Motorsport News Issue 175 - 17-30 March 2000

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SKANUPKUL; rHE eull inside story (NZ$5.9Slncl GST)

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17 March 2000

South African Supercar bid

Morris uncertain ... but who will get the race - and when? for Perth

By PHIL BRANAGAN

UP to three groups are competing to hold as many as two V8 Supercar races in South Africa in the near future.

It is believed that the management of both the Kyalami and Killarney cir cuits are looking at running races following the final round of the Shell Championship Series in November next year.

There are also other enquiries being made by Australian representatives not linked with AVESCO about holding a street race in Cape Town at the end of the 2002 season.

And, as unlikely as it seems, representatives of the Kyalami track have said they are looking holding a V8 Supercar race to support a round of the International Streets of: Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra. Next Johannesburg, or Cape Town? (Photo by oi* Kiynsmith) Sports Racing Series (ISRS) The race seems especially 2001, 2002 or 2003? I don’t ing the Holden brand in SA spaceframe cars appear in a to be held at the track at the impossible in light of com- know. Four changes are at the end of this year with 10 round championship. end of November this year. ments from A’VESCO’s Tony already in place for 2001, the Commodore.

The other categories are Both cars will be sold in the Bankfin championship The circuit is trying to Cochrane: with the end of the Indy car gain a round of the . “If we go to South Africa race, a 14 round series and CBU (Completely Built Up) for Super Production cars European Supertruck series We would only go with a 32 a New Zealand race. Five form, and are aimed at a attracting entries from car field for a Shell (changes) would be too ‘niche’ market for buyers Nissan, Opel and BMW and (they had a non-champi much.” onship race in 1999) but, as Championship Series round. who may be looking for a Procar, which is an the ISRS race is a week after “We would have to fit it in In the Kyalami/Killamey roomy luxury car with tow improved production class Bathurst, it would appear with,Perth Md we’d fly the bid, discussions are being ing capabihty. to encourage privateer com that this is more of a case of cars over for a race the fol sought with the local man Touring car racing in petitors. tiying cqnvince ISRS organ lowing week. Then there agement of Ford and South Africa is popular, Presently, with a race in isers to reduce the cost to get would be a three week General Motors. Ford have with the number one class 2000 looking impossible and the truck| to Johannesburg break.” been selling Australian- being the Westbank V8 races in 2001 unlikely at Cocliiane would not com than a serious attempt to get built, six-cylinder Falcons in Modified Saloon series, best, that leaves the Cape Commodores and Falcons. A ment on when a race might the Republic for the last two which is for cars similar to Town/2002 or 2003 option decision is expected next happen. years and General Motors the American IMSA GT as the best apparent option week.

“Is it going to happen in Holden is looking at launch¬ spec. Up to 25 of the 400hp, for the V8 Supercar series.

Webber's Fosters deal

Pliolo by Dirk Klynsmit^-

IT’S official - Mark Webber is

PAUL Radisich has hit out at suggestions from a number of fellow V8 drivers that he drove unfair ly at last weekend’s Grand Prix event, saying that as he hadn’t let his opponent’s have their way, he has “rattled them.”

“I’ve obviously rattled them and they’re upset ’cause they’re not getting their own way,” Radisich said in response to comments attributed to Holden drivers Craig Lowndes and Garth Tander in last Sunday’s Herald-Sun newspaper in Melbourne.

“I guess it’s really Holden versus Ford from now on.”

Radisich defended himself from the comments by saying he had driven within the rules in all races.

“The rules state a driver can move over once to pro tect their position and that’s all I did, other than race hard from go to whoa.

“They wanted me to let them through and I made it difficult for them to get by - that’s my job,” he said.

“Sure there was some pushing, from all sides, but that’s racing and no stewards were involved and I wasn’t charged with driving unfairly.

“In a straight fight on the weekend, I didn’t have the equipment to fend them off, so I drove accordingly.

“I was standing up for myself, the Shell Helix team and Ford and I raced hard. What else could I do, lay down and die? I don’t think so...”

Radisich said he was disappointed in the published article, saying he’d been unfairly dealt with and that any accusations of unfair driving were false.

“It’s a shame as people have read that I’m the had guy and they’ve been mislead - I’m just a racer trying the best for myself and my team and racing within the rules.”

RADISICH has said he has taken football celebri ty Sam Newman’s comments that “his crown as the world’s biggest prick” had been taken by the kiwi with a grain of salt.

“Sam was out there enjoying himself and he’s only commented on something that really had nothing to dow with him after reading the [Herald-Sun] article,” Radisich said.

“I feel as though I’ve been used for a bit of entertain ment, but I’ve taken his comments with a grain of salt.

They don’t mean anything.”

-GERALD McDORNAN

an FI driver, after Arrows launched its team in Melbourne last week.

Better still, Webber has announced a personal sponsorship deal with Fosters.

“I’m rapt,” he said after the launch.

“Fosters is a huge company and they get thousands of requests for sponsorship in motorsport. I’ll be proud to represent them.”

Webber’s next date is at Imola in F3000 this week, and his next FI outing is at Silverstone on Tuesday 28 February.

Turn to page 10 for more

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PAUL Moms’participation in this weekend’s second round of the Shell Championship Series at Wanneroo is dependent on an appteal, which was due to be heard in Melboiume yesterday(Wednesday). The Big Rev’s driver was fined $10,000 and had his licence suspended for seven days over the race 3 incident last weekend which involved Neil Crompton. Morris’s transporter was already making its way to Perth when Motorsport News closed for press. n Victorian Premier Steve Bracks’s head must still be in a spin following his shock victory over JefFKennett late last year.

When talking on the trackside GP-TV,Bracks said the Grand Prix, which he supports strongly, is “one of many great sporting events in Victoria each yeareach year starting with the Boxing Day cricket test at the MCG.” He repeated the quote at the GP Ball the following night, but it didn’t change the fact that the last time we looked, the Boxing Day test was the last major sporting event of the year... n Wh'dt did footy star Sam Newman think of driving his first real race car, his Hot Wheels V8 Supercar?

“I think it’s the greatest thing ever... perhaps e.xcept for a threesome. But other tiian that...” n A special award was made at the Official Grand Prix Ball in honour of the late Enzo Ferrari, who died in 1988. The founder of the scarlet team, Ferrari was honoured for having made the most significant contribution to motor sport, in the 20th century.

The man who now leads Ferrari’s FI efforts — Jean Todt — accepted the award. n A memo circulated to all V8 teams on Saturday morning by AVESCO operations manager Tony Mason (?)reiterated the chance for drivers to be fined up to $15,000 if they failed to. meet the contractual obligations of the V8’s participation at the AGP. n Steven Richards’ Kman Commodore will be in action in Perth. The Gibson Motor Sport team have repaired the VI after it hit the. wall shorty after the start of the caniage-ridden race three. “It looks A1 hut it'.s a little bit second-hand as you could imagine i from the impact >, but well give it a full fix-up when we get back from Perth." he told Motorsport News prior to the team’s transporter rolling out of Dandenong. Neil Crompton’s FTR Falcon is another to he OK for Perth even de.spite the damage susiained in MeSwume. n Sabe* wilt conrmue its support of P.aul Romano at ct"? weekend’s Shell Series rvoiKi at j Barbagaffo. The com^my is j Australia’s leading' manufectew i of homeware and hinishaid cleaiiing products.

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17 March 2000

n While the rest of the cars involved in the V8 Supercar crash on the opening lap of Sunday’s race were pitted against the clock to get their cars repaired for Barbagallo, the Holden Young Lions can take it somewhat eas ier. Perth was never in their itinerary for the sea son and Todd Kelly will be back for the Clipsal 500.

He tore tendons in his left wrist in the accident but should be fit to drive in Adelaide.

Bright's CART race chance

n PaulWeel’s K&J Thermal Products team is building another AU Falcon. If a budget can be found, then endurance co driver Greg Crick may be seen behind the wheel clocking up some laps before Queensland and Bathurst. n Porsche Boxster designer Harm Lagaay made an appearance at Albert Park, the German auto designer behind the wheel of his own Elfin.

IB West Australian racer Neville Lance had a busy weekend, with com mitments both at the GP in the NASCAR support races and the Austr^ian Speedcar 'Titles at Western Auto Raceway at Bacchus Marsh, on the outskirts of Melbourne, using a helicopter to tran.sit between the two venues.

It wasn’t a good week end with the NASCAR, Lance’s Taurus blowing an engine in the third race, while'at the dirt track a fourth place finish was some consolation.

SV8-cum-AUSCARcum-NASCAR facer Nathan Pretty is unsure of his racing plans, the Albury driver having plenty of equipment in his Wodonga workshops, but no backer.

To get things moving.

Pretty is about to begin ride days vdth his V8 Supercar at Winton while, in an attempt to keep his racing hand in, he will soon contest the International Jet Boat Series, taking his place behind the wheel of the boat Jason Bargwanna drove last year. n Jones gets Stealthed: Andrew Jones’ Formula Ford is heading to Western Australia to have a re-birth at the work shops of Fastlane Racing.

Fastlane, who run their modified Van Diemen RF94s for Leanne Ferrier, Stuart Kostera and Simon Wheeler will convert Jones’ machine to a ‘Stealth’for further rounds of the Formula Ford series. n Davey Hamilton has replaced John Hollansworth at Team Xtreme in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series due to the ‘unexpected loss of two associate sponsors’.

Hollansworth remains under contract to the team, while Hamilton will continue his run of having raced in all IRL events ever held at Phoenix this weekend.

Bright eyes: Jason Bright is eyeing a drive in a Champ Car this year.

JASON Bright is like ly to contest four races in this year’s FedEx Championship Series, including the Honda Indy 300 on the Gold Coast in October.

Sources suggest that Bright is close to secur ing the funding to step up from Indy Lights, the young Australian being expected to run with Carl Hogan’s currently parked team.

Bright is said to be receiving considerable support from Bob Dorricott, owner of his Indy Lights team,for his move into the Champ

Salo disqualified Finn excluded from AGP, loses points

By JOE SAWARD SAUBER Petronas driver Mika Salo finished sixth at the Qantas Australian 'Grand Prix but was then excluded from the results when the scrutineers found that the car infringed the F1 technical regulations.'

During tfte measurement 'checks after the race it was found that the rear edge of the car’s front wing extended backwards into an area in^which no bodywork is allowed. The overlap was around 20mm - Sauber team did not bother to challenge the findings.

The exclusion will come

as an embarrassment to Sauber as the Swiss team' battles to retain its sponsorship from the Malaysian oil company Petronas.

Team boss Peter Sauber stopped off in Kuala Lumpur on his way to Australia for meetings with the top management of Petronas, pitching for a five year extension to their current contract - a decision expected from Petronas at the end of March.

Petronas is involved in Sauber Petronas Engineering AG, a joint venture with the team to

design and develop engines for Formula 1 and road cars. This organisation is headed by Japanese engineer Osamu Goto and while the roadgoing engines have been quite a success the Ft engine plan has been shelved.

In recent days Petronas has bought control of the Malaysian car company Proton. This company owns the Lotus Group in Norfolk and in recent days we have heard storied suggesting that Lotus has been very quietly sounding out a number of FI engine designers about a possible FI project.

All for naught: Mika Salo has been disqualified from the Australian Grand Prix. (Suiton-images)

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Car series - Dorricott so confident in Bright’s abil ities that he encouraged him to sign with the team prior to the Australian actually securing the right amoimt offunding..

It is believed the 27year-old could debut behind the wheel of Hogan’s Lola-MercedesBenz at Road America in late August, and run the subsequent road races at Vancouver and Laguna Seca before heading down-under for the Surfers Paradise round of the series.

Hogan’s team is cur rently not planning to con¬

test the full 2000 season, with previous driver Helio Castro-Neves now at Penske - a replacement not having been found.

Bright begins testing with the Dorricott team this week with the series kicking off at Long Beach, California, next month.

According to sources close to the team, Bright has already settled in well and they are expect ing strong results from the former Formula Holden Gold Star winner - Bright having also earned a ruimer-up spot in the US FF2000 series.

-PHIL MORRIS ^1

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Get used to it: Melbourne is trying to secure a longer-term contract, tying up the race at Albert Park until 2012.

Albert Park until 2012?

BIELBOUIINE is understood to be close to conclud ing a deal to host the Australian Grand Prix until the year 2012.

The race has been held in Albert Park since 1996 and Grand Prix Corporation boss Ron Walker is keen to secure the event for as long as possible to stop other Australian cities bidding for it.

In recent months there have been suggestions that Adelaide might try to win the event back again and Sydney may be in position to make a bid for the race once the Olympic Games are out of the way.

Walker is in a very strong bargaining position at the moment as he played a crucial role in putting FI boss Bemie Ecclestone in contact with the US investment company Heilman & Friedman, which has agreed to pay Ecclestone $lbn for a share in Formula One Holdings - the company also having ties to the Fairfax organisation.

-JOE SAWARD

Petronas completes Proton purchase

Sale has serious ramificationsforfuture FI involvement with Sauber

By JOE SAWARD PETRONAS has acquired a majority shareholding in Malaysia’s national car company Proton, after more than a year of negotiations.

The deal could have a pro found effect on the oil com pany’s involvement in Formula 1 in the years ahead with suggestions from Malaysia in recent months that Petronas will

commission Proton sub sidiary Lotus Cars to design a Formula 1 engine for the future.

Petronas agreed to pay US$271m for a 25.7 percent share in the company which was previously owned by the trouble Hicom. Proton has also bought Hicom’s automobile distribution net work EON. The deal means that Proton will now be able to concentrate on future expansion with Petronas

the bills. paying Government-owned compa nies still control 25 percent of the company and so with the Petronas investment the company will remain firmly under government control.

Mitsubishi Motors now hold only 17 percent.

In recent years Petronas has funded the design and production of prototype pro duction car engines for Proton at Sauber Petronas

Engineering in Switzerland.

These engines were com-

pleted last year and are expected to go into produc tion in 2001. Petronas’s plans to design a Formula 1 engine were, however, post poned indefinitely after the economic problems in Malaysia in the autumn of 1998.

Proton and Petronas already have a joint venture Advanced Engine Research - in Britain, which has been developing engines for the Vauxhall BTCC program.

Although Lotus Cars no longer has any FI special ists it has produced a vari ety of engines in recent years for major manufactur ers, notably GM. The last Lotus FI engine design was in the mid-1980s when Tony Rudd and his team designed a secret direct-injection tur bocharged FI engine for Toyota. The engine was tested but the company decided against continuing.

Hiring staff would appear to be no problem.

17 March 2000

Konica back to back Lites KONICA will be named as

the sponsor of the new V8 Lites series at a launch in Sydney next Wednesday.

22 cars are listed to take part in the opening round of the series, at Eastern Creek, next weekend (March 24/25).

A brisk trade in EL Falcons and VS Commodores over the off-season sees a number of new faces moving to the V8 Supercar nursery class to com pete with existing V8 priva teers.

Former NASCAR racer Terry Wyhoon heads a two-car team with himself and fellow former AUSCAR Champion Matthew White driving, while Ryan McLeod will pilot a car prepared and run by John Faulkner Racing, with Kmart backing.

Among the other new-to-V8 names is Phillip Scifleet, who

n Craig Zemer will make a return to Formula Ford at Barbagallo this weekend after over a season on the sidelines. n Due to our huge Grand Prix issue, a full race report for the latest rounds of the Queensland Summer Shootout Series from Archerfield and Toowoomba will appear in our next issue.

will drive a Commodore entered by Terry Finnigan.

AVESCO Chief Tony Cochrane said this week that “we expect the Lites series to be a success and to stand on its own two feet. We’ll back it all the way, but if it does need a hand, we’ll bring it back onto the Shell Series programme at the expense of one of the exist ing support categories.”

Konica began its involve ment in motor racing by back ing drag racer Victor Bray, then hooking up with the entire Castrol Racing team including Larry Perkins and Tony Longhurst.

Their most recent involve ment in motor sport was with the Holden Racing Team, the company ending their sponsor ship of HRT at the conclusion of the 1999 V8 season.

Copy book form: Konica have a history in V8s, support HRT and Craig -CHRIS LAMBDEN Lowndes during the 1998/’99 seasons.(Photo by sutton-images)

n There has been a change around of management at Benetton Formula with Gordon Message now confirmed as the Enstone team’s sporting manager. He will be responsible for the running ofthe race team while the Benetton factory is under the control of John Mardle. Message is being assisted with logistics by team manager Carlos Nunes. Benetton’s previous team manager Mark Owen has left the team.

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Sthuey-"I(an race five more years

By JOE SAWARD 'like the image of being this MICHAEL Schumacher cold German who does anysays that he is definitely thing to win, even being going to keep racing for unsportsmanlike.

“Despite eveiything that has the next four or five years and wiU then decide if he

Hands up who wants to race for five more years: Schumacher believes he can do just that at Ferrari. (RaceAccess)

wants to continue beyond that.

Furthermore, the German says that he will stay in FI with Ferrari.

“When I was younger I needed to change girlfriends and fall in love again to keep my motivation,” he commented “but then I met Corinna and settled down.

It’s the same with Ferrari. I wanted to be part of the team, and we’re happy together.

“We need to have a con stantly good car. For the past four years I have had to push myself over the limit to get results. If the Fl-2000 and later versions are good enough, I could stay on the limit all the time, without ever having to go beyond it. So I would be more consistent and safer.”

In a long interview with the French daily sports L’Equipe, newspaper Schumacher said that noone in racing knows what he is really like.

“While you are racing, it is impossible to reveal your self,” he said. “Nobody knows who the real Michael Schumacher is. I would not

happened, I don’t think that’s who I am. I would like people to realise that I’m as human as the rest ofthe world and I wish some could understand that.”

Dennis attacks iichael

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McLaren boss Ron Dennis has attacked rival Ferrari over what he sees as Rubens Barrichelo being used as a ‘sacrificial lamb’ by the team in order to ensure that Michael Schumacher won the Australian GP on the weekend.

Mechanical problems almost derailed McLaren's race for ^ the title last season aaid Dennis’frustration boiled over when Schumacher claimed Fen-ari had been in control even before the McLarens were forced to pull out \vithin 18 laps of the start. ' “By the time we had our problems, we were already thinking of conserving fuel and throttling back aaid we were still pulling out a lead,” said Dennis.“We were doingall the things that you do when you are dominating a race fi-om the front.

“We, not Schumacher, actually had it all in hand and for. him to say he was just sitting there waiting for us to fail is ; ludicrous. We know Schiunacher was deeply upset not to ; have got pole and what he is saying is a load of bull.

“Is Michael sajong he is deliberately struggling, falling back and making life difficult for himself? I don’t buy that."

Brazilian Barrichello has been assured he is being : treated on equal terms with double world champion : Schumacher but Dennis claimed Ferrari had spiked Barrichello’s chances of his first win in eight seasons by insisting he stopped twice for fuel.

"Any way you cut it up; it just does not add up Mathematically at all.” said Dennis. ' j “Rubens was a sacrificial lamb the minute they put him on a two-stop strategv' in the race and the only reason I can : see for that is to protect Michael and make sm-e he won."

Dario clearedfor return to cockpit DARIO Franchitti has been given the all-clear to return to the cockpit of a Champ Car. Whether or not the Scotsman will actually race at the season opener at Homestead is still undetermined but Franchitti is clear to test at his team’s discretion.

A suspension failure sent the 26year-old Scotsman into the third-turn

wall and he suffered brain contusions and fractures of his left hip and pelvis during testing last month.

“Whenever there’s a significant head injury, a driver must undergo a battery of extensive tests on judgment, reaction under stress, complicated thinking and processing information,” said Dr. Olvey, who gave Franchitti the green light.

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“Dario was entirely normal and now the next step is to do a test in the car. If he feels comfortable and confident, I think he’ll run the opener.”

Franchitti flew directly to Austria to meet with his personal trainer, and will return to America next week.

Another happy member of Team KOOL Green is engineer Steve

Challis. After suffering a major stroke in November, Challis has made a miraculous recovery and It was his setup suggestion that enabled Tracy to run a lap of 26 seconds flat at Homestead last Thursday. Michael Andretti turned in the fastest lap of winter testing on the 1.5-mile oval at 25.61 seconds in the Kmart Lola/Ford.

n Ford Motor Company chainnan and chief executive Jac Nasser was back home in Melbourne to watch the first race of the new Jaguar Racing team. The weekend w'as a total disaster for the team with both cars suffering a string of mechanical problems. n Michelin will begin running its tyre development programme within the next two weeks. The tests will take place out of the public eye, either at the Ladoux testing facility in Clermont-Ferrand or at BMW’s Miramas circuit.

The driver of the Williams-BMW FW21B is expected to be Jorg Muller. n Among the VIPs at the Australian GP was Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern who turned up to cheer for the Jordan team. Olympic athlete Daley Thompson was also present, taking part in the celebrity race. Also spotted in the paddock was regular FI visitor George Harrison. n The European Competition Commissioner Mario Monti visited London last week but we understand he did not have time to discuss the ongoing problems over Fonnula 1 racing with Bemie Ecclestone or Max Mosley.

Monti was also too busy to answer questions from the racing media which was keen to find out about his objections to the commercial arrangements in GP racing. n McLaren had found a sponsor to replace West in Formula 3000. The (Jerman software company SAP has agreed to sponsor the team using its mySAP.com webaddress.'The mySAP.com Competition Team will run FVenchman Stephane Sarrazin and Czech Tomas Enge in this year’s European Formula 3000 series. The team, which won the 1999 Formula 3000 with Nick Heidfeld, will continue to be run by engineer David Brown.

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Colemanscan MATTHEW Coleman will

join the Shell Championship Series from Barbagallo onwards at the wheel of the Colourscan Falcon AU previously dri ven by Danny Osborne.

The 1999 works Audi dri ver tested the car at Lakeside last Wednesday and replaces Osborne, who suffered from back problems at Phillip Island (a result of his heavy Adelaide 500 crash last year) and has been advised by spe cialists to step away from the driving seat for the time being.

“The car felt really good,” said Coleman.

“For the limited experience in V8s that I’ve got it felt quite comfortable. It actually started to rain though and so we didn’t get quite as much done as we would have liked.”

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He completed approxi mately 50 laps and will head to Perth this weekend for his full-time V8 debut.

“I’ll turn up on Friday and I will need to pre-qualify. I’ve never been to the track before. Come to think of it I’ve never raced at Adelaide either (the site of round three) so I’ll be learn ing the tracks and it will be tough.

“I’ll be looking forward to Eastern Creek, at least I’ve raced there!” he quipped.

Coleman still hopes to combine his V8 program with an assault on the Super Touring series with Brad Jones Racing and an Audi A4. There are no V8/2litre calendar clashes so the path is clear for a one car operation if any form of deal goes ahead.

-AARON NOONAN

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The colour of red: Look for Coleman this Week.(Marshall cass>

www.car46mid-corner.com.au/welldone: Faulkner finally has a big sponsor in Asia Online, JOHN Faulkner Racing has finally annoimced its sponsor for the 2000 V8 Supercar series.

The team will now be known as Team Asia Online’ with global internet company Asia Online signing a threeyear full naming rights sponsorship deal which the team believes will now give it the resources to tackle the V8 Supercar title head on.* “I haven’t got a crystal ball so I’m not going to make any outrageous predic tions except to say that I think we’ve got our strongest package yet and I believe we are going to be very competi tive throughout season 2000,” said Faulkner.

Asia Online is on the eve of launching its brand in Australia after the integra-

tion of seven Austrahan internet acqui sitions into its Pan-Pacific network and sees an involvement in V8 racing as a perfect way to estabhsh a name.

Aimed at small to medium business es, it now has offices located all over Australia, with the colours of the com pany appearing on the JFR Commodore VT in the Hot Wheels V8 Supercar Showdown for the first time.

Faulkner in fact set the fastest lap of aU the races in race three at Albert Park and heads confidently to BarbagaUo. At the same time, Faulkner has announced that 1998 Formula Ford champ, and the previously out of a drive Adam Macrow will join him in the endurance races as well as in a second car in selected events during the season.

The new car (the second VT built

by Faulkner’s team) is close to com pletion and is due to hit the paint shop next week. It is due to hit the track after the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide.

Commodore Cup front runner Christian D’Agostin will be one of the co-drivers in the team’s second car for the endurance races while JFR will also run its VS Commodore for Ryan McLeod in Kmart colours in the new Lites Series which starts on March 26 at Eastern Creek.

The car now also features backing from Attitude Clothing and contin ues with the Make-A-Wish signature initiative.

-AARON NOONAN

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U March 2000

n There has been much talk in recent days that DaimlerChrysler is about to buy control of the Mitsubishi, creating the world’s third biggest automobile company and consolidating DC’s weak presence in Asia. Rumours in business circles say that DC is discussing buying 34 percent, giving it control of Mitsubishi management. n The annual Geneva Motor Show was a hotbed of rumour about likely mergers in the automobile world with much talk about a merger between DaimlerChrysler and Honda. DaimlerChrysler’s Jurgen Hubbert stirred up much excitement when he annoimced that his company was talking to Honda and to Mitsubishi Motor. Honda officials denied the talks. Someone clearly was not telling the truth. General Motors continued its efforts to improve the Cadillac brand in Europe with the unveiling of a Cadillac Imaj prototype. It seems that the company is keen to make spelling mistakes popular after last year’s Evoq sportscar model. n The Estoril circuit in Portugal has finally been granted a Formula 1 testing licence after two years of rebuilding work which has resulted in the circuit being substantially altered in order to meet safety standards. The track has not been used by Formula 1 cars since the summer of 1997 because of delays in completing the necessary work to the coiTect standard. The track is now ovmed by the Portuguese government and is expecteddo bid for a Grand Prix again in 2001 or 2002. n FIAT has made its automobile operations profitable again. The final quarter of 1999 resulted in an operating profit of US$586m. The overall profits for the year were down to US$350m, however, because of increased debt repayments and automobile analysts still expect the company to be forced to seek a partnership with another major car company. n Reynard and Chrysler are working together to establish a new racing series which will be between the current Formula 3 and Formula 3000 series. The International Single Seater Championship will feature five races in 2000., starting at Brno in the Czech Republic in August.

The idea is an extension of the Barber-Dodge concept in the United States, where Reynard supplies chassis and Chrysler supplies the engines. If the series takes off Reynard stands to make a considerable profit from the supply of cars.

-JOESAWARD

Problems at Prost PEUGEOT'S DAYS IN FORMULA 1 MAY BE NUMBERED ALAIN Prost has hinted that the new Peugeot VIO Formula 1 engine has been a big disappoint ment to the team.

The engines were late in arriving because the casting of the blocks had to be modified because of a problem of gas leaking from the combustion chamber. Then the blocks began cracking. This was eventually traced to a manufacturing problem.

In testing to date the new A20 engines have not been very powerful with Peugeot engineers sa3dng they produce 780 horsepower. There have also been major problems with the electronic systems. Prost said that such “teething troubles” are not unusual but that the team is going to pay a high price for the delays, “mainly with the engine”.

Prost added that the engine is not “exactly what was anticipated”.

“There have without doubt been major improvements in size and weight, which greatly helped us in the conception and construction of the car,” he commented.

“But as regards performance, we will have to wait until the first European Grand Prix at Imola, where we should have the first major evolution of the engine - notably the variable length intakes that we had initially hoped to have in Melbourne.”

Peugeot says that it hopes to reach 800 horsepower by the mid-season when a new evolution of the engine will be ready for the French Grand Prix.

Northern lights

NORTHERN Light has replaced Pep Boys as the sponsor of the Indy Racing League.

The Indy Racing Northern Light Series is what the oval racing circuit will now be after as known Northern Light locked up the series naming rights.

The Indy Racing League is still involved, as series founder Tony George announced that the IRL will remain as the sanctioning body for the IRNLS and any subsequent support series that may come along.

Prost’s comments are being seen as thinly-veiled criticism for the French car manufacturer and this would

seem to underline the widely-held belief that Prost will switch to a new engine supplier in 2001, leaving Peugeot to withdraw from Formula 1 and concentrate on the World Rally Championship programme with the Peugeot 206 which is already rather more successful than the

No-one’s going Yahoo! Alain Prost and M-B Motorsport chief Norbert Haug both had shockers in Melbourne, but there could be common ground in the future, (sutton)

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Bernie still selling?

THERE is considerable specula tion in the German press that Bernie Ecclestone has not fin

ished selling shares in his Formrda One Holdings empire.

Although Bemie has now sold 50 percent of the shares for US$1.3bn and raised another $1.4bn by issu ing a Eurobond secured with the future revenues of the company, it is thought that he might now agree to sell one more share in the compa ny for several hundred million more dollars if the German media group EM.TV manages to buy out Bemie’s

F1 programme.

Peugeot Sport has been building FI engines since 1994 and has never won an FI race.

There have been rumours that Olivier Panis has been most impressed with the Mercedes-Benz engine since moving to McLaren as test driver, saying that it has si^cantly more grunt than the engines he had at Prost last season.

Will Alain follow him to Mercedes?

-JOESAWARD

cuiTent partners.

The press reports say that EM.TV is willing to spend $1.8bn to win control of FI, although the payment would probably take the form of shares rather than cash.

The deal sounds rather unlikely as Ecclestone usually never gets involved in companies without con trolling them. However if Bernie can negotiate a deal to sell control but to remain running the company for as long as he pleases, he will probably do the deal to add to his huge cash pile.

The current excitement over the shares is being caused because investors are beginning to realise the value of Ecclestone’s digital TV service which can easily be used in other sports. It is expected that within a year or two the infrastruc ture will be in place to allow Bernie to build a permanent base for the service, rather than having to trans port the entire facility around the world - Ecclestone’s TV crews would then create programmes without having to be at the race tracks, saving about $40m a year.

Hearn drive may disappear RICHIE Hearn may become another American driver to lose his seat in the CART series to an overseas dri ver.

DeUa Penna Motorsport is yet to find a major backer to replace Bud and unless owner John Della Penna can find a major injection of cash, Hearn will be replaced

by Argentinian Norberto Fontana.

If that happened, this would leave CART with just three drivers from the USA (Vasser, Herta and Andretti being the others)in the series.

“I don’t have a sponsor for Richie, and if Norberto comes up with money I’ll have to make a decision in the next 10 days,” said DeUa Penna.

“But I’ve got to keep the team going and Richie is well aware of the-sittiation.”

Hearn captured the Formula Atlantic title in 1995 and the Las Vegas IRL race in ‘96 but has been strapped with either an uncompetitive chassis or engine for most of his four years in CART. This recent development left him dis appointed but not angry.

“I don’t blame anybody,” said the 29year-old Californian.

“Budweiser gave us the impression everything was fine and then pulled the plug and that put John in a hole.

“It’s not something John wanted to do, but it takes money to run these cars. I’d rather see him run Norberto than have to close the doors.”

Fontana, 25, ran Formula 3000 last year and served as a Formula One test driver for Sauber. He had sponsorship money to drive for the Minardi team in 2000, but Gaston Mazzacane outbid him for the seat.

-PHEL MORRIS

I

t

9

17 March 2000

Campos behind n/linardi plans

Penske-Toyota FI?

Open Fortune series. In addition Campos’s old spon sor Lois is back with Minardi various signs that former Grand Prix driver Adrian this year.

In addition to all this, Campos may be involved Campos comes from Valencia in the plans to buy the - his team is based at Alzira, Minardi team and move it just to the south of the city. to a new base in Spain.

In recent months there have Officially the deal involves been suggestions that the only the Spanish telecommu initial plan to base the nications company Telefonica Minardi team in Barcelona but there are a surprising may have given way to plans number of connections to set up a factory with local between Campos, Minardi government assistance at the and Telefonica. new Circuit Ricardo Torma in Valencia.

Campos was a Minardi dri ver in Formula 1 in 1987 and Campos’s initial ambition 1988 with backing from the when he set up his team was Spanish jeans company Lois. to help young Spanish dri Since he retired from racing vers to get to Formula 1.

Adrian has been running a That has been achieved and very successful Adrian it may be that Adrian is Campos Motorsport team in returning to an idea he had the Open Fortune by Nissan back in the early 1980s when Championship single-seater he funded the establishment championship in Spain. of a team called Avidesa, In the inaugural series in which ran Spanish-built 1998 Campos’s driver Marc , Formula 3 chassis in the Gene won the title and European Championship in moved straight to Minardi in 1983 and 1984. Avidesa - a FI last year with support huge ice cream and frozen from Telefonica. Last year’s chicken empire - was con Open Fortune champion was trolled at the time by the Fernando Alonso, another, Su'ner Faftiily. It has since Campos driver, and he has been sold to the giant Swiss just been named as the food company Nestle.

But that means that Minardi team test driver for the 2000 season.

Adrian Campos Suner (to Telefonica and its mobile give him his full name)is not phone subsidiary Movistar short of a few million dollars have both been key sponsors if investment is needed...

-JOE SAWARD in the development of the

THERE are signs that American racing magnate Roger Penske may be con sidering a bid to enter Formula 1 once again.

There have been signs for some time that Penske is planning a major change rac ing in emphasis. After a number of unsuccessful sea sons in CART, Penske decid ed at the end of last year to end his relationship with Mercedes-Benz and to stop building his own cars.

Last Spring there were Temporary? At the opening of the TMG (Toyota Motorsport Gmbh)factory Ove Andersson rumours in Europe that was The Man - but will Roger Penske take over and steer Toyota through Formula One? Penske was somehow and, perhaps, an engine deal.

Mercedes-Benz FI engines). involved in a convoluted deal Penske is the most obvious We hear, incidentally, that to purchase Minardi in team to make such a move following the purchase last league with Toyota. The sto because Roger Penske has a week of 5 percent of Yamaha ries resulted in Minardi issu racing car factory in Britain, Motor, Toyota and Yamaha ing a denial. all the right connections and are planning a switch of GUALTER Salles has It is therefore interesting because he sees FI as unfin been confirmed to drive brands to revive their sport to report that Penske.will ished business. FI teams are ing programmes. Toyota has the #34 Lola/Ford of Dale soon be named by Toyota as increasingly a good invest not done well in CART to Coyne Racing for the its new main dealer in ment and with strong links date and a switch to Yamaha entire CART season as Frankfurt, Germany. It is not to car manufacturers Penske would give the company team mate to Takuya Kurosawa.

Penske’s first foreign deal as would be well placed to get another chance to get it he has a trucking business in an engine deal.

“We’re really excited,” right.

South America and it would said Coyne.

While Toyota is an option, Yamaha engineers have, it “Gualter brought us our make sense to use FI to pro Penske’s relationship with seems, been working quietly mote Penske activities. best qualifying position, General Motors would make away on a CART engine for when he started fourth at Such a move would cer him a possible candidate for some time (probably using Long Beach in ’98. He did tainly be logical as Formula 1 a General Motors deal, which Toyota knowledge) and a good job for us that heads to the United States, would probably be with the Toyota FI engine designers same year, helping us with Building up FI in America Cadillac brand, have been working on a VIO some private testing when may take time but it is a Penske, it should be engine using Yamaha knowl we were trying to sort out golden opportunity for a well- remembered, allied with edge gained during the com the Lola, so he’s wellsupported US racing team to Chevrolet in the early 1980s pany’s unsuccessful FI pro regarded by the factory. put together a package to fund Ilmor Engineering grammes between 1989 and - PHIL MORRIS involving American sponsors (which builds thes. _ 1997.

IT may just be a series of coincidences but there are

7

By JOE SAWARD

Salles back to Coyne

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motorsport shell Championship Series V8 Supercars* Mar 19 ...Wanneroo Rd2 ,Rd3 Apr 8-9 ...Adelaide .

Apr 30 Eastern Creek ...Rd 4 May 21 ...Hidden Valley ...Rd5 World Superbike Championship* Rdl Apr 2 South Africa Rd2 Apr 23 Australia Rd3 Apr 30 Japan May 14 ..Great Britain

Rd 4

FIA Formula One World Championship Mar 26 .. .Brazil ,Rd2 Apr 9 Apr 23

San Marino Britain

Rd3 ,Rd4

FIA Formula 3000 International C'ship .San Marino Rdl Apr 9 Rd2 May 7 ....Spain ..

June 3 ...Monaco Rd3 FIA World Rally Championship* ..Rd4 Mar 19 ...Portugal ,Rd5 Apr 2 Spain ... ,Rd6 May 14 ...Argentina Rd7 Jun 11 .. .Acropilis .

NHRA Winston

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IB Jun 4 . . . .Queensland Rd 3 Jun 25 . . .Coffs Harbour . . .Rd 4 I fl World Grand Prix I fl SOOcc Motorcycle C'Ship* Rdl I B Mar 19 . . .South Africa Rd 2. .Argentina Apr 2 Rd3 IB Apr 9 .Japan . .

Rd4 I B Apr 30 Spain Formula Holden

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I fl home of I B motorsport] I ■ All event dates In this calendar were IB correct at the time of printing. Please

u consult any individual tracks and/or

I B I B

Webber/Arrows confirmed

MARK Webber was finally con firmed as the Arrows FI team test driver for 2000 when the

associations for date changes.

Senes or events teiecast on Network ■‘'er are marked with an asterix. Check your local guides for screening detai.s.

Australia’s first official FI team launch became a necessity with the last-minute signing of UK mobile

team unveiled its hastily group Orange as naming revised liveiy in Melbourne last l "ghts sponsor by TWR delaying a previously scheduled launch in Thursday evening.

Europe.

The announcement puts the 23 The team is now officially the year-old tantalisingly close to Orange Arrows team. becoming Australia’s next FI race Thursday evening’s launch, at driver. \ ●,

Drag Racing Series Mar 19 ...Gainesville Rd3

I ■ Apr 9

The Orange People: Mark Webber, Pedro de la Rosa and Jos Verstappen join the lovelies at the Arrows launch last week.(Photo by suiton-images)

Lindsay Fox’s Car Museum, near the new Colonial Stadium in Melbourne, began with an introduction from TWR’s Australian boss.

John Crennan (HSV/HRT) who introduced team principle Tom Walkinshaw.

After detailing the new sponsors and unveiling the striking new hvery, Walkinshaw introduced the

‘

Tom on Mark, Orange

Following announcement last week’s thatformal Mark Webber will be the test driver for the Orange Arrows F1 team this year, Tom Walkinshaw spoke to News about Motorsport Webber’s role, his needs, and just how rapidly Arrows’ lastminute financial package for the FI season came together:

“WE’VE never asked him (Mark) to bring any money for the FI testing. But what we would like to do is have some companies down here (Australia) help him in going for the F3000 title, because, he’s got to prove to the entire industry, doesn’t he, that he can deliver it.

“He’s certainly going quick in testing and if he can get good support for that team, run in all the tests and so on, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have a good championship.

“That’s what I’d really like peo ple down here to do - help him do that. That’s what he’s got to focus and concentrate on.

“When we need back-up for the (F1) testing, then we’ll use him. He did a good job for us last December.

“In F1 these days the (race) drivers tend to want to do as much of the testing as they can, but we’ve such a huge pro gramme of testing planned that I’m sure he’ll get a lot of running.

“Mercedes do a good job with their support programmes for young drivers. I’m sure it helped him enormously, but he’s got to use all that experience and edu cation that he had at Mercedes and build on it in F3000 this year.

“It should give him an edge

and it’s up to him to take the opportunity and grab it with both hands.

“The personal deal he now has with Fosters is good, but it’s time he had a few Australian sponsors behind him. It’s time there was another Australian in the top echelon of motor sport and at the moment he looks the one most likely to accomplish that.

“But he won’t do it without support that’s just a fact of

life.

^Tnmm3m

“THE Orange deal was the last piece of the jig-saw. We had everybody else on board - chello. Lost Boys, Repsol and Eurobet and so on - and so we were already in good shape.

“Repsol’s colours are orange and so when Orange came along we were able to give them a com plete orange car. The deal was done quickly - in three days.

“It’s good to know there are people out there who know exact ly what they want when they walk in the door!

‘They had been considering it for some time, but we’d pretty much thought it would slip for the start of the season, but they phoned up just a week before and said if we can do it, we’ll do it.

“It was the kids’ half term holi day, so the family was up skiing

and I’d just gone out there on Friday morning to spend the weekend with them. Friday after noon the phone rang and so I had to go back...

‘The livery had all been done, so we had to go back to all the sponsors and ask them to move around.

“I have to say. all the other sponsors were fantastic. Their attitude was ‘if it helps the team, then we’ll co-operate and we’ll have a big, strong team.’

“The team is big and strong now - there’s no doubt about that.

In percentage terms, budget-wise, we’re another two and a half times better off than last year...”

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

team’s three drivers for 2000 “Pedro de la Rosa, Jos Verstappen and test driver Mark Webber...”

Those were the words Webber, his management and supporters were waiting to hear.

As late as that day, some in the FI media were reporting that Webber would simply be “a” test driver, rather than “the” man, but WaUdnshaw was clear: “Mark is the test driver for this year for us. We haven’t asked him to bring money and there’U be plen ty of mileage, but his primary focus must be the F3000 championship (see separate story).”

Also concludede that morning and announced at the launch was a personal sponsorship link between Webber and Fosters, which joins Yellow Pages as Webber supporters (see separate story).

The Fosters deal is a modest “toe in the water” for the brewing giant more used to massive FI track sig nage sponsorships, and certainly not of the dimension which could be construed as major backing for Webber’s FI aspirations. It is, though, a start.

For his part, it has been a huge week for Webber, who spoke to us before flying back out to England on Monday: “It’s been quite a week! Having the launch of the team here was pretty special. It was a good feel ing...

“What has been a surprise has been the response from the public.

They are genuinely enthusiastic for me and it’s great to get that acknowledgement from the people out there on the floor.

“The confirmation of the test dri ver role is important. I’m confident they can rely on me for quality test ing and that we can aU go forward from here.”

Arrows is due to complete its foiuth brand new A21 car shortly, while the race team is away at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

It is destined to be Jos Verstappen’s new race car, but Webber is scheduled to put in two days in the car on or around the 28th of this month at Silverstone.

This will be the first time Webber will drive the all-new Supertecpowered car.

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

1

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17 March 2000.

IT

%

More on Renault Webber, GPs world-wide Tosterised

By JOE SAWARD

RUMOURS have been building in recent days about Renault’s intention to return to Formula 1 and while the French car com

last Brewing giant Foster’s week announced a m^'or increase in its worldwide F1 marketing programme-and followed up with some direct support for F1-bound Mark Webber.

Webber wili become an ambassador for the brand around the world, will wear the Foster’s logo on his helmet, headgear and F3000 race suit and will act as a pit walkabout guide for Foster’s guests at a number of GPs. Rick Scuily, Senior Vice President of Foster’s Internationai confirmed that “while it is not Beer-netton: Fosters is expanding.

Foster’s policy to provide support for drivers, given the strong as well as the all-new Indy-based presence of Foster’s signage and USGP. product at grand Prix tracks The ten year, multi-million around the world, Mark is an dollar deal (reputedly $20m-i- per exception for us. He is a great year) will see Foster’s presence young Australian who we believe extend to 15 tracks by 2002. deserves, and wouid benefit from, “Foster’s has always been a our support.” great partner for this sport,” President and CEO Ted Kunkel Foster’s has dramatically increased its signage presence at ' said.

Grands Prix around the world and ‘With this new agreement we will take over naming rights of are acknowledging that the next month’s British Grand Prix, Grand Prix relationship also joining its existing simiiar deal delivers the magnitude of global with the Foster’s Belgian GP. audiences and positive brand For the first time, Foster’s wiil associations we expect from a be pre'sent at the Canadian GP sponsorship investment.”

Mat’s Daytona

AUSTRALIAN Suzuki rider Mat Mladin won the

pany is playing down the sto ries, there is not doubt that the stories are serious.

Renault chairman Louis Schweitzer told pressmen recently that “one day or another, we will go back” but did not give any details of the plans. He did, however, add that “this time we will do a better job of telling the world about our accomplishments.”

The implication is very clear: as an engine supplier to Wilhams and Benetton, Renault did not get as much coverage from its success as

it might have done if the team had been a Renault factory effort.

The company is, however, unlike ly to make the kind of investment necessary to establish its own team.

It did that in the 1970s and early 1980s and suffered badly because it lacked the necessary chassis tech nology available from the British teams.

In addition, if Renault wants to be involved in PI in an ofibcial capacity it is going to have to buy an existing team anyway so it makes sense to form a partnership m which Renault has a significant shareholding. The danger is that if Renault took over a team there could easOy be a loss of good staff, as FI people do not gen erally like workii^ with big compa ny bureaucrats.

Returning? Will Renault return and, if they do, with ... whom?

The best compromise would probably be a deal similar to that between McLaren and MercedesBenz, with the team being left to run as it pleases but MercedesBenz having the power to dictate the way the car looks. BMW’s approach with Williams was not to buy equity (it was not for sale) but rather to pay Williams for the right to style the car.

The teams which appear to vying for the Renault engines are Arrows and Benetton although Jordan should not be discounted.

Benetton has been trjfing to give the impression that it is a foregone conclusion that Renault is most likely to pick them as a partner but the team has shown no sign of being interested in parting with shares in the past although Rocco Benetton did say last week that the next era in Grand Prix racing is going to about manufacturer involvement.

“There’s no more team owners or whatever,” he said. “They are going to be corporations. That’s the future.”

Benetton also conceded that try ing to do FI without manufacturer backing is becoming “very hard to justify”.

The other major option would be Arrows. Buying a share of the team would be cheaper than trying to buy a share of Benetton (although Tom Walkinshaw would undoubtedly strike a hard bar gain). It would be in both of their interests that a deal goes ahead as Walkinshaw has a deal to built Renault Sport-versions of the Clio in his Udevalla factory in Sweden.

Uranium in GP cars?

down to the final lap with Mladin emerging on top this year in a scintillating finish THE mmimum weight most prestigious motorcy cle road race in America, over 18-year-old Nicky Hayden limit in Formula 1 is on a Honda. The find margin when he powered his way 600 kilograms, com of victory was 0.011 seconds. to victory in the second plete with the driver.

“I looked at that yellow line closest finish ever in the This was designed to (the finish fine)and all I could reduce the cost of Grand history of the Daytona see was Nicky’s wheel and Prix racing by getting rid 200. that yellow line and I knew of the need for expensive “It’s good to win it,” the 28- we got it.” exotic lightweight materi year-old defending American The victory was the first for als. That rule has clearly Motorcyclist Champion said.

Suzuki since Kevin Schwantz, backfired because the Suzuki’s former 500cc World “I’ve got an AMA champi designers soon realised onship and now I’ve got- Champion, won it in 1988. that the rule gave them Schwantz has returned to Daytona. Although they’re the opportimity to create not calling me Mr. Daytona the team as an advisor this movable ballast in the car yet, it’s good to win it because year and cheered on Mladin which helped them alter it is America’s biggest race. frorh the pit lane of Daytona the handling characteris Hopefully we can win a few International Speedway. tics to match the different more before I demands of qualifying retire.” and the race.

Mladin had This means that teams qualified a very are still using lightweight close second for carbon fibre composites the 200-mile and extremely light met als such as the alumini a race race um-boron carbide metal which he fin ished in second matrix composite known Uranium Strike? Are they running spent uranium for ballast? (Photo by John Moms/Mpix) as Boralyn. radioactivity. This is very last year by a Experience has shown difficult stuff to find and is scant 0.014 sec that the more movable therefore very expensive, onds. ballast available the bet costing around $2700 a kilo.

During the ter the results but ballast With some of the top FI race - the only needs to be concentrated one in America cars these days carrying in veiy specific areas and as much as 80 kgs of bal which features so they have begun to look last the cost for three cars FIA boss Bernie Ecclestone is going to be struck off pit stops and for heavy metals to con the Women in Motorsport Christmas card list if his lat is around US$600,000.

And tyre changes centrate the weight in a est comments are anything to go by. that is making some FI was Mladin specific area. This has led Ecclestone has said that it is highly unlikely that a always at or them back into the world team bosses take a very woman will ever again race in Formula One. deep breath. near the front, of exotic materials but There have been only two lady drivers who have quali Our sources tell us that mostly due to now they bare looking for fied for a Grand Prix - Maria Theresa de Fiilipis and Leila access to depleted urani the quick work heavy metals in addition Lombardi, both Italian - but now Bernie reckons that there um is so limited these days of the to the lightweight ones. won’t be any more.

Yoshimura The heaviest safe metal that some of the FI teams He said it wouid be unlikely that she would find a team Suzuki crew. in the world is depleted have had to go to Russia to to take her on. find it... uranium - which is urani “Who would take the chance?" he asked.

Like last year, -JOE SAWARD the race came um which has used up its

Bernie: no more women in Formula 1

i

12 17 March 2000

IRL down to 9 races

Brack back to 500 Going,

THE newly-renamed Indy Racing Northern Light Series will be run over

KENNY Brack will be

nine races this season, with the announcement that the ‘TEA’ event on the calendar has been scrubbed.

Rumours had placed the race at a variety of venues, from a second race at Disney World to a CART venue such as Nazareth and Milwaukee.

“There was genuine inter est by more than one facility in hosting a 10th race date this year, but unfortimately we were unable to put the right deal together for the teams, promoters and the league,” said the IRL’s Tony George.

“We will now turn our attention to the 2001 season and will develop a schedule that builds on the growing interest in the Northern Light Series.”

-PHIL MORRIS

but as an owner, not driver going, Gome

at the Indy 500 to defend his 1999 race crown-but not as a driver.

The Swede, who now races for Bohby Rahal in the FedEx CART series, has entered a car with his former team owner AJ Foyt alongside Foyt’s regular drivers Jeff Ward and Eliseo Salazar.

No driver has been named yet for the #41 AJ. Foyt/Kenny Brack Motorsports G ForceOldsmobile.

Rahal was one of the CART team owners investigating a return to the ’500, but decided against it to focus his team’s resources and effort on the CART series.

-AARON NOONAN BRITISH sources indi cate that F3 champion Marc Hynes will test for Ganassi in the up coming months.

Ganassi has reportedly been keen to take on a third driver for the later season when the title race heats up and with the pos sibility of losing the battle for Zanardi to Mo Nunn, he is willing to give a young talent a chance having seen the Jenson Button phenomenon over the Atlantic.

Hynes had been strug gling for a drive in 2000 after winning the British Formula Three title in a Dallara (left, SuttonImages photo)in 1999.

-PHIL MORRIS

Hattori to Treadway CART refugee Shigeaki Hattori will replace injured ~ Sam Schimdt at Treadway Racing in the IRL. Hattori, who left CART last season after running in just for events seven Bettenhausen Motorsports in' 1999, brings along long-time sponsor Epson America Inc. to Treadw25'’s effort.

The 36-year-old Japanese driver will benefit from the tutelage l of two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Arie Luyendyk, who is slated to attend the Texas test ses sions.

Hattori will make his IRL debut in a Vertex/ Cunningham - Treadway Racing GForce/Aurora entry after passing his rookie orien tation. The 1994 Formula Toyota Esso Challenge Cup Champion has three years of Indy Lights experience, with ●two wins in the series.

-PHIL MORRIS

Radical CART calendar changes CART president and CEO Andrew Craig says there could be sweeping, even “radical” changes in store for future Champ Car sched ules.

Those changes could include one, but almost not two, European events as well as significant revisions in the way future calendars are put together.

“We need to com-

pletely re-look at the schedule,” says Craig.

“It would make a lot of sense to start the sea son with a marquee event (and to) run the season from January through September.

You could see radical changes by 2001.”

Craig sees the in West/Central “Denver and there abouts” and the Northeast as the largest geographical gaps in the FedEx

schedule, and says Phoenix both International Raceway and Watkins Glen International would be attractive venues for CART. Although he has not had any recent discuswith Road sions Atlanta’s Don Panoz about a date at the Georgia road course, Craig remains con vinced that a Champ Car race “on the right road course, with the

right promoter” could be successful in the Atlanta area, v As for Europe, where work is under way on England’s and Rockingham Germany’ s Lausitzring ovals, Craig sees room for only one event on the CART slate. be would It

extremely attractive to do both,” he says, “and economically it makes great sense. But as a

practical matter it doesn’t make sense to take the series out of the country for so long at a prime time of the year.”

Craig also indicated CART is looking to name a president of racing in the near future, in order to oversee a reorganisa tion of CART’S racing division and focus on other matters, includ ing safety.

-PHIL MORRIS

LOMG-time Reynard employee Rick Gome has resigned from his position as managing director to concentrate on duties at British American Racing.

Gome started as a carpet salesman in his father’s business. Smitten after attending his first race in 1973, Gome began competing in karts, then moved up to Formula Ford and FF 2000 before an accident ended his driving activities.

Instead of leaving the sport, he took a job as competition director with the British Automobile Racing Club. Then designer Adrian Reynard hired him for a new race car construction firm.

“Rick and I are great friends and have worked together for many years building up Reynard to be the successful company that it is today,” said Reynard.

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“While I am sad that Rick has decided to move on from Reynard after such a long time with the company, I’m pleased that we will continue to be working together at BAR and I know he will put all his energies into his role there.”

Gome is credited with ensuring the firm’s return to profitability following a 1991 business downturn and has been a major influence in Reynard’s entry into Formuia 1 and the formation of BAR. - PHIL MORRIS

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All applications to be submitted in writing to: Steve Ellery Steve Ellery Racing PO Box 8594 Gold Coast Mail Centre Q 9726 All applications will be treated with the strictest confide^

^

13

17 March 2000

Dyson: no speed, no Reynard, no Sebring

Audi launches GT racer

DYSON Racing has decided not to contest the American Le Mans Series’ season-opening 12 Hours of Sebring this weekend.

The team was expected to debut its new Reynard 2KQ/Ford, but says now that the car simply lacks suffi cient speed to be competitive.

“We’re getting bashed pretty good on the internet for not going, but those people aren’t putting up the $100k it’s going to take to run a car down there,” said Pat Smith,team manager for Dyson.

“Why send a welterweight to a heavyweight bout?”

The team, which won both championships in both the American Le Mans Series and the late USRRC last year with its venerable RUey & Scott Mk IH/Ford,took delivery of one of two new Reynards over the winter, but decided to stick with the tried-and-tried R&S in the Daytona 24 Hours, in which they won their class and finished third overall.

Since Dyson is a member of the board of the new Grand-American Road Racing Association, which sanc tions Daytona, it was expected that the team would only contest the Sebring and Petit Le Mans roimds of the ALMS. The Sebring 12 Hours is one trophy that has eluded the team,having finished second in 1999 and ’97.

The team could have again fielded the now-five-yearold R&S chassis, but apparently decided not to bother if they didn’t have a strong chance to win.

“I’m sure the Riley and Scott would do reasonably well,” added Smith, “but I suspect it would qualify about 10th, and I suspect it would finish somewhere.

I’m guessing,fourth to sixth.

“The bottom line is the Reynard is not where it needs to be yet. It’s not going to be competitive. It’s not com petitive with the R&S yet, let alone with the Panoz, BMW and Audi times.”

Ze beautiful people: Biela (third from left) and McNish (far right) are heading to Sebring with confidence. (Photo by sunon) AUDI has unveiled the car which they hope will take the 2000 American Le Mans Series(AMLS). mi.

1 , j, j , 1 he new car was launched last week ,, , ,.„ , T l^ among the beautiful people at the Tides Hotel on Miami beach in Florida.

The turbocharged, V8-engined spider is based on the R8R which first appeared

at Sebring’s 12 Hour rape last January.

Team newcomer and former Le Mans ^ the new car. “mu.. junu car was good but the new one fantastic when I drove it for the first time at Jerez 10 days ago,” enthused McNish.

“It’s fast, good in a straight line, and

feels stable around corners and so I’m very encom-aged and feel buoyant about season.”

Frank Biela added: “The new car is u n ij < better - no question - and when we ve tested we haven’t been out to set ultrafast times, concentrating more on getting a good set-up so we all know that the potential is there.

Ferrari’s GT racer of the Millennium Miirnno THE third round of the 2000 FIA GT

Championship at Monza will be a real haven for Ferrari fans with several of the new

But will they go 1-2 on debut: Ferrari’s ‘Millennio’ certainly looks as serious as its FI cousins. (Sutton)

“Millennio’ competition versions ofFerrari’s 550 Maranello mal^g their first appearances.

The 550s, to be run by First Racing of Switzerland, GTC'^Competition of England and Germany’s Wieth Racing, have emerged as a result of a change in the FIA’s homologation regulations, allowing teams to develop race versions of existing GT cars without waiting for manufacturer approval.

Having been absent for two years, Michael Cane’s GTC team will enter the first two rounds of the GT series with a Porsche GT3R for drivers Tim Sugden and Steve O’Rourke, before switching to the Ferrari.

GTC will enter a second Ferrari later in the season.

Construction on the 550s is already well under way with the GTC and First cars being built in Italy by Italtechnica, while Wieth Racing’s cars are being built in the team’s own factoiy,st^ed by 80.

First are expected to have their 550s on track first with the team heading for the two day official GT test session at Valencia, Spain.

-QUENTIN SPURRING

scatters the Lola LOLA’S all-niew B2K/10 sports prototype made an impressive track debut at Valencia in Spain last week, where it was put through its paces by Pierluigi Martini, Domenico SchiattareBa and Didier de Radiques.

The shakedown was cut short when Schiattarella ran off the circuit, but more testing was sched uled for this weekend’s Sebring 12 hour race,.

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17 March 2000

Dodge’s Million Dollar Dill ‘AWESOME Bill from

DawsonviUe’, BiH Elliott has been confirmed as Ray Evernham’s lead driver for his new twocar Winston Cup Dodge team.

Elliott will make up part of Dodge’s seven-car assault on its return to stockcar racing, the 1988 Winston Cup Champion looking to salvage his career after primary spon sor McDonald’s announced it would not back his own team after this season.

The Elliott/Evernham

deal is believed to enable Elliott to continue with a shareholding in the team, with Evernham reportedly purchasing the entire assets of Elliott’s current operation.

“We’re really excited to bring one of the most successful and most popular drivers in NASCAE history to our team,” said Evernham. “He’s a great driver, he brings a level of expe rience and winning from the driver’s side of things and he is the complete package you want in a driver.

Bill’s also an exceUent chassis setup guy, very much into mak ing the car handle, and that’s

something I’m into as well. We’ll be able to communicate and hopefully make rapid progress.”

Elliott has remained winless since 1994 when he drove for Junior Johnson, a second at Michigan in “97 the best result he has in six years as a driver/owner.

Elliott’s car will carry the number 9 next year.

The second driver for the Evernham team is still to be announced with Busch Grand National standout, Casey Atwood, the name most talked about.

-PHILMOKEIS

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Million dollar Bill: Bill Elliott has signed with Ray Evernham. {Martin d. ciark)

Davo’s Sandown Easternats are go

SANDOWN promoter Jon ; Davison has said his Easternats I Street Machine eveiit, scheduled ! for the Easter weekend next month, will go ahead as planned, i Davison told Motorsport News : that his event would be bigger ' than in previous years, despite : rival Calder Park promoter Bob Jane scheduling a similar event : for the same weekend. ' “We’ve had a terrific history with our Easternats over the ; past three years and this year’s event Is looking better than

before,” Davison said last week.

“The pre-entries are considerably higher than in past years and the interest from sponsors.and exhibitors nationally is significantly stronger than in past years -1 believe the event will be sensational.”

Davison wouldn’t be drawn too much on Jane’s event, other than to say: “I can’t stop Bob from running his own event, this is a free world, but I am extremely disappointed.”

Ayari’s double-duty

French ace signs to contest both F3000 and Indy Lights in 2000 FRENCH Formula 3 champi on Soheil Ayari will perform double-duty in 2000, the Frenchman committing to drive in both the FLA F3000 Championship and CART’s Indy Lights series.

Ayari will be the first driver to ever contest each series - both considered stepping stones to the world’s two premier single seater categories. He will race for the three-car Brian Stewart Racing team in the Indy Lights series.

Last season Ayari, a former French Formula Ford and F3 champion, raced in the F3000 series, finishing seventh in the championship.

This season Ayari will team with two-time Barber Dodge Pro Series runner-up Todd Snyder and Mexican Rodolfo Lavin Jr. He wUl contest the entire F3000 schedule along with nine Indy missing Lights rounds Milwaukee, Chicago and MidOhio due to calendar conflicts.

“I believe I can do well in both series and I don’t think the busy schedule wiU cause any problems for me,” Ayari said last week.

“In fact,I believe that the more I am in a car, the more chance I have of improving myself and being right on my game.”

Whatever the case, Ayari is certainly a candidate for gaining the most frequent flyer points this year...

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EDDIE Irvine revealed his new helmet colours with a launch in London the week before the Grand Prix.

The Jaguar star, second in last year’s Formula One World Championship with Ferrari, showed a new identity inspired

by Jaguar’s ‘Big Cat’.

The colour scheme was designed by Italian Aldo Drudr, who has previously designed helmets for several motorcycle racers, including Kevin Schwantz, Mick Doohan, Valentino Rossi, Max Braggi and Marco Melandri.

Gone is the orange and green of Irvine’s native Ireland, replaced by a mainly dark green helmet featuring the Jaguar.

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Thoughts ofMelbourne - on the back ofa Sauber press release^

Grand Prix venue. It is hard Melbourne is a wonderful to find people in Formula 1 who have bad things to say about the race or about the city on the Yarra River.

The event is weii-organised and great fun, while the city has embraced the race to such an extent that it is an object lesson for cities aii over the world as to how to make the most of the opportunities created by a Formula 1 race. Everyone makes an effort, from the government to the shop owners, to the service industries. They want people to like their city and they want the visitors to tell the world about Melbourne.

And Melbourne is reaping the benefits, not just financially although that is disputed - but also in terms of civic pride or whatever you want to call it. The people of Melbourne have joined together to make the event a success and benefit the city. They have got together to make a great team. The same can be said of Monaco (which has a lot more experience) and of Montreal, but Melbourne is what we think of when people say: “What is the best Grand Prix of the Year?'^ The only drawback is beyond the control of the locals. It makes no sense to have a race in Australia by itself without another somewhere in the Asia-Pacific region ancJ anyone who has tried n going out and back to Australia in the same week knows that when it comes to getting any sleep one is struggling. The human body will only do so much. And that is why it is quite easy to spot the F1 visitors because most of them have trouble putting together sentences in the daylight hours (for some, I should add, this is a permanent problem).

Over the years everyone develops different ways of dealing with jet-lag and my own personal cure (although it doesn’t work) is to make sure that I get enough to eat and occasional exercise, above and beyond lifting forks and glasses to the mouth. In most places one gets lazy and jumps into a hire car and drives the 10 metres to the hotel, like folk in Los Angeles, but in Melbourne the idea just doesn’t seem to be very logical with trams and taxis and everything nice and close together.

The problem is that each evening when you head off home after a busy day in the FI “office” you find yourself trying to get on a tram or into a taxi surrounded by thousands of Australians who are drunk as skunks and the idea of riding in a tram or standing in a queue with them is really not that ●attractive a concept. nd so each evening I set off Jrom the track to walk the mile and a half back to the hotel where I stay. Time is short for a Grand Prix reporter these days and so I concluded as I was walking home on Friday evening that I had better get on with my work on the way and I began writing this column as I marched home through the charming tree-lined streets of the suburb of St Kilda.

It’s the first mobile column I’ve ever written. It is a nice walk from Albert Park down to the centre of St Kilda. There are some beautiful, quiet residential streets if you cut

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as people are fair and honest with each other in the sport we should all be able to work together and move the whole thing fonward.

Ron’s little speech was an unexpected boost to my morale.

He was right. At the start of the year we are all enthusiastic for the season ahead, excited and keen to know what is going to happen. The only problem is the jet-lag which saps your strength and makes you tetchy and you end up striding through funny little suburbs writing articles on the back of Sauber press releases.

Victor Victoria: If Saward gave an award for his favourite FI city. ● Melbourne would be on the podium.

101 Uses for a Dead Cat - #87: Aerobic Training: Johnny got plenty of exercise and made lots of new friends when his Jaguar-Cosworth R1 ' coughed up a fur ball on lap 1.

(Photos by Sutton-Images)

through from Albert Park towards the beach with trees as old as the ivy forming dense leafy canopies above you.

As you wander along you begin to understand why it is that St Kilda is famous for housing eccentrics and supporting those who like an alternative lifestyle. I began to suspect this was the case when I glanced into the front garden of a house and found myself staring down the bartel of an old field gun of some kind. It looked as though it dated from World War II and 1 suspect that it was a somethingpounder but as I am not an expert in these matters it is hard to say.

It was a bit strange but once I reached the bay 1 had forgotten about it was thinking warm thoughts about Melbourne. Down along the waterfront is a pleasant grassy area of parkland, dotted with grand old palm trees. Ahead is the St Kilda harbour and pier and the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron building. There is even a bandstand.

As I perambulated along I began to write notes on the back of a Sauber press release about what a lovely place Melbourne has become. There were trams rattling here and there and from time to time I would catch a glimpse of one decked out in Jaguar colours. It made me chuckle. Jaguar is new to FI this year and here was a clear sign that the team is a novice.

Painting up trams in racing colours is not a great idea, because there will always be a driver or an evil pressman who will draw a comparison between the handling characteristics of the FI cars and those of the tram - unless the car is on pole position. The

i

Jaggie empire had decided to make big push for this race and so billboards, trams, sleeping policemen and drunks had all been painted green and white and everything had “The Cat is back” written on it.

This was great except for the fact that Jaguar had never entered a car in FI before.

A Jaguar engine did once appear in a World Championship race but it was in the back of a Ferrari chassis. Imagine, a FerrariJaguar. That was back in September 1950 when Clemente Biondetti - who is famous for winning four Mille Miglia races between 1938 and 1949 (which was a major achievement when you consider what was going on in Europe in that period) - made his Grand Prix debut at the age of 52 at the wheel of this curious device.

Melbourne because Age was an issue this Jenson year in Button was making his FI debut at the age of 20 and the chattering classes in the paddock were all warbling about it.

Dredging up the obscure fact about Biondetti reminded me of the previous day when McLaren boss Ron Dennis had hosted a quiz for the Formula 1 press corps at a nearby restaurant. It was all harmless fun with questions about motor racing trivia. It was the chance for everyone to get together and relax before the season began.

This being the second year of the event it had become ‘Iraditional’’. Grand Prix people are competitive and that goes for the

journalists as well. The competition was keen. Last year the event was won by the British team and there seemed a good chance that victory could be repeated. It quickly became clear that this was not Ron’s intention because it would seem biased if Britain won again.

So while France, Germany, Italy and the Rest of the World (Slovenia, Austria and so on) were given electronic buzzers, the British team had to use an old handbell.

The McLaren judges around the room would then decide whether or not the bell had beaten the buzzer.

Judging by the number of little nods and twitches that Dennis underwent he must have been either very nervous or giving hints to his staff members whether or not the British team would be given the chance to answer the questions.

This, of course, was very frustrating and the bell was mng so often and so loud in an effort to draw attention to the fact that the Brits had got there first and were b eing ignored that eventually the string on the bell broke. The Rest of the World won. If it had mattered, it would have caused much affront, but it did not.

Ron then made a jovial speech in which he came up with an idea which I have never heard an FI team boss put fonward before. The teams and the press are always fighting with one another or each other, he said, but really we were all fighting for the same cause and should try to work together as much as possible to promote the sport. We are team mates. It may sound crass when you put in on paper but it is the reality. So long

MyEating next thought dinner . properlywas is ato good idea and you eat wonderfully well in Melbourne. There is, of course, the eccentricity and pretension about most of the menus which is rather amusing. Chickens are always corn-fed, balsamic vinegar is always aged and every dish is accompanied by a strange mash of greenery with a name that sounds like a place the B52s bombed during the Vietnam War. One of the restaurants I visited offered a selection of cheese which included “top paddock wine washrind hillcrest mature Cheddar”. I was almost tempted, but the idea of eating this with “quince paste and raisin bread” was too much. Besides, after the “warm frangipani and pear tart” there was just no room left...

I was thinking on all this and giggling, I suppose, when I passed a man who was zigzagging along, holding a guitar and looking like he was left behind in the 1970s. He was wearing Fosters as an aftershave although he had obviously forgotten the bit about shaving before you put aftershave all over you face.

And then he said something very rude.

I was rather surprised and suddenly I remembered ttie bad side of Melbourne. It was just not what you need at the end of a long day. One does not expect to be abused just for walking along, writing an article on the back of a Sauber press release. I get abuse just by walking through the paddock at the first race of the year. the last of the dinosaurs whoof Perhaps, I thought, he is one still go on protesting about the race in Albert Park while everyone else is having a good time. Or perhaps he was just one of the eccentrics of St Kilda. Or perhaps he had been drinking too much of the tea served at the wordy restaurant. I am not sure I would feel very well after a cup of the “unique marco polo, a blend of exotic Chinese, Tibetan flowers and berries”.

Whatever the case, I thought, he had let the side down in Melbourne,

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A look at FI away from" the racetrack. Visit Williarrts, McLaren and Benetton and take a close look at aspects of F1 not seen on TV. Plus Michaef Schumacher. Ferrari.

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Will they ever learn? c

aife added to his two 1999 AGP wins IIS season, while also putting his HRT Commodore on pole.(Photo by Olrk Klynsmith) Let the dishing out begin: Radisich and Tander raced hard and close in two of the three races, a war of words breaking out between the two during the event. (John Morris/Mpix}

Race 1-10 laps

Report by GERALD McDORNAN

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RT’s Mark Skaife followed up his two-win successes of 1999 with another two victories at Albert Park, with current SCS leader Garth 'Tander continuing on with his strong Phillip Island form to also record a win in the VCRT Commodore VT The pair’s Commodores were included in a foursome of cars at the front for each of the races, including the Shell AU of Paul Radisich and Skaife’s HRT team mate Craig Lowndes, the four really controlling proceedings.

Three races was the offer ing at Albert Park in 2000, one less than in ’99, although the second of three races was lengthened to 10 laps, giving the V8 hitters two extra laps to impress the large turnout on FI qualifying day.

It would have been nor mal to have assumed the proceedings, even when con sidering racers are an extremely competitive bunch, would be fairly uncomplicated but, despite the fact that a championship roimd was scheduled for the following weekend on the other side of the continent, it turned out to be the oppo site - especially in the third race when cars met and sig nificant damage suffered.

It will be a challenge for some to be ready for this weekend when the most important SCS points are up for gi-abs...

Practice & Qualifying Areduced field greeted punters for 20p0, justthe 30 professional cars being

granted entry into the sea son’s ‘show off race, 10 down on the previous year.

New V8 team owner Brad Jones, ’99 GP event stand out Stev,e Ellery and new Pirtek/Stone Brothers driver Craig Baird were joined as wild card entries by football identity Sam Newman.

Newman was quick to put his Hot Wheels-backed VS off the track in practice but, considering the 52-year-old has never driven a real race car in the past, he didn’t do too badly.

Qualifying produced some interesting results with most of the teams aroundabout where they were last year.

Skaife sat his ‘red-two’ VT on pole, the lm57.899s time being some five-hundredths quicker than last year.

“I had new tyres and the track was cleaner [than practice] for my pole lap, which helped,” Skaife said afterwards. “It wasn’t a tidy lap but I went in deep and stayed on the black stuff, and that made the differ ence.”

While Lowndes qualified on pole with a quicker lm57.657 in ’99, he was nearly a second and a half slower this year, his lm59.072 being bettered by Tander’s lm58.990.

Tander’s improvement was notable, some two and a bit seconds quicker than last year, signifying the develop ment and advances the Valvoline Cummins team have made.

Radisich was also quicker than last year, albeit only a half second, but the ‘Rat’ was quick to say this year’s Shell Helix AU was a 100 percent improvement over last year’s first race effort.

“The car is a lot better than last year when the AU had no development but we’re still struggling for

beached in the turn one sand trap after two laps and ending his day early.

The form boy Tander, of the Lowndes moved past moment, stormed to the front on the Ingall on the fourth lap while green in the first of three, Radisich went wide in tuims demoting Skaife to second 14/15, allowing the two HRT traction. The rear tyres are Despite a year of develop while team mate Lowndes cars to close on his tail. just buzzing which could be ment, it was thus under The three, along with a little worrying in the rac' standable that Seton and dropped to fifth with Ingall, began dicing hard, ing,” Radisich offered.

Crompton would revert to Radisich and Ingall holding the battle allowing Tander court through the first turn.

Russell Ingall was pretty Seto’s ’99 settings for the to skip away for what would Things appeared to settle much around the same pace races... eventuate into a race win. quickly, although Skaife and as ’99, the silver Castrol Another surprise was the Murphy’s Kmart car was Junior Johnson both had Perkins Commodore in the qualifying of Baird, the race a notable performer, moving moments at turn 14, thank hunt as always. from 11th to sixth by the two Phillip Island winner fully not losing too much sixth lap and appearing to “If I could get this thing to not coming to grips with the plant the tyres as I’m on the Albert Park circuit and momentum - Skaife as a be on a charge, setting the throttle coming out of a cor result of Radisich pushing fast lap of the race. qualifying down in 17th. ner, it would be a rocket,” through forcefully for sec Murf checked onto the StiU, his SBR team mate,^ Ingall enthused after a ond, thus beginning the back off Ingall’s car and tough qualifying. “It’s the Tony Longhurst, wasn’t too weekend’s war of words... looked to be the one to same trouble we had at much further up the grid, Jones visited the pits at the watch when tragedy struck Phillip Island but, I suppose ‘No Balony’ putting the end of the first lap, the (or a small rock for the this is a good thing, Larry’s Texaco Havoline car in 12th. OzEmail AU looking the worse record) piercing the radiator As in previous years, the having the same trouble too. for wear after a coming togeth and cooking the #12’s engine At least we can work on the two things to watch in this er with Cameron McConville, just two laps from home. year’s Grand Prix support problem together...”

“I don’t know what was The HRT cars appeai-ed to Going in the opposite races were the tyres and going on... I was minding my be a little untidy under brakes. direction, though, was the own business and got brakes as the race ran down, FTR team, with the Albert Park is renowned elbowed off.'There’s not much although they weren’t slow Dandenong-based team for being extremely tough point bumping and grinding ing - Skaife spectacularly struggling with set-up, final on both areas and whoever that early,” Jones offered. diving sideways under ly qualifying some 16 places was able to run quickly brakes past Radisich, the Junior and Greg Murphy and two and a half seconds without buzzing the rear touched on the second lap, 'Rat’ also having Lowndes offlast year’s pace. tyres, and who had picked the #17 getting swallowed push past.

Crompton, this year with It wasn’t over, though, as the benefit of the AU, was the right brake compound, by the ensuing pack and the last lap produced a great that would be around in the falling irom sixth to 10th! even further back, starting Baird didn’t last too much tussle from the trio, Skaife out of 22nd after a 2m01.439 right spots come chequered longer, the Pirtek car Continued next page... best. flag time.

In the beginning; Steven Richards’s Kmart Commodore visited the concrete after the green was given third race. Further carnage led to a Safety Car and shortened race.(Photo by oiric Kiynsmithi

at the start of the

18 17 March 2000

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Just like the pros; Sam Newman hit tlie kitty litter during practice, but stayed clean for the rest of the GP.(Ph«o by Manhaii cass)

The meaning of Sam...

FOOTBALL identity Sam Newman’s wildcard entry may have raised a few eyebrows amongst the more careerminded motor racing people, although the 300-gamer for AFL side Geelong certainly proved his media value for the category at the GP. Sure he wasn’t fast in the Mattel Hot Wheels VS Commodore, but he certainly was quick with the lines, opening up at the first media conference with; “My mechanic told me I was the reason we were going so slow, but I told him that that was crap, that he’s the reason and to get on with it.”

It was a little bit of showmanship from the much maligned motor racing wannabe that quickly had the assembled media onside...

Newman was some 22 seconds off Paul Weel’s 27th placed time during the first practice session, although he did improve considerably in qualifying, dropping to a 2m13.629.

“I improved nearly 14 seconds in that session, which I bet the others didn’t. If I can do that again tomorrow I could almost be on pole!”

It was a comment that had some merit, albeit there was no further qualifying. Suffice to say, Newman did drop down to a best lap of 2m08.098s in the first race which, while still some five seconds per lap off the next slowesfcar, was, at least, respectable for someone who has never driven a true race car.

And, it is pertinent to know that, in the second race, Newman actually started ahead of dual Bathurst winner Greg Murphy, and dual Super Touring Champion Brad Jones!

Despite the ferocious nature of the V8 beasts at the best of times, Newman wasn’t too put off by the daunting task of racing ahead of him, considering his first day behind the wheel and a couple of runs off the track into the gravel.

“A successful day is not being in casualty at the end of it...” - and who could argue at that?

Newman kept up his media form right to the end, giving his opinions on the carnage of the third race, and his thoughts on the verbal barbs thrown by Paul Radisich towards Garth Tander, the two protagonists jibing each ■other in the media conference.

“I learned two things today,” Newman said with authority, having finished three races unscathed. ‘The first thing is that I would have ended up on the podium had this race been a 50 lapper as no one else would have been left... they were all taking themselves out.

“And the second was I never thought anyone could be a bigger prick than me but Paul [Radisich] has taken my crown!”

-the ’Raf learning the value of having Newman too...

Go west young man: Jason Bargwanna knew what way to go, it’s just that brake troubles stopped him in race one. A sterling drive in the second race, from last to the top 10, indicated he’s in form in time for Perth this weekend, (oirk Kiynsmitu) Continued from page getting loose in turn 14, Lowndes locking up to avoid him and Radisich claiming back at least one spot on the podium.

Ingall and Perkins fol lowed suit, the two still try ing to overcome the traction and braking dramas, while Bowe also filled a position in the top 10 along with Junior, Longhurst and Mark Larkham.

Seton’s decision to go with last year’s settings produced a notable rise from 19th to 11th, although his pace was again considerably slower than last year. At least he finished in the #5, quite the opposite from last year when he was hit from all sides in three of the four races...

Paul Morris got a little too excited, as did Cameron McLean, the two being excluded from the results for exceeding the 7,500 rev limit.

Race 2-10 laps The second race produced a ripper start with Skaife and Tander again charging to the fi rst turn.

this time the HRT car hold i ng on that little longer and driving into the lead.

Tander was pushed wide by the deep charge into the first turn and, as is the case with V8s these days, it didn’t take much for him to be gobbled by the field Radisich, Lowndes, Ingall and Perkins filing past.

Seton’s horror event reared its ugly head again with the #5 wearing damage on the right front following the start, smoking the tyre and dropping back.

Murf and Bargs, who retired from the first race when he beached the second VCRT Commodore thanks to brake woes, both charged from the back of the field, Murphy moving from 28th to 21st at the end of the first lap, Bargs from 27th to 17th!

Tander was trying his best to move back into con tention, moving back onto the tail of Perkins on the fourth lap, Lowndes also right on the tail of Radisich, the four plus Ingall running front to tail.

Bargs and Murf continued their charges, moving to 14th and 16th respectively by the sixth lap, with

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McConville dropping back to 19th , although the Autopro car would later regroup to ■finish back in 14th...

Past half distance and it was interesting to watch the cars beginning to move around, the race taking its toll on the rear tyres and brakes.

While the tyres and brakes were beginning to wear, it was also interesting to notice the track tempera ture had dropped five degrees since the race began.

On the seventh lap the action increased with Lowndes trying to force him self pass Radisich, locking up the brakes and drifting wide, Ingall slipping past for a moment...

Shortly after, heading into the first turn, the front left tyre on Ingall’s silver CPR Commodore blew, sending

him off the track after a scary moment. Ingall recov ered to get back to the pits, put on a new tyre and finish 26th - not a result he deserved for his efforts.

Perkins and Tander moved passed Craig on the eighth lap, the #1 HRT Commodore’s tyres buzzed from his earlier moment, while Garth moved past Larry the next lap aroimd his VCRT team mate also moving to 12th and heading towards and incredible top 10 finish.

The penultimate lap also saw Johnson off wide, allow ing Larkham, Bowe, Longhurst and Richards to get past. Junior visiting the gravel not long after and parking the Shell Helix AU to record a DNF. The final result saw Skaife claim his first win.

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Hot pants; While some may have questioned Sam Newman’s driving, no one questioned the presence of his sponsor Hot Wheels’ pit girls. (PhotobyoiitcKtynsmith)

the #2 HET car finishing some 2.8s ahead of Radisich, Tander third, ahead of Perkins, Lowndes, Larko, who moved up from 10th to sixth, Bowe, Longhurst, Richards arid Bargs.

Sadly for Murf, he again experienced dramas and, after appearing to look as though he’d follow Bargs all the way through to the top 10, finished 25th and last of the runners on the lead lap.

Race 3-6 laps on With sixthe laps offerjust before trans porters were loaded up and pointed in a westerly direc tion towards Wanneroo, you could have been excused for thinking the third and final race would be the quietest of the lot but you would have been considerably wrong.

In fact, you could have

line, trying for position, and the tail of the car clipping the front of Bargwanna’s, sending Richards spinning in front of 20 storming cars and into the concrete sideways.

The race continued but it wasn’t long before the man gled wrecks of Crompton and Young Lion Todd Kelly were strewn across the track, McConville’s car also wearing considerable dam age - the safety car being brought out as the result.

Morris, who was spoken to by officials regarding three separate incidents in the first race, was later fined $10,000 and suspended for seven days for the incident that left Crompton and Kelly with injuries, along with severely damaged cars.

McConville an innocent victim - wrong place, wrong time...

«

Neil was turned around, he spun across the circuit ;and I^ just had no where else to go.

Also caught in the inci dent was Cameron McLean, all began from the beginning his Greenfield AU having with Ingall, starting from the right rear door ripped from its mounts. way down the grid, moving what appeared to be light The race was effectively years before the green. reduced to two laps followRusty’s rush of blood was - ing the departure of the soon followed by the field Safety Car with Skaife lead letting loose... ing home Radisich, the Shell It began with Richards driver re-passing Tander moving a little right off the after a moment in third. been mistaken for thinking that a cattle station was up for grabs as enough damage was done to pay for one...

To use a ‘Murray-ism’, it

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Lowndes, Bargwanna, Perkins, Bowe, Faulkner, Morris and Longhurst fi n ishing out the top 10.

Jones had Paul Romano’s SABCO VS pile into the back of the OzEmail AU when the Albury resident stood hard on the brakes to avoid a spinning Trevor Ashby - necessitating a trip back home for repairs before leaving for Perth.

Naturally Skaife was more than happy with the results, the two-time Shell Series chanipion confident of further success in Perth this weekend... and he’s leaving with a straight car.

HOT WHEELS V8 SUPERCAR SHOWDOWN Qualifying

Team/Car Driver^ 1 Mark Skaife Holden Racing Team C'dbre VT 2 Garth Tander Valvoline Cummins C'dore VT 3 Craig Lowndes Holden Racing Team C’dore VT 4 Paul Radisich Shell Helix Falcon AU Castrol Perkins Commodore VT 5 Russell Ingall 6 John Bowe CAT/B/Mobil 1 Falcon AU 7 Steven Johnson Shell Helix Falcon AU 8 Larry Perkins Castrol Perkins Commodore VT 9 Jason Bargwanna Valvoline Cummins C'dore VT 10 Mark Larkham Mitre 10/Ford Falcon AU 11 Greg Murphy Kmart RacingCommodore VT 12 Tony Longhurst Caltex Havoline Falcon AU 13 Paul Morris Big Kev Commodore VS 14 Steven Richards Kmart Racing Commodore VT 15 Cameron McLean Greenfield/Nokia Falcon AU 16 Rodney Forbes Wynn’s/Kellogs Commodore VT Pirtek/SBR Falcon AU 17 Craig Baird 18 John Faulkner Asia Online/JFR Commodore VT 19 Glenn Seton Ford TIckford Racing Falcon AU ‘20 Steve Ellery SuperCheap Falcon AU 21 Todd Kelly MyCar Young Lions C'dore VT 22 Neil Crompton Ford Tiokford Racing Falcon AU 23 Paul Weel K&J Thermal Products Falcon A U OzEmail Falcon AU 24 Brad Jones 25 Cam McConville Autopro Commodore VT 26 Dugal McDougall Pepsi Commodore VT .

27 Trevor Ashby Optus/PPG Commodore VS 28 Paul Romano Sabco Commodore VS 29 Steve Reed Optus/PPG Commodore VS 30 Sam Newman Hot Wheels Commodore VS

Race 2 (10 laps)

Pos 1 2 3

Driver Skaife Radisich Tander Perkins 5 Lowndes 6 Larkham 7 Bowe 8 Longhurst 9 Richards 10 Bargwanna 11 Faulkner 12 Crompton 13 Morris 14 McConville 15 Kelly 16 McLean 17 Forbes 18 Ellery 19 McDougall 20 Reed 21 Romano 22 Ashby 23 Seton 24 Newman 25 Murphy 26 Ingall 27 Jones DNF Johnson DNF Weel DNF Baird

Race Time/Laps 20m21.273s 20m24.005s 20m26.241s 20m28.160s 20m35.847s 20m36.691s 20m37.789s 20m38.449s 20m38.775s 20m01.902s 20m45.614s 20m46.164s 20m51.182s 20m51.588s 20m55.801s 20m57.028s 21m03.673s 21m04.500s 21m06.489s 21m08.975s 21 ml 0.697s 21 ml 0.980s 21m55.245s 22m08.010s 22m35.528s 9 laps 9 laps 9 laps 8 laps 5 laps

Best Lap 2:00.924 2:00.978 2:01.112 2:01.072 2:00.812' 2:01.113 2:01.981 2:01.725 2:01.983 2:01.902 2:02.775 2:02.413 2:01.699 2:02.274 2:01.462 2:02.204 2:02.660 2:01.954 2:03.413 2:03.210 2:03.372 2:03,433 2:01.526 2:09.479 2:00.966 2:00.958 2:01,896 2:02.109 2:02.849 2:03.448

Lap Time 1:57.899 1:58.990 1:59.072 1:59.076 1:59.513 1:59.761 1:59.891 2:00.040 2:00.230 2:00.370 2:00.507 2:00.509 2:00.661 2:00.811 2:00.851 2:01.014 2:01.029 2:01.154 2:01.188 2:01.188 2:01.398 2:01.439 2:01.781 2:01,992 2:02.370 2:02.417 2:03.165 2:03.333 2:03.823 2:13.629

Race 1 (10 laps)

Pos 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 DSQ 15 16 17 18 19 20 DSQ 21 22 23 DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF

Driver Tander Skaife Radisich Lowndes Ingall Perkins Bowe Johnson Longhurst Larkham Seton Ellery Richards Faulkner Morris Weel Crompton McConville Romano Ashby McDougall McLean Reed Kelly Newman Murphy Bargwanna Baird ■ Forbes Jones

Race 3 (6 laps)

Pos Driver '1 Skaife 2 Radisich 3 Tander 4 Lowndes 5 Bargwanna 6 Perkins 7 Bowe 8 Faulkner 9 Morris 10 Longhurst 11 Ellery 12 Johnson 13 Forbes 14 Ingall 15 McLean 16 Seton 17 Larkham 18 McDougall 19 Weel 20 Murphy 21 Reed 22 Baird 23 Newman 24 Ashby DNF Jones DNF Romano DNF Crompton DNF Richards DNF Kelly DNF McConville

Race Time Best Lap 20m17.794s 2:00.029 20m22.087s 2:00.328 20m22.698s 2:00.251 20m22.969s 2:00.505 20m26.791s 2:00.424 20m33.603s 2:00.851 20m34.541s 2:01.250 20m34.638s 2:01.504 20m35.296s 2:01.465 20m35.411s 2:00.984 20m40.643s 2:01.068 20m40.943s 2:01.184 20m45.625s 2:01.667 20m45.874s 2:01.817 20m53.108s 2:01.882 20m53.221s 2:02.946 20m54.710s 2:02.634 20m55.750s 2:02.960 20m57.718s 2:03.062 21m.02.627s 2:03.488 21m05.892s 2:03.325 21m06.225s 2:02.791 21m06.305s 2:03.073 21 m18.967s 2:02.923 21m54.136s 2:08.098 1:59.925* 8 laps 2:01.523 6 laps 2:03.519 2 laps 2:05.205 2 laps 19:33.630 2 laps

Race Time/Laps 17m53.312s 17m54.155s 17m54.688s 17m55.143s 17m55.272s 17m55.663s 17m56.743s 17m57.385s 18m01.508s 18m02.991s 18m03.346s 18m03.899s 18m05.329s 18m05.825s 18m08.746s 18m09.023s 18m09.356s 18m11.204s 18m21.884s 18m22.408s 18m23.749s 18m23.865s 18m40.424s 19m01.679s 5 laps 5 laps 0 laps 0 laps 0 laps 0 laps

Best Lap 2:00.385 2:00.345 2:00.462 2:00.098 2:00.186 2:00.016 2:00.300 1:59.550* 2:01.549 2:01.279 2:01.481 2:00.096 2:01.575 2:00.283 2:03.204 2:03.028 2:01.394 2:03.362 2:02.803 2:02.096 2:04.964 2:01.271 2:12.217 2:15.165 2:03.430 2:03.461

For Radisich, three strong tmishes promises plenty, despite drive/tyre problems and being ganged up on (see iiews story) it s pretty hard when they’re ganged up against you,” he said later. “We’ve still got more work to do and I hope Ford give us the com mitment to go the next step.”

After pretty much playing a lone hand for the blue oval at Albert Park, it would be hard to understand Ford not 'doing so...

As for Tander, he was happy with the results, although Perth is a different weekend with points up for grabs.

“We’ve treated this as a four day test and we learnt a lot,” Tander said. “Next n week is a different story.

It certainly will be...

Reed all about it; Steve Reed visited the gravel, along with Steve Johnson, during qualifying, the Optus/PPG VS Commodore swapping ends and spinning off. Moments earlier, Reed was dodging other drivers’ debris on the track _ the GP event again producing more damage than a nonchampionship round required . (Pholos by Marshall Cass)

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The 2000 Qantas Australian Grand Prix had everything - a great buildup, pre-race drama, perfect i L. weather, a huge crowd and a peerless drive from Michael Schumacher. Team-mate Ruben Barrichello and brother Ralf played y/ ^ support roles to the brilliant German, both Honda and Jenson Button If while made statements that they will be 1 major players in F1 in coming years.

Melbourne went into party mode after the race as Ferrari went home with Mercedes-Benz's head on a stick. Turn the page to read all the news from Albert Park 2000.

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The Magnificent Seven After ail the changes io the of!= season, and ail the promises from winter testing McLaren, Ferrari and Jordan lined up in 2 by 2 formation for the 2000 Qantas Australian Formula One Grand Prix. And the first seven cars in the program were 1 to 7 in ©rden JOE SAWARO reports on qualifying. when the Formula 1 There a going time circus was missed to Adelaide and thought that Melbourne was a louder and brasher cousin

More of the same: Hakkinen was untouchable in qualifying, putting a quick engine swap - and Michaei Schumacher - behind him.

Coulthard made it a McLaren 1-2 on the grid but the rumours were out aiready that the MercedesBenz engine was having problems.

(Photos by Sutton-lmages)

The downside: David Couithard was one of the top drivers to crunch his car, backing it in at the end of the qualifying session.

(Photo by Chris Carter)

of pleasant, small town Adelaide.

All you can say is that the FI circus has done some growing in recent years and now Melbourne is as popular in the paddock as Adelaide ever was. A sign of the times perhaps, but a reahty.

It is a brilliant event and the city has embraced it as it was always supposed to do.

This year there may have been a few of the old fossils protesting about the misuse of Albert Park but if they were there they were invisi ble. Everyone has realised that they were just silly peo ple with nothing better to do.

The park is flourishing, the city is booming and former Premier Jeff Kennett’s dream of turning Melbourne into an internationally-flavoured and renowned city has become a reality.

Kennett was squished by the mincer of the electoral process last year but his rival and replacement Steve Bracks, whose party whinged for years about the race and supported the protesters with the yellow ribbons, suddenly woke up in power and realised that it would be very foohsh indeed to get rid ofthe Grand Prbc and so immedi ately embraced Ron Walker, the boss of the Grand Prix and (in his spare time) the leading money-raiser for the Liberal Party.

If they are smart - and all the signs are that Mr Walker has a fairly active brain beneath his haystack hairdo - the city will go on hosting the race for many more years to come and the image of Melbourne will rise ever higher on the global list of good places to go. It is begin ning to work. When you read those inane stories in the inflight magazines about the great cities in the world the name Melbourne is just start ing to creep onto the bottom of the list along with Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Cape Town and so on.

There was a time when the first race of the year was more stressful than others but today in FI it seems that all the races are stressful because of the ever-increas ing pressures on the teams.

Melbourne, being the first event of the year, has the added twist that it is the race when the wrappers come off the gorgeous, lithe models with a wheel at each corner and the world gets to see all the nips and tucks and silicon implants.

The winter months have been spent with everyone messing about at the testing circuits of Europe but in Melbourne the negligees come off the FI cars and the teams have to face up to the reality that McLaren is still the Helen of Troy and the backmarkers are the girls who end up sobbing in the changing rooms after the prizes have been handed out at the Beauty Contest.

Ferrari has tried yeai’ after year to steal McLaren’s crown and every year when it comes to those 60 minutes of qualifying, the grey gang from Woking show the glam orous Italians that it is all very well to be flashy but quick is quick.

What was most impressive this year was that Mika Hakkinen was able to take pole position having had his car stop beneath him on the first lap of the morning ses sion with an eijgine failure.

That is about as bad as it gets on a Saturday morning without contact being made with the walls because the drivers are not allowed to leap into spare cars. They just have to sit there and watch as their rivals do their homework and they know that it is going to be guess work when it comes to the exams in the afternoon.

The Finn ended up doing just a handful of laps at the end of the second morning session after the McLaren mechanics gave his MP4-15 a very rapid heart transplant and stuck in a new MercedesBenz VIO that would work.

The may not have had many laps but it was JUST enough to give him some clues as to what to do. The result of all this was that Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari contin ued to be fastest - as it had been on Friday. But when it really mattered the red cars of Maranello were at least half a second offthe pace.

And just to make sure that Ferrari ended up feeling a lit tle on edge, McLaren boss Ron Dennis remarked after qualifying that “it is going to

Continued on page 24

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24

17 March 2000

Steve 'Weather warning; Cyclone Steve in northern Australia interfered with the travel plans of several FI teams.

BAR,Benetton and Arrows all had hardware delayed on the trip south due to the Atlas Air Cargo jumbo re routing around the onagain, off-again big blow.

All bits made it to Albert Park late on Tuesday. n Also late in arrival was some of McLaren’s stuff.

After a plane was re-routed on the way to Albert Pai-k the lads in grey had to put in an all-nighter on Tuesday to build two race-ready MP415s though, as usual,the Pi'ofessionals came through, taking the imofficial honour offiring up an engine first on Wednesday. n Nothing exists before joining Ferrari, apparently.

'The team’s own press guide listed none of its drivers achievements prior to joining the Scuderia, Schumacher making 59 starts to Bairichello’s 0.

Then again, it also said that Australia’s power grid operated at 110 volts. That smoke you may have seen coining from the media centre could have been European laptop computers sizzHng at 240 volts... n The 2000 AGP marked the first FI race ofthe modem era that was not reported on by‘Jabby Crombac. The Swiss founder of Sport Auto,'who has attended every GP since 1950,is cutting back his schedule this season after a recent bout ofill-health. n Alan Henry was one of the ‘lucky’ passengers in McLaren’s MP4-98T two seater at Albert Park. The veteran Pom writer for The Guardian was blasted around the track on Thursday by Olivier Panis, stating,“The acceleration was breathtaking, and it was sustained. The braking took my breath away literally - but I was in safe hands, though I did wonder what would happen if a tyre went down...” n Kieren Perkins also got his McLaren ride.

Twelve months after missing out due to time restrictions the dual Olympic gold medallist got a Saturday ride behind Ollie Panis, describing the experience as “fantastic”.

No word on whether Kieren took Panis for a piggy-hack swim across the lake, or whether Sunday passenger Emma George offered him a tandem pole vault. n At Friday night’s Grand Prix ball a two-seater ride was auctioned for charity.

The winning bid was $55,000, the lucky person taking the ride at Silverstone later this year.

By the was, according to a McLaren engineer, the MP498T costs £15,000(almost $40,000)a lap to run at Albert Park.

Rare sight: There’s a Ferrari in there somewhere, Schumacher taking to the concrete on Friday, leaving the reds with a major cleanup (below). If Schuey crashes, it’s an accident. But if Button crashes, it’s immaturity...

n Even better, there was a tour ofthe Williams factory on offer. Seemed like crook value for $28,000- until you realise the winning bidder was McLaren chief Ron Dennis.

(Photos by Sutton-lmages and Marshall Cass)

n Bell Helmet users had a new innovation for the first race ofthe season. The international helmet crew who follow the FI series around the world had a tinted,‘double’ visor for the first time, which filtered light like a tinted visor but with better visibility. Expect the unit to be available from Revolution Racegear shortly. n Ambush marketing; Messages on Hold had their usual,crumpet-driven photo opportunity on Friday morning,featuring a buxom young lass clad only in model car wheels. During the shoot a Minardi Telefonica mechanic zoomed into shot with a tyre pyrometer to take a temperature on an impressive mound,only to be ushered away by reps from the Orange-sponsored team.

Minardi-, ofcourse, is sponsored by rival telecom company Telefonica. n'The crowd figures for the 2000 AGP were up over last year. On Thursday, 49,400 came in(up 700 on ’99), Friday was 78,600(up 4000),%turday attracted 107,200(up 3200) while 124,300(6300 more than last year) were there to see the race. n Mumm’s the word; Mumm Cordon Rouge has taken over as the official spray ofthe FI World Championship, Mumm’s bubbles will feature in all rounds this year, and podium shots will be downloadable at vsrww.champagnemumm.com (a champagne maker has a website?)

Mumm replaces long-time FI fizzy. Meet et Chandon. n Former FI designer Ralph Bellamy appeared in CAT Racing hvery at Albert Park. Bellamy was formerly with Tony Longhurst’s Castrol Ford outfit. n Security is imderstandably paramount in GP racing, as representitives ofthe German GSF radio network found out. When equipment was left in the media centre after qualifying, security staff were not going to trifle with something that they thought could have been nasty. The case was destroyed in a controlled manner before the suiprised Germans had their hardware returned. n As usual, David Coulthard commuted to Albert Park by bike, avoiding the crowds who were waiting for a glimpse of their fans. No,Jacques and Danni did not have a tandem...

-PHILBRANAGAN

be four races before we can truly establish our competi tiveness”. What did he mean?

Will it be four races before McLaren knows where it stands in relation to Ferrari?

Or four races before McLaren knows were it stands in rela tion to its expectations?

Games,games, games.

Hakkinen’s performance on Saturday afternoon was an indication of why he is a twice World Champion.

Lesser men would have been in a flap and would have made a mess of it in the afternoon. There would cer tainly be plenty of excuses available.

But he nailed the McLaren to the top of the timesheets on his first flying lap and the was unable to finish his final anced,” said Rubens, “and I only time he was knocked off -fast lap and so stayed in third felt everything was in place the top was when his own place on the grid. It must for either Michael or me to take pole.” team mate took advantage of have been a bit friistrating.

“I am not bothered about Nice idea, shame about the the extra running he had had in the morning session and third,” he said, trying to reality, The third row of the grid snuck ahead. Hakkinen came sound plausible. “With a long out of the pits like a shark in hard race ahead, grid posi- ^ ve the an indication Jordan isof the thethird fact an ornamental pool and bit a tions win not be so important fat fastest car this year. There for the final result.” chunk out of Coulthard’s con Both the Ferraris looked to was Heinz-Harald Frentzen fidence on his second run and then, just to prove the point, be struggling as they tried to alongside his new Jordan he ended the session clipping squeeze the extra hundredths team-mate Jamo 'Trulli. They out of the Fl-2000 chassis. It were separated by a another tenth off his best.

Coulthard is a tough cookie was no coincidence that both tenth but one could but every year Hakkinen men joined the rotaiy club of not help but feel that does the same to him and drivers spinning down the the Itahan could have done a lot better. everywhere you can almost roads. They avoided hitting Frentzen reckoned he the walls.

And while you may hear the sharp intake of breath as the Finn’s teeth think that this is not very could have gone sink into Coulthard’s ambi significant it is worth asking quicker if he had not tions. David had had the when was the last time that had traffic and flag advantage and Mika had Rubens Barrichello went for problems (and had clawed it back. When David a spin in a race car. Rubinho not glanced a wall) has an uncanny ability to and was rather disap went for one last blast to sal vage the situation he spun avoid such time-wasting pointed not to have beaten the Ferraris. the car around and backed it acti-vities.

Trulli’s perfor The Brazilian did a good heavily into a wall. mance was sparkling In fact he was doing himself job was only a few smidgeons a favour because the crash away from Schumacher’s hest although he was a 0.15s slower than his brought out a red flag which time - which is something meant that the other Eddie Irvine rarely managed team mate he did it having had only one Coulthard-eating shaik of the to achieve in recent years.

“The car was very weU-bal- qualifying run in his FI circus, M. Schumacher,

own car.

This then ran into software problems which lunched the gear selection process and so Jamo ended up in the T-car which was set up for Frentzen. He never improved the time of his first run but it is clear that when he does get the chance he is going to make Heinz-Harald work hard to stay ahead.

“Not bad for a complete disaster,” said technical director Mike Gascoyne.

Seventh on the grid went to the Jaguar of Eddie Irvine which was not a bad effort given the chronicle of techni cal problems which could have been written about the team.

“It has been a total disas ter,” said Johnny Herbert on his adventures on Friday.

Things were not much better on Saturday but Irvine was able to keep it all together for a one important lap.

‘1 honestly didn’t think we could qualify that high up,” he said.

Poor Herbert had had not such good fortune. His quali fying was ruined with a sti-ing of engine problems, a power-steering failure and then another engine problem on the spare car.

‘This is the worst pre-race build-up I can remember,” he said. “Tie whole thing is very

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f Get Lost, Boys; After a promising winter the Arrows showed speed, but not in qualifying. Jos Verstappen qualified 13th but may have been higher if not for this off.

But maybe had his mind on his pit crew (above)...

(Photo by Marshall Cass and Sutton-lmages)

17Mdrch2000 frustrating. I didn't get any chance whatsoever of setting a time.”

He ended up 20th on the grid. The Jaguar publicity all around Melbourne said: “The Cat is back”. It should have said “The Cat is at the back”.

No money was changing hands' on whether the Jaguars would be finishing the race on Sunday.

Eighth on the grid was a bit of a surprise. Jacques Villeneuve in the BARHonda. The pre-race testing did not suggest that we would be seeing the mobile Japanese flag this far- up the grid, despite the obvious grunt which was coming from the lump of exotic metal behind the driver.

The BAR seems to be a car which is quite quick when it is right and a real handful when it is not. In Kyalami the car was pretty much on the pace but at Jerez it was a disaster. Villeneuve has always gone well in Melbourne and likes the Albert Park track so he was looking pretty good. Ricardo Zonta was having less fun and ended up a miserable 16th on the grid.

“We went the wrong way on set-up this morning and that meant we weren’t able to do a back-to-back compari son between new and scrubbed he tyres, explained, ‘“rhat would helped.”

Things were pretty .tight in the midfield, so a small prob lem could mean the differ ence between 10th and 14th with'the Supertec-engined brigade mixing it with the Sauber Petronas VlOs and the BMWs. In the end it was Giancarlo Fisichelia who won the battle of the Supertecs with ninth place on the'grid. The 775horsepower engines are big ger and heavier than the newer units and produce less grunt. As they get older they gradually slip backwards on the grids. Two years ago the fastest of the engines was fourth on the grid, last year it was seventh, this year it is ninth. The pricing of the units remains inversely pro‘portional to' the performance with the price tag for a Supertec now edging up to the US$24m mark.

In this area of the grid

everyone was busy mumbling about how they should have done better than they did and making lots of excuses about mechanical troubles, traffic problems, nuns crossing the track and other unlikely tales. When you have wowed the big sponsors with amaz ing testing times you have to have some good excuses when you are back in the early teens on the grid.

Fisichelia did a pretty good job to be ninth and said he was fairly satisfied with the result. Alexander Wurz was 14th and not as happy. The Austrian said that he had been “ridiculously unlucky” with traffic. The Benettons did not look to be handling as well as the Arrows but they came out ahead on this occa sion.

Ahead of the Arrows, how ever, were Mike Sale’s Sauber Petronas and Ralf Schumacher’s WilliamsBMW. The Swiss team was not very happy with 10th and 19th on the grid, Pedro Diniz complaining that his car had been oversteering like a supermarket trolley and then he had trouble with the little old ladies in the biscuit sec tion of the supermarket and so ended up a long way behind. Sale reckoned he could have been sixth and seventh but then So did everyone else...

The BMW Williams Williams-BMWs were 11th and 21st on the grid and there were a few glum faces in the pits because they fig ured that Ralf Schumacher could have been in the top six>.. At the end of the day, however, it was a fairly strong performance from BMW - more than was expected.

“The gap to the top teams is not as huge as we thought it would be,” said BMW boss Gerhard Berger.

Ralf Schumacher had throttle problems and a lot of time was wasted while Jenson Button had one of those FI debuts that you just don’t want to have. On Friday he demolished a pass ing bird which ended up in his lap and spoiled his nice white overalls.

But things did not go seri ously wrong until Saturday when he dropped the ball

n

12 18 13 19 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

12 15 23 14 20 16 8 10 21

Driver Mika Hakkinen David Coulthard Michael Schumacher Rubens Barrichello

The Jag is back-wards: Eddie Irvine and Johnny Herbert looked great in green, Eddie planting the pussy seventh on the grid.

Baptism of fire: Jenson Button had h tough time, a crash costing track time. He qualified 21st.

(Photos by Ford Media and Sutton-lmages)

after just a handful of laps and smacked the car into, a wall. It was all part of what people in FI like to call “the learning curve”.

He then lost the rest of the morning session and so went into qualifying with a car that was not set up at all.

Then there was a misfire which could not be cured and so he jumped into the T-car which was set up for Redf. he was just.winding up for a final flying lap when the red flags came out and poor Button (or rather poor young Button) found himself 21st on the grid.

It did not reflect what he might have done and in the second morning warm-up, probably just to prove a point, he was second fastest with a time which was 1.1s faster than he had managed

Team Car-Engine West McLaren-Mercedes West McLaren-Mercedes Marlboro Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Scuderia Ferrari

Heinz-Harald Frentzen B&H Jordan-Mugen-Honda JarnoTrulli B&H Jordan-Mugen-Honda Eddie Irvine Jaguar Racing-Cosworth Lucky Strike BAR-Honda Jacques Villeneuve Giancarlo Fisichelia Mild Seven Benetton-Playlife Red Bull Sauber-Petronas Mika Salo

Ralf Schumacher Pedro de la Rosa Jos Verstappen Alexander Wurz Nick Heidfeld Ricardo Zonta Jean Alesi Marc Gene Pedro Diniz Johnny Herbert Jenson Button Gaston Mazzacane

1

i

in qualifying. It would have bumped him to 15th on the grid, which would have been respectable.

Jenson was the only man in the field to choose the harder of the two tyre com pounds so perhaps he was going to get an advantage if the temperatures went high on Sunday afternoon. There were lots of ifs and if onlys but for anyone with half a brain it was clear that Jenson deserves his place in FI and will prove it in the months ahead.

QANTAS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - QUALIFYING Pos No 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 22 9 11 10 17 11 9

n

Compaq BMW-Williams Orange Arrows-Supertec Orange Arrows-Supertec Mild Seven Benetton-Playlife Gauloises Prost-Peugeot Lucky Strike BAR-Honda Gauloises Prost-Peugeot Telefonica Minardi-Fondmetal Red Bull Sauber-Petronas Jaguar Racing-Cosworth Compaq BMW-Williams Telefonica Minardi-Fondmetal

Fri Prac(pos) 1m32.702s (4) 1m32.144s (2) 1m32.130s (1) 1m32.482s (3) 1 m33.698s (7) 1m34.151s (15) 1m33.899s (10) 1m33.525s (5) 1m34.049s (13) 1m33.940s (11) 1m34.158s (16) 1m34.060s (14) 1m34.708s (20) 1m33.718s (8) 1m35.997s (22) 1m33.847s (9) 1m35.613s (21) 1m34.696s (19) 1m33.597s (6) 1m34.414s (17) 1m34.547s (18) 1m33.988s (12)

Sat Prac(pos) 1m33.074s(18) 1m30.958s(2) 1m30.439s(1) 1m31.366s(4) 1 m31.020s (3) 1m31.692s(6) 1m32.345s(12) 1m32.113s(9) 1m32.382s(13) 1m32.260s (11) 1m31.602s(5) 1m31.898s(7) 1m32.073s(8) 1m32.654s(15) 1m33.826s(22) 1m33.675s(20) 1m33.287s(19) 1m32.441s(14) 1m32.921s(16) 1m32.131s(10) 1m33.791s (21) 1m33.039s (17)

Sat Qua! 1 m30.556s 1m30.910s 1m31.075s 1m31.102s 1 m31.359s 1m31.504s 1m31.514s 1m31.968s 1m31.992s 1m32.018s 1m32.220s 1 m32.323s 1m32.477s 1m32.775s 1m33.024s 1m33.117s 1m33.197s 1m33.261s 1m33.378s 1m33.638s 1m33.828s 1m34.705s

Down in the Arrows area ever3fthing was very orange in colour but the result was a little less sweet than one might have expected after such hurtlesome testing times in recent weeks.

Twelfth and 13th on the grid for a car that was supposed to be faster than the Battleship Galactica was not brilliant but, then again, there were very few people in the FI paddock who thought the cars would be much bet ter than that.

Setting fastest times in recent tests was more a mar keting exercise than a techni cal one and everyone knew it.

But, given the mess they were in last year, this was a good step forward for the team which is a good thing because there are some very good and very motivated peo¬

ple at Arrows. Pedro de la Rosa outqualified Jos Verstappen by a tenth which was a bit of a surprise.

The Prost-Peugeots were pretty dreadful but it was not a surprise. The new Peugeot engine is not going anywhere in a hurry and the perfor mance adds to the belief that Peugeot’s future rests very firmly in the World Rally Championship. Nick Heidfeld outqualified Jean Alesi which was an indication of the kind of problems the team was having.

The Telefonica Minardi Fondmetal was pretty much where one would expect to find it with Marc Gene unsurprisingly faster than Gaston Mazzacane. If every one else had not had prob lems the two cars would have been sharing the back row.

A Finn and a fan: Hakkinen hitched a ride back on Saturday morning after his engine failure. (PhotobySirnon-images)

^Lf®[FSUXl

17 March 2000

27

Doing it in pairs: Mika Hakkirien and'David Coulthard won the start of the race, leading Michael Schumacher, Frentzen, Barrichello, Trulli, Villeneuve, Irvine, Salo, Fisichella, Rail Schumacher, Verstappen, de la Rosa and Diniz into the first corner. (Photo by oirk Kiynsmitu)

MKhael takes Melbourne that Ferrari turns T[HIS the year backmay the be clock and wins the World Drivers’title

*

for the first time in 21 years.

And this time, it’s true.

Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello started the year in the most emphat ic fashion possible, going 1-2 in a race which was theirs for the taking after the McLarens of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard both suffered cataclysmic - and identical - failures of their Mercedes-Benz engines.

A cruising Schumacher let Barrichello through to lead a single lap before the Brazilian peeled off for a sec ond pitstop, a two stop strat egy improvised by master Ferrari tactician Ross Brawn to move the Brazilian into past the stubborn Jordan of HH Frentzen into second.

In the end, Brawn’s brain storm was unnecessary, for HHF expired in a cloud of blown Mugen-Honda. Third was the unlikely Ralf Schumacher BMW.Williams which put a winter of discon tent behind it to run fault lessly to the flag.

BAR celebrated the return of Honda to FI with a steady fourth for Jacques Villeneuve and sixth for Ricardo Zonta, the latter after Mika Sale’s Sauber was disqualified for a front wing infringement.

Fifth was Giancarlo Fisichella in the reliable Benetton-Playlife.

As usual, it was a race of attrition. Apart from the fragile Mercedes-Benz’s, the “return” of Jaguar was a dis aster, with Johnny Herbert

parking after a lap and Eddie Irvine crunching the wall after getting involved with Pedro de la Rosa’s acci dent.

And after all the pre-sea son hullabaloo Jenson Button made a strong debut, latching onto a bunch which team-mate included Schumacher and staying there for the first half of the race. He stopped when his BMW blew, having proved that he is a match for many of his elders - and better than some...

Race(57 laps) but as has so often been Qualifying is one thing, Shown in the past the race is another matter. In the case of Prost Grand Prix there was no great change on Simday. Alesi had “an elec tro-hydraulic” problem with the engine in his race car and had to start in the spare from the pitlane. Ralf Schumacher and his engi neers decided to switch to the spare car because the engine in that seemed to be better after the warm-up ses sion. This had seen Rubens Barrichello fastest from Button, who recorded a lap which was l.lsecs faster than his qualifying lap.

The locals streamed in all morning and by the time the grid had lined up for the start there were 124,000 peo ple in the park. There was plenty of excitement.

When the lights went out the field was unleashed towards the first corner and Continued on page 28

Whafs Italian for ‘Yeehah’?

Schuey and Ruey led a dream result for the Ferrari team. With a maximum 16 point score from Albert Park the team has had the best start to the season ever.

What do 1 have to do?

Johnny Herbert had another miserable day, the Jag R1 pulling off after only one lap.

He got to speak to Louise Goodman again, but Irvine's day was not much better.

(Photos by Dirk Klynsmith and SuttonImages)

I'

NTAS

28 17 March 2000

Brains trust: Ford CEO Jac Nasser, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks and Jackie Stewart discuss the finer points of racing in the Jaguar pit.

Continued from page 27 it was Hakkinen who made the best getaway although Coulthard was right with him. Schumacher’s Ferrari was rather slow away and this enabled Frenfzen to try a move on the outside of Michael. The Ferrari howev er was very wide and it was Michael who emerged third in the first corner with Frentzen fourth, Barrichello fifth and Jarno Trulli sixth. came Then Jacques Villeneuve. Irvine was the big loser, dropping from sev enth to ninth. Further back in the field Button made a storming start to move from 21st to 15th in the course of the first lap.

“My start wasn’t the best in the world,” he said, “hut some people had worse so it wasn’t bad. The first lap was very hectic but I tried to stay out of trouble.”

Herbert’s weekend from Hell continued. In the second corner his clutch started to

slip and by the end of the lap his race ^as over.

Also in trouble was Marc Gene who collided with Nick Heidfeld in the first corner and hent a steering arm which meant that he had to pit for repairs which dropped him a long way behind.

Up front there were no problems for Mika Hakkinen as he accelerated away from the field, he was nearly two seconds ahead by the fourth lap hut then the gap to Coulthard stabilised. The two McLarens were leaving the Ferrari behind.

Later Michael Schumacher said that he was taking it easy, but the fact is that he could not keep up. But now the question was whether or not the McLarens would sur vive and we would discover that the answer was no on lap 10 when David Coulthard suddenly slowed and went into the pits with a misfire.

There was a problem with the pneumatic valve system.

Look, Mum; Littie Known GP fact #328Jenson Button can drive without looking. He’s actually trying to deal with a bird which bounced off his helmet.

Dream start: Mika and David had the start under control and it was looking like another McLaren win.

It wasn’t... {Photos by Sutton-lmages and John Morris/Mpix)

David rejoined but he was out before the end of the next lap.

Hakkinen’s early lead had been lost because of a safety car which was despatched to enable the marshals to pick up, the bits and pieces of Arrows left over after Pedro de la Rosa suffered a steer ing arm failure and smashed into the wall in the high speed section on the far side of the circuit. The accident

CJ!

also put paid to Eddie Irvine’s race, ending Tatar’s ever so slightly inauspicious debut.

Arrows did not trouble us for much longer. Soon after de la Rosa’s smash, Verstappen suffered an iden tical failure but avoided demolishing his car. He pit ted, had a new steering arm

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Red leader: Rubens Barrichello had a dream debut in Maranello red, leading a lap and taking second after a brilliant strategy came to nothing when Frentzen’s engine exploded. What price a win in Brazil? (Photo by Dirt< Kiynsmith)

Third by a nose: Williams was strong, giving a dream F1 return for BMW. Note the Senna ‘S’ on mounts. (Oirk Kiynsmith)

% 17Mdrch2000 fitted and then rejoined but after the team had had a chat with de la Rosa it was decided to n withdraw Verstappen lest there be another identical failure.

Orange’s ambitions were squashed.

It would not be long before McLaren’s hopes of victory went west. On lap 19 Hakkinen’s car suddenly slowed with a trail of white smoke from the rear end. It was the same problem which has sidelined Coulthard - and which had caused the engine failures the previous day. To bas tardise Oscar Wilde, “to lose one engine is unfortunate, to lose two is careless”. One Schumacher’s delaying of wonders what the great wit Trulli and the disappear would have said about los ance of those ahead of him ing four? opened the way for Rubens With the field thinning to put in some really quick itself out we were left with laps. With Frentzen disap Michael Schumacher with a pearing with a hydraulic massive lead over Frentzen, leak (after a long pit stop who had Barrichello right caused by a jammed refu up behind him but well and elling valve) Barrichello had truly stuck. Trulli was cruis no-one in his way and so he ing long behind them, con quickly caught Schumacher. serving tyres and looking as He caught him so quickly though he would be in a that it looked like Michael good position to pounce dur had a problem. On lap 45 Rubens overtook Michael for ing the pit stops.

Schumacher pitted on lap the lead. On the next lap, 30 and was able to get out of however, Barrichello came the pits in third just ahead into the pits for the extra of Trulli. In the six laps fuel he needed to get to the which followed Jarno lost 10 flag. Once again the move seconds and one could not was open to inisinterpretahelp but feel that Ferrari tion and it looked as if had orchestrated the move Ferrari had deliberately to protect Barrichello. There called him in to get Michael is not doubt that the Ferrari back in' the lead. But it wasn’t like that all. It was a had a heavy fuel load and new tyres and so was a bit of two-stop strategy. It wasn’t a handful but it looked like actually needed because the a bit of strategic blocking. disappearance of Frentzen Ferrari is not above such solved the problem for low tactics.

Ferrari.

Whatever the case Trulli’s Whatever the case, hopes were ruined, although Schumacher and Barrichello he would retire on lap 36 were 1-2 at the front and with an exhaust problem that was how they finished. which caused an engine fail It was a great victory for the ure. team and the perfect start to Ferrari called Barrichello the year. Ferrari 16, McLaren 0. in on lap 33 and it looked race After the like a normal mid-race stop.

It was a fairly quick stop but Schumacher made much of it did not look out of the the fact that the Ferraris ordinary. In fact Ferrari had were as quickv as the decided to switch Rubens on McLarens but it never really to a two-stop strategy. It looked as if they were right almost went horribly wrong there. We shall have to see when Barrichello found him what happens in Brazil. self stuck behind Button In the early laps there did when he rejoined, but not seem much likelihood of

29

Let’s get Fisicah Fisichella was fifth for Benetton, managing to pit for fuel which is more than Alesi could do when he drove for Benetton. It was a bad, bad weekend for the ProstPeugeot team.

Orange smoke: Before the race this Arrows was smokini (Photos by Dirk Kiynsmith)

0 Out of the fishbowl

Williams-BMW getting a result.

Ralf great Schumacher was running 13th and Button 15th. The disappearance of the two Arrows and Irvine bumped them up to 10th and 13th (JenSon having lost a place

to Wurz). When the McLarens disappeared they were eighth and 11th and there they stayed until the pits stops began. And then we saw some magnificent - . .

Continued on page 32

Trulli, madly, deeply under brakes: Jarno Trulli's first race for Jordan could not have been much better, matching the illustrious Frentzen throughout the weekend -.and then retiring with engine trouble too. (Photo by rark Kiynsmith)

LIFE can be a fynny thing. On Thursday,there was a Media Opportunity to chat to Jaguar’s Eddie irvine and, it seemed,the world’s media surrounded the Irishman in green.

From a distance of 10 metres, a compact Italian chap with a backpack watched in anonymity. Eight years ago, Ivan Capeili was the man in the middle of the ruck, the darling of the Italian press after moving from March to Ferrari - at exactly the wrong time.

“Driving for Ferrari was a dream, and a nightmare,” he smiled in the Melbourne sunshine.

“Luca di Montezemolo arrived and the team was changing, and it was very bad. The engine, the chassis, the aerodynamics ... they all needed to be better.”

These days Capeili commentates for Italian television, and spends what spare time he has racing a Ferrari 360 Modena in the Italian GT championship. He misses Formula One or, rather, parts of it.

"I miss driving the cars, biit not this," he says,

pointing at the Irvine media ruck. “But I had slicks, and treaded tyres would make it ... not so good."

Capeili said that driving for Ferrari was an experience he would not have liked to miss out on, but was happier in his March days when he was the only driver to pass the all-conquering McLarenHondas during their near rout of the 1988 season.

“It was an Adrian Newey-designed car, and I think that Adrian is one of the few geniuses in Formula One. It was a great time."

With that Capeili smiled, spun around and disappeared through the sea of press, back into anonymity and his memories.

-PHIL BRANAGAN

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Qantas Australian Grand Frix World CharnipionsKiiiip Rouindi 1

Albert Park, March 12, 2000-58 laps 1 2 3 4 5 DQ 6 7 8 9

4 Ominous: Is this what we will see of Schumacher this season? Look closeiy, and you’ll see the vortices of air bleeding off the rear wing. Stunning shot... (by oirk Kiynsmith) Continued from page 29 work by the team and both drivers. When the pits stops were over Schumacher was third and Button sixth and there they would have stayed to the finish had Button’s BMW engine not failed on lap 47.

For Ralf, it was a great result he didn’t expect. From Button it was a quite bril liant debut and it silenced all those of the chattering class es who had doubted that he had what is needed to be in FI. A star was bom - even if he is only SO. “I made a mistake on the fifth lap,’*' he said, “but apart from that it was neat and tidy, certainly a good start to my career in FI. I think I have shown that I can do the job.”

Indeed so.

Fourth position at the flag went to Jacques Viileneuve, scoring BAR’s first points. There was a certain element of luck involved but Jacques stayed out of trouble and the car ran faultlessly and that is what matters. It was a good solid result and a reward for a lo't of hard work. To add to the achievement Zonta fin ished seventh and would later be awarded sixth place when Mika Salo was exclud ed for a front wing infringe ment. The team is not yet out the woods but a result like that will certainly have helped.

Benetton picked up two points thanks to the efforts of Fisichella who came home fifth. He had some problems with the rear of the car after the de la Rosa/Irvine accident. . “The rear of my car became really loose and I had massive oversteer in the corners.”

Alexander Wurz also made it home in eighth place, although this became seventh when Salo was booted out.

Sauber’s day had looked to be quite good until the scrutineering bay. Salo had finished sixth but the front wings of the car extended backwards an inch into an area where bodywork is not

supposed to be. There was no argument Salo was out.

Pedro Diniz had a brush with Zonta and ended up in the gravel. He rejoined but eventually had to pit for repairs and on lap 43 he went out with a transmis sion failure.

Marc Gene made it home in ninth (which became eighth) but it was not a great day for Minardi. The Spaniard’s race was ham pered by his collision with

Heidfeld while Mazzacane’s GP debut ended in retire ment on lap 41 with a gear box failure when he was running 11th.

Heidfeld managed to drag his recalcitrant Prost home in 10th. Heidfeld said he was happy. He must be eas ily pleased because this had been a terrible weekend for the team. Alesi’s race in the spare car was uninspiring and ended with an engine failure.

What they said

Michael Schumacher: This was the fifth time we have tried to win in Australia and to be competitive at the start of the season. The first time I sat in the car I knew I would be able to fight for the cham pionship right from the start.

I was not worried yester day. I thought Mika could celebrate pole -and I could celebrate the win!

We still have to work to improve our starts, but I could match the pace at the front and I decided to take it easy and push before the pitstops. I was disf-ppointed when the McLarens retired, because I would have pre ferred to race them to the end to show what we could do.

Towards the end, I had no need to push and I let Rubens pass, as he had to make a second stop and he was fighting for second place. I am looking forward to the rest of the season. We have a car which will be competitive everywhere and we also know how to devel op it.

Rubens Barrichello: I did not make a very good start and, even though the car was good, I was stuck behind Frentzen. It is very difficult to overtake here. I tried very hard, but then 1 decided to back off. He was holding me up.

I was talking to the team all the time on the radio and we decided to switch to a two-stop strategy to get me ahead. My only problem was

when I found myself in neu tral as I was leaving the pits.

Now I am looking forward to the next race. Maybe we can switch places so that I can win in Brazil...

Jean Todt: We could have made a better start. This is the first 1-2 finish with our new driver line-up. The cars went really well in this open ing race. I was worried about the reliability. We got the best result, while those we expected to be our main rivals failed to score.

The championship is a difficult obstacle race with 16 rounds to go. Now we have a great opportunity which we must exploit. The whole team worked very well.

Michael used the car rebuilt after Friday’s accident, thanks to excellent work from the mechanics.

We changed Barrichello’s strategy in order to get him past Frentzen and all went according to plan.

Ralf Schumacher: I am very happy about the start of the new season. I didn’t real ly expect a podium place at the first race!

The team did a great job with the preparation of the FW22 and the BMW engine perfomned in the best way, showing [itself] to be reliable and driveable. I want to thank the WilliamsFI team and BMW for the great job they did in Grove and Munich.

We are going to celebrate today’s great success

Michael Schumacher Rubens Barrichello Ralf Schumacher Jacques Viileneuve Giancarlo Fisichella Mika Sale Ricardo Zonta Alexander Wurz Marc Gene Nick Heidfeld

Ferrari F12000 Ferrari F12000 BMW-Williams FW22 BAR-Honda 002 Benetton-Playlife B200 Sauber-Petronas Cl9 BAR-Honda 002 Benetton-Playlife B200 Minardi-Fondmetal M02 Prost-Peugeot AP03

1 h34m01.967s 1h34m13.402s 1 h34m21.996s 1 h34m46.434s 1h34m47.152s 1h34m47.611s 1 h34m48.455s 1h34m48.902s 57 laps 56 laps

Fastest Lap - Barrichello on lap 41, 1 m31.481s Lap Leaders - Lap 1-18 Hakkinen, Lap 19-29 M. Schumacher, Lap 30-35 Frentzen, Lap 36-44 M. Schumacher, Lap 45 Barrichello, Lap 46-58 M. Schumacher.

Retirements DNF Jenson Button Pedro Diniz DNF DNF Gaston Mazzacane DNF Heinz-Harald Frentzen Jarno Trulli DNF Jean Alesi DNF DNF Mika Hakkinen DNF Jos Verstappen DNF David Coulthard DNF Pedro de la Rosa DNF Eddie Irvine DNF Johnny Herbert'

BMW-Williams FW22 Sauber-Petronas Cl9 Minardi-Fondmetal M02 Jordan-Mugen-Honda EJ10 Jordan-Mugen-Honda EJ10 Prost-Peugeot AP03 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/15 Arrows-Supertec A21 McLaren-Mercedes MP4/15 Arrows-Supertec A21 Jaguar-Cosworth R1 Jaguar-Cosworth R1

46 laps 41 laps 40 laps 39 laps 35 laps 27 laps 18 laps 16 laps 11 laps 6 laps 6 laps 1 lap

Drivers’ World Championship Points: M.Schumacher 10; Barrichello 6; R. Schumacher 4; Viileneuve 3; Fisichella 2; Zonta 1.

-Constructors’ Championship Points: Ferrari 16; BMW-Williams 4; BAR-Honda 4; Benetton-Playlife 2. the car was quick in a straight line, but sliding in the high-speed cor ners. That’s why I had a few people behind me. The car was good to the end.

Giancarlo Fisichella; I had a bad start because there was a prob lem with the clutch and I lost a couple of places. Then either someone touched me or something in the rear of my car broke, because it became really loose and I had Maa-aate; Schuey and Rubens celebrate their 1-2.(Photo by sunon images) massive oversteer in the comers, and I couldn’t year, it is good to finally together. The car ran really drive the car like I did in the achieve this. To do it in our well throughout, and there warm-up. first race with Honda is really were no major problems.

But, once I learned how go(xl. to control it, I was able to be Sir Frank Williams: I had hoped we could get WilliamsFI and BMW are onto the podium but Ralf fairly competitive, although I just couldn't risk going off the just delighted, astonished for [Schumacher] passed me in the pitstops, although I really line. I am pleased to get two what happened today and, didn’t think the Williams despite Jenson’s lack of a points in the first race. It’s a would last the distance. finish, his underlying perfor good start to the season.

This is a great start to the mance, pace and rhythm, season and gives us some Ricardo Zonta: I had a lot of promise great things. thing to build on. It’s been I must say my very best understeer throughout the very hard, but even after 12 congratulations to BMW. I race and this cost me some months like the year we’ve don’t beiieve - without check time in the fast comers. had, fourth is still not good ing - that any other engine I thought I was going to enough. I’m disappointed we finish sixth and scores point, supplier or engine manufac missed the podium because turer has achieved a podium but I couldn’t do anything of the pitstop. I know that place with the first race of about Salo coming past me. there are more develop their engine, until you go I had a few problems this ments- we should get some back to 1967 and the debut weekend, but today the car of the Ford Cosworth DFV. good things for Silverstone. and engine ran perfectiy. But Qualifying was very good i really wanted that point, so Jacques Viileneuve: It feels compared to our spe^, and I was frustrated. But now I what actually saved us today great to have finished where have the point back, I’m very and earned our points was we did. happy! It’s really good for the our qualifying position. We I knew we would be able team to have both cars in were running a low-downto score points today, and the top six. force set-up, which is why after the struggle of the last

n March 2000

33

BOY WONDER

A lot of people was looking at Jenson Button at the weekend, waiting for the 20year-old Wunderkind to fall over at his first FI start. But he showed them he was a worthy GP driver with a mature drive, even if he did DNF. ADAM COOPER spoke to him exclusively after the race.

I about have to admit Button’s I had my mercurial doubts Jenson arrival in F1.

There’s never been a question about his talent - his unusual name was known far beyond the karting world even before he was old enough to get a road car licence - but the point was that he will still be good a couple of years down the road. Why rush him into F1 and expose him to all kinds of pressures too soon?

After he crashed on Friday morning in Melbourne, the cynics began to make commentsoverlooking the fact that Michael Schumacher and David Coulthard had hefty shunts during the weekend, and Mika Hakkinen was lucky to escape unscathed from a spectacular spin. Lack of track time and mechanical gremlins restricted Jenson to 21st place on the grid, and it certainly seemed that he had found it much tougher than expected.

But it all changed on Sunday morning. The team allowed him to go out and play rather than plod round with d full load of fuel, and he not only went a second quicker than he had ih qualifying but also ended up second only to Rubens Barrichello, who was also clearly allowed free reign.

But the race is where Button really made his point. He made a pretty good job of his first pukka FI start, passed people on the first lap without getting involved in any aggro, and settled down at the back of a the midfield pack.

As front-runners retired he rose to sixth place, only to pull off with a mechanical failure just a few laps from home. Although he didn’t join that elite group of rookie points scorers, he answered the doubts of even the most ardent sceptic.

After the race Williams technical director Patrick Head looked happier than he has done for the past couple of seasons. Ralf Schumacher had given BMW a podium finish on its return after a 13 year absence, and Jenson had fulfiiled expectations.

“He could have been in the points,” smiled Patrick as he supped a Veltins beer. ”He started from 21st on the grid, made up four or five places at the start, and I hope that some of the people who were saying he isn’t ready for it will maybe be a bit quieter. Any racing driver doesn’t have to talk about it, he just has to go out and do it. He didn’t make any mistakes, didn’t look untidy.

And here is the man himself in fact... Well done Jenson!”

Looking a little red faced but otherwise surprisingly fresh, Jenson emerged from the back of the Williams garage, having just made the trip back from pare ferme. He looked a little surprised to see his co-boss knocking back a beer.

“Got to drink the sponsor’s

product!,” grinned Patrick. “You did a very good job. We’ve just got to make sure it hangs together a bit longer next time.”

“One of us did, that’s the important thing,” said Jenson.

Former GP winner John Watson, in his Channel Nine role, dashed up with a microphone.

“I think that smiles says a lot about how you feel,” said Wattie.

“Definitely, especially after yesterday, with me and the accident, and a few other little niggly problems. We didn’t really get the position we deserved in

training. Outside a racing car I’m very, very fit I think. Obviously I proved today that I could do a tong distance in a racing car, and I could have gone to the finish no problem. I was still concentrating. I wasn’t feeling dizzy or anything. I was feeling very confident of finishing on a high.

MN: You probably couldn’t admit it at the time, but how much did Saturday’s accident knock your confidence?

JS: I wasn’t worried. I don’t get nervous when I go off, I just don’t want to do it again. The main thing was I was a bit disappointed in myself. We had two 45 minute sessions of testing, which I missed out on, and everybody else had, so we went straight into qualifying with no real practice.

Any 20-year-old: Jenson Button did what he usually does - on Saturday, he sat down and ate a Choc Wedge with Dad John,and then warmed up a knight’s BMW-powered FI car faster than he qualified it. Simple, really ... (piiomsby suiconi

MN; And this morning in the warm-up they Just let you have a go?

JS: This morning it was good actually. We had a high fuel load and low fuel load, and it went well.

We made a few changes for the race, obviously for the long distance.

MN: Obviously everyone’s asking you, but was there anything about this weekend which you found surprising?

Was it easier than expected?

JS; Definitely not easier...

MN: Were you surprised by the press interest in you?

JS; Yes, you lot- how many there are of you! It’s unbelievable well amazing.

qualifying.”

“But you must in a sense almost be delighted to get the accident out of the way - you’ve done that now, you can move on.”

“I know how it feels.

Starting 21st there were no pressures on me and the team didn’t put any pressures on me. I just enjoyed in the race. I think it was fourth I got up to in the race.

“You kept moving up and up and up. You seemed to get stronger and faster as the race went on, a sort of confidence thing?

“Also experience. I haven’t been able to do that many laps round here, so I think every lap I do is learning really. It’s been a good race and I’m looking forward to Brazil.

“You were racing with some hard nuts out there. What was it like?’

“It’s great, it’s really, really good to be racing with not just the best drivers in the world, but they’re very fair in the way they drive.”

“You managed to overtake them - most drivers say it’s hard to overtake, but you got past!”

donH get nervous when Igo off,Ijust donH want to do it again.

“Only a couple. It is very difficult to overtake, especially for me just coming into it. You catch two cars in front and you find it very difficult to overtake, as a couple of other people found out. Anyway, it’s been a good race, and I wish we could have finished.”

With that Wattie bids farewell and sets off in search of another interview. Motorsport News seizes the opportunity to get the first print media interview with Jenson Button, GP driver.

MN: How was the first start?

JS; It wasn’t too bad. It could have been a lot better, but I got a bit too much wheelspin I think.

MN; Was the start a major concern beforehand?

JS: Obviously they were concerned about stalling at the start. I thought I would give it a bit more than I would normally, revwise. I’d rather have a bit more

wheelspin that actually stall on the grid. That’s the way it happened, and it wasn’t too bad actually.

MN; You must have been anxious about keeping out of trouble on the first lap?

JS; Oh, definitely. They all spoke to me, and Gerhard especially was talking about that.

Luckily I found some gaps to overtake as well on the first lap, which was a surprise to me. It was good - it was an exciting first three laps.

MN; What have you learned today that you didn’t know yesterday?

JS: About long distance - I’ve never driven a long distance like that before. It didn’t really cause a problem. I hurt my arm a little bit, but nothing major. It’s been a good day.

MN: People were saying he’s not fit enough, but this was a very tough test...

JS: Definitely. But actually driving a FI car is the best fitness

MN: When you saw ‘P6’ for the first time, did that give you an extra buzz?

JS: It did. A few people have told me I was actually up fourth at one point before the pit stop, ifs good to see P6 on the board and know you’ve got a point. Then I looked in the mirrors and there was Zonta coming up at a huge rate of knots.

But again when you catch cars it’s much more difficult to actually overtake, as I found as well.

MN: What went through your mind when you retired?

JS: Obviously it would have been nice to get points. One of the cars finished, which is important, and I almost got there, so I should be happy.

MN: Have you answered the critics who said you weren’t ready?

JS; Yeah, I think so. But that wasn’t really my aim. I wanted to do the best job I can for myself and for the team, and I think I did that, and the team did a good effort.

Hopefully when I get home a few people will be happy, including my family and friends.

MN; Have you exchanged any words wrth your dad yet?

JS: Yes, I have, i gave him a big hug. He said Tm amazed, and I’m not normally like that with you.’

It was really good. I better go now...

With that Jenson was off, dragged away to another TV interview.

Believe me, we have not heard the last of this young man...

17 March 2000

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Smile: Jacques Villeneuve faces the world’s cameras (top left). Just imagine the media pack if Dannii Minogue was there ...

Playing the flutes: McLaren ran these neat exit flutes in the sidepods, which enable them to ... (answers on a postcard).

Finn’s fans: Mika Schumacher, Mika Herbert...

Pholo^jrBi* Klynsmitfi

Freestyler: Keiren Perkins ;usf fitted into the McLaren 2-seater and enjoyed his hot ride with Olivier Panis.

Shank’s Pony: While Ollie got a 2-seater, DC had to make do with a solo, riding his bike to the track.

Green Thunder: In Jag green Eddie Irvine looked a million dollars, which is probably a conservative estimate.

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Snappy dresser: This is the bloke who took the $5K for the best dressed competition. Another win for Ferrari!

Living in the 70s: Harry, i can’t get past this Falcon. Harry?

Harry?

Winning ride: Lex Devine (below, left) was one of the lucky winners of the Ride of Your Life competition, getting to watch Peter Brock have a Red Hot Go.

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Shining star: Ralf Schumacher drove a perfect race to finish third in the BMW.Williams.

You call me Mister, 1 call you Doctor; What do you think was said after the race between Mercedes-Benz’s Motorsport head Norbert Haug (at left, below) and his BMW counterpart.

Dr Mario Theissen?

You can take the boy out of Italy: Eddie Irvine still knows how to get his point across, even if he didn’t score in the race.

Fans, fans, fans: Despite the arrival of Jaguar in Formula One Ferrari is still the brand of choice for many of the fans, as shown by these chappies.

36

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Finished Business w

By AARON NOONAN

HILE he may no longer regularly compete in Formula Ford, Christian Murchison proved that he hasn’t forgot ten any of the skills which have got him to Formula Holden with three victories from three starts in the Karcher Formula Ford Track Attack.

Murchison didn’t have it all his own way though, an inspired Owen Kelly provid ing stiff opposition. Kelly took two second place finish es, and looked set to take a win in race three until mechanical dramas stopped his charge.

Some of the front runners elected to use older cars with the Perth round of the series in just one weeks’ time while one driver elect ed to sit out the weekend for safe measure.

Phillip Island winner Leanne Ferrier was at the track but not racing, instead her car already in Perth waiting for the second round of the series, with the Valvoline driver choosing to keep focused on the champi onship.

Quallofyiinig n a newly re-livered Spectrum, Toll-backed dri ver Owen Kelly set the pace in practice'- on a ‘green’ track and continued with the form in qualifying by topping the timesheets from the outset.

However, in the dying stages of the session, Christian Murchison — returning to the category for the weekend in a Fastlane Racing Stealth — topped the time, leaving a 2ml0.586s as the benchmark.

Kelly was relegated to sec ond only a few hundredths behind, ahead of Stuart Kostera, Stewart McColl (running a back-up car in a Van Diemen RF92), Robert Jones, Rick Kelly, Luke Youlden (using a Mygale SJ99 used last year by Greg Ritter to win the champi onship), Andrew, Jones, Stephen Groci and Will Davison. Davison missed the majority of practice with a broken rose joint, tenth therefore a good result.

Top runners at Phillip Island’s first round of the championship, Chris Dell and Will Power, both strug gled, lining up 14th and 24th respectively.

Race 1-8 laps

B

ack in a Formula Ford, Murchison was keen to dominate, and won the jump from Owen Kelly, Kostera and McColl.

With Kelly fighting off the advances of the pursuing pack, Murchison was able to pull away and establish what, in the end, was a win ning margin.

Youlden faught his way through to fourth, but would retire soon after with severe damage after a crash which put him out for the week end. Who said running the old car wasn’t a good idea?

While ‘Murcho’ continued to lead, Kelly shook off the rest and went out after the man who won one FF race in 1998 at Albert Park. The former was relishing not having to be accurate to the millimetre with every move as he has become used of in Formula Holden, and threw the car at every kerb, using all of the road along the way.

On the other hand, Kelly was demonstrating the level-headedness that has marked him as one of the favourites for the champi onship, driving direct with minimal fuss.

He closed a few tenths for a handful of laps but Murchison responded to ease away and win while the Toll driver settled for second.

Behind though was the dice of the race between Kostera and McColl. It was ruined with two corners to, go when the latter attempt ed an optimistic inside pass which saw both cars depart the tarmac. McColl strug gled home foriifth with Rick Kelly third (if his brother Todd is the ‘Toddler’ then is Rick the ‘Infant’?) and Robert Jpnes fourth.

A top drive by Davison saw him finish sixth, even despite being belted off the track and trooping through the sandtrap, ahead of Marcus Marshall, Groci, Greg Woodrow and Simon Wheeler.

“I wasn’t too fazed with Owen,” said Murchison. n “There were a few times where he had the tow and was able to catch me but luckily he made a couple of mistakes and I slipped away.

Once he fell out of the tow he couldn’t catch me.

Slipstreaming is just so cru cial at Albert Park.

“It’s easier to follow the car in front in those sort of situations, you can use the car in front to pace yourself and if the car in front can go at a certain pace around a corner, then there’s no real reason why you can’t, or go even quicker.”

Kelly, having settled for a safe second, was still posi tive about things.

“On one lap (the fastest of the race) I was one second faster than qualifying. In the first few laps — if I didn’t win the first corner — I planned to just sit back and watch Christian and see if he’d go off,” he said.

He didn’t, but race two on Friday was another chance ...

Race 2-6 laps The racetoneeded twosecond attempts get it underway, after Robert

Jones stalled on the line due to a coil lead which had fallen off.

From the restart Murchison and Kelly resumed their battle, while Kostera (from the back of the pack) ran off the road in turn one.

Kelly moved through to the lead on lap two but Murchison soon found his way back by at turn 13 in an awesome manoevure. While Kelly was worrying about an approaching challenge on his inside from McColl, Murchison placed himself on the outside of the pair, and. braking deep and late. pulled off an awesome move to lead.

He pulled away from the pack for yet another victory from the Kelly gang of Owen and Rick, another impres sive drive from Davison net ted him fourth, McColl, Wheeler and Jones.

The other Jones — Andrew — failed to finish. A car slowed ahead of him on the approach to the Esses on the back section of the cir cuit and he zigged out only to bounce acres the infield and rip off the front right wheel. The BOC Gases Van Diemen would be repaired for Saturday’s race.

Race 3-8 laps

B

oth front row men were eager to hit the first cor ner first but again Murchison led the early going and, as was the case in race one, Kelly had to fight off the rest before con centrating his attention on the leader.

After one lap the gap between the two was 1.1s, however the superior car speed of Kelly brought him to the gearbox of the Fastlane driver by lap four and he swarmed until his luck turned on lap seven.

The Spectrum had sheared flywheel bolts and dropped off the fl3rwheel and Kelly stopped to retire.

Murchison didn’t exactly cruise all the way to the end as Davison ended up in sec ond only seven-tenths behind. McColl was third, Kostera a great fighting fourth from a long way back, Rick Kelly (who spun and threw away a podium posi tion on lap five), Wheeler and Groci.

Counting the Toll: Christian Murchison ^ returned to Formula Ford at the AGP to finish the job he began last year.

Despite the close competition, especially from Toll Racing’s Owen Kelly, Murchison won all three races in dominating fashion.

Anything F1 can do,so can we: The FFords again provided plenty of thrills and spills some competitors needing a lift.

Anything Toddler can do,so can I: Rick Kelly, the 16-year-old brother of HRT Young Lion Todd, was impressive with his speed, although things didn’t entirely go to plan.

(Photos by Marshall Cass)

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17March2000

37

Jane dominates NASCAR Restricted ballroom; Celebrity race winner Paul Mercuric.

Mercurial Paul

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Nominator; .After conning in behind lim Richards three times in "99.this yean?w^s^im Jane’s turn in the NASCARs..

THE rumble of the NASCARs returned to Albert Park but there were no real surprises at the front of the field. Kim Jane (Repco Chev Monte Carlo) grabbed pole in 2m08.466s ahead of Neville Lance’s King Koil Ford Taurus.

It would be a busy weekend for the Western Australian, who doubled up l for the weekend by competing in the Australian Midget Speedcar Titles in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday night in addition to practice and heats on Wednesday and Friday. He trailed by 1.1s, with touring car refugee Andrew Miedecke in one of Bob Middleton’s Monte Carlos in third.

Rusty-French replaced Rod Wilson in the car Jim Richards used to win the same event last year and was fourth ahead of Ken James(Chev), George Elliot (Chev), Bob Middleton (Chev), a returning Rod Jane (Chev), Gene Cook (Ford), Dick Howe (Ford), Cameron Fisher (Oldsmobile Cutlass) and Mark Harrison (Pontiac Grand Prix).

Eddie Abelnica would start from the back of the pack after engine problems in qualifying in his Monte Carlo.

Race one was predictable with Jane taking the chequered flag, but he was pushed for the majority of the distance by Lance.

During their battle for the lead, Lance set a fastest lap of 2m07.909s (faster than Jane’s pole timej but as the race wore on, the big monsters wore down and Lance was the ioser when he plowed off through the gravel whilst trying to pass Jane on the second last lap.

He managed to rejoin and finish seventh while Kim’s cousin Rodney made it a Jane 1-2 with second ahead of a storming drive from Abelnica,

Elliot, James, French.

Fisher was eighth ahead of Cook and Howe while Nigel Benson (in the Monte Carlo with which Matthew White finished third at Bathurst in 1998), Tony Southwell, Paul Nolan and Martin Burrows rounded out the field.

Three-time champion Jane made it two from two with an 11-second victory over Elliot in race two, even despite racing at what he deemed a pace to be a conservative pace with t|ie. championship at mind.

Lance again hit dramas with a smoking motor and struggled on to finish seventh while Miedecke overcame the brake dramas he had suffered earlier to take third.

James was fourth ahead of Fisher and French.

Race three was academic and Jane clinched another NASCAR championship — his fourth — with another victory for the John Sidney

The NASCAR sensations: The Bob Jane T-Marts girls added colour to the event.(Cass)

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While he drove away from the field.

Rusty French used his road racing experience to pressure Elliot — French returning to racing after a break following a heart bypass.

French grabbed second from Elliot while Rod Jane carved his way through the field to fourth ahead of Cook. Miedecke again suffered brake troubles, this time having no stoppage in the peddle at all and retired without even completing a lap while Abelnica blew an engine on lap four while in a comfortable fourth place.

“Full credit to the crew, they did a really great job. The car was getting better and better and we clinched the championship,” said Jane.

“I’m quite surprised (with the win); there was a massive vibration in the brakes at the start of the race but it cleared and I just kept going.”

- AARON NOONAN

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medallist Daley Thompson, RAAF Roulette aerobatic pilot Joanne Mein, Paul Clitheroe, Thomas Muster and Triple M’s Tim Smith.

Partner in early-morning breakfast crime Steve BedweU finished 11th.

‘The Panel’s’ Santo Cilauro qualified a solid eighth but ended up last finisher, his BMW looking like it had received a ‘Stone Cold Stunner’.

“I don’t know what hap pened — I was just driving down Fitzroy Street and I took a wrong turn ...” said Cilauro.

-AARON NOONAN

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THE glory days of CanAm racing were revived at Albert Park in the Shannons International Supersports Cup races.

Britain’s Chris Chiles dominated the first race in his 9.1 (!) litre hig block Chevy-powered March 717 with the McLaren M8C/D of Richard Eyre in second and Nigel Barrett’s McLaren M8C. Barrett took the second race, even despite being chal lenged by Mike Wilds in the much smaller Class B twohtre Chevron B19. Eyre and Chiles filled the rest of the podium positions with Aussie Aaron Lewis eighth in his

Repco-Holden Elfin MS7.

Race three though was action-packed. Barrett blast ed away from the roling start but then had a failure of some sort which made him slow dramatically.

“Something broke — I had my foot down hard and then it just stopped,” he said.

The following cars (includ ing Giles) ploughed into the still-spinning car (and one another), which launched the #2 machine off the ground forcing a red flag and ulti mately the cancellation of the race.

But what we want to know is whether or hot Shannons will pay out the insurance ...

-AARON NOONAN

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Australian 1999 Hyper Stimulator Clmmpion, Vail Riches gets told how, by instructor Peter Finlay

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39

Avtil 1 1

Earnhardt by a nose m

By MARTIN D. CLARK

the front stretch wall to bring out the yellows.

Grabbing the pole, his sec AFTER some mediocre racing in the first three ond of the year after not hav ing won one last year, Dale races of the year, the Atlanta event held March Jarrett suffered in the pits when he pulled out as Stacy 12 had a bit of everything, Compton was entering his stall. including competitive rac Jarrett received some ing and a photo finish.

Dale Earnhardt came out major front end aerodynamic on top after a “down to the damage as he spun Compton wire” final few laps racing around, DJ would run mid Bobby Labonte, who had the pack all race until his engine faster car on longer runs. expired late in the going, But late race caution periods dropping the #88 back to hampered Labonte’s efforts 36th in the final standings. at a track where has domi Skinner dominated the nated recently, winning four 325 lap race, leading 191 of the past six events. laps, but with just 20 laps Earnhardt holds the most remaining his #31 Monte wins at the Georgia 1.5 mile Carlo engine let go and he quad oval, extending his relinquished the lead, and total to eight with his 75th perhaps his first career win, career victory, although this to Earnhardt. was his first win at Atlanta “That’s all we had, it just since the track was re-config- came up 20 laps short,” said ured in 1996.

Skinner. “I’d crash my mom “We went at it as hard as to win my first race.” we could,” said Earnhardt, Like Skinner, while lead who started back in 35th. ing, Jeff Burton cut a right “Mike Skinner had run rear tyre on lap 70 and awfully good all day and had slammed the wall hard in the car to beat but we were turn four, ending a strong nm. able to get to victory lane.”

And that’s what he did by The early part' of the race just .009 seconds. .saw sqme new names up At one point Earnhardt front, Earnhardt Jr, fellow had,a run in with Skinner, rookie Matt Kenseth, Kevin ‘the Intimidator’ going low to Lepage and Jerry Nadeau all pass Skinner for the lead but spending time leading the was cut off- the black #3 suf pack, but all those con tenders fell foul to mechani fering front fender damage.

Earnhardt gave his cal trouble - Dale Junior Childress team mate Skinner when his brake line snapped some serious looking hand after contact with the wall, signals when he pulled Lepage when his rear axle alongside to pit during a well shaft broke, and Nadeau and timed (for Earnhardt any Kenseth when they both suf Wally fered blown engines. way) caution Jeff Gordon and Mark Dallenbach having pounded

I

Off CALBER Park has can

A sniff of victory: After having been allowed a 1.5 inch extension on the Monte Carlo’s nose, Earnhardt drove his #3 Chev to victory lane in Atlanta. Naturally, the ‘Intimidator’ had plenty to smilp about. {Photos by Martin D. CLark)

Martin spent a few laps up front but neither had a car to contend for victory, Martin finishing third and Gordon ninth - his best result in 2000.

By race end some different names were in the top 10.

Chad Little for a change had qualified well in 13th and came home sixth. Steve Park started third and fin ished a deserving fourth, Joe Nemechek fifth and Todd Bodine making an appearance in the un-sponsored LJ Racing Chevy, the last car on the lead lap in seventh.

Bill Elliott finished tenth.

1 think 1 saw Elvis: No, Tony, you saw Robert, and that’s Pressley! Tony Stewart received minor concussion from this incident. (Photo by sutton-images)

but like Jarrett, was involved in a pit road incident, his with Scott Pruett, who would later crash out of the race.

Tony Stewart suffered a short loss of consciousness when he hit the wall and was then slammed like a sit ting duck by Robert Pressley. Stewart later was complaining of a headache, but other wise was OK. Along with Pressley, Compton and a front running Rusty Wallace were also involved when Stewart spun helplessly off turn four.

Wallace had earlier problems

when a header came loose and caused some floor and tunnel burning in the cockpit.

There were an amazing 30 lead changes among 17 dri vers, a 2000 record in a race that lasted 3h 47m.

With the Chevy contingent taking five of the top 10 posi tions the aerodynamic advantage perceived to be held by the Ford Taurus is apparently over.

But, as was expected, NASCAR did hold one of each marque for wind tunnel testing in Georgia after the race just to make sure...

Home run king looks to NASCAR

AMERICAN baseball great Hank Aaron, the greatest ever home run scorer in major league history, could be the next Hall of Fame athlete to become a NASCAR team owner.

According to a report in this week’s Atlanta JournalConstitution, Aaron has linked with a sports marketing firm to look at the possibilities and has had discussions with several Winston Cup team owners in the past few months.

“We are being meticulous and persistent in our search,” said Aaron of his look at the sport. “There’s a quality that has helped draw me to the sport and this business venture.”

Aaron said, if a more-thanlikely interest in a team soon came to pass, he was looking to expand the sport commercially than what it already is.

“NASCAR has achieved almost unimaginable popular interest during the last decade or more, but there’s still a golden opportunity to further widen its .ipfluence commercially.

“Once our ownership is cemented, we’ll be actively engaging new marketing partners who may not have previously capitalized on NASCAR’s impact.

“The ability to expand the scope and diversity of

NASCAR audiences, as well as companies that may have realized its potential but did not feel prepared for a launch into big-league auto racing, will be a priority.”

If Aaron does make the move to team ownership, he would become the fourth American All-Star athlete to become a team owner in either of NASCAR’s three major series, joining basketball star Julius ‘Dr J’ Erving, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee and former NBA star Brad Daugherty.

Aaron, who is currently senior vice president of the Atlanta Braves, retired from major league baseball in 1975, having hit 755 career home runs.

Home run: Baseball great Hank Aaron. cAUspon)

celled the April 1 Super Speedway meet ing, the decision leav ing the future of the category and the Thunderdome in seri ous doubt.

In a letter to competi tors, Bob Jane said that; “the reasons for the can cellation are a combina tion of many complex issues which have not suddenly come upon us, but have now crept into our sport over a period of time to weaken our posi tion in terms of sponsor ship, decline in entries, standard of our ‘show’, the image of our sport to patrons, etc.”

Jane took a swipe at competitors, both current and former, by saying “the facts are that many competitors in the past either did not need spon sorship due to the level of prize money on offer or did make the effort to sell their ‘product’.

He also dismissed rumours of his health and the sale of Calder Park; saying “I have a huge investment in Super Speedway and have no intention in letting it die.”

In a further letter to the media, Calder Park Motorsport representa tive Kyahn Timms said the company does have plans for the future of Superspeedway racing in Australia, although “we aren’t prepared to dis cuss those at the moment, preferring to wait until we can make a firm com mitment.” , Talk at the Grand Prix last weekend, where severely depleted fields compared to 1999 ran three support races, had a number of current NASCAR competitors lob bying sports management agency IMG for inclusion on the bills at both the new V8 Supercar race scheduled for Canberra in June and the Indy Car Grand Prix on the Gold Coast in October.

However, the quality of the Grand Prix supports last weekend is believed to have seriously dented their chances and, unless better fields are assem bled, their inclusion must be considered doubtful.

AVESCO chairman Tony Cochrane is also believed to have expressed his displeasure about the NASCARs on the Grand Prix bill last weekend.

40 17Mdrch2000

By MARTIN D. CLARK n Dale Earnhardt Jr ran into problems at Atlanta with the telemetry relay installed in his car to provide data for the television coverage, r-ubbing a hole in a brake line. The hole eventually led to Junior’s demise from contention. n It is believed NASCAR is looking at introducing a smaller restrictor plate for the Talladega race in April.

Currently the plate has four 29/32nds of an inch diameter holes with the new restrictor apparently cutting the size down to 7/8ths ofan inch. The change is expected to cut horsepower by a further 15, meaning average lap speeds will drop by around two mile per hour. n Atlanta’s attendance of80,000 fans left some 50,000 seats available - the second time in four races this season that a race has not sold out. n Mark Martin and Dale Jarrett have had a conversation regarding their problem at the end of the Daytona 500 in which Martin was expecting Jarrett to draft with him in the closing laps. Neither driver would say what was discussed. n Only two drivers have qualified in the top 10 for the first three Winston Cup events of the year veteran Ricky Rudd and rookie Dale Earnhardt Jr are the consistent two.

Mark Martin is the only person to have led in all three 2000 Winston Cup races. n Roush Racing and driver Kevin Lepage have signed sponsor Family Click.com to support the number 16 Taurus for the duration of the 2000 season. The internet site is owned by the Family Channel that sponsored the same car a few years back. Lepage celebrated with an 11th placed finish in Las Vegas. n Ward Burton,John Andretti, Bill Elliott, Kenny Wallace, Kyle Petty, Wally Dallenbach and Darrell Waltrip used their available provisionals in Las Vegas to make the race.

FOR the second year in succession, Jeff Burton dominated and won the Las Vegas event on March 5. It was also Burton’s third Winston No Bull milhon DoUar bonus-remark ably aU in the same car.

The race, or lack of one, was shortened by rain just past the half way point on lap 148, shortening it from 400 to 222 miles. Burton has now won three times in row when races have been rain-shortened, twice at Darlington last year.

Burton passed Roush stable mate Mark Mai-tin for the lead just 13 laps before the final caution waved.

“The key is putting yourselfin position,” said Burton.“We seem to have ourselves in the right place at the right time. That will turn around on us one day, hut we’re going to keep taking advantage ofit while we can.

“I wish it could have gone hack green because several dri vers had a great chance,it would have been a really neat race.”

The win capped a great week end for Burton,the Roush driver also taking victory in the Busch series luce the previous day.

While leading. Burton,had trouble frying to lap his broth er Ward, and Martin slipped by for the point on lap 112.

When Bruton finally caught up it was Martin who had back marker' trouble and Burton was back out front again on lap 136.

“I got by Jeff because he coiddnk get by his brother and I thought I could do a betterjob ofthat, and did,” remarked Martin who finished third.

“Then we caught more lapped trafiBc and Jeff thought he could do a better job than me,so he did!”

Apparently Martin wasn’t warned by his team of the impending rain, but his spot ter, Jack Roush, made remarks to the contrary.

Bur-ton’s crew chief Frank Stoddard though had been rain dancing again; “I was fairly certain right after the lap 20 caution (also for rain) that this thing was going to end right after the halfway point. I felt certain we needed to be in the lead.”

Ward finished second to his yormger brother last year and 23rd this time, but his auw chief elected not to bring the same car, instead they built a new one.

Would you believe, a million. Ninety-nine? Jeff Burton took his second straight Vegas win in the Exide #99 Taurus.

No fries with this Drive-thru: Bill Elliott finished fourth, capping a great day for Ford, (aii Photos by Ford Media)

Chevs get nosy

AFTER losing to both Ford and Pontiac in the first three Winston Cup races of 2000, Chevolet’s Monte Carlo is getting

help from NASCAR.

‘T guess we have a new show car for the fleet,” said Ward, “because I sure as hell aren’t racing that thing again.”

Tony Stewart slipped around Martin just after Burton made the move.

“I’m not sure we had a lot more to gain,” remarked Stewart of his possible chal lenge for the lead.

“My car was driving good, but I felt like we were a httle down on power, if we had got it right maybe we could have won the race. But there’s no shame in leaving here with a second place finish.”

Stewart’s Joe Gibbs crew had thrown just about every thing new under the car follow ing the final happy hour practice and obviously they touched on the correct combination, Jeff Gordon deserved a

Final result; J Burton(Ford) 119.982 mph,Stewart(Pontiac), Martin (Ford), Elliott(Ford), B Labonte(Pontiac),Benson (Pontiac), Jarrett(Ford), Earnhardt(Chevy), Nemechek (Chevy),Earnhardt Jr(Chevy).

Will the Monte Carlo rally? Ifs been a tough 2000 season for Chevrolet, but will a nose job save the day? (Photo by sutton)

Beam me up,Scotty

n Five drivers entered Las Vegas with a chance at winning the No Bull million bonus; Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Mark Martin and Bill Elliott, For‘million dollar Bill’ Elliott it was the first time he had been eligible since becoming the first to win the original prize in 1985. n Derrike Cope and Fenley Moore Motorsports have announced a sponsor for the Atlanta and Darlington events.

Everything-Commerce.com will be the major backer with a chance to sponsor the Ford’s beyond the Darlington event.

-MARTIN D.CLARK

mention but not for any good reason - the Las Vegas event marked the eighth race with^ out a top five finish, the longest streak of his 226 race Cup.career. He finished 28th one lap offthe pace.

Top dog among the Chevys was Dale Earnhardt who post ed eighth, with his son Dale Jr 10th after leading for an impressive 42 laps.

Johnny Benson had another awesome run in the now Lycossponsored Tyler Jet Pontiac.

He came home sixth, having finished 12th at Daytona and 14th at Rockingham.

Starting from last week end’s Atlanta race, Chevy teams were permitted to extend the ‘sldrt’ below the bumper to two inches for ward of the front edge.

Before that teams of all three makes were allowed no more than a half-inch ahead in the cowcatcher area. Fords and Pontiacs will remain at a half-inch.

The modification does not affect the height or width of

either surface. The change resembles more what was done for Pontiac with its Grand Prix after issue in 1996.

“The only work we’ll allow them to do is below the front bumper,” NASCAR tech chief Gary Nelson said.

“We’ll take a look at it at Atlanta this week and see if the results bring a better mix of Ford, Chevrolet and Pontiac, ‘We tested this [modifica tion] in the wind tunnel, under my supervision, and we found it not to be a very big change aerodynamicalty, but directionally it would help to balance the car.”

The Tide is turning for Pruett

Indoors type: Former CART racewinner Scott Pruett looks at home in Cal Wells’s Ford Taurus.

DEJA Vu came to NASCAR racing at Las Vegas, when Scott Pruett qualified the Tide Ford Taurus on the front row for the CarsDirect.com 400.

If polesitter Ricky Rudd looked out from the #28 Texaco/ Havoline Ford, he would have seen his ‘old’ ride alongside.

“I’m sure it’ll be a little strange,” Rudd said after collecting his trophy at the Bud Pole Qualifying ceremonies.

“I got some experience with that at Daytona. I ran around Scott some...

"I think since it’s got that No. 32 on the door it’s not the same

thing for me. But it will be a little awkward."

Pruett, who failed to qualify a week earlier at Rockingham and finished 19th at Daytona, was chuffed after qualifying.

“From last row to first row, what a big change a week makes,” said the CART veteran.

“Coming here and doing some testing was the biggest thing.”

“We ran quick right out of the box, made a change and it was worse, made another change and it was worse,” he said.'We went back to exactly what we came off the truck with and that’s how we qualified.”

As for the irony of starting

next to Rudd in what many fans still consider Rudd’s car, Pruett acknowledged it is odd.

“First, I have to applaud Yates for getting the front row again,” he said. “Second, it is pretty ironic, no question about it.”

Despite the remarkable qualifying turnaround, however, Pmett and Wells weren’t taking anything for granted.

“I’m very much still a rookie, there’s no question about that,” Pruett said. ‘That doesn’t mean I’m not going to run hard from the start of the race,” Pruett finished Vegas five laps down,42nd and last...

- PHIL MORRIS

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42 17 March 2000

By Helen The newtwo NHRA season is now races old and it’s entirely different to what I’ve become accustomed to over the past 11 years.

My husband Al is now driving with Jim Dunn’s Mooneyes team while I’ve hired Cristen Powell to steer the Their year together has Al and Jim are racing for the title and, with the right amount of funding backing their efforts, they have a chance to challenge for it.

They’ve certainly got the experience, although they’re going to have to live with the “Grumpier Old Men" name that they’ve been labelled with!

Along with this Cristen joining our team year.

I’ve also hired Ronnie Swearingen as crew chief.

Ronnie’s getting used to be a more hands-on crew chief than what he’s been in the past- and, while it’s hard work, I think he’s enjoying it.

The first two races produced some indifferent results; we didn’t qualify at' Pomona, and in Phoenix Cristen was in the field, although she wore the blower on her lap after the first round.

We’ve struggled a little , with a puzzling problem where the motor didn’t want to ‘even out’, although Ronnie believes he’s sourced it to the harmonics in the motor.

Believing he had the problem sourced, Ronnie

Grand Prix disaster

made some changes to the car for the first round in Phoenix and re-installed the ignition retard/advance system. Unfortunately, Cristen didn’t know about that and thought the car played up on the run and pedalled it... and that’s when the blower landed in her lap!

Still, the computer showed we were on to something and Cristen’s reaction to when she felt something was excellent. She really is a great driver who will write her name in the history books as one of the best.

CAMERON

Brooks’s

immediate racing career is on hold following a crash in his new ‘63 splitwindow Corvette at the Australian Grand Prix last weekend.

Taking part in the drag racing demonstrations, Brooks’s car turned hard left at the end of a burnout, heavily contacting the con crete safety barriers.

“I did the burnout on the front straight and every thing was as good as gold, then I launched the car and it was all fairly cool,” Brooks said this week following the disaster.

B

etween Phoenix a fortnight ago and Gainsville next weekend, we’ve been down at J. Ed Horton’s chassis shop in South Carolina having our brand new chassis, which was built by Murf McKinney, having one of the swoopy new 2000 Pontiac bodies fitted.

The new body is a major improvement over last year’s model and it produces an incredible amount of downforce, thanks to a fair amount of development time in the GM wind tunnel.

Both Al and Del Worsham’s two Firebirds had some problems with the back decks where the supports weren’t strong enough to hold the body correctly - Al’s car actually had the supports punch up through the carbon-fibre but those problems are now sorted out and we’re looking fbrward to running the new car soon.

Along with the progress we’ve made on the mechanical side of things, Cristen, Ronnie and myself are hoping we’ll also soon be able to enjoy some of the fruits of our work.

“Having finished what we’d gone out to do, I was ready to put it away when I was told to keep going around the bend and do it again. That’s when it all happened.”

Crashed out: Cameron Brooks’s new ’63 split-window Corvette, which made its much anticipated debut at the Nationals late last month, was crashed at the AGP last weekend.

It appears as though the abrasive surface of the track and, perhaps, its camber contributed to the incident which will require the chas sis to be entirely rebuilt from forward of the firewall, along with also necessitat¬

ing a new carbonfibre Corvette front to be import ed from the US. “Apparently Brett Stevens had the same problem just before me, so it was just one of those deals that we really didn’t need,” he said.

“The crowd was loving the drag racing demos and I kept going because that’s what they all wanted. They loved it hitting the wall, but it’s an expensive way to keep them all entertained!”

-GERALD McDORNAN

Nationals means Heintz LES Heintz is not a big fan of index racing and, after taking comfortable wins in the first two

Jumping for joy: Super Stock Nationals winner Les Heintz.

rounds, he showed it after nearly committing ‘harikiri’ drag racing style in his semi-final win over nemisis Nick Xerakis.

Xerakis appeared to have Super Stock by the proverbials with his awesome G/Gas Ford Probe after qual ifying “half an hour under” in first, but Heintz, having knocked down the 9.57 C/MP index but never really having unleashed his Camaro in the first two rounds, couldn’t be considered out of the occassion for their match up.

Unfortunately for Xerakis and his recording-bombing Ford, it was all over at the start line with a red light but, despite the win light glowing in his lane, Heintz ran the beautiful Camaro all the way through to the fin ish, recording a 9.09 - hurt ing his index so much for the final against Ray Caruana that many thought he’d blown his chances.

Thankfully for the 25-year veteran of Super Stock, his small-cubed small block-pow ered Speed Pro Demolitions Chev had enough left, the Dandenong-based racer easing up to a 9.12 atjust 139 mph to secure his first Nationals wiu - Heintz an extremely reheved man after the final.

Pearce caught in the web at Nationals 4 BALLARAT Top Bike racer Peter Pearce

1

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was looking forward to some big leaps for ward in the perfor mance levels of his Kawasaki-based fueller at this year’s Nationals following the recent visit downunder of American fuel bike veteran

Rolex Ron: Hofmann crew chief Ronnie Swearingen.(McOoman)

Larry ‘the Spiderman’ McBride.

McBride really brought Pearce’s bike to life with some major changes to the fuel and clutch sys tems, so much so that

“the Spiderman’ promised to open the former Nationals winner’s eyes “as big as dinner plates.”.

Unfortunately, with McBride now back in the US, Pearce’s hopes and plans didn’t come to reality when all the fuel settings went out the window with the weath er at the event.

The Trett-engined two-wheeled fueller also showed no oil pressure in a warm-up, so an again-disappointed Pearce put the bike back in the trailer.

-GREG WARD

a

Peters - Parker and Pearce:‘The Spiderman and Peter Pearce.

1999/2000 ANDRA AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS 1 2

Australian Top Fuel Series .255 .

Darren Di Filippo

Australian Top Alcohol Series .285

Redback Performance Exhausls/Hadman

1. Dave Koop,Koop De Ville . .330 2. Robin Judd,Studebaker Racing 280

Jim Read

3. Peter Kapiris, Kapiris Bros. ..275

3. Dean Oakley

160

●Valvoline Cummins/Hansen

4. Victor Bray, Castrol Chevy ..263

105

170

5. Dave Simpson,Simpson Racing238

4. Wayne Newby 5. Frank Intini

.100

. . . .Gregory's AutomotivePublications

6. Andrew Searle, ACME FglassISO 7. Brett Stevens,Jack Daniels ..180

6. Tom Easton

,100

7. Matthew Featon

100

3

Rachelle Splatt

4

Steve Read

.76

. .Santo's Cranes/ Hi-Tec Oils/Mckinncy

5

Australian Top Door Slammer Series

1.Gary Phillips 2. Mark Brew

,185

Robin Kirbyl

.54

.PennzoilA^DO/Swindahl

D 13

.280

Australian Top Bike Series .445

1. Jeff Smith. Harley

2. Brett Stevens,Harley .... 37'' 3. Ian Ashelford, Harley ....23 180

4, Jay Upton,Triumph 5, Brett Jonas, Harley

180

6. Paul Edmunds, Harley ....160 140 7. Steve Little, Harley

8. Steven Reed

.80

9. Marcus Chambers, ..

120

9. Paul Shackleton

.60

8. Steve Kitchen,Kawasaki ..100 100 9. Mark Connor, Harley

lO .Peter Gratz, Valvoline

,100

10. Steve Harker

.40

10. Craig McPhee,Yamaha ,..90

8. Les Winter, WinterSmash Repairs 120

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U March 2000

Bray does it again Castro! Chevy ups the world speed mark again - 233 mph run couples to Perth win

VICTOR Bray has bound ed back into-contention for the 2000 ANDRA Top Doorslammer title with

the Queenslander using his renowned world record-setting power to take a win over rival Dave Koop in Perth on March 4.

Bray took the maximum points at the Westemationals - the Perth round offering a 50 percent bonus -to close the gap in the championship race between himself and Koop to just 22 points.

In the final round Bray again recorded the fastest ever speed for a doorslammer - the fourth time this year - at 233.16 mph while taking a 6.52 second win over Koop’s trailing 7.0.

Bray backed up the speed for a new national record with a 232 mph semi-final win over local Robin Judd’s Studebaker.

“After the bad luck we’ve had lately, this is the best pos sible lift for our Castrol team” said Bray. “I didn’t expect the speeds to be as high today but after the heat in the afternoon, the air and the track surface cooled down and produced some great conditions for rac ing.

“We were on the edge of over-powering the track in the first half of every run but in the second half ofthe track the car was absolutely flying. It was awesome to drive - the best feeling in the world!”

Nationals Top Doorslammer winner Peter Kapiris lost to Koop in the first round, the Melbourne driver shutting off eai-ly after having hit the high gear shift button instead of second - Kapiris not realising the planetary transmission works either way.

Kapiris and Judd are still in

the title himt, although Bray’s Perth result reverses the Nationals outcome where the former two jumped Bray in the standings.

Conditions were almost identical to the Nationals in Melbourne a fortnight previ ously, Judd leading quahfying with a 6.49 best - a run that stood for low et until Bray ran a 6.44 in the semis.

Eleven cars fronted for the Perth round with seven of the runners travelling from the east. Nationals qualifiers Dave Simpson and Peter Gratz both failed to crack the 6.88 bump, Lindsay Murray joining the pair on the outside, looking in.

The next round of the ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship is at Willowbank Raceway, near Brisbane,on April 15.

-GERALD MCDORNAN

9

1 Another title: Victor Bray charged back into ANDRA Top Doorslammer Series contention with a Westernats win and a 233 mph world doorslammer record. (Photo by wayne Nugent)

and ‘Ace’make Halt ofFame

DON ‘the Snake’ Prudhomme and Ed ’ ‘the Ace’ McCulloch, drag racing legends whose careers have run parallel to each other, will be inducted Into the Drag Racing Hall of Fame in Florida this week.

It is ironic that the two, who both won the US Nationals in both Top Fuel and Funny Gar, now work together, McCulloch crew chief for Prudhomme’s Ron Gapps-driven Camaro Funny Gar. The two were rivals in Funny Cars during the 1970s and'SOs, when nicknames were as much a part of the sport as the nitromethane they burned.

Prudhomme’s career ‘began’ when : he won the US Nationals in Top Fuel ! in the ’60s, the ‘Snake’ moving to I Funny Cars where he won four championships (1S75-78). He won 49 NHRA national events in Top Fuel and Funny Gar before retiring at the end of

the '94 season.

McCulloch never won an NHRA championship, but he accumulated 22 national event victories, including six US Nationals titles -five in Funny Cars and his last in Top Fuel in ’92. He

retired after the following season.

“At this point in my life this is really an honour to be included with all the greats in drag racing," said McCulloch.

“It’s an added bonus to be inducted at the same time as Prudhomme."

/

Wall of Faniers; Don Prudhomme and Ed McCulloch talk Funny Cars with Prudhomme'.s current fuel coupe shoe, Ron Capps. ,pii.,Tnciunt.>\ m ciicvi.,ici ,vuiior,pnn..

1

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43

n Irene Kampes,office manager for ANDRA and CEO Tony Thornton’s personal assistant for the past 11 years, has left the sanctioning body’s Adelaide-based national head office, having taken a position as financial manager with an expanding national company in Adelaide, She finished with ANDRA on March 6.

‘Tt is a sad day for ANDRA with Irene leaving,” Thornton said last week.“Her contribution to head office and the sport has been significant and invaluable and we will miss her. We wish Irene all the best in her new position,” n US Nationals Top Fuel and Funny Car winner Jim Head is heading to the IHRA this season. Head, who lost his sponsor, parts chain Checker/Schucks/Kragen, at the end of last season, says the IHRA’s 10 race schedule and strong television package are what attracted him back to the sanctioning body.

“I can win the championship and the same first place money (US$200,000), which means less wear and tear on my equipment, and spend more time with my family and have a life at the same time. n Despite it being widely assumed that Gary Ormsby Jr, son of 1989 NHRA Top Fuel champion Gary, would be driving John Force’s third Mustang Funny Car,the recently unemployed Tommy Johnson Jr was behind the wheel the day following the Phoenix race. Sources now indicate the car will not run in competition this year and will be used purely to test equipment.

!

44

17 March 2000

n Shirley Muldowney, who made some occasion al appearances on the tour dxiring the last several seasons, made her much anticipated full time return to racing in Darlington.

The legendary driver qualified 7th at 5.157 in her pink and purple Go Racing.com dragster but, unfortunately, deep staged and rolled the lights in her first round race against Jim Bailey. n Jim Head, who will nm the entire IHRA tour this season, has picked up a sponsor to back his cam paign - Big Daddy’s BBQ Sauce. Head qualified eighth in Darlington at 5.15, but lost a close tyresmoker to eventual nmner-up Bruce Litton in the opening frame. n Rumours have been circulating that the real ‘Big Daddy’ Don Garlits is about to join Muldowney and Head on the IHRA tour. Garlits is believed to be considering a return to competition so he can complete a four sec ond/300 mph pass. n If you hadn’t had enough legends already, Chris,“The Greek” Karamasines could satisfy your appetite...

Karamasines was in Darlington and tried to qualify his Top Fuel Dragster for the show but a 5.31/199-slower than his historic first ever 200 mph run in the ’50s- was only good only for the first alternate.

■ Pro Mod racer Mike Castellafia is taking a unique approach to his presentation in 2000, with the New Yofk racer's pit resembling adrive-thiu hamburger stand, fi Having qualified at less than half the ’99 races and, subsequently, suffer ing a drop in souvenir sales, Castellana dreamed up drag racing’s version of “American Graffiti” “Mike’s Drive-in”. His ‘50s-sfyle pit aread wiO incorporate a neon sign on top of his transporter and, while it is initidly targetted at souvenir sales, Castellana is, apparently, considering offering milk shakes for sale too...

■ Reigning IHRA Pro Mod champion Shannon Jenkins debuted the first Dodge Viper in drag rac ing competiton at the sea son opening Wintemationals on the weekend.

Fellow Pro Mod racer Billy Harper will also run one of the Pentastar facto ry’s stunning coupes dur ing the season - Harper and Jenkins running a two-car team in 2000.

Jenkins’s was so fresh he had not been able to test prior to the event, or even make the first ses sion! He qualified 14th, but lost in the first round.

-DAVE OSTASZEWSKI

Crit<hley dnq's at Winternats

Not a great start to 2000 IHRA US season for Aussie Pro Mod hopeful

TROY

Critchley, Australia’s great hope in the chase for the IHRA Pro Modified title, didn’t have the start to the season he was hoping for and failed to qualify last weekend.

Close to 40 Pro Mod vehi cles fronted for the event, with Critchley joined over 20 on the outside looking in on race day.

Ed Hoover took home the marbles when his ’63 Corvette stopped the Tommy Gray’s ’Vette in the final.

Hoover made a violent move towards the wall on the launch in the final and slowed but it didn’t matter as Gray wasted low et of the meet (6.35/220) with a red light start.

Gray had been a picture of consistency during elimina tions, posting back-to-back runs of 6.14/210, 6.35/220 and 6.35/219 to down Rickie Smith, former Scotty Cannon crew chief A1 Billes and Quain Stott on his way to the final round.

The IHRA’s season-open ing event, which ran a Thursday-to-Saturday night racing schedule (as six of the 11 events of the season will have), also saw the introduc tion of the sanctioning body’s 90 percent nitro and 25 percent blower overdrive rules for Top Fuel - the ‘other’ sanctioning body going a step further than the NHRA during the off season.

Former IHRA champion Paul Romine downed Bruce

Litton in the Top Fuel final, overcoming a slight holeshot when Litton began to haze the tyres just past half track.

The Car Quest dragster set low et of the meet at 4.76/303 to stop Litton, who slowed to a 5.27/199.

“It was the best ride I’ve ever had,” said Romine.

“Everybody counted us out after the 1999 season but we knew we were close to get ting back on the winning track. The wheels were up and this Car Quest car was hauling butt.”

Litton was the low qualifi er at 4.82.

Steve Stordeur backed up his ’99 season-ending win with another win in Darlington, the rider of Johnny Mancuso’s number

two machine downing reign ing series champion Jay Turner in the final on a holeshot, 6.54/208 to 6.49/214.

“I won this race because of Johnny’s (Mancuso) sup port,” said Stordeur. “We started using his set-ups and were able to take the win.”

Mancuso recovered from his crash at Willowbank on his recent Australian tour and qualified first with a 6.476. He lost in a first

round upset.

Other winners in Darlington were Steve Speiss in Pro Stock and Jimmy Rector in alcohol Funny Car. Speiss took the first win of his career in the mountain motored Pro Stock class, downing the favoured John Montecalvo in the final- the low qualifier red-lighting.

Rector defeated veteran Scott Weney in the final round, 5.87/238 to 5.90/238.

-DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Nance bounced out of Dodge?

RUMOURS are abound

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ing in the drag racing world that former NBA basketball star Larry Nance won't be seen in his

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Unhappy? Jim Yates is disappointed with Rickie Smith familiar factory-backed Dodge Avenger this year.

Nance, who has enjoyed factory support for the last two seasons, is said to have lost the deal after buying an TWO-time Winston NHRA Pro Stock Champion Jim engine off former Mopar Pro Yates has lashed out at Rickie Smith following the vet Stock team ovraer Dale Eicke eran driver’s departure from his position as crew chief - Eicke having fallen out with with Yates’s team after just two races. the factory two years ago.

Smith told Yates of his impending departure on Mai’ch 4, The rumours have Dodge 'the three-time IHRA Pro Stock Champion having signed to blaming Eicke and indepen drive for Kenny Koretskys new team. dent Dodge runner Allan “I know how badly Rickie wanted to drive, but I didn’t think Johnson for NHRA bouncing the aftermarket Chevy he would break our agreement during the season,” said Yates.

“I am deeply disappointed in him, not only as a business blocks the Mopar team cars associate, but as a friend. had been running last year “I also have a serious problem with einyone who would offer the factory then having to Rickie a position knowing that he was under contract with to make alternative arrange me,” he finished. ments for aU of their teams.

Smith joined Yates in February, last through just the It’s ironic that the official Pomona and Phoenix races.

Mopar team, now owned by Koretsky returned to racing this season, joining with Mike the famed Nickens Brothers, recently debuted a new hemi Thomas in a two car effort, with Smith now assuming the role of driver and crew chief for Koretskys team. engine.

-PHIL MORRIS n-PHIL MORRIS

Smith flees Yates

Densham flys like an Eagle

AMERICAN Funny Car racer Gary Densham took the ride of his life in the US last week, strapped into the seat of a Blue Angels US Navy F18A Hornet.

“Better than anything 1 have ever done in my life,” an excited Densham said after his ride. “I’ll tell you this. I’m not going to complain about paying my taxes this year.”

After originally being scheduled for a 30 minute flight at an airshow, the former high school teacher certainly got his money’s worth with his pilot draining the tanks on the US$34 million machine, flying from the Blue Angel’s test base in El Centro, Calif.

over to the flatlands of Yuma, Ariz. and back.

“This plane does stuff you wouldn’t believe,” he said. “I was thinking about the acceleration and that it wasn’t quite as hard as my Funny Car then, before I knew it, we’re going 6,000 feet straight up in the air unbelievable!”

Densham also experienced the thrills of of high-G turns although, like his Funny Car, they never recorded the five or six Gs for more than four or five seconds - that was until near the end of the ride...

“When we were nearing the base, the tower called and asked if the backseat

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was dry. When they found out it was, they radioed back and my pilot suddenly puts us into a giant turn at full speed.

“We’re at like seven Gs r. for 15-20 seconds and my eyes started tunneling out... the black started closing in.

But I held on!”

Comparing the F18-A Hornet to his Pontiac Funny Car, Densham said the plane never let up.

“The acceleration in the Hornet is good, although a Funny Car is better for those few seconds. But the 5 plane never lets up. It’s about the same as a really good six-second car.”

- PHIL MORRIS Cleared for take: Flight Commander Gary Densham.

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46 17 March 2000 n Former’60s Top Fuel Drag Racing Champion Eddie Thomas ran an immaculate 1963 Offenhauser in the Vintage Midget Speedcar demonstrations during the two-night meet.

It’s believed that the four-cylinder machine was raced by the late Bob ‘Two-Gun’Tattersall.

Tattersall was an extremely talented US dri ver who toured Oz on a regular basis — he won the ’60 and ’62 Australian titles in his pristine Offys.

I

Figliomeni Is Good,Just Ask MSHews While the Penrite Australian Midget Speedcar Championship feature race dragged on into the wee small hours of Sunday, Mike Figliomeni just continued to get stronger as the night got darker to win his third title.

n The transporters of newly crowned Midget champion Michael Figliomeni and fellow Western Australian driver Neville Lance both suf fered mechanical problems on the trip to Bacchus Marsh.

Figliomeni’s unit had transmission maladies while Lance had to rebuild the engine in his truck at the raceshop offellow NASCAR racer Gene Cook.

Both drivers faired bet ter in Saturday night’s AMain,Figlomeni cantering to his third title while Lance finished a strong fourth. n Australian Rally Champion Possum Bourne plus several of the leading riders competing in this weekend’s opening round of the World Motocross Championship at Broadford and a host of FI fans watched the dirttrack action on Saturday night.

Several were spotted inspecting the clay racing surface after the last race they were amazed how quickly and sideways Max Dumesny,David Anderson, John Shore and their Sprintcar cohorts went around the oval track. n 'Try, buy and win.

Max Dumesny was dehghted with his new car’s performance. His crew commenced building the car on the Monday prior to the race meeting, while his J&J chassis has beeil sold to a West Australian competitor.

After running the Danny Lasoki Beefpackers Maxim during the sum mer he decided to pur chase and evaluate the chassis for himself. n Wedding dates weren’t being discussed in the Graham camp imme diately after the Midget Title race.

Adam Clarke’s car tore the front brake-hose off Steven Graham’s Stealth whilst dicing, then later Graham ran over Mark Cooper, putting both cars out of the event.

Graham’s wife Kerry showed her disapproval to Clarke during the redlight period, making for an interesting family post race discussion as Graham’s sister Melinda is engaged to none other than Clarke...

— GRANT NICHOLAS

J

BRETT SWANSON and AARON NOONAN report on the big night (and morning) of Midget Speedcar racing from the War Zone’. ' ...

M

IKE Figliomeni dominated the Pemdte Australian Midget Championship to take his third national title at Western Auto Raceway on Grand Prix weekend in an actionpacked night of racing.

The Western Australian driver — who was only beaten once in his four qualifying heats — was never headed in the 30-

lap feature race to win comfortably over Kiwis Michael Kendall and Shayne Alach with Neville Lance in fourth.

The latter had a busy weekend, combining his Aussie title assault with NASCAR racing at Albert Park, commuting between the two by helicopter.

The Natrad Victorian Sprintcar Championship played support and Max Dumesny dominated the opposition to take yet another State title in his new Maxim chassis.

Heats Nearly 60 cars were entered for the championship and Wayne Cover kicked off his campaign with a win in the opening heat while Jason Gates took out heat two.

Michael Kendall defeated late entrant Adam Clarke in heat three, who would start rear of field in all of his heats with expat Kiwi Mark Cooper holding off Mark Brown in the next heat.

Figliomeni narrowly took out heat five fi'om Alach and Robbie Farr before Brett Morris stepped up a notch in the second round of heats, winning heat six from Gates.

Keith Rauch and Kendall pushed Warrenne Ekins back to third in heat seven before Joe Little won heat eight, defeating the pair of #14’s — Lance and Steven Graham.

Brown then reversed the tables on Cooper in heat nine and Farr was leading nicely in heat ten until a stripped gear set allowed Figliomeni to another win.

Dave Lambert’s chase ended after he backed the car

Quietly spoken — quickly drivenr'Mike Figliomeni (above) was in a class of his own with three out of four heat wins, a Pole Shuffle win and of course the Feature.

Kiwi Shayne Alach (right) showed the nose of his machine to fellow NZ’er Michael Kendall but had to settle for third.

(Photos by Brett Swanson)

hard into the turn three wall after riding Darren Hossack’s wheel in the 11th race.

Cooper took the win from Rauch and Danyl Bonriell.'

Graham beat Ekins and Troy Jenkins in heat 12 and Cover won again in heat 13.

With still three heats left to run the racing ceased thanks to the 10;30pm cur few so an earlier start on Saturday saw the rest of the heats won by John Kelly, Little, Darren Jenkins, Alach, Farr, Brady and Figliomeni.

B=Mam The 15 lap B-Main saw Baines and Mark Glazebrook transfer to the main event.

Bonnell, Peter Bourke and Dean Eden were next and thus emergencies for the AMain.

Pole Shuffle The Pole Shuffle then gave the top eight a chance at pole-vaulting their way up the order in the one-on-one, winner-stays-on match races.

Craig Brady seised the opportunity to jump the queue from sixth dl the way up to a front row start.

He beat Cover, Kendall, Gates, Brown and Cooper by

Kiwis second again: Michael Kendall moved through the pack to be sec ond to an Aussie in a smart and calculating drive.

The NZ #1 made his way to the front but couldn’t catch the ‘Fig’.

Cricket, rugby, netball — we’ll stop now...

(Photo by Brett Swanson)

ensuring he always made a strong start from the outside and grabbed the inside line, before running out of fuel in the best-of-three race for pole with Figliomeni.

A°Maen The officiating by the ASCC officials had been very ordinary over the weekend and it was almost 12:30am on Sunday morning before the 30-lap title race started.

At least now the 10:30pm curfew wasn’t a problem because we now had until 10:30pm on Sunday to get the race run...

Brady made a good start as the big field stormed into turn one but a sweet pass by Figliomeni saw him in the lead as they crossed the line for the first time with Brown, Cooper and Gates next, The first stopp. ''e occurred on lap four when Bishop got sideways and started to flip with Andrew Wright actually launching over the top of Ray Bishop.

Paul Farrell arrived on the scene and flipped also.

[E\®^®[?8rD®n‘Q Ekins’ race ended on lap six with a failed torsion bar stop but Figliomeni was starting to open a gap and as he put it, “was just running around the bottom waiting for some one to come around the out side.”

Gates was the man on the move picking off Brown and then Cooper but the drivers had another breather on lap 13 after Clarke bumped Graham hard and tore the brake line of the Fox Sports Stealth. With no brakes Graham accidentally drove straight over the back of Cooper and both cars rolled.

Just three laps later it was Clarke who rolled after Brown got sideways with Farr clipping Clarke. Farr was out due to the damage sustained.

Gates dived under Brady on the restart and began to eat into Figliomeni’s lead.

Sadly it ended on lap 18 when the left rear wheel departed from the car and he spun. A close following Brady spun and flipped but was luckily able to restart.

The race ran to its conclu sion with Kendall and Alach charging forward and push ing a fading Brady back through the pack. The top three cars ran evenly spaced tpwards the flag while Lance and Brady diced for fourth.

The former managed to hold on with Brown, Darren Jenkins, Rauch, Cover, Brett Morris, Farrell, Mark Glazebrook and Jimmy Fleming the remaining fin ishers.

“I knew if I grabbed the lead on the opening lap I would be able to dictate the race pace plus I had plenty in reserve if anyone was going to put some pressure on V me, explained Figliomeni.

“At each of the restarts I was able to pull away com fortably from the pack and from there I simply worked my way through the lapped cars.”

Natrad Victorian Sprintcar Championship LIKE Figliomeni’s perfor mance in the Midget Max Championship, , Dumesny’s performance in the Natrad Victorian Sprintcar Title was equal ly devastating for his opposition, even despite arriving late at the track thanks to the rush of building a brand new Maxim Chassis.

Starting from the rear of the field in the heats was as no impediment Dumesny still top qualified courtesy of a win and a second place.

17 March 2000

47

Starting from pole he led all 25 laps on the way to his seventh Victorian crown.

David Anderson ran a tough second with NSW champ John Shore third from Adrian Maher and Rob Rankin.

Phil marches onward to SA Gold Cup

Heats

PHIL March scored his

Heat one was a storming win for the Flocon Foster of Steve Knight while Dumesny charged from the back to be second ahead of Maher.

Tim McCubbin grabbed heat two over Rob Rankin, but for the winners of the opening two heats, things were going to get a lot worse.

While Dumesny was recording a win in heat three, Knight ended his race tangled up in the fencing in turn one after something broke on the car.

The Flocon Engineering driver had a wild ride but walked away unscathed A delay followed while track workers repaired the turn one fencing.

Heat four went to Anderson from Shore in the Caltex Havoline Energy Eagle. Maher’s car went off slightly dropping him to fourth.

first major hometrack win for the season on March 11 when he con

B-Main Frank Ramsdale led the first five laps of the eight lap B-Main before Paul Bastow took the lead.

Unbelievable, the front axle broke in the last turn and the car veered towards the wall.

Bastow wrestled the car onto the infield but failed to cross the line by a matter of metres and missed a spot in the A-Main, while Ramsdale won from second-eventer Steve Prowse.

A-Main When the green flag waved for the “biggie’, Maher stum bled and both Shore and Judd were bottled up behind before darting out and past.

Dumesny led from Anderson, McCubbin and Rankin until lap two when Judd spun into the wall.

Dumesny cleared out at the restart while Shore took advantage of a good run through traffic to sweep into third before Prowse spun on lap seven and closed the field up again.

Again the sheer dominance of Dumesny was evident as he pulled away again from Anderson but disaster was around the bend (literally) for McCubbin.

As he and Maher came up to lap Judd, contact was made and the PPG driver rode out a wild flip that destroyed the

Max Dumesny Motorsport

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All smiles: Max Dumesny (above) was a comfortable Sprintcar title winner, while Jason Gates(above right) and Adam Clarke (below right) were out of luck in the Midgets.

(Photos by Brett Swanson and John Morris/Mpix)

I once pristine machine.

While it looked easy at the front, Dumesny had been struggling with a flat left front tyre and reinflated it under the red flag.

“It was getting to the point that every time I braked the car wanted to turn hard left,” he said.

Maher beat brother-inlaw Shore into third fol lowing the restart and looked likely to take third until the car cruelly jumped out of gear on the last corner.

Shore swept around the outside to follow Dumesny and Anderson across the line — Maher holding fourth ahead of Rankin.

Mike Van Bremen, David Swayne, John Knight, Ramsdale, Peter Knight, Ron Dalton, Ian Smith, David Van Bremen, Prowse and Garry Chippindall rounded out the rest of the runners.

5PTA Victorian Hot Rod Championship ON the same night, third generation racer Dean Walsh added his name to those of his father and grandfather before him as winners of the IPTA Fibreglass Victorian Hot Rod Championship.

Hot favourite Jason Kavanagh had looked set to continue his winning run at the “WAR Zone’ when he led from the green flag until the closing stages when he struck trouble and was forced to retire.

Following Walsh across the line was Shane Michell, with Peter Williams third after leading the first five laps in his return from a 12 month break from racing.

Brown claims VictoriaiitMo

|: MARK Brown won his seco:■nd Victorian Midget Speedcar Championship after a bruising 25 lap event at Western Auto Raceway a week before the Aussie titles.

The win was bitter .sweet for Brown as contact between himself attd Steven Graham on the opening lap saw Graham launch into seven barrel rolls followed by a bone-jairing end for end along the back straight wall.

The main event was held up while Graham was care fully placed on a back-board before being sent to Ballarat Base Hospital for further examination.

"I'm alright. I'm just wind-

ed.” Graham told his wife, as he was beingattended to byambulance and safety crews.

The chassis was severely damaged and the back axle bent. The impact also had bent the Jacobs ladder on Brown’s car but there was no time to change it.

A fortuitous second place fell to foiiner Aussie Champ j Craig Brady who was just : about to pull mfield out of ftiel i as the chequered flag waved.

Third fell to the first : Victorian Paul Farrell after a gi-eat dice with the always spectacular B-Main winner : Neville Lance who also ran out of fuel on the last lap. : BUETT SWANSON

vincingly took ont the Sprintcar Gold Cup at Speedway City, South Australia.

The Adelaide veteran began on a high note by post ing quick time during time trials, his 12.36s lap nudging out Mark Reuter (12.75s), Tony Bartlett (12.77s) and Pete Smith (12.78s).

Two heat wins from his three starts helped March to earn high points status, ensuring he started the 25 lap Gold Cup race from pole.

The A-Main suffered a delayed start after two open ing lap incidents, One involved Dave McFadden, who rolled heavi ly after being nudged from behind, and a separate colli sion which saw the retire ment of Darryl Downing whose Maxim tangled with Reuter on the turn two exit.

March showed early dom inance on the restart, lead ing out Dennis Burford who started strongly from the third row, followed by Bartlett and Darryn Maggs.

March struck trafiBc on lap six but gained a clear track a lap later after a restart needed when Mildura’s Harold Brennen Jr inverted his Grizzly.

March had too much pace for his rivals and the former Australian champion eventu ally scooted away to a half lap buffer over Burford’s Redback Maxim and Bartlett.

The big mover was Maggs whose HM Headers JSR advanced from near the rear to depose Smith from sixth place by lap 21.

Within another three laps the young Victorian was sitting fourth and gaining ground on Bartlett.

His perseverance paid off when Maggs passed Bartlett on the last lap to claim third placing, belund a rapt Burford whose run ner-up placing was his best hometrack podium finish.

“The car went well — our two heat wins showed our setup was working and this feels great,” a satisfied Burford remarked after the event.

1999-2000 S.R.A. SERIES POINTS SCORE Rd 7 Resuits, Avalon Rocewoy 4/3/00 I. John Shore, NSW 6 2. Mathew Reed, Vic 92 3. David Swayn, Vic 20

El

Point Standings At March 7, 2000

I. Rob Rankin, Vic 60 ...

2. David Swayn, Vic 20 ...

3. Mike Van Bremen, Vic 6 4. Tim McCubbin Vic 13 .

S. John Vogels, Vic 70 ....

6. Matthew Reed, Vic 92 .

7. Ian Smith, Vic 57 8. David Murcott, Vic 71 .

9. Jeff Judd, Vic 11 10. Francis Ramsdale

2 103 1837 1802 1518 1448 1359 1294 1237 1197 .972

A-FEATURE LAPS LEAD Rob Raiikin, Vic 60

David Murcott, Vic 71 . . .

David Swayn, Vic 20 . . . .

Garry Chippendale Vic 43 DASH WINS

LAPS .50 .45 18 13

Chad Kerrenah Vic 14 . .

WINS 2

David Swayn, Vk 20 David Murcott, Vic 71 . . .

I

!

48

17 March 2000 0.

Son of a gun goes Stateside

By GRANT NICHOLAS

SECOND-generation speedway racer Steven Graham is preparing to return to the USA to

I

contest a prominent Sprintcar champi onship series in his quest to seek racing success on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

Thirty-one year-old Graham is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, for seven months of the year, the remainder of the time he returns to Sydney to cam paign his Fox Sports NetA^alvoline/Richard Petty / Driving Experience Midget Speedcar and Sprintcar at a number of the major race meetings.

As a developing youngster he watched his father Barry Bred for success: In a career spanning just over ten years, Graham has had a lot of win take victories in numerous rofrt ner’s interviews (above with Wade Aunger). Combining a Midget Speedcar racing prog Midget Speedcar and Grand with a Sprintcar program (right and below) sees the New South Welshman clock up qui National title and feature few frequent flier points ... (Photos by Tony Loxiey) events. His progress from karts to dirt-track speedway from their Charlotte base. was a natural flow-on after ered by a Gaerte engine for .the-1999/2000 season in The Sun Prairie Speedway spending the first eighteen Australia. in Wisconsin is a 19-hour years of his life gaining “I built-up the brand-new journey, and during 1999 knowledge in this popular form of Australian motor- chassis in our raceshop in they made the long journey Charlotte before shipping the on five occasions only to have sport. three race meetings washed car to Sydney in November.

“I started racing Midget - “Last year I took in five or out.

Speedcars during the “To be competitive in a six American Sprintcar 1988/89'season,” explains Series (ASCS) events and Midget you have to run more Graham. really enjoyed the racing, so I than just occasionally, really “Over the years I have decide^'that was the series I to be at the top you have to managed to win the ’95 take in two or three race would be contesting in 2000.

Queensland Title, ’98 an meetings a week if you are to “The ASCA is Australian Grand Prix, ’99 American-wide sanctioning have any chance of winning Northern Territory litle, ’98 body, Charlotte and the sur- the major title races. If you and ’99 NSW Titles, ’99 roimding area are contained just pick a show here and Super Series plus three there like I have been it is to in Region Eight of their pro Parramatta City Raceway difficult. gram.

Track Championships and “Next weekend I’ll be run “Just prior to the world Club NSW two famous AMOCO Sprintcar ning in the NSW Midget Championships.

Nationals at Knoxville, the Speedcar Title and the fol “The most disappointing ASCS have their own lowing Saturday night the race for our team was the NSW Sprintcar 'Title.

National championships.

1999 Australian Midget “Then immediately after “If it’s possible for me to Speedcar Title in Darwin. I get time off from work I that my wife Kerry and I will was the top qualifier, started would like to take in that be flying off to the US. off the front-row and was “Once back at Charlotte, particular event.” leading the race until I was The move across to a regu- m return to my duties with tures. There are a lot of dirttaken out of the A-Main ,lar Sprintcar drive simply Richard Petty Driving track speedways in the Feature by Neville Lance at Charlotte area, over the came about due to the long Experience, as well as build a restart. distances the team have to ing up another Stealth with years they have concentrat “During the past three sea drive to participate at the top a 360 cubic-inch Gaerte for ing on stock cars, during sons I had a number of dri recent times the Sprintcars the forthcoming ASCS races.

Midget Speedcar venues. ves in Brian Linigen’s “I plan to race in 26 ASCS have started to get a strong The popular Indianapolis Sprintcar before deciding to Speedway is a 12-hour drive events plus some other fea- following at these raceways.” land a Stealth chassis powGraham works as a dri ving instructor at the fami ly’s Richard Petty Driving Experience, he also drives a ride car for people who just want to experience the thrill of riding in a booming NASCAR on one of the lead ing US Super Speedways.

Barry Graham and wife Kay head an organisation that has 120 NASCARs based at 20 NASCAR Speedways throughout America.

They teach clients how to drive a NASCAR at high speed, plus they have a series of corporate and race fan ride days in their special ly equipped two-seater cars.

Outfoxing them: Graham on his way to more success at Avalvon Raceway in Victoria in the #41 Fox Sports Net machine.

(Photo by Kevin Emmerson)

/

^

m

“Up until last month we were constructing four brand-new cars a month, either Pontiac Grand Prix, Ford Taurus or Chevrolet Monte Carlos to meet our customer demands.

“We have dropped the pro duction back to two a month as we consolidate the busi ness by having 400 staff and being contracted to 20 race ways takes a tremendous amount of organising.

“Dad is currently refining things to ensure that every thing keeps running smooth ly for another decade. Last August we celebrated our first ten years of NASCAR schooling and rides.

“We also have a Dodge Super Truck on the fleet — it’s utilised as a ride car and next year we should have some Dodge NASCARs run ning around all of the speed ways as Richard Petty has signed a deal with the Dodge management.

“The NASCAR Speedway experience I’m gaining in our cars is tremendous. I regu larly run at Daytona and Indianapolis plus the new Las Vegas and Texas Speedways, Charlotte and

the Milwaukee Mile.

“A tremendous amount of the 20 tracks that we conduct the schools on are steeped in motor racing histoiy.

“The other school drivers and myself are running the equivalent of an Indy 500 every day that we’re on the speedways — we do that six days a week — and that’s why we are all so fit and race ready.”

When questioned on where he would like to racing in several seasons time he explains that it all really depends on his workload at the NASCAR school, after all, you have to earn the money before you can go off and spend it on race cars.

“Depending how things go in the future I would be happy to race a 410 cubicinch Sprintcar as they do in the World of Outlaws Series.

“On the other hand I would not mind running a late-model car on the asphalt speedways as a possible lead into getting a Busch NASCAR Grand National drive. You can’t simply pur chase a NASCAR and go rac ing as they do over here (in Australia).”

17 March 2000

Premier; More Sprintcar races in 2000/01

By GEOFF ROUNDS

Chased hard: Kelly Linigen chased Attard, gaining two strong seconds.(Photo by warren Bridge)

r 1

k

ttard ate 'em at PCR

n

while Adam Clarke speeds to Speedcar feature win WHAT a strange summer in Sydney! Overcast skies yet again were the norm for Saturday night Sprintcar racing at Parramatta City Raceway on March 4, and the 17th round of the NSW Sprintcar Premiership.

Only a few drops of very fine rain was the result, not even enough to get wet. The racetrack itself was very heavy and difficult early in the night, with new clay having been added following the Supercross Masters the. week before.

The Speedcar main event win for the night went to Adam Clarke, who had seemed to struggle with the handling of the car early in the night. Clarke plans to run at Parramatta until heading to the US later this month to. run in selected Speedcar events, with the assistance of father-in-law, Barry Graham.

In the Sprintcars, Paul Mahoney, after an absence of almost a decade, returned with the car he recently purchased from Peter Attard.

John Mineef also

returned while Ashley Anthony has changed back from car-owner to driver in the ex-BC Motorsport Gambler.

Attard is now behind the an exof wheel Rahmer/Shaffer J & J after destroying his regular ride in Adelaide.

The new car has been sit ting in his garage for around three years and still carries the Team USA colours.

After an unhappy outing at Newcastle the previous week, Attard was hoping for better results and was not disappointed!

A different race format was used for the Sprintcars, with two non-qualifiers heats, a'20 lap first main event, a 15 lap second main event and a 15 lap third and final main event.

'The non-qualifiers heats were won by Craig Morrison and James Thompson with rookie Benny Sorrenti up-ending against the tyre wall between turns three and four in the second heat.

“It just sort of got a bit in the loose stuff and the right rear hit the tyre wall and then the front wheel got caught up and I flipped

Stateside next up: Adam Clarke was in good form at PCR.

over,” said Sorrenti.

“I was glad when it stopped! I wouldn’t classify that as a real big dump, though.”

Grant Tunks won the first main event from Mark Bertacco in the Computers Rehorn car while the second was won by Attard, fol lowed by Kelly Linigen and Trevor Shields.

Adrian Maher won a cheer from the crowd after completing the race with a flat right rear tyre,'thus qualifying for the third and final main event.

The third and final main event was won by Attard, followed by Linigen and Shields who just seems to get better with age.

Maher came in sixth — a good effort after the drama in the second main and also after starting from 13th on the grid.

“We had a bit of trouble at Newcastle last week, the first night out with it, but we just put that behind us and came here tonight and got on with the job,” said Attard.

“There’s a few more little things we’d like to try with it, but it went pretty good and we’re happy.”

With a 25-point advan tage over Robbie Farr in the Sydney Sprintcar Premiership, Attard is not getting carried away with his lead.

“I don’t think that it’s over until it’s over. I think that Robbie Farr is the next one behind us. If he comes back racing (Sprintcars), he’s a pretty good competitor, so we’re just going to do the best we can. If I can win it, it will be my first Sydney Premiership win,” he said.

“We also still want to try to notch some points up in the NSW Sprintcar club — we’re running second in that one.”

— JULIE PEABCE

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Treloar takes number seven DARREN Treloar set a new record by winning NSW his seventh Speedway Sidecar cham pionship at Schweppes Gosford Speedway.

This surpassed the record of six he held jointly with 1960s sidecar legend Doug Robson. Treloar was undefeated in five rounds of beats and then outpaced the field in the final, Sharing in the victory was passenger Alan Griffiths who has partnered Treloar in five of his wins.

Disappointingly, there was not a great deal of depth to the rest of the field.

Several top names were missing and some inter staters were brought in to get a full field' of chal- : lengers. The heat.s had their moments of excite- ; ment and produced soine i great racing action. Too often, however, the two con- i; tenders stretched the field j out and made it a one sided affair.

Treloar and Griffiths vvei-e seemingly in a class of] their own. They showed too much speed and control ; and must go into the Australian Championships with a very good chance at the title, ( — DAVID LAMONT

n The trip down from New South Wales was well worth it for John Shore who won the seventh round of the SRA Hoosier Sprintcar series at Avalon on March 4.

The Caltex Havohne driver won the feature race from Alan Pitcher, David Swayn, Matthew Reed, and Frank Ramsdale.

Then followed Rob Rankin, Jeff Judd, Darren Walsh, Tim McCubbin, Mike Van Bremen, Darryn Maggs,Paul Bastow,Ian Smith,John Vogels, Ron Dalton and Troy Shiells. n Tony Bridge is the 2000 Queensland Sprintcar Championship after blitzing his rivals in the 30-lap championship final at Charlton Speedway.

Garry Brazier was second after bringing his Maxim up to the front from the back ofthe field due to his absence from Saturday night qualifying.

Making his only nonWSS appearance in Queensland this season, Darren Jensen bounced back from a roll-over in his final qualifying heat to take third place. n Reigning National Champion Luke Dillon has won the sixth round of the Tucker Time Series 2000 for Formula 500s at Goulbum Speedway.

Using a borrowed motor, Dillon came from the rear of the grid to win and take a handy 34 point lead in the series. Ian Burrows and Darryl Willsher were second and third respectively. n Two of South Australia's fastest Super Sedans are currently for sale. Peter Drew's potent Pontiac is available after a career change prompted the veteran's retirement, while Kadina's Steve Murphy has put a price on his Camaro No.74.

However, Murphy has no intenion of hanging up the helmetjust yet. n The South Australian Sprintcar section has had a fair amount of movement recently.

With Pete Smith's retirement looming closer, Formula 500 driver Darren Disbury has announced that he will be moving into the winged V8 brigade.

Similarly, AMCA National regular Brett Chadwick has his race machinery up for sale and is looking at Sprintcars.

AUSTRALIAN SPRINTCAR CALENDAR

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PREMIER Speedway is expected to program more sprintcar racing meetings next season due to popular demand.

Club manager Graeme Hose, who has been unanimously re-elected for the next two years, indicated that the future of speedway was in Sprintcars.

“It’s nearly got to a point that unless we have majorname Sprintcars on the bill, then we just don’t seem to get good crowd numbers to anything else.

“Ifs unfortunate but that’s the way things seem to be going,” he said.

“It is disappointing that we have had poor crowds at our other meetings (apart from the WSS round and Grand Annual Classic) and we have to look at other ways of getting our crowds up on those nights when there is not major Sprintcars.”

The 59-year old Warmambool electrician said it was a great relief to know that he would again be at the helm of one of Australia’s most successful motor racing clubs in a full-time capacity.

“I now feel more secure about the future and it gives you the stability to put things in place and see them come to fruition.

“I’m quite happy with the appointment,” Hose said.

It will be Hose’s third season at the club after previously holding the role\3f

president for two years.

He said that the club will undergo a number of changes including possible further committee appointments and major alterations to the landscape of the speedway’s facilities.

“We will be definitely looking at trying to re-vamp and maybe even build some new structures out at the speedway because the corporate dollar is now one area that we will have to really get and look after.

“It’s become an important fact in sport and maybe even more so speedway that we can at least offer some really nice enticements in the corporate world for some possible other sponsors that we are hoping to attract to our venue.”

Hose said that the fragile economy could still be a major factor in determining fluctuating spectator numbers.

“It’s still hurting out there in the general economy and obviously people have only got so much money that they can spend on certain things.

“This maybe again another reason why certain nights are better than others and we will be studying varying ways to again look at attracting people back to speedway on nights when there are not Sprintcars on.

Premier Speedway held a general meeting open to all members last night to gauge possible reaction on the future plans of the club^

49

VICTORIA. Western Auto

.Mar 18

Western Auto

.Mar 25

Simpson .... .

Western Auto

.Apr 1

Avalon

..... .

.Apr 21

Mt Gambler . ,

.Apr 22

Warnambool .

.Apr 23

.Apr 20

SPEEDWAY CITY S.A= ,Mar 1,! ,Mar 88 Burn Out Comp ..

Sprintcar Gold Cup

Aus. S/Car Stampede .. .Mar 25

QLD SPRINTCAR

Toowoomba

.Har 18

Archerfield

.Apr i

Lismore ..

Apr 8 ■May 6 .May 27

All-Star Show ..

.Apr 8

Archerfield

Burn Out Comp.

.Apr 85

Archerfield

50 17 March 2000

Boom Island Classic

over 3-litre cars came out to play, but he was undeterred HISTORIC motor racing by the presence of the big is alive and well, if the guns around him and scored VHRR’s 11th Phillip a fine win on Saturday, Island Classic on March ahead of Mann’s Mustang, 4-5 was anything to go by.

Jose Fernandez (Ford XY) And when the weather is and Tino Leo (Monaro). good at the Island, there’s With Mann sidelined, nowhere nicer to be a part of Talbot repeated his perfor the action. mance on Sunday and then About 300 cars were followed up with a fighting entered for the meeting and win in the Rockwell included British enthusiast Automation feature race for Bill Morris in his classic the Australian Historic ERA R12C from the 1930s Touring Car Cup over eight and globetrotting American laps after holding off a fierce Peter Giddings in his ele challenge from Fernandez’s gant 1950 Lago Talbot T26C. powerful Ford XY. The XU-1 of Ian Jones was An amazing 90 Group N tintops made the pilgrimage expected to be a top con to the Island for the feature tender but engine problems race, the Australian Historic in the morning diminished Touring Car Cup. its chances. He was making The huge field was divided good progress in the final into under and over 3000cc, but then limped over the line and an unfortunate scratch with, as the commentator ing from the main event was put it, “a bag full of nothing.”

On the other hand Chris last year’s winner in Queensland, John Mann Stephen (Mustang) improved who cracked a cylinder head as the weekend progressed Eagle Imp of Keith Simpson. in his Ford Mustang during , and looked hke taking second Andrew Robson was given Saturday’s preliminary race. place in the final. a drive in Nereo Dizane’s Saturday’s under 3-litre Unfortunately an off at MG beautiful Brabham BT21 event was dominated by Corner on the last lap lost and, after a DNF in the Greig Maloure in his Morris him valuable time and he handicap, came from near Cooper S although fastest just failed by 0.2s to catch the back of the field to grab a time went to the second- Les Dole’s Torana XU-1 at fine fourth place in Sunday’s placed Ford Capri of Steve the chequered flag. six-lapper.

Three wins from three Land with a best lap of The M & 0 handicap went 2:574205s. starts in a top field were to Andrew Powell(Faux Pas) Maloure’s win set the e-nough to score Trevor while Sampson scored scene for the following day’s Talbot the Driver of the fastest lap.

Chris Smith (TVR racing, when he scored Meeting award. impressively in the 4-lapper The evergreen Brian Griffith) took the honours in and then the main 8 lap Sampson scored a winning the Groups Sa and Sb event. Minor placings went double by taking out both scratch races among an to Andrew Bergman (Austin Group M and 0 events for interesting and diverse cross Mini) and Barrie Mitchell sports and racing cars in his section of cars, and Alan (Holden EH).

Cheetah Mk4, followed Levsds (Alfa Romeo) won the Max handicap in a tight finish Trevor Talbot’s Torana home by XU-1 was dwarfed on the Brunninghausen (Chevron from Mike Devine (Austin front of the grid when the B8) and the amazing 998cc Healey Sprite) and Mark

By BRIAN REED

Alehin (Morgan JB and KB: Two legends of the track enjoyed their sportscars Plus 4). enormously - John Bowe and Kevin Bartlett. (Photos by James smHh) For touring car star John Bowe, it was just like old times when he was reunited with the 6litre Veskanda sports car.

Bowe made a clean sweep of the three Groups P and Q events in Bernard van Elsen’s champi onship winning car and showed the big sportie is still a force when he pulled out a fastest lap time of l;28.98s around the Island to win from Chris Farrell (Chevron) and Richard Carter The events for MGs (March).

The Garrie Cooper Trophy (including the handicap) for the first F5000 in the were dominated by the MGB Post War Regularity 1 James feature race went to Mike V8 of Paul Trevethan with (Saturday) Peter Clark a distant second. Elphick (Austin Healey Glynn in his Lola.

One of the best scraps on Geoff Foster (MG Midget) Sprite) the program was between took the under 1500cc class Pre War Regularity 1 John Don Thallon (Cooper T53) and Geoff Pike(MG B) the (Saturday) Felder(Oakland) and Paul Samuels (Lotus 1501-3000CC class.

A proud George Makin Post War Regularity2 15) in the Groups J, K and Noel Lb events. Thallon made the watched son Andrew win (Sunday) the opening Formula Ford Stevens(MG B) trip from Queensland worth 2 while by twice getting across race and set a new lap Pre War Regularity John the line just ahead of the record, but unfortunately (Sunday) Felder(Oakland) fast finishing Lotus, while clutch failure on the warm Post War Regularity 3 the best Peter Giddings up lap of the second race Peter Hill (Sunday) could manage in the Lago sidelined him. The race (Lotus Elan) went to Alan Smart Talbot was a sixth place.

Pre War Regularity 3 Giddings experienced gear (Reynard), while Guy Miller (Sunday) Michael scored a popular handicap selection problems through Hipkins(Vauxhall 30/98) out the weekend, but even win in front of his equally Pre War Regularity worse was in store for the proud father, Austin Miller, Austin 7 Challenge E.R.A. of Britain’s Bill in his Elfin 620B. Club (65 points) Patron of the meeting, Best Presented Classic Morris. He fractured an oil John Harvey had a great line which has resulted in Car in Parade David serious engine damage to time racing the Lola Mk5A of Bowden/Kevin Bartlett(Ford this famous car. While Robert Hands and taking GT40) Giddings has some time in part in several display laps Kel Ricci Memorial which to find the right cogs in the Marlboro Holden Handicap Trophy at the right time, sadly the Dealer Team A9X Torana.

Alan Lewis(Alfa Romeo) Another champion of yes Brookiands Victorian E.R.A. was a non-starter at teryear, Kevin Bartlett, got Tourist Trophy Chris the Qantas AGP meeting.

In spite of his problems, in some valuable practice Smith(TVR Griffith) Concours Award laps in David Bowden’s mag Giddings managed a fight nificent Ford GT40 before Alan Puller(SS Monaro ing third place in the handi cap behind Wayne Sayers in the Qantas AGP meeting, HRTClub) Best Prepared Touring Car the George Spanos Elfin while Bowden himself enter GTS and the winning MG tained the crowd in the ex- (Ferodo Trophy) Jeremy Mantello (Holden Monaro) Allan Moffat Ford Mustang.

TC of Peter Gostelow.

Other Winners

Still smiling; Bill Morris enjoyed his trip to the classic Island track, even if he went home with a bent ERA. Mr Enthusiastic: Peter Giddings is always a crowd favourite, here at work in his Lago Talbot.

(Photos by Brian Reed and James Smith)

i

17 March 2000

British drive for Pinker WEST Australian driver Andrew Pinker has broken through to the big time in the British Rally Championship, earning a drive in a new semi works H3Tundai team alongside rising Finnish star Jarmo Kytolehto.

Pinker has lived in the UK for the past two seasons, campaigning a Group N Subaru in 1999 in British Championship events but his elevation to the Hyundai team is his first big break since basing himself there.

The cars are both exworks, MSD-built F2 Kit Cars campaigned in 1999

by Alister McRae and Kenneth Eriksson in the WRC. While not directly mn

by Hyundai the new British team will still be a front mnner in the series, which only allows championship points to be earned by F2 competitors.

The semi works cars will be eligible for manufacturers points in the series and given the fact that the same cars won the F2 title, both drivers and manufacturers for Hyundai in ’99 they will be more than a match for the works VWs and Vauxhalls.

Pinker came to prominence in Australia winning the Daihatsu Challenge one make series before heading to the UK to try his hand.

The talented Kytolehto will be a high benchmark for Pinker to match this year but the tough British Championship is sure to give the young Aussie a good grounding if he is to progress to higher levels.

Subapu's Master Blaster Frorri the - -f -!

By JON THOMSON

sights high for the 2000 Australian Rally Championship.

A new car is under con struction at Rospen Motor Sport in Peirth, with the plan to-be ready for the Respect Yourself Forest Rally.

“After doing only one of the ARC rounds last year it’s time to get back into the action and keep the driving skills and event knowledge sharp for our future plans,” Mackenzie said.

“The new car arrived in the workshop on February 2, has been stripped down and

Whl

THIS weekend's Rally of Portugal will play a deci sive role in determining the 2000 World Rally Championship, with a herd of WRC cars and dri vers eager to do well.

The season's first sprint event held on gravel, Portugal provides a telling guide to the rallies to come.

It also marks the first appearance of the latest evo lution of Subaru's Impreza World Rally Car. If it is as good as Richard Burns believes, it could set him on course for his first world title.

The new Subaru has been developed over the past year in great secrecy. It has not been shown publicly and the workshops of preparation team Prodrive have been sealed to deter visitors.

Outwardly similar, it is A better mousetrap: Prodrive thought long and hard about continuing with the current WRX (above) before updating to the new car. This is Bums at the Monte Carlo. (Photo by RaceAccess) said to be 80 percent new and right on the money, have entered third cars (for Thomas Radstrom, Markko focus on the new WRC according to reports after it Petter Solberg and Gilles Martin and Pasi Hagstrom) machines and Guest's first completed over 400 kilome- Panizzi respectively) and even Hyundai chief David . competitive outing in a front tres in Bums's hands a fort- Seat have entered four cars Whitehead isn't predicting drive F2 hopes of a high night ago immediately after with Cordobas for Didier anything better than a top 10 place finish are slim, the British drivers win in Auriol, Toni Gardemeister, finish for Kenneth Eriksson The rally begins Thursday and Alister McRae. Africa.

Harri Rovanpera and March 16 with a spectator "For me, the good thing is Portugal's Rui Madeira. * Australian Michael Guest stage east of Oporto and con the main bits have already Skoda and Hyundai will will make his debut for cludes with some of the coungone through their develop- also be present, but with so Hyimdai at the wheel of one try's roughest stages, near ment cycle - mainly the many works cars and a clusof last year's F2 Coupes but Ponte de Lima, on Sunday 'gearbox. There are lots of ter of works-t3rpe Corollas for with the factory team's main March 19. nice things on the car that other people are going to have to follow," said Bums.

It's a bold claim, given that the World^Rally Car rules don't give much scope for gaining a performance advantage and the opposi tion is^ormidable.

In addition to Burns and team-mate Juha Kankkunen, the likely front runners are World Champion Tommi Makinen, Ford pair ing Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae, and at least two of the Peugeot drivers, Marcus Gronholm and 1993 winner Francois Delecour.

Both Ford and Peugeot

Better TV - McRae

Mackenzie returns

1996 Australia Cup win ner and Formula 2 Ross Champion Mackenzie has set his

51

is currently being prepared for the cage to be built.

Anyone entering the ARC in the PRC3 class this season will need to take this weapon into count.”

Although he wouldn’t say what the car was he did say that it will be well suited to the flowing roads around Nannup in the first ARC round, and the plan is to develop the car further as the year progresses.

Paul van der Mey will be co-driving again, saying: “It’s been far too long out of the car. Ross is such a talented driver and I know he’s been getting plenty of ‘virtual’ practice, so he’ll be on the pace soon into Heat One.” -PETER WHITTEN

And three right, and we’re on the telly, and flat left over crest: McRae (right, with dance partner Nicky Grist) wants a better TV deal for the WRC. (Kiiier photo by McKietn/Ford Media) COLIN McRae has come out in criticism of the TV coverage of World rallies calling for rally chiefs to copy a Formula 1-style approach to television.

The Ford driver believes that television coverage has been woefully inadequate and that a major improve ment would boost the popu larity of the sport.

McRae said the problems of securing a standardised tele vision time slot had affected viewing figures.

"A fan needs to be able to turn on the television at a certain time at the weekend and watch world champi onship rally.

At the moment that is not the case," said the Scot.

"That is one of the main reasons why Formula One is

so popular and I think that rallying would benefit greatly from a similar approach."

Only a week after McRae's comments Peugeot Sport Director Corrado Provera and his Citroen counterpart Guy Frequelin both launched broadsides at the WRC TV package.

Provera complained of poor television coverage of his team's Swedish Rally victory, while Frequelin voiced simi lar concerns.

"The important thing is to World the make Championship appeal to the media, because the World Rally Championship gets no promotion whatsoever. In France, for example, the Monte Carlo Rally, you're talk ing about 35 seconds [on tele vision] and the Swedish Rally, 12 seconds," Frequelin said

That's not good enough. I think the FIA must develop the promotion of rallying," Provera said.

He gave a less than whole hearted endorsement of the Concorde proposal involving top teams, organisers and the governing body publicly sup ported by FIA President Max Mosley as weU. "We're interested in all the possibilities that could increase media coverage of the World Rally Championship, provided they are genuine. I think that the only solution that can work is that the manufacturers and the organisers hold the televi sion rights and create a pro duction company to increase media coverage of this disci pline. It's the only solution," he said.

-JONIHOMSON

Creelong rally veteran Graham Alexander and codriver Dave Stewart took out last weekend’s Rally Tasmania, driving iheir well-used Mitsubishi Lancer RS-E.’fhe pair won the all-bitumen rally, ahead of the Nissan 20!)

SX-R of Andrew Lawson and Brc-ndan Spurr. with local heroes Andrew Murfet and Tony Jackson third in their Nissan Pulsar GTiR, The event was run in fine weather over three days, and was heralded as a huge success. Rally Tasmania also had an histone sertion, which was a battle berween the Ford Escort Mk i's of Adelaide s i\ndrew CavaJii and V^ictorian Peter Kynakidis.

Cavahi had the edge until the penultimate stage, when he went offthe road, handing vktory to Kyriakkfe -Jeff Beaumont took .second place in his Porsche 911. n Canberra’s Mike ’IhKimpson is currently burning the midnight oil to get the ftew DELL Team Subaru impreza WRX ready for tne first round of the ARC Super Series.

The car. fresh in its DELL Team livery', has returned from the pane! shop where the body has been prepared for this year s ARC campaign, ■’M’e .still have a lot of fabrication work to do yet. and we still have to build gearboxes and fit all of the running gear," Thompson said late in February.

‘The car will feature plenty of carbon fi bre in ari effort to ensure that it is as clrjse to the weight limit as p<j-ssible.* The Group N car is an STi version iV rally tmpo.ri and is believed to he one o;' only a few rwu-di>or rally examples in Australia.

Whilst the en.gine specification is a clasely guarded secret, .spectators won't, be Jisappomied when they .first hear, then see the new DELL machine in the forest ■ Tnt organiaer? of the CIsna Raily are profasing to move the r^y from the iakoiJdc HMgt aS Huaunii to the cafkm. Raking - but has aiworii' hit > . WlMtl lilllll was utoaeto by campiaiBrs ●bout ti)e in Hnamni. wni Canot Sauiz voca hpingtW lliiPBTO. iwag aggik tetbecaink witick wuule tOMwfcnh^llglktnBacrdey flod nose

52

17 March 2000

1

0.

New-look Series proves Another Fabulous Fabi ‘Masters’ confirmed for kart GP a winner in Victoria k

Fine, don’t watch the birdie:(From L to R) Julien Poncelet, an occupied Giuseppe Palmieri and Fabi.

By MARK WICKS

Racing on the borderline: Andrew Bell (above) keeps an eye on Justin Carter (#82) and third-placed Shaun James (#88). (Photo by Graeme Bums) REVAMPED

and

revitalised, the newlook Victorian Country Series now features longer races, less classes and is no longer split into East and West competitions with the first round being run at in AlburyWodonga on March 5.

The series is to be run after four rounds with this year’s series being held in the Eastern half of the state and next year’s in the Western half.

Over 160 entries proved that the concept was popular.

William Nicholson came out on top after duelling with Stewart McRae and Matt Chambers in Junior National Heavy. The three drivers were a class above the rest as they swapped places con tinually during the day.

Red flags plagued the Midgets — race two was stopped on lap one with six karts involved.

Robert Munnerly made the most of the restart and also the final, leading Andrew McFarland and Chris Bell when three karts came together late in the race which brought the race to a premature end with a red flag.

Marcus Zukanovic held a - favourable grid position in

heat one and had a lucky escape in heat two when five drivers littered a section which he was approaching, having come from the back of the grid.

This helped delay the rest and he won the Large Clubman Heavy class ahead of Robert Todd and Harley Maxwell.

The Moreys — Troy and Brett — dominated Senior National Pro, with Shaunn Van Den Broek emerging from a good scrap for third.

Tyson Hoffman and David Reynolds were first and second with Brendan McGinniskin third in Junior National Light, when the;race was red-flagged.

Andrew Bell, Justin Carter, Shaun James and Troy Siemons were very close until the final heat of the Rookies where Bell had a bad race and dropped to sec ond behind Carter with James in third.

The Rotax 125cc class saw a mix of karts with some of the runners who previously ran twins bolting the Rotax onto the twin frame.

It worked well for Herman Van Ree who went on to win from ‘Nugget’ Campbell and Scott Coulston after some close racing and some incidents which broke the fields up.

Bob Waldner won Clubman Super Heavy in a

class plagued with retire ments. Gary Bradford an d Douglas Streeter were next.

Junior Clubman put on some good racing all day with three veiy good heats.

Brendan McGinniskin, Rhys Archer and Simon Leech swapped places at the front while Tyson Hoffman charged through the field in heat one.

McGinniskin, starting from well back in heat two, worked onto, his way onto the tail of the front bunch before picking them off all bar Hoffman when the che quered flag flew.

The final heat was enthrawling.

Hoffman, Leech, McGinniskin and David Reynolds swapped places right until the end with McGinniskin winning the day from Leech and Reynolds.

In Clubman Light, Michael Bantik led a spread-out field from the startline, however Grant Anderson broke through in the final heat to win overall on the day from Bantik and Leigh Holmes.

At time of publication, results for the Clubman Over Forties were not yet avail able.

Round two ofthe series will be at Gippsland on April 9.

- GRAEME BURNS

STEFANO Fabi has been announced as a works driver for Swiss Hutless International.

The son of former FI and Indycar racer Teo, he joins Italian Giuseppe Palmieri (’99 European Formula Super A Champ) and Frenchman Julien Poncelet

(’99 European Formula A Champion)in the team. The latter two wiU lead the team in Formula Super A while Fabi races Formula A. The trio will contest the European and World Championships and raced together for the first time at the Margutti Trophy in Italy where Fabi took pole before a DNF in the heats put him out ofcontention.

Briscoe warms up field in Italy

IN preparation for his very experienced team mate bid on the European Davide Fore," Briscoe comWorld' -Jnented. and Saturday's qualifying was in Championships a "minor disaster" when it Formula S^^Per A rained - Ryan having no Australian Tony Kart g jence with the 125s in driver Ryan Briscoe ^he wet, eventually qualifycompeted in the ultra jng fjfth in a small (but very fast 125cc Formula C high quality) field of only class at the first round seven.

However, he was in front of the Italian Open at of regular 125 drivers Orsini Championships and FeiTara.

Ugento.

Racing on Sunday was in With virtually no experience in the class, Brisc6^was able to fit in two days testing the week prior to his debut in the gear-boxed mis siles.

"During practice on Friday I was very happy with my progress as my times were equal with my

final Briscoe took third position but was not happy with his kart.

"For the second final we made a few modifications and when the race began I was feeling a lot more com petitive," he said.

After a good start Ryan

THE Australian Indoor Kart Grand Prix at the Sydney SuperDome will be feature a variety of motorsport stars from al] facets ofthe sport racing in the ‘Motorsport Masters’ category, mod elled on the successful European karting events.

To be run on Saturday 24th June,the event will feature a whole host of stars from different disci plines.

Greg Murphy,Steven Richards, Russell Ingall, Paul Radisich and Cameron McLean will represen V8 Supercar, Neal Bates wiO fly the ral lying flag, while Formula Ford hot-shot Leanne Ferrier and motorcycle racers Shaun Giles, Martin Atlee and Graeme Morris will also take part in the event.

The Masters will use CRG/PRD karts prepared and supphed by St George Kai-ts, and the class will be one of eight categories on the program,including the AKA’s leading catego ry, Clubman Lights.

- AARON NOONAN

was third behind Fore.

"After three laps when I was getting ready to pass for second, the selector in the gearbox jammed in second gear and my race was over," he said.

Overall, Briscoe said he was content -with how every thing had gone up until his mechanical problem and was a little surprised at how com petitive he was in his first Formula C race.

Briscoe hopes to do a num ber of other rounds in the Italian Championship to gain as much experience as possible.

It is improbable that he will run the entire series.

-MARK WICKS

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The Jag just didn’t do enough laps to have its picture taken: Stewart pic tured with Drew Price Engineering's General Manager George Turton.

(Photo by Mark Wicks)

JACKIE Stewart has proclaimed his support of Ford's decision to back kart ing in its search for future dri-ving talent.

Speaking at the dedication ceremony of Ford's new motorsport exhibit at the Ford Discovery Centre in Geelong during Grand Prix week, Stewart said that karting is essen tial developing drivers.

"If there are going to be young drivers for the future coming from Australia, they've got

to start in karting,” he said.

Stewart added that Ford's backing of kart ing "is a very clever and wise decision and will therefore produce racing drivers from the karting df-vision for the long term benefit.”

Stewart also signed a number of pho tographs that will form part of the prize for this year's one-make Ford Max Challenge series.

-MARK WICKS

F—

l^®0®[FS[p®l70 n Biante Models has launched a new racing called competition Finishline, with great prizes on offer which include an original helmet as worn

by Craig Lowndes or Paul Radisich, both signed by the driver himself.

‘Winners from each round will win prizes of team gear, magazine subscriptions, car care products, model cars and motoring books. To enter the competition you need to register at: www.biante.com.au and follow the prompts to the Finishline competition. n Frankland Racing Products has just announced a list of dri vers and teams that will be using the companies products throughout the remainder of the current 2000 racing season.

The teams and drivers include Kerry Madsen, John Shore, Adrian Maher, Lawrence /Brazier Racing, Adam Constable, Martin Horrabin, Shane Sonter, O'Brien Aluminium Racing Team, Skip Jackson and the Thompson racing team.

Frankland Racing Products market rear ends and components. For more information contact George or Adam on 02 9477 6396.

n The makers of 104 Octane Boost have released a new formula, they say, will improve per formance in both early and contemporary high performance engines.

Using a new technoiogy called, Accleron, it will not foul the spark plugs or damage catalytic convert ers and oxygen sensors.

Eaoh container lasts for at least 3 tank fulls.

104-^ are so confident that you will notice a differ ence in power that they offer a 104% no questions asked money back guar antee. For more informa tion or your nearest retail er call 1800 622 014. n Car enthusiasts can easily select and buy the right brake pads at a new web site. They deliver Australian made Bendix brake pads in the right grade to suit your particu lar vehicle and driving style, to your door within 3 days, anywhere in Australia. This cuts out several of the distribution layers and allows you to get the disc brake pads you need, simply by click ing a mouse.

You can order your disc pads at www.disc pads.com

17 March 2000

53

Motorsport Expo

AUSTRALIA'S 1980 Formula One world cham

of all categories of Motorsport, including cars, pion - Alan Jones - will hikes, boats and even air be among the motorsport craft." says expo organiser Colin Bum. stars making personal "The Expo is an opportunity appearances at the inau for everyone in the broad range gural National Motorsport of industries associated with Expo in Perth. motorsport including manufac Commencing March 24 the turers, distributors,retailers, expo will be held over 3 days teams, sponsors and of course at the Belmont Raceway the fans, to come together and before heading to Adelaide, experience the excitement of all Brisbane, Melbourne and forms of motorsport." then Sydney.

Unlike traditional exhibi The Expo is aiming to tions, which generally fea bring together all forms of ture static displays. The motorsport under the one Motorsport Expo will include roof. live action from various "We have designed the forms of Motorsport. event as a platform for the Each Expo will feature a promotion and advancement pit stop competition to be held through out the expo A major exhibit will feature the Indy 500 which will give race fans a close up look at the pit stop in action.

Arena sup.ertrials will be held at each expo this is not a display but a full competi-

Taz@ Daytona Seven-time Cup ChampionWinston Dale Earn hardt has kicked off the first race of the 21st centu ry with a whole new look.

"Taz," Warner Bros, world famous cartoon char acter and the official mas cot of Team Monte Carlo-, was riding on the #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the season open ing Daytona 500.

Speedworld Collect ables will be making avail-

abie a line of die-cast repli ca cars to commemorate the one time running of Earnhardt's red Taz Monte Carlo.

Designed exclusively for Action Performance Companies, the car is available in 1/64, 1/43 and 1/24 scales.

For more information on these and other models contact Speedworld Collectables on 02 4751 2463.

I

Taz Daytona replica, available in 1/64, 1/43, and 1/24 scales.

Steer to Victory IF you are in the market for a new race steering wheel,then drop into your nearest Speedzone store.

Speedzone currently stock a full range of the famous Sparco brand of competition steering wheels to suit both open and closed car racing.

For added comfort and safety a range of boss kits and quick release hubs are available ranging from $60.00 to aroimd $199.00.

The Sparco range is avail able from Speedzone shops and other motorsport outlets

throughout Australia.

For more details on the

full Sparco range contact R&R Speedsports on 02 9709 4655.

A number of well-known race teams will have cars on show at Motorsport Expo tion, over the three days.

There will also be displays from all types of motorsport in Australia including a cele bration of our past heroes and classic historic racing machines.

Alan Jones will be reunit ed with the Williams Formula One car in which he won the world title 20 years ago.

Castrol Supercar driver Russell Ingall wiU be leading a contingent of V8 Supercar teams who will be represent-" ed by the drivers of current top V8 cars.

Also in the hne-up of rac-

ing stars who will attend the expo is drag racer Rachelle Splatt, the first woman to exceed 300 mph.

Auto One, who are sup porting the event, will be presenting the Auto One Superstore which will fea ture a huge range of products for your car.

"This is a opportunity for manufacturers and con sumers to communicate oneon-one which will assist to strengthen or build new loy alties between customers and companies" said Andrew Marjoram, Auto One Chairman.

Throw in a "Miss Motorsport" competition, a great display of race vehicles, a gallery of champions and an Indianapolis 500 Display and this expo is set to excite any race fan.

A vehicle from each catego ry of motorsport will be on display at each expo, so this is a great opportunity to get up close to your favourite form of motorsport while also checking out the other types of racing in Austraha.

For more details regard ing the expo's contact Speed Corp on 08 9309 6993 or fax 08 9309 6994.

Fuel Injected Performance

A new multiple throttle body set up has just been launched by a new compa ny EFI Hardware.

The Throttle bodies are the first products in a new range to be launched by the new company.

EFI Hardwares venture brought about by Melbourne based Speed Technology which, until now, has speciahsed in developing various parts for motor racing.

Now with the launch of their range of EFI equip ment, the boys behind EFI Hardware can apply some of that ace expertise to your street machine.

"This is an exciting new direction for the company", says Speed Technology's Managing Director, Steve Newing. "We can offer our customers tailored solutions to suit their car, and their budget."

Designed for serious per formance ,these throttle bod ies are CNC machined, Australian made and are available in 1000 CFM & 1200 CFM. All kits fit square bore or spread bore manifolds and

can be used with standard air filters. Quad IDA throttle bodies are also available.

Brass throttle shafts run on ball bearings, while the butterflies are secured with split screws and Loctite for ease of servicing.

The linkages feature staged primary/secondary opening or semi synchronous opening and throttle position switch machining and mounting hardware is included.

The standard line kits are manufactured so that only

regular hand tools are required for installation, a fitting service is available if required.

EFI Hardware are plan ning to launch a full range of products including a range of pressure regulators, fuel injection pumps and high quality surge tanks, just to name a few.

For further information, contact Steve Newing at EFI Hardware on (03) 9873 5400 or via email at: Speed Tecnology@onaustralia.com.au

EFI Hardware's new V8 4 barrel throttle body set up.

AH Models on the Net 1 k

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SYDNEY based model shop Exclusive j1 1 Models, has gone onhne. f„ii Their new website now includes the full range of models available and is regularly updated as new stock arrives.

Exclusive Models carries a full range of motorsport models including Formula 1, Rally, NASCAR and V8 Supercars.

Collectors can become members and receive special oners and information on upcoming models. The site is professionally out and easy to use. www.exclusivemodelcars.com.au or contact via email collectables@exclusivemodelcars.com.au.

For further information call Exclusive Models on 02 9746 3104.

54 U March 2000 Supercharge your

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l 4 programmable shift lights l bar graph display/digilal tachometer * peak RPM recall l engine hour meter l water/shock resistant l automatic lap timing l speed sensor * up to 4 thermo couple inputs * reads up to 8temperatures and pressure l data logging l made in South Australia

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STOCKS SOLD OUT AT THE GP! Thanks to all our supporters - new supplies available now!

Snterestmd in reeelvins the latest Infermatien and photos of Mark's on and ofMrack activities this year, attend social functions and the opportunity to win exclusive prizes? If you are, write to the Mark Webber Supporters Club for further details.

Mark Webber Supporters Club, c/o Suite 4, 870 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072

55

17 March 2000

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56 17 March 2000

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.

Sedqws/Sports Cars

aoM

splitters, various other parts, set-up data etc. Full assistance. $40,000. Ph Aaron McGill 02 4872 2622 or 0419 406 760. t75 RX7, ex-Munay Carter Group C race car. 2 sets Smncins wheels, plenty spares & trailer. $15,500. Fh 03 5825 3125a 0412 624130. 175

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Subaru WRX '98 GTP, 2nd Class B Bathurst '98, 2nd Class B Oran Park '99, 2nd Class B Gold Coast Indy '99, fastest qualifier Indy '99. Many extras, new engine, this car is very easy to convert to STi. Ph: 02 9672 7530 or 0413 879 879. ITS HQ Holden, has won 9 Bathurst races & 3 NSW State titles. Inc, all spares & spare car. Very competitive, sensibly priced. Ph: Peter 0414 575 451. ns

Fantastic road reg club car, Targa, Dutton or Porsche Cup. Aus delivery, current owner 15 years. 9933.6ltr, 280hp engine, 5 speed with LSD upgraded brakes and suspension. OP GP circuit 1:19.1, Bathurst 2:35.1. Ph: 0414 911 901. 176 Halt RT4 ‘82, complete minus engine. Chassis number 292. $AUS 25,000. Ph: Ken Smith New Zealand. Ph: 64 9 274 8646 or Fax: 64 9 274 8642. we Ralt RT4 ‘86, complete minus engine. Chassis number 594. $AUS 25,000. Ph: Ken Smith New Zealand. Ph: 64 9 274 8646 or Fax: 64 9 274 8642. ire ' ' ● Elva Formula Junior DKW 1959, front engine, original condition, stored for 30 years. Bargain $AUS 27,000. Ph: Ken Smith New Zealand. Ph: 64 9 274 8646 or Fax: 64 9 274 8642. itg BMW 635 CSI, ex Frank Sytner UK. Left hand drive factory built, spare Alpina engine plus wheels and loads of spafes.

Chassis no: E24RA1-22. $AUS $60,000. Ph: Ken Smith New Zealand. Ph: 64 9 274 8646 or Fax: 64 9 274 8642. it6 Mazda Savanna RX3 Coupe, Turbo 12A, MicroTech, 5 speed, Simmons, new tyres, cambered rear end, big vented discs, 4 spots, immaculate. Road reg and RWC\www.intercar.com.au. $10,500. Ph: 0407 543 006 or 03 6394 3541. itg '72 HQ SS 4 door, correct wheels, dash trim, guards etc. 308 fitted, original motor also. Fair condition, Statesman grill, lime green, unreg, suit collector. $4,500 ono. Ph: Michael.02 6733 3269. itg Brabham BT16'F2 1966, original condition. Chassis no: F2-12-66. $AUS $45,000. Ph Ken Smith New Zealand.

Ph 64 9 274 8646 or Fax: 64 9 274 8642. itg Mitsubishi Lancer EVO II, suir raoe/rally use, simple repair. $14,500 ono. Ph 02 4953 7277 or 0415 252 342. itg

MK.2 Escort, total rebuild 1998. Fresh 2-litre SOHC, 5 speed Sierra gearbox and 4.11 LSD, CAMS log book. Two sets rims, tyres and lots spares. $6,500 plus $1,500 for tandem trailer to suit. Ph Barry 0407 266 688. its Mazda RX7 Series 6, 2 available, easy repair, suit GTP or rally, $12,000/$15,000. Consider deal for pair or will separate. Also WRX heavy damage. $6,000. Ph 0415 252 342. itg Datsun 240Z 1973, 2.8lt motor, auto or 5 speed, new struts, sway bars, good condition, rego 8/00, plus second car for parts, good 2.4ltr motor. Two for one, $3500 ono. Ph 07 5446 4294 or 0419 176 928. itg VL Group A shell, all hang-on panels, no fibreglass panels, ex Yellow Pages. $1000 ono. Ph 0408 327 671. itg

Mustang SVT Cobra 1999, electric green, charcoal leather int, 320hp, 4.6 DOHC alum V8, 5 sp man, all options.

Only done 700kms. $98,000. RHD. Ph 03 9467 7917. ito Original homologated converted, LX SS Torana to A9X Hatchback by Harry Firth 27/6/1977. CAMS Group C log book, 308 L34 motor 380HP. Ian Tate HDT sump. Super T10 Borg Warner, vehicle has never been in any accident, origi nal panels. Full original touring car trim. Ph 0417 775 507. its 1972 Escort Twin Cam, completely standard, all orignial equipment including air cleaner, all matching numbers, immaculate condition, new tyres. One of the best. $12,000 ono. Ph 0408 783 245. itg HQ race car, top five runner. POA. Ph 03 9725 3234 or 0418 389 438. its

1968 Mini Cooper 'S', Group Nc 1330cc. Comes with spare motor, wheels, too much to list. Have to make room for new race car. Sell $14,000 ono. Ph 02 9747 6100 AH or 0411 878 886 BH its RS2000 Escort, Mkll genuine rubber nose hillclimb oar.

Lowered, six point steel roll cage. Cobra seat, harness, goes well, good cond, many spares. $2,500 ono. Ph 02 6562 8994. its

Do You Want to Win The V8 Lites? Then this is the oar for you. Prepared by Wally Storey. Raced by Rodney Forbes and Wayne Gardner. 1st Privateer 1999 FA11000.

1999 Shell Series Rookie of the Year. 1999 Privateer Championship Runner Up. New Heads, As new gearbox, Penske Shocks. Assorted spares. No work necessary. Ready to race at Eastern Creek. Available after FI Grand Prix. P.O.A. Ph 0413 046 318. e-mail - RForbes@macquarie.com.au. 175

Nissan Silvia, 1.8 auto, sunroof, head up display, all power opp, 54km only. $9,500. Ph 0404 160 415. 175 Torana Gen L34, red, original end, needs body work.

Comes with new original interior, new rubbers, flares, 10 bolt LSD, Super T10 box, twin Webers, car not running and in pieces. $9,000. Ph Joe 02 9632 0202 or 0418 293 330. m SE OLD EA Touring Car, 202 Holden, Phil Irving headm, triple Webers, top loader, quick change diff, space frame chassis. Ph 0418 764 450 or 07 4634 7180. 175

VSSupercar, ideal for V8 Lites/Shell Series, ex-Perkins Bathurst winning car. Chev engine, 6 sp Hollinger, Konis (F) & Ohiins (R) fully adjust. PI dash & laptop. Pit equip ment, spares package, also comes with franchise! $90,000 neg. Will consider trade. Ready to go racing, gen uine inquiries only. Ph Owen Parkinson 0418 133 274. 175

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Honda Prelude ' 93 ,Vtec, auto, sunroof, rear spoiler, alloys, climate control air, 6 stack CD, all power opp, 68km, burgandy. VGC. $23,950. Ph 0404 160 415. 175 HQ Race car, competitive car, log book, 6 spare wheels, spare panels & numerous other parts. Urgent sale. $3,000 ono. Ph 0410 498 094 its 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. its

2 Litre Sports Sedan, race ready, fresh motor, twin Webers, adj Koni suspension, Tilton brakes, 2 sets of alloy race wheels with slicks, 1 set of wets (new), heaps of spares, fast & reliable, 3rd in '99 championship. Trailer if required. $7,500. Ph 07 3886 7504 or 0417 610 712. its X Pack Mk2 Escort, roling bodyshell in primer, round head lights & grill, front 1/4 bumper, 8x13 wheels with A001 Yokohama 225/60/13 tyres, 6-point rollcage. $2,500. Ph 08 8349 4588. ra

Toyota Trueno, 4AGE engine, TRD gearbox & diff, Bilstein suspension. Sparco seats, fully welded cage, car bon fibre interior. Terratrip, terraphone, spares package.

1998 NSWP2 Clubman winning car. $11,000. Ph 02 4754 3465 or 0410 543 463. 175 Mitsubishi VR4 ‘90 model, 3" stainless steel exhaust system from turbo. Stage 2 ball bearing turbo. High pressure fuel pump, fuel control computer. Water spray intercooler with pipe. $18,000. Ph 03 9894 2998 or 0407 959 818. 175 Sports Sedan RX7, PP rotary, alloy mags, 10” fronts, 12" rears, 5-speed, Hollinger gibox, LSD, Volvo brakes, big exhaust, flares, log book. $9,999. Ph 03 9792 9526 or 03 9792 4696. m Genuine SavanaWHXS Coupe, alum foam tank, turbo 12A, MicroTech computer injec, vent 4 spots, oamberered rear end, race susp, Simmons, new tyres (2 sets) RWC, Reg, immaculate. $10,500. Ph 03 6394 3541. its

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4 Lotus Turbo Esprit, 1984 red with black leather, 60,000km since engirie/gearbox rebuild. Reliable, afford able supercar. Most major components overhauled.

Reduced to sell. $33,000. Ph 02 9676 5684. its

HDT VC Brock Commodore. Build no 332, 308 V8, 4-spd manual, p/steer, air con, immao original condition, with books and del'r/ery papers. Reluctant forced sale. DH0493. $13,900 ● peg. Ph 0418133 274 175 mq Midget Marque Sports, ex-Trevethan, Latham, Reid. New 1330 engine EN40B crank Mahal pistons unstarted, factory close ratio gears, slicks (2 races, spare rims, total refurbish. $12,900 ono. Ph 03 9787 3050. its aUSCAR Sportsman VL Commodore, minimal work needed to be race ready, rebuilt motor, urgent sale. $2,500 ono. Ph 03 9720 9026; its bqi, Jane XU-1 V8, original log book, plus spares. $35,000. Ph 0418 144 783. its

VL 5 Itr, Detroit locker, 9", excellent club car, never smashed, nothing to spend, ready to race. Owner retired.

Car is capable of high 48s OP South, only ever used for Supersprints. $12,000. Ph 0418 642 612. 175 Mustang Sports Sedan, 351, top loader, Harrop diff, Bilsteins, AP brakes, dry sumped, BBS wheels, spare wets, some spares. $28,000 ono. Ph 02 4782 1145. 175 Commodore Sports Sedan, uncompleted project, all hard work done, brand new aircraft rose joints. Pedal ass, front end in-board suspension, 9" diff, all total space frame, quick release steering, alum radiator, currently set-up with twin turbo all alloy V6. Will separate. Ph 03 5762 5541. 175 Gemini 84 model, 2L twin cam, ready to race, 3J/2D fresh rebuild, nothing to spend. Detroit diff, 4-wheel discs, brake bias, rev limiter, remote cooler. $8,500. Ph 02 9638 1155 or 0414 382 705. its

TT3U0

Super Tourer, TOM'S factory car. In the right hands, this car would be very competitive. All spares included. 2 motors etc. Will consider trade/iease or payment program. $65,000 ono. Ph 0418 644 217. its

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Mazda RX7 Sports Sedan, 13B PP motor, 4 sp o/r gearbox, comes with spare motor, gearbox and wheels.

Trailer included. $11.500 ono. Ph 02 4262 8934 AH. its

Super Sedan Commodore, Dave Best chassis. Winters quick change diff, 4 aluminium beed lock rims, ready to race. Less engine & gearbox. $9,900. Ph 0418 134 174 or 03 51761352. ITS 1998 Avenger Sprintcar, less engine. $12,500 ono, Ph 02 6882 5091 BH or 02 6882 6090 AH. itg

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EL Falcon VaSupercar, as raced at Bathurst '98.

300kms on new engine. Plus spare engine, gearbox. wheels, spindles, axles and a whole truck load of spares.

Also two-oar 42ft Pantec race transporter. $215,000 the lot.

Ph Mark McLaughlin 07 3881 2379 or 0418 738 404. itg AUSCAR Commodore, not raced since'96. Harrop front end, big brakes, suit conversion to Bathurst Tourer. Aluminium heads, 308 block for rebuild, full floater rear end, two sets wheels, call for more info. Best offer. Ph 0408 066 106. itg Peugeot 405 Super Tourer, fresh motor, clutch & gearbox (6-speed XTrac non-sequential) 18-inch centrelock wheels, AP brakes, suitable for 2-lifre Sports Sedan with spares. $18,000. Ph 0414 735 512. itg Sports Sedan VL Commodore, space frame, new 350 Chev, T10 box, 9" floater rear end, selling oar for price of motor. Moulds and spares included. $18,000. Ph 02 4736 7826. 175

Honda Prelude '93 Vtec, 5sp, sunroof, performance chip, s/s exhaust, lowered, CD player, all power opp. $10,900. Not for Australian rego, Ph 0404 160 415. its VH Commodore Sports Sedan, full space frame chassis with mid-mount engine. Brand new 570hp 350 Chev, dry sumped, independent rear, Spax coil overs, AP front oallipers, 2 sets of rims, lots of extras, disassembled ready to paint. $22,000. Ph 0418 134 948 or 03 9776 4224. its Commodore Group C, 1 rolling shell, 1 complete turn key ready toace with log books. Ph 0418144 783. itg Toyota KE20 Club Car, 1998 U/2L championship winner. no motor & gearbox, TRD LSD, 6 point cage, 4 wheels discs, adj suspension, all set up for 4AGE. Loads more. $3,800 ono. Ph 02 9692 8440. itg Trinovin Ford Mondeo Super Tourer, make a name for yourself. ‘94 model. Ford works car as driven by Paul Radisich in ‘94 & '95 BTCC. Car has raced in Australia since '97. Engine is strong (285 bhp) and car is straight & pre sentable. Car comes with spare wheels, spare bumpers &

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44

ve Dirt Modified, 350 Chev, Dart 2 heads, Magnito, 486 quick change, full set of spare wheels and many other spares.

Very fast, reliable oar, SA 3, driven by USA's Tim Fuller. Reg Victoria 22. $22,000. Nothing to spend. Ph 03 5659 0111. n» Mini Sprintcar and trailer, Datsunn 1200 new motor, Weber carbies. Mid Western Zone Champion 2000. Very competitive car. Heaps of spares. POA. Ph 0408 565 077. r.

Modified Production TE Cortina, 250 X flow methanol engine, just been freshened up, 4 speed p/(steering, 15" wheels, adj suspension, heaps of spares, no rea sonable offer refused. Must sell POA. Ph 03 5996 8509. m Retirement sale. Super Sedan EL Falcon. Six meeHngs old, 366 18 degree engine, best of everything. $30,000, complete or will separate. Complete roller less engine & gearbox. $11,000. Motor, Burt box and other parts POA.

17Mdfch2000 Ring Frank 02 4572 5949. 175

350Chew nickd,4 bolt studded block $1,000Ph 0418144783. 175

Sprintcars, 3 available, 2 Maxims, 1 Eagle priced from $16,500. 372 cui Donovan aluminium engine. $30,000. Ph Chris Calandro 0418 831 282. 175

Donovan, small block, Buick heads, Kingsler magnesium injection, dry sump, no expenses spared. Dave Riolio sup plied & built. $25,000. Ph 03 5722 3810 or 0407 223 817. 175 Twin Turbo V6 Sleath, quad cam, multi valve, twin 60mm trottle bodies on thin 70mm induction with 50mm

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primmaries. Super large intercooler, bellhousing to take Super T10. All complete, HP unlimited. $7,000 sacrificed.

Ph 0418 144 783. 175 Chew 18 degree, 366 motor less carburetor & magneto.

Bow tie heads by Weldteck, C&C ported Del West titanium valves. Cola 9/16 ultra lite crank. Too much gear to men tion. $17,000. Ph 02 4572 5949 175

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Wheelers

Speedcar, Stealth Pontiac. All genuine USA running gear KSE, Weld, MPD, QCS, Carrera shocks, drilled bolt kit, just been freshened up. Plenty of spares on offer as well, will sell rolling chassis and motor. POA. Ph 02 9624 6428. 175 Litre, fresh AI5, McGee insection, Barry Powers quiokchange, Gardner bars, arms, stops, auto meter gauges, as new Vortex. Very quick car, all springs & retrail er. $11,000 Neg. Must sell. Ph 0414 557 056. ,75 Street Stock, ASCF reg till 6/00. XE Falcon Sedan $3500 eng value. All the best suspension, ready to race, $4000 ono. Ph 0410 517 126 or 03 5281 1499. 175 r

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One set (4) as new, with A032 tyres (80%) 205/60R13. $1200 the set. One set (4) bare rims (2 good, 2 scratched) $450 set. Ph Barry 0407 266 688. 176

Ford Escort, fuel-inj-ram tubs-uni filters $690, ultra light rims 13x8 to suit Escort $280. Haltech F-7 programmable fuel injection ECU $350. Ph 0417 475 409. 176 Two new Yokohama AOOSItS tyres, 205/60R13 $180 each. Ph Barry 0407 266 688. m Four XW/XY Falcon chrome, 12 slotters (fair condition) with new hub caps & Dunlop Le Mans A4, 225/60R14 tyres (80%)$500 the lot. Ph Barry 0407 266 688. m Formula Ford 94-95 Van Diemen, rear uprights, new bearings & brake rotors less wheel studs $2,900. Transaxle Lotus Esprit Turbo, low kms, excell cond, less bell housing. $3,700. Ph 0418 974 351. 176

clutch, flywheel to suit Cleveland or Windsor, XY genuine shifter suit Top Loader $800. 16 gal fuel cell, foam filled brand new $200. Ph 03 95039973 AH or 03 9564 3718 BH. 176 Unique historic car, 1972 Bowin P8 monocoque, ex-Bob Jane, Leffler. Complete less engine. FT 200 g/box, fire extin

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Race or street suspension, WRX adjustable coil over shocks by Zoro Motorsport Japan. $2,000. RX7 ser 4-5 fully

Super Stock

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adjustable Tein coil overs. All with bearing platforms. $2,000.

Ph 0404 160 415. 175 1*-

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Quickchange, strengthened case, offset axle, one piece

1966 Elfin Mono MKllC, Chassis MC6652, 1598cc

birdcages, hubs, brakes, four sets of gears $600 ono. Ph 0414 557 056. 175

Twin Cam, ex-Johnny Walker. Car is fast & immaculate with an excellent racing history, log books & certificate of description. $49,000. May consider trade. Ph Ron 03 5332 9888 BH or 0409 322 187. ,7g Go Karl, Mike 1, ohromoly chassis, Yamaha TK100S motor, trolley, never raced, immaculate condition. $3,800.

Ph 03 5964 7580. itb

ore LH steer, chrome moly

Barry Grant fuel system, on-board computer, autometer gauges, alum diff centre, Mark' Williams rear end. Must sell $22,000. Ph 07 3299 6141BH or 07 5501 5853 AH. iri' ' 1990 Z23 Camaro, MP fitted with 351 T.fI.E. Buick and glide. built. Sell car complete with spares for cost of engine. $35,000.

May seperate qr trade. Ph 02 98371569 or 0413 483 4^.

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Incomplete Lotus 7 Replica, fabricated by ex-Elfin, Brabham man. Includes bonnet, fuel tank fibreglass, guards, windscreen frame, superlites, but less engine. $4000 firm. Full details Ph 03 9799 1683. i7g Kaditcha F2 1979, Golf engine, ratios, two sets wheels, make an offer. Ph 03 5881 4411. m

m Chev powered S2 RX7, ANDRA tech, 350 Chev, TH350 box, slicks, ladder bars, coil over shocks, only driven week ends & short distances. $9,600. Ph 03 5345 8045. 175

Ford Sierra Cosworth, works cylinder head, ex-Brock as new, unique opportunity. $1500 ono. Ph 0408 650 357 or 03 5168 1371. its 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. 175 SB Chev, Bowtie block, BRC light weight crank, & Bill Miller rods', Weisco pistons, dry sump, Buick heads by Jim Bell, Jessel belt, crank trigger, sheet metal manifold, 2 x 1050 Holleys. Must sell $18,000. Ph 07 3299 6141 BH or 07 5501 5853 AH. 175 Boss 302 motor, 351ci 4 bolt block. STO Carricos, accel dist, dry sump pump, alloy bell housing. EFi suit 302 W coil over springs. Ph 02 4782 1145. 175 Chev Pontiac heads, 637hp flow sheets available. $2,700. Ph 0418 144 783. 175 Alfa Romeo, Guila Super I6OO00 motor, complete from Weber oarbies to flywheel. Engine no AR 00526 55839 $550. Ph 02 9686 6331 . 175 Ford crossflow 1300cc, all steel, new Webers, dry sump & pump flywheel. Ready to race. Dyno time only. $6,000. Ph 02 9211 2854. 175 Brabham wheels, early pattern. 13x12, VGC. $2,400.

Ph 02 9211 2854. 175

Turbocharger, VL Commodore RB30, unused turbo & dumpvalve plus water inlet & outlet pipes. New $1,000 ono.

Ph 03 9787 3050. 175 Chew 350 lightened flywheel, 7 1/4 inch Tilton twin plate clutch, quartermaster hydraulic throw out bearing, all exo cond, new reduction starter. $1,000. Ph 03 6424 4544. 175 Escort LSD, as new suit Banjo $800. Exhaust manifold suit NACosworth $400. AJS Strut tops suit MK11 $150. e-mail moorey1@telstra.easymail.com.au 175 Ford Escort Twin Cam parts, mechanical & body parts available. Ph Tony 02 9546 1097. 175 Haltech F9 fuel injection kit, complete with 4-cyl loom to fit injectors. Computer wjth easy wire diagrams. Still in box, some sensors. $900. Ph 0418 951 072. 175 1 Group A 2 stage, dry sump oil tank, hardly used with mod ify oil stick & breather outlets. $500 ono. Ph 0409 125 965. ra Porsche A VS rims, 17x8s, polished with alloy caps, brand new Pirelli P700 tyres, 245x45 series never used.

Top class show rims. $2,200. Ph 0409 125 965. 175 Honda 89-93 Civic, CRX suspension, 3 sets hieght adjustable susp with coils, for Group A race or street use. $800 each set ono. Ph 0413 717 826. 175

chassis, Lamb struts & rack, weighs 1950lbs. MSD 7AL3,

825hp & 5351b torque. Dyno sheets available, 20 passes since

Bogie axle with brakes, easy access with large doors. Ph 02 6884 4204 BH or 02 6882 3245 AH 176

TS EBGT 5.0LT, 5 speed gearbox $1000 ono. Ford 4

- -a.

©rags

Kart trailer, will take 4 karts with room for spares & tools.

speed Top Loader gearbox just rebuilt, 11-inch centre force

in storage last 18 years. $25,000 the lot. Ph 07 4129 0391. m

Street Stock, brand new XF Falcon, ready to race. Full fibreglass sides, boot, bonnet, nose. Alloy seat, quick release wheel. Bilstein shocks. Reco gearbox with reg. $4,000 ono. Ph 03 5275 2567. 175

sell. Help & tow away for $5,500. Ph 0408 503 366

Injection, factory K Corolla, with throttle body. Inject EM3 computer & loom. No lap top needed for tuning. $1300 ono the lot. Ph 07 4632 7448 or 0407 983 143. 176

guisher system, fuel injection system, plus spare wheels, pan els, new twin plate clutch, as new drivers suit, helmet, shoes

V8 Dirt Modified, Batmobile #23, minus engine, with bert trans, winters rear, sanders front weld wheels, plus spares if req. $10,000 ono. Ph 02 4959 2185 or 0414 686 929. 175 East Coast Modified Hot Rod, recently re-built, 350 Chev motor, shortened Holden gearbox, full race running gear, small Dyna diff, M20 transmission, several spare tyres and parts. Ready to race. Ph 02 4933 1442. 175

57

Go Kart, Yamaha RC100SD, 1999, Yamaha chassis & KT100S motor. One race old. Imported from Japan, As new cond $3,200. Ph 03 9459 3239. 176 Formula Vee, built new for 1999 Nationals & not raced since due to ill health. Includes licenced trailer & some spares. $1000's below replacement value. $8,000. Ph Greg 08 9490 9539. 17a Swift SC93F, Christian Jory offers for sale, ready to race, heaps of spares, top finishes Nat, 4 state series, Lamer engine. $18,000. Ph 03 6326 5555 or 0418 130 133. 175 Lotuz Clubman, Group 0 Historic, top H/P motor, Quaiffe diff, close ratio g/box, ex-John Pitt. Contact Andrew 03 5443 0810 or 0418 510 462. m PCR Kart F5, Italian 3 bearing chassis, clubman motor, recent rebuild, hydraulic brakes, extender hubs, quick release axle, nose cone, upholstered seat, stand, spares, rarely used, never raced. Immaculate $2,300. Ph 02 9823 7919 or 0416 183 762. its 250CC International Super Kart, Yamaha engine, Zip cha,'’sis, Kelgate brakes, all completely rebuilt. $2,750. Ph 03 9796 4588 BH. 175 Formula Holden 92D Reynard, ex-Todd Kelly, 2nd '98 championship, race prepared for 2000 season. Complete with spares, including ratios, computer, set up data, trailer & all assistance. Ph 07 3286 1667. 175

Parts

● Porsche, Brembo large 4 spot callipers, new $1600 pair, used from $1250 pair. Gearbox 915 5 speed $2400.

Ph 03 9318 7515. ira Simmons 15 * 7, suit E21-E30 BMW, Gemini etc with new 205x55x15 GT radials. Set of 4. $1650. Ph 0407 542 006 or 03 6394 3541. 176 Genuine Bathurst Globe rims, to suit Escort/Cortina.

Category; □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers □ Speedway □ Drag

Set Lotus T/Cam forged pistons. 83.5mm $850. Pair 45mm Webers, all linkages, on Ford 2L alloy manifold $750. Ph 02 9211 2854. 175 Carbie & manifolds, 4x48mm Delortos on 75mm Wedges with fluid pressure gauge. Trumps, linkages, braided hoses, set-up on Chev big port manifolds. As new $1,700. Ph 0418 144 783. 175 Group A rims, to suit Commodore,\5 stud pattern, four only. BBS alloy $2,000. Ph 02 4736 7826.->-s_.

Yates, titanium vales inlet 2.10 $650. Exhaust $650. Ph 0419 655 701. 175 Gearbox, (2), Super T10 Borg Warner second design, fine spline hurst shifter. $1,600. Ph 02 9632 0202 or 0418293 330. ra Torana L34 dizzy, of Brook’s '75 race car. Best offer.

L34 heads, ported, screw in studs. $400. Ph 02 9632 0202 or 0418 293 330. 175

Ik'aiisporters/'frqiiers Chev crew cab dually, 1990 model, 454 auto, central looking, oruise control, bucket seats, cloth trim, excellent con dition. RHD. $38,000. Ph 03 5176 1352 or 0418 134 174. ra 33 fl tri-axle trailer, 8 ft wide, 7 ft high, electric brakes, living & workshop area, will carry 2 Fords or sedan & '84 FIDO LWB on gas & fuel complete. $30,000 will sep. Ph 03 6326 5555. its Pantec, 5.3 metres, Isuzu 1995 FSR550, 7.1-litre engine, 6-speed, air con, good condition throughout. Ideal trans porter. $33,990. Ph 0413 056 351. 175 Nissan Urban, fully setup pop top annex, water tank, fridge, stove, bed. Towed Sports Sedan RX7, used at track as motor home. Excellent condition. Ph 03 9792 9526. 175 Fully enclosed, trailer to suit FFord to FHolden. Has liv ing quarters in front secion, bed, stove, fridge, cupboards etc. Plenty of storage area in rear. Tandem axles with disc brakes with reg. $6,000. Ph 0408 066 106. 175 Brand new purpose built, dual axle, elec brakes, reg. Flat white aluminium siding, front office area & seating. Tie down hooks, aluminium ramps, rear door, gas struts, 21ft x 7ft x 8ft, suit FHolden or Ford. $10,000. Ph Craig 0412 895 560. m 40ft Pantec, two cars, aluminium ramps, 240v light & power.

Huge storage boxes. Got married, kids & mortgage. She says

□ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs □ Other

Descriptaon;

'88 Chew Diesel Pick-Up, a/con, p/steer, good tyres, good tidy original truck, tow anything. $21,500. Ph 03 5025 6220. ,tb Chew Blazer, 4WD, full convertible hard top. 350, 4speed, new tyres, new radiator, very nice condition. $10,500. Ph 02 9745 3881. 175 Fully enclosed, tandem axle trailer 4.5m x 1.8m x 1.8m steel chassis, aluminium body, electric brakes, ramps, work bench, shelves, tyre rack, side door, fully enclosed annex. $3,300. Ph 02 9872 1660. 175 AGCO duel cab, 80,000km, new paint, immaculate condi tion, 392 inter Allison auto. $14,000 ono. Ph 03 5275 2567. 175 Bedford race car transporter, 6 cyl diesel. 5 spd, winch, benchs, cupboards, seats 8 comfortably, new tyres, brakes, batteries. $10,000. Ph 02 4959 2185 or 0414 686 929. m

Wanted

Information, & photos of Mini Cooper raced by Em /\bbott 1964-65 Vic, Greg McEwin & Les Jesser 1966-69 SA. Devetoping history of car. Ph 08 8440 1632 BH, 08 8336 3498 AH. ™ tfeand Ptix International, magazines. Issues 1-5, 8 & 9, must be excellent condition. Top prices paid. Ph Bill 03 5243 3660 AH. m Minicbamps, 1:18 scale model of Damon Nil's 1996 Williams in GC. Ph 0407 280 263. 175 EFI Quad throttle bodies, for Toyota 4AG 16 valve wanted. Will buy with competition head or motor. Ph 02 9872 2558 or 0416 306 055. 175 One Bridgestone Potenza, RE520S 205/50 x 15 one or pair. Ph 03 9889 1149. 175 Ron Hay Honda S8O0 Clubman, desperately seeking this classic. Built NSW 1960s, super charged S800 motor.

Renmax wheels, someone must know its whereabouts. Any info most appreciated. Ph 03 5255 2446. 175 Holden 2S3, reco motor, short or long plus oval track oil pan suit 253, 308. Ph 02 9745 3881. 175 Ralt RT4, 1981 to 1987 rolling chassis with spares.

Chassis must be sound & come with traceable history & logbook. Ph 07 3256 9505 AH or 0418 736 869 BH. 175 Cosworth 2.11 BDP engine, in good condition. Must have history or proof of recent rebuilds. Willing to look at 2-litre engines also. Ph 07 3256 9505 AH or 0418 736 869 BH. its

Otheff

Burago Fl models, 1:20 scale, Benetton-Alfa-Romeo $30, Canon Williams $30, Olivetti Brabham $30, Tag Denim Williams $40 or $100 the lot. Ph Bill 03 5243 3660. m Large range of motoring magazines, inc full set Sports Car World, Racing Car News & 1000s of others. Also motor ing books. Ph 08 9279 7003 or Fax 08 9377 3939. ™ Computer driving simulator, Thrustmaster T2 steering wheel, pedals, gear shift, still with box, immaculate condi tion. Suitable for all driving PC games (Windows 95/98) $100 ono. Ph 02 4655 6266. m Motor Racing art, high detailed colour drawings of V8s, Fl, bikes. Pictures drawn on request. Any size from $150. Ph 08 82695749. 176 Pair of Sparoo ‘Ultra’ race seats, as new cost $625, for quick sale $485 each, Ph 0418 793 806 or AH 07 5442 8341. m Targa Tasmania, 2000 confirmed, fully paid Classic entry. Fax offers to 03 9723 9033. 175 Position Vacant, electronic fuel injection technician.

Applicant must have experience & knowledge in the O.E.M. & aftermarket fuel injection industry, custom wiring & general wiring skills. Qualified tradespersons forward your resume to: Castle Auto - Electrics, PO Box 713, Castlemaine, Vic 3450. its Well established, Snap-On Tools franchise business in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Ph Paul 0413 756 616. ITS Simpson Size SO helmet, Super Speedway Shark, never used. Cost $1,500, sell $1,000. Ph Craig 0412 895 560. 175 Sensational Adelaide 500 tickets, 2 pit straight grandstand tickets opposite start/finish line. 7/8/9 trackside accomodation 4 star Flag Motel. Tickets $120 ea. Motel $120/night. Ph BH 03 5824 1038 or AH 03 5856 1630. 175 Sparco racing seat, no 834, red, near new $275.

VDO gauges, six in all, inc. tacho, oil press, temp, volts, complete $250 the lot. Ph 03 9890 2570. ue Senna TAG Heuer, 6000 ladies watch. #553 of 1000.

Never worn. Ph 0408 733 478. i?s Shack absorbers, 4 Ohiins, triple adjustable for FHolden. $8,000. Ph Craig 0412 895 560. m

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58

17 March 2000

Hioforsporf l

NEWS

Editorial Editor Phil Branagan Assistant. Editor Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist Aaron Noonan Graphics Co-c»r<Sinator Viv Brumby

Advertising Advertising ?4lanager Brendon Sheridan

Administration f^anaging SSirector 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: msncws@ozemail.com.au

CompuServe: 100237,]i6s

Contributors General: Brian Reed. Grant Nicholas, Darryl Flack, Tony Glynn, Mike Kable, Mark Jones, Jon Thomson FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins US: Phil Morris NZ: 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 Hensheiwood, Graeme Burns, Frank Viola, John Morris, Mark Wicks 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, Peter French, Chris Carter Artist: Bernie Walsh Cartoonist: Allan Schofield Motorsport News is published by Australasian Motorsport News Pty Ltd. ACN No 060 179 928

Publisher: C Lambden Printed by: Wilke Color 37^9 Browns Rd Clayton 3168 Distributed by: NDD Ltd

What’s up, Nine?

Dear Sir, Reader Stuart Hamilton (Talk

(I year - 26 issues) SM7.30* Australia Overseas (Air Mail): ASI70 New Zealand. PNG AS 180 Malaysia, Indonesia AS 190 Phillipines, HK Japan AS200 US, Canada AS2I0 Europe Post or fax to address above.

Bankcard, VISA. Mastercard, Amex accepted * GST (Australia) Australian publishers are now required to charge 10% GST on the portion of new magazine subscriptions which falls after June 30, 2000, when a GST will be introduced in Australia. The subscription rate quoted is thus made up of the base S1 10 cost plus GST applying to the postJune 30 portion at this time.

More action, less time-wasting: reader Bryce wants Speedway to speed Photo: Kevin Emmerson up the way it handles restarts after incidents...

Hungry for Hungarians

alienate the grass roots supporter and that can be fatal -look how the

Dear Sir, It never ceases to amaze me

AFL here in Australia is being punished already for doingjust that.

At least I have Motorsport News to tell me what really went on...

when I am listening to motorcycle and car racing on television these days, there are no Hungarian drivers in car racing, as well as no Hungarian riders in the SOOcc motorcycle,class.

The country has hosted a Grand Prix since 1986 and yet they have hot yet produced a driver or rider in the sport.

If ever the country had a racing

Michael Troughton Sandringham, Vic

Watch the hip pocket Dear Sir, After reading issue 174, I was pleased to read the comments after the first round of the V8 Supercars at'thfe Island.

driver or rider in the sport, it would be a huge bonus for motorsport and for Hungary in general.

The powers-that-be want to remember who helped make the V8s as popular as they are - the paying fans.

Don’t hit us in the pocket as we wiU not be able to go and you will be the loser.

Please advise us what we are in for at the other rounds so we don’t

Brendan Williams Broken Hill, NSW Assist Ed: Huh?... Brendan, don’t you think it might be better if we got a couple of Aussies in FI and a few more back on 500s before we worry

get caught like at Phillip Island where we paid $35 for one 45 minute race on Sunday.

Keep up the great work.

Look further afield,Ford

about the Hungarians?

Dear Sir, I am sick

Femtree Gully, Vic

newspapers and motor mags how

of

Ford are going to help young drivers by setting up a series in gokarting and then one driver will be chosen to do one year in Formula Ford... then what?

Ford have had the perfect opportunity to help young drivers when they come out of FF for the last 30 years, but they chose to ignore them, eg; Craig Lowndes, Jason Bargwanna, Garth Tander, to name a few.

How about helping the ‘98 FF champion, Adam Macrow, and the ‘99 FF champion, Greg Ritter.

These are young drivers who need HELP. Ford seems to prefer to put older drivers in its touring cars and then wonder why they never win a championship.

Wake up Ford or you will never find a young lion.

A. Glover Kew, Vic

Tougher scrutineering?

Bob Searle

reading

in

Dear Sir, With the increasing value of motor sport sponsorship in Australia, the public should be kept informed of what measures the

G'f

Peter Little, Greenslopes Qld

It’s 2000, Speedway Dear Sir, I was one of those who stayed on until after lam on Saturday night while the Australian Speedcar Championship bumbled its way to a conclusion.

Among other things that Speedway must address is a move away from its archaic race management systems.

Watching fields drone round regularly for up to 8 laps while officials try to figure out then manually signal to drivers where they should be on a restart (after a prang)is NOT exciting.

Surely 21st century electronics could come up with instant positions on an electronic board visible to the drivers?

I know one of the charms of Speedway is its traditions and fairground feel, but enough is enough.

David Bryce Melton, Vic

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published with the official results of the meeting.

It is also important that a driver who has put in an exceptional performance has his vehicle thoroughly checked to prove that the performance was genuine and not gained by illegal means.

If steps are not taken to ensure motor sport is clean, one day a scandal will emerge that will do the sport irreparable damage...

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subsequent sponsorship that are not rightfiiUy theirs.

The public are entitled to ask what checks are used in motor

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With sports that depend on human movements, there are various biological tests that are used in an effort to make .sure no individual or team receives the accolades and

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take to ensure that the sport is clean.

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jOrganisers of the various series

sport to make sure a competitor does not use an illegal tweak to gain an unfair advantage.

In my opinion, aU checks and the outcome of such checks should be

being downgraded to make the digital one look better, but that’s going to turn round and bite them before long.

Continued mediocre coverage such as that transmitted by Nine last Sunday can only turn people off Formula 1. All this for a handful of ‘haves’ in Europe who want to play with their digital sets.

If Mr Ecclestone isn’t careful he’U

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Send your letters to PO Box 1010 North Caulfield Vic 3161, fax to 03 9527 7766, or email to us at msnews@ozemail.coni.au The staff of Motorsport News does not necessarily agree with opinions express by readers.

some old movie on Saturday afternoon just showed what the management of the network really thinks about motor sport.

Why the minimal coverage. Nine?

Is Bernie charging you by the minute for your broadcast?

Your pages have detailed the fact that the free-to-air broadcast is

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Converter #174) was right!

Boo, hiss Channel 9. Nothjing on Friday, then two hours only on Saturday from the GP was grossly inadequate. And then to move on to

Material published by MOTORSPORT NEWS is copyright and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Freelance contributions are welcome, and while all care will be taken. Australasian Motorsport News Pty Ltd does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of material submitted.

Opinions expressed in Motorsport News are not necessarily those of Australasian Motorsport News Pty Ltd or its staff.

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(Clockwise from bottom left) Greg Murphy, Steven Richards, Larry Perkins, Mark Skaife, Russell Ingall, Garth Tander, Jason Bargwanna, (centre) Craig Lowndes.

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