Motorsport News Issue 173 - 18 February-2 March 2000

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18 February 2000

Ford's FfR revelation Change of mind at world HQ keeps Ford out of team ownership Exclusive by GERALD McDORNAN

FOLLOWING

Ford

Racing’s recent announce ment of its support for an expanded number of V8 Supercar teams in this year’s Shell Champion ship Series, comes the con firmation that, despite what was originally announced and intended.

Ford has not officially returned to touring car racing in Australia as an entrant.

“This is an important day for Ford,” then Ford Australia President, David Morgan, said at the launch in early 1999. “The return of Ford as an official entrant in top-level touring cars shows the impor tance we place on our success in the sport.”

However, Motorsport News has learned that Foni'Kckford Racing, the organisation set up in partnership between the fac tory and Glenn Seton, has no financial involvement, aside from a renewable sponsorship arrangement, from Ford or Tickford.

“Ford Tickford Racing, or FTR (Aust) Pty Ltd which is the holding company, is fiilly owned by Glenn Seton,” FTR General Manager John Matthews told Motorsport News last week.

“Ford, Ford Credit and Tickford, along with Mobil, are major sponsors of the teaih, but not shareholders.”

The originally intended deal, a partnership between the three organisations, was announced January, 1999 and heralded Ford’s “official” return to racing with a facto ry-backed team - something

FoMoCo hadn’t been involved with in Australia since 1973.

It is beheved concerns sub sequently expressed by Ford’s head office in Dearborn, Michigan mid-year, along with the company’s burgeon ing involvement in the Ford/Jaguar Stewart Grand Prix team buy-out at around the same time,led to the part nership arrangement between Ford, Tickford and Seton in FTR being stiUbom.

It is coincidental that, not long previously, Howard Marsden had replaced Greg Harbutt, the man who negoti ated the deal with 'Kckford’s David Flint and then-Glenn Seton Racing business man ager, Noel Watson, as Ford Racing’s head in Austraha.

Sources suggest that when the partnership arrangement appeared as though it would not eventuate, Watson rene gotiated Ford’s involvement into a major sponsorship for the team.

The sponsorship remains on a renewable-contract basis and, while it is consid ered secure for the time being, could come to an end if Ford considered the wide spread distribution of the funds and technology cur rently committed to FTR would be more advantageous to its racing program against heavily supporting one par ticular team.

Rea'ction to the revelation has been interesting with a number of Ford teams express ing different imderstandings 'one team representative said he knew fully no deal with FTR had ever been finalised, while Dick Johnson was convinced FTR was Ford’s ‘Tactoiy” team with Ford owning a percentage of the team as originally announced.

the time of the alleged breach...

■ The hot tip after the Island was that John Sidney will be taking a greater role with Tomas Mezera’s Densitron team.

Mezera and partner Derek Van Zelm will continue to own the team, but Sidney will take an overseeing role when the team is competing at events.

Out of focus - the signs of things not to come?

While Seton and then-Ford President David Morgan had full intentions of Ford taking a share in FTR when the deal was first announced, things haven’t quite eventuated that way the factory remaining a sponsor of the team and not financial owners.

■ Speaking ofSidney, which impressive V8 newcomer was said to be on the phone post-island, enquiring about getting more horsepower? No clues-except it was a long-distance call.

(Car photo by Dirk Klynsmith)

What was originally intended with FTR FORD Australia heralded the launch of Ford Tickford Racing in January 1999 as its official re-entry to touring car racing in Australia.

While not disclosing figures of its investment at the launch, it was understood Ford and Tickford were to undertake a 49 percent shareholding in the team with Seton retaining a controlling 51 percent.

Speaking at the time, Tickford’s managing director, David Flint said the two organisations had looked at forming

their own, new race team but chose to form a partnership with Glenn Seton and his already established GSR. “We looked seriously at the possibility of creating a completely new team as well as the option of a joint venture with one of our existing teams, and this was the best option,” Flint said last January.

“Creating a completely new team is an expensive and time-consuming process. With Glenn, we have a good platform to build on.”

SYDNEY girl Leanne Ferrier made history when she took the first two races of the 2000 Formula Ford

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PHILLIP Island’s TEGA Technical Committee meeting has cleared Larry Perkins’ new Commodore VT. The committee met on Friday afternoon to address some question which had been raised about the car but, as no evidence was actually presented at the meeting to suggest there was any irregularity in the car, the meeting ended quickly.

There had been questioning from some teams about whether the roll cage structure in the #8 Castrol Commodore raced at the weekend by Russell Ingall was legal, despite the fact that the car had

already been inspected and passed by CAMS’s Peter Lawrence.

At the meeting Lawrence and AVESCO’s Ray Robins had no further input into the quesion of legality.

A vindicated Perkins was not completely happy after the meeting.

“I’m annoyed that what can only be called sour grape whingeing has led to me having to prepare for, and attend a 2-hour meeting,” he said.

“There was nothing tabled and everything was unanimously kosher.

“Let’s get on with it and go racing!”

-PHILBRANAGAN

irregularity over its January 12 test at Mangalore Airport.

Stewards discussed the

case.” Basically, the 2000 testing rules hadn’t been finalised at

Sony guys,ladies first

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Gibson Motorsport has been cleared of

testing restrictions because of“inadequate grounds upon which a breach ofthe testing rules had occurred in the unusual factual circumstances ofthe

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GMS okay on test ‘breach’

matter last week, but determined that there had been no breach of

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Championship at Philhp Island.

Ferrier, 19, qualified second fastest and led both races from start to finish in her Valvoline/Fastlane Racing Van Diemen RF94 - a 28 car field behind her strug gling to come to terms with her speed.

In doing so, the Sydney driver became the first female ever to win an Austrahan championship race, though fellow Formula Ford driver Robyn Hamilton won a non-championship FF1600 race 20 years ago.

Like last year, she drives for the Perthbased Fastlane Racing outfit, which runs two other cars for Stuart Kostera and Simon Wheeler - this season, though with the support of Valvoline, whose colours have been carried in FF1600 before by Bathurst winners Steven Richards and Jason Bright, European FF Champion Marcos Ambrose and Formula Atlantic star David Besnard.

Ferrier raced karts for several years before moving into road racing two years ago. She started in FF last year,finishing second at Oran Park in the final 1999 round. She also made her Super Touring debut with Peter Hills’s Team Mondeo, sharing a car with Dean Canto.

See race report, page 20121.

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■ CAT Racing has wasted no time in organising its enduro hneup. Jim Richards will again return to co-drive with John Bowe later in the year at Queensland and Bathm-st.

■ CAT Racing’s Falcon AU will appear at the AGP vrith Mobil signage to replace the Shell stickers which were in place last season. CAT apparently is one of Mobil’s biggest clients and the blue and red boys weren’t too keen on seeing their yellow counterparts on the car.

That brings the Mobil backing count to three, HRT and FTR also MobUbacked.

■ Both Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna are no longer working at the Garry Rogers car dealership,instead focusing on filling their days with Holden promotional duties and fitness work.

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History in the making; FF winner Leanne Ferrier.

■ Scott Goodyear has become the first driver to enter the 2000 Indianapolis 500. The Canadian, who will be making his 10th start in the May classic, will drive for the Panther/Pennzoil team.

■ Apologies to subscribers and some interstate readers for late delivery of our last issue.

A postal stop-work and an overnight power cut contrived to delay despatch...

4

■SI

18 February 2000

■ Former V8 racer Kevin Heffernan will return with a V8 in 2000 albeit a 1997 model Ford Saleen Mustang - in the Procar-run Nation’s Cup to compete with the flood of Vipers which will be seen in the hands of D’arcy Russell, Rusty French, Ken Matthews and Geoff Morgan. Also in Nation’s Cup news, a number of teams are plotting their attacks on the series, with a supercharged Honda NSXandaV8BMWZ3 developed by German tuning specialist Hartge also due to join the field for the first round at the CUpsal 500.

■ Speaking of GT-P, the class structure of the Century Batteries Australian GT-Production Car Championship has altered. The classes are now known as the following: »AutobamHigh Performance class for cars such as the Subaru WRX, Lancer EVOV and HSV GTS. ● Hippies Sports Touring, including Honda Integra TVpe-R, Toyota MR2, BMW323L » Peimzoil V8 Touring, with Falcon and Commodoi'e V8s.

9 Pennzoil Six-cylinder Touring for Magnas, Camrys, Commodores etc, ● Poolrite Four-cylinder Toming which encompasses Proton, Suzuki, Excel and Vectra.

H Newly-crowned Australian Sprintcar Champion, Garry Brazier, takes on Tasmania’s David Murcott and in-form Ohio star Chad Kemenah at Western AutaRaceway, near Melhoume, on Saturday night (Febmary 12). Supports include the mighty midgets with many of the speedcar teams preparing for the Victorian and Australian titles at speedway’s newest and most impressive venue next month.

0 Rod Wilson will be a starter in the AGP NASCAR races in March.

The Pirelli Motorsport Distributor will drive the Chevrolet Monte Carlo with which Jim Richards dominated last year’s events and the drive will be his only race of the season due to the demands of supplying Pirellis to Porsche Cup and GT-P racers.

■ Do two wrongs make a right'? Wayne Wakefield’s crew has elected not to repair the damaged Graphic Skills Commodore and will instead re-shell it using another crashed car.

The chassis which rolled at the Chase at Bathurst in the hands of Tomas Mezera has been acquired by the team and the remaining mechanicals from Wakefield’s car will hopefidly be fitted in time for the first Lites round.

The Queenslander intends competing in all rounds.

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Young co-drivers for HRT THE boom in V8 Supercar numbers has cost Holden

Racing Team one thing its endurance race co-dri vers.

While HRT was one of the first teams to announce its line-ups in 1999, the move of Cameron McConville and Paul Morris into full-time V8 Supercar drives means that the works team will have to cast its net wide for Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife’s off-siders in 2000.

Team Manager Jeff Grech said at Phillip Island that the team expected to name its drivers as soon as possible; “We have a list and we are looking at young drivers,” he said.

Grech’s comments appear to hose down speculation that a proven driver would get the ride in the red team.

One rumour circulating prior to Phillip Island was that HRT would grab former full-time driver Wayne Gardner to partner either Lowndes or Skaife but Grech’s youth policy appears to have put paid to that.

Possibilities for the drive appear to be Paul Stokell and Greg Ritter, Stokell hav ing two Bathurst starts in V8s and Ritter impressing all with his speed with GRM last year.

Mark Noske is also in the frame, having driven for the team in two Bathurst races, either with HRT proper or in Young Lions cars. And seen at Phillip Island ‘was Adam Macrow, the currently drive less ex-FF champion who has a lot of recent miles in Tony Longhm-st!s Falcons.

Expect a lot of engaged sig nals on Grech’s phone next week.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

Gisiiraie: liPi paces iwepsiis?

AVESCO’s Tony Cochrane said at PhilMp Island on the weekend that there were np to nine bids to host ronnds of the Shell Championship Series.

Cochrane further explained that “the majority” of the bids were to hold races off-shore.

“The series is so popular at the moment that, it seems, everyone wants a race,” he said.

AVESCO was due to meet last Monday to discuss, among other things, the potential events.

Cochrane said that there were three consortiums currently in the bidding for next year’s New Zealand round of the V8 Supercars, to be contested in Auckland.

Red contender: Skaife (above) and Lowndes may have young co-drivers for the 2000 enduros. (Photo by lyniey Reid)

New format at Sandown?

By GERALD McDORNAN A MAJOR V8 Supercar endurance-style event could return to Sandown next year if a proposal from promoter Jon Davison and jointventure partner IMG gets the nod of approval frons AVESCO as expected.

Davison and IMG submitted the proposal to AVESCO’s board last Monday with a lucrative seven figure sum, five year contract as the incentive for an acceptance - the event to be additional to Sandown’s current, standard three-race sprint round event.

Davison told Motorsport News on Sunday that the event, which is believed to have the moral support of both Ford and Holden, would not be a traditional 500 km event that the track lost its rights for last year, but an innovative one which included a ‘skins’ event on Saturday and a two-hour race on Sunday Sunday’s event including compulsory pit stops.

“We’ve offered AVESCO a significant, seven figure sum, along with an innovative concept to attract the V8 Supercar category back to Sandown next October,” Davison said.

“It is a five-year proposal that meets all of AVESCO’s sanctioning fee requirements and we fully expect the proposal to be accepted and the event to run in October 2000."

The final ‘skins’ format hasn’t been finalised with Davison saying that it was an idea floated by IMG, one which may need perfecting, but he was confident it, coupled with an action-packed Sunday schedule, would be enough to justify the admission price.

“The action must be constant, with no delays and lots of racing that excites the paying public,” he said.

Davison joined with many in being critical of

the Phillip Island race schedule saying not many would have felt the admission prices were justified.

“We couldn’t accept a schedule like Phillip Island ran on the weekend as it didn’t give enough 'bang for your buck’ to the public and it would a financial disaster for us to try anything like that.”

Also, despite not having formally requested State Government support, Davison said he would approach the new Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, and relevant Ministers following Bracks’s pre-election protests to the previous Liberal government over the loss of the traditional Sandown 500 to Queensland Raceway last year - Bracks blaming the Kennett-led government for the loss of the event, based on the Queensland Governments injection of funds into the Ipswich event.

MEANWHILE, Davison has also said he would step up to the plate to run the Sandown 500 in October this year if asked by AVESCO. Davison was responding to questions concerning the track’s former traditional event and the trouble-plagued Queensland Raceway.

“If they [AVESCO] came to myself and IMG with a need for the event to be run as a 500 km race as opposed to our scheduled sprint round, due to Queensland Raceway not being able to thanks to their current dramas, we would seriously look at the proposal.

“I must stress, though, that we would need significant notification - a minimum of three months - if we were to help out.”

Davison said that the Surfers Indy race, an IMG promoted event, would present an area of concern with it scheduled to take place the following week.

Sandown promoter Jon Davison. (Photo by Phii wiiiara.s)

500 gains support A RETURN to Sandown for the traditional 500 is an idea which is gaining support.

At Phillip Island last weekend, several influen tial V8 Supercar sponsors said that if the race was to be restored to its former glory, it would do so with their approval and support.

Holden Motorsport Manager John Stevenson said that he saw the race as a worthwhile idea.

“We used to have flags and marquees on the top of the pits there and used to support it because it was right there,” he said.

‘This year we will be doing a big thing in Adelaide, because we have a plant there.”

David Flint, of Tickford (which sponsored the race between 1996 and ’98), said he would “absolutely love it.

“I believe Davo is one of the best promoters in the country. It’s a great specta tor circuit which is close to ' our heart.

“Whether we would be involved as naming rights sponsor, I don’t know. We now have our own race team.”

- PHIL BRANAGAN

... and finally CAMS appears to have resolved a potentially embarassing situation where Davison was billed with an FIA sanction fee for the 1999 Sandown 500.

Davison confirmed on the weekend that he was sent an invoice for the race, which was never held.

It appears that CAMS

further invoiced Sandown in a reduced amount for the event.

Motorsport News has been informed that CAMS CEO Peter Hansen has finalised the matter and that Davison will not have to pay a permit fee for an event which, in effect, was moved to Queensland.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

18 February 2000

■ Phillip Island Promoter Fergus Cameron has written to apologise for the traffic chaos after the opening SCS round.

Normal traffic plans were in place to handle to crowd, and PIMS management will meet with the relevant authorities to ensure that future exits from the track will be smoother.

Fraiuhitti hurt at Homestead Title fa¥Ourite in doubt for two races- who wiii sub? lenge in his Reynard/Honda.

If in fact Franchitti is unable to be race ready in time, there are a number ofcandidates available to the team.

Funnily enough too, this isn’t the is recuperating in Tennessee. first time Team KOOL Green has The Scotsman’s CART champi had to investigate the possibility of onship quest has been put in limbo having one of its drivers unavailable for the moment, with Franchitti sus for the FedEx Series opener. Last taining non-displaced fractures of his season Raul Boesel filled in for Paul pelvis and hip as well as small brain Tracy at Homestead after the contnasions in the single car crash on Canadian was suspended for one race the opening day of testing at turn 3 after an incident with Michael of the 1.5-mile oval.

Andretti at the Honda Indy event on The car’s telemetry points to a the Gold Coast the previous season. mechanical failure in the right rear Boesel, who drove for Dan spindle being the reason for the Gurney’s now defunct AAR team in a crash. Team KOOL Green is evaluat- handful of races last season as well ing the data and components with as for McCormack Motorsport and chassis maker Reynard.

Brant Racing in the IRL, is one Franchitti begins physical therapy potential candidate, this week and will undergo tests over Memo Gidley (who has a strong the next three or four weeks. Team rapport with Honda) and Alex officials said that he would test a go- , Barron have also been mentioned as kart or run a session at Las Vegas possibilities to test with the team in Motor Speedway in something other the absense of Franchitti. than a Champ Car as preparation for Another possibility could be Alex a return to the cockpit.

Zanardi. The details of his severance A decision will be made whether with Williams are unknown and Franchitti will be fit to drive the whether or not he would be able to opening round following the test mn, drive for another team, although the runner-up in last year’s Zanardi’s winning streak in CART CART series is determined to be back was using Reynard/Honda/FirestOne and that is the combination that the in time for the race.

“He will undergo intensive physical Green team uses, The Italian has also been linked therapy for about six weeks so that he doesn’t lose agility or muscle with a drive in a second car for his mass,” said CART director of medical fqrmer engineer Mo Nunn but any talk at the moment of a replacement affairs, Dr. Steve Olvey.

“It will be three to four weeks if indeed required, is speculative, Francbitti’s accident caps a bad before any decision will be made as to whether he can drive at the seasop_ few months for him. While he was in Australia for the Surfers Paradise opener at Homestead on March 26.”

FOLLOWING a heavy crash dur-

ing Spring Training at Homestead, Dario Franchitti has been released from hosptial and

Team general manager Kim Green said that there are no plans to test another driver at this present time, indicating that the team is confident that their Super Scot will be ready in time to begin his championship chal-

race, his girlfriend Ashley Judd broke her leg in an accident. At the next race at California Speedway, Dario’s close friend Greg Moore lost his life in a high-speed accident.

- PHIL MORRIS

set for Indy Photo by Sutton-lmagas

IT’S official - Chip Ganassi is returning to the Indy 500

in May. The CART team owner announced at a press confer ence on Tuesday that he will enter a pair of cars for his regu lar drivers Juan Montoya (left) and Jimmy Vasser in the IRL blue-ribbon event. .

It will be the first time Ganassi’s team has run at the 500 since 1995, before the infa mous creation of the Indy Racing League.

Newly hired Andy Graves will manage the team having been employed previously in Winston Cup by Hendrick Motorsport.

Prior to Indy, both drivers will compete at the Las Vegas round of the IRL series on April 22 as a warm-up for the big race in G Force chassis’ with Oldsmohile Aurora V8 engines.

While the team has investi gated all three available chassis (Riley & Scott/Reynard and Dallara being the others) Ganassi has elected to choose the British-built chassis.

-PHIL MORRIS

5

Setback: Franchitti (right, with team-mate Paul Tracy) is likely to miss at least two races in the FedEx CART Championship. (Phoio by sunon-images)

Bettenhausen killed in US plane crash TRAGEDY has again struck the CART series, with one of its most enduring figures, team owner and former driver Tony Bettenhausen, killed in a plane crash.on Monday.

The plane he was flying crashed near a farm in Kentucky on its way to Indianapolis, where his CART team is based.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known. The plane was a small Beech Baron for which Bettenhausen held a pilot’s license.

Also on the plane was his wife Shirley, business partner Russ Roberts and Indianapolis business man Lany Rangel. None survived.

Bettenhausen was set to make a fresh start in the CART FedEx Series with the recent signing of Michel Jourdain Jr. Tlie team was upbeat at the recent CART Spring Training, and the was looking ahead with anticipation fol TONY BETTENHAUSEN lowing the signing of a major sponsor in Herdez after a 1999 where they ^ According to a Bettenhausen team were forced to miss races due to bud- official, it is too early to tell what will getry constraints and inexperienced happen with the team. drivers.

It has been a rough time for the The Chicago native joined the close-knit CART community in ownership ranks after a solid cai-eer recent months, the latest tragedy folas a driver, which spanned 103 . lowing the deaths of drivers Gonzalo career starts. He finished second at Rodriguez and Greg Moore, and Michigan to Pancho Carter in 1981 team co-owner Walter Payton, in his best-ever finish.

-PHIL MORRIS

list 200t CART has lost a link with one of the most famous names in American racing with the death of Tony Bettenhausen.

The youngest son of legendary racer Melvin 'Tony' Bettenhausen (who was killed at Indianapolis) and brother of Gary (who ran in the Indy 500 in the 1970s and ’80s) Tony Jr began stock car racing in 1969, and finished second in the 1972 NASCAR Sportsman series.

Two years later, he ran a full Winston Cup program.

He made his Champ Car debut and was named rookie of the year in 1980, following it the next season by being named most improved driver after five top 10 finishes in 10 events.

He started his own team in 1986, making his sixth Indy 500 start and, in 1988, purchased a full CART franchise.

His last start as a driver was in

1993 and, the year after, he put exFormula One driver Stefan Johansson in the cockpit. Four years later Johansson moved on and Bettenhausen was responsible for giving Patrick Carpentier his CART break.

Bettenhausen never won a race as a team owner, with a best finish at Gateway in 1997 when Carpentier was second behind Paul Tracy. Under Bettenhausen’s guidance, the young Canadian emulated Johansson (and followed in his mentor's footsteps) when he was named rookie of the year.

Bettenhausen's enthusiasm for the sport was infectious, permeating through his family and team, and will be sadly missed in the Champ Car fraternity.

Tony and his wife Shirley are survived by their daughters, Bryn and Taryn.

-PHIL MORRIS

■ 26 celebrities will take the wheel of a fleet of BMW Z3s for the BMW Celebrity Challenge at the AGP. 19 of the drivers have been announced and include model Kristy Hinze,former world number one tennis player Thomas Muster, comedian Jimeoin, Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Garry Lyon, Tania Zaetta, 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, Triple M breakfast’s ‘Timbo and .

Bedders’, Donna Gubbay, Livinia Nixon, Russell Gilbert and The Panel’s’ Santo Cilauro.

■ Ai’gentinean Gaston Mazzacane has been confirmed as the second driver at Minardi, filling all 22 Formula 1 seats.

Mazzacane has completed three seasons in Formula 3000 and last year raced a Ferrari sports car.

The full line-up for the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Piix is: McLaren-Mercedes- Mika Hakkinen,David Coulthard Ferrari - Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello Jordan-Mugen-Honda Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Jamo Trulli BMW.Williams-Raif Schumacher, Jenson Button Benetton-Playlife Giancarlo Fisichella, Alex Wurz Prost-Peugeot- Jean Alesi, Nick Heidfeld Sauber-Petronas- Mika Salo, Pedro Diniz AiTOW's-Supertec- Jos Verstappen, Pedro de la Rosa Minardi-Fondmetal Marc Gene, Gaston Mazzacane BAR-Honda -Jacques Villeneuve, Ricardo Zonta Button, Heidfeld and Mazzacane are the three rookies in the field.

■ After the adjustment to our schedule,.which will mean that Motorsport News will be out straight after most SCS races and FI rounds,it’s now back to a normal,fortnightly service. Look for the next issue of MN in your newsagent on March 2.

Hotiap with a legend

Last chance coupon See page 11

6

18Februdry2000

■ Ferrari has appointed Giorgio AscaneUi as its new head ofresearch and

Volvo looks to German DTM

development. The 41-yearold was chiefengineer ofthe team until the arrival of Eoss Brawn at the start of 1998.

He has spent the last two years working on design projects. AscaneUi started his FI career at Ferrari but moved to Benetton \vith John Barnard and

ALAN Jones looks likely to return to racing this year, the 1980 World FI Champion apparent ly close to a deal that could see him at the

worked with Ayrton Senna in 1992 and 1993 before returning to Ferrari in 1995.

his salary considerably as Mercedes is likely to bid for his services and BMW may also join in the auction.

II Minardi will unveil its new car at Bilbao’s Guggenheim art museum in Spain on Wednesday.

The team is expected to give some idea of its future development following the purchase of the operation by Spanish telecom company Telefonica.

under the newly formu lated Nations Cup rules with the category working on a powerweight parity system .

The XKR will be allowed an 18” x 9” and 18” X 10” front and rear

wheel of a Jaguar XKR in the new GTP

■ Michael Schumacher

current one expires at the end of 2002. Schumacher should be able to increase

with the former world champion providing them with an excellent front to the car-buying public.

The GTP Nations Cup XKR will be given a number of freedoms

By GERALD McDORNAM

engineered Nelson Piquet.

He moved to McLaren and

says he is already talking to Ferrari about extending his contract when the

AJ returns in Nations Cup

Reprieve?

THE European Super Touring series canned last month by German’s ADAC may yet be run thanks to Italian motorsports organisers CSAI. Plans are being made to run a ten race European series featuring six races in Italy plus rounds in France, Austria, Slovenia and the Czech Rupublic. Alfa Romeo’s Nordauto and BMW team CiBeEmme are both backing the scheme and could run as many as 4 cars each. Honda, who were planning to run a car in the original series are unlikely to support the Italian proposal due to a lack of race? in Germany.

Get your wide-brimmed crash hats ready: Volvo looks set to run the C70 coupe in next year’s German DTM series.

THERE has been the

Indy and Frank Arciero, pre viously co-owner of the nowdisbanded Arciero-Wells team.

That project was apparent Germany. ly fuelled by the enthusiasm Sources in Europe have that Germans have for CART reported that the Swedish racing at the moment, given manufacturer has signed off the likelihood that there will to run at least four Volvo be a round of the FedEx C70 coupes, with power com series at the German ing from a 4-litre V8 sourced Lauritzring oval in the next from parent company Ford.

It is believed that the team two years.

Volvo had been rumoured wiU be run by former touring to be entering the series this car powerhouse Zakspeed season as a third manufac and that former BTCC cham pion Rickard RydeU will lead turer to support MercedesBenz and Opel. That role has the driving squad.

The reports say that, up now been filled by Audi, until the end of January, ‘which will field four cars Zakspeed was very close to fielded by the Abt Motorsport running a 2-car CART team team, -JORGE DELGADO in conjunction with Project stongest indications yet that Volvo will contest the new DTM2000 series in

Nations Cup series.

Jones is believed to be slated to drive one of the supercharged V8 Jag coupes for former Sports Sedan racer Mark Trenoweth, Trenoweth also expect ed to run a similar car for Bob Thorn.

The return at the wheel of a Jag for Jones is an interesting one with the 11-time Grand Prix winner hav ing a link with the presitige car company, act ing as a spokesman for the brand in Australia an interesting connec tion for Jones and the Australian arm of the British-based manufac turer considering their move into FI this year

Harrop 13” brake pack age and, like every other vehicle contest ing the series, will be subjected to weight penalities or bonuses depending on the vehi cle’s competitiveness.

The supercharged V8 Jaguar engine pro duces around 360 bhp in standard trim, although with standard race preparation, ProCar is expecting the XKR’s engine will see over 400 bhp on the dyno.

r

1 January

tyre/wheel package and either a Brembo or

Age 19 Phoenix, Arizona, Debut new K&N/Auto Meter Top Fuel Dragster -

Feb 4-7

Test runs only.

Pomona, California U.S. Competition debut - '99 Winternationals

Feb 25-28

Missed qualifying by 100th of a second, run 4.77ET Phoenix, Arizona - Checker Schucks Kragen Nationals Qualify 14th at Arizona Nationals (4.71) Defeat Larry Dixon first round on a holeshot, 4.71 over Dixon 4.59 Second round defeat to Doug Herbert, 4.71 to Herbert’s 4.62 Team runs their first ever 4.7 pass (4.77) Team runs their first ever 300MPH pass (303) Team runs their quickest ever elapsed time with a 4.71 Becomes First All Australian Team over 300MPH

r

First All Australian Team to run in the 4.70s, 4.77 & 4.71 May 20-23

4h

/

Englishtown, New Jersey - Mopar Parts Nationals Qualifies 15th with a 4.88 Tearn run their quickest 112 track speed of 261.93 MPH Defeated first round by Kenny Bernstein, 4.90 to Bernstein's 4.66 Chicago, lllinios - Fram Route 66 Nationals Qualifies 13th with a 4.669 Becomes First All Australian Team to run in the 4.60s

o

CongratulatioEs Andrew Cowin The results speak for themselves!

Defeated by Tony Schumacher, 4.707 to Andrew's 4.92

Defeated first round by Larry Dixon, 4.72 to Dixon's 5.019 Demonstration at Auto Meter facilities. Sycamore Illinois

o

June 10-13 Sep 1-6

Feb 2000

Chief of Police and Town Mayor attend Columbus, Ohio - Pontiac Excitement Nationals

Finalist - Young Achiever of the Year - First Drag Racer to reach the final four posititions Finalist - International Acheiver

Just missed qualifying Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S. Nationals Qualifies with a 4.707 Defeats Joe Amato first round, 4.665

bD cS

Sep 16-19

Defeats Randy Parks second round, 4.663 Defeats Bob Vandergriff third round, 4.68

of the Year - First Drag Racer to reach the final four posititions

Meets Cory Mclenathan in Finals - takes runner-up position Becomes Youngest Top Fuel Finalist at U.S. Nationals Becomes First Australian Top Fuel Finalist at U.S. Nationals

Finalist - Motorsports Personality of the Year - First Drag Racer to reach the final four posititions

Topeka, Kansas - Advance Auto Parts Nationals Qualifies 7th with a 4.588at 313.58MPH Runs a 0.824 60 Foot Time

Only Father & Son to ever win the same award Graeme won Drag Racer of the Year ’94/'95

Defeated by Mike Dunn First Round Becomes first All Australian team to run in the 4.50s

0 o o o (N

Becomes World's Quickest and Fastest Teenager Fastest All Australian team 1 1-14

MotorSport Awards DRAG RACER OF THE YEAR

Only driver to ever be nominated for all 4 Award

Andrew Cowin receives his

categories

award for MotorSport Drag Racer ofthe Year

Pomona, California - Auto Club NHRA Finals Qualifies 15, 4.72/303MPH

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IM

18 February 2000

Webber likely for test role THE Arrows FI team is

expected to confirm Mark Webber as its test driver when the team is formally launched in two weeks.

While Pedro de la Rosa and Jos Verstappen have been confirmed as the race line-up for 2000, with both undertaking some running in the all-new ArrowsSupertec A21 in recent days, the test driver announce ment has been held back.

Webber, currently on his way back to the UK after attending the Australian MotorSport Awards in Melbourne last Thursday, has been keeping a low pro file, but Motorsport News understands negotiations between his management, F3000 team owner Paul

Stoddart and Arrows are likely to be successful.

“If it all works out,I’d hope to be getting into the new car once the teams return from Brazil, late in March,” Webber said this week.

The Arrows launch is scheduled for February 28, just days before the cars head for Melbourne for the opening round of the 2000 championship. Early times from testing at Barcelona suggest the Arrows team is poised to make a substantial step forwards this year.

It’s a long shot, but assum ing Webber is confirmed in the test role, any injury to either of the regular drivers could open up the opportu nity for a race start in 2000...

Head of the class: Will there soon be a Yellow Pages stickered helmet joining these two?

Renaults The Arrows return? i AS we have been suggesting since last summer Renault Sport seems to be moving towards a new Formula 1 programme in either 2001 or 2002.

Well-connected sources in France say that Renault has invested a considerable amount of money in Renault Sport and that the engineers at Viry-Chatillon have been told to take as many risks as they like in order to make breakthroughs which will give the company a winning FI engine.

The programme is under the ^ guidance of 42-year-old American engineer John Topolsky, who has been working with Renault since 1984.

■

In the 1990s Topolsky was deputy of the R&D department at Renault Sport and he gave up an important research and development job in Renault production cars to take on this new role of technical director of Renault Sport.

Benetton is obviously keen on landing the engine deal while Arrows is also believed to be in the running thanks to Tom Walkinshaw’s industrial links with Renault.

121 is quick

§

but money is still short J

6^

Pointed in the right direction: Arrows seem to be making progress.

By JOE SAWARD JOS Verstappen set the fastest time of last week’s test ing in Barcelona, beating everyone including the new McLaren-Mercedes in his ArrowsSupertec A21.

Not surprisingly, this led to sugges tions that perhaps the car was running underweight in order to make a big impression as the team tries to find more money for the forthcoming season.

But while there is plenty of glowing publicity about as a result of the test, Arrows i^ still facing a major shortfall in its 2000 budget, despite money com ing from Pedro de la Rosa’s sponsor ■Repsol YPF and from Jos Verstappen’s new backer UPC (United Pan-Europe Communications NV).

UPC, a Dutchbased cable TV net work, is believed to be paying around

$7.5m for Verstappen’s drive.

The UPC deal will be announced at a launch in Amsterdam on February 24.

Although it had been thought that UPC was part of the consortium trying to buy the Arrows team from Walkinshaw, our sources say that this is currently not the case and that the bidders are still try ing to raise more money in order to buy control of the team.

We hear that Walkinshaw and his partners - Morgan Grenfell Private Equity Ltd - are cur rently not willing to sell enough shares to lose control of the team.

Without a full operating budget, however. Arrows needs to pick up more sponsorship or face the possibility of going into further debt.

The are likely to be major developments within the next few weeks...

Hschael Schumacher in Formula 1 and 4 times

b

RACEWEAR

■ Michael Schumacher has contradicted critics of Williams’s decision to hire Jenson Button.

Schumacher, who started in FI at the age of 22, says that age is not important. “It is not whether he’s old enough but if he is mature enough and if he is fast enough,” Michael said. “There is no reason why he cannot do a good job.”

■ Tomas Enge has been signed by McLaren to partner Stephane Sarrazin in the McLaren Formula 3000 team.

Interestingly the announcement made no mention offormer sponsor West - the team having previously been known as “West Competition”. The 23-year-old Czech is the perfect man for West as the German tobacco company is keen to exploit the developing Eastern European markets and to have a Czech-speaking driver will be a big advantage in drumming up support.

■ Formula 1 racing may not be responsible but it is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz and Lexus (Toyota’s US brand) outsold General Motors and Ford for the first time in the US luxury car market last year.

Mercedes-Benz sales leapt up 11% to 189,000, Toyota jumped 20% to 186,000 while GWPs Cadillac and Ford’s Lincoln brands slipped to 179,000 and 176,000 respectively.

Perhaps GM needs to look elsewhere to sell Cadillacs in the future...

■ The FIA World Motorsport Council met in Monaco on Saturday and made some minor changes to the Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. Pitlane speed limits will be reduced from 80 to 60kph (37mph) during practice and from 120 to 80kph (50mph) during the races.

The only exception will be Monaco where there will be a permanent 60kph rule.

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18Febfuafy2000

Gordon N Message back to Benetton

By JOE SAWARD GORDON Message has left the Aitows team and is expected to take over the running of the Benetton team shortly.

It will be something of a homecoming for the 45-yearold Englishman who first joined the organisation when it was still the Toleman Formula 2 team - 20 years ago.

Message was assistant team manager to Peter Gethin and then after the team was taken over by Benetton helped the new team manager Peter Collins.

When Collins departed as the result of a messy political battle with Flavio Briatore in 1989, Message was named team manager hut was then edged out by the arrival of Joan Villadelprat.

He left Benetton at the end of 1993 and started his own electronics business, supplying FI teams with componentry.

Benetton has been looking for a new operations director since Villadelprat decided he was leaving at the end of last year. The team had talks with former Tyrrell man Rupert Manwaring but these fell through at the last minute.

0 more cricket, no more tennis, at last motorsport and especially V8 Supercars, are back in town I It’s been a decent break but it is nice to get back behind the wheel and do some racing. Mind you it wasn’t the start that I had planned with a flat tyre on Saturday’s race and then unloaded in Sunday’s race, but then again, going on past years, I usually have a bad run early and things start to come good after the second or third round.

At least Larry had a very good run on the weekend and upheld some honour for the Castrol team.

ad mixed feedback about the new format of.2 x 45 minute races, the main one being that both races should have been held on the Sunday. It is a big ask for people who could only come on the Sunday to see only one V8 Supercar race.

The other problem is that Phillip Island is one of the hardest circuits on tyres and there were just too many laps to do for the limited tyres that we had.

And, at the end, it was teams that could make their tyres live the longest that got the results, rather than all-out racing. I suppose we have to experiment with different formats but I would put it to the organisers that maybe they should seek more input from the drivers(who had very little say with the weekend’s format) and also asking the public wouldn’t hurt either they’re the ones paying the bucks.

One thing that was achieved was that at least there was two different winners on the weekend and I certainly hope that this will continue throughout the year.

It looks like the Fords will be a very big threat this year and Craig Baird seems to have come to grips with the V8s fairly quickly but, then again, knowing how good the Pirtek car is, it didn’t surprise me.

Fie will actually go fairly well this year, I don’t think he' has the one lap speed of fright, but he definitely will be a better racer and use his head a lot

.La 4.f

more. Even Tony Longhurst is back on the pace (I mean that nicely, Tony!)

Last Motorsport Awards night wasweek’s very glamorous indeed, with the Who’s Who of motor racing, both past and present, all there on the night.

It was nice to see awards going out to drivers trying to crack it overseas, from Karts, to Formula Fords to Formula One. One person that I thought should have got a major award, even though he did get nominated, was Andrew Cowin. It is a huge achievement to be as competitive as he is in American Drag Racing, and, especially in the Top Fuel category. Very well spoken and I am sure he will go places in the future.

in Western Australia is Barbagallo the next round r of the Championship (the Melbourne Grand Prix thrown in in-between), it’s back to the normal three race format anck back to the street fighting racing. I have always had very good results there and I am very glad this is the second round as this will be a good chance to grab some points and get back up the pointy end of the Championship. have already kicked into the CAMS ‘Christmas fund’ on the weekend with a $1000 fine for doing a burn-out after the race on Sunday.

Yes, you are not supposed to do it, but considering I was the last car on the track, had a mongrel day and there was a couple of thousand spectators that just absolutely went berserk, I think it was well worth it!

Considering there was only one V8 race on the day, a bit of added entertainment I don’t think went astray and, if some people went home with a smile on their face because they saw the Enforcer turn some tyres into marshmallows, it was worth the grand!

Cheers for now.

Enforcer Sandwich: Ingall had to make ground fast on the weekend, mnning here alongside Bowe on his way to scoring a duck.(Photo by Marshall Cass)

r,.,' I

FI for C RT movie

By JOE SAWARD

Rocky XXXIV: Stallone at CART Spring Training. (Sutton)

HOLLYWOOD film star Sylvester Stallone has given up his dreams of mak ing a movie about Grand Prix racing and has announced plans to make a film about CART instead.

The new film is expected to be called ‘Champs’ and will begin fihning - if all goes to plan -in June this year.

Stallone will play a retired racer who has returned to the tracks to tame a wild young driver.

The script sounds remarkably similar to'the final plans for the FI movie which Stallone

says did not ^appen because “a certain individ ual who runs the sport had his own agenda”.

Stallone bought an option from FI boss Bernie Ecclestone to protluce a film about FI in 1997. It cost him a rumoured US$2m ($3.3m). He visited several Grands Prix with Hollywood money men and directors but failed to come up with the budget necessary and by the middle of last season the FI authorities had lost patience with him and had given up the idea.

Whether this means there will be a film made by another producer remains to be seen.

Renny Harlin has been wanting to make a film about FI for some years.

Who did Bernie sell to?

By JOE SAWARD WE hear that Bernie Ecclestone has completed the sale of part of his Formula One Holdings empire but not to Morgan GrenfeU Private Equity as had been expected.

Morgan Grenfell paid US$325m ($440)for a 12.5 percent share in the company in November and agreed an option to buy another 37.5 percent for a further $975m. That deal was to have been completed by December 31 1999 but we understand that the option was then extended until the end of January.

In the middle of January there were suggestions that all was not well with the deal when Kobert Tchenguiz issued a writ at the High Court in London claiming that MGPE had made assurances to back a bid for FOH by his company,the Rotch Property Group.

Whatever the case, MGPE’s chief executive Graham Hutton has confirmed that the company did not take up the option.

“We are happy with our 12.5 percent investment in Formula 1,” he said. “It is performing well.”

Hutton said that MGPE expects to hold on to its stake until FOH is floated within the next three years.

The sale has yet to be confirmed but it seems that there is considerable interest in FOH in the US financial community at the moment which, despite not knowing much about the sport, recognises an impressive balance sheet.

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I

?Xo.

Jag test for Jody Jr TOMAS Scheckter, the 19-year-old son of the former world champion Jody, will

Stewart grand prix team, Brazilian Luciano Burti raced for Stewart

try out Jaguar's Formula One car later

.^hree last season and is now

this season along with Indian prospect Narain Karthikeyan.

Jaguar Racing spokesman Cameron Kelleher said last Friday the team wanted both drivers to test the FI car "at a fairly low level" in the second half of the season, once they had acclimatised to Formula Three.

Both drivers have been signed by Jackie Stewart’s Formula Three team for 2000 and will be based at the British headquarters of the Jaguar Formula One team, formerly the

'^^.fhLe's a^Lrep^rtition between their ^j^g factory and the Formula One team's," said Kelleher, who added that no ,jate or venue for the tests had been fixed, South African Scheckter is seen as a strong future Formula One prospect. His father, the 1979 champion with Ferrari, has described his son as potentially better than he was.

Karthikeyan, hoping to become India's first FI driver, finished sixth in last season's Formula Three championship.

Diffey, BBC television BAH mechanics hurt in accident at Kyalami test

Beck’s M GERMAN beer company Brauerie Beck & Co is entering Formula 1 this year with Jaguar Racing.

The Bremen-based compa ny was previously involved with the BMW Le Mans 24 Hours programme and the switch to Jaguar suggests that the firm has strong finks with Jaguar chairman Wolfgang Reitzle, who was previously in charge of motorsport activities at BMW. Beck’s has concentrated on global expansion in recent years because of the highlycompetitive nature of the German beer market. It is currently Germany’s biggest beer exporter and sells its products in 120 different countries, notably in the United States.

Keeping the seat warm: Drivers are fining up to steer Eddie Irvine’s Jag F1 car. (Photoby sutton)

FORMER Network Ten

Take that, Poms: Leigh Diffey has joined the BBC. Maybe Steve Parrish and Suzi Perry think he was on ‘Neighbours'.

iofi

commentator Leigh Diffey has been recruited by the BBC for its coverage of the SBK World Superbike Championship this year.

Diffey, 28, who moved to Britain with wife Melanie in January, will commentate on all 13 rounds of the champi onship alongside former SOOcc GP rider, Brit Steve Parrish.

The telecasts featuring commentary from the duo will be a part of the BBC’s ‘Sunday Grandstand’ pro gram which attracts some two million viewers.

“This is a fantastic opportu nity for me, because the BBC is so well-known and respect ed around the world,” said ‘Diff.

TWO BAR-Honda Formula One mechanics were slightly hurt on Friday when the car dri ven by Brazilian Ricardo Zonta hit them in the pit lane during a test session.

The team said Mark Willis and Trevor Bailey were prac tising pit stop and refuelling procedures when Zonta’s car suffered a ‘systems problem’ and overshot the pit box stop line.

“The injured mechanics were checked on scene by cir cuit medical staff and found

I

fi

to have sustained nothing worse than heavy bruising to their legs and feet,” BAR said in a statement.

The team also said they were extending their stay to next Wednesday to complete their full test programme after the heaviest rains in South Africa for 60 years played havoc with their first four days at Kyalami.

“There have been no mechanical problems at all with the cai- so we’re delight ed on that score,” said team manager Robert Synge.

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ten

Getting ready for Melbourne

By JOE SAWARD

home of

motorsport

THERE has been testing all week in Barcelona while Williams and British American

Shell Championship Series

Racing have been unable to achieve much because of the worst rain storms South Africa

V8 Supercars* Mar 19 ...Wanneroo

Rd 2 ,Rd3

Apr 8-9 .. .Adelaide Apr 30 ... .Eastern Creek ...Rd 4 May 21 ...Hidden Valley ...Rd 5

World Superbike Championship* South Africa Rd 1 Apr 2 .Rd2 Apr 23 Australia Apr 30 Japan May 14 ..Great Britain

Rd 3 Rd4

E ^ FIA Formula One World Championship ,Rd1 Mar 12 ...Melbourne .Rd2 Mar 26 .. .Brazil ,Rd3 ,San Marino Apr 9 FIA Formula 3000 International C'ship .San Marino Rd 1 Apr 9 May 7 ....Spain Rd 2 Rd3 June 3 ...Monaco FIA World Rally Championship* Rd3 Feb 27 ...Kenya Mar 19 ... Portugal Rd 4 ,Rd5 Apr 2 ■Spain May 14 ...Argentina

Rd 6

NHRA Winston Drag Racing Series Feb 27 . . .Phoenix Rd2Mar 19 . . .Gainesville .Rd 3 ,Rd4 Apr 9 Las Vegas

Fedex Cart Championship Mar26 . . .Homestead .Nazareth Apr 9

Rd 1 Rd2

Apr 16

Rd 3

Long Beach

Australian Rally Championship* Rdl Apr 2 Forest W.A ,Rd2 Mays Canberra Jun 4 . . . .Queensland . . . . ,Rd3 Jun 25 . . .Coffs Harbour . . .Rd 4 SOOcc World Grand Prix Motorcycle C'Ship* Mar 19 . . .South Africa .Rdl Apr 2 Apr 9

Argentina Japan

Apr 30

Spain

Rd 2 Rd3 Rd4

Formula Holden Championship Mar 26 . . .Eastern Creek . . .Rd 2 ,Rd3 Apr 9 Adelaide Jun 11 . . .Canberra ,Rd4

r

1 ten L J home of

motorsport] nm i ■

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.

has seen in 60 years.

Both teams have decided to extend their testing in order to get more miles.

There was no running at all on Tuesday and although it was still raining on Wednesday the cars did go out with Williams running two FW22s for Ralf Schumacher and Jenson Button and BAR running a single car for Jacques Villeneuve and Ricardo Zonta. On Thursday the cars could not run at all as the safe ty hehcopter was being used to help victims of the flooding and so the car did not run until Friday when it was still raining in the morning but later dried out.

The testing continued over the weekend with Button setting the fastest time on Saturday, watched by 25,000 South Africans. Button set a best lap of lm24.78s in the course of 57 laps, while Ralf SchumacheFs best was a lm24.98s and Zonta’s a lm25.01s. In the course of the week Button completed a total of 170 laps, Schumacher did 186, ViUeneuve 57 and Zonta 195.

In Barcelona testing began on Tuesday with Benetton, Arrows and Jordan all running. They were joined on Wednesday by Frost and on Thursday by Jaguar and McLaren. Sauber joined the test on Friday.

The fastest lap of the week went to yerstappen m the Arrows with a best lap of lm20.66s in the course of his 100 laps over three days in the new A21. The team was forced to stop testing on Thursday because of an exhaust problem which meant new parts had to be flown out but Pedro de la Rosa did 73 laps at the end of the week to record a best time of lm21.83s.

Benetton continued to develop the new B200 with Alexander Wurz doing 191 laps with a best of lm21.20s after three days. He then handed over to Giancarlo Fisichella who also did three days of running but completed only around 100 laps with a best of lm22.87s.

The second fastest time of the week went to David Coulthard who lapped the new McLaren-Mercedes MP4-15 in lm21.75s after nearly 200 laps. Mika Hakkinen was also testing but used an older car and set a best of lm21.80s after 162 laps.

Jordan also managed to get into the lm21s with the new EJIO which began testing on Tuesday in the hands of Jarno Trulli. The Italian did only 70 laps over four days but set a best of lm21.60s while HeinzHarald Frentzen did 93 laps and set a best of lm21.95s.

Sauber was running a pair of cai-s for Mika Salo and Pedro Diniz and the pair completed a lot of laps with Diniz emerging the faster of the two with a nest of lm22.33s after 130 laps and Salo recording a lm22.43s after 80 laps.

Jaguar had a frustrating test with oil system and throttle control prob lems which meant that both Johnny Herbert and Eddie Irvine did not do as many laps as had been hoped.

Irvine set a best lap of lm22.70s after his 80 laps in three days while Herbert lapped in lm22.89s after 75 laps.

Prost was back in action with the new AP03 and Heidfeld did the first

Staying at home: Testing at Kyalami may have seemed a good idea, but the teams that stayed in Europe got more done. Rubens Barrichello continued racking up miles for Ferrari, while Jarno Trulli is getting faster in the Jordan.

(Photos by Sutton-lmages)

core

3:

three days of the test with a best of lm22.99s after 78 laps, while Alesi joined the test on Saturday and recorded a lm25.86s after 14 laps.

The testing is due to continue in Barcelona this week."

Prost backs new Barnard facilitsf

By JOE SAWARD ALAIN Prost is funding the construction of a new technical facility for John Barnard’s B3 Technologies.

The new factory will be in Godaiming, Surrey, three miles from the current factory at Shalford, and should be completed by October.

The original B3 factory in Shalford was built in 1993 as Ferrari Design and Development and remained a Ferrari facility until Barnard bought it in 1997. He began working with Prost after an

abortive relationship with Arrows in 1998.

FDD was originally designed to design Ferrari chassis which would then be built in Italy. Over the years, however, the facility was expanded to produce complicated composite parts in England and had several autoclaves installed.

When the relationship with Prost was announced in 1998 there was speculation that more and more parts would be made at B3 so that the team was able to keep in touch with the constantly-developing FI technology in Britain. The fact

that the company is expanding suggests that this is now happening. There has never been any intention for Prost Grand Prix to move to Britain.

“Prost Grand Prix will develop its own English technological arm,” said Alain Prost, “to reinforce the collaborations that already exists with B3 Technologies of John Barnard and McLaren Cars”, Prost added.

“We are a team which holds great importance by conserving a spirit, if not an identity, that is French. So to transfer to Great S7 Britain is out of the question.

Red Bull names its Juniors MED Bull, the company which controls the majority of the shares in the Sauber FI team, has revealed a new Junior Team structure for the 2000 season.

The Red Bull Junior

Team failed to qualify for an entry in the International Formula 3000 series last year but during the winter months team boss Helmut Marko - a former BRM FI driveracquired the ORECA team’s entry in order to

keep the team going' and has re-signed Brazilians Enrique Bemoldi and Ricardo Mauricio for the season.

In addition Red Bull win be funding Bertram Schafer’s Formula 3 team with

drivers Patrick Friesacher [brother of former Formula Holden driver Markus] and Andre Lotterer; Bernhard Auinger in Formula Konig and Christian Klein in Formula ADAC. -JOE SAWARD

18 February 2000

IM

11

Miscellaneous Horn Cars Dept

1. THIS is the Holden Commodore Pace Car which will appear at the Hot Wheels V8 Supercar Showdown at the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix. The car was unveiled by the Hot Wheels Grid Girls, last weekend’s winner of the Shell Series season opener, Garth Tander, and two-time winner of the corresponding V8 event at the Qantas Australian ● Grand Prix, Russell Ingall (above, with interesting smile).

The ‘cool’ new Hot Wheels Car will lead the V8 Supercars onto the track at the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix from March 9 -12. The Hot Wheels Car will lead the way with a solo display lap heralding the start of each of the three Hot Wheels V8 Supercar Showdown races.

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Does a hot lap around the Albert Park circuit at the IflO'O Qantas Australian ■ Grand Prix in Brock’s X-U1 or Moffat’s GTMO sound like a dream? :lt could be reality! Just enter this fantastic Motorsport News competition. Simply collect ; four Brock or Moffat tokens that will appear in each issue of Motorsport News | until February 20,stick them below,fill out the entry form* and send them to us. !

Enter as many times as you like (original entry forms and tokens only).

2. FERRARI has developed a race version of its 456GT for international GT2 racing. The front-engined, V12-powered car will undergo testing prior to running in the Italian series before, perhaps, being sold to race teams in 2001.(Photo by sutton-images)

. ● A Mot Lap with the legendary Peter Brock or Allan Moffat. !

-Pit Lane Walk for 2. ● 2 Grandstand seats to the 2000 QAGiP. ● 2 Qantas airfares to and from Melbourne ; (from nearest capital city). ● 4 nights tv/in share accommodation. ● Event merchandise.

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IpRY FORM: WIN A HOT LAP WITH A LEGENO NAME; ADDRESS; P/CODE; TELEPHONE;

MOBILE;

Mail completed form to: “Won a Hot Lap with a Legend” Competition, PO Box 1010, North Caulfield VIC 3161 by 5pm 20 February 2000.

I would like a hot lap with (please tick):[J Brock Q Moffat.

3. SO th/s is what a naked Panoz looks like. Testing continues States-side in preparation for the first big event of the ALMS season, at Sebring, on March 18. Rumours suggest that David Brabham, Mario Andretti and Jan Magnussen will share the lead entry. (Photobysutton-images)

234 Terms and Conditions apply. See Classifieds page 48 for details.

SOHAGP0663

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18 February 2000

CART Spring has sprung at Homestead stocks strong CART drivers and teams should be afraid; very afraid.

Team Rahal drivers Max Papis and new recruit Kenny Brack were fastest in CART Spring Training at HomesteadMiami Speedway last week, the Italian posting a best lap of 209.907 mph versus the Swede’.s 208.651 mph.

The next best was another Ford-powered machine although a Lola chassis, rather than the Reynards used by Team Rahal, in Michael Andretti on 208.033 mph.

Andretti had a small clutch problem which hampered his run although he did set his time in the afternoon ses sion on one set of tyres and on full tanks which makes the gap encourag ing for the American.

Team mate Christian Fittipaldi was not far behind in fifth.

Papis said that his team was evaluating lots of things and wasn’t just setting quick times, but also working on a good race set-up for the series opener in March.

His team mate Brack, the ‘99 Indy 500 and ‘98 IRL champ, proved that he can quickly come to terms with a Champ Car, after three seasons in the normally-aspirated IRL cars.

“So far, so good, but I still don’t think it’s a true reading for the race week end because the other teams will be making a lot of changes. But still, if there’s a chart, it’s better to be at the top of it than at the bottom,” said Brack.

Ford dominated the speed charts, finishing the test with seven out of the top ten positions.

Vasser Jimmy (Lola/Toyota) was an encouraging fourth fastest while team mate Juan Montoya was sev enth.

While Brack was the quickest CART rookie, Alex Tagliani was an impressive sixth in the Forsythe Player’s Reynard/Ford.

Dario Franchitti was injured and is in doubt for the season opener. (See new story) -PHIL MORRIS

CART’S stock performed strongly[NYSErMPH] following its final quarterly report and news that for its ’99 fiscal year, revenues increased 10 percent from US$62.6m to US$68.8 m.

Met income from revenue was up a healthy 25 percent to a record US$18.9m.

“Throughout the year we saw some positive trends develop our business,” said Andrew Craig, CART chairman and CEO.

Garcia & Arciero team up

He’s the Juan; Montoya was seventh fastest at Homestead in Ganassi’s new Toyotapowered Lola while Brack, a CART rookie. was second in Rahal’s Ford-powered Reynard.

LUIZ Garcia, who drove in 1999 for

(Photos by RaceAccess/ Sutton-lmages)

Payton-Co3me and Hogan, will return to the CAMT series with backing from Hollywood cigarettes, who previonsly backed PacWest and Manricio

■Wally’s replacement

CART has found its replacement for chief steward Wally Dallenbach, announcing - on the same day that Silvester Stallone would be producing a movie on the series titled ‘Champs’ - that Kurt Russell, err, sorry, Kirk Russell has been, earmarked for the job.

Russell, its forrper vicepresident of racing operations, will replace Dallenbach, who has.held the chief stewards position for 17 years - the former champion driver staying on as a consultant.

“CART has been the focus of much of my career and I accept this responsibility and appreciate the honour of the appointment,” Russell said.

“Also, I am very much looking forward to continuing

to work with Wally in 2000.

His insights into running our races will be very helpful as I work my way through my first season as the lead man.”

Russell started with CART as its technical director in 1978 and has served the sanctioning body in many different capacities since. As vice-president of racing operations, he has been instrumental in the implementation of many safety features introduced to the sport.

He also represents CART in many international meetings, including those with the Federation Internationale de I’Automobile (FIA), which governs the world of motorsports.

-PHIL MORRIS

No Hollywood drivers here: Mauricio Gugelmin gave his new colours their first run at Spring Training at Homestead last week. The Brazilian returns for another season with PacWest as partner to Mark Blundell with the support of telecommunications giant Nextel. (Photo by sutton-images)

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'SI

’nt yourself in die ® Drive our Karts, Formula For ● Fully catered drive days ● Cars in full race condition ● Formula Ford Race School with Australian Formula Ford Champion Greg Ritter ( ● Corporate Days and motorsport parties ● Gift Certificates - for something different Colder Park Raceway Locked Bag 7 Sunbury VSC 3429 Web: http://mennbers,x0omxom/gforce_gwr/

Ph 03 921 7 8933 Fox 03 9217 8958

GugelmiB. Frank Arciero, who split last year with Cal Wells and then linked with Forsythe Championship Racing, terminated Ms agreement with the latter last week and instead 'wiE team with Project Indy, who have been inactive since its sponsorsMp dollars dried up.

The team is likely to use a Reynard chassis and Mercedes-Benz engines and is reported to be investigating a one race effort for the Indy 500.

They will rent Antonio Ferrari’s Eurointer national shop and equipment.

-PHIL MORRIS

Proudly by

SPf^COVER

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18Februaiy2000

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13

Catholics,Protestants ^Littlefriends’andfixers P

eople I meet at dinner parties are always telling me that Formula 1 is in crisis, that money dominates the sport and that races are fixed. They all seem to think that Dr No runs the sport from a grey bus with darkened windows in the paddock.

If it were not for the fact that I am happy that people are talking about FI, I would allow my eyes to glaze over and would let my chin siide gracefully down a forearm into the soup. It would be nice one day to go out for dinner and not to have to talk about the office.

I have often wondered if when people ask me what 1 do for a living whether I shouid reply “accountanf because no-one ever says “Oh, how interesting? What do you think about the new allowances in the Peruvian tax laws”. If you say “accountant”, they cough and splutter and then either turn to the person on their other side or taik about how interesting their lives are.

It would be nice sometimes to talk about forbidden subjects like religion, sex or politics. They always end up with a fight.

“Do you think Catholics should sleep with Protestants in Northern Ireland?” is usually a good way to start a fight and it gives one time to allow the conversation to develop . and then you can sneak quietly away before the shouting begins.

When that happens one is in an armchair, sipping a drink and one can tut-tut about the standards of behaviour in modern society.

Well, it’s fun to stir things up, isn’t it?

V.

Which is whymy I am going to tell you about friend who knows all about NASCAR. As most of you will know, the Winston Cup is usualiy held up as the best example of how racing should be.

There is lots of overtaking and not too much commercialism although everyone goes home with very big cheques at the end of the day. It is noisy, gaudy and entertaining and played by Good Old Boys from the South. There is none of the devious stuff that goes on in Formula 1.

My pal laughed.

“You should see the spotters .and the dealers up in the grandstands.”

The what?

'The spotters and the dealers.

And what, my good man, are they?

My pal with a drawl began to explain that every NASCAR driver has “a little friend” up in the grandstand. I was about to point out that there was nothing unusual in all this and that drivers often had “little friends” in the grandstands when my pal said, “Yeah, but you can introduce these guys to your wife...”

Oh, 1 said.

Up in the grandstands, where the eagles gather to watch the racing, there are a group of men with radios. From their elevated positions they can see the whole of the oval below, can talk directly to the drivers about what is happening and what they should be doing. If there is an accident in Turn Four they can tell the driver about it long before he gets there.

They can tell him to go high or low depending on where the wrecks end up and because the order at the restart is determined by the order in which the cars cross the line after the accident, it means that they can go through a wreck zone at 200mph and make up some places - praying as they do so that their little friend in the grandstand can be relied upon.

So who are the dealers? I asked innocently.

‘They are the same guys,” came the reply. It seems that the NASCAR folk are so worried that one team or the other will get ahead of the rest and the racing will become dull that the rules are incredibly tight. This means that every hint of an advantage must be exploited. The cars spend months in windtunnels and every horsepower is squeezed lovingiy from the thunderous monsters under the bonnet.

The is well-matched that the cars are still problem incredibly and that means that overtaking is becoming more and more difficult.

In fact, it is getting to be impossible to pass unless you get some help from someone else - or the other guys screw up.

Despite the tweaks, the NASCAR car is still a mighty big chunk of metal and this makes a

big hole in the air when it thunders along, much more of a hole than a slippery little single-seater Formula 1 car. And that means that a car will not be disrupted as much by. the airflow from a car in front of them - and that means you can get into the hole in the air and go faster than the car ahead.

If the car behind pushes the car ahead they can both go faster and that means that they can overtake others if they work in tandem. And so the dealers up in the grandstand organise deals among themselves.

They say it is like a Friday fish market when the trawlers have just come in.

“Say Jimmy,” a dealer will radio down,“You’re working with Wally Goldfish for the next seven laps until we can get the pair of you past Zipper Dingbat and Flipper Dolphin.

Go get em boy!”

Although it doesn’t sound very sporting, it does open up the possibilities for all kinds of interesting strategic games.

When I was a student I took a course called Diplomatic History. It was all about the Great Powers of Europe between 1815 and 1914. It was taught by one of those marvellously eccentric academics who say things like: “Do you think ●Catholics should sleep with Protestants in Northern Ireland?” and then wave their hands around.

creating mini airshows with the smoke trails from their cigarette.

There were six of us in the class and when we walked in on the first day we were greeted with a cry of: “Go away!”

Six students seemed sheepish.

“Go away,” he said. “You iot don’t understand a thing about the Great Powers of Europe. Go and buy a board game cailed Diplomacy. Play it and then come back next week and we will start the lectures. Goodbye.”

Perhaps it was he who designed the game - and was getting a commission on the sales. I never knew. We did what we were told. It was a brilliantly designed game. If you played the role of France you very quickly understood the problems which faced the French.

You became paranoid about Germans invading and so you always made an alliance with the Russians. Faced by this threat a German commander would always ally with the Turks, just to keep the Russians worried.

You learned very quickly that the British needed a navy to achieve anything and that if you had the bad luck to be appointed the ruler of Italy, you would inevitably end up in North Africa, fighting off Turks. It was either that or give up immediately.

But the one thing we all learned

Despite the tweaks, the NASCAR car is still a mighty big dhunk of metal and this makes a big hole in the air when it thunders along, much more of a hole than a slippery little single-seater Formula 1 car.

Photo by Sutlon-lmages

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was that one should never become involved in the Balkans. I must remember to mention that to Bill Clinton and Tony Blair...

The game relied not on dice but on making and breaking alliances, on agreeing to work with others while always having to be aware that they might knife you in the back when you made a move to help them.

It was game about trust and the abuse of it and you quickly learned that all is fair in love and war.

There are a lot of people in Formula 1 today who complain that Grand Prix racing is like a giant game of Diplomacy. No-one is to be trusted and, it is said, all is not fair in love and war. Some teams are getting away with murder because they have clever dubious electronic systems which the FIA never seems to find. It would be so much better they argue for the FIA to allow traction-control and such things.

It is all so horribly familiar. The same arguments raged back in 1993 when the FIA first announced that drivers must drive “alone and unaided” - without any little electronic friends.

At the time 1 remember thinking that it was an irrelevant argument because the aces will always be the aces. A fighter pilot can dogfight just as well with a computer-driven jet than he can with a Sopwith Camel.

The sky just has to be a whole lot bigger.

And that I’m afraid is the problem. It is not a question of philosophy but rather one of safety.

If you have all these amazing systems you need safety measures which would be so restrictive as to make it impossible for spectators to even see cars.

At the time I remember we all argued that banning electronic things would result in the motor manufacturers disappearing off to other formulae but they never went. In fact there are more of them in FI now than there have been for many a year. They are not getting as much from electronic systems as they might but they like the publicity that Formula 1 attracts and they like the technology.

Most of all, however, they like the attitude of the people in Formula 1. Grand Prix people fix problems. They may not have spotters and dealers but they never take no for an answer.

If you could put that in bottle and sell it motor manufacturers all over the world you would be rich.

They want their people to think like people in FI... ...perhaps Northern Ireland could use a few of them too.

But should we send Protestants or Catholics?

14

sM

18 February 2000

Blue Blood When Howard Marsden returned to the front-line of Ford's motor racing program in 1999, he laid the foundations of a five-year plan to return the blue oval to prominence.PHIL BRANAGAH spoke to him on the eve of Year 1.

IT’S hard to separate Howard Marsden and Ford. Sure, he spent a decade and a half with Nissan’s motorsport program in Europe, implementing interna tional rally and touring car plans for his lords and masters in Japan, but Marsden is as Ford as it gets. If you were to x-ray his chest, chances are you would see a blue oval close to his heart.

New look, new allies: Howard Marsden is looking for success in 2000 and has some new compatriots in the official Ford fold, like CAT’s John Bowe and Brad Jones’s Ozemail team. (Photo by lyniey Rew)

Beneath his conservative-looking and soimding exterior bums a fierce competitive spirit which was there when he last guided Ford to glory in the 1970s and which, like the man himself, has aged gracefully.

When he took the reins of Ford’s motorsport program from Greg Harbutt in mid-1999. Ford was in disarray. Holden was winning everything there was'to win in V8 ,Supercar racing, the clock was tick ing on Formula Ford and the compa ny’s other motorsport activities seemed to be running on an ad hoc agenda.

Marsden’s first brief was to organ ise things. Always a long-range thinker, he put a five-year program into action, calhhg 1999 “year zero”.

“When did I come into this?” he smiles when asked why.

“This is the first of five years; that

alone makes this a‘changing’ year.

“Last year was an apprenticeship.”

That statement, in itself, marks Marsden as a different animal to Harbutt. To be fair, Marsden inher ited a system which, though it appeared stagnant on the surface, was already changing. Harbutt, for instance, was the instigator of the program that saw Peter Beehag become the common supplier of Ford Falcon bodyshells, a la Dencar’s long-time relationship with Holden’s teams. Marsden is developing more programs that will follow the same blueprint.

“We can now plan longer than 12 months by 12 months. We want to do more than just provide dollars.

We are building an R&D team, a development team. We’ll use that to help our teams on an ongoing basis.”

Beehag now has a Ford-appointed and funded engineer on his team and Marsden wants to see more ‘family ties’.

“The roll cage is the basis for any racing car. We can utilise Ford’s computer design facUities to improve the roll cage design. We’ve already put an engineer into Peter’s to improve the design, and we will make sure that the cost of making a caged Falcon is competitive in the future.”

The most obvious difference to the fans — and the media — between Harbutt and Marsden is the fact that, after a series of parity adjust ments and controversy while Harbutt ran Ford’s Supercar pro gram, there has been none since Marsden took over.

“One of the problems is the ten dency to look for the ‘Sfiver Bullet’, and 12 months ago the ‘Silver Bullet’ was aerodynamics. But one of the problems was that we didn’t really understand.

“Try to think of the last time you saw any of the teams adjust the rear wing...

“Now the ‘Silver Bullets’ are shock absorbers”.

And, to be fair to Harbutt, when there was a pay-off fi-om his efforts in developing the AU into a competi tive race car, he wasn’t around to accept the credit when results start ed to come.

In motor racing, honeymoons are short. Marsden expects and, in turn, is expected to get, results, and now.

“We won’t have a future unless we have a today. We have to have teams winning in 2000, Year 1 in the 5 year's.

“If at the end of the year, the answer to ‘do you expect to win races’ is ‘no’, you will not be talking to me again...”

There will be more weapons in Marsden’s arsenal this season. On top of Ford Tickford Eacing, Shell Helix Racing, Tony Longhurst and Stone Brothers, Marsden has added the company’s support to John Bowe, Steven Ellery, Brad Jones, Privateer Champ Cameron McLean and Paul Weel, all except Bowe and Weel rrmrring their own AUs for the first time.

While he would not be drawn on the matter directly, it’s also clear that he had a fair involvement of Longhurst’s move to SBR and Jones’s fir'st-up step into Level One. Marsden is happy with his expand ed roster, particularly Jones, who could have just as easily raced a Holden.

“Brad br-ings us great racing expe rience,” he says. “I doubtthat there is a bump on a corner on a race track that he does not know about.

“For the last three years, they have gone through their racing with serious Germans who understand technology. We also get the Jones BROTHERS: we get management, and we get hunger and aggression.”

Ford also gets a media-genic dri ver, something that Holden has in droves and Ford, Marsden admits, trails its rival in. With the retire ment of Dick Johnson from the dri ving seat and the off-season depar ture of Bathurst winner Jason Bright, new lads Steven Johnson and Craig Baird will take time to find their feet, and following, with

Oval an track: Neil Crompton, Mark Larkham and Paul Radisich fly the Ford flag at Phillip Island.(Phmo by Di* Kiynsmith)

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18 February 2000

the public.

That leaves Bowe, emerging tal ent McLean and Brad, who is as familiar with a television camera as he is success, to step up and into the role front-men for ‘The Firm’.

Marsden is adamant that the changes he has made to the list of supported teams and drivers are a step in the right direction, but he sees the list as a work in progress.

“There will be changes, if changes need to be made. It’s not just a mat ter of some teams being dropped.

The single word I would apply to this is ‘potential’; the potential to deliver.

‘We’re supporting 8, 9 teams. The reason we are doing that is that we want people to look at Ford as a dynamic company.”

One of the most telling differences between Ford and Holden in V8 Supercar racing is the way they sup port their teams. While Holden has a virtual factory outfit with the Holden Racing Team, Ford does not have the same relationship with any of its teams — not even with the bespoke Ford Tickford Racing.

There ai-e good reasons why. “[FTR] is our number 1 team, as far as marketing is concerned. But [to us] they are one of a number of teams we want to be favouring.

“The opportimities to develop are starting to even out, so the teams will get closer. There will be a con tinuing closing of the ranks and, where there are 15, up to 20 cars covered by Is now, there’ll soon be 25.

“On any day, you have one team getting it right. Look at Bathurst; who, on Friday, would have bet on who would have gotten pole, and been right? You had the best-organ ised team, with a qualifying expert, get beaten by a previously unfaneied team for pole.

“But that’s what is interesting about this sporL The best organised team has, for a number of reasons, not won Bathurst for the last three years.

Early in Marsden’s reign, there was considerable controversy and comment about the starts that were being made by the HRT cars, Craig Lowndes in particular. While some were quick to point the finger at potential areas of concern, Marsden was not, saying that “to beat HRT, we have to BE like HRT.” He explains further now; “WE (Ford) can’t be like HRT. The TEAMS have to take HRT as a busi ness case and say, ‘Why are they successful?’

“They are a good example, but not a perfect one. Bathurst hasn’t dropped for them in three years, they struggle and never came to gi-ips with low-grip surfaces like at Winton, Darwin and Willowbank [sic].

“There’s another reason for doing that [not having a ‘works’ team]. To run a serious race car takes $1 mil lion. If we were to put all of our energies into one team, you would expect Holden and Ford’s works teams to run 1-2-3-4.

“That leaves fifth place as a best result for the rest of the teams and, for $lm, fifth place is not good value compared with sponsoring a football team for the same amount.

“My philosophy is to be broaderbased. I believe that Falcon is a fully-competitive racing product compared to the Commodore. “[But] as far as I am concerned, they [V8 Supercars] are lousy rac ing cars. These are 1350 kilogi’ams of compromise.

“What’s the driver? Is he a tech nocrat, or is he an end user? The answer is, obviously, he is an enduser. A customer.

“These cars are into their, what, seventh year? When they started a

decision was made that racing would be marketing-based, not technically-based.

“From THAT view, we have great racing cars.

“Ford can win. It will be a huge disappointment if we don’t. It’s all there for us to take our share. Ford and Holden should be arguing over one percent — 51 percent to 49 per cent. We have the opportunity to be the 51 percent.”

One thing that Marsden has going for him is that he operates in a very racing-friendly environment.

While in past eras. Ford has viewed racing as, sometimes, a tolerable diversion and, sometimes, complete irrelevance, the blue oval is now pro-motorsport from the Chief Executive Officer, Australia Jac Nasser, to its grass roots. “[Ford Australia President] Geoff Polites is a main driver of motorsport and he has increased the budget.

“The ‘Jac Factor’ helps, but Geoff has said, ‘Give us motorsport’ and increased the expenditure. It helps him also, when he flies to the USA

?■

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G New tradition: Ford’s established V8 Supercar teams represent a mix of old and new for 2000.

Steve Johnson is now installed in #17, while FTR is in fine - if luckless - fettle after Phillip Island.

There are also pleasant perks, like getting to congratulate Island FF winner, Leanne Ferrier.

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(Photos by Noel Papelera, Slipstream Photographic and Bob Potts)

at the end of the yeoTy the answer to ^do you expect to win races^ is ^no\you will not be talking to me again Marsden on the future

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to visit the lords and masters who are also spending more money on motorsport.

“When he tells them what he is doing, they say, ‘Great’ ...”

But Marsden sees other avenues than just V8 racing.

“V8 will take the majority of the effort. We will use it as a training ground for young engineers and young managers as a training pro gram. If we get to hang onto them, fine. If someone grabs them, that’s fine too.

‘We have a shortage of qualified people in the sport. Two or three of my teams have had to advertise international for talented and qual ified people. We have a shortage of talent.”

So, what other areas?

“We will be at grass roots; drag racing, speedway and rallying are areas where we are already doing things at grass roots level. We want them to associate themselves with Ford, right down to ihvolvements with local Ford dealers.”

One of Marsden’s innovations is

15

the new Ford-support ed karting class.

“Four winners will go into an international challenge. We will train them, and we are' investing in youth rac ing with our Rotax class and then move the person most suitable into Formula Ford in 2001. We see 16 as a good age for karting, 18 to 22 as a good age for Formula Ford.”

Speaking of which, there are changes in the wind for the open wheeler categoi7, with some com petitors upset of delays in announcements and lack of consul tation with the Formula Ford Association. Marsden is aware of the problems.

“At the moment, we are sponsor ing these people to criticise us,” he says wryly.

“We have a considerable invest ment in Formula Ford. We are the sponsor — the sole sponsor — of the class, to which we remain com mitted. And we have increased our support of Channel lO’s coverage.”

From 2002, the future of the class is sure to be a single-make chassis with twin cam engine, but Marsden is waiting for developments inter nationally before finalising his plans.

“Martin Hines’ project is also moving along. There is not yet a

directive from Ford UK regarding their program with their Formula Ford.”

[Ed’s note: Hines, manufacturer of Zip Karts in the UK, is develop ing , with Ford’s blessing, a single chassis, low-cost alternative to Formula Ford in the UK. He was in Australia over the summer and spoke to Marsden about local developments.]

What about other classes?

“Super Touring and Super Production, and Millennium AUSCAR [Bathurst Tourers]? Neither class has presented a business plan to me.

“How sensible is it to invest in another Holden versus Ford prod uct, when the one in which we are involved is doing so well?

“Two-litre? Overseas, manufactur ers are moving away from it.”

While Ford’s other brands, paiticularly Volvo and Mazda, may be involved in the new Super Production series, Marsden is swift to make sure that the line between brands is recognised.

“There’s a Tcnowledge flow’. You’d be hard-pressed to have a blue oval presence at the Grands Prix, for instance,” he says, referring to Jaguar’s GP program.

What else. Rallying? With Focus in Ford Australia’s 2000 line-up, will we see a WRC car run locally?

“WRC was set up because manu-

facturers had had enough of producing specials. It was decided at the time that WRC cars would never be part of National titles.

“Now the costs of Formula 2 cars are nearly as much as WRC cars. In the UK, WRCs may pick up as their national championship.

“Rallying here relies on two manufacturers, and one of those is subject to internal politics.”

Marsden said further that he may be prepared to look at what he described as ‘WRC-minus’; World Rally Cars with much of the exotic parts (like electronically-controlled diffs and Fl-style gearboxes) deleted.

So, if V8s are firmly in Ford’s good books, what about V8 Lites?

“Not until AUs are eligible, and then only as a ‘wash over’. It’s a good idea for training drivers and engi neers, but not until they ai-e running anAU.” Marsden said that he would attend some races or, rather, that he would not attend all races, but not deliberately stay away either.

“I don’t need to be there; I can find out who did what afterwards.”

By reading Motorsport News?

“Exactly!”

With Ford’s support for V8 Supercars, what would he like to see changed?

“I would like to see a 90 minute session on Saturday mornings.

Everyone is in town, it negates a ‘Home Team’ advantage and cuts costs. It would save a lot on testing; the only costs are tyre costs.

“I don’t like the three sprint races. It fixes yesterday’s problem, which was that the cars were too spread out on the grids. There is no need to get the cars closer together when there are 20 cars covered by one second. It just gives you three first corner races, and accidents.”

With his enormous experience in the industi’y, and obvious enthusi asm for the sport, Marsden has many insights into the sport’s rela tionship with the motoring industry; “At a board level, you get voting between those who like motorsport and those who don’t like it. Both those views are diametrically and equally wrong.”

“Motorsport is not the be-all and end-aU of the motoring industiy, but it is very valuable. If, 10 years ago, I mentioned Subaim to you as a highquality performance brand, you’d all laugh. No-one’s laughing now. The same with Audi before that.

“They WERE laughing at Ford, with pushrod V8s, three-speed gear boxes and vacuum-assisted this and that. If you improve over a period of time, you reap the benefits.”

Let the reaping begin ...

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MELBOURNE Park was the veime for the sixth amnuial Australian MotorSport Awards last Thursdav 500 of Australian motor sport’s movers and shakers gathered on the eve of the 2000 season, for the gala dinner which recognises achievement across all categories of motor sport.

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It was also a night oflegends. One,the laconic Frank Gardner, hosted the evening while the presentei’s were Sir Jack Brabham, Frank Matich, Cohn Baiy^Sheene. It was a ni^t nostalgia and a tribute to the current stars ofAustralian motor sport., Apart from the presentations to the CAMS National Champions and,later in the evening, the MotorSport

Awards themselves, a special presentation was made to Dick Johnson to recognise his achievement over a long and distinguished career, Comedian/magician Phil Cass brought the house down with his mid-evening cabaret, fortunately managing to find the eternity ring he’d borrowed from AVESCO Chief

Tony Cochrane’s wife Fiona in a bubble gum machine...

The evening was sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, the Grand Prix Corporation and Marsh, with support from Mobil and No Fear and again provided the rare opportunity for Australia’s top motor sport achievers across all kinds of disciplines to mingle and swap anecdotes.

slfcitibes file Bm One attempts made Craig an irresistable choice with the 16-man MotorSportsman of the Year voting panel.

The final four nominations for the top award all had impeccable credentials: Austraiian Russell Ingall, who yet MotorSportsiman again took the title challenge to Lowndes; Marcos Ambrose, of the Year whose Young Achiever and International Achiever PERHAPS unsurprisingly, winning exploits polled triple Australian touring car strongly; and Andrew Cowin, champion Craig Lowndes Drag racing's 19 year-old sonhad a good night at the .of-a legend who sprinted to the finals in Top Fuel at the MotorSport Awards.

Apart from collecting his US Nationals last year. official Australian Touring In the end, though, Car Championship trophy Lovmdes' triple championship (for winning the Shell success won him the day: Series), Td like to thank not just Championship Lowndes took out the our sponsors but the fans for MotorSport Circuit Racer of their support. the Year and then the 'Gold "I’d also really like to thank Logie', the Australian my family and my wife Nat for MotorSportsman of the Year. putting up with me all year!”

His runaway early 1999 said The Kid’, as he accepted form, tailored with his the 'gold' MotorSportsman of powerful comeback from the the Year trophy from Sir Jack potentially disastrous Calder Brabham, himself a triple crash to sew up his third (World!) championship winner championship in three ofsome note!...

MotorSport Circuit Racer of the Year

Super Double for Ambrose ".^AustraBaan IViotorSport Boternationai Achiever of the Year Australian MotorSport Young Achiever of the Year asmanian Marcos Ambrose was a busy man on Thursday night, taking away two major awards thanks to his efforts in British and European Formula Ford in 1999.

Having started the 1999 UK season in the uncompetitive Ray chassis, a mid-season switch back to Van Diemen proved to be the difference and Ambrose was quickly back on the lead pace.

He won rounds of the British series and then won the European chamionship.

T Big Night Out: clockwise, from top left - Frank and Joan Matich, with Ron Walker; Messrs Brock, Johnson and Jill Johnson; Holden's John Stevenson, Garth Tanderand Garry Rogers; Graeme and Andrew Cowin with Shell's Bob Glindemann

For the second time, the prestigious Formula Ford Festival also looked to be his before mechanical failure sidelined him within laps of the finish.

The right impression had however been made and Ambrose heads into 2000 with a drive in the French Formula 3 Championship.

“I’ve flown back from overseas just for tonight’s awards and I have a funny feeling that it was well worth it...” joked Ambrose after accepting the awards from Sir Jack Brabham.

“These are the first of these sort of awards that I’ve received here in Australia.

“I hope my efforts in French Formula 3 and the international F3 races this year will see me back here with more good news for you next year.” he told the 500 guests.

Ambrose flew back to Europe the following day to recommence testing for the Mygale F3 team.

Nominees. The four finalists in each of the panel-selected MotorSport Awards were: MotorSportsman of the Year Marcos Ambrose Andrew Cowin

MotorSport International Achiever Marcos Ambrose David Brabham

Russell Ingall Craig Lowndes

James Courtney Andrew Cowin

MotorSport Young Achiever of the Year Marcos Ambrose James Courtney Andrew Cowin Ryan Briscoe

MotorSport Circuit Racer of the Year Russell Ingall Craig Lowndes Cameron McLean Simon Wills

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Left (clockwise from top); giant floor to ceiling screens set the scene; Motorsport News Editor Phil Branagan makes a point; F2 Rally Champions Simon and Sue Evans were delighted to be there, with CAMS President John Osborne and CEO Peter Hansen; Phil Cass lost" Fiona Cochrane's ring and found cash in the funniest of places...

Frank Matich - won his first AGP 30 years ago...

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Right: Frank Gardner, he of the ad-libbed one-liners, was an excellent host.

Sir Jack Brabham (right): "In our day, Frank, the racing was dangerous and sex was safe.

Nowadays the racing is safe...

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Australian i\/lot©rSpoirt Personality of the ■ Year

opeful has public support

HE may not have completed a racing lap in 1999, but Mark Webber clearly has the support of Australian race fans as he strives to be the next Australian on the FI grid.

In the one publically-voted category at the MotorSport Awards (decided by the readers of Motorsport News), Webber ended a string of wins by V8 Supercar stars Peter Brock, Craig Lowndes and, last year, Russell Ingall, to confirm that the Australian public is very much behind his efforts.

Webber topped the reader poll, with the remaining

three final nominees being V8 drivers Craig Lowndes, Dick Johnson and Jason Bargwanna.

"I’d really like to thank the public who voted for me. It was a difficult season with what happened at Le Mans, but ni have another go at it this year (in Formula 3000)," Webber said after accepting his award from legendary F5000 and sports car racer Frank Matich.

"Things are looking good for 2000 and I'm hoping to have more good news in respect of the Arrows FI team."

Webber concluded with a reminder of what is required to take on the overseas challenges: "There’s a lot of good young guys out there - they just need the corporate support behind them to take the next step."

MotorSport Rally Driver of the Year Neal Bates Possum Bourne Cody Crocker Simon Evans

Brooke Tatnell

he t0p 1*0 drivers id the | po'M: for M®t©irSp®rt; ! Persenailiity of the Year, \ dieeidied: by yau, thie J i readers of MetorSipoirt | News, were: !

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: 2. Craig Lownd©s ; 3. Dick Johns©© ; i 4. Jason Bargwanna | S. Grog Myrphy g. Stev©n Richards j 7. Russell Ingall 8. Jason Bright ; ' 9. Mark Skaife : 10.Glenn Seton

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MotorSport Speedway Racer of the Year Bob Holt Skip Jackson Phil March

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Steve Marker

MotorSport Bike Racer of the Year Kevin Curtain Steve Martin Andrew Pitt

Gary Phillips

Anthony West

MotorSport Drag Racer of the Year Victor Bray Andrew Cowin

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continued from previous page

Like Father Australian MotorSport Drag Racer of the Year IQyear-old drag racing ^whizz-kid Andrew Cowin is aiready matching the feats, of his famous father Graeme, in his first appearance in the United States, Cowin shocked the establishment by qualifying for the final of the Top Fuel US Nationals, only going down to the legendary Cory McClenathan in the final.

He also set a new World record speed for a teenager in the quarter mile of 313mph - that’s a tad over SOOkph in our language...

Young Cowin was a walkover winner in this category, but the magnitude of his 1999 US achievement was shown by his three other category nominations, including that for the very top one MotorSportsman of the Year.

“Dad’s got two of these (trophies) on the mantle now I’m halfway there to

Possum's fourth Australian MotorSport Rally Driver of the Year Rally Championships and MotorSport Awards are becoming a habit for the always colourful and bubbly Kiwi who picked up his fourth in a row of both on the evening.

“I can’t go past one of these (microphones) without saying some stuff,” said Bourne.

“I think the Australian Rally Championship is just so strong at the moment and I really enjoy the close competition which we have with Neal (Bates).

Along with Neal, it’s good to see the young guys like Cody (Crocker) and Simon Evans being recognised with nominations for this award.”

As usual, the MotorSport Awards regular leapt up onto the stage to describe his fourth Rally Driver of the Year gong as “Awesome ...”

What comes after quadrella? Possum (right) may soon find out...

Brooke's se<ond equalling him!” a delighted Cowin said.

“I owe so much to my parents and the rest of my family.”

Cowin’s identical twin brother John acts as Crew Chief on the team, which is

managed by his father, The heir apparent impressed everyone present with his composure and well-spoken response.

The next generation of Australian drag racers is off to a good start...

Wm CONGRATULATES LOWNDES & MARCOS AMDROSE

Australian MotorSport Speedway Racer ^

of the Year

H

is win in the Speedway category of the MotorSport Awards was the

f sydney-based Brooke Tatnell.

Last

year,

Brooke

Presenter Colin Bond looks on as Brooke Tatnell accepts his second Australian MotorSport Award

became the first Australian to run the entire World of Outlaws Sprintcar series in the United States, George Tatnell’s talented son proving the strength of Australian speedway by finishing 12th in the end of season points standings in the super-tough 64-car professional circus.

He returned home to contest the 1999/2000 World Series Sprintcar championship and by the close of the year (and thus the voting period) was well on his way to securing the prestigious crown..

News “Motorsport recognises speedway racing and to them I am greatly appreciative,” said Tatnell.

“Racing in America has always been a dream of mine and to race with those guys is great - next I want to beat them...”

Mareas Ambrose - Australian Young Achiever of the Year & MotorSport International Achiever

We wish Craig, Marcos, and aii RPM drivers a successfui 2000 season P

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Bike aona to Pitt Australian MotorSport Bike Racer of the Year

Qraig Lowndes - Australian MotorSport Circuit Racer of the Year & MotorSportsman of the Year

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1999 Siuiperbike Rookie of the Year Andrew Pitt staved off a supercompetitive field to pick up the Bike Racer of the Year award.

Despite Anthony West’s successful debut in the World 250cc Championship, Pitt’s achievements in running second in the Australian Superbike Championship were enough for the panel to make the award his.

“I really have to thank the whole Kawasaki team. They really did a great job in order for me to win this award.

Let’s hope I can keep the Aussie flag flying in 2000 overseas along with the rest of the young riders!” he said.

}

\ Who else but Barry Sheene to present the Bike award to Andrew Pitt...

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still the man

By AARON NOONAN WHILE it may not have been a championship race, Jim Richards still proved that he will be hard to beat this season with three wins from three starts at Phillip Island.

Debuting his new Porsche GTS, he toyed with the oppo sition. Wayne Park’s new Ferrari was just a little too new, while Mark Williamson didn’t quite have the same pace to match the 1999 GT-P champ.

R even despite a huge 170km/h spin.

Mark Cohen led the Pennzoil V8'touring class while Calvin Gardiner’s Mazda 626, the only car in the Pennzoil six-cylinder class failed to set a time.

Melinda Price outpointed David Russell (Suzuki GTi) and team mate Sam Newman to head the Poolrite four-cylinder category.

Race 1 (12 laps) With few Nation’s Cup runners, the field was a

LEANNE Ferrier made history at Phillip Island in the opening round of the 2000 Ford Racing Australian Formula Ford Championship on the weekend, the teenager dominating both races.

In doing so, she became the first female driver to win a round of the national series as well as establish a handy gap in the pointscore after just round one.

Luke Youlden debuted the new Mygale and drove hard, but he, along with the rest of the pack, couldn’t deny the Valvoline driver her day of gloiy.

Qualifying The brand new SJ2000 Mygale of Youlden took pole position to continue the form he showed at Bathurst at the end of last year, but it wasn’t an easy road.

Qualifying As expected, Richo claimed pole position, even despite a lack of testing time.

“The car went a little bet ter than I expected. Before today I’d only driven it once around the block at home,” said Richards.

He was a whopping 3.8 seconds clear of another brand new car - Park’s Ferrari F360 Challenge, who was another one and a half seconds clear of another Porsche in Bathurst 3-Hour winner Williamson.

Murray Carter was next in the thumping Corvette and the last cf the outright Nation’s Cup cars.

Heading the now Class A (formerly Class B)in the GTP class was Bob Hughes (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V) while David Wood topped the Hippies Sports Touring class with his Honda Integra Type

By AARON NOONAN

GT3 times two: Richards was dominant, but Williamson showed form in the first run for Porsohe’s GT3.

Ferrier sat on provisional pole after the first session only to have Youlden undercut her time by three-tenths of a second in the second session, the latter recording a lm40.8764s, still outside Tyler Mecklem’s lap record by some seven-tenths.

First of the Aussie Spectrums was Nick Agland with Chris Dell alongside on row two, while Will (younger brother of Alex) Davison and Kmart’s Stewart McColl lined up behind in Van Diemens.

Another little brother was next in Rick Kelly, with Justin Cotter qualifying eighth (in his return race in the category after his Calder shunt in 1999) ahead of Will Power and Owen Kelly.

Stuart Kostera, who battled long and hard in the 1999 series with Greg Ritter and the hke, struggled to find pace and Uned up just outside the top ten in 11th, albeit 1.2s off the pace.

At least he was in the field though, Jamie

(Photo by Dirk Klynsrnith)

little thin, and that dropped one Ferrari due to the drizzle. That’s not to say that Wayne Park or the RPM team were afraid of getting the new machine wet, instead it sat in pit lane with only one set of rims and no time to switch ’ to wets. The team waited for the rain to stop and track to dry but it didn’t, leaving Park and the Faz to wait imtil later in the afternoon.

But the Porsches were out there, Williamson a little too keen to beat his former Volvo Super Touring team mate Richards to the first corner and he jumped the start.

They diced for a lap or two before peeled into theWilliamson pits and served out

his stop-go penalty.

That left Richards in front for what would turn out to be a lonely race, well that was until he mysteriously started lapping some four and five seconds slower than the recovering Williamson, who carved his way back to sec ond past Carter (who dropped to sixth by the end) and Bryan Thomson’s Toyota Supra.

Richo again asserted his dominance and swept away to win the first hit-out for the category from Williamson, Hughes, team mates Scott Jacob and Grant Kenny, Carter, Thomson, Gary Deane, Ross Dillon (HSV VT), (Tohen and Wayne Russell.

Race 2(12 laps) ace two was more of race one.

This time the Ferrari was on the track in dry condi tions but it was the red machine which jumped the start from the back of the field this time. Park unable to see the lights. He pitted for a stop-go but faught

R

back through the field to take third.

Richards and Williamson faught for the lead, the latter leading two of the 12 laps. However, again Richards held him out. ' Carter was fourth ahead of Hughes while Russell and Cohen both again won their class. Grant Kenny

New company car: Wayne Park debuted RPM Motorsporfs stunning new Ferrari 360. (Phoio by Marshall cass)

meanwhile retired with engine problems having enjoyed a strong run in race one.

Melinda Price (Kmart Vectra) did manage to win the little car class despite starting a long way behind the field, but following the race, further inspection revealed a blown head gas ket and she wouldn’t start oRSunday.

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1“Hour Showroomi n ShOOtOUt(33 lapS)

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ven before the rac e began, Kenny was in strife. The replacement engine - a second-hand unit - was smoking on his way to the dummy grid and he didn’t even complete one lap.

Richards, Williamson, Park and Carter headed the field in the early running, the other Nation’s Cup car of Thomson carving his way through from the back.

Although the two German cars cleared away from the Ferrari, Park faught back, lights ablaze with lapped cars to pass.

Carter pitted on lap nine, only to have the engine blow out the back of the cir cuit later on, while the dice of the race developed between the Integra and Wayne Russell(BMW 323i).

The two were never more than a second or two apart for a long time, the compul sory pit stops seperating them, allowing Wood to go onto win the class.

Williamson did take the lead, but it was obvious that Richards was just cruising

around as the new leader pitted not long after the half-hour mark. His stop took 47 seconds, but the New South Welshman would take it easy for the rest of the race having not added fuel or changed tyres.

Richards was next to pit and his stop was one minute, although his pace in clear track meant that he ahead of rejoined Williamson.

It seemed Park would be forced to settle for third when he pitted from a fif teen second lead with ten minutes to run.

“The best we can do is third,” said a matter of fact RPM team member, a state ment which later turned out to be selling the team short.

The Faz’s rear tyres were well finished but he held off Williamson to be second behind the dominant Richards, whose fastest lap of lm41.7374s was four sec onds faster than the two chasers, the fact underlinr ing his sheer dominance of the weekend.

Bob Hughes again won Class A, this time having to contend with the similar car of Dennis Gilbert for fifth and sixth outright. The duo followed home Thomson in the Supra.

GT-P debutant Allan Marrin (Commodore SS) put in one of the drives of the race to win the Pennzoil V8 Touring class from the rear of the grid, while Gardiner won his own class.

David Russell gave the Suzuki GTi a little car class win, his second for the weekend.

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18 February 2000

21

The Queen of the Island went.^said Ferrier after the win.

“Because of the slipstream, it’s so hard to get a break. With four laps to go I saw the gap to the rest and I knew that they were not going to catch me. The car was very good.”

Race 2(8 laps)

Lady in the Fast Lane: There’s going to be a lot of talk about this in the media. Let’s put it this way; Leanne belted them. (Photo by Bob Potts) Whincup crashed his VD RF94 in qualifying and took no further part in the weekend’s activities.

Race 1 (8 laps) From the clean side of the circuit, Ferrier got the better jump and to cut a short story even shorter, ran away from the opposition for the entire race dis tance.

While the Valvoline driver cleared off, the rest were too busy squabbling for the minors.

McColl didn’t make it past turn one, bumped

off by Youlden in a close contest for position.

Davison, Dell, Youlden, Cotter, Agland, Owen Kelly and Kostera (off and running quickly) followed at the end of lap one but Perrier was off in clear air while Youlden pulled some brave manoeuvres to nail Dell, until Agland pounced within moments. By lap four Ferrier had a margin of 1.8 seconds while team mate Kostera was continuing his charge, up to seventh.

Dell’s race ended soon after with engine problems slowing what had been a strong run. He limped to the line last.

Ferrier continued to lap consistently out in front and took the chequer with no dramas

ty®u looking S{i§nsorslii|i?

by five seconds, but behind all hell broke loose at Lukey Heights on the last lap.

Kostera miscued coming over the brow and speared onto the grass while chasing Davison, Agland, Youlden and Cotter. He promptly found bitumen at the bottom of the hill where the road turns right but also Cotter and met the returnee quite heavily.

Cotter soldiered onto eighth, Kostera out of the points in 16th.

Behind Ferrier came Agland (who passed Davison on the last lap for the position), Davison, Youlden, Power, 0. Kelly and Daniel-Orr. “I was actually surprised by the way I

Ferrier made it two from two in exactly the same manner - a strong, smooth start and some steady laps in the early stages keeping her clear. She won by almost 3s.

Agland and Youlden stopped some pulses when the former squeezed the latter’up against the pit wall at nearly 200km/h.

Agland received a bad sportmanship flag for the incident.

Power again was on a charge up to third, his car speed for a few laps looking like he could progress and challenge Ferrier but the pack he was immersed in wouldn’t allow it.

Davison and Power were still down on Ferrier but held a gap over Youlden, until both Will and Luke took Davison approach ing Lukey Heights in some class driving.

The dicing was intense and something had to give. It did too when Agland and Kelly made contact on the run up to Lukey Heights and took themselves out of the race, leaving Ferrier to lead home Youlden, Power, Davison, R. Kelly, Cotter, Ty Hanger, Orr, Dell and Kostera.

McColl charged from the back to 11th.

After the meeting Agland was fined - and docked two points - for incidents where he passed under the yellow flag.

Over to you,fellas ...

Points: Ferrier 40, Youiden 28, Davison 26, Power 24, Agiand 14(inciuding penaily), Cotter and R. Keiiy 12, Orr 10, 0. Keiiy 8, Hanger 7.

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18 February 2000

At Phillip Island Craig won and Craig won, but

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Hands up who’s a winner: Garth Tander had plenty of reasons to smile, two seconds enough to earn him top points and a lead in the SCS for the #34 Valvoline VT. Whose bright idea was that? Craig Baird’s debut for Stone Brothers brought immediate results, a race two win and third place on the weekend behind Tander and Mark Skaife, bringing loud cheers from the 1998 Bathurst-winning Queensland team.

(Photos by Dirk Kiynsmrth and Noe! Papelera)

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HERE is total parity between Holden and Ford in the 2000 Shell Championship Series.

Craig Lowndes opened his title defence with a win in the first race on Saturday and Craig Baird took his maiden win the following day, but it was Garth Tander who took the roimd win in the first of the 13 events.

Tander led both races, beating Lowndes away in ■ both races but tyre wear forced the tall Valvoline Commodore pilot to con cede wins in order to get the car home with rubber on the ground.

Mark Skaife (3-3) took second on the day from Baird, while a rare engine failure for Lowndes caused a rare retirement in race 2, leaving him with 60 points and sixth overall.

Best drive of the week end came from Glenn Seton who, after qualify ing off the pace in 10th and making two diaboli cal starts, was forced to charge past a combined total of 50 cars to finish with a 6-4 result for 90 points and fourth overall.

Where were the con tenders? Hamstrung.Paul Radisich went 5-6 in the

Shell Helix Falcon after early charges in both races, while Russell Ingall left the track point-less after a tyre went down in race 1 and two collisions on Sunday. Team-mate Larry Perkins, 20th in race 1, at least recovered to fifth on Sunday.

Neil Crompton flew in race 1 for fourth but the evil luck which seems to dog him came home to roost on Sunday, with a pit lane drive-thru penal ty for a jxunped start lead ing to a pit lane speeding violation. He drove well for 48 points and deserved more.

The Saturday/Sunday race format received mixed receptions from the drivers and, while crowd figures were claimed to be up [organis ers releasing a three-day figure of 26,000] there were sparsely-populated areas on the spectators banks and clear traffic into the track during Sunday morning.

Qualifying It was anwith early start torace the season, the first brought forward two weeks because of the Sydney Olympics and, with the revised, two 45 minute race

format, things started off a day earlier again, with the cars taking to the track on Friday for practice.

At least the blast furnace Thursday weather (38°C) gave way to friendlier, cooler conditions. To the surprise of some [many?] Murphy led the times, from Seton, Bowe and Radisich, Ingall beating the HRT pair of Skaife and Lowndes and Crompton.

Saturday dawned fine, with qualifying-friendly weather expected to give way after afternoon precipitation.

The last thing the drivers needed was a delay in the late-morning qualifying ses sion, but they got one when Faulkner and Perkins gyrat ed off at BMW [the final cor ner] and beached their Commodores.

“I must be always follow ing someone who is dragging gravel onto the track,” Faulkner said later, shrug ging.

The time loss didn’t affect the faster 50 percent of the field but another one in the second session [when Tratt went off at MG and left oil on the track when he came back] meant that the last 70 percent of the session was wet. Oooohhh...

Lowndes was on pole. He set a time early in the ses sion that seemed good enough but, when Tander

fT-

18Febru3fy2000

WHO said that ail talk about tyres was over? The dreaded ‘T’ word

Hey, don’t forget me: Craig Lowndes won as well in the #1 HRT VT, taking the first race on Saturday, although engine troubles put him out on Sunday when sitting in third.

(Photos by Slipstream Photographies/ John Morris/Mpix)

blazed around in lm32.36s, Craig was forced out again, responding with a Personal Best lm32.07s.

“Huge,” he grinned. “We made some changes to the car yesterday but we put it back to what we had here on testing. We were hoping for a 32 dead, or thereabouts.

Surprising, really...”

Yep. Surprising he was so far out; seven hundredths.

Skaife was third. He had had an off- rare for him - on Friday afternoon when he ran' wide but, generally, it looked like business as usual

for the Red Corner.

One of the Castrol cars was next, but not Ingall. Perkins was less than happy with the handling of the black beast, feeling the car was a little uneasy on turn-in, but there was nothing wrong with the rest of the package and the veteran was fourth. His problem - and that of Faulkner - was going to be tyres. The spin had virtually destroyed three ofthe 10 allo cated for the weekend and both were going to be behind the 8-ball, especially if the set-up was slightly out on the

long, constant-radius corners.

Longhurst had said since he stepped into the Stone Brothers’ new Falcon that he was impressed. After run ning at the pointy end for most of practice [he was third in practice)^ he was ecstatic to be fifth in qualify ing, first of the Fords by 0.4s.

“Everyone ahead of nqe tests here, so this first-up result is doubly satisfying,” he said.

The neat #9 Havoline AU looked strong in every area of performance after some overnight set-up changes from chief engineer

again raised its head at Phillip Island, teams limited to 10 tyres for the weekend,two more than for the usual three race sprint race weekend.

By the time practice, qualifying and Saturday’s race were over, there was some serious headaches for teams who had driven hard in the first race or indeed suffered problems.

John Faulkner for instance, found dirt on the circuit in the morning session and ran off the road, ruining four tyres. Left with only four tyres and 45 minutes of racing, he had to start from the back and do a ‘pull them off and put them back on’ compulsory pit stop.

Interestingly, officials impounded his 10 practice tyres, labelling them ‘unsafe’. However, no other teams had their tyres impounded on safety grounds, even considering the very damaged and well-worn tyres on some cars following Saturday’s race which would be used in Sunday’s race.

On the other hand, Tony Longhurst’s early retirement on Saturday left him with more rubber than he could throw a bottle of Caltex at, although he too would be at the back.

Here’s how they shaped up on Sunday morning with their number of tyres in brackets: Faulkner (4), Lowndes (8), Skaife (7), Perkins (9), Ingall (6-7), Tander (7), Bargwanna (7), Radisich (8), Seton (8-9), Crompton (8-9), Johnson (7), Murphy (6-7), Richards (6-7), Jones (7-8), Morris (7), Bowe (7), Larkham (8), Baird (8).

- AAEON NOONAN

Tyred and emotional I

Continued next page...

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23

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Putting a tiger OWyour tank: 1999 Privateer Champion Cameron McLean fronted with the ex-Paul Weel AU but had about as much luck as Weel did last year.

Putting a tiger /Wyour tank: Tony Longhurst was consistently the quickest Ford driver at Phillip Island, his move to Stone Brothers looking to be the right move.

(Photos by Marshall Cass/Slipsteam Photographies)

Now this wil! get your attention shoppers: Greg Murphy’s debut weekend in Kmart colours was a horror, aside from this meeting with Danny Osborne, dnf-ing and finishing 28th.

Best buys: Steven Richards ponders his results, an 11th then 10th.

(Photos by John Morris/Mpix and Slipstream Photographies)

Series Pos Driver 1 Craig Lowndes 2 Garth Tender 3 Mark Skaife 4 Larry Perkins 5 Tony Longhurst 6 Russell Ingall 7 Greg Murphy 8 Paul Radisich 9 Jason Bargwanna 10 Glenn Seton 11 John Faulkner 12 John Bowe 13 Neil Crompton 14 Rodney Forbes 15 Steven Richards 16 Steven Johnson 17 Mark Larkham 18 Craig Baird 19 Paul Morris 20 Steve Ellery 21 Todd Kelly 22 Paul Weel 23 Brad Jones 24 Tomas Mezera 25 Cameron McConville 26 Paul Romano 27 Cameron McLean 28 Dugal McDougall 29 Steve Reed 30 Mike Donaher 31 Rod Salmon 32 Mike Conway 33 Danny Osborne 34 JohnTrimbole 35 Anthony Tratt 36 Peter Doulman 37 Trevor Ashby

Team/Car Holden Racing Team Commodore VT Valvoline/Cummins Commodore VT Holden Racing Team Commodore VT .

Castrol Perkins Commodore VT Caltex Havoline Falcon AU Castrol Perkins Commodore VT Kmart Racing Commodore VT Shell HHelix Falcon AU Valvoline/Cummins Commodore VT Ford Tickford Racing Falcon AU JFR/Make-A-Wish Commodore VT CAT Racing Falcon AU Ford Tickford Racing Falcon AU Wynn’s Racing/GMS Commmodore VT Kmart Racing Commodore VT Shell Helix Falcon AU Mitre 10 Racing Falcon AU Pirtek/SBR Falcon AU Big Kev Racing Commodore VS Super Cheap Auto Falcon AU Mycar HRT Young Lions Commodore VT KJ Thermal Falcon AU Ozemail Racing Falcon AU Densitron Racing Commodore VT Autopro/RNR Commodore VT Romano Racing Commodore VS Greenfield Mowers Racing Falcon AU Aloe Qench/PE Commodore VT Optus/PPG Commodore VS TDK/Ultratune Racing Commodore VS One World Hotel Falcon EL2 SMS Cadillac Productions Falcon EL2 Colourscan Racing Falcon AU Daily Planet Racing Commodore VS Toll Racing Falcon AU Gatorade Racing Commodore VT Optus/PPG Commodore VS

Continued from previous page...

Time 1:32.0713 1:32.3633 1:32.4916 1:32.5352 1:32.5671 1:32.7618 1:32.8468 1:32.9576 1:33.0289 1:33.0669 1:33.3904 1:33.4655 1:33.5446 1:33.7490 1:34.0327 1:34.0794 1:34.1644 1:34.2141 1:34.2246 1:34.4187 1:34.4439 1:34.5223 1:34.7884 1:34.9521 1:35.8930 1:36.0377 1:36.0950 1:36.1832 1:36.1863 1:37.9088 1:39.6718 1:40.4859 1:40.9687 1:42.0989 1:53.7715 1:54.4396 no time

Campbell Little.

Murphy backed up his good practice form with seventh, ahead of Radisich who was in an unusual situation.

Much was expected of The Rat now that he was returning to tracks he had raced on in 1999 but the Island in the dry was all new to him after the deluge last year. In the cir cumstances, eighth was a good result.

Bargwanna was ninth, the last of the cars within a second of Lowndes’ scalding pole time, from Seton.

This was puz zling. Glenn was a second off his ”99 pole time, which would have put him on the front row this year. He com plained of a lack of straight-line speed but otherwise

seemed a little lost as to where the second had gone.

Forbes was 14th in the Wynns VT, one spot up on the. brand new car of Richards.

Johnson was 16th after set-up changes after practice had him out late in the session and limiting him to six laps in total. And Baird was 18th, the Stone team making suspension adjustments. The car looked nasty over the back of the track but Baird was looking forward to raceday.

RaC© 1 (45 mi mutes)

because ... well, they didn’t know. Electrics were suspect ed; it turned out to be a bro ken distributor cap.

The-off-season got off with a whimper, not a bang. The

It was a question of strategy; what would the teams do in a middle-distance race with a compulsory pit stop?"

What was better - pit early and build a lead, or pit late and sprint at the end?

It was not to be answered for 45 minutes.

With the short time to get ready for the race after qualifying, there wasn’t much time for wondering. The cars rolled out under clear skies and off went 36 cars McLean’s AU didn’t start,

first twowell-known rows, in the words of that philosopher Craig Lowndes, “died in the arse,” and lurched away when the red light went out.

It was like the ABC Driving School,” was Skaife’s version. “Urggge, urggg, urggg ...”

Tander out-fumbled Lowndes to grab the lead, Perkins bounded into third, while Longhurst was hung out wide. He soon parked the Havoline car; third gear was gone and he saw little point

in staggering on and, maybe, destroying the whole “box.

Radisich was worse off, staggering away, but Seton was further back, getting stranded. In the confusion Baird hammered by; he was 11th [from 18th] after a lap.

Radisich was 16th, Seton was stone motherless last car away.

Tander pulled a small lead before Lowndes and Skaife (who had out-zoomed Ingall and Perkins) started to close.

Tander pressed his tyres as hard as he dared until Lowndes started to close, getting past at Southern Loop on lap 12. Tander’s rears were starting to fade and he pitted on lap 14.

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THERl were races within races at the opening two sorties in the SCS but one of the best was the 'Super Touring; class’.

W/ith Paul Morris, Brad Jones and Cameron McConvilie all stepping into fulWime V8 Supercar drives at the same time, it was interesting to watch the battle behween them.

Morris took the honours in qualifying, with 19th place against the new cars of Jones (23rdi) and McConvilie (2Sth), the Big Kev VS looking the goods despite a lack of horsepower.

In race 1 Morris took off and ran with Kelly and Johnson in the first half of the race until Jones started to close in, While that was happening, McConvilie was closing on both.

S|S'ni#XGited <by4Whafl:see Qhi thglnternet::iBrad^ Jones, Paul Morris and Cameron McConvilie all had interesting weekends at Phillip Island.(Photo by nooi Papeiera) That set the pattern for the race. With Lowndes now conserving his rubber. Garth charged, running his fastest laps of the race and, when Craig pitted three laps later, the GRM Commodore stormed past. He hung on until lap 23 when his rears started to suffer again [‘helped’ by a brake biasaided lockup at Honda] and Lowndes sped off to his inevitable win.

He reported a loss of tyre performance, even after the team had told him to slow down and save his rubber.

He, being Craig, never felt like he was hurting it.

Skaife had fallen 6s back in third and was starting to feel the heat from Ford. After Bowe charged early before his tyres blistered beyond belief, and with Seton and Radisich in recovery mode, it fell to Crompton to pick up

the challenge, taking half a second off his Network 10 team-mate towards the end.

Skaife had the situation under control and got home third, but Crompton’s tyres looked great at the end of the race...

Seton had a spectacular run, after an unfortunate elbowing of Weel at Honda on lap 15 while both challenged Baird.

Weel spun down the field, while Seton pressed on, getting within 0.08s of Radisich after another ‘Sunday-like’ charge from The Rat’.

New DSO [Driving Standards Observer] Colin Bond had a word with Seton after the race, but nothing was forthcoming, even Weel describing it as “a racing incident”. One of the hard men of the game put it thus; “Glenn is the cleanest driver out here. We’ve been,racing over'a decade and if he had

contact, I’ll bet it was not deliberate.” Weel, who’d looked set for a career-best sixth, ended up a stillimpressive 12th.

Seventh was Forbes. This was something; he LED the race for four laps while the opposition pitted and his Wynn’s Commodore looked unruffled throughout the race.

Meanwhile, ‘team-mate’ Murphy had gone. After he had blistered his tyres, he heard a rattle from the rear of the car. The diff had failed and he garaged the car to think about Sunday.

Larkham was a steady eighth from Baird [impres sive, gaining 10 spots on Sunday] and Faulkner. The JFR Commodore stopped right after the flag and many feared a return of his' evil Island ‘luck’. In reality, after Continued on page 28...

--

r

The ©ude finished the race 14th, 5s clear of ^ the Brad.com/Cameron battle for 17th. : In race 2 McConvilie had to take to the grass to avoid the Bowe/lngall incident, which ; saw Morris ram Bowe in the rear. He later retired the AutoPro Vf with engine problems. | Atter a black flagi for the collision, Morris charged up to 18th, looking at the next car in , the field;, Jones, ehallenge another ex-2-litre ; man, McLean. Du ring;the round:of pitstOps, Jones actually led the race on the road.

Honours? About even. If the battle for the leadi in any SCS race looks boring during the season, have a peek at this one.

iSi

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It was always going to end in tears: While Kelly, Ingall and Bowe raced close for a while, the latter two came to grief, twice in fact, in the second race.(Photo by Noei Papeiera)

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28

18Febwdry2000

Mi

Briefly Phillip Island Brad Jones was his usual understated self after Friday’s practice session. “It’s just a dif ferent class,” he said, to which he added, “Having a full-time gig is great and being 31st is If too..

■ Tony Longhurst’s new ride at Stone Brothers Racing, contrary to popular belief, is actually in a new Falcon AU. Rather than race his previous car, hav ing sold his franchise emd older car to Brad Jones, Longhurst’s remaining car will act as the test and spai-e car for the team. It was actually the one used at the Caltex launch on the Thursday night of race week in Sydney.

E There were the usual personalities floating about in the paddock. Glenn Ridge was there and checked out the V8 gift shop, while Superbike superstar Aaron Slight was in attendance on Friday and Saturday. Also spotted were Audi’s ’99 Super Touring young gun Matt Coleman, Domenic Beninca, Matthew White, and former Young Lion Mark Noske. Oh yeah and BigKev... n Speaking of the Young Lions, HRT tried something different on the ‘third’ car at PL Todd Kelly’s VT was running an exhaust system different to the two lead cars, using a single muffler ' and exit. The idea was to save weight [around 3kg, according to TM Jeff Grech] and, if it proves to be durable, expect to see the Lowndes and Skaife cars run single exhausts later in the season. MyCar has also announced its continuing support for the HYL car in

2000.

B The official Shell Series web site (www.shellseries.com.au) is mnning a tipping competi tion for the 2000 champi onship. Pick who you think will finish in the top five and enter before qualifying of each round and you’ll be in tha running for Shell vouchers worth up to $150 from each round.

a number of issues which

passing under reds; and Steven Richards $500 for the same offence.

The Ultra Tune TDK team had a very expensive weekend, Mick Donaher fined $500 for passing under red flags on Saturday and later on in the day fined $5,000 for his involvement in the accident

Know any good panel beaters? After two incidents with Bowe, you wouldn’t have thought Ingall’s second race could get any worse. It did... (Photo by NooI Papelera)

which saw Mike Conway’s Falcon crash heavily at Siberia in the first race.

■I On the sponsor front.

Former rallyman Rod Salmon debuted his ex-DJR Falcon EL over the week end with Oneworld Hotel & Sports Bar backing contin uing from Bathurst, while Tomas Mezera’s repaired Densitron Commodore was rolled out in tangerine wai-paint.

Paul Romano’s VS is again devoid of signage, while Rodney Forbes’ Wynn’s car featui-es back ing from Kellogg’s Crispix and Windscreen’s O’Brien.

Mick Donaher’s VS has added FAI Home Loans on ' top of its recent TDK deal.

■ Seen spending a lot of time in the JFR pit was ' Commodore Cu^ charger Christian D’Agostin, D’Agostin recently tested for JFR and is one of a few drivers being looked at by Faulkner ibr his second car which is scheduled to appear at the Clipsal 500.

Faulkner expects to be able to announce a major backer in the coming weeks.

Lead cars for GMS and CPE: Rodney Forbes and Dugal McDougall impressed with their performances; Forbes fin ishing seventh on Saturday and looking for a similar result Sunday until troubles hit two laps from home; McDougall earning the most points in the Castrol Perkins camp.

(Photo by Slipstream Photographies)

his morning off he was down to his last four tyres, wanti ng to preserve them at all costs.

Of the rest; tyre carnage seemed the order of the day.

Bowe was 13th with more blistered rubber; Johnson 16th with both rights destroyed; Perkins 20th and Ingall 21st, both with under steering cars and Perkins handicapped by an uncharac teristic slow pit stop. In front of both of them was

hammer. But next lap around he had a tyre go down and had to come in again. He resumed 22nd and got Romano on the last lap, but' there no points for Castrol in the first race of the season.

The ‘Super Touring’ class fell to Morris [14th] from Jones and McConville [17th and 18 th].

finishing in that order?

Ingall was not. After trail ing around in the top seven for the first half of the race the crew turned him around

Bargwanna was 31st and last finisher, running strong ly at the end after a slipped clutch at the start, a punt at Honda on lap one and two stops for tyres and a new front splitter.

Conway had had a steady race, but got the shock of his life when his Falcon flew

quickly, right on Skaife’s

through the air at Siberia on

McDougall; who would have bet on the three Perkins VTs

lap 23 and slammed into a bank. The Sydney film direc tor hopped out under his own steam and lurched away, winded but not hurt, but the car was basically ruined.

After the race, Mick

grid with quite a fe w observers expecting him to win, was gone in a trice.

Please explain why one of the good guys in the sport has so much evil luck.

Tander doesn’t. He was

Donaher was brought to task over the incident and, follow ing evidence from DSO Colin Bond and Perkins [who was

looking to keep track position on the way to his pit window, while Skaife looked for a gap with the battling Lowndes behind him. On lap 4 Skaife found the way through at Honda and Garth didn’t fight him too hard.

following closely], Donaher was fined $5000.

Race 2 (45 minutes) With at was a premi um, rubber everyone going to be careful on Sunday.

Some had rubber to buim but were starting from the back, but most were worried.

Lowndes started a con cerned man on another front.

He felt the engine misfire on the formation lap and missed the start, wheelspinning away while Tander and Skaife got away well.

Crompton was away well too - “perfectly”, according to him - but the Judges of Fact pinged him for a jump and, when he came in for his drive thru penalty, he was adjildged to have broken the speed limit.

The man with plenty of tyres, and who sat on the

After trailing Skaife for a few laps, Tander got back in front on lap eight and built a 6s lead. Skaife was in earlier this time, on lap 14, three laps before Tander who resumed with a healthy lead.

But he was run down, not

by Skaife by Baird. The kiwi was right there the whole race and smart driving aided by slick Stone pitwork, which returned him to the track 8s clear of Skaife - put the Pirtek Falcon in second.

Tander looked secure while his tyi’es held out, but when he dropped 3s on lap 24 he was a dead duck. Baird swept by two laps later on the straight and sped on to Ford’s fii-st SCS win in eight months. It was a case of per fect judgement from the

H Identity crisis. There were some puzzled people when the Graham Watson team wheeled out their Reynard Formula Holdens.

Just who are Chris Halliday and Matt Staff?

The duo had deviously cre ated some confusion not just for officials by switch ing stickers and Christian names, but also themselves.

Which one do I drive again?

1 Lunch money. The stewards were busy at Phillip Island dealing with

-1

resulting in quite a number of drivers having their wal let lightened. Jason Bargwanna was fined $500 for passing under red flags during Friday practice; Danny Osborne was slugged $750 for passing under waved yellows; John Bowe was fined $1500 for

- AARON NOONAN/ PHIL BRANGAN

Identity crisis: Is it Chris Halliday, or Matt Staff...(LynieyRdd)

I

SMWhampk^nsMp SmFim, M1 ^ Phiillliip Island Remilits Race One (45 minutes) Pos Driver 1 Craig Lowndes 2 Garth Tander 3 Mark Skaife 4 Neil Crompton 5 Paul Radisich 6 Glenn Seton 7 Rodney Forbes 8 Mark Larkham 9 Craig Baird 10 John Faulkner 11 Steven Richards 12 Paul Weel 13 John Bowe 14 Paul Morris 15 Todd Kelly 16 Steven Johnson 17 Brad Jones 18 Cameron McConville 19 Dugal McDougall 20 Larry Perkins 21 Russell Ingall 22 Paul Romano 23 Anthony Tratt 24 Tomas Mezera 25 Steve Reed 26 Peter Doulman 27 Danny Osborne 28 Mike Donaher 29 John Trimbole 30 Trevor Ashby 31 Jason Bargwanna DNF Mike Conway DNF Greg Murphy DNF Steve Ellery DNF Tony Longhurst DNS Cameron McLean DNS Rod Salmon

Race time 45:24.9843 45:26.7240 45:32.8315 45:33.2611 45:42.6125 45:42,6967 45:49.8519 45:55.7579 45:59.2060 45:59.4182 46:03.9435 46:07.8022 46:08.5736 46:12.7204 46:16.9368 46:16.9585 46:17.5089 46:18.1012 46:21.0418 46:21.2727 46:21.4614 46:46.2738 46:55.3565 47:43.6095 27 laps 27 laps 27 laps 27 laps 27 laps 26 laps 25 laps 22 laps 18 laps 11 laps 2 laps

F/lap 1:33.9684 1:34.2585 1:34.9047 1:34.0804 1:34.2186 1:34.3610 1:35.0181 1:35.2515 1:35.1990 1:35.2689 1 .-35.6958 1:35.2145 1:34,4266 1:35.9709 1:34.6837 1:35.5520 1:35.1372 1:35.3276 1:35.5887 1:35,2302 1:35.0641 1:36.0623 1:36.0700 1:35.5756 1:36.5778 1:36.5501 1:37.5058 1:37.6183 1:38.6096 1:36.6764 1:34.8184 1:39.1929 1:35.6710 1:35.2851 1:40.9462

On 21 16 2 20 21 24 24 19 5 20 5 22 9 9 11 20 16 17 11 26 21 18 19 8 7 27 6 20 20 25 2 21 4 8 2

Race Two (45 minutes) Pos Driver 1 Craig Baird 2 Garth Tander 3 Mark Skaite 4 Glenn Seton 5 Larry Perkins 6 Paul Radisich 7 Mark Larkham 8 Tony Longhurst 9 Todd Kelly 10 Steven Richards 11 Dugal McDougall 12 Steven Johnson 13 Steve Ellery 14 John Faulkner 15 Paul Weel 16 Cameron McLean 17 Brad Jones 18 Paul Morris 19 John Bowe 20 Paul Romano 21 Jason Bargwanna 22 Steve Reed 23 Neil Crompton 24 Trevor Ashby 25 Tomas Mezera 26 Peter Doulman 27 Greg Murphy 28 Russell Ingall 29 Anthony Tratt 30 Rod Salmon 31 John Trimbole 32 Danny Osborne DNF Rodney Forbes DNF Craig Lowndes DNF Cameron McConville DNS Mike Donaher DNS Mike Conway

Race time 45:43.6971 45:48.0217 45:52.8312 45:52.9406 46:03.2345 46:06.2273 46:06.4764 46:07.3736 46:09.2582 46:11.3808 46:11.8515 46:15.2405 46:19.1382 46:20.6427 46:21.2768 46:29.1140 46:29.2365 46:35.7045 46:38.5842 46:39.0412 46:42.2503 46:46.8656 46:47.0423 46:49.6477 46:52.2529 46:53.4711 47:09,0452 47:33,1537 27 laps 27 laps 26 laps 26 laps 26 laps 22 laps 11 laps

F/lap 1:34.9552 1:34.8286 1:35.6136 1:34.8156 1:35.1011 1:35.7808 1:35.9182 1:34.8380 1:35.5318 1:35.8151 1:35.3479 1:35.2559 1:35.3474 1:35.3368 1:35,3680 1:36.0810 1:35.9331 1:35.8372 1:35.1019 1:35.7256 1:35.1629 1:36.6679 1:35.3321 1:36.6108 1:36.0935 1:36.1004 1:36.5603 1:35.9249 1:36.1826 1:38.6064 1:38.5185 1:38.2546 1:35.3771 1:35.7531 1:35.8637

On 18 20 26 25 15 5 15 24 16 27 24 28 23 23 28 20 26 21 21 24 19 7 21 8 23 9 6 16 16 24 23 9 13 7 10

j

NZer, running the race 19s slower than the first.

And when was the last time someone won a Shell race after qualifying with the ‘slower’ group?

Skaife held on for third, just, from ... Seton. While Crompton was making a “perfect” start, Glenn made another duncer when his clutch slipped on the line, taking him from sixth to 17th.

“One of our blokes leaves too early, one too late,” one of the Boys in Blue muttered, shaking his head.

But once rolling, Seton was peerless in traffic.

storming to fourth and start ing the last lap under Skaife’s rear wing. Despite a little nudge here and there, Skaife knew that he was never going to get a punt and made the red VT as wide as possible, taking the podium spot by a length.

Two good starts for Seton would have changed the weekend. At PI, the opposi tion dodged a potential bul let ...

Lowndes nursed his engine to lap 23 before the Chev cried “enough” and he pulled off to keep the back straight clean of oil.

Fifth was ... Perkins. He had not charged through early as Ingall had done but, aided by a swift pit stop, he had diiven intelligently, getting by Radisich late in the race.

“Make sure you tell ‘em I did it on seven tyres,” he grinned after the battle.

Ingall’s diabolical run seemed to get worse. After a blinding start - 21st to 11th on lap one - he got tangled up with Bowe at NGK, the CAT man claiming that he had the door shut hard on him. McConville took to the grass to avoid the drama, but Morris, with two cars in front of him slowing dramati cally, had nowhere to go.

The Big Kev VS punted the #600 AU up the rear and alnaost stopped. Worse, he

was later black-flagged for a drive-thru penalty. After the race Bowe made a point of defending Morris’ driving and, to be fair, it did seem a harsh penalty for something that wasn’t The Dude’s fault.

After his impressive first race effort, Forbes’ good weekend ended when he had an off starting his last lap, giving him a DNF. Still, it was a good weekend for the Wynners.

And Weel, who was hold ing Seton out for some time and seemed set for sixth again, lost it after a helping from Radisich at turn one on the penultimate lap. He recovered to 15th which, a year ago, may have been a good result for the small team, and driver, which have clearly taken a big step for ward during the off-season.

That summarised the weekend. Baird’s efforts meant Jason Bright went largely un-missed. Tander leads the series, Lowndes and Ingall have to play catch-up and the new, new generation is on the move.

That’s the good news.

The bad news is that we have to wait until Wanneroo on March 19 for the next thrilling instalment, with three sprints on one day.

As the dog in the back of the Toyota ute would say, “Bugger”...

Come in cars six and five: FTR had a bag of mixed results. Neil Crompton visited the pits twice in race two, ruining his day while Glenn Seton had poor starts in both races but stormed back for strong results.

(Photos by Slipstream Photographies)

me time this year.

Australian Drivers Championship- Rd1 I

T was all sparkling and new. New cars, new drivers, new paint schemes, new year and even a new millennium. It couldn’t have been any more different from 1999, but, for Formula Holden, it was all still the same.

Golden star: Reigning Gold Star Champion Simon Wills again stole the show at Phillip Island, winning both races in the BJrrana 94D Reynard.

M-One-11: Tim Leahey proved his worth to the Greg Murphy Racing team with a Stirling start in the first race and a charge to the front before a broken input shaft put him out. He then stormed from the back of the grid to third in race two.(Photos by Manthaii cass)

Having dominated the Australian Driversv Championship last year^ _ kiwi Simon Wills returned to the Birrana camp and the series and began the season where he left off last September. The 23-year-old New Zealander virtually led the weekend from start to finish, qualifying on pole with a strong 1:24.3828, and winning both of Sunday’s races in his Reynard 94D, albeit having followed Matthew Halliday’s similar Birrana Reynard for the first eight laps in race 2.

To rub salt into the wounds. Wills also set the quickest lap on the last of the two races, his 1:24.2215 meaning an average lap speed in excess of 190 km/h, officially making the Phillip Island circuit, behind the Albert Park GP track, the second fastest track in the country.

“This is a great way to start the year and I couldn’t be happier,” Wills said later. “Tim was strong at the beginning of the first race and would have challenged, and Matthew [Halliday] drove

a strong second race, but everything seemed to gel pret^ well.”

For fellow New Zealander Halliday, it had to be enough to settle for two seconds on the weekend.

Christian sans hisMurchison, appendix, fronted at the island in the lead NRC 95D Reynard and a third and fourth from the recentlyreleased-from-hospital youngster was an excellent result, ail things - including the fact he was some 20 km/h slower down the sweeping front straight in qualifying, and not much better during the races - considered. ’s move to Tim theLeahey Kevin IMurphy-led, Greg Murphy Racing camp proved to a solid decision, with the 72year-old qualifying his older m-One-11 Reynard 92D alongside Wills with a 1:24.6515.

Sadly for Leahey, a broken input shaft while taking the lead at Honda on lap one of race 1, ended his chances in the first race and necessitated a start from the rear in race 2. Still, a great charge from near last to third in the second race is a great indication of a strong year ahead.

Chris Staff had a challenging weekend, perhaps not so glorious, after, initially, things

looked good.

The kiwi, who with the Birrana-mounted duo of Wills and Stevenson(who finished fifth in the first race), and Halliday enabled New Zealanders to occupy four of the first five grid spots, ran strongly early in the first race, but a tell-tale plume of engine smoke signalled the end of his day. He couldn’t return...

For thewere rest of the field there a bunch of mixed results with a bundle of spins and offs included.

Youngster Paul Dumbrell’s debut in the Kmart colours and a hybrid 93,94,95,970 Reynard was certainly bundled in with the mixed-weekenders, an engine miss slowing him in the first race and a couple of spins, along with a pitlane start producing a fourth and 14th.

Oakeshott, Booth, Talbot, Stevenson... they all had turns at time off the track.

In the end, it was still ail shiny and new and, while Wills still dominated at Phillip Island, for Formula Holden and a number of other young steerers like Leahey, Murchison, Dumbrell and Stevenson, the season and series looks reasonably strong.

- GERALD McDORNAN

30

18 February 2000

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^e’ll never know how Then, when George Pyne Warren Willing the road resigned his position as manager racer will really stack up of the Marlboro Yamaha Dealer against Warren Willing the race Team in early ’86, Willing’s career began to gather momentum. engineer.

Working with the white-hot tal Already, Willing - in cotton slacks and shirt - has achieved ent of Kevin Magee, who caught the attention of Kenny Roberts at enormous success at the very high est levels of racing, but his career that year’s Suzuka 8-Hour, as a leather-clad warrior was cut Willing took important steps short at just 27 by a horrific crash towards an international career. at the North-West 200 race in His team was offered a factory 1979.

Yamaha YZR500 for Magee to ride It was during his six-month stay in the Swann Series, which the in hospital that Willing says he Horsham Hurricane claimed in a memorable victory at Oran Park really learned about racing.

Going through 18 operations to over Yamaha GP works star Rob save his shattered left leg. Willing McElnea.

It was only a matter of time says that he was too busy, too pre occupied with the day to day drill before Magee would move on to of being a racer/mechanic to plumb the GP circus with Roberts - and the depths of what it really took to so it happened when he was draft win. ed into the team in place of Randy Winning is something I count Mamola for season ’88.

Willing signed Mick Doohan to myself lucky enough to have seen replace Magee in the local Marlboro Willing do.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t at squad and split his time between Bathurst in 1974 to see his stun helping the two stars - but some ning victory over Gregg Hansford thing had to give and Willing joined Robert’s full-time in 1989. after they both ran away from the A decade later, after spearhead pack and shattered the lap record on their Yamaha TZ700s. ing the Modenas project through Just to prove it wasn’t a fluke. the mid ’90s, Willing hooked up with Roberts Jnr, bought as a Willing won the Unlimited race package by Team Suzuki. again in ’75 and ’76.

Nor was I there for his brilliant After a four-year drought, and daring display when he won Suzuki won back to back races at the Saturday’s Unlimited race on the beginning of the year in the a wet and treacherous Mount biggest upset in recent years.

Panorama in 1978.

How so? Willing’s accumulated experience cannot be overstated.

This is the stuff oflegend.

From world class racer, engine Internationally, Willing was manufacturer, equally as bril liant. tyre guru and “He’s the last ofthe In 1975, he team engineer to self-taught engineers, finished fifth Modenas, over seer, there is noand first priva along with Mike one is the GP teer home at the Sinclair,”opined Avant. paddock with a Daytona 200 on (6 debut and in Warren didn’tget to better schooling.

According to 1977 he quali where.he is today fied third fastest long-time friend through good luck. At Kiwi Stu Avant, ' in front of previOUS winners 20, he was building his the man who invited the now^ Johnny Cecotto own^ngines that were retired Mike and the USA’s of works standard.

Gene Romero, as Sinclair to Europe in 1976 as his well as Hansford and 1980 winner Patrick Pons. mechanic in his debut 500cc GP year.

His TZ750 not running as strongly Willing is one ofa kind.

“He’s the last of the self-taught as it had done in practice, Wilhng claimed sixth in the rain-shortened engineers, along with Mike Daytona 100.

Sinclair,” opined Avant.

There is no doubt that with ‘WaiTen didn’t get to where he works backing, the man known as is today through good luck. At 20, the Red Rocket could’ve cut the he was building his own engines that were of works standard. mustard with anyone.

“Like Mike, he has a race back Smooth, methodical and deeply analytical, he had the goods to ground which is the difference take on the world. between him and others... been Being taken out at Portstewart- there, understands that.

“I think Mike may be smarter, Portrush, however, put paid to that. but Warren can apply it better. He By the early ’80s, when he was combines engineering excellence still recovering from the crash. with people skills, rider co-opera Willing worked for Emerson Sport, tion and team building, although the Australian importers of he probably does most of the oth Dunlop tyres. ers subconsciously.

It was here that he learned the “He doesn’t alienate others and intricacies of tyre technology via is not up himself. He’s still as the development of the latest rub enthusiastic today as he was 20 ber of the time in America. years ago.”

Coupled to his passion for engi Avant was a top SOOcc privateer neering that saw him building in the ’70s and early ’80s and led a engines when barely out of his few GPs. Living in Sydney since teens. Willing was accumulating a his retirement in 1985, he worked staggering amount of data that for Lucky Strike Suzuki as rider would hold him in good stead in liaison manager three years ago. his career as a race engineer/team He quickly understood the depth manager. of the passion that Willing and his Soon, he was in charge of the colleagues had for the job.

“In ’97, Waz, Mike and Paul all-conquering Toshiba Yamaha Dealer team that fielded Ron Treacy used to come around when Boulden, Len Willing and Gary I was in England. We’d go down to Coleman on TZ500s, in addition to the pub, come back and talk bikes XSllOOs for production racing and until 2,00am, get up and start the team’s motocross team. again, complete with hangover at That was a lot of work.

8.00 am!”

-DARRYL FLACK

Paying homage to Hon r

●●●

Suzuki’s Warren WilUng discusses the legendary NSRSOO’s real worth from an engineer’s perspective with DARRYL FLACK n the absence of the legendary Mick Doohan, the 1999 SOOcc World Championship was the most open since the early ’90s.

2000 promises even more, with Roberts, Criville and Biaggi in the frame to fight it out.

Adding more flavour is that the three leading brands will be closer than they have been for a long time.

With rumours of a new Honda NSR500 on the horizon, Suzuki Grand Prix Team engineer Warren Willing paid tribute to one of the winningest bikes in GP history.

“They came out with that motor cycle for very specific reasons and they addressed those problems very well, I thought,” said Willing. “As it turned out, it’s won a lot of races.

“Still, everything continues to evolve. The tyres dictate a lot of it and that particular configuration of mgtorcycle was a reaction to what was happening with tyres previous to that.

“A lot of their riders were highBrains trust: Warren Willing in pensive mood, AGP ’98. (Tony oiynn pic) siding and getting hurt, which was enced by the acceleration-decelera a combination of chassis and power Wayne Gardner often complained delivery and tyre characteristics. that the pre-bang NSR500 under- tion rate - changes in road speed.

“Again, everything’s a compro “Powef delivery and tyre charac- steered and blamed the snappy teristics have changed a lot since power characteristics of the single- mise,” he continued. “Depending how you choose to set the bike up, there then, but what they came up with crank Honda engine, worked.

“The dynamics of a twin crank are forces there that you can use in ‘It was relatively easy to ride rel- motorcycle are going to be different certain areas that will compromise atively fast. The bike was set up for from a single-crank bike,” Willing [performance]in another area.

“The Honda has a single crank braking and acceleration and was explained, stable in the corners, although it “A twin-crank motorcycle is not that rotates backwards, to use the didn’t change direction very well. going to react as quickly, or as posi- torque reaction to stop the bike from wheelying. That has benefits “Still, they had the best engine tively, to throttle movement, and it was very rideable and very ^ ^“Take a single-crank bike, like a but it also has disadvantages. hard to beat. But it was difficult to mo'tocrosser. Because you get a ‘Up to this point, it’s been a good go extremely fast on it. It took good torque reaction around the crank- package for Honda, but I think riders to do that. But it’s something shaft as the revs rise and fall, that they’ve approached their limit with you could throw around and was initiates a weight transfer, which that bike. It’s been refined since very predictable.” „ ^ means you can initiate weight 1992 on the track and two years transfer with the throttle more before that in design. Yeah, I think they’ve reached the limit with that As a single-crank machine, quickly.

Honda is a lone wolf among the the “Where you have [two] crank- configuration.

“I think they are building a new twin-crank Yamaha and Suzuki shafts cancelling each other out, bike, which we won’t see at the the weight transfer is more infludesigns. start of the season, but I think Big Bang: Mick’s ’96 close firing order, single crank NSR500. V4 two they’ll introduce it later. It’ll be stroke’s crankshaft rotates backwards, its torque reaction counteracting interesting to see what they do.” any tendency by the Grand Prix machine to wheelstand, a practical approach by Honda that Willing considers to have limitations. (lonyoiynn) The NSR500 underpinned many careers,has including those of Max Biaggi and Carlos Checa.

Who could ever forget Biaggi’s incredible SOOcc Grand Prix debut at Suzuka in .1998, when he absolutely blitzed the field and smashed the lap record - or Checa’s inspired rides that have earned him two GP wins against the odds.

Observing the transition from the Honda, which demands a firm hand, to the super-sensitive Yamaha was like watching two novices struggling to find out what road racing was all about.

“That’s the biggest complaint Max and Checa have had hopping onto the Yamaha,” Willing said.

“They found you had to be very delicate, as it was very responsive.

“Their comments on the Honda were that it was very stable, you could move around and manhandle the thing. In fact you had to.

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But wouldn’t increased From 1992 to 1996, “Every time they moved a little bit on the Yamaha, it Doohan rode the big-bang, tyre wear be a factor in a reacted. I still believe that close-firing order NSR500 race situation, where there is the Yamaha has a higher that made the power pulses a propensity to spin it up?

“That fact is he didn’t spin performance potential, but it less abrupt.

He was also the first one to it up, because he had the takes a lot more finesse.” control and discipline to use change over to a more tradi Although his style of rid it,” Willing countered. ing is not nearly as physical tional screamer configura Indeed, Willing revealed as Dooiian’s, Suzuki’s Kenny tion, a bike that sat Criville Roberts Jnr was dedicated to on his backside many times that rear-wheel steering was a product of poor front tyre matching the Aussie legend’s in testing. incredible level of fitness as a This was an important grip that prevailed through to the early ’90s. psychological challenge, as development.

In late 1992, Michelin With the screamer, much as'anything else. came up with a batch of “He may not be as strong Doohan knew he could estab as Mick was at his peak, but lish a psychological advan- fronts that solved the prob lem, a tyre Kevin he’s getting there.

(I Schwantz would He’s worked incred Certainly, our bikers not as later describe as ibly hard on it,” stable as that, but thafs how you “dynamite.”

Willing declared.

But does he need make it more agile by being smooth “[Sliding] was a to be as fit when he way to steer the and precise. Ifyou see anyone doesn’t seem to bike, because it work as hard as on who’s goingfast on a Honda, they didn’t have enough the bike? traction, so physically have to throw it around. front they had to put it “Again, I think that’s a characteris With the Suzuki, you don’t into oversteer,” WUhng continued. tic of the machine,” have to do that.»

“It was all right Willing explained.

“Kenny hasn’t ridden a tage to shake his pesky when the tyre was brandHonda, so you can’t say. But Spanish team-mate, who new, but as soon as the tyre just from watching, the harried the Queenslander all performance came down a Honda has to be manhandled season long in 1996. bit, the traction balance was more because of the inherent “Mick had ridden the [big- lost. Michelin addressed that stability it’s got. Certainly, bang] bike and exploited it to a lot, so now there’s better our bike’s not as stable as its full potential and was still ways to do it.” that, but that’s how you make occasionally getting beaten,” Willing explained. it more agile by being smooth With gone, many are Doohan looking to Valentino “He was thinking: ‘where and precise. If you see anyone who’s going fast on a Honda, can I improve it?’ so he Rossi to eventually fill the void.

In the short-term. Willing they physically have to throw changed the engine configu it around. With the Suzuki, ration [to the screamer]. It is looking at the brilliant was a bit harder to ride, but young Italian as a threat you don’t have to do that.”

The NSR500 carried it gave him the chance to who will only get stronger.

Doohan to five world titles carry more corner entry “I think Rossi is an excep and Criville’s 1999 title takes speed and more comer speed tionally talented rider and the Honda tally to six,' and he was prepared to five he’ll dp very well. He’s still with it being a little bit more going to have a learning equalling Yamaha for the most championships in the difficult, that little bit more curve to go through this V-fom- two-stroke era. year,” he said, “r’ln sure he’ll precise, to ride.”

Screamer: Doohan happily manhandled his ’98 Honda to another world title. (jonyGiynn pic) “For the last couple of be competitive, but next year should be his focus. years, that’s been Mick’s “Still, he will try to win a strength, because the bike’s few this year and I think he’s been so consistent.

“He hasn’t really been got the talent to do it.

“He’s certainly going into a developing his riding skill; what he has been able to do known situation. There’s so much data on those bikes is focus on getting the best that they should be able to race set-up and sticking to it give him good set-ups at - riding to a race plan and most of the tracks. This will tyre choice.

“That’s another dimension allow him to concentrate on learning to ride the 500, to in 500 racing, more so than the 250s.” get the best out of it.

Like Rossi, Willing will be “It’s also a learning Curve focusing on his second year for tyres and tyre character istics and getting the best- with his new team to gen uinely challenge for the title out of t)rres for the duration with Kenny Jnr. of the race,” Wilhng added.

Appointed as a Suzuki engineer in 1999, Willing has initiated changes in develop ment of the RGV500, some of which he says won’t be felt by mid-season.

Noting the intensity of the 500cc championship, that developmental flow-on may be too late.

Given the determination, however, of both Roberts and Willing, the Suzuki cannot be discounted.

As the old saying goes, this formidable partnership will never die wondering what might’ve happened if they tried that little bit harder.

Engine Management & Data Acquisition Systems During 1999, MoTeC equipped vehicles won eight FiAIFSM World Titles, in addition to many more National Titles. MoTeC would like to offer their congratulations to the following winning teams, drivers and riders.

1999 FIA/Fim World Titles 1999 FIA GT Champiomshlp - 1st Outright Karl Wendlinger & Oliver Beretta - Dodge Viper 1999 FIA GT Championship Teams - 1st Outright Viper Team Oreca 1999 FIA World Rally Championship - 1st Outright Driver - Tommi Makinen - Mitsubishi Co-Driver - Risto Mannisenmaki.- Mitsubishi 1999 Supersport World Champions - 1st Outright Stephane Chambon - Suzuki GSX R7600 1999 FOA World Cup for Crows Country Rallies - 1st Outright Driver - Jean Louis Schlesser - Schlesser - Renault Co-Driver - Phillipe Monnet - Schlesser - Renault 1999 2 Wheel Drive Trophy - 1st Outright Jean Louis Schlesser - Schlesser - Renault

Year

Wins

2000 Daytona Rolex 24 hour race - 1st Outright Oliver Beretta/Karl Wendlinger/Dominique Dupuy - Dodge Viper & 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Outright 2000 Dakar Rally Raid - 1st Outright Driver - Jean Louis Schlesser - Schlesser - Renault Co-Driver - Henri Magne - Schlesser - Renault * All results subject to official confirmation

Ph 03 9761 5050 www.motec.com.au

Fax 9761 5051 admin@motec.com.au

Congratulations to Craig and the Mobil 1 Holden Racing Team

Sarina Super Rod of new ¥fC Champion Wayne Honeyman.

(Brett Swanson)

t

THE Super Rods, that exciting sideways group from mainly down in Victoria’s south-west, have been busily putting in shows all over the state, culmi nating with their State Title at Hamilton’s Western Speedway on Februaiy 5.

Wayne Honeyman, in his neat Barina-bodied Rod, is the new state champ after taking the title from Leigh Podger, David Magilton, defending champ Darryl Nelson and Adam Verhoeven.

The race ran 25 laps non-stop, after a lap 1 incident saw equal top pointscorer Greg Cockayne barrel roll when a wheel came loose. □ Back on December,18, the Super Rods ventured to Portland’s Southern 500 Speedway despite inclement weather.

Honeyman got the score on the board early, winning the' first heat from Nelson and David Cook. ' The top three were totally invert ed after the second heat was run "and then Nelson took a winJn heat three from Leigh Podger and Cook.

Podger then scored big time, tak ing the feature win from Honeyman and Nelson.

■ For the first time in seven years (has it really been that long?), they then headed across the border into Mt Gambier.

While many drivers were eager to taste the sticky saucer, either again, or for the first time, both Peter Shepard and Nelson were on the trailers after problems in hot laps.

Verhoeven in the Mr Magic Car Wash Mini won heat one, ahead of Cook and Cockayne - Verhoeven and Honeyman both followed Cockayne home in heat two.

Cockayne, in the Fiat Topolinobodied Rod, looked like taking out heat three until he broke a torsion arm and was blackflagged, leaving Verhoeven to win from Honeyman and Cook.

Hamilton State Title runner-up Leigh Podger’s Charade.

(Swanson)

LEIGH Miams has wom has fifth ikusteafia® i®0:ec gipeedway: .Chamipionshif after overcojiMg the after effects of a virus aud: puttiuf iu, a GOBsisteuit rw to gO‘ imto the fisuai at Schweppes, Gosford Cil^ Speediway on fehruary S as ftie top pointscorer.

Not so fortunate was former champion Jiason Crump, who had to with- i = IMVID ILABi®NT draw after being taikem ii on the Friday night.

Magilton, who’d dropped a tailshaft in his first heat and spent the next two repairing the damage, took off from pole and led the first 11 laps comfortably, until dropping a valve in the Ford engine.

Podger took over the lead and scored the win, his third feature win on the trot - Cook and Cockayne completed the dais.

■ A week later, it was the Super Rod Shoot-out at Avalon on Januaiy 8.

Podger continued his good form, scoring the win in the opening heat ahead of Nelson, Cook, Honeyman and Magilton.

But Podger’s luck deserted him in heat two, when suspension fail ure slammed him into the wall - Cockayne took the win from Nelson, Shepard, Honeyman and Tony Meehan.

Magilton again led the feature away, this time for only two laps until the Niki body came loose.

Honeyman, Cook and Cockayne then put on a great display of close racing right to the flag, finishing in that order.

A shoot-out was run after the fea ture for the top six cars, Meehan beating Magilton, but then getting Defending Champ Darryl Nelson’s Suzuki runs inside the Prefect of Jason Grayiand.

(Swanson)

beaten by Cook - Cocka3me also fell to Cook, who was then defeated by Honeyman, who ran second to the winner, Dai'ryl Nelson.

■ Eight days later, the SDAV Rods joined in for the annual Super Rod Cup at Premier Speedway, Warrnambool - sadly, after racing at Ballarat the night prior, only three SDAV Rods made the trip, making up a grid of 20 cars.

The track was black only two laps into heat one, which saw Honeyman take the win from Cook and Cockayne.

Jason Kavanagh, the dominant SDAV Rod at Bacchus Marsh this season, won heat two from Nelson and Shepard - Verhoeven blew an engine and Podger’s suspension failed again.

After a track grade, the racing was better and Magilton almost flipped after riding Mario Nastasi’s wheel - Cockayne won from Cook and Magilton.

Rookie Ricky Drayton led heat four, until Nelson and Verhoeven (in Daff Malone’s car) passed him late in the race.

The quick cars were dicing hard in the feature event, until Kavanagh’s car slowed with engine trouble.

Magilton braked hard and was hit from behind, almost rolling, again - the car suffered consider able damage and even caught fire.

With four laps to go, all hell broke loose when Cook and Cockayne tangled at the head of the pack - Nelson, Verhoeven and Honeyman had no way out and piled in, Verhoeven and Cockayne both rolling.

Honeyman was the only one of this bunch able to restart and went on to win the race from Gary Meehan, rookie Wayne Nicholls, Nastasi and Tony Meehan.

-BRETT SWANSON

Weaver nabs VIC AMCA Title at WAR MARK Weaver added yet another title to his long and turbulent speedway career when he won the Victorian AMCA Nationals Championship at Western Auto Raceway on January 29. ^ Weaver dominated the division, leading every tom- of the 25-lap fea ture to score his first state title in this relatively new V8 class.

Weaver upheld the honour of the local brigade, beating home a pair of northern raiders in Bernie Gordon and Gary Bourke, both from New South Wales.

Rob Lindsay, Keith Duggan, Mike Brougham, Mark Worboys and Andrew Walker followed the top trio.

The feature race was a bruising affah- for the rest of the pack, with numerous cautions and incidents claiming 18 drivers from the 24 that started the event.

■ Peter Logue won the Super Sedan feature from Steve Stewart and Danny Amato, while Rob Taylor scored in the other sedan class, the Super Sixes, ahead of Mick McSaveney and Warren Downing.

■ Former V8 Supercar racer Darren Hossack lead the Midget (Speedcar) main event before fading to fifth.

Veteran Ray “Noddy” Bishop took the win, ahead of Paul Farrell, Harley Bishop and DaiTen Power.

■ Compact Speedcars were also in attendance, with Peter Robotham winning from Gordon Cardwell, Craig Hume and Brian Cardwell.

■ A week later and the Midgets headhned the February 5 event, with both Steven Graham and Mark Brown making the ia-ek south from their Sydney homes a successful one when they took the top two positions ahead of last week’s winner, Ray Bishop.

Bishop got the break and led early, but both Brown and Graham ran him down before passing and pulling away.

The race between these two was enthralling, as the pah- put on a high speed display of side by side Midget racing.

Earlier in the night, Harley Bishop had ridden out a fairly tough flip after contact with Brown while they were dicing for the lead.

Bishop was sore, but otherwise okay, but the car was done for the night.

■ Modified Production Sedans conducted round four of the Smith’s Truck Sales series and it was young gun Ashley Pai-kinson who scored the win for the Skybeam Motorsport. Commodore team.

Parkinson’s spectacular style had the fans on edge, but he controlled his aggression beautifully to score the win.

■ Mark Weaver backed up his state title win from the previous week by winning the AMCA Nationals feature from Chris Campbell.

■ Peter Robotham scored his second feature win in two weeks when -BRETT SWANSON he won the Compact Speedcar feature.

0.

Rewin'Ron pulls the pin New focus on son Clayton’s road racing career forces Ron Pyne to step aside RON Pyne, who now holds both the Australian Title (his third) and the NSW Championship, shocked the crowd when he announced his retirement on the presentation dais at Parramatta City Raceway after winning the Auto One NSW V8 Super Sedan Championship on February 5.

“Hopefully, this will be my last ride,” Pyne said. “I’m off to pick up a new Formula Ford (from Brad and Kim Jones in Albury) for my son, Clayton and I won’t have the time.”

'Pyne was adamant that he would not be back to defend his titles next season - “no, not a hope. I can’t run two race teams.

“If I had a full-on race manager to run this team for me and I just drove, I would be able to do it, but timewise I have got a family and my youngest son wants a career in motorsport and it’s a nice time to get out when you’re on top.”

Asked whether there’s any par ticular reason his son is going into

Formula Ford and not speedway, Pyne replied that “he had three dri ves of my Super Sedan here, fin ished on the podium three times and won his first race here at Parramatta.

“The kid’s just got a bucket load of talent and, financially, I want to give him a shot at road racing that’s what he wants.

“We can always come back to speedway with him at a later stage, but we’re definitely pursuing a road racing career.

“He wants to drive a level one touring car and that’s where we want to be in three years.”

The 30 lap A-Main for the Super Sedans was both controversial and a thriller.

An incident with Nick Girdlestone (Brisbane #7) about halfway through the race saw Michael Gee given the protest flag in what most people thought was an unfair judgement by the stew ards.

Gee (Brisbane #11) had already spun early and was sent to the rear of the field, where the red mist

descended and he then drove an inspired race to finish a very close second to Ron Pyne(Aus #1).

In fact, the finish was so close, it was almost a dead-heat - John Pyne in the Newcastle #9 car fin ished third.

Sympathy must go to Allan Baker, driver of the Newcastle #3 car, who was fast early in the night, but was unable to start in the AMain - and also to John Leslight, driver of the QLD #81 car, who was also very fast and led the main race temporarily before retiring with problems.

Heat race wins went to Leslight twice, Paul O’Neill (Lismore #5), Girdlestone twice and Gee twice.

■ The Super Sedans were wellsupported by very competitive fields of AMCA Nationals and Litrecars , while the ever-entertain ing Fender Benders put on some spectacular crashes and rolls Parramatta Fender Bender Club members, hang your heads in shame, as the Goulburn #1 car of Rod Davis took both heat and main wins.

-JULIE PEARCE

Bugger: #N9 Barren Saillard and iV24 Steve ^nlgM had a.elose encounter of the costly Kindi on last friday night’s lead-in to the Gough and:Giimour SdjOOO at Parramatta Baceway, tonight won a heat and:the D^Prelim'.Photo sequence by John Morris.

Trevor Harding claims WA F500 Title opener Rain ruins PCR’s high-dollar

$5^f

AFTER not having been s,een at Claremont Speedway for some time, former Australian cham pion Trevor Harding claimed the opening salvo in the first round of the Formula 500 State

washout

Gough and Gilmour 50,000

RAIN cruelly prevented the highest-ever Sprintcar purse in Australian speedway from Title on January 21. being claimed at Parramatta Harding started on the front row City Raceway last Saturday for the 15-lap feature with defend night when the feature was ing chhmpion Phil Crofts ancC unable to get away in the Russell Taylor.

Row two went to Jeff Hedington, Gough and Gilmour 50,000.

With the B-Main half-completed, former champion Marshall rain began to fall on an enormous McDiarmid and Anthony Chitty, while title favourite Brad Chapman crowd and a field of stars and cars.

Despite the best efforts of the was tucked away on the third row.

As they crossed the line for the track staff, the rain set in and washed away any chance of com last time, it was Harding, from Chapman, Crofts, Rod Bottrell, mencing the $50,000 to win 35-lap Aaron Griffiths, event.

Chitty, Instead, the strong field of 18 McDiarmid, Robbie Brown, qualifiers will equally share the Hedington and Craig Okley.

Earlier heat winners on the night $70,000 total prizemoney pool.

Australian Champion Garry were Russell Taylor, Harding (twice) and Crofts.

Brazier qualified on pole for the -DARREN O’DEA main event, alongside Max

Dumesny - Kerry Madsen was on row two with American Randy Hannagan, local Robbie Farr and Skip Jackson making up the top SIX.

The preliminary feature provided an insight into what could have been, Farr, Madsen, Dumesny and Jackson fighting for the lead and the valuable points that would ensure a front row starting position for the big race.

Over the two nights, some 12,000 fans turned out to see history in the making, but they’ll now have to wait until 2001, when Parramatta City Raceway will again host the' event.

Sydney driver Kevin Burton put his Nathan Troy Motors machine into the fence at high speed in the B-Main, the only major incident of the meeting. - WADE AUNGER

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34

18 February 2000

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s the 1999/2000 Australian Sprintcar season starts to .wind down, Sydneysider Skip Jackson once again jets back to the USA to commence a new career move after signing recently with John Zemaitis, owner of the renowned Zemco Sprintcar Racing Team.

For the past three and a half years, Jackson has raced successful ly with the Jensen Construction Team of Jeff Rasmussen out of their Iowa race shop, he and the Jensen team managing to notch up two Knoxville Track Championships, plus more than twenty feature race wins.

Skip was also the runner-up in the Knoxville Track series last year.

This week. Skip and wife Lori, plus toddler son AJ, are relocating 1600 kms from Knoxville to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to be near Zemaitis’ race base.

“This is a most exciting time for me,” said Jackson.

“This year. I’ll be taking in around 100 shows, where for the past two to three years I ran approximately 45 meets - so I’U be spending a lot more time racing at a whole lot of new tracks.

“It will be great competing at the major tracks across Pennsylvania, such as Williams Grove, Port Royal, Lincoln and Hagerstown - I’ll be competing at most of them on. a weekly basis during the racing season.

“The Zemco team has a vast amount of experience over the years, thanks to the efforts of the team’s previous great drivers like Billy Pauch, the late Kevin Gobrecht and Jeff Shepard.

“Back in A.ustralia this season, though, defending the World Series Sprintcars title plus competing at other major events kept me busy during my traditional end of year trip back home, Jackson contin ued.

“I finished third in the WSS points chase behind Brooke Tatnell and visiting World of Outlaws Rookie Donny Schatz, after taking out the series three years in a row.

“Our team’s expectation before the Aussie season kicked off was to improve on what we had done pre viously, so we were working hard towards grabbing more wins and another series victory.”

“Then, on the Sunday night, we finished third in the 28th Grand Annual Classic at Warmambool to Danny “The Dude” Lasoski and fel low USA visitor Chad Kemenah.

“It was pleasing to be the first local driver to finish both of these prestigious events, as you have to be good to win these big shows, especially when there are seven US drivers and the best Sprintcar com petitors in the countiy trying to get to the chequered flag ahead of you.”

A

For Jackson, initially appeared toeverything be on track when he scored a feature victory and a second at Sydney’s Parramatta City Raceway prior to heading across to the West Coast for the opening three rounds of the WSS. “But in the West, we didn’t adapt to the track conditions as we should have, plus in Perth we got involved in an accident and that put us behind the eight ball,” he explained.

“Then, at Bunbury, we had a blocked fuel injection nozzle.

“Normally, we do well in these events - but, due to circumstances where it wasn’t anyone’s fault, we missed gaining valuable series points.”

Jackson acknowledged that the level of competition in the series has definitely improved the racing, but also pointed out that it is now harder to gain wins.

“Donny Schatz set a standard which was higher than anyone else had competed at,” he stated, “plus Brooke was running real good and Max Dumesny put in a big effort.

“Every season, the competition gets hai'der and the four of us knew we were going to have to work hard

Hard yakka: Despite two Knoxville Track Championships to his credit, defending Aussie World Series Sprintcars Champion Skip Jackson found the going tough this summer.(Tony loxiey pio)

Upping the ante Skip Jackson discusses the ups and downs of his Aussie Sprintcar summer season and his new US ride with GRANT NICHOLAS I ■

●

ifi-one of us was going to take the hung in there pretty strong at sev title. eral meets and then had an acci The Pennzoil/Skilled Engineering team rallied around to have a “Just before the Christmas dent at Mount Gambier that top-performing car in the field for the first of the Parramatta WSS break, we had good WSS rounds at wrecked the frame.

Avalon Raceway and at Premier “The next night, we rebounded rounds, Jackson certainly appreci Speedway, before ating the aid that he received going to Western Auto Raceway from his loyal near Bacchus band of suppliers Marsh for the and corporate WAR Sprintcar supporters.

“We ran second Nationals,” Skip continued. overall at PCR’s “The new track preliminary there is the night and placed widest that I second in the Ahave raced on in Main when an oil Australia and it fitting broke, allowed the lead sending me to ing trio to lap the infield,” Skip said. side by side as we worked our “We suffered four DNFs in five way through the slower cars.

WSS features, which was “Garry Brazier and I made con extremely unusual for our tact at one stage team. It wasn’t as we were dic ing for the lead, anyone’s fault, but Lady Luck it’s just the way looked down on things happened me and I was for - for example, at the Archerfield tunate enough to round we suf take chequered flag and the fered flat tyres at $10,000 winner’s inopportune times. cheque ahead of American com “At the series Phil petitor grand finale at Gressman and PCR, I ran sec ond to Schatz in Dumesny.

Serious stuff: A new US ride with the high-profile Zemco team in the A-Main, plac “Everyone Pennsylvania has put a smile on Skip’s face. (Brett swanson pic) associated with ing us third overthe team was feeling pretty good back with a second placing at ail in the series pointscore behind about the way everything was hap- Murray Bridge, before heading off TatneU and Schatz,” he continued.

“At Mount Gambier’s Borderline pening, so we looked forward to the to Newcastle, where I was involved next lot of WSS rounds. in another crash - so, as we headed Speedway, we ran pretty decently “But, between Christmas and back to our race shop in Sydney, in the King’s Challenge, finishing the back of our transporter was full fourth to American drivers Schatz, New Year, we had everything hap pen that possibly could,” he added. of wrecked components and Danny Smith and Randy “We ran good, we won a A-Main, frames.”

Hannagan.

The the team offnext to weekend, Adelaide for was the Austrahan Sprintcar Title.

“We didn’t have our preferred engine in the car, after discovering a water pump problem with the number one unit. As a consequence of not having the best unit in the frame, you’re sort of behind the eight ball when the equipment that everyone else is running is better than yours,” Jackson said.

“Having that little extra bit of performance from the engine allows you to qualify stronger, run harder during the heats and improves yomoverall confidence during the course of the race meeting - no-one wants to go slow, or get passed by others.

“I’ve noticed over the years that, when everything is going your way, it extends to both on and off the track.

“But it just didn’t happen for us at the Title this year, so we returned to Sydney to prepare for the Gough & Gilmour $50,000 win ner’s purse race at Parramatta last weekend.

“Garry Brazier had the best dri ver and car combination on the night and took pole, but Max (Dumesny) really raced him hard and was alongside on the front row - then came Kerry (Madsen), Randy Hannagan, Robbie Fan’ and myselfin sixth.

“Unfortunately, heavy rain then stopped everything and we couldn’t stai-t the fini as it was a washout.”

F

or the 2000 American season, Jackson will be based in the Pennsylvania region, known as the world’s strongest ai’ea for Sprintcar racing - the local Pennsylvania Posse races as a group at about one hundred shows and, in addition, Jackson will now have the opportu nity to compete in 22-25 Pennzoil World of Outlaws Championship rounds this year.

“This week I return to Knoxville, where we’ll pack up our belongings before heading east to join the Zemco team,” Skip enthused.

“This is an exciting time for me, as I will be continuing to learn a tremen dous amount more about Sprintcar racing - there will be a whole heap of new tracks to learn and new drivers to race against and beat!

“But, while I’m really looking for ward to this year’s US campaign, my brother, Paul and I have already commenced getting ready for my 2000/2001 Australian sea son, as we’re determined to win another national series and place Australia #1 on the rear of my car before I head back to the US for the 2001 season.

“During the course of the year.

I’ll keep you updated on my racing activities throughout Pennsylvania via my column in Motorsport News.

“My goal is to win their local series, plus put in some strong perfoi-mances in the WoO events - the local Pennsylvanian drivers beat the WoO series drivers on a regularbasis and a victory in that type of company would be great.”

2

18 February 2000

0.

Sprintcar, Midget and Hot Rod Titles at WAR WESTERN Auto Raceway’s March 10-11 triple-header featuring the Australian Midget Speedcaf Title, the Victorian Sprintcar Title and the Victorian Hot Rod Title - has already attracted a strong entry list which includes both local and international competitors.

“Early indications are that we will have in the region of 62 to 65 Midget drivers contesting the Australian Title,” said WAR pro moter Geoff Trewin.

“In addition, I believe that there is a possibility that New Zealand competitors Michael Kendall and Mark Cooper will be lining up alongside American star Keith Rouch.

“We are expecting big things from Rouch, as he is the RMMA Rocky Mountain Series Champion and a USAC regular, so he should adapt quickly to our wide-open style of track.

“Race fans attending the Qantas Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park will have the opportunity to take in two nights of real action with the Sprintcars, Hot Rods and Midgets contesting their respective Titles.”

The action commences on Friday evening, March 10, with a series of heats for all classes at 7:00pm and on the next morning, Saturday, March 11, there will be a parade thi'ough the Bacchus Marsh streets, the Championships action continu ing that evening from 6:00pm.

The Victorian Midget Speedcar Title will be held at WAR the week end before (Saturday, March 4), Darwin’s Warrenne Ekins already listed as a competitor.

Ekins gallops away at WAR Puncture halts pace-man Brown DARWIN’S four times National Midget Champion Warrene Ekins was a surprise inclusion in the field that contested last weekend’s Midget race at Western Auto Raceway - and, when you hear that he won the main event after almost lapping the entire field, you wouldn’t be surprised.

However, the PDQ Builders Fontana-powered Murphy was far from dominant.

Sydney-domiciled Victorian Mark Brown, in the Rondalee Steal Constructions Stealth, was actually the gun driver and looked set for a convincing win over Ekins until his right rear tyre deflated.

At the pace Brown was running, he would have lapped all hut Ekins in the feature event.

Greenvalley’s (NSW) Peter Bourke, in the handsome Carline Mufflers Stealth, ran a consistent race for his debut at the big Victorian track and went home with a rewarding second place.

The battle of the event, however, was between quasi-team mates Darren Power in the Pyroil V4 Scat and Travis Mills in the Autocraft.

Mills had the upper hand for the majority of the feature, but just towards the end Power ran him down and passed him for third with just a.lap left to nm.

Eric Smith and Adelaide’s Snowy White completed the finishers.

Many of the local brigade suf fered engine and other dramas, including Paul Farrell, Darren

Hossack, Peter Ghent Jnr, Colin Lamb and Adelaide’s Steve Monk.

Brown had scored the win in the opening heat from Bourke and Mills and in the second heat, his first head to head race with Ekins, Brown won by almost half a lap, with Power actually snatching sec ond on the line from Ekins.

The final heat went to Ekins from Bourke and Power.

Brown left the venue confident that, come the Aussie title here in March,that he will be on the pace.

Ekins, despite a slight engine problem, will most certainly be on the pace as he hunts down his fifth national crown.

■ In the support classes, it was Peter Greenland who took the Super Six feature win from Glen Van Dyk and Steve Ryan, Van Dyk had looked the goods, taking two heat wins while Darren Griffiths won the other heat.

■ Jason Kavanagh, the 28 yearold from nearby Melton, continued to dominate in the SDAV Hot Rods, winning every event regardless of whether he started at the front, or the back, of the grid. , Phil Jenkins and Dean Walsh were trying to make a race of it in the feature with Kavanagh, but when Jenkins’ engine erupted in a cloud of smoke, Walsh was caught up behind and lost too much dis tance to then continue the challenge.

Walsh ran across the line in second, with Ray Welsh, rookie Mike Price and Ted Alabacus next.

-BRETT SWANSON

■ As exclusively forecast in this column, popular Kalgoorlie rider Steve Johnston is returning for another stint with British Elite % League club Oxford.

Johnston, 28, will start his third season at Oxford in March and will be relocating his home and workshop locally, away from his previous UK base near Manchester.

He will join fellow Aussie Todd Wiltshire and Swedish Grand Prix star Jimmy Nilsen in a newly con structed Oxford team.

■ Swedish rider Stefan Andersson, controversially knocked out in an off-track inci dent involving Eastbourne’s Martin Dugard when racing for Kings Lynn last season, has joined Peterborough, where Aussies Ryan Sullivan and Nigel Sadler will be among his team-mates.

■ The strong Aussie contingent racing in England is growing day by day as the news season approaches.

Jason Crump, Craig Boyce, Leigh Adams,Travis McGowan and Shane Parker are all at Kings Lynn; Todd Wiltshire and Steve Johnston are cofirmed at Oxford; Jason Lyons and Kevin Doohan race at Belle Vue; and Ryan Sullivan and Nigel Sadler are at Peterborough.

Brett Woodifield and Craig Watson are shortly expected to sign up with Elite League clubs, making it thirteen Aussies racing in the Ehte League.

It means that, for the proposed three match Test Series and the World Team Gup(both taking place in England this year), the Aussies will have their best possi ble riders already racing in England.

■ A new man has taken over as Secretary of the British Speedw'ay Control Board.

Grand Prix referee Ronnie

i

35

msirsi-m

Allan, whose brother Norrie is Mark Loram’s manager, has given up refereeing to take over his new role.

Allan has committed himself to ensure the Control Board regains the respect that seems to have been lost in recent years when the British Promoters’ Association has been seen to run the sport its own way.

■ The battle is continuing for the signature of 23 year-old Sydney rider Craig Watson.

Currently, Poole promoter Matt Ford has flown to Australia to tiy to get the rider to join his club and slot into a reserve role.

Poole have already signed Mark Loram, Gary Havelock and Scott Nicholls as their three heat leaders.

■ Wembley Stadium is to be demolished to make way for a new super football arena in North London.

The stadium, which staged the 1948 Olympic Games, was the stage for the World Speedway Final right up until the early eighties, so speedway legend Barry Briggs, himself a four times World Champion, has arranged a dinner at the famous venue at which he hopes all surviving champions who won their crown at Wembley will attend.

The most senior winner still liv ing is 1950 wiimer Freddie Williams, but there will be a big influx from Down Under -the din ner is to be held on the eve of the World Team Cup Final, when Australia will be defending its

title.

Graham asserts his Midget authority IN a waim-up for the forthcoming Victorian and Australian Titles at Western Auto Raceway, New South Wales’ Steven Graham, Mark Brown and Chris Gallagher visited the Bacchus Marsh venue on February 5, Graham outgun■ning Brown over the closing laps with a well-deserved win Paul Farrell was third and Ray Bishop fourth.

In heat one, Ray Bishop turned on an awesome manoeuvre frorn grid position eight, taking everyone by surprise when he moved to the attic and rounded the field through the top bend to lead down the back straight.

Keeping his foot in the bucket, he maintained his advantage over Graham and Brown to score a good victory - it was Gaerte power 1-2-3, while fourth place went to Rodney

Hudson-Davies in the Leroy Beasley Wholesale Automatic Transmissions Cosworth.

Heat two saw Harley Bishop throttle-stomping to the lead from grid four, with Farrell (Parts World Fontana) and Sydney ace Graham in hot pursuit, the latter sticking grimly to the task until the halfway mark By this time, Graham had his Fox Sports Gaerte really woimd up as he passed Farrell and closed in fast on young Bishop’s Autocraft with such acceleration that the spectators held their breath wondering if he’d make it through the turns, In a great display, Graham went on to win from Harley Bishop, Farrell and Darren Hossack (W)mn’s Volvo).

In heat three, young Victorian rookie Harley Bishop again made a similar move to the front, but soon

Max Oymasny Motorsport

About lap eight, the cau tion flags were when out Darren Power hooked a rut in turn 4 and spun to a spec tacular halt after looping with all four wheels off the ground, losing the undertray of his V4 Scat in the process.

The track was badly cut , Mighty Midget: Steven Graham (Kevin emmerson pic) up from the Results: 1 Steven Graham, 2 previous AMCA events, which had the lightweight and powerful Mark Brown, 3 Paul Farrell, 4 Ray Midgets bottoming-out and busy Bishop, 5 Darren Power, 6 Scott Memery, 7 Travis Mills, 8 Chris avoiding ruts.

On the restart, Hudson-Davies Gallagher,9 Shane Smith, -KEVIN EMMERSON came to a stop with a broken axle.

1999-2000 S.R.A. SERIES POWTS SCORE

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had his hands full with the speedy Rondalee Gaerte of NSW’s ex-pat Victorian Brown.

Through the top bend they were side by side when Bishop, on the outside, appeared to touch wheels with Brown and climbed the wall to launch into a spectacular flip although shaken. Bishop was unin jured and clambered from his Midget okay.

The race resumed with Brown in control to record a good win from Farrell, John Mills (Power Scat), with Scott Memory (Pedder’s Nissan)in fourth.

Colin Patterson, in his new Crow Cams Volvo turbo, arrived late in the evening for his first outing in more than two seasons.

With no opportunity for warm-up laps or set-up practice, he was added to the rear- of the field as 14 mighty Midgets took the gi-een for the feature.

^

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Poent Standings At January 22, 2000 I. Rob Rankin, Vic 60 ...

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6. Tim McCubbin Vic 13 .

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David Murcott, Vic 71 ...

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David Swayn, Vic 20 Mike Van Bremen Vic 6 .

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PASH WINS Chad Kemenah Vic 14 ..

WINS

David Swayn, Vic 20 David Murcott, Vic 71 ...

.7 .2 I

36

18 February 2000

rv

By Chris Metcalf ■ Scott Smith avenged his loss at the previous meeting when he took out round three of the TravelBug Lockyer Valley All-Star Solo Series at Gatton Speedway on January 22.

Having been defeated by come back rider Clinton Butler in the previous round, Smith was unstop pable in the final on this occasion and powered to the chequer after an early battle with Butler.

After losing his dice with Smith, Butler dropped another spot on the final lap when Christian Henry slipped underneath to snare the runner-up spot.

Darren Stirling was the remain ing finalist, but his chances evapo rated when he was excluded for a starting line infringement.

Heni-y and Stirling topped quali fying with three heat wins apiece, while Butler and Smith snared two each.

Butler continues to lead the series with 28 points, followed by Dave Watt(24), Henry(22), Smith (21), Todd Groves(17) and Ricky Nicol (17).

B Steven Taylor/Rob Weir looked to have the Sidecar A-Final wrapped up, until a gearbox fail ure forced them out of action,. . enabling the Tamworth-based duo of Jim-Bob Turner/George Rickard to pick up a win.

Bruce CookeATroy Squires con tinued their recent good form with a second place finish, ahead of Newcastle’s Steve Houston/Brian Young.

The brother-sister combination S, of Ricky and Kim Laycock, who' made the long trek from Mackay, took out the B-Final.

Cooke/Squires now lead the Travelbug Sidecar Series from Bill Sewell Snf/Mick Chase, TaylorAVeir and Scott Johnson/Russell Simon.

B The Ozechamp Speedway Promotions Queensland Minisprint Championship was also on the program and it was Bundaberg speedster Mick Pronger who emerged triumphant in the final and picked up the $1000 first prize.

Peter Clauss, who was a heat winner along with Pi’onger and Ron McDonnell, established an early lead and remained in front until lap 10, before ultimately fin ishing in second spot ahead of Geoff McDonnell. l§ Queensland champion John Kelly was untroubled in downing a small field of challengers to take out the Speedcar feature event at Archerfield Speedway on January 22.

With just four cars still running when the chequer appeared in the 20-lap event, Kelly finished ahead of John Davidson, Danny Palmer (HPC/Tile Pro Stealth) and Michael Harders.

Kelly topped qualifying with two heat wins before being relegated to second spot in the Trophy Dash by Sean Burrows, with Palmer finish ing third.

■ Darren Vine advanced from position 12 on the starting grid to take out the 20-lap Compact Speedcar feature event.

Darren Dillon, who started alongside Vine, finished in second spot ahead of Brad Hilder, Wayne Corbett and Robin Hilder.

Consistent: Round one winner Trevor Harding (above) was runner-up at Bunbury and ranks second in the pointscore. (Frank Midgiey pic)

Champ: John Kelly took the Archerfield Speedcar honours.(Tonyioxiey) Dillon and Hilder shared the spoils in the heats with a win apiece before Vine downed them both to win the Trophy Dash.

Dan’en Gardner proved too quick in the B-Main, downing Tony Hackett and Sean Rose.

■ Bryan Schrader was victorious in the shortened Microsprint fea ture event, leading home John Lawson, Brian Williams, Jeff Kelly and Sandy White, ■ Gympie teenager Ty Horne outpaced a big field of challengers to win the Queensland Street Sedan Championship at Maryborough 'Speedway on January 23 in his first season out of the Junior ranks.

Despite a field in excess of40 cars, the talented 17 year-old qual ified his Cooloola Foods Cortina onto the front row and then survived challenges from defending champ Craig Harm and polesitter Paul Hussey before clinching the crown.

Home, who started his racing career at the age of 12, is a shining example of the value of Junior racing in the discovery and development of new talent.

Lester Wilcox(Gold City Steering Nissan) was awarded sec ond placing when Brad Norris, who had been the big mover through the field with liis charge from 12th, was disqualified for a technical infringement.

Neil Harm (Seilers Earthmoving Falcon) was promoted to third when Allan Mott was excluded for a similar infraction.

Local favourite Steve Thomson was next best ahead of Tony Hehir, with Travis Barron, Paul Hussey, Craig Harm,Jim Cowley and Steve Hutchison completing the top ten.

Despite being hampered by wet weather throughout the weekend, all 16 heats were completed, with wins going to Mark Raymont(2), Home,Cowley, Hutchison, Norris, Hussey, Craig Harm, Neil Harm, Malcolm Kernke, Shayne Tmin, Cameron Busiko, Jon Rachow, Phil Murphy, Brendan Chemie and Daryn Brims.

■ The Wide Bay Super Street Sedan Championship was also on the program and was won by David Barbeller aboard his potent Kingaroy Auto Wreckers Commodore.

Caboolture’s John Swarbrooke finished second in the 20-lap fea ture event, with Brett Barren annexing third spot.

■ Brad Eckert proved too strong in the Formula 500 feature event, downing Trevor Lewis and Matt Jordan.

Eddie Schwehla was an early casualty when he flipped out of contention on the opening lap.

■ American ace Tim Fuller was in a class of his own at Archerfield Speedway on January 29 when he annihilated hisTivals to take out round two of the Steggles Dirt Modified Series, Making his only Queensland appearance for the season. Fuller won both his heats in fine style and started his Greg Combs-owned Chev from the outside of row two in the 20-lap feature event.

With Austrahan champ Stuart Herne unable to take his place in the field, the New York-based hotshoe was untroubled in taking the race ahead of Toowoomba’s Ray Klarich (Super Rooster Chev).

Lismore driver Mark Robinson piloted his Valvoline Ford to a third place finish, with Mark Owen and lady racer Kerrie Wilson rounding out the top five. ^ Gary Wathen, Dennis Mazzer, BaiTy Ashen and Sam O’Connor were the best of the rest.

The opening heat went to O'Connor ahead of Phil Finney and Mick McNamara, before Fuller made his intentions clear in heat two with victory from the rear of the field over Rob Schofield and Robinson.

O’Connor doubled up to take heat three from Finney and McNamara again, with Fuller downing Owen and Robinson in the final preliminary.

■ Craig Wright was the standout performer in the AMCA National events, picking up two heat wins before also emerging triumphant in the 16-lap feature event.

Wayne Lemon finished in second spot, ahead of Russell Bonsey and Michael Sauer, the latter a very talented rookie who also picked up a heat win.

Shane McKinnell, Rod Felsman, Stuart Jefferies, Brett Rigby and Stuart Hall were next in line.

■ Bmce Ayers, Richard Morgan, Jim Gollagher and Shaun Hannigan shared the spoils in the Litre Sprintcar heats with a win apiece.

In the 15-lap feature event, Morgan outpaced the depleted field to defeat Hannigan,Paul Walpole and Beraie Clark, with Glenn Shipway and Alan'Kmms the only other finishers.

Bunbury win for Channtan Defending Champ Phil Crofts settlesfor runner-up, ahead of Trevor Harding BRAD Chapman made amends for his second placing the previ ous night by claiming the sec ond round of the WA Formula 500-title at Bunbury City and Regional Raceway on January 22.

A rain-affected meeting saw crowd figures well down on expecta tions for the show that featured the Skilled International Masters Series, but the action on the track was red hot.

Chapman started on the pole for the feature and was joined by round one winner Trevor Harding and defending champion Phil Crofts.

Robbie Brown, Bryan Mullings and Graham Higgs occupied the next row.

A restart was ordered just as quickly as the green lights went on, with three cai’s involved in a scrap ^ in turn one and, after a lap, it was Chapman back to Crofts and Harding.

By the second lap. Chapman’s #14 Murphy chassis had already opened up a gap and, with five laps down, there was no change to the top three, Harding still trying to get by very determined Crofts for sec ond.

With six laps gone, the leaders were well into lapped traffic and, while they were enjoying the race, they had to be cautious of the slow er cars.

As Chapman rounded the main

straight for his eighth lap, the cau tion lights were on, forcing the field to bunch up.

As they regrouped, it was Chapman from Crofts, Harding, Brown, Rod Bottrell, Russell Taylor, Bryan Mullings and Anthony Chitty.

With six laps to go, Taylor had moved up one spot to fifth and was enjoying a consistent series in the brightly coloured #65 entry.

As the race went on, Chapman’s powerplant helped him pull away from the crowd and he went on to enjoy a big win.

Crofts took second from Harding, Brown, Bottrell, Taylor, Mullings, Okley, Chitty and Tim Gardner.

Heat winners on the night were Chapman, Brown, Crofts and Harding.

Points after two of three rounds: Brad Chapman 45, Trevor Harding 43, Phil Crofts 38, Rod Bottrell 30, Robbie Brown 24, Anthony Chitty 20, Russell Taylor and Craig Okley 13 each, Aaron Griffiths 12 and Bryan Mullings 11.

■ Tony Shields/Matt Reese led from the first corner to take the four-lap Sidecar A-Main on the same programme, after earlier tak ing out the B-Main.

Earher on in the night, England’s Symon Beaney fell off his mount going into the first turn on a heat race - he required medical atten tion, but later that evening was dis charged from hospital.

-DARREN O’DEA

: 3-Liitre Sedaias dazzled the crowd on Febrmary 12 with some of i the most exciting racing ever witnessed at Wangaratta City i I laceway, VIC #2 Michael laraly taHshag the ehegner in the 20^1aip | ■ 16-ear fiinnail from Trevor Greenwood and John il.fgiiiBS. i Mount Beauty’s Rob Haigh took the Victorian Sports Sedan honoui’s, ■: heading Corowa’s Lee iraut and Hume Wen- driver Luke White.

Super Fours produced some breathtaking action during the; Wangaratta Motorsport Club's fifth meeting, Matthew Duncan wasting ; no time in establishing a set-up for his new drive and blitzing the field -: David Prordt took second, ahead of James Harris. : The local pairing of brothers Gary and Trevor Evans showed the field ! ' how it was done in the final of Standard Saloons, their 308-powered I i Conunodores leading the XD Ford of Peter Patton across the line.

After foui- heats, George Petrie finished ahead of Noel Short and Patti ● I Langham in the HQ Bandits categoiy.

The Juniors win went to Bradley Wicks, the Ladies to Kathy Patton ; : and Rod Glare took out the Humpy Holdens. i The next Wangaratta Motorsports Club meeting is the Pedders Series : for National Modified Rods on March 18.

18 Februdry2000

D&

Cowin’s night Andrew Cowin joins father in winning Drag Racer of the Year award

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World champ: Bill Furr launches on another run. (chris carter)

SA racer wins doorslammer while Furr takes ADBA title BUCKS-DOWN Top Doorslammer racer Dave Koop has continued with his surprise run at the Austraiian title by taking out the fourth round of the series at Adelaide International Raceway on the weekend.

Koop defeated West Australian Robin Judd in the final round on Sunday, the event being postponed due to high winds and dust blowing on to the track on Saturday evening.

The bump spot for the eight car doorsiammer field was set at a quickest ever 6.59 seconds with two-time Nationals and Winternationals winner Peter Gratz, and doorslammer debutante, Gary Phillips, not making the cut.

Judd ieft first in the finai but was brought undone by a broken supercharger belt past . the halfway mark and the Chevy took the win with a 6.52.

Koop was elated with his second victory in as many races.

“There was some thought that we backed into the win in Perth.” he said afterwards.

‘Today’s win proved otherwise.

“We’re not running the quickest times, but there’s more involved than that. Our team’s worked hard for consistency and reliability and we’re quietly confident that we can hold our points advantage through the Nationals. I can’t wait for

next week.”

Peter Kapiris set low et ' and top speed of the meet with a 6.33S/224 mph semi final mn against Judd, although the Perth-based Studebaker brought on the ■win light with a 6.35/219 - a better reaction time the decider.

Four-time Austraiian Top Doorslammer Champion Victor Bray was troubled by tyre shake and a setting sun and lost in the first round of eliminations.

While the doorslammer racers are only half way through their series, the ADBA nitro Harley racers were reaching the conclusion to their threeround World Top Fuel Series in Adelaide.

Quite strangely, the first two events in Melbourne and Brisbane counted for nothing other than the top eight qualifying positions in Adelaide and, despite having won two events and reaching the second round on Sunday, Jim McClure was not proclaimed champion.

That honour went to fellow American Bill Furr who, despite losing in the first round at the first two events, took home the title courtesy of his AIR win.

Furr defeated Mark Connor in the final with a 6.90/192, Connor haying troubles and losing any chance of taking the Easyriders title.

I’ve only got eyes for... the trophy: Andrew Cowin accepts his award from two-time world 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle champion Barry Sheene. The young drag racer impressed many with his heartfelt speech.

ANDREW Cowin, the 19. year-old Australian Top Fuel pilot who earned a US Nationals runner-up last September, was last the week named Australian Drag Racer of the Year at the Australian MotorSport Awards held in Melbourne.

Cowin joins with his father, Graeme, on the fist of champions to have won the award, the senior Cowin hav ing won the first award in 1994 and again the following year.

Cowin topped fellow Drag Racer of the Year finalists. Top Alcohol Funny Car racer Steve Marker, Top Doorslammer champion Victor Bray and Top Alcohol champion Gary Phillips to win this year’s award and becomes the youngest ever recipient in its six year history.

Also, in a great recogni tion for the Sydneysider, his family and team, and for drag racing. Cowin was named as one of the four finalists in each of the Young Achiever of the Year, International Achiever of the Year and MotorSportsman of the Year Awards at the gala function, the first time a drag racer has been duly recognised.

Cowin was presented his award by two-time World Grand Prix Motorcycle

Champion Barry Sheene, his following heartfelt speech, thank ing his father and mother, Wendy, along with his twin brother John, earning him high praise and a rousing recep tion from the 500-plus guests attending the night.

“This makes me so proud to represent drag racing here and to receive this award,” Cowin said on the night. “There are so many great people here, from all forms of motor rac ing - including a number who represent Australia in some of the major motor rac ing series around the world and for myself, the K&N Filters/Auto Meter team, my family and our sport to be held up alongside some of those is just fabulous for us all’ At the conclusion of the evening, Australian motor racing legend Peter Brock made a beeline for Cowin and congratulated him on the award.

“First I couldn’t believe being nominated for all those awards, then I got the trophy from Barry Sheene and, finally, Peter Brock comes

■ Funny Car racer Garry McGrath is expect ed to make his Top Fuel debut at the wheel of his ex-Rachelle Splatt, exScott Kahtta Brad Hadman-built fueller at this weekend’s Nationals.

Already there has been grumblings about McGrath from within the Top Fuel ranks with the Melbourne racer expected to cross-over his licence from Funny Car to Top Fuel on ThursdayANDRA rules and Calder Park’s event sub-regs clearly stating competi tors “must have an appro priate ANDRA licence prior to the event.”

■ Albuiy’s Cameron Brooks is Mso expected to debut his brand new, Murray Anderson-built ‘63 split-window Corvette Top Doorslammer this weekend.

In the rush to have everything finished in time for the event, expect the Slick 50/Pennzoilbacked machine to appear in undercoat grey.

Although, while the full corporate look won’t be there, don’t beheve for a moment the tune-up will be missing with the Brooks having run over 225 mph at last year’s event in their older Beretta. Watch out for this one...

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37

over and congratulates me and talks to me about our racing and the US Nationals,” a star-struck Cowin said later.

“He seemed to know a lot about what happened at the event and that felt really special. Talking to Peter was a great end to a fantastic night.”

Having put their American season on hold while Graeme recovered from illness, an improvement in his condition may enable the team to soon return to the NHRA trail.

“We’re buying parts and getting ready to return,” Graeme Cowin said last week.

“After a night like tonight, you can’t help but feeling excited about returning to racing and seeing if we achieve even more in 2000.”

- GERALD MCDORNAN

■ Having sat behind the startline and watched Peter Ridgeway’s quickest ever 7.61 Pro Stock run at Calder bracket attack event nearly a fortnight ago, Bruno Cugnetto quickly made the decision to have the transporter loaded for last weekend’s Adelaide event.

Seems the Melbourne performance parts mail order guru wanted to see if he could re-apply some pressure to Ridgeway prior to the Nationals and went to Adelaide with the intentions of being the fii’st Pro driver in the 7.5s.

■ Competitor numbers for this year’s Nationals have continued with the trend of the prerious two seasons by falling, this year’s total at 376 at the close of entries on February 9.

After having reached the into the high 400s, the last two yeaj's of the Nationals have seen entry numbers fall to 399 and 392 respectively.

And, with strictly no late entries being accept ed by the track, it would appear the numbers won’t increase further...

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38 18februdry2000

It was,literally, a roaring success JON ASHER takes a look at the season-opening US Winternationals and the impact the NHRA’s new rules have had on drag racing, along with a peek behind the scenes,,.

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No longer tipping the can: Austin Coil says John Force’s Mustang had less than 95 percent ‘in the tank’ when he topped 323 mph last year. Still, the Castrol team undertook extensive testing prior to the beginning of the season in Tucson and Phoenix.(Photo coimesy Marc Gcweitz/NHRA) the off season infractions during quaiifying. many competitors had that the NHRA had no one in its L^'there was Clearly, this was Alley considerable discussion making a positive technical or competition recommendation... about the new rules departments who truly understood what was going announced by the National Hot Rod on with the cars, an Regarding the nitro Top Association, and with limitations, MBNA argument that had some merit.

Fuei driver Coy good cause.

McClenathan told us that NHRA silenced the After all, in some “the car definitely doesn’t critics with the hiring of respects the limitation to leave the line as violently as 'respected former crew chief 90 percent nitromethane it did before, but it still Ray Alley in eariy January. for Top Fuel and Funny makes plenty of moves out Alley will now be NHRA’s Car was a major in the middle of the track. point man when it comes to departure from the norm.

No more would the You’ve got to concentrate devising new rules and just as hard now as you did statement be heard, “Man, enforcing existing ones. before (the nitro percentage we had the can in it that ' He’s the rignt man for the was recJuced).’’ time.” ' job, bringing with him more There’s little doubt that than 40 years of fuel racing But, it was all in an experience. the engines sound a bit effort to improve the Mo'^t recently the crew different than they did in appeal of the sport to the chief for Bob Vandergriff’s 1999, but the difference is fans, both at the track and fueler. Alley’s history in the so slight that few will at home watching on the notice it. sport goes back to the small screen, along with earliest days.

This is particularly true the corporate support He could be considered from the grandstands, but whose acceptance is as having been a standing beside the cars on keenly sought. pioneering Funny Car the starting line, that noise competitor in Southern mmediately after the rules difference is apparent.

California, where he ran a announcement we While the engines still contacted a number of series of Engine Masters sound crisp and sharp, the entries. tuners about what their overali noise level seems When he stepped out of approach would be, and to minutely reduced. the seat in the early 70s he a man they suggested two found an able replacement things: higher compression in a then unknown Texan pistons and more blower Asbegan the Winternationals the racers were overdrive. named Kenny Bernstein, less concerned with the who drove Alley’s Dodge Worth noting is that the reduction in nitromethane Charger to the runner-up quickest elapsed times and as they were with the spot at the Winternationals speeds recorded in the last implementation of the new one year. couple of years came as a 75 minute rule. result of less than “the can” Alley was immediately Cbviously put in place to in the tank. Dan Olson embraced by the racers, speed up the show and even those who didn’t reports that when Tony make drag racing more exactly consider themselves Schumacher sped to the television friendly, the personal friends. sport’s first, and only, speed competitors were That acceptance was the in excess of 330 miles per concerned about their ability hour, there was less than result of their knowing that to get back to the pits from when they addressed a 95 percent nitro in the car. the shutdown area in a specific problem area they’d Veteran Funny Car crew timely manner, but NHRA chief Austin Coil, a man be doing so to a man who helped eliminate any completely understood what with 11 NHRA Funny Car problems in that area with they were talking about.

World Championships to his careful pre-race planning. credit as head wrench - two Alley attended pre When eliminations season test sessions in . with Frank Hawley and nine commenced each car Phoenix and Tucson, with John Force - says coming down the return Arizona, and was reportedly basically the same thing, road was met by a that when Force was open in his comments about motorcycle escort as they some aspects of the new topped 323 miles per hour turned underneath the rules, with his impact on at Englishtown a couple of Pomona grandstands and them being almost years ago it was headed back into the pits. immediately felt. accomplished with less than The escort, horn blaring Shortly after the test 95 percent nitromethane in to alert carefully placed sessions it was announced the tank. security guards, also that while financial penalties whistle-equipped, cleared would remain in effect for all the way for the teams, with Part of the early oildowns, no points would grumbling about the the result being that, to our be deducted for such rules was the perception

3 Thrills you can bank on: Four-time Winston NHRA Top Fuel World Championship runner-up, Cory McClenathan,'' right, says the ‘new’ fuel cars don’t leave the start line as violently as previously, but his MBNA fueller, above, is still fast enough to get his, and any other driver’s attention.

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(Photo courtesy Marc GcwertzyNHRA)

knowledge, no one had a complaint about not reaching his pit area in a timely manner.

NHRA should be soundly commended for their forethought in this area.

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ut, we’re getting ahead of ourselves, if only slightly...

Yeah, there were concerns about the 75 minute rule, but the first thing to be dealt with was the oiidown situation.

Just in case there’s a drag racing trivia contest in your local watering hole, you’ll know the answer to the question, who was the first driver fined by NHRA for oiling the track: Rhonda Hartman-Smith.

Hartman-Smith’s father Virgil, who runs the team, told us that prior to the event he’d instailed an aluminum panel beneath the engine that ran from the bottom of the steel plate that’s mounted behind the driver’s seat to the back of the engine.

‘The NHRA people made us take it off, saying it was

an aerodynamic device, which it wasn’t but it’s their ballgame,” he said.

On Thursday’s qualifying attempt the oil line running to the computer blew off, depositing enough oil on the track to result in the cieanup trucks having to roll, making it an “official” oiidown, with a $500 fine resulting.

“We installed that aluminum panei for just that eventuality,” Hartman said.

“It didn’t provide any kind of aerodynamic assistance, but it sure would have stopped

that oil from falling on the track, so we lost all the way around.”

In all there were a total of 11 fines handed out for oildowns among 10 drivers, with Doug Kalitta getting the ignominious honor of being fined twice, leaving the MGM Grand Hotel team US$1,000 out of pocket...

But, there wasn’t a single oiidown during eliminations, so to some extent it must be assumed that the lower percentage of nitro may have helped.

18 February 2000

I

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ride back to his home in Warren, Ohio rather than go to a local hospital for a checkup.

Krisher may return to action as early as the CSK Nationals in Phoenix with either one of the JK Racing (Mike Edwardsdriven) Camaros from last season, or a Pontiac out of Tom Martino’s camp.

aving mentioned Marnell, his new crew chief, Marcus Svennson, is the first Who was that masked man? Former Bob Vandergriff tuner, Ray Alley, non-American to hold has been given the job of monitoring NHRA’s fuel classes. Already his that position in Pro positive effect is being felt. (Photo by Dave Ostaszcwski) Stock.

Svennson fielded However, as several unsponsored contingent of the European Pro Stock California fuelers present at tuners pointed out, Championship-winning Pro the Winternationals, NHRA everyone’s equipment was Stock while living in his would have had far less fresh for the new season, native Sweden. than a full field of cars for its and a tougher test of the season opener. oildown rules may come umerous Pro Stock two or three races into the Also disturbing were the appeared at the number of “tour” cars season.

Winternationals with without sponsors, including Hoosier tyres, including 'he event itself was Aussie Dave Grubnic, Bob both Warren and Kurt Vandergriff, the Hartley flawless in almost every Johnson, Larry Morgan and family, Hartman-Smith and respect John Nobile, among others. several others.

From start to finish no Warren struggled during more than five hours and qualifying and abandoned on Krisher’s Pro Stock the Hoosiers for one of the 40-plus minutes elapsed, Pontiac was a write-off meaning that for the first last qualifying sessions, after a horrendous first time in years completely erasing all of the Winternationals fans were round crash against Kurt Goodyear signage on the Johnson’s AC Delco on their way to the parking tyres before installing them.

Camaro. lot well before 5:00 PM. He ran no better on-the And those fans were Ironically, both drivers Eagles than he had on the got out of the groove, but Hoosiers and swapped happy. They saw a fastKJ shut down when Krisher back for eliminations. paced program with good did not. side-by-side racing, and if When Krisher crossed in uch was made of the this was a portent of things front of him on his side, well appearance of the to come, we can only say, before the finish line, “new” Hemi engine from bring it on!

Johnson nailed the brakes Dodge, with Scott Geoffrion and slid his car into the trying one of David Nickens’ OTHER NEWS... offerings early in qualifying. uriforgivin'g concrete But, as has become the retaining wall.

He was able to make norm of late, Alan Forget the rumors circulating that Darrell Johnson’s non-factoryhasty repairs in time for the Gwynn is about to affiliated mount was the second round, but never left announce a new sponsor only Dodge to make the for he and driver Mike the starting line against field, as Geoffrion, Dunn.

George Marnell.

Even the wheels of Alderman, Morgan and We spoke to Gwynn on John Nobile all failed to Krisher’s car were broken February 9th, and he make the cut. assured us that he has no after the crash, and despite the advice of everyone who sponsorship announcement And if we’re going to spoke with him, the to make, and no reai make the deadline, that’s all obviously hurting driver prospects on the horizon. the news that fits. opted for a chartered jet Without the largely

PRO happy new nitre rules Despite the THE

Professional

Racers Owners Organ ization (PRO),the Mike Lewis-led group responsible for repre senting the majority of professional nitro rac ing teams in the US, has reacted favourably to the NHRA’s imple mentation of the 95 percent nitro rules fol lowing the recent run ning of the Winternationals.

Lewis has publically congratulated the sanc tioning body and said.

despite the costs involved in complying, including the hiring of extra staff, the purchasing of more components and the outdating of previous parts stock, the better racing, and package for the fans, appears to be worth it.

“In spite of the huge costs, there is reason to believe the financial ben efits will outweigh the costs over the course of the season with engine life noticeably increased already,” Lewis said in a statement this week.

“Most importantly, the Winternationals fans saw

When you wish upon a star. }

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Lighting the candles: Tom Easton is hoping to fire on ail eight this weekend.(Anna can)

Long referred to as the'"‘Wildman’, Top Alcohol racer Tom Easton might now wish to be known as the ‘Mildman’ with the veteran celebrating his 50th birthday this week. Easton, winner of Competition Eliminator at the 1989 Nationals, is hoping his birthday will bring him luck and a win for the Sidchrome Proto team at this weekend’s 34th annual Nationals.

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better side-by-side racing with less downtime than ever.

No one expected the rules to produce such a dramatic improvement so quickly, and no one expects every NHRA event to be so close to perfect as the Winternationals or seriously believes the process is over, but PRO supports this ongoing pursuit and offers its full cooperation to make NHRA Winston Drag Racing the most exciting motorsports experience in America.

-PHIL MORRIS

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40

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Marcus Gronholm wins in Sweden for Peugeot - and the rest of the World Rally Championship teams hear the French Lion coming to get them. JON THOMSON reports MARCUS Gronholm has

Thomas Radstrom - the

given the Peugeot 206 its first World Rally Championship victory-' and the French car maker’s first WRC win in

Swede rejected by the Ford now in a privately entered Grifone Toyota Corolla - and Gronholm. The Finn trailed on the opening stage but was able to grab the lead from Radstrom'on stage two and, from that point, he was never headed despite some strong challenges.

The best of the nonScandinavians were the Fords of Carlos Sainz and McRae. The Spaniard, who had taken second in the snow for the past four years, was in the top three over the first couple of stages but then started to slip back, the Focus not performing to its peak.

McRae, on the other hand started slower and seemed to get on top of things toward the end of the rally when he made his big charge.

Sainz was to retire from sixth place with engine prob lems on day two when the Focus dropped an oil pump drive on the second stage of the day . His retirement was ' followed almost immediately

by Toni Gardermeister’s SEAT which was also sufiering oil problems, the Finn having again proved faster

14 years - by capturing victory on the Swedish

RaUy. Gronholm’s win main tained the perfect record for Scandinavian drivers on the winter Nordic rally and gave the Finn his first WRC win despite the fact that snow and ice were thin on the ground during the three day rally.

Gronholm Withstood an incredible final stage charge from both Tommi Makinen and Colin McRae, who made the extraordinary move of dis carding all unnecessary items out of his Ford Focus in a bid to gain an advantage on the final stage but still could only manage third.

McRae’s third place finally ended a run of nine consecu tive non-finishes for him in Sweden.

“I never want to go through that again,” he admitted afterwards.

The early stages of the rally saw a battle between two:

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Drivers Championship; Makinen 16, Gronhoim 10, Sainz 6, Kankkunen 5, McRae 4, Gardemeister/Radstrom 3, Loix 1, Manufacturers: Mitsubishi 18, Peugeot 11, Ford 10, Subaru 9, SEAT 3, Skoda 1.

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Lion on the line; Gronholm and Rautianen won the first WRC event for Peugeot in 14 years. (Photos by RaceAccess) than his team-mate Didier Auriol.

The Spanish team contin ues to struggle in its second WRC season, Auriol com plaining of a lack of engine power.

“It feels like driving a Group N car,” said the grumpy Frenchman.

Gronholm’s advantage by the end of day one was 17s, with Radstrom still holding

Best SEAT in the house: Suffering froma lack of grunt, Auriol finished 10th. (Sutton-images)

3h 20m33.3s 1 Gronholm/Rautiainen Peugeot 206 WRC 2 Makinen/Mannisenmaki Mitsubishi Lancer 3h20m40.1s Ford Focus WRC 3h 20m47.0s 3 McRae/Grist 3h 20m48.2s 4 Radstrom/Thomer Toyota Coroiia WRC 5 Bums/Reid Subaru Impreza WRC99 3h 21m08.3s 6 Kankkunen/Repo Subaru Impreza WRC99 3h 23m20.9s 3h 24m05.2s 7 Deiecour/Grataioup Peugeot 206 WRC 8 Loix/Smeets Mitsubishi Carisma GT 3h 25m41.6s 9 Martin/Park 3h 25m47.3s Toyota Coroiia WRC 3h 25m49.2s 10 Aurioi/Gitaudet SEAT Cordoba WRC

second despite clipping a rock at over 190kph.

Tommi Makinen may have finished the day in second had it not been for problems on stage six, when he lost time having to avoid a pho tographer on the road.

Instead the Finn was 2.68s behind in third and battling with McRae and Richard Burns, the best of the Subarus in fifth after damag ing an anti-roll bar and los ing time on the final two stages of the day.

McRae was the attacker on day two after surviving several scares on day one, including bouncing from bank to bank at high speed at one point as a result of the patchy ice and snow and variable conditions.

The Scot jumped to second place and was challenging Gronholm all through the day, but Marcus withstood the pressure and increased his margin over the closing stages.

Makinen was not especial ly happy with his perfor mance in the morning stages but could not attribute it to any specific reasons.

The World Champion lost the chance to retake second place from McRae on SS13, on the longest stage of the rally (Jutbo) when he went off twice and broke three wheel rims.

But, late in the day Makinen, posted a couple of fastest times to take second from the Scot, while Gronholm’s lead was out to 26.5s.

The Subaru team was subdued, with both Burns and Kankkunen admitting they simply didn’t have an appropriate tyre solution for the melting snow and ice on the stages. The major Pirelh runners were being out paced by the Michelin run ners, with Burns slipping back to fifth and Kankkunen sixth.

Gronholm’s lead was under severe attack on the last day of the rally and the final five stages provided Makinen and McRae with plenty of opportunities, but Gronholm held his head despite the pressure from the two World Champs behind. His margin was cut continually through the day from 26.5s to just under 10s.

Radstrom was also show ing pace taking one fastest time but the margin from his fourth to the lead was simply too great.

Gronholm’s winning mar¬

gin in the end was just 7.5s over Makinen, finally rewarding the potential the Peugeot team had shown since debut in Corsica last year.

“On the last stage I kept asking my co-driver if I could slow down yet, but he kept telling me to ‘go go go’”, Gronholm said.

“It’s too soon to talk about championships but I’m sure I can win in Finland and maybe Portugal,” said the smiling Finn.

With Makinen second and McRae another 6.9s behind in third, Radstrom was able to take fourth only 1.2s back while Burns was 20.1s back in fifth and Kankkunen sixth.

One of the real finds of the rally was Estonian Markko Martin, who took ninth and posted some impressive times in his WRC debut and only his second ever snow rally driving another of the private Toyotas. Martin fin ished ahead of the troubled SEAT of Auriol and on the tail of eighth-placed Freddy Loix and the Peugeot of Delecom- in seventh.

Group N was again the domain of Mitsubishi, with Jaani taking the top produc tion car spot heading a fleet of 10 Lancers, Brit Richard Tuthill being the best of the rest, his Subaru in 11th.

18Februdry2000

41

Rubber and steel yte wastor Photo by Stitton-lmagos

THE piFess*i!i?e was iiniteiise awoiagst the top teams in the closing stages aind; \i4th Tliiomas Hadstrom in partieniair trying to , ; prove to Pord they had made the wrong decision in dropping him for the year 2000i With

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debut of the latest WRC Challenger - Hyundai’s Accent - and the team post ed some impressive times in the fi rst outing of the MSD-developed machine.

Both of the brand new Hyundai Accent WRCs com pleted day one inside the top 20, delighting the team.

The new car was one of the surprises of the event, both Kenneth Eriksson and Alister McRae setting top 10.stage times on day one.

Teething troubles meant that they finished the day down in 17th and 19th posi tions respectively.

“I’m really happy with the car, I’ve been trying hard and

enjoying myself, the balance and set-up of the car are fan tastic, this is an excellent start to the year for us,” Eriksson said.

“It’s been a very encouraging day and the car has performed very well,” added McRae. “It’s a shame about the problems but I would have been very surprised if we didnk have some with a brand new car.’

Eriksson lost several min-

in the Championship reached the finish with Eriksson 13th, with McRae one place further back.

‘I’m really happy at this stage of the car’s develop ment. We thought we’d lose a lot more time but things have been much better than we expected,” said Eriksson, “There’s still some engine work to be done but overall we are in very good shape. This is a very friendly car - it really tries to help you.”

The news should be a boost

utes with a loose turbo boost pipe but charged back from 40th to 17th during that alternoon. McRae was on the fringes of the top 10 on the early stages before dropping

for Australian Michael Guest who will pilot a third team Accent WRC under Winfield livery later in the year with

back^when his car developed a severe vibration.

In the end the newest cars

Wayne BeU as his team manager._ -JON THOMSON

blems WHILE many might fear the arrival of

on SSI when both Thomas Radstrom and

another Swedish pop group, it was rock of

Francois Delecour clipped it on a very fast

another type which was causing problems , „ j. , „ on the Swedish raUy. With less snow than usual, many rocks were uncovered, rocks which would have had a nice

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THE warmer conditions in Sweden meant that snow and ice were patchy and often interspersed with hard frozen gravel or muddy slush.

The problem was that studs still had to be used for the snow and ice and when the cars hit the gravel the studs tend to tear out, making the next patch of ice an exercise in figure skating.

The teams were looking forward to dumping snow on both nights but it simply didn’t come and as a result they had to just keep screwing new studs in!

i Thomer was spotted eating a chocolate bai* at the service before

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tained, violated an agreement to immediately return the site to its pre-race condition.

If a court upholds the complaint, Hawass said race organizers could be imprisoned for up to three years.

Rami Siag, organiser of the race in Egypt, said the pyramids area was cleaned up Wednesday. Clean-up was delayed, he said, because organisers were distracted by accu sations they had damaged a vulnerable desert site. Siag said he sent more than 250 people to clean up Wadi al-Rayan and they completed the task on January 25.

“The case is going out of proportion. We didn't race in Wadi al-Rayan, we camped in Wadi al-Rayan,” Siag said.

“It's not a crime to camp there.”

Egyptian officials say the event from Dakar, Senegal, to the pyramids made a mess of the desert and are urging courts to hold race organizers responsible.

Egypt's guardian of the pyramids, Zahi Hawass, has filed an official complaint against the Cairo-based organizers of the Dakar Rally for leaving piles of garbage at the finish line, 1km from the pyramids.

Egypt's environment minister also has sued organisers for alleged damage to Wadi al-Rayan, a protected area, 80km southwest of Cairo.

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Closing stages the I pressni>^e was obviously telling with his new eor , driver and compatriot Tina Thomer,a veteran r^y eo.diiv6r but rarely at the shai^ end

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■ Dale Earnhardt has reupped his contract with Richard Childress Racing and will continue to drive the #3 Goodwrench Monte Carlo for three more years.

“My health is good and I just signed a new contract,” he said, following his December 17 back surgery.

His contract with Goodwrench was also extended three years, with an option for more years “there’s no retirement clause in there.”

H Cale Yarborough has finally closed the doors on his Winston Cup operation, following several partnership and buy-out deals that did not follow through. He will continue to try and sell the team, but an auction situation will probably be the outcome.

Impressive: Daytona qualifying and Bud Shoot Out drew a big crowd for NASCAR 2000 opener. (Sutton)

$hmt Out win for I# Jarrett...

EACH year, the 25-lap Bud Shoot Out is held at Daytona prior to the season kick-off Daytona 500, the Shoot Out being staged for pole winners from the preceding year.

There is also a Shoot Out qualifier - for all 12 of last season’s second roimd fastest qualifiers - which is also 25 circuits in duration, with only the winner advancing into the main event.

'Dale Jarrett drew position six in the qualifier on February 13, wasting no time getting to the front and winning the event to earn the last starting slot in the Shoot Out. Jeff Burton, Terry Labonte and veterans Darrell Waltrip and Dave Marcis were the top five.

Mark Martin sat on the pole in Just dandy: A win in the Bud Shoot Out 25-iapper was good news for a ciean-shaven Jarrett, who also claimed next weekend’s Daytona pole. (Martin D Clark pic)

’ THE Robert Yates pairing of Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd shares the front row of the Daytona 500!, the only spaces guaranteed in ; qualifying, the. remainder of the 43-ear field determined by the Twin 125 mile qualifying races.

“There’s nothing like this,” remarked Yates of Ids Ford teams. “This is : awesome; it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Jarrett posted a 191.091 mph lap, ahead of Rudd at 190.384 mph, with I Bill Elliott a surprising third and Mike Skinner qualifying fourth, the ; only Chevy in the top 15.

Jeff Gordon posted a lowly 23rd starting slot, with Bobby Labonte . 27th and his Joe Gibbs stable-mate Tony Stewait 15th - favourite Dale Earnhardt was 17th.

■ Of the ,Rookie crop, Scott Pruett fared the best wiith his Yates-powered, I Cal Wel'ls-owned Tide Ford, qualifying ninth - Dave Blaney was tenth : and Earnliardt Jr 22nd.

Jarrett’s lap was slow eompared with Jeff Gordon’s pole speed of 1195.067 mph set last year, but that was before the introduction of NASCAR’s mandatory shock and spring rule, the governing body now ; issuing regulatory dampers manufactured by Penske Shocks.

-MARTIND CLARK

the Shoot Out, but was passed by Jeff Gordon on the first lap.

Martin later withdrew from the event, after an incident when enter ing pit road during the mandatory stop between laps 10 and 12 - he apparently had brake trouble, over shooting his pit stall and hitting his jack man, Mike Ehret.

Ehret tumbled over the hood and onto the windshield, before landing in fi-ont of Martin’s car on pit road luckily, he only received bruising to his right leg in the scary incident and was back in action later in the week.

Sterling Marlin led laps 12 through 24 of the Shoot Out, the field in tow behind and just waiting to make a move.

Ricky Rudd was the first to step out of line and start a battle up front with two laps to run.

With cars jockeying for position, Marlin was passed on the final lap by both Jarrett from 15th on the grid and Gordon.

“We had Jarrett beat there until the end,” said Marlin.

“Jeff got by us and we got to rac ing, but it kind of bogged us down and Jarrett drove by on the out side.”

The other incident in the special event was on the final lap, Rudd on his tin top and sliding upside down for 600 feet down the front stretch.

Apparently Marlin got into Bobby Labonte exiting turn 4, send ing Labonte into Rudd and then into Ken Schrader.

Labonte, who had led laps ten 10 and 11, ended up in the wall, along with Schrader, while Rudd emerged unscathed from his Texaco Taurus.

Jarrett picked up $115,000 for his efforts and became the first dri ver to advance and win from the qualifier.

“Schrader and Gordon were lay ing back and I knew exactly what they were doing,” said Jarrett, “so I laid back and I had a mn and I took it pretty good to the outside.”

Final result: Jarrett (Ford) 182.334 mph, Gordon (Chevy), Marlin (Chevy), Tony Stewart (Pontiac), Kevin Lepage (Ford), Schrader (Chevy), Rusty Wallace (Ford), Joe Nemechek (Chevy), Kenny Irwin (Chevy), Ward Burton (Pontiac). - MARTIN D CLARK

■ International Speedway Corporation, chaired by BUI France Jr, saw a 64 percent rev enue increase in 1999 over 1998, from US$64.7 million to a whop ping US$104.6 million.

ISC merged with Penske Motorsports in 1999 and owns Daytona, Talladega, Watkins Glen, Cahfomia and Michigan speedways, among others.

■ In the ever-increasing moneyhungry world of NASCAR, Bristol Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports are being sued by for mer owner Larry Carrier for the sum of $65 million for apparently denying his family access to parts

By MartinD Clarl of the leased property - Carrier also stated a chemical spray was used to keep his son from entering the land.

Speedway Motorsports has denied the accusations - they pur chased the track in 1996 for US$26.5 million from Cairier.

■ Should Dave Marcis qualify for the Daytona 500, he will continue to extend his record for the most consecutive starts in the event Mai'cis, 58, could make the cut for the 33rd year in succession.

■ Kevin Lepage, in one of four Roush entries, picked up Mac Tools as a sponsor for the Bud Shoot Out, but the team stiU has no backer for the remainder of the points season.

■ Driver Rick Mast and Larry Hedrick Motorsports have picked up sponsor Big Daddy’s Barbecue Sauce for the year.

The sponsor was seen on other cars early last year in many forms of US motorsports, but decals were removed from those teams when the contracted cheques did not come through.

Two for Eddie, I ne for Andy

EDDIE Abelnica claimed two

wins at Barbagello Raceway in Western Australia, Andrew Miedecke''also taking the honours in fhe three-race NASCAR Thunder 2000 road course outing last weekend.

Pre-event favourite Kim Jane was ..out of luck, the triple Australian NASCAR Champion over-revving his Chevy Monte Carlo throughout practice and qualifying and ultimately break ing a rocker and a valve halfway through the second 12-lapper.

As the engine gradually went off-song, early race one leader Jane inexorably slid back through the field as, firstly, Abelnica’s Melbourne’s Cheapest Cars entry took over the front-running and then Miedecke, in the Whiteline Transport Monte Carlo, moved up into second spot.

Race one spinners included Tony Southwell’s Fireworks King Monte Carlo and the second of the Whiteline Transport Monte Carlos in team-owner Bob Middleton’s hands.

Among the race-damaged retirees was NASCAR Thunder 2000 promoter Barry Blake, who had struggled with gearbox prob lems throughout practice and qualifying and finally called it quits after six laps.

Abelnica and Miedecke led race two from the front row, the cars touching wheels and Miedecke los ing ground as he slid onto the grass, the New South Welshman recovering quickly and retaining his hold on second spot.

Jane was fourth, after being dis placed by Neville Lance’s hand some King Koil Ford Taurus, but

moved back up to third on lap three as Miedecke hit the front while exiting turn 2.

A beached John Dennis’ Shell Monte Carlo brought out the pace car on lap five, his-other Shell Chevy in the hands of Allan Letcher retiring with a blown engine.

On lap seven, Jane’s engine cried enough and his Monte Carlo headed for the garage.

Miedecke then opened up his lead and went on to take the fl ag, second-placed Abelnica now tinder pressure from Lance, who went past on lap nine, leaving Abelnica to fend off rookie Paul Stubber in the King Koil T-Bird.

Abelnica and Stubber contacted at CAT comer, Eddie spinning and retiring with front-end damage.

The uncharacteristic engine fail ure - the first for the benchmark John Sidney Racing organisation in five years, that impressive sta tistic also including Sidney’s V8 Supercar powerplants - obliged the Jane crew to swap engines between races, the Repco Chevy reappearing for the third race and quickly annexing third spot.

Abelnica was also able to make the third race, which suffered a delayed start due to sun glare, both Eddie and Jane starting from the rear of the grid.

While Southwell enjoyed a cou ple of spins and relied upon the safety crew to rescue him, Abelnica’s early compulsory pit stop proved to be tactically soimd and, allied with his consistent lap times, Eddie proved to be a worthy winner, ahead of Stubber.

Series points: Jane 953, Lance 952, Abelnica 906, George Elliot 884, Ken James 883.

18 February 2000

ffi\(o)0®[FS[pcD[r{}

Another ERA

By BRIAN REED THE no frills, dinky di Aussie Special was the backbone of local racing following World War 2.

Materials were scarce and there was a shortage of rac ing machinery on the other side of the world that could be imported, so it was left to the ingenuity of the locals to build and race their own cre ations.

‘The Australian Special’ is the theme of this year’s Tattersall’s Historic Demonstrations - one of the main support events at next month’s Qantas Australian Grand Prix carnival.

However, amongst this intriguing line-up of some 35 cars will be at least one blue blood thoroughbred - a 1938 ERA C-type to be driven by British collector and enthusi ast Bill Morris.

In some respects there is a parallel between the Australian Special and the ERA, although the British racer belonged a generation or two before. The ERA (which stands for the English Racing Automobile company) came at a time when British motorsport was in the dol drums. In the 1930s there simply were no suitable home-grown cars that could compete with what was being produced on the conti nent.

A wealthy British ama teur, Humphrey Cook was less than chuffed with this state qf affairs and set about to rectify the situation.

Cook^had raced a variety of Vauxhalls and Bentleys, and knew Raymond Mays who had developed a super charged six cylinder ‘White Riley’ sprint car for the Shelsley Walsh hillclimb.

Cook believed this car could form the basis of a new British assault, a partner ship was formed amongst Cook, Mays and Peter Berthon, and workshops behind Mays’ home in Lincolnshire became the cen tre of activity for the new project. . The chassis was designed

by Reid RaUton and the first ERA appeared in 1933 with a 1.5 litre supercharged engine which produced 150bhp. Somewhat surpris-

ingly a 4-speed Wilson pre selector gearbox was fitted, and although the car was capable of 200km/h, the ini tial results were disappoint ing. It wasn’t until 1934 that the ERA started to make its presence felt. Raymond Mays and others began achieving some excellent results in hillclimbs and circuit racing not only in the UK but on the continent as well.

1937 was possibly ERAs finest year with the appear ance of the C-type. This car featured hydraulic brakes and Porsche designed trail ing arm independent front suspension. Arthur Dobson’s car won the Coronation Trophy at Chrystal Palace, Prince Bira led home an ERA domination at the Isle of Man, while other victories were scored in the London GP, the Nuffield Trophy and at Brooklands. The South African GP went to Pat Fairfield’s llOOcc car, and Raymond Mays scored a great win at Peronne driving his Zoller-blown car after a race long battle with the works Maserati of Drefus.

The following year is sig nificant for ERA in Austraha. A well-heeled gen tleman racer from England, one Peter Whitehead was visiting the colonies Checking out some family pastoral interests and just happened to bring with him his black ERA B-type which he entered in the 1938 Australian Grand Prix. For the first time in the 10-year history of the event, the AGP was held outside Victoria and"Whitehead became the first overseas winner. His 1.5-litre B-type supercharged six-cylinder racer, the most sophisticated car in the race, led home the 39-car field at Bald Hills near Bathurst (later to be known as ‘Mt. Panorama’.)

The race was interesting in that Whitehead was allowed to drive without any protective head gear in order for him to listen to the ear piercing scream from the ERAs supercharger. Not sur prising, he was temporarily deafened by the experience, but worse was in store for the mayor of Bathurst. After completing the formalities, his worship was about to pre-

sent the winner’s trophy when he was hit squarely hy a cauliflower hurled from the gathered crowd. This was fol lowed by other missiles, and the mayor, his two daughters and other dignitaries were forced to seek refuge from the barrage. It is believed the Whitehead entourage had something to do with this and other pranks at Bathurst, including a fire works attack on the local police station.

Whitehead was full of praise for the Bathurst cir cuit, adding “....when tar paving is carried out it will be very difficult to better it....” He said he had not been distracted by spectators A walk in the Park: who had wandered onto the The car finished first at the track during the 150-mile VSCC race at Ouiton Park in the UK in 1998.

(241.35km)race.

Sixty two years later, another ERA will be making an appearance at the AGP Siddley pre-selector gearbox, carnival - the R12C of and pumps out a healthy Englishman Bill Morris, and 190bhp. R12C is painted in this time at Albert Park. the ERA factory blue of 1937.

Whilst in Australia, the Originally stamped R12B, this car was converted to ‘C’ ERA R12C is proudly sponspecifications and renum- sored hy Penrite Oil bered ‘R12C’ after major Company, and race fans will upgradings at the factory in have the opportunity to see 1937. Modifications included this rare British racer in a different front end to the action the weekend before chassis to take the Porsche- the AGP carnival when it designed Auto Union type takes part in the Shannon’s independent front suspen-' Phillip Island Classic meetsion and engines built to ing on March 4-5. withstand much higher pres sure using the Zoller supercharger.

R12C was successfully campaigned by Pat Fairfield and Arthur Dobson as a factory car using both 1.5 and 2.0-litre engines before being i sold to Prince Chula in 1938.

The car was christened “Hanuman”-the name of an intelligent white monkey with supernatural powers.

Luck ran out when Prince Bira crashed the car heavily diuing practice for the Coupe de la Commission Sportive at Rheims in 1939. It was sub sequently rebuilt as a B-type, was renamed “Hanuman 2” and was again renumbered as ‘R12B.’ The chassis and other remains were pur chased hy the current owner and restored back to R12C specifications over a 20-year period. It runs a B-type 1.5litre supercharged engine based on Riley design, is fit ted with an Armstrong

Vale: Dr Rob Kjrkby THiE Historic racing com munity was saddened to learn of the sudden death recently of leading academ ic and lover of air cooled cars, Dr. Rob Kirkby.

As former President of the Australian Psychological Society, Rob made regular visits over seas on lecture tours and usually managed to ; squeeze into his baggage the odd air cooled or vari ous bits and pieces to bring back to Australia.

Rob was a delightful eccentric and will long be remembered for the day he

missed the finish line at the Mt. Tarrengower Hillclimb, i scattered the drivers gath ered at the top of the hill and disappeared down the ’ forestry road in the general direction of Maldon.

After lecturing at Lincoln ^ Institute in Melbourne, Rob’s academic career took him to Sydney, and it : was during a return visit to ; Melbourne while jogging that he coliapsed and died. ; To his wife and young child the Historic racing community offers sincere sympathies.

- BiRIA-N Rilp)

►

Phillip Island Classic Motor Races 4-5 March 2000 ● Patron: John Harvey Over 300 fabulous cars ● 30 races

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44

18 February 2000

^'■"^roy Hunt is one of this I country’s highest-profile karters and, having won numerous Australian and state championships - as well as bag ging a top ten finish at last year’s Formula A World Championships - the 18 yearold Sydney-based driver is now heading overseas to Italy, to take on the Europeans and have another crack at the World Championship.

While in Europe, Hunt will com pete in the Formula A class, a cate gory he is familiar with, having raced the class the past two years in the Wynn’s Series and the ’99 World Championships in Belgium.

Hunt will drive for the Italian Top Kart/Comer team and, along with Belgium’s Bruno Vroomen running Formula Super A, will be Top Kart’s official works entry.

Hunt will be based in Italy, along with several other Aussies making a name for themselves in interna tional karting, but is planning to come back to Australia on a regular basis to contest the domestic CIK (formerly FMK) series.

Because of the commitment required for his busy 2000 sched ule, Troy has had to put off the Elf La Filiere Race School prize he won last year (as a result of an excellent performance at the FI Selection race in Japan), but hopes to take up the offer again in the future.

MARK WICKS spoke to the tal ented youngster.

When are you actually going to Italy?

At the moment. Top Kart are looking for a house for me and Bmno and we are waiting on a fax about whether we are doing the Margutti Trophy race, or not - so probably at the end of February.’

What meetings will you be contesting?

We’re doing the European Championship and the World Championship and, possibly, the Margutti Trophy and the Italian Championship, as well.

We’ll also do the Japan World Cup and, if Oceania is on in Australia, we’ll be there.

every race and we have two engine tuners each and the team manager.

Troy Hunt (#65); Where he likes to be - in front.

Can he do this In Europe?

Have you talked to Gary Holt about a run in Ms V8 Supercar?

Yes. Gary is setting up this thing with all the cars and I’ll have some drives in the third car for some practice and testing miles.

Even if I’d done Formula Ford, the V8 would still be different. I would like to come back at the end of this year and maybe look at doing V8 Lites in 2001.

The biggest problem I’m having is getting a licence. I could get an international licence to race (cars) overseas, but not one to race here.

James Courtney got his licence and then went straight over to race Formula Ford in England, but CAMS wouldn’t give me a licence to do GTP at Bathurst!

(Sean Henehetwood pic/

Why are you not sure about some of the events such as the Italian ChampionsMps? It just depends on what the facto ry is going to do and how much money they want to spend.

Are you needing to take money to the team?

At the moment, none at all, but I’m waiting for a fax back from them about a car and what happens when I work in the factory and when we go testing, etcetera.

I’ve also been talking to Ben Horstman (a fellow Aussie based in Italy, driving for the factory Biesse team) about how it all works.

Are you coming back to do the Australian Series?

I hope to. First, I’ve got to ask t,he,m (Top Kart) questions about taking leave and then about coming back to Australia. I then need spon sors so I can keep coming back to race.

I really want to do the Townsville race - it’s got ten grand for first place. The Australian dates are close to the Euro rounds so it will be tight. But it would be good to come back so as not to get home sick. Bob Edyvean (Australian Karting Association CEO) was

going to talk to the AIS for funding, instead of going to CAMS. Have you been chasing spon sors for this year?

Not yet. The hardest part is that you need to go to sponsors with a package and we don’t know exactly what that is yet.

I think we’ll just need support to go back and forth between Italy and Australia - it’s about $2500 every time.

How’s the Italian coming along?

Fantastic (laughs). I’ve learnt nothing! I’ll learn it when I get there, but I already know a bit and how to swear!

A lot of the Top Kart people are learning English and Ryan (Briscoe) said he picked it up when he was over there, even though he studied it here before he left.

What are your expectations for the year? Have you set your self any goals?

Not really. I mean. I’m looking at it the same way as the World Championships last year. It’s so dif ferent to over here - you can be off the pace for silly reasons. I’d like to be in the top ten, but I haven’t actu-

ally set a goal, as such.

Have you met the team per sonnel you will be working with?

I’ve met them aU when I went to Japan and the World Championships - there’s Bruno and me as drivers at

Intercontinental C sprint karting's 125cc fast future?

SPRINT karting has been all about lOOcc engines, direct drive and a single brake on the rear axle - but not anymore.

A number of enthusiasts in New South Wales and Queensland have purchased karts which comply with the internationally recognised Intercontinental C (ICC) regula tion^.

The^e'are the fastest karts to grace sprint kart circuits around the world.

ViC K Series kicks off at Puckapunyai

VICTORIAN karting’s new Formula K Series kicked off to a successful start at the

Puckapunyai circuit on February 5-6.

Replacing the traditional Star Series, the K Series represents a move forward for state level kart ing, the complete change in race foi-mat meeting with positive com ment from competitors as it now mirrors the format used in the Australian CIK (nee FMK) Championship, where only the long distance final counts toward the result - this also seemed to clean up the racing somewhat, with much less carnage reported from the weekend.

Junior National Light and Heavy produced some very close racing, with any of the top five capable of winning the finals.

David Sera, just up from Rookies, won National Light after some top dicing with fellow Rookie adversary Shane Price.

These two got away from the pack in the pre-final, but started to dice with each other too early in the fi nal, allowing the following group to catch up and do battle.

Sera took the win, narrowly beating Price to the flag.

Chris McNiven and Brooke Pearson won the heats in Junior

National Heavy, putting Pearson off pole for the pre-final - but it was McNiven who came off gidd 12 to win.

Brooke then won the start of the final as McNiven fell back before driving through and taking the lead on the last lap - however, con tact with another kart dropped him to an eventual third place.

Pearson also had trouble, sliding wide and finishing out of the placings.

Jason Pringle drove through all this confusion to take the win from Michael Pereira.

James Reid was the pace in Rookies and went on to win from Rick Pringle and Joi’die Lindstrom, who tangled together during the final, while karting’s youngest class. Midgets, was won in con vincing style by Jonathan Taylor as Kyle Pettenhofer and John Condemi finished second and third.

DPE’s Adam Klunyk got his ARC engine sorted for when it matters to take the win in the final of Clubman Light.

Josh Arandt had been the pace up to this time, the two battling in the pre-final before Arandt again pulled away for a comfortable win.

Klunyk won the start of the final and, along with Arandt, pulled a gap on the field before Klunyk

established a larger margin and went on to victory - Nicholas Parker was further back for third.

Local track specialist Geoff Blackwood took the win in a small field of Clubman Heavy, which was run in combination with the Super Heavy class.

Kane Rose (second) and David Aldersley (third) rounded out the Heavy field, while Murray Edgar, bolting his trusty Yamaha on for the final, took victory in the Super Heavy division from Graham Hill and Robert Bumpstead.

In the final of Junior Clubman, Brent Rose, Jace Lindstrom, Peter McNiven, Simon Leech and pre-final winner Justin Dowers cleared out from the rest of the fi eld and engaged in a fierce battle before Dowers retired with a broken ignition lead.

Going into the final lap. Rose and Lindstrom collided, taking Leech with them at the end of the straight and allowing McNiven to sneak around the outside to take the win from Troy Woolston and Taz Douglas.

(Jeorge Sera, another racing the watercooled ARC for the first time, used the Over 40’s class as a test bed for the "Victorian Open later in the month.

Sera blitzed the field, winning every race, Ken Drew and Glen

After this year, would you be more interested in running karts in Europe in 2001, or pos sibly cars back here in Australia?

I love karting, but I don’t want to be stuck in it all my life - I can always come back to karts later.

I’ve got to weigh up my options at the end of this year.

Chadwick claiming the minor placings.

In the Re-Sa class, Pettaras Press Cup runner-up Tim Karmiste took victory from early pacesetter Tim Macrow, as Re-Sa gun Barbara Agrimi strangely struggled for pace - Wade Truman finished third.

Liam Gretgrix took an easy win in Senior National over Peter Prescott and Darren Camilleri.

The first round of the Victorian series of the Rotax Max Challenge coincided with this meeting and drew a healthy field of Rotax Light, which produced some sensational racing during the weekend.

Nick Parker started the final from pole from Gavin Walker, Mark Davidson and Doc Pearson.

Parker and Davidson initially pulled a gap as Bart Price crashed out in the first corner after run ning up the back of Walker.

Parker, who has just moved up from Juniors, continued to build a healthy lead and went on to win from Daridson and Walker.

Although the number of entries in the Rotax Heavy field was a little disappointing, Brett Davidson took the win from Azzurro-mounted Vince Santoro and Chris Wishart.

-MARK WICKS

ICC karts use watercooled 125cc two stroke reed valve engines specifically designed for karting and not rehashed motorcycle engines - and are good for horse power in the mid-forties on a kart that weighs around 175kg, includ ing the driver.

They use sequential six speed gearboxes and four wheel disc brakes with driver-adjustable bias.

The performance is mind-blow ing, even compared with the high performance Formula A karts.

ICCs have been clocked at Eastern Creek at 155km/h (Formula A was 135km/h on the same stretch of track) and on some of the longer circuits in Europe run up in the 170-180 km/h zone.

While lateral g-force going around a corner is a little less than a Formula A kart due to the extra weight (still around 3g), the brak ing is awesome, 1.7g on a machine with no aerod3mamic download - a tsqiical Formula A is around 0.9g.

Likewise, acceleration is superi or, registering around Ig in the lower gears and all-up lap time is considerably less, two seconds faster around the Gold Coast track where William Yarwood conducted some compai’ison runs.

The karts are considerably more expensive than theii- lOOcc counter parts, normally between $11,00013,000 for a new outfit ready to race.

Surprisingly, maintenance costs are said to be less, with regular engine rebuilds not on the agenda due to special chrome-plated bores and low maximum revs of 13,800 rpm.

The ICC class is currently raced by the North Shore Kart Club at Eastern Creek, where a six round championship is being contested.

Already being considered by a number of clubs in New South Wales and Queensland, the ICC karts are beginning to attract con siderable interest from other pails of the country, as these machines are able to achieve an all-round performance level not seen in sprint karting before.

- MARK WICKS

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18 February 2000

Gritty Videos

WANT to get into Motocross and don't know where to start? 'This Is Motocross' is packed with information for the novice Motocross rider.

Tips on the type of gear ' you need, hints on purchas ing a bike, how to set it up and joining clubs is just some of the information you will find on this video.

The video also shows some of the top riders in action featuring footage from club level to World Championship GP races.

‘Pure Grit’ is a video

featuring all the action and excitement of Isle of Man TT99. This extensive coverage gives you a great view of all the action including on-bike shots, ‘kerb cam’ and aer ial footage.

The video takes in all the aspects of TT racing includ ing the buzz of the pits, burn-outs, stunt riders and full atmosphere of a huge crowd. With 140 minutes of footage this is certainly great value for money. Both videos from available are Motorsport Videos on 1800 815 834.

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Available in three colour combinations, SUIT UP: FIA-approved Sparco gear are the perfect choice for the new require ments.

u iemiaiii

Sues East Hewland Racing has Transmissions appointed specialist motor sport hardware supplier Eastern Raceparts as its official distributor for Australia and New Zealand.

Eastern Raceparts have also picked up the distribu tion rights for Ampep Goldiine, Silverline 2, Mocal, and Aeroquip, which produce oil coolers and products.

These new brands and products will compliment Eastern Raceparts existing range of brands such as A.P. Products and Nashua Race Tape. For more details contact Bryan Miller at Eastern Raceparts on 02 9526 6666.

ms

Royal Blue-Sky-White, Near Black-White-Red and Royal Blue Yellow, the suit features a float ing sleeve for added com fort.

The suits are available in Euro sizes 46-64 which covers petite ladies to giant kiUers.

Sparco racewear is available from Speedzone outlets and other motorsport shops nationally.

For more details con tact R&R Speedsports on 02 9709 4655.

45

Drivers,be seated COBRA

Seats

has

revamped their range of road car seats for 2000.

Available from Revolution Racegear, the versatile new range includes recliner and fixed back seats in a new array of bold styles that focus on fit and features.

Top of the range ‘Sidewinder’ is an aggressive ly styled seat which has been ergonomically designed to provide the ultimate in dri ver comfort.

The ‘Sidewinder’ incorpo rates numerous features including dual,sided recline and tilt forward facilities, integral headpad and shoul der supports, deep sided bucket bolsters, orthopaedic backrest and lumbar sup port.

Positioned as a mid range seat the ‘Daytona’ offers all the features of a full reclin ing road seat while still maintaining the style and feel of a competition race seat.

A feature of the ‘Daytona’ is that it is available in both conventional nylon trim or a new wear-resistant and longwearing ‘rock’ fabric.

Perforated wear pads are also used for added protection where it's most needed.

For the budget buyer Cobra have revamped the best seller ‘Clubman’ seat, This fixed backseat is a stylish alternative to the seats

twice the price.

Improvements to the steel frame and cushionong offer unparalleled comfort and support.

"Cobra has invested a great deal of time to refine and redevelop its existing range as well as designing an exciting new range of road seats, and in doing so has set a new benchmark for the industry," Revolution

Racegear’s Managing Director Dale Rogers says.

Cobra has also expanded and revised its full range of competition seats with new models such as the Suzuka and restyling to eisting mod els Evolution and Monaco.

For more information on Cobra's range of competition and road seats, contact Revolution Racegear toll fine on 1800 804 778.

nteradive Formula One

VAN der Meer Pubhshing have produced the ultimate Formula 1, interactive three-dimensional book.

The Formula One Pack contains detailed and

explain the finer points of motor racing. Turn the wheel to see the actual internal works of a FI engine, move a sHde to see the performance compar isons of different types of engines, another slide shows the milestones in FI

sophisticated pop-up pic tures which give you a 3-D view of the world of FI. Everything is covered in FI racing from the cars, transporters, pit stops and even race crashes. All of this jumps out of the page at each turn. Each page also includes various inter active activities which help

development over the years. Special glasses pro vided in the pack bring to life pictures explaining cornering and steering.

This is all supported by comprehensive text writ ten by Motorsport News’s

very own Adgm Cooper.

Adam gives anMnsight to the real world of motor racing, the drivers, teams and history with first hand reports and explanations from the the drivers them selves.

A CD lets you actually hear the sounds of engine tones from past decades of motorsport.

The Formula One Pack

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retails for $69.95 for more information contact the Technical Book Shop on (03)9663 3951.

Show us your Dials Tour T'Adelaide emore EMTECH has released a

most cars such as VT Commodores, EF, EL and AU Falcons, Hyundai Excel, BMW, Magna, Mirage and Lancer.

As well as the dials, Emtech offer a full range of to products the enhance

p

range of new white faced dial kits to suit most popular Australian cars.

These inexpen sive kits are made from the same material as stan dard dials in your dash. The white face really gives the dash a lift and is a striking way to individualise your car.

The kits start at $195.00 and are easy to fit. Also available are carbon look and wood grain dash board kits.

Emtech have kits to suit

appearance of your car’s interior, For more details contact Geoff Tartoosie at Emtech on 08 8374 2108 or mobile on 0418 600 751.

THE Tour T'Adelaide rally event of the the late 1980's and early 1990's to the Adelaide Grand Prix has been revived.

The April 2000 Harman Autosports Tour T'Adelaide will run from Melbourne to Adelaide, over five days, finish ing at what has become South Australia's premier motor rac ing event, the V8 Supercar 2000 Clipsal 500.

While entry is open to all vehicles, in keeping with the V8 Supercar theme, the featured

class will be for V8 powered then makes it's way to South cars. With over half the 40 Australia via Lome, Southern available entries filled. Falcon Grampians and Victor Harbom-, and will finish the competitive GTs, Mustangs, Monaros and Toranas will compete against stages at Adelaide International Subaru WRXs, Porsches, Raceway on Thursday April 6.

Competing vehicles will be on Corvettes, Cobras, MGs, big display in the Victoria Park Healeys and Nissan GTRs. One entry is a replica "Mad Racecourse and will participate in a parade lap of the Adelaide Max" Falcon GT 2 Door, com plete with supercharger. The Street Circuit.

Event details, regulations and competition will be divided into three age categories - pre 1970, entry forms are all available 71-90 and 91 to 2000. from the event managers, The official rally of the 2000 Harman Autosports. You can Clipsal 500, the event starts at phone (03) 9720 9975 or Pax Calder Park on Sunday April 2, (03)9720 9976.

i

46

Dud.

18 February 2000

Dd

Going separate ways

MOTOR racing is hard on marriages and one of the longest and most successful in the business entered a new phase at Phillip Island when Trevor Ashby and Steve Reed raced each other for the first time in almost 20 years.

After sharing Commodore V8s since 1986 [and before that, an Escort Sports Sedan]the two business partners appeared in a car each at Phillip Island.

The Optus/Lansvale Commodore VSs were closely matched and so, unsurprisingly, were the drivers.

“Our complaints are pretty similar,” said Ashby.

“In practice, Steve went out first and he came in a lap in front of me and changed the same things as me. Scary, really.”

Reed had the advantage of having raced at Phillip Island for the last two SCS races and, when it came to qualifying, had a further advantage when Ashby’s engine developed a miss and had to be changed, leaving him with no time.

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The two intend to run the whole series in the Optus/PPG cars and, despite having not raced against each other, are not concerned that they may take each other off.

“You don’t see HRT cars

crashing into each other, or Seton’s,” said Ashby.

“I expect that, when Steve sees me coming up behind him, he’ll move over like the gentleman I know he is ...”

- PHIL BRANAGAN

Reed (above) and Ashby have a long partnership on and off the track.

(Photos by Dirk K lynsmilh and Lynley Reid)

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CLASSIFIEDS Motorsport News Classifieds are FREE for private sales. Classifieds from motor sport traders are accepted (marked with a ●) and must be prepaid, at the following per issue rates: $5 per 10 words (min $10 per ad), photo $10. Further enquiries to our advertising department.

Cars

Subaru WRX/GTP '98, Second in Class B Bathurst 3hour 98; 2nd Class B Oran Park 99; 2nd Class B Gold Coast Indy 99; fastest qualifier Indy 99. New engine, many spares and extras. Ph 02 9672 7530 or 0413 879 879. 173

Lotus 23 (1962), raced Asia early 1960's by Albert Poon, winner Macau, Johore, Singapore Grand Prixs.

Fabulous history! Ken Sparkes raced mid 80's, Rob Tweedie 1999. Winner Frank Matich Trophy (Eastern Creek Historic). Cert of description, sale includes 4 wheel enclosed trailer, spare body, wheels/tyres, spares etc.

Consider interesting trade. $110,000. Ph 0408 162 762. 174 Mazda RX4 Club Car, unfinished project, has log book, peddle box, 4WD brakes, floater diff, race auto meter guages etc. $1,500obo. Ph 0409 191 612 or 03 9354 0417.

7.1

Holden Torana Ld XU-1 Appendix d, fresh motor, M21 box, Detroit locker diff, steel cage, race ready, spares avail. $13,000. Ph 02 9792 4779 or 0419 489 465. 174 Cortina TE Club Car, 4.1 Ford crossflow 350hp, 4speed top loader, HQ, XB front brakes, XF rear end, adjustable shocks, 3rd place in NSW 0/3L state series.

Ready to race in 2000, priced for quick sale. $10,000 with trailer. Ph Ken 0403 011 924. 174

Westfield SE, '98 built (factory)', 4AG Toyota motor, used 1 season, all sorted, quick car. With trailer cost $30,000, sell $19,500. Ph 0419 900 990 bh or 03 9787 6177 ah. 174 Batburst Tourer shell, ex Auscar VS Comm, prof conv with cage, doors, lights & dash fitted, fuel sys, fire ext, p/steer, wiring, brake sys and Tilton fittings. Ready for paint. $7000. Ph 0417 322 093. y4 ' ' ‘ AUSCAR, Commodore shell with cage, never raced. $1,200. Ph 0417 322 093. .74 AUSCAR Sportsman VL Commodore, minimal work needpd to be race ready, rebuilt motor, urgent sale. $2,500 ono. Ph 03 9720 9026. 174 ^

Shelby GT500KR, genuine car with correct tags. 4 speed, dark green/black trim. Quick sale required. Ph 0418 556 934. 173 Ford XR6 AU. Raced Bathurst with Tony Longhurst '99.

Offers $40-50,000. 3 sets wheels, other spares. Phone Jim 0419 791 443. 173 Datsun 2000 — 1968, historic log book, Sb club plate registered. 140hp rear wheels. View at Phillip Island Histories. Car, trailer and 5 diff ratios. $25,000. Ph 02 4323 3777 or 0412 282 452. 173

Holden HQ, CAMS log book, good paint, many new parts, spare rims & tyres. $1,800 ono. Must sell. Ph 0418 625 004. M2

Nissan Skyline 2 door coupe HR31, gunmetal grey.

08/95 Australian compliance, RB20 intercooled turbo with performance pop oft valve. Kenwood sound system, RWC, reg 05/00. VGC $11,750. Ph 07 4691 5833. 172 AUSCAR Sportsman Commodore, championship winning engine, very competitive, always finished in top ten. Car comes with full range of spares. Car cannot be described in 30 words. $10,000. Ph 0410 640^44. 172 Nissan Skyline 2 door coupe HR31, lightweight Nismo body shell. 2.5 litre 6 cylinder 24 valve twin cam EFp. AP rotors front and rear, Harrop 4 spot calipers, new and partly used Dunlop slicks, wets and intermediates. All you need tor an extremely competitive club car or sports sedan.

Needs assembly, paint and roll cage. Total value $40K+, will lake $19,000 ono. Ph 07 4791 5833. .72

Mid-mounted 202, dry sump. Webers, forged pistons, triple plate BB, c/r Chev Muncie. Ford rear end, Detroit locker, big brakes, 14 wheels, slicks & wets, quickest most successful 6 cyl in SA. $8,000. Ph 08 8565 6273. 173 Toyota Supra Group C touring car, dry brake fuel system, huge brakes, c/ratio gearbox. Rose jointed inde pendent suspension, limited slip diff, fuel injection, air jacks, Simmons wheels. $15,000. Ph 0411 258 037 m

Ld Torana Sports Sedan, fresh engine 202, Irving head, mid mounted. New tyres, 300hp, CR Muncie box, 4 adjustable shocks, 4 wheel disc brakes, fine springs, axles.

Log book, range of spares. Ready to race. Ph 03 9350 1728, 173

Escort Mk.1 Twin Cam 1970, complete original oar minus front seats and engine. Rusty but restorable. Ideal Appendix J (Nc) or rally project. $3,500. Ph 02 4323 3777 or 0412 282 452. 173 Torana XU-1, set-up for Targa, Classic Adelaide, full cage, racing seats, harnesses, Terratrip, intercom, com plete with spares (spare motor). Excellent RW complete. $20,000. Ph 08 8396 6878 ah or 0418 828 787. 173

V8Supercar VS Commodore, as raced '99. complete ^rolling chassis less eng and gearbox. $39,000. Ideal Lites/Shell Series car, 018 Perkins chassis, never crashed.

Centre lock wheels (2 sets), air jacks, current log book, major spares package also available. Fresh 6-speed Holinger available. Ph Mike Imrie 0418 551 170. m V8 Supercar VS, ex-HRT. Holden engine plus lots of spares with spare engine. $75,000. Ph 0418 449 139. 172 HQ Monaro, 2 door, most parts to complete. VGC. origi nal GTS guards, suit Group Nc. POA. Ph 03 9725 3234 or 0418 389 438. 172 VS Commodore Supercar, competitive, reliable car. set up & ready to race, includes comprehensive pit equip ment & spares package, ideal tor V8 kites or Shell Championship Series. Priced to sell - $105,000 ono. Ph Rod Salmon 02 9898 1111 or 0418 444443 or email rsalmon@showtech.com.au. 173

LJ Torana, currently logged as a Club Car, or easy con version to NC. Plenty of spares, diff ratios, wheels etc. $9,900 neg, Ph 02 9671 1042. m Falcon XR8 AUSCAR, rolling chassis with Bilstein susp, fire system, autometer dash, diff, gearbox, 2 sets of wheels, fuel churn, jack etc. $14,500. Ph Jamey 0414 952 601. 172 HQ Race car, competitive, reliable Bathurst winning oar, ideal for entry level or serious contender, includes com plete spare car, wheels, tyres, etc. Priced to sell $5,000 ono. Ph Paul Taylor 02 9898 1111 or 0419 285 248 or email ptaylor@showtech.com.au

Porsche 928GT '92 model, fresh engine & gearbox.

Full rollcage suitable Porsche Cup/Club Car - includes full MoTec M8, spare wheels, slicks & wets. $63,000. Must sell.

Ph 03 9589 7357 or 0417 996 928 or Fax 03 9589 7353. email: mpdracing@bigpond.com. 173 V8 Supercar EL, ex-Glenn Seton, GSR 7. Ready to race, spare engine and spares package. $180,000. Ph 0418 449 139. 172 ■r '

Toyota Corolla “Levin" Coupe, 1992 AE101 FWD, 1600CC 4AGZE twin cam EFi supercharged engine. 5speed, mags, 4 wheel discs. ABS, full rollcage, /VC, CD, stereo. P/wind. Serious performer. Rally/race import, suit Targa type events. Good condition. $10,000. Ph 03 9765 6138 or 0419 886 544. 173 Capri Mk3, 2.8 injection, excellent condition. Full rego, red, becarot two tone grey interior. One of only two believed to be in South Australia. $20,000. Ph 08 8349 4588. 173 HQ Holden, short circuit racer. $2300 strong 202 (with receipts) fully barred, RPM harness, many spares. $1,750 ono. Ph 07 4636 0825. 173

4

r

Captl) Snuuw

Porsche 9111 RS/CS, car like new, ready to race seri ously or at tun Targa/club events. Range of spares/wheels, all set-up info. Reg'oed, only done 10,000km since new, just repainted. $160,000 neg with or without spares. Ph Jim Richards 03 9876 1960 or 0418 320 726. 172 HQ Monaro Spprts Sedan, was Hewland rear, will sup ply with Harrop diff front/rear brakes etc. Some body moulds, no engine or box. $7500. Ph 0412 156 766 any time. 172 NASCAR, Terry Wyhoon Aussie Ford Thunderbird. Race ready for Melb Grand Prix with many spares. Ph Terry 0408 555 821. POA. 172

HQ Holden race car, no expense spared on this com petitive race car, including top horsepower Swift motor.

Consistent top 10 runner in Qld at Lakeside and '98 Indy GP. Ready to race, nothing to spend. $6,500 ono. Ph 0417 399 162 bh or 07 3824 2818 ah. 173 HQ/NASCAR 2 Dome cars, complete ready to race next round. $5,000 or $4,000 or swap for NASCAR Level 2 to same value. Ph 0412 377 402. 173

HQ Race car, top 5 runner. POA. Ph 03 9725 3234 or 0418 389 438. 172 Escort rally project, plus heaps of parts to help finish.

All hard work done, all the good stuff (Bilstein, Brembo, Fierra.) $5,740, I have spent a thousand morel Ph 0412 372 678. .72 1994 Chevy Camaro, red with red & grey interior, removable smoked glass targa trips. Personally imported 2 years ago. Returning to live in America. $30,000 obo. Ph 03 5529 2579. .72

w

Commodore Gup 44, new Iront suspension, still In box, diff & gearbox just reconditioned, needs short to run, heaps of spares including painted panels. Urgent sale. $14,500.

Ph 02 9772 8454 bh or 02 9528 8392 ah, r72 NASCAR Pontiac Grand Prix, new body, 18‘ Chev engine, fast and consistent car complete with pit equip ment, flat track set up, Jerico gearbox, alcon brakes etc. $40,000. Ph 0410 640 644. .72 VW Golf GTi, 16V 3 door, c/r gearbox, traction control, out performs VR6, sen/lce records, 1 of less than 5 cars in Oz. Tornado red, excellent condition. $22,500. Ph 08 8278 5988ah or 08 8204 8869 bh. .72 Camaro Z28 '96, damaged front, perfect from wind screen back, immaculate interior, top base stereo, turbo 700, electric everything. No engine. Good GTP project or repair and register. $5,500. Ph 0412 156 766 anytime. 17; Datsun 280Z, mechanically sound, neat new Bridgestone radials. gold hotwire mags, neat interior, all gauges work. Immobiliser, FM radio/cassette, reasonable body, registered to June. $1,690 ono. Ph 08 9361 9906. .72

HOTLAP WITH THE LEGENDS A

IT >.X PRB Glubman, Toyota 1600 20 valve engine. MicroTech computer or 4AGE 16 valve, 4,3 plus 4.1 diffs, 2 sets wheels & tyres, 2 windscreens, leather upholstery, road registered, $40,000. Ph 03 9584 7540. 173 Nissan Pulsar GTiR, rally rego. $12,000. Ph 0413 824 048. 173 HJ Holden Utility, new worked V8. elec windows, cus tom tonneau, fresh paint. Gold 'snowflake' Simmons, Statesman front, immac condition. $8,700 ono. Ph 07 4636 0825. 173 Nissan Stanza S/Sedan, Hewland transaxle, 700kg car, chrome moly chassis, MoTec ECU, car available with or without engine. Would make lop 2 litre car. Ph 0411 474 144. 173 VL Sportsman AUSCAR, JFR built and race prepared.

Front running car, no expense spared. Will trade or best offer. Ph 03 9551 6585. vs Lancer Sports Sedan, 13B Bridgeport 300hp race engine. Cobra seat, six point harness, sell whole car or just engine etc. Can arrange test drive. No dreamers. $4,000.

Ph 02 4822 1563. 173

1. The Promoter is Australasian Motorsport News Pty Ltd. PO Box 1010 North Caulfield. Vic. 3161.

2. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry. ● 3. Entry is only open to residents of Australia, Employees and their immediate families of the Promoter, Ticketmaster 7 Australia Pty Ltd. General Travel Group Pty Ltd, Singleton Ogiivy & Mather, Australian Grand Prix Corporation and their agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter. To enter, consumers must purchase Motorsport News between 30/12/99 and 17/2/2000 and complete the official entry form and enclose four official competition images of Allan Moffat and/or Peter Brock and nominate either Allan Moffat or Peter Brock as their preferred driver on the {entry form and send entry to PO Box 1010 North Caulfield 3161. Multiple entries accepted but each entry must be on a separate entry form and in a separate envelope, All entry forms and competition images must be originals and no photocopies will be accepted, No responsibility accepted for late, lost or misdi* rected mail.

4. Promotion commences 30/12/99. Entries close 5pm 20/2/2000. The draw will take place at 11 am at 61 Christie Street St Leonards NSW 2065 on ;23/2/00. The winners will be notified by mail and their names will be published in Motorsport News on 2/3/2000.

5. "Hotlap with the Legends Prize". The first valid entry drawn which nominates Allan Moffat as the entrants prefen-ed driver and the first valid entry

drawn which nominates Peter Brock as the entrants preferred driver will each win a trip for 2 people to Melbourne valued at up to $5,000 depending on point of departure, including return economy airfares from the winners nearest capital city to Melbourne (if necessary), 2 four-day grandstand tickets to attend the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix and 4 nights twin share accommodation. The prize also includes the opportunity for each winner to be driven around the Albert Park circuit with their preferred driver in the vehicle the relevant driver will drive at the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix. The prize must be taken to coincide with the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix from 9/3/2000 to 12/3/2000 and the lap around the Albert Park circuit must be taken on the date and at the time determined by the Promoter In its absolute discretion and the winners must be available to take the prize at this time. The prizes are subject to booking and flight availability and flights may not be dianged once the tickets are purchased. Flights are on Qantas Airways Limited only and not its subsidiary airlines (ie Sunstate, Eastern Australian, Southern Airlines and Airlink) and flights do not accrue frequent flyer points. Upgrades cannot be purchased either with cash or frequent flyer points.

6. The winners of the Hotlap with the Legends Prize must comply with all directions of the Promoter, the driver and race officials at aH times, The winners must wear all safety equipment and passenger restraining equipment as requested.

TTie Promoter reserves the right to refuse to allow

Terms and Conditions.of Entry (see competition advertisement elsewhere)

a winner to take part in any or all aspects of the prize, if the Promoter determines. In its absolute discretion, that the winner is not in the mental or physical condition necessary to safely participate in the prize. As a condition of accepting the prize, the winners must sign a waiver of liability and indemnity form as required by the Promoter, Notwithstanding any other conditions set out herein, the Promoter and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation at all times reserve the right to prevent arty individual from participating in the Hotlap with the Legends Prizes for any reason whatsoever, 7. In the event of the unavailability of the Hotlap with the Legends Prizes for any reason outside the control of the Promoter the winner will be granted 2 x syndicated (shared) Pit Exit Suite hospitality tickets (the 'Ticket Prize') to the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix from 9-12 March 2000 valued at up to $3,190. Airfares and accommodation are not included In the Ticket Prize and the Ticket Prize must be taken to coincide with the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix held from 9/3/00 to 12/3/00.

8. Spending money, meals, transport to and from departure point, transfers and ail other ancillary costs incurred as a result of taking a prize Is the responsibility of the winners. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the prize values. Prizes are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.

9. All prizewinners and their companions attending the 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix agree to

comply with the Conditions of Entry to the event.

10. The prizewinners acknowledge and accept that motor racing and related activities are dangerous and accidents can happen, and that participation in any prize has a degree of d^>ger. To the extent permitted by law, the prize winners exclude, release and forever discharge the Promoter and the Australian Grand Prix and their respective personnel from all liabiffty for cfaims, loss, damage, costs or ejq^enses (whether arising under statute, from negligence, personal injury, death, property damage infringement of third party rights or otherwise) arising from or in connection with the participation ir> the relevant prize or attendance at the event or otherwise howsoever arising, 11. All entri^ become theproperty of the Promoter.

All entries will be entered into a database and the Promoter (or any third party nominated by the Promoter) may use entrants' names, addresses and the winners image and their comments relating to the prize for future promotionai, marfeeting and publicity purposes in any media wortdwkje without notice and wWwui any fee being paid.

12. If the winner is under the age of 18 years, the prize will be awarded to a member of the winneris immediate family (as nominated by the winner) provided such person is 18 years of age or over and such person complies with ail of the corxJitions set out above in relation to the pr^.

NSW Perrnit No. TC99/11483,Vic. Permit No.99/3939 issued on 16/12/99, ACT Permit No. TP99/2264, N.T. 99/3626, SA.T99/4280

DIM

18Februaiy2000

PM

Ford SVO 364. Ex.Scott Blomquist 99 engine. Best of everything, built by Jack Cornett CNC porting by Chapman, run for 2 meetings in a Super Sedan.

Dynosheets available. $32,000, consider normal road car as trade - money either way. Ph; 07 3806 9900. 173 Off road racing, 2L VW Golf engine. Comes complete with USA adapter, flywheel, extractors, baffled sump, MoTec Grp2-3D ECU, crank trigger ign, & complete wiring loom. Quick sale at $2,400ono. Ph 0414 367 997. 173

Speedwqy iUUUtit:

SSK.

Super Sedan, Pontiac Firebird as driven by Blair Granger. Girdlestone built 600 hp 366 Chev, woodward rack, all AFCO suspension. Complete competitive oar which is ready to race. $30,000 or sell less engine $15,000.

Ph 07 3888 5934 or 0417 789 053. 174

Qpeti Wheelers Formula Vee, 1972 Stag. Good condition, new belts and new battery, great entry to open wheel racing. $5,500ono & fully enclosed trailer. Ph 08 8278 3562. 174 Go-kart, Tony Kart Esprit 1995 + Sirio Reed engine 1994.

1997 Geelong club champion. 1998 runner-up. Vert fast setup with spares & support. $2,500 ono. Ph 03 9570 7589.

174

Super Sedan ex 97/98 Leslight car. This car has been totally rebuilt for this season, no expense spared. Run only twice. Complete car less engine & pumps. $26,000.

Consider normal road car as trade. Money either way. Ph 07 3806 9900. 173

Super Sedan, new quick change, new Brinn trans, new brakes and rack, heaps of spares, very competitive with or without engine. Consider trade Harley Davidson or boat. Ph 03 6340 1884. 174 Hi Bar Sprintcar. All you need is a motor. Lots of spares, good gear. Must sell $12,000. Ph: 03 5282 2792 173 Super Sedan, Camaro body, brand new Winters Alloy tube diff, power steer, torque link alloy wheels, radiator, ome spares. $9,500. Ph 07 3888 3232. 174 Modified Production TE Cortina, 250 x flow methanol engine, just been freshened up, 4-speed, p/steering, pro duction steering, 15" wheels, adj suspension, heaps of spares. No reasonable offer refused. Must sell, POA. Ph 0419 388 192 or 03 5996 8509. 173 Speedcar Gambler. KSE, Willwood, gauges, Ellis bon net, 3 sets crash bars, 4 front axles, 11 rims/tyres, spllned plus heaps more. Fully enclosed tandem trailer, all PC. $13,000. Ph 07 3800 0695. 173

Cheetah Mk VO Bolling Chassis, complete rolling chassis with body panels. Better than new. Onboard extin guisher, two sets of wheels Four spot callipers and historic certificate of description. $15,000 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah 174 Van Diemen BF93, immaculate condition, top HP engine, 3rd '99 NSW Championship, 8th Bathurst, front run ner, race ready, spare springs, ratios, wheels, tyres etc.

Including enclosed traler. Ph: Colin 0418 283 383 or 02 4655 9972. 173 1973 Bowin P6 F2, F.Pacific, complete car less engine.

Hewland FT200, Smiths gauges chronometrio tacho, spare wheels, body panels, wings, suspension and jigs. Log book. $19,000, Ph 0411 258 037. 173

Historic Lotus 23 Beplica, Group 0 1968 Renault run ning gear, glass body, 95% complete, spare engines and gearboxes. New trailer to suit. Paper work ready for CAMS. A rare opportunity. $16,000. Ph 07 3848 26.14 ah. 174 Spectrum 07 Formula Ford, with. MoTec system for lease. National or state rounds. Call to discuss packages' available. Ph Keith on 0408 066 106. 173 V8 Dirt Modified. As driven by USA's Tim Fuller. Minus motor and box. Complete with winters, weld, zail etc. $10,000. Ph 02 6643 2207 or 04l7 214 839. 173 Super Sedan Pontiac Firebird, Vic 19, engine built by Engines Unlimited in USA. Ali good gear, alloy wheels, fuel cell, new body, complete, ready to race, registered, heaps of spares. $24,500. Ph 0412 599 103 or 03 5241 4224. 174

\'' 1930 Z28 Camaro, MP fitted with 351 T.R.E. Buick and gliple. 825hp & 5351b torque. Dyno sheets available. 20 passes since built. Sell car complete with spares for cost of engine. $35,000. May separate or trade.^gh 02 9837 1569 or 0413 483 496. 173

Engine parts, S/S exhaust valves 1.60 $550, 308 crank std size $100, A9L conrods $300, Ford roller lifters $300, 308 mains^stud kit $50, Crane roller rockers 1.71 7/16 $200, Ford 9-inch 4-11 gears $200, Chev roller cam $400, Chev roller lifters $300, valve springs, titanium retainers $180, Yella Terra lightened flywheel (308)$150, pair Sabelt 4-point harness $200, 308 chrome molly push rods $130.

Ph0401 158 193. 174 Bathurst Tourer/AUSCAB, engine. Just spent $9000 on Shane Lowe rebuild top HP, light crank, good pistons, new everything includes clutch. $12,000. Ph 0417 322 093 174

Ford Twin Cam Engine, complete twin cam engine.

1600 cc good horsepower. Cosworth crank, Argo rods, forged pistons, Kent LI cams, big valves. Twin 45 Webers, Dry sump pump. Receipts for all parts. $17,500 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah. 174 . Mini race engines. Cooper S short engine, also 1380, 105bhp at wheels, 4x6" split rim Spectrums with Avon road tyres. Mini Cooper race car champfOnship winning car. Ph 07 5474 9578. 17-1 Cortina Mk.1 GT, 120E engine, suit App. J or historic.

Ph0411 744 049. 173 Cosworth BDP Special, 2.1 L, 314 hp. Complete rebuild by Les Nixon, Auckland for details and history. Ph Les 09 838 7488. $13,000. its BDA 1600CC Cosworth race engine. Historic three bolt head. As new condition built by Peter Lamer. Twin Cam Escort shell (rolling) as new condition. $22,000 the lot.

Ph 03 9439 4029. 173 Suzuki Katana motor S50, turbo charged 4 cyl. Would suit person with need for speed. $2,250ono. Ph: 03 9435 1516. 173

●

Terra billet flywheel to suit Holden $150. Roller rockers Yella Terra 5020 suit Holden V8, new in box $600. AUSCAR front Harrop discs S hats $1100. Dunlop Formula R 235/45 17" tyres, 4 new. $1600. Ph 0417 558 452. 173 Harrop air jacks, brand new (never been used) $1500.

Ford 9-inoh Richmond gear sets x2. Ratios 4:11, 3:00 $250 each. Gemini Coupe rolling chassis, suit 2L S/Sedan. $800.

Ph 03 5629 9344 bh. 173 Axles, 25 spline to suit Nc Torana. Ph: 02 4573 6418. 173 App J EH gearbox, full reco, new tailshaft and unis bal anced, RPM clutch and solid centre P/P with steel flywheel balanced. New clutch and master cylinder. Cost $1000, sell $600ono. Ph 03 9439 7667 or 0419 321 664. ,73 Gemini parts, reinforced crossmember and arms $100.

Baffled sumps $80 each. 4 of 13x7 Mawyer rims $100 (no centres). Gearboxes — Lynx manifold $50. Alloy callipers and lots more. Ph 0412 801 314. 173 Escort Twin Cam, front body cut, gearbox, ditf and many other body and mechanical parts from $5. Ph 0411 744 049. 173

Webers, triple sidedraughts with manifold. Suit red motor $1,000. Gearbox, XU-1 M21 with bell housing $500. Ph 02 4951 0269. 173 VB/VS Supercar body parts, bonnets, boots, doors, some guards, tail lights, front & rear spoilers, air jacks.

Some new, some second hand. Ph Rodney 03 9587 6199 or Fax 03 9587 6807. 173 18“ Porsche tyres. 8 good second hand tyres. $60 each. Ph 02 9628 8346 or e-mail: david_baxter37@hofmail.com. 173 Ford 2000E C/B, Quaife S/C box, professional spec $1,975. Rocket box Quaife SC/CR as new $1475. Fierra 5.13 cup new $745, LSD centre & pinion 28 spline new $750. Ph 08 8278 5988. 173 MoTec dash logger, extended mem, updated loom, with sensors, shift light etc. Absolutely excell, cond, only 4 races old. Bargain $7,200. Ph Ken 0411 501 221. 173 Leyland V8 parts, two engines, many heads including 2 Traco heads, roller cam and followers, roller rockers, com petition head gaskets, Leyland to Hewland adapter, dry sump system. $1,200. Ph 0411 258 037. 173 Lucas fuel injection system, 8 cyl metering unit, 2x mechanical and 2x electric pumps. Smith crossover mani fold and Vertex magneto to suite Chev F5000. $2500. Ph 0411 258 037. .73 Dry sump system, suit SB Chev (Weaver)$1,650. Ph 02 6255 0400. 173 Ford 2.81 engine & gearbox, $1000. 2.0 Itr EFi engine $1750. 5-speed gearboxes $500. Escort Mk.1 round head light front ranels and grills (new) $250. 4.1:1 LSD $1500.

Many Escort, Capri, Sierra parts. Ph 08 8349 4588. ra Detroit Locker, new to suit Nc Torana. Ph 02 4573

49 n

Biahaat

a

I?"33 United Expressline Trailer, 20ft fully enclosed, cus tom built in USA, integral generator & air compressor, new electric brakes & tyres, lined interior, workbench, cup boards etc. $15,000. Ph 0407 926 214. 174 Enclosed Lightweight Trailer, suitable for open wheeler. Fully enclosed secure trailer built with steel chas sis with aluminium body. Single axel and brakes. $3,000 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah. 174 Chew 91 Cl500 extra cab, 454ci, T400, air bags, fully loaded, engineered tow hitch, security system, electric trail er brakes, CB radio. Side skirts etc. $44,000 ono. Ph 0415 242 157 or 02 9821 3688. i74

Truck and trailer, 1987 Mils, A/C, air suspension, 28' tri axle trailer. Hydraulic lift, awning, elec brakes. A1 condi tion. Ph Stan 02 4392 4160. 173

international race car transporter, Cummins pow ered, 13 speed road ranger, 61,000 original kms, fully equiped, 2 cars, tailgate lift, lounge/kitchen, annex, flooring plus more. $87,500. Finance available. Ph 03 9782 2444. 173

6418. 173

l^qwsp®rtt©rs/Irqiiers

Parts

Holley race carburetor, Blake 750cfm, suit 5-6 litre engine $1250. Ford 351 4V'cyl heads complete $1200 pr.

4-wheel aligner FMC-5000. Perfect condition $4500/ Ph 03 9800 3299 or 03 9873 5586 ah. 174 Twin 40mm, side draught Dellorto DHLA carburettors $350. Ph/fax 02 6862 4100 or 0412 262 411. 174 Bennmax Wheels, complete set of hand made Rennmax wheels. 2 x 13" x 10" and 2 x 13" x 14" very rare. $3,000 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah. 174 Hart 416B Cam Cover, hard to find cam cover to suit Ford T/C. $1,000 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah. 174 Lucas Fuel Injection, complete system to suit Ford T/C. 6 mm lines and completely reconditioned. $2,000 Ph 02 9440 0950 ah. 174 Ford T/C Head, in good condition. Gas flowed and com plete with big valves. $3,000(AH)02 9440 0950 174 Assorted parts, Cortina GT console $150, stainless 4door Cortina GT strips $25, $50 each. 2 door Cortina - flo through body '65, exceilent gaps, primed, rust and dent free $2,000. Mark 2 Lotus/GT gearbox, remote shifter $600.

Ph/fax 02 6862 4100 or 0412 262 411. 174 Autometer Sport-comp water temp gauge, $120.

Autometer sport comp oil pressure gauge $100. Pro-shift lite with 7000rpm chip kit $90. Ali brand new and unused.

Ph Steve 03 9722 1745 or 0419 138 017. 174 Air conditioning, hose complete. Suit XD, XE, ZJ, ZK V8. Brand new, plastic electric gear to suit above. All never used. $65 ono. Ph 03 5261 9721. 74 Bathurst Tourer/AUSCAB gear. New Sacohs clutch $1700, Super T10 gearbox $2500, dilfs T/Dome & flat track - 3.08 & 3.7 f/floaters $1200 each. Harrop brakes, good condition ino hubs, s/rotor. OK on BT $2500, AUSCAR alum seals $300 each, tailshaft $300, Bilstein shocks (8) $1000, Commodore p/steer rack $100, Auscar rims (9)$450, f/end 2 comp crack tested & box of spares $400.

AUSCAR/NASCAR fuel churns (2) all fit $500. Ph 0417 322

Mazda T3500 Bus. Professionally renovated by Car Trek with large rear door (1500x1300). Suit rally service or kart transporter. Good condition. POA. Ph 03 9386 5331. 174 2 X 48’ race car trailers, no 1 not yet completed.

14.6m X 4.3m x 2.5m. Carry Q cars, elevator rear door, air bag suspension, Alcoa rims etc.4.50,000 down,$30,000 on completion. Total $80,000. No 2 also carries 3 cars and has everything. Full bathroom, lounge, TV, stereo etc. Total $185,000. Ph 03 5248 7377. 174 Go Kart Trailer, professionally built, exc cond, looks smart, carries 2 karts plus spares. Tows great $2,000. Ph 03 9436 5203. 173 Bace car transporter, 42' Pantec with 3 car capacity, electric winch, m/wave, fridge, pius '87 Mitsubishi prime mover, 15 speed roadranger. Low K's, perfect cond. $78,000 will seperate. Must sell. Ph 03 9589 7357 or 0417 996 928 or fax 03 9589 7353 or e-mail - mpdracing@bigpond.com. 173 1989 FSR 500 Isuzu, 6.5-litre diesel. 6-speed, crew cab, 48" sleeper, electric brake controller, trailer air brakes, inverted 50mm king pin. $18,000. Ph 03 5248 7377. 174

692. 174

Twin choke side draft SU carb, ex C/Climax. $150 ono. Ph 07 5537 9780 or 0418 784 992. 174 Pi Dash 2+2, with loom and sensors. $3,500. Ph Rodney 03 9587 6199 or Fax 03 9587 6807. 173 Holden B-cast V8, cylinder heads, machined for large springs, polished chambers, throated with 3 angle seats and s/s 1 piece valves $550. Sach clutch $1000. Yella

Wfiiiteil Automobile Year Annuals, Nos 1-6, pref good condi tion, private coliector. Ph Tony, Auckland NZ Ph 09 415 3959 or 09 410 9425. 174 Fabricator, must have roll cage manufacture experience, for sub-contract position, Ph Rod Smith Racing on 03 5988 6266. 174

13” 3 piece wheels, or just rims Need 7’ or wider.

Anything considered. Ph Terry on 07 3814 3762 or e-mail esp@hypermax.net.au 174 Sponsor wanted, for Subaru WRX running in Club Car. Ph 07 3205 1570. 173 Driving suits. 2 or 3 layer. FIA approved in sizes M, L & XL. Detail of size/colour & price ph Nic 0413 504 723, m

Other

093. 174

Complete range equipment, Intercomp scales, opti cal alignment gear., Dunlop camber/caster gauge, Dorian, quicklifts, chassis stands, spring rater. Bell AFX helmet (L), Memo boots (II) much more. Bargain prices. Ph 0419 895

Transporter 93 Hino Hawke. FD3W 150K white 6speed, air, Bocar, 3/00 rego, on board generator. Atlas Copco silent compressor, stainless methanol tank, tyre racks, work bench, storage racks, excellent condition $46,000. Consider normal road car as trade. Money either way. Ph 07 3806 9900. 173 Fully enclosed, tandem axle trailer. 2.3m x 2.4m x 5.2m ramps, tyre rack, work bench & shelves. Side access door.

New (Sept '99) tandem rocker suspension, brakes and light truck wheels & tyres. $5,500. Ph 0417 826 284. t73

Fully enclosed tri axle, tri electric brakes, new 1999, 32ft long, 25ft by 8ft by 6.4pt enclosed 24ft by 16ft annex, no sides. Cost $12,000, sell $9,500 neg. Ph 0415 846 719 or 08 8284 8087. 174 Chev 79 C20 Silverado, 350oi, manual box, dual fuelgas, electric trailer brakes, engineered tow hitch, dual exhaust, sun roof, large radiator. $12,000 ono. Ph 0415 242 157 or 02 9821 3688. m

Books, Australian Motor Racing Year Nos 16 & 17 $40 each. Great race books complete set, offers. Magazines — Autosport, CCC,SCW,total of 380 $170, Bathurst books(5) the other one, offers. Ph 03 9397 6750. 174 AGP tickets, 3 tickets, Fangio stand. Section L — 19,20,21 plus extras. $650 the lot. Ph:07 5571 5101. 174 Race suits, 2 x Emerson size L & XL. CAMS approved, double layer. Only worn twice. $250 each ono. Ph 02 9546 1685 or 0418 116 113. 174 West McLaren Mercedes, 3/4 length reflective team jacket. Made in Germany by Hugo Boss. West embroidary on back/breast, sponsors logos embroided on both shoul ders. Not available anywhere unless you are a team mem ber. $1,700. Ph 039808 7821 or 0418 337 252. 173

Category; □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers □ Speedway □ Drag □ Ports □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs □ Other

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W February 2000

Cowin rules, OK? Editorial Eiditor Phil Branagan TechmscaS Editor Tony ■Glynn Assistant Editor Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist Aaron Noonan GrapSiscs Co-or«*inat®r Viv Brumby

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Administration Managing Director Chris Lambden

Contacts 89 Orrong Crescent Caulfield North VIC 3161 (PO Box 1010 North Caulfield 3161) Phone: 03 9527 7744 Fax: 03 9527 7766 Email: msnews@02emaii.com.au

CompuServe: 100237,11 as

Contributors General: Brian Reed, Grant Nicholas, Dariyl Flack, Jon Thomson, Mike Kable, Mark Jones FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins US: Phil Morris l\IZ: John Hawkins Speedway: Brett Swanson, Dennis Newlyn, Sue Hobson, Geoff Rounds, Tony Millard (UK), Rally: Peter Whitten, Jon Thomson Drag Racing: Greg Ward, Jon Asher (USA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson Super Speedway: Martin Clark (USA) Karts: Sean Henshelwood, Graeme Burns, Frank Viola, John Morris Photographers: Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Bothwell Photographic, Marshall Cass, ' Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett, Tony Glynn, AFI Images, Neil Hammond, Slipstream Photographic, Thunder-PiCs, Phil Williams, Allsport, John Morris/Mpix, Frank Midgley, John Bosher, Lynley Reid, Mike Patrick (UK), ’Daniel Wilkins, Wayne Nugent, Petef French, Chris Carter Artist; Bernie Walsh Cartoonist: Allan Schofield

Dear Sir, I went along to the Motorsport Awards last week and had a great night rubbing shoulders with many of my motor racing heroes.

Apart from the thrill of seeing and dining alongside such greats as triple world champion Sir Jack Brabham and the Stateside Can-Am nemesis himself, Frank Matich, I was really pleased to see Motorsport News and CAMS duly acknowledge the impressive achievements of the stars emerging from the current crop of competitors.

Which brings me to my main point, which concerns the actual judging procedure itself.

Without wishing to bag any of the other award finahsts, I believe young , Andrew Cowin, who absolutely blitzed the American NHRA ranks in Top Fuel racing last season in his first year of competition with his father’s USbased Aussie team, was shghted.

What Andrew did was beyond belief and I can only assume that the judges weren’t attuned to this most specialised form of motor racing, otherwise this phenomenal teenager would have been the recipent of the Young Achiever Award.

Holly WUson Blairgo'wrie, VIC

Where’s Klaus?

Dear Sir, I wrote to MN about a year ago concerning the 1999 Australian Super Touring season which, at the time, was the subject of many rumours, including the possible return of Paul Morris in a BMW, a Nissan for Englishman Jamie Wall and a partnership between Allan Moffat . and German Klaus Niedzwiedz.

As we all know, Paul did return and what a fine job he did (it baffles me as to why a manufacturer doesn’t join up with NEMO Racing for ^he 2000-01 season). As to the other rumours, nothing happened.

So, in this early part of 2000, what is the hkelihood of Moffat and Niedzwiedz having another go at trying to do a deal for the upcoming season?

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Motorsport News is published by

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I the 45 minute races (one each day) and the pit stops.

What I didn’t enjoy was the extremely high ticket prices ($100 for the weekend), sitting around all day Sunday for just one race (thankfully I didn’t buy a one day ticket for $50, as that would have Send letters to*iTalk Convertei to POBoxlOlONortiiCaiiKiefcl been poor value) and the three hour our E-maB address, or bx to 03 9527 7766. trip home, made worse by the one Ihe staff of Motorsixwt News does not necessarily agree wiiii epWoiis and a half hours it took to get off the island.

Its unbelievable to think that such a traffic snarl could be caused by so few spectators and I can only wonder why the track made no obvious attempt at all to resolve any or all of the problems.

Can you imagine what it would be like if a really decent-sized crowd was actuaOy in attendance?

Surely, with such high ticket prices, A^SCO could provide big screens for us to watch the pitstops and see regular updates on who is actually where on the track.

Bob Jane has an enormous mobile scoreboard that keeps his paying customers informed from the infield and it has appeared on Rocket to the top: 19 year-old A ndrew Cowin wowed the US drag more than one occasion out at racing establishment with his tremendous performances. (Keith surgan) Sandown Park for the tourers - so, They could use a wide range of to put me in contact with Wade bearing in mind that its actually transportable behind a prime equipment for their assault on the Aunger.

Wade would have to be the best mover, why wasn’t it at the Island?

ASTC, ranging from an ex-BTCC Also, two races on the one day Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord, Volvo Sprintcar commentator in Austraha would be far better than the S40, or even one of those fast Alfa and it would be very much appreciated if you could put me in Saturday-Sunday concept.

Romeos that I saw a picture of in I’m sure more fans would flock to contact with him.

MN a few weeks ago in the Italian And almost every issue of the Island to watch the previous championship.

If Mr Moffat is reading this, all I Motorsport News that comes out, I three races in a day (Sunday) format - and that’s a view based on can say is this: Please try and get a buy. facts gleaned from comments made deal going with Niedzwiedz, or Josh WeUs, by numerous unhappy fans about anybody who’s got talent. last weekend’s new approach.

Lastly, of the rumour of Jamie Devonport; TAS I have to say that most spectators Wall racing in Australia last Assist Ed: You can contact season, what is the likelihood that Wade through the producers of around me felt less than satisfied with only one V8 Supercar race per we will see him racing a Super Speedweek, Australian Video and Entertainment, in Sydney day, which obviously explained the Tourer in Atistraha this year? on K)2 9929 9056. modest crowds over the three days As for buying almost every this year.

Garry Wetherstone To be honest, though, its the Sutherland, NSW ' issue of Motorsport News, get with it kid... problems relating to the trip home that would have to make me think Love that Chat seriously about travelling to the Chaos theory Dear Sir, Island again. For the bike race, I live in Tasmania and I am a Dear Sir, there’s great organisation, but for To Tony, AVESCO and Phillip the V8s, nothing but chaos. really big fan of Sprintcar racing.

Island - loved the concept, but Tony, I hope you can work My number one driver is Garry Brazier. something out... appalled by its execution.

As far as I was concerned, last I watch Speedweek every week weekend’s new two-race format at Michael Hurwood, that the Sprintcars are on and I Phillip Island was great; I enjoyed WiUiamstown, VIC was wondering if you would be able

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Richard Fraser - 1999 winner of The Uitimate Rid

Imagine this...You’re at the first Formula One race of the millennium, with jam packed crowds,all of the pros, and those beautiful machines waiting to purr...and you,

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Simply buy your Grand Prix tickets before 5pm on Tuesday the 29th of February 9n0fl fnr vniir rhanrp to win.

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