Motorsport News Issue 136 - 25 September-8 October 1998

4MP Issue 136 (NZ$5.95 inci GST)

25 September-8 October 1998

Toyota and Mazda wanttojoin the race THE FUTURE FACE OF TOURING CARS? This is how the forthcoming Australian-built Toyota Avalon could look on the race tracks if A VESCO Stakes the challenge of allowing makes other than Holden and Ford into V8 Supercar'racing.\ 'j (Illustration by Bernie Walsh)

V8 Supercar racing in 2001 could well expand to include three or more manufacturers.

Before the end of the year, the board of Toyota Australia will consider an internal motorsport plan which recommends an approach to V8 group AVESCO. Mazda is also keen to join the V8 brigade. .Toyota is to launch its Australian-built "big car", the Avalon, in 2000 and newlyappointed Senior Manager for Toyota Conversions, Accessories and Motorsport (TCAM), Peter Evans, told Motorsport News this week that V8 Supercar rac ing represented a strong means of putting the car "out there in front of the public".

Evans said he would be putting a strong recommenda tion to the Board to pursue the issue with AVESCO. For the Toyota to race, the rules would have to be changed significantly to allow the Avalon to use rear-wheel drive and a

By CHRIS LAMBDEN 4.7-litre Toyota V8 quad-cam engine.

But now that the V8 Supercar category has adopted a Control tyre and has a standard wish bone front suspension layout under discussion, the category s undercar package, engine aside. is becoming standardised, making the introduction of additional vehicles simpler.

Commercial considerations aside, the technical barriers will need to be overcome for Toyota (or any other manufacturer) to become involved.

V8 team group TEGA has already discussed casually the issue of converting front-drive cars such as the Toyota Avalon, but the acceptance of non pushrod V8 engines will be the crucial factor and a major philosophical decision.

While Toyota will not consider using either of the current Ford Continued Page 3

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25Sepleml)ef1998

Morns joins Audi AUDI Sport Australia has announced that former BMW star Paul Morris and BTCC Peugeot driver Paul Radisich will join regular teamsters Brad Jones and Cameron McConville in a two-car assault on the AMP Bathurst 1000 next week.

The two Pauls are likely to team up in one car, while BOC Gases champ Jones and runner-up McConville will jointly spearhead the Ingolstadt attack on The Great Race.

Morris has returned from a disap pointing foray in the USA, where he competed in the Indy Lights Championship, and is champing at the bit to return to the Mountain.

Morris and Craig Baird were first across the line last year, but were later disqualified for a driving time infringement.

“I spent years racing against the Audis and I’ve got a lot of respect for their drivers and the professional way they run their team,” said

Audi A4

Morris.

GERMAt^ CONNECTION... In the last year, Paul Morris has been associated with BMW, Mercedes and now Audi.

“When I was'racing the BMWs I always wondered how I’d go in an Audi, and now the chance has come along.

“The Audis were competitive and reliable at Bathurst in 1997 and I’m sure that they will be again this year.

“This is a good opportunity to win the race and make up for the disap pointment of being disqualified the last time I was here.”

Radisich, meanwhile, has endured an equally tough year, his Peugeot

406 not on the money in the BTCC. But the French manufacturer approved his request to race at Bathurst in the works Audi squad.

“Peugeot haven’t got a works car at Bathurst this year, so they didn’t stand in my way, which I appreciat ed,” said Radisich.

Radisich had been linked to the DC Cook team for Bathurst, but that team has now decided against bring ing its Honda Accord to the Mountain.

The 1993/94 FIA World Cup win ner is expecting a strong assault on the race by the BTCC runners, who he believes have learnt from the lessons of last year.

“Volvo and the Vectra team have done some endurance testing and this year we’ve had pit stops in the British Championship, so that’s going to help at Bathurst,” he said.

Team leader Brad Jones believes that Morris’s previous Bathurst experience and high success rate in Super Touring racing will be valu able assets for the team at Bathurst.

“I’ve raced against Paul when he was with BMW and no one knows his ability more than me,” said Jones.

“Having him with Audi at Bathurst is a bonus and hopefully it will help us to a one-two result.

“Paul will test the car before the race and I’m sure he’ll be up to speed quickly.”

The team finished second and third with Jones/Biela and McConville/HemrouIle in 1997.

Toyota and Mazda look to V8s Continued from Page 1

or Chev V8 engines, it wiU pro pose using a unit based on the 4.5-litre V8 fitted to the new generation Land Cruiser, with suitable technical constraints in place to maintain perfor mance parity with the current V8 engines.

EJvans spoke enthusiastically of the possibilities this week: “With V8 Supercars working to keep costs down and stan dardising so much, it makes it possible for us to look at it without massive car develop ment costs,” he said.

“That’s the advantage it has over,say. Super Touring, where there are major development costs associated with the whole car.

“In terms of V8 Supercars, we could sub-contract TTE (Toyota Team Europe) to develop the engine and that would be our main cost. ●“We haven’t spoken with AVESCO at aU yet.

“It will go to our Board first as part of a motor sport plan before the end of the year and, assuming we get the go-ahead, that’s when we’ll talk to the V8 stakeholders.”

At the same time, Mazda’s Motorsport Manager, Alan Horsley, has expressed his com pany’s interest in joining the ft-ay: “We’d like to be in the First Division of motorsport in this country,” he said this week.

“With what (car), I don’t know.

“We’ve spoken briefly with AVESCO, but nothing’s really come of it yet.”

i

■ John Trimbole has bought the ex-Steve Ellei^ Holden Young Lions Commodore and will enter it for the FAI Australian 1000 with a former Bathurst race win ner as co-driver.

■ Just too late for our Bathurst preview came the news that Jenni Thompson has been replaced in the Knight Racing Mondeo by Paula Elstrek, who will share the Dunlop-supported car with Heidi O’Neill.

■ AVESCO win allow the teams which have run Commodore VTs- Mobil-HRT and Castrol-Perkins - to run their VSs at Indy. Both teams were loathe to run their newer cars around the streets only four weeks before the FAI 1000 Classic.

■ Rodney Jane is going to Bathurst for the NASCAR race, despite injuries. Rod broke his right wrist when he fell off a bicycle in pre-season training.

Jane and his team are confident he will be fit enough to wi'estle his Fast Fone Che\»y Monte Carlo around the mountain.

■ As reported last issue, Kenny Roberts Jr has signed for Suzuld’s 500 GP team next sea son, but the news is that Warren Willing will go with KRJR. The Aussie engineer has been one of the key men in Kenny Roberts Sr’s team for a decade and took a lead role in the development of the Modenas KR3 after the team switched from Yamahas two years ago.

■ CAMS has committed to maintain the issuing of log books for Formula Two cars until December 2000. That means that the existing IGOOcc cars will be able to run alongside the newly-approved 2-litre Formula Three-based cars for at least another two seasons.

■ Speaking of F2, David Bruce took out this season’s champi onship after the final round at Wakefield Park last weekend.

The Geelong driver took pole and two wins in the races and finished 33 points clear of run ner-up Graeme Blee. Both drove Reynards.

■ Despite recent nimours that had other people in the car, Racing for Life team boss Paul Feltham has confirmed that Gary Baxter and Steve Cramp will drive the Falcon at Bathurst in November. A sponsorship announcement is expected soon.

■ Shane Cruickshank wdll team up with Wayne Russell at the FAI 1000 Classic at Bathurst in November. They will share the ex-Brock Commodore VS which \vill be supported by Union Steel and Aluminium Supplies Gold Coast.

However, the latest news on Toyota’s push may well prompt more action.

With Mazda’s long-time asso ciation with Ford, use of the Ford V8 engine would present less of a barrier for Mazda.

AVESCO CEO Garry Craft responded positively when Motorsport News outlined Toyota’s initial thoughts to him this week: “I’m not a technical person, but I can’t see why the category

can’t be developed in that way.

“We’re happy to talk to any manufacturer who wants to look at our category.

“As long as the fundamentals of the category are maintained - ie a family road car, with V8 power -1 can’t see a problem.

“I’m sure the technical gurus could work out a level playing field for a V8 of different speci fication ...”

Similarly, team owner Fred Gibson is among those who

believe that expansion of the category to include additional manufacturers is the way to go: “It’s the next logical step if the momentum of the ^owth is to carry on,” he said this week.

“While the category has been seen as a Holden v Ford category, it’s really a V8 touring car category and addition of extra manufacturers would benefit everybody - even Ford and Holden - as the whole thing woidd grow further.”

■ Sandown GTP winner Dean Canto hops back into his famil iar Subaru Impreza WRX for the Bathurst 3-Hom-. He will share the car with W>Tins Racing's Paul Dumbrell who, at 16, makes the total di-iving age in the car 33 years. Some racers have driving boots older than that...

■ All you Chokky fans get to the Island. Chocolate Staifi.sh lead singer Adam Thompson will be belting out the national anthem at the *98 Australian Motorcycle GP. Thompson is ; about to embark on a solo career !

- singing, that is. not riding.

25September 1998

S<huitia<her declares he is favourite in title showdown CRITICS of Formula 1 have said for years that the races often are boring - simply exercises of tech nology over driving skill.

But no one can make that claim about this year’s points battle between Mika Hakkinen and two-time cham pion Michael Schumacher. It can’t get any better.

With two races remaining this season, both drivers have 80 points. And each believes he will win the championship.

“I’m looking forward to the next races, especially Nurburgring, because they fit Ferrari cars,” Schumacher said. “It’s up to Ferrari to be considered the favourite car now.”

Hakkinen, seeking his first title, says his German counterpart is wrong.

“I’m still very positive about the world title,” Hakkinen said. “McLaren still is a better car than Ferrari.”

That remains to be seen, but the Finn has a slight advantage. Although each has won six races this year, Hakkinen could close out Schumacher with a victory in the Grand Prix of Luxembourg this weekend if his rival does not score a point with a finish of sixth or better.

Under that scenario, Schumacher could win the final race at Suzuka on November 1 and lose the title because Hakkinen would have more secondplace finishes. l If experience counts, Schumacher should have the edge.

Four years ago, he and Damon Hill staged'a stirring duel - reminiscent of the battles of the late 1980s and early ‘90s between Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna which Schumacher won by a point.

This year, Hakkinen got four of his six career victo ries in the first six races. At one time, Schumacher was 22 points behind, but he’s caught Hakkinen with five wins in eight races.

For that reason, and because he has 33 victories to stand third on the Formula 1 career list, Schumacher should be the favourite, according to a former Ferrari team manager.

“When you reach your opponent following a long effort, you have a -stronger determination and you usu ally prevail,” said Mauro Forghieri, now a TV com mentator.

Gianni Agnelh, the owner of Italian-based Ferrari’s parent company. Fiat, is even more confident.

“Schumacher is the No. 1, the best world driver,” Agnelli said. “He can give any car an edge on all cir cuits.”

Michael and David shake hands on the battle of Spa

nn

A DECISION on the Control tyre package for V8 Supercars in 1999 could be as close as four weeks away.

Tenders close on October 15, with the applications being opened the following day.

“If there’s one stand-out bid, the decision wiQ be very simple and quick,” AVESCO CEO Garry Craft said this week, emphasising that the decision will be made by the teams group TEGA. Nett benefit to the teams ie price - will be the basic criteria, whether that be sim ply tyre price or tyre price plus cash injection to the series.

All three existing tyre supphers are expected to tender, with no wild card additional tenders on the horizon.

That certainly was the case last week, when FACE THE PRESS... Coulthard and Schumacher after making peace at Monza last week.

Schumacher thrilled the home crowd by winning the Italian Grand Prix at Monza — a fast track that was sup posed to favour McLaren.

That gave Schumacher even more momentum.

“I never considered the MICHAEL Schumacher and David Both Coulthard and Schumacher said title fight closed, not even in there was no apology by either driver the saddest moment of the Coulthard, who nearly came to blows fol season,” he said. “Now I lowing a collision in the Belgian Grand during their discussion.

“We tried to clarify things, so that it have several good reasons to Prix last month, publicly shook hands and made up on the Thursday before the cannot happen^gain,” Schumacher said. be confident.”

Italian Grand Prix.

Coulthard said his conscience was Despite' a high-speed spin, Following a 70-minute meeting, in the clear and that he did. not feel responsible in the final laps and brake “neutral” trailer of the Williams team, for the accident. problems that left him “The meeting was useful to explain fourth in the Italian Grand Schumacher said he saw “no point to be angry with David.” our positions,” said Coulthard. “I had Prix, Hakkinen remains He said after the two talked: “It was nothing to apologise about.” confident.

Both drivers said that the crash will be pretty clear he did not do it on purpose.

In the face of a 20-4 points discussed at the next meeting of the deficit in the last three Initially it was not so clear.”

Schumacher mumbled a ‘yes’ when he Grand Prix Drivers Association. races, he insists he is not was asked whether the matter had been buckling under the pres resolved amicably. sure.

The Ferrari driver accused Coulthard “In Monza, I had unex of reckless driving after they collided in pected brake problems in pouring rain and near-zero visibility dur the final laps,” Hakkinen ing the Belgian race. said. “If the car is fit. I’m Schumacher, who was leading at the CRITICISM of Michael Schumacher’s atti sure I can regain sole lead time, slammed into the back of tude after his crash at Spa continues to rum ership.”

Coulthard’s lapped McLaren-Mercedes, ble on with some of Germany’s politicians Schumacher, who won his losing his front wheel and a likely victo- now jumping on the bandwagon. two titles driving for ry.

Social Democratic Party politician Hans Benetton, would become an Later, Schumacher had to be Wallow said that Schumacher’s behaviour icon in Italy if he wins the restrained by team officials as he tried should lead him to be dumped from his role championship. No Ferrari to reach the McLaren pit and challenge in road safety campaigns, accusing the driver has done so since Coulthard.

Ferrari driver of being “a bull in a china South African Jody Schumacher said in Monza that he shop”.

Scheckter in 1979.

The party’s leader, Kurt Beck, was also never intended “to hit anyone or hurt Hakkinen is trying to anyone. I just wanted to express in asked about Schumacher and said that become the first Finn to words my bitter disappointment ... for Michael was a poor role model for the young wear the crown. people of Germany. losing victory and ten points.” \

Control tyre choice soon

l

Germans condemn their hero

“We know that the existing companies can supply a suit able tyre,” said Craft, “so no testing win be required. It’U be a purely commercial deci sion.”

There has been so sign of any legal challenge to the control tyre move.

Murdoch bid for F1?

BERNIE Ecclestone’s plans to float Formula One Holdings might be on hold, but there have been signs of contact between Ecclestone and media mogul Rupert Murdoch, with rumours in July that FOH might be sold to the Australian for $1 billion.

Given the fact that Murdoch has just paid $1.7bn for the Manchester United soccer team, the FI deal looks like a bargain.

Murdoch has been payingout billions in recent years for TV rights to various sporting events - he is rumoured to be close to a $3bn deal for the rights to soccer matches in Italy.

Ecclestone knows that if Murdoch is willing to pay $1.7bn for one soccer team in Britain, FI is worth a lot more and so may hold out for the $6.5bn that he hoped to get.

-JOESAWARD

AGP toba«o ban Rookie Earnhardt lands $17m deal

THE look of the Australian Grand Prix will change in 2006 to aceommodate a ban on tobacco advertising.

On Tuesday, the Federal Health Minister Dr Michael Wooldridge announced an end to the exemptions on tobacco advertising that have applied to the Austrahan Formula One and 600cc Grands Prix and other events like the Australian Ladies Masters golf The new arrangements will take effect in 2006 but new events, which may he affected by the ban, will

have only until 2002 to apply for an exemption.

The move means that the Formula 1 cars which race at Albert Park and the bikes which race at Phillip Island will ran in ‘non-brand’ livery similar to that seen at the corresponding events in England, France and Germany by 2006.

“The government believes that the time has come to set an end for all association of tobacco and sport in Australia and give these remaining events time to find alternative sponsors for the overall event and indi¬

vidual teams,” the minister said.

“I have had very produc tive discussions and negotia tions with Bemie Ecclestone and Max Mosley, President Federation of the Internationale d’Automobile, and they have assured me that automotive events will not be jeopardised by the phasing out of tobacco spon sorship.”

The ban is believed to have caused internal divi sion within the Liberal Party in the lead-up to the October 3 election.

-PHIL BRANAGAN

DALE Earnhardt Jr, the hottest racer on the stockcar circuit, has signed what his team called the biggest sponsorship deal in Winston Cup history on Monday.

Earnhardt and AnheuserBusch announced an agree ment for the driver to carry the Budweiser colors on his Winston Cup cars beginning next year and lasting through the 2004 season.

According to several somnes in the sport, the total value of the package makes it worth more than US$10 million (Aus$17m)per year.

"I can't confirm that, but I won't deny it," said a smiling Don Hawk, president of Dale Earnhardt Inc and the man who negotiated the deal.

What makes the financial scope ofthe package even more unusual is that Earnhardt, 23year-old son of seven-time

Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, has yet to drive on stock car's top circuit.

He plans to take that step in 1999, when he competes in five Winston Cup events while run ning a second full season on NASCAR’s Busch Grand National circuit.

Earnhardt plans to move to Winston Cup racing full-time in 2000.

But Earnhardt is no ordinaiy driver.

25Seplmt>efW98

5

New-look $3m Y8 series

GRIDS: The 1999 Shell Seriee is agafn-expected to attract big fieids as the teams chase a sliced the n .$3 million on offer. n (Photo by Phll Williams) '

AVESCO has published a considerably changed cal endar for V8 Supercars in 1999, arousing much com ment with a controversial date clash with the Super Tourer AMP Bathurst 1000.

The new-look, 13 round Shell Championship Series will offer a total prize pool of $3 million dollars, doubling the money on offer this cm-rent season.

The expanded champi onship features 10 sprint rounds (Eastern Creek and the new Ipswich circuit replacing Mallala and the new Lakeside), Sensational Adelaide 500 street race, an as-yet unallo cated 500km long distance race (scheduled for October 3), and the season-ending FAI Austrahan 1000 Classic.

Lakeside has been named as first reserve circuit (for sprint race rounds) should AVESCO fail to come to sat commercial isfactory arrangements with any of the named circuits.

In addition, V8 Supercars

will contest the existing non championship showcase races at the FI Grand Prix and IndyCar GP events.

Shell Motorsport Manager Ross Brodie announced the calendar during the Tickford 500 weekend, enthusing over the progress of the category: “This is truly a Shell calen dar for our fans,” he said.

“There are new circuits, new races and burgeoning fields and we at Shell are thrilled to be an integral part of V8 Supercars.”

The same announcement also confirmed that the three endurance races will earn double points and, where there are co-drivers, each driver will receive points.

While the expanded calen dar promises a thrilhng year of racing for the V8s, the announcement of a 500km race on October 3 provided the controversy (see sepai-ate stories).

Channel 10 will broadcast every round of the 13-race championship same day (including Perth).

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

but furore over Bathurst date clash

By CHRIS LAMBDEN THE scheduling of a 500km V8 endurance race on October 3 next year has angered motorsport traditionalists and Super Tourer supporters.

While it has been the long term understanding that traditional interna tional dates are protected in Australia, AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane has come out on the front foot in demanding that CAMS issue a permit for the date: “Under the Trade Practices Act, CAMS has no choice but to issue us with a permit. They can not stop us from compet ing, which is the ‘trade’ of our members, on that date,” Cochrane said via a press release last Friday.

He stressed that the date was set and will only change if host broadcast er Channel 10 cannot change the date for the 500cc Motorcycle GP. “I didn’t hear us jump ing up and down about the 19978 scheduling of two litres at Mallala against the V8s at Hidden Valley,” he said. “Are we talking two different sets of standards here?”

AVESCO CEO Garry Craft points out that, with the group’s sprint race schedule finishing midSeptember, October 3 is the only practical date for the V8 500 if a clash with Footy finals and the sub sequent IndyCar GP are to be avoided.

“There are practical issues involved - it’s not simply a political issue ...”

For its part, CAMS is again in a spot. Caught between its historical cal-

endar policy which sim ply doesn’t allow such a clash with an existing international race and a potential legal challenge under Trade Practices, it is desperately hoping that - if the Bike GP does move -..it can negotiate a solution to the problem.

“Clearly, a clash isn’t in the best interests of the sport,” CAMS CEO Greg Swann said on Tuesday.

“The (CAMS) Board may have to decide whether or not to risk the legal challenge if it refus es to issue a permit, but hopefully it can be resolved before it comes to that.

“There’ll be a good indi cation on the Bike GP We didn’t broadcast the races on the same date. date once the FIM dele “The football reference gates get here for Phillip Island late next week, so is laughable,” O’Reilly we’ll see what happens went on. then.”

“Anyone older than six CAMS’ controversial 10 could see that there is percent stake in V8 group only one Sunday football AVESCO complicates the clash in September; any one who can read a televi issue.

Would AVESCO take sion guide can see that.”

He also questions legal action against one of AVESCO’s its shareholders? apparent In the interim. Super intransigence in shifting CEO Kelvin events.

Tourer “Clearly, that has O’Reilly is fuming.

He refuted Cochrane’s escaped Craft.

“I spoke to him prior to suggestion that the Mallala date clash set a the events and he was prepared to shift it precedent.

“The reason Mallala (Darwin) to the 12th (of went on was that, with a July 1999)if necessary. common broadcaster for “He said it made good both series, it (Mallala) sense to do it if there was could be broadcast the good reason but clashing week following the with a 2-litre race was not event,” he said. good reason enough.

“And there was no pref “Cochrane is clearly talking about splitting the erence, as I understand it, audience from (Network) 10; they television didn’t care whether the between the two events.

“That was NEVER the (Darwin) race was on the intention with Mallala. 12th or the 19th.”

V8 Supercar Calendar 1999

Shell

F1GP March 4-7 Albert Park, Vic SCSI March 27-28 Eastern Creek, NSW Sensational Adelaide 500, SA SCS2 April 9-11 SCS3 Barbagallo Raceway, WA May 1-2 SCS4 Sandown, Vic May 15-16 SCS5 '' June 5-6 Hidden Valley, NT SCS6 TJune 26-27 Phillip island, Vic SCS7 Wiilowbank Raceway, QLD July 10-11 SCS8 Calder Park, Vic July 24-25 SCS9 Symmons Plains, Tas August 7-8 SCS10 Winton, Vic August 21 -22 SCS 11 September 11-12 Oran Park, NSW SCS12 The 500 Endurance, TBA October 1-3 CART Gold Coast, QLD October 14-17 SCS 13 FA11000 Classic, NSW November 11-14 (SCS denotes a round of the Shell Championship Series.)

Sandown future left in the balance THE viability of Sandown as a race circuit is under threat if it loses the V8 long distance race.

That’s the view of promoter Jon Davison, following the issuing of AVESCO’s 1999 cal endar with “TBA” against the venue of a pro posed October 3 500km race.

Davison said on race day that if he missed out on the 500 he would have to close the gates at Sandown because the sprint meeting alone was not sufficiently profitable.

“Sandown is not a traditional race track in that we are unable to hire it out mid-week for testing as a source of revenue,” Davison said this week.

“Race meetings are our entire source of revenue and clearly the 500 is by far and away the most successful of our meetings.

“I’ve put our offer - $1 million over three years - to AVESCO in writing and we can accommodate the October 3 date if required.

“1, and the VATC, would be staggered if the biggest V8 race in Victoria was sacri ficed for a race at a new circuit in Queensland, just two weeks before the IndyCar GP in the same State ...”

AVESCO, however, is fielding offers from at least two other venues for the 500km race, including the currently under construction Ipswich track.

"Our aim is, as always, to race at the best possible venues and to spread our V8 races around the country as much as is possible," AVESCO CEO Garry Craft said this week.

“Sandown is a great facility and - as it has shown for the past three out of four races - it copes quite well with rain!

“But there is an issue of the number of races in Victoria.

“Queensland currently has just one championship round and it’s a very strong State for our fan base ...”

s Tomas grabs Menu 25Septeuibsf1998

TOMAS Mezera has final ly announced that he will be joined by recently deposed British Touring Car Champion Alain Menu for the FAI 1000 Classic V8 Supercar race in November.

Menu first raced at the Mountain in the AMP Bathurst 1000 Super Touring race for Williams Renault Laguna last year, and is keen to have his first taste of rear wheel drive action since test ing a Williams Formula 1 car a few years ago.

“He loved the circuit last year,thought it was absolute ly something else! He’s defi nitely going to be an asset to our team,” said Mezera.

Swiss bom Menu is an old friend of Mezera’s from his time overseas, and the duo have been talking about teaming up for the 1998 classic for the past three months.

Mezera is confident of a successful campaign for the Densitron-backed VT Comm odore, only the third of its kind to hit the tracks.

Mezera won the Bathurst 1000 in 1988 in a Ford Sierra, and made an inglori ous exit in the 1997 V8 race when a tyre blew at the super-fast Caltex Chase.

Mezera walked away from the John Trimbole-o-wned car uninjured.

“It will be my 10th Bathurst. I won my first with Tony Longhm-st in 1988, and it would be great to collect victory for number 10,” he said.

Menu’s deal with the BTCC Ford team for 1999 has no bearing on his partici pation in a Holden product, as his contract doesn’t begin until January 1'1999. He will travel to Australia with wife Caroline.

2

m2

Frentzen signs for Jordan

By JOE SAWARD

HEINZ-Harald Frentzen surprised the Formula 1 world last week by signing for Jordan, having been expected to sign a deal with Sauher.

The Swiss team’s negotia tions with Frentzen’s manag er broke down over the issue of Heinz-Harald’s personal merchandising deals, which are very profitable to him and which he is unwilling to give up.

Frentzen had been talking to Williams about staying with the team at a muchreduced salary but it became clear that the team was not really interested.

His opportunity at Jordan is understood to have come about thanks to Benson & Hedges’ desire to have a German driver in the second car.

As soon as it was clear that Ralf Schumacher was going to be released by Jordan - in a deal brokered by FI boss Bernie Ecclestone to stop Jordan and Schumacher from getting bogged down in the law courts- Frentzen was the only obvious candidate.

An agreement was reached with Jordan rumoured to be receiving several million dol lars worth of compensation from the Schumacher camp.

There were far-fetched sto ries in Germany that this money was actually supphed

by Ralfs brother, Wfichael.

Frentzen’s move to Jordan was unexpected in that he was not rated very highly by important members of the team.

The fact that Eddie Jordan has overruled these opinions suggest that it was wiser to give Benson & Hedges a German rather than fight for another driver.

As reported last issue, Johnny Herbert also sur prised the FI world by aimouncin^a two-year deal with the Stewart Ford team, leaving Peter Sauber after

but changes ahead at Stewart l ll

REDS for YELLOWS... HHFis heading to Jordan for '99. two frustrating seasons with the Swiss team.

Johnny’s decision to move appears to be the result of the team’s decision not to continue with the development of its own VIO engine and the fact that he has not been happy with the team’s perfor mance this season.

Signing for Stewart appears to have been Johnny’s only real choice in FI as Williams was showing no real interest in him and the idea of spending another year at Sauber, waiting for a possible deal vrith Honda for 2000, did not appeal to him.

Herbert said that the plans for 1999 had helped to con vince him to join the strug gling team.

“I believe that with the chassis improvements I know about for 1999 and with Ford pushing ahead with its engine programme, I have a great chance to help the team to the top of the FI tree,” said Johnny.

The move is had news for Jos Verstappen, who had

hoped to be retained next year by the Milton Keynes team, Jos is now concentrating on landing the drive at Sauber but may end up having to look to America for employment.

THERE were rumours In the paddock at Monza of coming organisational shake-ups at Stewart Grand Prix, including a possible change of posi tion by managing direc tor Paul Stewart.

A new chief designer is expected to be hired with Alan Jenkins altering his role slightly to become less of a designer and more of a Technical Director.

There were rumours that Jenkins was on the way out a few months ago but the team decided to back him so as to main tain technical stability.

We hear that the plan has come about largely as a result of pressure fi-om the Ford Motor Company, which is demanding better results from the team in 1999 which will be in the fourth year of the

Stewart-Ford relation ship.

Stewart is also looking for a new managing director following several months during which management consultants have been analysing the operation.

There are also changes coming in the top man agement at Ford in Detroit with Australian Jac Nasser to become President and chief exec utive on January 1,. replacing current incum bent Alex Trotman, who is to retire.

Trotman was never very enthusiastic about racing while Nasser who pushed Ford Australian back into touring car racing when he headed the company here - is currently push ing hard to make Ford successful in FI, rallying and touring car racing.

Williams to confirm Ralf and Zanardi WILLIAMS will announce this week that it has signed Alex Zanardi and Ralf Schumacher to be its drivers for the next-two years.

Zanardi comes to FI having won the last two CART titles in the United States, making him a good catch for FI racing as it aims to return to America in the year 2000.

With Zanardi and Jacques Villeneuve both racing in FI, the series will be able to go to America with names which will be recognised

by US race fans, rather than international stars who are unknovra in America.

The 1999 season is imlikely to be an easy one for Williams as the team is going into its last year with Renault-based engines.

Williams will begin a new engine partner ship with BMW in the year 2000 and Zanardi and Schumacher will be heavily involved in the development of the Munich company’s VlOs.

The announcement means that the only major drive still available next year is with Sauber, although there is a second seat at the new British American Racing and both Minardi drives are still up for grabs.

If Pedro Diniz moves to BAR there may be an Arrows drive available alongside Mika Sale.

ZAlNARDI is to test for Williams within the next month, the team keen to begin working with the CART champion before the month-long end of season testing ban comes into effect.

The CART champion’s season does not end until the race at Fontana, California on November 1, but Zanardi and his team boss Chip Ganassi are expected to fly to Europe before that for the test.

A southern European track like Barcelona or Jerez is the most likely venue.

-JOE SAWARD

CAMS/Sports Macau Commission latest funding news BARE BONES... Bruce Williams’ Commodore is about a month away from the track.

First Junior Tourer close THE first prototype V8 Junior Tourer car is likeiy to be on its wheeis inside four weeks.

Category advocate Bruce Williams’ prototype car is virtually on its way to the paint shop, prior to final assembly.

The Ballarat ex-AUSCAR racer is assembling a list of suppliers supporting the category with discounted components and hopes to unveil his new car to interested parties before the end of October. Interest in the fledgling class has been strong, with a strong push to have a field of cars ready for a series in the first part of 1999.

CAMS still has opportunites open for drivers planning to compete in recognised international competition overseas, for funding assistance.

CAMS applies for, and receives from, the Australian Sports Commission, funds to assist drivers in furthering their careers.

Assistance will be reward ed to outstanding Australian

AUSTRALIA will have four representitives at Macau’s classic Guia tour ing car race in November.

Knight Racing’s Peter drivers planning to travel overseas to compete in an Hills has confirmed that event listed on the FIA or he wUl be taking his two Ford Mondeos to be dri FMK/FIA Intenational cal ven by himself and endar.

Warren Luff.

The deadline for applica Already settled were tions is 30th October, 1998, entries for Brad Jones and interested parties who (will be taking two cars believe that they comply for himself and probably with the guidelines are Emanuele Pirro) and encouraged to contact Sally David Auger, who will Jones at CAMS on 03 9593 take his Gun Racing Alfa 7777 for further information. 155.

25September &B

H

i there once again! Well, I must have a crystal ball or just know my opponents pretty well! To refresh your memories about what I predicted in my last column before the Sandown 500, I thought , Larry and myself would have our best chance of winning this year, one of the HRT cars would be up there and the Bowe McConville car would be a dark horse.

And what do you know. The first three place getters were all the cars I predicted.

It was a great result for the Castrol Commodore team in such treacherous conditions. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of the whole team, especially at the endurance races.

In a sprint race, once the car leaves the pits, it is solely up to the driver to ‘do the business’, whereas in long distance races the crew are constantly making decisions that effects the out come of the race. That was quite evident at Sandown, with the Perkins crew which effectively help us win the event. ere were a few teams P. - whingeing about the condi

tions but I sort of figure it’s the same for everyone and it sorts out the men from the boys. In those sort of conditions there is a lot of ‘big ball’, tighten-up-theseatbelts sorts of risky driving you have to do if you want to win.

There were times when cars were in front where you literally couldn’t see two feet in front of

/

TOCA1V deal(lose %

you but, in the end, you just held it flat (remembering that we were still doing over 250km per hour!) and hope like hell there was noone stopped in front of you.

Look, at the end of the day that’s what we are paid to do, so why whinge about it, just get on with it.

Itcrowd was great to seedespite a healthy at Sandown the conditions and, I must say, it was a very appreciative crowd of everyone that survived the day.

A few people were not amused about letting spectators onto the circuit after the race at the podium but, to be quite honest, I thought it was one of the highlights of the race. It had the atmosphere of Bathurst with everyone around the podium and it’s not like we got trampled on, it was just everyone showing there enthusiasm after a great day’s racing which I think is fantastic. can’t believe I have heard that Ithere are complaints again

about parity between Holden and Ford. Give me a break.

Do we have to remind them how many Fords were in the top ten after qualifying after Sandown? The Ford hierarchy should be having a serious look at the teams they support in respect to their performance

nmuffKJM R/tCEOE/IR n\ /■j

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TEAM WORK... Russell and Dunlaps await their turn. (Piety TonyGiym) rather than trying to keep putting per hour, the hand break on the Holdens.

Kevin Schwantz has sen t It’s just a plain fact that there some new bits over from the are very good teams running States for the car so it should be Holdens that have very good dri on the pace. Remembering this vers behind the wheels of those car is left hand drive, it should be cars which equates to results, quite interesting to go across the top of the Mountain, sitting on should be having my first test in the wrong side of the car to what the Monte Carlo NASCAR this I’m used to.

They are also built like tanks week in preparation for the Bathurst race. so we should be pretty safe I must say I am quite looking inside. forward to it, especially when they told me that these cars are about it for now.

Seto e you next time I put pen actually faster than a Touring That’s Car down Conrod Straight and paper. Bye for now. will actually .reach over 300km

I

TOCA Australia is closing in on its 1999 television package but there is still no word on whether current broadcaster Network 10 or Channel 7 wiE show the races.

TOCA Australia Chief Executive Kelvin O’Eeilly would not be drawn this week on which network would get the deal.

“We want to have our fuE television package in place as soon as we can,” he said, we are working to achieve the goal of either extending our current broadcasting deal with Network 10 or to take our arrangements elsewhere.”

Speculation has been high that Seven will take over the BOC Gases series telecasts and that an announce ment will be made at Bathurst next week. But O’Reilly said that no announcement would be made until the deal was “100 percent finaEsed”.

Seven now has a major stake in the Bathurst 1000 and recent rumours have suggested that it wanted to take on the Super Touring series as a major part of its sports package. Management changes - Network boss Garry Rice resigned from Seven two weeks ago are expected to have Ettle effect on the decision as Seven Chairman Kerry Stokes woidd have an active role in the decision himself.

Regardless of whether 10 or 7 gets the nod, O’Reilly is keen to retain the current situation where a production house produces the programming under TOCA AustraUa supervision and the racing is shown on a delayed basis.

-PHBLBRANAGAN

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25September W98

Ambrose slips in final round MARCOS Ambrose has ended his challenge for the 1998 British Formula Ford Championship at Silverstone with a fifth in round 15, and a sixth in round 16.

This unfortunately dropped the Tasmanian from third to fifth in the final championship results.

With no more racing until the World Finals in October, Ambrose will concentrate on testing the Van prototype Diemen for next year’s championship over the next three weeks.

Clear skies and a damp circuit were the order of the day for the first quali session at fying Silverstone, with the Tasmanian getting third and sixth on the grid for the two races.

Ambrose made his cus tomary blinding start and passed Mark McKenna into turn one, then ranged up to pass race leader Sisley into turn three.

Sisley failed to see the Van Diemen driver and the contact that resulted put Sisley out of the race with suspension damage, while Ambrose was left in 25th and last.

Despite a bent steering arm, Ambrose fought his way back up to sixth in a brilliant drive.

Round T6 a far more stable battle with Ambrose taught up in a four-car battle for the lead with Button, Wheldon, and Kiesa, but was overtaken by Derek Hayes in the latter stages, to be relegated to fifth.

A week earlier, Ambrose was robbed of a possible victory at Oulton Park.

Teammate Daniel Wheldon made contact with Ambrose entering the 190kph Cascade cor ner, spinning him off into the tyre barrier.

Ambrose was uninjured and Wheldon went on to win the race. l If you want to contact Marcos on his official web page,the address is: http://www.bcec.org.au/eu reka/ambrose

Dollar drive LITTLE-known Australian driver Brett Francis is con testing the Kent County Formula Ford Champion ship, but the latest round brought a rare DNF. The Australian took fourth on the grid, but a second lap incident put him out of the race.

Francis’s funds have dried up and he is now “working my butt off to earn money at the race school and school teaching” to continue racing.

The next round of the series is at Lydden on September 27.

Webber settles for second

MERCEDES again won the eighth round of the FIA GT Championship at Austria’s AlRing on the weekend, but for Australian fans it was the wrong one.

Klaus Ludwig and Ricardo Zonta beat home teammates Bernd Schneider and Mark Webber by 32 seconds, having used just one set of Bridgestone tyres for the entire race distance (116 laps), thereby saving time on pit stops and putting them in the lead.

This now means that Schneider and Webber lead the championship by just three points with two races to run.

Ludwig started from pole posi tion, which was set by Zonta, and handed over to the Brazilian after 55 minutes, having spun on oil on lap 15.

Schneider, who had taken the lead from Ludwig on lap six, pitted five minutes later, but the German was suffering from severe under steer and a vibration after contact with the Bouchut Mercedes on the opening lap.

Webber resumed but was stuck in heavy traffic and was relegated to second place.

“We didn’t have a lot of running in the dry this weekend and I made a mistake in this morning’s warm up, which meant we couldn’t really work on a good set-up for the race,” Webber reported.

“Then Bemd had the problems at the start.

“But, at the end of the day, Ricardo and Klaus did a brilliant job and deserved the win.”

Schneider jumped back into the Merc for the final hour and the iim to the flag, but couldn’t make up the time spent changing tyi-es and was forced to settle for second place. ' “I wasn’t as quick as I could have been because I had a coming togeth er with Christophe Bouchut on the first lap of the race as he overtook me,” saicl Schneider afterwards.

“I flat-spotted a tyi-e and the car suffered from understeer for the rest of the race, which prevented me from pushing as hard as I would have liked.”

t

Things were more clear-cut for Zonta and Ludwig.

“I didn’t have any major problems in the race,” said Zonta.

“But I made one mistake: I pushed hard to try and take the fastest lap from Bernd (Schneider) in the final hour. I locked a front tyre and that flat-spotted it, which caused a vibration from the front of the car.

“I was afraid that I would be unable,to finish the race, soT slowed down a little after that.”

The Porsche 911 GTl of Allan McNish and Yannick Dalmas was third home, one lap down on the storming CLKs. Schneider and Webber now sit on 60 points, with teammates Ludwig/Zonta within striking dis tance on 57. The next closest combina tion is that of McNish/Dalmas on 23.

The FIA GT Championship now moves to the USA for the final two rounds, on October 18 at Homestead, Florida and a week later at Laguna Seca in California.

FIRST CORNER DASH... Ludwig in the pole-winning Mercedes holds the inside to line to head Schneider into turn one at the A1-Ring, followed by the Panoz, the two Persson Mercedes and the Porsches.

IT’S LIKE THIS... Schneider describes the problems with the CLK to an engineer and co-driver Webber during qualifying.

David Brabham Besnard to race factoiy BMW M3 wins in Americ I

DAVID Brabham scored his first out right victory in the US Professional Sports Car Series at a storm-lashed Sebring last Sunday.

The win has put Brabham and Panoz co driver Andy Wallace into the lead of the series.

Qualifying was held in dry conditions and Brabham qualified the Visteon-back Panoz fastest of the GTl runners and fourth out right, behind three open-top sportscar run ners.

Race day dawned with strong wind gusts, which were so powerful that they knocked advertising billboards onto the circuit.

Torrential rain soon followed.

It was only drizzling when the race began and Brabham wasted little time moving into third place, well within striking distance of the Ferrari of Wayne Taylor and Dorsey Schroder’s Riley and Scott.

The rain intensified and,following a harm less slide of the circuit, both Brabham and Schroder pitted to change to wet weather tyres.

With better equipment, Brabham made

light work of the leading pair and seized the lead.

The pace car then moved onto the circuit as the conditions were so bad, the field slowing until the race was temporarily suspended.

After a break of half an hour, the race resumed under yellow flag conditions.

Despite the urge of Brabham and others for the pace car to remain on the circuit, organis ers gave the green light for racing, which was met with immediate action.

Taylor’s Ferrari ploughed into a wall after hitting standing water and the yellow flags waved once more.

“I was screaming on the radio that it was ridiculous to try and start the race again as I could hardly keep up with the pace car,” said Brabham.

Organisers then kept the race under yel lows.

“This time the organisers listened to me and the race was kept under yellows, even though it wasn’t to our advantage as I had to hand over to Andy (Wallace) at that point so he could earn championship points and had to under the yellows.”

RECENTLY crowned USF2000 Champion David Besnard has signed with PTG Racing, the USA fac tory BMW racing team, to compete in the 1998 Petite LeMans 10 hour race at Road Atlanta on October 10.

Besnard will drive one of three BMW M3 GT3 class cars.

“I am really excited about doing this race with BMW,” said Besnard this week.

“I was originally entered in the Support Net Riley & Scott Can Am car, but when the opportunity was present ed by BMW I thought it would be better for my career to be involved with a factory effort that had a real chance of a class win than with the privateer team in the open class.

“I feel that a good perfor mance in the GT3 M3 may

help my prospects of moving into the BMW WSC car that is being constructed by Williams for the 1999 season.

BMW team manager Thomas Milner said he waspleased to have David on board for the race.

“He is certainly a very ded icated and talented young driver,” said Milner.

MEANWHILE,Besnard will be a starter at the next round of the USF2000 Championship at Pikes Peak this weekend.

The Primus team had ori-

gianally elected the skip the race and save their funds for the Formula Ford World Finals in Brands Hatch in October.

However, addtional fund ing has be offered to the team by Ralph Firman of Van Diemen in the UK.

25Ssptml)er1998

Palmer set for Indy Lights DARREN Palmer is scheduled to test an Indy Lights car in the United States within the next few months following a success ful season in the Star Formula Mazda series.

Palmer finished the series on a high note with a recent win at the former home of the Canadian Grand Prix, Mosport.

The win gave Palmer equal second in the series with defending champion Boh Kaminsky.

His efforts have earned him an Indy Lights test, possibly scheduled for late-September or early-November.

"I'd love to do Indy Lights next year and we have had some dis cussions with Brian Stewart Racing about a possible deal," Palmer said.

TEST VEHICLE... This is the Indy Lights car Darren Paimer wiil drive in the US soon with the hope of racing in 1999. ly developed a nice gap on the rest of the field.

"I am due back in Australia about the same time to do the Bathurst 3-Hour so we may have to juggle the schedule."

three-tenths behind pole winner Marty Hahnfeld.

I made a solid start and everybody jostled through turn one with nobody really making up any ground," Palmer said.

The Queenslander qualified on the front row at Mosport with a time of lm26.89s, only

"Marty Hahnfeld and I were a good second faster than any other competitors and we quick-

'1 had a great race to the flag, running most laps within half second of each other.

"We spent much of the first six laps nose to tail until lap seven when Marty hit the wall coming out of turn five.

Hahnfeld took the champi onship with 268 points with Palmer and Kaminsky only eight points adrift.

Now full of confidence after his success. Palmer will now contest the Valvoline Run-Offs to be staged at Mid-Ohio from October 5-15.

Walsh closes on Asian F2000 lead A WIN and a fourth in rounds seven and eight of the Asian Formula 2000 International Championship has enabled Ben Walsh to close within five points of championship leader Ng Wai Leong.

Walsh set pole position in both qualifying sessions, the first session run in wet conditions, while the second, which determined the grid for round eight, was run on a drying track.

Walsh made a good start on a wet track for race one and, despite a brief dice driver with Thai Nattaphong, drove a deter mined and calculating race to come out victorious.

The rain had eased for race two, but the track remained very wet.

Walsh again made a good getaway and moved over to take the inside running into turn one.

As the leaders braked, Nattaphong hit Wai Leong in the rear, pushing him into Walsh.

The New South Welshman stayed on the road, but left his braking too late into turn 12, slith ering off the road.

The first cars arriving at

the scene slowed to a virtual stop, but everybody managed to continue without damage.

W alsh rejoined dead last, 15 seconds behind the leaders.

Nattaphong retired with a jammed throttle as Walsh moved back up to fifth place, and was catching the fourth place man Nurmad Jusat.

He managed to find his way past, but the Malaysian attempted to re-take the position, banging into Walsh in the process, but the Aussie held onto fourth, “We’re aiming at the championship,” said Walsh after the race.

At the moment we’re just off the leader and I’ve dropped my team mate off by 22 points.”

Walsh will next race in China at Zhuhai on October 24/25, where a double header event will be held. totalling four races. “it’s going to be a challenge because Wai Leong won there last year, but I’m very positive.

“The last two places we go to are China and Johor, so that gives me a lot of confi dence, because we’ve run and won there before.”

r/ ♦ BHaAM>rwN\fieL_ RACING PROgUG]^

nI

PO Box 6330 Shepparton 3632 Ph/Fax: 03 5827 1359 Mobile: 014 406 980 Email: speedwerx@diesel.net.au www.kartsport.com.au/akn/speedwerx.html

5

Coming soon: Two F1 World Titles As Bemie Ecclestone builds up Formula 3000 - which is expected to be renamed Junior Formula 1 next year it is worth noting that there are at least 10 new countries or cir cuits bidding for Grands Prix in the future.

Our list of hopefuls includes India, Croatia, Portugal, South Africa, China, Malaysia,South Korea, the United States, Beirut and Jerez.

We expect there to be two World Championships run ning concuiTently in the early years of the new century': one being run for Junior Teams and one for the existing operations,enabling Ecclestone to run 32 races a year. n A delegation from Croatia had a meeting with Bemie Ecclestone at Monza. Bernie's wife Slavics is Croatian and there are plans for the country to host a GP to attract tourism,

BEST RESULT... Pavicevic finished fifth after starting from the front row. (Photo by Nigei Snowdon)

PavkevK shows form in Formula 3 Pavicevic ANDREJ showed his best form of the season in round 14 of the British Formula 3 Championship at Thruxton on September 13.

The 23 year-old qualified second, his highest qualify ing result of the season, and immediately found himselfin demand from the media.

“I am thrilled we went so well in qualifying. I have always had the speed and I knew it would all come

together sooner or later,” enthused Pavicevic.

A rain shower across the Hampshire track meant that track conditions were tricky, but Pavicevc made the most of his front row start by blasting into the lead off the line.

His stint in front came to an end on lap two when he was passed by Mario Haberfield, leaving him to stave off a challenge from Martin O’Connell.

CHASSIS TOOLS

ENGINE TOOLS

l Tube notcher l Tube bender

l Porting kits l Bore gauges l Valve sprung testers l Oil filter cutters

l Camber/caster gauges l Spring rate testers l Scales l Stagger gauges l Tyre pyrometers l Durometers l Tyre pressure gauges

l Height micrometers l Ring compressors l Burettes l Micrometers l Verniers

O’Connell made contact with the young Aussie, push ing Pavicevic off-line where it was still very damp, drop ping him to sixth.

He eventually finished fifth.

“What I have shown today is that I do have the ability to be a winner ... and that’s the next goal,” said Pavicevic.

The championship now moves to Spa in Belgium on September 26/27.

OTHER l Lap timers l Pit canopies l Exhaust gas temp gauges l Technical videos l Drill sharpners l Go-kart tools

InCar:J^

iC

'98 Catalogue now available

Unit features a 32 lap recall memory and Includes the trackside transmitter.

n Alex and Daniella Zanardi became proud parents last week in Italy with the birth of a son called Nicolo. And anyone with any doubts about Zanardi's switch to FI next year should note that Alex's telephone number in the USA has now been disconnected... n Canadian CART racer Greg Moore is tipped to be leaving Forsythe Racing next yeai’ with a possibility that he will replace Alex Zanardi at Target Ganassi Racing. Moore is expected to move to FI eventually he is currently being man aged by David Coulthard Associates... n Arrows PR chief Annie Bradshaw is to leave FI at the end of the year to move to America.

Annie has worked in FI since 1985 as press officer for Canon, Lotus, Williams and Arrows.

-JOESAWARD

World of Sport

Motor Raring Calendar FAI Australian 1000 Classic * Nov 15 .. .Mt. Panorama, Bathurst

AMP Bathurst 1000 'The Great Race' Oct 4

Mt. Panorama, Bathurst

Australian NASCAR Series* Oct 3/4 ...Bathurst

Rdl Nov 1 —Thunderdome ...Rd 2

Dec 5 ....Alelaide Ini. RVvay..Rd 3 Six race series held at Bathurst. Calder Park Thunderdome and Adelaide International Rway.

FedEx Champ Car Series* Oct 4 ....Houston

Rd 17

Oct 18 ...Gold Coast. ...Rd 18 Nov 1 ... .Fontana Rdl9 19 race series held in the United States, Australia, Brazil and Japan

Pep Boys Indy Racing League Oct 10 ...Las Vegas

Rd 11

11 race series held inthe United States

Formula 1 World C'ship Sept27 . .Luxembourg ...Rd 15 Oct 11 .. .Portugal Rd 16 16 race series held around the world

FIA GT World C'ship Oct 18 ...Homestead

Rd 9

Oct 25 .'. .Laguna Seca ..Rd 10 10 race series held around the world

Winston Cup NASCAR Sept 27 . .Martinsville ... .Rd 29 Oct 4 ....Charlotte Rd 30 Oct 11 ...Talladega Rd31 Oct 25 ...Phoenix Rd 32 Nov 1 ... .Nth Carolina . ..Rd 33 Nov 8 ... .Atlanta Rd 34 Nov 21 .. .Motegi, Japan 33 race series held in the United States

NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Oct 4 ... .Topeka .

Oct 11 ...Memphis Oct 25 .. .Dallas ..

Nov 1 .. . .Houston Nov 15 ...Pomona

Rd 18 Rd 19 ,Rd 20,Rd 21 Rd 22

22race series held In the United States

500cc Motorcycle Grand Prix C'ship* Oct 10 ...Australia.

Oct 18 .. .Rio Oct 25 ...Argentina

,Rd 14 ,Rd 15 Rd 16

16 round series held around the world

World Rally Championhip* Oct 12 .. .San Remo . ...Rd 12 Rd 13 Nov 6 . .. .Australia Rd 14 Nov 21 ...RAC .. .

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

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

Check your local guides for screening details.

Max sees red, not yellow or black WHO won the Catalunya Grand Prix? Mick Doohan did -for the moment.

The Queenslander followed arch rival Max Biaggi over the line in second place but confusion reigned as race officials controversially dis qualified the Italian for ignoring a stop-and-go penalty imposed for allegedly overtaking under yellow flags. Biaggi’s team chief Erv Kanemoto has lodged an appeal against the decision.

Both Biaggi and Alex Barros were battling for the lead when ordered into the pits for a stop-go penalty for allegedly passing under yellow flags at turn one at the scene of an incident involving Alex Criville, Jean-Michel Bayle and Katsuaki Fujiwara.

Biaggi ignored the penalty and continued on racing, passing Doohan for the lead to cross the line first, but the Australian was later pronounced the winner and the Italian removed from the race results.

“I can’t comment about the penal ty because it’s subject to an appeal,” said Biaggi. “I’m obviously very upset about what happened. I felt good before the race, I was leading and I thought I could win. I feel like I deserve those 25 points.”

Barros however, stopped to take . his penalty, resumed racing and fin ished seventh.

The win for Doohan was a critical one in the view of the champi onship, with major rivals Biaggi and Criville scoring no points from the weekend. The Honda rider now sits 21 points ahead of Biaggi with three rounds to go.

“It was strange,” said Doohan.

“After I worked out what was going on with the ‘Stop and Go’ boards I knew Max (Biaggi) wotdd be fuming under his helmet. When he came back by me, after getting the penal ty, I wondered what was going on. I didn’t want to try a pass because he had nothing to lose and both of us might have gone down. There’s still three races to go and anything can happen with the championship. I thought Alex (Criville) would be hard to beat. It’s bad luck he was taken out on the first comer, but I know what that feels like.”

Doohan finished 1.974-secs clear of team-mate Tadayuki Okada, while Norifume Abe filled the remaining podium position on the Team Rainey Yamaha.

Spaniard Sete Gibernau took fourth, heading Simon Crafar, Carlos Checa, Barros, and Regis Laconi.

Craig Connell’s debut 500cc ride didn’t quite go as planned; the Australian qualified 20th, but failed to finish.

IN the 250 GP, Valentino Rossi led an Aprilia 1-2-3 from Tetsuya Harada and Loris Capirossi.

Harada led early but conceded to the Italian with pain from the left fibula he broke at Imola. He still leads the points by 16 from Capmossi.

After crossing the line, joker Rossi gave a pillion ride to a friend dressed in a cliicken outfit - some thing to do with one of his sponsors - an Italian chicken farmer.

IN the 125s a pack of 15 duked it out for the lead.

Tomoni Manako headed a 10 bike roller coaster, separated by just 1.5 seconds.

MAX MAD...

Biaggi led Doohan to the fiag but the Italian was DQ’d after the race.

YOU’VE GOT PROBLEMS?...

Pole man Criville came a cropper on the first lap, dump ing his Honda in the kitty litter.

^

(Photos by HaceAcxess)

m ^ g ^

Slight, Honda dumps Edwards stay on Oz Superbikes ’99 WSC Could series flounder?

Hondas

THE Superbike class has almost 1500km overhaul. On the track, certainly seen its last year in Mobil Honda rider Shawn Giles rarely put the fast RC45 on the podi Australia, following the with drawal of support from Honda um.

Australia.

Worse still, the grids for the Honda’s decision is expected to be Superbikes was so poor this year followed by the other participating (sometimes only 12 bikes) that tele caster, the Ten Network, would not Australian importers.

Increasing costs and dwindling show the start of the races, and grid numbers have sparked a decline would often screen a veiy limited and in the class that was run as a support poorly edited highlight package of class in the 1998 Shell Australian each race.

Supporters ofthe class believed the Touring Car Championship.

Previously, the Superbike importers would buckle and back the Championship had been decided at class again, so as not to lose the allboth the V8 car meetings as well as important ARRC Shell sponsorship the traditional Shell Austraban Road- funds. Not to be bluffed, however, Race Championships rounds, but this Honda Australia has officially con year was the first where they ran firmed it has no plans for Superbike totally with the Touring cars and racing in 1999.

Instead, it will be supporting rac away from the SARRC. The poor promotion of Superbike ing programs for its FireBlade, racing, which is administered by CBR600 and CR and XR off-road Motorcycling Australia (MA), and a range to be managed by former GP lack of television exposure in recent works team mechanic, Mick Smith.

With Shell still committed to years only served to speed up the motorcycle racing in Australia, the importers’ decision to bail out of an increasingly expensive class of racing void left by the Superbike class is that wasn’t creating the exposure likely to be filled with a variation of the new big-bore Production they’d hoped for.

Superbike rules, or a compromise For example, this year Honda Australia leased two RC45 engines class with the Formula Xtreme 800from HRC for $A500,000, and a 1300cc class successfully run by pri mechanic had to fly back to Japan vate promoter Terry O’Neill.

-DARRYLFLACK with the engines for their regular

AARON Slight and Colin Edwards will stay with the Castrol Honda team for the 1999 World Superbike Championship.

Slight, 32, is second in the 1998 championship with one roimd to go at the Sugo circuit in Japan on October 4. He is just half a point behind series leader Troy Corser (Ducati).

“Next year will be my sixth year with the team and I’m pleased to confirm my plans for ’99 at this stage,” said SUght.

“It’s a major boost for me going into the final round at Sugo. I hope I can now win the number one plate for next year with Castrol Honda.”

“Riding for other teams never interested me. I’m happy with the Castrol Honda team and we have the complete package to win the world title with the RC45 machine.”

Edwards has enjoyed a suc cessful first year with Castrol Honda in 1998, winning three races so far and the 24-year-old Texan is in fifth place in the championship.

-DARRYL FLACK

25Seplsinl)er1998

Rydell: How Swede it is

RICKARD Rydell is the 1998 British Touring Car Champion, the Swede clinching the crown with a measured drive in his Volvo S40 to second place in the Silverstone sprint race last weekend.

Rydell’s chief rival, Scot Anthony Reid, saw his title hopes evaporate early on after a clash with the Honda of James Thompson, who went on to win the race.

Reid claimed the consola tion prize of leading home teammate David Leshe in the feature race for a Nissan clean sweep - the first 1-2 for any manufacturer this sea son.

That gave Nissan the teams’ championship prize to add to its BTCC manufactur ers’ title.

Rydell’s path to the title was , anything but straightfor ward, despite leading the opening half of the Sprint Race.

'The Volvo made an impres sive start from pole to fend off Thompson but by the end of the fii'st lap found his mirrors full of Nissan, Reid having seized second from Thompson with,a daring manoeuvre at Priory. ^ But RydeU foimd a staunch ally in Thompson, who reclaimed second on the third lap and then firmly rebuffed Reid’s attempts to repass.

In the ensuing confusion, Thompson slipped to sixth behind Yvan Muller’s Audi, Leslie’s Nissan, the Accord of his Honda teammate Peter Kox and Alain Menu’s Renault.

Reid fared even worse, regaining the track in eighth place.

Worse was to come for Reid as he and others found oil on the track dropped by the exploding engine of Robb _ Gravett’s Honda.

Leslie spun to the back of the field, offering Thompson the opportunity to nip past Kox and Menu for third, while Paul Radisich (Peugeot) found himself promoted to sixth while Reid slithered down to 11th.

Following two laps under the Safety Car, Thompson

If

How Reid kept alive title hopes ANTHONY Reid kept alive kis hopes of clinch ing the BTCC drivers' title alive at Oulton Park on September 13 in fine style, and took second place in the Sprint Race behind the Honda of James Thompson.

Championship rival Rickard RydeU had quali fied a lowly 19th and was unable to move into the points, eventuaEy finish ing back in 11th place in the Sprint Race.

KILLER KOX... Nissan driver David Leslie comes off worse frrom this exchange with Peter Kox's Honda.

British Touring Car neatly deposed Muller from second and then drove around Championship

rrati

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Silverstone 20 September 1998 RydeU a lap later to claim the Round 25:17 laps lead, the Swede happy to con 1 James Thompson cede in the knowledge that 26m 16.080s Honda Accord Reid was too far back to be 2 Rickard Rydell +2.193s Volvo S40 any further threat. ' 3- Yvan Muller At the chequered flag, +3.842S Audi A4 Thompson claimed his fomih 4 Jason Plato race win of the season, with ..

Renault Laguna +4.024S RydeU holding off Muller for tC/ 5 Anthony Reid Nissan Primera +8.488s second, then Plato,just ahead 6 Paul Radisich of the rapidly recovered Reid, +13.508s Peugeot 406 and Radisich.

7 Derek Warwick The Vauxhalls of Derek Vauxhall Veotra +16.211s Warwick and John Cleland 8 John Cleland Vauxhall Veotra +20.043s were seventh and eighth after 9 Alain Menu a series of bruising encoun Renault Laguna +21.944s ters with deposed champion 10 Will Hoy Menu. +22.768S Ford Mondeo LesUe made the early run Round 26: 30 laps ning in the Feature, holding 1 Reid 43m 30.180s offthe fast-starting MuUer for 93.24mph +2.31 Os 2 Leslie three laps until the Audi man +2.842S 3 Rydell made a costly mistake and +8.359S GIVING THEM A SPRAY... Rickard Rydell celebrates tak 4 Thompson slipped to fifth behind +11.482s 5 Muller ing out his first BTCC title with second place in the sprint. +13.347s Thompson, Reid and Kox. 6 Plato +19.899s Shortly afterwards, Reid Kox had taken their turns in places respectively after team 7 Kox +31.368s motored past Thompson to front, with RydeU promoted leader Menu retired with 8 Hoy +43.678S 9 Rustad mechanical problems. make it a Nissan 1-2 as to third after his pit caU. +53.746S 10 Warwick Reid’s victory was his sev As Reid edged away from RydeU found himself back in FINAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLACINGS seventh.

Leslie so Rydell laid on a enth of the year, and his last DRIVERS Rydell 254 points, Reid for Nissan.

It W81S during the mandate- charge; his Volvo closed onto 239, Thompson 203, Menu 187, Thompson took fourth after Plato 163, Leslie 148, Muller 110, ry pit steps that the race was the second Nissan’s tail with a race-long duel with MuUer, Cleland 106, Warwick 70, Hoy 69 etc. won and lost; Nissan brought six laps to run but, try as the Reid in two laps ahead of Swede might, he could not with Kox seventh behind MANUFACTURERS Nissan 273, Plato. Warwick snatched 10th Volvo 245, Renault 244, Honda 222.

Leslie and, when the latter find a way past, Vauxhall 162, Audi 150, Ford 117, returned to the track, he The Reid-LesUe 1-2 helped from Nigel Mansell (Ford) Peugeot 96. three laps from home. found himself staring at the Nissan to out-point the INDEPENDENTS Rustad 251, Paula Cook was the Gravett212, Neal 211 etc. rear end of his teammate’s Williams Renault squad for Primera. the teams’ championship; Independents victor, claiming TEAMS Nissan Racing 168, Williams Renault 159, Volvo S40 Racing 140 Reid regained the lead on Laguna drivers Plato and the first BTCC independents etc. victory for a woman. lap 17 after Thompson and Rustad took sixth and ninth

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Reid began the Feature Race from pole position and teammate Leslie duti fully slotted in behind his partner to hold off Rydell

in third.

The cushion of Leslie went west as Rydell slid past the Primera, as did any form of advantage, as the Safety Car made an appearance in order to remove the stricken Paul Radisich Peugeot.

From the re-start Reid pulled out a four-second gap over his Swedish rival, who then pitted on lap ten.

Reid did not pit until lap 19 and, when order was restored following the stops, came under fire from Jason Plato, who had taken Rydell for sec ond.

Reid held out, taking the win, leading home Plato, Muller, Rydell, Warwick, Hoy, and top Independent runner,Matt Neal's Nissan.

Tommy Rustad, Gianni Morbidelli, and Tim Harvey rounded out the top ten.

Equipme^

ound Auittalia %

The fight between Thompson and Reid last ed for the entire race dis tance and only half a sec ond separated the pair at the end, with Renault's Alain Menu taking third from the Nissan of David Leslie, and the Audi A4 of Yvan Muller.

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12 25September 1998 n Alex Zanardi was not allowed to take part in Friday qualilying at Laguna Seca last weekend following an incident with Bryan Herta on the cool olflap at the end ofthe week end’s opening Friday morning practice session, Zanardi, who has been on probation for the last month, was barred from driving on Friday afternoon by CAETs chiefsteward Wally Dallenbach. The action was taken after Zanardi collided with Herta at Laguna Seca’s infamous Corkscrew after the chequered flag had come out.

Zanardi attempted to outbroke Herta into the tight comer, but hit Herta in the side with Herta retaliating as they exit ed the diving turn. n Alex Zanardi’s first child, a son, NicoUo, was bom the Monday before the race.

Zanardi arrived a few hours later on a flight home from Vancouver and left two days later to fly to California for the race at Laguna Seca. n Highly-rated Italian rook ie Vincenzo Sospiri had a diffi cult CART debut at Laguna.

Sospiri completed his rookie test at Portland the previous Tuesday, but was hamstrung by a series of problems with the Eagle-Toyota he qualified 27th(more than two seconds slower than team-mate Alex Barron). Sospiri stayed ahead of Denis Vitolo in the race, but was unable to run with anyone else before running entirely out of brakes and sliding into a sand trap after 64 ofthe 83 n laps. n Derrick Walker may run a second Reynard-Honda next year beside team leader Gil de Ferran’s car.‘We’re taking a look at it,” Walker admitted at Laguna Seca.‘We’d like to do it ifit makes sense. We should know more by next month.^ Japanese Indy Lights driver Naoki Hattori is said to be the most likely candidate for the seat. Hattori has the sponsor ship to move up to Champ cars and is also supported by Honda who would like to see a competitive Japanese driver racing in CART. n Gerald Forsythe plans to run three Champ cars in next year’s CART FedEx Championship. The third car win be run as a separate entity and may even be powered by a Toyota engine rather than the Mercedes-Benz engines sup plied to the pair ofPlayerisbacked Reynards driven by Greg Moore and Patrick Carpentier. Forsythe’s third car, or second team, will be sponsored by somebody other than Players, and it’s said that Forsythe is laying the ground work with this deal to replace Players when the cigarette brand is forced out ofracing at the end of2000 by Canadian legislation. n A Championship Drivers Wives Association charitable dinner/dance called ‘Runway Madness’ will take place on Friday night at CART’S season closing 500-mile race at the California Speedway. The social event will include a ‘dunk tank’ where fans can pay money to throw tennis balls at three-time CART champion owner Ganassi with the hope of pitching Chip into the water.

Tickets for Ganassi’s dunking are already sold out...

Herta ends the nightmare

By PHIL MORRIS

BRYAN Herta finally woke up from a two year nightmare to win his first CART race at Laguna Sea in California.

For much of the last two seasons Herta has had his winning ambitions thwarted by Alex Zanardi. At Laguna in 1996 the Italian pulled out an unbelievable pass of Herta at the Corkscrew on the final lap to seize the win. At Vancouver last season, Herta’s seeming easy trip to the win ner’s circle was intermpted by the Target driver. At Long Beach, Herta had the race in his hand until Alex zapped him in the one place on the track no-one zaps anyone.

If Herta woke up in the middle of the night screaming Zanardi’s name, you’d understand why.

No more. Herta dominated qualify ing, taking pole on Saturday with the two fastest laps ofthe weekend.

While he may have suffered tyre problems in last year’s event, 1998 was a different kettle of fish. Herta had no such difficulties, and despite a late-race yellow flag period, held off the Italian by three-tenths of a sec ond to take that elusive first FedEx Championship Series win. The victo ry vaiilted the Team Rahal driver to seventh in the PPG Cup points race, while Zanardi’s second place finish sealed the CART series for the Ganassi/Target driver for the second year in a row. That now means that Zanardi sits upon the pointscore with 234 points, and with races to run- at Houston, Surfer’s Paradise, and California, will be out to estabhsh an all-time CART series points total at the end of the 19 race series for a sin gle season.

Tony Kanaan bounced back from the disappointment of being bumped off the road by Paul Tracy at Vancouver to take third for Tasman Motorsport. A superb second pit stop jumped the top rookie from tenth to fourth and a big move past Scotsman Dario Franchitti on a restart with less than ten laps to go gave the Brazihan third place, his highest fin ish of the season, and first podium place ofthe year.

Kanaan’s previous best was fourth at Portland and Road America.

Franchitti continued his recent good run ofform with a strong fourth place for Team Kool Green, followed by 1997 Laguna Seca winner Jimmy Vasser, and Penske’s A1 Unser Jr. Mexican Adrian Fernandez snared

seventh, crossing the line just ahead of Paul Tracy and the Newman-Haas duo, Christian Fittipaldi heading home Michael Andretti for ninth place. The top fourteen cars finished the whole 83 lap journey.

The FedEx Championship Series now has just three races remaining, and although the championship is going back home to the Zanardi mantlepiece for the second straight year, the fight for second will be worth watching, with Vasser, Fernandez, and Franchitti aU within a bee’s knee of one another and Moore and Andretti with an outside chance of moving up in the standmgs.

Houston plays host to the next round, while the Honda Indy on October 18 wiU be Australia’s chance to see aU the fast and fimious CART action before the teams and drivers move onto California Speedway'for the final race ofthe season.

Points after 16 rounds: Znardi 234, Vasser 136, Fernandez 128, Franchitti 124, Moore 118, Andretti 112, Pruett 106, Herta 89, Rahal 80,Kanaan 72.

PJ and Swifts for Patrick

PAT Patrick has confirmed that has signed PJ Jones to replace the departing Scott Pruett beside Adrian Fernandez next season.

The 29-year old Jones has driven for Dan Gurney’s Toyota-pow ered team the last three years and has signed a one year contract with Patrick for 1999 with options for the next two years.

Patrick also confirmed his team will switch from running Reynards to Swifts next year.

“The Swift is a very competitive car and it’s been interesting to see how Richie Hearn has been running this year in a Swift on Firestone tyres,” Patrick said.

“I think the Swift will come to the forefront next year, and Carl Haas has been emphatic about getting the costs down. He’s very competitive on price and I think this is just a tremendous opportu nity for our team.”

Patrick says he expects to make arrangements in the next few weeks to buy one of this year’s Swifts so that his team and Jones can begin testing the car sometime next month before the arrival of it’s first 1999 Swift at the end of the year.

“We need to learn about the car and PJ needs to be driving, so that’s what we plan to do,” Patrick said.

AT LAST... Bryan Herta won in the best possible fashion, with 1998 Champion right under his rear wing. He finally got to celebrate on Laguna's podium.(Photos by RaceAccess ana Robert Laterge/Allsport)

CMAMFIOMBMIP AiRifea

Jimmy’s staying put

“Craig and his group are serious JIMMY Vasser has signed a new contract with Chip people, and you have take serious look at something like that,” Ganassi for three years, ensur ing that he will stay with the Vasser commented. “I thought about it quite a lot, but I decided team through to 2001.

Vasser considered offers from that I had so much going for me Bobby Rahal in CART and Craig here with Chip’s team that I didn’t Pollock’s BAR Formula One team, want to make a big change in my but decided to continue with life by going to Formula One. ‘With the Ganassi team I have Ganassi’s team with which he’s won seven races and one champi- gi-eat equipment, great people and onship over the past three years. some really strong relationships.

The 32-year old Vasser said he The chemistry is right, we have gave serious thought to Pollock’s committed partners in Honda and FI offer before deciding to re-sign Firestone, and we can run up front and win races and championships.” with Ganassi’s team.

Photo by Jaime Squire//

13

25Seplemljerm8

Schumi FI bias says Villeneuve FORMULA 1 officials are doing everything to make Michael Schumacher the next world champion, according to rival Jacques Villeneuve.

The defending World Champion said; “It would be great if Hakkinen were to be my successor for the world title. But from my point of view, if Schumacher were to win,I would be reheved.

“I’d know then that nobody would be doing anything to make him win it next season.

“McLaren have the best car and two good drivers, but they seem to be doing everything to lose the champi onship.

“At the start of the season, they were so far in front of everyone else that they didn’t think

about further develop ment.

They’re coming back into it, but now they have to reckon with the fact that Michael is always in the right place at the right time. Especially when the yellow flags appear...”

Villeneuve, who will be leaving Williams at the end of the season for the new BAR team, also took a swipe at Schumacher himself “Ferrari don’t exist.

The team is registered as Ferrari, but in fact it’s Schumacher who gives all the orders.

Everyone there works for‘Team Schumacher’.”

As for the German’s brother and Jordan dri ver, Ralf, Villeneuve said: “Ralf isn’t like his brother very much. He seems a nice guy.”

Las Vegas goes for golf over FI FORMULA 1 is not going to Las Vegas, despite years of negotiation and planning.

The city has now decided that it will build a golf course on public land near McCarran International Airport, but has abandoned plans to build a racing circuit into the design, despite support for a race from some ofthe major casinos.

The focus of FI activity in the United States is now firmly on Indianapolis Motor Speedway although there is still some vague talk of a race being planned in San Francisco.

Indianapolis could run an event in 2000 if an agreement can be reached between FI boss Bemie Ecclestone and Indianapolis owner Tony George.

All the indications are that this will happen in the next few weeks and that work will then begin on the construction of a road circuit inside the famous oval track.

The plans also call for the replacement of the cur rent “Gasoline Alley” garages with a state-of-theart pit building complex.

new beginning

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LOOKING FORWARD: Herbert poses for the cameras in front of the Stewart team transporter, where he will be \ based next year n after signing a \ two-year deal.

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It’s one hell of a lot better to be with kay, let’s get the worst part of Monza out of the way first. Why a major manufacturer and not merely did I retire from the race on the be a customer. It seems to me that 13th lap, after qualifying only 15th Ford is pushing really hard in Europe to because of the interruptions created by make the FI thing work.

The last time I worked with the com bad weather?

I spun off. pany was in my firs-t season with Why did I spin? Ah, that’s where the Sauber, in 1996. Compared to then, there seems to be a whole different atti story lies!

I spun because a mechanic,had left a tude. Everyone is really focused. There is'terrific potential there and if we all pair of pliers in the cockpit and they rat tled around enough once the race had - put our heads together there is no rea son why the team cannot do a lot betbegun to affect the brake pedal.

Twice I fiddled with the balance ter.

It’s important to remember that adjuster to compensate, but finally the pliers did the business and shifted the balance so much to the front that when I braked for (( the second Lesmo corner the car just swapped ends and I finished my race in the gravel.

I don’t normally get upset, but that, I can tell you, was just too much.

Stewart, and I don’t mean that to sound arrogant.

I know I can work very well with Rubens and that we can all be very posi tive and make it work. Of course we’ve got to work damned hard to make it hap pen.

I’m really looking forward to playing a major role in the development and test ing work and to having a recognised input into the direction that the team takes in the future.

It would be wrong for me to say any thing negative about Sauber. I enjoyed my time with the team, but after a few things that have happened this year I felt it was time for a fresh challenge.

As far as our prospects are concerned for 1999, a lot will depend on what happens if Goodyear really does pull out.

At present I would say that Goodyear is slightly better than Bridgestone, but if there is just one tyre manufacturer that will be better for us.

Right now there is one real Bridgestone runner, McLaren, around whom the development is done. That would change if Goodyear goes.

Jackie and Paul Stewart know that they need a better chassis and that is where the Ford connection will also help, because the team has other avenues within Ford to exploit which will enable them to achieve that improvement.

I know that Cosworth’s planned new engine is also much less of a compro mise than its present unit.

I think we will be well-placed to sur prise people. n

/don^t normally get upsets but that,I can tell you, wasjust too much.

The positive part came before the weekend, when it was made public that I’m going to drive for Jackie and Paul Stewart’s team for the next two years.

I’m not somebody who changes loyal ties without good reason, so I had been thinking long and hard about my future long before I made the decision, which was announced just before the Italian GP, to switch to Stewart Grand Prix for 1999.

For me the major attraction is that Ford is a major manufacturer and is defi nitely pushing harder in the right direc tion. Stewart is a good team and it has the opportunity to do really well.

Put those two factors together and it is compelling.

Stewart Grand P/ix is still a young team; it’s only two FJ racing years old.

Jordan started in FI in 1991 and has only just won its first race, it had a fan tastic first year, but its second and even its third weren’t exactly brilliant.

I think yofrd be naive to go purely on Stewart’s results to date. That’s very unfair on a new team. Anyone who really understands FI knows that suc cess doesn’t come overnight. You just have to look at the manner in which McLaren struggled to get back to full competitiveness in recent years,

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n Stories in British Sunday newspapers at the weekend linked Bemie Ecclestone with the rumoured super league in European soccer. Ecclestone admitted that he was slight ly involved in negotiations but Media Partners, which is organising the league, says that he is not the finan cial backer behind the idea. n With the continuing restrictions on FI testing, we hear that several teams are now making plans for secondary test teams for next year. These will be known as “development teams” and will be used to test for the longer-term while the test teams will do day-to-day development work on the existing cars.

■ The new 26-member Formula 1 Commission will meet for the first time today (Thursday) at the Nurburgring. On the agen da will be discussions over the possibility of 18 races; a change from three-day Grands Prix to two-day events with two days of testing prior to each; the way FIA stewards operate and the track invasion in Hungaiy.

■ Daimler-Benz AG and Chiysler Corporation shareholders have agreed to the merger of the two companies. If everything ' goes to plan, the fusion of the two companies wiU be

JXo.

completed before Christmas with the creation of DaimlerChrysler AG. Once that is completed we expect there to be several months of talks before the new com pany decides on its sporting plans for the future. It is thought unlikely that the Mercedes-Benz FI pro gramme will be affected, but its GT future looks in

doubt.

n Sylvester Stallone and director Alex Vajna turned up at Monza for the Italian GP but there'is still no sign that they have managed to raise the estimated US$40m which they need to make the Formula 1 film a reality. They are under stood to have paid Bemie Ecclestone around US$2m for an option to make a film. American film financiers know so little about FI that Stallone is understood to be having trouble finding the money for the project. n Friday the 13th of November is going to be a bad day for the Tyrrell team. That wiU be the last day of the team, which has been involved in FI since 1968. Team membersjoin ing BAR wiU then move to Brackley while the rest of the staff will be looking for work. Many are expected to appear in the new Honda ●FI,operation, which will begin testing next year.

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25Septemkl998

15

Clausewitz, total sport and the reds in peril Y

ou can call me crazy, but I love to collect strange and wonder ful books. I don’t really care about the subject matter as long as the books are interesting.

And so It is that the booksheives at home (when they are finished) will house a selection of curious volumes about such obtuse subjects as the exploration of littleknown African rivers, the traveis of refined young ladies in the Middle East in the iast century, chronicles of the Black Death and investigations into the secret services in the reign of Charies II. These books are not easy to find, but if you know the right bookseilers and do not mind waiting a bit you can get the most wonderfui things. There is aiways a fair amount of excitement when each new package arrives and one has to wrestie with sticky tape and poiystyrene muesli to find out what is in the big brown box this month.

This unpacking rituai was gone through in the days leading up to the italian GP and I found myseif merriiy clutching “The Mad Princes of Renaissance Germany” in one hatid and Cari Von Ciausewitz’s “On War” in the other.

The latter book, published in the 1830s, is still regarded as the bible of military strategy.

Clausewitz was the first general to advocate 'total war”. Before “On War”, rival armies would march around looking splendid until they bumped into one another. The Generals would then play tactical

MEET THE PRESS: Midiael Schumacher, under the pressure ofa full onslaught in the Monza media centre, admits that he might have over-reacted at Spa.

but one which, unknown to most people. Is actually unfinished. One can only assume that the reason no-one knows this is because the book is ^0 dull that no-one has ever reached the end of it.

Nowadays, sowar. theyThis say, has replaced is sport often cited as being a good thing. One must suppose that it is better that the youth of different nations throw balls at one another rather than hand grenades.

Unfortunately, as sport has become war, so the theories of war have permeated through the sport. There has developed what might be termed a concept of “total sport”. Maybe someone will

(£

Boxing is not a sport for which I have much time, but I do know that depriving Mike Tyson of his licence gave the sport a hint of credibility. He may be the best boxer out there, but biting off chunks of a rival’s ear is really not acceptable behaviour.

All thiscouple is bad of enough, the last years but we inhave seen the rise of refined versions of Ciausewitz’s theories applied to motor racing. There have been cases of sabotage, tons of propa ganda, clouds of disinformation and deception. All we need now is saturation bombing of the opposi tion ...

At the Belgian Grand Prix we saw another poor exam ple of this sort of thing.

Michael Schumacher made a mis take in the spray and crashed into Schumacher under torture later in theadmitted press room " the back of at Monza - that he might have David Coulthard’s McLaren, which over-reacted. But Ferrari boss he was trying to lap. Michael was Jean Todt refused to withdraw his upset and went storming off to the 'team’s unfair comments about McLaren pit without thinking. It McLaren.

There is only one possible made a lovely scene for the global TV audiences. explanation for all this silliness and To anybody with a brain - and that is that, by attacking McLaren there are apparently some people and Coulthard, Ferrari was trying in FI paddock who do not boast to bring pressure to bear on such qualifications - it was very McLaren and at the same time clear that Schumacher had no-one give Ferrari an argument to bring forward at the end of the year just to blame but himself.

[Editor’s note: At this point, just in case the team loses the World for the sake of baiance, I wouid Championship.

This may be the way in which iike to comment that I mustn’t have a brain because i believe some of the people in F1 think the Coulthard was at the very least game should be played these careless in the way he backed off days, but thankfully there are still to allow Schumacher to pass in enough sporting people around to such atrocious conditions, but I do make it the exception rather than not believe he intentionally caused the rule.

It seems to me that the people the accident. Nevertheless, we shall allow Joe to continue his at McLaren are seen to be a more sporting bunch than the current highly entertaining thesis...]

Michael and Ferrari team boss Ferrari management.

“There was one very pleasing Jean Todt are both highly intelli gent individuals and so it cannot thing about Spa,” said a McLaren have been a lack of brainpower man at Monza. “Almost everyone

Getting mixed up in the sordid games of Hotal sport’ does nothingfor 99 Ferrari’s image.

games for a few hours - like a big game of chess - during which lots of unimportant troops would be blasted into oblivion or hacked to pieces. Eventually someone would make a breakthrough and the bat tle would be won or lost.

Clausewitz argued that, while all this was very pretty to watch and very sporting, if one really wanted to win a war one must attack'not just the opposing arfnies but also a rival’s resources and people. If a country has no will to fight or no factories to make weapons, armies become useless.

The ideas of Clausewitz were then developed by the likes of General William Sherman in the American Civil War, who sent his troops through Georgia, destroy ing everything in their path.

Gradually the strategies devel oped towards such refined tactics as saturation bombing of cities, the use of saboteurs, propaganda, disinformation and deception.

It was a very significant book

eventually write a long and boring book called “On Sport”.

The fact is that today winning is all that matters and it does not seem to matter to some people how you achieve victory. If it is necessary to inject yourself with monkey hormones it seems that there are cyclists, runners and swimmers who are willing to do it.

If winning a motor race involves driving someone off the road then there are drivers who will volun teer. It has been happening for the last 10 years.

If the FIA had any backbone at all. It would have stamped out such behaviour and banned a few drivers from the sport. Instead the governing body lets the bad guys off the hook and comes up with toothless excuses which admit that an action was “deliberate” but was not “premeditated”.

In other words, playing bumper cars is perfectly acceptable - even for repeat offences - because it is good for TV ratings.

which motivated the post-race attacks on the integrity of Coulthard and McLaren.

One can only assume that by making a big fuss Ferrari was try ing to promote the belief that Schumacher had been taken out of the race deiiberately. The Ferrari fans certainiy believed it... but people in FI did not.

It would have been wise for the team to have shut up after that, but instead Ferrari- issued a state ment with a load of self-righteous garbage citing evidence which simply did not exist.

Based on previous experience, one would-think that Ferrari would have had much better evidence of McLaren evil-doing if it listened to the tape recordings it makes of McLaren’s radio transmissions. I am reliably informed that these prove conclusively that David did not cause the crash. They did not support the Ferrari case, so they were ignored.

came out and said that McLaren wouid never have done such a thing."

He had a point. While there is not exactiy a great iove feit for McLaren in the F1 paddock, there is a certain amount of warmth towards the team which does not seem to be feit for Ferrari in its current guise.

And that is sad because, of ail the Ft teams, Ferrari has the most to iose in image terms.

At the moment the fiaming red cars with the prancing horse iogo enjoy a curious mysticai status. It takes a very strong kind of magic to get thousands of people to stand for hours in the pouring rain to see the cars hurtle by. Getting mixed up in the sordid games of ‘totai sport’ does nothing for Ferrari’s image.

The oniy way to change that image is to get rid of the current management and put in another iot to see if they can do a better job both politicaily and technically. hen he launched the Ferrari F310 in January, Jean Todt was being brave: “I will state openly today,” he said, “that our only goal must be to win the World Championship. After four years of restructuring, now we have to deliver."

At the time we cynical journal ists smiled and noted down the comment, ready to regurgitate the quote when Ferrari once again failed to deliver.

For the first few months the F310 was a complete disaster and it was not until a new rear end was stuck on that the car began to perform and then we wit nessed a revival of epic propor tions. It involved crazy amounts of hard work at Maranello and one cannot even begin to think what it has cost in financial terms.

When you get such dramatic leaps in performance while other teams struggle to make up a tenth here and a tenth there, there are always rumours.

If you listen to the talk in the paddock these days you will go home thinking that Machiavelli is an electronics engineer at Maranello. If you listen to the folk at Maranello they will tell you that the evil forces are at work in Woking.

Who knows? No-one can prove anything, but I guess that if there is a story to be told one day, the secrets of today will cease to be important and someone will start talking and the whole story will come tumbling out. And I guess that one of my colleagues will probably produce an interest ing book on the subject... ... I think I had better order that one for my strange and wonderful book collection. n

IS 25September 1998

ITALIAN GR

McLaren hands it to Schumacher

Tifosi go wild as Ferrari scores a 1-2 M Report by JOE SAWARD

REASON TO CELEBRATE... The Italian fans flood the track (left) after their heroes powered to an emotional 1-2 finish (right).

(Photos by Race Access)

ichael Schumacher won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, leading home team mate Eddie Irvine to give the enthu siastic locals a wonderfully popular FeiTari 1-2 finish.

And the World Championship is suddenly wide open again, with Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen now level on points.

While one would not wish to detract from Schumacher’s victory, it was clear that McLaren had made a serious mistake with Hakkinen’s car and he simply could not compete early in the race.

By the time Mika was up to speed trol, dodgy engines, dodgy fuels, this, he was behind Schumacher and then that and the other. The men at the his brakes gave up the ghost and he FIA said that there were no prob lems. had a big spin.

After aU the waffle for TV, Michael He managed to hold on to his place but the brakes were so bad that finally got down to realities. “The Mika dropped fi'om second to fourth . conditions helped us,” he said. n The fact is that Feraari got its act by the finish.

David Coulthard would probably together rather better than McLaren have won the race instead, but his had done. Most of the running prior Mercedes-Benz VIO went “Ker- to the all-important hour-long blast had been conducted in pouring rain boom!” .

And Michael was there to pick up' so no-one was very clear about set up. Everyone was struggling. the pieces...

There was little point in coming out when the track was drying, so 34 every Monza test this year minutes passed before a car came errari has been a second or out to qualify - which had the TV more slower,than the McLarens. commentators talking about puddles Even with a week to go, the Ferrari and the ghosts walking in the woods.

When the cars finally started to boys could only pt to within seventenths of the Silver Arrows. run, the drivers found out whether Although Michael Schumacher or not their guesswork had worked. said that he might have got a bit McLaren found that the gear ratios closer, he did not suggest for one were not right for the dry conditions minute that come qualifying at the and there was no time to tear off the Autodrome Nazionale he would be gearboxes and change the ratios. The blowing away the grey men from McLaren gearchange points around Woking. the track were very different to its And yet - and here you know why rivals...

Monza is a magical place - after In the end the gearing and some qualifying there he was on pole posi inopportune backmarkers added up tion talking about a “dream result” to wipe out McLaren’s technical and threatening to win on Sunday. advantage, not to mention the fact How did he do it?, asked the con that the Bridgestone tyres were also spiracy theorists in the paddock. not competitive with the Goodyear There must have been traction con- rubber in the circumstances.

Qualifying

Ai

Add to the mixture a dash of Schumacher brilliance and suddenly we had a Ferrari on pole.

That may not sound significant at a track like Monza, but you may remember that last year the race provided no overtaking whatsoever.

It was simply too difficult to do with out risking an accident.

Schumacher said that the start would be vital and he was right.

While Michael was basking in a glorious moment, Eddie Irvine was happy enough to be fifth on the grid.

“Maybe I can get past the McLarens at the start,” Eddie said.

The situation was complicated somewhat by the presence on the front row of the grid by Jacques Villeneuve’s Williams.

“The set-up was not perfect,” Jacques smd, “and my lap was not very good so I am happy with the front row. It did not feel fast but it was quick on the clock.

“I could have given Michael a hard time today because our car seems to be working very well in low downforce trim. The big surprise was Ferrari working well. I think that surprised everybody.”

But if Jacques was bubbly, HeinzHarald Frentzen was plagued by understeer and ended up an unim pressive 12th with a lap which was 1.3s slower than Villeneuve.

ON THE DOUBLE... Both Jordans finished in the points again, with Ralf Schumacher third and Damon Hill sixth.

This weis partly due to the under steer and partly due to the fact that Jacques was out at the right time with the right fuel load and one has to ask why Frentzen’s engineering team did not manage to achieve the same...

McLaren tried to make the most of the situation but there is little doubt that third and fourth on the grid was a disaster in the circumstances.

The cars are a lot quicker than the Ferraris in normal conditions but whenever things are slightly disrupt ed Ferrari always seems to read the situation more successfully and make the most ofit.

It was easy for the McLaren dri vers to blame traffic - and there is no doubt that wayward cars proba bly did cost the team the front row but there were other problems which were not quite as obvious to the casual observer.

Hakkinen ended up faster of the two by a few tenths but it had been Coulthard who had set the pace for most ofthe session.

On Sunday morning it was back to business as usual with the pair 1.2s ahead of Schumacher, but the ques tion was whether or not the McLaren boys could get ahead of the Ferrari in the race.

“We were the victims of the cir cumstances,” said Hakkinen. “In those conditions an}dhing can hap pen. I was definitely not fully confiderft and the reason for that was because the conditions were so diffi cult.”

Sixth on the grid was Ralf Schumacher in his Jordan and he put the speed down to the fact that the team had him out on the track at exactly the right moment with the right foel load and settings.

“It is always a gamble as to who goes out last and who gets a clear lap,” he said, “but it worked well for us.'

Damon Hill was not so fortunate and ended up a second slower in 14th place on the grid complaining that his flying laps had been spoiled by traffic. It was “very disappoint ing”.

Seventh was Alexander Wurz, who said that the major problem was getting temperature into the Bridgestone tyres.

“The tyres aren’t working proper ly,” he said. Ferhaps the McLaren men would have said the same if they were not so well-trained in the art of diplomacy...

Giancarlo Fisichella was depressed to find himself 11th for his home race and blamed Jos Verstappen for getting in his way.

Foor Jos was simply trying to get a quick lap of his own.

Another man who was depressed after qualifying was Jean Alesi, who has always been something of a Monza specialist, revelling in the

high-speed sweepers which suit his ability to take a car right to the tee tering edge.

“I am very unhappy,” Jean said, “I feel I should have been better than eighth.”

He was probably right because in the middle of the session he was fastest and fighting for pole position.

He blamed Ricardo Rosset.

Johnny Herbert was down in 15th, having gone off when the track was stfil slightly damp. He hit the barri ers at the second chicane a glancing blow.

It was decided to send Johnny out in the spare car in the vital last few minutes of the session so his time was not bad in the circumstances, particularly as he was held up by Coulthard and ffill on his final run.

The fifth row of the grid was filled by the Frost team, a source of some optimism for the French operation which has struggled for most of the year.

The most significant point isteams prob ably that, while other struggled to manage the difficult conditions. Frost’s engineers seemed to have everything under control.

The result must have been very pleasing for Alain. Building a team is all about getting things to work in difficult circumstances and Frost GP came through with flying colours ...

Fanis was faster than Trulli for once but Jarno reckoned that he might have been as high as seventh if he had not taken a risk and lost a few tenths in the Parabolica.

Back in 13th, behind Fisichella and Frentzen, was Rubens BarricheUo in his Stewart- while Jos Verstappen was back in 17th, both diivera complaining oftheir set-ups.

Arrows was struggling rather more at Monza than it has done at recent races, but, given the disas trous weekend at Spa and the fact that the team’s Monza test had to be cancelled so that cars could be rebuilt, it was what one might have expected.

Mika Salo was 16th with Pedro Diniz 20th, having had no diy run ning before the qualifying session began.

“There is a lot of work to be done before the race,” commented Salo.

IVrrell on the other hand looked a lot tetter than normal and a switch of race engineer for Ricardo Rosset seemed to restore the Brazilian dri ver’s talent and motivation. He was quicker than Tora Takagi - which

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25SeplmberW98

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has not been the norm this year.

Takagi admitted that he had not had a good day.

The back row of the grid was Minardi property as usual with Nakano again outpacing Esteban Tuero, despite having to use the Tcar.

Race-53 laps themselves in the midWith severalstuck drivers finding field, there was a lot of talk about

how overtaking at Monza is not that difficult. But in the motorhomes on Sunday moming there were long dis cussions about tactics.

And during the warm-up all the drivers seemed to be practising their starts...

Practice does not always make perfect. Ask Michael Schumacher.

When the race got underway, Michael made a mess of his start and crawled away from the line. And Villeneuve was also quite slow away. \

n

Schumacher went to the right to try to stop Hakkinen getting ahead but the Finn kept his foot down and gave Jacques a fright as he carved ahead of him, Jacques swerved to avoid the McLaren while David Coulthard saw the gap on the left that Schumacher had opened and cut across to the left and went past Michael, followed by Irvine.

Schumacher then found himself in a sandwich between Irvine and

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OH, BROTHER, WHAT A LEAP... Michael Schumacherjumps forjoy as his (Photo by Nigel Snowdon) brother mounts the podium to join the ceiebrations.

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IS

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ITALIAN GP

25S6plembsf19S8

ITALIAN DELIGHT... After the McLaren and Williams team prob lems, Eddie irvine was able to complete the Ferrari double.

Villeneuve and after a little push and shove fell back to fifth.

The upshot of it all was that Hakkinen and Coulthard arrived at the chicane 1-2 with Irvine third, Villeneuve fourth and Schumacher back in fifth.

It did not last long. Michael was quickly past Villeneuve and once that was done it was only a matter of time before faithful servant Irvine moved out of the way and let Michael through into third place.

Ahead were the McLarens.

Being able to see them up the road and catching them were two differ ent things. When Michael moved into third place Coulthard was 3.2s n ahead and in the laps that followed that grew to 4.0s but then the Ferrari began to close in on the McLarens.

trouble after 39 laps.

Esteban Tuero finished 11th for Minardi while Nakano retired with one of those big smoky Ford blowups which the folk from Detroit and Northampton do not like to discuss.

The ensuing fire had to be put out by the Monza marshals, although for a while it looked as though the Milan fire brigade might be needed as well After a good qualifying Frost’s race was a horrible mess with Fanis going fi-om ninth to 15th on the first lap as the resMt ofa vibration.

like to discuss...

Whatever the case, Hakkinen’s struggle grew worse at the end of that first stint and Michael was able to puU out a gap of around seven sec onds before he pitted on lap 31.

Mika stayed out for three extra laps but he rejoined behind the Ferrari. He started to chase and began to bring the gap down but when he was just three seconds behind the Ferrari he began to expe rience brake trouble.

On lap 47 Mika spun at the second chicane. He did a good job to avoid hitting things, watching where he was going as he spun and making

“We thought it might be a punc ture and came into the pit,” Olivier said, “but changing the t^es did not help and I had to retire.”

TruUi’s race was little better. He ran well in the early laps in the com pany of FisicheUa and then the car suddenly began to oversteer badly.

“It felt as if something was bro ken,” said Jamo, whose team found that one of the rear wheels was loose.

and was 11th at the end of the first before FisicheUa. lap. By lap five he had dealt with Wurz had been running ahead of Once he was back in the race, Trulli, FisicheUa, Wurz and Alesi FisicheUa early on but a clutch fail Jamo flew and set the fifth fastest and set off in pursuit of his team ure ended his race on lap 25.

This was was strange because Hakkinen clearly struggling. mate. On lap 11 he overtook Ralf Villeneuve’s good run ended on lap lap of the race, which would have Was it a handling problem? Was and was sixth.

38 when he spun off at the first *^®en impressive if he had not been so there a tyre problem?

It was inevitable that Damon Lesmo. back that no-one noticed.

The only team to lose both cars Whatever the case, on lap eight would have to stop early - which he “We were running too much downCoulthard was given the go-ahead to did on lap 14 and this dropped him force to keep up down the straights was Arrows.

Fedro Diniz went off at the first pass Hakkinen. He quickly began to down to 12th and was stuck there and not enough through the cor build up a lead. behind Frentzen until Heinz-Harald ners,” explained Jacques. “We were Lesmo with a brake problem on lap The pitlane tacticians scratched somewhere in between and it was a 11 and could not find any gears to pitted mid-race. their heads. What was McLaren rejoin while Sale was having some Damon took the opportunity to pit hard car to drive.” as well and was able to run to the doing? It looked like some kind of If you fall- off into a sandtrap your lively battles in the midfield until he suffered throttle failure. exotic strategy with Coulthard on a flag in sixth place. A great effort problem is solved ...

A 1-2 result for Ferrari at Monza two-stopper and Mika going for one after a disastrous quahfying. stop. Itjust did not make sense.

Raft’s race was less interesting for way behind thethe Frentzenis a as rare thing - which is probably FisicheUa duel came Tyrrell just well because the fans go comhe profited from Along the problems of of Takagi - the team’s best result of pletely crazy and start scaling 8m others, moving the year - and with Rosset finishing high fences and crushing one anothfrom fifth to fourth in 12th position it was a good day (in er as they try to steal things finm the when Villeneuve comparative terms) for the soon-to- pitlane.

Given the weather conditions in went off and to be-extinct team from Ockham.

Barrichello was 10th for Stewart, qualifying and the way the race when third having gone for a two-stop strategy panned out, one can only assume Hakkinen faded.

Jordan is closing which did not go well. The fuel flap that Jean Todt has a hotline to God fast on third place failed during both his stops and and gets what he asks.

When Jean-Faul II finally gets his in the Constructors’ Rubens lost 17s at his first stop and wings it would probably be a good seven during the second.

Championship...

Jos Verstappen was running ninth idea to have Jean Todt I as his Fifth place at the finish went to when he was forced out with gearbox replacement... n Alesi, who drove a sensible race with out di-ama. He was sixth at the end of World Championship, round 14; the first lap from STILL TRYING... Mika Hakkinen was bothered by his McLaren in the first half of the Autodromo Monza, September 13th, 1998-53 laps eighth on the grid race and by a brake problem in the second half which dropped him to fourth place. but was then 1 Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F300,1h17m09,672s By lap 16 Coulthard was nearly corrections which got him back on pushed back to seventh by 2 Eddie Irvine, Ferrari F300, 1h17m47,649s 10s ahead of the now-battling the road again without stalling.

Schumacher and to eighth by Hfll.

3 Ralf Schumacher, Jordan-Mugen-Honda 198, 1h17m50,824s Hakkinen and Schumacher. What “I was thinking as I was spinning: As others went out he moved up to 4 Mika Hakkinen, McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13,1h18m05,343s score two more points for Sauber. no-one suspected was that David ‘This means zero points’ but fortu 5 Jean Alesi. Sauber-Ferrari Cl 7,1 hi 8m11,544s But any thoughts that Sauber is was actually on a one-stop strategy nately I managed to keep going,” he 6 Damon Hill, Jordan-Mugen-Honda 198, 1 hi 8m16,360s becoming a really professional and and was running with only a small reported later.

7 H.H. Frentzen, Williams-Mecachrome FW20,52 laps amount of fuel less than Hakkinen.

The car was not good after that, competitive team need to be bal 8 Giancarlo FisicheUa, Benetton-Mecachrome B198,52 laps There was no way that Michael was 'the brake problem becoming more anced with the knowledge of what and more serious. He drifted back happened to Herbert.

9 going to catch Coulthard.

Tora Takagi, Tyrrell-Ford 026, 52 laps He didn’t have to in the end. As he “Some pliers were left in the wards and was soon under threat 10 Rubens Barrichello, Stewart-Ford SF2,52 laps footwell of my car,” Johnny said, set off of his 17th lap, David’s race from Irvine - who had a gear prob 11 Esteban Tuero, Minardi-Ford M198, 51 laps tiuTied to disaster. lem but was otherwise having a “and from the second lap they began 12 Ricardo Rosset, Tyrrell-Ford 026, 51 laps “The engine tightened as I came rather dull afternoon, despite one to foul the brake pedal. I twice had to 13 Jarno Trulli, Prost-Peugeot AP01, 50 laps wild moment at the first Lesmo change the brake balance to compen out ofthe first chicane,” he said,“and sate.”

Fastest Lap; Hakkinen, Lap 45,1m25,139s the engine blew.” when he almost threw it away.

On lap 13 Johnny went into the Lap Leaders: Lap 1-7 Hakkinen; 8-16 Coulthard; 17-31 Schumacher; It was a big bang and there was a Eddie moved into second on lap 32-34 Hakkinen; 35-53 Schumacher vast cloud of oil smoke when Mika 49. The crowd went bananas as they second Lesmo and the pliers slid and Michael arrived at the scene. always do when FeiTari is running 1- under the brake pedal and spun Retirements: Johnny into the sand trap.

Both had to lift off but when they got 2 at Monza.

Lap 10 Pedro Diniz, Arrows A19, spun off “As you can imagine,” Johnny back on the throttles Michael had a A few laps later there were further Lap 12 Johnny Herbert, Sauber-Ferrari Cl 7, spun off slight advantage and Mika was cheers as Hakkinen dropped behind said,“I am not at all happy.”

Lap 13 Shinji Nakano, Minardi-Ford Ml98, engine/fire The battle for seventh place was Ralf Schumacher’s Jordan. He was under pressure. between Frentzen and FisicheUa but Lap 15 Olivier Panis, Prost-Peugeot AP01, rear suspension vibration They dived into the second chicane fourth and with only three points he this was an odd battle.

Lap 16 David Coulthard, McLaren-Mercedes MP4/13, engine and Mika drifted out a little wide. was suddenly equal to Schumacher Early in the race the Benetton was Lap 24 Alexander Wurz, Benetton-Mecachrome B198, gearbox Michael was faster out ofthe chicane in the World Championship, well deal’ of the Williams, Giancarlo Lap 32 Mika Salo, Arrows A19, hydraulic failure and drew alongside on the run down len-ari had the dream result and running in ninth position. He pitted ' towards the first Lesmo, where he Lap 37 Jacques Villeneuve, Williams-Mecachrome FW20, spun off the fans were soon climbing the late, but the stop was a disaster with slid ahead.

Lap 39 Jos Verstappen, Stewart-Ford SF2, gearbox In a flash McLaren’s dreams of a walls and doing the siUy things that a wheelnut sticking on and so he reemerged behind Frentzen, despite World Drivers' Championship Points Standings: dominant 1-2 performance in Ferrari tifosi do when they get over-excited.

Heinz-Harald having his own prob 1 Hakkinen and M.Schumacher 80; 3 Coulthard 48; 4 irvine 38; Third place was a another good country had evaporated. Now the result for Jordan and it was clear lems.

5 Villeneuve 20; 6 Hill and Wurz 17;8 FisicheUa 15; team was on the way to being hmnilFrentzen had failed to notice his that the Mugen Honda engine is a 9 R.Schumacher 14; 10 Frentzen 13; 11 Alesi 9; 12 Barrichello 4; iated by a slower car. pitboard and radio calls and ran out really competitive unit these days.

13 Salo and Diniz 3; 15 Herbert, Trulli and Magnussen 1 Once ahead, Michael tried to cre Ralf did not make a gi'eat start of fuel at the Ascari chicane. He ate a gap, but Hakkinen fought back.

Constructors' Championship standings: and was overtaken by Alesi. He ai-rived in the pit fi-eewheeling, hav Whatever the problem had been in 1 McLaren-Mercedes 128; 2 Ferrari 118; 3 Williams-Mecachrome 33; ing lost a lot of gi’Oimd. the early part of the race, it was not managed to get back ahead of Alesi 4 Benetton-Mecachrome 32; 5 Jordan-Mugen-Honda 31: The fuel was pumped in and new on the second lap. a problem in the second. Could it be 6 Sauber-Ferrari 10; 7 Arrows-Hart 6; 8 Stewart-Ford 5; In those early laps it was Damon tyres stuck on but time was lost as that Hakkinen’s tyre pressures in the car needed to be restarted. It was 9 Prost-Peugeot 1 Hill who was doing the really the first stint had been wrong? These pm-e luck that he got out of the pits are not the sort of things that teams impressive work. He started 14th

Grand Prix of Italy

F

25September 1998

^9

War of the Worids (Part II) Last year the Europeans came and saw Bathurst - and were conquered.

Will 1998 be the same? PHIL BRANAGAN previews the AMP Bathurst 1000.

A WORLD APART?... Volvo's Rickard Rydell won the BTCC, but the Bathurst 1000 may prove tougher, with local opposition led by the Orix Audi quattros. (Photos by Boihweii Photographic and NoeiPapaiera) THE battle for the 1998 AMP Bathurst 1000 will, like last year’s first Super Touring debut event, be closely-fought ' by the teams and drivers.

The Australian teams, which took the honours in 1997 with

fastest qualifier, pole position and 1-2-3-4 on the road, will he smaller in number and strong in the racebut don’t expect any of them to threaten the European rockets in practice and qualifidng.

Perhaps more than any other

race in the 36 year history of the event, the ’98 version .of the event will come down to a classic battle between the hares and the tortoises. The chances are that the five visiting current-spec cars from Britain should line up in, approxi-

mately, the top five positions after the qualifying sessions ends on Friday. But what happens from then on that depends on reliability, weather and providence.

Two months ago Volvo’s S40s looked like raging favourites for

the race. Rickard Rydell was in top form, the TWR team was working like a well-oiled machine and Rickard dominated, puUing out a 45 point lead with only five meetContinued over page

X.

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20

25 September W9S

RACE PREVIEW

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Continued from page 19 ings left. But then, Volvo were suddenly swamped by Nissan, whose Primera developed into the quickest car in the series.

He didn’t quite fall across the line, sealing the title at Silverstone last weekend, but the end-of-season momentum was defi nitely with Nissan.

Still, there are few doubts about Rydell’s speed, and.none about his co-driver’s Jim Richards. In the other car ‘Flash’ Nilsson returns, to be joined by Tim Harvey who, despite an unsuccessful BTCC, should be reckoned with in the S40. Last year he qualified third fastest in the Peugeot and loved the place.

Apart from the fact that, 12

'DEFENDING' CHAMP?... BMW won at Mount Panorama last year and Cameron McLean has flown their flag high in the sprint races. Can he do it at Bathurst? months after its 850s appeared to make up the numbers (as opposed to challenge for the win) it has a genuinely fast car in the form of the current model S40, the biggest single change to the Volvo effort this season is that it will be run by TWR. Expect to see almost 30 from TWR’s Leafield UK base at the mountain.

In typical fashion TWR, which has previously won the race with Jaguar in 1985 and had a disas trous partnership with HSV three years later, will leave no stone unturned in their efforts to win the race. If WiUiams-Renault’s arsenal of hardware cheesed everyone off

last year, have a look at Volvo’s next week.

Triple 8 Racing - sorry, ‘Team Vectra’ - will not be far behind.

John Cleland and Derek Warwick impressed everybody with their car speed last year, but the Vauxhalls (as they were then) had their hopes dashed by mechanical problems and chaotic pitstops. The team has learned, their 1998 cars are much improved and the Vectras, while maybe not an ulti mate threat in qualifying, should be fast and solid in the race. Like TWR, 888 has conducted a troublefree endurance test before heading south.

1998 AMP Bathurst 1000 Entry List Super Touring

2 3 4 8 10 11 12 14 15 16 18 20 22 24 25 29 30 34 40 45 49 58 77 80 88 89 90

Brad Jones (NSW)/Cameron McConville (VIC) Audi Sport Quattro A4 Paul Morris (Q)/Paul Radisich (NZ) Audi Sport Quattro A4 -S..

Voivo OzZTWR Volvo S40 Jan Nilsson (SWE)/Tim Harvey (GB) Team Vectra Racing Vectra John Cleland (UK)/Derek Warwick (UK) Fastway Peugeot 406 Tony Newman (NZ)/Dwayne Bewley (NZ)/Mike Fitzgerald (NSW) AAP Toyota Carina E Milton Leslight (NSW)/Dennis Cribbin (NSW) GreenfieIdZRedEx BMW 320i Cameron McLean (QLD)/Tony Scott (QLD) Visit Your Vet Nissan Primera Blair Smith (NZ)/Jim Cornish (NSW) BOC GasesZYokohama Honda Accord Mark Adderton (AUS)ZJamie Wall (UK) Faber-Castell BMW 320i Justin Matthews (NSW)ZPaul Nelson(NSW)ZBob Holden (NSW) Peugeot 405 Shane Ryding (VIC)ZTBA Odyssey Batteries BMW 318i Denis Chapman (NZ)ZBrian Bradshaw (NZ) BBX BMW 320i Carlos Rolfo (QLD)ZRod Wilson (VIC) BMW 320i Bruce Miles (NZ)ZMurray Cleland (NZ) Rod Jones Opel Vectra Mike Newton (UK)ZJamie Miller (NSW) Brookes Motorsport Honda Accord Lee Brookes (UK)ZRobb Gravett (UK) Roadchill BMW 320i Troy Searle (NSW)ZLuke Searle (NSW) Team Dynamics Nissan Primera Steven Richards (ViC)ZMatt Neal (UK) Volvo Oz/TWR Volvo S40 Jim Richards (VIC)ZRickard Rydell (SWE) Olympus Alfa Romeo 155 David Auger (QLD)ZLawrie Kyte (NZ) DCM BMW3181 Anthony Robson (NSW)ZDavid Shaw (NSW) Hyundai Lantra Paul Pickett (NSW)ZPeter Rushton (NSW) Rea Toyota Carina E Maicolm Rea (QLD)ZWayne Wakefield (QLD) Team Vectra Racing Vectra Russell Ingall (VIC)ZGreg Murphy (NZ) Knight Ford Mondeo Mark Zonneveld (NSW)A/Varren Luff (NSW) Knight Ford Mondeo Jenni Thompson (ACT)ZHeidi O’Neill (SA) Knight Ford Mondeo Peter Hills (NSW)ZDomenic Beninca (VIC)

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 70

Robbie Ker (NZ)ZBernard Gillan (NZ) Peter van Breugal (NZ)Zlan Spurle (NZ) Bill Tunzelmann (NZ)ZTMalcolm Udy (NZ) Jason Richards (NZ)ZBarrie Tomlinson (NZ) Rod Hicks (NZ)ZKevin Bell (NZ) Aaron Harris (NZ)ZMiles Woseley (NZ) Grant Aitken (NZ)ZChris Bird (NZ)Z Max Pennington (NZ) Geoff Short (NZ)ZGreg Goudie (NZ) Wayne Johnson (NZ)ZMorris O’Reilly (NZ) Ted Jarvis (NZ)ZTony Rutherford (NZ)

35 37 38 38 71 TBN

Tom Watkinson (NSW)ZCalvin Gardner (NSW) Ken Talbert (NSW)ZKimley Talbert (NSW) David Ratcliff (NSW)ZGeoff Full (NSW) Carol Jackson (WA)ZGary Jackson (WA)ZKevin Heffernan (Q) Phil Kirkham (VIC)ZMatt Lehmann (VIC)Megan Kirkham (VIC) Allan Letcher (NSW)ZAdam Macrow (VIC)

Schedule S

Production cars

Toyota Corona Prestige Motorsport Nissan Sentra BT Motorsport Peugeot 406 International Motorsport BMW 320i International Motorsport BMW 320i International Motorsport BMW 3201 Suzuki Finance Suzuki Baleno Ford Telstar Honda Integra Toyota Corolla GTi Mazda 626 Mazda 626 Phoenix Motorsport Toyota Camry Pace Racing Honda Civic Mazda 626 Letcher Honda Civic

25Sepleml)e^1998 Cleland and Warwick will drive together in what will almost cer tainly be Del’s last drive for the team, but the sleeper in their pack could be the Russell Ingall/Greg Murphy car. Both have won the race before; both are easy on cars and capable of running with any one in the race. Their only poten tial downside is their lack of FWD unfamiliarity but, given their respective experience, does anyone expect them not to be on the pace within a session?

The other visiting car to watch is the Steven Richards/Matt Neal Nissan. Ray Mallock Limited and Nissan Motorsport Europe have developed the ’98 Primera into the fastest thing in the business expect Steve to be a real factor for pole - and Neal has spent most of the season dicing with some of the slower (or, sometimes,leading) Pro teams.

Indeed, after his Sandown 500 efforts, there was much pit talk about how much the always-fast Richards had matured as a driver since heading to the UK in April to become Nissan’s test driver.

Leading the fight for the Home Side will be the Orix Audis. In their last hurrah the A4 quattros have reliability on their side and a lot more speed that they had last year. The cars’ weight hurts them up the hill and down the straight but, everywhere else, the quattro is a bullet-proof dream come true.

Strong points; great driving tal ent, a good crew and excellent pitwork. Kim Jones’ crew should be able to beat any BTCC outfit in the stops, but their three-stop strategy from last year wiU not survive the pace this time around.

Jones was playing coy about his driving hne-ups last week but it is likely that,the two regulars, Jones and Cam McConville, will team up with ‘PI’ and ‘P2’ - Radisich and Morris - in the other car. The

team has an excellent record for reliability and those to driver com bos are the equal of anything in the race.

The other genuine Aussie con tender is Cameron McLean. He’s done a good job on a small budget this year and, on the face of it, has little or no chance against the multi-nationals. But BMW have been getting more and more help ful as the year goes on; if any of the crew starts (A) speaking German or (B) hiding new parts under their shirts, suspect some thing is up for the weekend.

McLean’s driving has got to the level of almost anyone in the field but CO driver Tony Scott, while capable of doing a strong job, will be up against it against people who have been racing these cars all season. A podium spot looks a good target; a win looks tough.

Among the Independents Robb Gravett returns after two Bathurst drives in the Sierra days and, with strong Independent driver Lee Brookes, has every chance of the Rockit Honda going top 10. The other BTCC Indie driver to note will be Jamie Wall, who climbs in with Mark Adderton. Wall was originally connected to the Rod Jones-owned Opel.

Of the rest; Tony Newman and Dwayne Bewley are at last getting the Peugeot 406 reliable and

should go well, Peter Hills/Dom Beninca have a promising car in their Ford Mondeo and Warren Luff has stepped into the other car with Mark Zonneveld.

Best of the rest of the BMW field looks like the Searle brothers Troy and Luke, who will get the best from their Roadchill Bimmer while the Bob Holden/Paul Nelson/Justin Matthews 318i will not be especial ly fast but should have the rehability to run all day.

Jim Cornish made his mountain debut last season in a BMW and is now joined by Blair Smith in the ex-Richards/I^plan Nissan.

If the name Mike Newman looks unfamiliar, the British driver was at Bathurst six years ago in a Ford Sierra. This time around he returns with Jamie Miller in the Opel Vectra in which Graham Moore won the Privateers’ title four years ago.

There have been some lastminute changes to the entry list.

Paul Pickett has entered a Hyundai Lantra and was sniffing for an entry for a second car as we closed to press, while Wayne Wakefield has slotted into the Mai Rea-run Toyota Carina.

The thick end of the field is not large, but the quahty is top shelf.

It’s looking like the battle for the title will be just as strong as it ever was.

[221

A ROCK IN A HARD PLACE...

Former BTCC champion Robb Gravett returns for his third shot at the 1000 in his independent Rockit Cargo Honda Accord.

(Photo by BothwBlI Photographic)

How fast <an an S <ar go?

ONE of the more interesting parts of the 98 Bathurst 1000 is that it reverts to a class race for the first time since 1994.

There will be three classes of cars on the grid, for Schedule S cars from New Zealand and Production cars. There was to have been a class for Ecotech (diesel) cars as well but none were entered.

Schedule S is similar in concept to Group N, the wildly popular category which is raced in Europe. The cars are similar in body to Super Tourers - mostly 4-door sedans - but the engine have only around 160kW (220hp), two-thirds that of a Super Tourer. That should mean that the cars will hit 225kmh down Conrod, almost 40kmh slower than the “Big Kids’. ●With pole expected to be around 2ml5s, expect to see the Ss in the 2m30s-2m35s range.

'They carry 16 by 8 inch wheels (19 by 9 on a Super Tourer) and, with weight lim its set as per engine capacity, there will be ISOOcc, 2000CC and 2500cc engines in the class.

Current NZ series leader Jason Richards looks like the driver to beat in his BNT BMW 325i (pictured) which is run by former BMW Australia team man ager Lyall Williamson. 'The six-cylinder engine should be well-sidted to the track, especially on the climb from Hell Comer to Reid Park.

There are 10 entries for the class; three BMWs, two Toyotas (a Corona and a

21

HOW fast will it go, mister? Trying to nominate a pole time is always fraught with danger;in 1997 a mid-17 was the popular choice and Paul Morris bounced everyone with a 16.6s.

This year there has been a performance gain in the cars-and a loss. With a virtual monopoly on the BTCC and local grids Michelin has played it a little conservative on tyres, allocating a stock ofthe proven Js and Lsfor the use ofthe field. The general feeHng is that the British cars, while going as fast as they were last year, could go about 0.4s-0.5s quicker on Michelin’s best rubber.

But Bathurst is always a tyre enigma and the tyre test day in August saw the Audis and the Volvo flying,two seconds quicker than in 1997. So that would point to a pole time of around 2ml4.8s, which is what many are tipping for Saturday morn ing. And,just for good measure, here’s my top 10 for the grid; Rydell,Richards Jr, Ingall, Harvey, Warwick,B Jones, Gravett, McLean, Morris and T Searle. Of course,I could be wrong... n The 1998 Bathurst 1000 will be the most international race ever at the moun tain. Ofthe 90 drivers entered on the entry list, 39 don’t call Austraha “home’;two Swedes, a Scot, seven Poms and a record 29 New Zealanders,including 20 in Schedule S cars. There is also a Queenslander who fives in the USA(Morris), a Victorian who fives in England(Richards Jr)and an NZer fi-om England and another from Melbourne (Radisich and Murphy). n There was to be a record number of women in the race,five-Paula Cook,Jenni Thompson,Heidi O’Neill(in STs), Carol Jackson and Megan Kirkham (in GTP cars) -until the DC Cook entiy pulled out last week. n'The race also marks a retmn to Super Touring for Yokohama with Mark Adderton/Jamie Wall and Blair Smith/Jim Cornish. While some Independents have run on old Yoko stock this season the Japanese rubber hasn’t been seen on frontnmning cars since BMW officially switched to Michelin at the start oflast season.

Corolla), a Nissan, a Ford Telstar, a Honda Integra and a Suzuki Baleno, the first car of the make ever to take on the Mountain.

This could be the start of something big; there are similar classes in South Africa, Germany, Belgium and Italy, and there were 30 cars on the grid in a Group N race recently - in, of all places, Norway...

IN the Production class there are less cars but still a lot of interest. Look for the Ratcliff/Full Toyota Camry to lead the way, though the Watkinson. Gardiner Mazda which went so well at Sandown should lead the chase.

Formula Ford Champ Adam Macrow should also bear watching (especialy over the top) in Allan Letcher’s Honda Civic.

-PHILBRANAGAN

n General admission prices start finm $12 on Thursday only to $120 for a Raceweek pass(Wed - Sun). Wednesday is fi^for all, while a paddock pass is $35.

Tickets are available irom Ticketek. n The Sony PlayStation Rally will arrive for their Bathurst stage the Friday before qualifying starts. Sept. 25(tomorrow).

-PHILBRANAGAN

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24

INTERVIEW

25SepMffW8

Steven Richards disappeared from the Sheii Austraiian Touring Car Championship six months ago, but returns to Bathurst next week armed with the fastest Super Touring car in the worid, Nissan's works.Primera.

PHIL BRANAGAN spoke to him on the eve of his assauit on the AMP Bathurst 1000.

Motorsport News: How did the Nissan drive happen? From the outside it iooked pretty sudden.

Steven Richards: Probably not.

When we were running the Nissan Primera last year with Garry (Rogers Motorsport) we had a lot of technical support through Nissan Motorsport Europe.

That’s where it started. I was the one that was on the phone all the time, speaking to them. At the first race in the car at Phillip Island they sent out Richard Divila, one of their design engineers, to give us a hand. At Bathurst another engi neer, Chris Crawford, came out to heip us. It was the Bathurst qualify ing session that really set a stan dard for them; they had forgotten what that spec of car was like and they were very happy to see that it was oniy 1 second off the current modei Renault around there.

From there I was invited to a test in Spain. To me it was always on the cards that something would happen, but I don’t say too much because-sometimes you start taiking and nothing happens.

Then at the weekend of the Lakeside V8 race (March 28-29), the phone call came through on Saturday night. I didn’t do anything about it because I wanted to con centrate on what I was doing there.

On Monday, when I got home, I rang them up. They said, ’the job is yours. Get on a plane as soon as you can’. So I went.

Realistically, you would be silly to pass up an opportunity like that.

Even if I don’t get a drive next year or the year after I’ve got absolutely no regrets In doing what I’ve done; l I’ve learned so much that will hold me In good stead for whatever I do in the future.

And Garry always said, ‘lf you get an opportunity and want to do it, there’s absolutely no problem’.

Garry was great; there’s no prob lem at all with him and we’re still very good friends. We speak often.

MN: With the progress you made with GRM, was that hard to leave behind?

SR: For sure. We were very much a family in some ways. It was never a case of, when you go home after a race, you switch off and think about football, or some thing else. My whole life is motor racing.

Living with those guys for three years - on weekends and in the workshops until all hours - our team had an unbelievably good relationship. When we went away, we wouldn’t get separate rooms;

we were small enough that we would get a big room and ail camp in together. It was a situation a lot different to most other drivers.

MN: So how did you fit at Nissan, a team that was estab lished and about to become very successful?

SR: I didn’t have a problem with it.

It was just a case of getting to know all the people there and fit ting in with the team. I think I’m an easy enough sort of guy to be at ease with everything and, very quickiy, I became part of the furni ture.

It’s worked out great. I get on well with all the guys and the drlyers and their success this season has been phenomenal.

MN: How busy are you? What’s your routine in the build-up to a race weekend?

SR: I do any of the testing that David Lesiie and Anthony Reid don’t want to do. We do a lot of testing at proving grounds for aero dynamics and things like that and I do ail of that.

My circuit time is limited to the TOGA test days prior to the race meetings which is generaliy three hours in the afternoon one day and three hours in the morning the next day. It’s not a lot of time in the car.

If David or Anthony have a problem with their car or they want to try the test car - which is always at a slightly different spec with develop ment bits or something differentthey can jump in the car at any stage and have a run.

Some days are good and some aren’t so good. But, learning the circuits and doing it the way I’ve done it this year, there’s no doubt that if I get an opportunity, it’s going to be good. I’ve driven around the circuits, I know what the tyres are like and I’ve had a lot of experience with the car. It’s defi nitely the best way to. have done it if something does eventuate.

MN: GRM was a pretty small team. What’s Nissan’s BTCC team like?

SR: It’s quite phenomenal. I’ve gone from one extreme to the other.

Nissan is a little bit different to most teams. Nissan Motorsport Europe do all the design work inhouse but they let Ray Mallock Limited do some of the work to ease the load. But most is done at NME. RML is contracted to run the cars and the build of the cars all

Prodigal comes together at RML. It seems to work quite well.

At a race meet ing there would have to be 30 peo ple. I’m sure people would think, ’30 peo ple, give me a break!”. But, I guaran tee you, each one of those people would not have a spare minute.

They all have their tasks and they’re aiways flatout doing something. It amazes me.

The Nissan team are aiways the last in the garage at night. Quite often, come quaiifying, they’ll work on the cars u midnight. It’s a BIG effort MN:What about the English scene? The BT is a big deal, obviously think that the Shell Ser a big deal. Can you cor the two?

SR: I think you can. The a huge population and th can justify the financial a of the series.

But, the competition; I believe that if you took th guys from Australia and | in BTCC cars or put the t guys in V8s, and give the or four months to acclime tracks and the cars, the c tion level would be the S£ Anywhere in the world, a extreme level, there’s no ence. The money side of the UK is huge and the n turer involvement is just I They really strive for perf MN:The Primeras have pie patch this season. \ makes it so good?

SR: On some circuits, in testing or qualifying, there can be six guys within a tenth of a second at the front of the field. It’s very much attention to detail. They cover everything and, like I said, they are always the last people in the paddock at night.

Everything is spot-on. The infra structure of the team is excellent. It all starts right from the seed; it’s doesn’t just happen, it’s right back to the secretaries through to the efficient operation of a business.

The car is incredibly quick. Over a single lap the car is going to be electric at Bathurst. I know some of the other teams have done dis tance tests at different places and

Iguarantee you, each one ofthose 30people would not have a spare minute. They all have their tasks and me they^re alwaysflat-out doing something. It amazes

25Seple!m}998

25

The car is incredibly quick. Over a single lap the car is going to be electric at Bathurst./can’t think ofa thing on the car that’s going to be a problem, reliability-wise.

they haven’t had to change to spec of the cars very much at all. I can’t think of a thing on the car that’s going to be a problem, reliabilitywise.

The biggest thing against us is that we haven’t had the opportunity to have a run because the Bathurst project happened so late. The car will be fast enough to win the race and 1 think we have to go into it with a car that’s incredibly well-pre pared, on the button and see where we end up.

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MN- Voij’ve done everything

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race and Matt Neal ly in good form, lod thing with Matt he has an under)f the car and he’s !circuit before. He’s I to be green and we excellent chance, ave all of Nissan’s behind us and the car I to be the same spec UK and German cars :ar is a ’98 car. I can’t iy reason why, with isources behind us, an’t get the car to go k. :Your major oppoion could be your d.

R: I think definitely, he fact that Volvo ,nd Vauxhall have ione distance run ning is to their advan tage. And the Audis, obviously, have proven reliability.

We need a good lead-up to slap the

r

car on the grid as high up as we can and we’ll go for it.

MN: Your long-term future is, hopefully, going to be in the BTCC? SR: That was always the intention.

To be the test driver was the first goal, with the opportunity to drive if it arose. Apart from being the test driver, I’m the relief driver. If David or Anthony fall ill. I’m the guy that goes into the car.

But that doesn’t make me the first one on the list for a drive. With Anthony going (to Ford) he will be a hard guy to replace. They have a tough decision to make; come the first race next year, their car wins.

There are probably four or five experienced guys that have an advantage in making that happen.

But, who knows? I’m sure that I’m on the list and I can only hope.

MN: There’s been a lot of people raising their hand for the drive since the shock announcement about Reid ieaving the team.

Everyone seems to be scram bling for the seat.

SR: Sure. Touring cars in Britain a few years ago were seen as an old man’s sport. Now it’s not. It’s somewhere to cut your teeth and even young guys find it very appealing to be involved in the BTCC. Obviously, it looks good on their CV because it’s so competi tive in itself.

The extreme competition is something that they’re going to benefit from whatever they do, so it’s appealing to everyone. And a drive with Nissan at the moment is a plum seat.

DON'T LET THE MILD LOOKS FOOL YOU... Ray Mallock Limited and Nissan Motorsport Europe have developed the Primera into the car to beat in Super Touring. Since April the car has won seven races; hang on, that's when Richards started with the team as test driver...

(Photo by sothweii Photographic)

Good Guys, Bad Guys

ONE of the more interesting driving combina tions at Bathurst is Greg Murphy and Russell Tngallj who in 1997 were not the best of chums.

After the Mallala SheE Series round, Murphy was asked whether he thought that series contender IngaE was a worthy winner of the title that eventually went to Glenn Seton. His response was that he thought the title should go to the most deserving driver - and that, in his opinion,that was not IngaE. But, since then, the two have settled the matter.

“It was never an issue,” says Murphy now.^“We have no problems. RusseE is an exceEent driver, it’s great to have him. We should be a strong combination,”

Miutrphy will arrive in Bathurst straight from racing jet boats in the USA so, after his wet Sandown 500 drive, he should be in top form if it rains again.

“I was happy with my driving at Sandown.

It’s been tough sitting on the sidelines for most of the year, but I am pleased with the way Fm driving.

“I know some people may make noises about Russell and I driving the Vectra, but we’re rac ing drivers. The car is capable of winning the race, I just like driving race cars and we can win the race.

“If there were four races at Bathurst this year,Fd Eke to drive in them...” ^ -PHILBRANAGAN

2S

25September W98

Tactics and tyres turn the tide Report by DAVID HASSALL a rare tyre advantage to turn Russell Ingall made theHolden most of the tables on the Photos by DIRK KLYNSMITH Racing Team in a sodden Tickford 500 on September 13, beating 1-2 in the Tickford-sponsored race and in the middle of Ford’s AU Skaife/Lowndes by over a minute.

The Castrol Perkins team called Falcon range launch.

And Tomas Mezera even had a the strategies perfectly and Ingall did the rest in an awesome final good run in his new VT, finishing stint to turn near disaster - when ninth with Teny Finnigan.

Fords finished 3-4-5 with John Perkins himself spun and somehow drove through the sodden sand - Bowe and Cameron McConville into an unlikely victory. clearly best of the blue oval brigade The Mobil team was left licking ■all weekend in the lead Shell entry. its wounds, having been beaten in Glenn Seton and Neil Crompton the pits as much as on the track, managed fourth in the Ford Credit where the Bridgestone wets were entry two laps behind, not far ahead clearly not as good in the monsoonal of Jason Bright and Steve Richards, conditions as the Dunlops. who^ combined well in the Pirtek Falcon.

Of course it is easy to be wise in hindsight, but even at the time HRT Greg Murphy and Mark Noske looked to have erred badly in not survived a few dramas to take sixth calling leader Mark Skaife in for V for MHRT from Jim Richards and fresh tyres as soon as the safety car Jason Bargwanna in the leading came out late in the race when he Valvoline Commodore.

The Gibson team had reason to be was leading by over a minute.

In not doing so, Skaife was left to pleased with their effort as both defend only a -10-second advantage Wyrms cars finished in the top ten, over Ingall.

Hossack and Pate m eighth and new recruits David Parsons and Simon With Skaife on ragged tyres and Ingall on fresh heavily-grooved Wills tenth.

Dunlops, it was no contest. Russell Steve Reed and Trevor Ashby ran him down and ran away with dominated the privateer class, ease. despite the precaution of starting It was certainly a good day for the race from the safety of pit lane, Holden, though, with the two front finishing eight laps ahead of the running VT Commodores finishing next best entry running the

Yokohama control tyres.

There were a few incidents, but the carnage was relatively light con sidering the race distance and the atrocious conditions, only 10 cars retiring out ofthe 33 starters.

The worst damage was suffered

by Paul Romano and Paul Weel in separate incidents.

■rS'

Practice and Qualifying

0

f the 34 cars entered, 33 turned up for the weekend, the only non-starter being the Falcon of Steve Cramp and Gaiy Baxter. Of the rest, there were 11 Falcons and 22 Commodores.

The weather was sure to play a big part in the weekend’s proceed ings, but after the dry qualifying sessions it was the Mobil Holden Racing Team which asserted its superiority as Skaife set the fastest time in the VT, just a few hun dredths of a second ahead of Greg Mmphy in the older VS. Interestingly, Skaife’s fastest lap of lmll.9148s was only marginally faster than John Bowe’s pole time for the SATCC round in February (Imll.9559s) as the temperature was considerably cooler and the track was being washed at regular intervals.

Jason Bright was comfortably the fastest of the Ford drivers, thirdfastest in the Pirtek car and lifting

his game even further with the arrival of Steve Richards according to team boss Ross Stone.

Fourth was Mitre lO’s Mark Larkham in the second Stone Brothers-prepared Falcon, continumg the Queensland team’s hot form this year as well as the Sydney dri ver’s own resurrection.

Two more Falcons were next fastest - Bowe from Seton - showing that the Fords are always a threat on the Sandown circuit.

Bowe^was having trouble with locking rear- brakes and had an off at the end of the straight, sending him into the barriers but doing only hght damage to the front end.

“It was strange because I actually bfaked six metres earlier when I went off,” JB reported. “We’re hop ing that it will be better with a fiiU fuel load.”

Seton had a big moment late in the session when a wheel came loose coming onto the straight, Glenn lucky to keep the wayward Falcon from pitching itself into the wall.

The problem was found to involve eight new wheels, which later required a small amount of machin ing to avoid a repeat.

Team boss Larry Perkins elected to do the qualifying duties for the Castrol team, despite teammate Ingall’s incredible speed all year, and finished qualifying in seventh place.

Jim Richards settled back into the swing of V8 racing quickly to be next fastest in the first of the Valvoline Commodores, six-tenths faster than a disappointed Jason Bargwanna, who missed out on the top ten shoot out by two places. /Completing the top ten were two V^more Falcons, Dick Johnson (with a new engine after having a misfire on Friday) just ahead of Tony Longhurst, who had actually topped the sheets in the wet qualify ing session.

“The race package we have is as good as I have ever had for a long distance race, wet or dry,” said a happy Longhurst.

Just missing the shoot-out was Alan Jones, leaving him llth on the grid alongside Bargwanna.

Mark Poole was his usual effec tive self, putting his ageing exPerkins Commodore onto the inside of the seventh row.

He was joined by Wayne Gardner, making his return to the local scene in his Coke Commodore, which had not turned a wheel since the GP at Albert Park in March.

Wayne quickly established him self as the leading Yokohama run ner, a quarter of a second ahead of the first Wynns car and the new Mezera VT. Paul Romano was disappointed to

LIGHTING UP... Craig Lowndes sets the track alight as he leads the race, but the decision not to stop when the Safety Car came out late in the race cost HRT any chance of winning.

(Photo by Thunder-Pics)

n

25September W

SA ffA/N MASTERS... Ingall and Perkins celebrate after scoring an impressive victory in horrible conditions at Sandown (left). have represented a great recovery from such a disaster, but Skaife absolutely flew over the remainder of the lap and almost snatched the pole -faidng just 0.0216s short!

The Mobil cars remained on the front row, the positions reversed from the qualifying session.

Murf was a bit sheepish about the circumstances of getting pole, but then last year he was fastest in qualifying and only missed pole because of an engine problem dur ing the shoot-out. What goes around...

Skaife said he felt like “a bit of a dickhead” for going off.

“You would think after watching that performance that I’d been doing this job for two months rather than 15 years,” he said can didly, “but that was the first time I used the brakes hard [on that run] and it was like pulling on the hand brake.”

I

Skaife, Larkham and Bright topped the warm-up sheet from Dunlop’s Perkins, Longhurst and Johnson Jr, who had been nominated to start the race by his dad, who was still suffering from blocked sinuses.

Jim Richards was lucky to even survive the warm-up after being tagged by a spinning Dugal McDougall, who was obviously still coming to grips with his first V8 race day.

The race began in fine conditions, although it was pretty gloomy inside Alan Jones’ cockpit when the driveshaft snapped as soon as he dropped the clutch, ending his day there and then. No first V8 race for young Adam Macrow.

Bargwanna was also in trouble with a clutch problem but was at least able to get away at the tail of the field.

Up front, though, Bowe made an uncharacteristic screamer of a start and raced past the two Mobil cars, pole man Murphy in particular being very slow away.

Throughout the opening lap, Lowndes was all over Bowe looking for a way past and they quickly moved away from Bright and Perkins, who had stormed up from 10th on the grid to be 4th, just ahead of Larkham, Murphy, Longhurst, Johnson, Tander (up from 12th to 9th), Seton, Gardner,

be lining up only 15th. The engine Commodores of Michael Donaher, spot at the expense of Larkham had retarded and Paul was 17kmh , Bruce Williams and the Auto (who went from fourth to sixth), but Pro/Budweiser entry of Rod Nash, the big winner was Bowe, who down on the straights. jumped up to third despite being who was troubled by a brake prob Darren Pate was happy to he join very careful with his brake problem ing Romano on the eighth row, being lem.

Splitting the privateers was the in &e conditions. half a secopd and six places ahead of That left the two HRT cars and Parsons/WiUs in the second Wynns largely imtroubled Castrol Cougars Commodore.

Commodore, returning in the hands Murphy lay down the gauntlet with Race - Scheduled 161 Team boss Fred Gibson thought of Kerryn Brewer and Melinda a good smooth lap that sent him to laps reduced to 147 the top ofthe list. the Yokohama slicks would hang in Price.

It all came down to Skaife, but Rounding out the field were the all day but reckoned a very wet race dhwned gloomy once again and, although the warmGAMPS Falcon of Mike Conway and the qualifying king did a Perkins Sunday would suit them best tyre-wise.

Mezera was next in his new Chris Hones and the Commodores of and went offjust before the start of up was held in dry conditions, it Commodore from Paul Weel, the Russell/Ivory, Imrie/Rod Crick, the timed lap. He scrambled back looked likely that the afternoon youngster continuing to impress at Mork/Sieders and ... John onto the track but was more than would bring some rain - though not 20kmh slower down the front neces'sarily in the amount it even the wheel of his old Falcon.

Faulkner,^odd Kelly. tually did. straight.

That’s right, dead last.

An engine Formula Ford driver Dougal Bridgestone drivers Seton, Fifth or sixth on the grid would McDougall was settling into the ex- problem on his first lap out for quali SATCC Perkins-run VS Commodore fying left Faulkner tearing his hair and qualified 19th, joined on the out.

10th row by the Anthony Tratt Toll Transport Falcon he was sharing Top 10 Shoot-out e fickle weather turned the with old campaigner Bob Jones. _ shoot-out into a lottery which Greg Crick was bitterly disap pointed to be 21st. He had been 10th basically fell in favour of the qualify in the wet morning session with the ing order as the soaking track slowly Alcair Commodore and was faster dried.

Longhurst proved how happy he on old tyres on Friday than he man was with the Castrol Falcon when aged on new ones in qualifying.

Greg was right behind Bowe when he went out in the worst of the con ditions and set a time which could JB had his accident and in the con fusion hit the kerb hard, almost not be bettered by the next three Johnson, Bargwanna and Perkins rolling the Commodore and damag so he moved up two spots. ing the steering.

Having elected to qualify instead Fastest privateer on Control tyres, Steve Reed in the Lansvale of Ingall, Perkins made a meal ofthe attempt, going off just before the Commodore, was 23rd overall, hav start of the hot lap and then again ing had problems with power steer ing failure and an engine misfire during the timed lap itself.

Russell tried to be diplomatic, but which caused a brief muffler fire. must have uttered some unprintan The Lansvale car was a full sec ond faster than veteran Garry bles behind the scenes as he pon DELA YED John Faulkner was forced into the pits for a lengthy repairjob after being tagged by Romano s Willmington in Simon Emerzidis’ dered a position 10 start. the Seton was next out and gained a out of control Commodore, ending JFs hopes of a strong comeback from being test on the gnd. ex-Seton Falcon and

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SIGN LANGUAGE: The HSV sign that riled Ford executives.

Sinking the boot in

Holden’s ambush marketing reached a new level at Sandown as the company worked hard to counter the Tickford race spon sorship and the launch of the new AU Falcon range.

As well as sponsoring the Ten telecast, which somewhat negated the race sponsorship, HSV had an aeroplane fly over the circuit towing signs which read: HSV-A CLEAR WINNER FROM UP HERE, and HSV-ALWAYS FLYING HIGHER THAN TICKFORD. Not content with that, the only HSV car on display at the circuit had a sign in the window which read:“We cannot display our full range of superb vehicles. Naming rights sponsor Tickford won’t allow it. Now we have seen their new modeis we can understand why they are avoiding a compari son”.

Ooh, it’s getting nasty out there, isn’t it? n Russell Ingall certainly enjoys his bad boy reputation.

While every other driver had a national flag next to their names on the cars. The Enforcer just had a skull and crossbones ...

five weeks ago. Now he faces fur ther surgery soon in the hope of being comfortable at Bathurst. n HRT did an incredible 481 practice pit stops before the weekend. And it paid off. Their stops were consistently faster than everyone else and the long one - involving the mandatory brake pad change- was incredi ble. Of the ones we noted, the number 1 Mobil car spent just 45.6s in pit lane compared with 61.2s for the lead Perkins car, 75.6s for the lead Valvoline car and 84.7s for the #17 Shell Falcon.

n Paul Romano was inter viewed by the stewards at length, but no charges were laid due to lack of evidence in the incident involving Jason Bargwanna. For the record, the stewards cleared Bargs of any fault. n The telemetry on the Budweiser Commodore showed that Darren Edwards was travel ling 75kmh faster than Bill Sieders when he hit the back of Sieders’ Falcon at the end of the front straight, causing the last and critical Safety Car period. Both cars were badly damaged.

n GTP race winner Alfredo n How much does it cost to Costanzo has no problems being put in the veterans class. After all, run a V8 Supercar? Mobil HRT boss John Crennan said he had he actually competed in the very s.. worked it out at $1000 per car per first Sandown meeting back in 1962! lap for every lap completed in testing, practice and racing by the n Dick Johnson was not all team. You try to work out their that well over the weekend, hav budget... ing had further sinus treatment on - DAVID HASSALL top of the operation he had about

TOMAS THE TANK ENGINE... Mezera brought his new VT Commodore home in the top ten on its debut.

Poole, Pate,Parsons and Week As Bowe forced the leaders to bunch up, Murphy wasted httle time passing Larkham and set a hot pace to latch onto Perkins’ tail.

On lap 5, though, Lowndes final ly found a way past Bowe and the degree to which he was being held up was soon obvious as Craig’s lap times improved by a second a lap.

Bargwanna was flying through the field, but on lap 7 he collided with Romano, sending the Queenslander’s Commodore into the barriers heavily enough to rip a wheel off.

Faulkner, who had just been passed by Bargs, was also tagged in the incident and came to the pits for a long repair stop which mined their race.

He and Todd Kelly- who set some bHstering times in the wet- eventu ally finished 17th, but at least the experience was good for the youngster.

Soon after this incident, Longhurst’s good run came to an end when the Castrol Falcon’s engine failed.

On lap 10 Bright foimd a way past Bowe and he, too, quickly dropped his lap times and stabilised the gap to Lowndes, which had blown out to around three seconds.

Bowe simply couldn’t match the pace of the others and was soon past

CREDIT WHERE IT'S DUE... Glenn Seton and Neil Crompton took fourth after a difficult weekend.

also by Perkins and Murphy, then a couple oflaps later by Larkham and Seton.

By the time rain started falling on lap 20, Bowe was in 7th, but while everyone else dived into the pits for wets and fuel, JB decided to gamble and stayed out. He had httle to lose.

Larkham tried the same gamble and might have been in the lead except that Bowe re-took him as the rain started to tumble heavily.

By lap 29 Lowndes was back in the lead, as Bowe and Larkham belatedly headed for the pits. There was no sign of the rain easing, but it had been worth a try.

Bowe rejoined the race in 6th place, just behind teammate Steve Johnson, who was driving with great poise in trying conditions ... and with no windscreen wiper!

Murphy was also without a wiper, which made driving almost impossi ble, and he spim off into the barrier after only a few laps in the wet, dropping him to 13th.

Within 10 laps, Murf was back up tothough, an amazing 6th, despite not being able to see much further than his own bonnet.

Having waited one lap too long before^^topping. Bright had returned toThe race behind Perkins, but when LP was balked in traffic on lap 29 the blue Falcon driver took the opportunity and regained second place.

HR’Fs stop, however, had been a blinder and Lowndes was already 20.9s up the road.

After aU the stops, then, Lowndes was well clear of Bright and Perkins, who was 7.4s clear of Seton, then 10.9s to Johnson and another 3s to Bowe, who had Tander right behind him.

Tender’s great drive, which had brought him up to 7th, came to a thumping end on lap 31, though, as he tried to get past the tough Bowe.

Going over the top, the youngster was caught off-line on the outside and slid wide, slamming into the barrier and bouncing back next to the track. The car did not look too bad, but the impact had been very heavy.

'This brought out the Safety Car, which gave Steve Johnson the chance to stop again to see if the team could do anything about his wiper motor failure.

By the time the race re-started, there were only nine cars left on the lead lap - Lowndes, Bright, Perkins, Seton, Bowe, Murphy, Gardner, Jim Richards (who had taken over from Bargwanna) and

Johnson.

Crick had done well to be 10th from Weel, Poole, Parsons, Larkham,Pate and Mezera.

Reed was already leading the Control Tyre category, despite start ing the race from pit lane to avoid the expected first corner carnage, which never came.

The re-start went smoothly, but obviously Steve Johnson did not want to get caught behind people without wipers because he quickly disposed of both Murphy and Gardner to move into an incredible 6th.

Gardner had a brief off, which cost him places to Mxrrphy and Jim Richards, who gave the place back a few laps later when he spun and then pitted to demist the screen, dropping him a lap down.

Perkins had also succumbed to the conditions, sliding off at turn one. He hooked a low gear while the car was still moving and was able to drive through the hard-packed sand trap, dropping only two places (to Seton and Bowe)to be 5th.

Up front, Lowndes was simply driving away from the field, pulling one to two seconds on Bright while Johnson, incredibly, was the fastest Dunlop runner on the circuit.

The battle for second was hotting up and on lap 47 Bright was passed

by Seton and then Bowe two laps later.

Bowe was now going hard on the impressive Dunlop wets and man aged to get past Seton on lap 49, but he was now 19.2s behind the lead HRT car.

The Dunlops were working the best and, while Bowe staided peg ging back the leader, Perkins moved m on Bright and then Seton, taking back 5th place on lap 62.

Bright had slipped back into the clutches of Johnson and Murphy, the latter starting the next round of stops on lap 68, handing over to Noske, who suddenly found the wipers working when he went out!

The were getting worse andconditions the replacement drivers had trouble adapting.

Stokell spun Gardner’s Coke Commodore out of the race and a likely good finish while Crompton was able to continue after spinnmg Seton’s Ford Credit Falcon on his out lap!

By the time Lowndes and Perkins pitted around lap 80, the lap times had blovra, out by around five seconds.

In fact, it was so bad now that the Safety Car was brought out, which disadvantaged new leader Bowe, who did not need to stop for

%

^®0®[FS[J)®[F0^

25September 1998

23

ABOVE LEFT: Jim Richards brings the Valvoiine Commodore into the pits and hands back to Jason Bargwanna, who brought the car home 7th. (Photo by Mpix) ABOVE: Dugal McDougall spins the Perkins SATCC Commodore in the warm-up, coiiecting Jim Richards as he tries to siide past.

(Photo by Phil Williams) LEFT: John Bowe made a demon start to lead from the second row of the grid. Here he is foiiowed through turn one by Lowndes, Bright, Murphy, Ingail and the rest of the pack. grooves, Ingall was able to slash 2.5s a lap out of the lead, passing Skaife on lap 117 and racing away by a similar margin to put the race beyond doubt.

While everyone else was splashing around in lm31s. Ingall was turning out lm27s every lap and later said he had another second or more up his sleeve. It was incredible the difference those a while because of his late first stop when he had stayed on slicks for an extra 10 laps.

Bowe had led by 71.7s, but that came down to 10s over Skaife in the HRT VT as everyone formed up behind the Safety Car. By the time the race re-started, only three cars were on the lead lap (Bowe, Skaife and Ingall) and the conditions were no better than before as the leaders could do no better than ImSls laps.

Bowe, who probably should have stopped as soon as the Safety Car came out, went only six laps before pitting, swapping over to Cameron McConville and making the mandatory brake pad change.

That left Skaife with a lead of

about 10s over Ingall, with McConville now a minute further back in third but matching the leaders for speed.

After 20 laps battling with poor visibility and not feeling too well, Dick Johnson was snared by Robert Smith’s Commodore and came in with damage to the front.

But he decided not to worry about repairing the car, saying that they should not even be rac ing in those conditions (particu larly without wipers).

“I’d rather stop now and have a car for Bathurst than buggarise around here,” he snapped as car 17 was wheeled away, having been a solid 6th.

Still, he was more than happy

with son Steve’s performance, which was one of the day’s stand outs.

As some unlikely names Hossack, Crosswell and Kelly to name three - proved their ability with some competitive lap times, the top three positions were quite stable, the only change being that Ingall dropped a few seconds in the 10 lap period before his final stop.

Back in the pits, though, Perkins knew that Russell needed even more grooves in the tyres and had a better set of Dunlops pre pared.

Then, when the Safety Car came out on lap 108 for an incident involving Edwards and Sieders

(badly damaging both cars), the Castrol team called Ingall in straight away.

It was a winning move.

HET for some reason left Skaife out, despite the fact that his tyres were weU worn and he was not far away from needing to stop anyway.

Ingall had been 14s behind when he putted, lost a further 37.7s in pit lane making the stop, but still returned to the track in the queue behind Skaife. en racing resumed five laps V^ater, Ingall was just 8s behind Skaife - closer than before he had made the stop!

On fresh tyres, with more

tyres made.

After splashing around hopeless ly for 11 laps, Skaife finally made his last stop and rejoined 15.5s behind McConviUe. On fresh tyres, Skaife hauled the Shell Falcon in at two seconds a lap (passing him on lap 133) but was still dropping about a second a lap to Ingall, Russell was 74s clear when the race was finally timed out after 147 laps, It was an awesome team effort and Ingall paid tribute to them after the race, sajdng that Larry had “called it just right”.

There was little Skaife could say about being beaten tactically so badly, but he had driven faultless-

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25 September 1998

ly and second place was hardly a bad result given that for once he and Lowndes were at a tyre disad vantage.

McConville finished less than 10s behind in third, having picked up the pace after resting his tyres, but not stopping with the Safety Car had also cost he and Bowe and win ning opportunity.

Crompton had a couple of ofis, one of which required a new front dam, but brought the Seton Falcon home fourth after passing Steve Richards (Pirtek Falcon) and Noske (HRT Commodore)in the last 30 laps.

Richards/Bright were fifth from Murphy/Noske, the latter lucky to make it to the finish after coughing on their last drops of petrol on the last lap.

A lap further back in 7th were Jim Richards and Jason Bargwanna in the Valvoline Commodore, a lap clear of Hossack and Pate’s Wynn’s car, Mezera and Finnigan in the Densitron VT and the second Wynn’s VS of Parsons and Wills, the New Zealander impressing the team with his first V8 drive.

Pate had also put in a big effort and was nursing a headache after wards which was only calmed by the relief of a good finish.

Just out of the topJones 10 (who were Larkham and Brad had a couple of spins in the wet) and Reed/Ashby, who were eight laps clear of Donaher/Lindstrom. (who had replaced a broken tailshaft)for Control Tyre honours.

Greg Crick and Dean Crosswell finished 13th in the Ericsson/Trust Bank Commodore after replacing,a tie rod end when Crosswell was innocently involved in the Edwards/Sieders accident.

FLYING HIGH... John Bowe had an excellent weekend, qualifying well, leading early and finishing third on the lead lap. He and co driver Cameron McConville were the top-placed Ford team.

replaced a panhard rod damaged in the Johnson incident), Russell/Ivoiy (electrical troubles) and Brewjer and Price survived a^ Conway/Hones (too many problems brush with Lowndes to bring the" to list).

Cougars Commodore home 14th, Not classified were McDougall well clear of Donaher/Lindstrom, and Wylie in the Perkins Poole and Scott (who survived hit Commodore, who did complete suffi ting the wall in the esses) and cient laps after replacing a broken tie rod end.

Faulkner/Kelly.

Next were Willmington/ A similar problem affected the Emerzidis, Imrie/Rod Crick (battery Tratt/Bob Jones Falcon, who were trouble), Smith/Williams (who forced to retire near the finish. n

SPLASH AND DASH... Mark Larkham cuts his way through the gloom in the Mitre 10 Falcon. He managed to avoid the carnage, but still fin ished outside the top ten.

1998 Tickford 500 Final Results (147 laps) Sunday September 13 1998 Pos

Drivers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 NC DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF

Castrol Commodore VT Larry Perkins/Russell Ingall Mobil Commodore VT Craig Lowndes/Mark Skaife John Bowe/Cameron McConville Shell Helix'Falcon EL Ford Credit Falcon EL Glenn Seton/Neil Crompton Pirtek Falcon EL Jason BrighfCteven Richards Mobil HRT Commodore VS Greg Murphy/Mark Noske Valvoline/Cummins Commodore VS Jim Richards/Jason Bargwanna Darren Hossack/Darren Pate Wynn's Commodore VS Densitron Commodore VT Tomas Mezera/Terry Finnigan David Parsons/Simon Wills Wynn’s Commodore VS Mark Larkham/Brad Jones Mitre 10 Falcon EL Lansvale Commodore VS Steve Reed/Trevor Ashby Ericsson Commodore VS Greg Crick/Dean Crosswell Castrol Cougars VS Kerryn Brewer/Melinda Price Michael Donaher/Dean Lindstrom Ultra Tune Commodore VS Rosenberg Commodore VS Mark Poole/Tony Scott Betta/F&P Commodore VS John Faulkner/Todd Kelly Garry Wlllmington/Simon Emerzidis Simon’s Earthworks Falcon EL Armor-All Commodore VS Mike Imrie/Rodney Crick Smith’s Trucks Commodore VS Robert Smith/Bruce Williams D’arcy Russell/Colin Ivory - Rod Smith Commodore VS CAMPS Falcon EL Mike Conway/Chris Hones Aloe Quench Commodore VS Dugal McDougall/Jason Wylie Toll Express Falcon EL Anthony Tratt/Bob Jones Kees Weel Falcon EL Paul Weel/Neal Bates Rod Nash/Darren Edwards Autopro/Bud Commodore VS Shell Helix Falcon EL Dick Johnson/Steven Johnson Mork Commodore VP Richard Mork/Bill Sieders Coke/Donut King Commodore VS Wayne Gardner/Paul Stokell Valvoline/Cummins Commodore VS Garth Tander/Cameron McLean Castrol Falcon EL Tony Longhurst/Geoff Brabham Siemens Commodore VS Paul Romano/Steve Ellery Komatsu Falcon EL Alan Jones/Adam Macrow

Car

Time/Laps

Fastest Lap

Qualifying Qual Time Pos

3:45:09.55 3:46:23.19 3:46:32.99

1:13.4971 1:13.2802 1:13.9491 1:13.4185 1:13.2534 1:13.4416 1:14.1312 1:15.1798 1:15.3644 1:14.7866 1:13.5985 1:15.5614 1:14.7271 1:16.2262 1:16.6133 1:14.8537 1:14.5799 1:17.7610 1:20.8132 1:17.7082 1:18.0565 1:17.9745 1:15.5278 1:15.9215 1:15.3078 1:15.9434 1:14.2633 1:21.1908 1:14.3529 1:14.3351 1:14.3623 1:14.7342 No Time

1:25.9809 10 2 1:22.4050 1:22.4548 3 1:23.3160 5 4 1:22.4990 1 1:22.3834 1:24.6735 9 1:13.9969 16 1:14.0470 17 1:14.4894 22 6 1:23.7833 1:14.4938 23 1:14.3513 21 1:15.2199 24 1:15.5853 26 1:13.6311 13 1:53.1030 33 1:15.4680 25 1:17.3328 31 1:16.0825 27 1:16.9327 30 1:16.8298 29 1:14.2134 19 1:14.2493 20 1:14.1064 18 1:16.0915 28 8 1:24.3714 1:27.4173 32 1:13.7152 14 1:13.2732 12 7 1:24.1355 1:13.7377 15 1:13.1770 11

145 laps 145 laps 145 laps 144 laps 143 laps 143 laps 143 laps 142 laps 141 laps 139 laps 138 laps 133 laps 133 laps 131 laps 128 laps 127 laps 123 laps 121 laps 119 laps 109 laps 125 laps 122 laps 102 laps 99 laps 94 laps 73 laps 30 laps 7 laps 6 laps 0 laps

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Factory 10/63 Voltri Street Mentone VIC 3194 Ph: 03 9584 7177

25Ssplstnbsfm8

The Italian Job

By AARON NOONAN

EXPERIENCED Alfredo Costanzo and young gun Dean Canto combined to win the DAMPS Insur ance Endurance Classic at Sandown in a simply crushing performance hy the turbocharged Maser-

ati Ghibli.

Canto crossed the line nine seconds clear of the Ferrari F355 of John Bowe/Neil Crompton, and a lap ahead of the Max and Luke Warwick Porsche 911 RSCS. Newly crowned Australian GT-P champ Dominic Beninca snatched the lead from the Ghibli with slick pit work during the compulsory driver change, but co-driver Garry, Waldon was involved in an incident whilst lapping the Chadwick/Myhill Magna in the closing stages of the event, putting them out.

Qualifying

M

aserati snared its first ever pole position in Australian GTP car racing, Costanzo just 0.2s ahead of the Bowe/Crompton Ferrari, the speed of the Ghibli in a straight line simply awesome.

Ed Aitken and Peter Fitzgerald were the leading Porsche in third, but 3.3s off the pole pace.

In their debut, the Paula Elstrek/Perry Spiridis Ferrari F355 snared fourth.

looking for a strong run,just ahead of Halliday/Wallis Evo (Lancer V), Cartwri^t/D’Agostin(Supra) and, back in a lowly seventh was Beninca/Waldon.

Having left it too late to change from wet tyres to shcks in the damp qualifying session, the Porsche duo would start just ahead of the WarwickAVarwick 911

uses.

Mark King led Class B in his Lancer Evo III, while Tony Longhmst put the AU Falcon XR6 that he shared with AFL celebrity Sam Newman on pole in Class C. Despite a morning prac tice crash. Matt Lehmann and Megan Kirkham led Class D, and Aaron McGill and Don Pulver (Suzuki Svidft) headed Class E.

Race(43 laps)

F

rom the start, Bowe leapt away to lead, but would be penalised with a stop-go penalty for jumping the gun, a penalty he took on lap two. The Ferrari rejoined at the tail of the top

10.

Costanzo charged into the lead, while Beninca made a great start, moving to third.

Straight away Alfie set out on a mission to build a large gap, and pulled away with ease from the Beninca Porsche. By lap four the Maserati had the lead by 2.4s and two laps later hit traffic for the first time.

The Class B fight was

3f

THE MASER RACE... The House of Maserati’s Ghibli Cup car had been a disappointment in the Century Batteries GTP series but, with wily old Alfredo Costanzo and pup Dean Canto, the Italian Stallion had too much for the opposition at Sandown. tight. King dicing with the similar car of John Trimbole, while the V8 Commodore of Mark Cohen had seized the lead in Class C. Bowe quickly made amends for the stop-go, tak ing Warwick and Elstrek in quick succession. The Maserati though was simply unstoppable, stretching the gap to 13.5s after lap ten.

Aitken was holding a Solid third, from a recovered Bowe, Warwick, Elstrek, Halhday, and D’Agostin.

Despite some niggling gearbox problems. Grant Kenny’s Subaru with Scott Jacobs at the wheel was up to fourth in class B. All of the Maserati’s gap evaporated 15 minutes into the one horn- event with the safety car making its first appearance for the day fol lowing a collision between the Kirkham/Lehmann Mazda 626 and the Chadwick/Myhill Magna, which left the Mazda with severe front end damage.

They eventually called it a day after 30 laps.

Another Mazda had taken the lead in Class D, Watkinson/Gardiner staving off the Letcher/Edwards Civic.

The pit window opened at one-third distance (20 laps) and Fitzgerald jumped into the Aitken Porsche which had up to this point held a solid fourth place, rejoining

in eighth, stop confusion over, the Costanzo put the hammer leaderboard read Waldon, down on the restart, setting Canto, Crompton, Spiridis the race’s fastest lap on lap (who would lose some time 16 (lml8.688s) while with a spin on lap 32), Luke Berdnca had his mirrors full Warwick, Cartwright’s Supra, ofBowe’s F355.

Wallis, Dean’s Soarer, and The rain started sprinkling Damien White in the very lightly on lap 20, as the Trimbole Lancer leading ClassB. hghtning fast Maserati fur Newman slowly slipped ther pulled away, to lead by 12 seconds, lapping in the back down the Class C lml9s bracket. standings, nabbed by Bowe finally got by Andrew Miedecke in the Beninca through the Esses older model EL XR6, and on lap 24 after a tough but then by Geoff Full’s Camry.

'Traffic hampered Waldon, fair dice, and inherited the lead as Costanzo pulled in to allowing Canto to close the hand over to Canto. gap to almost nothing by lap Fitzgerald groimd to a halt 34, the 17 year-old pushing on the back straight on lap the Ghibh right to the hmit 25 with driveshaft failure in at times.

Waldon then closed on the the Aitken Porsche.

On that same lap it was Magna of Robert Chadwick Beninca in to swap with and attempted to pass at the esses before the Brock Waldon. The stop was fan tastic, the out lap equally Straight. The Magna driver good, enabling Waldon to^ simply didn’t see the loomsnare the lead when Bowe 4ng black beauty, and pitted to hand over to tamed in.

Waldon nailed him in the Crompton Crompton, right rear, and spun the rejoined in second, 5s in arrears of the Porsche. That Mitsubishi around. He was the least of his.wopies. clipped the rotating car on Canto latched onto the rear his way through, thus spin of the Faz and shot past on ning his own vehicle. The steering was bent, a tyre was the back straight on lap 29.

Longhurst brought in the flat, and a guard damaged,so Falcon to hand over to Waldon slowly made it back Newman, while Canto set to pitlane to retire.

He then vented his frustra about bridging the margin of tion on national television. seven seconds to Waldon.

“The standard of driving 'The gap was at 8.4 seconds after lap 30, and with the pit in this race is a bloody dis-

grace. I was right alongside him (Chadwick) and he turned straight into me.

Why don’t they bloody look in their mirrors? There’s a few floggers out there, I tell you” he said angrily.

That gave Canto enough breathing space, as he eased out in the lm21 bracket, keeping a gap of nine sec onds back to Crompton.

The battle of the celebri ties was raging, Ironman Kenny taking footballer Newman for 13th outright, while McGill headed the httle car debate in Class E. 'Try as he might Crompton couldn’t make an impression on the Maserati, and Canto took the chequer nine sec onds up. Warwick took a well deserved third from Cartwright, Spiridis, Halliday, and Dean. White held out the HSV of Davis/Baxter to win Class B. Miedecke/Hunt rounded out the top ten and also were winners in Class C from the Ratcliff/Full and the Camry, CohenMiller Commodore.

Gardiner/Watkinson held out Letcher/Edwards for a win in Class D, while the Proton of Kosi Kalaitzidis won Class E on the road. He however was later disquali fied for a driving time infringement, handing the to class victory McGUl/Pulver.

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32

25Seplmbef1S98

By PHIL BRANAGAN

WHO’S Jason Liefting? That swimmer who won bronze at the Commonwealth Games? The man who videotaped Bill Clinton jogging? Not the punter who argued with Pauline Hanson on the news last week?

Nope. The 20-year-old Aucklander is the latest New Zealander to make an impression in his first Formula Holden race at Sandown. In the first wet race on Saturday he trailed pole sitter Owen Osborne across the line but, come race two in finer Sunday conditions, he blew the field away at a pace that Gold Star fi-ontrunners Scott Dixon and Todd Kelly would find competitive.

Behind Liefting and Osborne in race one came Brenton Ramsay, but a Sunday clash saw the two out of contention in the second start, allow ing Akihiro Asai, having a steady run in Chris Hocking’s Reynard, to take second from Les Crampton (who was fourth in race one).

Entry and Qualifying With the Big Gunstheir of the heels class either cooling (Dixon) or driving Commodores for the weekend (Mark Noske and Kelly) a disappointing 10 cars showed for the two races.

In the solo qualifying session Osborne triumped over the condi tions to take his first FH pole, the Melbomne'driver swapping top spot with Ramsay and Liefting. In the end a lml6.09s was goop enough.

Liefting, the Formula Ford NZ rookie of the year, quickly came to grips with the car and conations fol lowing a 50 lap familiarisation ses sion at Oran Park and took second from Asai.

Ramsay was fourth from Craig Bastian, who was destined not to start when the ex-WiUiams Reynard cninched an engine in the second, timed session. Crampton followed from Chas Jacobsen, Brian Sampson (Lola), Chas Talbot, Ian Peters and Garry Haywood.

Race 1 (9 laps) To sayfined it was raining whenofthe cars up is something an understatement; it was teeming, and a Svet race’ was declared. ' Osborne leapt away from Liefting at the green, while Asai was slowly away, just holding Crampton. From the rear Haywood was quickly into stride and, after a lap, led Ramsay (who had a small lose in the second corner), Jacobsen, Sampson and Talbot.

Ramsay wasted no time in getting serious about Crampton, slicing past in the rain and he followed past Haywood two laps later and started to close on Asai. The Japanese didin’t help the cause by gyrating at Repco on lap four, allowing Ramsay through and Haywood to close and move past a lap later.

Despite having a comfortable lead, even Osborne wasn’t immune to the

conditions. After a moment at Dandenong Road on lap four cost him 4s, Liefting got within striking distince but the Melbourne driver put his foot down and, after setting his fastest lap, re-establised the gap and held on to win by almost a sec ond.

Behind Liefting came Ramsay, half a minute clear of Crampton, Haywood and Hocking.

WIZARD OF OSSIE... It rained hard on Saturday, but no-one told Owen Osborne who was the class of the field In the NHP Reynard. That's Les Crampton In the spray behind him.

(Photos by Dirk Klynsmith)

Cotter, Owen share FFs

Race 2(10 laps) Like thethe firststart. race. Race 2 wasand aU about Ramsay Osborne tangled at the first comer and, while they were sorting them selves out, Liefting grabbed the lead and immediately established a gap.

Osborne got going again only to have another moment half a lap later, but Ramsay was through for the day.

Behind the NZer Asai was second from Crampton, Haywood, Jacobsen, Peters, ^ Sampson, Talbot and Osborne.

And Liefting just drove away.

After settling down he dipped into thq ImlOs and stayed there, with solid best of lml0.09s on the penulti mate lap. He cruised home by 14s in an extremely impressive debut.

Behind there was action. Asai was second and determined to stay there, despite the fact that Crampton was sawing away in his mirros for the entire race. The Birrana car made the big effort on the final lap but Asai had enough in hand at the flag.

Further back was a photocopy of the battle, with Jacobsen holding off Haywood in similar fashion, the vet eran keeping fourth at the flag by Is. Peters, Sampson and Osborne fol lowed.

FORMULA FORD racing at Sandown is always intense, what with the straights and all but, even by FF standards, the two races at Sandown were spectacular.

Justin Cotter and Steve Owen took the wins but that hardly seemed important as Ashley Seward, Alex Davison, Greg Ritter and CO put one some great battles.

Qualifying and Saturday’s racing was held in awful, wet conditions but the weather came right for a superb race on Sunday.

As with most Sandown races qualifying was less important than at most tracks, but if the drivers knew that they did not let the secret out.

Ritter put his recent disappoint ments behind him by taking pole with a lml9.95s lap, just clear of Seward and Kelly’s Spectrums, while Christian Murchison, Davison and Aaron McNally followed.

Cotter was seventh ahead of (another) second generation driver Stuart Kostera, an impressive Leaime Ferrier and Timo Hulkko, who hauled his Swift into the top 10, which was covered by all of0.8s.

Race 1 (8 laps) JASON AT PLAY... Liefting made a strong Formula Holden debut.

Ritter won the start to lead Cotter, Seward, McNally, Kelly and Davison

GET OFF MEI How to keep your head under pressure; Nick GrahamBoag surfs ovec the top of Karl Seeburg.(PhoiosbyDirkKiynsmm

I and the works VD looked like gettii^ the win,Ritter pulling a 1.21s lead in two laps.

But Cotter, initially with Davison glued to his gearbox, closed the gap and Ritter slid off the track at Dandenong Road, losing 10s and dropping to seventh.

That left Cotter with a command ing lead, which he played out to a narrow (0.47s) win over the Wynns car, with Owen,Ihe recovering Ritter, Ceveri and McNally following.

If Saturday was less than exciting.

Sunday made up for it. Cotter won the drag race but a lap 2 grassy moment left Owen, Seward and Davison up front.

The thi^ put on one of the great FF battles. At least three times they crested the back straight across the track and it was anyone’s race until Seward, who with Owen had pulled a gap on the Van Diemen, out-braked himselfon the last lap.

Owen held on and took the win barely (by 0.9s) from Davison with McNally, Stuart Kostera, Ceveri and Cotter.

-PHBL BRANAGAN

%

Mark's Dover

Mark Martin set a blistering pace at Dover on September 20, leading 379 of 400 laps for his sixth win of the year, this time over Jeff Gordon.

Gordon led for the first and only time on lap 173, taking the point from Martin on pit road, but Mark soon bolted past to once again dominate proceedings.

During the fourth caution, NASCAR controversially black-flagged Gordon, after the Hendrick team had made some right front wheel arch adjustments that inspectors did not like - this dropped Gordon to ninth on the restart, but once again after pit adjustments he moved back up through the pack.

Final positions: Martin (Ford), Gordon (Chevy), Mayfield (Ford), B Labonte (Pontiac), R Wallace (Ford), Kenseth (Ford), Jarrett (Ford), Ii’van (Pontiac) Andretti (Pontiac), - MARTIN D CLARK Hamilton (Chevy). n Veteran crew chief Mike HiUman has joined Donlavey Racing as crew chief for driver Dick Trickle - Hillman was recently released from Cale Yarborough Motorsports and is replacing Tommy Baldwin Jr at Donlavey.

n Steve Park crashed hard in testing at on Homestead September 15 - Park went to a hospital close to Miami for a CAT Scan, which proved negative, series visits The Homestead for the first time late next year. n Chris Bradley, crew chief for Adam Petty in the American Speed Association series, was killed on September 7 at the State Fairgrounds race track in Falcon Heights, Minnesota.

Bradley, a long-time ASA crew chief, was working under the rear suspension of Petty’s car on pit road when the jack was lowered on him by mistake - unfortunately.

Petty ran over Bradley, who was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. n Jeff Gordon has aver aged a US$122,052 purse per race in 180 career Winston Cup starts and surpassed Bill Elliott’s US$22 million career earnings mark. n Mark Martin’s did-notfinish 40th place at Darlington was his first of the season and his first since Daytona of July 1997, some 39 races earlier.

He has, however, now posted 15 top ten results in the last 16 events. n Morgan Shepherd has been released as the dri ver of the unsponsored LJ Racing Chevrolet pre-

Not Guilty! - NASCAR announced on September 11 at Richmond that the tyres confiscated from Mark Martin and, more importantly, Jeff Gordon at New Hampshire were not illegal, as alleged by Martin’s team owner.

Jack Roush.

No form of chemical had been added to soften the tyres.

n Hellig Meyer will not he back to spon sor Jimie Donlavey Racing and driver Dick Trickle in 1998 - the announcement was made during the second week of September.

Donlavey’s crew chief Tom Baldwin Jr left the team after Richmond, mov ing to Bill Davis Racing to crew the Pontiacs driven by Ward Burton, whose crew chief Chris Hussey was demoted prior to the Richmond event.

Donlavey Racing has been in existence since 1949 and the 75 year-old has no inten tion of giving up the sport he loves so dearly.

By Martin D ClarK USA

n Kenny Irwin was fastest over three days of testing at Charlotte in readiness for the October race, posting a 183.673 mph run. n Larry McReynolds crew chief for Mike Skinner at Richard Childress Racing and for mer Dale Earnhardt, Ernie Irvan and Davey Allison chief - is contem plating forming his own team in the year 2000.

McReynolds is also to make a decision as to whether he will stay with Childress in 1999. n Tabasco has filed a lawsuit with ISM Racing and it’s owner. Boh Hancher, who closed the doors on his team that had been fielding Pontiacs for Todd Bodine.

Hancher then became a partner in Tyler Jet Motorsports with Tim Beverley and moved the sponsorship to that team.

The law suit is in relation to the firing of Bodine on July 8. Tabasco was not aware of Bodine’s release and had a multi-million dol lar marketing campaign fea turing Bodine.

Beverley and TJM are not mentioned in the law suit and it is not known if Tabasco will return to rac ing in 1999 with TJM, or with any other team.

A judge threw out an injunction that was to pro hibit Tabasco decals on the car driven by Darrell Waltrip at Richmond - this

00

uu

Gordon's tyres OK has been appealed.

Waltrip has used a past champion’s provi sional in all eight races since joining TJM,the team he sold to Beverley.

n Walter Giles has been viously piloted by Kevin released as crew chief of Lepage, the Triad Motorsports Todd Bodine qualified the that fields car 18th at Richmond, but entry Tauruses for Gary was relieved by Dick Trickle Bradberry. l after hitting the wall and suffering from heat exhausn Robert Pressley, who tion - it is not known if hit the wall at Richmond Bodine will return to the after blowing a tyre, has ride, a broken right shoulder , . blade and was subbed by n Ted Musgrave drove 'Hut Stricklin at Dover. the American Equipment Ted Musgrave is expected CAT Chevy at Richmond, to pilot the car at qualifying 18th and Martinsville on September 'recording a 25th place finish.

27.

25September im

n Rich Bickle, Buckshot Jones, Gary Bradberry and Ken Bouchard were the Richmond non-quali fiers.

Jeremy Mayfield, Kevin Lepage, Joe Nemechek, Steve Park, Dick Trickle, Geoff Bodine and Darrell Waltrip used provisional starting slots. n Kevin Schwantz failed to qualify for the Busch Grand National race at Richmond on September 11 - Schwantz posted the 45th fastest time and was not eligible for a provi sional slot.

Dale Earnhardt Jr again won the event, his fifth victoiy of the season. n Kerry Earnhardt, brother of current Busch series points leader Dale Jr and son of Dale, will run a full schedule with Doug Taylor Motorsports, Kerry replacing Kevin Lepage. n Double NASCAR Busch Grand National champi on Randy LaJoie will leave triple champi onship team Bace Motorsports at season’s end to enter a second car alongside Jeff Purvis at the James Finch-owned Phoenix Motorsports.

It is possible LaJoie could take the Fina sponsorship with him.

LaJoie is currently fourth in series points, 606 points in arrears of leader Dale Earnhardt Jr.

NASCAR vice president Mike Helton would not give the name of the laboratory that carried out the tests on the tyres confiscated on July 12: “That is not part of the equation,” Helton said. “We may well use the lab in later tests.

‘While our inspection pro cedure involving tyres will continue and very well may evolve in the future, the

issue of the New Hampshire tyre inspection is closed.”

Goodyear engineer Tony Freund said that no type of solvent is used in the manu facture of the tyres and, if added, would cause vulcani sation, which is irreversible.

“These materials are detectable in the types of tests carried out by NASCAR,” stated Freund.

When asked if the tyres

were tested for any form of a new tyre-strengthening agent, he declined to com ment, stating that Goodyear is conducting research into strengthening agents.

NASCAR now has a new policing procedure for tyres and a guard is placed by the tyres to lessen the chance of the rubber being tampered with.

- MARTIN D CLARK

Jeff Burton holds I ut Golden Gordon Best race ofthe year as the other Jefftakes his second victory ofthe season It was a battle of the Jeffs at Richmond Raceway on September 12 and it was the ‘other’ Jeff - Jeff Burton - who came up trumps over Gordon in a duel to the flag on the wide three-quarter mile D-shaped track.

Burton finished about a bonnet in front of Gordon as they crossed the stripe for the final time in a spectacular race, rated by many as the best of the year. ^ Richmond usually pro vides plenty of excite ment, with Rusty Wallace planting Gordon in the wall in the June race but this time there was no controversy,just good old short track action at it’s best under the lights.

The margin of victory, at .051 seconds, was the closest of the season and Burton was thankful for his second win of the year.

Wallace blistered a lap of 125.377 mph to grab his fourth pole of the year, echpsing outside pole-sit ter Ken Schrader’s 124.550 mph by almost

one second. tion, when the leaders It was Wallace who was chose to pit.

Following the eighth cau strong early and headed the first 93 laps through tion,the final 28 laps ofrac two cautions, one for Rick ing were the most exciting, Mast - who was breathing with Gordon closing on his fire - and the second four fresher tyres and then when Robert Pressley got duelling with Burton for sideways and hit the wall the win.

But this time the roles exiting turn two.

Dale Earnhardt and Joe were reversed, a Roush Nemechek were also car beating Gordon on two tyres taken during involved, the pair catch ing fire, though the final pit stop - this Earnhardt’s was more time the margin was not severe with a broken fiiel as great and both Ray Evernham and Jack line at the pump.

Burton dominated the Roush wanted ‘Tiregate’ next 100 tours through a to be officially closed!

Final result: J Burton caution when Dick mph, Trickle experienced (Ford) 91.985 brake problems and Gordon (Chevy), Martin slammed the wall.

(Ford), Schrader (Chevy), (Pontiac), Burton and Gordon Andretti started battling for the Hamilton (Chevy), R lead around the halfway Wallace (Ford), Skinner mark, but Burton would (Chevy), Spencer (Ford), just have the advantage Irwin (Ford).

Points standings; over Gordon for the 200Gordon 3952, Martin 3748, lap bonus of ten grand and, from then on, he Jarrett 3644, R Wallace opened up a healthy 3477, J Burton 3298, B advantage through two Labonte 3259, Mayfield 3254, Earnhardt 3018, more cautions.

The two Jeffs battled Schrader 2864, Andretti back and fourth for the 2851.

- MARTIN D CLARK lead until another cau¬

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34

SURER SREEDWAY

25Seplmbei1998

Fireworks for Ingall's debut

NEW EXPERIENCE ... V8 Supercar star Russell Ingall is anticipating an interesting Bathurst outing in his debut race in the #34 Chevy Monte Carlo NASCAR.(Tony Glynn) Bathurst V8 Supercar winner Russell by himself and world champion motorcyclist Ingall, set to make his NASCAR dehut in Kevin Schwantz was wheeled out. the one hour AMP Bathurst 1000 supSporting prominent sponsorship support port race on October 3, has imveiled his from Vision Car Security Products, The stunning KS Motorsport Chevrolet Fireworks King and No Fear, Ingall’s yellow Monte Carlo. and black Bathurst mount will hopefully be n After successfully brokering the deal for 'seen in a number of events during the forthIngall to drive the #34.Monte Carlo on the coming local super speedway season, dhimting Mount Panorama circuit in New NASCAR racer and Fireworks King princiSouth Wales in conjunction with the Two pal Tony Southwell, unable to source a car Litre endurance classic, team principal for his own use at Bathurst, has formed a Scotty Williams watched proudly from the partnership with Williams that should sidelines as the eye-catching stock car owned become a multi-race deal for this season.

-mr

^

AUSCRAFT Motorsport’s Russell Caddy has strengthened the front and rear chassis on the Monte Carlo to,achieve better tyre wear and consistency more akin to that enjoyed by the Montes run under the John Sidney Racing banner in the hands of reign ing NASCAR champion Kim Jane and his cousin, Rodney Jane.

Sidney, who supphes the high-torque 700 horsepower engine, will be looking after the Bathurst shocks for Ingall and will then pre pare the car for the remainder ofthe season.

“John Sidney is the NASCAR guru and it’s

thanks to him that I’m still in motorsport,” said Williams. “His ongoing support has made this deal possible and I’m just so grate ful that we’re aligned with him.”

IngaU’s Monte will run a new road course rear-end and front-end set-up sourced from Kevin Youngblood at Skoal Bandit Racing in the States, a Jerico gearbox, new front AP Racing six-spot calipers and a new Schwantz-supplied radiator which incorpo rates an oil cooler - the 3.33:1 Bathurst dif ferential is courtesy of Grant Munday.

-TONY GLYNN

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Wollongong’s Terry Byers is currently preparing one of his Chevrolet Monte Carlos in frill road racing livery as he seeks corporate sponsorship to contest the AMP Bathurst 1000 race meeting at Mount Panorama.

The 100 kilometre event is the opening round of the 1998/99 Australian NASCAR Championship and Byers is determined to make the grid, providing he can gain some finan cial backing for the seven round series. , ^ ,, „ , ™ . j The speedway veteran, who contested his first meeting on the Calder Park Thunderdome back in early 1988, has converted his super speedway Laughlin chassis across to road race configuration in readiness for his Bathurst assault. r. u n “I’ve always done reasonably well at the IndyCar Grand Pnx meetings on the Gold Coast, qualifying and finishing in the top ten on most occasions,” said Byers.

“But, for this event, I have all the latest equipment from the US fitted to the car ana it should’be considerably faster than any ofmy previous road race cars.

“I’d dearly love to be competing with the rest of the NASCAR teams - in past yems. I ve watched the Touring Cars from the top of the mount, but this time I want to be in front ot the spectators and getting valuable television coverage plus champiomWp pomts.

“IfI put together a package, I’U keep this car as a road race one and that way We’D be able to race it at the Qantas Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park in March.

“I have a new Peter Niven Performance Engine ready to go m the car with all of the test bits in it from the US-1just want to get on the track and show the folk what we can do.

25S^lmil)&1998

Max IS out!

i

Valvoline pulls super speedway pin n n.’ ’■ -A ''

m

4

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35

4,

JOHN SIDNEY R.icing

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4 AV

GURU OF GRUNT ... John Sidney is confident that lap times at Mount Panorama dining the Channel Seven live telecast on Saturday, October 3, of the one hour NASCAR support race will well and truly be on a par with those of the Touring Car brigade, regardless of engine capacity - ‘Sve have more horsepower and torque and, contrary to what many road race competitors mistakenly think, these cars actually handle very well and will have a tremendous top speed on Conrod Straight; but prolonged heavy braking will stiU be a concern.” (Thunder-Pics/Agfa)

NASCAR champions Max Dumesny and Jim Richards will not be contesting the 1998/99 Australian Super Speedway Championship series due to the loss of their major corporate sponsor.

Valvoline has made the coiporate decision not to be the primary supporter of Dumesn/s and Richards’ stock cars.

Dumesny, who made his NASCAR debut in a John Sidney Racing Pontiac Grand Piix in 1990, was ninner-up that year and then went on to take the ’92/93 title in a JSR Valvoline Oldsmobile Cutlass - twelve months later, Dumesny was runner-up to his Valvoline/JSR team-mate, Barry Gi-aham, the new NASCAR champion.

He contested the last series in his own Valvoline Chevy Monte Carlo, with Ian Thomas ninning a similar machine and pro viding the mechanical support.

“Valvoline will be continuing to support my Sprintcar racing for the future.”

Dumesny said.

I’m certain that our cun-ent J&J chassis with John Sidney engines will be a sti ongperfonning combination in the World Series Sprintcar Series and the other feature events that I will compete in over the summer.

“It’s disappointing not to be racing at Bathurst, as I was the leading privateer there when I made my V8 Supercar Mount Panorama debut in the Valvoline-Autopro Falcon.

“Earlv last week,it looked like I mav have been able to make the opening round of the NASCAR series, but unfortunatelv we weren’t able to raise the funds elsewhere."

1995/96 NASCAR titleholder Richards is i in a similar situation after Bob Jane TMarts, Valvoline and Pyroil Performance Products elected not to promde support for the new season.

Richards is now considering contesting; next year's GT-P Production Car series.

-GRANT NICHOLAS

Mount clash one I f Wyhoon's goals

“Our Austrahan-constructed Thunderbird BP Carcare Ford Thunderbird driver Terry Wyhoon will be achieving one of has been back at Tom Smith’s raceshop for his lifetime goals when he grids up for further updates and a few development the Bob Jane Telecommunications 100 pieces and it should be ready to run on the at Mount Panorama next month.

Thunderdome in the near future,” Wyhoon said.

“Fve always wanted to race a car at “Hopefully, we will be able to challenge for Bathurst and I suppose there is no way bet ter to do it than in a NASCAR,” said an'excit- ^ the ’98/99 NASCAR title, after finishing sec ond to Kim Jane last season in my rookie ed Wyhoon. ' “I’m looking forward to it even more after year in the category.

“I suspect that the Wanless brothers, plus attending Jim Richards’ instructional session Kim and Rodney Jane and Neville Lance will V. on the course'^several weeks ago.’’ provide plenty of strong competition for us.

Richards, a multiple Bathurst enduro win “Unfortunately, we won’t have Tom Smith ner in a variety of marques, instructed the engineering our cars at the race meetings, as NASCAR rookie drivers on the lines, suspen sion settings and other items of interest that he will be working on George Elliott’s Chevrolet Monte Carlo on an exclusive basis would assist them in their quest for success - that may slow our set-up process at the on the famous road race circuit. race tracks, but I feel certain we have as good “He said that a NASCAR is quite nice to a shot at the title as anyone else.” race aroxmd the mountain circuit and he pro -GRANT NICHOLAS vided plenty of tips - stating that it takes a lot of time to piece the whole track together AMBITION REALISED ... Terry Wyhoon is before you’re able to reel off some quick lap anxious to hurl his BP Care care T-Bird times,” Wyhoon explained. around Bathurst. (Thunder-Pics) “I’m bringing my old Ford Thunderbird out of the shed for this meeting and the Qantas Formula One Grand Prix NASCAR races in March, “ft will now be our dedicated road race car, with the Jerico gearbox, bigger brakes, equallength suspension components,'final drive assembly and other associated bits that are needed for that style of racing.

“I enjoy racing on the road courses - back when I won the ’95/96 AUSCAR title, I won two road races and finished on the podium several other more times - so I’m looking for ward to some success.”

During the winter break, Wyhoon went to the States and purchased several ’97 Thunderbird front body panels, as well as a spare engine from a Busch Grand National team.

In addition, he has spent some time preparing his late model machine for the ■forthcoming super speedway series.

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1998 WINSTON CUP SERIES RESULTS MBNA Gold 400 = Dover Downs. September 20th, if98.

Mark Martin, #6 Valvoline Ford Taurus 2.

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Jeff Gordon, #24 DuPont Chev Monte Carlo Jeremy MayfieW,#l2Mobil I FordTaurus Bobby Labonte,#18 Interstate Batteries Rusty Wallace, #2 Miller Lite Ford Taurus Matt Kenseth, #94 McDonald’s Ford Taurus Dale Jarrett, #88 Quality Care FordTaurus Ernie Irvan, #36 Skittles Pontiac Grand Prix John Andretti, #43 STP Pontiac Grand Prix Bobby Hamilton, #4 Kodak Cbev Monte Carlo

II. Steve Park,#! PenmoaChev Monte Carlo 12. Kevin Lepage,#! 6 PrimeStEU-Ford Taimis 13. RickyRiJdd,#IOTideFwdTaiBTis 14. GeoffBodine,#7PhaipsFordTaunis 15. Johnny Benson,#260iecriosFottiTaiaus 15. SterBngMarlin,#42CoorsU^aievMontieCario 17. ChadUtde.#97JohnDeereFottlTaurus ite, #5 KeBogg’s Chev Mottle Carlo 18. Teny^ 19. Rich Bidde, #98 Thom Apple VaBey Ford Taurus 20. Mkhae!Wateip,#2ICITGOFordTaurtis

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Standings After Rd 24 3 082 1. Jeff Gordon 3000 2. Mark Martin ... ,2 859 3. Dale Jarrett ... ,2769 4. Rusty Wallace . .2664 5. Bobby Labonte .2 606 6. Jeremy Mayfield ,2 453 7. Jeff Burton .2422 8. Terry Labonte .

9. Dale Earnhardt 2402 ,2 291 10. Ken Schrader

36

25SepleinbefW98

Report by JOHN THOMSON

Rtue is on between Gnrhmd and Bmk

It was a promising start to an event which had attracted a dismal entry of just 65 cars but, as the throngs of wellwishers gathered in Adelaide’s Rundle St on Sunday, September 6, it wouldn’t have mattered if there had been 65 or 265 entries.

The man who attracted the most attention was, naturally enough, Peter Brock, who, despite being car five on the road, would be flagged away first ahead of car one, the Subaru Impreza of Michael Guest and Jason Walk.

Guest was obviously going to be the hare in what rally clerk of course Bob Carpenter described as “an event for the thinking driver, one that will be won by the stayer, not the sprinter.”

Guest said before the start that % he would be going hard where it was smooth and taking it easy when it got rough.

“It is going to be tough and we are going to be trying to get a gap on the big four wheel drives when we can, but we are taking a sensi ble approach,” said the young Newcastle driver, who was out to go one better than the result he returned in the previous Round i¥ % Australia - but this time taking the win.

■^j Brock was his usual philosophi 'f cal self: ‘We’re two blokes in a car and well be going as hard as we can and if we can be competitive then we will, but I am not going to be heartbroken if we fail,” the icon said.

Brock’s co-driver, Sydney journal ist Wayne Webster, was comparing their entry in the Round Australia to a rehgious event.

MAN TO BEAT... Bruce Garland looks to have an iron grip on the event, thanks to his enormous depth of experience and Jackaroo’s strength.

X, “It is like a Papal tour for Brock,” The start of day three looked extremely hard, the Subaru crew Guest had hoped to continue on sonably smooth and fast on shire Webster said. “He will be going roads north of Adelaide, the final having to do a lot of work to promising, the longest stage of the once the Subaru was repaired, around Australia saying hello to rally an epic 207km marathon from helping car owner Walk and stage of the day through the south straighten the bull bar at the ser everyone and signing about 16 mil vice halt at Poochera, while Eucla across the western edge of reserve co-driver Paul Pyvvarra, ern parts of the Flinders Ranges lion autographs!” the NuUarbor on the old coach road, who would now crew the car - but a Garland, who was playing a wait giving crews a roller coaster ride Bruce Garland, who prepared the Brock machine, believed there was before finally popping out on the ing game, warned Brock that he finishing back on the edge of the disagreement with the crew saw would use up his “chassis credits” if Eyre Highway near Mundrabilla the Novocastrian on a plane and coastal plain near Port Augusta. reedly only one major threat to him heading home from Perth, leaving he continued to pound the car that Homestead.

It was slightly rougher and more and that was from anyone else dri hard.

If would be on this stage early on his second Round Australia chal challenging, but Guest was still ving a Jackaroo.

Guest was still in the lead and Tuesday morning that Guest’s rally lenge in tatters.

“The Jackaroos will be the ones able to cope.

That same stage also claimed the to beat and that includes Ross The order out of Port Augusta hoping to stretch the five minute would come to an end.

Peugeot 203 of John Anderson and The Subaru suffered one punc advantage over Nicastri on the the next day read Guest, Nicastri, Nicastri, Brock and Peter Lockhart Peter Wilhams of Melbourne. third and final stage of day two, the ture, then a few kilometres later a Brock, Garland and then the - they all have a chance and, The oldest car in the event rolled stick punctured both right-side Holden Ute of Graeme Wise, as the Old Eyre Highway, when the stage although the Subaru is going to be and Anderson suffered a bad break event struck out into the red dust was called off. tyres. quick, I don’t reckon Guesty’s car With only two spares on board to his arm, later being airhfted to “I was sitting on the start line and scrub of the Gawler ranges. will stand up to it this time when some locals came out of the and another 110 kilometres to Kalgoorlie for treatment.

Nicastri had his Jackaroo charg around,” said Garland.

Nicastri was flying in his exGuest was fast from the word go ing as he pursued Guest and put stage toward us in a ute and I knew cover. Guest and Walk were forced Garland Jackaroo and putting time to try and drive out of the stage, then it would be unsafe, particular and opened a strong lead on the the pressure on in the long haul on Garland, who had moved past ly on a stage where we were clearly failing 26 kms short of their objec first four stages into the first west to the overnight halt at Eucla.

Brock into second as the Jackaroos going to be doing more than tive with a smashed rear suspen The second stage of the day saw overnight halt at Port Augusta. lived up to Garland’s prophesy, sion and brake caliper. both Guest and Brock hit a ditch 200km/h,” said Guest.

The first three stages were readominating the top spets ahead of the Holden Ute of Wise, the priva LEGEND... Peter Brock is making an extremely competitive return to racing in a near-standard Jackaroo and has rally leader Garland in his sights. teer Jackaroo of Gold Coast Holden dealer Lockhart and the little Toyota RAV 4 of Mark Griffiths.

From the overnight halt at Esperance, it was a long haul across to Bunbury, with just two relatively easy and short special stages along the way and little change in the complexion of the rally.

PYom Bimbury northwards skirt ing the WA capital en route to Geraldton for the next overnight stop and Brock and Webster had their most severe problem, the Jackaroo breaking a driveshaft after a heavy landing, which in itself wasn’t a problem.

Later, however, the Brock machine became stuck in some soft sand and lost around 20 rmnutes, thanks to a lack of four wheel drive.

Nicastri was surprising himself with his speed and pace and said he did not expect to be leading so

Strugglefor outright honours intensifies in Playstation Rally -Round Australia 98

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CASUALTIES ... Early charger Ross NIcastrTs exGarland Jackaroo burned a piston, while Michael Guest’s Subaru punctured. early, or so strongly, but the dream was soon to turn to a nightmare for the Sydney parts business proprietor.

Some dirt had found its way into the fuel system of the Jackaroo and a burnt pis ton ensued on the leg from Geraldton to Carnarvon.

Garland had bridged the gap and grabbed the lead for the next leg to Port Hedland.

Nicastri had new engine parts, including a new pis ton, road freighted up to Carnarvon and was able to do an engine rebuild before getting the machine to Port Hedland in time for the next leg, albeit now out of con tention.

Garland, by this time, had a lead of over 20 minutes and was, by his own admission, (hiving to a plan.

“The secret is to drive at only 50 to 70%,” he said. “If you attack too hard, it turns to crap; there are too many things out there to catch you out.

Wise’s Commodore was in third place now and looking strong as the Holden domi nance continued.

The Ute however had a bad day on the leg from Port Hedland to Derby in the Kimberley, with several punctures requiring them to nurse the V6 pick-up into the overnight halt with now spare tyres on board.

Keith Callinan had the exBrock Round Australia Commodore in a strong fourth, the Townsville Holden dealer making a strong showing as the rally headed into the heat and dust of the tropical north.

Griffith’s fifth place in the little RAV was amazing everyone, not the least of which was Griffith himself, but the car’s suspension was virtually standard save for some Bilstein inserts and started to give problems on the leg to Kununurra and Griffiths started to lose some ground.

By the time the teams arrived in Darwin at the vir tual halfway point of the rally. Garland was still lead ing strongly, a 26-minute advantage over Brock mak ing it difficult for the motorsport icon to bridge the gap on his team-mate.

The leg south to Tennant Creek on day 11 of the Rally was the longest and, by many accounts, the dustiest.

Brock in particular having problems in staying with Garland, with visibility in places getting down to zero.

“It was a white-out and we had to come to a complete halt at times because we couldn’t see a thing and that cost us a lot of time,” Brock said.

GrifRihs started to lose a lot more time in the RAV as the conditions took their toU, the result being that the lit tle ToyotaNlropped back to be out of the top ten, but was still hanging in there.

Calhnan lost fourth place and any hope after he hit an ant hill, suffering bad dam age on the long and tough run through the Territory.

By the time the cars arrived in Greenvale on day 13, Garland’s lead had stretched to 28mins 41 secs over Brock, while Wise was still in third place in the Holden Ute, 1 hr 13 sees behind Brock.

The surprise packet was the 25 year-old Datsun 180B SSS of Sydney’s David Lowe and Robert Gambino - the pair had moved up solidly by taking it easy across the top end and- capitalising on the cars falling over in front of them.

The pair got in front of the Lockhart Jackaroo and were only about eight minutes behind the Nissan Patrol of Reg Owen by the time they arrived in Cloncurry at the end of day 13.

Brock was now 38mins 20 secs behind Garland, while Wise was only 50 minutes behind Brock in third place, Owen was in fourth, 1 hour 1 min further back and just ahead of the old Datsun.

Lockhart was in sixth place and Gosford husband and wife team Warren and Joy Ridge were in seventh in their Jackaroo.

The run from Greenvale to Cairns and the rest day saw Wise lose time, thanks to a puncture 12km from the end

of the final stage' - out of spare rubber, the crew continued on, doing some damage to the rear axle before limping into the Coastal city, where Holden Motorsport manager John Stevenson had shipped parts to help repairs.

The second Pedders Ute of Ron and Scott Pedder split its sump on a creek crossing and leaked oil, but still man aged to make it into Cairns in armmd 12th place.

Garland enjoyed a lead of 34 mins 33secs over Brock, as the crews took a wellearned rest day in Cairns last Simday.

Wise had slipped back a little to trail by 1 hr Imin, while Owen was in fourth in the Nissan Patrol, Ihr 4mins further back and ahead of the Lockhart Jackaroo, which had just edged back in front of the Lowe/Gambino Datsun, while Kevin Edwards and Martin Reeves had brought their Falcon XR6 up into seventh out right.

Wise slipped out of third place on Monday on the run to Mackay, suffering a mas sive oil leak after his sump was damaged, his demise elevating Owen/Cairns into third spot and Lockhart into fourth.

The overall positions at the end of leg 16 were as fol lows: Garland/Suzuki’s Jackaroo was still in the lead, 38 minutes ahead of the BrockAVebster standard-spec Jackaroo, with the Nissan Patrol of Owen/Cairns in third some 2hr 4min further back, but still llmins ahead of Lowe/Gambino’s Datsun 180B SSS. Interestingly, fifth-placed Lockhart/Donovan trailed Lowe by less than a minute and Edwards/Reeves held onto sixth in their XR6 Falcon.

n several occasions in the past, I have thought that a rally driver had to endure the most difficult and dangerous situations dust, mud, snow and ruts, not to mention the odd bit of wildlife thrown in.

But, after Sandown in the V8 Supercar Tickford 500 enduro last weekend, I may have to reassess that situation.

Doing 230kmh up the straights in water spray, where you literally can’t see ten feet in front of you while trying to control the aqua planing, moved fairly high up on the scary list.

But I still enjoyed Sandown immensely.

Practice went well for Paul and I and Paul was kind enough to let me quali fy the #43 Falcon and we ended up 18th, which doesn’t sound great until you have a look at who and what was in front of us Mezera’s VT at 17 and a Gibson Commodore at 16; it was pretty good and there were 16 cars behind us.

Paul did a great job ini tially, at one stage cracking into the top 10, but dropping back a bit when the heav ens opened.

This was mainly due to a very hard set-up that made the car difficult to drive in the conditions.

When it was my turn to hop in, the conditions had probably worsened and I proceeded with caution at first.

Then I was taken out on the main straight by Dean Crosswell, who had bounced off another car.

After a trip to the pits to get a rubbing tyre and guard separated, I thought it was no use being cautious anymore and, anyway, the car already had a ding -

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By the third stage, he was running stone mother less last!

But ‘never say die’ Norman has been on a charge ever since, coming back through the field with a vengeance to currently lie in second position, only 26 seconds behind the leader, Willi Polesznig \TiTn\rr.ry, from Austria.

Rather amazing for a 62 year-old! so I set about my job and !’d love to see him win it. got up to 12th behind Mezera.

Apparently, his front sus Then the oil light came pension is a little second on just before the pits, so I hand, but he gave away his idled back to have a new spares to another competibelt fitted to the oil pump, tor.

And he’s running out of only to have the same thing happen again a few laps tyres. down the track.

He has regularly been So that was the day for setting second-fastest stage times not that far behind us, which was a real pity.

Rick.

With Mezera coming in One was stage ninth, our aim of a top 10 finish could have been described by the Clerk of achievable.

Course as “Pikes Peak Oh, well, maybe at Downhill’’ and, as Peter Bathurst!

Reynolds said, “I wouldn’t be the young bloke for y twin brother Rick is quids” (referring to Norm’s off in Africa at the young co-driver, Bryan moment, competing in the Price).

Shield of Africa Marathon With a week left to run, it will be intriguing to see if he Rally, the biggest interna tional rally ever to go into can pull if off. southern Africa. ’he new Corolla is ●Rick led tor the first two launched in Australia weeks, however a problem with a battery isolator next week.

Toyota Australia is bas switch cost him dearly and ing the launch around the consequently cost him his lead. worldwide rally program of As I write this, he is back the Corolla.

Didier Auriol will be in down in 18th position.

Coral’s dear ol’ dad. town to help launch the new car and he will be taking the Norm Fritter, is also com motoring journalists for a peting in the rally.

He had a disastrous start spin in our car. to the event when a fuel I hope he looks after it as blockage on the first stage if it were his own. saw him take a “maximum” On second thoughts, I hope he looks after it as if it time. On the second stage, he stopped to tow another were mine!

Cheers, competitor back on the Neal. road.

fli

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MR VERSATILE ...No opposite lock for Bates at Sandown’s Tickford 500. (Tony Glynn pic)

■aciBras

V!C: 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 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

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WINNER-NSW &

[«ia

3S 25Septemtjerl998

drag racing

Report by DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

The cool autumn air that the north-eastern United States enjoyed on September 11-13 provided some of the best rac ing this year on the IHRA trail, as the inaugural running of the North American Nationals took place at New England Dragway, just outside Epping, New Hampshire.

New records were set in all pro fessional categories as Doug Herbert, Scotty Cannon, Stewart Evans and Von Smith claimed the event titles.

In Top Fuel, Doug Herbert notched his third event win of the season with a final round single when opponent Tommy Johnson Jr was unable to return after a violent engine explosion in the semi-finals.

Herbert, on the single, blasted out a 4.749/310.34 which backed up his record-setting run of 4.745/310.91, which he recorded PRO MOD PROJECTILE ... Inaugural North American Nats win by Scotty Cannon saw the Studebaker punter pound the Pro Mod record marks just one round earlier. throughout the event. Cannon continues to rule the IHRA Pro Mod tour, the Cable TV Magazine, Murray Anderson-built '53 Studebaker rewriting Herbert, driving his Snap-On the record books with almost every pass. Cannon set the speed mark In round two with a 6.362/222.33 blast, then set another new e.t. mark in the Tools dragster, received a first semis with a 6.348/221.09, before taking the event title over Tim McAmis. Cannon, still the only competitor to run in the 6.30s, claimed his fourth round bye, due to being the low victory of the season.(David Ostaszewski) quahfier at 4.756 in the seven-car field.

He then defeated David Bieneman in the semis to advance into the final rovmd.

Johnson, in his familiar green and yellow fueller, grabbed the points lead when Paul Romine smoked the tyres in his Car Quest dragster and was'defeated in round one by rookie Don Lampus, who carded a 4.833/302.69.

Johnson qualified in the second position with a 4.779/304.53, then squared off with Jack Ostrander in round one.

Ostrander was up in smoke at the hit and had a good view as ' Johnsons’ motor started to come unglued - pieces flew everywhere, with some landing in front of the coasting “300 Bowl Guzzler” of Ostrander.

In round two, Lampus smoked Motorsports ’63 Corvette of Tim top four at 6.454. It took better iip against arch rival and defending as Stewart Evans took his first the tyres, chcked it off and became McAmis in the final round, than a 6.583 to get into the tough series champion Shannon Jenkins - career win in the quickest side by the second racer to view the new 6.487/216.41 to 6.903/158.82. show, making it one of the quickest in quahlying, Jenkins had posted a side race in IHEA history.

6.461/221.05 to become the first Pro The -win was Cannon’s fourth of of aU time.

Evans, driving his 814 cubic inch points leader’s engine fireball, as Cannon went even quicker and Mod car to legally run over 221 Ford Probe, defeated the quicker, Johnson again bombed the motor, the year. similar-bodied machine of Daniel Cannon put his Cable TV faster in the opening round, his mph. this time with irrepairable damage.

At the green, Jenkins grabbed a Seamon in the final round, 6.362/221.92 stopping the gorgeous In Pro Modified, Scotty Cannon Magazine Studebaker in the num 6.694/207.56 to 6.684/207.82. has found a way to make his car fly ber one qualifying position with a “Undertaker” ’53 Corvette of slight holeshot, but Cannon thun The final round pass by Seamon dered past to post another e.t.

Tommy Gray. despite the rule changes, claiming stunning 6.388/220.66 pass, fol In round two, a 6.368/222.33 win record and record the quickest run set a new e.t. record, while Evans’ another victoiy on the IHEA tour in lowed by the 6.441/209.56 shot fired what looks to be his sixth points by the blown car of Fred Habn and over John Bartunek rewrote the in history- again - at 6.348/221.09. team-mate Chris Holbrook set a Cannon is stfll the only Pro Mod new speed record in round one with record books once more, as the Jim Oddy. championship.

Cannon set record after record Ed Hoover’s nitrous car grabbed speed mark would hold up as a new racer to dip into the 6.30s and it a 209.23 mph shot.

The quick field ranged from has now become a regular event. during eliminations on his way to third at 6.444, while the blown ’38 mark for the class.

In Pro Stock, the records also fell. Holbrook’s 6.692/208.81 to the In the semis. Cannon was pitted the win, defeating the Sanders Chevy of A1 Bflles rounded out the 6.756/205.88 of Jerry Yeoman, with the slowest speed of the qualified BRA VE BOY... Top Fuel Harley record holder Johnny Mancuso (below)poled with a mighty 6.696 card, but Jay Turner won the event.(David 0) cars being a 204.14 mph pass by Floyd Cheek.

In Alcohol Funny Car,Von Smith cranked out a string of fives to take the win over final round opponent Jimmy Rector, 5.884/239.74 to 7.699/96.06.

Smith had put his Kooler Oil Treatment Pontiac into the show second at 5.927 and scored wins over Vincent Rastelli’s blown Chevy, Larry Dobbs and Mark Thomas, before defeating Rector in the final.

Jay Turner defeated Bob Spina in Top Fuel Harley, 6,766/204.51 to 6,843/181.11.

Earher, Spina had recorded the quickest ran ever for a nitro-burning Harley at 6.603 seconds, but failed to back it up within the required 1% hy only .006 of a sec ond Turner’s earher pass of6.615 also missed the recordbook by .026 sec onds, giving the record to Johnny Mancuso, who was the polesitter at 6.696 - Turner did set a new mph record at 206.61 mph.

Retards shattered as Herbert, Cannon and Evans rath up wins

25September 1998 Gary Scelzi scored his third straight win on the NHRA trail, thus becoming the first new points leader in the series since March.

The Team Winston driver defeat ed Mike Dunn, also in his third straight final, 4.637/305.37 to 6.534/117.70 at the NHRA Pioneer Keystone Nationals at Maple Grove on September 20.

A broken rear-end slowed the Mopar dragster after Dunn left with a slight holeshot.

Scelzi, the low qualifier at 4.558/310.66, used bracket racer like consistency in eliminations, posting 4.658/303.23, 4.622/307.58 and 4.628/301.10 wins over Bob Vandergriff Jr, Kenny Bernstein and Jim Head.

The points lead changed hands in the semi-final round when Cory McClenathan lost a magneto, slow ing to a 4.719/300.70 in a loss to Mike Dunn.

Dunn and the Mopar Parts team had put their dragster into the show third with a 4.617/308.85 and also put together consistent runs in eliminations.

The fourth win of the year for Scelzi gives him a 25 point lead over McClenathan, with Amato, Dunn and Bernstein rounding out the top five.

Top speed of the meet went to Doug Kalitta, who recorded a 313.04 mph blast in a close round one loss to Bernstein.

Dean Skuza recorded his second career Funny Car win by defeating John Force in the final round.

Skuza’s Mateo Tools Dodge Avenger covered the quarter mile in 5.039/288.55 to defeat Force, who

Hat-trick for leader Scelzi slowed from his previous pace to a 5.112/282.57 - Skuza put his Ron Swearingen/Lance Larsen-tuned flopper into the third qualifying position at 5.008/301.40.

After posting a 5.133/292.96 round one win over Jim Epler, Skuza’s performance improved every round.

A round two 5.084/286.62 stopped Cruz Pedregon’s over two tenths of a second late 5.094 and a semi 5.070/291.73 took out Whit Bazemore.

Force, the low qualifier at 4.938/300.30, advanced into the final round by scoring a first round, low e.f/top mph shot of 4.901/304.98 over Jack Wyatt and following up with 5.006/297.61 and 5.014/294.88 wins over Del Worsham and Tony Pedregon.

Force got a huge boost toward his eighth championship when his team-mate, Tony, defeated Ron Capps in the opening round, 5.162/280.98 to 5.246/271.08.

Force now leads Capps by 89 points, followed by Chuck Etchells, Cruz Pedregon and Tony Pedregon.

Kurt Johnson took the honors in Pro Stock, avenging Warren’s Indy final round loss by defeating Mike Edwards in the final, 6.984/196.63 to 7.034/195.86.

The AC Delco Camaro qualified number two in the all-6 second field at 6.950/197.67 and made his way to the final with wins over Robert Patrick, Troy Coughlin and Jeg Coughlin Jr. Edwards defeated Richie Stevens, Steve Schmidt and Warren Johnson en route to his sec ond straight final round.

The semi match-up with WJ saw the Professor catch a rare red light when the GM Performance Parts Pontiac rolled into the stage beams and kept rolling.

Warren was the low qualifier at 6.940/198.36 - which held up for the top numbers of the event - and still maintains a huge point lead over son, Kurt, Jeg Coughlin, Jim Yates and Mark Osborne.

Angelle Seeling joined Winston team-mate Gary Scelzi in the win ners circle by finally defeating Matt Hines in the final round of Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Hines was the low qualifier at 7.273, the fourth-quickest pass ever for the class, but broke right off the line in the final round.

Seeling went on to record a 7.350/180.21 for her second win of the year in seven 1998 final round matches with Hines.

-DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Photographer killed in Rocca match race crash

Pro Modified driver, Johhny Rocca, driving his IronHorse ’49 Mercury (pictured above by David Ostaszewski), crashed during a match racing event on September 6 at Great Lakes Dragway in Union Grove, Wisconsin,killing a photographer.

Jason Benton, 23, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

He was shooting videotape for MP Video, a Michigan-based company in which he was a partner.

Paired up with the Alcohol Funny Car of Larry Bakke, Rocca lost control of the car at mid-track, where it then climbed the guardrail and began a series of barrel rolls, striking Benton, who was shooting videotape toward the top-end of the race track.

The car was demolished, but Rocca was reportedly uninjured in the crash.

Rocca had crashed his Mercury earlier in the year at the IHRA opener in Bradenton, Florida and, while it was being rebuilt, crashed the “Tin Indian” Willys he campaigned here two years ago - DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

W

ell, folks, all the hard work has paid off, with the announcement of Synergyn Oils as our primary sponsor - the offi cial announcement will take place at Topeka next week, so you’ve got a world exclusive.

We have been using Synergyn’s quality products this season with great success and the fact that we were able to land them as a major sponsor is a great endorsement of our team.

The deal with Synergyn is through the end of next season and will enable us to compete on the same level as the Amatos and Bernsteins of the drag racing world.

Another Indyafter has been and gone and, the great times that the likes of Bernstein and Vandergriff ran in testing there a week earlier, the event ended up coming up a bit short performance-wise.

One thing that has emerged is that thee Top Fuel points deal has become big-time tight, with Amato, McClenathan and Scelzi in a dogfight for the champi onship,

T

he rest of the tracks from here on in are killers and that theo retically should suit Amato.

Amato’s car makes the most horsepower put there, but the national record holder really needs more consistency in the stretch home.

After a slow start to the sea son, crew chief Alan Johnson really has a handle on the car and it’s flying.

Conversely, McClenathan seems to have gone off the boil after a great start to the season.

Personally, I think that Scelzi will be the one to watch in the run to the title.

At4,61 Indy, run a outwe of managed the box intoqualify ing, but things just went downhill from there.

T-he track had changed a great deal since the other guys had tested, mainly due to the bald spots on the track from the door cars.

After that first qualifying pass, all we seemed to be able to do was smoke the tyres.

The car was backed right up in the clutch department, but it made little difference.

In the last session, the track came back and we got right after it - unfortunately, though, it was more of the same.

After qualifying fourth with the 4.61, we had lane choice in round one against Tony Schumacher.

The car was set up soft on the start line, but, sure as shit, it blew the tyres off without warning.

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Prior we had planned to run to atIndy, Sonoma, Seattle and Brainerd.

Sonoma’s tricky track doesn’t really suit our car too well, but in the end the driver ended up cost ing the team the win, being way late against Bruce Server in round two.

I had redlighted in qualifying in the Friday night qualifying session and wasn't too concerned, as you “see" the light a bunch better then. When I did the same thing on Saturday, I started to get a bit anxious. The car’s clutch has a lot of tug in it, so I have to be very careful when staging.

In round two, we were held in the lights for a little longer than normal and I relaxed so I wouldn’t redlight - it turned out that I relaxed a little too much. guess that you’ve probably all heard about the fiasco that was Seattle.

The long and the short of it was that we turned up at the track and they wanted us to park the rig in the grass.

John isn't dragging a million dollars worth of equipment to a race to park it in the dirt, so he told the NHRA to “give the spot to someone else” and we drove back out the gate!

After Seattle, a fewranch of thetoracers called

by John’s relax with some shooting and fishing.

Don Prudhomme and a few of his buddies were on their way to Sturgis on their Harleys and they stopped by for four or five days.

Diamond P also made it up and filmed me doing the fishing thing for a one hour special they are going to show later in the year.

Everyone had a ball and it'll most likely turn into an annual event.

I also celebrated my birthday not long after and we had a big BBQ, with the boys band playing on the porch of the house and me spending a lot of quality time at the bar.

B

rainerd was our next stop and we qualified sixth with a 4.68, even though I had to pedal the car on every pass, as it started to shudder with the onset of tyre shake. We got past Connie Kalitta in round two and we led Mike Dunn by a car length until we lost the blower belt. That was very disappointing, because we felt that it was our race.

O

ur next race will be Topeka, where we are slated to do a display for Winston and make the formal sponsorship announce ment with Synergyn.

Topeka is a great track and that’s what our car likes. We are only just out of eighth spot in the points for the Big Bud Shootout, so we'll be heading into the race with ail guns blazing. There are plenty of good cars that can run into the’SOs and the big boys don’t like it too much when we turn up.

Oh, well, they better start get ting used to it.

Cheers, Dave

1998 NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING SERIES - POINTS TO SEPTEMBER 20TH. 1998.

1998 NHRA Top Fuel Championship I. Gary Scelzi, Team Winston-No Bull .1295 2. Cory McClenathan, McDonald’s ... .1270 3. Joe Amato, Tenneco Automotive ...1205 4. Mike Dunn, Mopar Performance .. .1075 5. Kenny Bernstein, Budweiser/Prolong .996 864 6. Jim Head, Jim Head Racing 7. Doug Kalitta, Kalitta International .. .846 795 8. Larry Dixon, Miller Lite/MBNA 9. Bob Vandergriff, Jerzees America 792 10. Bruce Sarver, ATSCO Power Steer . .773

1998 NHRA Funny Car Championship 1285 i. John Force, Castrol/Mac Tools 2. Ron Capps, Copenhagen/MBNA ...1 196 3. Chuck Etchells, Kendall/MaMa Rosa .1097 4. Cruz Pedregon, Interstate Bat/Hot Rod .1036 983 5. Tony Pedregon, Castrol Syntec 6. Whit Bazemore,Team Winston-No Bull ..968 7. Tim Wilkerson,JCIT International .. .956 8. Dean Skuza, Mateo Tools/Mopar ....878 748 9. Del Worsham, CSK Parts 10. Al Hofmann, GM Performance Parts . ..720

1998 NHRA Pro Stock Championship I. Warren Johnson, Goodwi-ench/Pontiac .1469 2. Kuit Johnson, ACDelco/Chevrolec .1 1 12 3. jeg Coughlin Jnr., Jegs Mail Order ...1083 4. Jim Yates, Peak Anti-Freeze/Splitfire ..1013 5. Mark Osborne, Dick Sherman Racing 869 .838 6. Mike Edwards,JK Racing Pontiac 7. Mike Thomas, Pennzoil/Finish Line ...792 8. Tom Martino, Six Flags Thrill Parks ..681 605 9. Richie Stevens, Collins Racing 10. Steve Schmidt. Schmidt Automou've ..593

40

25Sepleuiterl998 TOP FUEL

n Connie Kalitta, the “Bounty Hunter” himself, came to Indy with his Top Fuel car and qual ified for the stout field.

Kalitta, who first raced at the Nationals in 1958, put his Kalitta Motorsports fueller into the fif teenth slot at 4.731/302.11 and stopped Bruce Sarver in round one, before falling to eventual run ner-up Mike Dunn in the second round. n The new Exide Batteries Top Fuel team of seventies Funny Car legend Don Schumacher made it’s debut at Indy, with son Tony at the wheel.

The Bob Brandt, Larry Fraziertuned dragster opened qualifying with a fireballing 5.120/235.60, but improved during the remain ing sessions to end up 13th at 4.717/314.90. The team advanced out of round one with a win over David Grubnic, but lost to Doug Kalitta in the next stanza. n Cory McClenathan looked like the man to beat when qualifying concluded. . The McDonald’s dragster ran a 4.614/315.56 in the opening ses sion, then followed with runs of 4.677/314.31, 4.637 at a whopping 321.42 mph and 4.629/315.90, before overpowering the track in the final shot.

In eliminations, McClenathan ripped out a pair of 4.68s in the first two rounds, before going up in smoke in the semis against Dunn. n Bruce Sarver raised some eyebrows during the final Top Fuel qualifying session.

Sarver, who had earlier run a 4.715/312.93 to put n his A.T.S.C.O./Burris Racing dragster into the number seven spot, recorded a career-best of 4.595/315.12 to move all the way to the head of the pack.

Only Lany Dixon’s 4.566 in the Miller Lite dragster bettered the mark in a session that saw 14 other cars record their best numbers ofthe event. , FUNNYCAR n Tim Wilkerson and the JCIT team had their Pontiac Firebird flying at Indy.

They opened their qualifying efforts with a 5.122 at only 243.96 mph and followed with a 4.961/296.93, a 4.977/305.39 tyresmoker and a 4.981/298.40.

US Nats wrap-up

I TIM WILKEHSON(OstaszewskI pic)

David Ostaszew How dominant were they? They , were in the fours three times when only one other car, that of Ron Capps, carded only one fom in qualifyiag. Their performance continued in eliminations with a low e.t. shot ^of.4.916/309.59 and 4.934/305.70 wins in the first two roimds.

Wilkerson’s day came to end when his 4.929/304.98 was knocked off in the semis by a Randy Anderson holeshot-aided 4.961/308.21. n Jim Dunn has really stepped up the performance of the Parts America Funny Car. Randy Anderson put the car into the show fifth with a 5.061/295.95 and made it all the way to the final round, posting two four second runs along the way.

n Glenn Mikres was on hand at the wheel of the Cavalieri Brothers Dodge Avenger.

Tyre shake hampered their per formance, with Mikres having to pedal the car on all attempts.

The final session provided them with their best effort of the week end, a‘5.424/251.60 which put them number 20 on the list. n Jim Epler debuted the first 1998 Corvette-bodied Funny Car at Indy.

The Paul Smith-tuned, Ecklers Corvette Parts, Easy Care Corvette clocked a 5.278/284.18 best in the final session to put him 16th at the time.

One pair later, the sharp-looking Corvette was back on the outside of the show, when Epler was knocked back out by Frank Pedregon’s last ditch 5.087/299.70 in the Geronimo Camaro. n The legendary John Force showed up at Indy with his lat est stunning one race-only paint scheme to commemorate his seven Funny Car Championship titles.

The gold, red and green Castrol GTX Mustang was awesome, as the team came out on top with a win and regained the points lead when Force took out Ron Capps in the second round. n Bon Capps is having a great season, with four event wins and the 1998 Big Bud Shootout title.

The team.debuted a new Camaro body at Indy, which has a lower to the ground rear quarter panel.

Capps missed scoring the double for the weekend when he was stopped in round two by John Force. n 1997 US Nationals Funny Car winner Whit Bazemore and the team Winston Camaro strug gled trying to get a grip on the racing surface during qualify ing,' finally managing a 5.064/2^4.11 to wind up sixth.

In round one, the car came to life, posting a 4.964/306.01win over Tony Pedregon.

Their day ended one round later "when Bazemore lost a close 5.034 to 5.109 race to Del Worsham.

n Just as it was in Top Fuel, the last Funny Car session saw some real shuffling in the pro gram.

Jim Epler got into the show on his last pass, only to be bumped out one pair later by Frank Pedi-egon.

The next car to go down the track was Del Worsham, who sat in the 20th spot.

His 5.197 got him in 14th, bumping Dale Creasy Jr, who was right behind Worsham - Creasy then put the Tyrant in the 16th spot at 5.232.

Bazemore improved to 5.064, going from 13th to 5th, while A1 Hofmann pedalled his way to a 5.316 best, short of the cut.

The session ended with Chuck Etchells improving to a 5.057 to land in the fourth spot. n Freddy Neely was back in action at the Nationals, dri ving Jim Sickles Pontiac.

The Tom Anderson-tuned machine had a good pass going on Friday, only to be slowed by a bro ken blower belt.

On Saturday, while on a 6.067/168.38 pass, the coupler behind the reverser broke. All the fljrwheel bolts sheared off and the reverser and cannon were pushed back, spinning wildly and injuring Neely’s leg.

The team came back on Sunday morning to attempt to qualify and, with the car launching hard and carrying the wheels to mid-track, Neely skated around, keeping his foot in it to record a 5.118/300.70, good for the tenth position.

But, despite their hard work, they were stopped in the opening round by eventual winner John Force.

PRO STOCK n Bob Giidden made a return to the Pro Stock wars at Indy.

Driving a second team car for Steve Schmidt, Giidden was one of 46 cars trying for one ofthe sixteen ehte spots.

The ten-time NHRA World Champion made his best run of the meet in the opening session on Friday evening with a 7.065/195.52, which put him in the 22nd position, short of the 7.040 bump.

Giidden drew many fans, who waited in long lines to see and meet the local Indianapolis area native. n Pro Stock winner Mike Edwards scored a surprise, but emotional, victory in Pro Stock.

After stopping Robert Patrick, Kurt Johnson and Jim Yates, Edwards took on the Professor, Warren Johnson, and pulled off the victory, 7.034 to 7.045 Edwards dedicated the win to the late John Kight, the former team owner who passed away last year. n Robert Patrick qualified his Ford Probe in the Pro Stock show at Indy, the only Ford in Pro Stock racing on the NHRA trail using a great 7.013/196.03 in the opening session to secure seventh spot in the tight field.

PRO STOCK TRUCK n Larry Kopp has all but wrapped up the Championship in the new Pro Stock Truck class. j The four-time event winner; since the class inception became j

CORY McClenathan.(Ostaszewski pic)

the first racer in the class to win| the US Nationals, setting low e.t. ; at 7.709 and top speed with a| 174.58 mph shot. |

n

SPEEDWAY

lMpO®[78[p®DlO

25SeptemkrJ998

4

Gollob holds out Sullivan in Polish GP

Australia’s Ryan Sullivan finished as runner-up to Polish favourite Tomasz Gollob in the Polish Grand Prix final at Bydgoszcz on September 18.

Sullivan lined up for the final alongside home track specialist Tomasz Gollob, three times World Champion Hans Nielsen and Grand Prix sec ond placed man Jimmy Nilsen.

The Australian rode the race of his life to fi-ighten Gollob, but second place was his reward and a rostrum place in front of the 25,000 crowd, the biggest to watch a GP this season.

Australia will have at least two representatives in next year’s Speedway Grand Prix, after some fine riding by Jason Crump and Sulhvan in the final meeting of the series.

Crump, who finished the night ninth on points, raced with a dislocated shoulder after he coUlided with former world champion Billy Hamill'm his first race - Hamill was hospitalized -with back injuries.

-TONY MILFull report next issue.

Jac’s Gold Cup Outlaws front-runners Randy main event - with US$20,000 for “Boo” Tiner, Andy Hillenburg the winner, as well the Gold Cup and Jac Haudenschild were the winner’s title - which went to winners of the three-night Gold Haudenschild, his first win in this Cup event held in Chico, event after taking the lead from California, last weekend.

Tiner after just seven laps.

For the hearing and speech Aussie Peter Murphy ran 12th in impaired Tiner, it was his maiden Thursday’s feature, then won World of Outlaws feature which Saturday’s B-Main to make the opened the three-day speed fest. 'jump to the feature.

Tiner battled with Tyler Walker Steve Kinser continues to lead for the majority of the 25-lap event, the Outlaws points chase with before beating Outlaw king Steve 8572, heading Sammy Swindell Kinser to the flag.

(8524), Stevie Smith'(8467), Mark Night two; last Friday, saw Kinser (8462). and Danny Lasoski Hillenburg lead all 25 laps, beating '(8^9).

Full report next issue.

Haudenschild tb victoiy lane.

-BRETT SWANSON Saturday night, however, was the Max Dumesny successfully won the right to supply the Series’ control t3re for another two years, his support for the Victorian club now spanning five years.

Race dates will be released shortly.

The club’s financial position had improved markedly over the past season compared to the one prior to that, thanks to the exceptional financial input of the outgoing committee.- BRETT SWANSON

SRA AGM

The September 20 AGM of the Sprintcar Racing Association was a lengthy and, at times, heated affair.

Ray Solomon was returned unop posed as President, while Wayne Milburn stepped up as VicePresident, Wayne MilWm is back again as Treasurer and a reluctant Butch Morley finally accepted the Secretary’s position.

The Committee comprises Garry Chippindall, Mike Van Bremen, Jack Maggs and Stephen Bell.

HOLYMODIFIEDS, BATMAN... The Batmobile of V8 Modifieds is back, Greg Smith (right) having now painted his famous machine in gold and black. Robert Carrig (left) has also opted for a new colour scheme for the #16 Camaro he purchased from Wayne Russell- oh, yes, the models are Alicia (left) and Elicia.

Now the Street Stocks will race JUNIOR SEDANS for Stocksville (paying $1,000 to OFF AND RUNNING win) and the Aussie title in one n Wynns Newcastle Speedway’s season. “nursery’for future competitors is coming along well, with ADAM CLARKE RETUTtNS almost twenty youngsters n Newcastle’s favourite expected to take to the track in Speedcar son Adam Clarke is coming weeks. leaner and meaner than ever.

Sue and Dale Gibson have been Ever mindful of losing weight on working hard to get these stars of the race car where possible, the DOTY DOWN UNDER the future into shape, both on and n Former World of Outlaws Hunter Valley Hurricane has offthe track.

The kids have had tutoring from Sprintcar star Brad Doty is trimmed some pounds off himself adult competitors, lessons on pub- expected to make an appear- for the new campaign.

The team is putting together a lic speaking, safety, understanding ance at the Wynns Newcastle new Infinity chassis built by fellow the flags and much more.

Speedway, in the unfamiliar Novacastrian Gerard Burke, who While the concept of Junior role as team manager for the Sedan racing is not new to the Teterin Engines USA Super himself will run the latest model this summer.

West coast of Austraha, the idea is Sedan team, While Clarke will once again use only in it’s infancy here in New Doty, who was paralysed in an the Steve Smith Gaerte as his South Wales. ' horrific race wreck at Eldora There are several second genera- Speedway ten years ago, will make motor, Sydneysider Troy Jenld ns will run the “Reap” Fontana - the tion rac.ers competing, including his first trip to Australia in Tim Watts (son of Super Sedan January - Brad now spends his same type that Adam used to some success in the US earlier this year. driver Brian), Naomi and Kiona time as a colour commentator for Lodge (daughters of Super Sedan many Sprintcar telecasts on TNN uimNOIlTS driver John), Daniel Morris (son of in the US. UIGALISED BURNOUTS Street Stock driver Gary) and He will make several public M To provide the young people Behnda James (daughter of Street appearances m Sydney, act as the of Newcastle with an aWernaStock driver Garry) Grand Marshal for the World tive to street races, a 20m by The drivers wiU range from 14- Series Sprintcars finale at PCR on 25m concrete burnout pad is 16 years of age, with young ladies January 23 and be the special being constructed on the making up 30% of the field - go guest at the presentation dinner mfield at the speedway. “!ls, ^ the Mowing night.

Each race meei^,ten cam wih go On the subject of second generaSeveral fund-raising nights are up agai^t the clock to do the best tion racers, Luke Pyne (teenage being organised as we go to pnnt, burnout m beriv^n nomal speedson of Super Sedan supremo John) to ensure Doty’s dream of travelwill make his dirt debut at Wynns ling to Australia^is very much a “^htly burnout aJonmW^^^y an A Kunkart’racer Luke will race

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STREET STOCKS ROCKING

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^2 25September 1998 After several frustrating months, the Teterin Engines USA Super Sedan Team line-up has now been confirmed and it will be led by one of the most celebrated USA test match stars that has Australia has ever seen.

Effervescent North Carolina vet eran Rodney Combs will lead the three-man assault that seeks to wreak havoc on the Aussies - and it’s likely to be a welcome return for one of the most popular Yanks to have graced our shores.

W3mns Newcastle Speedway and Parramatta City Raceway promoter David Lander has taken matters into his own hands by putting together his own line-up for a five race schedule over the ChristmasNew Year period.

“Originally, we had discussions with John Soares about using his team, but it was obvious there would be no guarantees that he’d even be here,” Lander said.

“Last season, he pulled out at the last moment and, because we couldn’t afford that to happen again, we opted to avoid disappoint ment for the second year in a row and put our own team together.

“We needed a line-up that could run with our local stars and we didn’t believe that Soares’ group could do that.

‘The Newcastle guys are a tall order to beat, so we had to look at some heavy artillery. As it turned out, it didn’t take us long to find the firepower.”

“The Flyin Hawaiian,” Shane Yoder, was always going to be the first choice for the Teterin team.

The 33 year-old built himself a fan base and racing reputation last season that guaranteed him a spot n Local hero Gavin Casey has taken out the Marlin City Formula 500 Classic at the Cairns Motor Speedway.

Casey, the defending champion, started the 15-lap feature event' from pole position and was unchal lenged out front until a last comer altercation with a slower car resulted in considerable damage and left him stranded just 50 metres from the chequer.

After considerable discussion, officials awarded the win to Casey ahead of Queensland champion Lawrence Quagliata and Gavin Jaenke, who started alongside Casey on the front row.

Sprintcars also featured and were highlighted by the inaugural feature race win for newcomer Peter Richardson.

Neil Jonsson and Mackay veter an Charlie Camilleri filled the minor placings.

DaVe Berryman proved too strong in the Modified Production feature, finishing ahead of Shane Mitchell and Wayne Miles.

The Junior Sedan feature went to Daniel Pitchfork over Robert Cornwell and Kane Antonio. n The Queensland Speedcar Racing Association recently held its Annual General Meeting to elect office bearers for the coming year.

Judy Wixted has been voted in as President, with Gary Mulcahy occupying the Vice-President posi tion.

Michel-Ann Dolan is the new Secretary, while Doug Lucas remains for another term as Ti’easurer.

Terry Holland and Barry Wixted have been granted Life Membership to the QSRA,in recog nition of their contribution to Speedcar racing.

After a disappointing campaign last season due to the sudden clo-

SPEEDWAY

USA Super Sedan Test Team €onfirmed Rodney Combs to lead three-man Stateside assault on Newcastle and Parramatta in the starting line-up this time around, Wild card of the line-up is Wisconsin-born and bred Dan Schlieper.

Schlieper is the most credentialled of the three drivers this summer, just recording an unbe lievable third place in the WORLD 100 last weekend.

No less than 256 Late Models showed up for the sedan equivalent of the KnoxviUe Nationals, with fel low Aussie tourist Shane Yoder qualifying an impressive 15th.

Yoder had the J&J Industries Mastersbilt #8 up to tenth, but the motor quit halfway through the event.

Known as “the sleeper,” Dan stands 6’4” tall and packs a powerful punch, leading Yoder to quip. “his name sounds like he’s asleep, but he’s wide awake, buddy!”

Schlieper is the 1998 Hava-

By Chris Metcalf sure of the Exhibition Speedway and a lack of car numbers, things are looking much better for the 1998/99 season, with around 20 shows scheduled at Archerfield, Toowoomba and Yandina.

Newcomers to the Midget ranks this year will be Rob Hamilton, Christine Cox, Carl Mueller and Brad Gosney.

Former Queensland champion John Davidson will have a new Stealth chassis at his disposal for the coming season, with Jason Gray returning to competition aboard Davidson’s old Murphy frame.

Barry n Queensland’s Whitehead took out the Northern Territory Compact Speedcar Championship at Tennant Creek last month.

Local lad Mick Hunter led the opening stages of the 25 lap fea ture until Whitehead, who hails from Mount Isa, took over the front running on lap 12.

Whitehead quickly established a sizeable lead, before a clash with the slower car of Alan Barr brought about a stoppage just a few laps from home.

Allowed to restai-t from the front, Whitehead was untroubled in win ning ahead of Hugene Charvat, Hunter and Ben Watt.

The qualifying heats were taken out by Hunter (2), Hugene Charvat, Paul Charvat, Syd Scheubdeck and Sydney veteran Alan Streader.

Tampa Series “rookie of the year” that series is regarded as the toughest Late Model competition in the world - it’s the arena where Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Jack Boggs and other big names make their living.

Schlieper has already won two main events paying $15,000 this year, a feat that is unheard of for a rookie in Hava-Tampa racing.

The third man of the impressive line-up is well known to Australian fans - in fact, he’s one of the most recognisable identities in American sedan racing.

47 year-old veteran Combs will make his return to Down Under dirt competition behind the wheel of a brand-new Danny Smith-buUt machine for the first time in over a decade.

Indeed, there is* httle that Combs hasn’t raced in his three-decade dirt and asphalt professional career.

Combs and Lismore builder Danny Smith share a long-time friendship and Smith is delighted they can pair up for this year’s assault - “I was workin’ it out the other day and it’s gotta be ten years since I raced a dirt car in one of them test match deals,” Combs said in his Carolina drawl.

“What I remember was that we raced hard and had a lot offun and I reckon I still owe John Pyne for a couple ofthings - does he stdl race?”

Combs has plenty of test match experience, too, as he was one of the most celebrated members of the Ed Wilbur and Gene Welch-led teams ofthe 1980s.

“I think our team shows enor mous depth and plenty of raw enthusiasm, coupled with the many years of experience that Combs brings with him. I don’t think we could have come up with a better line-up if we tried,” said Lander.

'The Teterin Test Match series is slated to kick off on Boxing Day at Wynns Newcastle Speedway - it then moves to PCR on December 29, back to Newcastle for January 2 and, for the fourth and final compe tition on January 16, is scheduled again at Newcastle.

In between these engagements (on January 5) will be the Teterin Engines Select event, where the Americans will race as individuals for a one-off, gloves off appearance.

To keep the American stars guessing, the Australian team may not be announced until as late as the week before the test series starts on Boxing Day. “Make no mistake, this is going to be one of the finest test matches seen in Australia - the locals we pick to face these Yanks wdl be the best on form until that point of the season,” Lander stated.

-WADEAUNGER

Paul Charvat failed to start in the feature due to ignition prob lems and Streader exited after just two laps when he slammed the concrete in turn one.

The program caters for bike and car fans alike, with major shows scheduled for all divisions.

The new season kicks off on October 3 with a round of the Street Sedan Tri-City Series.

Another round of this series will be held on November 21, on the same program as Ivan Mauger’s Golden Helmet Solo Series.

The biggest show of the year looks set to be the season finale over two nightb on Jime 5-6, when the Queenslaiid Super Street Sedan Championship, Wide Bay Litre Sprintcar Championship and Wide Bay Street Sedan Charnpionship will be decided.

The remainder of the calendar Is as follows: October 31 - Modified Productions and Litre Sprintcars, December 19 - Sidecars, Litre Sprintcars and Formula 500s, February 6 - Modified Productions and Formula March 6 - Super Sedans and Litre Sprintcars, April 17 - Modified Productions and Formula 500s, May 8 - Litre Sprintcars and Super Street Sedans.

October 10, followed by another event two weeks later on October 24 at Rockhampton Showground.

The only other confirmed date is March 20 at Toowoomba’s Charlton Raceway.

Total prizemoney on offer at each event will be a minimum of $10,000, in addition to substantial bonuses to be paid at the end of the series.

n There has been a change of ownership at Grafton’s Big River Speedway.

Modified Rod competitor Greg Coombes has taken over the circuit from Ben Hall and is currently in the process of putting his inaugur al season calendar together.

The only confirmed date so far is October 24, when the Modified Rods, who are expected to domi nate the schedule, will appear.

Modified Productions, Compact Speedcars and Street Saloons will also feature throughout the season. n The 1998/99 Australian Formula 500 Championship has been allocated to Queensland and will be decided in Cairns over Easter on April 3-4, fol lowed by the Australian Short Circuit Title the following weekend on April 10.

The Queensland Formula 500 Speedcar Association has a bumper program planned in 1998/99 with a heap of shows scheduled through out the state, including several other high profile events.

Gladstone Speedway will host the Central Queensland Championship on October 3 and Brisbane’s Archerfield Speedway is the venue for the Weatherall Smash Repairs East Coast Classic on January 30.

The season will draw to a close in Cairns with the Queensland Championship on June 12.

n The Maryborough Sporting Car Club has finally released its calendar of events for the 1998/99 season at Maryborough Speedway.

n The opening meeting of the 1998/99 season at Gympie’s Mothar Moimtain Speedway on September 12 was washed out.

The complex was hit by a storm with just two events completed and the entire meeting, which includes the Opening rounds of the Australian Garages Super Sedan Series and Autobarn Modified Production Series, along with Street Sedans and Formula 500s, has been rescheduled for September 26. n Details about the exciting new BXI Queensland Sprintcar Series are starting to filter through as the new season rapidly approaches.

The opening round of the series will be at Archerfield Speedway on

n The various Modified Rod clubs along the east coast are adopting a harmonious and co operative approach to their racing activities for the upcom ing season.

The Brisbane, Lismore and Newcastle clubs have co-ordinated their 1998/99 racing activities to develop a 24-race schedule at Newcastle, Gilgandra, Toowoomba, Archerfield, Lismore and Grafton without any date clashes.

The development of a new Limited Sportsman class has seen a large increase in numbers, due to the lower costs associated with the restricted specifications.

Many leading competitors, including Australian champion Stuart Heme,have upgraded to the American-style Modified bodies in preparation for a bumper season. n Ayr’s Pioneer Park Speedway, long regarded as one of the finest motorcycle venues in the country, is open ing its gates again for a huge double header on October 10.

The meeting, being promoted by the North Queensland Speedway Riders Association, will feature the 1998 North Queensland Sidecar Masters and North Queensland Solo Masters.

Each event will pay $1000 to the winner and nominations close this Friday, September 25.

For more information, contact Gaiy Davey on (07)4723 8139.

25Seplewbe!l998 British speedway officials are worried about their future input to international matters after the promoters’ favoured choice, former FIM referee Graham Brodie, was not nominated for the FIM Council by the Auto Cycle Union.

The ACU is actually the gov erning body for motor cycle sport in UK and speedway forms just a small part of that scenario.

It frequently means someone without any real knowledge of the professional track sport repre sents Britain, but the new Track commission format is unlikely to allow a vote to a non-speedway expert such as the ACU nominee Tony Noel.

M

ark Lemon, one of three Australians who rides for Poole in the British League, has become a target for South Coast rivals Eastbourne to race for them in 1999.

Lemon is competing in Dave Tapp’s Series 500 during the Aussie season, but is expected to return to England at the end of February.

A hand injury has hindered him, even though he has had a busy season and reached the Inter-Continental Final of the World Championship.

He believes a full-time mechan ic next year would make a lot of difference and it is understood that would be part of any deal to race at Eastbourne.

SWEDISH GRAND PRJX... Chris Louis (lefi, second), winner Tony Rickardsson and third-placed Peter Karlsson at Lynkoping.(Mike Patrick pic)

national riders, such as those who compete in the Grand Prix.

Jason Crump, Australia’s top arguably rider, maynow be sidelined for much of the season British speedway are at home. thinking long andpromoters hard over the He is considering whether to next couple of months about the have an operation on his damaged Elite League concept, foot and then rest on the beaches Many want to return to seven of Australia until the European ' man teams, which would involve weaker teams and less star season restarts next March.

Crump has ridden in England names, this season on loan at Oxford from It is believed that only Ipswich his parent club Peterborough, but of the top nine clubs this year has is weighing up his options for next made a profit - some promoters year, depending upon any change have made losses exceeding $100,000 on their operation. in the UK League structure.

With a suggestion that a 40 He will only ride in the Series 500 if he...does not have an opera- ^)oint limit should apply in terms of tion, but may decide to rest any- averages, no team would be able to include more than two top interway until he returns to Europe.

plans to fuelled introduce Honda machines by petrol into British speedway have been aban doned, despite lengthy trials look ing to have produced a viable motor.

British promoters had offered to consider introducing the Hondapowered machine in the year 2000, but Honda beiieved that this was too long to wait and it had expected 1999 to be a viable option.

The Honda SLR650 engine had been fully tested and Mick Grant, the former British- road race rider behind the project, is disappointed - he believes the 48 horsepower

developed by the Honda engine compared favourably with the average 65hp of a conventional speedway bike.

The Japanese giant would seem to have become impatient with the Speedway authorities in England and a chance looks lost to introduce a multi-national com pany with huge sponsorship possi bilities into the sport.

World Roland Under Dados21 of Poland Champion was given a wild card place in the final round of the Grand Prix series, raced at Bydgoszcz on September 19.

Dados was joined by Jacek Gollob, younger brother of Tomasz, who currently lies third in

the series and the ever-present wild card, Toni Kasper of the Czech Republic.

Tony Rickardsson needed to come second in one of his rides to be sure of taking the title and that only if Jimmy Nilsen won the meet ing - if Nilsen failed to win, Rickardsson was already assured of the title.

Brovst, led Hans by triple World Champion Nielsen, has won the Danish Superleague title.

Bydgoszcz look set for the Polish title, with Zielona Gora now joining Ostrow as the two clubs relegated.

With two meetings to go, the Swedish title rests between Valsama and Rosspiggama.

ACTION MAN... Rickardsson onfull noise as he headsfor the Swedish GP winner’s rostrum.(Mike Patrick pic)

BATTLE FOR MINORS... Craig Boyce leads Andy Smith.(Mike Patrick)

Max Dumesny Motorsport

1998 WORLD OF OUTIAWS/SKOAL OUTLAW SERIES

Australian Distributors for

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POINT STANDINGS TO SEPTEMBER 20TH, 1998

I. Steve Rinser 2. Sammy Swindell 3. Stevie Smith 4. Mark Rinser 5. Danny Lasoski 6. Andy Hillenburg For more information on Hoosier Drag and Speedway Tyres call: 7. Jac Haudenschild NSW: 02 9679 1990 Fax 02 9679 1187 8. Johnny Herrera VIC: 03 9331 6477 Fax 03 9331 7444 9. Jeff Swindell .

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12. Donny Schatz — 13. Joe Gaerte 14. Lance Blevins ...

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GOLD CUP - SiLVtR OOLLAK SEPTEMBER 20TH A-FEATURE(40 LAPS) 11. Bobby McMahan I. Jac Haudenschild 12. Greg DeCaires 2. Brent Kaeding 13. Johnny Herrera 3. Andy Hillenburg 14. Donny Schatz 4. Steve Rinser 15. Tommy Tariton S. Randy Tiner 16. Jason Meyers 6. Mark Rinser 17. Randy Hannagan 7. Stevie Smith 18. Jason Staffer 8. Jeff Swindell 19. Shane Scott 9. Danny Lasoski 20. Joe Gaerte 10. Sammy Swindell

25Sspleml)erl998

KARTING WORLD CHAMPS

Report by MIKE KABLE James Courtney, Ryan Briscoe and Ben Horstman came away crestfallen and empty-handed from the 1998 FMK-FIA World Karting Championship on September 13.

It’s little consolation to say that the Aussie trio were eliminated through no fault of their own in separate crashes at the picturesque 1120m Ugento track in the far south-east of Italy, Courtney, 18 and Briscoe, 16, both qualified for the respective Formula Super A and Formula A Championship 27-lap finals.

But Tony Kart works driver Courtney, last year’s Formula A world champion and winner of the Five Continents Junior Cup in 1995, bombed out in a roll-over at the 12-lap mark after tangling with a rival driver who had spun in front of him.

He had started from eighth place on the 34-kart grid in his debut sea son of Super A. Briscoe’s race from an 11th start ing position lasted only a few sec onds when he was caught in a mul tiple pile-up at the first corner, trig gered by a driver who aimed for a non-existent gap.

The Sydney youngster, fresh from winning the Canadian Formula A Championship last month for the CRG team, was bit terly disappointed by his misfor tune.

He had shown his potential with some good finishes, including a sec ond place, in the preliminary races.

Horstman, 23, managed to quali fy for the Super A final, despite clipping a spinning kart in the pre final.

The 1993 World Cup winner had won an earlier 10-lap repechage event for the Milan-based Birel team, scoring the only first place'by an Australian entrant during the Championship, which was contest ed by 148 drivers from 25 countries.

Two other Australians, William Yarwood from Brisbane and Gary Dann from Adelaide, competed in the Formula A preliminaries to gain some hard-won international experience.

Courtney’s Italian team-mate, Davide Fore, 24, from Brescia, took the Super A World Championship title with a forceful drive from pole position.

His main challenger, second fastest qualifier Giuseppe Palmieri from Switzerland, gave Fore a tor rid time, until a big end bearing broke in the engine of his Italsistem/Swiss Hutless kart on lap 18.

Fore, who went on to head fellowItalians Massimiliano Orsini(Swiss Hutless team) and Sauro Cesetti

JAMES CpUFltNEY... Formula Super-A at Ugerito. (Etirieo Renaldinipic)

Hard liKk story

Aussies stumble at World Champs

(Tony Kart), made it a double tri umph for Tony Kart after Brazil’s Ruben Carrapatoso, 17, was unchallenged in the Formula A final.

Carrapatoso, nmner-up last year to Courtney in the Formula A

Courtney (Tony Kart/Vortex/Bridgestone) ran consistently within the lead group throughout practice, ultimately claiming 13th place on the grid after time trials (44.330), behind pole sitter Giuseppe Palmieri (Swiss/IS/Bridgestone - 43.892), Vitantonio Liuzzi (CRG/CRG/Bridgestone - 43.899), Giorgio Pantano(Kosmic/Vortex/ Bridgestone - 44.047), Davide Fore (Tony Kart/Vortex/Bridgestone) and Ronnie Quintarelli (Tony Kart/Vortex/Bridge stone).

Reigning Champion Danilo Rossi (CRG/CRG/Dunlop) was back in 15th, with Australia’s own Ben Horstman (Birel/ Atomik/Dunlop) back in 36th, less than eight tenths slower than pole.

Courtney progressed through the three heats with a sixth and two eighth-placed fin ishes to line up on grid 13 for the pre-final, just behind Rossi and Pantano.

Palmieri, who had taken three easy victo-

World Championship pre-final in France, had swept through the preliminaiy races at Ugento with only one defeat.

His clear-cut win over yet another Tony Kart driver, Italy’s Marino Spinozzi, with Brazil’s Andre

Nicastro (Italsistem/Swiss Hutless) filling third place was impressive, to say the least, It goes without saying that the World Championship is the pinnacle of karting.

The top teams, such as Tony

Courtney, meanwhile, was moving toward the front, running as high as fifth before dropping back and coming together with one of the lead pack and flipping into a spectacu lar sideways roll to the infield.

As quickly as the accident occurred, Courtney restarted; sadly, though, it was to In the pre-final, Courtney progressed safe ly through the field to finish eighth behind no avail, as the accident had badly bent the the dominant Palmieri, Fore, a super- axle, forcing him to pit and withdraw ft-om impressive Rossi (considering he was one of the event.

Palmieri, meantime, was making the the few drivers to ‘Stick with Dunlop’), Nicola Gianniberti (Jolly Kart/Rotax/ event all his own until, after only a handful Bridgestone), Quintarelli, Orsini and of laps, his ItalSistem engine seized, ending Belicchi - Horstman, meanwhile, finished what was destined to be a fantastic weekend for Swiss Hutless.

24th.

Fore then picked up the front running, As the flag fell for the start of the final, carnage was ensuing at the corner coming leading the fast-finishing Orsini to the line onto the front straight, with Horstman one from Sauro Cesetti (Tony Kart/Vortex/ Bridgestone). Yuri Picchianti (PCR/PCR of the victims.

He eventually rejoined, but was forced off Bridgestone), Rossi and Alessandro Manetti later in the race, eventually to be classified (CRG/CRG/Bridgestone).

- SEAN HENSHELWOOD 26th.

f i

Fomtula Super-*

ries from three starts, had pole ahead of Fore, who had taken two thirds and a win in his heats.

Liuzzi, with two seconds and a third, was third from 1995 World Super A Champion Max Orsini and Andrea Bellichi (PCR/ PCR/Bridgestone).

Horstman was suffering his usual level of luck and less than competitive tyres to take 26th, 13th and an impressive ninth to miss the cut for automatic inclusion in the final he would start from position three in the repechage, which he duly won, ahead of Anthony Davison (Biesse/Rotax/Bridgestone) and team mate Natale Maggio (Birel/ Atomik/Bridgestone).

Kart, CRG,Birel, PCR, Tecno, et al, take it seriously, as you would expect.

Their combined presence at Ugento, with literally hundreds of karts under acres of marquees, was a memorable sight.

The track, in Italy’s Salentina area, was constnicted in 1985 and first hosted a World Championship in 1992, a year after the European Championship was run there.

Its amenities include a sizeable bar, a restaurant, a pizzeria, a 20,000 sqare metre paddock and several grandstands with a com bined capacity of 2500 people.

An adjoining circuit suitable for F3 and 2-litre touring car racing is to be built at a cost of$11 million.

Most teams converged on the cir cuit, which is within sight of the Ionian Sea, on Monday night, erect ing their elaborate facilities after the long drive down Italy’s Adriatic Coast.

The next three days were devoted to fine tuning in continuous test and development sessions.

Courtney’s cause was not helped by the championship clashing with the FI Italian Grand Prix.

The veteran mechanic assigned to him, Enzo Trulli, clearly had his mind more on Monza than Ugento.

That was understandable, seeing Continued next page

KARTING WORLD CHAMPS Previous testing by the CRG factoi-y at the south-eastern Italian Ugento circuit had shown that, while they could be fast (Briscoe in fact was their fastest driver, faster even than his Super A team mates), the Dunlop tyres would not last the distance.

This bought about a decision by the team to put regular Dunlop driver Briscoe onto Bridgestones for a one-off shot at the World title.

The decision looked to have merit in early practice, with Briscoe regularly running at the top of the time sheets with Fernando Alonso (MikeKart/Parilla/Bridgestone), Ruben Carrapatoso (Tony Kart/Vortex/ Bridgestone), Andre Nicastro (Swiss/IS/ Bridgestone) and Marino Spinozzi (Tony KartA^ortex/Bridgestone).

In stark contrast, the Australian imports (Dann and Yarwood) were struggling to come to terms with the grip, literally inches of rub ber going down onto the circuit every day.

“It was a completely different way of dri ving,” William Yarwood stated afterwards.

“I tried to drive the way I do in Australia and my Italian mechanic just went off at me all the time - he told me I’d never make it if I continued to drive that way.”

Yarwood soon changed his style and picked up almost two seconds over the course of the weekend.

“It was amazing - you really had to just throw the kart into the comer; you probably went a lot deeper than you thought possible, but the rubber just grabbed you and slowed you down enough to make it; it was incredi ble,” he said.

Despite the assistance, Yarwood, who was one of 91 drivers entered in the Formula A field, failed to make the final, or in fact the repechage, as did Gary Dann, both drivers striking trouble in their runs through the heats.

Yarwood survived an horrific accident in heat three after two karts almost came to a stop in front of him, destroying the front of his kart and forcing him to'revert to his

Fomula *

back-up chassis for the following heat; it was set up for the wet...

When he did get the chassis sorted for his final heat, he managed to force his way from last (31st) to 17th, despite los ing ground to his opposition while tiying to make a pass on Dann.

This ran drew a great deal of attention to the young Queenslander, who was invited by the very impressed CRG factory to join the team at the last round of the North American Championships at Charlotte in late October.

qualifying after finding that his carburettor was holding little pressure - he to managed time trial 16th (44.872) fastest to Carrapatoso’s pole time of 44.445.

Dann qualified 74th (45.592) and Yanvood 86th (45.865).

Big improver since his return to karting earlier in the year was former BTCC regular Giampiero Simoni, who took his PCR to 12th fastest(44.822).

Alonso, under the tutelage of six-time World Champion Mike Wilson, was second-

T

i

TORPEDOED... #139 Ryan Briscoe was taken out in the final. (Enrico Renaldini pic) Dann, meantime, suffered similar misfor tune, dropping a chain in one heat, then hav ing the third jet wind out during another heat - his best finish, like Yarwood, was 17th. Ultimately, he missed the cut for a run in the repechage by just seven places, Yarwood by 13. n Briscoe was suffering a little throughout the heats, losing pace from the outset of

round was abandoned because of concerns about inadequate safety. that Jarno (a former,world kart ' He duly rewarded the team for its faith in him, while Courtney will champion who achieved his numer ous successes with Tony Kart) is get another chance next year, in his son - James had no criticisms, what he anticipates will be his final but my obsei-vations confirmed- the season of karting.

The team’s Foimula A works dri aforementioned problem.

Signor Trulli, for example, could ver, Holland’s Nelson van der Pol, not resist making a beeline for the was in good form until the final, bar on the Saturday, to watch the when he had a mediocre race and placed 14th, after starting in eighth qualifying session telecast.

By the time he returned, position.

A dejected Briscoe said after Courtney had already enlisted Fore’s aid to help with the final wards that he’d had the inside line preparations and get his kart to the for the first corner when “a wombat came up on the grass with nowhere pits for a vital qualifying session.

Fore had understandably been to go.

“My kart felt so good. The engine chosen as the team’s FSA category front runner, following his slashing was perfect. What happened today form earlier this year in the is one of the reasons I’m looking European Championship, which forward to going into Super A next was cut short when the Imola year,” Briscoe concluded.

fastest (44.465), only eight one thousandths ahead of CRG’s Filipe Silva.

Recently crowned European Champion Cesar Campanico (CRG) trailed Briscoe in 17th.

In the heats, Carrapatoso was dominant, taking four wins and a second from five starts to ensure pole position for the prefinal.

25Seplenibefl998

Alonso hadn’t had quite as good a run, taking three wins, a second and a seventh to take p-id two,just ahead of Nicastro.

Briscoe, meantime, took a second, two thirds, a sixth and a 14th to line up on grid binth for the pre-final, one position back from team-mate and flat-mate Patrick Long.

Alonso stuck to Carrapatoso early in the pre-final before settling back behind Spinozzi and Nicastro at the finish to lijie up fourth for the pre-final, onlookers and tjTe techni cians impressed by the quality of his tyres.

He was well on track for the one reason he was there, a World Title. Little did he know what was in store...

Briscoe had run sensibly through the prefinal, taking a safe 11th at the flag just behind new CRG recruit Riko Furtbauer, but he still wasn’t happy with his progress, so much so that the team actually changed chassis for the final.

As the flag fell for the start of the final, Alonso was nowhere to be seen - after an intelligent run throughout the weekend, his kart fell victim to a broken coil; Alonso was unable to restart after the on-grid inspection, his fantastic efforts amounting to nil.

Briscoe, too, had a short-lived final - sit ting a safe seventh on the inside of the first turn, he was torpedoed in the side pod by an errant Ludovic Veve, who had come from 18th on the grid to storm across the grass in the first turn, ending the chances of Briscoe, Long, Furtbauer and Jarkko Venalainen along the way.

Veve was immediately disqualified post race for bad sportsmanship, small comfort for the efforts of the drivers who had worked steadily for twelve months towards this one September afternoon.

In the finish, as it had been in the heats, it was all Carrapatoso, the young Brazilian taking Tony Kart to consecutive World Championships, ahead of team-mate Spinozzi, Nicastro, Tristan Tepas (Tony KartWortex/Bridgestone.) and European Champ Campanico(CRG/CRG/Bridgestone).

- SEAN HENSHELWOOD

Continued from previous page

Winton lap record falls to Rath Tony Rath set a new official lap record for the 'Winton long 250cc his in circuit International during the Superkart support event for the Victorian circuit’s HQ Holden 3-Hour Endurance Classic on September 5.

The new 1:25.1770 lap record was actually bettered slightly by Rath in the first qualifying session, while Ross Higgins was the quick est 250cc National with a 1:26.5935.

Peter Carter really had his 125cc kart cranked up after ranning the motor in, recoring the fastest lap of 1:26.7820 in the third race, with

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consistently improved as the meet ing continued.

Hansen was the quickest 80cc kart, but when a front corner broke off approaching tmm 2 and he skidded to a halt just short of the wall, that was it for the day.

That left Sharyn Battle to take over the fi'ont ranning, along with Darren Dunn, Peter Windhager and Paul Battle - and Tony Aloi and Ban-y Cooper weren’t vei-y far off the pace by the end of the day.

Overall, as a weekend to show off the capabOities of the various Superkart classes, it was a great success.

- GRAEME BURNS

-¤

l^fastesf growing^ motor 1 sport/

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Ross Hansen (1:32.1232) just ahead of Sharyn Battle, The racing was primarily treat ed as a demonstration, with all classes i-unning together.

Rath and Phil Brumby, with their 250cc Internationals, took a race each in the first two, before Rath got it all together and won the next two, Higgins using the day to experiment with set-ups and, accordingly, fluctuating up and down in the results.

Carter’s 125cc got progressively quicker as the motor did more work throughout the day and he was hanging onto the 250cc karts in the third race, while Clark Todd

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25September 199S

Briefly Historic Attendance at the 2+4 Mallala meeting was boosted by the organising clubs deci sion to invite various car clubs for the day -and spectators were rewarded with some good close racing. Fastest Historic car was Peter Whelan’s Elfin 700 which lapped Mallala consistently aroimd the 113s, with a best lap of 1-12.5 secs. Peter won two scratch races while son Sean fol lowed up with another victory driving his Brabham -a successful family outing for the Whelans!

The Gairie Cooper Memorial Race over 6 laps for Formula Vees went to Gariy Griffiths(Elfin Crusader), with Andrew Tucker(Caracel)and Rob Jezierski (Spectre)filling the minor placings. n Pemite Oils and Shannons Corporation have joined forces to back this year’s Historic Sandown meeting to be held on October 24 to 25,and with the MG Car Club ofVictoria organising and running the event it’s sure to be a boomer!

Thirty one events vrill be contested over the two days, and cars irom the 1920s to the 1970s will be seen in action. Not sur prising, entries in the Group N classes are especially strong, with Minis, Mustangs, Cortinas and Toranas lining up for the tin top feature race.

The Victorian Historic Racing Register vwU also be using the Sandown meeting to pay tribute to Porsche’s 50th anniversary, ●with a number of famous local drivers taking part in a special Porsche demon stration run on the Sunday.

If you would like to chase the action, phone Ivan Rice for details on (03) 9350 4395 ah.

■ An All-Vintage Speedway Meeting will be conducted by the Horsham Motor Sports Club in conjunction with the Victorian Classic and Vintage Speedway Club at the Blue Ribbon Speedway, Horsham on October 3. ^ Because of its location in the heart of Victoria’s wheat belt, the host club is also conducting the Bi-Annual Vintage Tractor Rally on the same day. The Wimmera Mallee Historical Vehicle Society has been invited to participate, so it will be a real “vintage” weekend for aU. There will be a static display on the arena at 11 am followed by a Grand Parade of all vehicles at 1pm and 4pm, and then “spirited demonstrations” will commence at 5.30 pm.

The Blue Ribbon Speedway is located ISkms north of Horsham on the Warracknabeal Road, and further infor mation can be obtained by phoning Barry Barker on (03) 9726 6940.

■ The picturesque Flemington Racecourse Members Car Park will be the venue for the inaugural Australasian and Pacific Motoring Show to be held on Sunday, October 11.

Owners of classic vehicles from Australia, Japan and the Pacific region (including Aussie built kits cars) are invit ed to take part, and some seventy classic car clubs are expected to participate.

Gates open at 10 am and close at 3.30pm, and entertainment will be provid ed by the Woolly Brdl Bush Band. Hie Australasian and Pacific Motoring Show is proudly presented by the Association of Motoring Clubs.

Vale-BILL WILCOX A private fimeral was held in Melbourne recently for another of Australia’s post war racing drivers. Bill Wilcox, who passed away earlier this month.

Mr Wilcox, 83, was a Melbourne car dealer and an active member of the Sporting Car Club. He was a regular com petitor in his Dodge Special at aU the local motor racing venues such as Fishermans Bend and Rob Roy, and contested several Australian Grands Prix, his best result being a 5th place in the 1950 AGP at Nuriootpa South Australia.

To his family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy.

-BRIAN REED

Elfin Zephyr returns

by BRIAN REED

AN interesting South Australian car on the “miss ing” list for more than 30 years has made a welcome return to racing at the 7th annual Mallala Masters held on September 12 and 13.

It’s the Elfin Zephyr which began life in 1960 as an Elfin Streamliner (chassis No 14) for Bill Pile but was never completed. Another South Australian, Noel Hurd took over the car in 1961 and built it up as a Clubman, but instead of a ISOOcc engine, Hurd decided to instal a Zephyr powerplant, trans mission and rear end, and Mk 111 disc brakes. (A Hillman gearbox was later fitted.)

The Elfin Zephyr’s first outing was a quarter-mile sprint at WRE on July 2, 1961 where it recorded a best time of 16.3 secs. It was also entered for the 1961 Australian Grand Prix at Mallala, but was a non starter. (Noel Hurd is a bit hazy on why the Elfin Zephyr didn’t start, stating it “probably blew it up!”.)

Hurd sold the Elfin Zephyr in 1965, and 31 years later bought it back fi-om Malcolm Peck. “It was badly damaged and rusted so a major rebuild was necessary as it sat under a tree for 25 years,” said Hurd.

At the Austin 7 Club of SA’s 2+4 State Championship Race Meeting held at Mallala on September 12 and 13, the Elfin Zephyr made a tri umphant return to racing when it won both handicap events.

What made things even better was that “it came home without a mark” always a nice way to end the day, particularly after such a painstaking restoration.

Let’s hope that the green and gold car has a long a dis tinguished “second” career on the tracks around the country.

●U.

:SL

NOT BUILT FOR LOOKS... Noel Hurd's Elfin-Zephyr ain’t pretty, but it works. (Photo by Brian Reed) The 7th Historic Arthurs Seat Hillclimb was held in cool, overcast conditions on September 6 and 100 entries wer^ received for the 18 ciasses on the program.

The hiliclimb has-an inter esting history dating back to 1933 when the RACV ran the first event on the then new scenic road at Dromana. After running for the next two years, the Arthurs Seat Hillclimb went into a long recession until it was resurrected by the Austin 7 Club Inc. Victoria in 1992. Today, the event runs on a course 2.2kms long which includes 10 corners a fitting challenge for hill climb enthusiasts, and a popular spot for spectators.

In spite of the track being officially classified as “slow,” some very good times were posted by sever al competitors.

The next Historic Hillclimb for 1998 will be the AllHistoric Mt. Tarrengower to be held on October 11. For entry forms and enquiries, contact the Secretary of the Meeting Roger Boehme on (03) 5443 7008.

Arthurs Seat - Results

Austin Healey 100/3000: Tom Barr-Smith (Austin Healey 1-52.0secs.

3000) Invitation Sports Cars up to 10OOcc: Nigel Newman (PRB Clubman) 1-43.4secs.

Invitation Sports Cars (1601 to 3000CC): Rex Broadbent (Porsche Carrera) 1-41.4secs.

Invitation Sports Cars (Over 3001 cc): Ross Holder (Ford GT40 Replica) 1-46.1 secs.

Group Sa Production Sports Cars 1941-1960 (uptoieOOcc): Stephen Schmidt (Austin Healey 2-03.4secs.

Sprite) Group Sa Production Sports Cars 1940-1960 (over 1601CC): 1Glenn Renshaw (MG A) 55.7secs.

Group Sb Production Sports Cars 1961-1969tupto2000cc): John Evans (Lotus Europa) 1-46.8secs.

Group Sb Production Sports Cars 1961-1969 (over 2001cc); Peter Riseborough (MG B Mkl) 1-49.3secs.

Austin 7 Racing Cars: Graeme Clark (Stanley A7 s/c) 2-01.1 secs.

Group J Racing Cars - all Capacities: Warren Bonning (Gipsy Spl.) 2-03.9secs.

Group J Sports Cars - all Capacities: Michael Hipkins (Vauxhall 30/98) 2-21.0secs.

Group K Racing Cars - all Capacities: Bert Bajema (Monza V8) 2-01.5secs.

Group K Sports Cars 1931-1940 all Capacities: Jim McDonald (Riley Spl.) 2-04secs.

Group Lb Racing Cars 1941-1960 all Capacities: Andrew Newman (Ford V8 Spl.) 1-49.5secs.

Group Lb Sports Cars 1941-1960 all Capacities: Dean Rainsford (Lotus XI) 2-07.2secs.

Group M Racing & Sports Cars 1961-1965 - all Capacities: Jim Russell (Nedloh 2) 1 -44.6secs.

Group N Touring Cars - up to 2000cc: Len Reed (Morris Cooper S) 1-46.2secs.

Group N Touring Cars - over 2001 cc: Ian Jones (Torana XU-1) 1-44.2secs.

Fastest Time of Day Rex Broadbent (Porsche Carrera) 1.41.4secs.

Fastest Historic Car - Ian Jones 1 -44.2secs.

(Torana XU-1)

2-wheel legends for Winton

THE “legends” list for the forthcoming Australian Historic Motorfest at Winton Motor Raceway on November 7 and 8 continues to grow, with three motorcycle greats saying they will he taking part.

One of Australia’s outstanding internation al riders of the 1950s, Maurie Quincey is plan ning to be reunited with a Manx Norton - the marque which took him to so many victories both here and in Europe.

Quincey was a Grand Prix winner at Mt. Panorama, and was chosen as a member of the official Australian team for the Isle of Man in 1951, ’54 and ’55. A serious crash resulting fi"om a conrod breaking at more than 200km/h in the 1955 Isle of Man TT race ended his career, although he later turned to fom-wheel racing in Austraha and achieved considerable success behind the wheel of an Elfin Mono.

He says he has a new white helmet to use at Winton, and is planning to paint a kangaroo emblem on the front. This was his trademark dining his illustrious international career.

Barry Smith was another rider who achieved greatness on the European circuits and in Australia. He is remembered for his amazing rides on a works 50cc (yes, 50cc!)

Derbi for the Spanish factory, but more impor tantly for his many Grand Prix victories and

at the Isle of Man TT races.

His win in the 1979 Isle of Man TT and the Ulster GP earned him the world F3 crown. He also won the 125cc class of the Belgian GP in the same year. Smith returned to Europe in 1981 and again won the world 125cc title, becoming the first Australian to win two World Championships. He also won the Australian 125cc championship in 1981 for the second time.

His sponsor fi-om days gone by. Jack Walters is planning to organise a bike for Smith’s return to Winton on November 7 and 8.

Good news is that former Honda works rider and multiple title winner, Andrew Johnson will also be seen in action at the Motorfest. During his career, AJ was a tough, determined and skilled competitor who earned the respect of his rivals because of his speed and tenacity.

These days, AJ is employed by Honda Australia and he ■wdl take to the Winton track aboard one of the latest Honda Superbikes - a spectacle not to be missed.

The three riders join 15 car “legends” pre-viously confirmed for the Motorfest, with the likelihood of more to come - surely the biggest gathei-ing of motor racing greats ever assem bled in Australia.

A

THE FLYING KANGAROO...

Maurie Quincey in his heyday.

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28AU019SS

Sedans/Sports Cars Datsun 180BSSS club car. New engine, diff 4.6 Koni sus pension RX Falkens 4 spots and vented rear disks, spare shells etc. Priority baby on way so must sell. Assistance given. Log book. $9500. Ph 07 5547 7591 137 Escort Lotus twin cam 9/70 original oar rebuilt engine. $7990. Quick sale. No tyre kickers. Ph 018 367 004 or 03 9499 3088 bh ,3; Thunderdone HQ all log books new sealed motor(as new) sealed box. Can be test driven before sale. $7200. Ph 03 9563 7072 137

Porsche 930 wide body 350hp turbo motor. 15,000 mis.

Immaculate condition. Rrst to see will buy. $70,000. Ph 9300 9996 (WA)a 0412 941 812137

25th Anniversary GT Falcon, build no.200, one of 250.

Cobalt blue, manual. Factory sunroof, CD player, oar bra, seat covers (front and rear), keyless entry with alarm, customised plates (MYGT93) low kms, immaculate oonditioa One of the best, reluctant sale. Some spares included in price. $POA neg.

Ph Amanda or Andrew 0419 347037 or 035369 2271137 ..3 .-W

AUSCAR VS. Immaculate. Complete roller less engine. Yellow light, fire bomb, fuel cell and churn, harness, complete Autometer instrument panel, turbo brakes and M21 gearbox, new gears and bearings in diff, C,R‘P cage. All new panels.

Needs engine and minor assembly. A sale is necessary to com plete new car. $9500 ono. Ph Tony 03 9781 2377 bh or 0419 155 635 ah 137 Sports Sedan Mustang. 1989 GT. 351 motor, dry sump, 3 plate clutch, T loader gearbox, O' Marrop diff, AP brakes, Bilsteins, Zakspeed suspension, BBS wheels, Sabelt harness.

Comes with spares and wets. POA. Neg. Ph Kevin 02 4782 1145 or 0414 822 427 137 Suzuki Swift GTI 1987. Currently set up for production car/street sedan. Very competitive and fully developed car as raced. Exc condition. $6500 ono. Ph 024960 9032 137 Torana SS Hatchback Fuel injected 304, t-5, 9’ diff. $ wheel discs, Simmons wheels, ground up restoration.

Excellent condition. VPN-053 $16,800 ONO. Ph/Fax 08 8581 1560(AH) 137 Ford Cortina GT Mkl. 2 door 1964 group NB race car.

Steve O'Neill's oar. fully maintained by Lemans classic no expense spared includes set up sheets. $12,800. Ph Rian 03 95321409 137 ASX Group C touring car. Only 48 hours work from new.

Spares for hatchback include 4 engines, 3 diffs, 2 sets brakes, never crashed. Sell complete for $55,000 or will sepa rate. Ph John 08 8644 0283 137 ED Station wagon auto, p/steering, air con, ABS, c/lock ing, new tyres. Tow pack, very low kms. Ex condition in/out.

Reg & RWC.$15,500. Ph 035996 8509 or 0419 388 192 137

Datsun 260Z clubsport coupe. VG30. 4 cam turbo, extensive development, shattering performance, beautiful condition.

Wakefield Park 1min13.7secs. Road and cams registered. $17,950. Ph 02 44231811 bh or 024464 1667 ah.

Nissan March quick and reliable. New A008's, multipoint cage, Kevlar seat, etc. Spare eng. G/box. Must sell, going over seas Sept 20. $4900 ono. Ph 035827 1256136

17

Vauxhal! Cavaliers (2). Ex Cleland/niompson 1995 BTCC Mallock Super Tourer cars (Cleland won 95 championship), as subsequently raced by Jim Richards, Russell Ingall, Bob Tweedie. Extensive spares inventory, one spare engine, 3 years set-up info. Still front-running proposition for good young drivers.

Priced to sell at $65,000 each(spares neg.). Will consider sensi ble offer for whole team. Ph: Bob Tvreedie 018 162 762 (Sydney), u?

Porsche Cup cars, Race winners at bargain prices. Marburg 911C2 and ex-Park 911RSR. Both can win, lew cost to run and maintain. Don't waste your money on high-dollar fragile cars that cost thousands to repair. Must sell to go open wheeler racing.

911C2 $75,000, 911RSR $115,000. Possible lease for Indy.

Julian Marburg(0411)66 77 99. ise HQ Holden, new rebuilt engine, gearbox sealed. New sus pension package and tyres. Car in top condition, finished no lower than 7th.$5000(02)6355 5995. 136 HQ Holden, heaps of spares, panels, rims and mechanical.

With reg'd 4-wheel trailer.(02)96066600. m

Mfitsubisia Lancer Evo III Groiv A.Low kms,red inside and out. Big hp bench dynoed motor. Atlronic rotating idle. Auto lag.

Twin plate clutch, 5 speed, Profiex. Chrome moly & carbon fibre everywhere.$52,000. Ph: Graham Vaughan 0412584 859. 138 2Pulsar GTiR's, 1 GTP car with Koni susp. welded cage, blue printed etc $24,000.1 road car with air, power windows, complianced etc,$26,000. Both in excellent cond. with lew kms.$48,000 for both. Ph 0418 995581 ise

Open Wheelers AUSCAR Falcon last season rookie winning car. With a spare set of wheels, fuel churn, jact etc. $25,500 ono. Will lease if required at a reasonable rate. Ph Jason 0414 779 999 «

1^ »

i

Group NB Ford Cortina 2 door. Very competitive font run ning oar, all the best components, very reliable. With or without tandem trailer, ready to race. $13,000 ono. Ph 03 9532 1409 bh 137

Holden Gemini TX, unfinished rally car. 1600 Isuzu, 6 point roll cage. Veto seat (drivers) 3 inch 4 point Willans harness, extinguishers, new TE diff and heaps more. Out of rego. Ph Doug 07 3217 6975137 Torana LH, ex show drag car. Sell less motor and trans.

Freshly rebuilt. Velour interior, detailed undercarriage, fresh paint. Big rubber, many new parts too much to list. $6950 Ph 08 83965607137 Ford Laser TX3 Turbo 4WD, currently leading NSW rally c/ships P6. Motec computer, Sparco seats, new gearbox, com prehensive use of carbon fibre. Immaculately presented, heaps of spares.$13,800 Ph Simon 024365 5984 or 0412 377 414137 - Commodore Group A VS ex-HRT Benson engine, Marrop running gear, Motec system, comes with spares package including wheels and pit equipment. $65,000 flat price. Ph 02 6355 5995137 Commodore Sports Sedan new 350 Chev mid-mounted, T10 gearbox, 9" floater, rear fibreglass panels all round, comes with spare springs, moulds, wets etc. $26,000. Ph 026355 5995 137

Sports Sedan VL Commodore Group A shell, rebuilt 308 engine, modified Aussie 4 speed. Ford 9" diff, excellent condi tion. $12900 ono. Ph 0249426233 bh or 024945 3613 ah 13a AUSCAR Sportsman Ford XF Falcon, fresh engine, excellent condition, regretful sale - moving os. $10,000. Ph 03 9844 3657 135 HQ Race Car Great condition, Sparco evo seat, Sabelt 6 point harness, good HP engine, extensive spares. Ready to race. $4000 ono. Ph 0419 263 458 136

Alfa Romeo 155TS, Super Tourer. Virtually bullet-proof, comes with huge amount of spares. Race in Super Touring for app. $3500 per race and Bathurst for $6000. Impossible? Ring me and I'll tell you how. David Auge>(07)3252 5511 or (0418) 794240. 136 HQ Holden, Thunderdome car. All log books, new sealed as new motor, sealed box. Can be test driven before sale. (03) 9563 7072.$7200 ONO. m NASCAR, Pontiac Grand Prix. 18 deg heads, front steer, extended nose and tail, slab sides. Top 10 car, including all pit and flat track equip. Race day support if required. $39,000.(03) 94341831 or(0412)132 068. 136 Sports Sedan, Falcon XE, ready to race Cleveland 351, Nasco block, 4-bolt main, roller cam, 4 downdraft Webers. 2 sets Simmons wheels (16-10) complete or will separate. Must sell POA. Heaps of spares(02)9905 5814 Or(0418)481 122. ise

Formula Holden 92D, competitive oar, with good MP engine. Trailer and spares package available. Contact Owen Osborne 039798 3680 or 0417320 866.$78,000 neg. 137 Superkart Peter Worrall's 125cc Australian Championship winning kart. 1997 Stockman chassis with full bodywork. 'B' kit '94 RS125 engine, just rebuilt with new crank, mains, etc. $6,500. Ph 02 9824 7350 130 Swift SC93FF top state series car -1- Nat. Fresh Harner engine. Blueprinted gearbox, updated b/w spares, wish bones, uprights, pushrods, cleveses, nose cones, nose box, radiators, engine covers, discs, rims, trackrods, rollbars, springs, roller. $20,000 0 package $26,000. Ph Tony Jory 03 6326 5555 or 0418 130 133 136

3

'r Suzuki Swift GTi 89. Twincam, IS" wheels, Pirelli tyres, Koni suspension, computer chip, tidy interior, sway bars, lowered, never raced. 4/99 reg (OVQ-881). Sounds tough. Real headturner. $7500 ono. Ph 035248 3044135

; VAUXHALL

TIGA FA81, Schuppan Macau GP oar, little use since. Totally original. Immaculate factory car, new powerflow diff, C&P Randall Edgell rebuilt BDA. 12 wheels, many spares, ratios, enclosed trailer. $60,000. Ph 07 55308180 or 018 766 663137

miCHkUM

continued over page

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CATEGORY; Cars; □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers □ Speedway DDrag General; □ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs □ Other

48

28August W8

Firefox off road frame including all aluminium and fibreglass panels, long front and rear arms, SAW drive axles, quick release steering wheel,63 litre fuel tank, RPM seat, aluminium pedals and cylinders, VDO gauges. Many extras Inc log book. $5500. Ph Paul 02 48321321 ah 137 Tony Kart Exagone current model 28mm chassis. 40mm axle, suit Clubman or National Classes. $1800, Ph 07 5530 8180 or 018 766 663 137

Speedway

judd@netcam.com.au 136 Sprintcar 1989 JSR highbar complete less engine with spares including splined wheels. $12,000 ono, Ph 03 9460 9588 bh or 0397151515 136 Vintage Midget speedcar. Restoration started 95% com plete. Fresh hi compression grey engine, new fuel injection, Beagley chassis cross spring front 3 piece wheels. $10,000 firm. Ph 03 5821 0341 or 0418538 588 136

Drag Racing

GP Midget rolling chassis. Chrome-moly frame, Gardiner tor sion-bars, power-steer. Racie winning oar with spare wheels and suspension parts. $2590 ono. Ph Tom 029607 5908 ah. 137

Engines

Formula Vee Kingfisoher. Won every Vic series in 97. Comes with all spared, 2 gearboxes, consistent front runner. Car at Calder Sept 27. All data and assistance to new owner. Trailer available. $10,500 ono. Ph 03 9792 5881 bh/03 5482 1073 ah 136

Van Diemen RF98. Rolling chassis engineered and main tained by Fastlane Racing. Proven race winner and 3rd in AFFC. Immaculate car. Available with Motec data logging sys tem (brand new), Ohiins 2 way shock absorbers. Ph Tim Leahey 0419 588 884,026362 9888 bh or 02 63628263 ah. 136

HG Monaro drag car, 750hp big block Chev, Turbo 400 box, 8" Dominator converter, full chassis. Ford 9" rear, strut front end.

Weld wheels, lift off f'glass front, lexan svindows. Deist chutes.

Ran 9.1s/148mph last time out. Complete, turn key $22500 ono.

Ph 07 4126 8991 lae Torana LH drag car, freshly rebuilt. Sell less motor and trans. Drag suspension, letterbox scoop, harness, velour inte rior, SL/R dash and wheel, fully detailed undercarriage. Too much to list. $6950 Ph 08 8396 5607 137

Modified production VN Commodore. Current ASCF registra tion methonal 350 Ffolley carburettor V6, 5-speed gearbox, 9" diff. Best of everything. All new. Only 7 meetings old. Fluge potential. $14,000. Ph 026297 1336137 Fender bender HG. One meeting old since full rebuild.

Motor sealed, competitive car. Ready to race less window net and harness. With spares $1600 ono. Ph Ed 0414 240 005 or 02 9628 5170137 Speedway cars. XF Ford and Sigma sedans. Cars are ready to race with spares. Both have feature wins A.S.C.F. or Board. $3,000 ono. Must sell. Ph 02 6963 6367137 Modified production TE Cortina. Strong 250 x flow methanol motor. 4-speed, adjustable suspension, very com petitive car. Plenty of spares. Ready to race. $7,500 ono Ph 03 5978 7679 or 0419 388 1922 137

265 Hemi engine. Fully reconditioned, never been started since rebuild. All good gear, competition cam. $3,600 spent, asking $2,000 ono. Ph 02 6351 2914 137 Holden 3.3 blue motor full reconditioned and balanced bottomend, full reconditioned head, K-line guides, stainless seats, reconditioned factory Garrett turbo and manifolds all reconditioned and as new. 38 mm Weber. $3,000 ono. Ph 062 416 047 or 0414 776 129 137 Lotus twin cam, complete motor and gearbox, top hp, Ivan Tighe cams, Wardsport head. Vernier timing gear, includes 45 mm webbers and extractors, full rebuilt. $5500. Ph 02 9520 9413 or 0419 233 595 137 GSXR 1100 suit litre or compact speedcar Hilbom injection extractors. Ready to race. $3000. Ph 029628 2238 137 308 Race motor. Dry sump system, triple plate clutch, Chev LT1 conrods, stroked to 323 cubic inches. Waggott cam, forged .040" pistons, roller rockers Iski valve springs. Fli horse power and strong torque. Cost $20,000. Sell $13,000.

Ph John 08 8644 0283 137 Holden 202 race engine fully rebuilt balanced, blueprinted, fully worked head roller rockers ACL racing pistons, starfire rods. Crow Cams straight cut gears, hi-energy sump. $2,200 ono. Ph 03 5978 7679 or 0419 388 192 137 Che« 366 Grower 5/8 stoke crank, Oliver 6‘ rods, JE pistons, roller cam, bowtie block, splayed caps. Daft 17" heads, T&D shaft rockers. 650hp. $17,500. Ph 0418 514 444 or 03 5176

3BBS 19" snake tongue touring car rims, centre lock nut style with Michelin slicks. Worth $6000. Sell $2,500. Ph 02 6655 5715or019125 965 137 Datsun 1600 R180 Detroit locker diff 4.1 $950, disc rear end $500, close ratio 5 speed suit L16. $450. Bridgestone RE71RS 195/60/14. As new. $320 pair. Other parts available Ph 029684 2353 137 Intereooler brand new for motor up to 400 hp. Measures 810 mm x 310 mm.Suit6 cylinder or turbo rotary motor. $500 Ph Ken 0412 546*^57 137 Magneto MSD promag 10 times more voltage and spark than conventional magneto. Cost new $2,700. Sell $1,950. Ph 035176 1355 or 0418 514 444137 Small block Chev street tunnel ram, brand new. $300 Ph 03 9844 3657136

NASCAR pit gear, inc alloy jack, hot rod guns and regs, T10 box, road racerear end. 9‘ centre, ride car complete (will dis mantle), heaps of parts. Ph(03)9800 3111. 136 Gearbox, Brand new Doug Nash, never used. 5-sp, straight cut gears, long H-pattern. Must sell, POA (02) 9905 5814, (0418)481122. 136 Chev 010 4 bolt block, 5,7" Carrillo rods. 11.5 to 1 forged pis tons to suit, Accell twin point distributor. $1500 the lot. Ph 03 6424 2988 bh is6 Chev 350 race parts. Brand new American Calais 3.5 stoke crank and bearings to suit. Also new S' Oliver rods and JE pis tons with gapless rings to suit this combination. Also second hand but with little use. Brownfield aluminium heads with Titanium inlet valves. Crane roller rockers, roller followers etc.

Bowtie inlet manifold and 750 annular discharge holley needs block and cam to be complete motor. Bargain at $10,000. Ph 07 54976733 i36 Z-ways,2 aew sets. Scanner, car set, open face helmet mike and relay. Cable antenna. Dorian timer, battery chargers. As new, in own case,$5000.(02)9636 4447 and(0418)637 454. 136 Gearbox V8 M21 4 speed Qxnmodore box and shifter. Fully reco.$1000 ono. Ph 039769 9936 136

Transporters/Trailers Tandem trailer up and over style. Plenty storage under neath. Used for super sedan and modified production. $2,500 Ph 03 5978 7679 or 0419 388 192 137 .“V'

t

1355137

Superkart ex Chris Staff's Aust Championship Kart 97 Stockman MR3 int. Yamaha TZ250 twin. Immac cond. Trailer, tent, eng spares, rims, wets. Ready to win. $15,000. Ph 0411 256 394 or 07 3378 4068 ah. 136

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Super Sedan EA Falcon. 350 Chev, TRW pistons, ported fuellie heads, 750 methanol Holley, quick change diff, single leaf coil over suspension, Wllwood brakes, spare rims and tyres. Ready to go racing. $8000. Ph 07 5447 1904 136 Torana modified sedan. New fibreglass panels, ISeci motor; old car being updated - unfinished. All major parts there. Just needs to be put back together. $2000. Ph 08 8556 3944 136

'

Centura modified sedan. 265ci, MB72,'Ex-Cory Reid, fabri cated front and rear ends, Volvo diff. Commodore rims, quicksteer with power, fibreglass panels with moulds. $5000 ono. Ph 08 8556 3944. 13s Sprintcar NSW 22 1990 Drake chassis, USA excellent con. dition. Fresh engine. Ready to race with spares. Many new parts. Priced for quick sale. $23,000. Ph 02 4990 7895 or 0414 427 450 136 Super Sedan Mazda RX7 13PP Injection power head, dejersy rack, quick change, diff, 6 pin wheels, 4 bar rear coil overs 12 aluminium wheels, heaps of spares. Will separate.

Ph 03 5424 1804 ah or 03 5422 3098 bh 130

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Superkart. Wright Mklll. NZ built Rotax 250 Twin 6 speed power value 1985 engine, good club kart, also 81 engine, $5500. Ph 02 9763 3772 137

K'nart See fi IV

Van Diemen RF9S, One of the best in Aust., exVVebber/Bargwanna, maintained regardless of cost. Top 10 fin ished in 98, Lamer engine (one race meeting old). Spares include wheels, tyres, shockers, body parts, stands. $29,500.

Ph Roger(0417)335 965. 136

Modified Production Commodore, Fresh High Horsepower motor, roller cam, runs Methanol. Best of every thing, spare wheels and tyres, full adj susp. Ready to race, $9000.(0417)106711 or(03)54 471232. 13s Fonnula 500 chassis, jib tuit Tig welded, includes bonnet, tail and nerf bars, Stallard specs. Brand new, $2000 Ph 03 6424 2988 bh 136

Sprintcar 91 JSR aluminium Rodec engine heaps of spares, fully enclosed trailer, electric brakes, mag wheels, rego.

Complete package $35,000 ono. Ph 02 6297 2818 or 0418 630 408 136

Elfin 622 Historic Group Q. Total restoration completed 5 years ago, now running F3 configuration. Quick, reliable oar holds Group Q Under 1300 lap records at Amaroo and E. Creek. Full Cosworth Ford engine ex UK, speciticaliy built for F3 with BDA crank and rods, gear driven camshaft etc, twin plate clutch and Mk8 Hewland. Flawless in finish and presentation.

Documentation available, spares incl. Ph Richard Harward 02 9789 8470 bh 029568 4147 ah 137

Sprintcar 1992 Toggnotti HI bar less engine, KSW steering, \A/inters diff, Splined wheels, new paint, complete roller. $7,000.

Ph 026297 2818or0418630 408 136 Sprintcar Avenger 1998. Brand new. Deluxe kit power coat ed, black. Selling well below replacement at $8,500. Ph 0418 884 756. Delivery can be arranged. 136 Super sedan components secondhand shocks, coils, starters, steering rack, Charlynn power steering, Wilvuood brake, calipers, seat belts, fibre W5 wheels, 18" roller cam and shaft rockers. Ph 08 9452 2808 ise po^i Cortina TE W modified production multiple aggregate winner and feature placings. New engine (not rebuiid), rated Bilstein suspension, Power steering, fabricated front upper controi arms, new paint, race ready, a complete assortment of spares. Bargain at $7000 ono. Must sell. Ph Gavin 03 5593 2845 ah or 0417 563 233 or Gordon 03 5593 2321. Email:

Drag racing big block Chev, methanol injected, 480ci. bird catcher on tunnel ram, late model Bowtie aluminium heads, flow 800hp, roller lifters, roller rockers, forged pistons, roller cam, steel crank, new alloy rods, alloy timing cover, inspec tion pump, 4-boit block and much more. $10000. Ph 07 4126 8991136

Golf F2 engine, new valves, guides, seats, springs, forged pistons, crack tested, balanced, ground, new bearings, rings.

Never run. $4,500. Ph 03 5881 1506 ah,03 5881 4411 bh. 136 351 Cleveland, Nasco 4 bolt main, steel rods, internal bal ance. Roller cam, 4V heads. Manly stainless 1-pce valves.

Titanium retainers, Grower roller rockers, Edelbrock manifold.

AJI canbe inspected, POA.(02)9905 5814,(0418)481122. 136 BIB Chev, 480ci, 4.5 inch Bow Tie block JE, 12.5:1. Grower roads, 427 steel hi-perf crank, large port heads. Compete Crane rockers and girdle, Edelbrock Victor Ram cam, lifters, rollmaster Fl/bal flywheel. $9000 03 9469 4550. ise

Parts Datsun 1600 parts. Doors, struts, hubcaps, diff. harness, seats, tail light, headlight, gearbox, 1800 motor, carbies, bumper bar, roll cage, boot lid. Priced from $5. Ph 03 5334 6364 ah Ballarat. 137 Bond Aluminium rollcage to suit LH/LX sedan. 6 point, fully polished. Cost $725, sell $580. Ph qs 8396 5607 137 Lotus Twin Cam head. Reco with new:^lves. No springs, $1500 Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 4 S/H wet weather tyres&wheels. 4 stud, 2 by 8", 2 by 10', 2 by 13'$500 Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 Ford 4 cyl L block - sleeved $500 Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 2 Lightweight 4 spot callipers with pads - Offers Ph 03 94804040. 137 n .

BDA flywheel -Offers. Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 Lotus Twin Cam camshafts 4 pair @ $300 per pair. 1 pr vernier $350 Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 Lotus Twin Cam front cover $300. Tappet cover $200. Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 Hoosier historic tyres street TD 2x D60 x 13’ $200. 2 x 205/60D X 13'$200 Ph 03 9480 4040. 137 Intercomp corner scales complete with 4 spare pads, (needs recalibrating) Ph 039480 4040. 137 Pioneer Component System Stereo. Tuner, tapedeck, graphic, 2 amps, cost over $2000, sell $1450. Ph 08 8396 5607137 Chev V8 350 TPI motor and harness and computer, 4 bolt rebuilt $3900. EFI to suit 302 Ford Mustang. Harness comput er $1900. Ford 4 bolt 351 block $1600. 4 Mab crank $480.

351 Carillos $1500. Accel dist $380. All neg. Ph Kevin 02 4785 1145 or 0414 822427 137 Brand new 2 litre Kombi heads, 48 x 38 Titanium stainless valves, Chev double springs. These are the best heads. $1,800. Ph 02 6655 5715 or019 125 965 137 Holden V8 top loader conversion. Box, bellhousing, shifter, flywheel, pressure plate, thrust bearing, clutch plate, hydrolic clutch set up, tailshaft to suit nine inch in LH/LX. Excellent condition, complete. $1450. Ph 08 8396 5607 137 500 Holley Carburettor factory methanol, imported from USA. Used once only on engine dyno. Suit speedway etc.

Brand new,$500 ono, Ph 026297 9763 137

1988 Chevy Sierra classic crew cab dually. 454 Itr. V8. power steering, air conditioning, dual fuel with 200 Itr tank. Best one around.$39,500. Ph0351761355or0418514444 137 r'

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Waipac Custom tandem trailer, lO'xS'xSe'. 4-wheel elec tric brakes, rear and side dows, 2-tonne capacity, 12 months rego. Cost $6000 to build, sell $4800,(0414)829 435(07)3372

4384. 136

Transporter converted Millard caravan, 30'x8', 4 axles, 4 wheel electric brakes, new 27'x15' annexe, GE fridge, hws, shower, kitchen with stove, wired 12/240 volt, sleeps 4, Reg Feb 99.$10,000 ono Ph 02 49426233 bh or 02 4945 3613 ah 136

Nissan C80 diesel car carrier. Tyre racks, spares compart ment, new injectors and pump,complete rebuild two years ago.

Reliable and efficient. Town truck, owes $15,000. Sell $8,500. Ph John English 07 3826 4111 (BH)07 3808 2943(AH) or 0418 736 619137

Transporter, Ford D series Pantec, 351, allow ramps, long range tanks, new tyres, brakes, shocks, RWC. Suitable open wheeler, small sedan,can tit NASC/\R.$5800.(03)98003111. m

Over $1,500,000 worth of race cars, trucks, race car trailers, engines, parts and 'others' in Motorsport News Classifieds each fortnight!

2^01998

Photographs

matted. Some with original signatures. Ph Troy 0412 263 409 or Wayne 019 996193 137

Wanted FI model cars 1:43 1980's Tameo wave western whitemetal kits or assembled. Ph Bill 03 5243 3660 ah 137 Formula 1 videos pre 1985 VMS or Beta. N highlights tapes. Ph Bill 03 5243 3660 ah ,37 Corolla RWD good new or used extractor system to suit 4AGE engine. Ph Rob 036339 4596. 137 Formula Ford (older model .early to mid 80s) rolling chas sis, complete, or incomplete. All considered. Ph Tom 02 9607 5908 evenings. 137 A mini Cooper 'S' body and parts. Ph Rob or Ryan 08 8383 7122 ah. <37 Formula Ford suitable for historic racing. Ph 03 9335 2090 137

Historic photos, 70s, 80s, Brock, Johnson, Senna, Mansell etc. B&W, colour. Tourers, sports cars, F5000, F2 etc. Search service also available. Fax lor details.02 9960 6552 137 Photographs V8 supercars, Lowndes, Ingall, Johnson etc.

Super Tourers Richards, Jones etc. Various sizes framed and

Escort Mk 1 rally car or club car. Ph 08 8344 3113 136 Dick Johnson John Bowe and NASCAR fans to correspond with. Male or female. Write to Lynn-Maree, 1A Halbrooks Rd, Flinders Park SA 5025 136 Motor mechanic Name your own wage. Licenced, experi enced professional required. Secure, long-term, well paid job available for the right person. No travel involved. Ph Jim 02 4731 4457 .*

Other

49

Gail ah 03 5334 6364 137 Accommodation Bathurst private three blocks from the track. Available due to cancellation. Sleeps four people. Suit race drivers and partners. Ph Barry 02 6334 2244 or fax 03 6334 2245 137 ‘Motorsport’ magazines,(English) 1970 -1996. Essentially complete, in VG condition. Also 'Automobile Year', Vote 16-32.

All serious offers considered. Greg (02)42 377 503 Mob(0411) 244175. 138^

Motor racing magazine book, program, yearbook col lection. 70s through to current. Some rare 60s. Ph Peter 02 9817 6228 137

Alfa Romeo showroom sales brochures. Various models from early 70's Giulietta sprint Alfasud 1980's GTV Alfa 75 to 1990 model 33 160V. All brochures exc condition. $5 ea. Ph

Autosport''hiags 1973 to 1995. Complete 7 boxes taking up space. I need offers. Can deliver. Ph 0418 459 218 -sf.

Magazines for sale. Old Wheels, Modem Motor, Racing Car News etc. Too numerous to mention. All must go! Best offer. Ph Geoff 0355931709. 136 Tyres Hoosier racing wets, brand new 16", 22 by 10-16(4) New $1200, sell fa $850, Also many used 18" slicks, Ph 0412 337 227 OT

Vlotorsport News' RACE S.H.'0'P gives you the opportuniiy to prdmiote your products and services to the widest possible range of motorsport competitors and enthusiasts.

Advertising in RACE S'H'OiP'costs as little as $50 per issue!

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50

COIVtlVIENT

11 September 1998 Calendar reaction Dear Sir,

Editorial

After viewing the ’99 V8 Supercar calendar released yesterday I am now firmly convinced that A^SCO has completely lost the plot - and lost touch with motorsport fans of Australia.

editivj

: David Hassall Techntcal Ed»tcjr Tony Glynn Assistaiit EditOi : Phil Branagan CrapHics Co-ordinator Viv Brumby Lioy Wonder A^^ron Noonan

I love watching V8 Supercars, but equally love watching just about any other foi-m of motorsport - including Super Tourers. I find it an outrage that AVESCO can schedule a race (without even having a venue booked) that will clash with the tra ditional first Sunday in October date ofthe Bathurst 1000.

Just goes- to prove that the only thing that drives AVESCO is money.

No respect for tradition, no respect for the public.

C’mon AVESCO - give us a break.

You’re turning off more fans that you’re turning on. C’mon CAMS stand up for the rest of the sport and stop being a doormat to V8 hooli gans.

(Advertising Manager ' Gerald McDornan

Advertising Managing Director ; Chris Lambden

Administration n 89 Orrong Crescent ■Caulfield North VIC 3161 ■; (PO Box 1010 North Caulfield 3161)

Contacts

i-ax. us v»z/ //bo Email; insnews<§icorplink.com.au

CompuServe: iooz37,ii6t

f.vifrro'i C Lciiubclen (,V.ar<>g;ng). i) HAViD!!. A Gfvun :

Publisher: C Lambclen

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\Mlke Color 37-49 Browns Rd Clayton 3168

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Distributed by: NDD l.td

publr^hed by WQTORbPOr'ir MEWS is ; copyfighr T-ay not be repfc/rJurecJ in full or in I pan vdirnout ine v,T:rren pormis.sicn of if>e i publ-incr. Freeianro contribuficns ere v.-eJeorne, and wfin'e all care wdi bo uiKen, Ausrral.isian | Motorsporr Mews Ply Lid does noi acr.c-pl i responsibiiify for damage or loss ol inaienal | subrnirrerf. !

(Opinions expa-’ssPd in Motorsporr Neva's●a''e not ner.esscirily Uiose of /‘^usimla^ian Morooiporr News j Ply Ltd or irs sidff. | ■‘Recomr-nended and m.-wimum price

SIOS

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AS 160 A5i70

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ivo loirr

happened, he whinged about the con ditions and said that continuing in this race was a joke.

Up until this point of the race, I had not heard anybody ‘whinging’ about the driving conditions.

Maybe next year with eveiybody on control tyres, even privateers, Dick wfll have something to whinge about.

Roger Krane, Ballarat, Vic

and I think that when the control tyre does make its presence wel come, that it will be the best driver that wins not the best tyre.

The cars themselves are near identical except for the obvious, and it won’t be a case of a Bridgestone circuit, or a Dunlop circuit.

The control is the future of V8 racing in Australia, they kick the 2 Litre boys’ butts hands down, and

No sympathy for Dick Dear Sir, Does Dick ever stop whinging?

He’s worse than a Pom. At least they have something to whinge about.

Poor old Dick never stops.

At the Tickford 500 at Sandown, Dick did in extraordinary bad dri ving/racing conditions and eventual ly collided with a privateer who had spun, Dick didn’t see him due to no wipers on the Falcon (if it was so bad, why didn’t Dick pit to fix wipers?) When Dick did pit and when asked by commentators what

r

Dear Sir,

Ingall replies; I’m sorry you’re upset about me driving in the

Andrew Mann Brisbane

CHILDISH? Shayne Andrews thinks A VESCO’S Tony Cochrane is just that

Controlled joy

should continue to improve well into the next millennium.

Dear Sir,

Brad Goss bjgoss@deakin.edu.au

a

HRT sour grapes

D McLean Canberra ACT

fony b^9ghurst

I just want to express my delight towards the control tyre decision.

I am a one-eyed FORD fan and am glad that all teams will now be able to play on a level playing field. Out of all the teams, only a couple are against the move to the control tyre, and one of them is HRT. The reason that HRT doesn’t want to change to the control tyre is that they are probably doing a special deal with Bridgestone and get special tyres to get an advan tage, and HRT don’t want to lose that advantage. I know a lot of people that strongly agi-ee with me

My heart is in V8 racing. Please reconsider before you stop being a fan. I value my fans too much to lose any.

I write having recently read the summary of the Tickford 500 which appeared on the HSV Website.

I quote, “It was the safety car that dominated the Sandown 500, both by leading the pack for a swag of laps, and by giving Larry Perkins and Russell Ingall the opportunity to make a pressure free pit stop and put on new tyres towards the end of the race. Their fresh rubber saw Ingall drive from second to first, and eventually win the race.”

HRT concludes their race summa ry with, “As such, the race came down not so much to speed, but more to tactics and luck - and Perkins and Ingall were able to take advantage of both.”

I am unashamedly a Russell Ingall fan, having briefly raced Karts against him in Adelaide some years ago. However, HRT have not given Perkins and IngaU credit where cred it is due.

Did not HRT have the same oppor tunity to pit under the pace car? If memory serves, they were actually competing in the same race, you know.

KRTs reference to “fresh rubber” is particularly unsporting given recent developments regarding con trol tyres. Were the Bridgestones, heaven forbid, not up to the task ?

Perhaps they would have been closer to Perkins/Ingall at race end had all competitors been on the same tyre.

Will HRT now admit a control tyre is needed ?

Endurance racing IS a combina tion of speed, tactics, and luck. Last Sunday saw HRT comprehensively thumped by Perkins/Ingall in all thi’ee areas.

HRT is a vei-y successful racing team who deserve credit for their accomplishments. They should, how ever, take a lesson from Russell Ingall, and learn how to finish sec ond with dignity.

Russell, you are already a champi on driver.

The Drivers Championship will come.

Dear Sir,

I’ve just read in the press that Contributors Tony (lochrane is planning to run NZ. John Hawkins the Sandown 500 next year on the Speedway. Dennis Newlyn, David October long weekend up against the McNiitab, Wade Aunger, Geoff : Bathurst 2-litre race.

Rounds, David Lamont, Chris Metcalf, Well Tony, how bloody childish, Sue l-lobson, Michael Ativt'ell, what’s wrong? Don’t you like the V8 Tony Millard |UK), Darren O'Dea drivers driving in another class? My Rally; Peter Whiuen, Jon Thomson ' favourite class is the V8s, but if it’s a Drag Racing; Gerald McDornan. choice between the big cars on a flat Greg Ward. Jon Asher (USA), j track and the small cars on a moun Dave Ostaszewski (tJSA), Nid; Nicholas, Steven White, tain, I know that I’ll be watching the Ken f erguson, Scott Jug ; Bathurst 1000.

Super Speedway Martin Clark (USA), , ' Come on Tony don’t be a smart Breu Swanson, Grant Nicholas ass, let the general public appreciate Karts: Ian Salvestrin, Allan Roark, ! both races but on different week Graeme Burns, Edw-ard Krause ends, after all, there are 52 week Photographers; LAT, Dirk Klynsmith, ends in a year.'

Zoom Photographies, Neii f-lammond, I My dream is for both classes to Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett.' ; compete in one Bathurst but I sup Brad Steele, Tony Glynn, i pose that will never happen while we Thunder-Pics, Marshall Cass, i have all this pigheadedness from Mike Harding, Brisbane Motorsport, X, both camps.

Frank Midgley, John Bosfier.

Phil Williams, Mike Patrick (UK) Shayne Andrews MOTORSPORT NEWS publlViM bl' Aosi.-dliisnrl Burnie, TAS Mororsp.'jrr New.s !'.V l.rrt ACN No 060 i 79 978

i’hillininr>s Hk lanan

«jl cemed but,from my side, I am a race driver and my job is to race cars. It would be like me teUing you not to go to work next week.

It is totaUy a Holden-supported car and nothing to do with Channel 7 or the 2-litre organis Send ieaerj to Talk tc PC Box !0:0 .^io^^ Cac.i'.M _ ers (as has been the case previ Vic 3 i 61. our E-mai! address, or fax to 03 9527 7766.^® ** * ously) and, being supported by The staff of Maorsporr News does rot.necessanV agree .vKh opinions express Sy readers Holden, it’s by their request I race in the event.

Scott Guyatt Forest Lake, QLD

General; Mike; KabIt;, Jon Thomson.

Brian Reed, Darryl Flack FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper

(I year - 76 issues) Australia Overseas (.Air Mail) New Zealand. PNG Malaysia, Indonesia

race. Being a die-hard V8 follow er I can see why you’re con-

A letter-to Rusty Dear Russell Ingall, I have just read your column (MN #I35) and are shocked.

If your heart is not in the 2-Litre race, don’t do it. I was excited to hear that you were running, now I wish you were not. You’ve just lost a fan.

By Barry' Foley

!

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17 G

BATHURST ^'ooo^ The Great Race

voiiiro

imited Edition Framed Printe (Actual size 810 mm x 450 mm)

plus $12.95 p&h

mCK JOEtNSCQiN JSUMiO

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> Dick Johnson

Russell Ingall

Larry Perkins w

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[

Glenn Seton

JohnBowe

These personally autographed, limited edition, full colour photographic prints make an ideal gift or feature for your bar, office or bedroom wall.

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Each superb print is personally autographed by the driver. The "Dick Johnson" framed print Is currently

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selling fast and the "Russell Ingall" framed print is now available.

Reserve orders will be taken for "Glenn Seton", "Larry Perkins" and "John Bowe

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but remember that these prints are STRICTLY LIMITED EDITIONS of 500 only - so don't miss out!

tecall Graphic Signs PO Box 4113 Forest Lake QW 4078 Please allow 21 working days for diellvery. <T.