Motorsport News Issue 194 - December 8-21, 2000 by V8 Sleuth

NAMED:Seton’s new FTR team-mate Australia $5.50 NZ $6.95 inci GST

No. 194 8- 21 December 2000

The kmHik Jegend bouM be back on me V8 Supercar scene... \

Bright gets late Panoz New Year call-up PtUSI Mark Skaife & Garry Rogers:

Two of 2000’s achievers - on the record Famous brothers: Ralf Schumacher and Bobby Labonte

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DMttrsport Issue 194 8- 22 December 2000

INSIDE

News and Opinion

^ Mobil

5 10 27 28 82

The King and The Kid? The Brock/Lowndes story FTR's new signing Which Cam joins team blue? Bright takes over Panoz Noske dumped from sportscar Zanardi back to CART? There's a seat open at Mo Nunn's! Motor Mouth Tony Longhurst's FAI 1000 The Box Seat And pigs might fly! Talk Converter Write,fax, e-mail away!

Features

38 42 60 62

Mark Skaife The V8 Champ Ralf Schumacher Taking the next step up Garry Rogers We talk with the Bathurst winning team owner Brett Stevens ‘ Double trouble, drag-style Bobby Labonte 2000 Winston Cup Champ, no less

Race Coverage

52 58 ViMri'rn'ira-orn'irn'irtJl 'i'

EXCIUSIVE

NZ Formula Holden All of the drama from Manfeild and Pukekohe Rally of Great Britain Gronholm wraps it up Queensland National Open Bray blasts'em World Series Sprintcars Tatnell bounces back in SA

Regular Departments

The racing legend 7could be back on the V8 Supercar scene...

Bright gets late Panoz New Year call-up Plus

liininii Photos: Cover; Graeme Neander/Coventry Studios Contents; Coventry Studios, Dirk Klynsmith, Sutton-lmages, Euan Cameron.

24 52 58 66 62 56 72 77

Motorcycles Rallying Drag Racing Speedway NASCAR Histories National Scene Marketplace

Brock's

Photo by Lynley Reid

4 Back Toge^r? Bto(* leads LoNnctes in 1996i. Wn they be seen together tnuoavaik' again?A

McLean's FTR deal by PHIL BRANAGAN CAMERON McLean will drive for Ford Tickford Racing next season. While Glenn Seton said this week that the team was still deciding on his team-mate for 2001, Motorsport News believes that a deal was agreed a week ago and that the parties signed a contract last weekend. It is believed that McLean will race for FTR in 2001, with an option for a further two years. Seton said on Monday that the team was still "considering its options" after the departure of Neil Crompton, but did admit that McLean and Cameron McConville were still in contention for the drive. "You could add Wayne Gardner to that as well," he said. McLean, 32, has had a tough year in his second season of V8 Supercar racing in 2000. He has campaigned the exPaul Weel Falcon for Paragon Motorsport (Greenfield Mowers Racing) and financial constraints 4

saw him withdraw from the series with three races to go. He raced for Shell Helix Racing at the Queensland 500 and FAI 1000, finishing fourth at Bathurst with Steve Johnson. In his first V8 season in 1999, he won the Privateers' title, adding that to two Super Touring Independents' crowns, and the 1995 Australian Sports Sedan Championship in a BMW M3. The question now remains what will happen to Paragon's Level 2 TEGA franchise. The team could continue to race with its existing sponsors and another driver, or could run a buy driver in different colours. But the most likely scenario is that the franchise could be sold. It is believed that Team Kiwi Racing, which ran at Bathurst last month and currently has a Level 3 deal, could be interested in upgrading to Level 2, while there has also been talk that the mooted Gibson team (see separate story) could also be a bidder.

Peter Perfect offers Lowndes an option - or will Craigjunnp ship to Ford? EXCLUSIVE by CHRIS LAMBDEN PETER Brock may be about to rejoin the V8 Supercar fraternity - in a big way. The nine-time Bathurst winner has been pretty much absent from Australian race tracks since his retirement three years ago, but may be poised to return at the head of an all-new V8 Supercar team. The former champion has confirmed exclusively to Motorsport News that he has offered to set up an all-new Holden team for protege Craig Lowndes. Such a team, also involving friend and leading motor sport engineer Ron Harrop has been casually tipped for nearly two years now, but only with Lowndes' recent departure from HRT has it

Not Drowning, Shaving; Brock, Harrop and Lowndes may form a team to clean up in 2001. (Photo by Graeme Noander/Covontry Studios)

suddenly become a realistic option. “Once Craig had announced his intention to leave HRT,I spoke to Ron and, basically, we'd love to help Craig set up something which

it's Simply an option we're able to offer Craig. It'll be Ills decision as to the direction he needs to take..." -Peter Brock

would,in due course, be his own thing,” Brock told Motorsport News before leaving for commitments in the US. “I'd be happy to do whatever I could to help and obviously Ron has the facilities, experience and expertise to help make it happen. I've spoken with him and he's keen. “Look, it's no certainty. It's simply an option that we are able to offer Craig. He has a nurr-.ber of options available to him, but this one does allow him to work towards something that would be his own thing - and it would keep him in a Holden...” Brock has had discussions with Lowndes' new management team and also briefed AVESCO chiefs at Bathurst on a 'what if’ basis. “It's an opportunity for Craig to motorsport news

NEWS

plan

Bright in Panoz Noske out of Adelaide 1000 Years race

JUST when we thought everything had settled down on the Panoz front, A' it seems that Jason bright will now partner Greg Murphy in the Race of 1000 Years in Adelaide. The Indy Lights front runner left Australia on 4/ Monday to join Murphy in a test for the team at Sebring VicwSm: in Florida. Bright will replace Mark SKILLS Noske, whose deal to contest the Adelaide race has collapsed. It is believed that team boss Don Panoz and Team Race Director Dave Price have also decided that the LMP Roadster S that Bright and Murphy will race on ANOTHER change of clothes: After a New Year's Eve will now be season with Dorricott, Della Penna, run by the Panoz team, Dick Johnson Racing and now Panoz, rather than a combination of Bright will finish 2000 with more race Panoz and Prancing Horse, suits than Revolution ... which runs Noske's Nations Cup Ferrari. "Jason was the obvious originally nominated for the race will now drive. Earlier, choice," said Price on Monday. Craig Lowndes withdrew "He's a talented guy, just like because of contract Murphy." complications with HRT. The change means that - GARY WATKINS neither of the two drivers

-\l)

learn-that side of the motorsport business while looking over the shoulders of people with the experience,” Brock continued. “In terms offunding the exercise, it's up to his management people to talk to the relevant commercial people - but I've mentioned it to a number of companies that I've been and am involved with and they've nearly all said 'do it and we're in!' “As I said, it's simply an option we're able to offer Craig. It'll be his decision as to the direction he needs to take...” Harrop, who has played down the possibility of a Brock/Harrop team over time, was this week a little more effusive: “To be honest, I thought Craig would stay with HRT!” he mused. “But I always said that while I wasn’t out there looking for something to do - after all I’ve got another business to run - if something worthwhile came along, then you'd think about it...” Logistically, Harrop is aware that time is already running short if an all-new outfit is to debut at the start of the 2001 season: “We do have some good people here, though,” he offered. Coincidentally, Brock's son James - who won the one and only Bathurst Future Tourers race at Mount Panorama just over a year ago - started work at Harrop Engineering this week. A two-car Lowndesdorock (Jnr) Commodore team? It’s an option and it’s on the table. The decision, it seems, is Craig’s “It’s an option” says Craig see page 16 8 December 2000

...or Prancing Horse? ON the flip side to the Brock/Lowndes team news comes confirmation that renowned Melbourne engine builder John Sidney has received an order to build two Ford engines for a new team based out of Prancing Horse with suggestions that Prancing Horse's new V8 team would run one factorysupported car for Lowndes next year... Sources have suggested that the deal between Sidney and Prancing Horse was concluded with confirmation to Sidney that Lowndes would drive for the team. When contacted by Motorsport News, Sidney wouldn't disclose from whom he had received an order to build engines, although he did confirm he had recently been contracted to supply motors for a new customer. MN's spies are saying that Prancing Horse will soon take delivery of a rolling chassis from preferred Ford constructor, Peter

Beehag's On Track Engineering, with the team planning to run one car in 2001. The team is then expected to expand into a two-car operation the following year, with current Prancing Horse Nations Cup driver Mark Noske earmarked for the seat in the second car. While contractual problems between Lowndes, Prancing Horse and HRT ended Lowndes' previously-announced opportunity of driving for Panoz in the upcoming ALMS race in Adelaide, our spies are suggesting that company principal Tony Raftis won't allow a similar situation to arise again. Our sources have suggested that a buy-out of Lowndes' current management contract with HRT/TWR will be attempted. Whatever actually eventuates with Lowndes, the stories that have arisen, then written along the way, have been more than entertaining... - GERALD McDORNAN

Full season for Young Lions DISCOUNT recent rumours that Paul Romano may be involved in the Holden Young Lions team next season. HRT is expected to announce that the team \A/ill run a full season with the HYL car next week, subject to sponsorship. No detaiis on a driver yet, but MN believes that Todd Kelly will keep his seat. n AVESCO's Annual General Meeting is coming up soon. Among the expected issues to rise is the issue of grid density at Bathurst. At the launch of the 2001 calendar at Sandown in October, the grid was announced at 48 cars but there's still discussions to be had ... n Former NASCAR rivals Kim Jane and Eddie Abelnica are making the move to V8 Supercars. The duo, who are looking at the purchase of a Kmart Racing car, will run the six round Konica Series in 2001 as well as the enduros before looking at stepping up to two cars in 2002. n Look for a new FTR Falcon - but not before the first race of the new season. Glenn Seton's team is building a new Falcon AU around a Beehag shell, the aim being to have two new race cars (Seton and Neil Crompton debuted a new car at Bathurst) and a spare for the '01 season. n Working towards a round of their Nations Cup/GTP/Ute Muster/F3 series making an appearance in New Zealand, a number of leading PROCAR officials were spotted in the land of the long white cloud last weekend. Ruapuna Park, located near Christchurch, is the intended facility... n A noticeable absentee from the AVESCO Gala Dinner on Saturday night in Adelaide was Brad Jones. The last we heard was that the OzEmail man has headed to the States to get married in one of those Las Vegas, Elvis thingamebobbies ... n Tim Shaw unveils a new sponsor at Symmons Plains this weekend. The local's Comr.-.odore Future Tourer will be backed by ‘Carplan, who will supporting Shaw for the final three rounds of the FT championship. Shaw currently leads the series pointscore. n Queenslander David Auger can seal the BOC Gases Independents' title this weekend. The Alfa Romeo driver needs only 22 points to claim the title in his Leatherman Racing 155TS. 5

Silverstone's GP deal

Hold on to your gumboots - BRDC/Ecclestone/Brands deal seals race until 2017 by JOE SAWARD

SILVERSTONE will host the British Grand Prix until 2017. Martin Brundle, the President of the British Racing Drivers Club, and the BRDC steering committee (which includes both Ron Demis and Sir Frank Williams) have guaranteed that the Northamptonshire racing facility will be completely rebuilt. As part of the agreement, a partnership has been formed between the BRDC's commercial offshoot Silverstone Operations Ltd, Bernie Ecclestone and Octagon, the company which owns Brands Hatch. The Kent circuit had a contract to run the British GP from 2002 until 2007 but had run into planning permission problems, which meant that it was impossible to have the track ready in time for the first race. The BRDC will no doubt retain a controlling interest in the partnership but all three investors are expected to share in the profits generated by the races. Octagon says that it intends to continue to upgrade Brands Hatch, but Octagon may come under pressure from its parent company Interpublic to make more money. The fastest way to recoup the money invested in Brands Hacch is for the track to be sold to property developers, an option which has been discussed many times in the past because of Brands Hatch's problems with the local residents.

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

Michael SCHUMACHER Rubens BARRICHELLO Mika HAKKINEN David COULTHARD Ralf SCHUMACHER Juan Pablo MONTOYA Giancarlo FISICHELLA Jenson BUTTON Jacques VILLENEUVE Olivier PANIS Heinz-Harald FRENTZEN Jarno TRULLI Jos VERSTAPPEN Pedro DE LA ROSA NickHEIDFELD Kimi RAIKKONEN Eddie IRVINE Luciano BURTI TBA TBA TBATBA Jean ALESI TBA

●V.

Sounds familiar: Government funding will be sought to upgrade Silverstone’s GP track. At the announcement of the deal, BRDC Chairman Jackie Stewart said that the British motor racing industry would like to see the British government match the investment being made by the three partners. There is a strong argument that the British ought to do something to protect one of its most successful and high profile industries. “We want to get the support of the Government,” said Stewart. “The Melbourne track in Australia was paid for by government money and the French government built the MagnyCours circuit. “The Spanish created a sporting arena for the 1992 Olympics that included the Barcelona track and we want similar funding.”

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro West McLaren Mercedes West McLaren Mercedes BMWWilliamsFI Team BMWWilllamsFI Team Mild Seven Benetton/tba Mild Seven Benetton/tba Lucky Strike Reynard BAR Flonda Lucky Strike Reynard BAR Flonda Benson & Fledges Jordan Flonda Benson & Fledges Jordan Flonda Orange Arrows AsiaTech Orange Arrows AsiaTech Red Bull Sauber Petronas Red Bull Sauber Petronas Jaguar Racing Jaguar Racing Minardi Minardi tba Prost tba tba Prost tba

(Photo by Sutton-lmages)

FI repriev

Verstappen, Raikkonen on GP entry list

THE FIA has issued its official entry list for the 2001 Formula 1 World Championship and, while most of the names are as expected, it is interesting to note that Arrows has nominated Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa and Sauber has nominated Kimi Raikkonen. The official entry list can be changed up until 6pm on the Thursday laefore the Australian Grand Prix next year. There are few surprises with the numbering system which is formulated from the results of this year's Constructors' Championship. Thus, Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichel lo became numbers 1 and 2, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard 3 and 4, and so on. More interesting are the nominations for the engines. Benetton has failed to name its engine for the coming season. Benetton has been using what they call Playlife VI Os, although these are in fact only renamed Supertecs. Renault is building completely new engines for Benetton and is

! Found, not lost: Jos Verstappen looks secure at Arrows-Asiatech. (Photo hy SiitUiii-Inuiftes)

clearly hedging its bets. It may decide not to be associated with the engines if testing shows them to be unreliable but if they prove to be competitive we would expect the French car maker to take advantage of the situation. Neither Minardi nor Prost have named their engines. Minardi has yet to confirm its deal to use Supertec VI Os while Prost has see if the Ferrari VI0 engines can be sold to a sponsor. The only other point of note is that Arrows had announced that it wil l run Asiatech VI Os. These are revamped Peugeots which have been prepared by the new owners of the Peugeot FI program, Asia Motor Technologies. - JOE SAWARD moiorsport news

NEWS

Gibson's SA plan EXCLUSIVE by GERALD McDORNAN

FRED Gibson, whose name has recently been linked with Craig Lowndes’ future, now appears to be out of the running to campaign a car for the three-time Shell Series Champion,although Gibson could be back amongst the V8 Supercar ranks as team owner as early as next year. Gibson confirmed to Motorsport News on Tuesday that he had received an approach from the South Australian State Government to consider relocating to Adelaide and building a new V8 Supercar team from scratch. “Yes, I have been approached by the government and they ai-e excited about the prospect of basing a major V8 team out of Adelaide,” Gibson told MN. The veteran team owner said the approach came through a family friend who has contacts within the government. “The government are keen to work on what they've built with the Clipsal 500 and that's understandable.

although being keen and actually coming up with the right budget could be two entirely different things.” Gibson, who said the responsibility for finding the budget lay with the SA government, also said a budget of between $3-4 million per year would be required fi'om the beginning. “That's what it takes to ran a top team and 1 wouldn't inm one any other way.” Having sold Gibson Motor Sport to businessman Garry Dumbrell 12 months ago, Gibson's days are now officially free, his 12 month consultancy deal with his foraier team coming to an end on November 30 (although Gibson has still visited 'the office' every day since). “I'd like to do something [begin a new team] and if someone comes along with the money to do the job correctly, then I'll be interested. “This deal would be a good one if it came to finiition, although, with the responsibility of finding the required funding, it could take a while ... or it might not!”

Feel the Fewer THE Motor Racing Promoters of Australia(MRPA) have joined forces with Australian National Truck Racing, Sports Sedans, V8 Stock Car (formerly NASCAR)and V8 Super Ute racing to form their own racing series for 2001 in a bid to “introduce the infrastructure to support these yy categories. The new organisation, known as the Motorsport Promotions Group (MPG), will ran a six round 'Power Tour Series' beginning at Mallala on March 18 and finishing at Oran Park on November 18. “This is notjust about arranging a few race events - this is about building relationships and supporting fellow racers,” said MPG spokesman Nick Ehbeck. “The MPG will have the provisions to complete all administration, PR,sponsorship negotiations, track co-ordinations and category direction. “To date the emphasis has been on the V8 Supercar circus and all other categories are being ignored, not only by the sports administrators but also the corporate world. “The MPG will work on behalf of the categories and in numbers they will ensure a commercially viable package.” “Negotiations by the MPG and Calder Park will also look at running some Thunderdome races during the 2002 year,” said former NASCAR champ George Elliot. 8 December 2000

n With the departure of Dean 'Curl' Orr to Paul Weel's K&J Thermal operation, Brett Bull has stepped up into the team manager's role at DJR, And with Bull's promotion within the organisation, team owner Dick Johnson now has a vacancy for a qualified, experienced race engineer. n Anyone who has the Targa Tasmania title in their sights for next year may have to take a new aim. Jim Richards was due to take delivery of a new Porsche 911 Turbo this week to defend his title. The 450 horsepower, 1460kg, 4WD missile will be prepared by the man who has won four of the last five events, with Barry Oliver navigating as usual. Targa happens from April 18 to 24. n The National Motor Museum in Birdwood, SA, will be featuring a display of Peter Brock's racing cars from December 26. included in the line-up will be a replica of Brock's Holden-powered Austin A30, a 1978 Torana A9X and two Commodores, the 1979 Repco Rally-winning VB and his Holden Dealer Team VH, in which he took Bathurst in 1983. Details are available on 08 0568 5006. B There will be a CART test at Texas Speedway on December 18. The 1.5 mile oval will host most of the teams entered for next season's FedEx Championship Series. The inaugural Texas race will be held over 600km on April 29. D Congrats to the Wodonga TAPE crew, whose Westfield-Toyota took its first win in the Formula Ford/Libre/Marque Sports Scratch Race at Winton last Sunday. Westfield's Russell Butler took the win in the car, which was built under supervision by the apprentices of Wodonga's Diploma of Engineering (Motorsports) course.

Trucking on: Trucks and more are coming in 2001 - maybe. (Photo by Bob pons) The new V8 Super Ute series, uniquely, running on Premium LPG, had also been toutedby the group as part ofits 2001 plans. However, this week CAMS issued a statement expressing surprise at the announcement of the Super Ute racing, especially considering Procar's already confirmed plans for the 'Ute Muster' series. “We had a request some time ago for the series to he sanctioned, but we advised the organisers that this category could not fit in between already sanctioned categories and that there are serious passing off

issues,” said CAMS CEO Peter Hansen. “Firstly, there is already a new Ute Series next year and secondly, these vehicles and the concept are, in our view, too close to V8 Supercars, both in name and specifications.” The dates for the Power Tour are as follows: Mallala March 18 Oran Park May 19 Queensland July 22 September 15 Calder Winton October 21 November 18 Oran Park -AARON NOONAN

n David Coulthard has kicked off testing at Jerez with a new circuit record for current-spec FI cars. The Scot, who was evaluating Bridgestone's latest tyres in a bid to combat Michelin's arrival in the sport, ran a 1m23.020s, 0.77s quicker than Johnny Herbert's Stewart time late last year. He was, however, using traction control, the device legal in 2001 for the first time since 1993. n Max Papis has revealed that he ran the season ending California 500 with two small fractures in his knee and ankle after a hara crash in practice the day before the race. The Italian has spent time working on rehabilitation back home and is set to test Team Rahal's new Lola shortly. n Gerry Forsythe and Swift have reportedly filed lawsuits against one another over the collapsed deal for Forsythe's Championship Racing to run a Swift this past season.

Team denies $2

Diniz buys into Prost Pedro retires as driver, takes up management roie in team PEDRO Diniz and his family have purchased a substantial stake in Alain Frost’s Grand Prix team,although the Brazilian will take on a management role within it rather than drive. The money raised from the sale will help the team to pay for its supply of Ferrari VIO engines for the next two seasons, while also allowing the team to sign a second driver on merit alone - the obvious candidate being Italy’s Giorgio Pantano. Prost admitted that selling a percentage of the company to fund the racing was a "short term" strategy and, with a shrinking list of sponsors, this is easy to understand. But, while the Diniz family may have parted with as much as

US$40m to buy into the team, they are likely to have undertakings to find funding to run the team. For the Dinizes, with their considerable business interests, this shouldn’t be too hard... In the past, Pedro Diniz has been able to generate money by offering preferential productplacement in the family’s chain of supermarkets - the attraction of better shelf space attracting deals from companies such as Parmalat, Kaiser Beer, Duracell, Arisco and Marlboro. It is expected we will now see similar companies backing Prost in 2001. Pedro Diniz said that Prost had given the option to drive for the team if he wished to do so, but said that he decided to stop

racing instead and concentrate on management. With financial and management changes in place, the most important thing for Prost and Diniz will now be how competitive the new AP04 is going to be. The technical team under new recruit Henri Durand has made a lot of changes and the team is now being management by Joan Villadelprat. While there is likely to be some resistance to change from the old Ligier employees, the team should be able to move forward on all fronts, with plans to build a new research and development in Britain (which will be run by John Barnard) and the construction of a new windtunnel. -JOESAWARD

ilaizacane tries Arrows WITH the future of Minardi uncertain, Gaston Mazzacane is busy trying to find a seat for 2001. The 25-year-old Argentinian, who raced for Minardi in his rookie season this year, tested for Arrows at Silverstone last Friday. Mazzacane drove the prototype A21 chassis fitted with the new AMT engine for a routine systems check before the team headed off to test with

the rest of the FI circus at Jerez. While Jos Verstappen and Pedro de la Rosa will carry out the testing there, Mazzacane won't get to test again until December 18 at Barcelona. Fie has an attractive sponsorship package from the South American sports network PSN and has been busy shopping himself around to teams with seats still available, including Prost and Sauber. 1,05^'0'd^i

THE Holden Racing Team is maintaining its remaining links with Craig Lowndes. Last Friday, the championship-winning team issued a statement, denying that it requested $2m to release Lowndes from his long term management deal with TWR. HRT,TWR hoss Tom Walkinshaw,Lowndes and his management and Ross Mackenzie, Holden’s Director of Sales and Marketing, met on the Monday following the FAI 1000, but could not come to terms under which Lowndes would continue driving for HRT.The three hour meeting broke up with no conclusion being reached. U Surprisingly for the Team, Craig advised at that meeting that he wished to go his own way, and rejected what was acknowledged to be an excellent new offer from HRT,” said the statement. It now appears that Lowndes and his advisers will have to negotiate a way out of the TWR contract via legal means, or continue to be managed by TWR and, presumably, pay an unknown percentage of his income to TWR. HRT’s release continued; “HRT repeats its genuine desire to continue to do only the very best for Craig as it has in the past, even if he continues to choose not to drive for HRT. “The Team considers it is the best and most competent of anybody to fulfil Craig’s new driving and marketing objectives and to conduct- the Management Agreement through to its conclusion in January 2007, by allowing him to take up a suitable alternative drive and to continue to promote his image as a talented young sportsman.” Lowndes and his advisers were not available for comment when Motorsport News closed for press, but MN believes that his support team has said that they are confident of a favom-able resolution to the matter in the short-term.

motorsport news

NEWS

digs in

for management contract buy-out CAJ' jCu.i.

\^3HSniF'

It’s time for our look back at the V8 Supercar season

Don't miss our full and special review of season 2000 PLUS What to expect in Adelaide at New Year - The Race of a Thousand Years...

Court bound? If HRT and Lowndes can’t resolve their current disputes, they could be headed to court...

Champ Car hopeful on long list of potential candidates JASON Bright headed to the USA on Monday amid considerable speculation that he could be the man to join Mark Skaife at the Holden RacingTeam. Bright will test for Dale Coyne Racing in the States next week, following his Panoz test. He will join the ALMS team for the Race of 1000 years at the end of the month following Panoz's decision to replace Mark Noske. Bright maintains that his main priority is securing a drive in the FedEx Championship Series in 2001, and would not comment on any other potential drives before leaving Australia. But Motorsport News has been told that Bright had agreed to an option with HRT and that he was the team’s first choice to replace Craig Lowndes. HRT team manager Jeff Grech would not comment on the matter on Tuesday; "We have nothing settled," Grech said. "We plan to be able to make 8 December 2000

Thumbs upfor old times: Bright could be back in V8s next year. an announcement in two weeks. We have spoken to a number of drivers, including someone 'off shore', but we still don't know, at this stage." Grech's "off-shore" reference is believed to concern Jason Plato, who drove for the team at Bathurst. Plato is believed to be under contract to Vauxhall for its

BTCC program, but the UK team is believed to be talking to a number of uncontracted drivers with a view to being 'on stand by' should Plato head down under. However, the Plato option seems a long-shot for 2001, even if he is out of contract for 2002. The other man being mentioned strongly in connection to the HRT drive is Paul Radisich. The Kiwi is believed to be under contract to Dick Johnson Racing, and Johnson confirmed on Tuesday that he was going to hang on to him. "We have him on a deal and we're keen to keep him," said Johnson. "I believe that a contract is a contract." That leaves Bright - but, should he secure a deal with Coyne, and if Radisich stays put (which looks likely) that leaves HRT with fewer options - but, then again, they've surprised us before ...

SUPER CONTEST! You could win the weekend of your life as Mark Webber’s guest at the Qantas Australian FI Grand Prix. Join Mark’s table at the Austral,jn MotorSport Awards and tour the Benetton pit garage with our man. Grandstand seats, pit-walk, Webber merchandise.... WOW Find out how in our next issue - FULL OF CHRISTMAS READING!

All contents correct at time of going to press

ten home of

n [motorsport] American Le Mans Series* Dec 31 .. .Adelaide

,Rd 12

Shell Championship Series Supercars 2001* Mar4 ..

.Albert Park . . .(Non Championship)

Mar25 .

.Philip Island . .Adelaide ....

,Rd2

Apr 8 ..

,Rd 1

Apr 29 .

.Eastern Creek

.Rd3

May 12 dun 7 ..

.Hidden Valley .Canberra ...

.Rd4

Jun 24 .

.Perth

,Rd6

Jul15 .

.Calder Park .

.Rd7

,Rd5

Konica V8 Supercar Series 2001* .Wakefield Park .R d 1 Feb 25 Mar 18

Oran Park ....

May 6 .

Winton

,R d3

May 27 Jul 8 . .

Philip Island . . Lakeside

.Rd4

Let you in on a secret: Tony Kanaan lets Jimmy Vasser know who has the second Mo Nunn seat... (suiton-images)

,R d5

Aug 12

Mallala

,R d6

Vasser, who's not happy with Ganassi, signs with Patrick

,R d2

FIA Formula One World

by PHIL MORRIS

Championship 2001 Mar 4 ... .Australia Mar 18 .. .Malaysia .. Apr 1 . . .Brazil .... Apr 15

. .San Marino

Apr 29 ... .Spain

Rd 1 .Rd2 .Rd3 .Rd4 .Rd5

SOOcc World Grand Prix Motorcycle Championship 2001* .Rd 1 Japan .... Apr 8 . . Apr 22 .

South Africa

.Rd2

Mays .

Spain .... France ...

.Rd3

Italy

.Rd5

May 20 June 3 .

.Rd4

FedEx CART Championship Series 2001* .Rd 1

Feb 11 .

Rio

Mar 11 .

Monterrey .

,Rd2

Apr 29 .

Long Beach Texas ....

,Rd3 .Rd4

May 6 .

Nazareth ..

.Rd5

May 19 Jun 3..

Motegi ... Milwaukee

.Rd7

Apr 8 ..

.Rd6

FedEx CART Championship Series 2001* Feb 14

. Pomona . .

.Rd 1

Feb 18

. Phoenix . .

Rd 2

Mans

. .Gainesville

Rd 3

Mar 25

. .Houston .

,Rd 4

Aprs .

. .Las Vegas

,Rd 5

Apr 29 . .. .Bristol

.Rd6

May 6 .. . .Atlanta

.Rd7

1 ten L J

home of

motorsport I \

All event dates h this calendar were correct at the time of printing. Please consult any individual tracks

and/or associations for date changes.

I I

Series or events telecast on Network Ten are I marked with an asterix. Check your local I guides for screening details.

JIMMY Vasser will drive in the FedEx Champ Car series next season - for Patrick Racing. The 1996 CART champion signed a deal with Pat Patrick last week and will partner Roberto Moreno in a two car, ToyotaReynard team. Vasser had been linked to a number of teams, including Players and Mo Nunn, but was always closer to grabbing the seat vacated by Adrian Fernandez last October than the other prospects. But, while there is a deal in place to allow him to race, there is yet to be a major sponsor for Vasser. “There’s no sponsor (except) carbon fibre!” he says. “So we’re going to do what we can to help Mr. Patrick find a sponsor but, in the meantime, he’s making a heckuva commitment. “He’s going out(on a limb), but it’s a good package and it should be easily sold. It shouldn’t take a huge amount of money to finish this thing, and I think Mr. Patrick understands my desire to stay in CART and he’s the one guy out of the group who’s stepped up. I mean.

CART has a lot invested in me.” Vasser had a strong 2000 season, winning at Houston late in the year and finishing sixth in the pointscore. One thing which Vasser is less than pleased with is what he feels was the off-hand way he was pushed out of Target Ganassi Racing, where he was for six seasons: “What happened (at Ganassi) was a slap in the face. The way I look at it, me and Michael finished second in the Nation’s Cup, I got

more Manufacturers points for Toyota than anybody, I was the top Lola finisher, top Toyota finisher, top American and there I was out there, flapping in the breeze. The whole process was really something.” Ironically, Vasser will face off against his old team-mate,Alex Zanardi, who will race for Mo Nunn this season. With Ganassi running rookie drivers in Bruno Junqueira and Nicolas Minassian, prepare for fireworks from the ‘old guard’...

Zanardi/Nunn team again

REPORTS from the US indicate that Mo Nunn will soon announce Alex Zanardi as one of his two drivers for 2001. With Zanardi's former Ganassi team mate Jimmy Vasser (see separate story) signing for Pat Patrick's team after Vasser was linked with the Nunn seat, the seat is open for Zanardi's return to Champ Cars. "Alex has agreed, we've agreed, so I don't see any problems," said Nunn. "But until it is finally signed I won't believe it! I'm really excited about it. We'll get a bit of life back into him, and it should be okay." It is understood that backing will come from MCI WorldCom and Pioneer, the latter's funding coming from the company's US operations, rather than its domestic budget, which heads to Tora Takagi and Walker Racing. Zanardi will team up with Tony Kanaan (who continues with the team in Hollywood colours), and be re-united with the Reynard/Honda/Firestone package with which he won back-to-back CART titles in 1997 and 1998.

BAR stuns with test-drive signing BAR has sprung a surprise on the FI world hy announcing it has signed 21-year-old British Formula Ford driver Anthony Davidson to a testing contract. Davidson, who finished third to our own James Courtney in this year’s British FF Series, will combine his BAR testing duties with a full-time drive in the British F3 Series next year, having already signed for Carlin Motorsport. "We are excited about Anthony’s signing," BAR managing director Craig Pollock said of the announcement.'We believe we have found an outstanding talent in Anthony." motorsport news

NEWS

Flav's Alonso

Spanish teen sensation signs with Briatore

FLAVIO Briatore has taken over Minardi’s five-year contract with 19-year-old Spanish sensation Fernando Alonso, the Italian thus having control of Alonso until the end of 2004. Alonso signed the deal with Minardi a year ago when the team was about to be bought by Spanish Telecommunications Company Telefonica - the intended plan to relocate the team to Spain and run Spanish drivers. Alonso raced in Telefonica colours in Formula 3000 with the Astromega team and test drove for Minardi. However a change of management at Telefonica has since seen the company change direction away fi'om Grand Prix racing. In recent weeks, various FI teams have shown interest in Alonso (including Ferrari), who shot to prominence when he won the Spa round of the Formula 3000 series (his only win of the year). Minardi had no real choice but to let the Spaniard go because it was without an engine deal for next year and Briatore controls the supply of Supertec VIO engines. Their predicament is now rather less worr}dng... Minardi has been struggling

since a deal to buy the team between majority shareholder Gabriele Rumi and South American TV Company PSN also fell through. It is unlikely that Alonso would have agreed to the deal with Briatore if he had not been given an undertaking that there would be a drive for him in FI this year, although that does not necessarily mean he will drive for Minardi. That said, Alonso’s manager, former GP driver Adrian Campos, said some weeks ago that he felt

that a Minardi-Supertec deal would be “perfect” for Alonso. With Marc Gene having moved to Williams, Minardi does need to find another driver, but with the neat Minardi chassis mated to a Supertec engine the overall package could be quite competitive and might attract a rather better driver than the usual pay-drivers. With Gaston Mazzacane trying to do a deal to race for Arrows, it could be that Jos Verstappen would end up at Minardi. -JOESAWAKD

n Van Diemen's brand new 2001 Formula Ford was due to hit the track for the first time on Wednesday at Calder. Victorian Series Champ Will Davison was due to do the driving duties in the car propped by Michael Ritter. n Group N rally champ Cody Crocker will compete in the Michelin Race of Champions-Raliy Masters in the Canary Islands this weekend. Fie will be against drivers such as Armin Schwarz and Thomas Radstrom and, if successful, will progress to the Legends class, which features names such as Colin McRae, Tommi Makinen and Carlos Sainz. n 192 motor racing competitors and officials have won an Australian Sporting Medal for their contribution to the sport.

The Great Alonso: Briatore’s new charge could be seen in FI in 2001. (Photo by Sulton-images)

Frost to test Pantano PROST will test Italian rising star Giorgio Pantano in Spain in early December. ●The team would prefer not to settle for a pay-driver such as Pedro Diniz (who has also suggested he will quit driving) and is hoping to sign up a young star to partner veteran Jean Alesi. Prost is due to run only one test in December, using the 2000 cars with old Peugeot engines and will then not be in a position to test again until the new Prost-Ferrari AP04 is ready in January. The team had been expected to give Indonesia's Ananda Mikola a run as they continue to negotiate with a Far Eastern consortium.

Alain Prost is confident that he can raise the money he needs and has some powerful marketing partners looking for big companies to back him. With Ferrari engines, McLaren's chief aerodynamicist Henri Durand and two good drivers, the team could be one of the surprises of the 2001 season - if the money can be found. - JOE SAWARD

n As if owning a racing series, racing team, a variety of tracks and car constructors isn't enough, Don Panoz is developing a Trans-Am car for 2001. Developed by Elan Motorsport Technologies (a Panoz company), it's the first all-new steel tube chassis in the class for some time. The Esperante will use a Fordderived 31 lei V8 using Efi fuel injection. n As we reported a few issues ago, Scott Goodyear has all but signed to drive Eddie Cheever's second car in the Indy Racing League. "Scott is a phenomenal driver, and has the great ability to stay out of trouble and be there at the end," said Cheever. "Fle's definitely the man I want to have in the #52 car." ■ Craig Flarris has lost the naming rights backing of carsales.com.au for his assault on the Konica Series next year. The company is reportedly considering a role as support sponsor.

Pantano, who won the German F3 Championship at his first attempt this year, has already tested for Benetton and has had talks with both Williams and BAR, but is believed to be planning to race next year in F3000. If he does well in the Prost, however, he could end up in FI if Alain Prost can find the necessary sponsorship to run him. The Prost team needs to top up its budget having parted company with Gauloises and having to pay for engines in 2001.

8 December 2000

n Nathan Pretty's ex-Grant Johnson, Alf Barbagallo Commodore has found a new home. Keith Evers has bought the car and will run former NASCAR and Formula Ford driver Scott March in it in the Konica Series next year.

■ Changing colours: Shell Flelix Racing's PR lady Katrina Manifold is heading back to sunny Queensland after time in Victoria. Manifold will now take on a similar role with Paul Weel's K&J Thermal team.

The size of soccer balls: Prost is confident of Georgia Pantano’s ability. (Photo hy Sutton-liiuijicx)

■ The Super Speedway practice day at Calder Thunderdome, which we reported on last issue has having been cancelled, has actually been postponed and will now be run on December 16 for Auscars, FIQs and Legends. 11

Renaulfs

The Haffas and the Haff-nots

Jag changes AMERICAN Formula 1 engineer Steve Nichols has been named as the new Technical Director of Jaguar Racing. He replaces Gary Anderson, who is now expected to go to the United States to work in CART,,possibly with Roberto Moreno at Patrick Racing. In addition to Anderson, several other top Jaguar engineers are to be replaced including chief engineer Andy Le Fleming and design engineer Dave Rendall. The shake-up in staff should not affect the 2001 car as most of the work has already been finished, but chief designer John Russell holds on to his job as he was not involved in the design or development of the 2000 car. Chief aerodynamicist Mark Handford, who only joined Jaguar recently, is also spared the sword. We continue to hear rumours that there are to be other major management changes at Jaguar, and it is still expected that Ferrari's Nigel Stepney will be taking on a major role, although the Jaguar team is denying that this will be case. It should be noted that nowadays teams deny everything until it suits them to confirm changes so the denials should be greeted with scepticism. And, while the Jaguar team is obviously worried about bad publicity from the firings, the general feeling in FI circles is that Jaguar's desire to improve is a good sign and that it was necessary to clear away the old Stewart (Brand Prix structure so that the team could become a truly Jaguar team rather than the old Stewart team in different clothing. Paul Stewart is no longer involved in the team and at the end of the year Jackie Stewart will also cease to have any direct role. - JOE SAWARD 12

THE ownership of Formula One racing changed last Monday when the German media giant Kirch Group took a stake in Thomas Haffa's EM.TV group. Kirch has agreed to pay US$530m ($lbn)for 16.74 percent of EM.TV. The deal involves them taking over Haffa's 49 percent stake in SLEC Holdings, which is Bernie Ecclestone’s umbrella company that controls various FI businesses. The move comes after continue falls in EM.TV’s share price, which hit a low of 15 Euros($24) last week. That figure dropped the value of the company to US$1.6bn. In theory, Kirch could now take up Haffa's option to purchase another 35 percent of SLEC for around US$930m, but this looks unlikely to happen. Ecclestone still controls FI’s TV deal with the FIA, which makes his position strong, regardless of whether Kirch buys further shares. There is also the chance that the automobile manufacturers which are involved in FI will go ahead with their plans to buy directly into the sport.

PIUOD by bUilOlHlIKKIOS

THOMAS HAFFA

1 rr may have been wet,and it only ran 11 laps,but Rienault set another Formula One milestone at Silverstane last week when it ran its new engine. Mark Webber took a Benetton B200,fitted with the 2001 prototype engine,out onto a drenched Silverstone track last Friday for its first shakedown run. Webber told Motor^port News this week that “while the weather wasn’t nice,the engine ran exactly as it should and the Renault en^neers left what was a preliminary data-gathering run very, very pleased with the data they had.” The car was immediately whisked off to Jerez, where

Bernie to save Minardi?

Photo by Sutton-lmages

Giancarlo Fisichella waa-3^^ scheduled to complete this week’s first serious track tests. The Silverstone test also marked Benetton’s first run on Michelin tyres. — ^ “Wets only, of course,but ' the level of grip was pretty impressive under the conditions,” Webber said. It is believed that the new, 111 degree VIO is the first engine of its type to Ttzn without mechanical camshafts. 'While Renault is yet to divulge any details ofthe unit,it is almost certain that its 40 valves are actuated electro-mechanically, wift a combination of solenoids and

FORMULA 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone may be brokering a deal to save Minardi. n Ecclestone, who is often involved in talks when teams are being sold, was in New York talking to a large investment bank about buying the team, which is currently floundering somewhat after the collapse of a deal beuveen current owner Gabriele Rumi and the South American TV company PSN, It is not clear which company Ecclestone was visiting but a number of big US investment banks have shown interest in FI in recent months, notably JP Morgan, Lehman Brothers, Credit Suisse First Boston and Donaldson Lufkin and Jenrette. It may just be a coincidence that Credit Suisse recently took over DLJ, In the meantime, reports say that Ecclestone has brokered a deal for Ford to supply 1999spec engines to the team, providing a budget can be found. - JOE SAWARD moiorspon news

NEWS

Stay calm! Fisi needs knee op, but no Webber takeover - yet...

electromagnets opening and closing the valves. ITiis means that the engine is free of the frictional losses associated with mechanical valves, and that the engine’s timing can be directly controUed by its engine management computer. The engine is said to be already capable of revving to 20,000, v/ith appropriate gains in horsepower. Several engine manufsctui'ers have been working on similar projects lor some time. At the end of last season,Ilmor Engineering, which produces Mercedes-Benz’s engines for McLaren, was thought to be close to testing a prototype.

but reliability problems in dyno testing put paid to any actual track tests. Renault has been responsible for many of the mgjor breakthroughs in GP engine design,including ttu-bocharging (in 1977)and pneumatic valves (in 1989). Ironically, Renault may not actually badge its new engine. Benetton has run with Supertec and Playlife badging in previous years and it is thought that Renaidt would prefer a ‘generic’brand for the new technology while it is still being developed, prior to running under the Renault banner in 2002. -PHIL MORRIS

GIANCARLO Fisichella is reportedly facing the need for a knee operation which could result in him missing pre season testing for 2001. But don’t get too excited waiting for the Roman to be hurled from the team in favour of Mark Webber. According to the team, Fisichella will still be okay to drive through the test season and in 2001. Fisichella is undergoing physiotherapy on his right knee but it will not be known whether he needs an operation until December 11. This will not take place imtil December 23 and that means that Fisichella could be out of action for most of the testing in January. Team boss Flavio Briatore has, however, told reporters that Fisichella will be replaced at Benetton in 2002 by Jamo Trulli, which will have done nothing to help Fisichella's motivation. In other news, Benetton is expected to hire former Arrows team manager Steve Nielsen, who will work under sporting director Gordon Message. The current Benetton team memager Carlos Nunes is expected to return to his old job running the Benetton test team. The team is also being tipped to hire Dino Taso, who is leaving the Jordan team. The Dutchman has been working at Jordan since 1997, initially on the test team but then as Damon Hill's engineer in 1998. This year he was been working with Jamo Trulh. Tbso is rumoured to be following former Jordan technical director Mike Gascoyne to Benetton. -JOESAWARD

Benetton joins Michelin queue

THE Benetton team sometimes has a weird way of doing business. The team has not yet announced any official deal to run Michelin tyres in 2001 but, last week, the new Benetton technical director Mike Gascoyne was quoted in an official FLA press release saying that the team will be running a couple of its 2000 cars in the course of December “to get on with Michelin tyre testing”. The move is not really a surprise, given that the team is now owned by Renault, but it is odd that no announcement has been made. It is expected that Williams, Jaguar and Benetton will be joined on Michelin t)rres by as many as three other teams next year. Bridgestone will retain Ferrari, McLaren, Jordan, BAR and Sauber and so the most likely teams to be seen on Michelin tyres are Frost, Arrows and Minardi. - JOE SAWARD 8 December 2000

n DTM driver Marcel Tiemann continues to have the inside line to be the second team driver for the proposed Zakspeed/Forsythe entry, despite talk that Johnny Herbert has the drive. Tiemann's scheduled test at Firebird had been postponed until this week. General Manager Tony Brunetti said that the second car was entirely dependant on funding. "The first intention of the team owners (Zakspeed) is to run a young German driver who can get the job done. But first and foremost, we've got to get the funding to run a second car," he said. n Panoz Motor Sport technical director John Baldwin has died. Baldwin succumbed to a heart attack early last week in Kershaw, South Carolina, where the team had been testing its new LMP07 prototype. Baldwin worked with the late Jochen Rindt in his posthumous 1970 World Championship and was Chief Designer for Team McLaren in the mid-70s, playing a part in Johnny Rutherford's win at Indy and James Hunt's FI title the following year. n Niki Lauda has resigned as chairman of Lauda Air, the airline he founded in 1979. The 50-year-old three-time Formula 1 World Champion stood down on November 23 when the company's auditors, KPMG, alleged that there had been irregularities in the way the airline was run. Austrian Airways, which presently owns a 36 percent stake in Lauda Air, is reported now to be making a move to take over the entire company. n West McLaren Mercedes has begun testing its 2001-specification Mercedes-Benz VIOs. Built by Ilmor Engineering, in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, the new 'K' specification is even lighter than this year's F0110-J and has been fitted into a modified 2000 MP4/15 chassis for the tests. n Infiniti will sponsor the opening round of the 2001 IRL season at Homestead, which will be run in April. n Brazilian Feiippe Giaffone, who has tested previously for the Mo Nunn CART team, is reportedly seeking a deal in the IRL with Team Menard to partner Greg Ray.

Mon Dieu, French rubber: Benetton is joining the Big (Photo by Sutton-lmages) Kids with Michelin tyres in 2001.

n As MN went to press, Yamaha's Oliver Jacque and Shinji Nakano have undertaken their first ride aboard the Chesterfield team's new YZRSOOcc racers. While the team reported things went according to plan for the pair who finished 1-2 in the 250cc series, no other teams were present at the test for direct comparisons. 13

FFs

n l'’'k

Will FF drivers lool

®urr-geot 406 Youngster swaps Mondeo for Newman Peugeot at Symmons

ALAN Gurr will race Tony Newman’s Peugeot 406 at Symmons Plains this weekend. The 18-year-old has left Team Mondeo to fill in for the New Zealand driver, who is still too ill to race. In the last round of the BOC Gases Series at Mallala, Mark Zonneveld raced the Peugeot. Ironically, Zonneveld will race the Ford vacated by Gurr, the two didvers effectively swapping cars. Gurr is currently third in the series behind Paul Morris and John Henderson. In his first season out of kart racing, he has been impressive in the seat vacated by current Konica V8 Lites Champion, Dean Canto. “Our agreement has always been on a round-by-round basis,” Hills said. “Alan’s departure from the team is completely amicable, and has been done in order to give him the opportunity to compete in a later model car, to hopefully progress up the field and to gain additional experience in a different team.” Up to 20 cars are expected to make the trip across the Tasman for the first Super Touring race at the Launceston circuit since 1995. -PHIL BRANAGAN 14

NEMO Racing wiU step up to a two car team in this weekend’s sixth round of the BOC Gases Super Touring Championship at Symmons Plains, with Owen Kelly joining Paul Morris in a second BMW. The Melbourne-based Devonport driver will drive the ex-Geoff Brabham BMW 3201 in the two 28 lap races in Tasmania. ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for me with a top team and I'm keen to do well, especially since Symmons Plains is my 'home' track,” said KeUy. “I've never raced a Super Toming car before so there are some new things to learn, such as the sequential gearbox. The BMW is a proven package in this categoiy and I'm aiming to work my way up to speed in practice and qualifying and be competitive on race day.” Kelly was previously a Holden Young Lion, having tested for the HRT off shoot in 1998. This will be his second race with the team. He drove Morris’ Big Kev Commodore VS at Bathurst, shaiing the car with Aaron McGill. The car was the first retirement of the race after suffering a major vibration. -PHIL BRANAGAN

FORD will be delaying the introduction of its new Formula Ford class by 12 months, but there could be a revised category starting in 2002- with Holden power. Motorsport News has learned that there are at least two Holden Family II engines being modified for possible installation in current FF1600 chassis, with a view of making the engine available to competitors in time for testing at the end of 2001. There have been more than 450 FFs registered with Formula Ford Australia since the class's inception in 1969 and, even with some of those chassis retired, destroyed or racing in Histories, a huge potential markets to convert current cars exists.

Walkinshaw tracks deal in TOM Walkinshaw has signed an agreement with the Moscow city government to create and develop an international racing facility in Moscow. It will be the first time that the TWR company has been involved in developing a racing circuit, although Tom Walkinshaw himself ran Silverstone for a period when he was chairman of the British Racing Drivers Club in the early

1990s. In the end Walkinshaw was voted off the board when club members objected to an arrangement in which the club purchased a chain of Tom's garages. The project is to be on an island in the Nagatino-Sadovniki district of Moscow, which is about nine miles south of Red Square on the Moskva River. The rather drab neighbourhood featured strongly in the 1998 Grand Project to rebuild

Moscow, which was championed by Mayor Igor Luzhkov. As part of the plan it' jems that the project will include the establishment of a heliport to service downtown Moscow. The facility will be linked the city by road and rail. Work is expected to start next Spring and should be completed within two years. Whether or not there are plans for this track to be used motorsport news

NEWS

Holden?

Rafanelli test More Ascari A410 changes at to Holden for 2002 engine supply? Arrows Team manager Steve Nielsen joins Benetton

Twin Cam; FF has had twin cam engines in Europe - will it happen here? (Photo by Sutlon-lmages)

The move comes amid perceived resistance to Ford's new, one-chassis FF category, the introduction of which has been put back until 1 January, 2003. In late 1998, there was talk that a leOOcc Toyota 4A-GE engine had been installed in a car, but lack of support, from either Toyota or competitors, appeared to kill the idea. Rumours at Bathurst last month suggested that Holden had been approached to supply engines for a feasibility study. It appears that chassis modifications are currently being undertaken to allow track testing of a Holden-powered Van Diemen early in the new year.

Moscow for Formula 1 remains to be seen but it is going to take a lot of convincing to get Bernie Ecclestone to agree to such a deal. Ecclestone is understood to want to avoid any involvement with Russia because of the problems in recent years with organised crime in that country, which he feels would reflect badly on the sport. - JOE SAWARD 8 December 2000

The engines, which are built in Holden's Fisherman's Bend (Melbourne) plant, have been delivered in 2-litre specification. In that guise, power output for the units can be varied between 100 and 150 horsepower, depending on electronics and manifolds. But the current generation of chassis will not all take the engine without modification. While late-model Van Diemens, which were originally designed to accept Ford's 1.8 litre Zetec engine, will take the Holden without a great deal of work, the Spectrum 06 and 07 cars and Mygale's current chassis will not have room for the twin cam Holden unit between its roll over bar mounts. The other problem for the engines is one of weight. At around 145kgs, the Holden engine is about 30kgs heavier than the current Ford Kent unit, though the Holden would likely drop to around 125kgs once racing modifications are completed. The Holden engine and its derivatives have a long racing pedigree, having been the control engine in EFDA's Formula OpelA/auxhall Lotus series, which started in 1989, as well as various sedan series throughout the world. - PHIL BRANAGAN

STEVE Nielsen, the team manager of Arrows, has quit the Leafield operation unexpectedly, having failed to reach an agreement with team boss Tom Walkinshaw on a two-year deal which the pair had discussed in August, when Nielsen came close to moving from Arrows to head the new Toyota Motorsport team. While Nielsen is heading to Benetton to resume his working relationship with Gordon Message, his role at Aitows will be taken over on a temporary basis by his assistant Mark Hemsworth and by test team manager Ken Page. The Arrows team says that it is looking for someone new to take over in the longer term. This is not going to be easy because the team has now lost three experienced FI organisers in the space of less than two years (Gordon Message and John Walton both having departed) and it is clear that it is not a job in which people feel very comfortable. This appears to be caused by the fact there is a level of management between Walkinshaw and the team, which is seen as being obstructive by those doing the job. Walkinshaw insists on retaining this structure because he is too busy running other businesses to concentrate more of his time on FI. There has been some good news this week for Arrows, with the confirmation from Orange sources that the mobile telephone company is intending to continue in Formula 1 despite the fact that the company’s chief executive Hans Snook is to stand down as chief executive. “We made a three year commitment in March with Arrows and there will be no change in that capacity,” said an Orange spokesman this week. -JOE SAWARD

RAFANELLI could switch to the Ascari marque for its dual sportscar attacks next season after this year's American Le Mans Series finale in Adelaide. The Italian team tried out the British constructor's Juddpowered A410 at Misano last week with a view to buying one or more of the cars for duty in the ALMS and a projected European sportscar camaign. Team boss Gabriele Rafanelli said: "The Ascari could be a solution for us. The car has never had a chance to shine, but with our experience we believe it is capable of good results." Rafanelli driver Mimmo Schiattarella backed-to-backed the Ascari with one of the team's self-modified Riley & Scott Mkllls, similar to the car that won a ALMS round in 1999. "The test was promising. We went faster than the R&S, but there is still more to come. We'll test the car again later this month and then make a decision." A deal with Ascari, which has made clear its intentions to sell customer cars, is only one option available to tfiis year's leading ALMS privateer. Rafanelli has had talks with French constructors Courage and Snobeck, but the chances of remaining with Lola for second season appear remote. The team looks unlikely to opt for the Promec designed by Rafanelli engineer Giuseppe Anguilli. The car is unlikely to run before February. - GARY WATKINS

Brock/Harrop/Lowndes Linking up with his former comrades is an option says the three-time champ

CRAIG Lowndes has confirmed that a brand-new Brock/Harrop Commodore team is one of the options he and his management is considering as he mulls over his future. “Yes, Peter has spoken to us,” he told Motorsport News on Tuesday. “Like everything else, it’s one of the things we have to sit down now and analyse, and talk to them some more to see if it fits in with the way we want to go...” Without pre-empting any outcomes, Lowndes did express a respect for both Brock and Harrop - the latter having worked closely with him during his championship-winning years. “I guess Ron and I both left the team for our own, quite similar, reasons...” Lowndes said. “We’ve always got on very well, so we’ll just have to see how it pans out.”

And as for getting involved in owning his own team? “That’s not what I’m into right now. Maybe in five, or seven or eight years - but at the moment all I want to do is drive,” In the meantime, Craig expects that a decision on his future is likely to take a few more weeks but is unimpessed by HRT/TWE claims that he is still under TWR management(see story elsewhere). “That’s their view of the situation,” he said. “Our view isn’t necessarily the same...” Oh, and by the way, Lowndes described the rumours of a deal with the Shell team as “rubbish.” Allied with Dick Johnson’s comments on Tuesday that “Paul Radisich is definitely contracted and staying” a Shell Falcon option is certainly looking slim. Curiouser and curiouser...

Wins appeal

LARRY Perkins’appeal against the $10,000 fine issued following Russell IngaU’s outbimst at Bathurst has been successful. However, Ingall is still in trouble with the powers-that-be. As we went to press. Ingall had been summoned to appear before a CAMS Disciplinary Tribunal on Tuesday over the comments he made at the FAI 1000 which “may be prejudicial to the interests of the Bathurst event and to the interests of motorsport in

Changes at CAMS

CAMS is looking for a new Motor Sports Manager, the position formerly held by Tim Schenken for the past 15 years. “Motor sport has changed significantly and there is a need to now split the administrative role from the operational role,” said CAMS CEO Peter Hansen. Schenken will focus more on

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operational matters, continuing his role as Race Director for the Shell Series. His new position is Director of Racing Operations. Also, as part of the overhaul, a Motor Racing Commission will be established with strategic planning of the future development of circuit racing in mind. - CHRIS LAMBDEN

UM. SZATIH moiorsport news

NEWS

Laying Foundations

I &

Calling Motorola: Michael Andretti has made his first appearance in Motorola/Team Green (or, perhaps, Team Blue) colours, (pnoiobyBotnweiiphotographies)

I’ll take that... Legend Peter Brock gladly accepts a cheque of (Photo by Slipstream Photographies) $13,500 for the Peter Brock Foundation. A RECENT dinner function fundraiser for the Peter Brock Foundation, at which the man himslef provided the after-dnner speech, organised by Ross and Linda Nicastri of Auto Disniantlers in the Hunter Valley, raised $13,000 The Foundation currently has nine cars around Australia in a joint venture with Bridgestone, Shannons, Mobil and HNL to provide transport for leukemia patients as well as assisting many individuals and families in crisis.

ASIDE ft-om working on the Peter Brock Foundation,Peter Perfect has been extremely busy lately, with the nine-time Bathurst winner also taking part in a Holden drive day at Lang Lang Proving Grounds with some of Australia’s medalists fi-om the recent Olympic Games.

Gladiator Winners

CONGRATULATIONS to the 12 winners of our recent Holden Gladiators Poster Gompetition. Each will be receiving a framed copy of the poster signed by all eight Holden drivers (plus a few bonus signatories!)- keep an eye on the post: Danny Taylor, North Nowra, NSW; GO Shield Nollamara, WA; Martin Domeracki, Lawnton, OLD; Gavin Newman, Aberfoyle Park, SA; Michael Hauser, Toowoomba, OLD; James Dunda, Eagleby, OLD; Kim Verheyen, Quakers Hill, NSW; James Barker, Stratheden, NSW; John Norris, Goulburn, NSW; Steve & Tammy Brown, St Albans, VIC; Hamlsh Orr, Chippendale, NSW; and Adele Ineson, North Shore, Auckland, NZ. And of course the answer to the question: Which Holden driver has won the most Bathurst 1000km races in a V8 in the 90s? Larry Perkins. Thanks to the hundreds and hundreds of readers who had a go. Look out for our next issue, where you can win a very special weekend for two at the Qantas Australian GP... 8 December 2000

Champ Car testing is on CHAMP Car teams and drivers are already back into the rigurous testing schedule which will prepare them for the 2001 FedEx Series, with Patrick, Green and PaeWest’s machines making their first appearances. Jimmy Vasser tested the new ReynardAToyota which he will drive for Pat Patrick. It didn’t all go completely smoothly though, the American ‘christening” the chassis with a spin on cold tyres which resulted in to minor front wing damage. Also hitting the testing trail was countr3rman Michael Andretti in his new ride - the Motorola-backed third car from Team Green. The #39 Reynard/Honda didn’t turn too many laps in its new livery, Andretti getting a feel for the car, having spent so much time in a Lola or Swift chassis with a Ford engine in recent years. Another to try a new engine was PaeWest’s Mauricio Gugelmin in the Nextel machine.

Quick connections: Andretti was all smiles at Sebring, the veteran wearing his new colours. (Photo by Bothwell

lotographics)

Jimmy Fits Patrick: And Patrick’s new Reynard fits Jimmy Vasser... 11

News

Takagi heads to Walker

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Tora Toyota: Takagi heads to the States after homeland racing. (Suiion) DERRICK Walker will return for another season of Champ Car racing with another Japanese driver. Fornjer Arrows FI driver Tora Takagi will replace Shinji Nakano in the single car entry, and will utilise Toyota engines in 2001. Walker has also landed the backing of Pioneer Electronics for the season, the sponsor having left the disbanded PPI team. Takagi has spent 2000 in Formula Nippon rebuilding his career after a season with Tyrrell and then Arrows in FI in 1998 and '99. Walker's CART program had taken a battering at the end of this season, Nakano taking his Honda engine supply with him to Adrian Fernandez's new team as well as his sponsor. - PHIL MORRIS

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Two Whites don’t make a V8 wrong! Matthew White was a deserved winner of the first Mike Kable Rookie of the Year Award for his efforts in the 2000 V8 Lites series and two endurance races.

MATTHEW White was the surprise winner when AVESCO held its second annual Gala Prizegiving last Saturday night at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. While Bathurst champions Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna, Shell Champ Mark Skaife, runner-up Tander and third-placed Craig Lowndes, as well as V8 Lites Champ Dean Canto, were no surprises in their respective category wins, there were other awards, in particular the Mike Kable Rookie of the Year. Standout V8 Lites racer Matthew White(who finished 11th at the Queensland 500 and second in the Lites series) was a worthy winner, picking up the inaugural award, which included a $15,000 scholarship in memory of the legendary journalist who was a keen supporter of young racer’s endeavours. Bob Jane and a humbled Norm Beechey were inducted into the AVESCO Hall of Fame, while Clipsal 500 organisers picked up the Promoter of the Year award. Craig Lowndes scored the Bridgestone Pole Award for his five poles, while the volunteers group which helped run the FAI 1000 were certainly worthy winners of the Volunteers of the Year considering the conditions! Holden won the Champion Manufacturer award, while HRT were the Champion Team of the Series.

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CART names new CEO TV Exec is new head honcho CHAMPIONSHIP Auto I Racing Teams has named I Joseph F. Heitzler as its I new President and CEO. I The former television I executive was a I unanimous choice of the I CART board of directors, I and has signed a multi-year I contract to succeed Bobby I Rahal in the post. * "The opportunity to merge a passion for open-wheel racing with my business experience fulfills a life-long dream," Heitzler said. "I am, extremely honoured to have been chosen by dedicated leaders of this industry to lead the CART team into its entertainment sports future." Heitzler was chosen from a list of 40 candidates for the position. Favourite for the job. Long Beach Grand Prix promoter Chris Pook, withdrew from consideration when - in his view - it became apparent that CART was not going to

Networking; Joseph Heitzler joins CARTfrom the TV world. (Pholo hy CART)

cede him the authority he believed was necessary to get the job done. Heitzler was previously President and CEO of National Mobile Television Productions Inc, which was involved with the broadcast of FI racing and golf. In the 1970s he started his career with CBS Sports, overseeing the production of motorsport events for the network. -PHIL MORRIS

... but says Aloha to $6.8m! CART has lost US$3.6 million ($6.8m) of the USS5 million it posted for the still-born Hawaiian Superprix last season. CART posted the bond as a guarantee for the season ending, non-championship event, which was cancelled due to lack of corporate support. But the Frontier Insurance company, with which the money was deposited, refused to hand the money back and the case headed for the courts. After seven months,the two parties came to an out-ofcourt settlement, the insurance company returning USS1.4m of the money to CART. The money was largely responsible for CART's increase in revenue in 2000, which was USS1.3m higher than the previous year. - PHIL MORRIS 20

by PHIL MORRIS AFTER a season of unrest, Team Player’s will head into 2001 with the same line-up as last season. Patrick Carpentier, who was unhappy with the team in 2000, will race for the team for another year, with an option for 2002. He will be joined by last year’s rookie driver, Alex Tagliani. “Team Player’s went through significant changes during the last year, mainly because we had a rookie driver and a new engine program with Ford,” explained team Vice-President Neil Micklewright. “The loss of Greg(Moore) changed the team’s dynamics and it took me a while to assume a leadership role, but this past season was quite eventful and I gained some maturity from it,” remarked Carpentier on his web site. “You have to realise that there is going to be friction in auto racing,just as there is in every workplace. “But I’m approaching the 2001 season with renewed confidence in the Team Player’s operations and I’m convinced that our perseverance will pay off in the end.” Carpentier finished 11th in the 2000 series, after having missed three races with a broken wrist. He finished on the podium twice, finishing second at Gateway.

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THE long-standing Nazareth stop off on the FedEx Championship series trail will be no more after the 2001 race. CART'S board of directors voted last week that the race, the contract for which expires in 2001, will not be renewed. "We feel we helped build a loyal, open wheel fan base in the northeast so we are disappointed in CART's decision not to return to Nazareth Speedway," said a disappointed Craig Rust, president and general manager of Nazareth Speedway. "Our community is losing a great event but we will still have an exciting schedule. We will also continue our efforts to moiorspon news

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CHALLEIMOER HELMET bring other forms of world class motorsports to the Lehigh Valley (in Pennsylvania)." The 1-mile oval track has hosted a round of the series since 1987, when it was owned by Roger Penske. It is now owned by International Speedway Corporation, which also owns the California and Michigan superspeedways. The track is expected to carry on, with a Busch Grand National date set down for May, 2001. American racing legend Mario Andretti, who lives in Nazareth, blamed the demise of the race on poor scheduling. "I think CART is really jumping the gun on this one. I'm very unhappy with that decision that they made," Andretti said. 8 December 2000

Nazareth has staged either a September or October (fall) race for 11 years. In 1996, the race was moved to the spring. There may not be a replacement race for Nazareth. With races in Mexico, England and Germany stretching the CART calendar to 22 events next season, there is already talk that team owners want to cap the number of future events to 20, which leaves the possibility of one more race being dropped when contracts elapse. Portland and Cleveland are said to be most vulnerable, while the Vancouver street race is likely to be replaced in 2002 by a similar event in Montreal. -PHIL MORRIS

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iWodestjyielaide entry I

THE entry list for the Race of a Thousand Years in Adelaide has heen released, and it’s slightly disappointing. Apart from Driver’s and Manufacturer’s champions Audi and a three car entry from Panoz(including the new car for David Brabham/Jan Magnussen and one of the current versions for Greg Murphy/Jason Bright), the Prototype category is slim for the season finale. While two Cadillacs will be coming, they aren’t in the same league as the Panozes and Audis or the non¬ attending BMWs,and Gabrielle Rafanelli’s Lola-Judd doesn’t have the

28 cars entGred for

race that lasts a I Thousand Years’ >. Downsized party numbers: Adelaide’s entry is smaller than expected. (Photo by Sutlon-lmages)

Saleen ban? THE new Saleen S7R supercar looks certain to be barred from competing in next year's FLA GT Championship. The regulations demand that a total of 25 examples - including 20 road versions - have to be built of any car before it is eligible. Saleen would have to produce that number by the end of this month if the S7R is to be allowed in at the

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start of next season. Series boss Stephane Ratel has ruled out the possibility of the rule being waived as it was for the title-winning Lister Storm and the Marcos LM600. "The Lister and the Marcos were allowed in because they were racing before the series existed, but my agreement with the FLA [the sport's governing body] means that no more exceptions can be made in the future.” But Saleen and the car's builder, Ray Mallock Limited in Britain, are hopeful that the S7R could be allowed in next year if it can prove its intent to build the required number of cars. A spokesman said: "The target is to build 25 units by the end of next year. We're hoping that the FLA will see our plans and let the car race in the interim." - GARY WATKINS

them.

outright fight up to

Notable by their absence are the BMW V12 LMRs(which we reported last issue as not running), the Johansson Reynard 2KQ and the GTS Corvette team. The ORECA Viper team will be field two cars, while Aussie Rohan Skea has entered three Porsches in the GT class, which has been well supported by Porsche and BMW’s M3.

Adelaide Race of a Thousa^d<Years Prototypes No Drivers/Car 0 Mimmo Schiattarella/Didier de Radigues/Normal Simon Lola B2K/10-Rafanelli V10 1 David Brabham/Jan Magnussen Panoz LMP07 Roadster 2 Hiroki Katoh/Johnny D’Connell/Klaus Graf Panoz LMP-1 Roadster 12 Jason Bright/Greg Murphy Panoz LMP-1 Roadster 28 Franz Konrad/Charlie Slater Lola B2K/10-Ford 31 Eric Bernard/Emmanual Collard DAMS Cadillac Northstar LMP 32 Christophe Tinseau/Marc Goossens DAMS Cadillac Northstar LMP 67 Jim Cornish/Jamie Wall/Michaei Mallock Pilbeam SR2^issan 77 Rinaldo Capello/Allan McNish Audi R8 78 Frank Biela/Emanuele Pirro Audi R8 GTS 61 Milka Duno/TBA Chrysler Viper GTS-R 62 TBA/TBA Chrysler Viper GTS-R 91 Dlivier Beretla/Karl Wendlinger Dodge Viper GTS-R 92 TBA7TBA Dodge Viper GTS-R Vic Rice/Shane Lewis/Mike Youles Porsche 911 Turbo GT 5 Dirk Muller/Lucas Luhr Porsche 911 GT3-R 6 BMW M3 Toney Jennings/Terry Borchelier/Anthony Lazzaro 7 Hans Stuck/Boris Said/Johannes van Overbeek BMW M3 8 Patrick Vuillaume/Manfred Jurasz Porsche 911 GT3-R 10 BMW M3 Bill Auberlen/Brian Cunningham/Joey Hand 15 Randy Wars/TBA/TBA Porsche 911 GT3-R 30 Porsche 911 GT3-R Michael Petersen/Mike Fitzgerald/Randy Pobst 51 Sascha Maassen/Bob Wollek Porsche 911 GT3-R 69 Kye Wankem/Greg Doff Porsche 911 GT3-R 70 Porsche 911 GT3-R Johnny Mowlem/David Murry 71 Doc Bundy/Richard Dean/Rohan Skea Porsche 911 GT3-R 72 TBA/TBA Porsche 911 GT3-R 09 Jurgen Lorenz/TBA Porsche 911 GT3-R

Westfield Sports Cars is proud to be associated with the Wodonga Institute of TAFE's Diploma of Engineering (Motorsports) course and would like to congratulate the Students and Staff on the first race win for the Student-built Westfield SE Wide Clubman molorsport news

NEWS

24 hour Intimidation

Second generation Ickx for Le Mans THE daughter of six-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Jacky Ickx is aiming to race in the French enduro next year. Vanina Ickx plans to graduate to sportscars in 2001 after serving an apprenticeship in the Belgian touring car ranks over the past five seasons. "I want to do some endurance races, including Le Mans and'the Spa 24 Hours," said the 25-year-old. ickx has already tested a Belmondo Racing Chrysler Viper and could race for the French squad at Le Mans and selected FIA GT Championship races. "Nothing is done," she said. "I am talking to other teams as well."

Earnhardts potential class winners in Daytona 24hr classic

JohanssoBi future Sportscar doubt

. I by GARY WATKINS NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt and son Dale Jr are potential class winners in February's Daytona 24 Hours that's the verdict of the man who has given the Winston Cup front-runners their sportscar debuts. Corvette programme manager Doug Fehan says the American pair have a "great chance" of winning the GTS division in the

wake of their debut run in one of the C5-R chassis at Sebring at the end of last month. "They both got up to speed really quickly," reckons Fehan of their two-day test at the Florida airfield circuit. "They love the car and are very serious about this. "I have no worries about their speed. My only concern is a lack of experience you need in endurance racing to keep out of trouble." Expat Briton Andy Pilgrim, who will share with the Earnhardts at Daytona, reckons they did an

Just another day at the office; The ‘Intimidator’ Dale Earnhardt is considered a potential class winner at Daytona.

THE future of Stefan Johansson's sportscar team appears to be in doubt with the news that part owner Jim Matthews is set to quit the discipline. Amateur racer Matthews has admitted that he is "seriously considering" a move to the Trans-Am silhouette series. The most likely result of that would be the dnd of his partnership with ex-Formula 1 driver Johansson. Johansson laid off his staff last week and team manager John Wickham has moved to Apex Motorsport, which will run the new Bentley EXP Straight 8 at Le Mans. - GARY WATKINS

(Photo by David Taylor/ALLSPORT)

awesome job. "To jump into a car you've never been in before and at a track you've never seen, and then to get up to speed as fast as they did is fantastic." Seven-time Winston Cup champion Earnhardt said: "I'm totally green at this road racing, but I'm excited about working with Andy and Ron Fellows [Corvette team leader]." Another Chevy regular, Kelly Collins, is rumoured to be the most likely fourth driver in the Earnhardts' car.

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PANOZ could be represented ininext year's inaugural European Le Mans Series by David Price Raang. The American marque has said it won't run a factory team in the , : ELMS; but DPR team boss Dave Price, who,iS(;alsb director of J ' racing at Panoz, wants to run one of its new 2601 Roadsters. The I British squad would contest all seven ELMS races and June's Le : Mans 24 Hours. V.n j "We've got the infrastructure and the kno’Wledge from this year," i ' said Price, whose team ran the Den Bla Avis squad in the SportsRacingJWorld Cup. .. Price hasn'Uuled out continuing to work with the Danish group, i which was put together by former Le Mans winner John Nielsen, j "It's not beyond the realms of possibility that we could continue ! to work with John, bulthis would be a'DPR-controlled operation." * It is unclear if long-time Panoz team leader David Brabham could race for Price in Europe. Price promised, however, that he would konly use top drivers. { GARY WATKINS 8 December 2000

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Barros, Loris lead the way for Honda testing ALEX Bavos and Loris Capirossi nave led the time sheets during testing of Honda's new 2001 NSR500 at Jerez, the Spaniard and Italian each day topping former World Champion Alex Criville during the two day test session. The new Honda, first seen in the hands of the talented Valentino Rossi during practice and qualifying for the Qantas Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island in October, is already showing its potential to return the Japanese manufacturer to the top of the points table next year. Also in attendance at the

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three day test were Honda 250cc pilots Daijiro Katoh and former 125cc World Champion Emilio Alzamora, Katoh considerably quicker than Alzamora on each occasion. ■ Just a week after

sensationally quit the sport for a year at the end of the season saying he: "Needed a rest from racing.” Perugini has said his year off had renewed his attitude towards racing. "I'm coming back to the championship with plenty of confidence in winning the world title," Perugini said this week. ■ Former Shell Advance Honda 500cc rider Juan Borja has secured a place in next year's World Superbike Championship, the Spaniard signing last week to ride a 2001 Ducati Corse RS bike in a satellite squad to the factory effort. Borja's deal with the Italian Racing Time team includes an option for a further three years. - PHIL MORRIS 24

■ .H

announcing the recruitment of experienced Gianluigi Scalvini, Team Italjet has completed its 125cc squad for the next season with former European Champion Stefano Perugini being announced as its second rider. Perugini's last MotoGP appearance was in 1999 riding a Honda 250, when he finished fifth overall. He

NORIYUKI Haga's first ride on the Red Bull Yamaha YZR500 at Malaysia's Sepang circuit(MN issue #193) has left the controversial Japanese rider full of confidence as the team heads into an intensive testing schedule over the new few ' months. Haga, who raced in the 1998. Japanese GP’as a wild card entry, set the quickest time in a rain-interrupted, three-day 'i testing session that, was als© attended by Honda.: ’ .' ^ .t"I was taking'rt fairiy^easy,'/as;« the main job was tp. make:thebike suitable-for- rny'r'yin'p; stvle^’f but I' was learriihg sornet^ilng everytime I got'on.’the bike,-’''aji,‘;^ enthusedi Haga said-.op retu'rn.gpij^' & to Japan. . . "It will'tbke quite sdfnetjme, ■r: more to arrive at,the perfdcfp setting and sort out theJ^rdWf.®^ me, but that is QK as the, tearti' has arranged, a.good at!id',b‘usy.. * . winter testing s.chedul,&. "I am confident we can mal<:ef -A the bike fast .fdr'me befoTe the"..'* J season starts." Haga's quickestTap;of;2rn0tf$'d. was just over a-aecond oflijHeh-'rfi' iU a- .. circuit lap ,recdrdV,' ● , SIS

i JUST two weeks after British Superbike rider Chris Walker publicly said he’d be heading to the World Superbike Series, it is believed the Brit is ready to accept an offer to jump to the 500cc MotoGP series instead. Walker had declined an offer ta join Jeff Hardwick’s Shell ^ Advance Honda squad to ride a^ twin 500, an offer which was said to have required considerable financial input, but he is now believed to be close to accepting an offer to join Hardwick’s camp.^^W The new Shell Advance Honda deal is said to give the Brit two full factory NSR500 V4s, plus money and a two-year deal. .■ If he accepts the proposal, and ^ the MotoGP promoters, Dorna, are keen to have a competitive English rider in the series. Walker will walk away from Suzuki Great Britain’s offer to build a WSB team, with full factory-backed equipment, around the talented rider. r‘-

Alex breaks

ALEX Criville’s testing program to get back to championship-winning form in 2001 has taken a turn for the worse with the 1999 World Champion crashing in Jerez and breaking a finger on his right hand. Criville lost the front of his bike and fell, with his right hand being trapped under the machine as it slid through the Dry Sack corner. After an initial diagnosis at the circuit's medical centre, Criville was flown to Barcelona for further tests. According to a Repsol Honda release: "Alex Criville has suffered a slight erosion of a distal phalanx of his right hand's small finger. However, the X-ray has shown no fracture." Criville’s injury means the Spaniard will now take a month break before resuming testing the new Honda NSR500. - PHIL MORRIS moiorspon news

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Doctor, Doctor, give me the news McLaren and Ferrari‘s bosses received honorary degrees over the weekend. McLaren’s Ron Dennis received the honorary degree of‘Doctor of the University’from England’s University of Surrey at a ceremony held in Guildford Cathedral last Friday. Meanwhile, in Italy, Ferrari president Luca Montezemolo was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Modena. Montezemolo received his degree in recognition of the Italian company's achievements in Formula 1 and for their contribution to the country's automotive industry. The Ferrari chief, who accepted the degree in the university's engineering faculty, paid tribute to Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari.

Caddy shacked? A shortage of cash could force Cadillac to abandon plans to contest any races outside of Its attack on the Le Mans 24 Hours next season. The General Motors brand had vowed to undertake a major race programme with an updated version of this year's Northstar LMR Now, Le Mans looks likely to be the old Caddy's only 2001 start. But Cadillac is unwilling to spend more than the reputed $20 million it forked out on this year's programme, and with the design and build of the all-new 2002 car eating into that budget, little will be left for racing. GM is in talks with Motorola, which backed the semi-works

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said, "but we could do 10 races." If the DAMS deal doesn't happen, one possibility is that a new operation put together in Briton by Jeff Hazell, who is co ordinating the build of an all-new Cadillac prototype, could run the Le Mans programme. Northstar programme boss Jeff Kettman said:"We will not confirm our plans until everything is finalised." - GARY WATKINS

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THERE could be an Australian GT car on the racetracks of Europe in 2003. A Melbourne-based gi-oup is undertaking a development progi-am for a mid-engined, V8powered carbon fibre car, with a view of racing it in the British GT Championship in two years’ time. The gi'oup has been developing the car, which will be powered by a yet-to-be-specified V8 engine with between 500 and 600 horsepower, for two years. “We are aiming to produce 25 of the cars a year,” said Matthew Thomas, Managing Director of the company developing the car. “We anticipate that the car will cost around $400,000, and market research we have done indicates that there will be demand for the car.” The car will be similar in concept to McLaren’s FI, which is powered by a 6-litre BIVW V12. That car won the Le Mans 24 Hour in 1995. - PHIL BRANAGAN

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That Mountain r

OPINION

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Motor Mouth

vHliIi Tony long^2»7St

Not hanging it up yet: After the strong run at Bathurst, Longhurst doesn’t plan on hanging up the helmet. (Photo by Ian Robinson)

m having flashbacks all the time to Bathurst a few weeks ago! Seven hours into the race and 'crash and burn'. I don't whether that's worse than going out on the first lap! I know exactly what happened - it was a racing incident. Adam (Macrow) didn't see me and speared to the left, I went down the inside on the right and he came back on me. Actually, the front of his car hit my passenger door, so I was nearly through but it was enough to give me a bit of a whack and the car hit the wall. Simple as that. It was such a hard whack I thought it was worse as far as the body shell was concerned. You can't tell what's broken though until you get back to the pits. I could see the wheel hanging off, so I knew it was severe! I just said to the boys in the pits "the race is over guys". They wanted me to talk to them but there was no point yapping away.

ith the pace car you only have to be in the right

8 December 2000

position from lap 100 onwards. David (Besnard) was a bit slower than me, so it worked out that I needed to be in the car for a double stint at the end - and there was a nice window of opportunity under the pace car about lap 96 or around that time. We had a five or six lap window where we wanted to bring him in and put me in and we copped the pace car and we were right. With the fuel fire, we knew we would have to make another stop. Everyone else had to too. We didn't know accurately how much fuel had gone in because of the fire. They didn't know if we were 50 litres short of five litres short, it was just a guessing sort of game. We might have been right, we might not have. I don't know. Dave was a bit slower than I expected. He ran strongly at Queensland Raceway but he'd

I think that vivas my 18th race up there and I thought it was the best' - Tony Longhurst

done a lot of laps there, but again, in fairness, he was a rookie at Bathurst in very difficult conditions. It's a big ask to get someone up there to perform straight off. To his credit, he did exactly what he was asked, and that was to make no mistakes. think that was my 18th race up there and I thought it was the best. It was absolutely marvellous. I've only watched a couple of hours of the race on tape but it was great for everyone. Everyone had a slice at the top. Garth was there for a while, someone else was there. I enjoyed it. How many people would love to have the thrill of leading the race? I led for an hour - it was great. But we went from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. It was a wonderful experience. I know it sounds bad, but it's not. I've had heaps of chances at winning Bathurst since I won in 1988 but all the journos write me off.

The year that the throttle cable broke (1997), I only had to do one more pit stop, Larry had to do two so I had the same sort of strategy. There's been a couple of other times, like he year of the Big Rain in 1992 when the Nissan crashed out. We were right on target to being up there. think you've got to look at my results during the year. Had I won Bathurst I would have finished fifth in the J championship. If Stones hadn't mis-counted at the '500 we would have easily romped that in or at worst got on the podium. The gearbox broke at the first round (at Phillip Island) so I dumped a heap of points there, and I was third at Canberra when we had a tyre blow. Taking out those two or three incidents would have put me second or third in the championship... The team couldn't adapt the car to me driving at some of the races - I couldn't get it trimmed exactly how I wanted it.

uring the off-season I'll be training and getting ready to go again. At this stage I've got a contract with the Stones and Caltex to race next year. I don't know exactly what the Stones are doing but they've got that many drivers signed up I don't know whether they're running a footy team or a race team! That'll sort itself out over the next month or so. 27

FORMULA ONE

and indeed used to turn up at Brooklards in the poeticallynamed Metallurgique. Students of Grand Prix racing history will know that, in 1909, Grand Prix racing stopped for a while because there was not much money about and not enough companies were interested in building the vast multi-cylindered monsters that were being raced at the time. The few who wanted to go racing had to ship their cars to America. For the European racing drivers of the day, this was very frustrating, but they were fortunate in that the in racing coincided with a new craze for daredevils; flying. This was not your nice little Tiger Moths, these were big old box-kites which did not like to turn corners. Moore Brabazon flew one of the earliest of them. In fact, after fellow racer Henry Farman, he was the second British subject to hold a

pilot's licence. In 1909 he became the first British national to fly in Britain. He won several prizes and set a number of flying record including the first flight of a pig which he undertook to prove that pigs really can fly. This wonderfully eccentric character eventually went into politics and, by 1940 was rather an important fellow. He was Minister of Transport under Winston Churchill and then took over as Minister of Aircraft Production, only to lose his job after a year or so because he made a speech which expressed the hope thst the Germans and the Russians would "exterminate" one another in the war. Churchill had no choice to but to elevate Moore Brabazon to the House of Lords, where he took a seat as Lord Brabazon of Tara. He was given the job of planning for post-war civil aviation. The world might have

remembered more about him if the prototype Bristol Brabazon the largest plane ever built in Britain - had been more successful in its trials. It was scrapped and Lord Brabazon of Tara, racer of strange Belgian cars, retired to play golf and, at the age of 70, to take a trip down the fearsome Cresta bobsleigh run at St Moritz. here are often times when one is left wondering if the modern stars of Grand Prix racing would be as colourful as those who came before them if they were not surrounded by public relations gurus who stop them doing anything remotely interesting. Today the most interesting thing that a Grand Prix driver can do is go to a nightclub and sip a fizzy water. Gone are the days when they climbed the outside of buildings or became Ministers of the Crown. Back in the old days, every

second racing driver started building his own cars for the roads and for racing. They had some pretty silly names too, notably the Alda which was so named as it stood for 'Ah, La Deliceuse Automobile'. One of the earliest of the car builders was a Belgian called Camille Jenatzy, who built the . first ever streamlined car in 1899 and called it 'La Jamais Contente'(The Never Happy). Jenatzy was famously fast and he was obviously rather good.at ,, j impersonating pigs as Well because, at the age of 44, he met an untimely death while off on a hunting trip with some. ' friends in the Ardennes Fofe|ti.; ■»4. One night he decided to^^^fe,,/'': .j his friends by sneaking Int^llie tv woods and making,the:ngise:6f V -Xi■ ●? an irate wild b^r. One df|iia^jy‘CT, guests was cdnvinced'andJti^J^bAxil shot In the dark a'nd killed, Jenatzy stone dead.. ; Just like the racers ofjto^a\r, really...

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The Eye of the Beholder: BAR’S GP car has been prajsed for being attractive, but it is yet td win a race. Does that make it ugly?

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Mark Skaife

The Man for The morning after HRT's Christmas bash, newiy-crowned V8 Supercar champion Mark Skaife sat down over a coffee(or two)and reflected on his third touring car championship and the meaning of life with CHRIS LAMBDEN.

ARK Skaife’s one of those dudes who thinks a lot about his racing. The morning after we’d taped this ‘morning after’chat, he was back on the phone: "You know what I said about how long I expected to keep driving... Well I thought about it some more overnight and to be honest, I think I underestimated. Can I correct that?” ‘Skaifey’intends to be around for a fair while yet. Despite the fact that Bathurst, and the championship,is over, Skaife is still pretty busy corporate stuff, mainly - but what he’d said the day before had obviously been rolling around in

his head. And it wasn’t quite right. And Skaife likes to get it right. Is he a “Control Freak” as the Holden ads suggest? Well, he certainly does like to get things right and he certainly has galvanised most of HRT around him in the three years he’s been there. Remember the uproar when Skaife first arrived, a refugee from an under-funded and struggling Gibson Motorsport? Team manager Jeff Grech almost quit. Since then, Skaife has turned it around. Grech has unqualified respect for his driver and his input to the team and, as Lowndes has this year gradually become more distant, Skaife has cemented

INTERVIEW

A Seasons his role. And, taking on board a couple of lessons from last year’s championship, the man who was booed on the Bathurst rostrum for winning in a Nissan has won his second title for Holden and begun to find acceptance by that most hard-headed bunch of fans - the hardcore Holden supporters. Technology won Skaife his first crown. The 4WD Nissan was a real techno-weapon. The Winfieldbacked Holden was probably a technology step ahead of the rest loo, so this win - albeit with the team recognised as the best- has been the toughest: “Probably, because of the two landscape changes,” Skaife says.

“The competition is the strongest in history - more good cars and drivers than we’ve ever seen - and the championship is now so long and includes all of the events. “When you look at the whole year and how hard it is to win a race, let alone maintain good consistent performances and adapt to the different formats, yes, it makes for a tough season.” Skaife’s approach has been different this year too. Adelaide 1999 took Skaife out of the title chase far too early on and 2000 has

been all about avoiding a repeat: “We were talking about just that last night and George Smith who’s been around the team a long time - said he thought I’d been more conservative. And he’s probably right- he hears me on the radio all the time, he’s around our pit all the time... “If there’s one thing I decided at the start of this season that I needed to do,(it) was to make sure that I scored points in those long distance races. “Having said that, we had such a

Garth's driven very well. Canberra was a falter - and we all have them - but most of the time he's really used his head"

Number!, Number 3: Skaife completed his mission at HRT by adding an ATCC to his two won at Gibson Motorsport. {piumsby ,\n hmsesmjmrk Khnstnuh)

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poor showing on the Saturday at Adelaide this year, that Sunday’s race was really a risky race. We had to press on really hard, but at the same time not put ourselves out. It’s a bit of a balance.” Skaife has rarely, this year, put himself(other than the famous ‘Matt Neal Moment’at Bathurst)in a position where he has had to rely on other drivers around him not to screw up in order to survive. In as much as racing is racing, it’s been a no-risk strategy as far as possible. “I’ve tried really hard, even at race meetings where we couldn’t win it, to optimise om- performance. Wherever the others finished, so be it, but we just had to do the best we could under each particular circumstance.” The changing of race formats, on the run, didn’t help matters much: “Canberra [which featured a race two full grid reversal] was interesting. Everyone said Garth had bad luck at Canberra, but the reality was that his problems were Garth’s problems. “He bumped the fence twice in Saturday’s race and, really, he didn’t pay for it in the way you normally would because of the way that we finished. We were outstrategised and didn’t finish as well up as we should have, while the reverse grid gave Garth(who finished, almost last) another chance. Then he fired up the inside of Brad Jones in race two going for the lead... “At most other events a race one failure would have allowed us to get a big points gap on him, but that’s just an example of how the different formats change the way you have to think about it all.” Canberra aside, Skaife acknowledges that the youngster in the Valvoline team has come a long way: “Garth’s driven very well. Canberra was a falter - and we all have them - but most oft e time he’s really used his head. “There were times, in practice, where I thought they were nowhere - 10th, 11th, wherever and then when qualifjdng has come around, he’s picked it up and carried it. “That’s probably where he scored over Bargs - he’s made the car good enough on some days to continued on page 32 31

Mark Skaife continued from page 31 get a result out of it when they shouldn’t have got a result, “/nd that’s the key to the championship.” If Canben-a was Tander’s achilles heel, then Winton, where Skaife was accidentally spun by Neil Crompton and thumped by a following Larry Perkins, was Skaife’s and for a brief moment a ‘here we go again’thought crossed his mind: “With the foi-mat the way it is, if you have a failure in the first race, you’re pretty much whacked for the day. “I’d thought we had a pretty good package that day. We may not have won it, but I thought a podium was realistic, so to be put out definitely made it one that got away. “But as I’ve said since, it was the race where we got away with a result in the end. We scraped 40odd points and that, in the end, probably saved the championship...” Next year, the Shell Series undergoes even more surgery, with almost all the races longer and with compulsory pit-stops. A sleepy wheel-changer could cost someone big-time - and Skaife, speaking purely as a racer, isn’t totally convinced:

Je ne regrette rien (Well, not much)

.. “As a race driver, I’ve always been a fan of the sprint race thing, because, although it can potentially be the ‘100 metre’ championship under the sprint race format, it’s still about rip, tear and bust - as fast as you can drive a car for 20 minutes. Under the other formats, you really only get a last bit of the race where it’s genuinely rip, tear and bust because, earlier in those races, it’s not worth having a drama and there’s more to do with strategy and so on. “I’ve been quite strong on the idea of evolution rather than revolution. I think we have done that in the main, but for next year, to change pretty much all the events around may have been going a bit too far. Time will tell if it’s going to be better or not. “Half and half may have been better - some of our circuits are a bit marginal in terms of pit lane and facilities.” Skaife isn’t even that sure that pit-stops themselves work to enhance a race: “Actually, more often with pit stops, you actually extend the gap between cars more than you close it. Basically, in most races, a pit stop actually changes the race, but not often, when you think about it, does it make the race better. “Sometimes you get a great result because we may have

I read a preview of Bathurst in British Autosport which rated HRT as one of the best teams in the Southern Hemisphere - which is ahsoiuteiy dead righf'

faltered and be five seconds too slow and someone ‘got’ us in the pits, but the reality of it is, if you come in nose to tail, it’s much easier in the pits to find two or three seconds than it is on the track - which means it can make a fantastic race into a dud race. “That’s a bit of a worry for me in a real racing sense. “In reality, if you look at Bathurst, it is the Safety Car periods which close up the field and turn it into a series of sprint races...” Regardless of the additional challenges, Skaife is well-placed for 2001. As the incumbent, he is in a position to lead HRT’s challenge, regardless of who is signed to replace Lowndes. It’s the way it was at Gibson’s late in the heady Winfield days. Are there any reasonable comparisons or differences between Photo by Dirk Klynsmith

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IF Mark Skaife does have a regret, it's that his attempts to go overseas really didn't go anywhere. After winning Gold Star titles, the desire was there, but the money and the time wasn’t. A brief foray into F3000 bore no worthwhile fruit. The pull back home to Gibson Motorsport, then at its peak, proved too much. "It's not something I see as a major drama, but I do regret not doing it for longer and not being able to find the money for '93 to do it properly. "Australia and New Zealand are excellent in the way in which they have produced great drivers. There's no doubt that there are 10 people in the last 15 years who could have cut it in Formula 1. "Like Craig. He went there, competed in F3000 in an incredibly competitive field. It's not that he can't drive - he's a fantastic driver - it's more to do with tenure, the time period you're there and what

you can do within that time. You basically need to be there for longer to have a better crack at it. "So I'm a bit disappointed we didn't do that well enough, but in hindsight, the whole thing worked out - like not going back to Europe in '93, but coming back here and winning the touring car championship. "If you want to be a professional racing driver, then driving for Gibsons then HRT over a long period of time ... what else is there that's better in this part of the world? You have to accept that and enjoy it. "A number of our events really are excellent now and the conditions we race under are improved. "It's not a big fish in a little pond thing - our series has improved markedly and when you take into account a few lifestyle things, it's pretty good..."

i 1

the two at their peak? “The real reason that race teams go well is people. I’ve been lucky in that, in the early nineties when I drove for Fred it was the best team, because we had the best people. “And I genuinely believe we’ve got the best team now, as HRT, because it’s got the best people. “Some of those people have crossed over,from Fred’s to HRT, and it[HRT]has matured into a genuinely world-class team. “I read a preview of Bathurst in British Autosport which rated HRT as one of the best teams in the Southern Hemisphere - which is absolutely dead right. “There’s a good mix of youth and enthusiasm along with some good experience racing ‘heads’- guys like George Smith. You look around and there’s guys like Jeff[Grech], Crusty [Richard Hollway], Steve McDonald in the machine shop, Ray Lester, Dave McDermott in the engine room, and Pete Schaeffer in the composite room. “Those guys have been around a long time. We were saying last night, that Pete has won nine championships in this country from the years with my Formula Holden to several years now with HRT. “They are really successful, top line, race car preparers - and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it...” He’s right, of course. Good people moiorsport news

INTERVIEW make a team. Good budgets help secure good people... While Skaife hasn’t won Bathurst since 1992, it hasn’t been for a lack of pace. There’s no doubt that he has a particular affinity with the place and, from the outside, seems to get a particular kick out of making a ‘statement’ at some time in the race lead-up. For the past two years it’s come on Saturday morning in the Top Ten Warm-up, where HRT’s one-lap specialist has stunned the opposition with a sub-2:10 trial run for the Shoot-out. This year it came in Friday qualifying. As the track dried out and rivals swore at backmarkers, the #1 HRT Commodore picked a gap and blistered the opposition by, at the time, 2.2 seconds. That was a Statement. Is it a conscious thing that requires a bit of mental preparation? “I don’t get mentally get worked up to do it, but I certainly do at some stage want to demonstrate how good our car is around there... “The Top Ten was a bit of a disappointment because of the deteriorating weather, but on Friday, our car was just fantastic.

continued on page 34

Are you sHI having iun?

"THE biggest thing for me is that I am enjoying my racing more than I ever have, because it's good to back at the pointy end consistently and it's good to not have to run the team (in stark contrast to the years when I had that role). "I don't think I'm driving any better than I've ever driven but I think that what happens is that while your speed is maintained, you genuinely do gain more experience. And that means that, as more information comes on board, you can use that better. "I spoke to Glenn (Seton) last week and we were noting that the top three in qualifying at Bathurst were three of the more experienced 'older' guys. "I'm at the point now, where I like the thought of young blokes coming in. There's this incredibly trendy thought that all these young guys are going to come in and 'hose' us 'old' guys -1 wish them all the best, because I know that Ingall and the Radisiches and ourselves and some of the other 'hard heads’ that are already there are going to make it tough. "If they think they're going to get away with it easily, they won’t... "It's like a young cricketer coming

along and thinking he's going to beat Steve or Mark Waugh easily. It isn’t that easy. There's all this stuff around at the moment about them being too old - they’ll be around for a while yet... "I'm enjoying the challenge of those sort of things because it's almost full circle from where I used to be... . "I reckon I'm going to do the next 10 years and when I get to the/end of that period I'll decide what's''golng on. I've never really had a number ih mind in terms of career longevity. All I think is, without wishing’to,-sound like a.spoilt brat, the day.I'-m not fast^. enough,the day the-young blokes,do-, knock nhe off,...will be the .dayT'rhfou't,. bowled!" ' . And come the day, how .vyould.MarK Skaife wish;tobe:reme'npbef0d.5-|^’ ','As someone who gaveiit^jl percent. I'm mucfi.mbre concerrt,^-pj,^, abouti;f nd yvha/ygrfeally.vvafitj'fn^i my view is^ the respect of.you4i^^ peers. ' l "At the'end of the day, whqt-yo^^ Glenn Setoh, John'Bovye, or jim;' ..V Richards, or now a Craig Ldwrtd^rbr‘;V^ Paul Radisich th'mk’of where^Skaifey is, is more where.it's at fo[ rne."'; Z; l

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33 8 December 2000

Mark Skaife continued from page 33

What would

Skaife

change?

IF there was one thing Mark Skaife would change about the V8 Supercar category, as a driver, it would be to make the cars tougher to drive: "It's a bit close to our hearts in terms of the technical part of things, but I would try to make the cars less aero-sensitive. That would do two things: it would improve the level of overtaking in terms of being able to make a genuine pass on someone and make the cars harder to drive. "If being close to someone coming onto the straight at Phillip Island affects the car so much that you can't pass in the length of that straight, then it's not right. If in due course there's some sort of common 'TEGA' aero-kit, which reduces the effect by half, then I think that would be an improvement. "The cars have to be hard to drive. Jason Plato and Yvan Muller both commented that the drivers of our cars have more to do with the performance of the cars than what they do in Britain - because their cars are over-gripped and under-powered. "Our cars are the opposite and I'd like to see our cars even more so. If they move around more and are harder to drive, and they were harder on the tyres because they moved around more, then there'd be more in it. "There'd be more in terms of chassis adjustment and you'd get more reward as a driver - it'd be a good step to take."

We got quite baulked on the following lap - which would have been a 2:10. “But from the start, through the wet then di-y periods of qualifying, our car was the best gadget there. “The track makes a difference there too. You get a great reward ... there’s nothing better in Australian motor racing, or anything I’ve ever done in a car, than doing what is the best possible lap around that joint. “It’s such a demanding, unforgiving, but challenging place and when you finish the lap you go ‘phew, gee, I got away with that one.’ There’s nothing better. ‘You don’t get that sort of satisfaction from other tracks. Although you may do what would be close to the perfect lap at times, it doesn’t always transpose into that feeling, because it’s just not the same piece of road.” While there were complaints from rivals about slow cars getting

"I genuinely believe we've got the best team now, as HRT, because it's got the rr best people

■r

CONGRATULATIONS WINNE u 2000 FAI 1000 MT PANORAMA BATHURST - 1ST Outright

Congratulations to Garth Tander & Jason Bargwanna for their recent victory in the FAI 1000..and also to all at ;; Garry Rogers Motorsport for expert preparation and team management. B

t MoTeC we are significant sub again very proud systems within the of the fact that every vehicie and we SATCC round for the would like to think past 12 months has that we have helped been won by a car in some way in these using a MoTeC M8 successes. MoTeC Engine Management puts a lot of effort System. We are also into supporting very proud that those teams using every round of the our Engine Konica V8 Lite Management and Series was won by a Data Acquisition car using a MoTeC Systems so as to M8 Engine enable them to the Management extract System, and a maximum potential MoTeC ADL Dash from these units. The high standard of Logger. We know that the the feedback we Engine Management receive from the System is not the teams is of great sole component that assistance to us in makes a team our efforts to successful, but it is continually develop one of the more our systems.

Congratulations and thank you to all those concerned, you know who you are! 2000 FAI 1000 MT PANORAMA BATHURST

ENGINE MANAGEMENT

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AUSTRALIAN WINS IN 2000 2001 Shell Australian Touring Car >^iiChampionshi

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^ Daytona Xl Vfl 24 Hour

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www.motec.com.au motorsport news

INTERVIEW in the way, Skaife and his crew did what used to be known as a ‘Senna’- working the car into clear space, if only for just one clear lap. “We were constantly on the radio to make sure we gave ourselves the best chance there and, really, we were a bit unlucky. As I said earlier, the next lap was certainly going to be better. I got caught coming off the Dipper, so all but got that lap in... “Like everything, it’s all about being organised for the conditions. “I thought that qualifying session was one of the toughest qualifying sessions I’ve ever been in, because basically, whatever the conditions were, you had to keep going out and doing qualifying laps - I think we did what I would call five or six qualifying laps. It was fantastic...” Apart from the well-documented moment involving Matt Neal, following which the team ‘settled’ for the championship, the race seemed to go smoothly. On the surface it looked good - but where there any difficult issues burning away underneath given the timing of Lowndes’ departure announcement? 'ji/nfl^ound: Tijier showing well on Saturday, Skaife’s Adelaide 500 turned to hell Wien he DNFd in thefirst race. Mp:, Bin lie'was vwe.some on Sunday, tearing through iheJiMfrom the rear to take an epic win.

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8 December 2000

Mark Skaife continued from page 35 “There really wasn’t. One of the good things is that, mutually, we all had a Wt of a goal which wasn’tjust about rre winning the championship. It was about ti-ying to do a good job there. “When Craig made his announcement, he called me the next day and said ‘Skaifey, I want to go good.’And so, through the weekend, did our guys. “Having taken those little vaguaries away,everyone just got on with the job, no drama at all.” With Lowndes departing and who-knows taking his place, Skaife will most hkely be the focus of HRTs PR and marketing push. Which is interesting. It’s a bit like Brock and Moffat. They loved Brock. They respected Moffat- but he often played the bad guyThey love Lowndes;they respect Skaife, but he too is often seen as The Man In Black. Does that worry him? “As a young bloke you just want to get out there and do your best. I had no real thought about all that stuff- even in the early Nissan/ Winfield days -1 probably copped a bit offlack because I just had my head down trying to win a race. “In those days, there were no R systems, so you were pretty much head down trying to work out where you weren’t as quick as Jim

world and that I’m a bit intense with it - but at the same time, that’s how I approach it. “I remember a quote fi'om Senna, which was something to the effect of ‘I’ve tried to approach racing in a more relaxed way, but I can’t because I don’t want to be relaxed about it!’ “When I’m there I want to do the absolute 100 percent best I can do. If that means I’ve got to be there until 10 o’clock with the boys, looking at how to make the car go faster, or that I can’t sign an extra autograph before I get in the car for qualifying, then that’s how it is. “If sometimes people think that’s me being a hard head, then I’ve got to cop that on the chin...” And,of course, there was that famous rostnun scene at Bathm’st, after Richo and Skaife had

Ally: Skaife and Craig Lowndes made a fonnidable team, winning the Queensland 500 as co-drivers, then partnering at Bathurst to seal the title.

Born:3ApriM967,GosfordNS,W^. ,‘lLives: Melbourne Vic iS>

~ 1991 and 1992'iathurst 1000 winner 1992,1994 and 2000 Shell Series Champion 1991,1992 and 1993 Gold Star Champion (Formula Holden) 2000 Adelaide 500 winner 2000 Queensland 500 winner 1989 Sandown 500 winner 1991 Pukekohe 500 winner

"When Craig made his announcement, he caiied me the next day and said 'Skaifey, I want to go good. ttt

Richards and I just wasn’t interested in PR or media. I just wanted to do a good job in terms of racing. “As time’s gone by, you get a better grasp ofthe big picture, which is that you have a responsibihty to do those things. “When Peter (Brock) and Dick went out of racing, it left a huge void. Peter did a huge amount off track and was basically our spokesman, our ambassador. When he and Dick left at much the same time there was a void and we all had to step up a bit. “A few of us have tried pretty hard to honour that sort of stuff, which is quite demanding - and I find it demanding at times, doing some stuff I’m not that comfortable with. It also takes you away from racing. “Taking all that into consideration, I would understand that some people might think I’m not the most sociable lad in the 36

Began racing karts at age 14 in 1981,finished third.in Perth Karting Championships. Began racing cars at age 17,finishing third in the Ford Laser h, second in 1986, wrote two cars off in the process! ’ Joined Nissan Motor Sport in 1987, driving their two-litre Nissan Gazelle before assisting in development of Skyline HR-31 and then the GTR 'Godzilla', above, with Jim Richards at the wheel, before winning Bathurst and the Gold Star in 1991. Won those titles, as well as the touring car championship,the following year ,and won another title in 1994 with the team, foeft Gibson Motorspoftto join Holden Racing Team and partner Peter Brock at Sandown and Bathurit in 1997 before joining team full-time in 1998 to replace the retiring Brock. a Shell Series champ in 2000 after^ing third In both '98 and '99. First man to record official sub-r2 minute 10 second lap for a touring car at Bathurst (1999). Si

slaughtered the field in the GT-R. Most of the mud from that appeared to stick to Skaife, for some time: “There was some feeling that held over from that for some yeai’s - and I still think some people remember me driving another brand - but a lot of that has been erased by going

to HRT.

“I’d be crazy to say they haven’t helped me with that. HRT is the best-marketed team in the comitry by a mile and, because it's the heartland team, it’s helped me in teiTiis of being accepted back into the punter’s hearts.” Certainly PR is veiy much a part of a driver’s life at HRT and with that, and a role within the Product Group at Holden Special Vehicles, life off-track is hectic. At last count Skaife had completed 162 days of personal appearances this year. Maybe these guys do earn their bucks... It all leaves little time to actually get away from motor sport all together. To switch off. Does Mark Skaife ever switch off? “I always say I like to have a game of golf- but I wouldn’t have had one since March. Jeff(Grech) did a deal with Riviera which means we share a little boat that we get out on occasionally, but the most relaxing thing for me is spending time with [son] Mitch. “At five, he’s great company you can take him anywhere these days and that gives you a gi'eat balance. He’s genuinely good fun...” Apart from the natm'al difficulties involved in his separation fi'om Mitch’s mother Belinda, life, at 32, for Mark Skaife is bloody busy, but pretty good. Three (touring car) championships; a job - seemingly for the rest of his professional life with the best team in the land; financial security. Skaife likes to get everything just right and right now, it looks like he’s doin’ okay... moiorspon news

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Team 2000 Order Form

Complete order form and send to: Garry & Warren Smith Name: Delivery Address:_ Postcode Phone:(Bus) Phone: (Home) O Cheque/Money Order Enclosed [1 I (Inc $10 Postage & Handling) HH Charge my Credit Card with 1$ ] (Inc $10 Postage & Handling) □ Bankcard HHVisa I I Mastercard Expiry Date[

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'3. ■?

Motorsport News: The drivers in the top teams say that you're the man they fear for next year - is that fair - is that the way you see it? Half Schumacher: It's nice to hear that they fear me, and I hope they're right! I think if we do a good job and it is possible to be there from time to time. But consistently we're still far away from them. I wouldn't say it was impossible, but we have to be realistic. From an engine point of view I'm sure we're going to be a lot better next year. And the car, from what I've seen on the drawing board so far, looks good as Well. MN: How pleased are you with the season? RS: I think we could be very pleased with the season. It was far above our expectations.. Except maybe for a race win with a bit of luck, there wasn't more to achieve. MN:The way things are at the moment with two teams so far ahead, is fifth place in the championship some kind of victory for you - in that you beat everybody else? RS: To be honest, the whole season, I haven't really cared for my driver's ranking because, at the end of the day, who cares whether you are second or sixth or third? The only thing that counts is if you are champion. Second is the first loser at the end of the day. It's nice for us as a team to be third, and we are proving again that we are the third ranking more or less by being fifth in the drivers, but't doesn't really give you anything.

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Ralf Schumacher

continued from page 39 RS; No, I didn't ask him for that. 1 run my life on my own and I'm quite happy with that. Concerning my driving, if I have a question, he's there. Mainly we discuss problems, which is quite good. MN: There were times in 1999 when the mood in the team seemed a little bit sombre. Has there been anything like that this year, or has it generally been a happy season? RS: It has been a happy season, apart from a few races where we weren't so happy with our results, which is obvious. I think for Williams in a way we are happy about the results, but on the other hand they used to win championships and races all the people that are there. So it's a bit understandable that they want to achieve more. MN: These things change quickly. It's surprising that you say that next year McLaren and Ferrari will still be on top... RS: You have to be realistic. I certainly think that we will be closer and maybe beat them on some circuits, I hope so at least - that's our target. But already 40

"He understands both sides. He understood the racing side, and hy now he understands everything else as well, rr which is perfect tor me

-Schumacher on Gerhard Berger, above

that is quite a big target. MN: Did you notice a change in the motivation of the team coming from a customer engine to a works engine, and challenging for third and fourth? Does the whole team go up a gear? RS: First, it is a change, obviously. Williams was running Renault for a very long time. There was a bit of a question mark in the team, how are they going to perform this year, but

that has all changed. It's turned into motivation and trust now, because they have really seen what an engine manufacturer can do. MN: What race has given you the most satisfaction this year - was it Indianapolis? RS: Indianapolis was very nice. Although I didn't finish I think I personally showed up quite good in the race. There were a couple of occasions this year... there were quite a few where I was

you clarify that? RS: I just said that it's a shame to split a team which was good, but then I said Frank must have his reasons and it could be better again. So I don't want to criticise that decision, I just wanted to make the point that Jenson was doing a great job and is a good driver. About Juan; I can'.t say anything. Basically, I think he's very quick, but FI is something different than Indycar, but it's going to be a new experience for him. MN: And it's a new experience for you because he's a guy coming in who wants to be number one and take control. You've got to defend yourself to a certain extent. RS: Do I need to? 1 don't think so. MN: It's true that you've had a lot of team mates... RS: Exactly. Four years in a row actually - this was fourth season with a new team mate, and he's going to be number five. We're going to survive I hope. We'll see. I can't change it anyway! moiorsport news

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Garry Rogers

Full Circle Garry Rogers rolled the dice on Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna - and it paid off big at Bathurst last month when GRM took out the FAI 1000. The always-busy Rogers stopped still long enough to tell PHIL BRAISIAGAN about it.

HERE is a saying in life; if you want something done, ask a busy man to do it. Garry Rogers is a busy man. Since his bespoke team won the FAI 1000 at Bathurst last month, there has been much to do for the team owner. While Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna have been out and about, maximising the exposure that the win has brought for Valvoline, Cummins,Holden and Repco, Rogers has been busy working on the 2001 season. And there are other things, of course. Rogers is not a full-time team owner; he has businesses to run, notably a Nissan and Daewoo dealership in Mt Waverley in Melbourne. As has been documented, the Korean manufacturer is in financial strife, and there is much work to do. Rogers attacks it, as he always does, at maximum speed. His desk is not really a desk; it’s the size of a dining table, and not a neat dining table at that. There is no doubt that this is a place where Work gets Done. And there is something else on the desk; the winners’trophy from the race, still to be cleaned of the champagne stains. The race was, undoubtedly, the highlight of the season for what was a little team and is now turning into a heavy hitter in V8 Supercar racing. “We had a lot of highlights, really,” says Rogers. ‘We had some lowlights, too. That would have been Canberra. It’s a competitive business; you give it your best shot. When you are trying so hard all the time, I think you are kidding yourself if you believe that, occasionally, you are not going to have that sort of trouble. It’s been minimised this year; it’s been much better for us, in terms of costs to repairs, that we’ve ever had before. ‘We looked like coming out of it squeaky clean and coming out of it with a few dollars. That’s the way it IS.'

Some would say that, in 2000, 42

Hard at work: Rogers is always at work, even if he does have the FAI 10C0 trophy to polish... The troops at work: Look closely at the pit work photo and you’ll see two Garry Rogerses. (No, we don’t know how John Morris took this photo either). Hard times: It hasn’t been ail beer and skittles for GRM, as Jason Bargwanna’s VT shows. (Photos by MNews Digital. John Morris/Mpix and Phil Williams)

Rogers merely reaped the benefits of years in investment. When Bargwanna joined the team, the most recent memory of him was walling the Holden Young Lions car at Bathurst. Tander, whose career looked stalled until Steven Richards suddenly quit Garry Rogers Motorspoil to go to Nissan in the UK, baptised himself and, seemingly, everything else by hitting everything in sight in his first season. But this season, the trio have had great results. “It’s a bit like buying a race horse and thinking that it is never

going to get crook,” muses Rogers. “These things do happen. When I sit down and figure out It what we are going to spend in a year, I never write a dollar figure on a bit of paper. Deep down inside, you know that you will spend some money. “These cars are very expensive to fix, and that is a problem with the way the rules have been structured. . Everyone loves the category the way that it is, so we probably don’t need to go into that. “You get one little touch on the front of your car, by the time you get it repaired and painted, you can spend three grand on a front! In 15

"We could spend another five grand a meeting, per car, on presentation, but i think it's better to spend it on something eise

meetings, with two cars, ther’e’s $90,000 fixing fronts, “We don’t repair every little scratch and nick on our cars from every meeting. The minute you get into the first corner, you’re going to get that back anyway. But we like to keep our presentation up to a respectable level and I think that we do that. We could spend another five grand a meeting, per car’, on presentation, but I think it’s better to spend it on something else.” Without the resources of a Holden Racing Team or Dick Johnson Racing, have there been invisible changes inside the team this season? “Not really. We’ve just gone on as we always do, and I think that we are fortunate to have a group of people who are good at what they do, but are also happy to help the others do what they need to do motorspori news

INTERVIEW and teams and make conclusions based on what they see. But, t3fpically, Rogers has a slightly different skew on that; “I don’t compare my team, as such, but I compare my team’s performance. Certain structures in teams work well for some people; look at HRT,and DJR,and Seton over the years - those people have had a lot of success. They must have done things well to get that. “But what works for them may not work for me, and vice versa. You can only gauge what works by the performance of team. Has the driver driven as well as he could? Have all the people screwed it together as well as they could? Did you optimise yom'test days to their optimum? “I don’t compare our team (with others). But I do compare om'results.” Rogers is a successful businessman, with his car dealership and other businesses providing him with commercial success. But motor racing may provide a different measure of what success IS.

when they need some help. ‘Tou need people to have allocated jobs, and we have people who do engines, and suspension, and so on. By the same token, there is sometimes more work required on certain parts of the car than on others. Everyone needs to understand each other’s workload and is prepared to get in and help. My blokes do do that. “We have been able to be ready and do a sensible amount of testing and get to the races ready to race. That’s down to the blokes in the workshop; all I do is go and muster up the money. They’re terrifically organised, and they make it possible to do that.” GRM has made great strides in the past few years. In past years, it seemed that qualifying and Race 1 was used to set up the car, and Richards was usually more

8 December 2000

competitive in the last two races of the weekend. Now,Tander and Bargwanna are usually competitive from the time the cars come off the transporter. “To be honest, control tyres have been a great thing. It has stopped everyone from making statements that, if they had the right tyre deal, they would do so and so. But if you look at the finishing order now, it’s no different. “For us, it was really disappointing. I supported the control tyre, because I saw it as a good thing for the category as a whole. But I felt it hurt us; for 35 years, I paid for tyres and struggled to get the funds together to do that. Then we get a tyre contract, hold it for 12 months, and then it’s gone! “But the control tyre has been a good thing. The testing rule made no difference to us; we have not

tested any more than what we have tested in the past. I think a lot of people go driving, not testing. A test is just that; a test. You have something to try, to develop. “And we didn’t use all of our test days. I think that we used about five or six. With the limitations on what you can or can’t do, what you can test is limited. It’s not like you can try some really radical things. The rales regulate how much you can do. I don’t think that we could have really used any more at that stage. “i sympathise with teams with drivers who need to get some miles in these cars. But for teams which have been around for a while, they can make the most of that. But that doesn’t mean I want to see only six test days a year!” It is inevitable that the fans, and the media, compare drivers, cars

“The parameters of success in anything is,“how much success do you get?’ Running a racing team is very much like nmning a business. Today, running a racing team is the height of mnning a successful business. “It’s veiy emotionally driven. That’s why we do it, everyone in it, from the diivers to the mechanics to the people who drive the truck, are emotional about it. We have a girl here who helps with the papei-work and the merchandising and she is emotional about the results. “Because of that, you need a total business effort to make it work. In the old days, you’d go racing because you like racing and it was a bit of fun. You didn’t have commercial responsibilities, you didn’t take money off people to give them value. You did it because you wanted to do it. “I still do it because I want to do it, but I feel veiy heavily committed to the Valvoline, Cummins,Repcos and Holdens and so on, who spend their money with us in the anticipation that my business judgement is good enough to be able to get them a sensible commercial return. It’s no different to planning an advertising campaign to sell a particular car. You make sure you have the stock, make sure the ads are written

continued on page 44 43

Garry Rogers continued from page 43

"In six OP eight months, if you stop people in the street and ask,'Who is the touring car Champion?', or'Who won Bathurst?', everyone who knows couid teii you who won Bathurst"

properly. they’re in the right paper, you’ve sat down with your sales team to make sure that you’re all ready for it, “Winning a race is what you work for. I would call it my responsibility. We do everything we possibly can to win every race and to maximise the business opportunities of the people who are involved.” Some drivers place winning the ATCC title above all else, while others place Bathurst at the top of the list. Rogers places both highly, but leans towards Bathurst. “They are both very hard to win. I feel sorry for Mark Skaife, in a way, because his effort for the year has been outstanding, to do what he has done. He did a fantastic job. “On the other hand,the effort required over one day or over one week, as well as the preparation time to win Bathurst, is nearly as hard. You’ve got time to regroup after each round, and you’ve got 12 or 13 chances to get taken out of races. “One thing I do know, and I say this with no disrespect to anyone who has won the Championship, is in six or eight months, if you stop people in the street and ask,“Who is the touring car Champion?’, or “Who won Bathurst?’, everyone who knows could tell you who won Bathurst. But not everyone would know who won the Championship. “In the public perception, Bathurst has that clout. It stays in people’s minds longer than the Championship does,” With the number of races expanding, many team owners would like to see a limit on the number of events in future series,

- Rogers on Bathurst and the SCS

The way we were: Rogers, here seen at Sandown in 1989, was a successful racer himself before taking on drivers like Steven Richards, Jason Bargwanna and Garth Tander. The way we are: The GRM team celebrates another win. (Photo by James Smith)

but Rogers would like to see all the current races count for the title. “The Australian Grand Prix and Indy race should count,” he says. ‘You’re either in or you’re out. If the Queensland race was a round of the Championship, everyone would be more upbeat about it. “It’s a very good event. It’s well run, you get a good crowd there, and people w'ould take it a little bit more seriously than it has been.” There is also been a lot of talk of

taking the series off-shore in the future. Rogers is a proponent of growth, albeit a cautious one. “I haven’t seen any dates, but I have beard a lot of discussion. Where Tony Cochrane has said that we are going to race, most times, we have. He’s been able to do pretty satisfactory deals, financially and exposure-wise. The Adelaide 500, Danvin and Canbeira, coupled with the existing races we have had, have certainly done a lot to lift the profile of the categoiy, and of motor

racing in general. ^ “Tony has a lot of critics who say, ‘All he cares about is V8 Supercars’. Because of the class’s popularity, it has been able to drag along with them a lot of other categories which people may never, ever have heard of othei’wise. “Overseas? We do need to expand, but we have to be veiy careful how we do it. We don’t want to hurt our perfonnances here just because we want to race somewhere else. But if we are able

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INTERVIEW!

% to do sensible commercial deals, I see noth’ig wrong with racing in places where we have to make a major effort to get there. The advantages of doing that,from a commercial point of view, are probably pretty high.” Being a fonner racer himself, and with many of the cuiTent breed having raced under his direction at some stage or other, Rogers is wellplaced to judge what make a race driver special. “The person has to be able to drive properly. I don’t think that you can teach a mediocre person, or even an average diiver, to be a great driver. You can make a gi-eat driver greater, but you can’t move a reasonable person, even with lots of testing, up to the top ranks. “The most important thing a driver needs is a strong spinal cord - backbone. Great drivers don’t wilt, don’t sulk; they accept that they will make mistakes occasionally, and that occasionally the team will make a mistake. Things outside their control will affect their result. “They accept those things, but they are not happy with them. They internally feel that everyone needs to do better, and to move on. If you put your tail between your legs when things go wrong, you might win a few races, you’ll never be a champion,in my opinion.” As a driver(he maintains that he has not retired from racing himself!) Roger has an insight into how his drivers operate, but does that mean that Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna have an advantage over the opposition? “Having driven cars, and having some understanding of what they go through fi'om time to time, in certain situations in the wet or the di7, on heavy grids or light giids, or where you are positioned in the restart line, there are things that you learn over a period of years. Because of that, you can talk about

it.

1 always say,‘If you have to tell the driver how to drive the car, you’ve got the wrong driver’. It doesn’t do any harm to sit down with the drivers and talk about things, and I think that they appreciate that, too.” One of the potential advantages of that situation was seen at Bathurst. The conditions were changing fast, and Rogers(whose job it was to read the race and make the calls from the pits) was right on top of things. “I think you can do that at eveiy race. Little things; is the race 10 laps, 20 laps? How far from the start line to the first comer? What are the passing opportunities? Once you have done that yourself, over a lot of years, you learn things.” Formula One is littered with

8 Oeceinber 2000

BITTER ai

Saving rubber: Garth Tander, seen here at the Adelaide 500, had a great 2000 season. (Photo by John Moms/MpiiO successful drivers whose race teams have, to be crael, floundered; Alain Frost, Emerson Fittipaldi, Graham Hill and John Surtees. Others, who have raced with, at best, moderate success, seem to be better suited to ranning teams; Sir Frank Williams, Bernie Ecclestone and Colin Chapman. Where does that leave Rogers? “Maybe I am just a reasonable competitor! I was happy with the way I drove a car. I enjoyed what I do now. “I think that I am a very good businessman. I don’t say that with a big head; I think that I know how to ran a business. I’ve employed people for 35 years and I think that I know how to organise a business so that it work properly “I don’t think that it matters whether I was running a racing team or a chocolate factory. If you have good business skills, you should be able to apply them to some business activity.” The future beckons. With a Bathurst win on the CV, GRM is now looking for a title to go with it - and so are plenty of other people. “I don’t go racing for the financial gain, but I certainly don’t want to be propping things up financially. My main thrust to go racing is to enjoy it, and people certainly enjoy it more when they win. To maintain your good people, they have to be able to see that you can generate the necessaiy atmosphere and conditions in which you can continue winning. “We won’t win every race we go in. From time to time, we will have some heartache. But it relates to what I said before - how strong your spinal cord is. We realise those things happen, but you don’t have to accept them. If you start to

accept it all the time, it will happen all the time. “I think that we can organise ourselves and tiy as hard as we can to win every race that we can. If we don’t win, we’ll just get on with it for the next one.” With that, there is much to do. It’s pouring outside, and Rogers

has to ensure that his stock of cars is protected from Melbourne’s weather. Daewoo needs to be sorted out and tomorrow, tbei'e is the AVESCO annual bash in

Adelaide. The whole team is going - in a bus. It will be party all the way, but not for Rogers; he’s driving ...

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Jackie Stevs^art

Once a knight? Amid all the speculation about a possible knighthood, Jackie Stewart has had to handle a tough season with Jaguar FI - and his son’s battle with cancer. By ADAM COOPER

MIM: What's the verdict on the first year as Jaguar Racing? JYS: I think it's been a disappointing year for everybody, and it would be wrong to say otherwise. It would have been very nice to match or even surpass what we did last year, but that would have been a big undertaking. And I don't think there's a company in existence that can change ownership without considerable disruption. Because not only are there new people, there are new cultures, new systems, new procedures. And in FI, you're always talking a decimal point of this, of that, and the next thing. Keep in mind that not only did I leave the company, but so also did Paul. We were two people doing a job that basically Neil had to try and do by himself until the recent announcement regarding Bobby joining the team. So I don't think anybody should be terrible surprised by what went on. MN: How much of a step will we see next year? JYS: The future is, I think, considerably more positive. The parent company is totally committed to it. The investment they've already made is big and will be even bigger, because of the new facility. It's going to be good for the sport in general, and it gives the lead to the other major manufacturers to understand that if we've got this commitment, they also have to have it. I think the future will be very strong, and we have to put this year behind us, and see the positive side of it for the longerterm. We're taking on some more people and we can afford things that we could never have been able to afford as Stewart. So I think that should be very encouraging for our own people. Jaguar is a great name, and that's only going to get better too. MN: Everyone is talking very 46

positively about next season, but of course that doesn't make up for the fact that this year was so disappointing... JYS: It affects everybody in the factory very negatively. It certainly affects our commercial aspects, having to justify that. But everybody forgets that we've only completed four years. I think if we had continued to go the way we were going, without any changes, it would have been tough to improve on fourth place in the World Championship from last year anyway. I don't think we can ignore the fact that we are stil l young. Now even more so, because of this purchase. I've no idea whether it's the accountancy and the financial structures, whether it be the methods of employment, new contracts, or all sorts of things. It just took a lot of handling. MN: What do you think of Eddie Irvine's performance this year? JYS: It's the first year for Eddie, and at the beginning of this season I don't think he was fully up to speed himself, fitness wise or anything else. He had a busy winter. I think he had to find his way into a new team, which is never easy. You just don't come in and switch on the light, particularly when he had come from an infrastructure that was so complete. Our infrastructure is still raw in comparison with most teams, and most of all in comparison to Ferrari.

best option. You could have said go for Jenson (Button), for example, and we could have done that. But Jenson has a Williams commitment and a contract which is very threatening to a big, multinational corporation, in that at any time Frank could have lifted the phone and called in somebody who you were beginning to

Fop me,Paul popig back to good health and his recovery Is still number one priority, and i don't care about ail the other things, reaiiy"

MN: Are you happy to see Luciano Burti graduate to the race team next year? JYS: We have to invest in the future and in youth. Luciano is the

- Stewart on Paul Stewart’s illness culture and get into sponsor partners. Then suddenly it's 'We only had him on loan anyway'. That would have been tough. (Juan) Montoya was also under a commitment to Frank. Tell me who else there is? Frentzen was committed elsewhere, so was Trulli. Fisichella may have been able to be bought, but the clauses were ridiculous. I think that you've got to go in and try something new.

It’s a great opportunity for Luciano. Nobody has overly high expectations, which will give him time to find his feet. He's very solid, he's very fit, he's very committed, and this is the biggest chance of his life. And let's see how he does. MN: What do you think of the decision to bring Bobby on board? JYS: Bobby Rahal is, I think, an asset to the team. Neil (Ressler) needs somebody else, in the same way that I needed somebody else, and I had Paul. Bobby's coming into a business that clearly he's going to have to learn. You would have to say for both Neil and Bobby, and also Jaguar, that they are still learning what they could, should and can't do. And that learning curve will continue for a period of time until everybody's got their waters settled. That may take another year. MN: How much has Paul's illness affected things? JYS: That's been the most profound thing that's ever happened in my life, and it's had a bigger affect on my life than anything else. That has been the single most important thing - for me, Paul coming back to good health and his recovery is still number one priority, and I don't care about all the other things, really. Every three months for the next 24 months we're going to be concerned about looking after things, and God knows for how long thereafter. m moiorsport news

WHATEVER HAPPENED TO.

Alex Caffi Some of the greatest Grand Prix drivers in history have been Italian. Just as many ‘not quite’ great Grand Prix drivers have been Italian as well. Alex Caffi is the second in our occasional series by AARON NOONAN BORN into a racing family (his father was one of five racing brothers),Alex Caffi began racing motorbikes at age 11, go karts at 16 and single seaters one year later. His path to Formula 1 was preceeded by three years in Italian F3 before his FI break came in 1986 when he joined Osella. And from there it all went mushy. Spending two years with the Osella (powered by a turbo Alfa, not quite the most reliable of powerplants), he got a berth with Dallara for 1988 and ’89. The Dallara actually wasn’t a bad device with the Cosworth V8, and Caffi finished seventh in Portugal in 1988(in the last year of the turbo-charger era) and finished an outstanding fourth at Monaco a year later. He’d run at the front at Phoenix as well, but got whalloped by his teammate. Who else but Andrea de Cesaris ... It was off to Arrows in 1990, or Footwork as it was now becoming, and it was a reliable year. There was a fifth at Monaco (which always seems to bless the small struggling teams with good results, especially considering its average retirement rate) and a host of finishes out of the points to give confidence for 1991. If it hadn’t all turned mucky in 1986, it certainly did in 1991. Footwork switched to the Porsche engines and they were bad

eo a 8 December 2000

They were heavy. underpowered and uncompetitive. Caffi didn’t even qualify (or prequalify)for a single race and had a massive crash while trying to qualify at Monaco which ripped the car in half The Italian had to threaten legal action to reclaim his drive after

occasions were he didn t qualify or pre-qualify. He popped back up in 1998 Lack of Footwork: The 1991 Footwork, when he tested an IRL car at Phoenix and of late has been a above, wasn’t the hired gun in US and European best device. In fact. sportscar racing, finishing it sucked ... sixth in the ’99 Le Mans 24 Not having FI Hours in a Courage C32 and success doesn’t sixth in a number of rounds of make you a bad the ALMS in one of Wayne bloke though ... Taylor’s Ferrari 333SPs. (Photos bv alexcaHi.com) He was at the front in this year’s Daytona 24 Hours but spun on the opening lap and had to charge through the field. But while Caffi didn’t'make it as an FI driver, there’s no doubting that he’s made it as a good bloke. He lends his support to ‘L’Alberto della Viter’(The Life Tree) which is a hospice which lodges children who have been taken from their families in violent and difficult conditions. Caffi also spends time as a Michael Schumacher doesn’t drive one of these: Caffi shared this driving instructor for Speed Ferrari 333SP with Allan McNish and Ralf Kelleners at Daytona this Control, the official Subaru Italy (Photo by Sutton-lmages) year, driving and racing school. from Mexico when the cars arrived He also carries a mysterious suffering a broken jaw in a road late and the entries were emblem on both his helmet and accident. withdrawn. merchandise of a wolf His web But his next career move was So Caffi left before they were site (www.alexcaffi.com) says that his best. booted out of the championship at it’s “the symbol of the Master of Andrea Moda were the biggest Wisdom which represents the the mid-way point. Funnily joke in FI history. They fronted to Totem of the North in the Dakota the first race in 1992 with a ’91 enough, the only race they medicine wheel.” Coloni (the team had been born qualified was Monaco. That place We thought it was the symbol just loves the battlers ... out of Coloni) but it was a joke. which signified another ‘not quite’ In 56 starts, Caffi reaped six They were excluded from FI great... points. There were 22 other Kyalami and then withdrawn

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Z0B Silverware and smiles: Runner-up Halliday, winner Booth and thirdplaced Dumbrell show the pearly whites on the podium. (Photo by Euan Cameron and Lesley Cranfield)

THE cruel luck which stopped Simon Wills from taking the Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy a week earlier at Manfeild struck again last weekend at Pukekohe,the Melbourne-based Aucklander denied an NZ GP victory with a blown engine. The Birrana Racing driver had simply blown away the opposition throughout practice, qualifying and race one, but his misfortune again became the good luck of Andy Booth, the NRC driver taking the Grand Prix ahead of team-mate Matthew Halliday, as well as the Tasman Cup Series. “This has been the most incredible two weeks of my life!” exclaimed Booth. “I came into the series hoping to raise my profile in my home country to help my American racing aspirations for next year and what has in fact transpired has totally exceeded all of my expectations.” Booth’s Reynard 95D suffered a severe misfire high in the rev range late in the race, allowing Halliday to close, though a spin on lap 32 of40 in lapped traffic slowed the latter and he was forced to make up the runner-up part of the NRC 1-2. “I can’t find the words to express my excitement and exhilaration at finishing 1-2 in both the New Zealand Grand Prix and the Tasman Cup series,” said team owner Arthur Abrahams. “For the drivers to be separated by the merest margin of one point at the end of this gruelling four race series is a testament to the dedication of the drivers and this fantastic crew.” With Wills looking to pick up his third NZ GP (if he could do it he would be the third driver to do so after Sir Jack Brabham and Craig Baird), the opposition were left

floundering in his wake after opening practice. In all three 30-minute sessions he was quickest, and by the end of the day was half-a-second clear of Booth and Stevenson. Come Saturday and it was sunny and hot. The same could have been said for Wills’form on the circuit, taking pole for both races in a dominating display. Such was his pace that he set a 52.803s lap to claim the race one pole, which works out to an average speed of 191.1 km/h on the 2.8 kilometre Pukekohe layout. The speed if fractionally faster than the category’s previous fastest average speed set at Victoria’s Phillip Island circuit in March this year. While Wills was the dominating driver. New Zealand was the dominating country, the Kiwis filling the top four gidd positions for both races. Booth had a second and a third, while LeRoy Stevenson (in the second Birrana car), picked up a fourth and second.

This has been the most incredible two weeks of my iife!

Chasing them hard was the first of the Aussies in 18-year-old Paul Dumbrell. The Wynn’s 93D driver tried some ultra low downforce setups in a bid to find some extra speed on the fast and demanding circuit, at one point trying a short stint without the entire rear wing element in a bid to gain maximum speed down the long 1.3 kilometre back straight.

Booth takes NZ

f Qyalifying^ Tasman Express New Zealand Grand Prix Series Round 2 - Pukekohe, 2/3 December 2000.

- Andy Booth

Wills' loi Andy's

POS DRIVER 1 Simon Wills 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

Andy Booth Matthew Halliday LeRoy Stevenson Paul Dumbrell Steve Owen Peter Hill Roger Oakeshott Terry Ciearihan Ian Peters Mark Ellis Dean Cockerton

GAR Birrana Reynard 94D Propecia Reynard 95D Empower Reynard 95D Allied Concrete Reynard 94D Wynn's Reynard 93D Hocking Reynard 98D M-OME-11 Reynard 95D Sportsmed Reynard 97D ciearihan Ralt RT23

QUAL1 52.803 (1) 53.360 (2) 53.653 (3) 53.783(4) 53.963(5) 54.413(6) 54.785 (7) 55.431 (8) 56.719 (9) 56.769 (10) 57.055 (11) 57.069 (12)

Comptech Reynard 91D Mantis Reynard 92D Cockerton Reynard 91D Ian Lloyd Lloyd Structural Dome FL02-03 58.687 (13) Emerson Newton-John ZAP Health Reynard 92D No Time(14) Stewart Kostera No Time (15) Hocking Reynard 98D

DUAL 2 52.777 (1) 53.536 (3) 53.943 (4) 53.528 (2) 54.013 (5) 54.497 (7) 55.008 (8) 55.634(10) 56.564(12) 56.680 (13) 55.794(11) 57.218(14) 58.756 (15) 54.307(6) 55.306 (9) moiorspon news

FORMULA HOLDEN

Tasman Cup Just call me the king of cool: Steve Owen, above left, picked up the Australasian Cup for the best Australian driver in the Tasman Cup Series. He looks thrilled, doesn’t he!? Paul Dumbrell, above right, had a tough NZ Series, but it all came good in the Grand Prix, the Wynn’s driver taking a strong third behind the NRC team.

I - <se»

(Photos by Euan Cameron and Lesley Cranfield)

in the rear wing. The trophy engravers were just adding “Wills’ to the trophy when race two started ...

mate Booth when Andy was given a five-second penalty for an error at the re-start after a Safety Car period. That promoted Stevenson to third, where he ran for the rest of the race.

As was expected. Wills did the ‘charge and run from the front’ trick which he has perfected over the past two seasons of racing these cars in Australia, extending his lead to some six seconds, before

Booth still managed to pick up fourth and keep his Tasman Cup Series hopes well and truly alive, finishing ahead of Owen, who was the only one of Hocking Motorsport’s cars to finish after Kostera retired from a lowly 10th Nothing like the sliding feeling: Booth promptly pitched the NRC car into a high speed slide as he took,the NZ GP win. Bovs wiil be boys... .

A pair of fifths was the result, with fellow Aussie Steve Owen picking up a sixth and a seventh. The same speed wasn’t coming out of Stuart Kostera’s Hocking-run car, the Waussie suffering a drivetrain failure, while Emerson Newton-John

qualifying for the GP. He ended up in the barriers avoiding a hard-braking Halliday, who in turn, was tr3dng to avoid the spun Booth. The first race was simply an all-blue affair, Wills taking the chequer five seconds clear of Halliday. The NRC driver picked up the position from team 8 December 2000

and second place to Halliday, both of whom had to pick up the pace after sluggish starts. Halliday had a nervous moment passing Stevenson, who had a spectacular spin on the main straight, carving his way through the tyre smoke to take third. He made up the gap to Booth when the Safety Car came out after Newton-John spun on lap 23, but he had a problem. He radioed the crew, suspecting that he had a deflating rear right

place with a broken throttle cable. 2000 Silver Star Champion Peter Hill matched his career best finish of sixth after a spirited battle with Dumbrell, Owen and Newton-John. The latter was without a clutch after the Saturday problems, but that did little to slow him, and he moved to fifth before a spin. He was unable to re-start and retired. Dumbrell was seventh, frustrated at being so slow in a

tyre, only to radio back that he would be able to drive around the

straight-line, even despite again running without any rear element

problem, which turned out to be a

ilFDOSa-

failed to join the race one qualifying session with clutch failure, the second in two days. The luck didn’t get any better for the American in

the engine failed after 17 laps. That handed the lead to Booth

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Up froriti for a while: Wills started from pole and in all I honesty, this was as^close as Booth would get, while Wills was running ...

(Photo by Euan Cameron and Loaloy CranneM)

-V,

suspension shocker problem. Just when it seemed he may nab Booth, Halliday was forced into a spin to avoid a lapped car and Booth was safe, home by 13 seconds. Dumbrell was a career-best third, surviving a battle-royale with Owen, who pipped the Wynn’s driver for the Australasian Challenge Cup, awarded to the top Australian driver in the series. Hill was a career-best fifth ahead of Kostera and Stevenson. Tasman Cup points: Booth 84, Stevenson 82, Halliday 81, Wills 78, Dumbrell/Owen 68, Ellis/Kelly/Kostera 46.

NZ FHolden Rd 2 p u keko Race 1- 28 laps POS DRIVtR 1 Wills 2 Halliday 3 Stevenson 4 Booth 5 Owen 6 Hill 7 Dumbrell 8 Peters 9 Cockerton 10 Ellis 11 Lloyd DNF Newton-John DNF Clearihan DNF Kostera DNS Oakeshott

5Sf“m V

KtCniME FnSTESTUP 52.972 27:29.693 53.551 27J:4.229 53.436 27:37.508 53.454 27:38.348 54.577 27:45.738 54.457 27:47.031 54.609 27:47.418 55.896 27 laps 56.346 27 laps 57.131 27 laps 58.816 26 laps 54.158 14 laps 56.464 3 laps 56.818 2 laps Olaps

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Race 2-40 laps (New Zealand Grand PriKi RACn iME FASTESTLAP POS OniVER 53.775 38:25.383 1 Booth 53.587 38:38.828 2 Halliday 54.929 38:41.906 3 Dumbrell 54.884 38:43.106 4 Dwen 54.753 38:57.403 5 Hill 55.419 39:10.696 6 Kostera 53.998 7 Stevenson 39 laps 56.218 8 Cockerton 39 laps 55.689 9 Peters 39 laps 56.894 10 Ellis 36 laps 54.336 11 Newton-John 35 laps 59.485 27 laps DNF Uoyd 53.368 DNF Wills 17 laps 56.540 DNF Dakeshott 7 laps DNS Clearihan O laps 49

Manfeild

IN THE NIHfliOOTH Kiwi Andy shares the honours with Goid Star Champ Simon Wiiis at Manfeiid's round one

One Kiwi blows it, the other wins it: While Simon Wills, left, had to pit to get his belts re-tightened in the Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy race, Andy Booth, above, in his first race for the NRC team, took home the trophy in memory of the 1967 FI World Champion. (Photos by Euan Cameron and Lesley Cranlield)

IT seemed appropriate that two New Zealanders took the spoils in the opening round of the Tasman Express New Zealand Grand Prix Series, but the second race, which was for the Denny Hulme Memorial 'Trophy, fell to a man who had yet to win a circuit race - Andy Booth. It took some misfortune on the part of race one winner Simon Wills(who had to pit to have his safety belts tightened) but Booth, who has spent time in both Hocking and Ralt cars during the last two seasons in Australia, took the chequer at Manfeild in his first drive with the NRC Racing outfit. But while Booth and Wills took race wins, the man - well. 50

teenager - everybody was talking about was whizz-kid Rick Kelly. Making his ‘wings and slicks’ debut in Peter Hill’s M-ONE-11 Reynard 95D,‘The Infant’ took a pair of third places, making a lot of more experienced Formula Holden drivers look somewhat shabby in the process ... TOile the main teams of the Formula Holden paddock were all in New Zealand, there were a lot of changes amongst the faces and names. Birrana Racing were perhaps the most settled, with Simon Wills and LeRoy Stevenson again behind the wheel of their pair of 94Ds, Wills in his second last race meeting in the category. The twotime Gold Star Champion is

desperately searching for a V8 ride next year and if he doesn’t get one, he may not be seen at all, NRC had different drivers and different colours. With Christian Murchison now hunting for overseas rides and Dale Brede getting geared up for an assault on the Konica V8 Supercar Series, Kiwis Matthew Halliday and Andy Booth joined the team, the latter running in new colours for sponsor Propecia, the world’s first prescription-based hair loss tablet. No free samples at M News thanks,Andy ... Kevin Murphy and his team were fielding American Emerson Newton-John in the 92D which 'Tim Leahey had driven all season, while Rick Kelly took the wheel of the 95D, with Peter Hill kept away with business commitments. Of the rest, Paul Dumbrell’s 93D was in Wynn’s colours as Wynn’s NZ helped kick the tin.

while Steve Owen and Stewart Kostera were back for Chris Rocking’s team. But all of them could not touch Wills. He was quicker(narrowly)than Dumbrell in practice and half a second under the lap record in the process and looking in the same dominating form that he had shown in the last race of the Australian series at Mallala a few months back. Even rain prior to the first

Safety comes with rubber: Emerson Newton-John made an impact - with the tyre wall - on his Formula Holden debut for the Murphy Motorsporl team. (Photo by Euan Cameron and Lesley Cranfield)

moiorspon news

FORMULA HOLDEN Rising to the top of the pack: Andy Booth, right, hoists the trophy above his head for all the challengers to see. (Photo by Euan Cameron and Lesley Cranfield) vy

"I love these cars, nothing really compares to the excitement of racing a Formuia Holden from what I have driven so far, so to do weii at home is fantastic.

- Andy Booth of Booth (having four spins during the session!), Stevenson, NewtonJohn (the team having got into the session after an all-night engine change made worse by the Malibubased driver ending the session in the tyre wall) and Kelly. Wills claimed pole for the Denny Hulme Memorial on a dry track in the afternoon, the only driver to break the 61s bracket. Four drivers filled second at

successful protest, didn’t have things get much better, having an off which dropped him back and a broken front

The Wynn’s driver had an engine failure and parked the car, but then something strange happened. “They flagged the session and as everyone came into the pits they realised there was still six minutes to go so the green fl ags came back out,” reported Dumbrell. ‘PD’ was bumped back to fourth as the track had dried and so his team protested, won and was reinstated to second. Halliday was third ahead

“-●s.

the start, while NewtonJohn (who ran as high as fifth) had an overheating engine and Owen suffered the same fate, which prompted a pit stop to remove the grass. Race two probably should have been Wills’ as well, but you never say it’s over until the chequer waves. He had to make a late race

There had been problems for the Hocking team. Owen spun on his out lap in the first session and was out with suspension failure, while he was late out in session two after

Overall, that left Wills and Kelly equal on points after the fi rst round of the NZ series. Amazingly, this time last year the kid from Mildura was still racing go-karts while his opposition for the weekend were clocking ui) the miles in these difficult cars.

pitstop to re-fasten his seat belts, which had inexplicably come undone. While he recovered to seventh

breaking an axle, also on the out lap. Race day dawned fine and it was all Wills in race one.

(breaking the lap record four times), a jubillant Booth won, scoring his first ever circuit win 3.5s clear of Stevenson with Kelly close behind after 30 laps of the intimidating 3.03-kilometre layout. Things weren’t all rosy at NRG though, Halliday failing to finish when a rock lodged in the oil pump belt, ripped the belt apart and blew the motor.

He led every lap of the 20 and recorded a new lap record of lm02.106s, an average speed of some 175.8 km/h. Halliday clawed his way into second, having to pass both Dumbrell and Kelly, the latter taking the fi nal podium spot when the Wynn’s car faded to fourth with a down-on-power engine. Others had dramas as well. Stevenson, who had been bumped from the front row of the grid back to fi fth thanks to Dumbrell’s

‘S

wing, fifth therefore a good result. Booth blew the clutch at

different stages, though it was the NRG duo of Booth and Halliday who lined up ahead of Kelly and Stevenson.

qualifying session couldn’t slow him, the Melbourne-based Aucklander trading times with Dumbrell with slicks on a greasy track being swapped for wets when the rain intensified.

But Kelly would be heading home and Peter Hill would be getting back aboard for the New Zealand Grand Prix at Pukekohe. In the meantime, Wills was spotted shopping. We heard it was PVG glue, because Pukekohe is a bumpy place and you would want your belts done up there ...

Owen, Newton-John and Kostera headed home the delayed Wills.

Manffelidl

Race 1 - 20 laps

f Qualifying ^

POS DRIVER

CAR

QUAL1

QUA12

Simon Wills

Birrana Reynard 94D

1:07.911 (1)

1:01.236(1)

Paul Dumbrell

Wynn's Reynard 93D

1:09.246(2)

1:03.225 (6)

Matthew Halliday

Empower Reynard 95D

1:09.867 (3)

1:02.131 (3)

Andy Booth

Propecia Reynard 95D

1:10.500 (4)

1:02.075 (2)

LeRoy Stevenson

Allied Concrete Reynard 940

1:11.333(5)

1:02.202(5)

Emerson Newton-John ZAP Health Reynard 92D

Rick Kelly

8 9

Terry Clearihan Mark Ellis

10 11

M-ONE-11 Reynard 95D Clearihan Ralt RT23

1:11.701 (6) 1:13.150(7)

POS DRIVER

1 Wills 2 Halliday 3 Kelly 4 Dumbrell 5 Stevenson 6 Clearlhan 7 Kostera 8 Oakeshott 9 Ellis 10 Uoyd 11 Owen ONE Newton-John ONE Booth DNS Cockerton DNS Peters

1:05.225(11)

1:15.689 (9)

1:05.797(12)

Roger Oakeshott

Sportsmed Reynard 97D

1:17.611 (10)

1:04.633(10)

Ian Lloyd Stewart Kostera

Lloyd Structural Dome FL02-03 1:18.935 (11) 1:19.223(12) Hocking Reynard 98D

1:03.881 (8)

Ian Peters

Comptech Reynard 91D

14 15

Steve Owen Dean Cockerton

1:20.106 (13)

POS DRIVER

1:02.157 (4)

1:14.195 (8)

No Time (13) No Time (15)

Hocking Reynard 98D

No Time (14 )

1:04.543(9)

Cockerton Reynard 91D

No Time (15)

No Time (14)

RtCEIIME ERSnSTlAP

2fi-55.649 21:V4.606 21:18.610 21:22.412 21:32.511 19 laps 19 laps 19 laps 19 laps 18 laps 16 laps 13 laps 1 lap Olaps Olaps

1:02.106 1:02.827 1:02.925 1:03.380 1:03.594 1:05.529 1:05.427 1:05.494 1:06.473 1:09.147 1:03.897 1:03.470 1:24.773

I Booth 2 Stevenson 3 Kelly 4 Owen 5 Newton-John 6 Kostera 7 Wills 8 Oakeshott 9 Ellis 10 Dumbrell DNE Uoyd DNE Clearihan DNE Halliday DNS Cockerton DNS Peters

RRCETIME Ft STEST UP

33:04.614 33:08.192 33:12.410 33:14.101 33:18.171 33:19.628 33:27.283 29 laps 29 laps 28 laps 19 laps 4 laps 1 lap Olaps Olaps

'■>

Race 2-30 laol (Ddrrii Nilna Meatorlal Tropkvl

1:03.367 (7)

Mantis Reynard 92D

NZ FHolden Rbuiidf^L^

Tasman Express New Zealand Grand PrIx Series Round 1 - Manfeild 25/26 November 2000

4 5 6

V-j.

1:02.053 1:02.341 1:02.634 1:02.870 1:03.236 1:03.454 1:01.457 1:05.413 1:06.067 1:03.053 1:09.387 1:06.685 1:20.735

Rally of Great Britain by JON THOMSON in CARDIFF RICHARD Burns won the battle but Marcus Gronholm won the war on the Rally of Great Britain, with the Englishman claiming his third victory on his home event while his Finnish rival's second place was enough to give him his first World Rally Championship. Burns battled back after losing over a minute on the first day of the rally, outlasting early leader Colin McRae to take the victory. But it simply wasn't enough to secure the title for the British driver. The rain swept in across Cardiff on Thursday night and a cold blast of North Atlantic winter chilled the spectators to the bone as they watched the first Super Special to be run in Britain.

Legl

The Super Special, built in Cardiff's docklands area, had, however, turned into a thick slurry from days of rain and the going was tough. Burns set the fastest time, but the real rally started the next morning when the crews headed to the challenging Welsh Forests. Freddy Loix was the first to suffer problems on SS2 when he rolled the second Mitsubishi, but it was a surprise fastest for Fetter Solberg in the Subaru which had people talking. However, the Norwegian lost it on the next stage, spinning and losing almost four minutes. Burns soon had problems of his own when he hit a pile oflogs on the opening stage of the day and damaged the rear suspension on the Subaru. He was able to make a temporary repair at the roadside after the stage, that enabled him to complete the three stages before service, but the British driver lost nearly a minute to Gronholm on the way. “My first thought was how disappointed everyone was going to be and I couldn't imagine how sick I was going to feel if we didn't get the car through,” he said. On the other hand, Gronholm was enjoying a trouble-free run, pacing himself as the rally headed north. McRae was also feeling comfortable and was clearly over his Corsica crash, charging to fastest on several stages in his Focus. Corsica and Sanremo winner Gilles Panizzi was clearly trying to impress Peugeot management with his gravel speed, the tarmac expert setting some sensational times on the wet gravel. The luckiest person in the rally was Carlos Sainz, who went off on 52

SS4 as a result of a misheard pace note. The Focus went on a wild ride off the road and through a gully before bouncing back onto the road, the only damage being a cracked windscreen... Kenneth Eriksson's Hyundai didn't make it through SS4, an engine problem halting his progress while team-mate Alister McRae lost the anti-lag system and had a gearbox problem in his Accent. Manfred Stohl has dominated the Group N contest this year and was leading the production car category at the end of day one. Gustavo Ti-elles, his only rival, had never finished this event and that may have accounted for his slower pace. Colin McRae led the rally at the overnight halt in Cardiff after another blast around the Cardiff Super Special. The Scot had a 4s advantage on Burns, who had staged a remarkable recovery to be second. Sainz was in third place ahead of the steady Gronholm and Didier Auriol in what was to be Seat's last WRC event.

Not quite

2 Saturday was equally inhospitable in weather terms, the rally staying closer to Cardiff after the first day’s trip into the Epynt Militaiy range. Burns was driving at 100 percent, taking fastest on the opening stage before conceding to McRae on the second of the day. It was a close tussle between the former Subaru team-mates with Burns taking fastest again on SSll. The pressure obviously got to McRae as he crashed out of the rally and the lead on SS12. The Scot was pushing hard when some humps threw the Focus off n

If any one says that Marcus is not a worthy title winner,they are taiking shir'

- A frank Richard Burns

Look of a winner: Marcus Gronholm came into the 2000 season looking for improvement, and finished the year as the World Rally Champion. Look of a winner: Richard Burns did everything he could but fell short. That Perth ‘tyre change' now looks pretty costly ... Ouch: Carlos Sainz was out of luck again in Wales. (All photos by Sutfon-images)

line and into a ditch where it rolled and damaged the radiator. McRae tried to push on but, with no coolant in the radiator, he stopped the car after three kilometres and was out. The retirement left Gronholm in the lead, the Finn still setting a steady pace as those around him appeared to be pushing too hard. Behind Burns a great battle was developing between moiorsport news

WORLD RALLY

enough

-inmatK ~~

WimcHiLU!‘

/ 1

3»1

Pommie Accent: The Hyundais continue to improve, but Kenneth Eriksson and Mister McRae both had problems.

iesull^ 3:43:01.9 Burns/Reid Subaru Impreza P2000 3:44:07.5 Gronholm/Rautianen Peugeot 206 WRC 3:44:16.9 Mitsubishi Lancer Makinen/Mannisenmaki 3:44:35.4 Ford Focus WRC Sainz/Moya 3:44:48.8 Kankkunen/Repo Subaru Impreza P2000 3:44:50.4 Delecour/Grataloup Peugeot 206 WRC Drivers Championship points: Gronholm 65, Burns 60, Sainz 46, McRae 43, Makinen 36, Delecour 24, Panizzi 21, Kankkunen 20, Rovanpera 7, Solberg 6. Manufacturers Championship points: Peugeot 111, Ford 91, Subaru 88, Mitsubishi 43, SEAT H, Hyundai 8, Skoda 8.

2 3 4 5 6

.-jJTi n W-vt

WRC Round 14 Rally of Great Britiilii Subam, while Francois Delecour led Panizzi in seventh, with Marko Martin in the Corolla in eighth and Didier Auriol in ninth.

Legs

Can’t wait for 2001: Tommi Makinen ended his four-year reign with another podium, but this one survived post-event scrutineering. Sainz and Makinen. The pair swapped third position throughout the day, even though the Mitsubishi driver had several spins, including a dramatic collision with a tree! Damage to the car was light and he continued the fight with Sainz. Alistair McRae was struggling to stay in the rally. The Accent had holed its sump and was haemorrhaging oil, so co-driver David Senior shed his T-shirt and used it to plug the hole before 8 Decemtier 2000

limping to service to have it repaired. On the final forestry stage of the day. Bums regained the lead, turning a 3s deficit into a 10s lead, but this did not appear to faze the Finn who knew he had only to maintain station to win the title. Sainz was third, a further minute in arrears, with Makinen breathing down his neck just 0.3s back and ready to challenge on the final day Kankkrmen was having a steady rally in fifth place in what was possibly his last full-time drive for

Bums extended his advantage to 43s over the first two stages of the third leg, winning the first test, while behind him, Gronholm maintained his cautious pace, enough to keep his concentration, and avoid risk. Makinen was quickest on the Ti-awscoed test, to snatch a tiny advantage over Sainz for third place. One of the casualties ofthe final morning was Solberg, who went off 300m from the end of the penultimate stage. The car caught fire briefly but the crew were unscathed. The final stage came out of the forest and finished in the gi-ounds of the stately Margam Park House, with thousands of spectators cheering on Burns as he crossed the line to win his third Rally of Great

Britain.

But it wasn't enough to win him the title, Gronholm cruising to second to claim the championship ahead of Makinen, whose four year reign at the top had ended.

Sainz had to settle for fourth place ahead of Kankkunen, with Delecour and Panizzi in sixth and seventh. Burns was complimentary of his Finnish rival who had pipped him for the Championship: “If anyone says that Marcus is not a worthy title winner, they are talking shit,” said Burns succinctly. “He has done a gi'eat job and I congratulate him, but I think we can give him a good shake in 2001.” Gronholm was relieved to have clinched the title, giving Peugeot its first title in 15 years. “The team has given me the best car and it was an absolutely fantastic thing to have been given the chance I have been given,” said Gronholm. Stohl secured the Group N Production Car Cup, ending Ti-elles' four years as champion. Australian Ashlea James brought his Proton Super 1600 home in 69th place and sixth in class after a rally which saw him battle a myriad of problems. The teams now start the busy off season testing program in preparation for the 2001 season, which starts in just seven weeks...

New World Champ too fast DURING the RAC rally several drivers fell foul of the local Welsh constabulary or, as it is known down Cardiff way, the Heddiu (pronounced Hethiu; strange language, that Welsh). New World Champion Marcus Gronholm was booked doing 130kmh on the A470 (the main feeder road to the forestry stages to the north of Cardiff) copping a £500 ($1500)fine for his trouble. While the top drivers were booked, it seemed Heddiu almost turned a blind eye to private cars speeding on the slippery tarmac. Perhaps they believed the well-funded WRC drivers were a better source of revenue than the poor former coal mineral -JON THOMSON

Pull over, mate: Gronholm got stopped by the Bill.(R,iceAmsspimto)

Out of time: Frankie Delecour and Daniel Grataloup are out of favour at Peugeot. Where now? (Photo by Sutton-lmagos)

Frankly speakin

Peugeot dumps Delecour, grabs Auriol and Rovanpera for2001

PEUGEOT dropped a bombshell in Cardiff less than 24 hours after the finish of the Rally of Great Britain by announcing that Frenchman Francois Delecour no longer had a drive with the team. The Frenchman claims Peugeot broke a promise made to him earlier this year when they told him he would be replaced by fellow Frenchman Didier Auriol, who was thought a possible chance to go to Citroen before the Peugeot deal was announced.

Marcus Gronholm will carry the number one plate throughout next season as new World Champion and the new recruit to the team, Auriol, will carry number two. Gronholm and Auriol will compete in all rounds of the series, providing a very strong line-up of tarmac and gravel surface ability. A third car will also be run on all rounds. Harri Rovanpera, another refugee from Seat, will contest a minimum of seven rallies on gravel, and Gilles Panizzi will run on the four tarmac rallies.

set for 2001 THE driver silly season in rallying was expected to come to a conclusion at the Rally of GB,but many teams have delayed ●I announcements about driver signings for 2001 until next week. Hyundai is still to confirm its drivers, after having Belgian tarmac specialist Bruno Thiry snatched from beneath its nose by Skoda last week. MSD, which runs the Hyundai WRC operation, will most likely hang on to Alister McRae and Kenneth CiBsn* Eriksson, but is desperate for a tarmac pilot, who may be Francois Delecour (see separate story). Meantime, Skoda will drop Spaniard Luis Climent, above, in favour of Thiry, who will be part of a two-car team in 2001 contesting 12 rounds of the World Championship, the company’s most ambitious program to date. Team members were apparently keen to sign Thiry for 2000 after he gave the Octavia World Rally Car its best result so far by finishing fourth on last year's Rally of Great Britain. However, the VWowned Czech firm's senior management overruled

them and hired Teams Cup winner Climent, who brought sponsorship with him. Thiry was the runner-up in this year's European Championship with Citroen and has a fine reputation as a test driver and has extensive fourwheel-drive experience. He has been a works driver for Ford and Subaru in the past. He is expected to work well with German colleague Armin Schwarz, who will remain for a third season. Subaru has locked away Its line-up with Richard Burns spearheading a three car attack in 2001 with Fetter Solberg and Marko Martin backing him up. Juha Kankkunen is expected to have a limited program with the Prodrive operation, heading for semiretirement after 18 years and four world titles. Mitsubishi has signed Tommi Makinen once more and will have Freddy Loix as back-up, the Belgian bringing the vital Marlboro money to ensure his drive after another lacklustre year behind the wheel of the Lancer. - JON THOMSON Sutton-lmages

Delecour says he was totally surprised by the announcement that Peugeot had sacked him. “I am fine. I have no other solution but to be fine. I have to accept. I was a bit sm'prised, because the situation is a bit late,” said a shocked Delecour. “I was made a promise in August and, also, after Sanremo; they promised that I would drive 14 rallies for them next year as part of a three car team with Didier and Marcus”. He conceded that his slanging match with team-mate Gilles Panizzi over allegations of illegal practising in Sanremo, which was caught on tele\ision, might have been a factor in Peugeot’s decision. Delecour believes that a drive may be a possibility with Hyundai, a team desperate for a tarmac specialist, particularly after the loss of Bruno Thiry to Skoda “I think Hyundai is my one possibility of remaining in the World Championship next year, but I think I will be in Monte Carlo.” Peugeot Sport’s rally team director Jean-Pierre Nicolas admitted that he was not pleased with Delecour’s behaviour at Sanremo, but maintained that there was no place for him when Panizzi and Didier Auriol were also par-t of the team. “It is difficult to have in the same team three asphalt drivers. We are very happy with the job he has done for two years. It was a difficult choice, but there are difficult choices in life,” said Nicholas. -JON'THOMSON moiorsporl news

RALLY

Norway WRC?

Second snow event mooted before 2005 NORWAY could play host to a round of the WRC in the next five years, if plans hatched by former Norwegian rally driver John Haugland come to fruition. It would be the first time the Scandinavian country has hosted a World Championship in any form of motorsport. The new event is seen as a support rather than a replacement for the Swedish Rally, which has had major problems in recent years with a lack of snow during a rally which is included in the WRC calendar as a snow and ice rally. Norwegian sources believe that the geographical proximity of the two countries would make it straightforward to run two rallies in quick succession. They believe that it would also spread the development costs of testing cars and t3Tes for snow, which can only be guaranteed on the Swedish at present. Well aware that lack of snow has caused problems for the Swedish in the last decade, the Norwegian event would probably be based in a ski resort, either Lillehammar(which hosted the winter Olympics)or Geilo. “Norwegian rallying is booming at the moment, because of Fetter Solberg, and there is a good TV package next year which will add to the popularity of the event,” said Haugland.

Sainz

TESTING has started in Spain for Ford's 2001 World Rally program with Pirelli. Carlos Sainz ran a Focus WRC over three days near Barcelona, the former world champion reportedly impressed with the Italian rubber, which was a major factor in Richard Bums’ title challenge. Ford made the decision to switch suppliers after running Michelins over the past four seasons. Sainz and Colin McRae will run a full program next season, with Simon Jean-Joseph running a limited tarmac program.

Stop press: Traffic in Britain

Thiry joins Skoda SKODA Motorsport has announced that Bruno Thiry will be joining the team to contest the 2001 WRC. The 38-year-old Belgian, who will be joined by his regular co driver Stephane Prevot, will enter 12 events of the 2001 FIA World Rally Championship along side regular Octavia WRC crew Armin Schwarz Manfred Hiemer. Next year the team will be entering a pair of Octavia WRCs into the entire 14-round series aside from those rounds in Australia and New Zealand. Thiry has already made his mark on the World Rally Championship behind the wheel of an Octavia WRC. Twelve months ago, the Belgian ace made a guest appearance for Skoda Motorsport on the Rally of Great Britain and finished^the gruelling event in an excellent fourth place overall. Thiry will replace Luis Climent and Alex Romani who have been Schwarz's team mates during the 2000 series.

Ford for UK series? FORD may field a car in the British Rally Championship next season. Team boss Malcolm Wilson said last week that he had signed a driver to compete in the series, which wil; allow WRC cars to compete for the first time. Wilson declined to comment on his choice, but Ford insiders suggest that Tapio Laukkanen will be the driver. The Finn finished fifth on the recent Telstra Rally Australia.

Seat too?

Tell him he’s dreaming: Mum, there's a bloke behind us who says he’s that Colin McRae bloke ... tpiiaiohysumm.imasrs) SPECTATORS, once the biggest headache for British Rally organisers, were thin on the ground this year thanks to the strategy adopted to reduce their numbers. Organisers decided to charge a fee for spectating, with a three day ticket costing £45 ($135), or $45 a day. This, coupled with a limited number of tickets and the decision to base the rally in the remote Welsh forests, meant crowds were down from 8 December 2000

almost 1,000,000 to about 250,000 this year. However, the decision to finish the rally downtown on the same afternoon Wales played South Africa in a Rugby International meant the Welsh capital was gridlocked for hours after the rally. That's what happens when you base the two biggest sporting events in Britain in the same place on the same day. -JON THOMSON

FORD may face a challenge from SEAT in the British series. The Spanish manufacturer, which has pulled out of the World Rally Championship, will field a car in selected European events and is said to be looking closely at a full programme in the UK. Favourite for the Seat seat is Gwyndaf Evans. The Welshman has a long history with the marque, having had a Formula 2 Ibiza in past years. 55

0 years of ATCC i

by BRIAN REED

BY 1960, tin-top racing had enjoyed such incredible success in Australia that a national championship was instigated. The first title was decided on fast, triangular-shaped road circuit near Orange, NSW known as Gnoo Bias. In a memorable one-off race over 20 laps (120km.s), Sydney's David McKay led home a trifecta of Jaguars to win the inaugural championship. Forty years on, and the occasion was celebrated with a gathering at the old circuit on the weekend of November 11-12. Special guests were 'Pete' Geoghegan, Des West and Bruce McPhee along with locals Andy Selmes and Ken Brigden. Selmes finished 10th back in 1960 driving his 'humpy' Holden behind the similar car of McPhee, while Brigden drove his trusty Peugeot 203 to second place in the under 1300cc class. Significant cars that took part in the parade laps included the original Selmes Holden which was prepared by one of Orange's favourite sons - the late Max Stewart, and the third-placed Jaguar 3.8 which was campaigned by Ron Hodgson. Later it was raced with great success by ‘Pete’ Geoghegan, who won 16 of 24 races contested and never finished out of a place. Today, the famous 1958 ‘Grey Pussy’ with the distinctive Ampol stripes is raced in Historic events by Chris Haigh. Amongst the many and varied cars on display was the ex-Ron Ward, Noel Barnes MG TC Special. Another TC Special, the ex-Bill Patterson,‘Curly’ Bryden car also attracted plenty of lookers, along with local enthusiast Paul Kelly’s Rajo Ford Special - a copy of an American race car of the 1920s. More than 200 guests embossed glass and a reprinted packed the local bowling club for a copy of the original program - nice reminders of the occasion. dinner on the Saturday night, and were entertained by the special Back in 1960, a young cadet guest’s racing exploits and journalist at the local Orange recollections of Gnoo Bias. ‘Pete’ newspaper named Denis Gregory Geoghegan was the star of the contested the first Australian show, while Des West, another Touring Car Championship event veteran of that 1960 campaign, in his Morris Major. presented a book of his race career In 2000, Denis Gregory headed and a photograph of his old Holden, the organising committee for the to the organisers. 40th anniversary celebrations. Not Also among the guests was Bill a lot seems to have changed for Daly, who was one of the stewards Denis. He still works at the same 40 years ago. Everyone received an newspaper - but he has replaced 56

New South Wales motor sports heroes in a tangible way. The park at Gnoo Bias is known as Sir Jack Brabham Park, while just around the corner is Eric Hinton Park, named after one of our top motorcycle aces of the 1950s. In another part of town is Max Stewart Park, in honour of the dual Australian Grand Prix winner and dual Gold Star champion who hailed from Orange. The unusual name of‘Gnoo Bias’ was coined by the famous explorer Major Mitchell who

adopted it from the aboriginal term meaning ‘two peaks’for nearby Mount Canobolas. The race track which opened in January 1953 and held its last meeting in October 1961 was regarded as the fastest in Australia with a lap record of more than 168km/h set by John Leighton. Reg Hunt holds the record for the fastest time recorded along the 2.4km straight at 269km/h in his Maserati 250F. It was appropriately known as ‘Hospital Straight.’

molorsporl news

HISTORICS IF you are old enough to remember them,the years of the Tasman Series races were a great time to be a motor racing fan. The best from overseas took on the best from the southern hemisphere in a crazy, eight race in eight week blast through New Zealand and Australia. The tone was set in the late 1960s, with GP cars and drivers heading down under, but others of us hold strong memories for the early 70s , and Formula 5000s. Large grids of cars duked it out wheel-to-wheel. The earth shook. The crowds loved it. In 1972 something new appeared in the series; a diversity of machinery, the like of which had never been seen before, or since. The staple had been McLaren’s MlOA and lOB, which had been raced by Frank Matich, Neil Allen, Teddy Pilette, John Cannon and Graham McRae, with the odd Lola for Frank Gardner and Malcolm Guthrie, were suddenly old hat. But, a year later, there was a whole new generation; Lola’s new, ungainly-looking T300 appeared,for Gardner and Bob Muir (after Allen crashed in pre-season testing and retired); Matich wheeled out his squarejawed Matich-Repco A50; and then there was a unique, smallish car in garish STP red - the Leda. McRae debuted the pregnant little car with a DNF at Pukekohe before hitting NZ and Australia like a typhoon. The GMl,powered by

It^s Ivlac Ti Louis Morand-prepared Chevrolet engines with race-leading grant, swept the series, winning at Levin, Wigram,Surfer’s and Sundown’s AGP. He took the title on 39 points from Mike Hailwood’s Surtees and Gardner’s works Lola. Sandown turned STP red again last month when kiwis Roger Williams and Stewart Rush wheeled out their McRae-built weapons. Williams’car was actually an original ’72 Leda, the last car so named before McRae renamed his

Poole, UK factory, McRae Cars. “This car was raced by Evan Noyes(an American who did the ’72 Tasman in a 2-litre GRD),” he said in Melbourne. “Someone raced it in the USA until 1978 and that’s where I found it.” The car, pictured above, was, literally, abandoned,found sitting in a shed in Minnesota,just as it had come off the track in its last race. Aucklander Williams acquired the car three years ago and, after

considerable work, put the dar back on the track. The other car belongs to Rush and ran the original ‘22’ that McRae traditionally carried. This car also has an interesting history, McRae racing the car in Europe in 1973 in the colours of Iberian Airlines. The car, which is 75mni longer in the wheelbase that the Leda, ended up in Australia, where it stayed until Rush snapped it up at the AGP auction in 1997. -PHILBRANAGAN

Molina honoured

Marque, ML 3: Elfin Sports Cars is working on chassis number 14 of Us reborn ML 3 Clubman. This means that the Melbourne manufacturer has matched the output oj the original ML I, of which Carrie Coopet built 14 examples Elfin's Bill Hemming and Nick Kovatch have parts on handfor another 10 chassis. Incidentally. ML 3 chassis #/, above, is for sale. The car was built by the students of Melbourne Grammar, the 14-16 year olds completing the car over an 18 month period. MN’s editor has driven the car. and it's a peach. See Classifieds, page 79,for more details.

8 December 2000

VETERAN racer and raconteur Lou Molina was guest of honour at the MG Car Club's Rob Roy hillclimb conducted on November 25. It was a fitting tribute to one of Australia's great motor racing personalities, who celebrated his 80th birthday on November 4 and who only three days before Rob Roy had been the recipient of one of the first Australian Sports Awards. In his inimitable fashion, Lou said the award could now be added to his QBE ('Over Bloody 801’) There were three generations of the Molina family competing among the entries which numbered almost 100 - in addition to the elder statesman there were sons Anthony and Ernest, and grandson Lou Jnr. It was worth the trip down from Sydney for Ernest as he went home with the R.G. Wigley Trophy for the fastest pre-war MG. He drove Lou's supercharged MG TA up the hill in a brisk time of 27,17s. One of Lou's most famous cars, the Molina Monza was on show courtesy of Bryan and Gavin Sala and did a demonstration run as a tribute to its former owner. The next Rob Roy hillclimb is scheduled for February 11,2001 and will be the first round of the Victorian Hillclimb Championship for the coming year. - BRIAN REED 57

Yates loves new GrandAm JIM Yates has wasted no time on starting testing on his new 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. Straight after the NHRA finals at Ponnona, the two-time Winston Pro Stock champ and his crew headed to Bradenton in Florida where he got stuck into his new Splitfire/Peak car. Yates was particularly pleased with the consistency of the car. "The car went reasonably fast and reasonably straight," he reported. "It did everything it was supposed to do. I was real happy with it and very satisfied that it went as fast as it did." "It went a 6.81 at 201.98. We went a couple of 6.83s, and the first day we went 6.84 and 6.87. After we put our race motor in it, it never went slower then 6.90.” Yates was particularly pleased with the stability of the Grand Am. "Aerodynamically it's a pretty

good car. The longer wheelbase makes it really work well on the bumps. There are typically a lot of bumps at the track we were testing on, which is one of the reasons we go there because it's a more real life-situation than going to a track that is a mineshaft. "I think the Grand Am is going to work out real well at the national-event tracks. The car went very straight and the aerodynamic package has the car well-balanced front to rear. That makes a difference on how the car handles on the track and how much downforce it has." "When we're in a class looking for a thousandth of a second, a hundredth of a second is a big difference and I wouldn't be surprised if this car is about a hundredth or two faster then our old car."

VALE: Bert Jones and Clayton Harris TWO of drag racing’s great pioneers and innovators, Australian Bert Jones and American Clayton Harris, have passed away recently. Jones, 74, passed away in Sydney on November 20 after a long battle with cancer. Jones is best known for his involvement with Top Fuel racer Ross Mellish, the two campaigning a number of cars in the early years ofthe sport, their careers peaking with Nationals wins in 1969 and 1973. Harris was killed when the small plane he was piloting crashed near Stillwater, Oklahoma on November 23. His daughter, Meagen, was also onboard the plane and survived the impact with major burns. Her condition is still listed as critical. Harris won five IHRA national events and the 1978 IHRA Top Fuel title as a driver, but in recent years he is best remembered for his tuning abilities. In 1988 he tuned the late 58

tantt

Remember when: Clayton Harris with Richard Holcomb. Richard Holcomb to just the third ever four second pass, while in the mid-1990s he tuned Paul Romine to the first five second pass for a front-engined fueller. In the past four years, Harris tuned Romine to three IHRA titles, as well as the sanctioning body’s first 320 mph pass. - GERALD McDORNAN/ DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

D Report by KEN FERGUSON VICTOR Bray went one step better than he did at the 2000 Konica Wintemationals, at WUlowhank Raceway’s season opening Supercharged Outlaws on Satiu’day night, November 25. Bray, in his world’s fastest Doorslammer, entered the Castrol ’57 Chev at the event for testing purposes only and ended up a solo winner in the final of the Supercharged Outlaws bracket. Bray, along with Gary Phillips, in his Lucas Oils Products ’53 Studebaker, and Maurice Fabietti, in his Fabietti Race Engines(now KB-powered)Pontiac, were among the Doorslammers to enter the event for testing. Bray went all the way to the final, where he won on a solo with his best time of the event, a 6.31/223. His opponent Michael Davey, in his KB-powered Holden Monaro, was shut down on the start line following his burnout. Davey had earlier recorded his best numbers ever with a 7.00/197 in his semi final with Dean McClennan in the Autobam/Castrol funny car. Phillips was attempting to go quicker than 6.40s in his Studebaker, but was again plagued by tyre shake problems. Phillips’ first and only qualifier resulted in a severe tyre-shaking 6.68/216. He received a first round bye and shut off early, before meeting Bray in

the semi. Bray gained a small advantage on the start line and held it all the way to the finish to defeat Phillips with a 6.41/220 to a faster 6.55/222. Fabietti stepped up his act in his Pontiac, recording his best numbers with a 6.62/211 and bettering that later with a 6.59/212. Another to improve was former Super Stock racer Stuart Bishop in his MMM FM 104/Wallace Bishop Jewellers ’57 Chev. Bishop stepped up the former C/Gas car to the supercharged class and recorded an impressive off the trailer 7.58/180. 'The nitro funny car team of Rodney and Ashley Bailey also attended the event with their Ford Probe flopper, aiming to go better than their previous best, a 5.89 molorsport news

DRAG RACING

Night of Thunder: Victor Bray was the man to beat in the Outlaws night at Willowbank, but Michael Davey ran his best numbers at 7.00/197.(M.oass) recorded at the July Winter Finals. Ashley piloted the car to its best ever numbers on his one and only pass of the event, a 5.74 at only 212. The car recorded a half-track speed at 216 mph, but lost the blower belt just short of the 1000ft mark, and robbed the team of possibly a low 5.60 or high 5.50. The team missed out on a second chance at improving their time, falling victim to Willowbank’s new ”no testing during eliminations" policy. After months and months of trying, Jason Simpson finally broke into the eight second zone in his A1 Automotive G/Gas Capri, 8 December 2000

and as a bonus, took a well deserved win in the Supercomp bracket. Simpson has been hovering in the 9.00s for quite a while and finally recorded his first eight second pass in the first round with an 8.99. He then backed it up with a holeshot 8.98,150 mph victory in the final, to take a win over Mike O’Donnell with his sub index C/A 8.17/160. Other winners on the night included John Adin in Comp Bike, Graeme Frawley in Modified, John Widgery in Super Sedan, George Wegener in Super Street, Andrew Le Dilly in Modified Bike, and Amy Riley in Junior Dragster.

Vance & Hines go Pro Harley TERRY Vance,long-time partner of Byron Hines in the famed Vance & Hines motorcycle performance group,says the company is looking forward to running a works Harley-Davidson in the NHRA Pro Stock Bike category next year. Harley’s Screamin’Eagle Performance Parts division made the announcement of their decision to back Vance & Hines at the recent Auto Club Finals at Pomona, the news surprising most industry observers. “In our history, the Vance & Hines team has never not qualified for a race, and we’ve won races on all four major Japanese brands of motorcycle I don’t think anyone else can say that,” Vance said last week. “Right now, we’re in a good position to do something that is good for drag racing and when this idea was first presented to me,I told Byi'on that this could be the last big thing we do for drag racing, so we should take advantage of it. “We’ve always talked about bow cool it would be do have a Harley-Davidson Pro Stock bike, and from a business and promotional standpoint, this is the perfect time to do it.” Vance said around 60 percent of V&H’s business is HarleyDavidson, so the move to the American brand was a natural progression. “We didn’t launch our line of Harley-Davidson parts until five years ago and the growth has been just tremendous. We know how much it would mean to have a competitive Harley-Davidson in the NHRA Pro Stock Bike class.” Vance said the team’s first Harley, which will be developed at Hines’ Freedom Motorsports shop in Colorado, as opposed to V&H’s California headquarters, won’t make an appearance until mid-2001, although they expect the bike to be ‘competitive’from the beginning. .’’This is a big project and we’re basically starting with a clean sheet of paper, so it’s going to take a while. The HarleyDavidson people know our reputation and they know that Byron is no dummy. I’m sure we’ll get it figured out, but it will take some time.” - DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Drag racers awarded ASMs DRAG racers Jim Read, Victor Bray and Andrew Cowin have been honoured with the awarding of the Australian Sports Medal by the Governor-General, Sir William Deane. The trio were notified of their awards last week, with all recipients pleased with the commendations. The ASM is being awarded during the 2000 year to commemorate Australian sporting achievement by both current and former sporting participants. n While on the subject of Bray, the five-time Australian Top Doorslammer Champion has re signed with long-time sponsor Castrol for the 2000/01 season. To mark the continuation of their eight year association, Castrol and Bray are running a competition inviting fans to design a new paint scheme for Bray's world record setting '57 Chevy - the winning entrant receiving a ride in Bray's wild Castrol burnout car. For further information on the, contest, log on to www.castrol.com.au. a Watch for current Australian Top Fuel Champion Darren DiFilippo to wheel Garry McGrath's fueller at Calder Park this Saturday. With no sponsor to back their record-setting ride, DiFilippo and father Charlie had elected to sit this weekend's event out, but the chance of a ride in McGrath's car has 're ignited' the flame. B Could IHRA's 2000 Pro Stock World Champ Jon Yoak be jumping ship for a move to NHRA racing, much like Don Lampus did at the end of the 1999 year? Rumour has Ford returning to the sport with a full factory program in Pro Stock Truck, with Yoak in line for the drive. The blue oval brigade will, apparently, develop a race version of its trusty 351 powerplant for their return... B The IHRA has backed down from it’s 'Black Flag' rule, which disallowed runs made in qualifying where liquids or debris were deposited on the track, forcing down time. For 2001, any Pro driver making a pass which results in an interruption n will be penalised 15 championship points, but there will be no monetary fines and all qualifying runs will count (qualifiers with oildowns were disqualified in 2000). The sanctioning body will also go back to the four pass qualifying format in Pro Modified, Pro Stock and Alcohol Funny Car. Top Fuel and Nitro Harley will continue with three runs. - GERALD McDORNAN /DAVID OSTASZEWSKI 59

Brett Stevens

Double

We all know people who are good at everything- but does Brett Stevens have to win on two wheels and four? GREG WARD profiles Doorslammer’s coming man.

BRETT Stevens is one of those larger-than-life figures in the drag racing world who seems to he able to catch the imagination of those spectators who crowd the mounds at drag racing strips around the country. He has, like close friend Victor Bray, built up a loyal following of dedicated fans who are very evident everywhere he races. Stevens, however, is different from others in the pack. He has a multi-faceted appeal - not only is he one of the rare breed who wrestle a fire-breathing nitro Harley Top Fuel motorcycle down the quarter-mile at almost 200mph, but he also performs some of the best burnouts in the business at the helm of his Studebaker Top Doorslammer. Add to that a pair of specialised burn-out vehicles - a wild, supercharged, V6 powered bike, and a replica of his TD Studebaker - and you have an exciting package that is sure to capture the imagination of all those who witness the show he puts on. But Stevens is notjust a Showman; he is a dedicated racer who recently pulled off one ofthe greatest achievements by a professional racer in this country by winning both the Top Bike and Top Doorslammer brackets at the same event. It marked the first time in almost 25 years that an Australian racer has won two Group One brackets at the same race, and it was the first time that the feat had been achieved by someone competing in both bike and car categories. A self-confessed ‘adrenaline junkie’, Stevens isn’t quite sure where or when the drag racing bug first bit him, but an unremarkable childhood passion for dirt bikes gave way to something much faster 60

when he found a Top Fuel Bike frame sitting in a shop in his native Queensland. “I just wanted to go fast,” admits Stevens. “The frame was basically doing nothing, and I started playing with some stuff, building a supercharged Honda 750 to put into it.” That bike never made it onto the track. Instead, on a trip to the USA in 1990, where he was buying stock for his new Harley Davidson shop, he met the legendaiy Jim McClure and forged what was to become a quite close relationship. It also changed the course of his life, as Stevens took the first steps to becoming a professional racer. “I bought a lot of gear off Jim for my shop and also went to watch him race his Top Fuel Harley,” recalled Stevens. “I was very impressed, and he had a bike which he had built for a guy who had fallen off it and wasn’t real keen on running it again.” Stevens had the bike shipped over to Australia and hit the track for the first time at the Benaraby track at Townsville, making his first-ever pass down the quarter aboard any vehicle on a nitrobuming fueller. With insufficient air pressure in the transmission’s air tank, the bike left in top gear and smoked the tyre for most of the trip, a run that whetted his appetite and helped shape his racing future. “I got down the other end and just wanted to make another run straight away -it was the best buzz, but it was a lesson that you have to spend time and prepare these bikes before you get on them and ride.” Running Harleys in those days involved using the original needle roller bearings in the bottom end, and being just a little bit out on your tune-up would “hammer them

Take your pick: Brett Stevens is becoming a man to be reckoned with, cither {Photos hy Miirshiill Ctis s) in his Studebaker Doorslammer or on his Harley.

^ C

to bits”. As the engine damage with those early and relatively fragile pieces mounted, Stevens saw the need to find a backer and went to some enterprising lengths in order to secure sponsorship. After putting many proposals forward. Jack Daniels emerged as the most willing of saviours and Stevens has

been dedicated ever since to giving them as much exposure as possible each season as a reward for their faith in him. “A sponsor like Jack Daniels is great but people tend to think that when you have someone like that, it’s all easy. It’s not; you have to work even harder to ensure that moiorsport news

DRAG RACING ¥

"If somebody told me that I had to make a flat choice between the two then I'd give up both it's either both or none!" -Brett Stevens

you’re on top of things and get the results for them. It doesn’t put you on ‘easy street’.” A transporter purchased from Victor Bray gave him the travelling billboard on which to display the JD colours and,in 1995, Stevens took another step forward when he travelled to the USA and picked up one of McClure’s own bikes. He fitted a new ‘Overkill’ engine into it, and made some changes to the bodywork before running it at a meeting in the States, where he ran into the 7.5s at ISOmph, new PBs for the rapidly-emerging team. Back in Australia, Stevens teamed up with Perth nitro Harley racer Bruce Barnett to form the first two-bike team in Australian Top Fuel Bike ranks. Apart from increasing his exposure, Stevens’ racing was seeing him achieving

more and more success. At the ’99 Wintemationals, he came to the race a mere five points behind Craig McPhee in the race for the Championship. He made it to the final but his hopes evaporated into a cloud oftyre smoke when he nailed the throttle. Stevens has been in the process of replacing his current chassis with a new piece, which he has been planning for some time. Originally destined to debut at the ’00 Wintemats, that date has been pushed back until the third round of the Championship in Perth. “I suppose I’m just being a bit fussy, but I want everything to be right with this new bike. Our ultimate aim is to produce around 10 of these new chassis and then market them in the US, so I want to make sure that everything is

just how I want it.” The new bike will be around 13 inches longer than his current unit, enough hopefully to cure his present tyre-smoking problems as the cuiTent short wheelbase chassis tends to unload the slick. It will also be in the vicinity of 25-35kgs lighter than his cun-ent ride, something alone which should mean an improvement in ET over his 7.07 best. “We have also made some changes to the engine - it’s quite a bit different from what we have been running. The motor plates and outrigger plates are changed, and we’re going to be getting quite a bit more horsepower out of it,” he observed. “We have tried to incorporate all the little lessons I’ve learnt after racing one of these things for 10 years.” The idea for afrom Top Doorslammer came about several areas, not the least of which was some prompting from the cuirent National Champion, Victor Bray. “Victor asked me a couple of times if I’d thought about racing a car, and then a few fans asked the same question. Also, we'd gone to where we could with the bike - we can't go up another bracket with it! The seed was planted in the back of my head and then a car became available and that was that! “I bought an engine from Wictor and he supplied me with a tune up that would get the car down the track, but once I got it up and running then I was going to be on my own. I mean, we are still very good friends - as are all ofthe guys in the bracket- and I can call on him if I'm having a problem with the car, but the tune up is now our own deal.” It didn't take Bray long to cut the 'apron strings'. At his very first outing with the Studebaker, Stevens went all the way to the semis with both the Harley and the Doorslammer and showed that he was a very quick learner as far as performing half track bumouts were concerned,A 6.39 from the flamed Stude wasn't bad for a 'beginner', either! One of the highlights of Stevens' career was his involvement in the ADBA series last summer which

pitted the world's best nitro Harley riders against each other in a whirlwind tour ofAustralian tracks. Running so many meetings in such a short period of time helped Stevens and his crew adapt quickly to the pace needed in order to maintain both the Doorslammer and the Harley at the same meeting. “That series really helped condition us to run both vehicles. Last year we only had to do it two or three rounds - this year all five rounds have Doorslammer and Top Bike running together,” he said. Having finished second in the Top Bike points three times and coming in an extremely creditable fifth in Top Doorslammer in just his 'rookie' season, Stevens is looking at securing at least one championship title this season. He has made an unbelievable start in that quest, his double victory at Calder's opening round seeing him take the lead in both categories, but he knows that there's a long, hard road ahead. “We've just landed a shipment of parts for both vehicles,” he said. “Most of the pieces for the bike are just to freshen it up, but we are aiming at stepping up a bit vtdth the car. I mean, we ran 6.35/221 when we won at Calder, but we were very consistent in eliminations -.37,.35 and .35. We want to maintain that same sort of consistency but with our new parts we want to step it up to run .30s. That's what it's going to take to be competitive this season and we need to do that without hurting anything.” Having raced the nitro Harleys for a decade and the Doorslammer for just over a season, which does he prefer? “That's a question everyone asks me and it's a difficult one,” says Stevens. “The bike's probably my favourite because it's special to me. I've been riding it for so long and have seen it develop over that time. The car is good because you can do those big long burnouts - they're the real fun

part! “They've both got special characteristics. If somebody told me that I had to make a flat choice between the two then I'd give up both - it's either both or none!”

2000/01 ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING STANDINGS NOV. 6 Australian Top Doorslammer Championship 100

I. Brett Stevens. Jack Daniels Harley

105

1. Sam Scerri. Dutch Ma.stcr Suzuki

2.Andrcw Searle. ACME ‘57 Customlinc

. 80

2. Steve Kitchen.Budwciser Kawasaki

2. Jason Lee, D&D Racing Suzuki

.80

3.Victor Bray. Castro! ‘57 Chev

3. Graeme Morcll, Morcll Racing Harley

3. Paul Andrews, Andrews Racing Suzuki .... 60

4.Peter Kapiris. Kapiris Bros ‘53 Stude

4. Craig Bonwick. Harley

.60

4. Neville Langley. SA

5.Rob Broadbent. Aussie Bananas Statesman 40

5. Jeff Smith. Creative Spraying Harley

.45

5. Colin Linney. 10-Tenths Motorcycles Suz 40 .40 6. David Hinds, SA

.60

6. Ian Ashelford. Attitude Racing Harley

.40

7.Robin Judd. Moonshine Bandit ‘53 Studc....40

7. Garry Thomas, Garry Thomas Racing

.40

7. Angelo Ganilis. APE Suzuki

8.Dave Koop, Tcctaloy ‘55 Chev

.40

8. Craig McPhee. McPhcc Racing Puma

.40

8. Chris Godcassi. Godcassi Family Racing ..40

9.Marcus Chambers, HQ Monaro.

.20

9. Brett Jonas. Attitude Racing Harley....

.20

9. Maurice Allen, Son of Pommie Pete Racing 20

6.Gary Phillips. Lucas Oils ‘53 Stude

8 December 2000

Au.stralian Pro Stock Bike Championship

Australian Top Bike Championship

1.Brett Stevens, Jack Daniels ‘53 Stude

.40

Bobby Labonfe

Bobby Labonte followed in the footsteg^of^bf^bmtlner Terry wheifMttpK w n We. But the most notable feature e0hisK: i e^relationship he has built upwl

NASCAR JUST like his older brother Terry, Bobby Labonte is one of the quieter more likeable, selfassuming drivers around the garage area. On the race track, his typical style is to race the race track, laying back until the closing stages of a race, where he would appear on the leader board. His 2000 championship year was one of consistency, amassing an amazing 19 top five finishes, four wins and two pole awards. All that work netted him the US$3 million ($5.8m) cheque for the championship, plus race winnings of $4,041,746! Along with runner-up Dale Earnhardt, zero DNFs contributed to the title. But, unlike Earnhardt, Labonte is rarely aggressive on or off the track and, if something upsets him, it’s a while before the media hears his closely thought comments. Labonte is the epitome of a new bread of NASCAE racer; a family man, clean-cut and well-spoken. There’s no ‘redneck’in him. The same can be said for his car owner Joe Gibbs; a devout Christian and well-known American personality (he is a former Superbowl-winning coach with the National Football League’s Washington Redskins). For NASCAR’s ever-increasing marketing department, it’s the perfect pairing. Labonte started racing go-karts at a tender age around the Corpus Christi area in Texas where he grew up with brother Terry. “To be racing with Terry now, to be competitive with him, that’s a great feeling. To go from watching him race hobby stocks, when he was 15 and I was eight, watching them tear down a ’57 Chevy, I can remember those days,” said Bobby, now 36. “The way I came up was working on cars, or racing here and there, I would not change that for anything, because it’s all worthwhile. I wouldn’t want it any other way. To see how my life has gone from racing quarter midgets, to watching Dale Earnhardt in 1980 at Carraway(NC,short track)in a late model, to working on cars, to racing late models again, to Busch cars, to Winston Cup. It’s neat. For Terry and me to be a part of winning the championship, both of us for the first time in NASCAR history, I think that’s just overwhelming for our whole family.” He began his racing career in North Carolina, working as a crew member for the now defunct Billy Hagan Racing in 1984(for which Terry drove) and then worked for legendary short track car builder Jay Hedgecock. Bobby went on to win the late

8 December 2000

Dream Team: Joe Gibbs, left, and Labonte make a powerful pairing. (Photo by Marlin D Clark; others by Sutton-lmages)

snatched Gordon and crew chief Ray Evernham away from Davis for the 1993 season, and Davis chose Labonte to pilot his Maxwell House Ford in 1993. In 1990, a sponsorship package He did not have the impact was put together with Slim Jim to Gordon had on the series, notching run the entire Busch schedule, in up just one top five and eight top which he 10 results finished a during his two «1 respectable year tenure with fourth. The Davis. But, when Dale following year he clinched his first Jan-ett left Joe rr Busch win at Gibbs Racing in Bristol and went 1995 to join - Car owner Joe Gibbs Robert Yates, to win the series title. Gibbs sent for In 1992, he finished second to Labonte to fill the 1999 Champ’s Joe Nemechek by the smallest seat and, again, GM had taken one of Ford and Davis’s future stars. margin in series history. In winning the 2000 Winston Cup The move to Gibbs proved Championship, he became the first positive for Labonte and his crew ever driver to take both titles. chief Jimmy Makar, who Jarrett’s brother-in-law. Their first win After two starts, driving a selfowned Slim Jim Oldsmobile in came in the longest race of the 1992, Labonte entered the Winston 1995 season, the Coke 600 at Cup Series full-time in 1993, Charlotte. He followed that up by battling Jeff Gordon for rookie of sweeping the two Michigan events, the year honours, which Gordon along with 22 top 10 results, and went on to win. He drove in 1993 finished 10th in the points and 1994 with Bill Davis Racing, standings. The team went one better in the owner’s first years in Winston 1996, with four wins, including the Cup after spending several years most memorable of Labonte’s in the Busch Series, with Gordon career when he won the season the driver of his Thunderbirds. But GM and Rick Hendrick ending Atlanta race, and brother model track championship at Carraway Speedway later that year, continuing to run the short track while competing in a handful of Busch events.

What I think is great about this sport is that you can't huy it. It's all about chemistry

Terry clinched his second Winston Cup championship. The pair took a victory lap together and joint celebration in the winner’s circle. Just eight years ago, during Gibbs’first year in Winston Cup, the team struggled and had debts of almost US$500,000. But the next year with Jarrett, they captured the Daytona 500 and, from then on, never looked back. “Norman Miller (Interstate Batteries President) gambled nine years ago and decided to sponsor a race car when we didn’t have a nut or bolt,” commented Gibbs. “Now to see him as part of our championship is a gi-eat stoiy” For Gibbs, it’s his first Winston Cup Championship in nine years of trying. “In football, I think we went to three Super Bowls in nine years,” he remarked on his career with the NFL Washington Redskins where, as head coach, he went on to capture four Super Bowls in 10 years. “Over here, it took nine years. It’s extremely hard and you have to have a group of dedicated people. Our gi'oup is kind of a quite gi-oup, but I’d say right now they’re having the biggest celebration. Really, when you look at those guy’s enjoying this championship, that’s what excites me the most.” Gibbs won his first Super Bowl in 1983, but a wake up call came when he suffered a defeat to the LA Raiders 38-9 in the 1984 Super Bowl, one of the worst in history. “Comparing my last Super Bowl against Minnesota, I was standing next to Charles Manning and he said the fun was getting here. When I think back, the similarity is so close between racing and football. It’s the best people trying to do something. You have to have gi-eat people and it’s hard to get a group like that. You have to motivate them and give them goals to achieve and reward them when they reach those goals. “What I think is great about this sport is that you can’t buy it. It’s all about chemistry.” That said, Gibbs was one of the first to introduce pay incentives when the team defeated the 16 second pit stop during a race, something that keeps the team pumped in his typical style. As the 2001 season looms, you can expect Labonte, Gibbs, Makar and the whole crew to be contenders again. As Gibbs remarked, it’s all about chemistry and, with the same members on board for next year and Interstate Batteries signed up for five more years, you can expect Bobby to be in victory lane many times unassuming,in control of his race car and his emotions. 63

NASCAR News ‘Awesome Bill’ given the ‘Spirit’ Bill Elliott received the 'Spirit of Ford Award’ at the Atlanta season finale, Ford's highest award in molorsports given to those who have made a significant contribution to the world of auto racing, both on and off the track. Among the 17 who have received the award in past years are Bob Glidden, Mario Andretti, Jackie Stewart, Jimmy Clark, Stirling Moss, The France Family and Dan Gurney. "Even though Bill will be ending his racing relationship with us this year, it wouldn't be right to let him go without recognizing the sacrifice and loyalty he has displayed all these years to Ford Motor Company," said Dan Davis clirector of Ford's worldwide racing program. II Hendrick Motorsports driver Jerry Nadeau and Tom Cotter, chairman of a well respected sports marketing company, have formed their own USAC Sprint Car team named Tom and Jerry Racing. The idea is to field cars and mould drivers into future Winston Cup stars starting off with Tony Hunt in 2001. Hunt has three wins and ten top ten results in just 15 starts this year competing in the USAC Western Series. B Four Dodge teams and five cars were present for testing at Kentucky Speedway last Monday, with another two cars e.xpected to turn up at the track as Motorsport News went to press. The Dodge Intrepids are apparently showing good speed, although no direct comparisons have yet been made with other marques.

B Melling Racing was one of the Dodge teams which didn't front at Kentucky, the team electing to head to the Lockheed wind tunnel in Marietta, Georgia insteads. Melling is expected to test its Intrepid at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the first week of January. n After eight seasons of wearing the.same colours, Jeff Gordon's #24 Dupont Chevy will be seen in new colours in 2001, The new scheme will have Gordon's car carrying neon red flames on the front and horizontally down the sides, while the base colour will remain blue. The flames will end just above the DuPont oval on the hood and end just before the rear wheels with a little flame just behind the wheels like it was kicked up on the car by the rear tyre. To keep the previous theme alive in one respect, rainbow stripes outline all the flames. - MARTIN D CLARK 64

Helton takes over After 28 years at the top, Bill France steps down in steering the world’s most popular racing series. BOl France Jr, who is recovering fi-om cancer treatment, and who was NASCAE’s president for the last 28 years, will take the role of Chairman of the Executive Committee, which will comprise his brother Jim, son Brian, daughter Lesa Kennedy and Helton. Pyne will take responsibility for the administrative side ofthe growing group, while Helton will oversee the rise of NASCAR’s competition program.

by PHIL MORRIS FOR,the first time in its history,someone from outside the France Family will take the top job in NASCAR. Last week the organisation announced that Mike Helton will be the new President of NASCAR, with George Pyne filling his vacated spot as Vice President. Helton has been the VP and Chief Executive Officer of the 400 staffstrong organisation since 1999. But the France Family will still play a major role

All change: Helton /eft and Bill France.rPhoiosbyMamnciark)

Gary IMelson retains his job...

WINSTON Cup technical director Gary Nelson will stay with the NASCAR organisation despite rumours and published reports to the contrary. Nelson's position was rumoured to be under threat with the change in management at NASCAR, although new president Mike Helton quickly put the rumours to rest upon his appointment. "Gary Nelson will be staying with NASCAR," Helton was quoted as;saying at the announcement of his move from Chief Operating Officer. Nelson was thought to be on the outer with the

sanctioning body's new boss, with some suggesting he would be stood down, while others suggested he would be reassigned within the organisation. Nelson's original appointment was controversial in itself, the former crew chief with a solid reputation for pushing the rules to the limits apparently appointed to catch teams out, with NASCAR's then technical department, apparently, not capable. - MARTIN D CLARK

Dodge readies for Daytona

DESPITE rumours of a serious parts shortage that could hamper their Winston Cup efforts, Dodge’s band of teams are undertaking serious ontrack and off-track testing and development in readiness for their Februai-y debut. Team owner and development leader Ray Evernham said the Dodge program is progi’essing steadily. “We’re working on our race team development right now. With the end of the season, all the teams are back at square one,so we’re all on the same playing field for 2001 Evernham said. “No good driver will tell you they are reaUy ready, but with the time left until the Daytona 500, we’re in a really good place. I’ve watched that clock tick down day by day from 500 days down to 250 days to less

than 100 now ... I’m going to smash that clock on the afternoon of the Daytona 500! Evernham said his team will move into new premises next week, all the while the work continuing at various other shops and tracks. “We just finished a test at Talladega where we were working to make gains on our restrictor plate engine. We’ve spent a lot of time in the wind

tunnel, on the track and on the dyno to make sm-e we’re ready come February. The development of the engine is really a search for speed versus endurance. One is a function of the other. Everyone wants horsepower, but with too much horsepower you can run into durability problems. We’re working to find a balance between the two.

Dodge loses US$512m DAIMEER-CHRYSLER’s much-reported US$512 million loss for the third quarter and the subsequent removal of many US management staff won’t have any affect on the company’s racing plans, according to sources within DC. While many of their colleges have been removed, Jim Julow, vice president of DaimlerChrysler’s Dodge Division, and Lou Patane, the company’s racing operations manager, remain in their jobs, which is a good sign for the company’s impending Winston Cup return. The announcement last week that Dodge will also sponsor Darlington’s spring 2001 race was also another good sign for DC’s stockcar return.

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Brooke takes in

theSA

Riverview pushes him, but Tatnell

S^I2EY^VAN PER STELT^ DEFENDING World Series Sprintcar Champion Brooke Tatnell has leapt to the lead in the 2001 points championship with a hard fought win in round three of the series at Rivei-view Speedway. Tatnell and 1999 Australian Sprintcar Champion, Phil March, staged a rugged duel all night long wdth Tatnell, who was able to get the upper hand during the non stop 30 lap final, finally coming home in a new race record time. A large crowd packed into the Murray Bridge venue and the fans were not disappointed by the action as front row occupants Tatnell and March drag raced sideby-side for the first two laps of the feature. Tatnell's Shell Helix Avenger eventually emerged marginally ahead of March’s wheel-standing Maxim to take the lead, while March then came under increasing pressure from the ROH Wheels Maxim of current Sprintcar Action Series points leader, Mark Reuter. Reuter, however, fell off the pace of March through the traffic and was overtaken by Max Dumesny, the local rueing defeat. “It's good to be on the pace of Max,” said Reuter. “It's not that often you can do that. I'm learning more and more about our new ROH Maxim, we’ve had to develop a new direction for the set-up.” Tatnell was a class above the

rest of the field through the thick lap traffic, explaining later that "it was a fun race really, especially non-stop through traffic. "We were hooked up so that I could go either around or under anybody, but the lapped cars were very respectful." March, who had not raced all season until Saturday night, was without long time crew chief, Ashley Smith, who has remained in the USA this summer, but despite this was able to post second quick time behind Tatnell in the time trials, win both his heats from the back row and then win the dash after inverting the front row. Rounding out the top 10 behind Tatnell, March, Dumesny and Reuter were local Darryl Downing,

The Shell Helix Avenger, literally: Brooke Tatnell, despite all of the bumps and bruises from a tough year of World of Outlaws, was in strong form at Riverview in South Australia. (Photo by David Lamonl) Skip Jackson, Victorian Daiyn Maggs, Dennis Burford, WA's Alan Haynes and Chris Evans. For three-time series winner Jackson, he improved in his new partnership with Shane Ki'ikke in the Pennzoil/Bunbury Toyota Maxim, concededing that "it was better than (round one) Newcastle - but still pretty average." Murray Bridge driver Darryl Wright crashed into another car and wrote off his front suspension at the start of the feature, while Andrew Scheuerle (spark plug/overheating), Cameron Gessner (driveline), Sydney's W-A.

Adam Constable (spin), Brett Squiers and Victorian Steve Knight also failed to finish the AFeature.

World Series Sprintcars Round 2- Riverview, Dec 2 Time Trials 1. TatnelM2.166, 2. March 12.377, 3. Dumesny 12.436, 4. Jackson 12.628, 5. Wright 12.766, 6. Reuter 12.861, 7. Burford 12.943, 8. Gessner 12.972, 9, Downing 13.132, 10. Scheuerle 13.208, 11. Haynes 13.275, 12. Constable 13.337, 13. Knight 13.383, 14. Evans 13.394, 15. Squiers 13.416, 16. Maggs 13.692, 17. Eeles 14.029, 18. Bartlett No Time. Heat Races (10 laps) Heat 1 - Knight, Tatnell, Maggs, Scheuerle, Jackson, Burford. Heat 2 - March, Evans, Wright, Haynes, Eeles. Heat 3- Constable, Reuter, Downing, Dumesny, Squiers, Heat 4- March, Maggs, Scheuerle, Jackson, Evans. Heat 5 - Tatnell, Constable, Knight, Reuter, Burford. Heat 6 - Squiers, Downing, Dumesny, Wright, Haynes, Eeles. Trophy Dash (6 laps) March, Tatnell, Dumesny, Reuter, Constable, Wright.

Pretty average; That’s the way Skip Jackson summed up the way things are going in the Pennzoil/Toyota team. (Photo by David Lament)

A-Feature (30 laps) Tatnell, March, Dumesny, Reuter, Downing, Jackson, Maggs, Burford, Haynes, Evans, Knight, Scheuerle, Squiers, Constable, Gessner, Wright.

molorsDP'i news

SPEEDWAY

Two weeks of racing, but just one winner Lights go out on Bacchus Marsh, while Van Bremen takes Mount Gambler in Autopro Super Sprint Series WHAT had promised to be a good night ended up turning sour at Bacchus Marsh for round four of the Autopro Super Sprint Series, a generator failure bringing the night’s racing to an early close. With only three heats of Sprintcars run and organisers keen to make up time, they soon had to pull the plug on the evening with a lack of lighting at the far end of the circuit. There was a strong count of 31 cars, including David Anderson and John Shore, for the event, but

by AARON NOONAN it was Ian Lewis who dominated heat one. ‘The Fly’ set a precedent for the other two heats, both of which were dominated from start to finish by Anderson (heat two) and son Grant. All drivers in attendance received the 60 attendance points after the meeting was abandoned and the prize pool was distributed evenly. Bacchus Marsh Speedway will host round five on December 16. A WEEK earlier at Mount Gambier’s Borderline Raceway, Mike Van Bremen had two reasons to smile. Not only had he taken the feature race win at round three of the Autopro Super Sprint Series, but be also took the series lead

after predecessor Jeff Judd destroyed his new Avenger chassis in the heats. The luck flowed for Van Bremen, ‘The Flying Dutchman’running second to Ian Lewis, when the veteran turned the car around when tr3dng to lap Rod Matthews and Jeremy Warren. That handed the lead to Van Bremen and he carried on to win from Colin Bulmer and Ian Thomsen. The only trouble was that he didn’t know he had won! “I didn’t know Ian had spun infield,” he said. “It wasn’t until they tried handing me the chequered flag that I realised I must have won! I didn’t know what had happened to t him.’ Points: Van Bremen 991, Thomsen 953, Bulmer 934, Warren 913, Swayn 871.

Muddy hell: While the lights went out before the program could get very far at Bacchus Marsh, Colin Bulmer, above left, still had time to get the #12 machine dirty during hot laps. The field at Mount Gambler saw this view of Mike Van Bremen, above right, the Victorian also grabbing the series lead. / a r(Photos by Ian Robinson)

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2000/01 AUTOPRO SUPER SPRINT SERIES SCORE^' Rd 4,Borderline Raceway,25 November

Point Standings to December 3 2000 I. Mike Van Bremen V6 . 2. Ian Thomsen V32 ... 3. Colin BulmerVI2 ... 4. Jeremy Warren W52 . 5. David Swayn V20 ... 6. Rod Matthews V9 ... 7 Frank RamsdaleV2l 8 Jeff Judd VII 9. Garry ChippendallV43 10. Brent Hough V56 ...

.991 .953 .934 .913 .871 .867 .836 .825 .743 .642

I Man Smith V57 12. Ian LewisVIS l3.Paul BastowV90 14. Graeme Pitcher V84 15. Peter Knight VI4 ... 16. David Brown V47 ... 17. Charles Hunter V73 . 18. David Anderson V37 . 19.DavidVan BremenVI6 20.Allan BarleeV6l

.632 .596 .522 .482 .435 .404 .377 .310 .309 .286

I. Mike Van Bremen V6

9. Brent HoughV56

2. Colin BulmerV12

10. Frank RamsdaleV2l

3.lanThomsenV32

11. Paul BastowV90

4.tan LewisVIS

12. Darren RussellV30

5.Jeremy WarrenW52

13. Ian SmlthV57

6. Rod MatthewsV9

14. Blair JonesVS

7. Garry ChippindallV43

15. Peter KnightVU

8. David SwaynV20

16. Graeme PitcherV84

Bernie

Missing the carnage: Tony Bridge worked his way through the night of carnage at Brisbane International Speedway with style. (Photo by Brett Swansoni

BERNtE Roberts was a jubilant victor in round two of the Gough and Gilmour V8 Super Sedan Series at Newcastle Speedway on November 25. Roberts bested a season’s best 24 car line-up, including Alan Baker, Ron and Luke Pyne, Peter Garratt and John Smith.

Bridging the gap

REIGNING QSSS Champion Tony Bridge emerged from a tough sixth round of racing as a winner at Brisbane International Speedway, on a night where almost every car in the field was involved in some sort of crash or another. Bridge started fronn the front row in the feature and won after a strong challenge from Stephen Bell. "The car's always been fast but we just puttered around and bogged her down and the car paid dividends, we'll be happy with that," said Bridge. Bell enjoyed a spell in the lead but didn't have the legs to get over Bridge. Behind the lead duo came a fight between two groups of team-mates. The Metalcorp/ABC Auto Gear pairing of Garry Brazier and Dean Wanless spent most of the feature scrapping with the Ttan Garages team of Dean McComb and Drew Kruck. The former duo were third and fourth. Brazier nabbing his team mate with three laps to go for the final podium spot. The carnage in the heats was immense. In heat one. Brock Dean spun leaving Nathan Macdonald and Kruck nowhere to go. 'Nitro' Nathan rolled his brand new MAC1 but had it 68

There was plenty of carnage in the main event with those drivers all being involved in various incidents that ended their night prematurely. Smith was taken to hospital shortly after a huge crash that took he, Luke Pyne and Garratt out on the main straight. Pyne had overcorrected his Pontiac coming off turn four and Ron Pyne had no room left and helped him on hjs way. Garratt ran over Alan ’ Shirley’s left rear wheel as the two looked for a clear path.

Herne and Farr at PC by WADE AUNGER

repaired for heat four, only to have a broken fuel pump rob him of an almost certain win. Series leader Darrell Hodges' night ended early after an incident with Dean in heat three. Hodges had just completed a pass on Dean exiting turn two and moved up the track for turn three, making contact with Dean's car which sent it into a roll which broke the diff and bent the chassis. With a slightly injured back, Dean looks like he'll be a spectator at least until the Christmas break. Hodges was excluded from the meeting for his part in the incident.

“THE HITMAN” Stuart Heme and Robbie Farr both celebrated the start of December with convincing wins at Parramatta City Raceway in the V8 Dirt Modified and Sprintcar main events respectively. Herne had come out of hibernation to drive the car he sold to Mark Eveleigh in the Tap 'Twister Classic and he made the most of it to claim victory in the 20-lap main. Lismore gun Mark Robinson flipped the Valvoline #9 almost over the infield wall on the first lap of the Stars Dash and at the restart, front row starters Sam O’Connor and Dave Brien made contact with Brien spearing across at right angles, then digging in and flipping some 20 feet into the air down the main straight. Herne had accepted a $100 challenge to start from the tail of the Dash field and was probably glad to be as far from the melee as possible as it turned out, while O’Connor claimed the win. Herne started from well back in the main event, but it was

Sydney’s Barry Bundy who sped away before the #54 machine overheated and he retired. Five time Aussie champ Herne took command after a spirited battle with Mark Owens, with Central Coast gun Kevin Hopwood rocketing to third before the race was declared after another incident. Meanwhile, it was business as usual for Robbie Farr in the Sprintcars, with his fifth feature win from seven helped by a sprinkling of good luck. Leader Mark Blyton ran into Kerry Madsen, who had earlier tangled with Mick Turner and damaged his car, and spun to the infield late in the race. “How many times does someone like me run into Kerry Madsen?” laughed Blyton later. By the time he had rejoined the field, Blyton was back to third behind Farr and surprising rookie Troy Little. Kelly Linigen put in her best drive so far this season with a powerhouse run from 16th to fifth behind Darren Saillard. Farr now extends his lead to over 500 points in the Proton Satria GTi Driver of the Year Series with Saillard in second. molorsDort news

SPEEDWAY

urns to G&G 55 win

Too good; Bernie Roberts, be/ow, took his second main event win in over two decades of racing. (Photo bv D«v»d Lamonl) .

with Garratt’s silver Commodore launching high into the air before colliding with the infield concrete wall. Smith was treated for a puncture mark in his right arm at Maitland Hospital shortly after. Keith Sims led the race early, but ran out of fuel with plenty of laps left. Roberts took command

from that point on and though Robert Carrig chased him to the end, he would never be caught. It was Roberts’ second main event win, although he’s been racing for over two decades. Livewire teenager David Robertson placed third behind Carrig after a near photo finish

with Dennis Sims, with the professional South Coast two car team of Scott McPherson and Kevin Stevens next across the line. Mark Eveleigh took out the V8 Dirt Modified main event after a race long tussle with Dave Brien. - WADE AUNGER

Extreme games: Robbie Farr showed at PCR why Sprintcar racing probably should have been a part of the recent Extreme Games ... (Photo by John Morris/Mpix)

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8 December 2000

'PLAYBOY' Pete Murphy is heading back to Australia on Christmas Day after racing in California this season. The Sprintcar star will drive a new Eagle chassis for Barry Lewis and will commence racing at PCR on Boxing Day as well as contesting all major east coast events ending with the Australian title in February. Backing comes from Australia Wide Towing. n Darryl Downing has made a successful return to Sprintcar racing six months after announcing his retirement after some 30 seasons of racing. Downing won round two of the South Australian Summer Sprintcar Shootout Series at Speedway City on November 25, in the process closing on title leader Mark Reuter, who had to settle for third behind Tony Bartlett. n The traditional Australian Speedcar Control Council has been re-organised with unanimous approval under an entirely new executive board to oversee the launch of the 2000/2001 racing season. Barry Power is President, Joe Little the Secretary and Treasurer and Terry Holland the technical advisor. Also on the board are Warrenne Ekins and Reg Baker, the ASCC now again the midget division's national controlling body. n NASCAR star Tony Stewart has won the 60th Turkey Night Grand Prix at Irwindale Speedway in the US. The two-time Midget Car Series champ was challenged by newly crowned national champion Kasey Kahne. "You wouldn't think a full-time Winston Cup driver would even think twice about this but it's all I thought about since last year," .he said. n Murwillumbah's Ross Brims broke through for the first win of his farewell season with a win in round five of the QVR Super Sedan Championship Series at Brisbane International Speedway a fortnight ago. John Leslight looked like he would pick up his fourth straight feature win until a final restart closed the field and Brims passed and won.

S.O.S. RACEPARTS

Speedway Briefs

QSSS 2000/2001 CALENDER 2000/2001 SPRINTCAR RACING ASSOCIATION OF VIC. CALENDER Brisbane Rd 8 Dec 16 NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS Warrnambool ..VicTitle Jan 3.. Dec 16. Bacchus Marsh . ..Rd 5 ,Rd 9 Brisbane Dec 26 Warrnambool ...Classic Jan 28. .. Avalon . ..Rd 6 Dec 26 .. Lismore Rd 10 Feb 24 Bacchus Marsh ...Fireball Feb 24 .. Avalon ...Rd 7 Jan 13... Bacchus Marsh ...360ser Brisbane Rd I I Mar 3 Apr 7. . Simpson . ..Rd 8 Jan 20 .. Mar I I ..

.. Avalon . ..Rd 9

Apr 13

Avalon ..EasterT

Mar 24 ..

. . Wagga ..Rd 10

Apr 14

Mt Gambler ..EasterT

Mar 24 ..

.. Wagga ..Rd I I

Apr 15

. Warrnambool ..EasterT

Apr 21 . Bacchus Marsh ..Rdl2

Apr 2!

Bacchus Marsh ..360 Ser

Mar 17

Brisbane

,Rd 12

Mar 24 ... Toowoomba

Rd 13

Brisbane

Rd 14

Apr 21

Schatz extends

Chickening out and over: Peter Attard had this decent sized duijip atppR. Attard was OKJhe car was repaired and he competed later in the night!' (Photo by Warren BtWge)'

Back in yellow: Donny Schatz will again carry the yellow and blue of Parker Stores into 2001. (Photo by Manin D Clark) DONNY Schatz has extended his sponsorship with the Parker Hannifin Corporation for the 2001 World of Outlaws season. “We didn’t run up-front as much as we would have liked to this past season,” Schatz said. “We’re going to do things a little differently over the winter

this year. We’re going to focus on our Worid of Outlaws program and, hopefuily, come out strong in the spring. We’ve had a lot of changes over the past six months, but I think we have everything in place to start running up front.” Schatz finished 11th in the WoO pointscore this year.

ConstabI by WADE AUNGER

Adam constable raced to victory in the sixth round of the Proton Satria GTi Driver of the Year Series at Parramatta City Raceway on November 25. Constable took the 2WS Gambler to victory by the narrowest of margins over a

while Swindell cuts back

WoO vet to spent! more time at home

ANOTHER driver to have extended his deal into 2001 is Sammy Swindell. However, the season will take a different shape for the American, who will cut back on the numbers of races he nms next year. Swindell cited his desire to spend more time at home with his family, and particularly working with his son Kevin in developing his racing skills, as the reasons behind his move. “I enjoy racing, and that’s what I do,” said Swindell. “However, Kevin has demonstrated a real interest in Karting and I want to be there to help him with this and to spend more quality time with he and Amy. 70

“It’s no secret that the travel required with the World of Outlaws is extensive and can place conflicting demands on your time.” Swindell will run in the ‘major’ events, a schedule which will see him competing in approximately 65 of the estimated 90-plus racing nights of World of Outlaws. He still retains the backing of sponsor Channellock, which has been with him since 1995.

Cutting back to help the kid: Sammy Swindell still will be an Outlaw, just not quite as often as he used to be ... (Pholo by Martin D Clark)

fast- finishing Robbie Farr, with Max Dumesny third in the red light-plagued and lap-shortened main event. The 30-lap main event was ^ -S':. ■;(! interrupted several times when Bob Jackson, then Steven Graham and then Craig Morrison brought on the red lights during separate incidents. Constable started on the second row and passed early leader Mark Blyton and then proved too greasy in traffic at the crucial moments when Farr closed in. Bob Jackson rode Les Porter's wheel in turn three and stuck the Sydney Express Couriers machine hard into the tyre barrier, extensively damaging it. Steven Graham was the next to come unstuck, riding the Fox Sports Stealth over the cushion and flipping almost where Jackson had crashed earlier. Craig Morrison came to grief shortly after, and this - along with PCR's time curfew drawing ominously near - forced officials to shorten the race to 20 laps. moiorsport news

SPEEDWAY

Mills' Avalon Midget win by BRETT SWANSON

Adam

THE Victorian Midget ranks are in serious trouble with only 10 cars fronting for the club’s opening race at Avalon on November 25. Despite this rather gloomy situation, throughout the heats and feature there were a couple of excellent dices that kept the paltry crowd entertained. While overall the scenario was frustrating for long time supporters of the midget brigade, it was a great night for second generation racer Travis Mills, who utilised one of the trio of Power Racing V4 Scats to drive to his first feature win. Mills started the final race on the outside pole with Rodney Hudson-Davies on the inside. Behind them sat Colin Lamb, Darren Power, Harley Bishop and Craig Power.

(Trnvis Mills photo by Broil Swanson)

Mills got the jump at the start and from there was never headed as Hudson-Davies started a race long battle with firstly Lamb and then Bishop and Power. HudsonDavies and Bishop were never more than half a car length apart in an enthralling display. Bishop was unlucky not to take second on the last lap when he

tried an inside move on ‘H-D’, got pinched a bit and had a half lose. Power swept around a recovering Bishop to gi-ab third with Lamb and Craig Power the other finishers behind Bishop. “That was good racing,” said Bishop. “I wasn’t going to hit him (Hudson-Davies)just to make the pass, but it was a lot of fun.” In the heats, Darren Power scored wins in both, but HudsonDavies is starting to establish himself, being involved in dices in both heats.

AFIELD of Modified Production Sedans only just bigger than the Midget ranks raced, with Darren Cockerill and Justin Drew providing the action and taking the major spoils in their Commodores. The only non-Holden win was scored by Craig Garlick (Falcon)in the Handicap heat. [Ph(Mo by Pet« Freiiih)'

Dominator: Troy Jenkins picked up his first win of the season. (Photo by Warren Bridge)

Constable held off Farr for the win.

ortdale Speedcar star Troy Jenkins scored his first main event win of the season, capturing the 20 lap Pavement Salvage Feature. Dave Lambert stole the show however with an enormous series of flips that carried him some 80 metres before landing against the turn one wall. Brett Morris finished a close second to Jenkins with Craig Brady placing third and Adam Clarke fourth. Morris and Brady now share the points lead in the Parramatta Track Championship. 8 December 2000

JAMIE Maiolo has faught back in the Car Craft Wild West Sprintcar Series with a victory at the latest round of the series at Bunbury City & Regionai Speedway. Rookie sensation Ken Sartori grabbed second, with Kendrick Racing’s Trevor Green in third. Sartori was the man to watch

in the feature race, blasting into the lead and looking set to take the win until he hit the traffic. At the halfway mark, the yellows waved for a spun car and that allowed Maiolo(who had started from 11th of 14 cars!), Green and Farrell to close and Maiolo to get past when the race re-started.

Sartori had to fight off the advances-of Green, which he managed to do so, though Maiolo was clear in froiit to take the win. Ryan Farrell, Mike Figlomeni, Allan Nash and Alan Haynes w, followed.' Points: Maiolo 200,Sartori/Groen/ Farrell 170,Clayden 160. if

natnnal The magical Island scene

edtedln

Noonan

ISLAND MAGIC

by AARON NOONAN THE fast and flowing Phillip Island circuit, combined with a wide range of cars, played host to ‘Island Magic’on November 26, the meeting also hosting the final round of the national FoiTOula 3 series. Darren Palmer(BRM Dallara F398 Opel) held out the quick James Manderson in race one, the latter so quick that the Dallara F395/6 driver set a new lap record for the class of lm29.6424s. Peter Hackett and Chas Jacobsen followed. Going into the second race, the runner-up and third positions in the title chase were still for the taking. This time Manderson got the better start and held off the rest. Palmer spun at Honda with two laps to go, leaving Manderson to win from Hackett, Mark Rundle and F3 debutante Damian Digby. While Paul Stephenson had wrapped up the title, Hackett managed to grab second ahead of Jacobsen, Palmer and Manderson. Jacobsen also won the Endeavour Cup for Invited Sports and Racing Cars in a separate race. Stephenson was due to fly to England last week to undertake a test with expat Aussie Alan Docking’s F3 team. Mike Beeley won the Level 2 Series for cars with 24mm restrictors, while the Sportsmans Division for aluminium cars was taken by Bill Maddocks,in the car’s last run with F3s. Marcus Marshall’s strong form from Bathurst continued, the Spectrum driver winning over Chris Templer and Matthew Tate in the Formula Ford Trophy race, while Rohan Ambrose’s RX7 was far too strong for Des O’Loughlin’s RX3 in the Matthew Flinders Plate for Club Cars. The Victorian Historic 72

S3, not S11: James Manderson, above, was quick at Phillip Island, so quick that he broke the Formula 3 lap record for the 4.45 kilometre layout! (Photo by Chris Carter)

Touring Car Trophy fell to Michael Miceli(Mustang), who beat home Drew Marget(Mustang Trans Am) and Trevor Talbot(XUl). The ‘kamikazee Kingswoods’ were back. Bob Wright the winner of the Cowes Cup for HQ Holdens over Andrew Nowland and Travis Lindorff. Titles continued to be handed out, the Victorian Tourist Trophy for MG and Marque Sports cars going to John Good (Porsche 911), while Stephen Craig(Gemini) narrowly outran Good for the PIARC Challenge for invited Sports Sedans and Sports Cars. Richard Catchlove was dominant in Sports Sedans, taking the 50k plate for the class, 16s

Close call: Des O’Loughlin (RX3) and Mario Caligari (RX7), above, got to know one another at Honda Corner. (Photo by James Smith) Catch the Chiko before it spins: Richard Catchlove, be/ow,.wins as Mike Imrie loses the ex-Supercar Commodore. (Photo by Chris Carter)

ahead of Michael Robinson and Mike Imrie(Commodores), The final round of the Formula Vee Super Series brought heartbreak for Shane Hart. The Queenslander only had to finish fourth or better to clinch the title, but engine dramas left him languishing in 20th. Frank Haire (Elliott Mk2)took the Mauri Fordham Trophy for the class ahead of Andy Nethercote. the top eight separated by just 1.2s at the line!

Final Formula 3 Points Stephenson 195, Hackett 131, Jacobsen 104, Palmer 103, Manderson 102, Rees 93, Rundle 78, G. Coombs 61, C. Coombs 56. molorsport news

Yapwood third in Wdrld MAX WILLIAM Yarwood finished third in the final of the Rotax MAX Challenge World Final in Puerto Rico last month. Yarwood came up against stiff opposition from 66 drivers from 19 countries, all as a result of each country’s domestic MAX Challenge series. South Africans Gavin Cronje and Leeroy Poulter took a comfortable one-two in the final, Cronje having qualified fastest and run at the front all weekend.

While Yarwood took a well- earned third. Matt Wall and Joe Pasquale(who time trialed fourth and second respectively) claimed fifth and sixth. New South Wales’Damien Meyer(CRG) moved up and finished 10th having started the pre-final 27th after a DNF in the heats. Brett Davidson was the fifth Australian to make the final but a mechanical problem saw him stop with three laps to run. - MARK WICKS

●v

MAXimum effort: William Yarwood couldn’t quite beat the South Africans in Puerto Rico. (Markwicks)

THE Sidchrome-backed Youth Karting Team has gained an additional member. Brooke Pearson, (on far left in photo with Leah Unsworth, Barbara Agrimi and Leanne Perrier), is the group’s first female driver. Brooke races in Junior National and is a member of the Women In Motor Sport Association.

NATIONAL Karting Briefs IT is with deep regret we report the passing of current Victorian Clubman Heavy champion Jess Douglas. Jess died as a result of a freak accident at the Spring Car Nationals In Shepparton last month. He won the 1999 Melbourne Star. Series and County Series, before winning the Victorian Open at Oakleigh earlier this year. n Jason Hryniuk finished third at the World Cup at Twin Ring Motegi, Japan last weekend. He qualified ninth in ICA and ran from 24th to ninth in the pre-final and then improved further to ultimately take third. Barclay Holden qualified fourth and gridded 17th for the pre-final. He then put in a super effort from dead last to take sixth in the final. In Formula A, Top Kart's Andrew Tomlinson completed the final in 18th while Blesse's Ben Hortsman suffered a DNF as a result of a mechanical failure of a kart In front of him. ■ Sydney karting icon Peter Dell is retiring and will close the doors of the St George Kart Centre for the final time on December 22. Dell will still retain a stake in PRD i International, while the majority of his stock will go south to Drew Price Engineering in Melbourne. - MARK WICKS

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HQ NATIONALS LAKESIDE by MARK JONES OUTGOING Queensland Gemini Champion, Craig Yates, added the National HQ Championship to his resume with three heat wins and a lights to flag victory in the championship race in front of a disappointing field of 28 cars on November 26. The meeting was drained of entries by a conflict with the Island Magic meeting at Phillip Island, and only a week ahead of the Winton HQ Enduro, resulting in the meeting being dominated by Queenslanders. Yates always had something in reserve and motored away from the field. Gary Bonwick claimed second ahead of new Queensland Champion. Jake Camilleri. In the first heat, a multi car pileup at BP Bend halted the first start with Rowan Stanfield, Leigh Lovering, Rod Boyle, Ben Simpson involved with heavy damage to Gary Yates and Giovanni Ciccicioppo. From the restart Yates bolted, with Tim Sipp and Bonwick fighting hard for second which Sipp eventually claimed. Dale Youd came through for fourth ahead of Camilleri and David Lines after Ron Lovi went off at the Kairussell. Heat two was blighted when Jason Lakatos blew his engine at BP. Youd lost the car on the oil the following lap, spinning against the barrier under the bridge. While the corner was still on yellows, Youd then drove on the grass against traffic to find shelter. Yates won again by half a second from Bonwick, with a gap back to Sipp and Camilleri. Yates also won heat three,just able to maintain a gap over Bonwick with Camilleri just behind for third. Sipp, David Lines and Shane

Beikoff came home next in close company. For the Championship Race, Bonwick won the start from Yates, with Lines in trouble early until Peter Marks spun at BP, bringing out the red flag. Yates got the better start at the restart with Bonwick having to battle hard for second with Sipp. Sipp and Bonwick would swap second place until lap 10 when Sipp spun at Hungry while in very close company with Bonwick. Camilleri had closed the gap by this time and brought Beikoff, Lovi, Lines and Youd with him. The six cars raced as a gaggle over the remaining laps with Bonwick leading Camilleri, Lovi, Beikoff, Lines and Youd across the line, but Yates was gone, winning by six seconds.

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'^of CIU

JW.-.-.W .v.-.-.i............

Running the loop-to-loop: New HQ Nationals champion Craig Yates, above, makes the climb through Eastern Loop at Lakeside Raceway. The field, below, blasted off the line but couldn’t quite catch up to the #20 machine. (Photos by Mark Jones and Marshall Cass)

Inc.

Shake and spray, at somebody else; Yates gets attacked by the (Pholo by Mark Jones) podium getters. 74

motorsDon news

NATIONAL

Four hours in a HQ

THE HQs returned to Winton on the weekend in the annual class endurance race, all cars running with a black stripe through their num ber in tribute to the late Ken Leigh. The race format was divided into two, two hornsections on Saturday and Sunday, thus eliminating any racing fuel stops. However, the pit stops still carried a lot of importance. There would be a compulsory tyre change, a driver change by one and a quarter hours and another tyre change before the two hour end to make things interesting. With 40 cars and 80 M&M men: Fitzgerald and Whyte lead the Wicks/Wyhoon car in the HQ Four drivers, the layout was Hour at Winton. Wonder how the brakes were by the end ... (Photo by Neil Hammond) bursting at the seams. The Saturday section of the race left 12 cars on the lead lap with the Michael Fitzgerald/ Richard Whyte entry in front by a mere nine seconds. Sunday’s leg had the first of the tyre change tactics being introduced as early as lap two and soon the aggi'ession had the pace All of the THE traditional car in charge. The second hour saw cars are Holden versus a safer rhythm of racing, with the Ford has taken personally Glen McDonald/Tim Rowse entiy manufactured on a new greeting the flag first, having and only sold perspective in progi-essed from an overnight 12th the form of the in ready to place. race trim by Fitzgerald and Whyte won exciting Aussie Ward. outright with a 16 second gap to Legend Racing “I originally Chris Templer/Cade Southall with Touring cars. the John Moore/Leon Fletcher envisaged This new class, machine third and the McDonald selling Aussie as reported on in car fourth. Legend Cars in our last issue, Other teams to complete 120 kit form, but has been created laps were Mark Wicks/Terry ready to race by former V8 Wyhoon, John Spencer/Graeme form gives new Supercar and Gilliland and Andrew owners nothing Super Touring Nowland/Brendan Avard among to think about driver Phil Ward. the 34 classified finishers. but honing All the cars are Earlier in the day, much smaller their driver identical in fields including some additional skills and chassis design No, it’s not Russell Ingall ... it’s Richard Fricker, above, who reck cars raced in two sprint races. building their and engine ons he can run his Aussie Legend for less than his wife’s car! Guy Thomson and team mate speed,” said performance, the (Photos by MichaelJ WtfghI) James Ward, below, drives a works team Ford. Michael O’Keeffe were first and Ward. only difference second, with third team mamber “Not one car the two different Robert Wright sharing the thirds has had a problem to date, so bodies- 1940 Ford Coupe and with Russell Lang. this system obviously works the FJ Holden. In the other classes, Luke r AiBSElBiEHD and all cars are identical.” Based on the Legends cars McPherson’s three wins and lap The cars also feature a which have been so successful record were the highlight of Under carbon fibre dash and optional in the US,(the only similarity Two-Litre Sports Sedans, while MoTeC data logger system. between the two though is the Michael Robinson (Commodore) A ready to race car costs basic wheelbase and type of took out the combined Sports $24,000 and the 2001 racing Sedans/Club Car race. engine) Ward’s class is more season will see a full which produces 125bhp with a suited to circuit racing and Tbe amazing Pirahna Suzuki of championship series at a range close ratio sequential gearbox, there are even new body styles Jim Van Bemmel grabbed Libre of venues including Oran Park, feature four wheel disc brakes, and Marque Sports, while Daniel on the way with the AU Falcon Wakefield Park, Winton, Reinhardt won all three Formula and VT Commodore. open-wheeler style fully The machines use a 1200cc Vee races and broke the lap record. adjustable suspension, race spec Broadford, Raleigh and Lakeside. - NEIL HAMMOND tyres and a spaceframe chassis. Yamaha four-cylinder engine

Bang for bucks

to November 2000

INDUSTRY

Xmas 2000

t is December 2000 and of course that means Christmas is once again upon us. A time to celebrate with family and friends eat and drink too much and of course exchange gifts. With this in mind I have mentioned some Christmas gift ideas for the you the motorsport fan, or you can leave this page open in obvious places (with thick circles around your prefered option) to ensure you are not disapointed come December 25.

Die-cast model t cars are '

The new Photon micro-light is claimed to the smallest torch in the world and is visible from over one mile away.Attached to your key ring this handy torch is ideal for emergencies, camping,fishing, boating or when you just need some extra light at night. Being about the size of a twenty cent piece the Photon micro-light is very deceptive, but be warned the light is strong and should not be shone directly into eyes at a short distance. The unbreakable bulb is powered by a long-life replaceable lithium battery and with a virtually indestructible case these

torches will withstound any rough treatment. Two models are available in Australia, the original Photon micro-light and the Photon micro-light “2”. The original has a press switch and choice of yellow or red light. The Photon micro-light “2” has the press switch and an on/off switch for more convienance and has a choice of seven colours. The new Photon micro-light is now available from King of Knives stores, Gowings, Paddy Palin and other reputable outdoor and specialist gift retailers. For more information contact Zen Products on 1800 064 200.

Joint Venture

Two of Australia’s well known auto parts recycling groups. Parts Plus andParts World, have announced that they will join operations in early 2001. This joint venture will retain the Parts Plus name. This will instantly give Parts Plus a greater representation in Victoria with plans to further expand into all Australian States in the near future. The current Parts World stores will need to meet the stringent standards set by Parts Plus to join the group. Recycled parts sold by Parts Plus come with a minimum 6 months, 25,000 km warranty, with

a lifetime warranty on panels. For more information regarding the Parts Plus group visit their website at www.partsplus.com.au or call 1300 360 186.

becoming very popular among race fans. The range is increasing daily, and models of most forms of motorsport are now available. Companies like Classic Carlectables are producing excellent quality models of V8 teams. Produced in limited numbers these models are set to become collectors items with some models already appreciating in value. Most of the major teams are represented including FTR, Kmart, HRT, CAT, Caltex,Shell,Castrol and more. For more information contact Pitstop Model Cars on 03 9743 1100.

Another gift idea which is set to become a sought after collectable is produced by Ceramic Innovations. The Fuel Tank is a ceramic decanter containing 500ml of Bullocks Creek tawny port and is the first in a series designed in association with the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. Each year another piece is added to complete a motorcycle display. The Fuel Tank is only available before December 31, 2000. This gift will also make next years gift selection a lot easier. Contact Ceramic Innovations on 03 9555 9011

If the wardrobe needs a little help there Is a great range of motor sport merchandise available from caps to _ jackets. Contact Garry & Warren Smith 03 9567 3422 for the full range of HRT gear, your local Ford dealer for the latest FTR range, Pepsi Racing apparal is available from 03 9801 5099 and the FI Shop, 116 Elizabeth St Melbourne , 03 9654 5448 for all your Formula One needs.

T Director of Parts Plus, Ross Nicastri welcomes Dale Imlach Director of Parts World

The opportunity to drive a race car is one all race fans would jump at, Trackskill will give you a full day with practice, qualifying and a Bathurst style race with trophies for podium finishes, contact 1800 647 712. Fastrack racing offer the unique experience of going flatout around the Thunderdome at Calder Park, contact 03 9217 8950. Advanced driving courses are an excellent gift that may even save a life, Driveskill offer courses on different levels including CAMS Licence testing, contact Driveskill on 03 9841 6411. G Force offer Super Kart a Formula Ford drive days and V8 Supercar hotlaps, -Brendon Sheridan contact 03 9217 8933.

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molorsDort news

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8 December 2000

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moiorsDort news

iFREE Sedans/Sporls Cars

MARKET PLACE

Classifieds

Cortina TF Club Car, 6 cyl big horse power. You won't buy a more competitive car at this price. No expense has been spared. Top running over 3L car, suitable supersprints, beginner or for some one who wants to be competitive. Nothing to spend ready to race. $8000 Ph 02 9605 7517. 195 Fiat 125T, classic race car, fast and reliable. $NZ6500. Ph Mark 0011 64 3 489 1413. 199

Forward to (VIotorsport News Free Classifieds, PO BOX 1010 North Caulfield 3161. Fax: 03 9527 7766.

Email: msnews@ozemail.com.au. Make sure to list your category.

Elfin Clubman Mk3, chassis no 1. Brand new, full aluminium body, professionally trimmed and painted (BRG), full ADR compliance. Ready to reg ister. Ph 03 9534 1426 or 03 9537 3639. i9s

HQ, with Club Car logbook, less motor, gearbox and seats. $ 1200 ono. Ph Serge 08 8266 3384. 195 Sports Sedan RX7, Series 4, Tubular chassis, ew 20B turbo fuel injected Microtech engine manage ment, PBS close ratio 5 speed box, including ratios. New 9-inch floating diff plus more. $45,000 or will separate. Ph 0418 974 351 or 02 9627 6388 bh. 199

Datsun 2 litre club car, with spare engine both blue printed, five speed gearbox, two different ratio limited slip diff's, vehicle built in a 120y body orange in colour, fully adjustable ride height and front geometry, two sets of wheels and tyres, adjustable koni suspension, dyno run at Tail's 185bhp. Very clean and quick car $7500, Ph Peter 0407 889 016 .99 Group C Gemini, with logbook, Haltech injected DOHC, Konis, AP brakes, Detroit locker. Watts linkage and more. Immaculate condition inc spare engines wheels and more. Close to Grp C trim or ideal Club Car/Sports Sedan. $8000 ono, Ph 0414 943 987 or 03 9706 1279. .99

McPherson Racing Escort Sports Sedan, Victorian Sports Sedan Champion 2000, 4 pole positions. Fully rebuilt and race prepared for 2001 . Fresh Cosworth BDG 1700cc with new block and crankshaft, Speedtech fuel ignition system. Motec, Hewland 5 spd with new LSD and gears, all new fibreglass panels. Inspection welcome. $33,000. Ph Luke 0418 582 882. 195

m' '

Commodore VL, rebuilt high performance 308, Aussie 4 speed, 9" locker diff. Simmons wheels, professionally prepared shell and cage, excellent condition, suit Sports Sedan or Club Car. $9500 ono. Ph 02 4946 9554 or 0407 905 039. 199

Peugeot 405 Super Tourers, ex-BTCC cars, com plete with heaps of spares including body shell. Everything you need to go racing. Will sell sepa rate with spares package. $45,000 per car ono. Ph 02 4577 2779 or 0407 272 165. 199 Peugeot 405 Super Tourer, fresh engine, plus spares, suit 2 It Sports Sedan, offers considered. Ph 0418 731 1 15. 199

Torana Sports Sedan, 3 NSW 6 cyl titles, mid mount 202, Duggan head, semi space frame, ind rear, R200 diff, 5 speed box, spares inc; diff. g/box, diff ratios, wheels, moulds, plus heaps more. Also, duel axle trailer with enclosed front. $18,000 the lot, Ph Rick 02 4267 4882 bh. 194 RX7 Series 5, Sports Sedan chassis & body kit, rims 16x10 with tyres. Dick Ward fibreglass body. $4500 ono. Ph 0416 086 649. w Mazda RX7 Club Car, fresh, just run-in auto style, race engine 300+ hp, full Biistein susp, all alloy brakes, C/R box. log book, this is a very sorted car. $15,900. Ph Andrew 03 9432 3259, 194

GTP Subaru WRX Class A, ex-Geoff Full winning car, 1st Bathurst 1999, winner of 1998 and 1999 GTP championship, raced only 2 times in 2000 by mature driver with top finish. Car ready to race with all pit equipment and spares. Will convert to STi if required. For more info call Charlie Senese 0412 722 312 or 07 3263 4906. 195

condition, never registered & has only done 200kms. in storage for 23yrs, in original condition, would suit very astute investor or collector of rare motor vehicles. $60,000. Ph 0411 354 941 . iw 1

33:

8640. I'M

I'oorrrt'nJ

The Rocket, exciting high performance, comfort able and good ride qualities (wider than most clubmans). Great fun on road and track, 3.8ltr V6, 5 speed, LSD. One of only 5. $39,350 Ph 03 5721 3471 bh. los Mk 1 Escort Sports Sedan, Z20 Nissan engine, twin Webers. Z18 turbo 5 spd, 4.4 diff, OP south circuit 52s, lots of spares, $6500 ono. Ph 0404 470 340. 19S

Mazda RX3 Sports Sedan, 13B turbo race motor, 300+hp, Needham box, LSD, 4 wheel discs, 15x10 slicks. $7500. Ph 02 4945 8968 or 040 383 102 19S

8 December 2000

VH Commodore, 6 cyl, 5 spd, unfinished projea, straight, primed, body kit, 15" mags, comes with 2-pack metallic everglade green paint, suit road/race. Urgent sale. $1500. Ph Nick 02 6226 1404 or 0407 280 431 . 194

Open Wlieelers

: V

VN Club Car, fresh 5 It, EFi, steel cage, T-5, 3.9 locked diff, VT brakes, log book, heaps of poten tial. $13,700 ono. Ph 0417 061 990 or 02 9624

132'

Lotus Europa S2 1969, much mechanicai work recently completed and is ready for road or track. Ideal entry into Historic racing or regularity. A nice affordable Lotus, will negotiate around $18,000. Ph 02 4871 3940 ah or 02 9604 7680 bh or 0408 112 652. 1-M

● VriTAM

Holden A9X Torana sedan, very rare, ultra blue/chamois A9X on offer. Vehicle still in new

Mustang Group N, 6 meetings since total resheil, all new panels, trik steel cage, top HP 289 with the best of everything, quickest Nb in Australia. With Nc upgrades would be winning car Huge spares list inc g/box, diffs, wheels/tyres. $50,000, Trade road car. Ph 03 5441 8133 or 0407 509 922, 19^

Porsche Cup Class B, 3.6ltr engine on Motec, 12" wheels, gear ratios, Motec dash, dual axle open trailer, wets, slicks, intermediates, ready for 2001 season. $69,500. Ph 0416 071 911. 199

Nissan GTiR, silver 1993, 2 litre turbo 4WD, 106 kms, air, AB5, mags, rally rego, log book. $9000 ono. Ph 07 3209 2073 or 0414 645 755. 199

RX7 Series 1, ideal for Supersprints. NSW road reg istered, 13B mild port, extractors. 14x6 road wheels, new Falkens. 14x6 mags, semi slicks etc. $5750. Ph 02 9997 1170 ah or 02 9938 5344 bh, 195

absolutelyfree*

*Motorsport News Classifieds are FREE tor 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 on 03 9527 7744. Classifieds can be mailed, faxed or emailed. Classifieds are not accepted over the telephone.

Gemini Coupe Sports Sedan, roller, log book, big brakes, 8 wheels and tyres, needs some work $3700. Two new AP 4 pot calipers. $300. Ph 02 6734 2259 ah or 02 6732 3353 bh. ,95

Porsche 911 RS/CS, very original, Australian delivered car with great history. Road registered, brand new factory engine and gearbox to be fit ted. Full Koni shock setup, spare spring sets, fire bomb, spare spoilers, 3 sets race wheels inci new Pirelli wets. Perfect road car, club racer or 2001 Porsche Cup contender. $178,000. Ph Drew 0418 312 587 or 03 9480 1122. 199

2 issues

HQ #20 NSW, new engine, excellent condition, only done 15 meetings, comes with spare panels, wheels, brakes etc, $5500. Top HP spare also avail able. $2000. Ph Mark 0408 985 182. 194

HQ Holden, professionally built and maintained, complete spare parts, top 10 QLD, everything included, race at the HQ Nationals. $4700. Must sell urgent, Ph 07 5520 4855 bh or 07 5593 6368 ah. 194

VC Brock Commodore, 1980, build number 004, excellent condition, with SLE 8i Brock options, white with red valour interior, original condition, 4th Brock ever made, suit collector. 165,000 kms. $17,500 ono. Ph 02 4946 9554 or 0407 905 039, 194

. -t

■o

Galloway-developed, race-winning Spectrum 07, Speedtech engine, MoTec, spares package, with assistance given to new owner. $37,000. Trailer also available. Ph Owen Kelly 0419 896 382. .99

/-VI

IGrCercard'

Spectrum 06B, top HP Speedtech lease engine, MoTec with upgrade, spares package, 2 sets of tyres, everything in excellent condition, full assis tance provided. $34,000. Also two complete engines, both for $4500. Ph Peter Banfield 03 ' 9762 6719 or 0417 159 434. 199 Class 1 Rivmaster buggy, Mazda 1600 Turbo, Haltek computer, close ratio box, Porsche CVs, 5way-a-way axles. Alloy hubs, Biistein shocks, Kombo stubs, 3‘ front arms, Wright rack. Centerlines, + Spares. Good strong light car. $10,500. Ph 0407 751 136. 199 Formula Vee '91 Spectre, plus enclosed trailer. Lakeside best lap 1m04s, raced 5 times since 1996. $8500. Ph Mike Preston 07 5441 3285. 199 Formula Vee Elfin #EP001. Full rebuild March 2000, fresh engine & tyres 2 meetings old, carby recently rebuilt and manifold flowed. Top 3 car in Qld 99, 2nd round 6 Qld Championship 2000. Complete with Dorian, trailer and spares. $8500. Ph Dale Press 0411 279 559. 199 Drive available, 2001 Formula Ford national series. Close to half normal price. Suit first year challenger, fully setup and competitive RF95. Ph 0411 052 944. 199

Go Kart, Swiss Hutless Maximo '98, KTS 100 blueprinted, tacho, driving suit, trolley, as new condition, $2900. Ph 03 9590 9196. Topkart Jek30, 2000 model, 5 meetings old, Hurst Clubman engine, Mychron data logger, sprockets and axle hubs. Spare slicks and wets on rims, spare parts, trolley. $5500 ono. Will not sep arate. Aral GPX medium helmet $250. Ph Andrew 02 9710 3457 bh or 02 9868 7327 ah. 195

]

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Formula Vee,'98 Bee Cee Jabiru, QLD State Champ 2000, current leader Super Series, huge spares pack age(engines, gearboxes). $22,000. Ph Shane Hart 07 3269 4134 bh or 07 3886 7798 ah. m

Formula Ford Reynard 90F, complete bodywork, 1 spare nose, 2 radiators and brackets. $500 ono. Ph 02 4774 2267. u4 48mm IDF Webers, ex-HDT Group C, fuel lines,m linkages to suit spreadbore manifold. $900 ono. Ph 0402 212 562. 194 Dry sump pump, SCP 4 stage with manifold $1500. Dry sump tank Coleman $400, C&V prod ucts billett oil filter adaptor $50. Ph 0412 146 555 or 0412 399 020. 19-1

Formula Ford Van Diemen RF96, fresh engine, fresh shock absorbers and new springs, tyres 1 race old,' new 2 pak paint job. $26,000 ono. Ph Bob 02 4421 5471 or 0402 033 986. 195

Weland S/B, tunnel ram with 2x BG 7282010 gold claw carbies with BG four port regulator & braided lines. $3800 ono. Ph 0419 188 010. 194

'jsa

Ralt RT30/86 F2, Golf engine, only run 6 meet ings. All in excellent condition and very competi tive. Many spares, complete and ready to race. $29,000. Ph 03 5244 3187 ah. 195

pmimAUTOHom *«r»wAKr

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Formula Vee NG Elfin, quick and reliable car, good HP, fresh engine and gearbox, fully adjustable Koni shocks, 3" 6 point harness, brake bias, chrome wheels with good tyres, spare wheels and tyres, 4 spare nose cones and mould, dynam ic flow manifold and carby, regular top 10 in Vic. $8200. Ph 03 5127 8247 or 0415 860 256 or 0438 278 247. 195

Dry sump pump, SCP 4 stage with manifold $1400, S/B Chev roller lifters, used, $200 per set. Used 14" disc rotors $250 each, new Tilton S/B Chev to TIO bell-housing $400. Ph 0418 341 261 . Mercedes-Benz 190E, intercooled turbo kit, brand new, cost $5000, will sell $2500. Ph 03 5156 7758 or 0412 366 157. m

125cc Superkart, 1999 Centreline chassis, Honda engine. Complete package to get racing including 10x5 trailer, all spares included. $ 11,000. Ph Scott 02 4731 3258 bh or 02 4733 6457 ah. 199 Austin Big 7 Monoposto racing car 1939, total concourse rebuild just completed. Famous historic car, CAMS log book. May accept interesting trade. $18,995. Ph/fax 07 5525 2341 for more details. 194

r-‘

Go kart, CRG kali Indy SL. lOOJblue printed motor, wet tyres, tacho, sprockets, kart starter and stand, 2 suits, helmet, gloves and rib protector. Raced a few times only. $2900 ono. Ph 02 4938

\ Formula Vee GAS, fresh Dean engine, chrome wheels, Willans harness, 2 pak paint, Koni and shocks, nose mould, spare nose, enclosed trailer, some spares priced to sell. $4900 ono. Ph Mark or Richard 03 5127 7754 or 0413 384 566. :5s

7560. 194 '^1

BTR 4 speed auto transmission, with 3000rpm stall converter and variety of chips. All parts in excellent condition from low mileage vehicle. $1800 ono. Ph 07 3395 5235. i9s Ford Cleveland 3.310" stroke, nitrided crankshaft, 5.950” Ridgecrest alloy rods, 4" std Glidden design Venolia pistons, internally bal anced setup, as new. $1500. Ph 03 5472 4116 fax 03 5470 6966. 195 Gearbox, Super TIO, bell housing and shifter, complete. $1750. Ph 0412 399 987. 199 Escort RS2000, twin IDF/PP manifold $250, Lotus T/C timing chest $625, Sierra Cosworth crank v/size $450, Earls 13 row cooler 5175, Escort T/C dash $625. Ph 08 8278 5988 199 Gordon Clubman nosecone, original factory lightweight one piece front still in Auto Developments colours. Excellent condition. $500 ono. Ph 03 5156 7758 or 0412 366 157. 199 Chev BB pistons, TRW L2307, AF 060, suit LS7 454, 12.5:1, new in box. Cost $950, sell $550

Historic Formula Ford, 1974 Matek Mlb. Car driven by Richard Carter from 1983 to 1988 and was very successful, winning many races. Consistently beat the Van Dieeans and at its last race, the Adelaide GP meeting, it took half a sec ond off the lap record set by David Brabham in a Van Dieman RF 87, Available as a rolling chassis less engine and gearbox. Complete with a host of spare parts and jigs. Offers of around $15,000. Call Ian on 02 9477 1347. m Formula 2/3 Reynard 903, sale or lease, 3 sets wheels, spare wings, loads more spares, top con dition & race ready, championship winning car, $33,000, Ph 02 9743 591 1. 195

Lotus 61 MX Historic Formula Ford, outstanding history in Europe, Australia & USA. Stephen Brook restoration. Very competitive. Excellent invest ment. $25,000. Ph 0416 222 112. w

Reynard 92D, competitive car, good HP engine, Sandown 500 winner, good spares package & enclosed trailer included. $48,000 ono, Ph Owen Osborne 0417 320 866 or 03 9798 3680, im

Chev Bowtie, 4 bolt block, 5 steel caps 0.060" bore, follower tunnels bushed $2500, methanol carby C&5, like new $1500, Vertex Magneto, recoed. Cap & leads inc. $850. Ph 0412 146 555 or 0412 399 020. 194

Parts

EL Ford, genuine body shell, brand new with all panels including a demister windscreen. $3000. Ph 08 8250 1903 ah or 0427 501 903. .95

195

{ I

Off Road Racing, 2x Kombi g/box, best of every thing $2000 each. Beard ultra seat $450, 2L Golf engine including everything to bolt into buggy. $750. 194

Formula Vee, QLD Div 2 champion, new engine cases and crank, prepared by Tom Cameron. Ready to race with trailer, spare fully prep g/box, body panels. $9500. Ph Muthanna 07 351 1 7152 or 0415 329 315. 194

ono. 19S

Cylinder heads, Chev Brodix 10, just recond. $2250 ono. Ph 08 9355 4000 or 0419 995 505. 199 Sparco Pro, driver racing seat, black with mounts, alloy. Ph 03 9530 5838 or 0409 997 911. 194 2 3/16 Hilborne fuel injection, to suit 23 degree heads, complete air filters, fuel injection pump, excellent condition. $2000. Ph 0408 911 269 or 08 9452 2808 bh. 194 Super and Late Model Sedan parts, Rayburn and Rocket rollers, plenty of new and used parts and tyres, QC diffs/gearsets, shocks, W5 hubs, W5 wheels, suspension parts. Ph 0419 953 800. 154 Black Goldtrac diff, center, as new, fit any QC diff $1500, hydraulic pull bar/torque link adjust from cabin $850. Ph 0412 146 555 or 0412 399 020- 194

Commodore VL Sports Sedan parts, inc Harrop Grp A fully adjustable rose-jointed front end, com plete, Harrop front brake rotors with four spot Volvo calipers, Simmons V5 type racing mags 16x8 3/4, VL body with cage, 6 link rear end boxes and centre mount for Watts linkage & hang ons, motor 304. Too much to mention, can sell with carby approx 420hp or with 8 throttle body, injection approx 490hp and much more. Ph 03 9874 0081 or 0409 952 732. w Holden 308 bell housing, flywheel, clutch, fork, bearing and cable EC suit T5 gearbox. $350 ono. Ph 03 9852 4520 or 0419 554 019. .94 Edelbrock performer series, 750 dm carburet tor with jet/rod/spring kit. Cost $580, sell $225. Ph 03 9852 4520 or 0419 554 019. .94 Ford 302W bell housing, flywheel and fork, suit T5 gearbox, EC. $300 ono. Ph 03 9852 4520 or 0419 554 409. 194 Walkinshaw Group A, rear bumper, unpainted. $250. Ph Ken 02 9622 0699. 194 Nissan SR20, engine and 5 speed gearbox. Complete, $900 ono. Ph 0416 086 649. 194 Renault V6, alloy 2.8 It ported and polished cam, complete rebuild. $1600 ono. Ph 0416 086 649. m Reynard Formula Ford 90F bodywork, com plete, 2 noses, 2 radiators and brackets/air ducts. $450. Ph 02 4774 2267. .94 l Air jacks, new/used, large range, most applica tions, quick release handles available, top quality. C.C.I. Ph 0418 925 767. l Clutches, 7.25, 5.5, 5.0 single, twin, triple plate, sinteied or carbon, AP-Tilton-QM, new/used. Spare covers, rings, plates also avail able. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Pedals, brake/clutch, floor mount/hanging, new/sued. Also available, bias valves, bias cables, master cylinders, reservoirs etc. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Brake calipers, discs, pads. Mega range, new/used, exc condition - AP, Alcon, Brembo, Outlaw, Willwood. Overnight delivery. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Hewland, DGB, 5 speed transaxle, top condi tion, new 9:31 CWP, ratio choices and spares avail able, $14K ratios, over 300 in stock to suit DGB, GFGB, TPT, FT200. CCI Ph 0418 925 767

Send us your classified ads and we’ll run them ter FREE* CRtBOOrV: □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers □ Speedway DDrag □ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs □ Other.

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● possible after receipt, *FREE Classifieds are for the sale of private goods and vehicles only, not business advertising (Trade advertisers see Classifieds header for rales). Photos marked "proof" will not be used.

molorsport news

NiARKET PLACE l Oil coolers - heat exchangers, Earls, Setrab, Serck, 6-70 row, new/used, also used water to oil heat exchangers, over 100 in stock. CCI Ph 0418 925 767.

Enclosed Tandem Trailer, 12ft X 5ft X 4ft, suit Formula Vee, Karts etc. $1000. Ph 03 9722 9315 ■or 0401 187 850. 195

l Racecar parts, brake parts, chassis stands, ditf oil pumps, exhaust collectors, fuel cell accessories, oil filters, quicklift jacks, ratio boxes, radiator caps, springs, spoilers, wings etc. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Uprights, fabricated/cast, fronts/rears, various sizes, new/used, also CVs, driveshafts, wishbones, rockers, pushrods, all top quality, exc condition. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Radiators, aluminium, new/used, single/dual pass, top quality, large range, various sizes, suit all applications, from $300. CCI Ph 0418 925 767.

Speedway

Charger 1971 VH, 3/4 chassis, roll cage, lift off steel front, unfinished project, fibreglass bumpers, 9-inch diff, ladder bars, coil overs $3000. Weld Allmasters 15x14with 32x14 1/2 slicks. $1200. Ph Kevin 0407-299 601. 195

Engines

Hino Transporter, VGC, aircon cab with sleeper, tailgate lifter, inspection deck, ample bench, easy glide draws, 24/240V power, fluros, floodlights, 12 mths rego, etc., etc... $39,500 ono. Ph Stephen 0417 732 723, .95

■

Model display cabinet, suit 1:43 Classic Carlectables. Mock Bathurst Pit Straight, fit 12 cars on grid plus pits. Wood construction with perspex cover. $300. Ph Kevin 0407 299 601 . .95

Fully enclosed tandem trailer, 18'x6'x6‘, electric brakes, fully enclosed alum annexe, 240v, bench es, winch, plenty of storage. Easy to tow. $5000. Ph 0414 469 250 or 03 9431 3955. 195 Vintage Speedcar, good order and running, NZ history, Linklater engine etc. Offers around $11,000. Ph 07 3201 4402. 195 Speedcar drive required. Late Model A grade car, must have good setup and crew. Ph Allen 02 6297 2920. 195

VIUE'

'86 Isuzu F5R, 5 tonne, 22ft pan, very economi cal, benches, lockers, shelves, built-in compres sion, generator, 240v wiring, 10x6m awning and walls, erect in 10 minutes. Ideal for karting. FF. sportscar or small tourer. $13,999. Ph 02 9838 4944 bh. 195 Trailer fully enclosed, 3x1.8x1.9, rear and side door. Suit go karts, bikes or small speedway car. Near new, no further use. $1600 ono. Ph 02 6552 6366 ah. 195 Chev Extra Cab Silverado '97, 3 door. 350 auto, full options and leather, Z71 4x4 quality RHD, 48,000 miles, new condition and extras $53,000. Ph David 0427 245 364 or leave message. 195 Chev Banana Back, 350 4 spd, duel fuel, bullbar, new tray, ramps, lights, winch, chains, wiring, tyres, engineered, 6 mths rego. $13,000 ono. Ph 03 9785 1263 or 0412 396 427. .94

38 foot transporter, 2 car, ex-5uper Touring team, ready to go, 240V power, winch, heaps of storage, excellent condition. $15,000. Ph 02 4577 2779 or 0407 272 165. 194 F100, ex-ambulance 1984, new tyres, 12 mths rego, bed, stove, 2400kg tow pack, heaps of stor age, great tow vehicle, ideal for race team. $9900 ono. Ph Mark 0408 965 182. 194

ijl.. .

(

8 DecemDer 2000

Collectors Plate, from the series "Adelaide 1985 ■ 1995" by Greg McNeill. No. 6 of the series, enti tled "My Day". Ph Craig 0410 468806 or 02 9673 2821. ,95 Bathurst program, FA1 1000 V8 Supercars, raced in Nov 19th 2000. Very good condition. Write to: Kate Martin, 41 Petersen Street, Trinity Beach, 4879 or leave a message on 0407 036 890, 195 Videos, 1980s World Endurance/Sportscar Championships. Individual races, Duke originals only, no copies. Must be in excellent condition. Ph 03 9802 4597. 195

Chev small block, bowtie block 4 bolt suitable for boring to 4.030". Ph Mick 08 8532 4510 or 0403 090 394, 194

Photographs

Inspect at Bathurst. $32,000. Ph 0416 222 112. 194

Bolts and fasteners, huge range, GR-8, GR-5, 8.8, M/Steel, rivets, unbrako washers, comes in 20' X 8' shipping container that is shelved and has carpet and lighting, must see, must sell. $7700 ono. Can inspect in Castlemaine Vic. Ph 03 5472 4116 or fax 03 5470 6966. 195 i The Great Race books, volumes 14-17 covering the years 1994-1997. Offers. Ph Aaron 0438 316 148. 195

Automobile Yearbooks, Nos 22-34, good condi tion. $1000. Ph 02 9987 0330. 1..1 Kart race suit, blue Arrow type, size large $120, helmet Shoe! size small, excellent $100. Driving bools size 9 and 45. Ph 02 9872 1660. 194 Books, Australian Motor Racing Yearbook #9 and 18, Grand Prix 1989, The Great Race 1997, $200 the lot, Ph 0414 961 027 or 02 9890 9815. 194

Large collection of books, magazines, video tapes on motorsport and cars in general, memora bilia etc. All in excellent condition. POA. Ph 0415 319 170. 194 Workshop to let (or sell), Sydney, spacious fac tory unit over 300 sq mtrs in Hornsby Industrial area, approx 20kms from BCD, close to Ml Freeway north. Office, large mezzanine floor, shower/2xWC, built-in wall benches, engine room/machine area, commercial compressor and

Kart suit, RPM ultia, large, blue with white chest. Never used, bought $280, sell $200. Ph Nick 02 6226 1404 0407 280 431. 194

●V"

Photos for sale, from Mallala Super Tourers, pho tos of most Super Tourers, HQs and Club Cars. Ph David Batchelor 08 8634 5310. Capri 3/4 chassis, less engine and trans, other wise complete, excellent condition, has run 9.38s @ 136 mph. Phone for more detail. $13,000. Ph 03 9308 1454. i94

Jim Beam Harley Davidson picture, laminated and mounted, 147x97cm, excellent condition, promotional item. $150. Ph Chris 0418 103 955 or 03 9552 7230 bh. m

fully plumbed. 3 phase power, 5 car spaces and/or transporter parking. Rent $575 pw. Lease direct from owners. Ph 023 4566 4554 or 0408 162 762 or fax 02 9879 5224. 194

15:

Ford 6 cyl dual cab trader, 20ft long pan, 240v and 24v lights and power, 16ft x 8ft free standing awning. 12v winch, oil/fuel/spares. Storage. $20,000 ono. Ph 07 4751 6017. 195

Australian Touring Car Racing annual. Number 2 by Ray Simpson (Brock's Mobil Sierra on cover), also 'Castrol Grid Cards' from Bathurst 1983, 1984 and 1985. Ph Scott 03 5025 7293. 195

F2, F3, FFord or FVee, wanted to lease by 18 years old beginner for NSW state series. Assistance wanted but not absolutely necessary. Ph David 02 4943 3706 or email dharris@nru.com.au 195 Isuzu FVR Transporter, 28' x 9'6" x 8' Drop deck Pan, workbenches, cupboards, belly lockers. Huge canopy. Very economical. Double decked to carry four Formula Fords. First class mechanicals.

37 ft Gooseneck trailer, with twin cab Isuzu truck, trailer has living quarters, decked out for two Litre Sprintcars. Truck has new engine under warranty. $48,000. Ph Ray or Andrew 02 6543 4245 ah. 195

Exhaust tube bender, 3 phase binnie, computer controlled, as new condition $8500. Can inspect in Castlemaine, Vic. Ph 03 5472 4116 fax 03 5470 6966. 195

Wanted

Enclosed trailer, dual axle, electric brakes, lights, workbench. $4000. Ph Craig 0402 304 646. 195

L-.

Holden 202, titanium Crower conrods, brand new, standard dimensions. Twice the strength of billet conrods and ultra light, 8500 plus rpm. New price over $5500 for 6 rods, neg. Ph 0408 912

Model diecast race cars, including rally, NASCAR, V8s etc. Complete list of available mod els will be emailed to you. Email me your details at davnar@adam.com.au 195

Porsche 3.4 It, with competition headers & exhaust. 46 mm Webers, raceware bolts Mahle pistons, G80 cams, crower rods, built by K Tech in Perth. Approx 3,000Km since rebuild. $11,000 ono. Ph Tim 0416 077 057. 195

Super Sedan Pontiac Trans Am, 327 Chev, 4 spot calipers, wide 5 hubs, quickchange diff, new alum seat, tell tail tacho, chalin p/steer rack, spares. $11,500 ono. Ph 08 9355 4000 or 0419 995 505. 195

TransDorters/Trailers

Alloy small Block Chev, Air flow reaserce Cylinder Heads, T&D Rocker, Cosworth Pistons, Lucas Mechanical Injection. Ex F5000 Hillclimb Car. 600 Hp -r Ph 07 38465230. 19s Holden V8, HRT cylinder heads with valves. $2200. Ph 0412 399 987. 195 Holden 5 litre Walkinshaw, twin throttle, MoTec management system, Porsche injectors, race sump, HRT extractors, complete wiring loom to suit any car, $7500. Ph 0412 399 987. 195 Formula Vee engine, brand new, never started, built by Australian Volkswagen Performance Centre. Call for details. $1000. Ph 03 9722 9315 or 0401 187 850. 195

160. 195

Australia #1, Litre Sprintcar, Infinity chassis, Suzuki engine, weld, Carrera, QCS, Sander etc. All the best gear with spares. $25,000. Ph Ray or Andrew 02 6543 4246 ah. 195

Super Sedan EL Falcon, complete roller. Speedway Engineering quickchange wide 5, Chalin power steering, aluminium rims, Bert gear box. $12,000 plus spares, wheels and parts avail able. POA. Ph 02 9627 9828 or 0407 017 716. 195

Situation vacant, driver with prime mover required for hauling 41' race transporter to various events Australia wide and practice days. Origin of location is Notting Hill, Melbourne, May also accept driver only. Must have current licences and references available. Pending on applicant, full time, casual or part time work is available. Ph Tanya 03 9543 3311 to discuss details. 19s

Other

Goodyear Eagles, circuit slicks 2x R430 com pound, 25-11X15 near new condition. Cost $900, sell $600. Ph 0411 354 941.199

Motoring books and magazines, large run of Autosport 1988-1998. Full set Sports Car World 1957 onwards. Set of Modern Motor. Ph 08 9279 7003 or fax 08 9377 3939, 194 Motoring and racing magazines, Motorsport, Motor, Autocar, Autosport, Sports Car World, Car and Car Conversions, Car. Huge collection. Ph 0409 997 911 or 03 9530 5838. 194

OPINION

muMsiHin EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Phil Branagan Assistant Editor; Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist: Aaron Noonan PRODUCTION Adv & Graphics Co-ordinator: Viv Brumby A0VERTISIN6 Advertising Manager: Brendon Sheridan ADMINISTRATION Managing Director: Chris Lambden CONTACTS 89 Orrong Crescent North Caulfield Vic 3161 (PO Box tOlO North Caulfield Vic 3161) Ph: 03 9527 7744 Fax: 03 9527 7766 Email: msnews@02email.com.au CONTRIRUTORS General: Grant Nicholas, Danyl Flack, Tony Glynn, Mark Jones, Jon Thomson FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins US: Phil Morris Speedway: Brett Swanson, Julie Pearce, Geoff Rounds, Wade Aunger, Tony Millard (UK) Rally: Peter Whitten, Jon Thomson Histories; Brian Reed Drag Racing: Greg Ward, Jon Asher (USA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson Super Speedway: Martin Clark (USA) National; Mark Wicks, Sean Flenshelwood, Michael Shaw Photographers: Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Bothwell Photographic, Marshall Cass, Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett, Tony Glynn, AFl Images, Nell Hammond, Slipstream Photographic, ThunderPics, Phil Williams, Allsport, John Morris/Mpix, Frank Midgley, John Bosher, Lynley Reid, Mike Patrick (UK), Daniel Wilkins, Wayne Nugent, Peter French, Chris Carter, James Smith Artist: Bernie Walsh Cartoonist:Allan Schofield Motorsport News Is published by Australasian Motorsport News - ABN 55 125 120 702 Publisher: C Lambden Printed by: PMP Print 37-49 Browns Road Clayton 3168. Distributed by: NDD Ltd 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 does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of material submitted. Opinions expressed in Motorsport News are not necessarily those of Australasian Motorsport News or its staff.

SUBSCRIPTIONS (1 year - 26 issues) Australia (price inci GST) Overseas (Air Maiti: New Zealand, PNG, Malaysia, Indonesia, Phillippines, Hong Kong, Japan US, Canada, Europe

Every year we hear Tony Cochrane bleating about the “teirible” Bathurst facilities and demanding government funding. To do what? Spectator facilities on the mountain are better than any other ‘once-a-year’ circuit in the world and as good as any of the world’s GP circuits, and miles better than Monaco. Does Mr. Cochrane think that the government is going to pave the entire Mt Panorama Park? It’s more likely that the $16m funding request is aimed towards air conditioned pit garages, hospitality suites and corporate boxes. Frankly, I don’t care if Mark Skaife does have to walk through mud to get his massage and cocoa - if the government has $16m of my money to spare I would rather it go towards reducing the fuel excise! John Ballantyne Carrmar, NSW

Bathurst injustice

Not gunna happen: This is as close as you’ll see Craig Lowndes getting to a Panoz prototype. Reader Scott Cruise is glad to see it by the sounds of things ...

could you want? You have one of the best jobs around, you get to drive V8 Supercars. You’re in the best team - the mighty HRT. Craig Lowndes has had plenty of money invested in him over the years he’s been with HRT. They put over 1 million in for him to compete in F3000 and he failed. They have spent so much money on him in the V8 series.

lousy Xmas and his good wife will miss out on their annual holiday

It’s one small leap backwards for Craig and one mighty leap forward

$132.00

AS 180.00 A$230.00

(Photos by Sutlon-Images and Ian Robinson)

Tbny Cochrane should give himself an uppercut! Allowing ‘yearling’ drivers to race against pros at Bathurst was dangerous 30 years ago and in the year 2000 it is extremely dangerous. One of these lunatics nearly cost Mark Skaife his championship! History shows that overseas champions take years of trying before they can master Bathurst safely. They are in awe of the track - how can unprofessional ‘yearlings’ possibly ever learn to do it? To fine Russell Ingall for telling the truth is wrong! I’m under the impression that no law of our land punishes a man for telling the Gospel truth and that’s what he did. Poor old Russell will have another

again ... Shame and disgust.

Post your cheque/money order to the address above, fax your credit card details (Bankcard, VISA, Mastercard, orAmex) to 03 9527 7766 or email to news msnews@ozemail.com.au 82

Skaifey drinks cocoa? Better not tell Gatorade ...

Tony Eddie (72 year-old motorsport ‘veteran’) Coffs Harbour, NSW

Not Craig’s number one fan I guess I would like to start with saying good riddance to Craig Lowndes. I’m glad to see some change.

and I’m glad HRT won’t let that cry baby drive for Panoz(sorry guys). I’m sick to death of this saga - Lowndes wanted more money and heaps of fast cars. Well, you don’t need them. Why? You drive a HSV GTS, what else

for HRT.

Scott Cruise Email; scruise@iprimus.com.au ED: You have a right to your opinion, Cruise, but look at HRT in the pre-Lowndes era: mighty” is not a word which springs immediately to mind.

witnessed a better racing spectacle as the recent FAI 1000, but as a consumer, I am appalled at the lack of consideration by the organisers to improving the facilities for campers and spectators. I experienced first hand the joys of being a camper. To pay $145 camping fees, $79.20 admission ticket and $29.70 Paddock Pass and have to endure mud and filthy toilets with no extra cleaning arranged is a farce. I do not accept the fact that organisers were caught short. Anyone with a brain can take notice of weather forecasts and plan accordingly. The mountain was a complete disgrace and spectators and campers deserve better than this current exploitation that is happening to them. Hugh Ross Email: Rossfam@onaustralia.com.au

Consumer watchdog ...

ED:It was tough going at the Mountain, and the fans had it much worse than we media

1 have been attending races at Bathurst for 30 years and haven’t

types. Let’s hope lessons are learned and things improve.

motorsport news

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