Motorsport News Issue 195 - December 22, 2000-January 4, 2001 by V8 Sleuth

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Issue 195 22 December 2000 - 4 January 2001

INSIDE News and Opinion

4 5 6

11 27 28 82

Big plans for Bathurst We unveil AVESCO's blueprints Larko pressing ahead No Mitre 10, but maybe 2 cars No Toyota V8 Supercar Avalon, long think about things Audi's Adelaide racer It's got teeth and a turbo V8 Motor Mouth Is that Murray Walker? IT IS! Box Seat Saward has some i/ve/rcf books Talk Converter Pedro's gone, you're upset. True

Features 24

Jason Bright's future He started in a Commodore ...

The end-of-2000 quiz What's the capital of Brazil? V8 Supercar Review It was hot, cold, wet, dry, and Skaife won. Contol freaks do that

Adelaide ALMS preview Audi versus Panoz on New Year's Eve. So what's the crocodile for? Skip Jackson talks Skip talks about life with Krikke

Race Coverage 48 66 FWST

NEW BATHURST PLANS

COUNTDOWN It'S come to this for Lowndes

Symmons Plains BOC STs Morris, Auger get their titles Avalon WSS Max back to his best Victorian Drag Champs Back to action atCalder

Regular Departments 20 52

Motorcycles Histories

54 56 62

Rallying Drag Racing NASCAR

fl KsnemJet ●—'-S thefi Nttb Merh Wehherf

64 72

Speedway National Scene

PLUS Jason Bright Skip Jackson Gary Sceizi

Marketplace

V8 So^rcer seas4>n in review: who, what, where, how, when...

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Photos: Cover: John Grote. Contents: Sutton-lmages, Marshall Cass, Dirk Klynsmith and Santa Claus (just kidding).

AVESCO's Bathurst by PHIL BRANAGAN

A STATE-of-the-art pit and hospitality complex is the centrepiece of AVESCO’s proposal 10 upgiade the facilities at Bathurst. AVESCO has renewed its call for government support for Bathurst, and is pressing ahead with plans to upgi-ade Mount Panorama for future racing. Tony Cochrane met with the Bathurst City Council last Friday and the two gi'oups are woi'king together to gain government support. And upbeat Cochrane was delighted with the hearing he had in Bathurst. “We had a closed session for an hour,” said Cochrane on Tuesday. “We spoke frankly about what we wanted and so did they. We’ve formed a sub-committee, and that will move forward at a State and Federal level to preseiwe Bathurst’s icon status.” Cochrane repeated his recent comments about the lack of facilities at the racetrack. “The track is great, but the facilities for the fans and the teams need a boost. I’ve been to both British Touring Car events and the (Gei-man)DTM (series), and I think that our show compares veiy favourably with both of those. “But the facilities ai'e unacceptable. The track is worldclass, but I feel we deserve $10 to $15 million offederal ftmding to preserve Bathm'st as a national icon.” Cochrane says that the AVESCO/BCC working gi-oup will

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seek support specifically from the tourism and industry departments ofthe government of both the Federal and State governments. ‘The Western Research Institute conducted a Federal impact study which reported that the track provides 540 full-time jobs in the region, and injects $30 million into the local economy. “All I am saying is that the Federal government has tipped a lot of money into sporting infrastructm'e. Every sport has had a go at getting funding to boost their sports, and quite rightly so. Here is the opportunity for

First look; If Ai^'SCO’s Tony Cochrane has his way, this is'how the new Bathurst pit complex will look.-In our^clusive first look at AVESCO’s plans, the corporate boxes., above left, will look out on pit straight. Note the new pit entry on the outside of track. ; motorsport to get federal funding for the first time.” The AVESCO/BCC plan is to implement a number of urgent upgrades for 2001 and compete the work in time for the 2002, when the 1000km race will revert to the traditional October long weekend. ‘This will come down to the level offunding from the Federal and State governments, the Bathurst City Council and AVESCO. We all have to play our part; AVESCO has invested $30,000 to funds a number of studies for discussions purposes to get the ball rolhng. Part of the studies, shown here

MANNIE FOLD: THE ULTIMATE TRACKSIDE FAIM-BOY

for the first time,show a new pit complex built on the outside of pit straight, opposite the existing pit complex which would be retained to accommodate the support race competitors. The proposed new building features a two storey pit complex, with corporate boxes above, giving a commanding view ofthe track. “Government support happens all over the world,” said Cochrane. “Malaysia, Barcelona and Magny Cours were all funded by government money, and now Silverstone is looking for similar support. Politicians love popping up

By Allan Schofield

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Side on: Section plan through the new complex.

on TV at Bathurst. You can’t take the political grandstanding without doing something, like sticking your hand in your pocket. “It’s unacceptable, especially in Australia. We can only do this in alliance with the Bathurst City Council. We want to forge a strong partnership. Motorsport will gain across the board.”

Horne home? Larkham: It’s Business as usual MARK Larkham heads into the 2001 Shell Championship Series full of confidence, despite the loss of major sponsor. Mitre 10. The Queenslander said this week that the team was pressing ahead and even expanding, despite the hardware retailer ending their 10 year association with the Falcon driver. “It's business as usual," said Larkham this week. "We have the support of our existing sponsors, like Karcher and Ford, and we will field a minimum of one car in 2001." Larkham, who took his breakthrough SCS win at Calder in August, is looking to expand his team into a two car effort, perhaps as soon as next season. "It provides our business with a genuine opportunity for growth, which we very much desire. We have the team to move forward." Rumours circulating this week connected Larkham with Caltex, seen most recently with Tony Longhurst, but Larkham discounted them. At the same, he paid tribute

Rumour of the week: What do you do when there's no CART racing to be involved in? You start a V8 Supercar team! There is considerable chat around that Steve Horne, who ran Tasman Motorsport in the USA, is hankering for a return to Australasia and is looking at the biggest show in town. The New Zealander is rumoured to be decamping from his Ohio base to head south. Now, who used to drive a Super Tourer for Tasman, again?

n With experienced race team personnel swapping teams almost everyday nowadays, one leading V8 team may soon be shopping for a lawyer - especially if another team believed some of its hard-earned secrets, and the paperwork that went along with them, had made a shift as well. We hear one team could be looking to give an ex employee the chop...

"They have been very loyal through my career and I would like to publicly thank them for' that." The hardware chain first backed Larkham in the early 1990s when he was racing in Formula Flolden. It is believed that recent restructuring in the company's marketing department was behind the firm's decision to part ways.. with Larkham. ' '* - PHIL BRANAGAN

Craig set to choose Holden or Ford? CRAIG Lowndes will tuck into his Christmas dinner next week with a simple decision to make - Holden or Ford. The word is that he and his team will enjoy Christmas and the New Year, then buckle down to make probably the most important decision of his motor racing career. "Craig really is looking to the long term," advisor Noel Watson told us on Tuesday. "So despite the pressure to confirm a deal and be on the grid at the GP in March, it's more important to make the right decision." As Motorsport News closed for press, the former V8 Supercar champion seemed set to consider two realistic options for his future one each from Ford and Flolden. Just what each of those options is and what they offer are known only to Craig and his closest advisers, but Motorpsort News' industry intelligence suggests that both could well involve all-new teams. 22 DscembBr 2000

Each of the existing major teams has two drivers contracted for 2001 - unless one unlucky pilot is in for some bad New Year news... In the Ford case, the Prancing Florae option keeps coming up (although rumours have also linked former Ford racer Fred Gibson to a new team project). Gibson's name also seems to head the list of possibles in terms of Flolden, where he of course has recent form - having sold Gibson Motorsport (now known as Kmart Racing) just a year ago. Peter Brock's offer to create a team for Lowndes, revealed exclusively in our last issue, is another Holden option but - according to our sources - less likely. One of the longest soap-operas in modern V8 Supercar racing certainly looks set to continue into the New Year. Watch this space...

n Late news: As we closed for press came the news of the death of Stan Fox. The long-time Midget speedway racer, who cheated death in an horrific opening lap crash in the 1995 Indy 500, has been killed in a road crash in New Zealand. Fox suffered massive head injuries in the Indycar crash, but recovered, despite the front of the chassis being ripped off completely and his legs left exposed to the^ concrete walls. n There’s enough sheep in Oz: PROCAR won't be headed to New Zealand for any racing in 2001. There remains one date to be confirmed on their calendar for the new season, that being at Eastern Creek. A television deal for the category is yet to be finalised, though we hear the PROCAR categories (plus F3) will stay on the same network but could appear on its own program, separate to 'Trackside'. The four PROCAR-run dates will be at Wakefield Park, Oueensland Raceway, Eastern Creek, and Sandown (scheduled for mid-September, the return of the Sandown 500), n The growth of the Konica Supercar Series looks set to continue. Expect to see Formula Holden driver Paul Dumbrell making the step up to the V8s full-time next year. With Rodney Forbes' operation now no longer being run by Gibson Motor Sport, that opens the door for the car to be run from the team's Dandenong headquarters, although there is talk that the VT Commodore 'could be prepped by another team which has already announced its participation in the Konica Series ... 5

Brigh

JASON Bright will be looking for success in his first year , with the Holden Racing Team. The 27-year-old will race for the four-time Championship-winning team, and shook down a HRT Commodore for the first time ! at Winton last week,

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j Bright has shelved his 1 plans to race in the USA after ; finishing sixth in the Dayton i Indy Lights Championship i! this season and making his Champ Car debut at Surfers Paradise in October. 'Tm keen on trying to win the Shell Series, and with the Holden Racing Team,I’ve got a real shot at it," he said this week.'1 wouldn’t mind having a Shell title under my belt and

Toyota MS program now unlikely but re-commits to ARC THE likelihood of Toyota joining the V8 Supercar ft-ateiTiity in the near future has taken a backward step. One of the driving forces for the move within the company, Peter Evans, has left to take up a marketing manager role with Hyundai(a V8 Sonata perhaps...). Evans headed T-Cam, a performance division within Toyota, and handled motor sport matters and was the main mover in getting Toyota to look at V8 Supercar racing as a branding/image process. While early talks had taken place with both AVESCO and a handful of cun-ent teams, senior Toyota

management always insisted that the project was a “maybe”. That could now well be downgraded to “unlikely”. In the meantime, Evans is already hinting that his arrival at Hyundai could bring with it an appreciation of motor sport as a marketing tool. The Hyundai Accent WRC rally car has of course made great progi-ess this year, taking a number of stage times at the recent Rally Australia, in Perth... IN the meantime, Toyota will push ahead with its Australian Rally Championship progi’am, with Neal Bates and Coral

lie Weel Deal PAUL Weel will field a second K&J Thermal Falcon in next year's Shell Championship Series at two sprint rounds. While Weel told Motorsport News that a driver was signed and confirmed that it was not Cameron McConville as rumoured or previous co-driver Greg Crick, MN sources believe that the man for the seat is Kiwi Craig Baird, who would then join Weel for the enduros. Weel said also that the driver raced this season and wouldn't be jumping manufacturers, which makes the seat an open fit for someone like the out-of-work Baird. The drive would also be a comfortable fit for Baird, who has said in the past that he'd be keen to pursue a Trans-Am drive in the United States. Such a deal would give him definite racing and testing before the endurance races here in Australia and leave him free to pursue the overseas drives during the year, provided there are no calendar clashes. Weeks team will have another new car for 2001 to run alongside the car the team debuted at Sandown this year. - AARON NOONAN 6

Taylor running in their Corolla WRC. Bates will be out to stop Possum Bourne from making it six titles straight for Subaru. Bates took four wins in the Australian Super Series this season. Bates is looking forward to some updates for his Corolla. “Although TTE is no longer competing in the World Rally Championship,it is still developing the Corolla for teams like ours,” he said. Anew Corolla is due for release in 2002, at which stage Toyota Australia is expected to decide on the future of the ARC program.

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t signs with HRT I’m fully focused on that. 'If I can get back to America, fantastic.” Despite his HRT deal, Bright is hoping to test a Dale Coyne Racing Champ Car at Sebring next month,alongside Alex Barron and F3 hotshot,Andre Couto. Whilel it appears to be a long-shot. Bright did say that he would be able to race in the

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. USA if he was offered the 'chance; . winning Bathurst for V - V 7;’ jJ'StpiierBrothers Racing in 1998, '^?%T.J3n^it|'has been closely , 7ctfitoe'cted to Jord, but he ^gtii^yvniade his V8 Supercar niaiHoiden in 1997; 1>\

BBmb'feii'he subbed forSteven.

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"My years with Ford were great," said Bright. 'T had planned to stay loyal to the brand, but the V8 Supercar category is changing all the time and it’s getting more and more like other professional motorsport around the world. Drivers are paid to drive; it’s not like it used to be in Australian touring car racing where drivers own the teams. "Now, most of the drivers are just employees of the teams and they drive whatever car that teams supplies. You’ll see more and more of that in the future - it’s just that I’m the first guy to do it!" See page 24 for more on Bright’s move.

n Could this week's re-writing of the AVESCO/TEGA franchise system come about due to an enquiry into the system by the ACCC? n With Holden's withdrawal from the V8 Supercar Safety Car program. Ford has taken up the rights for the program and will be the only supplier of Safety Cars next year. However, we do also hear that Toyota did put their hands up to supply the Safety Cars next year...

OUR spies in the US are reporting that a deal is very closeTor the Minardi team to be soid to an American investment bank. If that happens, we believe that both Gabriele Fiumi and Giancarlo Minardi will be out of the sport and that an entirely new team will be put together using Minardi's signature of the Concorde Agreement as the foundation for a team, which would be based in Britain. The purchaser would not be in a position to run the team, but we understand that Bernie Ecclestone, who is orchestrating the deal, is wanting to create a

much stronger organisation than Minardi has been and has someone in mind to do the job. The new owners are likely to listen to what the FI boss has to say rather than trying to do their own thing. There are a number of possible team principals whom Ecclestone might propose to the new owners. One of them is Martin Brundle, who has been talking quietly in recent months about having an ambition to run his own Formula 1 operation at some point. Brundle is now a successful businessman and in recent years has been working as a

broadcaster with ITV's Formula 1 commentary team. In addition to that, he has been acting as advisor to David Coulthard and, as president of the BRDC, has been sorting out the problems over the British GP. On the other hand, Ecclestone has no shortage of British-owned teams and might like to take the opportunity of a US deal to put together a team with a distinctly American flavour. There have been vague rumours recently about a US concern interested in the team, although no detai ls have surfaced as yet. - JOE SAWARD

a^^EBNANpO Alonso’s stunning ^f^testing fqrni'at Barcelona this T week has shown why Benetton ,;, boss: Flavio Briatore is keenly interested in the young Spaniard - the 19-year-old h , lapping his home circuit just two-tenths slower than Jenson Button. But, with three contracted drivers already at Benetton Giancarlo Fisichella, Button and Mark Webber - the move to test Alonso is interesting. Webber was supposed to be doing the bulk of the testing with a modified Benetton B200B, but he has yet to bo seen in action and instead Alonso was been drafted in thanks to “an agi-eement between Minardi and Benetton.” The ‘official line'explained that Benetton was just trying to help Alonso complete the necessary

miles to obtain his superlicence. What the Benetton pi-ess release did not bother to explain was why this would be Benetton’s interest... So what is going on? Why is Benetton helping out Minardi? The answer is that Alonso is under some form of contract to either Benetton directly or to team directoj- Briatore. At the same time, however, there is clearly something going between Minai di and Benetton (or Briatore). Renault may have decided that it wants to have the political clout of two teams in FI in the future and has quietly masteiTninding a takeover ovei' the team (perhaps via a Renault-friendly organisation such as Mecachrome) and, in exchange, will help the team out in the long term. The ultimate aim would be to

have two competitive Renaultengined teams ranning in the future. There in now little doubt that Minardi will run the Supertec VlOs in 2000, but whether these will remain badged as Supertecs remains to be seen. They could turn up as Mecachromes, Playlifes, or might even be branded with one of Renault’s subsidiaries: Nissan being the obvious choice, although Samsung is another possibility. On a more obvious level, the testing is tantamount to confirmation that Alonso will be racing for Minardi in 2001. The interesting thing will be how' Alonso’s test will affect the morale of Webber. Briatore will probably not care greatly if the past is any guide, haring had a string of test diivere who hardly w'ent near the cars. -JOESAWARD

22 December 2000

n We hear that the support classes for the Konica Series, will be wide and varied. With Formula 3 on the bill at two rounds, it seems Saloon Cars may also get a run with the junior V8 league.

■ Grab your seats: 17-year-old karter Michael Caruso will race the factory, Mike Borland-run Spectrum in next year's national championship. Caruso, who won this year's inaugural Ford Max Challenge series, tested for the seat alongside Neil McFadyen, Mathew Wall, William Yarwood and Mark Winterbottom. The five underwent a series of evaluations, including physical and physiological testing at the Victorian Institute of Sport and a full day's testing at Winton. ■ Change of colours: Don't expect to see Autopro on the flanks of the Rod Nash Racing Holdens next year. We hear that the relationship between the two is no more. ■ Congrats to Jason Bargwanna, who walked down the aisle last weekend. The Bathurst winner was finally made an honest man by Deb Burns and, after a brief honeymoon, Bargs was back on deck. Ladies, please, no sobbing... ■ Blunted Arrows: Gaston Mazzacane has been denied any further testing in the Arrows as he continues negotiations with Prost. The French team will be using Michelins in 2001, and Bridgestone is not too keen for the Argentine to use their 2001 tyres on the Arrows ... ■ Forget the driver merry-goround: The moves are underway in the teams for next year's V8 Supercar season, with Paul Cepenrich, formerly Craig Baird's engineer at SBR, moving to Big Kev Racing and former JFR and Nash Racing man Barry Ryan now at Gibson Motorsport among the moves. ■ Tasman Cup winner Andy Booth has tested with Indy Lights team ‘ Brian Stewart Racing. The Kiwi ran at Spring Mountain Motorsport Park in Nevada (the same place and team which tested his NRC NZ team-mate Matthew Halliday) and is actively seeking backing for an Indy Lights assault in 2001. 7

Traction control delayed by FI k

THE Formula 1 Commission has rejected plans for the return of electronic driver aids in FI because of opposition from Ferrari and teams associated with the Italian organisation. Ferrari engineers had previously agreed with other FI technical directors that it was impossible for such systems to be policed and, as a result, had backed a proposal in the FI Technical Working Group (TWG)for them to be banned. It is unclear why Ferrari chose to reject the recommendations, having previously agi'eed to them, but rival teams are suggesting that thejtalians may^ think they will lose some of their advantage if ^^Kronic systems are allowed, th.alijce.eping electronic diiver aids out as the dctision will mean that. iile_gal electronic driver aids are gojng to ntlrhuSpher’e in FI, , has now said that,the TWG must come up with a new ^ package ofineastn’es, incoi’porating the removal of all restrictions on l^eccjxmie,control systems for engines and transmissions, to improve

ihuâlso propose measures to “absolutely guarantee that lioedditicnul use of electionics as an aid to competitive v.'ould appear to be impossible... i^TheFi engineers have until mid-February to fommlate ideas and v\iinhen be discussed by the FI team principals. If there is an ' tlie, decision v/iJl be confirmed by a fax vote of the World I end could be inlioduced in time for the Spanish ^ 3cg of the season, safety sends out a clear messa^to vli^^dbjtCf.ing.to tl..: change. F it is not agi-oed in Februaiy. the FGli can Circumvent the normal decision-making process if a change to the ' is declared to be on the grounds of safety. The teams do not have any control over how niles are inteipreted by ^jeÂand the only recourse they have if the FIA did declare a rule he to go the FIA International Court of Appeal. 'yMg^p.p^8/ae into effect, there will bo foiu- races in @!îl?I?r§Wîi^fen-fitiL! be used and this ciudd be inteipreted j,h;-nff!ft >yhieh leci they wi'l lose some advantage with nde Clearly, there are lifdden agendas involved in all the ’ decisions, but is difficult to know exactly what is going on. VVliat is dear is that at the meeting of the FI Commi.ssion there ^(*5^t.wo objections to the new rule: one from Fen’ari and one from the Ferratd said that they want more control over gearboxes and Sj^pojhisfcion.'' and the Fh\ said it wanted moi'e safety. cieaJtfs.lhat, in the long-term, the FIA knows that it is jjc^he lilies, and so must force ihi'ough change before ^feand counter-protesL 3 A S'

On-traction action: Ferrari have opposed the re-introduejion of (Photo by Sutton-lmages) traction control, angering many other teams. 8

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- CHRIS LAMBDEN

Brazil GP threat? Tobacco legislation could effect race WHILE the Brazilian Congress debates the future of tobacco advertising, there are warnings from motorsport people in Brazil that the Grand Prix could be threatened if the new law is voted through. There have been calls for the legislation to make an exception for motor racing, using the same argument that has applied in many other countries that it is a “world-class” event arid Brazil would not get the race if tobacco advertising was banned. However, a new law might not have any effect on the GP because the FIA is already committed to phasing out cigarette money and the trend amongst the FI teams is to move to alternative sources of income. At the same time, the Brazilian

race is of vital importance to the sport, as it keeps the South American interest in the series alive. . Brazil is a vast market for the FI sponsors and they will not be happy if FI turns its back on Latin America. There is no real alternative to Brazil at the moment because Argentina cannot afford a GP and all the other countries are either politically or economically unstable or simply too small to consider hosting a Grand Prix. The Brazilian event is one of only a handful at which the frackside advertising and corporate entertaining is not under the control of Paddy McNally’s Allsport Management, so it will be the locals who have to pay if tobacco money is blocked. -JOE SAWARD molorsport news

Ifa ker redpes THE Voice of GP racing, Murray Walker, will retire at the end of next season. Walker, whose career goes back to the start of the modern era of FI in 1950, will call his last race for England’s ITV and Australia’s Channel 9 in Japan in October. Walker, 77, was a secondgeneration Commentator,following in the mike-steps of his father Graham, a noted motorcycle racer. Murray combined his motor racing career with running a successful UK advertising company, whose clients included McDonalds and Mars bars. Starting on radio, he moved to T\^ in the 70s and was a solo commentator until the BBC, which held the rights to GP racing at that time, slotted fonner world champion James Hunt alongside. The combination of the urbane Hunt and Walker, who was once described by a critic as “possessing the calm of a man with his trousers on fire”, made an ideal pair. After Hunt’s death in 1993, Walker acquired a new partners in, firstly Jonathon Palmer, then Martin Brundle, the two staying together when ITV acquired the FI rights four years ago. He was a regular visitor to Australia after the first Adelaide GP in 1985, and made two visits to Bathurst where he worked for Channel 7. Walker, whose commentary is also heard in Canada, South Africa and India, is best known for his gaffs (see list below) but has received praise from all quarters, including FIA Vice President, Bernie Ecclestone. For Murray's thoughts on his retirement, see page 27.

n TOUGH WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT! Joe Saward looks back on Michael Schumacher’s championship year in our review of FI 2000

n Castroi Calendar The annual must-have for the office wall... n Images 2000 The very best from Motorpsort News’ lensmen n Almanac Our look at what to expect in 2001 - through slightly fuzzy glasses

'■

Is Goodbye, Farewell and Amen: The voice of Grand Prix racing, Murray Walker, will hang up the microphone at the end of next season. (Photobysution)

Famous Murrc^-isms from ‘Muddly Talker\

"He's obviously gone in for a wheel change. I say obviously because I can't see it" "With half the race gone, there is half the race still to go'

"Anything happens in Grand Prix racing and it usually does"

"...the lead is now 6.9 seconds. In fact it's just under 7 seconds"

that is a piece of BODY WORK, from someone's car. tt

...and there's no damage to the car... except to the car itself."

"Do my eyes deceive me, or is Senna's Lotus sounding rough ?"

It's raining and the track is wet"

"This is an interesting circuit because it has inclines, and not just up, but down as well."

"Andrea de Cesaris...the man who has won more Grands Prix than anyone else without actually winning one of them."

Murray: "What's that? There's a BODY on the track!!" James: "Urn, I think that

"Only a few more laps to go and then the action will begin, unless this is the action, which it is."

22 December 2000

NEWS

COMPETITION 2 Collect the second coupon for our exclusive Win a GP Weekend with Webber competition ... and plenty more. SUPER HOLIDAY READING 1

a JANUARY Contents correct at time of going to press

ten home of

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

.Rd 12

Shell Championship Series V8 Supercars 2001* Albert Park . . .(Non Championship)

Mar4

,Rd 1

Aprs

Mar25 ... .Philip Island .Adelaide

.Rd2

Apr 29 ... .Eastern Creek

.Rd3

May 12 ...Hidden Valley .Canberra Jun7

,Rd5

Rd4

Jun 24 ... .Perth ....

,Rd6

Jul 15 ... .CalderPark

.Rd7

Konica V8 Supercar Series 2001 * ,Rd 1 .Wakefield Park Feb 25 Mar 18

Oran Park ....

,Rd2

May 6 .

Winton

,Rd3

May 27 Jul 8 . .

Philip Island . . Lakeside

,Rd4 .Rd5

Aug 12

Mallala

.Rd6

FIA Formula One World Championship 2001 Mar 4 ... .Australia

,Rd1

Mar 18 . ..Malaysia

.Rd2

Apr 1

.Rd3

Brazil

Apr 15 . . .San Marino

-Rd4

Apr 29

.Rd5

Spam

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

South Africa

.Rd2

Mays .

Spain France ... .

.Rd4

Italy

.Rd5

May 20 June 3 .

Rd3

FedEx CART Championship Series 2001* Feb 11 ... .Rio

Rd 1

Mar 11 .

Monterey .

,Rd2

Apr 8 ..

Long Beach Texas ....

.Rd3

Apr 29 . Mays .

Nazareth ..

,Rd5

May 19 Jun 3 ..

Motegi ... Milwaukee

.Rd7

,Rd4 .Rd6

NHRA Winston Drag Racing Championship Series 2001* .Rd 1 Feb 14 Pomona . Feb 18

Phoenix .

.Rd 2

Mar 18

Gainesville

.Rd 3

Mar 25

Houston .

.Rd 4

Apr 8 ..

.Rd 5

Apr 29 .

Las Vegas Bristol ...

May 6 .

Atlanta ..

.Rd 7

.Rd 6

rten1 J

home of

motorsport I I

All event dates in this calendar were correct at the time of printii^. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations for date changes.

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

Yep, the head’s leaning over: Murphy gets to know his Panoz at Sebring in Fiorida.

(Photo by Bothwell Photographic)

2 Aussies and a if

Murphy and Bright get Brabham for Race of 1000 Years

THERE will be an all-Australian entry - sort ofin the Race of 1000 Years in Adelaide next week. David Brabham has been moved into the Greg Murphy/Jason Bright LMP 01 for the race, ieaving Jan Magnussen and Kiaus Graf to drive the new LMP 07 prototype. The third driver in the car is also likely to assist with driver fatigue, as previous hot races on the concrete-lined Adelaide track has taken their toll on drivers. Bright and Murphy tested the car last week in Florida, Murphy saying he was impressed with his first experience in the car, "It's much more like driving a Formula Holden or

an indy Lights car," said the Kmart V8 Supercar driver. "It's got plenty of power and handles really well, and it took some time before we felt like we were near the limit." Murf said that the proven, older car would potentially be a more reliable proposition than the brand new one. ‘ "I think that the car will a factor in the race. David will be right on the pace, and I am sure that Brighty and I will be able to keep the car up with the leaders. I think that, given the form that the car has shown in recent races, we are in with a real shot of doing well in the race."

Maranello NATIONS Cup competitors Prancing Horse appear to be out of the running in the quest to campaign a car for Craig Lowndes in 2001,although the team’s plans are gi’owing day by day and a V8 Supercar progi’am is definitely on the cards for 2002. P'or next season, the Melbourneba.sed team have committed to run four Fen-ari 360 Modena Challenges in Nations Cup, with a further two franchises currently being negotiated with Procar, while a Mustang Cobra R will be run by the team in the GTP series. Again, Mark Noske is expected to line up in one Ferrari, while the other ‘franchises’ will be on-sold to prospective drivers, thought to include Super Touring driver Jim Cornish and Commodore Cup competitor Stewart Gagg - the

two taking turns in the team cars at Phillip Island last Monday. One of the .360s already in the Prancing Horse stables is owned by Tom Warwick, who is likely to push for it to be driven by 1996 GTP series winner Cameron McConville, Warwick and McConville teaming up for that campaign. The Mustang GTP effort is believed to have the support of Ford, further supporting talk that, when Prancing Horae does make the move to the V8 category, it will be with factory backing. While not wanting to commit to their racing plans just yet, Prancing Horse managing director, Mark Coffey did confirm the company was looking at securing more franchises for next year, while also continuing to look towards V8s.

Look for more of this: Noske leads Chri: molorsporl newt

NEWS

Audi back to Le Mans

... but first, Crocodile Au-dee

n BMW Team PTG will get to taste how the 'real experts' make beer next Wednesday night at the brewer Cooper's Leabrook headquarters in Adelaide after winning the Cooper's Home Brew competition staged at the US rounds of the ALMS during the season, PTG's 'Check the Splitter Bitter' was chosen ahead of other concoctions to win the competition staged among the amateur pit-lane brewers of the ALMS. n As if Garry Holt isn't busy enough, racing in his V8 Supercar and running Wakefield Park, the Sydney driver will take to the high seas next week, Holt and Michael Spies, who co-owns Wakefield Park, will be aboard Shipping Central in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, which starts in Sydney Harbour on December 26. n Wakefield Park will be closed over the Christmas/New Year period for track maintenance. During the closure the owners will also be taking the opportunity to re-model some of the corners in preparation for a busy 2001 season.

HORSES THREATEN SANDOWN DATES SANDOWN'S 2001 racing calendar has been put into disarray by changes to the venue's horse racing commitments. The Victorian Amateur Turf Club, which runs the Melbourne facility, wants to enforce a 'blackout' around its quarantine and stabling commitments to Melbourne's Spring Racing Carnival. The move has forced track promoter Jon Davison to move his proposed 500km endurance race for Nations Cup

and Classes A and B for GTP. Davison says that the date for the Procar event is now likely to be 14-16 September, a week earlier than originally planned. "I understand that they want to bring in international horses and I don't want to stop that," he said. ‘It's not the horse racing industry that keeps changing its dates, it's AVESCO. If we get a mid-November date at Sandown and stick to it, that will be the best solution for everyone."

■lions X 6

WWW .pranctnonovAA-^**^

an Jones at Bathurst. 22 December 2000

.Pholh & Marshall Cass)

“Wo’re conLinuing to look at the VB Superear Serie.s a.s it i.s the premier serie.s in Australia and iC you want to be considered one of the leading, professional racing outfits, you have to monitor it and con.stantly look at the options,” Cofl'ey said. “At the moment though, we’i'e talking with Ro.ss Palmer about another two Ferrari franchises for next year’s Nations Cup, which we expect next year to continue rjn with its amazing growth of 2000.” Prancing Horse’s amazing growth will also continue with the team soon to move into a new showroom/race team headquarters in Richmond by February, while two new transporters and Iveco primemovers will al.so .soon be delivered.

AUDI'S all-conquering R8 prototypes will be returning to the American Le Mans Series and the Le Mans 24Hours in 2001. The two car team will still be run by Reinhold Joest's Audi Sport Team, and, as expected, feature Tom Kristensen amongst its full-time driver line up as a replacement for the Toyota-bound Allan McNish. Laurent Aiello, Michele Alboreto, Rinaldo Capello, Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro will join Kristensen in the team's Le Mans assault, while Biela, Capello, Kristensen and Pirro will run the ALMS series, Alboreto and Aiello jetting in as third drivers for the longer races at Sebring and Road Atlanta. The R8s will undergo minor changes for 2001, with this year's chassis expected to be run by customer teams. Ffowever, just who will be running the customer cars remains a question. WHILE the manufacturer has confirmed its 2001 plans, it has also unveiled a new-look colour scheme for the McNish/Capello R8 which will run at Adelaide on New Year's Eve, The title winning car will be in camouflage crocodile colours for the race, though the rumours that McNish would be trading in his tartan helmet for a 'Mick Dundee' hat appear unfounded , , ,

9 The Toyota Camry GTP car with which David Ratcliff achieved much success has been bought by 21-yearold Alan Holgersson. Holgersson has spent two years running a Morris Cooper S in Group Nb and, providing current sponsorship negotiations come to fruition, will contest selected rounds in the 2001 series. n Don't expect German Michael Krumm to score the second Forsythe/Zakspeed seat. Krumm^ is reported to have re-signed for another year of Formula Nippon alongside ex-Champ Car driver Naoki Hattori. 9 Bernd Maylander, who is perhaps best known as being the driver of the Safety Car at all FI Grand Prix, will spearhead a new Mercedes-Benz DTM team. He'll be joined in the Eschmann-Manthey team by four-time Porsche Supercup champ Patrick Huismann from the Netherlands, 9 The Ford Motor Company has signed Danica Patrick, who starred at the Formula Ford Festival, to a contract. The company's racing boss, Dan Davis, has also signed USAC drivers Kasey Kahne and Dave Darland to deals. 9 India's Narain Karthikeyan and Malaysia's Alex Yoong look set to abandon England in favour of Japan, with both drivers expected to line up in Formula Nippon in 2001. The F3 .stand-outs also look set to be joined by former F3 and Indy Lights driver Ben Collins and Mark Webber's F3000 team-mate at European Aviation, Christijan Albers. All four tested for various Nippon teams at Twin Ring Motegi. 11

Cragg

BRDC ready to ask for Silverstone handout Factory-supported inc SILVERSTONE has yet to approach the British authorities about funding for the planned rebuilding of Silverstone, but the organisation which decides on whether or not money should be given for the project says that there is a provision for world class events which have national significance. Sport England,the organisation which would make the grant from National Lottery funds, has done very little in the way offunding motor racing because the facilities being funded normally need to have an element of community use. However if there were facilities to help develop British talent such as the motor racing academy that Martin Brundle has been talldng about in recent days money could be forthcoming. There are dangers, however, as Sport England’s inyoly

the rebuilding of Wembley Stadium has shown. Sport England agreed to supply Wembley National Stadium Ltd with a grant of US$190m, while the football authorities had to raise the remaining US$570m. Most of the Sport England grant went to buying the land (which cost around US$170m), but there was then considerable government interference with claims that the stadium would not be capable of staging the 2012 Olympic Games, which had been part of the planning. As a result, the company was told to return more than US$30m and athletics was removed from the redevelopment scheme. After further wrangling, the company finally got planning permission to build the new stadium in May and demolition began recently.

redevelopment expected to cost something in the region of US$150m, the grant to Silverstone could be considerably less than that made to Wembley, although Silverstone would probably need to provide other uses for the local community if the redevelopment is to go ahead. This would probably mean that other sporting facilities would need to be built on the site, but there is no reason why the track should not have a velodrome or an artificial ski slope as part of the rebuilding plan. There could be even the possibility of a watersport facility in the infield at the south end of the track... All this is speculation at the moment, but the fact that Brundle is talking about a motor racing academy would suggest that Silverstone will eventually bid for National Lottery money. -JOESAWARD

mr.

Gardemeister’s Smug Pug^ LOOKING to get his career back on track after two tough years with Seat, Toni

Gardemeister has sprung a surprise by agreeing to run a privateer Peugeot for the 2001 WRC after his hopes of a works Ford drive ended last week.

he will go on to contest nearly half of the season in the car.

Monte, but it will be a Grifone car _

Gardemeister's manager, Timo Jouhki said on Tuesday: "The decision from ^

i°r

♦

It IS believed the young Finn will run the 206 WRC with the crack crack Italian

^be moment we'd expect Toni to (Jq between five and seven events,

outfit Grifone at the opening round of the series - the Monte Carlo Rally - with his management team is optimistic that 12

although that could change towards the end of the year as things develop. We haven't decided for certain about

either a Toyota or probably a 206. I thin^P^ jt'n be a good package for him." Gardemeister's career has stalled after two frustrating seasons with SEAT. He had been linked to an extensive programme with Ford for 2001, but the team's decision to sign Francois Delecour last week left him facing a last-gasp search for a competitive car to continue his development. motorsport news

NEWS

ill signs SBK deal

^pendent Ducati ride gives Aussie hopeful good chance in 2001 MELBOlTRNE-based Marty Craggill has just signed a contract with the Italian Pacific Team to contest the 2001 Superhike World [ Championship series on a ' works-supplied Ducati 996 RS 2000 following a successful test [ at Valencia in Spain several f weeks ago. 1 Craggill, the 1997 and ‘98 ; Australian Superbike Champion with Team Kawasaki, was introduced to the head of Ducati Corse at the Brands Hatch round of the world series by Troy Bayliss. After a short discussion, Cragill organised a videotape of his Australian racing to be sent to the Ducati headquarters in Italy - they were suitably impressed and organised his Spanish two-day test. Three months ago, Craggill fractured the metatarsal bones in both of his feet in a wild highside while competing in the British Superbike Championship for Team Kawasaki. Since mid-October, he has been home working on his fitness as the bones knit. T couldn’t ride the Ducati properly as my feet were still hurting,” commented Cragill. I just concentrated on putting in smooth laps and providing the team with valuable feedback - it must have worked, as they signed me for next year. ‘Pacific Team is one of Ducati Corse’s satellite teams and I am the only rider in the team, with two RS2000 machines at my disposal. The team’s raceshop is at The eyes have it: Bracciano, which is 30 kilometres -Uarty Craggill has from Rome.” lafxled a plum ride in At present Cragill is riding his next year’s World road race bicycle through the market Superbike Series. gardens near his home as he works PORT) on building up his overall fitness.

“I plan to start riding my motocross bike after the Christmas break, several weeks before I venture across to South Africa for some off-season testing. Then,in February, we go back to Valencia for more development and testing on my 2001 machines. In addition, we will be evaluating both Michelin and Pirelli t3rres. Dunlop have already committed to their teams.” Initially, Craggill plans to base himself in Australia as his partner Dianne is expecting their first child. ni probably base myself at home for the first four rounds of the championship, as the opener is at Valencia on March 11 followed by South Africa, Phillip Island and Japan. After that, we’ll get a place in Italy. “My bikes are the 2001 version of this year’s machines, where the factory team of Troy (Bayliss), Ben Bostrom and recent signing Ruben Xaus are the only ones to get the latest brand-new models. It is expected that the three works riders will have a significant advantage over the satellite team riders as their new machines come with the gearshift for the sequential transmissions operated by the rider’s thumbs - similar to the shift levers on mountain bicycles. The handlebar gearshift controls are linked to the engine’s throttle and ignition systems, allowing the riders to brake later and change gears as they enter the corner making for a lot quicker cornering over the conventional machines. ‘This is a tremendous opportunity for me after spending nearly two seasons off the podium. I’m looking forward to putting in some strong performances with the world’s best as well as flying the flag for Australia with the other guys.”

n The Dodge Vipers contesting Ross Palmer's Nations Cup category are more than likely to get a little performance boost in time for next year's series in an effort to make them more competitive. It is believe Procar officials are currently awaiting technical advice prior to making a decision on which way to go. n Nations Cup team Prancing Horse's 2001 driver test day/customer drive day at Phillip Island last Monday was nothing short of HUGE. Around 160 guests, employees and potential drivers took part in the dayl Seven Ferrari 360 Modena Challenges, a F40LM and eight road-going Ferraris were present at PI, along with the team's recently landed ex-Michael Schumacher 1997 Japanese GPwinning F310 Formula 1 car. n Phillip Island will appear somewhat differently when racing returns to the venue next year. Run-off areas are the focus of the re development, after a year which saw both Glenn Seton and V8 Lites racer Gary Quartly write cars off at the venue. Turn three will see extensive earthwork and removal of the present tyre wall while gravel traps will be extended at various corners. Turn eight is to have its barrier moved back almost 25 metres while the final turn will receive an entry kerb prior to the corner. n The EL Falcon which David Besnard used to win the final two rounds of this year's Konica V8 Lites series has been bought by Michael i Simpson, The Queenslander, who has done time in both Formula Ford and GTP, will run the ex-Larknam and Ellety car in next year's Konica Series. n The newest Champ Car team in the CART paddock, Fernandez Racing, has opened its doors for business. Already the team has recruited race engineer John Ward from Patrick Racing (Fernandez's engineer for the past three seasons), veteran chief mechanics Dan Miller (ex-Walker and Menard)and Steve Ragan (Ex-Forsythe and Tasman)and Martin Pare, who was Bryan Herta's engineer at Forsythe Championship Racing. The cars will run the number 51 and 52 plates. n Robert Sehli, the disgruntled former Mercedes-Benz employee who wandered onto the circuit at this year's German GP at Hockenheim, has been granted financial compensation by the company to the tune of $12,000 after a French court ruled in his favour. He claimed he had been unfairly fired by the company after 22 years of employment. n Stewart McColl has had his first taste of a V8 Supercar. The 21-year-old had a brief run in one of Kmart Racing's Commodores at Calder last week. The reality is I only got to do three flying laps, and they were the first three laps I have had in a V8,‘ he said. 13

F3 to go National FORMULA 3 appears set to became a fully-fledged CAMS national championship in 2001, as Motorsport News closed for press. An announcement of the news was due as we hit the news stands, whereby the F3 category's past few years of hard work has paid off. The category has entered into a 'strategic alliance' with PROCAR and it is believed that there will be seven rounds in next year's series, two supporting the Konica V8 Supercar Series, four on the PROCAR tour and one at the Adelaide Le Mans race, as reported by MN some months ago. An interesting element of the possible new arrangement has been cast into light by the latest Motor Racing Committee Executive meeting held on December 6.

The meeting resolved that the MRC recommended the series be granted championship status on the undertaking that for 2001, a minimum of 20 carbon-fibre cars must qualify to start race one at each round. Should this not be attainable for whatever reason, a penalty of $5000 payable to CAMS will apply for each car less than 20. If the number of carbon fibre cars is less than 16, then the round will not be considered part of the championship. These conditions seem somewhat strange, especially considering that categories which constitute national championships with significant less cars in the both the past and present have not had the same conditions or guarantees placed upon them. The F3 Association was meeting with CAMS as we went to press in regards to the issue.

Italian blur Will Auger swap an Alfa Super Tourerfor a V8 Future Tourer? (PhoU)by Dirk Kly/vunitli)

land calling

Paul Stephenson impresses in Docking F3 test- now seeking budget to race in 2001

PAUL Stephenson has completed a successful Formula 3 test in the UK. The 2000 Australian Formula 3 series winner took part in a test at Bonington Park two weeks ago, completing 97 laps in Alan Docking Racing’s DallaraHonda/Mugen. His test came about due to the support of the F3 Association, and Australian team owner Docking, who ran Mark Webber in 1997 and Marcos Ambrose this season, and tested James Courtney last month. Stephenson, who won the seven round domestic series, said that the test was an eye-opener. “I was pretty happy with the way I went,” he said. “It was a little difficult getting used to the track and the car but we went through some wing settings and I adapted my driving style to suit the latest-spec car. “It was a semi-dry track and that hampered my time in the car, but we eventually got down to some decent times.” Docking tested several other drivers during the test, including French series front-runner James Anderson, who got a higher percentage of dry track time

than Stephenson. “I got to overlay some of my data, and the comparisons were fairly favourable. My wet times were pretty competitive and the team was pleased with my progress.” The 23-year-old said that the current model Dallara was not substantially different to drive than the 1996 TOMSpowered car he race this season. “The power was about the same, but the overseas cars rely on their wings a lot more than they do here. You have to get onto the power differently and keep generating downforce all the way through the corners, which gives you quicker exit speeds.” Stephenson is now working on gathering sufficient budget to race in the British F3 series next season. Class B frontrunner Fred Goddard Racing, which ran new Jaguar F3 driver Gary Paffett this year, has added his support to Stephenson’s cause. “Offers have been made by some people over there and it would be sensational to get back over there with the world’s best. I would love to get a spot in Formula One, and I want to get as far as possible to race at the highest level possible.”

molorsgon news

NEWS g’

T i Q fp D

iTf-

DAVID Auger is looking for a new challenge for 2001 - and it could be in Future Touring. The Alfa Romeo driver sealed his first BOC Gases Independents' title at Symmons Plains and is looking at a number of alternatives for the future. "We're considering our options for 2001, at this stage," said the Queenslander. "One of the things we are looking at is continuing in Super Touring, with the Alfa, but there are other things as well." Auger is believed to be looking at the Future Touring class, and his Leatherman team may build a car for the growing V8 category. "1 prefer European cars. I couldn't see a Falcon or a

Commodore and, with the possibility of opening the class up to different marques of car, I think that would be good value for our sponsors." Alfa Romeo's family-sized 166 would fit the dimensions of the FT regulations, and would have to be converted to rear-wheeldrive in the same way as the Mitsubishi Magna currently under construction in Sydney. In the meantime. Auger will be racing all-out in the final two rounds of the series, starting at Wakefield Park on the Australia Day weekend. "We have been racing for the Independents' title up till now, but I want to finish the season with some good races." - PHIL BRANAGAN

Coyne plans test for F3 star Couto DALE Coyne is likely to run Alex Barron in CART next season, but that is not stopping the American team owner from looking around. Apart from the interest he has shown in Jason Bright, Coyne is to test promising Formula 3 driver Andre Couto at Sebring next month. Couto, who won the Macau F3 Grand Prix last month, has been testing with several Formula Nippon teams in Japan. "I am anxious to take advantage of this great opportunity and drive such a potent machine in such an international prestigious championship," said Couto. The interesting thing about Couto is, despite his Portuguese heritage, he is a resident of Macau and that makes him, technically, Chinese. Should he perform well on the international stage, he would be the first Chinese driver to do so and, potentially, have access to large amounts of sponsorship. As an aside, Couto is expected to face more than just Japanese and European opposition in F Nippon next season. Highly-rated Indian Narain Karthikeyan, who dominated the Korean F3 GP, and Malaysian Alex Yoong are expected to drive in the series, making the category a kind of AllAsian open wheeler championship.

New Mygale Formula Ford for Jamie Whincup

THE 2000 Formula Ford championship-winning car has found a new home for another assault on the title. The Mygale SJ2000 driven by Luke Youlden has been purchased by Jamie Whincup's team for an assault on the 2001 National Series. “The deal's done,” said Whincup this week. “There's a little bit of work to be done on the car after having such a tough season of racing but we'll probably hit the track in early January for testing.” Whincup's team will run the car, having campaigned an elderly Van Diemen RF94(lovingly named the 'red rabbit') in this year's Victorian series and a handful of national rounds. -AARON NOONAN 22 December 2000

MIKlOMJMM

lOK.MUl .\

^ pi m" M Vote #1for Dale Coyne: Andre Couto is in the slotfor a CART test, followed by a Formula Nippon season. (Plioin by Siiiion-Imtiges)

n The annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year evening resulted in Jenson Button being named as Britain's Newcomer of the Year for his performances in the BMW Williams FI team. Button (20)finished eighth in the World Championship, but has since moved to Benetton for the next two seasons while Williams switches to the highly-rated Colombian Juan-Pablo Montoya. Button is hoping that the new Renault VI0 engine will be sufficiently competitive to enable him to keep up the momentum in his career. The Benetton technical package should be better this year as Mike Gascoyne is now technical director and working with the ex-Honda Research and Development engineers who joined the team last winter. They had all previously worked together at Tyrrell. n Double World Champion Mika Hakkinen became a father last week when his wife Erja gave birth to a boy. The couple were in Finland rather for the birth rather than in Monaco where they live. Hakkinen missed the FIA Prizegiving Gala in Monte Carlo to stay with his wife, but McLaren was represented at the ceremony by David Coulthard and Ron Dennis. Hakkinen is expected to go back into action testing shortly, although for a while Coulthard and test driver Alexander Wurz will do the bulk of the development work. n Prost ran Brazilian Enrique Bernoldi and Spain's Oriol Servia in Barcelona last week. The team had been expected to run a number of other young drivers but this did not happen and with no engines now available until the new car is announced in January, it is unlikely that the team will name a second driver until more testing has been completed. Bernoldi's test is believed to have been to please Prost's new partners, the Diniz family, while Servia is managed by Prost's long-time friend and advisor Julian Jakobi and, despite racing in CART, still has hopes of a Formula 1 career. n The Emir of Bahrain, who has ambitions to host a Grand Prix as early as 2002, is doing his best to give the state a less totalitarian image. This week he pledged to establish a parliamentary system, with one of the two houses elected by the people. Bahrain briefly had a parliament in the mid-1970s but, since then, all political parties have been banned. Things began to change last year when Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa took over control of the country after the death of his father Sheik Isa bin Sulman AlKhalifa. As part of the research into changing the image of Bahrain, the Emir and two of his ministers visited the Italian GP in 1999 and had a meeting with FI boss Bernie Ecclestone. -JOE SAWARD 15

QANTAS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX

CALL TICKETMASTER 7 ON 131 641

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Problems for Prost? by JOE SAWARD

THERE have been mutterings in recent days that one or two teams are planning to make a

fuss about Alain Frost's plans to use not only Ferrari engines in 2001, but also elements of the rear end of the current Ferrari

package, including the gearbox and possibly the rear suspension as well. The stories were sufficiently

strong for Benetton to issue a press release to deny that it has any objections to the Prost-Ferrari deal.

This was a decidedly odd thing to do and such statements these days usually only come when something IS going on. There is no need for a denial if nothing exists. The thrust of the arguments against Prost appear to be that the

French team would not be building its own car if too much Ferrari

technology was allowed to be incorporated into the French machine, and that this would be

Ferrari customer it is unlikely that such a protest is not going to

Is it a Prost? Prost has the blues because other teams are seeing red. (Photo by Sutton-lmages)

happen.

against the Technical Regulations

Benetton boss Flavio Briatore has

said that every part was different but no-one was ever convinced,

and who will

as they stand.

no real irght for such a complaint,

particularly after Olivier Panis won

drive with Alesi?

The people most likely to be

The irony, of course, is that

affected by a leap forward in

as it is common knowledge that when he owned Ligier in the mid-

improvement from Prost are the

1990s and at the same time ran

midfield teams such as Benetton

Benetton, the Ligier was a straight

the Monaco GP in one of the cars.

People in Formula 1 have traditionally short memories but, no doubt, another team boss will

FROST Grand Frix was due to

the best recruit to partner

likely to make a fuss. Sauber might

copy of the previous year's Benetton, with a different engine

mention this if Flavio makes too much noise about Alain Frost's

join in but as the Svriss team is a

stuck in the back. The team always

plans for 2001.

and Jaguar, so they are the most

The team was due to run rising

as the team's test driver for

three years before moving to

that he has been given assurances by Toyota that if he shows well in testing he

Benetton with which he continued to work until 1996. Since then he has raced in

will be rewarded with a fulltime drive in FI in 2002.

sportscars, winning the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1998 with Porsche. In the last few months McNish

"It's fair to say it's my last chance," said the Scotsman, "I'd

maintained I'd only do another

WEBBER/AGP Cut-out token

(see page 17)

i [

McNish, naturally enough, does not think that starting in FI

at 32 is too late.

project if it was going to be potentially competitive. It had to be right for me. Iwanted it to benefit me as a driver and as a

"If Iam sitting in a car in January 2002 and racing in FI,” he says. “I can do a much better job than when Iwas 21." McNish likes to remember

person." McNish has been around

that Damon Hill did not get into

Formula 1 for over 10 years, his first test for McLaren being in

not prevent him from winning the World Championship.

November 1989. He then served 16

has completed thousands of miles of testing with a Toyota GT-One sportscar fitted with FI systems.

COMPETITION

veteran Jean Alesi.

stars Giorgio Pantano, Antonio

McNish may race Toyota ALLAN IVicNish, the Toyota Formula 1 test driver, says

test a number of young

drivers to see who would be

FI until he was 31, but that did

- JOE SAWARD

Pizzorua and Enrique Bernoldi

and wild French Formula 3000

driver Soheil Ayari. The tests will

be short and sweet, as there is not

much time left on the old Peugeot engines. Once the test is finished, the team is not expected to test

again until January when the new

Prost-Ferrari will be ready.

Pantano and Pizzonia have both proved themselves in

Formula 3, the former winning the German title this year and

the latter taking the British title. Both have tested for Benetton but

Pizzonia did not impress much (the team felt it was too early for him to be in an Fl car), while rantano was fair test.

never really given a

Bernoldi is included because bauber does not want him. He

comes from South America (which would be a bonus for the Diniz

family which is now an important

shareholder in the Prost team) and there is some suggestion that

Bernoldi might be able to bring some money for Prost from Red

Bull.

- JOE SAtVARD moiorsDori news

AiUCFli

w»-= ir

iDhw;)Difteii will ypii have an FI driver as your host? Well here’s your ^^ncelq spend a weekend with Benetton test driver Mark Webber.

WHHT YOU WIN!

A guidedJtdur of the Benetton Renault Sport Team garage. l Twofit ihne walk passes, f Event metohandise. ●:Two Grandstand tickets to the 2001 Qantas Australian Grand Prix. ● Five nights hotel accommodation to help you recover. ● You’ll also be Mark Webber’s guest at the MotorSport Awards Dinner. ^tPlus if you live interstate, Qantas will race you to and from Melbourne. Good Luck. And get ready to live the greatest prize of them ail.

HOW TO ENTER

Just collect 4 identical Mark Webber Helmet tokens. You’ll find one in this issue and then the following three issues of Motorsport News. Send them together with your name and address to PO Box 1010 Caulfield North, VIC 3161 by 5pm, 9 February 2001. nflil »iiS

I Promoter s *u»)ralMlan Motorsport News, PO Box 1010 North Caulfield. Vic. 3161 and inlormallon on how to enter and prizes form part ot these conditions of entry. 2. Entry open to residents of Australia. Employees *“* ^*"^ P"* Corpora ion (AGPC). Benellon Renault Sport Team and any agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible. To enter, consumers must complete an olticlal entry lorm (in issues of Motorsport News published (4) original ofNcial cornpetition ^fmbpls (ol Mart Webbers helmet) and send entry to Mart Webber GP Competition. Motorsport News. PO Box 1010. North Caulllell VIC 3161. Muiliple entries accepted but each entry must be on a Hc'^et) compelitiori coupons inust be originals. Promoter accepts no responsibility tor late, lost or misdirected mall. 3. Promotion starts 21/12/00 & closes at 5pm 9/2/01. A draw will \ - t^ ?“?***●*«●* 4. Tho llrst Valid entrv drawn will win: a trip lor 2 people to Melbourne, including return economy Qantas airfares Irom the winner's nearest capital SMhJ Oanlas Aus rallan Grand Prix (QAG^. 5 nights twin share accommodation, 2 oitlane walk passes, a guided tour ol the Benetton Renault Sport Team pit garage with Mart Webber and be guests (of Mart s| muS iJkii ihJ Q37WthKm^^ ^ 2001 QAGP and Australian Motorsport Awards Irom 28/2/01 to 4/3/01. The garage lour must be taken on Ihe dale and time determined by the AGPC and the winner S iVn . availability and flights can t be changed once tickets are purchased. on Qantas Airways Limited only and not it s subsidiaries (ie Sunslate. Eastern Australian. Soulhem Airlines and Airtink) and flights don t Mcrae frequenl lly» poinu . Upgrades can I be purchased either with cash or IrequenI flyer points. 5. As a condition ol laking the Flights prize, the winner & (heir companion must comply with all directions reoardino access to and/or conduct wMhin all areas utilised bv the dSlion”maHhBKnn«1?noHJthTmMflVir «h« hm® AGPC reserves Ihe right to refuse to allow the winner 8 their companion lo take part in any or all aspects ol Ihe prize, it Ihe AGPC determines. In its ab^lute PrSLr# r^Sf ransrerahll or ^ “'.L*®; ?P*"‘“"tl money, meals, transport to and Irom departure point, transfers and all other costs incurred as a result ol taking Ihe prize are Ihe winner s responsibility. K rti Ih. ^ P®J^ i Ih Srilr. - .k^**®®* '"®’®^ activities are dangerous and accidents can happen, and that participation in any prize has a degree ol danger. To the extent permitted inlririMmJm^HhTrt Mrtu rffi fir H!l^ f^®tk ^”P®®”'!® ®‘»*ms. loss. damage, costs or expenses (whether arising under slainte. Irom negligence, personal injury, death, property damage nr r«l"S nlrh. .® i . ’^®‘" Mnnection With Iho parlicipalion in the relevant prize or attendance at Ihe event or otherwise howsoever arising. 8. All entries are the property of the Promoter and will be entered Into a database and the Promoter DNze wlH he aSdedTo a member oUhTi Jn#?^^ ”’®i * W ®"1 ®®'^®'®®‘*'®' Promotional, purposes In any media worldwide without notice and without any tee being paid. 9. If winner is under the age ol 18 years, the iJnS JfJ*? ir®75n/Ki!E? nominated by the winner) provided such person Is 18 years ol age or over and complies with all of Ihe above conditions, Pe mil NOS . NbW (loA), 5A- TOD/5D51. ACT (TBA) SQM AQP OQ'tO SJI i 11am !

20ai QANTAS AI/Sr/?>1i/4/V GRAND PRIX 1-4 MARCH

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Badge change for GM in IRL?

Door open for a Chevy or Caddy presence ... THE announcement by General Motors that it will drop the Oldsmobile brand name will have little effect on the company’s current Indy Racing League program but may see a return to Indycar racing of the Chevrolet name. “We’re still in the IRL business,” said Dave Hederich, manager of marketing and communications for GM Motorsports. “I know that(the GM engines) are going to be Oldsmobiles next year. That’s the way it is right now. Oldsmobile has as a basic deal that they signed with the IRL that they would compete through 2001. Our 2001 progi'am is up and running. “We don’t know exactly what’s going to happen after 2001. From our point of view, in terms of the engineering side of the program, we’d like to see somebody else witbin GM pick it up. The Aurora engine is in the same family as the Cadillac Northstar.” That leaves the door open for the possible return to Indycar racing of the Chevi'olet name. Chevrolet engines(which were built by Ilmor but badged with the famous bow tie) dominated CART racing in the late 80s/early 90s. Ironically, with its CART relationship with Mercedes-Benz now dead, Ilmor will build the Oldsmobile powerplants for Tom Kelley’s team in 2001 The announcement may also spark some form of engine competition in the series, which has been sadly lacking, considering Oldsmobile have only lost one race to Nissan since the formula began in 1997.

-PHIL MORRIS

Badges of honour: General Motors’ contract to supply engines in the iRL runs out at the end of 2001. Wili they re-badge the 3.5-iitre V8s as ChevyS: Caddys, or simpiy not return? (Photo by indyracing.com)

deal with Ed Pink HOT on the heels of the Oldsmobile announcement comes the news that its rival, Nissan, has terminated its contract with Ed Pink Racing Engines, which has buiit the powerplants for the company since 1997. As is the case with Oldsmobile, Nissan say it will continue in the IRL, though both manufacturers have contracts which end next year. ‘Given the ever-increasing level of competitiveness of the IRNLS and the growth of our i nvolvement in the series, it is appropriate for us to take advantage of the global resources Nissan has available

to continue the development of the engine,” said Infiniti director of marketing Steve Kight. The ‘global resources’ he speaks of are Renault, which is involved with Nissan’s worldwide motorsports effort by its ownership of the Japanese marque. Nissan has won just one race in the IRL since it entered in 1997, the victory coming just this past season with Eddie Cheever at Pikes Peak.

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Riding their bikes in 2002‘? Robbie Buhl. /c/).

and Eddie Cheever. have been Nissan's lead runners in the IRL. (Photo b\ imlymcin g.amii

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I§1 T talent dfAyoC^A Ford ChamfJlbnrGourtney took the title in emphatic styie before the season had finished, and cripfiled his opposition with determination, skill and above all, driving abiiity way beyond his 20 years of age. This video follows James from the Formula Ford Festival in 1999,through-to his final round of the 2000 British Formula Ford Championship. It contains exclusive interviews with James Courtney himself, Allan Gow - James’s Manager, Neil Crompton - Mentor and Tim Schenken - Former British Formula Ford Champion.

For your copy please send a cheque or money order to: Torque PictureSJ>M Ltd,^.'OyBpxA^6,SeecroftJ^SW 2119

molorsport news

NEWS

Someone old, someone new, someone borrowed... Neal, who has been closely PEUGEOT dropped a bombshell on the British predominantly linked with Nissan until now, will have Touring Car his first works drive with a Championship by announcing that Steve Peugeot. The 34-year-old has won the Independents’ BTCC Soper and Matt Neal will lead its title challenge crown for the past two year and, last year, won $625,000 next year. Soper and Neal will be for becoming the first joined in a third works 406 Independent driver to win a Coupe by British National BTCC race outright. Several members of Neal’s Saloon Car star, Dan Eaves. The program will reunite Team Dynamics outfit are Soper with his former team expected to join Lee’s boss, Vic Lee, for whom he Peugeot team. The announcement also raced a decade ago. In a complete departure marks the return to the top for Peugeot, which is still the level for Lee. After winning only manufacturer never to the title 10 years ago, Lee’s team struck hard times and have won a BTCC race, the team will be run by a he was jailed for three years satellite team, Vic Lee for drug trafficking. Racing, while Mick Linford, Ironically for Soper,just A long time ago: In the early ’90s Soper and who oversaw Peugeot’s factoiy Vic Lee, right, were BMW royalty. Now they prior to Peugeot’s announcement came news team in the 1990s, will will team up with Peugeot in 2001. (Bothwell) continue to run the that BMW would compete in tnanufacturer’s end. the series. Vic Lee are good talkers, but once I The 48-year-old Soper has been saw the drawings of the car, I Edenbridge Racing will field a stalwart of the BMW cause for realised it’d be a lot of fun to do two cars in the rejigged series, with drivers to be announced more than a decade, having just the BTCC again.” completed three seasons with the Soper drove for Lee in BMWs in shortly. marque’s GT squad. His most 1991 and ’92, and then joined Edenbridge, which ran two recent drive was with BMW at Vauxhalls in the BTCC’s Schnitzer’s works-supported team, when he fi nished second in the Sebring in March. production-based Touring Class, “I was undecided whether to will race two 320is, will be built series. His team-mate Tim Harvey continue with BMW,or continue to won the title in 1992, when Soper by Team Rafanelli in Italy, with race overseas, or even stop controversially clashed with John engines prepared in Holland. An completely,” said Soper at the Cleland, the other championship identical car recently won the launch. contender, in the final race of the Guia touring car race at Macau, season. ■‘Mick Linford and [team boss] with Patrick Huisman driving.

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22 December 2000

Big bucks BTCC THE BTCC may not be as strong as it once was, but there will still be plenty of incentive for teams to race in the series next season. Richard West, the series promoter for organisers BMP, announced a £1m ($2.6m) prize fund last week, with £400,000 set aside for non works cars in the BTC Touring Class. There will also be £100,000 for the Group Nbased BTC Production Class, which will have a control tyre supplied by BF Goodrich. There will also be a change in the support categories, but one thing that is certain is that up to eight of European Racing's 2-seater Formula One cars will appear at a BTCC event, with competition winners and celebrities invited to ride along in a real race.

RA backs ETC

THE FIA has confirmed that there will be a European Touring Car Cup next season. The series will combine the former Italian and German Super Touring Championship and will cater for current-spec Super Tourers. Honda is the first team to confirm a program, with Gabriele Tarquini and Peter Kox running the Accords they raced in the BTCC last season. There may also be a third entry for Dane Jason Watt, the former F3000 star paralysed in a motorcyle accident last year.

HPerkinS ENGINEERING Mechanic Must be capable of all aspects of car preparation and building. This position will involve supervision of other mechanics both in the workshop and at race meetings.

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Machinist Experience in manual and CNC lathe and mill operations is essential. These positions require people who are selfstarters and are willing to become multi-skilled. Applications can be faxed to 9587 6807 or posted to 17 Northern Ave, Mentone 3194 and should be marked to the attention of the Manager. 19

Lasting impressions: After impressing with his efforts aboard a privateer V-twin, Jurgen r Goorbergh has secured 2 ride with Kenny Modenas squad. (PhrtobyAaSPORTI

some: $ lio.thc.sqfi-up jn-the tes.i;,:Trt itcourd.Gjjallenge tM-'

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fean Mechanic We have a vacancy for a mechanic to join our team. Previous experience in V8 Supercar team, whilst not essential, would be a advantage. Immediate start. Ours is a great place to work and play (a little bit). For an appointment contact Garry Rogers on 9560 471 I or 0417 461 I 12 ah NON -SMOKING ENVIRONMENT. 20

BRITAIN'S Jay Vincent will ride a TZ Yamaha in next season's MotoGPs, having signed to ride for QUB Team Optimum the team also making the move from customersupported Aprilia's like Vincent. With Yamaha concentrating its efforts on the BOOcc class, Vincent has been charged with developing the TZ bikes, with the manufacturer's world championship-winning YZRs in the hands of the Petronas team. "Yamaha are keen to focus their efforts in GP250 now towards the TZs and, with all the resources and dynos QUB has, I am really looking forward to the year ahead," Wincent said. The Brit had been in line for the ride aboard the Shell Advance Honda team's new V4 500, with countr\/man Chris Walker beating him to the contract. "I was disappointed when the whole GP500 thing all fell flat, but at least I was in the running for one," he said, "I am still climbing the ladder and will certainly have a chance to be offered one again before my career peaks."

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molorspori news

BIKES

New look MotoGPs We need your help to award the Australian MotorSport Personality of the Year - which will be anounced (along with all the other MotorSport Awards) at the gala awards dinner on Wednesday February 28 (right in the middle of Grand Prix Week!) Help us out and you could win a year's supply of Motorsport News, absolutely free. Five readers will win just that (or an extension on their existing subscription if they already have one).

HOW TO UOTi Uncloaked: The technical aspects of the bikes haven't changed, but

the FIM has issued a number of rule changes for 2001. \raiLE technical matters haven’t been touched, with the new four-stroke prototype bike rule applying fi-om 2002, the FIM has issued a number of changes in the MotoGP rules for 2001. The Grand Prix Commi: aon. represented by Carmelo Ezpeleta iDornat. Sito Pons(IRTAt, Takanao Tsubouchi(MS^L\i and Claude Danis(FDD met at the Donia offices in Madrid to discuss various issues before releasing a statement outlining the following new lailes: - -\t the start of the race: a red light will be displayed for between two and five seconds. The red light will go out to start the race, and there will be no more green light start.

practices or waiin-up will be penalised by the cancellation of the lap time concerned. Any infringement during the race will be penalised by a stop-go penalty. - The yellow, blue and white flags will be shown waved only.

- In a rertsed. start delayed restart procedure, riders must now stop their engines. The start procedure will be re-commenced at the five minute board stage.

- The white flag will signal that an inteiwention vehicle is on the track, and that the rider will encounter the vehicle in the cun-ent section of the track. - In the case of an intenaiption of a race during the last lap. a 1 for all the riders to whom the chequered flag w^as shown before the intennption. a partial classification will be established at the end of the last lap of the race, bi for all the riders to whom the chequered flag was not shown before the intemiption, a partial classification will be established at the end of the penultimate lap of the race. Cl the complete classification w ill be established by combining both partial classifications as per the lap time procedure. - In case of ties in the race result, the riders conceined will be ranked in the order of the best lap made during the race.

- Riders should use only the track and the pit-lane. However, if a rider accidentally leaves the track, then he may rejoin it at the place indicated by the marshals or at a place which does not provide an advantage to him. Any infringement during the

- Bodywork must not extend beyond a line drawn vertically at the leading edge of the front t>Te and a line drawn vertically at the rearward edge of the rear t>Te. The suspension should be fully extended when the measui-ement is taken.

- Anticipation of the start w ill be defined by the spindle of the from wheel of the motorcycle crossing the line which marks the front of that rider's grid position before the red light goes out.

22 December 2000

We need your selection for the top three personalities in Australian motor sport during 2000. Simply put them in order, 1-2-3, on the back of an envelope, along with your own details (name, address, phone) and mail it to us to arrive no later than January 12.(Note: ONE VOTE per entrant only.) Craig Lowndes, Peter Brock, Russell Ingall and, most recently, Mark Webber are previous winners of the MotorSport Personality of the Year award. Once again, this year it's up to you! YOUR vote could make the difference for your favourite driver. UOTE MOW!

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MARCH 2S MELBOURNE PARK For information on tickets and availabilty: Fax: 03 9593 7700 email: marketing@cams.com.au The Motorsport Jlwaras Dinner is a co-promotion between Motorsport Mews and CAMS 21

► '

Sportscars

Unemployment queue Pescarolo ‘non’

FRENCH sportscar legend Henri Pescarolo has cancelled plans to contest next month's Daytona 24 Hours with the car that finished fourth at Le Mans this year. The 58-year-old's Pescarolo Sport team has been told that the side-exit exhausts on its Courage-Peugeot C52 are illegal under Grand-Am rules. The team has opted not to modify the car and will concentrate on preparing its new C60 chassis for its debut in the Sebring 12 Hours in March. The team will then contest the first three rounds of the new FIA Sportscar Championship prior to Le Mans. The team hopes to contest the remainder of the series after the French enduro if finance permits.

Eric for Risi DOUBLE Sebring 12 Hours winner Eric van de Poele is the latest recruit to the Risi Competizione Ferrari squad's Daytona line-up. The US^based Belgian is rejoining the team for which he won the inaugural Petit Le Mans 1000-mile race at Road Atlanta in 1998. Van de Poele will team up with Risi regular Ralf Kelleners and, claims the team, at least one other sportscar name.

Baldi-ing R&M

FORMER World SportsPrototype Champion Mauro Baldi will remain with the Italian R&M team for an assault on next year's FIA Sportscar Championship. The 46-year-old and his undisclosed co-driver are likely to begin the season in the squad's existing Riley & Scott-Judd before switching to a new chassis built by the team.

Bye Bye Johnny

AMERICAN Johnny O'Connell will say goodbye to the Panoz team at the ALMS finale at Adelaide. The 38-year-old has been told that he will no longer be part of its driver line-up for next season. David Brabhann and Jan Magnussen have inked their deals to share the lead 2001 Roadster in next year's ALMS and at Le Mans, while team race director Dave Price is looking for finance to run a second car in the full series. - GARY WATKINS 22

storm in a T-Cup: Julian Bailey is looking for a gig after winning the FIA GT crown for Lister, above, while the (Photos by Sutton-lmages) door is open from someone at Chevrolet after the departure of Justin Bell. FORMER Grand Prix driver Julian Bailey has lost his seat with the factory Lister sportscar squad for next season despite winning the 2000 FIA GT Championship. Another young Briton, Ian McKellar Jr, has replaced the 39year-old alongside co-champion Jamie Campbell-Walter. The team denies that Bailey is out of a drive, but the driver claimed last week that he was "looking for a job". Team boss Laurence Pearce claimed that he was doing everything to keep long-time Lister driver Bailey in the team. He plans to enter an extra car next year, but the chances of his former star driver remaining with the squad depend on the calibre of driver he attracts to partner him. Bailey said: "I wouldn't rule out driving with a gentleman racer, but it might be time for a change."

by GARY WATKINS FORMER FIA GT2 Champion Justin Bell has lost his race seat with the factory Chevrolet Corvette squad for next season. The 32-year-old has admitted that he is without a drive for 2001 even though Chevy has yet to announce its driver line-up for next season. “It’s true, I’m out of the picture,” said Bell last week, “and I can honestly say I don’t know the reason. I believe it wasn’t performance-related, because I was driving better than ever last year.”

RML Supercup?

FORMER British Touring Car Champion team Ray Mallock Limited is aiming to enter the Porsche Supercup this year. The versatile squad is one of the three British teams talking to Porsche about joining the Formula 1 support series. At least two are expected to he on the grid for the first round of the series at April’s San Marino GP. RML has refused to confirm that it is aiming to contest the Supercup, but it is known that

talks, which have involved Porsche’s British importer, have been on-going for some time. A RML spokesman said: 'The Supercup is the calibre of series in which we would consider having an involvement. The competition is very close and we believe that our expertise could make a difference." RML is imderstood to be in talks with a number of drivers about next year, including a German driver with Supercup experience.

Corvette programme manager Doug Fehan refused to talk about Bell’s status in the team. “Until all the contracts are done I do not want to comment,” he said. Bell, meanwhile, is looking at a number of options for next season. One problem is that his close business links with Chevy his driving school uses ’Vettes means he doesn’t want to drive for a rival GTS team. The other five drivers used by Chevrolet this year are all expected to stay on for the expanded 2001 programme. Ron Fellows, Andy Pilgrim and Kelly Collins and one other are likely to head up the team’s assault on the American Le Mans Series. Frenchman Frank Freon has already confirmed that he will join the team for the enduros. American single-seater driver Paul Edwards has been linked to a similar role. motorsport news

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Tjii^re's nothing on earth like/the Qantas Australian Grand Prix. It's four days pumped with high-octane action. The electrifying atmosphere, the thrills and spills and the|ure adrenalin rush that is Formula One. Plus, there'll be more racing, music, food and entertainment than you ian poke an exhaust pipe at. The hottest wheels in the world are coming to Albe ark in March. Are you ready?

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Jason Bright Motorsport News; It seems that nothing is going to happen in America for a while. Jason Bright: We have put the plans on hold there. I've got a new challenge and to be signed up with the team that is regarded as the best in Australia is a real bonus for my career. It will give me some security here. MN: Is the American thing definitely not going to happen, or is it still a chance? JB: As far as next year goes, no. I've put all that on hold. I'm keen on trying to win the Shell Series, and with the Holden Racing Team, I've got a real shot at it. I wouldn't mind having a Shell title under my belt and I'm fully focused on that. We'll see what happens down the road. If I can get back to American, fantastic. There will still be people working on trying to get into Champ Cars for me and I am way ahead of where I was a year ago. I've got a lot more credibility over in America, so if I can race for HRT here and be in a position where I am competitive in the championship, that's nothing to be sneezed at. MN; Was another Lights season with Dorricott a realistic option at any stage? JB: It was. It didn't really weigh up in the scheme of things. I looked at it pretty seriously, but it was going to be difficult financially for me, so I considered the V8 thing to be a good opportunity to get back here for the future. If I wasn't going to be in Champ Cars in 2001, I wanted to

aim at 2002. Whether we get there through touring cars, and earning a wage out of it, or through Indy Lights, and doing it tough. I'm better off doing it back here and trying to raise my profile so we can raise the money to make the next step. MN: How have you coped with the last few months - Dorricott Lights, Della Penna CART, DJR at Bathurst and a Panoz test; it's been crazy. JB; It has. It's a bloody lot of names to rememberl It's hard to keep up ... But it's been really good learning how to deal with all the different teams and how everyone works differently. Trying to fit in for one race here and there was never going to be easy. It's been challenging, but it's also been a really good experience. Different cars, different ways to set them up; it's a real eye-opener. MN; Bathurst was a good result for you; you didn't win the race, but it announced in a solid way that you were back in V8 Supercar racing. JB: It was one of those days; really difficult conditions, and a lot of hard luck stories out there. We'd lose time with strategy and miss out on pitting under yellow and we'd end up back in the field every time we stopped. There was a bunch of cars which could have finished better, given a few better pit calls In.

Jason Bright is back in V8 Supercar racing- with HRT. PHIL BRANAGAN spoke to him about his busy season

MN: I guess it was a positive that your car finished ahead of both ofHRT's...

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INTERVIEW stay loyal to a brand? JB: It's different here. There's only two manufacturers involved. That means there's more of a chance of a driver staying with one manufacturer. The Brocks, the Johnsons, the Perkins, the Setons and the like all own their own teams. They just kept on getting the manufacturer support, so of course, they stayed loyal. When you are just an employee, there's not always so many options available with each brand. Then you have to do what's best for your career. You've got to earn a living out of it. Its different now. MIM: Is going to HRT for the first time an eye-opener? JB: It has. You get an image of those racing teams through the years, then you get inside the doors and realise that they are not that different to all the other teams. They have plenty of resources there. Colourful career: Jason Bright debuted in GRM’s Commodore at Symmons Plains in 1997. He raced for Dorricott in Indy Lights, and will racefor Panoz at Adelaide on New Years' Eve. (Photos by Klynsmiih, Dolhwell and Sutton-Images)

MN: Do they pay well? JB: Ask the mechanicsl I have a deal which I am pretty happy with! MN: Will you live in Melbourne? JB: Yes we will.

Mum and Dad will be happy to have me home again. MIM; I notice that Dale Coyne will test Alex Barron and (Formula 3 driver) Andre Couto in January. JB: Coyne has said he is interested in testing me. Whether there is the opportunity to do something or not, I don't know. I am going over in January to get rid of the motorhome and if I get the opportunity to slot into a car for a day, that would be great. MN; You had a competitive season with Dorricott, a good race with Della Penna and a good run with Dick. What are you expectations for Panoz in Adelaide. JB: I think that we are in with a real shot. The car should be really reliable and it's been quite competitive for the latter part of the season. Now, with David Brabham in the car with Greg and me, it gives us a heads-up on the set up and he'll be as quick as hell in the race. It will be up to us to keep it straight and try and bring it home. We'll be up the front somewhere. in

Circuit Boat Racing 2Gth to 27th January 2DD1

140

JB: True! HRT's record is not the best at Bathurst, but most of the time, it has not been of their own doing. There's been bad luck. But they have always proven that they are damn quick around there but it doesn't always go their way. It's that kind of place. MN: Ironically, most people have overlooked the fact that you had your first V8 Supercar race in a Commodore. JB: Exactly. There has been a lot of talk about "How could you defect from Ford? They gave you the big chance". Actually, Garry Rogers gave me the chance. Who knows whether Stone Brothers would have given me a guernsey at Sandown if I had not done that race with Rogers? My years with Ford were great. I 22 December 2000

had planned to stay loyal to the brand, but the V8 Supercar category is changing all the time and it's getting more and more like other professional motorsport around the world. Drivers are paid to drive; it's not like it used to be in Australian touring car racing where drivers own the teams. Now, most of the drivers are just employees of the teams and they drive whatever car that teams supplies. You'll see more and more of that in the future - it's just that I'm the first guy to do it! MN: You'd also have an overseas perspective on this. Steve Soper is racing for Peugeot in the BTCC next year after years with BMW,and before that. Ford. Are we out of step, expecting drivers to

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OPINION

Gone? Don't believe it

Motor Mouth ¥flth Murray Walker Ithough I announced last week that 2001 will be my last year as commentator for FI, ITV have kindly said that after that, they would still want me to be a part of the team in some way - I don't know what that'll be yet -so I don't envisage stopping altogether. And while Melbourne next March will be my last time there in’my current role, believe me, if there's any question of me going anywhere after 2001, it'll be to Australia! At times likereflection. this you do pause for a little There are several moments over all those years which will forever be etched in my memory,for very different reasons: James Hunt winning the World Championship, by finishing third at Fuji in 1976 is one. I had to go into the studio in London at four o'clock in the morning to commentate on it - BBC budgets at the time didn't extend to transporting us to the nonEuropean races... Nigel Mansell at Monaco, with Senna, in '92; Senna pushing Prost off the track in Japan (1990) - and then denying he'd done it deliberately until a year later, in Adelaide, when he finally admitted it; and the most emotional one of all for me, Damon winning the championship at Suzuka in '96. The death of Ayrton Senna, in vision, was very, very tough, because in similar circumstances I'd seen Alboreto go off at the Tamburello, I'd seen Gerhard (Berger) go off into the wall at virtually the same place and burst into flames -1 thought for some seconds that he was dead - and I'd seen Nelson Piquet do the same thing... So my immediate reaction when Senna hit the wall was 'It's just another crash - he'll undo his seat belts and step out of the car.' 22 December 2000

I do think the interest is there for the enthusiast still. Sometimes we tend to look back at the past through rose-coloured glasses, remembering the good bits of the past and forgetting the bad ones.., I think the 80s, for instance, were an absolutely golden era of FI, when we had Senna, Frost, Piquet, Schumacher, Mansell-all racing against each other. We haven't got that now, but that's the cyclical ebb and flow of the way drivers and cars come and go. I think we hile Formula may be "Make them ch»me them 1 is certainly heading into being aimed at the an interesting own gears, make their corporate period. own br^e ai^istments, . Jenson customer these Button and days, I think the mid afl the other ttmgs" enthusiast is still Juan - Murray on electronic aids as intense about Montoya could turn out Grand Prix racing as ever. to be quite a rivalry... But the We're seeing that with much question is will other teams get higher attendances at races and up there to match Ferrari and infinitely higher viewing figures McLaren? History suggests some around the world. In Britain it's of them will - it wasn't that long the most-viewed sport of all with ago that the championship was the exception of the Olympics being fought out by Williams and Benetton, remember... and the World Cup - and they only happen once every four years. suppose that if there was one thing that Murray Walker could change about Formula 1 - and it's probably totally unrealistic now - it would be to put the drivers totally back in control of their cars again. That is to say, make them change their own gears, make their own brake But I realised very quickly that that was not the case. The host broadcaster in Italy stayed on it but, thankfully, for the first time the BBC had their own unit there and we were able to cut away from it. But I was still in the situation of having to commentate and NOT say "Don't worry folks, he will be alright.” He clearly wasn't going to be alright. But, on the other hand, you can't say, "Oh my god, he's dead". We didn't know that that was the case, either...

Famousfriends: Walker with some chums;ITV co-commentator Martin Brundle, above, and Damon Hill in thefamous Pizza Hutad.fPhombysm,m-hmgfsi

adjustments, and all the other things that are now, or are about to be returned to, electronics. But that would be an unrealistic and rather old-fashioned approach, I think, because you can't stop progress. If you can buy a BMW or Mercedes or any other road car which does all these things, it's a bit ludicrous to stop racecars using them. f I had my way, every country of consequence in motor sport would have a driver in FI, because that generates an enormous increase in interest in his country. There's far more interest in FI in Germany these days, thanks to Michael Schumacher and, in their time, Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill created more general interest in FI in Britain than there has been recently. If Australia has Mark Webber racing in FI and James Courtney coming along behind, the interest in Australia would increase enormously - and I'd love to see it. f I see a problem for FI, it's that Bernie Ecclestone is not immortal. He's done so much to make it what it is now and when he goes, it's inevitably going to be somebody else or, more likely, some sort of committee trying to run FI. A benevolent (or even unbenevolent) dictator, like Bernie, is what is needed. Talking of Bernie, his digital TV is a tremendous innovation. If we on the free-to-air services could get that feed, it would make a commentator's life tremendous. What we miss in particular is the extensive in-car camera stuff. In fact we now get less of it than we did before digital started which I sadly and desperately I miss. With someone like I Martin Brundle, we could I exploit it excitingly and I interestingly. I Digital is operating in Europe I - but the take-up hasn't been I quite what they'd hoped for. I People don't seem to want to I pay the premium to get the I improvement digital gives I them over terrestrial free.

ne thing is for sure Formula 1 is getting bigger and bigger. It has been and will continue to be a huge part of my life. See you in March... 27

e other day I was in the I bath, reading magazine (as ‘Country one does)Living' and I found something so distressing that I nearly drowned. There was a company advertising leather books'by the yard'. When I recovered my composure (and a rather soggy copy of 'Country Living'), I ruminated for a while on what people who buy books by the yard are trying to achieve. In such a case, books are simply fashion accessories. They infer a certain intelligence but any intelligent person knows that you learn a lot about a person from their library and anyone analysing a yard or two of books would quickly realise what had occurred. The other day I had to tidy up my motor racing library and, as I was doing it, I realised that 1 have 28

some weird and wonderful books. Unlike some of my colleagues, collecting racing books is not an obsession. I have some pretty rare ones which I have picked up along the way but I use them for work. Somewhere on the shelves I have a technical book issued by Honda called 'A decade of continuous challenges', detailing the Honda FI efforts in the 1980s, signed by Nobuhiko Kawamoto. They say it is like owning gold dust. I have a copy of Ginny Williams's extraordinary book about her husband Sir Frank. The value of this goes up every time Lady Williams finds a copy, because she burns them, creating an increasingly limited edition... Another (very) limited edition I have is a history of the Monteverdi car company which was given to me by Peter Monteverdi. He was one of the maddest Formula 1 team bosses I have encountered

(and there have Been quite a few) and I do not think I will ever forget the shock when he informed me in 1990 that he thought FI designers were overrated and that he would be designing his own cars. Weird.

hen it comes to wonderful, I have a magnificent histon/ of the Grand Prix of Cuba which relates, in English and Spanish, all about the racing in Havana in the 1950s. It tells the forgotten tale of how in 1958 Juan-Manuel Fangio was kidnapped by Fidel Castro's freedom fighters while standing in the lobby of the Hotel Lincoln. The story includes some wonderful newspaper headlines from the US newspapers at the time:'Fangio Kidnappers Commies?'asked The Miami News. Motor racing has an amazing capacity for weird and wonderful stories and most of them are never told to the public, who snooze in front of the TV every second Sunday and say they are race fans. I have always felt this

was such a shame. One could create such huge interest by telling some of the madder tales. In among my books is one called Les Croisieres Automobiles', which would make a complete TV series in its own right. It tells the story of the great automotive adventures in the early years of the 20th century, including accounts of the PekingParis race in 1907 and the New York-Paris the following year. And, if you think that New York to Paris sounds like a lengthy boat trip and a few drinks, think again. They went the other way. From New York to San Francisco and then on a boat to Japan and then right across Asia. This year I acquired my first religious book about motor racing. Called 'The Driving Force' it managed to find a large number of references to racing in the Bible and these are laid out amid moody shots of NASCAR racers. The book is subtitled 'Handling the curves of life' and it makes for an unusual read.

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- on some mornings that quaint highway looks like the local butcher's delivery van door swung So too does the culinary section. open and half the stock popped out”. of my motor racing library, which After basic preparation work at begins with a biography of Rene home, the venison should then be Dreyfus, who went from being a Grand Prix winner to running a placed on the engine and one successful restaurant in New York should drive off "humming a chilling tune”. City. Next along I have a motor Chilling is a word which leaps to racing recipe book which gives me details of the favourite foods of mind when I get to the political section of the library. There is a motor racing people. My favourite space there for a book I saw a few motoring cookbook, however, is months ago on the automotive 'Manifold Destiny', which claims shelf in one of the surviving books to be the one and the only guide shops on Charing Cross Road in to cooking food in different London. It was called 'Daimlerlocations on various makes of Benz in the Third Reich'. I thought engine and how far you need to I might buy it as a gift for the drive before your dinner is ready. Mercedes-Benz FI press officer The recipes include Hyundai but concluded that, perhaps, it Halibut with Fennel (cooking would stretch his sense of distance 55-85 miles), Cruisehumour a little too far and so left it Control Pork Tenderloin (distance on the shelf. I have regretted that 250 miles), and Enzo's Veal(75 decision ever since. miles) with the marvellous instruction: “Start this in Manhattan. Turn once in Stamford istory may be embarrassing but it is there. This is and lunch will be ready in New Haven.” something 1 have discovered recently while writing a series on The recipe for Upper Class Road the background of some of the Kill is not exactly politically-correct, current Formula 1 sponsors. I had but it is splendid. It instructs the driver to take to the Merritt no idea, for example, that the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Parkway in Connecticut and "kill a was built up on money from the deer, one that is anxious but not too afraid to cross the road". It opium trade, nor did I know that adds,'this should not be too hard Hugo Boss was the official

supplier of uniforms to the SS This sort of stuff never appears in press releases. I remember searching for years to find one scurrilous book, published in the‘early 1980s and banned within a matter of days, which purported to blow the lid off the financing of Grand Prix racing and the people involved in the sport. It included all the usual stuff of legend but included an extraordinary photograph of the then FIA President dressed in some of Hugo Boss's creations from the 1944 collection. JeanMarie Balestre, it should be pointed out, has proved on many occasions in courts of law all over Paris that he was only in the SS because he was working as a secret agent for the French Resistance. One day I must write that book... My most treasured book is a (bad) biography of another racing person who was involved in the Resistance Robert Benoist, the great Delage champion of the 1920s. This book is so rare that a normal copy goes for several hundred pounds. This is a lot of money for a 1945 paperback. A few years ago I had a rush of blood to the head and bought a copy. It was advertised as having some unidentified inscriptions on the fly-leaf. When I opened the book it was

like Christmas used to be,wh6a;J,v was a kid. I.knew the'signaturp&, .£s the moment-1 saw titenn. Ihere;t. was one from the authqriBdg^r/; . Labric, one from the artist G^o ' Ham and dotted about the pag Vi were th\e(jutographs ofeOrin^ i Benoist's friends: Jean-Pieae.i^ y Wimille, Pierre Veyron and a Wefl^' known test pilot and aviation , '..'■fi record breaker called Marcel Dbreft The secret of the book was m thq V knowledge that Benoist, Labric, ● Veyron and Wimille were not just a' bunch of friends but had been the ' . four drivers of the Bugatti factory team at Le Mans in 1939. Wimille and Veyron won the race. When I mentioned I had this book to a collector I know, he tried very hard not to sound as though he was having a cardiac arrest but, clearly, he was rather short of breath.

I 1

say I am not obsessive but there is another hole on the bookshelf that one day I will fill. For about 10 years, I have been hunting for a book which is as rare as the Holy Grail. It is the story of a multi storey car park in Paris called the Garage Banville. Weird or what? Well, the reason I want it is that when the Garage Banville was opened in 1927 it hosted a hillclimb event with the Grand Prix cars of the day using the up ramps to race up to the roof. I cannot tell you the story until I find that damned book... 29

The Great In between turkey legs and cheap wine, the staffers here at Motorsport News got started on a “Betcha didn't know this" competition. Turns out we're dumber than we thought; how do you rate? See how you go with the following 40 questions it's not a competition, so don't write in. Answers next issue. Good luck... 1. Coca Cola Racing went to Bathurst in 1995 with four drivers, all of whom shared a fundamental physical characteristic. Name the drivers, and the physical characteristic. 2. The Brabham team competed in 394 Grands Prix, between 1962 and 1992. Name the engines they used in that time.

and those who drove before it formally became HRT in 1990. Hint; it's more than 20 ... 7. New Stone Brothers driver David Besnard won the European International Kart Championship. What was the year - and for which team did he drive? 8. Before Jason Bright's recent announcement, only three drivers have raced for both HRT/HSV and Dick Johnson Racing. Name them. 9. Before Spectrum started winning in Formula Ford,there was only one 'interloper' in the dominance of British cars in FF. He qualified second at Amaroo Park in 1989 in an Australian-built car. Who was the driver, and what was he driving? 10. What was odd about Jim Richards' first race in a BMW M3 at Calder in 1987? 11. How many times did Barry Sheene win the 500cc British Grand Prix?

Honest Emmo’s used FI cars: Did Emerson Fittipaldi oiv/i an FI team? (Photo by RiiceAccess)

3. Which GP driver did not own a team; Brabham, Prost, Hill, Hunt, Fittipaldi? 4. For what do the letters 'AGS' stand? 5. Who was the first Chief Executive Officer of CART? 6. Name as many HRT drivers as you can. Include Young Lions, 30

12. Before Jason Bright suited up for the 2000 Honda Indy 300, who was the last Australian driver to drive in a CART race?

15. A Holden Dealer Team driver was once prevented from racing at Calder for not having the correct licence. Who was he? 16. Who was nicknamed 'The Flyin' Hawaiian'? 17. There have been six times where the winner of the Bathurst 500/1000 hasn't actually taken the chequered flag first. Name the years and why.

Nissan-Mobil 500 wins in Wellington in 1986 and 1987, who won the first of the races in 1985? 24. Dick Johnson ran three cars at Bathurst on two occasions with varying degrees of success. In 1988 only one managed to finish, while in 1991 none of them did. The drivers were all mixed on both occasions, some running in more than one car and

18. With the Adelaide Le Mans race on New Year's Eve a current topic, when was the last international sportscar race held in Australia? 19. What was unique about Ayrton Senna's fastest lap in the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington?

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20. Part of the FIAand FOCA Concorde Agreement of 1982 was that what sort of engines would be banned? 21. When was the last Grand Prix victory taken by a car without cigarette advertising? 22. What was CRL? 23 . While Peter Brock and Allan Moffat took back-to-back

13. Which World Rally Champion had his international debut in 1983 - in a Formula Ford?

two drivers didn't get a start. Who were the drivers in the two years? 25. What is notable about Steven Richards' last five starts at Bathurst? 26. While the Calder Park Thunderdome was built primarily for NASCAR and AUSCAR racing, it did host touring car racing on a circuit which linked it with the road course. Who won the World Touring Car Championship race there one week after Bathurst in 1987?

14. When Nigel Mansell moved from FI to CART in 1992, he famously ran 'Red 5' on his NewmanHaas Lola. Which driver was supposed to carry the number 5 in the 1992 season? Cinque Rosso: Who was supposed to carry Nigel Mansell’s #3? (Photo by Sutton-Zmages)

motorsport news

BRAIN TEASER

Trivia 27. What was the name of Steve McQueen's character in the film 'Le Mans'? 28. While we're talking about films of the racing variety, who played Tom Cruise's crew chief in 'Days of Thunder'? 29. When was the last time a Grand Prix podium was made up entirely of drivers from the same country? 30. Back in the days of the Australian Endurance Championship, Oran Park regularly held a 250 kilometre endurance race. In 1988 the winner picked up his only win for the year and only win ever in that car. Name the driver and car?

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31. In all of his years of racing at Bathurst, Colin Bond has always had a different co driver - bar one, with whom he drove on two occasions. Who was it?

32. What was the first year slick tyres were used in Formula One? 33. Only one man in motor racing history has won the Formula 1 World Championship, Indy 500 and Le Mans 24 Hours. Who is it?

^ P/RTEK _

34. Ford has won one round in each of the past three years of the Shell V8 Supercar Series. Who are they and where were the wins? Formula Ford: Ford has had a toiight time of it in the SCS. Name the drivers who have won their rounds in 1998, ’99 and 2000. (Photo by Dirk Klynsmiih)

35. Which Australian circuits have held the most ATCC/SCS rounds? 36. Flow many Australian Formula Ford Champions were in the field in this year's FAI 1000? 37. Juha Kankkuen has driven for how many different teams in the WRC?

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Smoke and water: Mika Hakkinen carries the West colours, but who was the last ‘non tobacco’ GP winner? (Photo by RaccAccess)

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22 December 2000

39. Who is the only ever Australian drag racer to have won the US Nationals and in what bracket did he/she do so? And, while we're asking, name the year. 40. Terry and Bobby Labonte are the only brothers to have won the Winston Cup/Grand National title in NASCAR. Name the fathers and sons who have also won the championship.

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Season Review

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Skaife took 'Big Red' #2 into piaGO #1 fpr titie #3 in one of the most competitive i^nd interesting years ever seen.,Wd take aloiA at the highs and inws of viAat j^ tim.^nf|Sheii rs... Championship I

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Season Reviev^

On the serioi It didn’t matter wherever you looked, Holden Racing Team were there, and there is style. In the best touring car series in the world, they fielded a world class effort that produced yet another championship. PHIL BRANAGAN reports

The dominant forces: Garth Tander proved to be excellent opposition for Mark Skaife, but Skaife was confident in his and the team’s ability to get the job done. While not winning the championship hurt, Tander and team mate Jason Bargwanna did win Bathurst. (Photos by Dirk Klynsmith/Marshall Cass)

THE motor racing spectators of Australia ask for a lot in their racing. As the only country in the world which has a roimd of the World Championships in Formula One,MotoGP, World Rally and World Superhikes, plus the FedEx Championship Series, we get a lot to compare every season. We also enjoy the best touring car series in the world, the Shell Championship Series for V8 Supercars. The 2000 SCS provided everything you could ask for in a series; great racing, big accidents, controversy, rivalries, and a little luck - and a worthy Champion in Mark Skaife. Running in Holden Racing Team red for the first time, Skaife turned his disappointments of 1999 into a championship-winning effort in 2000. Where Skaife lost the title in 1999, by failing to score in the bigpoints races at Queensland, he capitalised on the mistakes of others in Y2K,ensuring that he got points whenever rivals struck trouble. Like at Phillip Island, where Russell Ingall started his title campaign with a DNF and an outof-points finish. Like Canberra, where Garth Tander scored a zero, despite the reverse grid format which favoured Garth’s lousy Race 1 result. Like Winton, when Glenn Seton spun out of the lead on a patch of oil. As usual, Skaife drove brilliantly on occasion, but there were times when the HRT machine, quite literally, saved his season. Winton was the most notable, when the crew turned his Race 1 wreck into a car in which he could salvage as many points as possible in the last two sprints; in Adelaide, when smart pit work allowed him to move through from the rear in a deluge; and in the Queensland 500 ‘ when HRT called the strategy perfectly to allow Craig Lowndes to cruise home to the win. Skaife, sick as a hound with the flu, took maximum points. But there were also times when Skaife looked distinctly mortal. In the very first race of the season at Phillip Island, he led away, until

Lowndes rocketed past and charged off into the distance. Having swapped cars and engineers in the off-season, Skaife looked pretty broken after the race, but it was Lowndes who succumbed to a mechanical failure in Race 2, while everyone else (except race winner Craig Baird) struggled with tyres in the two-45 minute race format. In the end, HRT had too much for the opposition - too much everything. The team claims that its budget is not huge by comparison with the others but, from the outside, it looks like the Biggest Show in Town. If they DO have DJR and Perkins-sized budgets, HRT’s brains trust should run the Treasury Department. They could fix the balance of payments drama in a week. That gave them the ability to field two and, sometimes, three potential race-winning cars at each race. Three drivers ran in HRT colours in sprint races - Skaife, Lowndes and Todd Kelly - and all three won at least one race. Of the opposition, only two other teams had two racewinners; Garry Rogers’ Motorsport(Tander and Jason Bargwanna)and Kmart Racing(Steven Richards and Greg Murphy). That went a long way to deciding the season; both Lowndes and Skaife beat Tander on his home turf in Perth and Mark had the points lead early enough into the season to have the luxury of being able to accumulate points from then on. Lowndes and Kelly backed him up; it wasn’t until Winton that Bargwanna started to perform like his old self, taking points off the opposition for Tander, while Russell Ingall was basically flying solo after a combination of ordinary qualifying and plain bad luck hampered Larry Perkins. And yes, this IS a two make championship, despite the fact that we haven’t managed to mention Ford much, yet. For the first part of the season, none of the Fords showed much form on the pointand-squirt tracks and, by the time that Project Blueprint happened to motorsport news

V8 SUPERCARS

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even the technical score a bit, and the blue oval teams got their ducks in a row, the Game,such as it was, was as good as over. Baird’s PI win flattered to deceive, and it was not until the spectre of Dave Besnard appeared that Tony Longhurst started to get going at Stone Brothers; at Dick Johnson’s, Paul Radisich shone on occasion (like Eastern Creek) but he was playing a mostly solo hand; Ford Tickfo^d Racing(once we had recovered from the shock that it was actually only a de facto factory team)ran a car for Seton, as usual, and a one for Neil Crompton which never really recovered from its big hit at Albert Park. Ford’s only other race winners for the season were Mark Larkham and Steven Ellery. In one of the feel-good stories of the year, the Mitre 10 man bounced back from his Oran Park mega-shunt to break through in the very next round at Calder, bad back and all, while the Super Cheap team scored its first win in the class at Sandown. Ford’s policy of spreading out its support paid off and, if there was an award for the most improved V8 Supercar driver during the last three years, Ellery would win hands down. And the most dogged? Larko. The good news for Ford is that the change in race format for 2001 should - should - even the playing field for them. Add to that fact the 2000 experiences from which the

drivers and teams will, no doubt, benefit, and the garden looks a bit rosier in the coming year. This year, the race tally was Holden 25, Ford 7. It should be closer in the future. But, the truth is, almost all of the teams had weaknesses; one piece of the puzzle which needed to be fixed. DJR? The cars weren’t 100 percent sorted at the start of the season and then, when the new car came on line, they were then different to each other. So were FTR’s. And GRM’s VTs were different in the suspension set-up for the first half of the year.

Stone’s drivers needed a wakeup call, especially in qualifying. So did Kmart’s cars. Ingall needed Perkins to qualify higher and steal more points from the opposition. HRT’s weaknesses? The closest we here at MN can come up with was a mechanical woe or two (engines at PI and Adelaide), but that is more of an indication of being human,rather than being invincible. And maybe - maybe the end-of-season Lowndes soap opera was a distraction, but more to the people outside the team that inside. The Reds were superior in almost every department. The cars were, on the whole, better sorted; they had go, they stopped, and were mainly reliable. The crew saved the day on numerous occasions; the drivers made few mistakes and lots of inspired decisions.

Even in the media department, HRT set the standard far ahead of the opposition - soon after Bathurst, for instance, there was a professionally presented ‘HRT 2000’ magazine to celebrate the season. And merchandising? Other teams must look at the red sea in the grandstands and grind their teeth (and when they see in HRT’s book, the team claims $20 million in sales!)... In short, Holden Racing Team was the best outfit of 2000 and Mark Skaife was that team’s best all-round driver. Together, they make good winners and lousy losers, and that is what makes good teams great. The real wonder is not that Mark Skaife won the championship, but that it was still so close at the end of the season...

Quality not qualifying; Steven Richards and Greg Murphy both finished in the top 10, with Richards claiming his first ever sprint round at Calder. He also won Canberra, while the pair finished on the podium in Queensland and at Bathurst. Qualifying speed is still the Kmart team’s achillies heal though. (Photo byAF1 Images)

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Matching colours: Shell Motorsport boss Ross Brodie took great delight in awarding ‘his’ team its first Shell Series winner’s laurel in two years. The DJR/Shell Helix team’s end-of-season speed, and a new race format, promises plenty for 2001. (Photo by Dirk Klynsmith) 22 December 2000

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Season Revievs^

On the lighter s And the winner is... Slone Brothers Racing’s Q500 debacle cost them (Photo by Marshall Cass) any chance of winning the race with either car.

Worse decisions of the year...

IT was a year in which millions of decisions were made by hundreds of people and many of them were right; but some of theih were wrong, wrong, wrong. If there has to be an award from the 'wrongest' decision of the season, it would have to go to the most public balls-up of the year. In the Queensland 500, both Stone Brothers cars were in contention to win, but a Safety Car period did them in. While Holden Racing Team pitted both cars, and put themselves in a position to run 1-2, the Caltex and Pirtek cars stayed in the queue and lost track position. Worse, neither Simon Wills nor David Besnard had completed the minimum number of laps required. Once the team realised what had happened, they had to make an extra stop to get the drivers back in. Game over. After the race, MN went looking for Ross Stone to ask what had happened. He was busy elsewhere but, in the words of one team member, "We hope he isn't looking for something high to jump off." Of course, the flip side came at Bathurst where the Caltex car, having fallen to almost last, pitted as often as possible, stayed on the lead lap and was in a race-winning position with 10 laps left. But, if, maybe ... An honourable mention has to go to HRT. It's not clear that the team itself made the decision to run Jason Plato and Yvan Muller at Bathurst, but, whatever, once the heavens opened during practice, the Euros were screwed. While the Lions and the #1 cars motored around to fifth and sixth in the race, the BTCC regulars duffed it. A potential top five car was sentenced to 10th, two laps down. Upside? If Potato and Mullet run the 2001 race, they will be better prepared to contend. But, if, maybe... The other honourable mention goes to Garth Tander. Canberra was a disaster for the Valvoline driver, who scored a duck in the nation's capital in a season of dogged driving which almost won him the title. Even the full reverse grid, in which he started in contention, didn't do him any favours. Trying to pass Brad Jones in the final corner was a no-no. Having said that, the same bravado recovered potentially bad weekends for Garth when qualifying put him back among the also-rans. A leopard can't change its spots; Garth won't change his. But, if, maybe ... And the final gong goes to the motor racing magazine which predicted that Lowndes was DEFINITELY staying with HRT. It was a lock (really?). You could bet your house on it (true?) Er, it all turned around. He's not staying. Truly. Now, who was that idiot who wrote that? - PHIL BRANAGAN 36

THE ever-increasing closeness of competition has meant that contact between cars in the Shell V8 Supercar Series is more the norm rather than the rarity of the past. First corner contact is just about obligatory at each circuit, with most of the cars from the third row back wearing battle scars before they reach the next corner. But, Oran Park’s round of the V8s produced something a little bit different and a little bit too scary, which helps us award the prize you always hope you never have to give away - the Crash of the Year... It’s easy to understand that when the lights go green, 30-40 charging V8s can create quite some havoc and, when a car in the middle stalls, hell can break loose. It did at OP when LP stalled the Castrol Commodore, with a hardcharging Paul Morris cannoning into the back of Perkins. Mark Larkham also had nowhere else to go, with the resulting carnage starting a scary fire - something no one in motor

racing ever wants to see. While both drivers were injured in the accident(LP escaping thanks to his car just starting to move at the moment of the initial impact), thankfully they were both able to race within weeks. Gleim Seton’s testing shunt at Phillip Island comes in a close second. The FTR owner and lead driver’s ‘spin it out and back it in’ effort virtually ended any slim hopes the dual Touring Car Champion may have had of taking the title, while motorsport news

V8 SUPERCARS

It was always going ide? to be controversial

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also inflicting him with cracked ribs - enough to rule him out of the Sandown round, while also giving him some discomfort for the next couple of months. Also worthy of a mention was Brad Jones’ efforts in the Ozemail Falcon in Adelaide. While Brad mightn’t have reached the podium at the races during the year, his Adelaide up-ender certainly gets him there in the bingle stakes... - GERALD McDORNAN 22 December 2000

WAS 2000 a controversial year? By the recent standards of V8 Supercar racing, the answer would have to be no. Once Project Blueprint was implemented, there was less talk about the ‘P’ word (Parity)than there had been in previous years. In most cases, the mousetraps appeared to be about as equal as they were going to be. Ah, but the drivers. Thank goodness that there was still plenty to write about on the human front! In the Olympic year, Russell Ingall takes the gold. After the Queensland Raceway incident with Mike Imrie, The Enforcer claimed, in Motorsport News, that “I’d do it again, if necessary”. “You wait till Bathurst,” he continued. “They all come out of the woodwork for that...” Having, in the first instance, not reacted to the incident itself, CAMS charged Rusty with “bringing the sport into disrepute” - and fined him $10K. During the hearing Ingall called a motorsport media representative (yours truly) as a defence witness - and then blamed the media for beating up the whole thing. The charge was not proven. Then, at Bathurst, Ingall labelled some of the slower drivers “dickheads” and “wankers”, and from “Planet Mork”. Again, CAMS reacted; again. Ingall blamed the media for reporting what he said. Again, appeals happened. As we closed for press. Ingall was fined $4K, plus a couple for costs. Gee, this blaming the media is getting a bit tired, Russell. Any new ideas? Maybe,if we ever get charged, we can blame you twice? Honourable mention goes to the Paul Morris and Neil Crompton incident at the Grand Prix-. After the FTR Falcon wore the wall, prompting a lightning refit, CAMS charged Morris. He got off; his defence included, in part, information that the Big Kev Commodore was less than 100 percent controllable, because it was on cold tyres (fair enough, it was Lap 1)and that he was on full tanks - for a 6-lapper. Which prompts the question; when was the last time someone appealed a decision and LOST?

Surprise, surprise, surprise; You would never think Russell Ingall, seen above with his equally non-controversial boss, and Tony Cochrane, below, would ever be thought of as controversial... (PhotosM.casjyo.Kiynsmiih) That, in itself, is somewhat controversial. In a year of controversy for him, Craig Lowndes wore the wrath of the stewards over his Eastern Creek efforts in April, where he had the odd uncharacteristic hit during the three races. Then CAMS sued AVESCO over who owned what. They went to court, CAMS lost’ and they kissed and made up before Round 2. But there are a lot of members unhappy that CAMS, in their word, ‘sold the farm’ to settle the matter. Dick Johnson ‘un retired’ for the Queensland 500, then retired again, as the car retired. New Zealand got put on the 2001 calendar, then put back to November. And there was the usual level of behind-the-scenes whining, and comments to the press of “When are you going to write about Team Muggins running traction control/tyre softening compound/6-litre engines”, none of which was (as ever) accompanied by anyone plunking down their pennies and lodging an actual

protest. Seems that talk is cheap, and the media is supposed the carry the can. ‘ So, it appears, the most controversial thing in V8 Supercar racing in 2000 was the media. Whatever level of controversy there was in 2000, it was all our fault. Apparently. Sorry ... - PHH. BRANAGAN 37

Season Reviev>^

Expectations too great to meet...

AT the beginning of every racing season, it's all the same.'We're confident of a good result and I'm really happy with the team'say the diatribe press releases. But not everybody can get the good results... The perfect example of applying the 'great expectations' formula in 2000 was Craig Baird. He had one of the best horses to ride in the Stone Brothers Ford and the Kiwi, who took over from Jason Bright, had 'one of those seasons.' It started in glory with a win in race two at Phillip Island when, granted, everybody else destroyed their tyres, but from there on in it became a nightmare. In fact, Baird qualified in the top 10 just once (at the Queensland sprint round, SBR's home track), and spent the rest of the time coming back through the tail-end of the Level 1 cars. Being new at the majority of the circuits certainly didn't help, but there vyas no change in direction on the graph of great expectations. His fellow former Super Touring team-mates and rivals didn't fare much better in their first full season of V8 racing. Brad Jones, Paul Morris and

Cameron McConville all came to the Shell Series with their own teams for the first time, rather than co-driving for existing equipes, and really struggled to make a mark. Jones made a mark - on the roof of his Falcon at Adelaide but by Bathurst the BJR team was looking a lot better, and with a new car for 2001 things will turn around. BJR doesn't race in a category for long and not get results. Morris ran an older VS until a VT became available, which didn't help his cause in bridging the gaps to the HRTs and GRMs of the V8 world, but probably should count himself lucky just to survive 2000 at all, considering the Oran Park shunt ... McConville, who turned down an offer of Porsche sportscar racing at Daytona to commit to Rod Nash's team, didn't do a bad job to drag the Level 2 team into the Shootout at Canberra, but apart from that there wasn't much to write home about. And to think, he'd run second at Bathurst with HRTjustayear before. Great Expectations? The Gwenyth Paltrow film delivered a fair bit more than the class of 2000... - AARON NOONAN

PBAMPIONS are those who _ maifohI of ’ fend stiD scrape together a result. 1 In2CK)l,then, it is no coincidence that the'Drives ofthe Year’came fi om the two men who ended up scrapping for the Shell title. Mark Skaife himself nominates his race on the Sunday at Adelaide where he won from the rear, despite copping a mid-race Stop-Go for speeding in pit lane. It was no doubt a top effort, aided by the tactically superb early pit call from his team. It got him through the mid-field ruck in one foul swoop and, when the Stop-Go was announced, Skaife put in some ferociously fast laps, delaying the stop as long as possible, actually enabling him to complete it without losing a place. While it took Lowndes’retirement to turn second place into a sensational win, it was a win ofgreat composure, by both di-iver and team. However, we’d nominate another Skaife effort as the Drive ofthe Yearagain from the back-at Winton. While the length ofAdelaide’s Sunday race allowed a measured approach, Wmton wasjust balls-out sprinting. Inadvertently taken out in race

one.^HRT,iust mana^tc^jgt

the grid for race two - alSeit m Idas | than perfect alignment. Skaife charged from the back to 14th in that heat, then all the way to third in the final sprint, avoiding the oil slick and subsequent melees that took out race leaders Seton and Murphy and then Tander and Bowe. Luck may have played some part in Skaife’s progress, but then again there is a worthwhile view that you also make your own luck. In any case, the points rescued by this effort saved the championship for Skaife. As challenger Tander observed: “We’ve gained 36 points on Skaife, but it should have been more...” Tander himself deserves an honourable mention. Apart from obvious comebacks under race conditions, the young challenger’s knack of putting it together in qualifying(and particularlv in Top 'Ten run-offs) when the car had been less than perfect in the lead-up has been an invaluable asset. Until that wet, wet run-off at Bathurst, Garth remained unbeaten in one lap dashes for the year... - CHRIS LAMBDEN

Best idea, bar none

The year that wasn’t quite: Craig Baird’s year started off brilliantly, the Kiwi taking race two at Phillip Island before falling in a heap. Brad Jones’ year wasn’t particularly spectacular, exceptfor this one incident on the streets of Adelaide. Despite failing to turn the VS world upside-down, Jones made plenty ofprogress and 2001 promises more.

Joim Morm/Mptx

IT would be hard pressed to ever find an additional piece of chassis work that is so simple, so effective and yet so controversial than Larry Perkins''Larry Bar.' First appearing in 'the Enforcer' Russell Ingall's new #8 Castrol Commodore at the beginning of 2000, the 'Larry Bar' was a simple piece of tubing that was welded between the two front main hoop bars in the roll cage, running from the lower left to top right, across the windscreen. It's effectiveness was immediately obvious, Ingall's car producing stiffness numbers never before seen in the Perkins Engineering workshops, while on-track the car reacted better to changes than any before. "You have to ask what all the controversy was all about," Perkins ponders now about the calls to ban it. "They wanted to ban it, but it was incredibly effective, visual, massively ingenious arid perfectly legal. Everyone copied it, so it couldn't have been bad I" LP believes 'his' bar, which over the season became standard fare on most other V8s, helped "cement his ever-deteriorating relationship with CAMS." You'd have to ask why that would be the case as there's no doubt that, not only did the 'Larry Bar' produce a better race car, it effectively meant the cars were also stronger and safer, and that couldn't be a bad thing, could it? - GERALD McDORNAN molorsport news

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Adelaide Le Mans

The

streets are set T

HE American Le Mans Series which will hit Adelaide on New Year’s Eve is the brainchild of American Don Panoz. Forerunners to the championship (including the super-fast SportsPrototypes ofthe mid-80s and early 90s)usually had rules differing to the great Le Mans race in France, which made the whole sport quite unstable and weakly positioned in the mark jtplace, so Panoz bought the rights from the AGO(Automobile Club D’Ouest, which runs the 24 Hours)to run a series for sportscars to the Le Mans race rules. That created bonuses for the teams as well, with places in pre qualifying for Le Mans awarded to teams who did well in the ALMS’ marquee races - the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta and the Adelaide race.

With all of the hype over the glitzy machines that m*e coming to Adelaide for the Race of a Thousand Years,it's timely to have a look at just what will he pacing on the streets of Adelaide on New Year's Eve. AARON NOONAN previews the ALMS action.

The 2000 season has still been largely focused in North America, with a trip to Europe (Silverstone and Nurburgring)and, of course, Australia, with a separate European Series to be run next year. Panoz has a vision oftaking his series to all comers ofthe globe; the trouble is the lack offollowing sportscar racing has in countries such as Australia. Remember the last time Sportscars came to Sandown? It sent the Light Car Club ofAustraha bust, but Panoz isn’t a man who does things by halves. There are three classes in the ALMS - Prototypes, GTS cars and GT cars. The Prototypes are the

outright open-top rocketships, with a variety of configurations employed in a bid for success from both the factory teams and the privateers, who mainly utilise customer-spec chassis from manufacturers such as Lola and Reynard, mating them up with engines which produce over 650 horsepower. With only 900 kilograms to carry, that makes these carbonfibre jiggers pretty quick, to say the least. The Audis feature a 3.6-litre turbo V8, while the Panoz has a four-litre DOHC V8(in the new

The old and the new: Greg Murphy and Jason Bright

car) and a pushrod six-litre in the old car. The customer Judds are generally four-litre V8s. Audi, BMW and Panoz are the mainstays of the ‘big-banger’ class, although BMW won’t be at Adelaide. Their N12 LMR(which won Le Mans in 1999) hasn’t been competitive all year and, with Audi sealing the driver’s and manufacturer’s title, they see no point in coming to Oz. They’re not even letting JJ Lehto and Jorg Muller come just to party ... Panoz will debut a brand new LMP07 in a bid to try to at least steal some glory from the dominant Audis. It features a new engine and a sweepy new look. Dane Jan Magnussen will mn the car, with Greg Murphy and Jason Bright joined in an existing LMP-01 by David Brabham, the

molorspon nows

PREVIEW latter stepping into the old car in a bid to ensure he has eveiy chance of winning on home soil. Certainly the Panoz is a Vi V8 Supercar of different proportions! , Cadillac is bringing two of their LMP Northstars. The French DAMS team (the team running the cars in Adelaide) and the factory cars haven’t been too quick or reliable this year, but it must be remembered that Audi was like that in 1999. Best of the privateer prototypes should be the Lola run by Gabrielle Rafanelli(who used to run Bigazzi’s BMW touring car program of many things) with ex-Fl Founding father: Not only does Don and Champ Car driver Panoz own the ALMS, but also a host of Mimmo Schiattarella. tracks, a team and loads morel (smton-images) Australia has another representative in the Prototype class in Super Touring driver Jim Cornish. He and Nigel Barclay’s Racing Project team will link with Jamie Wall(who drove Barclay’s Accord at Lakeside last year) and Michael Mallock (son of Ray)in a Pilbeam in the LMP 675 class. This is the only one of the smaller prototypes (the Audis and Panoz and the like run in LMP 900)in the field, though the smaller cars will have a separate class next year. The 3.5-litre, V6 Nissanpowered machine will still be a nimble thing over the bumps and constant changes of direction which the Adelaide track has. While Audi have been the Prototype dominator. Dodge’s VIO I’m the champ and I’m going to Formula 1: Vipers run by the French ORECA Allan McNish, above, will hand over the Audi flag when the chequer falls concern (overseen from past at Adelaide and pick up the Toyota banner. The Dodge Vipers, below, Bathurst visitor Pierre are the dominant GTS machines. (Photos by Sutlon-Images) Dieudonne), have dominated the GTS class. The GTS class is for far more standard, production-like T sportscars and the Vipers are a welldeveloped car with a great pedigree now in racing in both sprint events and long distance. \ '> However, the newcomers in Chevrolet and their Corvette program have actually won a race or two, but

they, too, won’t be in Adelaide as they prepare for January’s Daytona 24-Hours, which is run under Grand-Am (a series solely run in America run by the France family) rules. The cars in the GTS and GT classes are less powerful and heavier that the Prototypes, though the racing is just as intense. If there’s something to look out for, then it’s the sheer speed differential between the lead cars and the slowest of the GT cars. On more than one occasion this year have the two classes of car made contact, prompting Professional Sportscar Racing(the body which sanctions the series) to issue plenty of fines, mainly to impatient Prototype drivers, keen to use the traffic as strategically as possible. The GT class is pretty much the Porsche Cup, although BMW and its E46 M3 have stolen the class honours on the odd occasion. The Gei-man marque has the legendary Hans Stuck and BMW prototype driver Bill Auberlen amongst its driver line-up. Australian has representation in the GT class, with Perth businessman Rohan Skea’s team of GT3s. Skea has run the entire ALMS season with two cars and has had some good results, in addition to the reward of being backed by Porsche. The German manufacturer doesn’t have a factoiy team in sportscar racing anymore, though they do supply teams such as Skea’s(and Dick Barbour’s) with support and drivers. The legendary Bob Wollek and hard-charged Sascha Maassen are Porsche-contracted drivers.and it isn’t uncommon for them to drive for a different Porsche team on a different weekend - it all comes back to where Porsche wants them to drive. Maassen drove with Skea’s team at Le Mans, but will drive with Barbour’s at Adelaide. The question remains as to how Australian race fans will warm to the sportscar show. In a country which genuflects at the sight of a V8 Supercar, Panoz’s series will have its work cut out. In the finest traditions of Le Mans,the Adelaide race will run into the darkness, beginning at 4pm with a rolling start and ending at 10pm,just in time for everybody to welcome in 2001 in style. Maybe they’ll be partying a little bit longer than that though. Anyone for the ‘Party of a Thousand Years’?

"Certainly the Panoz is a V8 Supercar of different proportions!"

41 r_

HI¬ RE RFORMANCE

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OIL PRODUCTSi INC.

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Craig Pollock Motorsport News: Are you happy with the turnaround since last season? Craig Pollock: The turnaround actually started last year. What I am happy about is that all the lessons we learned last year have sunk in and paid off this year. I'm more than pleased with that turnaround. The disappointment is that opportunities were there early in the season, and we didn't seize them. So while I'm happy, I'm disappointed that by the end of the season we were fighting for fifth place when we should, if we had seized our opportunities, have been fighting for third. MN: But looking back a year

you can't be too disappointed... CP: Don't get me wrong, it's been a huge improvement. MN: Obviously you have a stronger engine this year, but in what areas has the team itself improved? CP: Communication between personnel, working methodology, controls over finance, controls over wastage, better utilisation of our facilities, designers working together instead of working off at tangents. The team has been a cohesive team. There's not one area that we haven't improved. The management's improved, the atmosphere's improved, the

I After a tough debut season in 1999 British American Racing had a strong 2009, and is looking for a better 2001. Team boss Craig Poliock has high hopes - and Honda, Jacques Viiieneuve, Oiivier Panis. I AOAM COOPER spoke to BAR'S team boss

determination, the drive. The heart's got stronger in the team. MN: Traditionally people say that the second year is harder than the first, but you have proved that wrong - although you couldn't have done much worse... CP: Yes, we couldn't do any worse. The hardest year for us was the first year, because we built up, stupidly, our expectations and the expectations of the public. Therefore the perception on the outside was that it was a lousy year. The reality was that it was a hard year, but probably an understandable year.

MN: What's been the highlight in 2000? CP: I think the whole seoond half of the season came together bri l liantly. Races like Indianapolis and Suzuka were just brilliant races for us. What's been the highlight has been seeing it get better and better and better all the way through. And also Jacques Villeneuve re-signing for the team. MN: How important was that in terms of keeping Honda and the sponsors happy? CP: Obviously you have to ask them... but it was key, absolutely key.

Ready

INTERVIEW ^

Good, orjust Lucky? BAR's ace in the hole is Jacques Villeneuve, who had a strong 2000 season and looks like a podium contender in 2001.

MN; How difficult was it to hang on to him? CP: Very. He was so determined that he wasn't going to get into a situation where there would be any form of politics. We spent the whole year making a huge effort to keep the politics out of it, and I'd say my biggest disappointment this year has been the end of the season when it became blatantly obvious that politics were creeping back into it. I'm ignoring it totally. I'm not interested, they can do what they want. It's of no interest to me. And I think that's what Jacques needs as well.

to strike (Photos by Sutton-lmages and Honda Media)

MN:Since you brought it up, is it something that's been created by other people in the organisation? CP; It hasn't been created by me. Let them do what they want. They can't do anything in any case. MN: Is there a role for Barry Green? CP: Obviously, Barry has been a friend for a long time. I've got no idea what's happening because I haven't particularly shown an interest in it. It's somebody else's problem. MN:So if he joins it's not at continued on page 46

v:- -

Craig Pollock continued from page 45

relationship to actually get the rules and the guidelines and the

your invitation? CP: It's not a question of

orders to work within in.

invitation - if I could see a

we look at them? Yes. If there was a better technical director

had to find our way, and now we've got a very, very good working relationship, and certainly what they're putting into the programme is top. The good thing is that they have exactly the same vision and exactly the same goals as us. We went out and we got them

than Malcolm, then of course we

in. Eddie [Jordan] has done a

should look.

brilliant job in getting them convinced that they should

At the start with Honda, we

position that Ithought would be appropriate for somebody that has his skills, then Iwouldn't hesitate. Just as if there were a

better chief designer than our chief designer available, would

But Ibelieve in everybody we currently have in place in the key

positions, and Barry would

Jordan. In the next two years, we will have the most powerful

results.

engine in FI.

MN: You don't envisage any changes? CP: Iwon't be supporting them.

MN: What about Ricardo

All I'll be worried about is

MN: So there won't be any?

obviously didn't work out the way either of you would have

CP: Everything in life is

wanted. Are you disappointed

possible...

with that, and are there

There's no tension

between me and Adrian, because i never see him. Where's the tension?

- Pollock on Adrian Reynard [right]

Now the best thing for Ricardo is to cut the ties, and do what

Heinz-Harald Frentzen did; just

CP: It's not a question of fitting in. Ithink there's nobody to

leave the team and go into a new team where he can

potentially flourish.

CP: There's no tension between

Ricardo came into FI as a

MN: And you're happy with

me and Adrian, because I never

rookie driver, having always

your choice of second driver

see him. Where's the tension?

driven the best. He came into a brand new team where he

for 2001?

on fire.

probably had the worst at that particular time. For the first time

MN: I wouldn't want my house

got an exceptional driver line-up for next year.

CP: Anyone who wants to take

in his career he really had to fight with very bad equipment. So it was a probably a bad move for Ricardo to come in year one; in year two it was totally different. If this was his first year it would

British American Racing in a different direction from the way I

have been a very good first year, but it was his second year.

to burn down! To us, there

appear to be two camps, and both want to take the thing in different directions...

want to take it is of no

CP: I'm ecstatic. Ithink we've

MN: How good is Olivier Panis?

CP: I'll tell you next yearl I thought already at Prost that Panis was a talent.

Ithink the fact that he has

shone so well during a testing programme at

interest to me, because

the only way to take this is forward and up. And to do that your heart's got to be in it, and the heart of the people has got to be behind who they perceive as doing that. I'm really very at ease with the way we're going.

3 Phone (02) 9678 9977 Fax (02) 9678 9955 wvm.rocket.au.com iale8@rocketindustries.com.au

reasons why he didn't fit it?

blame; it's not Ricardo, it's not us, it's not Jacques, it's not me.

Adrian and Iget on like a house

Available from leading Parts Outlets

Honda with us, not Honda with

(Zonta)? He had some good results but the relationship

tension between you and Adrian Reynard that we thought had been resolved...

supply a second team, and Itake my hat off to him for that, but it's up him to make sure that Honda stays behind them as well.

definitely be a key position man. Ihave got no understanding as to why you'd want to create an extra level of management when everything seems to be working. The proof of the pudding is in the

MN: There seems to be a

-.h

MN: Changing the subject, what has working with Honda been like? Is it

everything you expected it to be?

CP: It's been good. Not without its difficulties, but it's never easy at the start of any new

We've taken an older d'iver vuiUi

experience who speaks the same langur, and who can turn round to Jacques and teN him to piss off" - Pollock on Olivier Panis [below]

McLaren, during which he probably hasn't always been driving the best material - and he has been

consistently fast, with

test parts, and not always the best tyres means that Panis is

capable of doing what Coulthard and

Hakkinen do in a car. If I'd taken Hakkinen

or Coulthard and put them in a British

American Racing car next year, nobody would be asking me do you think you've got a good driver line-up? I think he's got the experience of all the moiorsport news

INTERVIEW

McLaren test work, and I'm sure that he is able to come across not only with his driving talent but also the ability to tell us the differences between a McLaren and a British American Racing car. I think it's a very, very positive thing. I shouldn't be saying it, but that's fact. MN:Jacques has a habit of taking control of a team. Are you concerned about that? CP: That's also why we've taken an older driver with experience who speaks the same language, and who can turn round to Jacques and tell him to piss off. MN: On the other hand Panis is a fairly sensitive soul... CP: Yes, but he's not that sensitive.

MN: But it could just as easily go the other way, after McLaren has built him up. CP: I think Panis is also very capable of getting the whole team behind him very quickly and will be willing to put the effort in to do that, and that will be Jacques' problem - will Jacques be able to keep his team behind him, will he not lose it? To me it's going to be a very, very healthy competition next year.

you think,'Bollocks, I'll just take the money and go ski ing'? CP: Where's the personal criticism? In which area? The area of not being capable of building up a team?

MN: You're looking forward to some fireworks? CP: I'hope so. I think it will be great. The more Jacques that Olivier can slap in the face, the more Jacques is going to step up.

MN: Well, there was a story about you and Jacques working together to bump up his price. That must have really annoyed you. CP: That sort of thing is pathetic. If I'd told Flavio what Jacques is earning here, he wouldn't have got more, he wouldn't have got less from Benetton. It's not a question of bumping up the price. I never went and pushed up the price with Benetton - they came forward and offered. So how do you bump it up? Maybe you should ask Flavio.

MN: How difficult is it going to be to keep Jacques beyond next year? The way we understand it is that he's got the option to leave. CP: Jacques has made it very clear... he has certain 'out' clauses In his contract. It depends how competitive we are, to be quite honest. If we are giving him a car that's winning races, Jacques will stay. If he's not winning races, then I think Jacques will be looking very seriously. MN: Are you personally fed-up with all the criticism and the fact that the press are often stirring things up, with or without any truth behind the stories? CP: Maybe there's truth, but it doesn't matter. MN: But there has been a lot of personal criticism... CP: Shit happens. MN: Does it get to you? Do you get to the stage where

MN: I don't read the magazines! CP: Neither do I. That's why I'm asking. You're saying there's criticism, but where? I don't know.

xtreme racing products

MN: On a more positive note, next year you have a new second driver, but what else is coming on stream in terms of changes, or is it just an extension on this year? CP: It's an extension of this year, and a consolidation of this year. I think to continually change is wrong. You should be perpetually improving, and that's what we're trying to do. We're improving not by cutting out. because we believe that what we have can be built upon. At the moment where we're improving is by hiring more people to build in to what we already believe is good. So it definitely is an extension of this m year.

Available from leading Parts Outlet

GRAND PfiP !SONA>^

Milestones: Ricardo Zonta, above, struggled with the team and has been replaced by Olivier Panisfor 2001. BAR represented Honda through 2000 and marked the manufacturer's 200th GP at Imola.

22 December 2000

(Photos by Honda Media)

Phone(02)9678 9977 Fax (02)9678 9955 vyww.rocket.au.com sales@rocketindustries.com.ai

Symmons Plains

Bunfight at f

copra

www.toca.com,ou

Owen Kelly gave Paul Morris a big fright at Symrnons Plains, but that didn't stop the Queenslander from taking his 13th win of2000- and fourth title. PHIL BRANAGAN reports THE Job is done.Paul Morris sealed his fourth BOC Gases Super Touring Championship after winning his 13th straight race of 2000 at Symmons Plains in Tasmania. But,in a season where the Queenslander has won a race by a whole lap, and come back from an unscheduled pit stop to win, this one was close - very close. Morris was under the gun all weekend, with new team-mate Owen Kelly pushing hard in his category debut. In fact, the two BMWs crossed the line in Race 2 side-by-side, split by 0.0091s - about a hand’s width. As usual, John Henderson was the best of the rest in his Holden Vectra, while Jamie Miller and Luke Searle split the wins in the Independents’ division, the title for which was tied up by the consistent Alfa of David Auger. Fairytale of the weekend involved Tim Shaw. His Commodore belted Aaron McGill’s Nissan in the race day warm-up and both crews had a lot of work to do before the races. Shaw made it out two laps into the first race and registered a third, but won the 48

second race. Shaw, Jamie Brock(who won the first race) and Jason Domaschenz were tied on points so the judges went to a countback, which gave Shaw the weekend. A result which pleased the large-ish herd of locals no end...

Qualifying

The main interest in qualifying was A. whether Morris would keep his pole streak and B. how close Kelly and Alan Gurr, who was aboard Tony Newman’s Peugeot 406 for the first time, would get the threatening his run. The answers were A. yes and B. not very ... Actually, part of B. was answered before qualifying. Gurr heard the engine go funny during practice and quickly shut the four-banger down. But the damage was done; the 406 had suffered a terminal engine failure and, despite the bestlaid plans to close the points gap to second-placed Henderson, Gurr was out for the weekend. It must have been anti-Peugeot weather. Mike Fitzgerald also had the engine bust in his 405 and he.

too, was spareless and out of a drive. Morris followed the usual program; go out, set a time, park it. Actually, it was more complex than that(he stopped to have the tyre pressured checked in Q2)but the result was still two poles. “I didn’t think the track was this bumpy last time,” said the only man to have raced a Super Tourer at Symmons. “But it’s a great track; very enjoyable to drive on. A lot better than somewhere like Willowbank Kelly only had 20 or so laps in the other BMW before returning to his home state but looked comfortable enough, qualifying third in the first session and running behind Morris in the second. He just missed the front row after a Morris tow but, ironically, gained time without the tow next time around to all but repeat his Q1 time for second in the slower session. The open-wheeler man was continued on page 50 moiorsport news

'●"f

SUPER TOURERS

This goes with this

MOTOR racing teams are not always noted for the level of co operation they give to each other but, for Super Touring's first Tasmanian sojourn in five years, many of the teams got together to make the trip south a little easier. There were a number of shared transporters crossing the Tasman. The cars of Henderson, Fitzgerald and Gurr shared a pantech; Hills' two Mondeos bunked in with Cornish's Hpnda; the Searles, picked up McGill's Nissan on the trip from' Newcastle; Morris. Of course, the NEMO pan was packing an extra-BMW for' ■* Kelly. Mike Quinn's Toyota travelled solo, having cdme down'^a week early for some testing but, overall, it was a good show of solidarlty^^ in what can be a dog-eat-dog business. V V it ■fr'

1-\tX in'

Lyv'ipav

.as

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Safety in numbers: Jim Cornish’s Honda ACf:b/d!lictiipjen^of;CQi^^^S. -

;

(Alow hyjitcisirictjmidI i

Two rounds early: Morris took his fourth BOC title two rounds early, despite pressure from Keliy. Auger aiso seaied the independents’ series for

2000, despite giving best to Miiier and Searie (foliowing). (Photos by James smah)

^ ♦

attxnn

WBt\lES

—1. .*

Paul Morris

Mount Cotton BMW 320i

Owen Kelly Peter Hills John Henderson Jim Cornish

Thermo King BMW320i Signature Security Ford Mondeo Sydney Crane & Transport Vectra Visit your Vet Honda Accord Leatherman Alfa Romeo 155TS Phoenix Motorsport Toyota Camry iSASO Commodore VS

David Auger Jamie Miller Tim Shaw Ray Sidebottom Mark Zonneveld Jason Domaschenz Aaron McGill James Brock Paul Leabeater Troy Searie Alan Gurr

APS Commodore VT Signature Security Ford Mondeo APS Commodore VS Trinovin Nissan Primera Biante Models Commodore VT Redline Motorsport Hyundai Lantra SAE/RoadchillBMW318i TC Motorsport Peugeot 406

58.4129 (11 59.4718 (31 59.2231 |21 59.5800 141 59.7426 [51 60.2212 (61 60.2638 [71 60.6825 [81 60.7785 [91 60.8562 1101 60.9002 1111 61.1540 1121 61.2002 [131 64.3654 [141 No time No time

58.7160 11] 59.4752 [2] 59.8082 [4] 59.5396 [31 60.2596 [5] 60.4456 17] No time |14] 60.4435 [61 61.14221101 60.8886 [91 60.7494 [81 61.1974 1111 61.2252 1121 No time No time No time

Super Tourers Round 6 Symmons Plains 22 December 2000

Symmons Plains continued from page 49 feeling comfortable in the left-handdrive machine;“I haven’t tried to get out the right hand door, or anything”. Good. Hills had the front row slot in the first race, despite the fact that “we shat first and second gear”(ever direct, is Hills). A selector had broken and wasn’t fixed in time for the second session. The FWD dragster was wellsuited to the track and, after some set-up work. Hills was looking forward to the race. Team-mate Mark Zonneveld was working away in the other Ford, describing it as “completely different” to the Peugeot 406 he drove at Mallala. He had driven for the team before but said that the updates it had had made it seem like a different animal. Henderson had been looking for the front row but felt that the Vectra was in need offreshening up. “The viscous diff needs a look,” he admitted,“but that would take money, and time between races, as it would have to go back to the UK.” With the car in the 59.5s in both sessions, Henderson felt that the car was around 0.8s off its best pace, the policeman thought. Right behind was Jim Cornish. The much-travelled Honda was going well, Cornish not that rapt with the qualifying speed hut feeling that the balance of the Accord would be telling in the race.

-'■●'S'

( ●v-v

>2.

.●r-;

Model of consistency: Jamie Brock went 1-3 in Future Touring to tie on points with Shaw and Domaschenz. (Photo by Joel Strickland)

“I’ve never known a front-wheelAuger was close behind, running steadily to try and secure the drive car where you stop it, turn, Independents’ title for the season. hit the gas and have it oversteer The best of the rest of the 2-litre out of the corner,” he mused, cars was Miller’s but the Camry adding that the car was, at least, a little better in the second session. only got one result from it. The Toyota missed a weighbridge and In the Future Touring ranks, lost its session Tim Shaw took the honours in time in Q2. The 11 other problem both sessions, the car had was a the local n slipping clutch. spending much Of the others, - Peter Hills after Race 1 of the week Aaron McGill chauffeuring the media found the Nissan, around the at least, consistent, even if the handling track. The ISASO car did plenty of was leaving the driver laps in both sessions, the dumbfounded. Tasmanian admitting that he was

He (Morris ) sucked me in; no, I sucked myself in

A littiG ingenuity

AS if Aaron McGill was not having a tough enough weekend, with a repaired gearbox and pre-loved rubber to deal with, things went awry during the Sunday warm-up when he had a biff with Tim Shaw's Commodore. The front of the VS clouted the Nissan in the left-rear and, as delicate BTCC cars are not designed to take hits from Holdens, the Primera did not react well. The suspension was bent and it was only after a lot of work - and a lot of race tape - that he was able to continue for the weekend. Shaw's car also looked fairly second-hand, but the crew was not going to miss the race. The panels came off and the bent rails were attacked with the well-known combo of chains and a Toyota Hilux, which pulled the bent bits back into some kind of straight line. 50

Shaw, who looks capable of panel beating the car without the aid of tools, stood back and watched his crew perform, basically, miracles.

After two penalties at Wakelfield Park, and an errant wheel at Mallala, he was due a little luck. A few hours later, he would be smiling ...

Pain, chains and automobiles: Tim Shaw, right, oversees the ‘Irish jig’. (Photo hy Jtiel Siricklinui)

“driving his ring off’ and, maybe, overdoing it. At least he looked better under braking than some of the opposition. Jason Domaschenz smoked his front-right time after time at the first corner, running about 100m on the best (worst?) of the incidents. In fact, Domaschenz had to split the honours on the two gilds with team-mate Ray Sidebottom, whose VT looked much more sorted in Tassie than it had been in recent mainland races. The newer car is, clearly, starting to be developed to challenge the VSs.

Race 1 (27 laps)

Shaw was working furiously to 5 join the field and made it out two laps late. Ironically, he would finish third; after leading the first couple of laps, Sidebottom’s second gearbox blew and, after rolling around for a few laps, Ray parked it. Moms led away, while Hills had a sniff at the Beemer headed into Turn 1, but Kelly (his first ST start, remember) made a dunger, lurching away in fourth (behind Auger, who was quickly passed by both Henderson and Kelly). Worse was to come; Kelly slid onto the dirt at Turn 1 on lap 3 and snagged a rear buniper, but was soon into stride. Good thing; as he consolidated fourth, Searle was making fi fth his own - and starting to close. Soon we had five cars in a line; Morris was conserving tyres and waiting for Kelly to make ground; Hills, right behind, was king of the straights and, in his words, “surprisingly good” under brakes; Henderson was hanging in there from Kelly; and Searle was closing in on the lot of them. Too good to last? It didn’t. After ranging alongside Morris a few molorsgort news

SUPER TOURERS times, on lap 13, Hills went straight on at the VB hairpin. “He(Morris)sucked me in; no, I sucked myself in,” he said. Whoever was the sucker and the suckee, the Mondeo nudged the fence and stopped. So, too, did Searle, the black 3201 sending up plumes of tyre smoke and getting close to the Ford before resuming, only to then have a tjTe go on him. Hills wasn’t done either; after resuming, his power steering quit and he pitted. In the melee Kelly knifed past Henderson into second and, then, plunged past Morris for the lead (yep, really). He led for a bit before Morris, with plenty of tyre grip, decided he had had enough and took back the lead. He won by 0.4s. Henderson was third, with Miller emerging from the pack to take the Indies win from Auger and Zonneveld. After a great battle Domaschenz had one slide too many in the APS car (running minimal rear camber and, hence, oversteer) and Brock took the FT honours.

Race 2(27 laps)

Kelly was a little more convincing

at his second start, but Domaschenz made a ripper to almost get into second, as Morris and Kelly led away. Hill and Henderson were

intact - not that Morris may have cared at the moment, as he had just sealed the title two meetings early.

quickly past the Commodore, but

Henderson was out-gunned in third, while Searle made it stick

this time the Bimmers were away. Kelly was looking impatient and, when Morris slid a little wide

this time, getting all the way to fourth in a swift drive. Behind

on the last corner on lap 7, Kelly took the lead. The two were well clear and Morris took back the lead, but the local wasn’t done ... Kelly got him back on lap 15, only for Morris to swoop past again; until Brock was being lapped, when Kelly got past, only to lose it to Morris again half a lap later. Morris double-crossed Kelly at the hairpin, the two tapping mirrors, and Owen gave him a tap in the boot a lap or so later to make his intentions clear. It was

came Auger who, like Morris, had sealed the Indies title. Behind came Cornish, who had tangled with Hills at the hairpin, both drivers battling their cars for the rest of the race. And the Futures? Domaschenz had the better of Brock, but Shaw moved past the Biante car on lap 7, threw it off the road a few laps later, recovered, and then got Domanschenz. For the lead. There wasn’t a dry eye in Tassie when the judges, having three drivers tied on

gripping stuff. But that - grip - is what almost did Morris in. On the last lap he locked the rears at Pepsi and, on the marbles, had no choice but to

points, awarded Tim the gong for the weekend. With Shaw around, there’s never a dull moment.

lift. Kelly sniffed, pulled inside and just missed out on his first win - by 0.0091s. The Streak was

think about but, if Kelly drives the rest of the season (which looks

The punters went home happy. Morris still has a grand-slam to

likely), the odds are getting longer.

BOC Gases Super Tourers Rd 6 Svananons Plalaas Race 1 - 27 laps Pos Driver 1 Morris 2 Kelly 3 Henderson 4 Miller 5 Auger 6 Zonneveld 7 Brock 8 Domaschenz 9 Searle 10 Shaw 11 Hills 12 McGill dnf Sidebottom dnf Cornish dns Gurr

Race lime 27:29.3433 27:29.7458 27:33.6591 28:07.4317 28:07.8716 28:15.8710 28:22.1969 28:23.1867 26 Laps 26 Laps 25 Laps 23 Laps 23 Laps 9 Laps

F/lap 59.4095 59.9151 60.0924 60.9236 60.9831 61.0366 61.1254 61.6801 59.9445 61.6375 60.0728 61.7368 61.6129 61.4159

dns Fitzgerald dns Leabeater Race 2-24 laps Pos Driver 1 Morris 2 Kelly 3 Henderson 4 Searle 5 Auger 6 Cornish 7 Zonneveld 8 Miller 9 Shaw 10 Hills 11 Domaschenz 12 Brock dnf McGill dns Gurr

Race lime 27:33.2281 27:33.2372 27:36.1106 27:46.5885 28:00.0111 28:03.3616 28:12.6880 28:15.9977 28:31.1170 28:36.2092 26 Laps 26 Laps 21 Laps

F/lap 59.5155 60.5623 60.6657 60.8866 61.1357 60.5717 61.4995 61.6516 62.0693 60.9099 62.8351 62.7556 62.7429

dns Fitzgerald dns Sidebottom dns Leabeater CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS: Morris 206, Henderson 118, Auger 93, Gurr 87, Hills 80, Searle 49, Miller 33, Letcher 31, McGill 26, Kelly 24, Cornish 15, Downard 14, Zonneveld 13, Bewley 10, Fox 9, Leabeater 8, Newman 8, Saunders 7, Robson 6, Stratton 5, Dale 4, Rolfo 3, Fitzgerald 2.

Own Accord; Hills and Cornish tangled at the VB Hairpin in Race 2, but both were able to carry on to finish. (Photo by James Smith)

I’S

INDEPENDENTS CUP POINTS: Auger 180, Searle 106, Miller 75, Letcher 66, Cornish 34, Downard 33, Fox 32, Leabeater 24, Saunders 22. Robson 20, Dale 14, Stratton 8, Rolfo 6, Fitzgerald 6.

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Calder Park practice day for VHRR THE VHKR’s first event for 2001 will be the annual Practice Day at Calder Park to be held on Sunday February 18. The meeting will be restricted to financial members of the VHRR and the Historic Touring Car Association of Victoria, and those wishing to take part are reminded that no membership renewals or club licences will be issued on the day. Entries are $45 and close on Friday, Febi’uary 9. Supplementary Regulations and entry forms are now available from the Secretary Brian Simpson (03) 9744 7309 (after hours). The following weekend (February 24-25), the VHRR and the Victorian Mini Club Inc. will conduct the 12th Historic Phillip Island Classic on the Grand Prix circuit with events for all major categories. Private practice will be available on Friday February 23 and garages for the weekend can now be booked. Entries close on January 23, 2001 and for enquiries phone John or Sandra Caffin on (03) 9744 1807 between 9am and 930pm. -BRIAN REED

A day to remember WHAT began initially as a small gathering of motor sports friends of 80-year old Maurice Monk,the founding president of CAMS,grew to an invited guest list of 100 for what was appropriately named the First Motorsport “Day to Remember.” Held in the Monk's expansive garden in Bulleen on Sunday December 3, the ‘Day to Remember’brought together motor sports administrators and competitors from yesteryear and as the day wore on l,ap times began to tumble and the stories became more incredible. There was also some greying scribes who added to the incredibility with their reminiscences. Several racing cars from the Monk collection were on show in the garden - the impressive bam in which they are normally housed had been taken over for the day by the invading horde of old desperates - and the walls housed an appropriate display of motor racing memorabilia organised by one of Australia's

Founder: The founding president of CAMS. Maurie Monk, with wife (Photo by Maurie Monk) Margaret, celebrated the ‘Day to Remember’. most respected collectors, Peter McGough. The Monk family left nothing to chance,from the cars that shuttled the guests from the car park to the presentation of a bound book to everyone containing profiles of the invitees. The book contains a wealth of information and

there were lots ofautograph hunters keen to have their copies signed by the famous personalities in attendance. The First Motorsport‘Day to Remember’was just that, and the name suggests there could be more to follow. Let's hope so!

Tlie iiunt is on for Max’s Rennmax MEW South Wales enthusiast Bryan Miller is on the hunt for one of Max Stewart's old race cars - the Rennmax built in February, 1968 that was reputedly Australia's fastest AIMF 1.5litre open-wheeler at the time. The car was originally fitted with a Cosworth twin-cam motor, Hewland Mk5 gearbox and Brabham wheels, and after being successfully campaigned by Stewart, it was sold to Clive Millis in 'Victoria before moving on to another Victorian, Frank Curcio. Thereafter its history becomes unclear and it possibly became a Formula Ford in the early-to-mid 1970s. It may even have undergone a name change to 'Comet' or 'Komet', and moved to or raced in South Australia. Any information re the whereabouts of this car would be greatly appreciated by Bryan Miller who can be contacted at 1 Tamba Place, Lilli Pilli, NSW, 2229, phone (02) 9526 6666, mob. 0417 274 507. - BRIAN REED 52

* X

One of the best: The late, great Max Stewart in the Rennmax - or is it a Comet(or a Komet?) motorsport news

HISTOmCS stumpy on top in VHRR season

Away we go: The Group Sa sporties and Na Tourers head for the first corner, led by Les Schwebel’s Turner. (Photo by Steve Oom)

Other class winners were:

by BRIAN REED WAKEFIELD Park's new Clerk of Coarse Graham Towers has successfully negotiated his first hurdle - the HSRCA’s aUHistoric November meeting attracted more than 320 entries, the weather was kind,the racing close on the new track layout, and a larger-than-usual interstate contingent took part. According to spokesman John Sexton,“Many ofthe grids wei'e filled to capacity and the sight of so many cars made the final Historic race meeting for the year quite a spectacle.” The 'quicks' came out to play in the Groups Q and R sports and racing events, including a new arrival in this class - the ex-Niki Lauda March 722, which is now campaigned by Dr. Michael Henderson. With a practice time of 60.23s, Henderson grabbed pole position ahead of a pair of March 73Bs driven by Queenslander Chris Farrell and Sydney hotshoe Richard Carter. Mechanical problems plagued both 73Bs leaving Henderson victorious ahead of the evergreen Dick Willis(1972 Dolphin)and Peter Addison (Chevron B29)third. The 'Flying Doctor' followed up with a clear win next day in the handicap, but he, too, suffered a DNF while leading in the afternoon's eight-lapper. Farrell made the most of his opportunity and led home from Craig Smith (1985 Cheetah F2)and Ross Hodgson (Birrana 374 F2)next. The Van Diemen of Damon Hancock was the first Formula Ford home in all three races. Grids for the Groups M & O sports and racing cars were packed to capacity, and Mike Ryves, driving the ex-Kevin Bartlett Brabham BTllA fitted with its well-prepared 2.5- litre Climax engine, cleared out 22 December 2000

CONGRATULATIONS to Jim 'Stumpy' Russell for winning outright the club championship of the Victorian Historic Racing Register for season 2000 in his Ford V8 Special. He also won the Group K (over 1501cc) category. With a total of 58 points, Jim scored convincingly from Wayne Sayers the winner of Group Lb Sports class (up to 1500cc) driving the Elfin GTS of George Spanos. Third outright, and winner of the Sb (over 2000cc) class was Gerry Lawson (Triumph TR3A) with 34 points.

Lauda, I can’t hear you: Michael Henderson impressed all with the glorious ex-Niki Lauda 1972 March-BDA 722. (Photo by Peter Schell) from Max Bnmninghausen (1968 Chevron B8 GT)and Adam Bressington(1968 Mallock Mk8). The minor places were reversed in the feature race, but no one could catch the Ryves' Brabham. One car worth watching in future is the 1964 Rennmax BNl of Victorian Rob Hands. “It has been a long time since we have seen a Rennmax dominate the Brabham brigade so comprehensively,” said John Sexton. “Onya, Bobby Britten!” There were four Lotus Sevens competing at Wakefield Park their best attendance at a 'proper' race meeting in more than 25 years. “It was enough to bring a tear to a Lotus lover's eye,” said Sexton (himself a professed Lotus 7 freak.) The production sports cars to 1960(Group Sa)ran with the quicker Sb cars(1961-70)as well as Group Na production touring cars to 1958, and this proved to be a successful venture. Les Schwebel(1962 Turner Ford) held off a determined challenge from Ed Holly's MG A, with Victorian Jon Bate third in his Austin Healey Sprite. The Sunday afternoon race produced

the same result. Groups J, K, L and invited M & 0 sports and racing cars were grouped together in what appeared to be a mismatch, especially for the older bangers. In fact, only seven pre-war cars entered, but they were a quality lot. Cam Worner provided a tremendous display of arm-twirling and sideways motoring in his So-Cal Special, and his lap times in the l-20s were a feature of the meeting. Ray Walmsley(Cooper MG s/c) won the Ron Reid Tr'ophy for Groups J, K & L racing cars in the handicap from Peter Kenny(1939 Reid Ford Spl.) and South Australian Bmce Hartwig(1939 Chrysler Spl.) In the scratch races, Paul Samuels(Lotus XV Climax) was clearly superior, with Ray Walmsley leading home Paul Ai-mstrong(1959 Jewitt GT)and Richard Longes(1959 Cooper T43). Another highlight of the meeting was the all-MG race to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the MG Car Club of NSW. The next HSRCA all-Historic meeting will be held at Oran Park on 27/28 January 27-28.

Group K (up to 1500CC) Patrick Ryan(MG TA) Group Lb Racing (up to 1500cc) Ian Tate (Ford Prefect Spl.) Group Lb Racing (over 1500cc) Tony Osborne (Ford V8 CWM) Group Lb Sports (over 1500cc) Russell Budge (Zephsca Ausca) Group Sa (up to lOOOcc). Mike Devine (Austin Flealey Sprite) Group Sb (over 2000cc) Ray Sprague(AMC AMX) Group M Racing (up to 1500cc) Rob Hands(Rennmax)& John Harvey (Lola FJ) Group M Racing (over 1500cc) Andrew Powell (Faux Pas) Group M Sports (over 1500cc) Tony Burrage (Rennmax) Group 0 Racing (up to 1600cc) Keith Simpson (Eagle Imp) Group P Bob Harborow (Lola 192) Group Q Sports (up to 1600cc) Jim Foulis (Welsor) Formula Ford Bob Morrow (Elfin) & Phil Randall (Hawke) Formula Ford (Group R) Guy Miller (Elfin) Formula Junior John Harvey (Lola) Marque Sports & MG (up to 3000) Daryl Duff (Datsun) Over 3000CC David Doubtfire (MGC V8) The trophies were presented 8t the VHRR Christmas Party at The Manningham in Bulleen, which was attended by 150 members and friends on December 9. Special guest was well known impersonator Paul Jennings whose send-ups of past and present Australian Prime Ministers added a special dimension to the night. - BRIAN REED S3

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Testing, testing WITH just five weeks until the first round of the 2001 World rally Championship, testing is well under way, with the major teams keen to get as many miles under their belts as possible. This year's runner-up Richard Burns sampled his new Subaru Impreza 44S for a short time on damp asphalt last week and his first impressions cf the car were encouraging. "I did two or three hours and it felt fine. I probably did about 60km and the balance and chassis felt good, quite taut," said Burns. "I didn't have any hard, hard driving time, but I was happy with the balance and everything, it feels a little bit more responsive with the chassis," he said. He reckons he'll need a more extensive run before directly comparing the new model with the well developed WRC2000. Most of the Subaru testing so far has been carried out by new recruits Better Solberg and Markko Martin. The new four door Subaru WRC is heavier in road trim and has more overhang front and rear, with many pundits saying it could struggle in 2001.

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with Ford’s Pirellis. (Ph,mbySum„.i,mf,cs)

by JON THOMSON

Meantime, Colin McRae has been testing his new Focus WRC on Pirelli tyres in the south of France, after the team's switch from Michelin for next season. Co-driver Nicky Grist believed that progress had been made with both the car and the new tyres showing useful improvements. "Colin had a good feeling with both the car and the new tyres, which worked well. Of course, we'll need more miles yet on all fronts yet, but for an initial run, it was positive," said the Welshman. The first round of the 2001 WRC, the Monte Carlo Rally, takes place from January 18-21.

THE local Mitsubishi Ralliart Australia team is looking to run a second car alongside team leader Ed Ordynski next year but is yet to identify an outstanding young talent to fill the seat. According to Mitsubishi Motors Australia Public Affairs manager Kevin Taylor, the proposal is still not definite but about 95 percent sure of going ahead at this stage. “The proposal is a fair way down the road but all the pieces aren’t in place yet,” said Taylor. The second Mitsubishi will be a Group N car just like Ordynski’s but, Apparently, will only be run

if the team can identify a driving talent capable of matching it with Ordynski and his Subaru production car rival Cody Crocker. Taylor would not be drawn on the whether the company had any drivers in line at the moment, saying that Mitsubishi Ralliart will be looking closely at available driving talent over the next few months. “We have to get the idea to bed first, and then we may look at a number of fast young drivers and run a test day to see if we can get a handle on who is around and how quick they are same time in the next few months.” Subaru picked up Cody Crocker after he came to light in the Rally

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iyijbaltpost^^^*w.eatherrWourd»^lm^^^n^^^^ a T Next year's event' has already been ibvelfhaiilt^îalTe veheiiaBle event. ^ ^ . . . ., - schedtaJodJordMOVeiTiber 2^5Tso any — reel iji^^yed%yi(|iij|!pr Bijgtfg^y^jr.^ meve bniffie calem^^wilf happen’i'h Eis>fulMin:fa,vjour4of theplanned if^.ou 3a[feaB5fffffraiE^The \oneJio\ leJ IIVt0.fn.GAeatJlrJ.tain^ I Wnual VSRjeâ1e:ndaii;^^,a^^ ^ mov.e.„say.i away eye.nt^|||^ will complete an overhaul of the WRC since'^959,.yintj^ '■esufraiifP'jsF "It's.a go.oddde'aêjalêThefflwe'd that has'seen events badly affected by*^” l^shprt^l^li^Wofl^frdiiii^^Mj^cOTjd^Sio^ns^ iryîîali^.ptepefuf ethei;gg^:;;,^__.weathetTmdved to ddliverîdeal ^^«j«|t*fp.re^sts;i^^P®5S^jsena^p, '"vyonftibpprin!igRâter^6%h^g^^-^^^?gcjS!igilo5s.Jn^2003^ NewZpaland [e êrfen£feaJf^''uiif^^^g|g|BgBl|gpilB^B!gni^prmrt^ck; but-tjî^woMld ‘ mpv^ put of the wettest part'W^the „ - S^§^â^^^^®^Si^^^grf.Fr-slijjiig»and*^l weatR^said|Bum^|K^ Kiwf year to aêr September diate, and wigj^ld ens.ufîtofe'day^g^gUijliJl^^^^rFo^^^rlos Sajnz, a tv»i5ywinne£ofH»^ -the>,Safarr rally moves fropats ^tbei.ralJy.ahdeW.ouldiCr^Jg,mgi;e®c0pe. theWlish imin^greeA^thJBarns; â^tionaPlaster datfesto July whepit4oiFêr,ianjdiwarn^5Weather;^With hinkd|pa^ a^gSSMdp^tljink won'tibe êcted by/themdyan wet,rth^?^/user4Ei^feasg:taigandiff. - Jt^CieTvîmt rallvi-MsTohlôr^ u -.usedbf^tli.e;firstitimeSliis vear..bel!ejafiWdJur ldr:»tlig oublil^d'***' “ " .-..JON.TJdQiyig6N

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Subaru in Canberra

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a of Melbourne first in a Mazda 323 and then in a Subaru Liberty. The former Melburnian has repaid the faith placed in him by Subaru, with two Australian Group N championships and a near-win in the Group N division of the Rally of New Zealand. Mitsubishi obviously see the marketing advantages of having a talented young driver learning

the ropes under the tutelage of Ed Ordynski and giving them the benefit of extra manufacturers championship points, as well as being able to put more pressure on Crocker in tbe Group N fight. Whoever is chosen, expect the driver to be someone in their early 20s, with Mitsubishi looking for a long-term commitment to the winning driver.

THE future of the Rally of Canberra is secure after Subaru announced it would sponsor the event for the next three years. The Australian round of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship, which will be held from May 4-6, had been under threat after losing its previous naming rights sponsor, FAI Insurance. Subaru Australia General Manager, Mr Nick Senior, said: "As the most successful team in Australian rallying it's a logical step for us to support the local leg of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. "We've always enjoyed great support for Team Subaru at the Canberra event. It's one of the best organized of the local rallies and it offers some of the best and most exciting spectator points. We're keen to

Ford saves Frankie Better Liatti

FRANCOIS Delecour will drive a new experience for me. I drove a Ford Escort for his for Ford in the WRC next private team in 1995 on the season. Raliy of Wales. Ford has The enfant terrible of world shown this season that they rallying, who was sacked by have a very competitive car Peugeot at the end of the and I'm sure a combination of season, wili compete in 10 the Focus and Colin, Carlos events for the blue oval, while and myself will be a tough Carlos Sainz and Colin McRae team to beat next year." wiil undertake a fuli program. "In Colin, Carios and "I'm very happy to be Francois we have a powerful rejoining Ford because I've pan-European team and one enjoyed some special which has unrivailed moments with them during experience at the top level of my career and I'm looking rallying," said Martin forward to testing the Focus Whitaker, European Director for the first time," he said. of Ford Racing. The move is something of a "We're deiighted to return for the Frenchman, welcome Francois back to who drove for Ford in the Ford and look forward to him early 1990s. He won the helping the team mount a Monte Carlo event for Ford in strong chailenge in both the 1994,the year after he manufacturers' and drivers' finished second in the worid championships in 2001." championship in an Escort Cosworth. His Photo hy Sutioii'lma^es team-mate at that time was Malcoim Wiison, who now runs Ford's WRC program. "Francois is a supremeiy taiented driver, at home on either gravel or asphalt, and I expect him to adapt quickly to the Focus," said Wiison. Deiecour added; "Having Maicolm as my boss wiii not be 22 Decemher 2000

build on that enthusiasm." Subaru will host its second Impreza WRX Festival at the event. The 2000 Festival attracted WRX owners from around the country, and the 2001 version of the event will feature driver training activities, guided tours of spectator points and a barbecue for WRX owners. The rally will feature the EPIC Super Stage, which will be sponsored by Silverstone Tyres, in Exhibition Park. Current Australian Rally Champion Possum Bourne welcomed the news of Subaru's sponsorship. "The Rally of Canberra is one of the most exciting and compact motorsport events in the world," the five-time ARC winner said. -PHILBRANAGAN

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HYUNDAI has announced it has signed former Seat and Subaru tarmac specialist Piero Liatti to become its third driver for 2001. Liatti, above, has been confirmed as part of Hyundai’s 2001 line-up, in addition to current drivers Kenneth Eriksson and Alister McRae. Italy’s only top level WRC driver at the moment, Liatti has had only a few outings this year for Ford but is still highly regarded for his tarmac abilities. Liatti, the 1991 European Champion, will take part in six events for the Korean team, concentrating on the four tarmac rallies , Monte Carlo, Catalonia,

Sanremo and Corsica. The 38-year-old will also contest two unspecified loose-surface rounds, possibly Australia and Great Britain. Alister McRae will, in effect, become the new Hyundai team leader, contesting all 13 World Championship rounds in the team’s 2001 schedule, while Eriksson will be retained for just nine loose-surface events. The Monte Carlo and Cyprus Rallies will be new to the team, but it will again avoid the Safari. It is, however, Hyundai’s most ambitious progi'am to date, with a revised version of the Accent World Rally Car set to be unveiled around April. 55

Andrew Cowin for Aussie Winternats? AJ^DREVV Cowin could race at the 2001 Konica Winternationals at Willowbank if a plan to race at Australia’s biggest event comes to fruition. Cowin and his father, Graeme, are looking at the options of returning their 4.58 second/317 mph, 1999 US Nationals runnerup K&N Filters/Auto Meters Top Fueller to Australia next year, with hopes of racing it at the June classic. “I’ve spoken to a couple of people about bringing the Murf McKinney-built car back for the event, and it would be tough to do, but we’re going to try,” Graeme Cowin said last week. Cowin said there were a number of major hurdles in the way of the team bringing the car to Australia, the first being that they currently have no transporter or equipment downunder, and the second being budget. “The race shop is still here in Sydney at Rocket Industries, but

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Back to Oz? Andrew Cowin could race in Australia next year, it would take a lot of effort and money to fill it with what we need to run the way we run. It’s possible and, while it’s not 100 percent set in concrete, or even 50 percent for that matter, it is something we would like to work on in the coming months.” The team, who base their US operations out of a shop in Riverside, California, have a

(Ostaszewski)

new, latest-generation Murf McKinney car - similar to Cory McClenathan’s dominant new car - on order, although the team will more than likely stick with the current car they have as it is more than competitive with little use, or another similar, but new McKinney car, which they took delivery of earlier this year. - GERALD McDORNAN

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uhdisiigp^mbre testing HAVING undertaken the first tests with Peler Holinger's original drag racing transmission 18 months ago. Pro Stock Champion Peter Ridgeway will test the revised unit early next year., "Peter IHolinger] has made a number of small changes to the transmission and we'll be assessing the unit during some test sessions," said Ridgeway. "If every thing goes to plan, I’ll run the transmission in a couple of national opens during the year." 56

The development of the sequential shifting unit, designed to comply with the new, manual, stick-shifting gear changing rules implemented both in Australia and the US, is being closely watched by Patterson Racing in the US Todd Patterson part of the impressive Mopar Pro Stock Truck team. Ridgeway says, in addition to testing the Holinger, he will also look to changing to a multi-plate clutch in his Speedflow/John William Auto Sales/No Fear Olds

Cutlass in the nevv year. "There are three different makes of multi-plates available and we'll evaluate each one before making a decision. At $14,000, the choice has to be right first time." The move to a different clutch system is in anticipation of the new 400 cubic inch engine/2,300lb rule, which supersedes the current Pro Stock weight-break rule and will be implemented for the 2002 season. - GRANT NICHOLAS

mm EXCLUSIVE by DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

PRO Modified,America’s version of Australia’s wild, heads-up, professional doorslammer class, will make its ‘stand-alone’debut on the NHRA tour next year. The NHRA will announce next week that eight-car demonstration fields will be posted at five national events next season, with Gainsville’s Gatornationals scheduled to be the first at which the rival IHRA’s premier sedan class will appear. In an effort to begin an introduction of the spectacular class to NHRA fans, while also gaughing spectator response, the NHRA has already announced that the Pro Mod class will be eligible to run in Competition Eliminator next year, with an index of T.lsecs already announced. Rumours of the NHRA’s expected announcement of five ‘stand-alone’events for the class has already had the phones running hot at the Glendora offices of the NHRA, with up to 60 Pro Mod teams ready to commit to Gainsville. Following Gainsville(Mar IS IS), the Pro Mods will then be seen at Bristol (April 27-29), Atlanta (May 3-6), St. Louis(June 21-24) and finally at the year’s biggest event, the US Nationals, at Indy (Aug 29-Sept 3). The timing of the events is interesting in that not one date clashes with an IHRA national event, perhaps showing the ‘new generation’is looking to work better with the ‘other’ sanctioning body in the future. The move by the NHRA to introduce the class to race fans - it is expected they will be run during all professional category sessions is in anticipation that the class will partially replace both the alcohol dragster and Funny Cars on the tour in 2002. The future of the two alcohol classes has been the subject of much debate in recent times, with falling competitors numbers worrying the powers that be. And, while major sponsor Federal-Mogul is keen to keep those classes involved on a national event level, the expected popularity of the blown and nitrous-injected Pro Mods will be hard to surpass. motorsport news

DRAG RACING

goes Pro Mod

Tommy Johnson slithers out Leaves Etchells to drive Prudhomme's second Hopper

TOMMY Johnson Jr's surprise defection to Don 'the Snake' Prudhomme's new second Funny Car team, before he had even taken a ride in Chuck Etchells' lead car, has necessitated the return to the seat of Etchells in 2001. Having announced he would drive Etchells' lead Funny Car next year after Whit Bazemore defected to Don Schumacher's new Funny Car team, Johnson jumped camp to Prudhomme's team with the promise of threeyear contract. "The biggest deciding factor for me, was to be able to sign a multi-year agreement, especially after several half year deals with other teams," said Johnson. "To be part of a three year deal with one of the biggest names in the sport, as well as joining a team with guys like Ron Capps and Larry Dixon, makes this a foundation just as solid as it gets." Team-owner Prudhomme said the news that Johnson only had a handshake agreement was enough to let him chase his preferred driver.

... -'JT

/ don’t want to hear this: Etchells "Tommy was our first choice all along, so we were pretty happy when we heard that he was still unsigned very late in the season," said Prudhomme. "Because of his talent on the racetrack and his skills with the fans, sponsors and media, we felt that he was the best available driver out there to step into the car." Etchells, naturally, was disappointed of Johnson's defection, but the 'first in the

Duo team up for 2001 THE colourful Scotty Cannon has secured the services of noted tuner Wes Cemy,right, in a multi-year deal to crew chief the Oakley Funny Car,the move pitting the two most opposite types of people together in a potential NHRA championship-winning combination. Cerny’s tenure with the Cory McClenathan-driven MBNA team ended with team-owner Joe Gibbs’ decision to close down his team, allowing Cannon to sign the conservative Cerny. “It would be hard for me to get more excited than I ^ am right now,” said Cannon. “When I was on the % starting line in Pomona a few years back, Wes came up to me. shook my hand and welcomed me to the NHRA. No other crew chief did that. \ “When his team shut shop, I called him and we did Ire'\ a deal. Wes said he wanted to wdn a championship and my reply was that, if he came over here. I’d give him everything that he needed.” The Cemy signing also opens up speculation that Cannon, who finished sixth in the Winston points, will again visit the possibilities of running a second car. although any move to a two-car team probably won't come until 2002. - DAVE OSTASZEWSKI 22 December 2000

fours' Funny Car driver's return to the cockpit is enough to guarantee the team considerable interest - Etchells having won 13 NHRA national events. "We had a handshake agreement with Tommy, which we fully expected him to honour. Our efforts since Pomona have reflected this intent, including flying him out to be fitted into the new racecar. I'm disappointed by the turn of events, but I wish him well, except when he races me," Etchells said. "Our primary concern, after learning about his departure, was to reassure our sponsors and show them out intent and ability to move forward as planned." Prudhomme's move to a second Funny Car means a minimum of four teams will run two cars next year - John Force Racing, Del Worsham Racing, Snake Racing and Jerry Toliver's WWF Racing. Dean Skuza is also expected to campaign a second car, although no announcement has yet been made. - DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Capitanio jailed THREE-TIME Nationals winner Romeo Capitanio was last week jailed for two years following his guilty plea to drugs charges laid by Victorian Police after the discovery of a marijuana crop in a suburban house in Melbourne nearly two years ago. Capitanio will have to serve a minimum of 15 months before being eligible for parole. n Long-time Modified and Competition Eliminator campaigners Steve Russell and Ian Cameron have resigned with major sponsor Sidchrome for their 11th year together. The Cameron and Russell duo, who have twice won the Nationals, debuted a new Sean Mullins-built car at last week's Victorian Championships, winning in style first time out. n Receiving Australian Sports Medals along with Jim Read, Victor Bray and Andrew Cowin were former ANDRA Chairman of Honour Ian Smith, SA Divisional Director Harry White, former ANDRA National Director and current Willowbank promoter Dennis Syrmis and Top Bike and Top Doorslammer racer Brett Stevens. n Whispers in the US have screw blower genius Norm Drazy working on a 'old-style' roots blower for use in the nitro classes. The rumours have the new Drazy roots producing far better boost numbers quicker and with less horsepower loss than any other blower currently on the market...

n The Peek Brothers, who gave Tony Schumacher his start in Top Fuel four years ago, will field a car full-time on the NHRA tour in 2001, African-American driver Steve Hamilton being announced as the driver. Current crew chief, two-time Australian Top Fuel Champion Glenn Mikres, is expected to stay with the team. n US specialist Pro Stock chassis builder Rick Jones has announced that Competition Eliminator driver Mike Corvo Jr will take Jones' seat in his RJ Racecars GMC Sonoma Pro Stock Truck in 2001. Corvo will bring with him backing from major sponsor Motorhomes Unlimited. n Fellow chassis builder and Pro Stock Truck campaigner Jerry Haas has also announced that Charlie Greco and Matt Rhoades will drive his Chevy S-IOs on the NHRA tour next year, Haas also electing to skip on the driving duties. Rhoades and Greco have both been running independent campaigns in the Pro Stock Truck category. - GERALD McDORNAN/ DAVID OSTASZEWSKI 57

Taking Stock Peter Ridgeway T's been a tough couple of events for the Speedflow/John William Auto Sales/No Fear team, with difficult weather and bad track conditions playing havoc with our attempt to win a third Australian Pro Stock Championship. But, if you want to win a championship, you have to learn to get on top of things, which I think we will before the next round of the series in Brisbane next week. n Adelaide, where we went to test in Super Stock at the Springnationals, the ambient temperature was hovering around the 40 degree mark, with the corrected altitude reading around 3,000 feet. The conditions had an affect on the track, with the rubber pulling away from the surface, giving a few guys some scary runs. Our first round was at 3.30 pm - right in the hottest time of the day - and I dropped from a 7.64sec pass in qualifying to a frightening 8.2sec run, the car moving all over the track. Nick Xerakis nearly hit the wall on the next pass, so they halted the meeting for an hour and the rest of the Super Stock bracket didn’t run until 6.30 pm! Too bad for us, we were already on the trailer...

t Calder

last weekend we top qualified again, which was great (7.72), but the event didn't turn out the way we expected in the end... I picked up a bit of a miss in fourth gear on our first pass and I shut off, so qualifying eighthundredths ahead of John Barbargallo was pretty good. We couldn't find the problem until just before the first round when I noticed the tacho needle wasn’t 'sweeping' correctly - we unplugged the tacho and the problem was solved I Again, the track wasn't great and it was a real struggle to be able to get down there fast. The bump in lane one, just where you change from fourth to fifth, also gave problems, so we had to make a lot of changes to try make the car as smooth as possible. The significant part of the event came when my car virtually spun the tyres on the line in the semi-finals and Jason Grima, who was racing at just his second event in Pro Stock, produced a great .4sec reaction and beat me to advance to the final - the first time since 1998 that we hadn't made the final! I caught the rear of his car, but I ran out of track...

e're off to Willowbank next week, so we're hoping to turn our fortunes back around and put the the Speedflow/John William Auto Sales/No Fear Olds back into the winner's circle. Racing at Willowbank on December 30 means we’ll be on the road heading home on New Year's Eve, so our hoped-for victory party might be delayed a few hours. To all Motorsport News readers, have a safe and happy festive season and I look forward to catching up with you all in 2001. Cheers,

Upsets by GREG WARD

THE Victorian Championships were held under ideal weather conditions last weekend and there was a large field of entries on hand to battle it out for the gold Christmas Trees. Unfortunately Rachael Clancy reduced the competitor numbers by one at the very start of qualifying when her modified dragster took a nasty tumble past the traps. The car was heavily damaged but luckily she emerged with just some bruising. The thundering Top Fuellers returned to Calder Park for the first time since last year’s Nationals, but this time around there was little entertainment given to the thought of breaking the 300 mph barrier for the first time in this country. Instead, the four teams present were battling a tricky race track and were just intent on getting down the other end without smoking the tyres. After the disappointment of Adelaide, which was scheduled to be the first round of the Championship but lost that status when only three teams showed up, the final boiled down to the same two cars as both Reads- Jim and Steve - did battle for the second consecutive time in a matter of weeks. This time the results were reversed as Steve thundered to the top speed of the meet- over 282 mph - to blitz the Gregory’s Automotive team. As well as the fuellers, the Pro Stock brigade were hitting the track for the first official round of their new championship. They too battled a track that had the crew chiefs working overtime in order to get down it, but this didn’t prevent the field from being a very tight and rapid one. There were sui-prises and a few different faces making an appearance in the latter rounds, but Bnino Cugnetto fought off the challengers in style by belting out a low et 7.67 in the final to defeat the Ford Probe of unheralded Jason Grima. For Steve Read and the Santo’s Cranes team,their win was a most welcome return to the foim that they had shown in past seasons. Bolstered by a heap of new parts in their armouiy for the new championship, they only needed to replace clutch plates as the team made fom- runs without hurting anything, taking the maximum points for the round after securing the low et^top speed points as well

-A

for a comprehensive dominance over their opposition. After just two cars fronted for the first qualifier, all four teams came out for the final session in the early evening and it was Read who cemented top spot with a 5.14/242 effort that again saw him haze the tyres through the top half of the track. In the first round of competition, Read ended Darren DiFilippo’s day early, repeating his top-end tyre hazing efforts of the previous run, taking an impressive win with a 5.16/251/ The Rapisarda team had posted the stronger incrementals in that first round and so deservedly earned the favourites role for the final. Both teams had backed the power right out of their mounts and taken a heap of clutch out but it was ‘the Pom’who emerged as the winner shortly after the green lights flashed. Jim got the holeshot but was up in smoke not far out of the hole. He pedalled it once before giving up, watching on as Steve once more smoked the slicks from the half track markers. A 5.12/282 was good enough for the win and the bonus points while Jim cruised on through for the runner up. ‘That first run gave us some vital information about which direction to go,” said Steve Read later.‘TVe saw that we could get more aggressive on the start line with the clutch. On the second run we were right on the edge and it broke the tyres loose just past halftrack but we took more power out of it for eliminations.” In Pro Stock it seemed that it was going to be a Peter Ridgeway benefit when he took the Speedflow/No Fear Oldsmobile to an early shut-off molorspon news

DRAG RACING

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OntR© Steve Read wa^ consistently good in Santo Rapisarda’s Top Fueller. '

7.73 at a paltry 159 mph in the very first session of quahfying, putting him almost a tenth ahead of the Ford Probe of Pro Stock newcomer John Barbagallo on a 7.80. But, with conditions difficult at best, it wasn’t surprising to find a few upsets with Cugnetto and rookie Jason Grima making the final round. With just one championship round under his belt in the new Ford Probe, Grima had quahfied in the top half with a 7.85 and then taken

(Pholo by Chris Carter)

out fellow Ford compatriot and engine builder Joe Polito in the first round wthen Ridgeway in the semis. The final was all Cugnetto’s as both drivers left before the green but Grima’s .379 light was the earliest. His 7.82 was quite creditable, but the VPW Oldsmobile was on a march and Cugnetto was able to make sure that he claimed the victory in style with a low etsetting 7.67/177. “We were down on power today,” stated a satisfied Cugnetto

afterwards. “I think we may have bent a valve earlier in the day hut we stayed on top of the clutch and that’s where we won it.” In other action the Competition title went to Shane Baxter’s CC/Altered when his opponent Jeff Gatt fouled in the final. Super Stock went to a popular winner in the form of Grant Williams when he took his RR/G Mazda to a win over the record-setting A/MS Camaro of Tom Dimitropoulous after the South Australian had problems at half track. Modified went to Steve Russell as he overcame a perfect .400 light from Tim Nielson in a battle of the di’agsters while Super Sedan went to Matt Street over the veteran Graeme Cooper when the latter broke out. Comp Bike went to a dominant Peny Mackie over Jason Lee while Modified Bike fell to the Katana of Dan'en Mason as he downed Dean Alford in the final. Jim Denaro was a surprise winner in Super Street over the experienced Robert Chapman while Lee Bektash made it four wins in a row with a Super Gas victoiy over Des Woolstencroft. Queenslander Shane Tucker overcame a holeshot from Chris Hargrave to just take out a narrow decision in Junior Dragster.

World’s fastest Datsun 1200 ute! FOUR ANDRA national records were reset at last week's Victorian Championships at Calder Park Raceway. Grant Williams set both ends of the RR/Gas record with his Howard Instruments Mazda RX7 while on his way to winning the Super Stock title (8.68s/162.54mph) and Vince Rigoli took both the elapsed time and terminal speed records with his 'world's quickest and fastest' Datsun 1200 ute (8.88/151.48), ■ Gatton, Queensland Ford dealer Max Carpenter was the recipient of the Racetech Best Engineered Vehicle Award at the Vic Champs with his new AU Falcon XR8 Super Sedan. Carpenter, with the help of CF Performance, built the car - the body shell being supplied by Ford in just 10 weeks. ■ South Queensland ANDRA Division Director Bob Castle has stepped down from the role after seven years. Also stepping aside was Dale Jones, who was division secretary, while Dale's husband, long-time ANDRA steward and prominent chassis builder Bill, also stepped down from his position. Former Calder Park boss and current Nations Cup Category Manager Steve Bettes has taken over the DD job until elections are held early next year. ■ Super Stock racer Bruno Cavallo is hopeful of having his B/Gas Pontiac Trans Am back on track by late next month following its crash at Calder Park in November. Chassis builder Wayne Rowe,,is well advanced with the repairs, with the car already back to a rolling chassis. A new caibonfibre front has also been sourced and mounted already.

World class Kwinana opens

PERTH'S stunning new Quit Motorplex at Kwinana was given a firm stamp of approval by the drag racing community when it opened last Saturday night. A steady stream of spectators filled the grandstand seats and terraces through the afternoon, and with great views from every seat in the house and worldclass lighting, the sizeable crowd enjoyed a great show. After just an hour of qualifying, the brand new concrete and bitumen surface started to

produce the high levels of traction necessary for some of the sport's fastest cars. With only two days available to apply rubber and compound and no previous experience with the surface, this was a great achievement for the track personnel. The short lead-time was a big test for a number of areas, and there were few problems. "Drag racing is part of the entertainment industry and it,s important that our venues are attractive and comfortable for

the many fans who come to watch the spectacle," said ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton. "The Quit Motorplex has taken a quantum leap in that respect. Kwinana sets a new benchmark for Australia." The next event at the Quit Motorplex - Kwinana Beach is scheduled for Saturday, December 30, when the Funny Cars of Allan and Cheryl Greene from Perth, and the Bailey Brothers from Queensland give the track its first taste of nitromethane.

■ Johnny Rocca will continue to campaign a car on the IHRA Pro Mod tour, with 24-year-old Paul Athey signing to replace Aussie Troy Critchley in the driver's seat of Rocca's new Mohegan Sun Casinosponsored Cannon/Pitman-built 1950 Mercury. -GERALD McDORNAN/ DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

2000/01 ANDRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING STANDINGS DEC. 16 Australian Top Doorslammer Championship 1.Brett Stevens. Jack Daniels ‘53 Stude

180

2.Ja.son Grima

105 80

1. Brcu Stevens. Jnck Daniels Harley

165

3.Peter Kapiris, Kapiris Bros ‘53 Stude

1 25

3. Peter Ridgeway .

2. Ian Ashelforcl, Attiiuclc Racing Harley ....150 120 3. Steve Kitchen.Budwei.scr Kawasaki .

4.Victor Bray. Castrol '57 Chev

110

4. John Barbagallo .

4. Garry Tltomas. Garry Thomas Racing

120

5. Jerry Pereme

5. Jeff Smith. Creative Spraying Harley

105

2,Robin Judd. Moonshine Bandit ‘53 Stude 145

S .Andrcw Scarle. ACME ‘57 Customlinc ....100 100

6. Joe Polito

6. Graeme Morel!. Morcll Racing Harley ....100

7.Rob Broadbent, Aussie Bananas Statesman 80

6.Gary Phillips, Lucas Oils ‘53 Stude

22 December 2000

Australian Top Hike Championship

Australian Pro Stock Championship

1. Bruno Cugnetto. VPW Mail Order Cutlass

7. Jay Wat.son

7. Craig MePhee. MePhee Racing Puma

.80

8.Dave Koop. Tcctaloy ‘55 Chev

.80

8 John Andriopoulos

8, Craig Bonwick. Harley

.60

9.Marcus Chambers. HQ Monaro,

.60

9. Bruce Leake

9. Mark Ashclford

.40

Gary Sceizi

out of

Gary Sceizi wasn t born with a silverspoon in his mouth, but, by winning three Winston Top Fuel titles inJust four years, he’s sure earned one... IT would seem to most that Gary Sceizi was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. That may not be quite true, but Scelzi’s luck has certainly been on the up since he received the call from Alan Johnson to drive his Winston-backed Top Fuel dragster on the NHRA tour at the end of 1996. Johnson, looking for a dri\ er to take the place of his brother, Blaine, who was tragically killed in an accident at the US Nationals

unbelievable. “But, if you include every scenario of my drag racing and the success I’ve had, it all means nothing to me compared to the feelings I have for Alan and his family. They put me on a different level and I don’t ever want to let them down.” It’s easy to understand that the pressure was on Sceizi when he got the nod for Johnson’s continued effort, replacing four time Top Alcohol Dragster

done. It’s not just me winning this, it’s the entire team, the entire family over here.” Whatever appreciation Sceizi has for his team might appear to cast a shadow on his driving ability, all too often outsiders believe that there is no driving skill required in drag racing, but be assured, Sceizi is no bunny behind the wheel. To manhandle a 326 miles per hour rocketship, immense skill is required. Scelzi’s career before stepping

than we had at any other time, but we made mistakes and didn’t get any breaks. Winning again is special for me and Alan and some of the guys who are now with us that weren’t here when we won before.” Still, despite the desire and the unrelenting efforts towards regaining the title, Sceizi knew if you put yourself up for something, a fall is possible... “You can pour all your heart and dedication you want into this

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early that year, looked no further than his and Blaine’s former sand drag racing and later alcohol dragster opponent, Sceizi. The partnership was a natural and, in their limited time together, the two have teamed to run one of the most formidable Top Fuel combinations in the NHRA’s 50 year history. In the four short seasons the two have been together, Johnson has tuned Sceizi to three NHRA Winston Top Fuel titles, with a worse finish of second in 1999, along with numerous records, the winningest season ever (nine national event victories in 2000, breaking the old mark of six wins) and the all-time quickest run in history, 4.480 seconds. Sceizi is, naturally, still numb from being given the opportunity to drive, as well as the three titles and the accompanying accolades. “I almost feel like crying,” Sceizi said recently in an interview. “We all put so much heart into racing and to reach out and get the ‘brass ring’ for the third time is 60

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Champion Blaine, who was leading the Top Fuel points at the time of his death, was never going to be easy... “I know I was under the spotlight, big time, by the team and everyone else out there after Blaine had died,” he says. I had to perform ... I had to win ... I had to do it for them and for me...” To go along with his championships, in just four seasons, the 40-year-old Sceizi has won 23 NHRA national events in Top Fuel - that’s a winning rate of one in every four events, likely to be the best ‘hitting’ rate in history - although it’s without doubt that every bit of success Sceizi appreciates, and those who helped him get there. And, with such appreciation, Sceizi is also very emotional about it all when he talks. “There are so many great racers out there who have never won a race, let alone a championship. This is all very special to me. It’s also special to all of us in Team Winston. We all help to get the job

up to the professional ranks was long and littered with success; Three national event victories in Top Alcohol Funny Car, three in Top Alcohol Dragster, six divisional victories in both, along with a divisional champion in each class. Those success came from manhandling cars down, not only the bowling green smooth and perfectly prepared NHRA national event racetracks, but also from tracks many believe fit only for goats... It was those skills, and both his and Alan Johnson’s desire to continue winning that enable the duo and their loyal Fox Canyon Motorsports team to regain the Winston Championship in 2000, having lost the title to Tony Schumacher the previous year. The team were simply on a mission from day one, 2000. “Losing the championship was a big shot of reality for all of us, but getting it back is the best feeling in the world,” Sceizi says. “We made too many mistakes last year. We didn’t try any less

business and finish lower than the year before,” he says realistically. “We’ve had a tremendous year, but I still lost six times in the first round. If I had a couple more of those, we would have been in trouble.” A frightening accident also troubled the team, but Sceizi, who trailed rival Schumacher in the points heading into the business end of the season, remained confident. It showed, with ‘Big Red’going on a tear and winning four races in a row, before handing out a knockout blow at the So Cal Auto Club Finals at Pomona. The decision to concentrate on the championship, rather than a growing rivalry with Schumacher worked to a treat, the championship actually coming two races early than the season’s end. “To pull off the championship was amazing, especially since we had lost it... we earned it.” Earned it Sceizi did, along with the silver spoon he now appears to own... motorsport news

them down.

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w-w Cup clua^pioflW _radi|(Arenad up alittle a =●= E': tfaejiifiW ~ rmirmbrrrdTrTrtTiiniiinnnfin; Ilf ons of the sport’s greatest, ti^^ong with the deaths of three Vtsdrivers on-track. Lee Petty, one of stockcar mdng's pioneers and first true champions, passed away at the age of 86, but, sadly, the death of the legend was just one tragedy NASCAE’s first family - the Pettys - would have to endure... Just weeks later, having made his Winston Cup debut at Texas, fourth-generation racer Adam Petty was tragically killed in a Busch Series practice race at New Hampshire. The pain continued for the sport with the death of Kenny Irwin at the same track just two months later, while truck racer Tony Roper’s life was also taken, this time in Texas. It was a gnieKm e year for a sport that is sorS®! petitive, but^ close...

‘QjFTunnf the rookie diiws certainly-sraa. third-generation racer Dsde Earnhardt Jr the first new Cup driver to victory lane in Texas, followed by Matt Kenseth in the season’s longest race, the CocaCola 600 at Charlotte in May. Earnhardt Jr also became the season’s first repeat winner, taking his second win at Richmond, but after their successes, both drivers slumped. Perhaps it was the thrill of a little too much, too soon? The more experienced Jerry Nadeau and Steve Park also claimed their first wins, Nadeau saving his victory for the last race of the year in Atlanta. On the flip side, Darrell Waltrip called an end to his Winston Cup driving career, one that had netted him 84 wins and three championships over 29 years. Sadly, his ‘Victory Tour’ fell well sl\ort of what was hoped for, with rip gaining just one top

*i^(four]^s. Thelu'atPocono race was also quite entertaining, Jeremy Maj’field bumping Earnhardt aside on the final lap to take a controversial win. “I told him he was number one,” Earnhardt said of his hand signal to Mayfield on the cool down lap. Mayfield was in the wars a little; he and his team fined for a roof that was found to be too low during post-race inspection, the excited driver jumping up on it having taken another win at Fontana. They were also penalised following another win, this time at Talladega in April, when an illegal fuel additive was found in the fuel. It cost them fi fty grand plus a loss of points, while crew chief Peter Sospenzo was also suspended... Ironically, Mayfield wasn’t so lucky when the series returned to the Pocono flat track later in the season, a blown tyre on the last tour saw Penske team-mate Rusty Wallace slip by to take the spoils.

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“Bill Prance Sr would roll over in his grave if he’d seen that race,” Earnhardt remarked. Jarrett also came under fire, a last lap drafting move pushing him to the line ahead of Mark Martin, who was hung out to dr>’ after being promised help to race to the

flag.

“T got lied to,” bluntly rema'.iced Martin. That was the first of some good bickering during the yeui, something that NA.SC.\R shun, but everyone else still enjo}'?... Tony Stewart and Rch’oy Goi-dor had a little pushing and sho'ing match ‘at the beach.' while St^Wavi and Jeff Gordon (no i-elationi went at it later in the year. Jimmy Spencer and Brett Bodine, Jack Roush and Dave Marcis, and Ricky Rudd and Dale Earnhardt all had goes at each other during various times of the year, Rudd having a stab at Earnharclt for causing a five car wreck at one race while Rudd had a chance of winning. Earnhardt had a great season finishing second in points to' Bobby Labonte, although one has to wonder if he will ever beat the record of seven titles he and

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.1^winningjust once in 1999, Ihis^TOJace scored 6is50th ^eer win at Bristol in March, following that up with victories at Poeono, Michigan and the Bristol night race in August, along with nine poles. He also led the most laps, 1,731 or just over 17%, but finished a dismal sev’enth in points. Winston Cup is not only about winning, butieing there race after race...

Following the New Hampshire h-a^^edies, NASCAR imposed the use'ef restrictor plates for the September race, which had to be called the ‘snoozer of the decade.’ Amazingly Jeff Burton led every lap and Rusty Wallace stunmed up the feeling of the event; “Tt sucked!” 2900 also became the year ‘the Iron Man’Teny Labonte ended a streak of consecutive Winston Cup stmts at G5-5, a broken leg from crashes at Da3dona and New Hampshire ruling him out of the Brickyaj'd 400.1’eny had a

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frustrating yemr just three top fives and 17th in tire points race, his worst effort since 19®. Younger brother Bobby went on to win the ho-hum Bric^jard event, becoming the third driverin as manyyears to win at Indy and go on to ^e the crown in the same year. The chamifs Joe Gibbs team mate,'IbnyStewart, in his sophomore year, won six times, posted 23 top 10s, but his temper (for the good of the sport)got the better of him on a few occasions and cost him anything lugher than sixth in points. Ricky Rudd beheved he’d wii something during the year. commenting that‘They’ll come, they’re too close” after almost taking the chequered first a couple of times before mid-season.'They didn’t and he didn’t, although fifth in points in his first season with Robert Yates was good. Another who deserves a mention, and who will be one to watch in 2001, is Johnny Benson;

13th in points and almost the Daytona 500 winner in his Hendrick-powered Pontiac. Ward Burton had a so-so year, winning for the first time at Darlington and finishing 10th in points before the team switches fi-om Pontiac to Dodge in 2001. Three-time champ Jeff Gordon also had what he would prefer to call a learning year with new crew chief Robby Loomis. He did win three times - Talladega, Sonoma and Richmond - but the dvTiasty once held with Ray Evemham appeared to be over. For good ... I

tWnk not.

Consistency for Gordon was stiU there, even ifthe multitude of wins in previous years wasn’t - 22 top 10s helped him to ninth in the standings, but a 100 point penalty for an ‘illegal’ manifold at Richmond didn’t help at aU. Gordon wasn’t the only big gun to struggle in 2000, single wanner fittingly at Martinsville - Mark Martin dropped to eighth in points, while Dale Jarrett finished fourth after clinching the 1999 title, only

winning twice. Jeff Burton had an improving year, holding second in points for some of the year, but eventually slipping to third behind Earnhardt. Jeff and Jarrett were the only drivers to top US$5 million in race winnings for 2000, Burton’s No Bull Five million Dollar bonus and 22 top fives helping his pocket. The major news during the start of the closed season was Bill France Jr stepping down as President of NASCAR and Mike Helton filling his shoes. The end of the year also saw the loss of 12 primary sponsors, among them John Deere, STP, Lowes, Kmart,Exide, Hot Wheels, Power Team and Michael Holigan to name a few. With 2001 dawning, there are some expensive voids to be filled and, as many major US corporations are posting massive financial losses, the New Year could be one ofthe most difficult NASCAR has had to face in many moons.

'S 3

Skip Jackson V**

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INTERVIEW Motorsport News: It's obviously good to be back in Australia? Skip Jackson: It's always great to go race in America but Australia's home and it's always ’ good to get back home. MN: You made the big move to Pennsylvania this season and had a good ride to start with, but things didn't quite work out. What happened? SJ: We've had kind of a rough year. We started out in the Zemco deal out of Pennsylvania, which really should have been a good deal because they've had good years in the past, but this year our timing was bad because everything they touched turned (pause) not very good. MN: While you were in Pennsylvania, you had a fairly fiery crash ... SJ: The Zemco car caught fire on me one day, and that's on the cover of Open Wheel (Magazine). It was a pretty good old fire - I felt like John Force there for a minute. Then that deal fell apart at the end of May and then I started driving for Shawn Keen and I was very, very fortunate that he actually called me and things worked out from there. Then at Williams Grove two weeks after the Nationals at Knoxville we went back there and we were qualifying for a World of Outlaw 2 race (Gumout Series). Williams Grove has long straights and really tight corners and as we went down the end of the back straight on our second qualifying lap, the right rear tyre popped of the bead and it hit the fence. It was very n

I felt like John Force there for a minuten - Jackson on his fiery crash

instant and it kind of knocked me around a fair bit. MN: While we're on the subject of the USA, you're moving back to Knoxville for next season. SJ: We're going to drive Shawn Keen's car back in Pennsylvania at the start of the year when there's not much going on at Knoxville and a few specials here and there during the year. For the most part. I'll be driving the Jensen 22 December 2000

Constructions/G K Concrete #55 car back at Knoxville. The team's the same but the owner and sponsor have swapped around. MN: You've done a deal with Shane Krikke to run the Toyota Genuine Parts/ Pennzoil machine in the WSS. How's that all going? SJ: We haven't raced a whole lot yet. We didn't come out at the start as good as (Donny) Schatz did last year, but Keith Giles (Crew chief) and Shane (Krikke) and Schatz had all worked together a little bit the year before that and got to organize everything so that when I got to come here everything was very new to all of us. It's taken us a couple of races to find our feet. MN: Is it difficult with you being domiciled in New South Wales and the team coming out of Bunbury, West Australia? SJ: No. It's just a matter of the guys we're running against that are setting the standards, like Brooke (Tatnell) and Max (Dumesny). They've been

It'S taken us a couple of races to find our feet"

- Jackson on the new team together with their crews, their team base, for a very long time. I've been back since the start of November, and here it is the end of December and we haven't raced at all. So you say we've had a pretty bad year but we haven't done anything yet either.

World Series and the Classic but what else? SJ: There's a bunch of big races in the end of January, so we'll do those and the Aussie title in Brisbane and see what's left after that, Pennsylvania starts at the end of February so we have to get back for that. MN: Was the Pennsylvania thing worthwhile? Was it a good learning curve after a couple of successful years at Knoxville? SJ: Yes. When you go into things, you always expect some things and not others, and we expected to go a lot better. When we look back the results weren't that great but on the other hand we ran well a lot of the other times. So we managed to accomplish and do some things that we'd always wanted to go and do. At the same time, it was very trying for a while there too.

MN: We hear a lot about the 'Pennsylvania Posse'. How tough is it really? SJ: The easiest way to explain it is, when the Outlaws go anywhere else in the country, they win. When they go to Pennsylvania, the Outlaws get beat, not just by one guy in particular. One night there, the local guys ran the top four places and six out of the top eight. I rest my case (laughs). MN: We're only four races into the WSS schedule and I know you haven't given up yet, j because you always say to take it race by race and let the championship look after itself. SJ: Exactly. Schatz won six in a row last season and still lost the title, so there's no reason we can't turn this around and win the championship for Shane and the team. That's what we're working towards right now.

Skip and Kerry: Jack.son and Mad.scn chat prior to the beginning of racing at Avalonks World Series round. (Photo by Hrcll Swanson)

MN: Obviously, you plan to do the whole

NE person stood between Brooke Tatnell and total domination of the two-day,fourth round of World Series Sprintcars at Avalon - Max Dumesny. Tatnell had been untouchable on the Friday night and continued that form into Saturday right up until the feature event, when after an aborted start, Dumesny was able to best Tatnell at the start and go on to score the $8000 victory. To add insult to injury Tatnell had a slight moment with a lapped car while chasing Dumesny, allowing Kerry Madsen to take third. “Brooke was just awesome last night and looked good again tonight, but we were able to get him at the start and that proved the difference,” said Dumesny. “It’s great to win another round of the World Series because it’s been a while since the last one.” Skip Jackson, driving the Shane Krikke Maxim, scored a pair of fourths while David Anderson drove hard to fifth on final night.

Friday Night

A man for all features: Dumesny was too strong at Avalon but still has (Photo by Ian Robinson) to catch Tatnell in the WSS points.

Max attack at Avalon

While Brooke Tatnell dominated the preliminary night at Avalon, it was Max Dumesny who won round four of World Series Sprintcars. BRETT SWANSON reports 66

One word can describe Tatnell’s record breaking drive in the 20-lap Friday night preliminary feature awesome. Tatnell simply ran away from a stellar field to lap everyone up to the sixth-placed David Anderson, leaving runners-up Dumesny and Madsen scratching their heads and wondering which way he went. At the start of the night, Brooke

Mighty Murcott: -● David Murcott had his V,, ^ ^ first run of the season in ' John Brewer’s Ranbuild machine. (Photo by Brett Swanson)

said he was “probably 60 percent fit, maybe 70 percent.” His physical discomfort was evident after his first heat, when he quickly eased his belts after the chequered flag and adjusted himself in the car in an attempt to relieve the obvious discomfort. Once the adrenalin started pumping in the feature however, there was not the slightest sign of discomfort for anyone except his rivals, who had no answer to his speed or maneuvers through the traffic which he encountered after just four laps. It’s not that Dumesny was slow, having set fast time and qualifying on pole, it’s just that Tatnell was faster, as his record around Avalon proves. “I don’t know what it is about

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SPEEDWAY this place, but the Shell Helix Avenger and the crew just seem to work perfectly around here,” Tatnell said. “I just get to sit back and have an lounge chair ride to victory. Following the top trio across the line were Skip Jackson, returnee David Murcott and Anderson. Fellow returnee Phil Johnson, driving Fred Edwards’ KFCsponsored JSR, scored two heat wins, while Andrew Scheuerle, Murcott, Cameron Gessner and Darryn Maggs scored in the other heats. Scheuerle had looked like doubling his heat wins until his engine went sour. He quickly made some repairs for the B-Main, which he was leading until the problem recurred, allowing Ian Lewis to take the win from Jeff Judd. Matthew Reed had his first race

The Masked Avenger: Tatnell, left, holds the WSS lead after a strong few rounds. If he doesn’t win, he’s always on the podium picking up clumps of points ... Union Steely resolve: Cameron Gessner, above, sits fifth in the WSS points. He was sixth in ther Avalon feature. (Photos by Ian Robinson)

for some time but just missed the transfer after some good performances in the Tank/Walsh Composite machine.

Saturday Night Points from Friday night’s time

trials and heats only carried over to Saturday. Victorians won all of the heats with Ian Lewis, Reed, and Judd scoring, while Adam Constable was leading the B-Main when Maggs’ diff exploded, costing him a potential transfer into the feature. Johnson took over Maggs’ position, but then steering failure saw him career straight into the turn one wall and roll out of the event. Scheuerle was still struggling with an off engine but managed to win from Constable, Reed and ’Tim McCubbin. Tatnell’s record breaking run continued in the six lap dash, when he scorched away in record time to defeat Dumesny, Madsen, Jackson, Murcott and Anderson who’d pulled in with an engine drama. Could anyone stop Tatnell’s record run? If the first start of the feature had been called off, the answer would have been no as Tatnell had made the best start. Clearly the start was too good. Next time around Dumesny got the jump and led Tatnell around into turn one as Anderson had a close call after running up the right rear tyre of Murcott. Worse was to come for the Albury Ace, when he half spun on lap two and dropped a few places. This fired him up and he drove well to recover to fifth place. Tatnell had not let Dumesny get away and was hounding him all the way. As Dumesny lapped Constable, he got out of shape. Tatnell was forced to get off the gas which allowed Madsen to pass Tatnell for second. From here things settled down although the top three were not that far apart as they worked there way past the mid-point. Murcott was dicing furiously for fifth with Gessner but a flat right front tyre and a spin halted both him and the race. Dumesny was thus denied an attempt at the race record, but gladly accepted the $8000 cheque from Avalon Raceway. Madsen was pleased with his runner up spot, while Tatnell seemed crestfallen after a perfect build up to the feature event. Jackson was fourth with Anderson fifth from Gessner, Mike Van Bremen and Mark Reuter. Tatnell now heads back to America for a couple of weeks with a 596 point lead over Dumesny as the series takes a pre-Christmas break.

World Series Sprintcars Round 4-Avalon, Dec 8/9 ■nme Trials 1. Tatnell 12.129, 2. Dumesny 12.153, 3. Jackson 12.225, 4. D, Anderson 12.512, 5, Reuter 12.512, 6. Madsen 12.647, 7. Van Bremen 12.654, 8. Knight 12,694, 9. Haynes 12.829, 10. Constable 12.902, 11. McCubbin 12.970, 12. Murcott 12.979, 13. Wright 12.984, 14, Scheuerle 13.002, 15. Maggs 13.022, 16. Gessner 13.026, 17, Lewis 13,057, 18. Vogels 13,086, 19. Judd 13.232, 20. Bartlett 13,275, 21. Bastow 13.286, 22. Moule 13.286, 23. G. Anderson 13.300, 24. Reed 13.364, 25. Johnson 13.666, 26. Whalan 13.935. Friday Heat Races (10 laps) Heat 1 - Johnson, Gessner, Judd, Tatnell, D. Anderson, Van Bremen, Wright, Constable. Heat 2 - Dumesny, G. Anderson, Reuter, Lewis, Bartlett, Scheuerle, McCubbin, Knight. Heat 3 - Murcott, Madsen, Jackson, Reed, Bastow, Haynes, Vogels. Heat 4 - Johnson, Judd, Tatnell, Lewis G. Anderson, Wright, McCubbin, Van Bremen, Reuter. Heat 5 - Gessner, Reed, Constable, Madsen, Murcott, D. Anderson. Heat 6 - Maggs, Jackson, Dumesny, Whalan, Bartlett, Knight, Haynes. Friday Prelim B-Feature (12 laps) Lewis, Judd, Wright, Reed, McCubbin, G. Anderson, Bartlett, Bastow, Scheuerle, Whalan. Friday Prelim A-Feature (20 laps) Tatnell, Dumesny, Madsen, Jackson, Murcott, D. Anderson, Reuter, Gessner, Van Bremen, Maggs, Lewis, Constable, Knight, Judd, Haynes, Johnson. Saturday Heat Races (10 laps) Heat 7 - Lewis, Bartlett, Murcott, Dumesny, McCubbin, Madsen, Constable, Maggs Heat 8 - Reed, Tatnell, Scheuerle, Gessner, D. Anderson, Knight, Johnson, Bastow. Heat 9 - Judd, G. Anderson, Van Bremen, Jackson, Wright, Reuter, Haynes. Saturday Trophy Dash (6 laps) Tatnell, Dumesny, Madsen, Jackson, Murcott, D. Anderson. Saturday B-Feature (15 laps) Scheuerle, Constable, Reed, McCubbin, G. Anderson, Bartlett, Moule, Wright, Haynes, Bastow, Johnson, Vogels, Maggs, Whalan. Saturday A-Feature (30 laps) Dumesny, Madsen, Tatnell, Jackson, D. Anderson, Gessner, Van Bremen, Reuter, Reed, Constable, Lewis, Judd, McCubbin, Murcott, Scheuerle, Knight. Points after 4 of 14 rounds 1. Tatnell 3280, 2. Dumesny 2686,3. S. Jackson 1842, 4. Madsen 1630, 5. Gessner 1447, 6. Reuter 1248, 7. Farr 1133, 8. March 993, 9. Constable 977, 10. Smith 960, 11. Scheuerle 929,12. Knight 909,13. D. Anderson 751, 14. Maggs 741, 15. R. Jackson 674, 16. Haynes 641,17. Van Bremen 568, 18. Downing 567, 19. Bartlett 555, 20. Wright 544. 67

King of the Mountain goes dirt tracking

PETER Brock will be the Grand Marshall of the Balfours Pies 100-lap Super Sedan Classic on Saturday, 20 January, 2001. The event, which will feature American Scott Slay and Queensland duo Nick Girdlestone and Des Korn in addition to the Sydney and Newcastle stars, is Brock's first taste of endurance racing at the Tomago venue. In Newcastle to raise funds for the Peter Brock Foundation that weekend, the nine-time Bathurst 1000 champion has been lured to the Newcastle Speedway for a public appearance, burnout demonstration and perhaps even a hot lap session in a V8 Super Sedan. The offer to turn some laps in a V8 Super Sedan has not yet been put to the motorsport legend, but one wonders it the lure of a bit of sideways action might not be too tempting to pass up. - WADE AUNGER

1 Q

I E w o

The yanks are coming!

Schatz, Tarlton, Kemenah and Smith for 50,000 WITH Freddie Rahmer confirmed for the Gough and Gilmour 50,000 race, there will be a couple of other Americans keen to collect the cash. Donny Schatz will race for the Luch Monte operation along with California young gun Jason Meyers in the WA Sprintcar Speedweek, and that three car team (including Monte) will follow all the major East Coast events after their WA commitments, including the 50,000.

NAEC gun Tommy Tarlton will drive for Daryn Walsh in the big dollar events and the 26-year-old is raring to go. “We’ve won 4 NAEC mains this year, and 100 percent of the 360 shows we entered, including the massive Trophy Cup at Watsonville where over 100 cars show up to race,” said the plaster wall contractor turned racer. “We don’t know a whole lot about Parramatta, other than what Pete Murphy has told us, but I think we can settle in quickly." What will help the man who placed runner-up in the King of {

the reason for his change of heart after agreeing to a deal to race in many of the major shows in Victoria, NSW and SA. "Racing all that time in Australia doesn't leave me with enough time to be ready for Florida when I get back," Jacobs said. Possible replacements for Jacobs included Kasey Kahne and Keith Kauffman. Kahne was very interested, but Chilli Bowl and USAC Presentation Banquet commitments prevented him from accepting. It was when Rush phoned Rahmer for a contact for Kauffman that he asked if Rahmer might be interested in doing the deal himself. Rahmer confirmed his availability and is now confirmed

for World Series Sprintcars at Newcastle and Parramatta and the CAT 50,000. Rahmer is certainly no stranger to PCR either, having enjoyed success at the O’Brien Nationals (amongst others) in the late 90s. "He and I get on well and his racing form is spectacular." said Rush. "We're looking at the possibility of also going to Warrnambool for the Classic and Mt. Gambler for the Kings Challenge but that's only in the thinking stages at the moment." Rahmer will join Rush's son Garry Rush Jnr in the second Pick and Payless Maxim for the three week blitzkrieg. - WADE AUNGER

by WADE AUNGER

Keen for the cash; Donny Schatz will drive for Luch Monte. (Photo by Brett Swanson)

Rahmer takes over from Jacob (Photo by Brett Swanson)

PENNSVLVAISIIA Sprintcar superstar Freddie Rahmer will replace Kenny Jacobs in the Garry Rushowned 2UE/Pick and Payless Maxim for the Gough and Gilmour CAT 50,000 race at Parramatta City Raceway. Rahmer was announced as the latest drawcard for the $50,000-to-win event on February 2&3, a race that now includes six Americans. Jacobs was a lastminute withdrawal from the five week schedule, citing pressure from his American car owner as

motorsport rows

SPEEDWAY California pointscore this year also is the World Series Sprintcars time he’ll spend at PCR in January. “I think our schedule includes PCR World Series races, so that will give me a look at the place before we go in for the big money.” Young Ohio star Chad Kemenah at least has race trim at PCR to his credit, his performance in the rain-soaked Gough and Gilmour CAT 50,000 last year surprised a great many people. “Chad is coming back to Australia on December 26 - where we’ll meet up with him at Horsham,” says Victorian car owner Jim Knight. “We’ll run until the end of World Series from there, do the Classic and the Kings Challenge and then head on up to the Gough and Gilmour CAT 50,000.” Kemenah, who has just finished up his best-ever season, running third in the All Star Circuit of . Champions and winning the Ohio ' Speedweek, has gained valuable backing from American sponsors for his Aussie assault. “TW Metals, Kears Speed Shop, Stanley Hydraulic Tools, Sanders Engineering and Gambler have all agreed to support Chad when he joins our operation, which I think speaks volumes for what we’re doing down here at the Flocon Team,” says Knight. “We’re really excited about Chad coming back, because he did so well last time.” Kemenah’s team-mate will be Steve IGiight, who has had all sorts of bad luck to begin the new season in his Flocon Engineering Foster chassis. “Little things have been falling off on us that you don’t normally have trouble with,” says Jim. “We’ve worked on a few things to prevent that happening again and I think you’ll see a marked improvement in Steve’s driving.” Indiana veteran Danny Smith will have well and truly warmed into the role as Trevor Shields’ driver by the time the $50,000 show rolls around. Smith will have competed in the PCR and Newcastle rounds of World Series in the Royal Purple Oils John Boy and his vast experience around Parramatta will make him a man to watch.

Morley pulls plug but grabs Heathcote

One meeting and it s all over: Will the December 2 Autopro Super Sprint Series meet be the only one for the 2000/2001 season at Bacchus Marsh? (Pboto by Jan Robinson) BACCHUS Marsh promoter Butch Morley has announced that he will no longer be running any of the scheduled events for the 2000/2001 season at the circuit, but instead has secured the promotion rights to the disused Heathcote Park Raceway. BM Promotions is no longer associated with Bacchus Marsh Motorsports. "I feel like I've left a lot of people down, and feel sorry for a lot of people who genuinely tried to help me," said Morley. "But simply, I couldn't continue on under the current arrangement. "The situation between myself and the track owners became untenable and I regretfully was forced to make the decision not to continue with the remainder of the season, at that venue." The fifth round of the Autopro Super Sprint Series was due to be run at the venue last weekend but that event has now been cancelled. The SRA will endeavour to

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by BRETT SWANSON reschedule the other Bacchus Marsh rounds at other venues. Not wanting to discard the assistance and support that he was shown by the competing classes and other parties, Morley has secured the rights to the disused Heathcote Park Raceway, which is situated between Heathcote and Bendigo in Central Victoria. The disastrous opening meeting at Bacchus Marsh, in which a power failure brought a premature end to the meeting.

'1 couldn't continue on under the current arrangemenr' - Butch Morley has nothing to do with Motley's decision to severe ties, in fact Morley was eagerly anticipating his next planned show on December 16 where 40 Sprintcars had nominated to race.

Heathcote Park has been dormant for six years apart from some use as a testing and practice venue, but owner Russell Clarke is said to be keen on resurrecting the venue, which needs surprisingly little work to bring it up to acceptable standards. Morley would ideally like to transfer the scheduled races to the Heathcote venue, starting with the Australian Compact Speedcar Championship set down for January 13. "I don't want to let anyone down, especially the Compact Speedcars who had granted me their Australian Championship, so I'm doing everything I can to move it to another venue within Victoria," said Morley. "We had 40 Sprintcars nominated for our December 16 meeting and I'd like to repay the faith and support of all those competitors and fans by continuing at another venue if possible." The future of the Bacchus Marsh venue therefore seems uncertain in terms of on-track activity.

2000/01 AUTOPRO SUPER SPRINT SERIES SCORE Point Standings to December 3 2000 I. Mike Van Bremen V6 . 2. Ian Thomsen V32 ... 3, Colin BulmerVI2 ... 4. Jeremy Warren W52 . 5. David SwaynV20 ... 6. Rod MatthewsV9 ... 7 Frank RamsdaleV2l . 8 JeffJuddVll 9. Garry ChlppendallV43 10.Brent HoughV56 ...

.991 .9S3 .934 .913 .871 .867 .836 .825 .743 .642

I Man Smith V57 12. Ian LewisVI8 l3.Paul BastowV90 U.Graeme PitcherV84 IS. Peter KnlghtVI4 ... 16. David Brown V47 ... 17. Charles Hunter V73 . 18. David Anderson V37 . 19. David Van Bremen VI6 20.Allan BarleeV6l

Rd 4,Borderline Raceway,25 November .632 .596 .522 .482 .435 .404 .377 .310 .309 .286

I. Mike Van Bremen V6

9. Brent HoughV56

2. Colin BulmerVI2

10. Frank RamsdaleV2l

3. lanThomsenV32

11. Paul BastowV90

4. Ian LewisVIS

12. Darren RussellV30

5.Jeremy WarrenW52

13. Ian SmithV57

6. Rod MatthewsV9

14. Blair JonesVB

7. Garry ChippindallV43

IS. Peter KnightVM

8. David SwaynV20

16. Graeme PitcherV84

Dumesny 01 at dirt 'm currently running second behind Brooke Tatnell on the World Series Sprintcars points tally after four rounds and our Valvoline/No Fear team is working hard to overhaul him in the forthcoming rounds over the annual holiday break. Brooke literally smoked us in the Preliminary A-Main at Avalon in the last round, then, on the Saturday night, I finished second in the Dash to start next to Brooke for the A-Main. Our overnight homework paid off us and I managed to get to get on the start and remained in front of the field for the rest of the race. It was pleasing to get a WSS win under our belt.

ur crew didn’t have time to celebrate - they had to prepare the car prior to shipping it to Tassie on the boat for the Premier's Cup at New Norfolk Speedway last weekend in chase of the $20,000-to-win. Danny Smith came over to run Robin Dawkins’ car, while

Melbourne-based Tasmanian champion David Murcott was always going to be a threat in front of his home crowd. On Friday night I won all our heats bar one and led the AFeature until I got caught up with some lapped cars allowing Dave to get by us for the win. On Saturday night, we had a good run in our qualifying heats and started off pole in the dash, with David Anderson next to me. Danny managed to claw his way through the field to finish second to me in the dash and I jumped to the lead as the green was waved for the A-Main. The track was really slick and we were running right through the middle of the slick. About 10 laps from the end, while leading, a couple of backmarkers dragged me up high on the track. My right rear tyre tagged the fence and immediately deflated. That was like kissing 20 grand goodbye. Murcott went on to win, and the money will certainly help his team as they will now be able to put their new engine into the car and they will be more competitive - not that we need another competitive driver running with us! We're getting ready for on the Valvoline Cup at PCR Boxing Day night, then we pick up the WSS trail again. I'd like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous Xmas and New Year - hopefully, you'll call in and say g'day as we race at the speedways near you.

- 3%'^

Brazier’s sec NATIONAL Champion Garry Brazier took his second Feature Race win in round seven of the Titan Garages Queensland Sprintcar Smmner Shootout on Saturday night at Brisbane International Speedway. Starting from the second row of the grid, Brazier, driving the Metalcorp/ABC Auto Gear Stealth, took the lead from Adam Tulloch (Ross Autos Gambler)on lap three and motored away from the field. Darren Jensen (SercoAViseco Maxim)chased hard, but was unable to close the gap until a yellow light period bunched the field up. Jensen briefly took the lead after a confused restart almost saw a pile-up on the startline when Brazier was slow away. The restart was recalled and, from there. Brazier was never

headed. After being a slow sixth in heat two. Brazier improved to be third in heat four. “We weren’t going too well in the heat races, but I think we got there in the Feature,” he said. “A second race start always helps and once I got in front I just had to make sure I didn’t make too many mistakes on my lines. Darren Jensen’s drive to second in the feature was not easy, being under pressure after the restart from Stephen Bell; third place was another strong performance for Bell(Speedflow Maxim), with a string of recent podium results firming his series chances n Drew Kruck, Dan-ell Hodges, Todd Wanless, Nathan Macdonald, Dean McComb,Clem Hoffmans, and Peter Thorley followed Bell home. Points: Kruck 475, McComb 474, Bell 472, Wanless 470, Hodges 453.

Ferguson steals one at PCR by WADE AUNGER

Who needs brakes? While Farr has been the headline maker at PCR this season, Warren Ferguson stole a win on December 16. (Photo by John Morris/Mpix) 70

MERRYLANDS driver Warren Ferguson stopped Robbie Farr’s amazing winning streak at PCR on December 16, even though he finished the event without any brakes. "I felt the brake caliper jam up behind my seat with about 10 laps to go, so I put my left foot to the floor and found there was nothing there,” he said. “I knew I’d be OK if I didn’t have to stop suddenly.”

Farr did give chase but came up short with an engine that appeared to be running one cylinder short. Adrian Maher finished third after looking far from a podium finish prospect with 10 laps to go. The Litre Car feature race was won by Sean Barnett, with Reg Flaynes finishing second and Steven Brown third. Ray Flealey took the Street Stock honours.

A WEEK earlier, Farr had taken his fifth win from seven starts.

moving 500 points clear in the race for the Proton Satria Gti. Garry Rush Jrir picked up second but the hard luck story was Mick Turner. The #61 Truckline machine finished third, but in the excitement of the podium finish, Turner forgot to head to the SANSW scales for post race weigh-in before returning to his pit bay. Fie was disqualified, moving Ferguson into third. In the Speedcars, Kiwi Mark Cooper took his first main event win at PCR. molorsport news

SPEEDWAY Put it there: Gavin Migro and WA Premier Richard Court at the i

opening meeting at the Motorplex. Photo by Peter French)

Cappig's Castle .,v-

nai ipacistiau i

hoLdcn

The Tool Man: Robert Carrig took the Tool Specialists car to a win at Newcastle. (Photo by David Lament)

Kwinana kick-off New venue epens and Trever Green collects THE marketing people at the Quit Motorplex at Kwinana Beach have dubbed it the 'commotion by the ocean', but the new venue certainly lived up to its expectations on opening night on Friday December 15. There may have been some problems, namely the massive traffic jams which slowed traffic getting in, as well as the sudden illness of track curator Ken Ditchfield, but, by and large, the $18 million venue would have had to expect some sort of teething problems. Kwinana's circuit is 500 metres of high-banked black clay, with spectator viewing from every seat and facilities which put countless numbers of speedways and circuits Australia-wide to shame. Trevor Green's name went down in the record books as the first winner of an official event at the Motorplex when he led home Jamie Maiolo and Luch Monte in heat one. Kendrick Racing team-mate Ryan Farrell grabbed heat two

Green with victory: Trevor Green goes into the record books as thefirst (Photo by Peter French) Sprintcarfeature winner at Kwinana. before the 20-car field, 25-lap feature. The vast spaces of the Motorplex allowed a variety of lines to be used, a welcome relief to the one-lane race tracks which seem to be the norm come feature race time. Green raced into the lead and held off Farrell, Gavin Migro, Mark Wells, Monte, Maiolo and Shane Murphy, the triple state

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22 December 2000

champion returning to raci ng. Second season driver Dean Beagley won the Speedcar feature, while Luke Halliday dominated the Late Model Sedan events. Phil Crofts took the Formula 500s, while Guy Wilson won both of the 500cc motorcycle events on the inner 360-metre dirt oval. Mark Bassett and Darren Nash took the sidecar honours.

ROBERT Carrig scored a powerful victory at Newcastle Speedway in round three of the Gough and Gilmour V8 Super Sedan Series on December 9. Carrig pedalled the #2 Tool Specialists VT Commodore to the win to beat home talented youngster David Robertson and gi-itty veteran Greg Hodges into the minors. Keith Sims was controversially black-flagged from the event after attempting an aggressive re-pass on Carrig going into turn three in the #80 Sims Smash VT Commodore. Prior to the incident, Sims and Robertson had put on some of the best wheel to wheel no contact racing seen yet this season, t On the slick track though Carrig had the most bite on the night and he simply powered away to an almost effortless win. Round two winner Bernie Roberts charged to fourth by the fall of the chequers after being earlier sent to the rear of the field. Carrig’s victory comes just in time for the appearance on December 26 of Mississippi Super Sedan driver Scott Slay, who will race a seven meeting schedule against the NSW boys between PCR and Newcastle. This week too comes the news that livewire Queensland duo Nick Girdlestone and Dc:s Korn will compete in the majority of the Slay events throughout January. - WADE AUNGER

2000/2001 SPRINTCAR RACING ASSOCIATION OF VIC. CALENDER QSSS 2000/2001 CAIENDER .Rd 9 Dec 26 Brisbane NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS Dec 26

Avalon . ..Rd 6

jan 3

Warrnambool ..Vic Title

Jan 13

Avalon ...Rd 7

Jan 28

Warrnambool ...Classic

Jan 20

Simpson .. .Rd 8

Feb 24

Bacchus Marsh ...Fireball

Apr 7.

Bacchus Marsh ...360scr

Mar I I

Avalon ...Rd 9

Apr 13

Avalon ..Easter T

Mar 24

Wagga ..Rd 10

Apr 14

Mt Gambler ..EasterT

Mar 24

Wagga ..Rd I

Apr 15

Warrnambool ..EasterT

Apr 21

Bacchus Marsh ..360 Ser

Apr 21 . Bacchus Marsh ..Rd 12

Feb 24

Lismore

Rd 10

Mar 3

Brisbane

Rd II

Mar 17

Brisbane

.Rd 12

Mar 24 ... Toowoomba

.Rd 13

Brisbane

Rd 14

Apr 21

national

scene

VD 2001: A

race odyssey Van Diemen's 2001 Formula Ford challenger has landed in Oz. AARON NOONAN went and had an exclusive peek...

YOU'RE looking at the Van Diemen RF2001 Formula Ford chassis which is hitting race tracks testing for next year's title. The new car features an entirely new chassis, which has been built shorter to suit the nature ofAustralian circuits as well as the nature of the Australian rules, in particular the Kent 1600cc engine. But if there's an element which is immediately noticeable, it's the cockpit protection. With higher sides and velcro inserts to protect a driver's head and a Formula 3style detachable roll cage which bolts onto a double bulkhead, the safety of the new car takes Formula Ford design to the next level of safety. The nosecone is a composite deformable structure, designed to crumple on impact which has its origins in the world of FI, while the wishbones have a rod which is mandatory in the US which stops the suspension pieces puncturing the cockpit and injuring a driver. The RF2001 is a progression of the RF98, which is the latest model VD seen on Australian race tracks. It's somewhat of a compromise to overcome the differential in performance between the old car's blinding speed at fast and flowing circuits and its lack of turn-in at tighter venues. The dash is a Pi system mounted on the steering 12

„

. ^

: \

Blue baby: These are the first pics of the 2001 Van Diemen Formula Ford car in Austraiia. This chassis wiii be driven by Wiii Davison and the new machine features a steering wheel-mounted dash, right, as weii as a much iOWer driving position, bottom right. {Photos by Noonan/M News Digital) wheel, while this particular chassis is equiped with Bilstein shocks. Also in the Formula 3 mould is the air scoop, which hasn't been seen on a VD since the RF92. A vast amount of wind tunnel testing was undertaken in a bid to get the nose of the car right, the result very much resembling a current model Champ Car minus wings. With the current uncertainty over the future direction of Formula Ford in this country, there haven't been a flood of orders for the

new car, says Steve Knott, director of Van Diemen Australia. "The RF2001 can be sold to America(similar rules)or could be converted with different side frames to Zetecspec," he said. "The market won't be big, until there's serious direction(change)in the category." Already, there are three confirmed runners in the new cars. Victorian Will Davison, New South Welshman Barton Mawer and Queenslander Marcus Marshall will all be RF2001-equipped in the new year. molorsgort news

NATIONAL

Haley’s Commodore Comet by PHIL BRANAGAN

NEVILLE Haley was in a class of his own in the ROH Wheels Commodore Cup races at Symmons Plains on December 10. After qualifying fastest, the Victorian cleared away to win both races, but the battle closed up the championship between Greg Waters and Christian D’Agostin. The first race was a disaster for Geoff Emeiy, who stopped with fuel pressure problems after six laps. Haley led away from D’Agostin, who gave chase for the first half of the race until he settled for second. Third was David Gittus, who had ^Waters closing by the end. The second win for Haley was even more convincing. He added a second a lap to his lead and was a massive 17.4s up at the end! Gittus led D’Agostin for most of the race until Christian sneaked through at Pepsi. Emery was catching the battle but time ran out and he settled for fourth from Brett Holdsworth and Waters. 7Q,^njmodore:Cup''Pdints D'Agostin 536, Waters 531, Emery 460, Gittus 454, Holdsworth/Pearce

Out in front: Neville Haley, above, simply crushed everybody in his path in the Commodore Cup round at Symmons Plains, leaving chasers such as former championship leader Greg Waters, left, using every bit of the road, kerb and grass in an attempt to catch him! (Photos by Joel Strickland)

409, Papendell 374, Parker 342, Marshall 201, Walker 195.

ROCHESTER Institute of Technoiogy and the University of Texas shared the event wins at the first Formula SAE competition to be held in Austraiia. Conducted at Ford’s proving grounds at the You Yangs, Victoria, the Formula SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) competition (sponsored by Ford, GM and Toyota), pitted three American and six Australian colleges and universities against each other as part of their course curriculum. The University of NSW was best placed Aussie team in third outright. While the event was dominated by the Americans, visiting judge, the legendary Carroll Smith (who helped oversee the 1977 Ford 1-2 at Bathurst) was mighty impressed with the quality of some of the Australian entries and their vehicles. Smith stated that the Melbourne University entry was the best first year vehicle he had ever seen in the history of Formula SAE. The concept of Formula SAE is to allow 22 December 2000

Each team is given a score out of a possible 1000 points. Points are awarded for static events (presentation, engineering design and cost analysis) as well as on-track events (acceleration, skid pan, autocross, fuel economy and the major endurance run). Swinburne Uni won the design award with a car which featured monoshock suspension front and rear and a dual fuel injection system to better tune the engine at both high and low revs. The Monash Uni team manufactured their own wheels (Photo by Mark Wicks) and this, coupled with a full carbon fibre body, saw them tip the scales 50 kilograms lighter than any other Australian entrant. Deakin Uni’s clutch failed, eliminating them from various ontrack events while Melbourne Uni budding engineers to design and build ascored points for ‘retrospective innovation’, small competition car which is costed over a using a sculptured aluminium body. And hypothetical production run and built to a cost while the Yanks were fast, the two top ceiling. American cars both encountered braking Engines have a nominal capacity of 600cc problems. and must breath through a 20mm restrictor. - MARK WICKS 73

by AARON NOONAN THE usual career path of karting and Formula Ford hasn't applied to one of Victoria's rising motor racing stars in 19-year-old James Manderson. Instead of racing the Formula Ford series, Manderson has progressed into Formula 3 through karts and Formula Vee, having started karting at age 10 and Vees at age 16. In Year 11, 1 shared drives with Dad (Warwick) in Formula Vee and finished fourth in the Victorian title when I was in Year 12," said Manderson. That was followed by a full assault on the 1999 series, which he won at the last round. though during the series he had sampled an F3 car at Oran Park and impressed everybody immediately in the second of Chas Jacobsen's cars. While the rookie stalled on the grid in race one, his talent shone through immediately, charging through the field to fourth place. The category costs about the same as Formula Ford but the cars are quicker," he says. We thought it was a cost effective way of getting up the ladder. F3 is getting bigger and bigger." The category in the past has been seen as an 'old man's class, but drivers such as Manderson, Paul Stephenson and Darren Palmer have quickly 74

turned the image of F3 into one of a viable career path which is in an internationally recognised category. After a lack of results at the opening rounds of 2000 at Eastern Creek and Phillip Island in a 1991 Dallara, Manderson picked up the backing of Zuellig Credit as well as textiles company Supreme 3 for the last three rounds at Mallala, Sandown and Phillip Island. He blizted the opposition, winning all three rounds and setting lap records at two. Phillip Island was really competitive, though Sandown was wet and there were a few people missing. Manderson's weapon of choice in those rounds was a 1996 Dallara-Toyota and he says the cars are fun to drive. "They're certainly fun to drive. They've got a lot of power and you can't drive them in a 'dirty' style. You have to be straight, he said. He's concentrating on plans to secure a budget to run a 1998spec Dallara in next year's championship (which has just been granted national championship status), and hopes to have Shane Flynn from Racing Car Heaven running the car. There's second year studies in Mechatronics/Computer Science at Melbourne University to contend with in addition to his racing program as well. "I'm not going to go crazy on motorsport, because racing falls

over for a lot of people. My degree is applicable to racing too," he said. The dream is to be an FI driver or a designer. The strength of F3 is continuing to grow and with additional new cars being imported over the summer for other teams and drivers, Manderson will be wellplaced for success before taking the next step in what he dubs 'the business plan'. that being Formula 3 in Britain. Trophy at Island Magic: Manderson, right, picked up the silverware in the final F3 round of the year. The 19-year-old began in karting, below, some nine years ago. (Photos by James Smith and Manderson Family)

molorsDort nsws

NATIONAL Karting Briefs BOMBARDIER Rotax has unveiled a new version of its Rotax MAX engine. The new engine is designed to eliminate chains and sprockets from go karts by incorporating the rear axle of the kart into the casing of the engine. "This system means there will be no more cleaning of chain grease and no tension adjustment any more," said Rotax Marketing Manager Manfred Weibgaerber. Scheduled for production late next year, the Direct Drive MAX will go on sale in March 2002.

Keeping it low to the ground: Matt Lowe’s Sports 1300 JBW. His brother Ash is a Formula Ford driver in the QLD State Series. (Photo by Marshall Cass) Championship with a win in the Championship race, ahead of Ron Lange and Scott Nicholas in the usual close dice. Wilson took two more wins, with Nicholas picking up the remainder. Shane Beikoff(Commodore) won the championship race for Saloon Cars from Luke Norris (Commodore)ahead of Gavin Sadler (Falcon). The other three races were won by Beikoff, Sadler and Tim Sipp. The Sports Car Championship race saw David Barram’s ASP Sports 1300 take the win, but it wasn’t enough to close on Darren

Dunn’s series lead. Second was Tony Quinn, backing up in his Nations Cup Porsche GTS after crashing at Bathurst, with John Campbell’s gorgeous Hooper in third. In the Production Sports/ Marque Sports races, Quinn won all three from Peter Marburg’s RSR. The Sports 1300s ran with the Formula Fords, Will Power (Spectrum) and Campbell winning a race each and with Barram shared the podium spots. In the Formula Ford race, Power won, with only four other cars finishing.

GOOD racing was a hallmark of the supports for the HQ Nationals at Lakeside on November 25-26. Nick Leontsinis (Elfin Crusader) won a fantastic battle with Trent Usher(Jabiru)in the Formula Vee Championship race. Ed Doherty (Bee Cee) was third. Usher and Leotsinis shared the other race wins 2-1. Trent Young’s Toyota Levin took four Sports Sedan race wins, and the Sports Sedan Crown. In the championship race, the Capri-Chev of Brett Curran was second with Gary Hamilton’s Datsun 1000 Rotary third. Veteran Warren Smith finished second in the other three races in his retirement meeting in the Rover-Chev. Tom Horton(Mazda RX3)underlined his Improved Production championship with four wins, leading Simon O’DellFontana’s Mazda RX7 home by five seconds in the championship race and Beric Lynton’s GT-P BMW M3-R. Wayne Wakefield(RX3)had three charges from the back for a third and two fourths. Championship Racer: Nick Leontsinis came up trumps in the Formula Vee Cameron Wilson championship race but had to share the other wins with Trent Usher. secured the Gemini

n The Australian Karting Association has finally appointed a new Chief Executive Officer. Colin Wilson will take over the vacancy left by retiring CEO Bob Edyvean on January 10. The AKA National Office will then be relocated from Ipswich to Penrith, NSW. Wilson brings experience in the sports management field, having previously held positions as National Executive Director of Australian Canoeing and General Manager of Netball NSW. n A new karting association has been formed, centred around fourstroke endurance racing. The Endurance Karting Association Inc promote multi-hour enduro style events across NSW for twin-engined 'Pro Karts' powered by two Honda GX200 engines. A 10 round series is proposed for 2001. n John Grother is considering a move to Intercontinental A for 2001. Having claimed the runner-up position to Kenton Ferguson in the APS Racing Series ReSa support class, Grother is believed to be looking at purchasing Brendan May's winning Mike Wilson/italsistem equipment from this year. n Ford Racing has increased its backing of the Portland Street Grand Prix, Having supported the event this year, it is now offering a Formula Ford test drive to the winner of the feature class at the 2001 event early in the new year. n Arrow karts took a fair chunk of the victories at the Victorian Closed Titles at Swan Hill recently. Clint Cathcart finished the year on a high, winning Clubman Light, with Jonathon Taylor (Rookies), Anthony Contarino (Junior National Light), Adam Bullas (Junior National Heavy) and Gavin Walker (Rotax MAX)also taking wins for the local product. Other winners included Nick Parker (Top Kart, Senior National), Graeme Monds (Monza, Over 40s), Tony D'Alberto (Junior Clubman), Murray Edgar (Tony Kart, Clubman Super Heavy) and Tim Macrow (Kosmic, Formula 100). - MARK WiCKS

(Photo by Marshall Cass)

22 December 2000

INDUSTRY

Brake Mounts

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Racing Drivers Wanted

Australian Karters Warehouse is offering to V a limited number of Motorsport News readers a golden opportunity to race in the most dynamic form of motorsport in the world. The sensational MW-Rotax Maz 125cc water-cooled racing kart has the instinctive thrill of driving a racing machine capable of incredible performance. Imagine being 25mm from the racing track and having the same power to weight ratio of a Super Tourer under your right foot. If this excites you give us a call NOW on 02 9678 9669. Packages POA.

Racing Tfeam are featm-ed. Exclusive interviews with Perkins, Allan Moffat, Peter Janson, John Harvey, and contemporaries Russell Ingall, Mark Skaife and Craig Lowndes are included. Also available is the 2000 Holden Racing Team season review with Mark Skaife featured as Shell Series Champion. The video gives a visual interpretation of the championship from an HRT perspective and includes interviews with team drivers Skaife and Lowndes. Both videos are available from Motorsport Video. Phone 1800 815 834 or visit ww.motorsport.net.au.

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22 December 2000

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Classifieds

accepted (marked with a ●) and must be prepaid at the following per issue rates: $5 per 10 words (min SIO 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. Forward to Motorsport News Free Classifieds, PO BOX 1010 North Caulfield 3161. Fax: 03 9527 7766. Email: msnews@ozemail.com.au. Make sure to list your category. 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 889 016 195

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Suzuki Swift Gti, Class 'E' G.T.P. pace-setter sea sons 1999 & 2000, including numerous lap records and fastest Class 'E' Bathurst 20001 Very competi tive, make ideal U2lt Street Sedan/ Club Car /Sport Sedan. jComprehensive spares package also avail able (POA). $12,000 ono, (spares extra). Ph Ken or Nathan PIVFax 02 9653 1668 or 0418 261 860. 196

Morris Cooper Mk II 'S', 1330cc motor, std 'S' fea tures discs, twin tanks, heater, radio, alloy wheels. Gen collectors car. $14,000. Ph 0418 356 356. 196

Mazda RX7 Turbo (GTP) Class A, front running car, ready to race. Ric Shaw prepared, entry avail able to Adelaide GTP race. Spares package avail able. Ph 0412 267 245. 196

Gemini Club Car, 2 Litre motor, adjustable Konis, modified brakes, locked diff, S/kAS seat & steering wheel and many spares. $6500 ono. Ph 02 9274 2201 bh or 02 9181 3071 ah. 196

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VL5 Litre, 9" Detroit locker, excellent club car, ready to race, owner retired. Car capable of high 48s Oran Park South, only ever used for Supersprints. Email: cokeaddict@ozemail.com.au 190

McPherson Racing Escort Sports Sedan, Victorian Sports Sedan Champion 2000,4 pole positions. Fuily 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 pan els. $33,000. Ph Luke 0418 582 882. .99

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. 199 1996 Fraser Clubman, lOOkWToyota 4AGE, inboard front suspension, deDion rear, many faaory options, full weather equip, CAMS 2b log book, immaculate condition. Brilliant car for road or track. $42,500 ono. Ph 0407 892 610. 196

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BMW 1988 E30, Improved Production 3J, 2.5 Itr, 4 cyl, rebuilt S14@340hp, fresh 262 trans, alloy diff, large spares kit includes body, 12" wheels + diff ratios on trailer. $35,000. Ph 0417 703 773. 199

Nissan GTiR, silver 1993, 2 litre turbo 4WD, 106 kms, air, ABS, mags, rally regc, log book. $9000 ono. Ph 07 3209 2073 or 0414 645 755. 195

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

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Sports Sedan RX7, half completed projert comes with lots of Mazda spares. Also avail P76 V8. $5000 ono. Ph 0417 880 899. >96 AUSCAR Commodore VS, rolling chassis, complete less motor. Harrop front end, full floater diff, 2 sets wheels, new paint, fuel cell (re-certified), big brakes. Pit motor and go. $10,000. Ph 0408 066 106. .91

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. 195

VN Club Car, fresh 5 It, EFi, steel cage, T-5, 3.9 locked diff, VT brakes, log book, heaps of potential. $13,700 ono. Ph 0417 061 990 or 02 9624 8640. 195

HG Monaco Group Nc, high HP 350 Chev, body sandblasted, seam-welded, steel roll cage, Tilton pedal box, Tilton triple plate clutch, Zinner gearbox, built by Raven Motorsport. Best prepped touring car at Phillip island Histones. $60,000 ono. Ph Jeremy 0418 545 185 or 03 9425 9443. i96

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*Motorsport News Classifieds are FREE for private sales. Classifieds from motor sport traders are

Sedans/Sporis Cars

Smith AUSCA, sister car to the famous Paul England AUSCA, Repco Holden engine, Jag box LSD, not completed but CAMS OK for Lb category classif. Also suitable rally or road. Ph 03 9682 4644 bh or 03 9589 1217 or fax 03 9699 8022. 196

2 issues

St; The Rocket exciting high performance, comfortable 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. 195 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. 195

Open Wheelers

Mazda RX3 Sports Sedan, 13B turbo race motor, 300+hp, Needham box, LSD, 4 wheel discs, 15x10 slicks. $7500. Ph 02 4945 8968 or 0413 383 102. 195 Mazda RX7 Club Car, neat and tidy, CAMS log book. $6950. Ph 07 5497 6396 ah or 07 5497 6733. 196

Yep, another HQ race carl winner of 5 Australian Hillclimb class wins. Never beaten five years of com petition. No expense spared, comes with fresh top HP engine, nothing to spend. Delivery assistance. Ph Peter 02 9642 2979 or 0410 734 191. 196

8 December 2000

Pontiac TranZam, Sports Sedan, built by K&A Engineering, all the best bits, too many spares to list inc moulds, sell with or without engine. Also 40' transporter, very fast, very reliable. Nothing to spend. Ph 07 5441 7700 bh or 07 5485 5569 ah. 1% 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 someone 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. 19s

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. 195 Gemini Coupe Sports Sedan, roller, log book, big brakes, 8 wheels and tyres, needs so.me work $3700. Two new AP 4 pot calipers. $300. Ph 02 6734 2259 ah or 02 6732 3353 bh. 195 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. 195

250CC International Superkart, fitted with Yamaha TZ 'A' model, genuine 250kph, only raced 5 times with best result of 3rd, many spares, $5800 ono. Also, purpose-built trailer with jib crane, half finished, registered. $1500. Ph 08 8336 6055. 196 Spectrum 07 Formula Ford, we have one 1999 model with brand new chassis, Motec, fully rebuilt for sale less engine. Spare wheels, ratios, assistance if required. $34,000. Ph 0408 066 106. 196

CRG kart, adjustable camber/castor and ride height, Blueprinted KT100J, 2nd in Sen Nat Pro Club Channpionship at Geelong. Comes with stand and seat cover. $1,800. Ph Stephen 0404 811 342 ah or 03 5368 1959. ive

Class 1 RIvmaster buggy, Mazda 1600 Turbo, Haltek computer, close ratio box, Porsche CVs, Sway-a-way axles. Alloy hubs, Bilstein shocks, Kombo stubs, 3" front arms, Wright rack. Centerlines, + Spares. Good strong light car. $10,500. Ph 0407 751 136. .95 Formula Vee '91 Spectre, plus enclosed trailer. Lakeside best lap 1m04s, raced 5 times since 1996. $8500. Ph Mike Preston 07 5441 3285. 195 Formula Vee Elfin #EP001. Full rebuild March

250 National Superkart, rare 1997 Anderson chassis with KTM 250 engine. Gear change buttons on steering wheel. National lap record at Caldet, complete Kelgate running gear and carbon fibre bodywork. High power exhaust system, near new XL leather suit. $ 13,000 ono. Ph Matt Thomas 0419 199 069 or Graeme Williams 03 9744 3008 ah. 1%

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. 195

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 sepn arate. Aral GPX medium helmet $250. Ph Andrew 02 9710 3457 bh or 02 9868 7327 ah. 19s

1927 Brooklands Singer replica, eligible for Group Jb Histories, nice condition. $12,500. Ph 02 9716 0082. 196

t V

IVfcrn^

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. 195

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 Pieman 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. .95 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

T10 gearbox, and steel Chev bell housing. $800. Ph 07 5497 6733 bh or 07 5497 6396 ah. 19c

Dry sump pump,SCP 4stage with manifold $1400, VB 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. 195 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

[■1

^ A' ^

tOWtl

25"

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. .95

Parts

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. 195

Chev 5.7L, Jurnal Eagle Rod $400. Ph 07 5497 6733 bh or 07 5497 6396 ah. Chev 5.7L Jurnal Sumit rods & TRW 12 to 1 pistons. $800. Ph 07 5497 6733 bh or 07 54976 6396 ah. 196

EL Ford, genuine body shell, brand new with all panels including a demister windscreen. $3000. Ph 08 8250 1903 ah or 0427 501 903. 195

2 Carbon fibre Recaro seats, latest style. $1000 each. Ph 0412 267 245. m

●■*01

Galloway-developed, race-winning Spedrum 07, Speedtech engine, MoTec, spares package, with assistance given to new owner. $37,000. Trailer also available. Ph Owen Kelly 0419 896 382. 195

Formula Vee GAS, fresh Dean engine, chrome wheels, Willans harness, 2 pak paint, Kor.i 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. 195

Drive available, 2001 Formula Ford national

Rail 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

Formula Holden Reynard 92D, ex-Chas Jacobsen, unused since purchase Dec 99, engine rebuiit, extensive spares, two-way adjustable Penske shocks. Stack programmable dash. Available delivered to Sydney or Melbourne. AU5$63,000. Ph Paul NZ 0011 64 3 389 4672. 196

Chev Rodeck alloy block, 4.125" bore, JE hi comp 15 degree pistons, Carillo 6" h'beam rods. Cola 4340 crank std, std 400 mains 350 stroke, 372ci. $7500 ono. Ph 03 5241 4198 or 0412 300 506. 196

series. Close to half normal price. Suit first year challenger, fully setup and competitive RF95. Ph 0411 052 944. 195 Go Kart, Swiss Hutless Maximo '98, KTS 100 blueprinted, tacho, driving suit, trolley, as new condition. $2900. Ph 03 9590 9196. 195

Formula Ford Royale RP31, Group R Historic log book and certificate of description. Ready to race, new tyres. $18,750. No offers. Ph 02 9716 0082. 196

Moser 33 spline billet axles. 20 1/4" x 24" long, nodular centre, alum pinion support, full spool, 4.56:1 gears, all new. $2400 ono. Ph 03 5241 4198 or 0412 300 506. 196

Quick change gearbox, Reynard 92D, large selec tion of gear ratios, complete brakes, shafts. Will suit Formula Holden $18,000 ono. Ph 0417 880 899. 199 Gearbox, genuine A9X Bathurst close ratio with gear selector, clutch kit & lightened flywheel. $2800. Ph 02 4736 7826. 196 Centerline Autodrag wheels, 2x8.5x15 with 275x15 BF Goodrich tyres & 2x7x15 with 205x15 BF Goodrich tyres, excellent condition. $ 1250 ono. Ph 02 6331 4296 or 02 6332 4936 ah. 199 Brand new VL turbo, engine block. Still in pack aging from faaory. $600. Ph 02 9520 5039 or 0418 405 687. 1% Escort 2L crower conrods, unused PC $700, Crane 520X cam, new $200. 13x6 Globe Bathurst wheels (4) $200. Ph 07 3855 3189 ah or 0417 720 462 bh. 199 Toploader gearbox, 4 speed and shifter $600 ono. Ph 02 6331 4296 or 02 6332 4936 ah. .99 Dlgatnon, computer system, records RPM and exhaust temp. Suits go kart. $130. Ph 0412 527 869. 199 Formula Vee parts, 6x Dtype heads, new parts induding Wade cam, pistons & barrels, fuel pump, K&N air filter, carby bits and pieces, flywheel and aank, oil purnp, external cooler adaptor, pushrod tubes, dis tributor. Mandrel bent exhaust headers plus more. Worth over $1700, sell $500. Ph 0412 527 869. 1%

Mercedes-Benz 190E, intercooled turbo kit, brand new, cost $5000, will sell $2500. Ph 03 5156 7758 or 0412 366 157. 195 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. 195 Ford Cleveland 3.310" stroke, nitrided crankshaft, 5.950" Ridgecrest alloy rods, 4" std Glidden design Venolia pistons, internally balanced setup, as new. $1500. Ph 03 5472 4116 fax 03 5470 6966.T95 Gearbox, Super TIO, bell housing and shifter, complete. $1750. Ph 0412 399 987. m Escort RS2000, twin IDF/PP manifold $250, Lotus T/C timing chest $625, Sierra Cosworth crank v/size $450, Earls 13 row cooler $175, Escort T/C dash $625, Ph 08 8278 5988 19s 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. 19s Chev BB pistons, TRW L2307, AF 060, suit LS7 454 12.5:1, new in box. Cost $950, sell $550 ono. 195 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, sintered or carbon, AP-Tilton-QM new/used. Spare covers, rings, plates also avail able. CCIPh 0418 925 767. l Pedals, brake/clutch, floor mount/hanuing new/sued. Also available, bias valves, bias cables, mas ter cylinders, reservoirs etc, CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Brake calipers, discs, pads. Mega range new/used, exc condition - AR Alcon, Brembo Outlaw, Willwood. Overnight delive’ry. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Hewland, DGB, 5 speed transaxle, top condi tion, new 9:31 CWR ratio choices and spares avail able, $14K ratios, over 300 in stock to suit DGB GFGB, TPT, FT200. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Oil coolers- heat exchangers, Earls, Setrab, Serck 6-70 row, new/used, also used water to oil hea exchangers, over 100 in stock. CCI Ph 0418 925 767 l Racecar parts, brake parts, chassis stands, diff oil pumps, exhaust colleoors, fuel cell accessories oil filters, quicklift jacks, ratio boxes, radiator caps springs, spoilers, wings etc. CCI Ph 0418 925 767

344^ Send us your classified ads and we’ll run them for FREE* Category: □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers DSpeedway DDrag DParts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs DOther.

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Pleasekeepads tonomorethan 30 words,plusa photo if required.

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NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS Please use the form provided and print clearly. Please note we are unable to return photographs used in classified ads. Ads will appear as soon as possible after receipt. -FREE Classifieds are for the sale of private goods and vehicles only, not business advertising (Trade advertisers see Classifieds header for rates). Photos marked "proof" will not be used.

motortpon newt

MARKET PLACE l Uprights, fabricated/cast, fronts/rears, various sizes, new/used, also CVs, driveshafts, wishbones, rockers, pushrods, all top quality, exc condition. CCIPh 0418 925 767.

Transporters/Trallers

l Radiators, aluminium, new/used, single/dual pass, top quality, large range, various sizes, suit all applications, from $300. CCI Ph 0418 925 767.

Speeitway

N1630 Turbo, 6 speed 6 cyl, fits 2 Formula Fords, Formula Holdens, 1 sedan, 12,000 pound winch, 20ftx8ft box, cupboards, ramps, fast reliable truck. Ph 0408 066 106. $25,000. i9«

Drags

Fully enclosed Formula Ford trailer, built 1998, approx size 21 x 6 x 6, aluminium cladding, work bench. Dual axle, electric brakes, wheels inside 6" width. $6000. Ph 03 9467 4044. .96

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 15x14 with 32x14 1/2 slicks. $1200. Ph Kevin 0407 299 601. 195

Speedcar, Murphy Fontana 'A' grade car, 22 meet ings old, Halibrand diff, Sanders ally front end, KSE p/steering, pro coil over ally radiator, 7 Duralite wheels plus spares. $25,000 ono. Ph 08 9399 3650. .96 '89 Corvette Super Sedan, 104 wheelbase chas sis & body, only unused $2000 ono, Franlin QC wide 5 hubs. $1200. Ph 03 5722 9099. ,96

Custom car trailer, 4.7m x 2m checker plate hydraulic tilt deck, 20001b electric winch, electric brakes, boggle axle on springs, built-in pull-out ramps, enclosed front, 10 months rego, excellent condition. $3500 neg. Ph 02 6331 4296 or 02 6332 4936 ah. 195 International D1510 dual cab, LPG/petrol, 22ft pan,4 new radial tyres, barn doors, side door, fits Super Sedan. Minor work for rego. $2850. Ph 02 4930 8557..96 1991 Nissan Patrol, 100,000 Ims, newsaeen, brakes, battery, rego NSW, wide wheel pack, bullbar. $18,000 neg. Ph 03 5881 4411 bh or 03 5881 1506 ah. .96 Transporter, Ford 'D' series rego 11-2001 (VMW430), under 4 ton.tare. Alloy pan 5.2 x 2.4 x 2.1m and side annex. 35Id, 5 speed manual on LPG, new tyres, 12vDC~240vAC Inverter, winch, ramps, tyre rack, under-belly lockers. $12,000 ono, contart Ken ph/fax 02 9653 1668 or 0418 261 860. ,96

Torana L), 3.3 red, G/lite pistons, Yella Terra head, electronic ignition, 1 tonne clutch, high vol/oil pump, Romac balancer, 4 speed g/box, mags, racks, axles, c7members, diff/housing, 5 point harnesses, f/glass seats, wings and spares. Complete car and spares. $3800. Ph 07 4954 5225 or 0427 969 876 195 VH Commodore Modified Production, fully worked 3.3 blue, Tilton ped and cyls, adjustable sus pension, Autometer tacho and gauges, M5D ignition, quicksteer, new f/glass, 4 WDB, heap of spares, quick sale. $5500. Ph 07 4954 5225 or 0427 969 876. 196

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

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

Porsche engines,993 3.6L $16,800, Varioram $21,045, 993 Twin Turbo $44,700,6 spd gearbox $6490,993 Twin Turbo body $32,000(undamaged),suspensions, big reds, GRP body panels. Ph 0417 620 980. 196 Toyota IG-GE motor, comipete with EFi, comput er, air flow meter & filter box. VGC, 2 litre 6 cyl. $480. Ph 03 9800 5740 ah. m 16V Cosworth Sierra, full works engine as new, V-serious engine, 500-r- hp plus spares and extras. $8000 ono. Ph 08 8396 6640 or 0403 090 920. 196 Perkins-built 308, Holden engine, slide injection, all new. $10,000. Ph 0412 267 245. 195

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. 195 Holden V8, HRT cylinder heads with valves. $2200. Ph 0412 399 987. ,95 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 Fomtula 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 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 912 160. 195 Porsche 3.4 It, with competition headers & exhaust. 46mm Webers, raceware bolts Mahle pis tons, G80 cams, crower rods, built by K Tech in Perth. Approx 3,000Km since rebuild. $11,000 ono, Ph Tim 0416 077 057, .95

waniefl

Speedcar drive required. Late Model A grade car, must have good setup and crew. Ph /kllen 02 6297 2920. 195

Limited slip diff centre, for Ford Escort. Prefer 4.1 ratio. Ph Robert 0418 821 213. 196

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 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 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

22 December 2000

Ford 6 cyl dual cab trader, 20ft long pan, 240v and 24v lights and power, 16ftJ! 8ft free standing awning. 12v winch, oil/fuei/spares. Storage. $20,000 ono. Ph 07 4751 6017. 195 Enclosed Tandem Trailer, 12ft X 5ft X 4ft, suit Formula Vee, Karts etc. $1000. Ph 03 9722 9315 or 0401 187 850. 195 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 '86 Isuzu FSR, 5 tonne, 22ft pan, very economical, benches, lockers, shelves, built-in compression, 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

Ford FIDO XLT 4x4 85. 5lt EFI. Auto, Air, CD, Sports roll bar. Nudge bar. Driving lights. Hay Reece Tow pack, Side steps. Black & Silver. Rebuilt engine and body restore. EC. Must sell. Will conclder trade with cash adjustment on interesting sports/racing car. $15,800. Ph 02 9388 7765 or 0413 433 193. 196 Founding-life membership, at Qld Raceway (family pass), free entry to all QR meetings inc pit entry & free general prartice (forever), ideal Xmas gift. $2500 inc transfer fees. Ph 07 3800 4712 or 0419 799 311. 195

RPM,2 layer suit, red with white box stitch, size ML, brand new $555. Camera, Pentax M2, 28-80 lens ideal for motorsport photography, brand new. $520. Ph 0419 242 025. 195

Toyota Sprinter AE86 parts, Konis. strut brace, wheels, roll cage, pair Weber 45s, two litre engine conversion. Ph 03 9889 1149 ah. 195

id:

Other

Automobile Year Books, 28-33 + 35. $600. Bathurst yearbooks 2 & 3 1983-84, 1984-85. $80. All EC. Ph 0409 196 099. 196

Vintage Speedcar, good order and running, NZ history, Linklater engine etc. Offers around $11,000. Ph 07 3201 4402. 19s

oWjKC.

Photos for sale, from Mallala Super Tourers, pho tos of most Super Tourers, HQs and Club Cars. Ph David Batchelor 08 8634 5310. 195

Epgiaes

F350 1982, banana back, 351C, auto, AC, PS, Telma magnetic brake retarder, nothing to spend. $27,500. Offers considered. Ph.03 5241 4198 ah or 0412 300 506. .96

1. -

Photographs

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. 195

Trailer, fully enclosed with annex, single axle, reg, easy to tow, suit FF, FV or karts. $1700. Ph 03 9842 3315. 196

Pontiac Super Sedan, body and roll cage only, done four meetings, have retired. $2000. New car trailer, registered with electric brakes $2900. Will swap either for traaor in going order. Ph 02 4572 5949. 196

S.D.A.V. Hot Rod, car and all spares. Proven winner, holds 2 track records, methanol, 350 Chev,just rebuilt and sealed for legality, Lee power steering box, quickchange gearbox, ready to race, very reliable. $15,000 ono. Ph Peter 03 9746 7640 after 7pm. 196 TE Cortina Modified Sedan, methanol engine 14:1, twin plate clutch, very reibble and quick car. Spare rims and tyres, no expense spared. $8000 iino. Ph 02 4632 7278 or 0410 501 618. .96

Videos, 1980s World Endurance/Sportscar Championships. Individual races, Duke originals only, no copies. Must be in EC. Ph 03 9802 4597. 195 F2, F3, FFord or FVee, wanted to lease by 18 yr old beginner for NSW state series. Assistance wanted but not absolutely necessary. Ph David 02 4943 3706 or email dharris@nru.com.au 195

Simpson suits, top of line, white and black. $100 and $350. Ph 0412 527 869. .96 Large range of motoring magazines, inc full set Sports Car World, Racing Car News and many thou sands of others, aiso motoring books. Ph 08 9279 7003 or fax 08 9377 3939. .96 Situations Vacant, automotive engineer/engine builder at Possum Bourne Motorsport Ltd. Applicants preferably have experience working on Subaru vehicles, automotive machining, engine diagnostic, after market computer tuning, engine dyno work, good communi cation skills & be a team player. Indicative salary range 35K-40K for full-time. Also, position for metal fabrica tor with light metal fabrication experience & machining, TiG welding. Send CV with contact details: Murray Brown, General Manager, Possum Bourne Motorsport Ltd, PO Box 523, Pukekohe NZ or ph 0011 64 9 238 5732 or email murray@possumbourne.com.nz .96 Goodyear Eagles, circuit slicks 2x R430 com pound, 25-11X15 near new condition. Cost $900, sell $600. Ph 0411 354 941..95 Situation vacant, driver with prime mover required for hauling 41' race transporter to various events Australia wide and prartice days. Origin is Hotting Hill, Melb. May accept driver only. Must have current licences/references available. Pending on applicant, full-time, casual or part time work is availabie. Ph Tanya 03 9543 3311 to discuss. .95 r

-i.

Drivers, to race 2001 Barber Dodge Series in USA. Fax karting and circuit racing CV to Ezybonds ProRace Aussies to Indy, attention: Mike Gallagher. Fax 0011 1 530 432 9018. Keep them short and to the point. Include return fax number or email. 196 Cosworth BDA or BDD race engine, of sound condition with a view to marriage with Ralt RT4 Formula Atlantic chassis. Prospective partners should phone John or Tony on 0418 736 869 or 07 3256 9505 ah. 196 Set of VS mesh Simmons, wheels to suit HQ Holden stud pattern. Ph 03 5428 3916 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

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 Collectors Plate, from the series "Adelaide 1985 1995" by Greg McNeill, No.6 of the series, entitled "My Day". Ph Craig 0410 468806 or 02 9673 2821. 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

Bathurst prog FAI 1000 V8 Supercars, raced 19 Nov 2000. VG condition.. Write to Kate Martin, 41 Petersen St Trinity Beach 4879 or leave a message on 0407 036 890. 195

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. 195 Model diecast race cars, inc rally, NASCAR, V8s etc. Email for list of available models davnar@adam.com.au 19s Exhaust tube bender, 3 phase binnie, computer con trolled, as new condition $8500. Can inspect in Castlemaine, Vic. Ph 03 5472 4116 fax 03 5470 6966. 195

Bolts & 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

OPINION

iiotorsport EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Phil Branagan Assistant Editor: Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist: Aaron Noonan PRODUCTION Adv & Graphirz Co-ordinator: Viv Brumby ADVERTISING Advertising Manager: Brendon Sheridan ADMINISTRATION Managing Dirtrtor: Chris Lambden CONTACTS 89 Orrong Crescent North Caulfield Vic 3161 (PO Box 1010 North Caulfield Vic 3161) Ph: 03 9527 7744 Fax: 03 9527 7766 Email: msnews@ozemail.com.au

CONTRIBUTORS General: Grant Nicholas, Darryl Flack, Tony Glynn, Mark Jones, Jon Thomson FI: Joe Saward,Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins US: Phil Mortis 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 Astar (USA), Davepstaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson Super Speedway: Martin Clark (USA) Nationai: Mark Wicks, Sean Henshelwood, Michael Shaw Photographers: Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Bothwell Photographic, Marshall Cass, Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett, Tony Glynn, AFl Images, Neil Hammond, Slipstream Photographic, ThunderPics, Phil Williams, Allsport, John Motris/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.

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AS 180.00 A$230.00

well enough at times to put egg in the faces of his critics. We will miss you, Pedro.

There was much grumbling about Channel 9 not showing the last two FI GPs live. I think you will find that the only ones they actually did show live (apart from Albert Park) were the Brazilian, Canadian and US races, as they are on in the mornings. Many times I have been watching Sports Tonight before the start of Nine’s FI telecasts, and been given reports of who is leading at the halfway mark, or occasionally who won it. By the same token, watching another network’s news

Warren Grzic Carlingford, NSW ED;It does seem that Pedro is finized as far as driving is concerned. Pity, he is a nice bloke. And I assume that your ‘Set the world on fire’crack was not a shot at his famous ‘Diniz in the Oven’fire from a few seasons back...

converter

Take a Cruise in the history books, Scott I think that Scott Cruise

GO OD LUCK i

(Talk Converter, Issue 194) should have a realistic look at the

the Official PEDRO PIN!

can often tell you the results of a motorcycle race that Channel 10 are about to show ‘live’. At least Nine used to give us five coverage of all rounds of the CAET series, apart from an occasional clash with another

HRT/Craig Lowndes

Good luck working with Prost Grand Prix, you might need it... Pedro Diniz has a fan in reader Gzric, while other readers, like Mick Muscat, have just a little bit too much time on their hands. The next thing you know, he’ll be telling us that the song says a Mustang GT on the 12th (Photo by Sutton-Images) day of Christmas ... -jj- ,

'do 'dam n

event they were telecasting such as golf from the USA. Ten can’t

even manage to show us races that happened on a Saturday until the Monday night, (e.g. Motegi.) Who would like to have to wait until late on Monday night to see next year’s American GPs? I got my Foxtel connection specifically to avoid having to wait too long to see the Superbikes and Bike GPs. I don’t really have a problem with any of the TV networks, apart from Ten’s Motegi CART coverage. We’re still a lot better off than a few years ago. I will watch whatever motorsport they show, whenever they show it. I’d just rather see it ASAP. If you’re a fellow PAY'TV subscriber, tell your provider that WE WANT SPEEDVISION!

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

It’s a lot better than it used to be ...

If we had access to it, we could’ve watched Matt Mladin successfully defending his US Superbike championship this year. Phillip Compagnoni Email; PhUlip.Compagnoni@tafrnsuxedu.au

ED:There’s Tw question, motor racing on TV elicits strong emotions. Tdlurve to have Speedvision,Philbut who the heck doItell?

Pedrophile I was disappointed to read that Pedro Diniz has retired from Grand Prix racing - I liked the guyHe may not have been one of the quickest or best drivers around, but nor was he one of the worst. He may have been a ‘paydriver’, with more money than talent, but he was definitely better than some others.

partnership results during their time together. Scott says that HRT has invested “plenty of money” in Craig, and, what-do -youknow, they have had an enormous return on their investment in the form of

three toming car titles, endurance wins at Bathurst, Sandown, Adelaide and Willowbank, as well as untold individual race wins and round victories. Many ‘professional teams’ would love to have achieved just one of these victories. Scott - you don’t understand motorsport. You are a nobody, but Craig Lowndes is a LEGEND. Mario Mazza Email: mpm51@one.net.au

‘Tis the season to drive a GT, fa-la-la-la ...

If Diniz was a mug, as many said he was, then his one-time teammate Damon HiU was not much better.

Just a quick letter and photo to sort out some phony Santas up around the Lismore area - I’ve seen them

Although Hill was expectedly on top for much of the time, Diniz outdid Hill quite a few times, which would have shocked plenty of people. I am not suggesting that Diniz set the world on fire (and no one

being towed by HRT crap. As you can see by the photo, the real Santa uses real muscle as he

expected him to)- he simply did

bellows out ho, ho, hoi! Mick Muscat Clunes, NSW

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