driving the Falcon that DJR built for Bathurst last year, used the new weapon to great effect.

“This is certainly the best Falcon I have ever driven,” said Bowe, but I must admit the time surprised me a bit. “'The car was good in the first session, then bad in the sec ond, but we got it back again for quali fying.”

Though a healthy 0.15s clear of the threatening HRT duo, Bowe’s pole lap in the heat of the afternoon was some 0.6s slower than for the pole Sandown 500 last September.

Skaife was reaROARING BACK...

The V8s charge into a new season with Bowe leading Skaife and the rest in the first race.

(Photo by Marshall Cass)

V:*

sonably pleased with getting onto the front row, but thought the car was not as good as in September when he took pole.

Lowndes grabbed third just a fewhundredths slower while IngaU was a similarly small margin further back.

Only moments before the end of the session. Ingall and team boss Perkins were only 12th and 14th and “all the crew looked like their dogs had died”, Russell reported later.

Larry stayed there (and decided to change engines overnight), but Russell puUed out a great lap in the dying moments, an incredible seven-tenths better than he had managed previously.

“On the second set I just went for it,” he said of his huge improve ment.

The Dunlop runners were using the softest compound available to them - the same as used at the Indy GP last year but with a revised case - but there is a softer one coming so the Sandown one will become their medium compound.

Russell was really happy with the new tyre and his time considering he expected Sandown and Calder to be his worst tracks of the year.

The Bridgestone-shod Falcons of Continued next page

l3Febfu3ry1998

N

FAMILY FEUD ... Darren Hossack and Darren Pate - nicknamed D1 and D2 come close to an embarrassing collision on a difficult weekend.

UPS AND DOWNS... Russell Ingall’s championship challenge started badly with brake trouble in the first race, but he charged back to take fifth overall on the day.

(Photos by Dirk Ktynsmith) because the new Yokohamas Seton and Bright were next finger out. were really consistent.

In reality, Steve was trou and were very happy with John Faulkner and Larry their cars, though Bright bled by understeer/in the (driving the rebuilt Larkham slow corners and ^ad some Perkins were within a second of pole, but obviously disap Phillip Island wreck) thought changes in mind to fix it for pointed to be so far back, race day. the traffic had prevented him Dick Johnson was a happy Larry saying that he “gave it from being higher.

“To be honest I wouldn’t eighth (“Seeing Bowie’s time, a good shot but it just wasn’t know where to find more I can’t wait to get my new fast/enough”.

Faulkner actually did his (time) because the car felt car, too!”).

The next four - Romano, time on old tyres, having really good,” said Seton. been inadvertently baulked Longhurst, Larkham and Bargwanna was very Richards - were split by just by Lowndes on his hot lap on happy with his ex-HRT car fresh rubber. Craig offered and scored first blood in the 0.0278s!

Romano (who only got out his apologies.

Valvoline pit. He was sev Steve Ellery was over a enth, five places ahead of near the end because his Steve Richards despite being radios had gone down) was second slower than LP to be delighted with the work of 15th, having had a few brake just four-tenths faster. problems with the GibsonBargs only just made it out ex-DJR man Les Laidlaw in a as the crew replaced a broken short space of time, saying he run Konica car which result had made the car more reli ed in him dumping it in a input shaft in the gearbox while Steve - never such a able. sand trap.

Mark Poole was next in the Longhurst said he was great qualifier - joked that Gawler Commodore, while he would just have to pull his looking forward to a hot day

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Terry Finnigan \^s the fastest privateer, just ahead of Trevor Ashby - though, of course, the privateers are all on off rubber until their Yokohama control tyres arrive.

The Wynns-backed Darrens were next - Pate ahead of Hossack by less than a tenth - from Crick (on old Dunlops) and the Falcons of John Briggs, Ray Hislop, 18-year-old Paul Weel and Da^y Oshome.

Rounding out the grid were Chris Smerdon, Mai Rose, Garry Willmington, Michael Donoher (who blew his Holden engine and returned home), Melinda. Price and Richard Mork.

Race 1-16 laps Glenn Seton was happier with his car after changing the rear springs overnight to make it ride the bumps bet ter and in the morning warm-up actually lapped two-tenths faster than in qualifying to be secondfastest.

Lowndes made a similar improvement to head the warm-up sheet, which was dominated by the Bridgestone nmners.

When the lights turned green to start the first race of the season, Skaife made an excellent start and tried to move across, but Bowe was just able to hold his ground and braked deep to lead into turn one.

Ingall made his usual quick getaway to grab third from Lowndes, Seton, Bright, Johnson, Richards (a great start), Perkins and Bargwanna (“I’ve never done a start before in these cars and I just lit the bags up”). . Russell, however, was soon in trouble with his brakes.

Or, to be coirect, a loose hub which was causing pad knock-off.

Russell discovered the problem at the top of the back straight on lap two, causing him to leave the track and bounce across the dirt before rejoining just behind Lowndes - putting the top six back into grid order.

By pumping the brakes.

Ingall was able to maintain a good pace, though, and^on lap SORRY MATE... Mark Skaife apologised for this incident where the HRT dri ver clipped Steve Richards and sent him spinning off.

(Photo by Dirk'Ktynsmith)

six threw out another chal lenge on Lowndes.

He went down the inside, only to find no brakes and the Castrol Commodore understeered off the road, losing two places and allow ing Seton to slip past Lowndes.

A lap later Ingall tried the same move in an effort to re pass Bright and there was another colhsion, which sent Bright back to 13th position and finally raised the ire of the race director.

A black flag sent Ingall to the pits for a stop-go penalty and he eventually finished 14th. Not a good start to his title challenge.

But it was bad luck for Bright, who had set a new lap record on lap five and would have finished in the top five. As it was, he had to charge back to finish 10th.

Dick Johnson was strug gling for pace and soon had a queue formed up behind him, which was eventually settled on lap six when the Shell off at Falcon spun Dandenong Rd comer, drop ping him back to 15th at the finish.

Steve Richards admitted there was brief contact, but insisted he was not responsi ble for the spin.

“Dick was already on his way,” he reported.

“There was a tiny, tiny touch, but not enough to tip him - he was going already.”

The video evidence was not conclusive and the officials took no action.

At the front of the field there seemed to be little Skaife could do about Bowe, despite applying enormous pressure for lap after lap.

But on the second-last lap Skaife decided to dive down

the inside of Bowe in the short distance between the last two corners onto the front straight and there was the inevitable collision.

Both men claimed to have the right to racing room, but the end result was Skaife l spinnings back to seventh place while Bowe raced to victory from Lowndes, who really poured on the pace in the closing laps.

Seton finished a comfort able third from Richards, Perkins and Bargwanna.

Mark Larkham finished back in 15th after making a shocking start, the result of burning his clutch by making three practice starts.

Darren Hossack was a retirement after being involved in an incident with Crick and clouting the barri er heavily on the opening lap.

Race 2-16 laps reduced to 15 The second race was domi nated by a huge shunt at the start which caused a red flag and left about nine cars with considerable damage.

It was essentially the result of poor starts by Skaife and Bargwanna which saw a fast-starting Faulkner trying to get through a diminishing hole and starting a chain reaction.

The cars of Ellery, Bright, Hislop, Bargwanna, Willmington, Faulkner and Crick were all too badly dam aged to make the restart while Johnson and Romano were able to get repairs.

There was a further casual ty with a photographer from the Herald-Sun suffering cuts and braising to his right leg because he was standing next to the araico when it was hit

ATCC

SANDOWN

13February W8

25

FLIPPER... Don Pulver’s weekend came crashing to a halt when a suspected suspension failure tripped his Commodore in practice. The driver walked away unharmed. (Photos byi^arshaii Cass)

by Willmington.

The remaining 22 cars got away cleanly the second time aroimd, but Bowe made a terrible getaway and was jumped by both Lowndes and Seton.

Romano’s race was shortlived as his front undertray obviously damaged in the earlier crash - collapsed, sending him into a spin and t-boning Longhurst.

Tony headed to the pits for repairs, but was pinged for speeding and gave it away to conserve his tyres.

Dick Johnson was delayed cy the incident and did well to recover and finish ninth.

Bowe and Seton had a huge battle for a couple of laps before Bowe got the upper hand, but Glenn remained his constant shadow for the rest of the race.

Lowndes, though, was in a class of his own and romped away with the win, lapping fast and consistently all the way to the flag.

Ingall stormed through the field to take a superb fourth just behind Bowe and Seton, well clear of teammate Perkins.

Skaife was next, nursing damaged steering after making an ambitious move on Richards which resulted in Steve being punted off. He recovered to finish 11th.

Pate retired with engine trouble which prevented him from starting the third race.

Race 3-16 laps

Ellery and Bright were the only ones who missed race two who had their cars repaired for the third race.

Ellery he worked his way through the decimated field

to finish 11th while Bright was forced off the track in the first comer and retired with damage to the steering, Once again, though, the pointy end of race three was determined by the start, with Lowndes making another good start to lead from start to finish, controlling the gap to Ingall in second, Seton in third and Bowe in fourth, JB was unhappy with his starts, but was also concerned by a brake problem which he battled all day, something he believes was probably there last year as well but only become evident because the Dunlops held up all day.

“It showed a weakness and we probably need a bit of a redesign,” said Bowe after the race, We made some changes and it was better for the second race, but worse for the third.”

Perkins ran fifth through out to hold off Johnson, who made a great start and took a solid sixth well clear of Larkham.

Skaife had a first comer off which filled the radiators and left him battling overheating for the rest of the race, but survived a scrape with Poole and a good battle with Richards to take eighth from Richards and Longhurst.

Steve was disappointed to lose the place to Skaife in the closing laps and blamed being baulked by Melinda Price.

The Wynns team’s difficult day ended when Hossack went off, filled the radiator ducts with rubbish and retired rather than risking the engine. ■

Shell Australian Touring Car Championship Round 1 Qualifying

Team Car Pos Driver Shell Helix Falcon 1 John Bowe Mobil/HRT Commodore 2 ; Mark Skaife Mbil/HRT Commodore 3 Craig Lowndes Castrol/Perkins Commodore 4 Russell Ingall Ford Credit Falcon 5 Glenn Seton Pirtek/Skilled Falcon 6 Jason Bright 7 Jason Bargwanna Valvoline/Cummins Commodore Shell Helix Falcon 8 Dick Johnson 9

Paul Romano

Romano Racing Commodore Castrol/Longhurst Falcon Mitre 10 Falcon Valvoline/Cummins Commodore Betta/F&P Commodore Castrol/Perkins Commodore

10 Tony Longhurst 11 Mark Larkham 12 Steven Richards 13 John Faulkner 14 Larry Perkins 15 Steve Ellery 16 Mark Poole

21 Greg Crick 22 John Briggs 23 Ray Hislop 24 Paul Weel 25 Danny Osborne 26 Chris Smerdon 27 Mai Rose

28 Garry Willmington Simons Earthworks Commodore 29 Michael Donaher Wiseman Commodore 30 Melinda Price Castrol Cougars Commodore Mork Commodore 31 Richard Mork

Race 2-15 laps(after restart)

Pos 1 2 3

Driver Craig Lowndes John Bowe Glenn Seton

4 5 6 7

Russell Ingall Larry Perkins Mark Skaife Mark Larkham

8 9

Mark Ppole Dick Johnson

10 11 12 13

Trevor Ashby Steven Richards Darren Hossack Chris Smerdon

14 Terry Finnigan 15 ; John Briggs 16 Mai Rose 17 18 19 DTf DNF

Danny Osborne Melinda Price Richard Mork Darren Pate Paul Weel

□NF

Tony Longhurst

Lowndes Bowe Seton Perkins

116 108 102 90

1:12.3915

1:12.5637 1:12.7433 1:12.7471 1:12.7510 1:12.7711 1:12.8156 1:12.8306

Konica/Young Lions Commodore 1:13.9088 1:14.0397 Gawler SA Commodore 1:14.6641 Sony Commodore 1:14.7442 Lansvale Smash Commodore 1:14.7705 Wynns/Kmart Commodore 1:14.8555 Wynns/Kmart Commodore Ericsson/Trust Bank Commodore 1:15.3897 1:15.6430 SuperCheap Auro Falcon 1:15.8203 Hislop Mo:torsport Falcon EF 1:15.9683 Castrol Falcon 1:16.0768 Colourscan Falcon EF 1:16.0921 IT Commodore 1:16.1543 Mai Rose Commodore

17 Terry Finnigan 18 Trevor Ashby 19 Darren Pate 20 Darren Hossack

Points

Time 1:11.9559 1:12.1106 1:12.1582 1:12.1994 1:12.3025 1:12.3546

On

Race time 18:32.0028 1 8:36.5486 1 8:37.3354 1 8:38.0201 1 8:43.0051 1 8:50.4388 1 8:50.8413 1 9:02.1218 1 9:05.3022 1 9:15.1803 1 9:18.7711 1 9:24.9082 1 9:26.1248 1 9:26.4261 1 9:33.2343 1 9:38.2323 1 9:41.4616

1:13.0S48 1:13.2668 1:13.2887 1:13.1750 1:13.3998 1:13.8436 1:13.7970 1:14.6908 1:14.0719 1:15.3115 1:13.9783 1:15.3028 1:15.4499 1:15.4064 1:15.6415 1:16.6679 1:16.5183

1 4 laps 1 4 laps 1 0 laps 9 laps S laps

1:16.5643 1:19.2914 1:15.4084 1:15.7611 1:13.4282

8 9 7 7 5

80 78 72 60 60

Longhurst Poole Ellery Ashby rFinnigan

44 38 34 32 28

Ingall Skaife Richards Johnson Larkham

9 8 13 6 10 10 14 9 9 7 10 8 13 8 9 9 7

1:16.9229

1:17.2946

Race 1-16 laps Racetime Fte Driver 1 John Bowe 2 Craig Lowndes 3 Glenn Seton 4 Steven Richards

Rtep On 19:45.4316 1:13.1311 3 19:46.0506 1:12.8993 3 19:48.7478 1:12.9231 5

19:49.9870 1:13.1662 3

19:52.3166 1:13.309810 5 Larry Perkins 6 Jason Bargwanna 19:52.4357 1:13.1475 4 19:53.2366 1:13.0104 4 7 MarkSkaife 8 Tony Longhurst 9 Paul Romano

19:53.7588 1:13.1040 4 19:57.3120 1:13.189714 19:58.8538 1:12.7780 5 19:59.1360 1:12.8595 8 20:04.2836 1:13.8773 4 20:05.1844 1:13.9779 4 20:07.7182 1:12.8723 5 20:19.6203 1:13.3441 2 20:20.8167 1:13.9798 4 20:24.9156 1:14.9209 8 20:32.9812 1:14.8023 4 20:35.2843 1:14.8809 4 20:36.9348 1:15.1079 5 20:37.1803 1:14.839311 20:39.3975 1:15.1651 12 20:41.2432 1:15.1829 4 20:45.5947 1:15.7425 4 20:48.3110 1:15.172815

10 Jason Bright 11 John Faulkner 12 Steve Ellery 13 Mark Poole 14 Russell Ingall 15 Dick Johnson 16 Mark Larkham 17Greg Crick 18 Darren Pate 19 Trevor Ashby 20 Paul Weel 21 Ray Hislop 22 Chris Smerdon 23Terry Finnigan 24 Mai Rose 25 John Briggs 26 Danny Osborne

27 Melinda Price 28 Garry Willmington O'fRichard Mork

20:53.3664 1:15.7127 4 15 laps 1:16.952811 15 laps 1:17.0694 5 10 laps 1:18.8125 8

1:18.7388 1:20.6423

Race 3-16 laps

Bos Driver

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

DNF □NF

Craig Lowndes Russeil Ingall Glenn Seton John Bowe Larry Perkins Dick Johnson Mark Larkham Mark Skaife Steven Richards Tony Longhurst Steve Ellery Terry Finnigan Chris Smerdon John Briggs Trevor Ashby Mai Rose Ray Hislop Melinda Price Richard Mork Mark Poole Darren Hossack Paul Weel

Smerdon Bargwanna Briggs Romano Ashby

28 28 22 22 22

Race time

15 laps 15 laps 9 laps 7 laps 5 laps

F/lap 1:13.0066 1:13.3676 1:13.2111 1:13.0701 1:13.4296 1:13.8272 1:13.2052 1:13.5367 1:13.6820 1:13.7219 1:14.8405 1:15.8846 1:15.5604 1:15.5040 1:15.1249 1:17.3374 1:15.8387 1:18.2604 1:20.3218 1:14.4225 1:15.8488 1:16.8506

On 5 5 7 7 6 15 4 10 9 11 6 7 10 11 9 5 11 10 10 7 4 3

20 18 16 16 8

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6

19:44.0899 19:46.7148 19:48.9232 19:50.5542 19:54.9132 19:55.4261 19:58.1120 20:01.5000 20:03.0036 20:09.7422 20:27.5470 20:35.7637 20:41.5274 20:45.7272 20:46.5610 21:00.6080 21:05.4725

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M 32HB AUSmiUH BRAE BACIHE EH It’s that time of year again as the TAG 1998 Mark Gedye and more storm down the quickest Nationals explode into life at Calder Park Raceway. and fastest all-asphalt drag strip in the world in the Over 480 competitors will attack the quarter mile battle for Nationals supremacy. during the March 20-22 weekend, all chasing The TAG 1998 Nationals is the only event of the championship glory as the Primus Summer Season year that you get to see it all - Top Fuel, Funny of Drag Racing comes to a mind-blowing Car, Top Alcohol, Top Doorslammer, Pro Stock, Top conclusion.

Bike, Pro Stock Motorcycle and a great support cast - all at the same event.

See drag racing legends Graeme Cowin, Glenn ’ Mikres, Victor Bray, Peter Russo, Gary Phillips, Qualifying begins on Friday, March 20, while

Saturday, March 21s lights during the Nigf Qualifying.

Then, on Sunday, begin until the last c\ Don’t miss this, thf For more info, check WWW.motorsport.com weather watch line o

"Call costs 75c I

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mPIOHSHIPSMmH20-22 all the action heats up under t of Thunder Final Night of

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28 13Febmy1998 t

The Wonder Years

By PHIL BRANAGAN ANY thoughts that the Older Brigade of Formula Holden wovdd have a com petitive look-in during 1998 were swept aside when Scott Dixon and Todd Kelly took a win each in the Australian Drivers’ Championship at Sandown.

The two teenagers dominat ed the racing, which turned to be fairly processional after ini tial skirmishes in both 12 lap races.

Any action was confined to qualifying, when Dixon and Mark Noske batted the long standing lap record back and forth before Noske secured pole to match Dbcon from the first race.

Best of the rest status went John de Vries. The American rookie wasn’t hugely fast but bad luck robbed his Red Bull Markus team-mate Friesacher of third in the sec ond race. The Austrian fin ished the day tied with rookie Les Crampton for fourth.

The two kids are already 20 points clear and are going to take some catching.

Entry and qualifying

The good-sized field of 19 took a hit on Friday when Chas Jacobsen backed his Reynard into the Dandenong Rd fence during Friday prac tice. The bruised Melbourne veteran was done for the weekend, the impact enough to break his Holden V6 in half The first session was fairly straightforward. Both Dixon and Noske ran solidly in the nines, with the young NZer eventually pipping Noske’s Reynard 94D by 0.25s with a lm09.69s lap.

Noske was far from wor ried. “I feel my car will be quicker on new tyres so I will try and make a break from the start,” he said.

The second session was a peach. Six times the ‘lead’ changed, both drivers getting until Simon Kane’s grey haired lap record of lm09.26s.

Dixon dived under first with a 9.14s but in the dying seconds Noske hit back with a 9.11s to even the score.

All this took placed in much hotter and, supposedly, slower conditions.

Dixon was a little unhappy, with the car and he and engi neer Trevor Scheumack ordered an overnight set-up change.

Kelly took a third and a fifth, a lack of practice leaving ^him short of speed on used tyres, while Bin'ana’s Brenton

Ramsay was fourth but improved a whole second to ImlO.OSs to start third.

Friesacher cut his Formula Holden teeth with a fifth first-

up, but zoomed down to lml0.24s for fourth in Q2, his only concern being traffic. “I don’t know who the drivers are,” he said. “They are not so good with their mirrors. But no, they don’t drive hard.”

Paul Stephenson’s dropped 10 spots from his first session sixth while the rest of the top 10 was filled by Steve Cramp (seventh and sixth). Bob Power’s Ralt, Les Crampton’s Sunwipes Reynard and de Vries.

Swedish visitor Lars Johansson was finding his car a handful and battled under steer to 14th and 12th.

Race 1 (12 laps)

Dixon had been right. On a new set-up he blasted off an 8.5s, even claiming that he could go quicker if he needed to. Ouch.

To say that the first race was a procession is a little bit of an understatement.

Kelly made a gun getaway to lead Dixon, while Noske’s good start made it only as far as 6200rpm.

“There was a flat spot,” he said later. “The car wouldn’t go any faster and I was dri ving like crazy in the comers.”

Friesacher jumped past the Noske 95D to third, while fifth was Cramp, Ramsay, Crampton, Stephenson, de Vries, Haywood, Osborne, Digby, Hocking, Drede, Talbot and Sampson.

Kelly’s lead lasted less than a lap. Dixon zoomed by on the Brock Straight, set his inter nal cmise control on lm09.2s and reeled off the laps sepa rated by hundredths. Traffic apart, he had no problems worse than growing under steer and he decimated the rank and file by an impressive 15s.

Apart from Noske’s chase, the see-sawing battle of the race was between Kelly and Friesacher for second. Despite having less understeer the Austrian could not get a gap in traffic and, despite lots of pressure, the Mildura kid hung on and pulled away once Friesacher’s tyres started to get hot.

Osborne’s race was short ened to a lap by an errant engine belt, while Noske’s bat tle with the Ramsay was resolved when the Birrana car swept by on lap five to hold fourth.

Cramp had a lonely run to sixth, while de Vries held off Stephenson and Hocking and

TODDLING ON... The unsponsored Kelly made a great debut In with a second and a first in two races.

(Photo by Dirk Klynsmith)

Haywood.

Race 2(12 laps) Noske’s miss was missing at the start of the second race and he shot away into the lead. Dixon followed but Friesacher elbowed past at Shell, with Kelly fourth from Osborne, Hocking, Crampton, Johansson and Digby.

Dixon was soon into second but quickly realised that Noske was spilling a little oil.

At the top of the rise on lap two Noske suddenly snapped sideways and tore off to the left, while Dixon hit oil and flew right.

Noske his the tyre barrier hard and was temporarily knocked out, while Dbcon just managed to keep the car off the armco, losing a nose wing in the process.

Meanwhile Friesacher, in the lead, ran ■wide at XR6 and Kelly was through into the lead, where he stayed.

CLOSB..: Dixon takes to the grass at Dandenong after spinning on oil. Notice his damaged (Photo by Dirk Klyrtsmith) left-front wing. Freisacher (11) continues but spun at the next corner. spin de Vries salvaged some Behind Crampton Johan Dixon was surprised that results for the Red Bull team, the car was still drivable and sson held out a queue for five with Drede finishing ahead of chased down Friesacher, tak laps until his worsening Digby, Talbot and Cramp. understeer caught him out ing second on lap nine. The and he went on at XR6.

Championship points; Dixon/Kelly Austrian was struggling; he 35, de Vries 14, Friesapher/ was stuck in fifth and then Kelly replicated Dixon’s Crampton 12, Ramsay 10, winning margin with Cramp the clutch started to give out.

Haywood 9, Noske/Cramp 8, Brede ton third on debut. After On the penultimate lap the 6, Digby 4, Talbot Stephenson 3, Hocking 2. recovering from a first comer car cried enough.

MacroW'Economics

By AARON NOONAN GARTH Tander did it in 1997. Now Adam Macrow is doing take the title after cleaning up the opposi tion in the first round of the Ford Motorsport/ Slick 50 Formula Ford Championship.

The 19-year old narrowly qualified on pole, but he blitzed the opposition in both eight lap races, to shoot to the top of the championship points table.

While a Spectrum took the victories for the day, the chassis competition was at a high level, particularly con sidering that in both races the minor positions were filled by Spectrums Van Diemens, and Dugal McDougall's Mygale, enjoying a far better season in 1998 than last year.

Qualifying

With a huge field of 49 cars, just qualifying would be an effort. Macrow did just that, taking pole (lml9.58s) from Craig Zerner, now Spectrummounted after a competitive season in a Van Diemen in 1997.

Western Australian Aaron McNally shared row two with Greg Ritter’s Valvoline machine, while Christian Jones and Dugal McDougall in the first of the Mygales trailed on row three. Dean Linstrom in a seven-yearold Van Diemen outshone many of those driving newer machinery, to take seventh.

Steve Owen, Tim Leahey (benefiting from champ Garth Tander’s engineer ing input) and Michael Simpson com pleted the top 10.

NO CONTEST... Adam Macrow was far too good at Sandown, only having the odd car to lap... (Photo by ark Klyrtsmith)

Race 1 (8 laps)

by five seconds, a gap which in Formula Ford terms is like winning Bathurst by three laps!

McDougall gave Mygale second place, followed home by Owen, McNally, Ritter, Zerner, Ashley Seward, Christian Jones, Robert Miller and Dean Lindstrom. Tim Leahey just missed the top ten, but set the fastest lap of the race,

but the order of the two was changed at the end of lap one, Macrow slipstream ing his way past into the lead.

As soon as he was through, Macrow quickly applied the thumb screws, dip ping into the lm20s bracket, and as time went on. the lml9s.

The Mygale of McDougall was by lap two into fourth, having passed Ritter, and was swarming on the gearbox of McNally’s machine. While the second to fifth placed cars diced, thus slowing one another down, sixth placed Steve Owen (Spectrum) was able to close.

By lap six, Macrow had pulled out on the rest by two seconds, but things weren’t quite as straight forward for Zerner. Both McDougall and McNally had passed him, while Owen had taken Ritter.

On lap seven McNally made a move on the outside into the Esses, but ran out of the black stuff, shooting off through the grass, and rejoining with the lose of one position. The start of the final lap was even closer, Owen made the most of some passing manoeuvres ahead to slot into third, a position he held through to the finish.

Macrow by now was gone and uncatchable, safelv home to take the win

RaCG 2 (8 laps) Macrow powered away fi-om the line leading McDougall, McNally, Ritter, and Zerner. McNally moved passed McDougall on lap tv'o, but Macrow had pulled the Houdini trick, disappearing within the blink of an eye.

As was the case in the earlier race, the pack held one another up enabling Macrow to waltz away into the distance.

McNally and McDougall headed this pack, but it took until lap five for McDougall to fi nd his way past. Tim Leahey broke into the top ten in a big way, fighting his way to fifth, but it was all Macrow.

Zemer made the better start and led the field through Shell Mastercard turn for the first time, with Macrow snapping at his heels. Ritter slotted into third. while McNally headed McDougall for fourth. McNally didn’t stay there, pass ing Ritter on the outside going through the daunting Esses for the fii'st time.

Zerner and Macrow quickly established a small gap over the opposition,

He moved away at the rate of half a second per lap in the latter stages of the race to win, but the battle was on for the ranners-up position.

McNally just out-pointed McDougall and Leahey, with Sew^d taking a welldeserved fifth. Alex Davison set the fastest lap of the race to finish sixth, a great drive from 13th on the grid, while Robert Miller beat home Jones, and Justin Cotter.

Ritter s early championship chai-ge was dealt an premature blow, strug gling home to 17th after problems.

13FektJ3ryW98

29

J^.

Middle aged Bugeyes!

By BRIAN REED ANOTHER significant anniversary being widely celebrated this year is the ‘Bugeye’ Sprite’s 40th birthday, and the 1998 Lactos Rally in Tasmania (along with many other groups, no doubt) will be this acknowledging rather special occasion.

The ‘Spridget’ was origi nally conceived by Donald Healey as a humble, cheap to produce little sports car, and it immediately estab lished itself as a car of char acter and charm - especially the first which is affection ately known as the ‘Bugeye’ (or ‘Frogeye’ overseas).

The Austin Healey Sprite had impressive heritage com ing from the long established Austin and Morris stables, with the brilliant racing tra dition of MG at Abington combined with the genius of Donald Healey at'Warwick.

The BMC Publicity Department expressed its enthusiasm about the new little Healey when it announced in May 1958 that the appearance of the ‘Frogeye’ “brings joy to the eyes of a connoisseur.”

The road tests that fol-

Briefly Historic

BUGSAREUS...

After 40 years the Sprite is stiil as popuiar-and competitive - as ever.

lowed were likewise full of praise for the car which went on sale in the UK for 660 pounds including tax. It was the cheapest mass produced sports car on the market although you had to read the small print, for the basic price didn’t include such “ancillary equipment” as front bumper, adjustable passenger seat, tachometer or heater!

The first competition event a Sprite contested was only three days after the car was introduced to the USA (in a Class H Production Race at Put-In Bay, Idaho),

With only 948cc on tap and with no possibility of being ‘run in’, its first outing was hardly memorable - at least as far’ as results were concerned.

Over the years the ‘Spridget’ has maintained its reputation as a favourite club racer and today is one of the most popular production sports cars contesting Historic events. And like their older cousins, the evergreen Austin 7s, they seem to be getting quicker and quicker!

If ever the Austin 7s call it a day (and that is totally

beyond the realms of possi bility!), the Austin Healey Sprites and the MG Midgets would be worthy successors.

To celebrate the 40th birthday, Australia will host a visit by the man who had more to do with the Sprite’s overwhelming success than anyone else, Englishman John,Sprinzel. A dinner on the Puffing Billy Night Train has been organised for Friday, February 20 and is sure to be a keenly sought after social event.

For bookings and further details contact Diane English on (03)9755 1850.

Frank Coad Shannon's Classk ●I' Iron

By BRIAN REED GOOD news is that a quiet achiever of the 1960s is at last getting the recognition he deserves.

Fi’ank Coad has been invit ed by the VHRR to be the patron at the Shannon’s Phillip Island Classic to be held from February 28 to March 1.

Frank Coad was one of the foundation members of

the giant task of bringing the project to fruition and then running the meetings. Prank was member No. 28.

At the opening meeting in December 1956, Coad drove a Vauxhall Special, a car masterminded by his brother George. In 1959 the 'ii’auxhall was extensively revamped by George Coad, and now sport ed a Repco Holden engine with crossflow head under an

PTASft^ the club^mt to(^on

attractive streamlined body.

According to Frank, the new-look Vauxhall Special was an instant success, joint ly holding the sports car lap record at the island with Doug Whiteford’s Maserati 300S and then winning the Bill Thompson Memorial Trophy race for sports cars in 1960.

Coad also enjoyed success behind the wheel of a Cooper Bristol belonging to a man whose name is synonymous

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Ye Olde BP Rally ready

ANOTHER event to celebrate a 40th anniversary will be a Ye Olde BP Rally to be run in March 1998.

To be run over three days, the rally will be open to Historic rally cars built up until 1976, starting in Melbourne on Friday March 20. Director is Bob Watson (at right, winning in ’72 in his Peugeot 504) and entries will be limited to 60 cars. For further infonnation, contact Bob on (03) 9528 4803 (AH).

-BRIAN REED

with Phillip Island - Len Lukey.

But Frank Coad really came of age later that same year. “On November 20th 1960, when Australia’s Great Race started at PhiUip Island as the Annstrong 500,1 had my greatest moment when I crossed the line to win this first event driving a Vauxhall Cresta for Cheney Motors of Melbourne (pictured) with my co-dri^i'John Ro^m^.’l,

A new Historic categoryGroup R- is to commence on July 1 1998 and will cater for more recent compe tition cars. Some adjust ments have been made to earlier draft regulations but at this stage Fonnula 2 cars will not be included. Also, any cars with skirts, whether they be sliding or fixed, wiU have to have them positioned so that they have a ground clearance of not less than 40mm. Good news is that Formula Ford has been included in this new categoiy.

old days, along with 180 other Nostalgia styled vehi cles.”

There will be a Street Machine Magazine/OZ Performance bracket featur ing Australia’s factory mus cle cars of the 1960s and ’70s, patrons are invited to biing along their Classic Cruiser, Streeter or Rod, and there wiU be an impressive display of Hotrods and Street Machines in the Show ‘n Shine.

For more details call the Australian Nostalgia Racers info, line on (02)96 100 500.

n Some of the most enjoy able aspects ofthe Qantas Australian Grand Prix car nival(March 5-8) will be the Tattersall’s Historic Demonstrations(which this year.feature an imposing field of classic sports cars from the 1950s and ’60s) and the associated social events planned to coincide vfith the on-track action.

The VHRR Grand Prix Dinner Dance heads the bill, and this year will be held in the magnificent ballroom at the Savoy Park Plaza Hotel, 630 Little Collins St.(cnr.

Spencer Street) on March 7 commencing at 7pm.

Tickets are only $65 per head(aU inclusive) and will include champagne and canapes followed by a 3course meal with fine wines and a top jazz band. For tickets phone Helen McDonald on(03)9589 1217 (fax 9589 0018) or Sandra Caffin on(03)9744 1807 (fax 9740 5769).

n A popular meeting place for those who enjoy nostalgia is a great little cof fee shop in Daylesford called “Lost in the 50s.” Proprietor Gary Roberts has set up his estabhshment as a 1950s cafe(with seating booths and a juke box playing appropriate rock ‘n roll music)and all around is hot rod and custom car memora bilia, prints, tapes and records.

He also has for sale some great old motoring books and magazines and pays cash for ’50s and ’60s col lectibles.

Apart from the milk shakes and spiders(remem ber them?), Gary also makes a mean cappuccino, so a visit to “Lost in the ’50s” is well worthwhile. You’O find him at 105 Vincent St., Daylesford opposite the Tourist Information Centre, or look out for his memorabiha stand at various swap meets around the coimtry.

■ Entries for the Calder Practice Day on February 15 are coming in nicely and an expected gathering of 75 Historic cars looks like using the occasion to do some final sorting out for the coming season.

Organiser Brian Simpson promises there will be “heaps of runs” for all par ticipants. Scrutineering and a driver’s briefing are compulsoiy, the cars will be graded into categories for the runs and the day also gives opportunities for oth ers to gain experience in various aspects of a race meeting including flag wav ing. At the end of the pro gram the 'VHRR will provide drinks and nibbles for all participants - a nice way to round off the day.

■ In Queensland, the MG Car Club has its next Club Day on February 15 at Lakeside. The meeting is open to all Historic competi tors.

■ News from Hobart is that the scheduled ‘Back to Baskendlle’ Historic meet ing for February 22 has been postponed - at least temporarily.

The meeting will celebrate 40 years of continuous motor racing at the famous ‘Apple Isle’ cu’cuit, and a new date is to be negotiated with CAMS. ■ And speaking of nostal gia, the Victorian Nostalgia Drag Racing 'Titles wiU be held at Raceway Park, Heathcote on Satm’day February 28. 'This meeting wUl feature Classic Dragsters and Altereds in a battle for Top Ehminator ‘just as it was in the good

■ Also, a busy schedule of hillclimbs has been organ ised for Queensland’s popu lar’ Mt. Cotton venue which is 25kms south east of Bi-isbane on the Gold Coast road. The hillclunbs will be held monthly (sometimes tvdce per month) right through until October plenty of opportunities for Historic competitors to sharpen up their reflexes.

■ For Historic competi tors (and others) wishing to gain a General Competition Licence, the next CAMS Driver Evaluation day will be held at Calder Park Raceway on Satm’day, Febi-uaiy 28. More informa tion about obtaining j'om’ licence is available fi’om CAMS on (03) 9889 3746.

-BRIAN REED

Historic Events for your Diaiy

Feb. 15 Calder Practice Day MG Club Day, Lakeside Feb. 20 Bugeye’s 40th Birthday Dinner, Puffing Billy night train Feb. 22 Victorian Hillclimb Championship (El), Mt. Leuia Feb. 27/Mar. 4 Dutton Grand Prix Rally Feb. 28/Mai’. 1 Shannon’s Phillip Island Classic Mar. 4 SwanstonWalk Grand IPrix Parade Mar. 7 VHRR Grand Prix

30

^SFsbmt^ 1998 V

Tim was drive a BudSteele, Moorewho Ford at to Daytona, will not be lpack behind the wheel until the middle of the year due to dizzy spells while testing recently.

Steele, the 1996 and 1997 ARCA Supercar champ, wrecked hard at Atlanta Motor Speedway in October last year and is still recovering from the head injury.

Steele and Moore were com bining their financial efforts for the upcoming season, so for that rea son the seat will remain vacant until Steele is fully fit to race again.

Evernham. Sabates remarked that the pair could win the champi onship in a Jeep and, if they were in a Ford, they might have won all the races last year.

John Andretti was the fastest of the Pontiacs at 188.505 mph on January 13, the final GM test day.

The NASCAR Busch Grand National division actually posted

Hendrick 13 years, will continue in Hendrick’s employ and wifi deal with the team’s many sponsors, as he hopes ttf spend more time with his family.

“I hope I look like the stupidest person on earth when this is all over, because I cried about some thing that I had no business crying about,” said Yates.

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Brett and his picked co-owner, AndyBodine Evans, have up Paychex as their 1998 sponsor for their #11 Taurus - the company is a supplier of cheques.

While Brett’s brother Geoff still has sponsorship woes with QVC gone, one of his new owners, John Porter, was to step up to the plate with his involvement with WorldCom communications.

Unfortunately for Geoff, WorldCom is under a takeover bid

by MCI and no new major adver tising, or marketing, exercises are permitted, including sponsorship, enske South and driver Rusty Wallace have released chief engine builder Mike Ege. The Miller Lite team failed to post a fin ish in eleven events last season eight were engine-related prob lems. arrell Waltrip announced his new sponsor for the 1998 and 1989 season on January 16.

Builders Square builders mer chants and Speedblock will be the names emblazoned on Waltrip’s blue and white Chevies. ike Beam, Bill Elliott’s crew chief, has been named the team’s chief operating officer.

Replacing Beam will be Joe Garone, an Elliott employee and former crew chief for Rick Carelli in the NASCAR Truck Series.

Beam will oversee both Elliott’s team and the new Elliott/Dan Marino-owned outfit of Jerry Nadeu. harlotte Motor Speedway is again expanding it’s seating, adding 11,433 seats to the mas sive stand built just last year on the turn two backstretch. The addi tion will expand the seating capac ity to 147,000.

During thethe second of February, annual week Charlotte Motor Speedway media tour took place and, as is usually the case, there was plenty of bickering between the teams, with this year’s subject the new Taurus.

Robert Yates fired up other teams by insisting that he has received no help in development of the new car, both in aerodynam ics and engine.

Most teams feel the Taurus is way behind it’s competition, with both Roush and Yates waiting for NASCAR to make changes to lower the nose and make changes to the deck lid areas before building cars.

Hence Roush, in particular, is behind on the car-building pro gram.

Team Sabco owner Felix Sabates who fields three Chevrolet teams, seized the opportunity to get back at the Ford teams’ whining - he produced a large towel on the media tour with the words “Ford crying towel” emblazoned across it!

Sabates also said that, whatev er happens, no-one is likely to beat the combination of Jeff Gordon and crew chief Ray

simoN

NEW DEAL... Striking #13 First Plus Ford Taurus ofJerry Nadeau, driverfor the new Bill Elliott/Dan Marino Winston Cup team.(Martin D Clark pics)

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By Martin D Clar

And, you guessed it, when the tour arrived at the Hendrick com plex the next day, a 4x4 Jeep was sitting out front, with #24 on the doors!

Jeff GordonWinston posted Cup the fastest Chevrolet speed during Daytona testing, turning 189.155 mph on January 13.

Sterling Marlin (189.119 mph) in a Coors SABCO Chevy and Bobby Hamilton (189.044 mph), in Sterling’s old Morgan McClure Kodak mount, recorded the other top speeds.

faster speeds than their big broth ers, Jeff Purvis the quicker of that bunch at 192.390 mph in a Chevy, while Aussie-racer Texan Kevin Schwantz was seventh-quickest at 191.058 mph.

Loy Allen Jr will drive a #14 Richard Jackson-owned Pontiac at Daytona, hoping to pull in a sponsor for the operation for the remainder of the year.

Jackson recently traded num bers with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Steve Park, Earnhardt’s rookie driver, will now drive the #1, which Jackson has owned for many years.

Jimmy Johnson, long-time gen eral manager of Hendrick Motorsports, has stepped down from his position, just as Rick Hendrick’s brother John takes over as the new chief executive officer of the operation.

Johnson, who has been with

Ford teamsact didn’t take in long to get their together their second three-day session of Daytona testing that ended on January 21.

Rookie driver Kenny Irwin popped off the fastest time of the pre-season testing at the beach with a 190.609 mph lap in his Taurus.

3 Irwin’s Robert Yates team-mate Dale Jarrett recorded 190.074 mph, while Greg Sacks,, driving a Cale Yarborough Thunderbird, posted the second-fastest overall speed of 190.379 mph.

Jeff Gordon, the first of the GM teams, was fifth at 189.155 mph.

Billy Standridge again opened eyes in a self-owned and built TBird with a Yarborough powerplant - he attained a speed of 189.092 mph, the seventh fastest.

After speaking out against the progress of the Taurus, Yates changed his tune after the final test.

Testing speeds: Irwin Tau rus 190.609 mph. Sacks T-Bird 190.379, Jarrett Taurus 190.074, R Wallace Taurus 189.709, Gordon Chevy 189.155, Marlin Chevy 189.119, Standridge T-Bird 189.092, Hamilton 189.04, Schrader Chevy 188.945, Speed Taurus 188.834, Irvan Pontiac 188.830, Cope Pontiac 188.762.

ASCAR has announced new provisional starting arrange ments for the upcoming season they will now take the fastest 36 qualifiers for each race, two less than 1997.

However, there will now be six provisional starting slots, up from four, plus an additional position will continue to be held for previous Winston Cup champions that do not make the cut in qualifying.

If no previous champion takes the slot, another car can start in the 43rd position, based on the postmark of the entry blank.

13FebruafyW98

31

NASCAR introduces new rules NASCAR introduced rule changes on February 2 before the 1998 season had even begun.

As speculated, the governing body had been toying with the idea of slowing cars down on the inter mediate tracks, such as Atlanta, Las Vegas and Charlotte.

Following recent tests, it made the decision to lower the height of rear spoilers and decrease the depth of the front air dams.

The changes come into effect fol lowing Daytona speedweeks, start ing with Rockingham on February 22.

Several teams had already tested at Rockingham using the old config urations and the late in the day decision subsequently infuriated them.

The Ford Thunderbird will have a rear spoiler of 4.75 inches and a 5-inch clearance on the front air dam.

The new Ford Taurus and Chevy Monte Carlo will have both a 5-inch rear spoiler and a 5-inch ground clearance on the front spoiler, while the Grand Prix will have a 5.375inch rear and 4.625 inches nf clear ance up front.

The new rules will slow the cars around 5mph on average and will increase driver skill by decreasing downforce in the turns.

- MARTIN D CLARK MARTIN'S NEW FORD ... The Valvoline #6 Ford Taurus of Mark Martin will run with the same aero dynamic restrictions as the Chevy Monte Carlo. (Martin D Clark pic)

Corporate focus for Fastrack Racing The Calder Park-based AUSCAR/NASCAR driving school of AUSCAR champion Marshall J Brewer has recently expanded its operation with the introduc tion of an all-new Corporate Division.

Heading the new Corporate divi sion will be David Whitehead, Fastrack Racing’s newly-appointed National Sales Manager.

Whitehead joins Fastrack after four years with BMW and, prior to that, a seven-year stint in a variety

of roles with Peter Brock and his Touring Car race teams and vehicle enhancement organisations.

“Our objective is to take Fastrack not only to the major corporate players, but also to smaller organi sations that participate in customer hospitality and reward programs,” Whitehead stated.

“There is a great opportunity for Fastrack to provide a fresh alterna tive to companies looking for a more dynamic and interactive form of entertainment.”

Super Speedway Update

n Strathfield National Cars

; HJENTITY CRISIS ... Well, not exactly. Marshall Brewer (left : rear), Jim Richards and Greg Murphy (kneeling, front) are sport: ing the latest style in body armour as part of a joint promotion with Village Cinemas and Calder Park for the upcoming big-bud get blockbuster sci-fi adventure flick,“Starship Troopers.”

1 But all three ACDelco Cup competitors wilt don their more familiar race gear and continue their struggle for supremacy during the Round 5, February 13-14, meeting at the Thunderdome - the penultimate round of the current series and a highlight of the 10th birthday celebration of super speedway in ' Australia.

points leader Jason Wyllie is currently reviewing his posi tion for the future, having investigated a move to the AC Delco Cup cars for season 1998/99.

“I’ve only just started research ing the options,” Wyllie said last week. “We’ll only make the move if we can find the right equipment and the right advice.

“Obviously, budget is also a con cern] as to be competitive in that category is a greater cost than being competitive in the Trust Bank/Computerland Commodore.”

Wyllie also confirmed rumours that he had potential buyers ‘sniff ing’ around his existing cars.

‘We’ve just converted the old exMahnken VN Commodore, which we ran two seasons ago, to VS spec for ride purposes here in Tasmania. Currently, we have a guy looking at buying, or leasing, that car for next season, as well as

a current super speedway competi tor looking at moving into National Cars.”

n In order to commit both him self and his crew to being a front-running Supercar team, super speedway legend John Faulkner looks likely to sell his ex-Melinda Price Legends Car at the end of the coming sea son, leaving season 1998/99 as the first season without Faulkner since 1990/91. n Reigning National Cars champion Matthew White is looking forward to the fifth round of the Strathfield cham pionship this weekend, having set some blistering laps in practice prior to December’s third round.

“We actually did a 30.5 in prac tice, which is the fastest a National Car has ever circulated the Goodyear Thunderdome,”

Fastrack has opened a South Melbourne office to allow greater access for companies wanting immediate presentations regarding Fastrack’s activities.

Fastrack’s corporate office is located at 27 Palmerston Cres, South Melbourne, 3205, opposite the vast Albert Park sporting and Grand Prix facility.

David Whitehead may be contact ed by phone on; 03 968 29622, by fax on: 03 968 65604, or mobile on: 0412 439300.

White said. “We’ve fully repaired the car since Adelaide and will do some testing the week before the next round to ensure that we have the correct set-up.”

While talking plans for 1998/99, White could not confirm: “Things at work [Freighter Trailers] have been pretty hectic. I can’t realisti cally run the team and be the dri ver, so I think I’ll probably tone things down a little over the next couple of seasons and concentrate on my career.” n Current Australian HQ Holden champion Neville Haley will contest the next two rounds of the Holden Quality the at series Parts Thunderdome.

Haley will drive the second car for the Dennis Panels/Pro Headssponsored team of Paul Bongiorno, team owner Gary Bongiorno con firming the deal with Neville last week.

1997/98 GOODYEAR AUSTRALIAN SUPER SPEEDWAY SERIES - POINTS AFTER ROUND 4 OF 6 1997/98 Strathfield National Cup

1997/98 ACDelco Cup 1. Kim Jane, Bob Jane T-Marts/Repco ..1 183 2. Jim Richards, Pyroil/No Fear/Wattyl .1 165 3. Terry Wyhoon, BP Car Care 1084 4. Rodney Jane, Auscar Alloy Wheels .1071 5. Neville Lance, King Koil/Autopro ...1062 6. Ian Thomas, Valvoline/Killer Loop ..1020

I. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7. Jimmy Ellis, GB Galvanizing/Mundays .943 8. Paul Stocker, Consolidated Waste ...920

7. Darryl Speers, l&V Truck & Trailers 1002 8. Nicole Pretty, DeWalt/Goodyear 921 9. Richard Howe, Ferntree Gully Bolts .895

9. Max Dumesny, Valvoline, Killer Loop .895 10. Bob Middleton, Whiteline Trans/Cat .808

jason Wyllie, Trust Bank/Compuerland .1 180 1 146 Darren McDonald, Powermac Eddie Abelnica, Melb’s Cheap Cars .1094 Nathan Pretty, DeWalt/Goodyear ..1074 Matthew White, Freighter/Holden ..1050 Marshall Brewer, Fastrack/Cigweld .1040

10. Jason Morrell, Jason Morrell Racing ..880

I. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

1997/98 Konica Sportsman Series Leanne Ross, Chris Milton Engines ...781 Graeme Gilliland, G&Q ,Engineering ..779 Graham Crawford, Crawford Racing .766 Chris Robinson, Goodyear Belting . . .746 743 Ron Savas, Balnarring Panels .*.. .712 Tony Howlett, Howlett M’sport .700 Con Vereker, Vereker Smash ..

Mark Sutherland, McLean Race Eng. . .696

9. Gerry Raleigh, ICI Autocolour, Kerrys ..658 10. Graeme O’Brien, Dennis Panels 653

32

DRAG RACING

13Fetwari/W98

f RELIEVED... Despite a multitude of setbacks at Calder Park, winneriGlenn Mikres(above)salvaged a swag of valuable points to draw level with Cowin in the series lead.'(R&L Potts pic) Report by GREG WARD I;:' a dramatic fifth round of the Top Fuel series, held at Calder Park Raceway on January 31, there were no records - or even four second runs - but there was plenty of action for the crowd, even with a single in the final round.

Graeme Cowin had stretched his lead in the ’98 Australian Top Fuel championship out to 40 points over part-time Californian Glenn Mikres after the Shell Rocket entry had defeated the joint Aussie-USA effort of Mikres and car owner Santo Rapisarda at the fourth round in Queensland.

In a strange twist, Mikres should have been facing off against one of Melbourne’s favourite sons, Romeo Capitanio, but the ex-Funny Car star lost control of his Hadmanbuilt digger while reversing after a monstrous semi-final burnout.

The red rocket nudged the con crete wall with the rear-end, the front of the car vaulting around quickly as a result of the steering becoming unstable during the return from the burnout.

Although Capitanio kept the car running, despite it pointing in the wrong direction with the nose aimed at the start line, he had to shut it off and relinquish what should have been a free run into the final and a shot at some big points.

The Capitanio team had began the day very well when crew chief John'Capitanio had wrenched a solid 5.16 at a shutting-off 258 mph in the warm conditions to lead the six-car field on what was to be most

Mikres levels series Cowin blows his clutch an Romeo whacks the wall

1I

team’s only qualifying pass.

Robin Ifirby, sporting hjs recent ly-applied Pennzoil colours, almost matched his best-ever et with a 5.21 at a PB terminal speed of over 279 mph to snatch second.

Third spot belonged to Mikres at an unusually slow 5.70/167 after the Santo’s Cranes rail broke an input shaft after half-track, forcing the team to make an engine swap before eliminations.

It was, however, enough to hold off Terry Sainty’s second-effort 5.84 at a shut off 193 mph, after the quad-cammer had to shut off with clutch troubles on it’s first pass.

Sainty had the honour of bump ing championship leader Cowin down to the unaccustomed fifth spot after the Shell Rocket rail looked to be on a very solid pass in the first session.

Tyre shake then led to tyre smoke and, with Cowin pedalling it, a head gasket got pushed out just before half-track.

An 8.09/97 was only ahead of a troubled Darren DiFilippo, who had nothing but bad luck at this race.

The DiFilippos, having made it to

the semis at Willowbank, weren’t enjoying the same good fortune with the True Flow Exhausts car here.

An inlet valve hung open after hitting the rocker cover on the first effort, the resulting backfire taking out the burst plate and snapping the blower belt, causing DiFilippo to coast to a halt at half-track.

“That’s never happened to us before,” shrugged Darren after wards.

“But you never know with these things. Nothing surprises me with them any more,” he said, motioning to the fueller.

“We’ve just been trying to get a handle on the clutch at the minute, but that run was totally wasted in that regard, so we’re one run behind already.” ^ The second qualifier saw the car get a tit further down the track before the belt once again exited the KB, leaving him to coast to a powerless 14-second timecard for the final spot in the field.

With Sainty unable to make it to the line with his clutch problems, Mikres made sure of a semi-final

showing with an admittedly ‘soft’ 5.17/274 from the ex-Scott Kalitta rail.

Capitanio was able to click it early when his mount once again started to nose over on the top-end against DiFilippo, another tossed belt leading to a coasting 16-second pass that allowed a 5.46 at just 195 mph through to a fateful semi bye.

Cowin was busy producing the biggest noise of all on the other side of the ladder.

After his disappointment in qual ifying, the Shell/Rocket team leader came out and buried an unfortu nate Kirby with a stout 5.14 at a paltry 209 mph, although the Pennzoil driver thundered by him just past the traps with a consis tent 5.29/273.

Cowin had driven through the clutch after producing some big numbers to half-track, forcing him to get off it, while Kirby was some what frustrated at his fortunes.

“We are happy "with running the .20s,.but it still didn’t get us any where. In any other race, that[run] would have been a winner,” he gri maced afterwards.

“We’ve been stepping up with the clutch, bringing it in a bit earlier and giving the engine plenty of fuel and that’s helped with the top-end.

“Still, in the final it may have only needed another .20 and we’d have been in with a show,” he com mented wistfully.

Kirby’s misfortune paled against Cowin’s in his semi duel against Mikres.

It was an important race in the context of the championship, as Cowin could clear further out ifom Mikres, or Mikres could get within easy striking distance with the championship drawing to a close.

As befitted such a race, the for tunes also ebbed and flowed as Cowin, second off the line, blasted away with a brilliant launch.

He was extending that through the first half of the track, before the clutch expired in a fiery shower of sparks, an ‘at-speed’ version of his well-documented efforts at Eastern Creek.

He pulled the chutes and clocked a 5.81, while Mikres had problems of his own.

His blower belt parted from the

1997/98 ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING SERIES - POINTS TO FEB 13, 1998.

PENNZOIL

I. »2.

3.

4.

6.

7.

97/98 ANDRA Top Fuel Series Graeme Cowin, Shell/Rocket Indust. .360 360 Glenn Mikres, Santo's Cranes Darren DiFilippo, True Flow Exhausts .200 Terry Sainty, Eagle Ignition Leads ....160 140 Robin Kirby, Pennzoil/Keatings 140 Romeo Capitanio, Top Fuel Inc 120 Roy Smith, Atholwood & Smith

8. Rachelle Splatt, Valvoline/Dragway ... .60 9. Andrew Cowin, Shell/Rocket Indust. . .40

2.

3.

5.

6.

9.

97/98 ANDRA Top Alcohol Series .205 Gary Phillips, Lucas Oils Steve Marker, Spectra/Thermo-King .150 Scott Ferguson, Tonkin’s Car Audio .140 Wayne Newby, Newby Blowers ....140 David Hawke, Dave Hawke Racing ....90 .80 Stan Tindal, Hi-Tec Oils .80 Steve Read, Pommie Steve Racing ,80 Mark Brew, BOC Gasses .60 Steve Reed, Reed Transport ,.. .60 Matthew Featon, See-Doo ....

97/98 ANDRA Top Ooorslammer Series ...475 Victor Bray, Castrol Racing 2. Scotty Cannon, Racetech/SCW 435 3. Troy Critchley, Castrol Racing 330 4. Andrew Searle, Searle Racing . .310 5. Lucky Belleri, Lucky's Toy ....

160 6. Peter Kapiris, Kapiris Bros/Pennzoii ..140 7. Shane Elcoate, Thunder Road 100 8. Lui Raschella, Raschella Racing 80 .80 David Koop, Koop DeVille .. ,70 10. Colin Will, Tectaloy Coolants

DRAG RACING

l3Fetnia!y1998

33

Roscoe beats Brown at CID

us CHEVY JET TOURIST... Joe Brown’s Arizona Outlaw.(Nix Fix) SORE BUM ...A semi-final encounter with the concrete spoiled Romeo Capitanio’s Top Fuel outing. (Fotts) pulleys on the top-end, slowing him to a 5.24 at just 242 mph - still enough to comfortably take the win, but not enough to bother the top speed/low et marks, which he need ed to do in order to draw level with Cowin in the points.

When Capitanio produced what was - unfortunately - the sensation of the entire event by backing his rail into the concrete wall in the other semi, the Top Fuel champi onship became a hot potato once again.

Mikres had to stage in the final to at least get the points for the win, but he was gunning for the bonus points for low et, or top speed.

Despite being a single pass, the final was still a spectacular one.

Mikres produced his best launch of the day with a .890 60Tt, but then rattled the Goodyears as he passed the tree.

He pedalled it, but then the black rail started to spit clutcb sparks out of the can and pieces of spark plug out of several pipes.

Despite all that drama, the unflappable Mikres produced a 5.22 at a top speed-setting 280.81 mph to draw level with Cowin in the points chase.

In Top Competition action, it was the VDO Altered of Tom Easton which once again stood out, exceed-

his best-ever at 8.05 in his US-built rail with an 8.05 in qualifying, but the MRE dragster of Rod Rainford once again proved to be the domi ●% nant force.

Both worked their way to the final, where Cartledge left too early with a .380 fight.

But Rainford would still have been very tough to beat with his 8.01/165 and the victory put him in good stead for the Nationals.

In other brackets, Anthony Selva quickly getting on top of a killer took out a deep-staging Paul tune-up for the PSI-blown KB, Fletcher in Super Modified, while Kapiris produced a 6.59/205 in Harry Nicolaou downed Idris qualifying before stepping up in the Demaj in Super Sedan on a 9.31 to better air in the evening’s elimii^a- 10.12 count. tions.

Robert Azzopardi took out anoth Easton fell to the HQ Monaro of er title with his Mazda RX-7 when Marcus Chambers in the semis, he turned back Adrian McGrotty’s after the VDO team had the clutch Capri in the final of Super Gas, malfunction off the line, while 9.91 to 9.83, Harry Nicolaou and Kapiris tossed the blower belt, but Graeme Murphy won Super Sedan still wiped Theo Pavlomanolakos’s and Super Eliminator, respectively.

Bobby Dimovsky and his ‘Tweet/ BB/G Camaro with a very stout HQ dislodged a tailshaft-breaking 6.46 atjust 195 mph.

Kapiris had everything unravel Glenn Jones in Super Street. in the final round, as he was late Angelo Ganitis took out the Competition Bike bracket over and overpowered the track, hazing the tyres to an off-pace 7.54/175 as , Jason Lee with a 7.97 from the Chambers used the best air of the RBD Suzuki, while Damien Martini nailed Darren Mason in Modified day to piunp up his small 299-cube Bike and Raymond Gould managed Chev to a winning 8.25/159.

Super Competition saw the to overcome David Hall in Junior C/Dragsters dominate proceedings Dragster, after Hall fouled in the once again - Wayne Cartledge ran final.

ing the terminal speed minimum with a on-off6.55/210.97 mph blast.

“It shook hard and I couldn’t see where I was going; but I could feel it was going to the right, so I lifted and steered it back,” reported Easton afterwards.

The pass gave him the confidence that the car could get down the track later on, but he wasn’t count ing on the heroics of Peter Kapiris in the VPW/Pennzpil Statesman.

With crew chief Ian Cleeland

UF IN SMOKE... FSI-blown KB VFW/Fennzoil Statesman of Feter Kapiris was Top Comp runner-up. (Fotts)

The jet cars hightailed it to Canberra’s eighth-mile strip for last weekend’s final Pro-Am of the year; Roscoe McGlashan defeating visiting American Joe Brown 2-1, much to the delight of the 3,500 strong crowd.

A four-truck field was also on hand to supplement the jets, with Frank Gaffiero’s Bandang Bullet enhancing his cult following down soutl^.

Amazingly, with a total fire ban in place and afternoon tempera tures reaching 35 deg, the event was again washed out before all the brackets had been decided.

The 110-car field provided the crowd with quality racing and most of the races were decided by less than a thousandth of a second.

Rod Broadbent also brought his Aussie Bananas Statesman out for some testing, the McGee-powered beast finally going straight with some easy 4.60s the end result and a pointer to the car’s undoubted potential.

In the Jets, Brown came into the event having been soundly defeated in his previous meetings with McGlashan and the first race of the n-ight certainly bolstered the Yankee’s confidence.

A 5.14 soundly . defeated McGlashan’s troubled 6.62, vath no hint of the engine problems that had plagued his previous passes.

In the second race, McGlashan stepped up with what was to be low ET of the night for the Jets.

Brown’s .414 light almost made the difference, but in the end Roscoe’s 5.10 just managed to hold out Brown’s 5.22 by a matter of inches.

After several rain delays and with more storm clouds brewing, event organisers made the wise decision to bring forward the Jet final, even though most of the other brackets hadn’t even reached the semi-final stage.

In what turned out to be the final pass of the night, Roscoe drove through the steadily falling rain, his 5.23 giving him the overall win.

Simon Farrell top qualified in Super Comp, running his first four second pass in the process, his 4.95/144mph making him the class on the nine-car field.

Farrell met his demise in round two, a mechanical failure forcing him to exit the car at the start fine with copious amounts of smoke fill ing the interior of the car. .

Gaffiero led the truck bracket, running consistent 8.70s to every one else’s 14-second ETs. In eliminations, this resulted in the Bullet spotting his opponents a track start, which .didn’t prove too big an obstacle and the sight of the Bullet thundering past his oppo nents in the lights for the win sent the crowd into frenzy.

Gaffiero came back later in the evening to put on one of his enter tainment spectacles.

With the track covered in an inch of water, Gaffiero smoked his way to the finish, the fire from the after burner and lightning both lighting up the night sky, creating an awe some spectacle.

Steve Hirsler, the Super Sedan track champion, was the winner of the driver to America series.

The competition is open to all brackets and decided by the track champion who amasses the most points in his, or her, bracket.

Hirlser, the Super Sedan champi on, finished equal on points with veteran Graeme Silk, wiiming on a countback - Hirsler’s prize is a trip to America.

At this stage, the next major car event at Canberra will be the $10,000 bracket race over the Easter weekend. With the continu ing imcertainty over drag racing at Eastern Creek, moves are afoot to increase the number of events at - SCOTT JUG Canberra. and Ben Gatt are beHeved to be about ready to dispose of their big block Ford from their former ‘world’s fastest allFord’ and add a billet Sainty engine to their EA Falcon doorslammer...

By Gerald McDor

li

■ Former Australian Top Alcohol Champion “Pommie” Steve Read is having his “first in the fives outside the US’ alky digger front-halved by Rod Andrews in Sydney...

■ A Sainty-powered doorslam mer? You bet! Sydney’s Joe

■ The legendary A1 Hofmann, who ran a quickest Funny Car ever pass of 4.86 at the Winternationals, has inked a sponsorship deal with a yet-tobe-named arm of cai* giant GM. The deal will be announced within the next few days.

Hofmann also said after his record run, had he not shut off early, he would have run 4.82 at over 318!

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0

DRAG RACING

13Febm!]f1998

35

Prudhomme Pomona double

by Dixon Jr and Capps ■»

Report

by DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Larry Dixon Jr, Ron Capps and Jim Yates cap tured the first Pro wins of the season on January 29February 1 at the 38th Annual NHRA Chief Auto Parts Winternationals, held at Pomona Raceway in California.

Weather delayed qualify ing, but all four Pro qualify ing sessions managed to get completed and Sunday’s finals were completed with out delay.

Larry Dixon Jr scored an impressive win in Top Fuel over Jim Head in a very exciting final round.

Dixon’s Miller Lite Don Prudhomme-owned Top Fuel dragster, sporting a new injector hat, rattled off a string of mid 4.6s to capture the opener.

1997 Winston Champion Gary Scelzi was eliminated in round one, when he lost traction.

Ron Capps made it two wins for Pnidhomme’s teams when he put the Copenhagen Chevrolet Camaro into the winners circle, following a tyre-smoldng, pedalling duel with Tim Wilkerson and the JCIT Pontiac.

One year ago, the Capp.s/Prudhomme camp struggled to qualify for the first several races, but Capps and company left the 1998 season-opener with a win and the point lead - no bet ter way to start a season.

Defending series champion John Force lost a battle with team-mate Tony Pedregon in round two, when he lit the tyres right off the starting line.

Jim Yates came to Pomona with a new-look Pontiac and a new sponsor, but the results were reminiscent of 1997, with Yates coming out on top.

Yates’ Peak Antifreeze SplitFire Spark Plug Pontiac strung together four mid-6.9s to take the opener over Jeg Coughlin Jr’s Oldsmobile.

TOP FUEL Twenty five teams were on hand for the opener and, when qualifying was over, Mike Dunn and the Mopar dragster were on top with a career-best 4.590/318.58.

Cory McClenathan was a close second at 4.603/314.13, a whisker ahead of Scelzi’s 4.616/307.27.

Kenny Bernstein had a 4.627 at a whopping 320.74 mph for fourth, while rookie Doug Kalitta put his drag fifth at ster into 4.651/317.46.

Rounding out the top eight were Dixon Jr (4.653/316.45), Bruce Sarver (4.656/307.16) and Eddie Hill (4.667/292,68) - Jim Head was ninth at 4.681/305.49.

Austrahan David Grubnic, driving John Mitchell’s Montana Express, looked good in qualifying, running 4.72, 4.71 and finally hitting a 4.691/293.25 for tenth.

Joe Amato struggled dur ing qualifying, hitting a 4.701/315.56 for eleventh.

Dick LaHaie tuned Doug Herbert to a 4.787/299.70 for twelfth, followed by Tony Schumacher (4.823/304.87), Bob Vandergriff (4.912/307.27) and then Cristen Powell (4.933/304.15).

Anchoring the field was Rhonda Hartman, who had a best of 4.933/294.21.

Round one racing saw two major upsets, as Scelzi and the team Winston dragster

I.OOIt.- HAU

..ujynni.

WIN LITE... Larry Dixon Jr opened the 1998 season with a win in the Don Prudhomme-owned Top Fueller. (Burgan pics) went up in smoke at th e green, allowing Vandergriff to advance with an enginedestroying 4.869/283.46.

Herbert also scored what would be called an upset when his Snap-on dragster took out the American International Airways drag ster of rookie Kalitta.

Kalitta had Herbert cov ered until 1000 feet, when the power quit in the Kalitta car and Herbert drove by at 4.788/299.50.

Bernstein posted the top speed of the round in a 4.685/319.60 win ove r Schumacher and the Pee k Brothers entry.

Dixon Jr had low e.t. of the Continued on next page

COPING NICELY... Ron Capps put Prudhomme’s Camaro Funny In the winners circle.

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13 February WS8

Continued from page 35 round when his 4.636/309.59 stopped the 4.682/313.47 weekendbest of Amato and new sponsor Tenneco.

The second round began with Sarver ^ who had advanced over Grubnic in round one on a single scoring his second win of the day over a tyre-smoking McClenathan with an engine damaging 4.826/285.44.

The McDonald’s team had to bor row a battery pack from the Budweiser team of Bernstein, who followed with a 4.730/299.30 win over Herbert’s 4.949/300.20.

Dixon Jr then displayed more bracket-like consistency with a 4.647/314.57 win over the up in smoke effort of Vandergriff.

Head then closed the round by taking out number one qualifier Dunn.

Dunn was much quicker to half track, but the power went away in a flash and Head closed the dis tance.

At 1000 feet, the engine in Head’s car let go and he went by Dunn, with both cars on fire cross ing the finish line.

Head began the semi-final round by leaving on Bernstein - one of the best leavers in the business and having the performance as well to oust the “Bud King,” 4.676/303.03 to 4.704/314.57.

The final round opponent for Head would be determined by one of the best drag races of the day, as Sarver took on Dixon Jr. Both cars left with identical reac tion times and were side by side for the entire quarter mile, Dixon Jr pulling ahead by half a car length at the finish line to take the close win, 4.648/317.68 to 4.687/311.63. , The final round was a good' one, with both drivers cutting excellent lights and a slight advantage going to Dixon Jr. B>' the 800 foot mark. Head was even with Dixon Jr and, as Dixon’s car began to lose traction. Head pulled ahead.

Then the header flames went out in Head’s Close Call mount and Dixon Jr squeaked by to take the win - by about five inches.

FUNNYCAR .

A1 Hofmann led the Fuel Coupes with a brilliant, all-time quickest run ever by a Funny Car, a 4.862/304.15.

He was followed by John Force’s 4.962/312.39 and Capps put his Camaro into the third slot with a 4.965/309.06.

Wilkerson grabbed fourth with a 5.021/296.63.

Chuck Etchells’ new-look Kendall

GT-1 Camaro held onto fifth at 5.027/308.43, while Del Worsham’s new Pontiac wound up sixth at 5.054/285.98.

Tony Pedregon’s 5.074/303.03 and Dean Skuza’s 5.094/285.44 rounded out the top half of the

field.

The rest included Gary Densham (5.148/284.90), Whit Bazemore (5.206/289.01), Dale Creasy Jr (5.235/287.81), Randy Anderson

Worsham used a nice 5.106/286.53 to stop Creasy Jr and the legendary Force set low e.t. and top mph of the round at 4.982/308.21 while taking an easy win over Hoover.

The best race of the round saw the other Castrol Mustang of Tony Pedregon take a narrow win over Bazemore and the Winston 5.051/298.01 Mustang, 5.074/288.64.

ly up in smoke pass from Densham.

The other pair saw a tyre-smok ing battle between Capps and Tony Pedregon.

Pedregon took a small holeshot, but was smoking the tyres early and off the throttle.

Capps, meanwhile, pedalled and fought to get the car to the other end with the front-end off the ground at one point to take a 5.924/292.11 win.

«

The round came to a close with Yates taking his new Pontiac to a 6.941/198.23 win over Marnell’s 6.960/197.02 The semi-final round saw all four cars post runs in the sixes and all drivers cut great reaction times.

Coughlin Jr started the round by strapping a .409 light on the Professor of Pro Stock, who cut a .462 light.

Coughlin held on to take a

m

11 j

WHAT, ME WORRY?... Jerry Toliver debuted the stunning MAD Magazine Pontiac Funny, with Alfred E Neuman all over its bonnet.(Burgan pics) (5.268/260.11), Frank Pedregon iri Jim Dunn’s car (5.588/200.80), Jeff Arend in Chuck Beal’s Dodge with Paul Smith tuning (5.619/226.98), Tom Hoover (5.661/212.86) and Mark Seivers (5.705/210.57)., Failing to make the cut were Cruz Pedregon and his new Interstate Batteries Pontiac, which had a four run best of 5.963/217.81.

Round one saw all the top eight cars advancing, with the exception of Skuza, who left before the tree was even activated in his race with Densham.

Wilkerson, Capps and Etchells all advanced with safe tune-ups, posting low teens in their wins over Frank Pedregon, Arend and Anderson.

Low qualifier Hofmann had a scare when his car began smoking the tyres. He pedalled and was pointed toward the wall, but cor rected and got the errant mount pointed toward the finish line to take a win over Seivers, who had traction problems of his own and clicked it early.

The second round started with Wilkerson stepping up to make one of his quickest runs ever at 4.948/310.13 to stop the 5.012/309.49 from Etchells and his pretty new Kendall GT-l/Mama Rosa’s Pizza Chevy Camaro.

Capps put down a 5.007/310.55 to trailer the tyre-smoking Pontiac of Worsham.

In the first Team Castrol match race of the year, Tony Pedregon strapped a slight holeshot on the boss and, with Force’s tyres engulfed in smoke, managed to get the win light, despite the engine going silent at 800 feet.

In the final pair of the round, Densham notched his first four sec ond run, stopping Hofmann, who had problems on the humout after drying the tyres.

Densham and his NEC Dodge were long gone at 4.991/305.49.

The semi-final round saw Wilkerson advance, into his secondever final round when his top-end, parts-eating 5.039/257.87 was more than enough to handle the instant-

The final round was yet another tyre-smoking affair, with Wilkerson’s car heading to the wall.

He brought it back and hit the throttle to chase Capps - but, with the tyres still spinning, the JCIT Pontiac crossed the centerline, tak ing out the 1000 foot cones.

Capps pedalled again to a 6.603/211.71, got the win and starts 1998 in much better shape than he was in during 1997.

PRO STOCK Mark Osborne led the all-six sec ond field aboard Dick Sherman’s Pontiac at 6.934/197.93.

Mike Thomas followed at 6.954/197.93, with Yates third at 6.6.956/197.28 and Steve Schmidt fourth with a 6.958/198.01.

Fifth through eighth were Coughlin Jr (6.959), George MameU (6.960), Troy Coughlin (6.962) and Warren Johnson (6.962), respective-

ly.

Rounding out the show were Barry Grant (6.968), Scott Geoffrion (6.971), Kurt Johnson’s new Camaro (6.971), Ron Krisher (6.985), Richie Stevens (6.987), Gordie Rivera (6.989), Bruce Allen (6.990) and Tom Martino (6.991/196.72).

Darrell Alderman was the first alternate, just missing at 6.991/195.99.

Round two action began with the Outlaw Fuel Additives Pontiac of Allen facing the lone qualified Dodge of Geoffrion.

Allen, who had taken out the number two car of Thomas in round one, lost a close race to Geoffrion as the Dodge posted a 6.985/197.62 to 7.001/195.99 victory.

Coughlin Jr then ended Richie Stevens’ debut in NHRA racing by taking a solid 6.971/198.10 to 7.015/197.49 win.

Stevens had stopped the number four car of Schmidt in round one.

Warren Johnson and his GM Goodwrench Service Pontiac posted a stellar 6.944/198.63 win over the redlighting 6.985/197.49 of Osborne.

holeshot win, 6.9'/2/198.19 to 6.933/198.67.

The other match saw Geoffrion leave first, but any lead quickly evaporated as Yates drove by to post a 6.933/198.01 to 6.973/197.62 win.

In the final round, Yates had to be wondering if the kid could con tinue his string of great reaction times.

At the green, Coughlin did it again, this time cutting a .418 light compared to Yates’ .437 - and it was almost enough, as Yates just inched past in the last couple offeet to take a 6.968/197.49 to 6.989/198.32 win, the actual mar gin of victory a mere seven inches.

FEDERAL MOGUL DRAGSTER AND FUNNY CAR Rick Santos, the 1997 points champion, picked up right where he left off, taking the season opener.

Santos defeated the injected nitro burner of Rick Henkelman (exChess Bushey dragster) in the final round, running 5.524/253.16 in a winning effort when Henkelman blasted the tyres loose right off the

line.

Santos had defeated the drag sters of Mike Strasburg, Darren Nicholson and Gary Anderson enroute to the victory.

Henkelman defeated the dragster of Pete Kaiser in the opening round, then set the record for the class at 5.419 seconds in a win over John Costanza and reset it one roimd later with a 5.375 second win over Jay Payne.

John Hyland, father of Shaun and Tiffani, put his Funny Car into the winners circle by defeating final round opponent Brian Hough.

Hyland defeated John Weaver, Steve Sommer and Wayne Stoeckel, before stopping Hough in the final, 5.850/245.23 to 6.160/187.18.

Pat Austin held low e.t. and top mph and was the number one qual ifier at 5.767/250.83 - but he was defeated in round two by Hough when he crossed the centerline.

FUNNY FAMILY... Cruz(left), Frank and Tony Pedregon all race Funny Car

SPEEDWAY John consecutive LeslightSuper won his Sedan seventh fea ture race when he took out round eleven of the Coastline Vehicle Transport Super Series in difficult conditions at Archerfield Speedway on January 17.

Run on the same programme as the Australian Sprintcar Open, the traqk had become very slick and dry by the time the tin tops, who only supplied a small field for the huge crowd, hit the track for their 30 lap feature.

An opening lap pile-up elimi nated Ian Marshall, Paul Geary and the much-travelled Al Starling, further reducing the field.

Shane Paulger (Breaka Pontiac) started the 30-lap event from pole position but spun infield on lap 3 and handed the lead to comeback driver Chris Bussey.

Bussey, whose Yokohama Pontiac sets new standards in racecar presentation, maintained the front running for just a handful of laps until Leslight surged underneath in turn 2.

Nick Girdlestone (Harvey Smash Repairs Camaro), who clocked the quickest lap in time tri als and inverted the first four cars, also disposed of Bussey at this point and settled into second spot.

Leslight (Kendall Oil Camaro) cruised to the chequer ahead of Girdlestone, with Bussey reclaim ing third spot on the final lap after a good scrap with young Kelvin Hamilton.

Craig McGeorge, in just his third outing, finished in fifth ahead of Darren Bates, Brian Missen, Blair Granger and Sunshine Coast rookie Richard Kay. The heats were held in far superior conditions and provided some superb racing.

Paulger and Girdlestone in par ticular put in some stunning perfor mances, with spectacular outside passes that brought the crowd alive - they finished as equal top qualifiers, with a win and a second placing each..

Leslight and Paul O’Neill, who missed the feature with a dam aged engine, were also heat win ners.

Darryl Bonell trounced a seven car field to take out the 15-lap Speedcar feature.

Grant Draney and Chad Wheeler were the only other finish ers, in second and third, respec tively.

Three qualifying heats were taken out by Draney, John Lennon and Anthony Vanderreyden.

New promoter Hall has Lismore announced some Ben changes

to his 1997/98 schedule.

The new look calendar features blue ribbon events for most sec tions that compete at the popular venue.

The most significant change is the switch of dates for the NSW Modified Rod Championship from January 24/25 to February 28 as a one night event, with support from AMCA Nationals and Street Stocks.

Compact Speedcars have a big dollar meeting planned for March

Tooheys East Coast Super Sedan Grand National, back on it’s tradi Modified tional weekend Productions, Street Stocks and fireworks will also feature at the season finale.

Further details about Lismore City Speedway can be obtained by ringing (02) 66227800, or 015 396401.

Lismore’s Paul O’Neillout (Lismore Nissan Camaro)took round twelve of the Coastline Vehicle

13Febru3!yW98

McGeorge (AS Concrete Pumping Falcon).

Hamilton - who started from pole position and led the first two laps - and Granger were eliminated on lap 18 when Gough triggered a pile-up in the back straight.

O'Neill kept the in-form Girdlestone at bay to collect his third feature win for the season and bring John Leslight’s winning streak to an end.

Paulger spluttered home in

37

Singleton, Wayne Corbett, Darren Bamier and Brett Wilkins in the 15 lap feature, Hilder and Singleton took out the heats, while Darren Dillon proved too quick in the Stars Dash, A high number of mechanical failures decimated the fielcf in the Microsprint feature, leaving Bob Hebert with an easy stroll to victo ry over Rob Mclver, Justin Gross and Daniel Jones.

Lsurvived ocal favourite Andrew Shilletto several challenges and atrocious conditions to take out the 1997/98 Queensland Litre Sprintcar Championship at Maryborough Speedway on January 25.

Starting from the outside front row, Shilletto went to the front when the race got underway and was still there 25 laps later when the chequer appeared, despite the best efforts of several competitors.

On the slickest, dustiest track I have ever seen, the race was punctuated by stoppages as dri vers spun out of contention with monotonous regularity.

Those drivers who didn’t spin soon found themselves on the infield anyway, as the track tore up tyres at such a rate that only six of 24 starters were still running at the end.

Australian champ Michael Gee crashed out in the first comer, after being baulked by Ricky Tapscott.

Tapscott mounted an early challenge to Shillotto until a tyre SUPER SEDANS...#4 Stu Robertson and Shane Yoder in action at Newcastle last month.(David Lamontpic) shredded after just a dozen laps, Transport Super Series when he third spot, followed by rookie sen- moving NSW star Andrew Wright outpaced his rivals in the 30 lap sation Craig McGeorge, into second spot, Wright looked set to take the Super Sedan feature event at Newcastle’s Al Starling and Archerfield Speedway on January Gough, who had to charge through lead until Shilletto veered side from the rear after his earlier indis 24. ways in the main straight and sent cretion.

Wright into the turn 1 fence.

O'Neill, who started from posi Graeme Lehmann, Brian A frantic repair effort failed to tion four, took the lead on lap 5 and became involved in a good, Missen, Darren Bates and Richard get Wright back on the track and Shillotto, somewhat fortunate to albeit brief, dice with Nick Kay completed the field. escape punishment, now found Yet again, the heat racing pro Girdlestone, Wayne Randall and duced plenty of excitement, with himself under pressure from Shane Paulger.

These four remained in close O’Neill, Girdlestone, Paulger and Toowoomba’s Keith Blatch.

Blatch, who started from pole 7, with Modified Productions and formation until lap 11, when Randall collecting wins.

Street Stocks on the undercard.

Leslight’s night ended early position, took over the front run Randall spun after contact with March 28 will feature the inau when a broken tailshaft yoke put ning from laps 17 to 20 until he Paulger.

The stewards deemed Randall him out of action. also headed for the infield, hand gural John Chant Motors Modified John McGeorge was another ing the lead back to Shilletto.

Production Challenge, which is ■responsible and banished him to Darren Farmillo was the next to expected to entice a huge field of the rear, a dubious decision that early casualty, a broken strut mount a challenge, looming quick keeping him out of the feature. cars from along the east coast - prompted the Mazda pilot to with Modified Rods and Street Stocks draw in anger.

Paulger clocked the quickest ly onto the tail of Shilletto before will support.

Paulger’s Pontiac dropped, a lap in time trials, only to be the lapped car of John Chapman The NSW Street Stock cylinder soon after the recom ‘rewarded’ once again by selecting came into play with just three laps remaining.

Championship will be decided on mencement, leaving O’Neill and an inverted six starting formation.

Farmillo contacted Chapman’s The absence of national champ Girdlestone to fight it out.

April 11, with a support show com outside rear wheel and was sent Further back in the field, a good Darren Vine resulted in much clos prising Modified Productions and Modified Rods. four-way dice had developed er competition in the Compact bouncing through turn 4, coming to The final show of the season on involving Kelvin Hamilton, Blair Speedcar ranks. rest upside down against the Brad Hilder downed Rod fence.

April 25 will be the prestigious Granger, Rod Gough arid Craig

T.

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After a fantastic year that saw him claim a second consecutive World Series Sprintcar crown. Skilled's own Skip Jackson mas named as the Speedway Racing Driver of the Year at the prestigious 1997 Australian MotorSport Awards.

All of us at Skilled would like to congratulate Skip Jackson on his magnificent achievement. We're proud to have Skip as a part of the Manned Workforce team. m

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38

13Februsry1998

Report by BRETT SWANSON

Motorsport News columnist Robbie Farr has written his name into the record books as the 52nd Australian Speedcar Champion, after the 40-lap title race^was concluded in the very early hours'of Monday morn ing, February 8, at Avalon International Raceway in Victoria.

“That was the longest race of my life, by at least 40 laps,” said an elated victor, as he celebrated the spoils of victory in one of the longest-running Speedcar races in the world.

At the start of the season, Farr was facing an uncertain future, but reuniting with his car owner from last season. Bob Woods, has turned the tide, with Farr now having won two of the most prestigious Speedcar races in the Southern Hemisphere after taking out the Barry Butterworth Memorial in New Zealand recently.

For the second year running, Troy Jenkins had to settle for the i-unner-up position after starting on the front row and then fading early before coming back in the second half of the race.

Sharing the podium and adding some local flavour was former Victorian Mark Brown in the Victoria #33 Merc-Bits Duggan Stealth.

Brown actually passed Jenkins for second on lap 33, but Jenkins countered the move half a lap later.

Wednesday Practice Almost forty cars took advantage of Wednesday, February 4’s prac tice session, with Farr, defending champion Craig Brady, Steven Graham and Jenkins quick, along with Wayne Cover, Neville Lance and veteran Victorians Ray Bishop and Ian Lewis.

One man in trouble, though, was 44 year-old New Zealand Champion Graham Standring.

Standring hit the wall hard after clipping another car and then later rolled the controversial Harris car three times after banging the wall again.

“I went into turn 1 only two or three car-widths too high and found there was no grip at all. I slid out. but couldn’t save it when the back slammed the wall, caught the front and then rolled over and over about three times,” Standring explained.

Before the meeting had even started. Standring was running low on spares, so some new bits were flown over for Friday’s race.

Friday Fifty-two competitors with fiftyfour cars started the campaign to become the 52nd National Speedcar Champion at Avalon International Raceway on Friday, February 6.

West Australian Cover opened the night by taking the first heat in his Polyaire Gaerte/Stealth from fellow sandgroper Lance’s Autopro Royal Purple Gaerte-Ford/Murphy.

Dave Lambert brought the troublesome Volvo Gardiner home

third.

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A frustrated Ray Bishop had made forward progress in the Titan Fuchs Gaerte/Beast until he couldn’t grab a tear-off- he slowed and pulled infield, dropping places. until he managed to rectify the problem.

Current Aussie #1 Brady was black flagged from heat 2 after spinning when the car was pinched down by Farr.

Tony Tucknott’s Go-Crete Fontana/Murphy ploughed into

the next heat when a half-lose while running second dropped him to third behind Bishop, who was behind Cooper.

Tucknott took another West Aussie win in the next heat when he beat Brown and Standring.

Goode was left on the infield after a spin and Paul Bignell hit the wall in the unique super charged Nissan/Pearce.

Standring was then disqualified for his part in the Goode incident.

Unlucky heat 13 went to Kendall from Graham and Cover, while Bowen took his second win in the

NEW CHAMPION ...A victorious Robbie Farr in the Bob Woods-owned Fontana/Stealth. (Brett Swanson pics)

Farr's Australian Speedcar Title Jackson over Michael Kendall’s Partmaster Esslinger/Stealth and Adam Baines’ Fontana/Stealth.

After a track grade, the first reverse order heat was run and Cover made it a double, defeating Lance again, with Bishop this time running third.

Graham fronted for heat 7 now running the #14 Gaerte/Stealth,

Brady was on pole and looking for better luck, but was given the protest flag for jumping the start, which went as far as turn 2 for a spin by Dillon after contact with Graham.

On the next start, Brady jumped again and was black flagged.

Two heats and no points - good thing he gets an automatic start in the title feature.

Farr took advantage of moment when he whacked it to move up and take the the front straight wall win in the O’Brien’s while leading in the #75 Fontana Aluminium Bowens Prestige Smash Stealth over Tucknott Repairs Brayton Stealth, and Graham, who grabbed but held on to win easily third on the last turn. from Warrenne Ekins’ In heat 8, for the second PDQ Builders Fontana time Joe Little slowed in Murphy and Kiwi Mark the Mobil V4 Chev/MAC Cooper’s Cut Above while running well with Academy Bra}4on/Stealth. just two laps to run.

Victorian Champion Ian Ekins took his first win Lewis was leading in the Melfab easily over Bowen and Engineering Cooper.

Canaday/Pearce until an In heat 9, Standring oil leak forced him out. and Clarke resumed their Glen Cox took over the lead and the win in his battle. Standring leading until an audacious outside Fontana/Ellis from Adam Clarke’s Clarke’s Food pass while carrying the front wheel high in the air Service Racerpro/Infinity, which held out Standring^s through turn 1 saw Clarke take the win.

AB Equipment Harris “That was an excellent Chassis Canaday/Harris move. There was no bull on the line after a racelong dice, shit from me, as you sim Troy Jordan rolled the ply concede it when you Pennzoil Autocraft both put it on the line and run wheel to wheel like Stanton on the last lap after copping a wheel. that,” Standring com mented.

Michael Goode tried an ROBBIE FARR, 1998 OZ Speedcar Champion. aggressive pass in his Standring misread the Hoogovens Aluminium Fontana because the rules allowed drivers to flags and slowed on the last lap, Murphy on Brett Morris’ swap cars without any loss of allowing Ron Glazebrook’s V6 Fontana/Harris, which saw both points.

Chev/Murphy into second from Graham Summers’ Volvo/JSR. cars taken up to the wall locked “This is our heavy track car,” together, Morris rolling as Darren Graham explained. “The #44 car is “I’m cruising around wondering Power put the Pyroil Scat Mongrel better for slick tracks flue to engine why they haven’t opened the gates into the melee, position and so on, but this track is and everyone is still racing!”

Considering that Brady had been staying heavy, not slicking off like Standring lamented. black flagged as the cause of an we expected, so we’re now running Morris was leading heat 10 until this car. earlier crash, it was incredible to a suspension component damaged earlier broke. see Goode restart the race in hi’s “I don’t agree with this rule, but original position.

Jenkins took his second win, we’re taking advantage of it Jenkins flew to the win in the because I have to come from the again over KendaU and Goode. back in this heat.”

Dominator Engines Fontana Jenkins blotted his copybook in Brady’s Thomson’s Mowers Esslinger/Murphy.

Mark Glazebrook’s V6 Cliev Murphy later clashed with Tuclmott, both cars retiring.

Steven Graham, running his #44 Fox Sports Stealth/Gaerte (the slick track car), won the heat from Luke Dillon’s Fontana/Murphy and Craig Power’s Pyroil V4 Scat/Beast.

Rod Bowen had a

night’s penultimate heat, defeating Baines and Brady, who finally fin ished a heat.

Chris Stewart was leading the final heat until contact with Ekins saw him spin. He restarted in the lead, but Ekins powered on to win from Clarke and Stewart.

By the end of the opening night’s heats, Bowen and Ekins were shar ing the top of the table on 1102 points, followed by Jenkins and Cover equal on 1027 and Kendall and Clarke on 1001.

Saturday Before a wheel could be turned, even before all the competitors were in the pits, light rain turned to a heavy downpour and washed out the night’s racing.

Sunday The crew at Avalon worked on the track from 10.00am and in the end the conditions were quite rea sonable.

One thing that was disappointing was the no-show of defending champion Brady, who had gone home citing work commitments, but was really fuming over his treatment from Friday night.

After some wheel packing and hot laps, Jenkins’ team changed the fuel injection system to rectify an idling and misfire problem, but he had to settle for second behind Bishop in the night’s opening heat, with Cox third.

Standring’s final heat continued the nightmare, when he spun while running third and was sent infield.

Farr won his final heat from Brown and Tucknott.

The inconsistent Stewarding con tinued in heat 18, which took forever to run.

First up. Cover squeezed Haydn Bishop into the wall on the start and Little and Jordan became involved, with Little’s terrible run continuing with a rollover.

At the next start, Graham slid under Bishop and knocked him into a spin, which caught out Dillon.

Finally, we had some laps down, until Kendall barged imder Bishop and knocked him into another spin.

At this stage, both Craig Power and Cover were shown the noise

flag.

On the restart, Cover slowed and pulled in, but was then saved when Dillon spun and was hit by Kendall, who rolled - he was capable of restarting, but a fuel leak ended that idea.

Cover restarted, but Dillon spun again and was hit by Power, who was then hit by Cover.

Cover’s front-end was damaged, but he wouldn’t get out of the car, leading to some verbal abuse of ofiicials.

Graham, Power and Craig Smith were the only finishers.

Bowen was nmning third behind Lance and Baines when he crashed into a spinning David Crabtree on the last lap - fortunately, he was able to restart and take tWrd place.

Clarke was leading Ekins in the final heat when he hit the wall and broke a torsion bar stop.

SPEEDWAY

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13FebmiyW8

39

Cover tops Bishop in S Speedcar title ,

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OUTGUNNED... Retiree #45 Warrenne Ekins and runner-up #16 Troy Jenkins. (Brett Swanson pic) Ekins went on to win from Gavin Leer and Stewart.

Repechage (15 laps) BaiTy Valentino and Paul Farrell shared the front row of the repechage, with Standring out of position 13. The Kiwi put on a real show for the fans and deserved to make the feature, but...

Farrell was leading from Goode when there was a pile-up on lap 2 involving Standring, Jordan, Colin Lamb, Mark Glazebrook, Lambert and Summers.

Unfortunately, Standring had passed a few cars before he got to the restart cone, which would cost him later when, on lap 8, Peter Ghent lost the left rear wheel.

Standring was up to third, but was sent to the rear of the field for his jumped start.

On the exit to turn 4, Farrell got sideways and dropped to third behind Goode and Valentino.

Then, on lap 11, Farrell and Grant Draney clashed.

With four laps to go. Standring was back to fifth and looking the goods.

Goode slowed at the restart and was passed by a couple of cars, then Aaron Holswich ran over him down the back straight. This moved Standiing to fourth, but on the restart his car rolled to a stop out offuel.

Valentino and Leer made the fea ture, while Draney, Galzebrook and Jordan were reserves.

Pole Shuffle.

Cover was up against (looper, but broke a stop as he hit a rut in timi 1.

Fan- survived a jumped start and then lost the next start to Cooper, but passed him through turns 3-4 to win.

Farr then beat Lance, before Graham beat him.

Jenkins was then leading Graham, who hit a rut and almost rolled.

Bowen jumped the first start then half spun while leading and was hit by Jenkins.

The rear axle on Bowen’s car broke, forcing him into the #57 car for the feature.

Jenkins was now up against Ekins, who beat him twice in the best of three deal.

Australian Title (40 laps) Ekins, Jenkins, Bowen, Graham, Farr, Lance, Coope;', Cover, Bishop, Clarke, Kendall, Baines, Tucknott, Brown, Cox, Power, Stewart, Ron Glazebrook, Valentino and Leer were the starters for the 52nd run ning of the title race.

In turn 1, a pile-up caused by Bowen’s back-up car being sluggish saw Tucknott, Cox, Kendall and Baines tangle, Lance riding a wheel and cartwheeling out of the event.

Kendall was also out with anoth er fuel leak.

Farr took the chance to change a flat left rear t}Te and Draney and Glazebrook both got a start.

Following a complete restart, Bowen spun in turn 2 and was hit

by Bishop, with Clarke and Cover also involved.

Jordan now made the grid, which was down to 19 cars.

Ekins led away again from Jenkins, Farr, Graham, Cover and Clarke, but Jenkins’ car was having trouble through turns 1-2 and he was dropping a place nearly every lap, with Farr moving to second by lap 4 and Graham third on the next lap.

On lap 9, Farr hit the lead and

Graham also moved past Ekins briefly, until lapped traffic blocked

him.

Clarke was up to third as Graham slowed and pulled infield.

Leer.and Jordan clashed and spun on lap 17, with the order as Farr, Ekins, Clarke, Jenkins, Cover, Brown, Cooper, Glazebrook SA CHAMPION... Wayne Cover's Gaerte-powered Speedcar.(Midgley) and Tucknott, who had a flat left rear.

Baines, after being delayed by Western Australia’s Wayne On the restart, Farr and Ekins Cover took out the South several stoppages, won from Haydn made contact, Ekins kissing the Australian Speedcar Title at Bishop, Mark Glazebrook and Peter Boehm. wall before contacting Clarke, who Speedway City on January 24. rolled out of the event.

Heat 3, the only race to run non Victoria’s leading driver Ray Tucknott took the chance to Bishop was runner-up, ahead offor stop, was taken out by WA’s Mick mer Victorian and now Western Goode, ahead of Ray Bishop, Ron change the flat tyre.

Australian resident Darren Power Glazebrook and Dillon.

On lap 18, Ekins, who had been The final heat was a Western riding Farr’s right rear looking for and third-placed Adelaide driver Adam Baines.

Australian trifecta. Cover winning a way past, was in the wrong place Eighteen cars, the most seen this easily from Power and Mark at the wrong time when Farr hit a season, were on hand, but only 12 Glazebrook, with Baines fourth. rut which kicked the car up-track The Glazebrook’s met in the first made it to the final. into Ekins, who hit the wall and Speedcar Association President pole shuffle clash, Mark winning rode out a big end for ender down Ian O’Daniel had the misfortune to from Ron - but he fhen went down the front straight. hole the block of his Sigma power- to Cover, who progressed through With 23 laps to go, Farr was now leading from Jenkins, Cover, plant during hot laps, while the to win after beating Goode, Baines heats took their toll with the rest of and Ray Bishop.

Brown and Cooper.

After an opening lap stoppage in Brown slipped past Cover when the field.

Victoria’s Peter Ghent, who last the feature, the restart saw Goode he kissed the wall and set opt after Jenkins. season won the Speedway City spin on the first corner, causing On lap 33, he hauled past into Championship, slammed the wall Dillon to take evasive action and clip the wall - Dillon suffered a second, but Jenkins came back and in the first of the 8-lap heats, snap ping a rear axle and climbing the damaged oil fitting and retired retook the position. fence to end up suspended from the from the event.

On lap 38, Cover spun when try wire.

There were several other stop ing to lap Cox. He restarted in pages, the last on lap 14 when a Brett Kipling, runner-up last sea fourth, where he stayed over the badly understeering Goode tapped final three laps, following Farr, son, was another retirement with Jenkins and Brown across the line. the wall, but on each occasion diff problems.

Cover maintained his lead.

The heat win went to Ray Bishop Fifth-placed Cooper was the only Finally, Cover brought his Kiwi left, but the team was consid- from Luke Dillon and WA’s Ron Gaerte-engined machine to the flag, ering a protest against Cover, who Glazebrook.

While taking evasive action in taking the win ahead of the similarcaused the last restart and should have been sent to the rear in their heat 2 to miss a first comer melee, engined car of Ray Bishop Steven Monk also slammed into the Power’s V4 Scat-powered entry was opinion, third and the Fontana-powered Behind them came Tucknott, unforgiving concrete, badly rear Baines, Leer, Cox, Draney and ranging the front-end of his Baines claimed fourth.

-FRANK MIDGLEY Mark and Ron Glazebrook'.

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40 13FsbrmyW98 Ato win is a win, but try telling that Austraiian star Leigh Adams, who was declared winner of the International Speedway Masters bike tournament after rain washed out the prestigious Grand Finai at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway. i,J was a gigantic anti-climax and a somewhat shallow victory for Adams, who was handed the crown wjthout a wheei being turned in'the titie decider.

Whiie Adams had been the points ieader from virtually the outset of the national trail, the Grand Final loomed as one of the best international bike events held in Australia for many years, with five riders _ all Australians _ still in the running for championship hon ours.

Only 17 points separated the top five and the Series 500 International Speedway Masters would have gone right to the very last race before the winner and title placings were decided.

Unfortunately, due to logistic reasons, event organisers could not reschedule a suitable date to conduct the tournament Grand

[i^®0®[FS[p®l70 Speedway) and round nine (Townsville).

Wiltshire ran into white-hot form and zoomed into third posi tion on the points tabie going into the Grand Final - many observers believed Wiltshire was the man who would pull off a sensational Masters victory.

'Tm so disappointed, words Wiitshire cannot describe lamented. 'Tm delighted to finish third in such a prestigious event, but I so desperately wanted to win the Grand Final.

"The Series 500 is a credit to the organisers and is vital for Australian speedway. I’m sure it will be bigger and better next year and I can’t wait to do it all again.”

ers in the world and I couldn’t be happier.”

This night in Rockhampton wiil be remembered in International Speedway Masters Series history for a couple of different reasons.

For the first time ever, the AFinal featured a dead-heat for second place between Adams and Sullivan, as both shared the com bined points and prizemoney.

However, on a more serious note, the evening was marred by a horrifying crash invoiving Topinka and Ermolenko.

Both riders were on course for a start in the A-Final when the accident occurred - Ermolenko clipped Topinka’s rear wheel and both fell heavily at high speed.

Final.

The only option available to ISMS Managing Director David Tapp was to declare the event, with the points standings after the penultimate round (round nine) becoming the final position for the 1997/98 national tournament.

With that decision, the cancel lation meant that, for the first time in the four year history of the International Speedway Masters, a round had been abandoned after 42 consecutive Series 500 rounds had been successfully held across Australia.

But the tragedy was that, of all rounds, it had to be the celebrated 1998 Grand Final which would have seen Adams, Ryan Sullivan, Todd Wiltshire, Jason Crump and Mark Lemon fight out the honour rf becoming 1998 Masters Champion.

The end result left Adams with mixed feelings.

“I didn’t want to win the series this way,” Adams told Motorsport News.

“I feel so sad for everyone involved in the staging of this event. I can’t believe we lost our last meeting. This series ran in perfect weather conditions for nine of the 10 events.

“This has been the toughestever Masters Series, with a really consistent field of world class rid ers. It would have been the alltime best Grand Final, with five riders all having a chance of victo ry. I’m looking forward to next year,” Adams concluded.

Adams (139 points) recorded an eight point victory over Sullivan (131), Wiltshire (126), Crump (123) and Lemon (122).

The best of the overseas riders was England’s international ace Joe Screen (104), who came in sixth, followed by American Sam Ermolenko (91), Sweden’s Peter Karlsson (83), Norway’s Rune Holta (80), Czech Republic’s Tomas Topinka (77), Poland's Piotr Swist (51) and Australian Steve Johnston (44).

A disconsolate Sullivan claimed: “I was in with a big chance tonight.

“It’s a very sad way for a great event to end. The track was too dangerous to ride. We were all prepared to give it a go and get the meeting on, but you couldn’t even walk on the track; there’s just been too much rain.”

The end result was a bitter pill to swallow for Wiltshire, who had absolutely set the track on fire fol lowing stunning consecutive victo ries in round eight (Rockhampton

CHAMPION... Leigh Adams topped the Speedway Masters.(Mike Patrick)

/ e

■r'

F6&y.

By Dennis New

The probiem of rescheduling the Grand Final centred around the majority of the overseas riders who were scheduled to fly back to their respective European destina tions on Monday, February 2 (the Grand Final was scheduled for Saturday, January 31).

Also, freight commitments meant the final round could not be held over for another week.

Meanwhile, the points battle intensified with the final three rounds to be decided.

Wiltshire was the man of the moment when he zoomed into strong contention with a great vic tory in round eight at Queensland’s Rockhampton Speedway.

Wiltshire was unbeaten from his five qualifying heats and then blasted the opposition in the points-deciding A-Final.

Wiltshire, who has fought his way back onto the world speed way arena after five years in retirement, showed the same form on this night in Rockhampton as that which took him to world num ber three ranking in 1990.

“I’m so happy to be back rac ing, particularly against this elite company,” Wiltshire said after his Rockhampton victory.

I proved tonight I’ve still got what it takes to beat the best ridiiii

Ermolenko was taken to hospi tal for observation with minor neck and ankle injuries, while Topinka sustained an injury to his right hand.

The travelling road show then moved to Townsville Speedway for round nine and again it was Wiltshire who emerged the star of the meeting.

Wiltshire kept up the momen tum with a sensational victory in the A-Final - this particular event created its own piece of ISMS his tory, with only one point separat ing the top five riders at the com pletion of the qualifying heats.

But, come A-Final time, it was all Wiltshire, who led Sullivan, Lemon and Holta to the che quered flag.

“My team is doing a fantastic job with the bikes and my confi dence is sky high. I know I can win this series and I’m determined to do so” - Wiltshire then added: “My confidence is sky high for next week’s Grand Final in Brisbane.”

Profound words, indeed. Now, we will never know whether Wiltshire would have taken out the 1998 International Speedway Masters-Series.

Faje decided it will remain Australian speedway bike racing’s unanswered question forever.

Plans are well advanced for next year’s fifth anniversary Masters Series, which will see a ten round tournament commenc ing in North Queensland.

The Grand Final will be decid ed at Wayville Showground, Adelaide, while a restructure of the dates will ensure the Grand Final is staged with a rain date set in place.

SRA Update — ^tett Sc4Mmo*t-

The weekend of January 10-11 and grabbed sixth place. Boult, saw rounds five and six of the Steve Knight, Van Bremen, Rod SEA Series supported by Spies Matthews, a brakeless Blair Hecker, Lubri Maxx, Flocon Jones, Rob Fairer and Judd comand Max pleted the race.

Engineering Reed had been the pace-setter Dumesny Motorsport being run as a double-header at earlier in the night, winning both Horsham’s Blue Ribbon of his heats, with Johnson and Raceway on the Saturday McCubbin winning the others, night and Mildura’s Timmis MILDURA Speedway on Sunday night.

Series leader Matthew Reed The Mildura crowd was treated won the inaugural Sprintcar fea- to a brilliant feature race which ture at Horsham and opened up ran wire to wire with, at one his series lead, only to watch it stage, a five-car dice for the lead dwindle to a mere 18 points the which culminated in a last lap following night when Mike Van pass for the win by Van Bremen Bremen took his maiden Sprintcar over McCubbin, Boult and Walsh, feature in one of the most exciting Points leader Reed saw his Sprintcar races seen in the championship buffer dwindle with Garden State for some time. an early exit from the race.

Both Shane Stephenson and HORSHAM Reed struck dramas in hot laps For the first time ever, with diff and power steering fail Sprintcars came to the Blue ure, respectively.

With a sizzling display in the Ribbon Raceway at Horsham and the crowd responded with a figure heats. Van Bremen earned himself estimated to be twice that of any- the Pro Shock as highest point scorer. He then kept with the thing the/ve ever had before.

On the well-lit and wide race norm and inverted the first six track, the action was on from the cars, which put Jones on pole from word go, with an inverted six Judd, Reed, McCubbin, and Boult.

Jones led away, but Mattschoss being drawn by Pro Shock high pulled a desperate going into turn points winner Matthew Reed.

Darren Walsh would now start 3 and flipped Knight’s car on'pole from rookie Jeff Judd, Brennan Jnr hit the wall and Gerard Boult, Phil Johnson, Tim rolled as a consequnce.

McCubbin and Reed.

Before the restart, Judd’s'motor Judd got the better drive at the seized, ending any chance he had. drop of the green to lead away, This moved McCubbin up to the with Johnson pulling a high line fi'ont row and Van Bremen along side Reed. move to be quickly up to second.

At the green, McCubbin leapt to Back in the pack. Van Bremen had driven hard into the turn, the lead and started pulling away, only to find an out of shape as Reed and Van Bremen diced behind Jones.

McCubbin in his way.

The Penrite Foster rode over the Van Bremen moved to second left rear of the ICI Autocolor and then Reed slowed and Stealth and actually hit McCubbin dropped out. Jones was driving in the arm and bent the seat a bit well, making it difficult for Van tighter around his ribs. Three Bremen to pass him, until his gal other cars also piled up, forcing a lant effort failed with a diff prob lem. complete restart.

Van Bremen was off after Once again, Judd got the jump McCubbin and was reeling him in, and led away, with Johnson soon .up to second and Reed working his as Boult and Walsh were having a fairly close battle. way to third.

The lapped traffic changed the Judd was doing a grand job, leading the opening 14 laps imtil complexion of the race, the leader Reed and Johnson, having closed being held up behind Bottoms, up with the assistance of lapped allowing Van Bremen to close the last part of the gap and for Boult traffic, pounced.

Reed cut the pole and nudged and Walsh also to close up.

Judd on the way through, but McCubbin broke clear again, came out with the lead, a move but Van Bremen soon hauled him which even his own crew thought in and the pair ran nose to tail, with Van Bremen looking for a he would be penahsed for. way past. Boult was ready to A quarter of a lap later and Johnson went past for second pounce, as was Walsh.

For lap after lap they ran this place. Johnson took up the chal lenge and hounded Reed, who had way, with Knight also joining for a the better luck in traffic. This pair short time. The slightest error put on a great display, with Judd would be costly - and almost was for all of them on occasion. alone in third.

Over the last couple of laps As they came down the front Reed edged out by a couple of car straight, McCubbin saw that he lengths; but, just as he was about had one lap to go and told himself to take the chequered flag, David to maintain the line he’d been runSmith spun in turn 2. ning - Van Bremen, though, had Reed actually received the che- no idea it was the last lap and was quer, but a restart was called for still charging, McCubbin’s slightly more cauthe final two laps.

Disaster struck Judd when a tious entry to the turn proved the bleed-off valve let go on the right difference, as the car slid out of rear tyre just before the restart. the groove slightly and Van Reed took the two lap sprint Bremen powered underneath to from Johnson and Walsh, as Judd emerge with the lead down the struggled around for twelth, being back straight. He didn’t believe passed by those cars that he had he’d taken the chequered, either already lapped. and did one more lap just to make Some discussion was entered sure until the yellows came on. into due to the chequer actually It was a popular vrin among the being shown to Reed the first teams for the man who has put in time, but the decision stood, as per some great drives, but been denied the rules. a victory twdce by cmel luck.

McCubbin held on for fifth For birthday boy and engine builder Graham Hussey, it was a place, losing some ground to Reed nice present, as Van Bremen had and Ian Thomsen, running with done it with the team’s heavier basically no spares, who came from the rear of the giid all night steel block unit.

SREEDWAV

[^®O®i70]])®iyO

Bowen leads Super Series Blacktown Speedcar driver Rod Bowett extended his lead in the

Speedcar Super Series after a win in Round Five at Avalon Speedways,in Geelong on January 31.

Two rounds were, in fact contest ed over the weekend. Round Four at Adelaide’s Speedway City on Friday night and then the following night it was a big haul to Victoria.

The South Australian round of the event boasted no less than seven cars from Western Australia alone, with State champion Tony Tucknott, father and son combina tion Ron Glazebrook and Mark, twice state champ Neville Lance, Mick Goode, Wayne Cover(crowned the SA State champ the week prior) and series contender Joe Little all making the show.

The West Aussies were using the SA and Avalon rounds as a build up to the National title in Victoria. n Darwin’s Warrene Ekins has always found Speedway City to his liking and, on Friday night, he dialled the #45 PDQ Builders Fontana-powered Murphy into the winner’s circle for another South Aussie victory.

For the four-time Aussie champi on, it was his first appearance in the $100,000 Speedcar Super Series and a satisfying result, following his top three finish at Parramatta City Raceway for the Australian Speedcar Grand Prix last month.

Trailing Ekins home was Bowen in the #75 Lander Toyota Braytonpowered Stealth, with fellow Sydneysider Steven Graham blast ing across the line in third, mfter coming from the back of the field in the #14 Fox Sports Gaerte Stealth.

G.-aham also set his second “O’Brien Aluminium Quick Time” of the series, the first of which was at Avalon for the opening round in early January.

The Avalon feature race was an absolute thriller and was highlight ed by a knock ’em down drag ’em out battle between two of the most aggressive drivers in the event, Bowen and Ekins.

Ekins was again hot, setting the “O’Brien Aluminium Quick Time” in his Fontana, but he was outfoxed in the feature race by Bowen, who was equally as uncompromising.

After some serious wheel banging on the from row between the two, Bowen emerged at the third attempt to start with a nan-ow lead that was quickly extended by the man they call “The Rocket” over the Darwin “Tenninator.”

West Aussie Neville Lance had a much better night in Victoria than he did the previous evening in South AustrMia, when he rolled the #14 Ed Pink Ford-powered Lance Auto Electrics Murphy.

“Big Rev” Nev posted a great sec ond place to eventual winner Bowen in the Avalon main event.

New Zealand was well represent ed at both rounds, with regular series contender Mark Cooper and event debutant Michael Kendall adding to the depth of talent.

Cooper has been a model of con sistency since the series began in the #89 A Cut Above Academy Buick-powered Stealth - he fin ished fourth in Adelaide, earning him valuable points.

Cooper trailed Bowen and Lance home for a well-deserved third in the Avalon feature, vaulting him to second in the points when previous top three placements Troy Jenkins and Graham failed to finish.

Graham (sitting in third place in the series originally) blew the SB2 Gaerte engine in his Fox- Sports machine in time trials and 'Was forced to watch from the sidelines.

Though he has identical cars, Graham suffered the indignity of having both machines strike engine problems.

Jenkins has been the most con sistent driver in NSW this year, but his aspirations took a turn for the worse when he flipped the #6 Dominator Engines Fontana-pow ered Jackson in the first heat.

After conquering the engine prob lems that have dogged the team in previous weeks, the damage to the car itself after the rollover was tod severe to repair for the feature race.

Australian champ Craig Brady suffered more disappointment, adding to the energetic team’s woes since the season began - the #1 Thomson Mowers Esslinger-powered Murphy developed engine problems in Adelaide and missed the next night in Victoria.

South Aussie youngster Adam Baines put on a brilliant display to finish in the top five at both rounds, with a fifth at his home track and then a foiuTh in Victoria.

The young Croweaters acquitted themselves very well over the two nights, with the Dillon cousins and Baines getting heat wins.

Hot favourite to challenge Bowen’s superiority was to be Newcastle’s Adam Clarke in the #76 Midnight Spares Infinity chas sis, but “the Hunter Valley Hurricane” suffered universal joint failure at Adelaide and valve spring dramas in Victoria.

Current points after five rounds are as follows: Bowen 3600, Mark Cooper 2275, Jenkins 1715, Clarke 1600, Graham 1550, Baines 1130, Farr 1050, Ekins 1000, Brady 990, Lambert 880, Lance 830, Brown,.Leer 660, Bignell 565, Little 550,.Burke 510, Davidson 470, Bourke460, Lewis 440, Bishop 440.

-WADEAUNGER

Max Dumesny Motorsport

agents for

^^ RACING TIRE

1

^

For more information on Hoosier Drag and Speedway Tyres call 02 9679 1990 or 03 9331 6477 Fax 03 9331 7444

ISfsbruary B8

Australians Leigh Craig Boyce will, Adams after all,and be competing in this year’s World Championship Grand Prix series.

A change in the racing format suggested by race director Ole Olsen means that 24 riders will now take part in each meeting and Boyce and Adams will join Ryan Sullivan and Jason Crump in the field that has also seen Britain’s Chris Louis and Andy Smith added to the list.

The new format will see a sys tem of elimination, with the top eight riders from each event seed ed to the second stage of the fol lowing meeting.

The event wiil ensure riders fin

ri

ishing first or second in qualifying races will progress to the ‘crunch’ stage.

This will culminate in two semi finals and a final to provide the winner.

Ryan joined British EliteSullivan Leaguehas club Poole on loan from Peterborough.

The twice Australian Under-21 champion wiil join fellow Aussie and Grand Prix rider Craig Boyce riding for the south coast club.

He replaces veteran Steve Schofield, who was the oldest rider racing Elite League matches in UK last year - Sullivan remains a Peterborough asset in.c.ase the League structure in Britain were to change and allow him to return to his parent club, who will not be com peting at the highest level this year,

o

ne rider who will be racing for Peterborough is another Adelaide man, Brett Woodifield.

He has signed to race in the Premier League for the club that first brought him to England two years ago, but for whom he never rode because of injury.

However, there may still be a problem over the question of a work permit, with many British rid ers still looking for a club.

Former World Champion MichaelSpeedway Lee, who won the title in 1980, was sen tenced to three years imprison ment on drugs charges when he appeared at Ipswich Crown Court in mid-January.

Lee was first arrested nearly a year ago and charged with pos session of some AUS$160,000 of cannabis. Having been bailed, he was again arrested in July to face more charges.

He pleased guilty to producing and possessing cannabis with intent to supply and also to the possession of amphetamines and cocaine.

Under British law, Lee will serve half his sentence but he has already served six months on remand, so will be released in January, 1999.

American star Ronnie Correy has joined British Elite club Belle Vue to- replace fellow American Sam Ermolenko.

Correy will ride on loan from Wolverhampton, who still hold his registration and will join Australian Jason Lyoris and former British

GREG HANCOCK... Old home Cradley to resurface?(Mike Patrick pic)

I W L*i

By Tony Milla

« >Jj

champion Joe Screen as a heat leader with the Manchester club.

Fellow American Chris Manchester, who has been racing in Australia, has lodged a formal transfer request to the Belle Vue management and this has been granted, but Manchester may not be able to get a work permit to race in UK this year.

Kings Lynn completed the signing ofhas Polish star Piotr Protasiewicz, the 1996 World Under-21 Champion and current Grand Prix rider.

(The 22 year-old is being spon sored on behalf of Polish Television and remains an asset of the British Promoters’ Association, as does Tomasz Gollob, who is racing at Ipswich.

Both deals are part of the new TV contract operating in England to provide transmission of the League matches throughout the world.

Czech rider Tomas Topinka, former longtrack Champion Simon Wigg and Adelaide rider Shane Parker complete the Kings Lynn top four, with Bohumel Brhel from Czech Republic also riding.

Cradley couldof besea re openedSpeedway within a couple sons If money can be found to purchase the site.

Cradley, for so long a power in the British League and the home

of the World’s top two riders, Greg Hancock and Billy Hamill, closed two years ago when it was thought the stadium site was to be developed for housing. But a local planning appeal has now ruled that the land should be used for a stadium or similar structure.

The valuation is understood to be over AUS$2 million dollars and that may well be the stumbling block for the speedway promoters, who will also be faced with build ing costs of a similar amount.

Czech rider Stand has signed forGeorge Wolverhampton and has, amazingly, managed to get a work permit, despite his League average falling below the six-point average deemed to be the norm to obtain the vital docu mentation.

The potential of the 22 year-old has apparently won the day, but that could open to the door to many similar requests on behalf of young riders.

Worid longtrack former Champion Kelvin Tatum has confirmed he will be racing in the official championship this year, but he will not be racing speedway.

Perth’s Steve Johnston, a power on the longtrack circuits in Europe over the last two seasons, is still waiting to see if he can find a place in the British Elite League after being squeezed out at Ipswich - if he doesn’t find a slot, he’s unlikely to come to Europe for longtrack alone.

Eastbourne is the latest British club understood to be interested in the Aussie star, but there are problems In fitting him in - and it could only happen if they decide not to re-engage Grand Prix rider Stefan Danno.

1997/98 SRA SPRINTCAR SERIES POINT STANDINGS AFTER 6 OF 12 ROUNDS 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

.2061 Matthew Reed - Kate Excavations/Balcombe Engineering Tiner Tim McCubbin - ICI Autocolour/ Valvoline/Specialised Body Stealth ...2043 1888 Darren Walsh - Chemblast/Racetech JSR 1746 Mike Van Bremen-Speedway F’glass/Penrite/D&F Foster 8 595 Phil Johnson Rentsch’s Auto Salvage Grizzly Gerard Boult 8515 Computer Bits Foster 1467 Steve KnightFlocon Engineering Gambler .. .- ..8402 Rod Matthews - Ballarat Palette Company JSR 8395 JeffJudd- ( Autopro/BP Gambler 8273 Rob Richardson - Lubri MaxxAVrightway Refractories JSR

Round^fx Winner- Mike Van’Bremen

^2

13Febmiy1998

Reigning World Champion Tommi Makinen has taken his Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4 to victory in the Swedish Rally, the second round of the World Rally Championship, winning by 51 seconds.

This was the Finn’s second victo ry in Sweden and takes him to equal second in the Championship and elevates Mitsubishi to second in the Manufacturers table.

“It was quite hard yesterday, before I tried the new Michelin tyre which worked very well and then we found better speed,” said the champion.

“Today we just had to be fast and careful with no risks.”

Over the five stages of the final leg of the three-day event, Spain’s Carlos Sainz attacked relentlessly in the leading Toyota to wrest sec ond place from Juha Kankkunen in his Valvoline-backed Ford Escort.

The Spaniard, who won Monte Carlo, was fastest on four of the days stages and he went ahead of Kankkunen on the penultimate stage to ensure both his and Toyota’s positions at the head of the championship tables.

“We had some difficult times dur ing this rally - the conditions changed from snow to ice, to slush and gravel, so it was hard to choose tyres. But what is important is that we tried to the maximum and have a good reward,” said Sainz.

“It was good to have a battle with Juha and, although we couldn’t do anything about Tommi, this result will be very important for the championship.”

Ford gave Kankkunen and Bruno Thiry a reliable mn and third place points keep him and Ford in the hunt for the championship.

“Third keeps me in second place in the championship, but I’m a lit tle disappointed not to have taken second here,” Kankkunen said.

“I’m confident of more good results with the Escort and we start work tomorrow for the SakM.” Thiry, while disappointed to be eighth in the other Escort, pleased team boss Malcolm Wilson with a consistent drive, ensuring that

Champion Tommi comes up trumps in Sweden »

nn

* kr -V .

TIMELY... The Swedish victory by Tommi Makinen (above) elevated the reigning champ into equal second spot in the Drivers’pointscore.

Ford are the only team to have a 100% finishing record this season.

Subaru must be disappointed with their result.

Colin McRae’s retirement due tp electrical trouble on the first day left all their hopes on Kenneth Eriksson, on his final outing with the team before joining Hyundai to be team-mate to Wayne Bell.

“Tommi set an incredible pace and I think none of us could catch him,” Erikkson said at the Karlstad

finish.

“I am pleased to have taken some points for the team, but disappoint ed not to have finished higher.”

MIGHTY MITSUBISHI... Makinen's Evo 4 made the podium in Sweden.

>S,K\Kist\ns *y/KOMMU\

Subaru slips to fourth in the Manufacturers table, after Swedish debutante Piero Liatti finished in ninth place and well out of the points.

While Teams’ number one drivers prospered, the second nominated drivers had a harder time.

Makinen’s team-mate, Richard Burns, on his first visit, staged a magnificent recovery drive to 15th after putting his Carisma in a ditch for nine minutes on the second stage.

He made a number of fastest times on the way.

“The result means nothing, but we had some good stages and learnt a lot,” said the Briton. “I’m happy, but not satisfied.”

Thomas Radstrom drove the sec ond Toyota nominated to score makes points and was leading the rally when he went off.

Didier Auriol, second “regular” team driver, had a fraught time with a number of delays due to elec trical problems.

“It was a bit fhistrating to have the problems, which we eventually traced to Denis’ footrest coming loose and pressing some wires; but we have one championship point,”

said the Frenchman.

Marcus Gronholm became the first driver to score points for his team in the FIA Teams Cup competition.

He drove a fine rally for HF Grifone Team in a Toyota Celica, collecting two points in the World Championship for Drivers and a maximum ten points for his team.

In the Group N category, StigOlof Walfridson beat Kenneth Backlund by a 20 second margin, while Jorgan Jonasson took the honours for Seat in Formula 2.

Sainz leads the Drives Championship by six points from Kankkunen and Makinen, while Toyota leads the Makes title race, with Mitsubishi second and Ford third.

1.

2.

3.

RESULTS T. Makinen/ R. Mannisenmaki Mitsubishi Evo IV 3h32m51.6s C. Sainz/L. Moya Toyota Corolla 3:33:43.2 J. Kankkunen/J. Repo Ford Escort 3:33:50.4

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

K. Eriksson/S. Parmander Subaru Impreza 3:35:23.3 M. Gronholn/r. Rautiainen Toyota Celica 3:36:21.5 D. Auriol/D. Giraudet Toyota Corolla 3:37:09.8 U. NitteVT. Thomer Mitsubishi Carisma 3:37:35.2 B. Thiry/S. Prevot Ford Escort 3:38:59.1 P. Liatti/F. Pons Subaru Impreza 3:40:38.5 M. Jonsson/J. Johansson Ford Escort 3:41:05.5

DRIVERS’CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Sainz 16, =2. Kankkunen, Makinen 10, 4. McRae 4, =5. Liatti, Erikkson 3.

MANUFAC'TURERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP 1. Toyota 16, 2. Mitsubishi 12, 3.

Ford 11,4. Subaru 10.

-PETER WHITTEN

POTENT ... In the hands of legendary Carlos Sainz, Toyota’s Corolla WRC looks particularly impressive.

MlTSusrSH,

MlTSUBl

l3Febfuaf}f1998

Subaru rally boost Subaru has given Australian rallying a major boost with the announcement of a $76,000 incentive scheme which will operate in all five rounds of the ARC Super Series, as well as at API Rally Australia and the FAI Rally of Canberra.

The incentive being offered

by Subaru is available to competitors driving Subaru Impreza WRX models in the Group N category of the seven events.

Under the scheme, com petitors who win Group N

outright in an Impreza will get $5000.

Additionally, $2000 will be awarded to the first Subaru home in Group N and $1000 to the runner-up.

A travel fund of around $20,000 has also been set up to encourage competitors to contest all rounds.

Further details of the trav el fund will be announced by Subaru shortly.

To qualify for the incentive, scheme competitors must be eligible to score points in both the Super Series and all rounds of the Manufacturers’ Championship.

T

he last few weeks have been incredibly busy for me and the team, with a series of commitments keeping us busy throughout January.

In fact, last week was the first time I’d spent In the workshop since before Christmas.

The main reason has been that 1 have been involved in the filming of a TV commercial for Toyota in Europe.

The ad was shot here and in Europe and featured our Corolla.

All the other rally-spec were Corollas WRC engaged in the Monte Carlo Rally, so ours was the one.

Don’t expect to see the ad here in Australia, though, as it was shot for Europe only. 'hat meant that the team and I had the chance to go to the Monte Carlo rally and see Carlos Sainz give the new Corolla its first WRC win.

Apart from seeing the rally, I drove a lot of the stages for the ad, which was great fun.

The win was a great morale booster for TTE and for our team as we head into the ARC Super Series.

I was really glad to get the chance to see the Monte and witness just how difficult a rally it is.

To be standing on a stage with an 800 metre length of snow in front of

m

I 1‘

Competitors must also reg ister with Subaru and carry appropriate signage.

“We are very keen to see more Imprezas competing, particularly in the Group N category,” Subaru’s managing director Trevor Amery said.

“This incentive scheme is one of the largest ever in Australian motorsport and we are sure it will encourage more competitors to choose Subaru - Subaru is, of course', very keen to defend the manufacturers’ champi onship we won last year and this scheme will also help.”

-PETER WHITTEN But the thing about rallies is you never know what they are going to throw up and you have to be consistent 'v, throughout the championship if you , 73 are going to ''' win the title.

you and see the top drivers he word that Ed in the world arrive on slicks Ordynski may be a nonand slide along at wajking pace makes you realise starter is bad news for the how important tyre choice is championship, because we on this event. n really need him there.

Drivers were losing a But, although the word is minute on one stage and he will probably miss the then going 40 seconds Goffs Harbour round, I reck faster than the rest on the on he will probably make next stage - it was quite the start.

Let’s hope so. amazing.

T

Before the trip to Europe, we were filming here starting at dawn and going through to eight at night and then working on the car till two in the morning. It made for a very tiring January.

O

ur focus is now on Coffs Harbour and the first rally of the year next week.

I am under no illusions that it is going to be a close title, but we do go into the rally with the belief that the Corolla WRC gives us an edge over Possum.

It Is, I suppose, the same sort of edge he had in the last couple of years.

VIC: Stuckey Tyre Service Ph:(03) 9386 5331 Fax:(03) 9383 2514 SA: The Mag Wheel Centre Ph:(08) 8269 4100 Fax:(08) 8269 7805 NSW:Stuckey Tyre Service Ph:(02) 9676 8655 Fax:(02) 9676 5300 '5^ QLD: Road & Race Spare Parts Ph:(07) 3279 1533 Fax:(07) 3376 5804; WA: Kostera's Tyre Service Ph:(09) 293 3500 Fax:(09) 293 1355 ' TAS: Bob's Speed Shop Ph':(03) 6273 7555 Fax:(03) 6273 7666

e have learnt a lot IVV A #about the Corolla in the last few months and I feel very comfortable with it now .

I like the Coffs Rally and I am glad that it was retained in the ARC Super Series, because it offers good roads and organisation and it is a great place for a rally.

The whole place gets behind the event and there’s a great atmosphere.

Anyway, I had better get back to helping the guys prepare the car.

We leave for Coffs in a few days and there is still a lot of work to be done.

Despite recent media reports, including one in Motorsport News, Ed Ordynski will not be appearing in a Ralliart Group A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 in 1998 and any Ordynski/Ralliart involvement in the ARC looks doubtful.

Ordynski said that there was no way he could run an Evo 4, given that Ralliart Europe only ever build enough for themselves.

The former Australian champions plans therefore

JIL

WINNER - NSW & VICTORIAN RALLY CHAMPIONSHIPS - OUNLOP SP84-R

No Ralliart Evo 4 Lancer for Ed rest on whatever Ralliart Australia can come up with after budget discussions with Japan.

An Evolutibn 3 Lancer would no doubt be available if required, but a major stumbling block would again be the $70,000 contribution

required by CAMS for the television fund, “The Asia Pacific Championship has always been Ralliart’s priority, with the ARC contested as a secondary program,” Ordynski explained.

-PETER WHITTEN

Championship status for Stadium Off Road The Yokohama Australian gural Australian Stadium Stadium Off Road Championship.

Championship under The young Weel was the lights kicks off on ^ sensation of the Australian February 21 with the ^ Safari last year - an event opener at Sydney’s his father, Kees, has won in Parramatta Raceway, the past - when he stormed where Supercar V8 con- back from early problems to vert Paul Weel will be be the fastest competitor attempting to combine his over the closing stages of the tarmac duties with the 14-day marathon, finishing dirt and jumps of the sta- in the top six in his debut, dium off road course.

The 19 year-old former Weel, who was virtually Supercross champ has shown unbeatable last year in the his versatility and competiStadium Off Road series tiveness in all forms of after winning five races, will motorsport and will be the divide his time between the target in the burgeoning Ford Falcon Supercar in the Stadium Truck class of the Touring Car championship Championship, and the Toyota Sport Truck Weel will face stiff opposihe will campaign in the inau- tion from the Holden Rodeo

ute of Mark Manns, as well as a swag of other competi tors’ agile Stadium utes from makers including Nissan, Dodge, Chevy and.Mazda.

As well as the Stadium trucks, the Championship will also see categories for Buggies, Desert Trucks and off road sedans.

The Championship opens at the Parramatta Raceway on February 21 and moves on to Brisbane on March 21, Newcastle on May 9 and then on to Melbourne and Adelaide on dates yet to be announced.

Along with the four wheel Championship competitors, off road quads will also per form at each round.

CONIMJrO A TtATUlON 0» AT«NIJ«

1998BoumiHumanaBalln SepwmUerS-27 mnmmiBHB-oisnmcMKAurisoHABaiii The 1998 Round Australia Rally is a 22 day event starting in Adelaide on September 6, travelling 18,000km in a clockwise direction around the coastline of Australia, and finishing back in Adelaide on September 27. Competitive special stages will vary in length from 5 to 200km, making up as much as 4,500km in total.

x^EHICLE ELIGIBILITY

n MODERN RALLY CARS GROUP l FIA Group A l FIA Group N l CAMS Production Rally Cars n CAMS HISTORIC RALLY CARS GROUP (Cars up to 1967; 1968 to 1975) n RECREATION FOUR WHEEL DRIVE/UTILITIES VEHICLES GROUP l Standard Recreation Four Wheel Drive Passenger Vehicles l Modified Recreation Four Wheel Drive Passenger Vehicles l Utilities l Formula Four (vehicles up to 2000cc)

O.VERNIGHT STOPS START ADELAIDE l PORT AUGUSTA l EUCLA l ESPERANCE l BUNBURY GERALDTON l CARNARVON l PORT HEDLAND l near DERBY l KUNUNURRA DARWIN l MATARANKA l CAPE CRAWFORD l BURKE & WILLS l CAIRNS MACKAY.MARYBOROUGH l COFFS HARBOUR l SYDNEY l ALBURY HORSHAM l FINISH ADELAIDE l To receive further information complete and return the coupon below NAME: ADDRESS: STATE: POSTCODE: SUBURB: PHONE:

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karting

4^ 13FebmiyW8

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VIC Open survives the wet Thrills ’n spills the norm at Hamilton V

Report by GRAEME BURNS

Hamilton in western Victoria was the venue for the prestigious 1998 Castrol/Dunlop Victorian Open Championships, which survived the state’s inclement weather and were held over the Australia Day weekend.

The quality of the fields on January 24-26 was probably the best assembled for a long while and, with only frac tions separating the competi tors in most classes, passing was very difficult - a good start was thus essential.

Time trials were run for grid positions, with two heats to give the positions for the pre final, the outcome of this determining the grid positions for the final.

Clubman Light and Heavy were both oversubscribed, so a repechage was held to decide the final five starters in the 30-kart fields.

A long shower of rain saw these run on a wet, slippery track.

SENIOR NATIONAL LIGHT... A battered #94 Paul Sera, #3 Glen Riddell and runner-up #10 Samantha Morgan jockey for position.(Graeme Burns pic) and Jarrod Medwin set the pace in qualifying.

During the heats, Medwin, Ben Small and Benjamin McCashney were the front runners and looked set to

Midgets The Midgets were first out

battle out the final, but McCashney was unfortunately feumped off in the pre final and started from the rear in the final.

Medwin took the lead in

the final, with Small just inches away and all the time pulling away from McCashney while he picked his way through the field, Small got past Medwin for

RESA ... Winner #24 Brad Farnsworth in company with #15 Dwayne Dolling and #3 Marcel Fabris.(Graeme Burns pic)

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the win and McCashney got through for third.

Junior National Heavy Tim Macrow’s pace in qualifying (33.541) and start from pole in the final came to 'zero when he disappeared off the track in the final.

Mark Hester, Sean Wyatt and Steve Kwaitkowski closed up on each other for a few laps, before Kwaitkowski retired and Hester pulled away from Wyatt.

Luke Harper broke away from the next bunch of Jonathon McDonald and Leigh Van Den Burghe for third.

Piston Port Piston Port had a small entry with Kevin Stray fastest (30.692), but only by

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Clubman Light A star-studded field of Clubman Light, with just a shade over half a second dif ference between the thirty starters, made the starts critical.

With no one driver domi nating the heats, the final drew the crowd to the fence to watch James Sera off pole, with Mark Domaschenz beside him.

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.06 seconds, which set up some close‘racing at the front.

The final saw Remo Luciani off pole, but John Ippolitto got the better start and it took Luciani half the race before he took the lead Stray, although setting the fastest lap of the race, could only hang on for third.

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Rief Corbettt and Mark Winterbottom were on the second row and Kevin Stray, who was fastest in the pre final, was on six.

Sera got the best start and it took Domaschenz a few laps to work his way past, as Corbett and Winterbottom fought hard for third and fourth.

Corbett succumbed to the pressure and, by half distarite of the twenty laps, Domaschenz- Winterbottom and Sera were running nose to tail and- opening a gap on the rest as they crossed the line in that order.

-

Clubman Super Heavy Adam Murray dominated Clubman Super Heavy, set ting the fastest time in quali fying and every race.

The only two to challenge during racing were Murray Edgar and Jason Stania, who battled with each other all weekend but had to watch Murray run away with the final by five seconds.

The race settled into a pat tern early, with Small lead ing from Jamie Whincup and Kane Rose, but Rose got by Whincup for second.

Junior Clubman Junior clubman saw James Small win ever3d;hing for the weekend, with fastest qualifying time (31.44) and all the heats and finals.

The final was aborted twice with karts not lining up properly, so they were held till the last event and, when it was run, there was a restart after a first corner incident.

Senior National Light Senior National Light, no ' different from the quality of the other fields, was close in qualifying, with Craig Arnett fastest by a small margin.

The final saw Matthew Wall take the lead early, but he was passed by Arnett and retired soon after.

Michael Mansfield took over the front place'and Continued on page 46

MIGHTY MIDGETS... Winner #97 Ben Small, runner-up #76 Jarred Medwin, third-placed #7Benjamin Miles (obscured).(Graeme Burns pic)

CLUBMAN LIGHT... #15 Matthew Wall and #98 Kevin Stray manage to survive the mayhem.(Graeme Burns pic)

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46

KARTING

13 February 1998

Whincup wins Portland GP

mm

This year’s Portland Street Grand Prix had two visiting Japanese driyers to add an interna tional flavour to the event run on February 7-8 (last weekend).

A large crowd of spectators saw Jamie Whincup win the incident-packed Formula 100 Light, the designated

Portland Street Grand Prix championship class which was run over two heats, a pre final and final.

A wet Saturday saw many karts spearing into the woodchips, to the cheers of the crowd which braved the rainy conditions.

Full report next issue.

- GRAEME BURNS

Mort Page to Tracy O’Rourke ■POWERSLIDE... Formula One Ferrari ace Michael Schumacher gives his Tony Kart the berries on the Italian ice.

Icbumacher and Irvine m l^en ky reception

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JS^lSuihaGher had a fun Bpdie lr\^e.and Michael ^P'£!e karts on ice at gMdbhna<di Campiglio last ^eek^ Ithly, giving ^le^Fri^ibman his first l^gUtaste pf beating the ^Ir-inian ‘ diouble World w^ainpion. remains to be seen |i^emqr Irvine can do the j aaiiae'®s season.'

L^^niStialia’s ^Formula A i^orlid. '0 ha m pro n James |■©0mri>he^ was present at the j.ey4n1i5 having set up the ● Tony ferts for the Formula :'0He Stars.

Courtney, who will again be based in Europe and com peting with the Tony Kart team this season, took out the coveted “Young Achiever of the Year” award at the recent CAMS/Motorsport News annual Motorsport Awards in Melbourne.

-JOESAWARD

COMIN’ THROUGH... #4 Eddie Irvine, Schuey’s Ferrari team-mate, adopts a syle more akin to Sprintcar racing as he holds out Ferrari’s Ft test driver, #34 Luca Badoer.

CARBURETTORS IT'S A Sfoclrisfs o# all Yamaha style sarburettors, parts, gasi kets, filters, repair kits, Repair <& gasket kit..$IS.OO Euro 24/27 mm WB32 carburettor ..$99.00

She also came home third in the Clubman Light class.

In other results, Chris Gardner moved up from the Rookies to take out his first Junior National Light race, while David Aldersley was outstanding and collected wins in three classes, Senior National Heavy, Clubman Heavy and Spec 100 Medium.

VIC Open survives the wet Continued from page 45

Clubman Heavy ■ Ben Savage stamped his intentions on the Clubman Heavy field early with a fastest time of 31.857, although only tenths sepa rated the top twenty.

Savage won all the heats and the final convincingly and left Adam Murray, Remo Luciani and Adrian Rossetto to fight out the minor places.

Rossetto retired while run ning second, giving Murray that place and Luciani third.

Arnett sat on his tail lap after lap.

Samantha Morgan, in her first drive in Seniors, was swapping places with Paul Sera until Stewart Campbell slotted in between them Mansfield was subsequently excluded from the results at post-race checks.

Formula 100 Heavy The Formula 100 Heavy ended in controversy and, as we went to press, the results are still under appeal.

Peter Patrizi qualified fastest (31.29), just ahead of Nathan Fletcher.

The final was run at a fast and furious pace, with Mt Gambier’s Mai Kilsby look ing pretty good until he and second-placed (at that stage) Fletcher came together and both went off.

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Tracy O’Rourke became the first female competi tor to win the annual Mort Page Memorial Shield after taking out the Senior National Light class at the Ballarat Kart Track at Haddon on February 1.

The Mort Page Memorial began in 1986 and 11 drivers fought for this year’s honours.

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Rookies Shane Price set the pace in the Rookies with a 34.569 and the rest of the field tried all weekend to catch him.

In the final. Price opened up a gap and, when Steven Scoble dropped off the track, he had no pressure and led Cameron Farr, who was later excluded, elevating Dean Foster and Ashley Rintoul into second and third, respec tively.

Junior National Light Junior National Light was a close affair, with Jace Lindstrom just qualifying in front of Tony D’Alberto.

Daniel Elliott got the jump in the final and led for a few laps, until he went off the track and allowed a close fol lowing Lindstrom and D’Alberto to take over the front two places.

Elliott got it back on track and was driving his way back up through the field until a passing move went WTong and he retired.

Brent Rose just held off Anthony Mrhai- for third.

Formula 100 Light Formula 100 Light had some name drivers from across the country, with David Clark the fastest of them in qualifying at 29.981.

Wesley May from NSW took up the challenge and won the races, with Luke Skinner second from Paul Dumbrell.

Clarke came fi'om the rear of the field and got up to sixth.

Senior National Heavy Senior National Heavy, the last of the championship classes on the program, was a race of attrition, with only fi ve of the original sixteen finishing.

Clayton Sandow, after qualif^g fastest, had a ter rible final, going off very early.

Troy Morey and Glenn Riddell pulled away early on and, at about half-distance, Darren Clee tacked on and made it a three-way battle with some changes taking place - when the chequered flag dropped, it was Riddell, Morey and Clee.

RESA Brad Farnsworth dominat ed everything in the RESA class, ran as a support on the weekend.

Dean Miles had an ounce of luck in the final when Dwayne Dolling retired while in second and Craig Shillito passed brother Deane in the last laps for third place.

WFebmrfWS

Sedans

Super Sedan VN Commodore, holibrand diff, gear sets, wheels, spares, body panels etc. complete roller. $5500 ono. Ph: 079 824 294. 121

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Mazda RX7 Bridgeport, 13 B, Haltech injection, c/r gear box, 4.4, 4.1 L.S.D, Kionishookers, foam fuel cell, custom built trailer and lap top computer, s[are set of rims. Regrettable urgent sale.$16,000 neg. Ph:(03)9742 2545 or 0419 542 838. .2.

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) .2.

Sportsman Commodore, rolling shell, painted white.

E+R+P roll cage, front spoiler seat, many more parts. Must sell, $2500. Ph: Mark (03)5447 2186. 121 Charger E48 R/T VJ. immaculate, original, fully optioned, all matching numbers. Set up for classic racing.

Original motor, diff, brakes etc included. Never damaged, well documented with R/T club. Ph:00 11 643 384 0323. 121

NASCAR (No 98) Pontiac GP, completely rebuilt, updated chassis, fresh 9.5:1 23 deg Chev, etc. ready to race. 41ft bogie trailer - bathroom, with shower, hydraulic tail loader, fully fitted out. Plus pit equipment, spares etc etc. Must sell urgently. $100,000 the lot or will split. Ph: Col Robinson 02 9605 7013, Stuart Little 02 9603 1527. 121 AUSCAR VP, 360hp 315 motor. Super T10 box, Harfop rose jointed front end. 4-sp calipers, adj Bilstein susp.Pi equipment, fuel churn, rattle guns*end line, scanners, dent puller, steel chest. Spares include axles, susp, springs, shocks, body parts, too many to mention. Help given first meetings. $15,000. Ph: James(03)9563 7072 or(015)800 342. i2t

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EscorS Lotus Twin Cam, 1970 genuine vehicle, matching numbers, minilites, AOOI’s, alby rolicage, huntmaster seats. Stored over 10 years in running condition but requires waterpump over haul. $6500. Ph:0395809199or0411855704. .20 Celica Sports Sedan, 1GG 6cyl 24 valve. Race-shift Supra G/Box,4 spot and vented disc front. Twin spot and solid rear Injec EM3 ECU. Twin pumps and surge tank, race seat and harness.

Rego as 6cyl Engineers report. $6950. Ph:039338 4133..20 Nissan GTiR, 2 litre turbo 4WD. Set-up for GT-Production.

Huge potential, perfect club car or hot road car. Rare light weight (no air etc) complianced and registered. Ph: 0418 995 581..20

HZ Camp Quality bash car, rebuilt 202,4 speed, LSD,cage, trip computer, rally suspension,fully equipped car, July rego. Have some fun!$5500. Ph:0249421424 orpi5 257984. w The last VH GP III Brock Built (verified), flare kit fitted by HDT along with high output V8. 55000 rm, always garaged, regularly serviced, all parpers and plates included.

Good condition. $21,500 nee. Ph:0412 386 913. .2.

Alfa Sports Sedan, fully rebuilt 350 chev, mid mounted, fuel injected, Brodex heads 9” diff, new tyres. $13, 000 ono or Roller $8500. Ph: 019 331 845 or 019 329 140. i2t HQ Race Car, well presented, very reliable, lots of new parts, full set of spare panels, assistance given to new owner. $5700 ono. Ph: Mark on 0417 461 421. 121

1975 Galant GC Coupe Race Car, ex brown davis, 2 litre, twin 48ml webbers, 5 speed close ratio, 4 wheel discs with bias, Marsh seats, full cage, 2 sets of mags, blue 2 PAK, adj. fornt end, 4 - 6 locked diff and more. $6800. Ph: AH (03)9886 3772. 121

1988 Toyota Celica GT4,4WD, turbo, correctly imorted for race or rally. 74K's, air, power steering, climate control, fog lights, new snow tyres, power seats and mirrors. $9500 ono. Ph:(02)4948 5642. 121

VW 1965 Sports Sedan / Hillclimb Car. Yellow.

2165CC engine, ZF LSD diff, disc brake front. 96/97 champi onship winner moving to another class. Well known car needs new enthusiastic owner. $6,000. Ph: 02 6554 1134. 121

Datsun 1600 1970, excellent condition, 1800 motor, twin carbies, mags, tyres/ excellent 4 speed, 200B front struts and discs, lowered. Unreg. $3,700ono. Ph: Michael 02 6621 9198(BH),02 6624 4040(AH). 121

‘64 Lotus Cortina, fully rebuilt motor, Needham g/box, Detroit locker, all alloy panels and best frame, car in race ready condition, a proven front runner, comes with spare engine, 8 minilites, various diff ratios etc. $30,000 ONO. Will trade, Ph: 03 9543 4280 or 0418336 181 .20

88 Wolf RS500 Sierra Turbo, ex B&H Alan Jones, rebuilt engine, 5 spd Getrag, 9” Harrop, ind rear suspension, tri rate springs, rebuilt turbo, as raced at Bathurst 1991-92, good sports sedan or collectors car, spare engine, wheels and lots of acces sories. $30,000 ONO will trade. Ph: 0418 336 181 or 03 9543 4280 .20

1970 Ford Escort V6,4 speed, slightly modified, adjustable suspension, black in colour, GT dash, lots of spares. Full engi neer Cert & Reg. $10,000, Call Robert on 03 9748 4402 or 0412

Datsui 2G0Z, rebuilt motor (500k), 280 gearbox, full track sus pension, free flow exhaust, tripte SU's, extractors. Ideal for club car or Targa. Full rego.$7000 ONO.Ph:0362293858 i»

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BMW 323i, 1997 Century Batteries Australian GT Production Class D Championship winning car. New engine this year, new gearbox, spares include wheels, tyres, springs. Very reliable-fin ished every race this year. Ready to race aixi win. Ph; Beric on 0414328023. 120

Toyota Crown, bash car. Top four finish in seven events, including first. Rally ready, roll cage, harnesses, rally meter, blueprinted engine.$4500 Ph:041 4842662 anytime. 120 Datsun 1200 Coupe, A great ARN junior challenge car. No expense spared. New engine, full roll cage, recaro seats, 21 wheels and tyres, spare rolling shell and many panels. Much much more. Sell for $7500. Ph: Mark Beard 066 541 209(BH) or0417441 645(AH) 120

NASCAR, Ex John Sidney Oldsmobile Cutlass, best available, and will sell as a roller or complete car. front steer, includes wheels, fuel chums and all spares. Also 95 Pontiac long body less calipers and NASCAR service vehicle (Popemobile) Holden to suit a NASCAR team. $55,000 the lot. Will separate.

Ph:0418 336 181 or 03 9543 4280 120 AUSCAR Sportsman VL Commodore #15,95/96 cham pionship win, 96/97 2nd. All spares and spare body shell. $17,500. Ph:018 507064. 120 Targa Car - RX7 twin turbo, current model. Dismantled Jap import. $9,800. Ph: 039416 8741 or 0418 554 829. :i9 HQ race car, Thunderdome 36 second car ready to race $4,800. Also HQ T'dome engines, ready to race $1,500; HQ cage $280; HQ suspension, 2 sets $600; HQ 3.36 Salisbury diff $250. Ph: 03 9432 3370. ns

Sports Sedan Lancer, 13B fuel-injected, intercoded turbo.

Fresh engine. Suspension set up by Centreline Suspension.

Competitive car ready to race. $10,500. Ph: Ma4<039844 2309. 119

continued over page

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^8 13February 1998 AUSCAR Sportsman #50. Falcon XF, one season old, never bent. Fresh 9.5 engine. Excellent condition, urgent sale (moving OS). $12,500ono. Ph:019 142 929 or 03 9874 2561 119

Speedway Ford Laser TX3 GT-P Class E. 1997 Class E Champifenship/Bathursl 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 slicks/wets. Everything you need to win Bathurst and the cham pionship in 1998i^$17,000.. Ph: Trevor Haines 0412057 295. 119 UK-"I -(m

Sportsman VL, fresh motor, G/box comes with spare pads, stands trolley jack, radio’s and other pit equip. $9000 ono. Urgent Sale. Ph: Cameron AH (02)6585 1397.

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Pontiac Firebird Super Sedan. New 350 Chev roller engine, McLeod clutch etc. Winters wide 5 quickchange on purpose-built trailer. Heaps of spares, wheels, panels.

Sell complete. Ph: 03 9431 1459 after 6pm. .20

Junior Dragster, professionally built. 2 meetings old with imported Clements engine. On alcohol runs 11.4 with new 8 year driver or brand new tor $8000. Ph: 03 9390 7834 or 0411 094 046 120 Drag car Sports sedan, Mitsubishi Galant, 2 door, full bond alloy roll cage. Enlarged tunnel complete. New paint, no interior. $3000. Ph: 019 978 037. 120

Open Wheelers Lola T360 Fomiula Atlantic. V and H category Group Q with a good history. This quality and unique Lola has been total ly rebuilt and is ready to campaign. It has a fresh Wiessner BDD Cosworth engine and FT200 box. The price is negotiable. Ph: ft Bob Sanderson(02)99539469. 121 Formula Vee, Australian, NSW,championship winner. Hot shot winner. Jacer 95-1.2 gear boxes long/short set up data. Spare springs/components. Never bent new 1997 bodywork. $16,500. Ph: (02) 9628 9732. 121

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Historic Group Q Bowin P4. 1300cc Corolla motor, 5 speed Hewland gearbox. Make an offer. Ph: Laurie Knight 02 ,●6925 3257. ..9 Van Diemen RF95, Fastlane maintained, sister car to Tander's winning RF95. Complete with engine, little use. Ready for '98 season. $35,000. Ph: Dennis (Perth) 08 9284 9209 or 0417 935 912 120 — gisi

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●

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. 119 HQ 2 door Sports Sedan Chew, roller, 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). 119 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. m

.'2

Modified Sedan Commodore, WK 4 proven, race winner, ex Aust. 1, with spares and fibreglass moulds. $5500 ono. Ph: AH (08) 8541 3204. .2.

(AH). 119

1500 Sedan, A15 engine, webers, 5 point 3” harness, aluminium seat and spare wheels, tyres, rear mount, VN radiator ASCF cage complete spare car. $2400. Ph: 02

4883 6253 120

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

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

IROC Z Camaro, less 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)

Historic BDR Clubman, CAMS group Q classified, good history, 3 owners, ready to race. 129 bhp Datsun 1300cc. 13.9 sec 1/4 mile. Excellent tandem trailer + $2d00 spares. $13,500 (lot) neg. Ph: (03) 5222 4036.121 1 Super kart Zip Eagle, 1992 Yamaha, YZ 250cc, newtryes.

Well maintained, competitive kart. Spares, enclosed trailer.

Ready to race. $9000 the lot. Ph: Ken (02) 9820 1673. 121 Go-Kart - Arrow AX5 Midget/Rookie. New Yamaha J engine kit as of Feb. 1997. Like new condition You'll have to look hard to find one any better. Kids helmet, suit and gloves too. Runs great - ready to race. Fully enclosed 2 kart trailer available - priced separately. $2300 ono. Ph: 9787 0281 or 0419 322 808. 121 Go-Kart - Arrow AX5, w/Yamaha ^lOOS eng. Like new condi tion. New engine kit, brakes, etc. as Of Feb. 1997. Very few laps run. Looks and runs great, ready to race. Fully enclosed custom 2 kart trailer available - priced separartely. $2000 ono. Ph: 9787 0281 or 0419 322 808. 121

Historic Group Q Retiumax Palliser. 1598cc t/c Ford, 5 speed Hewland gearbox. Not complete.

Price, with bits, starts at $10,000. Ph: Laurie Knight 02 6925 3257. 19 VT-' ■

(AH). 119

Fiat 128SL Coupe, 1973, white, 1.51 Lanoia motor, 5-speed box, extractors, 2in exhaust. $3,500. Ph: 07 3260 5836. 119 Honda Civic 4 door Chev Sports Sedan. Professionally built, tubular chassis, independent f&r, competed hill-climbs a circuits, good history. $45,000ono. Ph: 07 3208 8095 (/AH), 07 3807 0527 (BH). 119

-57'

Super Sedan, VN Commodore. Quick-change diff, V/ide Rve, Willward Brakes, Engineering power steering. Complete ready to race less motor. $12,800. Ph; 0418 514 444 or 03 5176 2257. 119

Historic Group M Renmax 23B. Australian version of Lotus 23B, 1598CC t/c Ford, 5 speed Hewland 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 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

Farrell Clubman 3K Corolla, Webers, Toyota 4sp box, 13" tyres, CAMS log book, complete with trailer, spares incl. Wets on rims, ready to raace, excellent cond. $10,000 ono. Ph: Barry West AH (08) 8341 5407 or 0411 865 906. 121 Superkart, Peter Worrall's Australian championship winning kart. 1997 Stockman chassis with full body work 'B' kit, 1994 RS125 engine, just rebuilt with new crank, mains etc. $8500. Ph: (02) 9824 7350. 121

Std Saloon, XW Sedan, Reco 302 W auto, 2 fibreglass bucket seats, 2 5-point harnesses, 2 RCI window nets. Has tank protec tion barwork fitted (compulsory for ’98). Ready to race. $2,000ono. Ph: 03 9726 4297. 19 Formula Libre, 0 - 1300co, ex hill climber, sprint champi Sprintcar Chassis Kit, complete 1986 otr, panels, bonnet, onship winning car, 1100 Suzuki engine, some spares. $7000. tailtank, nerf bars, 2 front ends. All other parts $1000 ONO. KSE Ph: (03) 9735 5315. 121 front cover and pump, $250. CAE Dogbox. $200. Ph: 03 6331 2849 or 03 6334 1385. lai Sprintcar wanted. Low bar Schnee or Maxim. Complete ● rolling chassis with or without spares. Must have late model components dnd no junk. Ph: David 03 5248 3044 or 015 050 435. 119

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 Holden. HJ Chev 350. Modified 4W discs, 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, diff, axles, wheels etc. Good history. $12,000. Ph: 015 050 435 or 03 5248 3044. 119 Off Road Buggy - USA import, all the gear, V6,3-soeed auto, needs finishing. Was $15,000, sell for'$10,000. Ph: 02 4883 VL Sportsman. Fully rebuilt motor. Comes with spare pads, trolley jack, radio system, 4 spare wheels. $10,000ono. Ph: 02 6585 1397 (AH),

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). 119

VW Scat Speedcar, Stanton 4 bar, alloy wheels, splined axle, PRO shocks, spare wheels, f/5xle, r/rods.

Enclosed lightweight trailer. Proven fast, reliable unit, reace ready, ideal budget racer. $14,000. Ph: 07 3397 1335. 19 Compact Speedcar, NSW 11, 4 bar Reynolds hi-bar chassis, streader quick change diff. GSXR 1100 engine,Hilborn injection plus plenty of spares. $8500.

ONO. Ph: 02 9628 2238. 120 t

Drag Racing 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 4419 (AH). 119 X

Parts LJ Torana steel wheels. 2 are 13" by 11". 2 are 15" by 11" with mobile tyre rack.$120. Ph: (02) 6629

0307. 121

763370. 119

6906. 119

Elfin 622. 1972, Group Q logbook. Car fully sorted, immao 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

Junior Dragster, 105” wheel base, 5HP Briggs Stratton, Comets clutch, .030" oversize 210cc, runs 13.9/14.0, 43/44mph, on Augas suit, 8-12 yr old, current tech sticker. $5000 ono. Ph: Wayne (07) 3812 4398 or 0418 105 016. 121

RX7 Harrop floater diff assembly with axles. $1750. Ph: (03) 9437 1628. 121 FF historic half chrome Dunlop wheels and tyres. $400 the set BAE racing. Ph: (02) 9317 5182. 121 Carbon fibre rocker covers to suit single or double throttle body V8 Holden. Ph: 0412 941 812. 121 Smiths 10, 000 RPM chronometre tacho with gear bob and cable drive. Suit historic race car. $500.

Ph; (07) 3205 3165 or (07) 3205 3165. 12, 4x15x10 ASX Hot Wire mags $600: 2 x 14 x 7 Hot wire mags $140; New Yella Terra steel lightened fly wheel, suit 308 $200; Holden V8 Yella Terra roller rock ers $200; 4x15x7 Yoko Rally tyres and rims $200; 2 x 4-point Sabelt harnesses $150; Holden pre poll mani fold $80; Holden 308 heads poll model $100; Torana front spoiler $60; 4x14x75 slot mags $180; 4x14x6 GTS rims $100. Ph: George 03 9598 9172 (AH). 120 Datsun 1600, parts. Doors, diff, tail lights, headlights, harness, hubcaps, seats, gearbox. A arms, struts, bon net, front guards, lots more from $5. 1800 motor, half cage, alloy rear sway bar. Ph; 03 5334 6364 120 Doug Nash S speed gearbox, 2.98 1st gear, new bearings, sliders & dog rings. Long shifter. Bargain at $2500. Ph; Dave on 07 3823 1413 (AH) or 0417 738 947 (BH) ,20

Unbeatable prices, on S/B 23" Chev Cosworth Pistons, stud-giroles, valve-springs, gaskets, will swap parts for Hi-Po Ford parts or 750 CFM methanol carby in running order. Phone Mingle on 03 5472 4116 ,20 Lotus Twin Cam Head, reco with new valves. No springs. $1500. Lotus Iwin cam head- needs repairs. $350. Ph; 03 9480 4040. ,20 Tyres, 4S/H wet weather tyres and wheels. 4 stud - 8’x10"x13". $500. Ph: 03 9480 4040. ,20 Ford 4 cylinder L block, sleeved, $500. Ph: 03 9480 4040 120 2 Light weight, 4 spot calipers with pads. $800. Ph: 03 9480 4040. 120 Wheels, rims and slicks, 16" and 17" rims BBS $100 each ONO. Also some centres BBS and Ronal.

Formula Holden SPA 002, Top HP engine rebuilt Selection of wets, slicks and intermediates. $50 each.

by John Sidney, fully rebuilt, new loom, brakes, clutch, Ph: 03 6331 2848 or 03 6334 1385. 120 all parts crack tested. Heaps of spares with fully BDA Flywheel, offers. Ph: 03 9480 4040. 120 enclosed trailer. Entry for 1998 AGP races. 8 spare Toyota MR2 4ADE 1600 motor, and gearbox. wheels, toal package ready to go. $48,500 ONO. Ph: RWD ex Team Toyota. $650. Ph: 03 9480 4040. 120 03 9543 4280 or 0418 336 181 120 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 16 valve, fuel injection Zip Eagle (1995) 250 International Superkart, complete. $1500 ONO. Bodykit complete, $2500. A250 1985 Rotax 256 engine. Motoplat ign, Mikuni carbs, JL exhaust manifold, $500 or offers. Ph: 03 6331 2849 (BH) exhausts, Kelgate brakes. Updated carbon-fibre body or 03 6334 1385 (AH) 120 work, maintained regardless of cost. On display at Les Holden Turbo Manifolds, brand new. Assorted May Racing (Melbourne). $10,499. Ph: 03 9338 2088 turbo cams. Will take best offer. Ph: 015 312 918 or 03 or 0418 993 824. 120 6394 3541. 120

49

ISfsbmfyM Tf-T T

Best offers on oil-coolers, fuel cell shut-offs, Willwood brake pads, S/H camshafts, 650 CFM petrol Holley, autometer tacho, suit Maggy. Phone Mingle 03 5472 4116. 120 HQ Body Shell, straight, $300. Other parts available.

Ph: 02 9609 6679. 120

ca

(r-

""

MllMii

"11

trailers/Transporfers

Tandem trailer. Fully enclosed, 2 tonne capacity.

10'x8'x5’6”, elec brakes on 4 wheels, lights, rocker springs. Reg 9/98, $5000.(07) 3372 4384 or (0414) 82 9435. 19 "7^

Nissan VQ 20, all alloy, V6, quadcam, 24 valve plusengine plate and drive to suit speedcar. $1000. Ph; Steve (07)3814 3082. .21 Mazda 13B Bridgeport, race engine, as new condi tion. Professionally built, $2500 ONO. Selling to finance other project. Ph: 019 978 037 120 Genuine Pro Series Oil Autocraft 2600cc engine, 3 stage oil pump, fuel injected, steel crank, Carillo rods, good condition, ex Speedcar engine. $6,800ono. Ph: Clive Baxter 08 8984 4794. 120 Lotus Twin Cam, complete engine, "L' block Webers, extractors etc. $5000. Ph: 07 3281 7005. .20 Holden 308 block JSR, fully machines, bored and honed 30 thou. Decked and line honed. Needs sleeve. $700. Ph: George 03 9598 9172(AH). 120 Chev 366 methanol, bdwtie block, 17 degree. Dart aluminium heads, matching manifold. Grower crank, JE pistons, T&D roller rockers, dry sump. 650hp strong motor, full recondition. $17,500. Ph: 03 5176 2257, 018 514 444. Ti9

1972 Bedford Bus car transporter. 6 cyl, turbo diesel, 5spd, semi-auto, seats 8, sleeps 4, fridge, cup boards, 12/240 vlts, winch, good tyres, Victorian motor home rego 11-98. $18, 000 ono. Ph; (07) 3812 4398 or 0418 105 016. .2.

New enclosed trailer. Lightweight tandem, 4 wheel brakes, s.4x1.95x1.85. 2 tonne capacity. NSW registration. Suit F/Ford or small sedan etc, $5250. Ph: Lew Moore (02) 4735 4100. 12.

3

●ili-itK

.9 Mazda Diesel transporter. 3 tonne with winch, ramps, tyre racks and storage compartments. 48K on clock, 9 mths reg. $4000 Greg (0419) 36 1908. 121 Ford Transporter, 351 V8, enclosed 16 foot body, annex, tyre rack, winch. Reliable, comes with rust tree spare cab. $5500 ONO. 0418 995 581. 120

Engines

Tray-mounted car carrier. Unique folding action for one person unloading. Sun deck on top, internal storage. Lifting frame included. Remove complete unit with forklift in minutes. $2,000. Ph: 02 6554 1134. 121 Transporter. Two car, tai l lift rear door, 14x6mtr awning, hospitality unit, galley, fitted workshop, includes air compressor, engine lift, pit bike, 240/24V.belly lockers, sleeps 6. NZ$80, 000. Ph: NZ0064 9579 0113, Fax; 0064 9579 0114. 121 Freighter Pantec and trailer, tandem axle, with tailgate l ifts NASCAR, excellent condition. RWC $17,500 Ph: 03 9543 4280 or 0418 336 181. 120

308-355 Stroker. 450+hp, VN heads, professionally parted, rollers, triple springs, active manifold, solid cam, chev rods, TRW forged pistons, Romac balancer and lots more. Just run in. Will dyno for purchaser. $9500.

Ph: (02) 6020 8621. 12, Pinto 2000 engine. Fully developed forged pistons, oosworth rods, 'O' ring block, dowelled crank, button clutch, alloy sump. Poly V pulleys, 12.25 CR, 45 DCOE, Webers 154 HP ©wheels, fresh build. $6900 ono Ph: (08) 8279'5988. 121 Formula Ford motor. Current spec's last used by Dave Besnard. $5500 ono. Ph: BH (02) 9580 5000 or AH (02) 9543 5092. 121 Approx 200hp 1974cc L-series club cart engine complete from 48mm webers to custom made pipes. As run 60.9 at lakeside, quickest/s valve club car in OLD no time wasters. $4000. Ph: 0411 843 011. 121

/^"Motorsport News' RACE

OMP three layer drivers suit. Size 52. Nomex boots size 10. OMP gloves size M. All only worn 6 times. Like new. $600.

Ph:(02)6629 0307. u.

Sparco double layer Nomex suit, Blue small. Black leather Nomex boots size 8, Nomex balaclava, socks, all brand new. Will separate.$675 the lot. Ph:(03)9761 1704. 121

Holden Racing Team VP Commodores. Two of 50 built, certificates and photo of brock with model. 45cm long. Best offer. Bathurst programmes 1970 to present, good condition.

Offers Ph:(02)4822 4124. 121

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. .19 Mazda 13B PP, built tp Racing Beat spec, genuine 310hp. Set ip for injection, all brand new, just run in $5700.(0419)334 786. n9

Wanted Pit crew/subcontract, enquiring about any full time/suboontract positions, available on a team. I have NASCAR and Speedway exp. Will supply own tools and equip. Ph: 019 9677 450 or (03) 9431 3653. 121 International ladies driver seeks F. Holden for AGP and series there after. Fax details of lease to (02) 4392 2915 Att Brendan. 121 Any parts for 1980 626 Mazda Series one or comparable, Dellorto carbies, Jokiko suspen sion, mag's, anything ass«c. with rally. Ph: (07) 4928 1075 or 0419 661 443. 121 Havoc 2 video.Ph: Kate (07) 4057 7341 . 121 Dorian timer, set of 4 wet weather tyres 15 x 7, suit Sports Sedan. Ph: 02 4588 5174 (BH). 120

Other

Historic photos, 70s and 80s: Brock, Johnson.

Richards, Senna, Prost etc. B/w'and colour.

Majority unpublished. Tourers, F5000, FI, Sports.

Also 2-litre, V8s, Historic. Fax for details 02 9960 6552. 120 Mazda RX7 1988 Series 4, EFI Turbo, 23,000km, excellent condition, Jap import. $8000.

Also Hi llclimb alloy turbo sports car. Subaru motor $3000. Ph: 02 6734 2259 or 02 6732 3353. .20 Advertising space on HQ Holden racecar, Prime positions available. Attending high profile race meetings. Last race eveni driver attained pole position. Ph: Jim 015 932 948. 120 Book Collection, 50 plus titles including cov ering all FI Champions 1950-1996, some rare titles. $1000 the lot. Ph: 02 9825 2059 after 5pm only.

120

Yamaha YZF750 SP, immaculate condition, 2000km from new. Wi ll trade abything of value. $16,000 best offer. Ph; 015 312 918 or 63943541. 120

Badges car clubs etc. Including herald touring. Western District car club. Motor manual goodwill, muprincess seoroad.

1956 Olympic games many more. Ph: 015 312 918 or 639 435

541. 121

gives you the opportunity to promote your products and services to i the widest possible 'range of motorsport competitors and enthusiasts. j| Advertising in .RACE Sili## costs as tittle as $5fi per issue! 1j| For bookings, call GeraW il^^riiaii: on ■©§

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50

COMMENT

13 February 1998

drivers who don’t mind having a

Peter still number one 0

0

0 (0_ Nl

P

Dear Sir,

n Editorial

I am an extreme Peter Brock fan and I was wondering if you have

Editor

Technical Editor

any knowledge of a fan club or something like that.

I would also like to compliment

Tony Glynn

you on an excellent magazine and

Assistant Editor

please, keep up the good work.

David Hassall

' Pf-iil Branagan Graphics Co-ordinator

Advertising

The other problem of the Administration’s deferment of its

specific ‘05’ Fan Club by for more information contact

Administration Managing Director Chris Lambden

Contacts

Symmons Plains, not even a mention.

scy. ;■

ASST ED: We don’t know of any

Advantage International by fax at (03) 9429 1591.

Gerald McDornan

onver

Talk

the black/white diagonals, deliver summary justice with the black fl ag

!

Advertising Manager

r IL i i k

James Staks hellothere@rocketmail.com

VIv Brumby

So, is there any chance of actu ally seeing the Formula Holden and Formula Ford races? I went to Sandown and watched both classes with interest but, at

for a stop/go.

responsibility to various commer cial interests would require more

Pull your Saward In

space than available here for ade quate comment. The results of 1997 clearly demonstrate the folly of this total dependence on “cate

Dear Sir,

gory management” to the detri-

hanging up my spectator hat with the possible exception of a 2L Super Tourer foray now and again.

I feel being a great believer in the series production format of a few years ago, 2-litre is more represen tative of the cars we can buy off the showroom floor.

A Commodore with a Chevrolet V8 and a Falcon with an American Mustang V8, plus a plethora of other foreign bits cannot be pur-

I like the Superbikes a lot (my favourite rider is Martin Craggill) and that was a good race but come on 10, pull your pants up and show us the open wheelers!

Steve Vincent, Dandenong VIC ASST ED: Er, there WASN’T any FH or FF races to show in Tasmania. There was never going to be an FF race and FH was cancelled a month ago.

For your favourite rider’s new column, see page 10.

Like most of your readers I am an avid fan of the quality and con

89 Orrong Crescent.

Caulfield North VIC 3161 (PO Box 1010 North Caulfield 316!)

Phone: 03 9527 7744Fax. 03 9527 7766

tent of your magazine.

However, I am becoming increas

I

ingly annoyed at Joe Saward’s none-too-subtle recriminations of Michael Schumacher concerning the now infamous shunt that decid

Proail: msnews@corplink.eom.au

CompuServe: loozsr.ims

ed the World Championship of 1997.

Contributors

It is quite clear that Schumacher was mostly at fault but it is a blight on Mr Saward’s professionalism that his personal dislike for Schumacher is brought to point at

General: Mike Katale, Jon Thomson.

Brian Reed, Darryl Flack FI. Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Ian Bamsey, Gwyn Dolphin US. Bruce Smith, Phil Morns NZ: John Hawkins

Cummins

any opportunity, ri o matter how vague. / Yes, I am a fan of Schumacher and I was very disappointed in the incident but nobody is infallible. I will continue to support Schumacher.

Speedway: Dennis Newlyn, David McNabb, Wade Aunger, Geoff Rounds, Mark Neale, David Lamont, Chris Metcalf, Sue Hobson, Michael Attwell, Tony Millard (UK) Rally: Peter Whitten Drag Racing: Gerald McDornan, Greg Ward, Jon Astier (US.A), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White,

Joe, you are making a serious professional mistake by constantly bringing forth your private views but, as nobody is infallible. I will continue to read your otherwise

. Ken Ferguson, Scott Jug Super Speedway: Martin Clark (USA),

very fine articles.

Bre.'^wanson ● . Karti: Ian Salvestrin, Allan Roark, Graeme Burns, Edward Krause

David Leviston Ballarat Vic

Photographers: lAT, Dirk Klyrrsrnith, Zoom Photographies, Neil Hammond, ; Nigel & Diana Snowdon, ■ Brad Steele. Tony Glynn.

Ihunder-Ptcs, Marshall Cass,

davidl@qonline.com.au

Defensive equals Boring ^

: Mike Harding, Brisi)ane Motorsport, i Frank Midgley, Jotrn Bosher, ■ Pfiil Williarns, Mike Patrick (UK) MOTORSPORT NEWS is puhlisherj Dy ; Mcilorspori Nctvs Pty Ltd .‘\CN No OilO I 7V V2ii 1 CViK'.o". C L’lmSPen (.\teo.,gi:igl. D HJSMil. A Glynn Publisher; Printed by: I Wilke Color 17^9 Browns Rd Clayiori 3168 Distributed by: I NDO Ud pijblisnpd uy MOTORSPOKT NKWS ll fcopynght end muy not L'P '■ep«'oducc\'1 ;n fu!I or m litrr wirno(/l me vpruren perm.^sicn of Ihe ■publisher. Freeliinre confcbsithtns -vc wr-lcorne. ^ncl whik' aU r;ire w'li be teKen, AusrrekT>idn Motorspo'T News Pty Liri does not Dccepr i rospons'b'luy iof or loss of rpDtene! ; subm.ttTXi.

ON THE MOVE... Jason Bargwanna (here pushing fellow ex-Formula Holden man Mark Skaife) has proven

ment of the sport overall.

Unfortunately, this is not likely to change quickly, as CAMS contin ues to exhibit it’s reluctance to dis play any strength in this area... it is far easier to let the “commercial

interests ” (under whichever tri-

Dear Sir, Congratulations, David Hassall for yet another positive, objective and accurate Editorial (Issue 117).

Warwick McDonnell Sunnybank, Qld

Particularly pertinent were the comments in relation to “defensive

Come back a little, Peter

own an-angements.

of Course should be in a position to view first hand, or on a monitor, or

(Photo by Dirk Klynsmith)

open-wheeler drivers have what it takes to mix it with the Big Guys, says Steve Vincent.

■ alpha combination is being used for identification this week) make their

driving. “For as long as we can remember, a couple of the 5-litre brigade have perfected this style to an art form with total impunity. The result - endless boring processions!”

As rightly stated, this is so easily corrected. The Racd Director/Clerk

IC LarriDden

^0

chased from your local dealer and, instead of being the all-Australian racer the narrow minded would like us all believing are little more than glorified hot rods.

R Plenty Kingston QLD

Can’t we see supports?

Dear Sir,

Dear Sir, Now that the dust has settled I would like to take the opportunity to thank Peter Brock for 30 years of great entertainment and true sportsmanship, and to wish him and his family all the best for the futm'e.

be promptly informed by competent

Now that ‘Brockie’ has hung up

observers and, after one display of

his competition hat I will also be

I’ve never written a letter to a magazine before because I’ve never really had anything to com plain about. I read Motorsport News and watch Channel 1(), so what could be easier.

However, I think that the net work has dropped the ball a little with its 1998 Shell series coverage.

I would like to see more of the sup port races. Cpen-wheeler racing, as proven by what has been happen ing in touring car racing in the last two weeks, is full of good young

Top drivers, top night Dear Sir, Firstly, top mag, top read.

Secondly, wasn’t it great to see that Victor Bray won the Drag Racer of the Year award again.

Despite people who knock drag rac ing Victor is a real ambassador for the sport and I think it’s great that he has taken the top vote again.

H aving Victor and his Castrol team represent us fans at the night when all the big names of the sport get together is a great thing. It’s good to see that drag racing, speed way and rallying all get included so that people in different areas of the sport can get together.

One complaint that; no motorcy cles. Surely Mick Doohan deserved to be included with the elite.

Maybe next year?

Kevin McKenzie Mawson ACT

I Opinions expressed ir) Motoisporr News em nor : nocessordy those of Austreli^sian Mctcvspwt NfNvs ltd or iLs srafT. _ 'Reconin'.chfjert .^nri rnaximum price only

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ROBII^ KIRBY - PENNZOIL TOP FUEL DRAGSTER I

The Glenn Good Racing Corporate Facility is

The Best Place To See The Race Grand Prix Corporate Hospitality

V

Strictly Limited Seats Available

Q

o

For the third consecutive year Glenn Coad Racing has presented the most comfortable viewing platform with high qualityfood, wines and service

u

for the Qantas Australian Grand Prix.

Together with the Redhead Club** they have formed a unique venuefor trackside entertainment.

Thefacility is privately managed by experienced hospitality personnel who have a vested interest in motorsport.

The Glenn Coad Racing Corporate Facility is The Best Place To See The Race!

Inquiries: Ph: 61 3 9533 0100 Fax: 61 3 9533 0111 Mobile: 0418 389 549 email: gcracing@ozemail.com.au

Only three weeks\to go...and counting! h-J i

Postal Address: P.O. Box 66, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002 Office: 4 Rusden St, Elstemwick,

i I The four-day pass includes access to all general trackside admission areas and entry to the Glenn Coad Racing facility. This includes a multi-tiered trackside viewing facility CF6 and the Redhead restaurant.** The track side viewing area offers an outstanding view of the hotly contested comers 3 & 4 on the Albert Park circuit and the multiple level design ensures excellent vantage points for our guests. All food and beverages are included in the package. There are full bar facilities at both the air-conditioned club and the trackside viewing facility with an excellent variety of fresh cuisine served throughout the day by our friendly hosts and waiters.

Large direct link TV screens positioned throughout the club and trackside facility will ensure guests see every minute of the action. In keeping with our own year round involvement in Motorsport we will have as guests a number of Grand Prix and motorsport personalities \yhile a large display of racing memorabilia will add to the authentic atmosphere of the club. Our facility also offers the convenience of indoor powder rooms and cloakrooms within the club and easy access from Gate 4 at Moray Street.

4. The total price for the four-day package is $2195. Separate corporate tickets are issued for each day of the event. All tickets are non-transferable on any one day. The official event program and exclusive gifts are included in the ticket price as well as the customary sun block cream and earplugs. Glenn Coad Racing will forward \'Ou a questionnaire regarding details of your guest list and ticket delivery closer to the 1998 Qantas Australian Grand Prix.

Victoria 3185

BOOKING FORM

LENN C:OAI>

PAYMENT TERMS PER TICKET $2195 STRICTLY PAYABLE IN FULL to secure tickets.

Enclosed please accept my payment of $

.

Please note ticket payments are transferable but not refundable

□□□□ □□□□ □□□□ □□□□

□ Visa □ Amex □ Mastercard □ Bankcard □ Cheque

Cardholder’s name: Signature:

Exp/Date

/

p/c .Fax( ) Residence (

)

Company name: First name: Last name: Postal address: Ph Bus( Mobile

)

Glenn Coad Racing is proudly an independent eonlraclor (o. and is not an agent or as.sociale of the Australian Grand I’rix Corporation.

email:

**We reserve the riglit to vary llie identity of the Caterers as necessary.

Please make cheques payable to Glenn Coad Racing Pty Ltd.

/

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