Motorsport News Issue 199 - February 16-28, 2001

1

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INSIDE

News and Opinion

4

6 8 12 26 82

New look DJR/Helix Is this Ford's best chance?

TWR Oz/HRT's 2001 Two teams; HRT and Kmart Car companies get serious Is this the big change for F1?

Benetton's final hurrah Jenson sick so Webber tests Box Seat Inverted cars and launches Talk Converter Quizzes, Cromley and yada yada

Features 28

32 34 38 44

V8 Supercar Preview This is going to be the greatest season of racing since ... 2000 All Change Formats, points and roll cages Konica Series Preview On for old and new in KV8SS McLaren's MP4/16 Adrian! Build me a new car!

Inside the Hunwick Harrop Honey, we're selling your car

Race Coverage

46

54 62 NEW LOOK HRT, DJR, KMART

motorswr

V8 SUPERCAR PREVIEW ISSUE

PLUS Photos: Cover: Ford Racing, Sutton-lmages. Contents: Ford Racing Sulton-lmages, Hunwick Harrop and John Asher.

66

Oran Park BOC STs The Paul Morris Show ends Swedish WRC Harri, Tommi and Carlos(i) Australian Sprintcar title Skipper goes #1, at last CAT 50,000 Schatz shoots down PCR

Regular Departments 20 72 52 56 70 62 74 76

Motorcycles Histories Rallying Drag Racing NASCAR Speedway National Scene Marketplace 3

Stoddart buys in

Aussie aviation tycoon completes purchase of Minardi FI

AS expected,Australian businessman Paul Stoddart has completed his purchase of the Minardi Grand Prix team.

The cars will run updated 1998 Ford-based VIO engines, which will be badged European, while the team will now be known as European Minardi.

Team founder Giancarlo Minardi will remain a director of the team, which will combine development between its old headquarters in Faenza, Italy(with a 100-strong workforce) and Stoddart’s Ledbury, UK base, which has 45 employees.

The team will be run by former Tyrrell team manager Rupert Manwaring with the management of the Italian operation being done by long-time Minardi employee Frederic Dhainaut.

A windtunnel is already under construction at Ledbury, a half scale rolling road facility has been designed and a building is already completed to house it, so it could be operational within a year.

For the interim, the race is on to get things ready for Australia and the team is being very careful about making any claims about how they will perform. The first Minardi-European PSOl is now nearing completion in Faenza.

This is the work of the Minardi technical team led by Gustav Brunner, which includes Gabriele Tredozi and George Ryton. The cars will run on Michelin t3Tes. It is certain that one car will be driven by Spanish teenager Fernando Alonso, who is contracted to Benetton boss Flavio Briatore, who confirmed the Spaniard has an arrangement with the two teams.

“Alonso has a contract,” he said.

“If Minardi races this season, then he’s racing for them.”

Alonso impressed European Minardi’s new boss Paul Stoddart during a test of a European Minardi chassis at the Vairano circuit last Saturday. Stoddart, who faces a race against time to get the team out to Melbourne, said: “We’ve had our eye on Fernando for some time, and we are delighted to have signed him.

Meanwhile the second seat is still up for grabs. Main contenders are veteran Italian Gianni Morbidelli, who drove for Minardi between 1990 and ‘92, and Dutch rookie Christjian Albers, who raced for Stoddart’s European Formula 3000 team last

Signed, sealed and delivered: Melbourne boy Paul Stoddart is the new owner of the embattled Minardi Grand Prix team, (Photo by Sirtlon-lmages) season alongside Mark Webber.

The cars will run, at Albert Park at least, in black and white, but that has nothing to do with any sponsors the team may secure.

Stoddart, who hails from Melbourne, is a long-time supporter of the Collingwood AFL

THIS is the look that Shell Helix Racing will carry into the new season.

Dick Johnson and his drivers, Paul Radisich and Steve Johnson, will be mounting a maximum effort to wrest the Shell Championship Series back to Queensland. The team is preparing its cars for the Australian Grand Prix support event in Melbourne in two weeks.

As well, DJR is building new cars and will have an inventory of four race-ready Falcon AUs for the championship.

"It's a huge commitment, but that what it takes these days," Dick said last week.

"Having cars ready is more of a necessity than a luxury and we are determined to be ready for anything."

team, and will run the cars in their famed colours.

That should prompt a fit of giggling from Eddie McGuire, who will host Network 9’s coverage of the event. McGuire is President of the Collingwood club ...

- JOE SAWARD/STAFF

Eddie backs Stoddie WHILE it might seem there are many around who are doubting his wisdom in purchasing embattled FI concern Minardi at such a late stage, Paul Stoddart has found an ally in Eddie Jordan.

The colourful Irishman has backed Stoddart in his endeavours, saying the Australian's move reminds him of his first move into Grand Prix racing just over 10 years ago when he needed to find sponsors, engines and drivers.

"Until you get to know Paul (Stoddart) it is hard to believe what he has done with his businesses," Jordan told the London Financial Times.

"He has seen Formula One first hand with Arrows, Tyrrell and Jordon and I am sure he can see how to avoid the downsides.

"I do not believe he would be getting into this unless he had all the numbers crunched in his head."

Feppari the rigi

Watch out for the special GP/200th issue of Motorsport News 4

motorsport news

NEWS

MW

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n Speaking of numbers, Mark Larkham will be keeping 10 this season. The Falcon driver has nominated 10, and 19 for his second entry (Tony Longhurst?) this year, and is close to a sponsorship deal. But expect the AU to run in Karcher/Ford colours at Albert Park, with a 'proper' sponsor launch prior to Phillip Island on March 25.

n Brad Jones' new OzEmail Falcon will debut at Phillip Island. BJR's existing, ex-Longhurst car, will serve duty at the Grand Prix before being used as a test car to help speed up the V8 learning process for the team during their scarce test days.

i.

Radisich is one of the & favourites for the series, afteW a series of late-season 2000 performances in which the DJR Falcons were fast and reliable.

The team is now being managed by Brett Bull after the departure of Dean Orr, who left the team at the end of the season to join Paul Weel Racing.

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WHAT number will Craig Lowndes run this season? According to the entry list for Albert Park, the Kid will be 00, which he is likely to carry for the rest of the year. There has been a suggestion that the team has signed a major, multi-year sponsorship deal, but no details were available as we went to press.

n The wildcards for the Australian Grand Prix V8 Supercar supports have been decided. Cameron McConville and Tomas Mezera have been nominated by AVESCO, while Anthony Tratt and Jason Richards have been chosen by the AGPC.

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Just call for Captain Zero

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New look, new year: Junior and the Rat will attack the Shell Series with this new-look Shell Helix Falcon A U XR8 FERRARI has confirmed that its sporting director, Jean Todt, and all the key members of Ferrari’s design team will remain with the Italian outfit until the end of 2004 The action scotches rumours that many key staff would be leaving the team. Todt had been linked to a move to Renault while there were also stories that technical director Ross Brawn would move to Jaguar and that Rory Byrne would retire.

It also maintains the successful combination of Brawn, chief designer Rory Byrne and lead driver Michael Schumacher, who have been together since 1991 and together won three Drivers’ and three Constructors’ titles with both Benetton and Ferrari Schumacher has said that he will stay at Ferrari as long as the team which has supported him so long remains in place. Speaking after testing at the Mugello circuit, the German said: “It might have an influence over a possible lengthening of my own contract with the Scuderia.

“It is an important decision for the whole team because it guarantees stability for several years and it’s fundamental if we are to start a new era.”

-JOESAWARD

n Lowndes I Polites! Commodore 1 1 Relax; Frank Lowndes, Melbournebased car builder and dad of youknow-who, is building a GT Production Commodore for Phillip Polites, former winner of the British FF1600 title. n Owen Kelly will drive John Faulkner Racing's VS Commodore at the opening round of the Konica Series at Wakefield Park. 'It's a good car and I should have a slight advantage over the others because I raced there the other weekend in the BMW," he said. n Speaking of the Konica round, the RPM International EL Ford which won the series in Dean Canto's hands last season is entered with a TBA. We hear that former AMSA Formula Fordster (and local Goulburnian) Con Toparis could be in line for the drive for round one with a handful of others looking to raise budgets for the rest of the season. n Paul Romano will have a VT at the AGP, but not the ex-HRT one which the team has bought, which won't be ready in time. He vyill, instead, run Derek Van Zelm's Commodore VT.

one day earlier than usual. AvaHaMe from Wednesday, Feb 28 16 February 2001

5

Mupphy/Kmart/TWR

Kiwi joins with Keiiy for two-car Commodore team AS predicted by Motorsport News last issue, Greg Murphy will again suit up in Kmart Racing colours and in a Holden in 2001.

The team will be run out of TWR’s Clayton complex in Melbourne,in a separate facility to the current HRT outfit.

The Kiwi will pair up with Todd Kelly in a two-car team of VX Commodores in Kmart colours, with ‘The Toddler’ debuting car #15 at the Australian Grand Prix and Murphy resuming at the opening round of the Shell Series in #12.

Both the HRT and Kmart operations will operate now under the TWR banner, with the latter operating totally independent of HRT by way of management, staffing and race facility locations within the Clayton complex, in a three-year deal.

TWR has already begun recruiting extra personnel to cope with the new work load of the new venture.

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Warpaint ready: These are the colours Greg Murphy and Todd Kelly will carry into the 2001 SCS.

Atnonoadk

HRT unveils 2001 warpaint

CLOSE, but no cigar...

Well, not quite, but our informed preview of HRT's new look for 2001 was on the right track, albeit slightly off to the left.

On February 6, HRT boss John Crennan unveiled the team's new warpaint for the new season, with an impressive presentation to around 250 assembled media, guests and sponsors at the Holden Special Vehicles plant in Clayton, Melbourne revealing a slick new look for this year.

The new 2001 VX Commodore's livery was co ordinated by Holden's Design Centre in Melbourne, with the car incorporating chequers onto the rear quarters and a more stylised Holden lion on the bonnet.

6

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the function - which also officially introduced Jason Bright and Young Lion Rick Kelly as members of the team came when Crennan surprisingly announced that renowned sports solicitor Jeff Browne had been appointed to the board of TWR Australia: Crennan saying Browne’s appointment would enable the team to remain the benchmark for the standards set in V8 Supercar racing.

Bright was confident in his new position, believing he can challenge for the Shell title.

"I've won Bathurst, came second last year and performed strongly in the past, so I can't see why I can’t be a contender," Bright said.

"With Mark as my team-mate

and the HRT crew’s knowledge and experience. I’m in the best position possible," Rick Kelly's signing of a threeyear contract with HRT, which will see him contest the Formula Holden Series, comes as his older brother, Todd, moves over to the new TWR Australia-run Kmart Racing team.

The 'Infant's' signing signals the beginning of an alliance

between HRT and the dominant South Australian-based Birrana team which will run Kelly's campaign.

"This is a great opportunity for me," a naturally enthusiastic Kelly said.

"To have an organisation such as HRT behind you can be the difference between a career and just a dream."

- GERALD McDORNAN moiorspori news

NEWS

Lauda's back

Austrian takes Ford post

by JOE SAWARD

Rick in iine for KV8SS RICK Kelly's year could be getting a whole lot busier.

The 18-year-old, whose Formula Holden campaign was confirmed at the HRT launch in Melbourne last week, is in line to be 'blooded' by the team in the Konica V8 Supercar Series, in preparation for possible endurance drives with either HRT or the TWR/Kmart team.

Motorsport News has been told that the deal is being done with the aim of having Kelly in a Commodore VT in time for the second round of the series at Oran Park on March 18.

Funding for the drive is currently being sorted, though it appears unlikely that the Mildura driver, who made such a strong impression in the Tasman Cup Formula Holden races, will compete in all subsequent rounds of the Konica Series.

Holden sources have suggested that the car may not be run by the team directly, but let out to a 'satellite' team, already experienced in touring car preparation. There is no word on who may front that team.

In any event, with a FH and Konica program, and a three-year management deal already in place, it looks like Rick is in for a bright future ...

- PHIL BRANAGAN

departure, Ford’s motor sport programs will now fall under Lauda’s control.

“It is good to be back in racing on a full-time basis,” said the Austrian.

“I am looking forward to getting started on the challenge ahead.

“My role will be to help put in place the building blocks to enable all these companies to realise their full potential and to work together to the best effect.”

Lauda had been a consultant to the Ferrari team from 1992 through until 1999. He won the World 'Ktle for the team in 1975 and 1977 and for McLaren in 1984.

AUSTRIA’S three-time Formula 1 World Champion, Niki Lauda, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Premier Performance Division of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group.

The appointment of Lauda heralds his full time return to the sport after a 15-year period in which he spent building up Lauda Air until his resignation as chairman from the eponymous airline late last year.

Lauda steps into the void left with the The rat’s back: Niki Lauda departure of Neil Ressler, who has becomes a Jag cat. (Sutton-images) retired from Ford Motor Company after 34 years.

The 61-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, had been head of the company’s Advanced Vehicle Development division since 1994.

An engineer with a doctorate and an MBA, Ressler had a good grasp not only of what was possible in engineering terms but was also able to manage.

Following his

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16 February 2001

n What's Italian for "you idiot"?

Sam Newman will be on the grid at Albert Park in both a Ferrari and a Lamborghini. He'll race a Prancing Horse F360 in the Nations Cup races and a Diablo in the Lamborghini Challenge, and is trying to do a deal to run either type of car in the Nations Cup title. n The Valvoline/Cummins/Repco backing for this year's Formula Ford series will be with Will Davison. The Victorian will drive a new model RF2001 Van Diemen. n Somewhat predictably, Paul Morris hit the 50 mark in wins in the BOC Gases Super Touring Championship last weekend. The four-time Champ scored his first win in the series in 1994, and has now won 51 times in 116 starts. Second on the all-time list is Brad Jones on 23. n Speaking of BMWs, we hear that Mike Downard is close to selling his 318i. The former Playboysponsored driver, present at Oran Park as Safety Car driver, said that a current competitor in the series is close to securing a deal to buy the car. n The Sigma Champ Car team has confirmed that Oriol Servia will drive its Lola-Ford in this year's FedEx Championship Series, which begins in Mexico on March 11.

By Allan SclniitHl

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n We hear that Alan Gurr could be heading to Formula Holden. The 18-year-old, who made a strong impression in the just-concluded BOC Gases Series, is said to be close to doing a deal to race Ralt Australia's Reynard in the Drivers' Championship, which starts at Phillip Island on March 25. Ralt's Graham Watson propped the Ford Mondeo Gurr ran in the first half of the Super Touring season.

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'&S Me "Km N Tile Hat IS BACK II

Dennis warning Bernie/Mc McLaren

Prix. In typically blunt style, Dennis declared “Only one team did not want us to ti start the season with all of the -Ron Dennis driver aids reintroduced at the opening race. Everyone else did.'

In so doing, Dennis reopened his long-running feud with Ferrari, as it was the World Champions together with Prost and Sauber, which run Ferrari engines - which vetoed the immediate return of driver aids from the first round of the 2001 Formula 1 season.

Dennis agreed with Williams's Patrick Head and most other FI engineers that the tyre war between Bridgestone and new arrivals Michelin could also result in controversy and disputed results, particularly in the lack of definition from the FIA over what constitutes a grooved or slick tyre.

‘We will need to have much greater clarity on that from the FIA if it is to be avoided,” he said.

- JOE SAWARD

"Only one team did not want us to start the season with all of the driver aids reintroduced at the opening race

chairman Ron Dennis has raised the issue of potential cheating in the 2001 season, warning the FIA that the outcome of the this year's World Championship could be decided in the opening three races if the governing body is not vigilant over driver aids.

Dennis called for severe penalties for anyone found to be in breach of the technical regulations.

The rules of FI are expected to change at the Spanish GP with the reintroduction of traction-control and other electronic driver aids.

The new rules have to be confirmed at an FI Commission meeting this week.

“We need to see a clear contest in those opening Grands Prix,” he said.

Dennis believes that it may well prove possible for teams using driver aids, such as traction control, to illegally to gain an advantage before they are officially reintroduced at the Spanish Grand

...as the manufacturers circle

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Having words: Max Mosley and Bernie Ecclestone are taking differing (Photo by SuKon-lmages) views on the future of SLEC and the FIA.

McLaren flies out

WITH Albert Park's opening round of the FI World Championship looming rapidly, teams have been busy testing in three separate areas in preparation.

McLaren, Jordan, Arrows, Sauber and Jaguar put kilometres on their cars in Valencia, Spain, with David Coulthard re-breaking team-mate Mika Hakkinen's lap record. Test driver Alex Wurz was just 0.023s behind, even after only running less than half as many laps as the Scot.

Nobody could get close to the McLarens, Heinz-Harald Frentzen the nearest in the new Jordan, three-quarters of a second off Wurz.

Enrique Bernoldi was an impressive fourth in the Arrows/AMT interim A21B, with Jarno Trulli fifth in the second Jordan ahead of Eddie Irvine and the Saubers of Kimi Raikkonen and Nick Heidfeld.

Jos Verstappen had difficulties with the new A22 Arrows chassis, while Jag's Luciano

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Out in Africa: Montoya and Schumacher joined the BARs in their now(Photo by Sutton-lmages) traditional pre-season test at Kyalami in South Africa.

Burti brought up the rear.

Over at Estoril, Jenson Button had the circuit all to himself in the new Benetton B201/Renault after Prost packed up and left on the weekend.

Button ran 48 laps, some 42 better than the previous day, when the new 111 deg Renault engine had further problems.

Gaston Mazzacane had edged out team-mate Jean Alesi the prior to the French team heading home, the team newcomer

some two-tenths quicker than his more experienced team mate. New test driver Pedro de la Rosa was also on hand and drove the car.

Ferrari's Rubens Barrichello was at the team's private Fiorano circuit, working on electronic systems, practice starts and pit stops to sharpen the crew.

Team test driver Luca Badoer has returned to the cockpit and was scheduled to take over from

the Brazilian, who headed to Mugello for further testing of the new F2001.

Williams and BAR elected to again test at Kyalami in South Africa and, although Grand Prix racing hasn't been in the country since 1993, there have been reports of in excess of 100,000 people paying to witness the three cars of Ralf Schumacher, Juan Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve going through their paces.

Schumacher blistered the lap record, more than two seconds faster than his best lap in testing last season, while the Colombian was only 0.009s behind.

"We worked on endurance runs in the morning and completed a race distance on the engine," said Ralf.

"We managed a trouble-free simulation - most of which was focused around temperatures."

Villeneuve was some 1.6s slower than the Williams duo in the BAR 003. moiorsporl news

NEWS

IX battle?

for their stake in Formuia One

by JOE SAWARD BERNIE Ecclestone's familyowned holding company SLEC, which controls the Formula One group of companies, crossed swords in public last week with FIA President Max Mosley over whether or not SLEC has a deal to keep the commercial rights to Formula 1 until the year 2110.

Mosley said that SLEC had failed to meet its first payment of US$60m ($95m) and that the deal was not definite. Ecclestone denied there was a problem, saying that SLEC has seven years to pay.

Ecclestone is currently wheeling and dealing for the control of the 50 percent stake in his Formula One group of companies which is currently owned by stumbling German media baron Thomas Haffa, the boss of EM.TV. The company is the target of several potential takeover bids by large media firms and Ecclestone holds one of the key cards, as he has an option to sell an extra 25 percent of the business to Haffa for $lbn.

Haffa cannot afford to pay and would have to declare bankruptcy if Ecclestone exercised the option.

The reported - and since exaggerated - stories about Bernie selling out to a consortium of automobile companies which includes Renault, BMW,Fiat, Ford and Mercedes are, in part, true.

There is a wish amongst the automobile firms to have more control over the sport in which they have invested so heavily, but they do not want day-to-day control as it is arguable that they would be incapable of agreeing to who would run operations.

Ecclestone is going to go on running the business for as long as he wishes to do so but, at 70 years of age, his tenure of office is shorter in the future than it has been in the past.

EM.TV rival Kirch has been trying to stitch together a deal to save EM.TV by taking a shareholding in the business and taking the Formula One shares.

The aim is to get hold of a blocking vote in EM.TV which would give Leo Kirch virtual control over his rival, as he would have to agree anything that Haffa wanted to do.

Kirch wants the FI shares so that he can cut his payments to Ecclestone for the digital TV rights 16 February 2001

for the sport in Germany.

Ecclestone would prefer not to have Kirch controlling any shares.

If all goes to Kirch's plan the FI shares will be acquired for US$550m,a bargain.

The deal is not done and Ecclestone may yet try to buy the shares back from Haifa and then sell them again. It would not be the first time that Ecclestone has sold one of his companies on more than one occasion and each time he gets more money. Nonnally Bemie has a new buyer lined up before he sells so it is not surprising that there should be talk of the car companies getting a slice of the companies.

That deal makes sense as does a stock market flotation of a percentage of the firm. This will be able to go ahead now that a deal is coming between Ecclestone, the FIA and the European Commission.

Chancellor gets BAR post BRITISH American Tobacco has named the Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke as Chairman of British American Racing (Hoidings) Ltd. The move makes Clarke, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in Britain’s last Conservative government and a member of the BRDC, the first member of BAT's main board to place a firm hand on the tiller of the team.

Clarke's installation also swings the numbers in the teams hierarchy towards BAT’s favour, with a 5-3 majority over the ‘racing’ men. He joins Nick Brookes (BAT's Asia-Pacific director and CEO of BAT subsidiary Brown & Williamson), Jimi Rembiszewski (BAT's international marketing chief), and Antonio Monteiro de Castro (BAT's director for Latin America) on the board of BAR. Craig Pollock, Adrian Reynard and Jerry Forsythe remain as the ‘racing’ men on the board.

-JOE SAWARD

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n GRAND PRIX 2001 Joe Saward previews the blockbuster Formula 1 year which kicks off at Albert Park on March 4.

n Konica Lift-off The competition in the second V8 Supercar series starts at Wakefield Park n V8 Supercars 2001 The world’s best touring car series has come a long way n Looking in reverse In our 200th edition, we look back at the big stories

AWARDS Who will take the honours in Australian Motor racing’s AS in the world of golf and tennis, motor racing may be getting its own seniors tour for retired stars of Formula 1.

Motoring News in the UK reports that 'Grand Prix Masters' is being prepared to launch next year as a spec open-wheeler class with VI0 engines for retired stars such as Damon Hill, above, Alain Prost and Nigel Mansell.

Code-named Formula A, the cars are reportedly similar to those that will form the basis of the Premier 1 GP championship, which will feature cars turned out in the liveries of Premier League soccer teams.

The proposed 10 races for the Masters Series would be run on weekends that wouldn't clash with FI GPs.

night of nights? We name the nominees for the big event.

Don’t forget, we’re out one day early

ON SALE 28 FEBRUARY Contents correct at time of going to press

9

ten home of

[motorsport] Shell Championship Series VS Supercars 2001 * Mar4

Albert Park . . .{Non Championship) .Rd 1

Mar25 ... .Philip Island .

Apr 8

Adelaide ....

,Rd2

Apr 29

Eastern Creek

,Rd3

May 12 .. .Hidden Valley Jun 7 Canberra ...

●.Rd4

Jun 24 ....Perth

,Rd6

Jul15

CalderPark .

.Rd7

Jul 29

Oran Park ...

,Rd8

,Rd5 .

rt-'-

!T: -1

,Rd9

Aug 26 ...Ipswich Konica

VS Supercar Series 2001* Feb 25 . . .Wakefield Park Rd 1 Mar 18 . . .Oran Park . . . .

.R d2

May 6 . . . .Winton

.R d3

May 27 . . .Philip Island . .

Jul 8 Lakeside

.R d4

Aug 12 . . .Mailala

.R d6

●R d5

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

Rd 1 Rd2

Mar 18 . . .Malaysia .Brazil’

Rd3

Apr 1 . .

. Rd4

Apr 15

.San Marino"

Apr 29 .

.Spain

Rd5

May 13

.A1-Ring' .Monaco'

. Rd6 Rd8

May 27 ■ - denotes F3000 round also SOOcc World Grand Prix

Motorcycle Championship 2001* .Rd 1 Mar 19 . . .South Africa Apr 2

.Malaysia . .

.Rd2

Apr 8

Japan . . . .

.Rd 1

Apr 22

South Africa

.Rd2

May 6 . . . .Spain . . . .

.Rd3

May 20 . . .France . . .

Rd4

June 3. . . .Italy

Rd5

FedEx CART Championship Series 2001* Feb 11

Rd 1

Rio

Mar 11 . . . .Monterrey .

,Rd2

Apr 8

Long Beach

,Rd3

Apr 29

Texas

Rd4

May 6 . . . .Nazareth . .

Rd5

May 19 . . .Motegi . . .

Jun 3 Milwaukee

.Rd7

Rd6

World Rally Championship* ,Rd 3

Mar8-11 . .Portugal .

Mar 22-25 .Catalunya

Rd 4

May 3-6 . . .Argentina

.Rd 5

rten1 k

Hasta la vista Copa Cabana: There will be no Champ Cars at Rio. (PhotobyFold Me^

J

home of

motorsport All event dates k) this calendar were correct at the time of printing. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations (or date changes.

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

by PHIL MORRIS THE on again, off again Rio Champ Car race has heen cancelled by CART. CART had previously notified the City of Rio de Janeiro that it was in default of its agreement with CART by missing the deadline for providing CART with letters of credit guaranteeing the payment of sanction fees, as well as denying event promoter, Emerson Fittipaldi, access to the circuit to begin preparations for the race. (( After exploring all possibilities with the promoter of the event, we unfortunately have reached the conclusion that it is impossible to go forward with this year’s Rio 200,” said CART President/CEO Joseph Heitzler.

By cancelling the event, which had been scheduled for March 25, the Champ Car body is free to pursue a replacement race, which will more than likely remain in Brazil, considering that 10 of the 31 drivers in the series are Brazilian.

The problem is one of time, with the series starting in three weeks with a ‘fly-away’ race in Monterey, Mexico.

We [the Brazilian drivers] get a lot of exposure from that race,” said Mauricio Gugelmin. u It’s the same as doing Indianapolis for drivers over here (in America) - it’s a big deal. So from that point of view it’s very disappointing for me and my sponsors.

Doohan's Benz Targa debut for 500 legend MICK Doohan is to make his car racing debut in the Targa Tasmania.

The five-time world SOOcc champion will drive a Mercedes-Benz CLK SS AMG in the five day event, which will have a field of over 300 vehicles.

It will be Doohan's first motorsport event on four wheels.

'Tm getting too old for bikes!" said Doohan at the Melbourne announcement of his drive.

"I wasn't necessarily interested in racing cars. It's a serious, yet light-hearted event."

Doohan, 35, maintains that the Targa will not be the start of a four-wheeled racing career.

"At the moment, no. I hope to bring it home safely, with no scratches on it."

Doohan has a long history with the company, having established links with Mercedes through a personal friendship at the start of his Grand Prix career.

His race will be part of a two year deal between Targa organisers Octagon Motorsports and MercedesBenz Australia, which wil l see the company supply the official cars for the event.

The event will mean that Doohan, who is the racing manager for Honda, will miss the South African SOOcc Grand Prix at the Welkom circuit. He is also expected to conduct some pre-event testing in Tasmania, with a navigator to be named. However, Motorsport News believes that the favourite for the second seat is fellow SOOcc GP winner.

Darryl Beattie.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

molorsport news

NEWS "D

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Price in at Uitra Tune AVESCO TV deal close

ULTRA Tune Racing has rung the changes for 2001, replacing Mick Donaher with Melinda Price.

The 30-year-old will race the team’s Commodore VT in the Shell Championship Series, and will team up with lyier Mecklem in the endurance races.

Donaher hadn't even been told of the decision by Ultra Tune when contacted by Motorsport News.

“I haven't been told anything,” he said.

“It leaves me out in the cold without a ride.”

The move comes of something of a surprise. Donaher qualified the car a strong 14th at Bathurst last November and was running strongly when he tangled with Cameron McConville, the car later retiring with engine problems.

“We feel that, as part of our marketing campaign, Melinda is a good role model,” said Ultra Tune’s Sean Buckley.

“In terms of our company, we probably feel that the best thing to do, at the moment,is to have a female driver.

“We know she is not as fast as Mick Donaher. He came up in leaps and bounds once he got the car right. We are taking a risk.”

Price will feature in much of Ultra Tune’s TV and print advertising. She has spent much of the last season doing'TV commentary for Network 7’s coverage of the BOC Gases Super Touring Championship.

Ironically, she will race against co-commentator McConville, the former Audi works driver agreeing to run a VX for Lansvale Racing.

The other changes in the team will be minimal. Bob Tindal will continue to run the team, while a new sponsor will join Ultra Tune and TDK before the start of the season.

16 February 2001

I’ve seen you on the telly: Leigh Diffey, Ali Grower and Neil Crompton have their 10 gigs this season - but what about 2002?

EXPECT an announcement r from AVESCO regarding its 2002 television deal at the Australian Grand Prix.

The next meeting of the AVESCO board is expected to conclude arrangements for a multi-year TV package with either Network 10 or Channel Seven.

Ten, which has broadcast the races since 1997,looks to be the favourite for the deal but Seven, which will lose its long-running AFL deal at the start of next year, is said to be keen to secure a large slice of

local sports product, which would assist in meeting local content guidelines.

AVESCO is also on the verge of expanding its international coverage, with increased exposure in Asia and South America. Sources in the UK suggest that all rounds of the Shell Series will be seen on the News Limited-owned BSkyB cable network, with the broadcasts fronted by former 10 commentator and BBC World Superbike host, Leigh Diffey.

-PfflL BRANAGAN

n The BBC has extended its deal to cover Grand Prix racing on radio, Radio 5 Live, which covers each race, wiil continue in the sport for the next five years, Bernie Ecclestone commenting 'when something works, it's best left in place."

Commentator Jonathon Legard, who had been rumoured to be in contention for Murray Walker's ITV/Nine spot, will continue in the job. n After Arrows launched its new car in Melbourne last year, look for another last-minute GP launch this season. Prost Grand Prix will officially unveil its Ferrari-powered AP04 (which has already been tested in Spain) on February 28. n Dom Beninca will run in Nations Cup this season. The former Australian GT Production car champ will drive the ex-Peter Bradbury Porsche in the series, with preparation by veteran Bob Stevens.

B We hear that Will Power will be running a Stealth in Formula Ford this season. The Queenslander took delivery of the ex-Rick Kelly car last week, and will be leasing engines from Peter Verheyen, who ran the car for Kelly last season. n Possum Bourne will have a newer model Subaru to tackle this year's Australian and Asia-Pacific Series. The Kiwi will step up from his 1998-spec WRCarto Juha Kankkunen's Rally of Great Britain P2000. The new car, debuted last year in Portugal by Richard Burns and Kankkunen, incorporated two years of development and design revision

by Prodrive. n The Gearbox Motorsport V8 Supercar Falcons have found a new home. Both ex-DJR ELs, the two cars have been snapped up by Pom Mike Newton, who has campaigned at Bathurst a handful of times. The ex-Racing for Life car is headed to the UK, while the other is staying in Australia, reportedly to be prepped for the Konica mini-enduro at Bathurst in October. n Out of a drive with AJ Foyt, former motocrosser Jeff Ward has linked with former Team Menard team manager Mitch Davis to form Heritage Motorsports for the 2001 IRNLS season. The team will work out of the workshop of Dreyer and Reinbold's team (driver Robbie Buhl), and use G-Force chassis with Menard-built Aurora engines. n Budweiser, which was an associate sponsor on Juan Montoya's Indy 500-winning car last year, will take the same role with Galles Racing at the Brickyard this year on the cars of Al Unser Jr and Casey Mears.

11

The last 0

New look: Frost has got Pedro de la Rosa. Now what?

(Photo by Sutton-lmages)

Ppost gets Pedpo ALAIN Prost has thrown a lifeline to Spanish driver Pedro de la Rosa as the team's reserve and test-driver for 2001.

The Spaniard was unceremoniously axed by Arrows last week in favour of Brazilian youngster Enrique Bernoldi, but has now signed a two-year contract with Prost Grand Prix.

“I'm delighted to welcome Pedro to our team at the eve of a very promising season,” said Prost. “I am confident that his experience

in Formula One, as well as the talent he has already shown in the past, will be an important support to drivers Jean Alesi and Gaston Mazzacane and will contribute to the team's ambitions.”

The announcement is bad news for Prost's second driver Gaston Mazzacane as it is going to be very difficult for him to match the pace of the more experienced de la Rosa and so, inevitably, it will not be long before there are calls for Mazzacane to be replaced.

-JOESAWARD

Oooh, baby

MOTORSPORT engineer Ron Harrop will realise a long-held ambition when the 1500cc Hunwick Flallam deluxe roadster motorcycle is launched at the Melbourne Motor Show in two weeks.

Guests at the MotorSport Awards Dinner on Wednesday February 28 will get a sneak preview of the machine, which is / primarily aimed at the US market.

For more on this all-Australian dream machine, see page 44.

12

PATRICK Faure, President of Renault Sport, has declared that the Regie's full return to Formula 1 from 2002 will help the French manufacturer onto a new global sales drive.

Speaking at the launch of the new Benetton-Renault B201 in Venice, Faure explained that there have been big changes to the company, and that Formula 1 will be an ideal platform to help it grow.

"You might wonder why Renault have come back after , winning all the championships we have," he said.

“We have changed greatly in the last three years. We are now one of the five biggest car companies in the world. In the year 2010, we have to sell four million cars compared with little more than 2 million today.

We need to become known all over the world, and what better than Formula 1 to do that."

Flowever, he added that their return was not just for the commercial aspects.

"There is still a sporting challenge," Faure continued.

“We have never won a World Championship with a complete package. We went close with * Alain Frost in the mid-1980s but we've never done it ourselves with car, engine and team."

Former team owner Luciano Benetton bowed out at the expensive - and poorly organised - launch on Tuesday in the Piazza San Marco in Venice, where their car was kept under wraps on a morning plagued by dense fog.

Flundreds of guests and media were flown in to the sinking city to spend most of their day bobbing around on the canal as Benetton handed over the team he called his "baby" to Renault. The Benetton group's headquarters are less than an hour from Venice, and they clearly wanted to make their last ever launch something special.

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Renault took over Benetton in March last year and this season is the last ip which the famous Italian "fashion i wear company will be involved in the sport they entered as a sponsor of the Tyrrell team in 1983. After buying out the Toleman team in 1985, the well-funded operation finally won the drivers' World Championship with Michael Schumacher in 1994 and took both drivers and constructors' titles in 1995. moiorspon news

NEWS n The Northern Territory government will back this year's Australian Safari. Chief Minister Denis Burke MLAi said last week that the government would extend its backing for the third year. The 2001 event, which starts in Alice Springs on August 19, will be part of the FIA's World Cup. n Almost famous: the forthcoming Warner Brother's racing movie 'Driven' will feature a character named 'Crusher' which, we hear, is based on Aussie PR man Brett Murray.

Apparently, Crusher was asked to play the role himself. We don't know who will get the role, but MN votes for former 'Cheers' actor, George 'Norm!'

Wendt... n Sir Frank Williams has stated that he joined forces with Michelin because he was sick of losing to the French manufacturer. Michelin returns to FI this year after a 16-year absence and will supply BMW-Williams, Benetton, Jaguar, Prost and EuropeanMinardi."We have suffered at the hands of Michelin in the past, when other teams have beaten us by a long stretch, and we had no hesitation in joining them" he said. Michelin also supplied the Williams-Renault Laguna touring car team of 1995-99 and the BMW-Williams sports prototype of 1998-2000.

Next year, it’s Renault: Giancarlo Fisichella gets to work sorting the Benetton-Renaiilt 201. (Plioiifs by Siitiim-bnagest

and Webber tests MARK Webber returned to the cockpit of a Benetton FI car last week.

The unscheduled opportunity came after Jenson Button was struck down with food poisoning in the midst of a four-day test at Estoril.

Fish eaten while in Venice for Benetton's launch a day earlier was the suspect...

Webber took over the 2000 car to continue with Michelin development work, while Giancarlo Fisichella remained in the all-new 2001 car which is starting to look like a headache for the team as it tries to overcome reliability problems.

Webber completed 45 laps on Thursday before overnight fog and rain brought proceedings to a halt.

It was good to be back in the car," he told us this week, "especially as without it I'd have been going into the first F3000 testing (this week at Imola) without having been in a car for a couple of months.

"I was very comfortable in the car and it was good to re16 February 2001

n David Coulthard has postponed his marriage to American model Heidi Wichlinski so he can concentrate on winning the World Drivers' Championship. The 29-year-old Scot confirmed he had put off the arrangements to prevent them from interfering with his concentration during this year's championship. n Prost Grand Prix's former chief designer Loic Bigois has departed the team following the arrival of former McLaren aerodynamicist Henri Durand. Bigois has been involved in l Formula 1 for 10 years and was hired

by Ligier to replace Durand when he moved to McLaren. It is anticipated that he will be hired to be one of the design team at Toyota Motorsport in Cologne.

Webber at work: Benetton obviously chose Webber for his speed, maturity and... never mind.

establish that working relationship with the team Following this week's official F3000 test with Super Nova and a further day at Snetterton next week, Webber returns to Australia in time for the MotorSport Awards Dinner and Grand Prix Week in Melbourne.

n Jean-Pierre Boudy, the technical director of the old Peugeot Sport, has left the company, which has now been reorganised by its new owner Asiatech. The 56-year-old engineer has been with Peugeot Sport sipce leaving his position as head of research and development at the Renault Sport FI program in 1983.

-JOE SAWARD

And the winner is...

The ‘Win a GP weekend with Mark Webber' corlipetition has been won by

ALAN GREEN Of Oatley, NSW Congratulations Alan, and thanks to everyone who entered.

13

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Living the high life in a tax haven like Monaco: Elf’s former number two fled France, but now he’s been caught and threatening to tell all.

I

THE French oil company Elf, which will re-enter Formula 1 with Benetton-Renault, is currently beset with scandal following a large number of deals made in the early 1990s when the firm was a stateowned company.

Alfred Sirven, the former number two in the Elf company, disappeared several years ago to the Philippines following an investigation into allegations that he masterminded a vast slush fund from which politicians in various companies were paid.

It is alleged that many of these payments were made through compliant or front companies using a system of fictitious employees to whom salaries and commissions were paid. The money was then passed on to the politicians.

To date FI has enjoyed a clean bill of health in the affair, but

France is gripped by the scandal as former foreign minister Roland Dumas faces allegations that he benefited from illegal payments to his then-mistress Christine Deviers-Joncour, who enjoyed a fictitious job at Elf As a result, Dumas has been forced to resign as head of France’s top law court - the Constitutional Council.

The fugitive Sirven was arrested in the Philippines on Friday and is now being held in Germany where he is being investigated for an alleged involvement in corrupt deals in 1992 when Elf took over East German oil company Leuna, renaming it Elf Minol.

Sirven has warned that if he is forced to speak, he will implicate hundreds of prominent people, but says he will protect those who help him.

- JOE SAWARD

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White's Take the tin lids to PI for the V8s!

MOTORSPORT News and Phillip Island Motorsports would like you to take the kids along when you go to the V8 Supercar round on March 25.

Just put your name and address/phone details on the back of an envelope, the num ber of children (under 15 years of age - maximum of four per family) you want to take and get it to us pronto.

14

20 envelopes will be drawn out and tickets made available to you for the kids.

The only condition is, of course, that the children will need to be accompanied by at least one paying adult. Closing date is Thursday March 9 - do it now so you don't forget! Send to: Motorsport News Take the Kids Giveaway, PO Box 1010, Caulfield North VIC 3161.

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INAUGURAL Mike Kable Rookie of the Year winner Matthew ' V. White is stuck between a rock and a hard place a little more than a week before the first race of the year.

White told Motorsport News on Monday that he was still undecided on whether he would again run in the Konica V8 Supercar Series, or step up to the top-level Shell Series - the runner-up.in last year's previously named Konica Lites series saying he has half the budget for a full Shell season and the same for the Konica series.

"I've got some interest from sponsors for the full Shell series, but I really need to exhaust those inquiries before I can make a decision on which way we'll go," White said - the first round of the Konica series taking place at Wakefield Park next weekend.

“Time's running out, so decisions will need to be made soon."

White also said if he was to make a run at the Shell series, it would again come at the wheel of his VS Commodore, the cost of stepping up to a used VT out of his budget range at the moment.

"1 would have to double the money that I could sell the VS for to pay for a VT and 1 really don't think they're double the car -$250,000 plus GST for a used VT with no engine is a lot of money...

"I can update my current car, run some bigger brakes and give it a freshen up and Tm confident it would be every bit as good as many of the other cars out there."

- GERALD McDORNAN molortport news

NEWS ya ^a/nls

7PM WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 28 MELBOURNE PARK

Somebody pinch me; Bill Elliott can’t believe he’s on polefor the Daytona 500.

(Photo by Allsport)

Dodge's dpeam DESPITE having spent a rumoured US$50 million on its return to Winston Cup racing, even the most positive Dodge executive couldn't have believed they would win pole for the Daytona 500, but they have!

And, better still, TWO Dodge drivers will start the sport's biggest race from the front row - Bill Elliott and Stacy Compton.

'Awesome Bill from Dawsonville' used all of his knowledge, some luck, an early draw and a strong qualifying engine to the best possible advantage to secure pole last Saturday with Ray Evernham's#9 Dodge Dealers Dodge Intrepid-a 183.565mph lap enough to secure first spot.

Chevy driver Jerry Nadeau actually secured second, but an irregularity moved Compton's Melling Racing #92 Intrepid alongside Elliott - the dream debut now very much a reality...

Qualifying for the remainder of the Daytona 500 field continues this weekend at the famous Daytona Beach, Florida track.

The Big Steal?

WILL Channel Nine personality Steve Bisley get the car he thinks he should get for this year’s BMW Celebrity Challenge?

Bisley, star of“Water Rats’ but perhaps better known for his portrayal ofshonky car dealer Gordon Farcus in the movie The Big Steal,’is just one of many actors, radio and TV stars and Olympians who are lining up for their big chance in this year’s race.

And, while an individual efforts have been the centre of attention in previous celebrity races, this year a State of Origin theme is also being used, with each participant representing his or her state or territory.

Seven teams of four participants each will line up for the race in identically prepared BMW Z3 2.21 roadsters, with 16 February 2001

each and every position in the race counting towards the State of Origin points.

Bisley, who will represent New South Wales, will also be joined in his state squad by ‘Getaway’s’ Catriona Rowntree, while Olympians Kieren Perkins (Qld), Rechelle Hawkes(WA), Lauren Burns (Vic), Gillian Rolton (SA), Rob de Castella(ACT)and AFL football legend Peter Hudson (Tas) are also hoping to score points for their states.

Also included in the list of competitors released this week by the AGP are media and movie personalities such as Dave Hughes, Neil Mitchell and ^ Yahoo Serious, while 25-yearold Fl-11 navigator Flight Lieutenant Brooke Chivers will also join the race.

- GERALD McDORNAN

Join Australian and international motor sport stars for a night of entertainment and recognition of achievement in motor sport - the off-track highlight of Grand Prix Week!

Last tickets available at $160 per head For information on bookings:| Fax: 03 9593 7700 or I email marketing@cams.com.au OR S

Phone Ceorgie on * (03)9593 779

BOOK'NUMH SEATS ElkLING JUST TWO WEEKS TO GO!

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NEWS

Davison returns 0/S CISZSSlJ

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FORMER Grand Prix and Champ Car star Stefan Johansson is bringing the famous Gulf blue-and-orange colours back to international sportscar racing in 2001.

The US-based Swede has announced that his longrumoured European Le Mans Series bid with a solo customer Audi will be sponsored by the double Le Mans-winning brand.

The 44-year-old, who will enter the car under the Johansson Racing banner, said: "Securing Gulf as a partner for this programme is fantastic.

They have an amazing history in sportscar racing and I am really looking forward to carrying their colours for this year."

Johansson confirmed that Arena Motorsport, owned by former Grand Prix team boss Mike Earle, will run the car in the seven-round ELMS and in June's Le Mans 24 Hours.

Johansson will drive the car, starting in next month's Sebring 12 Hours, together with an undisclosed second driver. A "top line sportscar racer" has been promised.

- GARY WATKINS

Bizarre court case in NZ Volunteer officials face charges

THE outcome of a bizarre courtcase in New Zealand may have repercussions for motor sport world wide.

Police in the South Island town of Queenstown are prosecuting four volunteer historic racing officials following the deaths of two spectators at a street race in the town in 1998.

After a two-year investigation, Queenstown police are charging one of the four - Christchurch businessman John Osborne - with offences including manslaughter, criminal negligence and injuring by an unlawful act. The three others have been charged with criminal nuisance.

Motorsport New Zealand is gearing up for a full-on defence for the quartet on the basis that a guilty verdict will have consequences for all sport, not just motor sport.

New Zealand writer Rod Dew, writing in the Christchurch Press, suggests that “a football referee 16 February 2001

could be charged with manslaughter if a player broke his neck and died in a scrum deemed by police to be incorrectly set.

“A six at the cricket could hit a spectator; a javelin at the athletics - all are plausible scenarios.”

As Motorsport New Zealand raises a fighting fund,“Volunteers not Criminals’ bumper stickers are being sold at $5 a go.

While the police are saying little about their case, a preliminary hearing was recently adjourned. In the meantime, another major NZ historic event, the Festival of Speed, scheduled for Dunedin last month, was cancelled and organisers of other events are struggling for volunteer officials.

New Zealand motor sport, and indeed the NZ legal community, is taking the case very seriously.

Steven Kennedy, President of Motorsport New Zealand told Dew “I don’t think there has ever been a bigger crisis facing sport.”

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

by AARON NOONAN ALEX Davison has returned to Germany for another run at the Porsche Carrera Cup. The Victorian returned to Germany last weekend after time home over summer to commence testing for the upcoming championship with Phoenix Racing.

“There’re a lot stronger (than the previous team),” said Davison.

“They’ve run cars at the front of the DTM so they won’t have any problems looking after these cars.”

The former Formula Ford series runner-up will test before the

opening round of the series and in between testing and the start of the year will head into fitness camp with the rest of the Porsche drivers.

Davison’s team-mate will be the highly-regarded Christian Menzel, who finished second in the recent Daytona 24 Hours.

“It will be good for me, as with last year I’ve got another good team-mate.

“He’s had a lot of experience in these cars and he’ll be a good yard stick.”

The series for GT3s follows the DTM series around Germany and Davison retains support from Hewlett-Packard and Mistral.

GIBSON MOTORSPORT We require

RACE TEAM PERSONNEL

r

^*1

Gibson Motorsport are looking for Race Team Personnel for the 2001 V8 Supercar campaign. Our team needs:

l mechanics l fabricators l machinists l engine builders Experience in motor sport would be desirable.

Send your applications to: Team Manager 1/13 Kitchen Road Dandenong VIC 3175 Ph 03 9791 9899 Fax 03 9791 9533 Email: gibsonmotorsport@bigpond.com.au All applications will be received in the strictest confidence.

17

A

Magna Future Tourer

Magna V8 debuts

Is this the future of TOCA Tourers'?

THE car everyone at Oran Park was keeping an eye on was the drive.com.au Mitsubishi Magna.

The first Future Tourer built from a front-wheel-drive car, the Greg-East driven Magna was built over a six month period at Bond Roll Bars in Sydney, Peter Muir leading a small team which completed the Holden V8-powered car ‘out of hours’.

“We use rally mechanics,” said a proud Muir after qualifying.

“They worked day and night to get it here. It’s a good foundation to start working from.”

The car had not seen a race track until East, who was ending a five-year sabbatical from the sport, took to the Oran Park short circuit on Friday. The crew started playing with the suspension straight away but, impressively, the car displayed a minimum of new car problems.

“The car is that good, it’s pretty easy to drive,” East reported.

First of its kind; Greg East had his first run in the new Magna until he was stopped by brake problems.

(Photos by John Morris/Mpix)

“(Set-up)is the problem. I didn’t realise it(the track) was slippery until someone told me.”

East qualified the car 13th for both races at the final BOG Gases round, each time vhthin 0.5s of class pole man and Champion, Tim Shaw. He ran well in the first race until he skated off with brake problems, which left him a non starter for Race 2.

Muir said that the conversion from a FWD,V6-engined car to a RWD V8 was fairly straightforward.

“The bodyshell is not that hard.

Rear-wheel-drive is not a problem.

Magnas are strong cars anyway.”

A second Magna, also built around a Mitsubishi Australiasupplied bodyshell, is expected to hit the track in the coming season.

but look for some changes. The East car sported a carbon-fibre rear wing, which is outside the ‘low cost’ spirit of the FT regulations, and there was talk that several other concessions had been made to allow the car to make it to Oran Park.

Now ... who will build the next FWD-to-RWD V8?

- PHIL BRANAGAN

RAC I NG We are looking for Members of CAMS proposed Motor Racing Commission The "New CAMS" has been pushing ahead since the arrival of the new millennium. It is challenging the way that everything is done and is taking an aggressive lead to move motor sport forward.

In order to make sure that it continues to meet these high standards, CAMS plans to establish a Motor Racing Commission to provide strategic direction for circuit racing in Australia. The Commission will also be charged with the ongoing development of various motor racing categories, the annual calendar, and specific sporting and commercial issues relevant to motor racing.

The Commission will be representative of all stakeholders and it is here that you can have a say in how motor racing should be run in the future by becoming a member of the Commission. CAMS needs people with vision and ideas that can benefit the sport, both from sporting and commercial perspectives.

18

Desirable attributes include: l Demonstrated entrepreneurial development of motor racing l Motor sport competition, preferably circuit racing l Marketing of motor sport l Technical and engineering knowledge as applied to motor sport l Business expertise combined with a genuine interest in the sport l Good understanding of commercial circuit racing as well as the need to attract new entrants to the sport CAMS is looking for people who can make an impact. If this is you, please contact Susan Cuthbert at the address below to receive more details on the planned Commission and detailed seleaion criteria.

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THE annual bible of Grand Prix motorcycle racing, Motocourse,has named Michael Doohan as the greatest rider of the past 25 years.

'The five-time 500cc World Champion, who won 54 Grand Prix races for Honda frem 137 starts, was selected in the top position ahead ofAmerican Eddie Lawson, Kenny Roberts Sr and Max Biaggi.

Motocourse editor Michael Scott said that Doohan deserwed the honour, which was announced in the annual's 25th edition.

"Mick was a solo performer

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who was head and shoulders above everybody else who raced during his time,” said Scott.

Doohan said he felt honoured.

“You always appreciate it when yom'results are recogtrised like this,” said Doohan.

“There have been many great riders in our sport and just being up there in the top group is a special honour for me.”

“I got into motorcycle racing because it was something I loved doing, so I consider myself for-tunate that I was able to turn it into a career.”

MISSING out on potential rides in the World Superbike Series sees two two-wheel veterans, German Ralf Waldmann and New Zealand's Aaron Slight looking at switching to four wheels in 2001.

Waldmann, who was asked to join Troy Corser aboard a factory Aprilia and elected not to attend the first test, subsequently resulting in him being overlooked, is hoping for a drive in the domestic German Touring Car Championship - Waldmann having tested a factory MercedesBenz DTM racer last November.

Slight, who was dumped by the

Castrol Honda WSB squad at the conclusion of the 2000 season, impressed many sedan team owners with his performances in a few end-of-season TOCA Shootouts a few years ago, although any ride might be hampered by a lack of cash.

"As it stands, bikes look very unlikely and I have turned my attention to trying to sort out a car drive," Slight said recently.

"Since the [brainl operation [in early 20001, 1 have felt so much better and my fitness is improving all the time. I feel I owe it to myself to carry on racing as I still have a lot to prove."

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BIKES

Honda'S V-five New four-stroke engine ready for 2002 MotoGP rule change

HONDA have sprung a sui-prise on the MotoGP world by announcing the latest chapter in their Grand Prix evolution will open with a revolutionary five-cylinder engine.

The new four-stroke engine, called the RC211V and destined to compete in the World Grand Prix Championship beginning in 2002, was unveiled in Japan a fortnight ago.

The design of the RC211V, which has essentially come about following Honda’s examination of the revised FIM regulations for 2002, is a five-cylinder in a V configuration, with three cylinders located in front and two at the rear.

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The ant’s pants: Honda are already testing this new fivecylinder, four-stroke, tyre-shredding engine, which will make its GP debut

Thumbs upfor the roof: Two-wheel Grand Prix winner Ralf Waldinann tries out the cockpit in one of Mercedes-Benz's DTM racers - V/aldinann could race in the DTM this year. iFlwlo cuiirlfsy DC Medial

next year.

(Photo courtesy Honda Australia)

i

Honda engineers selected the combination believing it to be the best to satisfy their historical design requirements concentration of mass and reduction of projected areas.

Round pistons are used, while a fully programmed fuel injection system, the PGM-FI, has also been adopted.

Weight of the unit hasn’t been announced, but the minimum stipulated by the rules for four or five cylinder bikes is 145kg.

Honda’s latest chapter follows an incredible storied histoiy in Grand Prix racing, including their last four-stroke milestones - Mike Hailwood’s Canadian victoiy aboard the four-cylinder RC181 in 1967 and Freddie Spencer’s final outing on the oval-pistoned NR500 in 1981 dmdng the British Grand Prix.

The company has previous GP historj' with five-cylinder engines, Luigi Taveri winning the manufacturer’s and rider’s championships for Honda in 1966 with the five-cylinder 125cc RC149.

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21

Daytona 24hr

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^.JFime goes.^o fast: Lead driveriRonivFellows steps from thevwiB'ning e|Rl;Corvette, the GT racer having taken a surprise wiif'at Daytona (Photos by Sutton-lmages)

by PHIL MORRIS THE only thing different was the winning brand ...

IVelve months after Dodge won the Daytona 24 Hour classic when all the prototypes dropped out of contention, Chevrolet repeated the trick in 2001, the Corvette of Ron Fellows, Chris Kneifel, Franck Freon and Johnny O’Connell taking first place overall.

The C5R won by eight laps from the Lucas Luhr/Mike Fitzgerald/Randy Pobst/Christian Menzel Porsche, which won the GT class. Seven GTs finished in the Top 10, six of which were Porsches.

The leading prototype was the Downing/Kayz/Smith/Ronson Kudzu-Mazda, which was 11th, 32 laps behind the winner.

The car which should have won the class, and the race, was the Dyson Racing Weaver/Wallace/ Leitzinger Riley & Scott, which stopped with a dead engine after 598 laps. Such was its dominance

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'Twelve months after the Dodge Vipers ,, surphsed, Chevy’s Corvette repeated the trick, winning the Rolex 24hr at Daytona while the more-fancied Prototypes fell around them...

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'as two and a half hours

Eamhardt/Dale Earnhardt

le Downing car ‘passed’it for the lead.

“We had to have a little luck here, poor Rob Dyson took it on the chin there after leading most ofthe race,” said Jim Downing.“We thank Rob for that. It takes a little bit of a contribution form everyone here. In every sense ofthe word, this is an endurance race. We just endured the best this particular weekend.”

Oddly enough,the winning Coi-vette spent much ofthe final hour ofthe race in the pits, cooling an overheating gearbox before heading back out for the chequered flag.

“We were not going to sit there and get out ofthe car and say ‘thank you very-much’, we wanted to cross the finish line and win it on the track,” explained Fellows. “'Ne had the lead and there was no reason to take any chances on the gearbox temperatures, so we sat and waited for the last five minutes.”

For Chevrolet, the race was a double triumph, the second Corvette of Andy Pilgrim/Dale

[ARTS

Jr./Kelly Collins finishing fourth, despite two broken driveshafts.

For much of the race, the battle was between the Risi Ferrari of Allan McNish/David Brabham/Ralf Kelleners/Eric van de Poele and the Dyson car. The Ferrari only lasted 462 laps until a cooked engine ended their day. The second Dyson car was delayed but got home second in class, 57 laps behind the winner.

For Brabham,it was a rare chance to take a back seat. Kelleners qualified the car third and McNish

the engine quit.

‘To say that we were gutted would be an understatement, but I also felt bitterly disappointed for the Risi team because they did a great job with the preparation ofthe caiand it was their last race together,” said Brabham after the race.

“I didn’t get a chance to walk away with a Rolex Daytona on my wrist, but I will one day.”

The other eight starters in the prototjqje class also struck problems, with various maladies stopping the ‘race’ cars and leaving it to the ‘production’ cars to shine in what was, in the end, a pretty dull affair.

started, establishing a lead. But by the time the Aussie hopped in it was drizzling, not enough for Results Bolex zaiir at Daytona wet tyres, and he spun, 1 Ron Fello ws/Chris Kneifel/Franck Freon/Johnny O'Connell immediately pitting for No.2 GTS Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C5-R 665 laps wets.

2 Mike Rtzgerald/Lucas Luhr/Randy Pobst/Christian Menzel With the rain lasting No. 31 GT While Lightning Racing Porsche 911 GT3R -8 laps 3 Wolfgang Kaufmann/Jesus Villaroel/Ciril Chateau/Lance Stewart most of the night, the No.86 GT Freisi^igar Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3RS -12 laps Dyson car pulled a gap, 4 Andy Pilgrlm/Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr./Kelly Collins aided when McNish lost No.3 GTS Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C5-R -14 laps 5 Gabrio Rosa/Fabio Rosa/Fabio Babini/Alex Caffi a wheel on the banking, No. 56 GT Seikel Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3RS ‘19 laps but Brabham was 6 Harry Bytzek/James Holtom/John Brenner/Larry Schumacher No. 01 GTS Bytzek Motorsport Porsche 911 GTl -24 laps hauling that back when

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motorsport news

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JOHNSON

◄

‘^FORD CONQUERS THE yiOUNTAIN”

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’Idles shown smaller 1 actual diameter of 19- 7cm CT'A inches)

Bradex Number: 03-B10-011.01

The Champion Retires!

He’s the winner of five Austrahan Touring Car Championships, three Bathurst victories, and two Sandown 500s. He’s Dick Johnson, one of Austraha’s greatest all time motor racing heroes. Now, you can celebrate the man and the legend in a brilfiant new commemorative edition.

True to its name, “Ford Conquers the Mountain” recaOs all the thundering drama and heart stopping action of Johnson’s incredible 1994 Bathurst victory. Created by Greg McNeill, Australia’s internationally acclaimed automotive artist, “Ford Conquers the Mountain” captures the unforgettable presence of Dick Johnson, the champion of champions!

Limited edition Hand, numbered with a matching Certificate of Authenticity, this edition will be strictly limited to a maximum of 45 firing days, after which production will cease forever.

365-Day Guarantee Priced at just $49.90*, your plate carries a full 12 month ‘no risk’ money-back guarantee.

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I «ish to order "Ford Conquers the Mountain". I understand I NEED SEND NO MONEY NOW. 1 will be invoiced for S49-90* prior to shipment of my plate, for which 1 have die option of paying by cheque, money order or credit card.

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Edition sizes in Australia range from one hundred to, in some cases thousands.

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NEWS How would Pennzoil yellow look? l Coujd Andretti su^'dp in different f colours for Indy? Plenty of tiis fellow £ QAPT drivers are lining up for '500

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jPKotoW D«n aSoyd'Botbvfei: Pho^raphtci

New surroundings; Gil de Ferrari gets acclimatised to Team Penske’s IRL Dallara chassis in Phoenix.

(Photo by indyracing.com)

Gregoire tops Test in the West [06

The floodgates begin te open from the CART side?

WITH both Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske committed to Indy 500 plans, a list of other CART-aligned names are being bandied about as returning to the Brickyard.

Reports from the US suggest that Michael Andretti will run the one-off IRL race with the Pennzoil Panther Racing team, his CART team. Team Green, too busy preparing three Champ Cars to mount an Indy attempt.

It’s believed that Andretti has a clause in his contract which says he is free at race at Indy, providing there are no direct sponsorship clashes and that the Team Green board gives Andretti its blessing.

“Yes, it’s been discussed, but every team in this league wants Michael. I’ve never even met him,” said Panther co-owner Gary Pedigo, whose team will run a car for second-year driver Sam Hornish Jr in the 13-race IRNLS season.

At CART Sneak Preview in California a few weeks ago, Andretti said that he was doing everything in his power to get back to Indianapolis, having not raced there since 1995.

“I’m almost 40 and I’ve missed out on it(Indy) the last five years,” said Andretti.

“I want to win that race.”

16 February 2001

One ofAndretti’s CART rivals, Mauricio Gugelmin,is also expected to return to the ’500. The Brazilian is tipped to join countryman Felippe Giaffone in a two-car, Hollywood-backed, Hubbard/Treadway team, with Arie Luyendyk also driving for the team.

American Davey Hamilton, who is signed to the Hubbard/ 'Treadway team, is out of a drive with the team, which says it doesn’t have sponsorship to run the League veteran.

“I signed a contract with these people last September and now they’ve left me high and dry. If they’d have just been honest with me and said there was a chance I wouldn’t be running, I could have gotten another ride. But now. I’m screwed.”

Another ex-CART driver, Scott Pruett, is also negotiating to race at Indy.

Fired from Cal Wells’ Winston Cup team after one season but still under contract to that team, the American is negotiating to run a third Kelley Racing car alongside Scott Sharp and Mark Dismore, while former CART team owner John Della Penna, has purchased a 2000-spec Dallara and is seeking a budget to run Memo Gidley in the IRNLS! The floodgates back to the Brickyard are opening...

FRENCHMAN Stephan Gregoire was the fastest man at the IRL's two day 'Test in the West' in Phoenix late last week, clocking 20.36s (176.808mph)for Dick Simon Racing.

The test also saw Teann Penske make its first IRL testing appearance alongside other IRL teams, Gil de Ferran and Flelio Castroneves running carbon-fibre black cars with the inconspicuous numbers of 66 and 68.

Castroneves set the fourth fastest time (20.64s) behind Gregoire, Sam Hornish Jr (Pennzoil Panther) and Greg Ray (Team Menard).

Defending Champ Buddy Lazier was fifth fastest, ahead of Sarah Fisher, Felipe Giaffone, Airton Dare and Eddie Cheever.

-PHIL MORRIS

Schmidt starts team while Goodyear links with Cheever for 500

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FORMER IRL racer Sam Schmidt, above, who was paraiysed from the shoulders down in a testing crash early last year, is returning to the series as a team owner.

Sam Schmidt Motorsports will run a Dallara/Aurora for the whole season, though a driver and primary sponsor are yet to be announced.

“The idea really came when I met with Frank Williams at the FI race in September,” said Schmidt.

-PHIL MORRIS

MEANWHILE, Scott Goodyear, above, has signed a deal with Eddie Cheever’s team that wili see the Canadian drive for Team Cheever at the Indy 500 this year, as well as serving as the test driver for the Nissan Infiniti engine program.

Goodyear has been runner-up in the ‘500 twice, in 1992 and 1997 and for the past three seasons has driven for the Pennzoil Panther team in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series.

- PHIL MORRIS 25

iMiwasIwps, spectacles antffpsAfe tnmaAe. F

ormula 1 team bosses always seem to think that there is little they can learn from anybody, so it would probably be taken badly if I were to suggest that the sport could learn a lot from a dishwasher company.

To be honest, I am not much interested in dishwashers, unless they are gorgeous, 18 years old and keen on older men (oh, and female of course) but I have to admit that I was impressed by an advert I saw recently in an old decoration magazine for "the exciting new Hotpoint range".

Why? Because no dishwasher company has ever made me laugh before. Hotpoint did it. The premise was simple.

Dishwashers are for washing dishes. Anyone can make a mess of a dish but experimental cooking (anything that Delia Smith has not done) usually makes more of a mess.

Hotpoint's point (if you see what I mean) was that its machines will clean anything and there is no risk involved.

Using the slogan; "You've got the rest of your life to be reckless", the company pictured 42 pots and pans of different shapes and sizes and beneath each one 26

suggested an experimental dish, I giggled at the thought of Trout and Toffee, Ostrich and Avocado and Gammon and Gooseberries and things began to get out of control when I reached Black Pudding and Sorbet, Haggis and Hot Chocolate and (Srouse and Marmalade. By the time I got to Chicken and Cherries, Steak & Raspberry Pie and Pheasant & Meringue, I was-guffawing like a retired colonel.

In part, I was laughing because of the ideas but in part it was because, like everyone else, I have been, subjected to experimental cooking over the years. My mother still has a dish (of which she is very proud) which involves chicken and apricots. It is known as Chicken Armageddon by unkind members of the family. My wife's first attempt at creme brulee would have made it to Hollywood disguised as a lump of plastic explosive. The only thing missing from that culinary bomb was a detonator.,.

Whatever the case, Hotpoint got my attention. Will I buy a Hotpoint machine? Probably not.

But at least I registered the product and remember it fondly.

It was all in the presentation.

M

aking a dishwasher interesting is not an easy thing, but one would have thought that presenting a Formula 1 team would be a lot easier. Formula 1 teams are "sexy" in advertising speak. They sell themselves.

Why then, I asked myself, has this year's presentation season been quite so drab? For some years now, I have tried to avoid the launches because everyone at these events is programmed in what they can say and they spout the same rubbish time and again until all the journalists go home, leaving a trail of halfeaten sandwiches and discarded press packs behind them.

When you analyse what has been said, invariably it brings ■ you to a very big round number.

This year the cars look pretty similar, there have not been many changes of sponsor and no-one is taking the top off the engines to show you their latest little tricks. In short, the only reason to go to a launch is to eat sandwiches - and I can do that at home.

I was very glad to have missed the British American Racing launch. To give the team credit, I was rung up before the

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event and told (very polite]^ stay away because tberS not going to be.anytbi^g^:'*^ r. report. The only aypH^fej^b'i^-^'.Tais.^-^ can had been crashSt^^^ the Racing Car■.HospK&l';J n If; launch was being carrrb'd with a 2000 cap T 'T s The exciting p.ew lively turi^T<^'&,if out to be as excising as sin^l-^Mfg^' ^j but this did not stop every-fr;e6-■ ' ● ' ^loader from, Brindisi to Rel^javiR ' ^ , . *45 turning up to'rub.shoulders vyith' BAT executives, who seern:tp have a very limited understanding ' 46 about what happens in FI. They : ■ ■ have worked out how to spend money, but that is about ali.

To add to the cringe factor, there was a nasty outbreak of S amateur dramatics, described by everyone I spoke to as "a load of old tosh!" and then Craig Pollock got up and said that there were no problems in the team and that third place in the Constructors' World Championship was a realistic goal for which to aim. Oh dear...

■>

Everyone elselow-key was having rather more presentations with no boastful claims and no performing seals.

They have all learned from their mistakes. moiorsnort news

FCfRMULA ONE

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are all ijiafi'o'ne i:ah have a nice big ^'.f^Kajuniq'b^witheut haying to claim Ma|^ou.wilj be WdrId jr; P^^.pion.'Jordan did it best a 5 piji^|dars ago when they took ii^ ;bv@di|ik Albert iHall in London ;■■'.^''ad|r4nt'ertained the massed ^At’^-’.'band'^^df'the international ' Vr-dnedi^wjth Cirque du Soleil, /r^.. '|filtdwed by finger food. It was ->;’ma’ryellobs fun and very impressive.

V I have always felt that K launches should be impressive if not informative. Why have them if they are not one or the other? I would like to have one in a windtunnel and see the air t flowing over a model of the car being presented. Or being able to wander around a hall handling pieces of the new car. j ust to understand how light the materials used are these days. Or perhaps we could even watch a car being crash tested to show just how impressive these automobiles really are.

But no, it is always a darkened auditorium, some loud throbbing music and a car under a dust sheet. At some of the launches, one feels that it might be wiser to leave the team Ifi February 2181

under the dust sheets and let the car do the talking.

There is so much about Formula 1 that is impressive and yet, somehow, this is never demonstrated at car launches.

If I had been BAR and been faced by the need to launch an old car, I would have done something silly.

Not long ago I was trying to explain to my son about aerodynamics and told him that a Formula 1 car has enough downforce to travel upside down without falling off the ceiling. We got a bit bogged down in when I tried to explain that if the car was upside down. then the downforce would become lift. It would have been so much easier to show him a Formula 1 car doing it. They say it is possible so why has no-one done it yet? Can you imagine ● the publicity it would get?

I am sure Jacques Villeneuve would rise to the challenge. Fie likes having big accidents.

And then they could serve upsidedown cake and we could all go home saying what fine fellows they are, with press packs printed the wrong way up.

27

Preview

It’s a new Ball Game After the busiest post and pre-season in the V8 Supercar era, the teams are aimost ready to do what they do best- race.

PHIL BRANAGAN previews the Shell Championship Series

The music is fading, most The waiting is almost of the seats are filled over. by bums,and the sheets music is heading for the circumferiencally enhanced female.

After one of the busiest off seasons in its almost decade history, the V8 Supercar Show is about to hit the tracks-first, the Konica V8 Supercar Series(no-one say ‘Lites’) and then the Main Event; the Shell Championship Series for 2001.

And what an off-season it has been. There has been more intrigue, rumours and, wait for it, actual moves than a chess championship for the terminally hyperactive. While all the hoo-haa has been going on, there have been a number of drivers keeping their head down and awaiting to opportunity to make headlines of their own, on the track. More of them later ...

There have been some big changes. There will be a field of almost- almost- current model Commodores and Falcons. The lone interloper from the pack will be the Lansvale team; as we went to press, the Sydney team was near to finishing a new VX for Cameron McConville and was going flat-out on a second for Trevor Ashby and Steve Reed. If that car is not finished in time,they will not have a second newer car until, maybe, the Adelaide 500.

There has been much ado about Craig Lowndes’and Steven Richards’off-season moves. Ford is dropping tennis sponsorship for motor racing and Holden is aleady responding.

So, here is what- and who - we will be watching in the SCS ...

28

Wi

1

HOLDEN RACING TEAM 1

MARKSKAIFE

2 JASON BRIGHT The ‘Dream Team’rocks into the new season as, still, the team to beat.

Skaife has few weaknesses; he qualifies as well as anyone in the business and is fast out of the blocks. One must ask, though, how he will deal with Bright’s arrival.

Tr3dng to re-establish a career is as good motivation as it is possible to have.

If Skaife has a weakness, it is his relatively ordinary recent record in Top 10 Shoot-outs, compared with Tender’s. But one thing he does have is awesome consistency and the ability to avoid ‘zeroes’in rounds, which hampered Tender and Ingall in 2000.

There is another change; when you are bu)dng your HRT merchandise, expect faster service.

With Lowndes gone to Ford, the queues will be shorter. Much shorter.

STONEBROTHERS RACING 4 MARCOS AMBROSE 9 OAVIO BESNARD Has there ever been higher expectations for a two-car team whose drivers have,in total, four V8 Supercar starts between them?

Besnard and Ambrose are drivers straight from the Ford Public Affairs office’s wish list; young, single, fast. That’s good.

But neither have any significant

Ford wars: The Score was Holden 27, Ford 5 last season, but expect Lowndes, left, and Besnard to address that situation this season.

(Photo byAFMmages))

experience in qualifying, with the possible rider of Besnard’s dash at the Queensland 500, where he outed Tony Longhurst from the car and qualified third ...

Team boss Ross Stone is high on both drivers. Ambrose has had a couple of tough seasons is Europe, made tougher by making bad decisions to race for Ray and Mygale. This is an altogether better choice.

The question will be how well the team copes with whatever damage the rookies may do. Stone has admitted he expects to be fixing some cars this season.

FORD TIGKFORD RACING 5 GIENNSETON 6 STEVEN RICHARDS Okay; it’s NOT a factory Ford team. FTR is still, essentially.

continued on page 30 molorsport news

1

SHELL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

.O 7 V -

Get you hand off my car: Bright joins Skaife at HRT, with high expectations which go both ways. How will Bright cope with Skaife - and how will Skaife cope with Bright?

Support Your Local Enforcer: Ingail has set his sights on the 2001 title.

(Photo by API -Images) Who wants to stand in the way?

n ...

f

Preview continued from page 28 Glenn Seton Racing, with the backing of Ford.

Big deal. Seton was still the best-performed Ford punter in the 2000 SCS, a combination of bad luck and other people’s problems, restricting him to fourth in the series. He should have won at Winton, but consistency made up for a few problems over the course of the season.

The arrival of Richards presents an interesting proposition. When he was not hampered by ordinary qualifying performances, Richo was a real force, winning Canberra and Calder and threatening elsewhere. The longer race formats should help him too; there are few drivers better and driving fast while nursing tyres and the like.

The pressure will be on them to perform, and the team must deliver for the drivers.

Rat-a-tat-tat-tat: Radisich has built up an impressive resume in two years of V8 Supercars. Now only a title win will do for The Rat.

GIBSON MOTOBSPORT 7 CRAIG LOWNDES

Young Blokes, Cold Tyres ...

Tender will be out to add an SCS title to his 2000 Bathurst win in a brand new GRM-built Commodore VX.

The Kid is in a Falcon. Unless you have been hiding in a cave for the last month, you know that by now.

The fascination will be in watching how he goes. Forget talk that he will take two or three races to get used to the car; with his ability, it’s hard to think of a reason why Lowndes will not be on it within two or three laps. Don’t forget; he won his first ever SCS race, at Eastern Creek in 1996, and took the Grand Slam that year. So much for needing experience.

The potential problem will be how long it takes Gibson’s to get on top of the car. SBR and DJR have been running the AU for a while now, and Gibbo and crew will be, by necessity, playing catch up. And Gibson and Kinart Racing have a lousy record in qualifying.

That said, Lowndes is as determined as he has ever been, spending more time in the gym since Bathurst than he did for all of 2000 ...

Red, white and green. No,it’s

CASTROL PERKINS RACING 8 RUSSELUNGAU 11 LARRY PERKINS not Alitalia, it’s the new colours of'Team Moorabbin, which is looking towards 2001 with a vengeance. Literally.

It’s no secret that LP and The Enforcer have prioritised the Bathurst classic in years past. For Rusty, that all changes in 2001; 30

Colours of #31: It seems cruel to say Ellery is an outside bet this year. He’s better than that, and the SuperCheap AU is fast.

[Pholos bvAFi)

straight after Bathurst last November, he said he was going to win the SCS this year, and he means it.

The teams goes into the year with two new VXs, which will be strong, which is just as well. This season there will be even greater need to ‘manufacture’ gaps, which is one of Ingall’s strengths.

The question is how close Perkins will be to Ingall - or to Bright and Bargwanna. If Ingall is to win the title, he will need

LP to ‘steal’ points off the opposition.

MARK lARKHAM MOTORSPORT 10 MARK LARKHAM It is one of motor racing’s ironies that, after almost a decade of standing by Larkham through thick and thin. Mitre 10 is not around.

just when it appears he is heading in the right direction.

Larko goes into 2001 with an almost annoying amount of positivity. He says that the loss of his sponsor is a great opportunity, which is taking the optimistic view. But Larkham has been knocked on his arse so many times, and come back fighting, that you can’t help but believe him. Rumours suggest he has a new sponsor for three years, motorsport news

^SHiU CHAMPIONSHIP SEBIES magnetic and often The Rat has limped in after being bounced into by someone else.

That said, the cars do not lack speed. If every race was 200km and at Bathurst, Radisich would win the title. But it isn’t. How the team copes with the new race format will be a factor.

Johnson Jr has matured into a strong driver, with a possible improvement needed in qualifying performances.

The other factor could be that the last three rounds are at Bathurst, Pukekohe and Sandown, which should all suit Dick’s AUs.

UZEMAIL RACING 21 BRAD JONES

KMART RACING 12 GREG MURPHY 15 TODD KELIY As we went to press, we received confirmation of The Toddler and Murf’s drive with Kmart Racing, which will be run by "TWR Australia, the ‘parent’of HRT. It means some odd things - like Castrol on two TWRA cars, and Mobil on two others - but Murphy is bound to be close to the pointy end. With an HRT-built VX, there is little to worry about on the hardware side, and the kiwi has a strong record.

Murphy lacks little as a driver, and should be suited by the new format. The question mark is how the ‘new’team will fit into the HRT/HYL staffing equation.

Kelly’s testing form has been first-rate, and now is the time to translate those performances into race results. Keep an eye on the youngster.

It was a tough baptism for the Alhury team in 2000, and Bradley would be the first to admit that V8 Supercar racing was tougher than he and the team anticipated.

Still, the end of season efforts showed that the team made progress, even if the current exLonghurst Falcon needs an update. With a new car coming, expect to see Jones progress into the top 10 on a regular basis.

RIG KEV RAGING 30 PAUl MORRIS Winning four Super Touring titles has proven a completely different matter to being competitive in the SCS, Morris not helped last season by his

major Oran Park shunt.

The good news is that the Nemo Racing'Team lacks little in facilities at its Norwell, Gold Coast base, and Morris has some smart people in his small team.

He has a new car this season and the battle between him and former 2-litre adversary Jones should be worth watching.

SUPERCHEAP AUTO RAGING 31 STEVE EllERY With all the fuss about Lowndes and Richards, it could be forgotten that Ford already has another 20something race winner in Ellery.

The team made major gains last season, with Lee Geyer taking the role of team manager and Craig Hasted supplying horsepower. Both of those things, and some canny driving, contributed to Ellery winning at Sandown.

Look for more this season.

Ellery is an underrated and improving driver who could win a round this season. The team could do with a bigger budget, but who couldn’t?

GARRY RUGERS MUTURSPURT 34 GARTH TANDER 35 JASON DARGWANNA

PAUL WEEl RACtNi ✓45PRMi WEEi r hi #.9

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The young Queenslander made great strides in 2000 and in his fourth season in V8s, there is much expected from Week The former off-roader has been there or thereabouts and should be fighting for run-off berths in qualifying. The team has been bolstered with the arrival of exPerkins and DJR team manager Dean ‘Curl’ Orr and some one-off appearances by former Stone driver, Craig Baird, for the enduros. i

CAT RAGING TEA ebo

SHELL HELIX RACING 17 STEVEN JOHNSON 18 PAUL RADISICH All the Ford action during the off-season has happened in Melbourne; Lowndes, Gibson and Richards.

That has meant that Dick Johnson’s clan has been able to keep their heads low and get on with it. Three months ago, Radisich was one of the favourites for the title, and nothing has changed that.

But he will have to overcome the ability he seems to have to attract other people’s accidents.

The #18 Ford seems to be

The Team Most Likely has become one of the favourites for this year. Tander showed last year that he was not going to be intimidated by anyone; indeed, he is now doing the intimidating, especially in run-offs.

GRM has built two new VXs for the season and will also run a car for Leanne Ferrier in the Konica series. They will have to work hard to ensure that the Tander and Bargwanna program is a priority; despite its results, GRM is not HRT. There is almost nothing between the two drivers, and it will be interesting to see how well Bargwanna responds to his tough season in 2000. Every time he has had the tools before, he has won races, but he has rarely won championships.

Still going hard; Bowe is a man to be dealt with but needs a new CAT (Phott by Sipsrtre^m) to be able to win races.

JOHN BOWE^fr;

Remember John Bowe? That is not asked to be rude; rather, will all the fuss about the youth of today, it’s been easy to rule one of V8 Supercars’ senior statesman out of the equation.

On occasion, Bowe has been right there and the longer races should suit the transplanted Tasmanian. The problem is that the CAT team needs a new car, which will come on-line mid season. The one they have is getting a little tired and still uses its tyres harshly compared to the opposition, so look for better results when the new AU arrives.

Given a newer axe, there is no reason to assume that Bowe’s best days are behind him.

There’s more drivers and cars, of course, but The Contenders at most races are likely to come from this list. Let the Games lU commence ...

31

Preview

High* O Jump: There should be tonnes of drama in pit lane, like one of Toll Racing’s crew found out In Canberra last season when Anthony Tratt gave his tootsies a rub ...

(Pholo by Dirk Klynsmilh)

He'S coming in!

YOU'LL have to have your wits about you if you watch a round of the Shell Championship Series from pit lane in 2001.

The tyres and the mechanics wil l be flying as pit stops make a significant impact on the winning hopes of a number of drivers.

The move is part of the biggest overhaul of the series since AVESCO took the reins in 1997.

The previous program of three 20 minutes races will remain at

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some rounds (Perth and Calder) but, for the rest, it's going to be a matter of paying attention...

The SCS will kick off at Phillip Island, with two 100km races, each with a mandatory tyre change. But, unlike last year, both races will be held on Sunday, not split over two days.

The Clipsal 500 will be similar to previous years, with a 250km race on Saturday and another on Sunday. Both will feature separate tyre and fuel stops.

Eastern Creek and Darwin will each have two 100km races

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(with tyre stops), while Canberra's GMC 400 will follow its 2000 concept, with a Saturday 25-lapper, another on Sunday and a 50-lap finale. The first two races will have a tyre stop: the last will have a tyre and fuel stop.

After Calder and Barbagallo's sprints, Oran Park will follow the same format as PI, as will Winton two rounds later. In between, the Queensland 500 will be a straight 500km, twodriver race as usual.

Then, Bathurst, back in October, even if it is not the traditional long weekend. One thousand kilometres, two drivers and the usual Bathurst party ...

The first trip to NZ for an SCS race will see a 100km race on both Saturday and Sunday, with tyre stops, while the Grand Finale at Sandown will have a Saturday 150km, followed by two on Sunday, all with tyre stops.

The points system is complex. Most of the 100km races will pay 60 points to the winner, the Adelaide races will pay 80/160, Canberra's three are 40MO/80, the sprints 40 each, 0500 160 and Bathurst 240.

The final races at Pukekohe and Sandown will provide 40 for each races.

All races, except Bathurst and Queensland, will be limited to 32 cars, all of which will score points in each race, providing they start.

N the outside, today’s V8 Supercars look very much the same - save for specific model changes and resulting homologated aerodynamic differences - as what they were when the V8 formula was introduced back in 1993.

But, while each car might look the same, the development of the integral rollcages have certainly played a major part in the advances each and every team has made in performances, with the cage now an extremely important factor in the tuneability of the race car.

The stiffness of a race car can very much dictate its and the driver’s performance so, naturally, considerable evolution has occurred since the formula’s beginning, mostly in the percentages of increased body rigidity.

Holden Racing Team’s Project Engineer Richard Hollway says that, in true numbers, all of the major gains in chassis stiffness were made, certainly by HRT, between 1993-’96, although

:Jk

*

gradual increases in rigidity are being still achieved with each new generation of car while the team chases more on-track success.

“Nowdays we’re gaining around three-four percent with each new car, as opposed to between 30-50 percent back then,” he says.

“The numbers may not be so significant in terms of percentage gains now, but they certainly are significant in terms of chassis stiffness and tune-ability.”

Hollway says the controversial ‘Petty bar’ car, debuted by Craig Lowndes at Calder Park in ’96, was, perhaps, one of the most molorsporl news

^SHELL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

sr, stronger, faster There have been few revolutions in V8 Supercar design in the last seven years. We let GERALD McDORNAISI out of his cage for long enough to look inside one of HRT's ... significant advances, although most teams had begun to think in that direction by that time.

One of the areas in which teams have gained stiffness has been in moving to the use of chromemoly tubing, the superior strength and lighter weight factor over the formerly used mild steel tubing allowing the integration

rjowdays vue'i'e gaining around three-four percent[more stiffness] with each new car, as rr apposed to between 30-50 percent back then [1993-'96]

- HRT engineer Richard Holiway

Inside the Office; Driver protection is of paramount importance, as shown by the cage inside Mark Skaife’s 2001 race car, above. Note carbon-fibre footbox, diagonal ‘Larry Bar’ and extra reinforcement of A-pillar.

m assi

Cracking a stiff: The Holden Racing Team has a new Dencar shell around which they will build a new car. Barwork is a far cry from the cars which were around in 1994.

(Photos by MNews Digital)

of more bars within the car - the placement of the extra tubing coming through a combination of computer-generated modelling, experience, trial and error and gut-feeling.

“You have to work on an index factor - you can make the cars a lot stronger, but considerably heavier using other steel - so chrome-moly has allowed us and Dencar [which produces the basic chassis for HRT]to incorporate more bars where we consider them to be of greater use.”

The evolution of the integral structures, Hollway says, have allowed the team to make each and every car, progressively, more sensitive to changes - a situation which has evidently become more critical since the introduction of the control specification tyre.

“Our ability to tune the chassis isn’t controlled by the spec tyi’e, but certainly the greater stiffness we can achieve with the construction of the car allows us to have better control over its destiny on track,” Hollway says.

Hollway does stress though, that the search for a more sensitive race cars is never held in greater priority than the search for a safer race car.

“Safety is always paramountit’s a goal that little difficult to test - and it can never be overlooked, but a by-product of our search for greater performance, we believe, is helping us achieve higher standards in that area and we can only be pleased with that.”

The proof is in the pudding, with the cars getting faster each season despite rules slowing them down ...

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Konica V8 Supercar Series

Now to VI

The Junior V8 class - the newly-named Konica V8 Supercar Series - is ready to begin its season. With a number of open wheeler guns added to the mix and Wakefield ParkJust around the corner, AARON NOONAN previews the season

GROWTH and expansion The Birrana/NRC rivahy will that’s what the 2001 Konica V8 now be in two spheres; V8s and Supercar Series is all about.

Formula Holden. It should be good to watch.

While the first year of the series opened the door to young drivers But just when you thought that and teams to gain experience in was all the open-wheeler drivers the V8 machines, the second sees you could add to the series, there’s more. the series expand to six rounds(at Wakefield Park, Oran Park, Leanne Ferrier, third in last Winton, Phillip Island, Lakeside year’s Formula Ford title, will and Mallala) and become a viable slide behind the wheel of the excareer pathway for drivers fresh Bargwanna VT out of the Garry out of the junior categories.

Rogers workshop, while Paul You only have to look at the Dumbrell gets a Gibson entry list to see that.

Commodore following the team's With the seats in the Shell move to Ford, with backing from Series all taken, a number of Wynn’s. young open-wheeler hot shots have The 18-year-old will move into a decided to step into the Konica Ford in line with the rest of the Series, particularly now that it GMS team once the production allows the VT Commodore and AU line at GMS begins to crank up.

Falcon, of which there are plenty Another of the ex-GMS cars has Taking control of his own destiny: of superseded models from Level 1 found a home with former Simon Wills is Holden-mounted teams for them to choose from.

NASCAR champ Kim Jane and after running the Pirtek car in late Heading the charge is two-time 2000.

Eddie Abelnica and naturally, (Photo by Marshall Cass) Gold Star Champion John Sidney will oversee Simon Wills, who has the engine progi'am. purchased the 1999 While Konica Bathurst-winning VT Champion Dean Canto Commodore from Wakefield Park, Rd 1 - Entry List heads to the Shell Series, Gibson Motorsport. The b his sparring partners No Driver Car Kiwi found no room at from 2000 - Matthew Eastern Creek Karts EL 20 Garry Holt the Shell Series inn and White, Ryan McLeod and 25 Terry Wyhoon Terry Wyhoon Racing VS so has taken control of Wayne Wakefield - have 28 Paul Dumbrell Wynn's/Gibson Motorsport VT his own destiny, forming varied plans.

33 Leanne Ferrier Valvoline/Repco/Garry Rogers VT Team Dynamik for 2001.

White is returning in 37 Bill Attard Scotty Taylor Racing VS The car will be run his ex-Perkins Bathurst 38 Peter Field South Pacific Motor Racing VS out of Birrana Racing’s 44 Mai Rose winning VS, while The V8 Supercar Experience VS McLeod and Wakefield 49 Ric Shaw workshops on South Auto One/Ric Shaw Motorsport VS Australia with Wills’ 56 Luke Sieders have the intent to run the All-Trans Spares EL 57 TBA Trevor Crittenden Motorsport VS own team of people, 59 John Scotcher Scotcher Team SA EL while another of his 60 Scott March Evers Motorsport VS Formula Holden rivals 61 Ross Halliday 3M Racing EL to move up is Dale 72 Robert Smith Smith's Trucks VS Brede.

73 Simon Wills Team Dynamik VT While Brede moves 76 Matthew White Matthew White Racing VS up, so to does his team in 77 Richard Mork v8racing.com VS Arthur Abrahams’ NRC 81 Tim Rowse CTC Maintenance Rowse Motors VS 84 Daniel Miller Racing equipe. They’ve Air Liquide/Miller Racing VS 87 Rod Salmon had their ex-Smerdon One World Sports Bar/The Race Centre AU Castrol/Harris Racing AU 88 Craig Harris VT for quite some time 90 Dale Brede NRC Racing VT now and have tested a 93 Mic hael Simpson OLD Vehicle Warranty/Simpson Racing EL lot more than most of the John Faulkner Racing VS 96 Owen Kelly opposition, putting them Graphic Skills VS 97 Wa yne Wakefield in good stead for the six111 PhonsyMulIan GM Motorsport Quickshift VS round series. And, 145 TBA RPM International Racing EL they’ve tested at 500 Alan Heath Power Racing AU Wakefield Park, too...

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motorsport news

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PREVIEW

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I can’t see the wheels!

Formula Holden’s Dale Brede, left, now has a roof over his head and

has been putting in the testing time over the summer.

series, but not the necessary financial backing. At time of writing, both weren’t going to be at Goulburn, Owen Kelly instead entered in the JFR car.

The VS Commodore is starting to get on in age but that hasn’t stopped two teams from building brand new versions of them.

Former GTP driver Ric Shaw will drive a new car constructed by

Bob Tindal using parts from the ex-Crambrook VS, while Ron Searie will be in one built by Phoenix Motorsport’s Mike Quinn, but won’t be at round one.

The majority of drivers in the Konica Series have elected to go Holden, though the lead Ford light should be Craig Harris’ ex-DJR car, keen to defend Ford’s title, won by Dean Canto last year.

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SPIT FIRE Roll on 2001: One of the stand-out performers In the 2000 Konica Series was Matthew White, left. He returns after winning the Mike Kable Rookie of the Year Award in a year where fields are expected to exceed last year, right.

Paul Dumbrell, above, is stepping up from Formula Holden in a Gibson Commodore and is aiming for the title.

The Queenslander will cari-y the Castrol colours in the series, further adding to the oil wars against Valvoline and Wynn’s in the series.

While his car will be the newest Ford in the field, Michael Simpson has one of the most successful in the ex-Stone Brothers EL and will be one to watch, while Luke Sieders was one of the impressive debutants in last year’s series in the All-Trans Trucks Ford.

Rod Salmon will be back in Tbe Race Centre car and that forms the frontline troops for Henry’s marque.

In terms of race formats, there’s not much that’s different. The three-race, 20 minute sprint format is retained, with the top 10 reversed in race two to spice things up.

And there’s a non-championship, 30-lap race at Bathurst as a bonus for those who don’t make the grid for the FAI 1000, giving them a chance to not only race at the Mountain, but also for TV exposure so they don’t miss out completely under the new wave of grid limits imposed on both the V8 Supercar category as a whole and the Bathurst race.

To ensure cost-effectiveness, there’s an eight-tyr-e limit on slicks. Teams are allowed eight wet tyres for each round.

Dumping the ‘Lites’ tag was definitely a good idea as well, because there’s some 28 cars entered for Wakefield.

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eguiations required McLaren’s techni to start with a clean sheet of an designing this year’s iithe result...

A blank piece of paper was the beginning point for the West McLaren Mercedes MP4-16, with revised technical regulations from the FIA for 2001 requiring a complete re-think hy McLaren’s design department before it began drawing its potential World Championship contender.

At first glance it appears the changes to the McLaren are small, but they are significant and. consequently, the MP4-16 is allnew and not an evolution of last year’s car(MP4-15)- it and the 1999 MP4-14 both evolutions of the championship-winning MP4-13.

The main visible difference results from the change to the front wing regulations, which required it to be raised by 50mm, and to the rear wing which has been given further depth and element limitations.

While those changes mightn’t seem dramatic, West McLaren Mercedes Technical Director Adrian Newey says they have had a dramatic effect on the remainder of the car.

38

‘That 50mm on the front doesn’t seem a great deal, but it has a big impact on the design of the car.

Newey says.

The rear wing is also much smaller, with the upper wing limited in depth and to three elements. Some have run as many as seven or eight elements at places like Monaco and Hungary in the past, so there’s a major reduction in downforce there.

‘The lower element is also now limited to a single element, so those two changes drastically reduce the amount of wing downforce available.

Newey says those changes. coupled with the various primary safety structure changes, such as much higher roll-hoop loads and new side penetration tests further forward along the cockpit, have resulted in further changes. including much longer side-pods relative to the driver’s position.

Development began as early as May last year, with the design department firstly centering on the aerodynamics. together with the transmission, rear suspension and hydraulics.

With the shape of the MP4-16

car finally fixed by September, design work on the monocoque began, with the concentration on surpassing the new safety requirements.

Newey makes it clear that the MP4-16 represents the start of what is likely to be a fresh design cycle, although the latest Mercedes-Benz FOllOK VIO engine is evolutionary and the car will start the season using last year’s gearbox.

With reliability, as always, a keyissue, Illmor had the first engine on the dyno as early as mid-November, running up to 23,000kms during dyno-cell testing. A further 10,000kms were clocked up on the new engine by Mika Hakkinen, David Coulthard and Alexander Wurz in the back of the interim MP4-15K at Jerez in December.

“The MP4-14 and 15 were both evolutions ofthe MP4-13,” Newey sa}^.

“The MP4-16 is a product of these changes in regulation and as such we have worked hard to hopefully provided a good base from which we can develop to the new regulations which are combined with the reintroduction of a tyre war.’

moiorsport news

FEATURE It will be all right on the night: A small problem may have halted its first public appearance, but McLaren's new MP4-16 has the confidence of Ron Dennis, Adrian Newey and, perhaps most importantly, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

Rules are made to be adhered to: The requirements of the new FIA technical regulations, which attempt to reduce downforce and increase safety, are quite evident in the photos beiow, with the

1

Adrian Neys^ey Q&A APART from the Minardi, the McLaren MP4-16 was the last 2001 car to break cover. With an interesting package of regulations changes to deal with, and plenty of motivation to regain the title lost to Ferrari last year, Adrian IMewey's latest challenger was sure to be worth looking at.

Early testing at Valencia was positive, although much to the team's frustration a hydraulic problem halted it on Wednesday's high profile launch day.

With first practice in Melbourne just two weeks away, can McLaren eliminate the gremlins that have affected the team in recent opening races? ADAM COOPER spoke to Newey in Valencia.

[mOTORSPORT NEWS: What Ure the key changes on the IMP4-16?

I

[ADRIAN NEWEY: Raising the [front wing by 5cms has a big fknock-on through the car, so [we've raised the nose by about 5cms to go with the raised wing.

That affects the chassis shape, and the chassis is also slightly bigger due to the regulation change. So the front is quite a bit different to the old car.

The sidepods are similar - we haven't found that the regulations changes have warranted a different sidepod, other than the fact that they've got a bit longer, again because of the side impact rules.

Then we get to the rear wing changes, which again have affected things a little bit, so we've changed the rear suspension to try to suit the rear wing changes.

MN: Would you have done such a major overhaul anyway this year without the rule changes? There's been a lot of talk about your 'three-year cycle'...

AN: Possibly, yes. It's difficult to say. Whilst there has been this three-year cycle, there's no point in changing things unless you can find a benefit. If there's a big regulation change, that naturally spurs you on to a change.

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16 February 2001

MN: We're told this car is yery different. Looking at the others that have come out are you surprised that some look very similar to the old cars, and people are saying that they are just an evolution?

AN: Yes, there seems to be a huge variety of nose and wing solutions, but for a lot of people the rest of the car looks fairly similar.

that we have to work together on tyre development this year.

MN; Is there a different approach to strategy?

AN: Not really. It seems to have been fashionable to criticise our strategy, but I don't think it's been too bad. Each year we try to evolve, as every other team does. I'm sure. Like all areas of engineering and technology, in FI you can't stand still, you've got to develop.

The thinker: McLaren’s Newey

"WMst there has been a thr^year cycle,therels no point dunging things unless you can find a benefit" -Newey on McLaren’s current three-year cycle design philosophy

MN: How has traction control affected the new car?

AN: I don't think the reintroduction of traction control affects the design of the car particularly. It affects the control systems obviously, but that's software. It will perhaps affect rear tyre usage for instance, but I don't see it affecting the fundamental design of the car.

MN: How difficult was it to meet the crash test rules?

AN: The crash structures haven't been too much of a problem.

Obviously it's meant a slightly longer sidepod, but apart from that, no major problems. The higher roll hoop loads again have meant putting weight up high, but it's the same for everybody, and undoubtedly a good regulation change.

MN; is a set of changes like this refreshing for you personally?

AN: Yes, I think it is. It gives a fresh challenge, fresh stimulation.

Unfortunately it tends to be short lived of course, because what happens is that although there's a temporary gain of the change in regulations, the regulations are in fact slightly more restrictive.

That's a year-on-year process.

Temporarily you get new areas to explore, but ultimately the boundaries are gradually pulled in,

MN: How difficult is it going to be to keep up with tyre development?

AN: I think it will be tough, undoubtedly. It means you've got to try to have a good understanding of the tyres and react to the tyres as they change. And invariably as they do change it will suit some people's cars better than others.

MN: Are the big teams at an advantage when a big change comes in?

AN: Theoretically yes, of course, because they've got more resources. Having said that when it comes to aerodynamic changes most teams now have their own wind tunnel. There are probably a similar number of engineers working in that wind tunnel, so it's down to ideas as well as size.

MN: Ross Brawn said last year that he'd had some conversations with [McLaren's] Martin Whitmarsh about the general philosophy of the way the tyres should go. Will that be ongoing? Are you - reluctantly perhaps going to co-operate?

AN: I think we've got to.

Michelin are obviously doing a very good job, they're doing a very good job already, despite not really having had very long at these tyres at all. So if Ferrari and ourselves are going to be best representing Bridgestone and maximising our own chances, then it makes sense

MN: You've lost a couple of well known guys from your technical team [Henri Durand to Prost, Steve Nichols to Jaguar]. Are you disappointed that they've gone?

AN: Disappointed, but I understand. Both of them have in effect seen promotion through their change, so it's understandable that they sought to move on. And I'm disappointed because they're both good guys.

I can't say pretend that there won't be a loss [with their departures]. But to quantify that in terms of lap time or reliability, I'm afraid I can't.

39

Q: Firstly, the usual questions about the constant pressure from you for safety, and from the manufacturers and the teams to make changes. Is this an ongoing concern for you this year and also, in particular, the question on tyre wear that seems to be already bobbing up, about what constitutes a grooved tyre (at the end of a Grand Prix)?

MM: Right. On the safety, first of all, we have done really two things; one is slowed the cars slightly by changing the aerodynamics, the front wings are higher, the rear wings have less elements, and that was intended to compensate for the likely increase in speed because we have got competition between two tyre companies.

It would appear, from early testing, that, as usual, the aerodynamic changes are not enough to compensate for the increase, but we shall have to see how that develops.

On the passive front, the cars are much stronger this

year; they've got reinforced shells, they've got a reinforced roll bar, they're better for side penetration.

So there has been an improvement there, but obviously there is also, as I said just now, likely to be a slight increase in speed. So I think we are keeping ahead of the game, but it is an ongoing thing.

Q; And what is going to constitute tyre wear?

MM: At the moment, the indications are that tyres will be faster when they are new, when they have got the grooves in them. If it should ever get to the stage where, when they're worn down and get more like slicks, they actually start to be faster, then there are a number of measures that we can take, including measuring the depth of the groove and also measuring the depth of the rubber underneath.

Plus, in the worst case, we could even put something at the bottom of the grooves which would make the tyres at very, very low grip, when they got down to that level.

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A L a F F I c L I c c N a e D

motorsport newt

FORMULA ONE But we don't intend to worry about that problem unless it becomes a real problem. If it does, we will act very quickly.

Q: This year we have seen moves by a group of five manufacturers to become involved at a much higher level than that, and (I) am just wondering what your thoughts are on the manufacturers' involvement at the very highest commercial levels of this sport, and what influence you expect they will wield?

MM: I think it would be a good thing if they came in. The way that it has been talked about at the moment is a possible acquisition of a substantial shareholding in Bernie Ecclestone's company, and I think this would be a good thing if it were to happen, because it will tend to stabilise the sport.

You get these big companies in, or in on the long-term with a lot of money invested, and I don't think it would have much actual influence, because the structures are such that, whoever controls Bernie's company, will have practically no say In the running of the sport because they just have one vote in 26 on the Formula One Commission. The teams have a lot more votes, and of course there could be Influence through them.

But I think we have checks and balances In Formula One which would mean that the manufacturers would be interested really in the commercial exploitation rather than In how the sport was actually run. Obviously we would listen to them, like we do listen to Bernie, if it comes to that, but that's a very different thing from massive influence.

So I believe that if they do come in, I don't think it will do any harm; on the contrary, I think it wil l do good.

Q: When you see companies like Daimler-Chrysler having to lay off 26,000 workers in the US, you talked about the stability that manufacturers might bring to the sport, what reason do you think there is that financial pressures might cause them to downgrade everyone as a priority?

MM: That can always happen, but of course there are long term contracts and long-term interests. The big companies like that only come into an 18 February 2001

The ppobiem comes where one team is overwhelmingly superior, like say Mercedes was in the 1950s or McLaren was in 1988. That, I think, is damaging to the sport"

W

Michael SCHUMACHER SIGNATURE SERIES

- Mosley on a ‘two horse race’

!fREE shippi^ activity like Formula One if they can see more coming out than goes in, because it is fundamental to their business.

So they would do it with a view to, let's say, laying off fewer workers or selling more cars, is another way of putting it. That is why they come in.

Q: Just wondering if you foresee another two-horse race between McLaren and Ferrari in terms of both drivers' and constructors' titles and, if so, is there a concern that that is not a healthy situation for Formula One? MM: Firstly, I am not at all sure we will see a two-horse race. It does look like that at this stage of the season, but with Michelin coming in, that really does throw all the cards up in the air. If we get a significant difference between the tyres of the two companies at a given race, because it will vary from race to race, we may see a very different situation; plus at least Williams are showing signs of being a lot quicker this year.

On top of that, I think that the danger really, as far as the smaller teams are concerned, is always that they simply don't have the resources of the big teams, so naturally that does tend to a two-horse race. But if you look back over the whole history of Formula One, there's never really been a problem when you have had two top teams. The problem comes where one team Is overwhelmingly superior, like say Mercedes was in the 1950s or McLaren was in 1988. That, I think, is damaging to the sport.

But provided you've got at least two teams in there fighting, I think you have a very thrilling championship - as we have for the last four years or so.

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41

25 February Wakefield Park l 18 March Oran Park l 6 May Winton l 27 May Philli

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16 February 2001

®

Oran Park

ams

iTGlttDftl r

It all ends where It began (t'r nl

T

■SV'.

HE 2000/2001 BOC Gases Super Touring Championship ended as it started, with Paid Morris dominating the final round at Oran Park.

Morris shrugged off the challengers to add two more pole positions and races to his tally, ending the season one win shy of an unprecedented grand slam.

While Morris was ably backed up by team-mate Owen Kelly, the action behind was pretty intense.

Cars went every which way in Race 1, with David Auger and Tim Shaw ending up off the track after an incident which saw the Future Touring Champion fi ned $500 and excluded from the results. Jamie Miller and Mark Zonneveld came together as well.

While Morris dominated the ST ranks, Ray Sidebottom took out the Future Tourer’s division, where most interest was in the debut of Greg East’s Mitsubishi Magna, which ran competitively until brake problems.

Morris ended the season with a remarkable record of 15 poles and 14 wins from 15 races, which is likely to stand for a long time - we hope ...

Paul Morris finished off the Super Touring season at Oran Park with a winning touch.

Qualifying Much of the focus though was on the debut of the Magna Future Tourer, but Ray Sidebottom took the FT honours. PHIL BRANAGAN reports

There some dramas beforewere a shot wasFriday even fired in anger in qualifying.

Kiel Johnston was the first victim. The youngster, who had an impressive debut at Wakefield Park, came down with the lurgy, which turned out to be glandular

46

motorsport news

L

SUPER TOURERS

AddsamEr SparcaCOLOUR tayourL^Ci

Cottoning onto the Morris way: Again, Paul Morris and the BMW 320i were too good in the BOC Gases Series. 'The Dude’ was simply too quick for everybody all season and Oran Park was just another weekend in the lead.

(Photo by John Moiris/Mpix)

fever. With no driver in the Nissan, Alan Gurr got a call at 8pm to race the car and arrived at the track in the AM to familiarise himself with the car.

“We had a few problems sorting the car out,” he reported. “They are both older cars, but the Mondeo understeers more, and this oversteers.”

The crew made some adjustments and Gurr was happy

in the second session, qualifying a fine third after a sixth in Ql. The other drama befell Luke Searle. With no intention of qualifying, as usual, he took to the track on Friday but had an off in the second session, backing off the track at speed with, luckily, no major damage. At the time he was 0.5s up on John Henderson in the

PROFI

l lll

COLOURED NOMEX UNDERWEAR

continued on page 48

fQuailfying^ CHALLEIVQER QUAl 1 POS QUAL2 POS CAR DRIVER Mt Cotton Estate BMW 320i 44.7731 [1] 44.4484 [1] Paul Morris 44.8276 [2] 45.0395 [2] John Henderson Sydney Crane Vectra 45.3481 [3] 45.9121 [6] Jamie Miller Pedder's Toyota Camry 45.3700 [4] 45.6306 [4] Thermo King BMW 320i Owen Kelly Peter Hills Signature Security Ford Mondeo 45.5417 [5] 45.7287 [5] HiTech Nissan Primera 45.6107 [6] 45.5087 [3] Alan Gurr 45.8759 [7] 46.1862 [71 Leatherman Alfa Romeo 155TS David Auger Mark Zonneveld Signature Security Ford Mondeo 46.2140 [8] 46.3502 [8] No time [18] 46.5035 [9] Visit Your Vet Honda Accord Jim Cornish 46.5981 [9] 46.9279(10] Dale Ford Mondeo Sam Dale 46.6350 [10] 46.9989(11] ISASO Holden Commodore Tim Shaw Ray Sidebottom APS Racing Holden Commodore 46.6768 [11] 47.0634(12] 47.1048 (12] 47.8083(16] Ford Falcon Kerry Wade 47.1526 [13] 47.4148(13] drive.com.au Mitsubishi Magna Greg East 47.5329 [14] 47.6409(15] Biante Holden Commodore James Brock 48.8222 [15] 48.9325(17] Andrew Gillespie Ford Falcon 49.6880 [16] Notime(18] Paul Leabeater Redline Hyundai Lantra 52.0847 [17] 47.6370(14] Trinovin Nissan Primera Aaron McGill

BOC Gases 16 February 2001

8 Oran Park 47

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Oran Park continued from page 47 extreme heat.

Saturday was cooler and the battle for pole was close, but with predictable results. Morris pipped Henderson in the first session by only 0.05s, but had to have two cracks at it earlier in the session when Hendo bounced him in the cooler conditions. Morris made it stick by 0.5s, reporting that the track was dirty and slippery in the humid conditions.

The effort meant that Morris’s remarkable record stayed intact.

Fifteen races, 15 poles. He may have dropped a race at Wakefield Park, but it is a landmark that one driver started from pole for every race of a championship. It will likely stand from some time - one hopes.

Henderson was second twice.

The Vectra was still lacking a little in the handling department and he felt like there would have been more to come had the track been a little cleaner, but was otherwise happy.

Third was a top effort in the first session for Miller. The newer of the two Camrys was running fine, the biggest bonus with the car the stock of spares Miller received when he imported the Dave Cook Racing Services-built car from the USA. The Sydney driver, usually in-form at OP, was also hoping for rain on raceday.

Kelly was fourth twice, the second of the two Nemo Simmers stopped early in Q2 by a broken throttle cable, which stranded him out on the track, prompting a red flag.

Likewise, Peter Hills was consistent, with two fifths, ahead of team-mate Zonneveld, neither reporting anything out of the ordinary with the Fords other than the age of the cars and the understeer which haunts the cars in slow to medium corners.

Behind the always-consistent Auger Alfa (seventh in both sessions, nothing to report) Jim Cornish had problems with the Honda. The Wakefield Park winning Accord was leaking water (which several drivers reported in the first session) and he was not confident. The crew suspected a cracked block, made running repairs and sent the vet out in Q2, where he qualified ninth.

Sam Dale was ultra-consistent in the Ford Mondeo, but his team mate Aaron McGill was having all sorts of trouble. The Nissan stopped on the track with an electrical problem in the first session. A new battery fixed the problem for the second session, McGill qualifying 14th.

The main talking point in the Future Touring division was the 48

nn

n

n

.cbmiau" Drive on Greg: Greg East, above, gave the FT Magna its debut.

(Photo by Bob Potts)

David and Goliath collide: David Auger and Tim Shaw, right, ended up in the gravel trap.

Shaw’s wallet ended up $500 bucks lighter as well ...

(Photo by James Smith)

The official Hendo cheer squad: John Henderson had his fans, below. We hope his police seniors didn’t see this one ...

(Photo by Mick Fishburn)

GO f^

f

DRlVE^ir ^

like you

tSiTOl.E IT!'

-

debut of the Mitsubishi Magna.

East dusted off the overalls which had sat idle for the last five years and hopped aboard the Peter Muir-built beast, which proved to be impressively reliable, despite not having been roaded before the race meeting.

The small but hard-working team threw some springs at the car between sessions but the car was still rolling around on its bump stops but, considering it was not just the first Magna FT, but the first one built around a FWD shell, it was a handy way to announce its arrival in the BOG

Gases Show.

Shaw still took two poles (“I didn’t come here to run back in the pack”) but Sidebottom was right there in both sessions, the APS Racing team running solo this time around as Jason Domaschenz’s Wakefield engine problems exhausted the team’s supplies before they headed north.

Race 1(36 laps)

I

Tt didn’t rain during the (ftympic Games in spring but, during the summer, Sydney has made up for that respite. After lots of rain

during 2001, it fell overnight and, with no rubber down, the track was dog-slow on Sunday morning.

The race started and Morris won. That was not unpredictable.

But, in between, there was plenty going on ...

Firstly, Henderson make a shocking start. The Vectra was swamped back to 10th at the first corner, Hendo sheepishly admitting that he was in second gear and not first. He lost a mirror surround in a clang with Zonneveld and had a lot of work to do.

Also caught up was Auger. The Alfa got a clout and had a front tyre rubbing. It looked bad, but the smoke soon subsided.

Morris led Kelly and Miller, with Hills following from Zonneveld, Gurr and Shaw, who soon had Henderson sniffing, passing on the outside at the Pura Milk Dip on lap 3.

Kelly got a strong drive onto the straight and beat Morris to Turn 1 on lap 4 to take the lead, which he held until Moms got back at him through Recaro-Speedline on lap 9, only to have Kelly come back past three laps later. Miller was hanging on and Henderson, who had picked his way through the field, was past Gurr and Hills and was closing.

McGill’s woes continued. After an off on lap 10, when it took ages to get the Nissan back onto the track, he was gaining ground when he dropped into a sandtrap and shed a splitter, prompting another stop. continued on page 50 molorsport news

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2001 QANTAS AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 1-4 MARCH

Oran Park BOCGases Round 8 Oran Park Ract 1 - 36 iHt

POS DRIVER

Morris Henderson Gurr Hills 5 Searle 6 Sidebottom 7 Wade 8 Brock 9 Kelly 10 Gillespie 11 McGill DNF Miller DNF Zonneveld DNF East DNF Auger DNF Cornish DNF Dale DSQ Shaw

^1

Rim Z - 31 taps

POS DRIVER

1 Morris 2 Kelly 3 Henderson 4 Hills 5 Auger 6 Miller 7 Shaw 8 Sidebottom 9 Brock 10 Wade 11 Gillespie 12 Zonneveld DNF Searle DNF McGill DNF Gurr

RACniME

F/lAP

33:30.8851 33:32.2939 33:33.6140 33:37.3317 33:37.5012 33:47.4864 33:49.6273 33:51.9086 35 laps 32 laps 29 laps 21 laps 20 laps 19 laps 11 laps 4 laps 1 lap

45.0993 45.0872 45.5114 45.7234 45.6827 46.9620 47.3861 47.2155 45.5800 48.4950 46.3968 45.7752 46.5218 47.7211 46.8098 48.1700 57.5191

RACETIME 23:51.5372 23:52.0390 23:56.7590 24:13.1407 24:23.7138 24:31.1118 30 laps 30 laps 30 laps 29 laps 29 laps 28 laps 20 laps 14 laps 5 laps

45.1398 45.5595 45.5648 45.9051 46.2047 46.0541 47.1442 47.3478 47.6908 48.0879 48.7043 46.9048 45.8200 45.9095 46.1778

F/lAP

DRIVERS POINTS (after round 8): Morris 255, Henderson 146, Auger 113, Hills 109, Gurr 87, Searle 67, Kelly 63, Miller 51, Letcher 31, Cornish 30, McGill 30,Zonneveld 17, Downard 14, Dale 13, Bewley 10, Fox 9, Leabeater 8, Newman 8, Saunders 7, Robson 6, Stratton 5, Rolfo 3, Fitzgerald 2.

INDEPENDENTS POINTS (after round 8|: Auger 218, Searle 135, Miller 111, Letcher 66, Cornish 49, Downard 33, Fox 32, Dale 30, Leabeater 24, Saunders 22, Robson 20, Stratton 8, Rolfo 6, Fitzgerald 6.

continued from page 48 The Future Tourer battle was being headed by Shaw, who had Auger between himself and Sidebottom, and the Alfa looked inside the ISASO Commodore at Shell Corner. The two clashed and skated off the track.

Enough was enough. The Safety Car was summoned while the carnage was cleared. Shaw made few friends when he drove back on in front of the Safety Car and dumped dirt in front of Morris.

He was waved around and

Where’s another car to get in w hen you need one: Alan Gurr abandons the Hi-Tech Nissan, while Owen Kelly again had to play bridesmaid in race two in the Thermo King car.

(Photos by Mick Fishburn and John Morris/Mpix)

pitted. After the race the Tasmanian claimed he saw yellow flags before Auger tried to pass, but the Stewards took a different view and fined him $500 and excluded him.

Three laps later, off they went again. Morris re-took the lead, but the racing didn’t continue for long.

Gurr looked inside Miller at the restart, rubbing the Camry on the way. A tyre started to go down and Jamie had the car spin in Turn 2, getting clouted in the suspension and stranded on the track.

Zonneveld, who had gone on at the end ofthe straight on lap 6, was keen to make ground when he came up to the stranded Miller. He hit the rear of the Camry and the Safety Car has to be summoned again.

Morris controlled the restart, while Gurr made a good start to get by Hill to get into fourth, while Searle lost a rear bumper in another melee. Henderson’s third

TEAMS POINTS (after round 8): Knight Racing 312, Paul Morris Motorsport 144, Hi-Tech Motorsport 131, McGill Motorsport 112, Motorsport Developments 12.

soon became second when Kelly felt a loose wheel and pitted for a change, and the Vectra pounced on Morris to take the lead with five

FUTURE TOURERS POINTS (after round 7): Shaw 184, Domaschenz 103, Brock 85, Sidebottom 78, Wade 75, D’Agostin 67, Webb 50, Gillespie 30, Papendell 16, Holtl2.

laps left. But Morris was in

control; he came back when Henderson ran wide in Turn 1 an d that was that. Morris was home.

Second was Henderson (“I think I had more hits in the first race than I had all year”)from Gurr, Hills, the bumperless Searle, V8 winner Sidebottom and Wade, while East has the Magna disappear in a cloud of smoke when he went on at the end of the straight on lap 19.

Cornish had a recurrence of his

I think I had more hits in the first race than I had ail year

W

ft

-John Henderson

Forget British Racing Green: Ray Sidebottom’s APS VT continues to get quicker and he was top FT in R1.

(Photo by John Morris/Mpix)

engine problems and parked for the day, while Dale received a thump and was parked at the final corner after a lap.

Race 2(31 laps) A t Wakefield Park, the first race .was full of drama while the second was, well, boring. This was not quite a replay, but Morris had them covered all the way.

The aggi'essive Kelly switched left at the start to gi-ab second place and the Beemers ran there for the rest of the race, despite Owen trailing half a rear bumper. .Likewise, Henderson was third all the way, consolidating the spot when Gurr stopped with a broken gearbox mainshaft.

Hills and Auger were next, but only after Miller in the blue, white and racetape Camry, which had been miraculously rejuvenated by the crew, tangled with Searle at Recaro-Speedline on lap 20. Both spun, but the Beemer was out and the Toyota continued to sixth, allowing Auger to take the Indy win and seal third in the championship. McGill had been in that battle when he had the gearbox explode on him.

In the FTs, Sidebottom and Brock chased Shaw, but the ISASO car secured a gap and Shaw came home,leaving the overall order for the day Sidebottom-Brock-Kerry Wade. After his Oran Park accident last year, it was just to see the APS team take some revenge on the track.

So, the first summer season was over. After the Morris/BMW versus RichardAkilvo war of 1999, it was a let-down to see such dominance.

The signs are that the TOGA Tourers will take centre stage in future seasons. That’s a good sign; another Morris Slam next season will do more harm than good,

50

motorsport news

D/^ID AUGER

D

AVID Auger’s Super Touring career looked, at one stage, to be over within three race meetings.

His ex-Steven Richards Alfa Romeo somersaulted into the sky at Phillip Island in 1997, crashed with a thud and the shocked, but uninjured. Auger staggered out of the car - or what was left of it.

“That’s that,” he said to himself as he surveyed the wreckage.

Three seasons later, the consistent Queenslander rode a conservative strategy to take out the Independents’ title in the 2000/01 BOC Gases Super Touring Championship.

For Auger, it was a long trip to win the title. He started racing in his native England in 1978, aboard a Broadspeed Ford Escort.

After writing that off at Cadwell Park when the suspension broke, he raced a Lola Sports 2000based, BDA-powered Skoda in 20 races, finishing second in the British Championship, four spots up on one Steve Soper ...

After racing in Historic sportscars for several seasons, Australia called. Auger upped and transplanted himself to Brisbane in 1982, and after building up his business(which includes the Queensland Gun Exchange), returned to the track, running in a Group N Lotus Cortina. After winning three championships he was looking for something new and that was Super Touring.

“Little cars always appealed to me,” he says. “The TV in the BOC Gases series is good, and so is the racing and the people involved.

The individuality of racing in an Alfa Romeo appeals to me.”

But it almost came crashing down. Auger’s Phillip Island crash, and the effort which came after it to keep him racing, have entered Super Touring folklore.

“Funny,” he says now. “I didn’t hurt myself at all. I had a headache, but that was caused by the stress more than anything.

“It was an unbelievable effort by everyone. Carl and Grant Amor did amazing things. The week after the crash they had stripped a shell in New Zealand and it flew into Australia the next day - a public holiday! It took a lot of talking to get hold of the car ...”

Auger was racing the rebuilt car at Calder three weeks after the crash and raced the rebuilt car at some of the best touring car circuits there are, like Bathurst and, last year, Macau.

With tool distributor Leatherman coming on board, he entered the 2000/01 season determined to win the Indy title.

“We had some money to spend but we didn’t have the quickest car. We started carefully and got

16 February 2001

David Auger won the 2001 BOC Gases Independents' title after a career spent in some interesting cars. PHIL BRAI\eAGAni reports

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spgrSfi

This is progress: Auger’s ex-Steven Richards Alfa, top, has been a picture of consistency during the 2000 season. Prior to that, there were some odd-looking cars, like his Skoda-bodied Lola Sports 2000 special.

- -rl

D

"FunnyL I didn't hurt myself at ail. i had a headache, but that was caused hy the stress more than anything"

JL l C12, C14, C16, Nitro, Cool down, oils and lubricants l Ratios from 3.0 - 7.17

-Auger on his Phillip Island shunt as many points as we could.”

It worked. Auger sealed the Independents’ crown two races early, finished third overall in the championship and is looking forward to continued success next season, but he is not sure where.

“We’re not sure whether we’ll do a TOGA Tourer or continue with the 155. We’ll decide at the end of the season.”

Whichever way he goes, the car could not possibly be as weird looking as that Skoda ...

Racing

; l 9" diff gears as used by most V8 Supercars Teams. l Full spools, detroit _ lockers and more.

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Performance GMP Racing Products 03 9543 6222 Supa F Spares 03 9305 2522 51

f

Rally Nevs^s

by JON THOMSON

Neal to run Hyuntlai Accent for 2002?

Mitsubishi searching

MITSUBISHI'S plans to run a young gun alongside established factory rally star Ed Ordynski are still being finalised, despite the fact that the Ralliart team has already tested seven drivers for the role.

According to Mitsubishi Motors PR manager Kevin Taylor, the plans to run a second car for a young driver are

still not confirmed, but it is hoped that the program will get the green light in the next week or so.

"The final funding is still being confirmed but we hope to be able to bed it down very soon," he told Motorsport News.

The company ran a test day in Canberra recently for seven young Rivalry: Who will join

Mitsubishi’s Ordynski to fight Subaru in Group N?

drivers it felt met the criteria of youth, speed and presentation.

The group was picked from local rallying after the company was inundated with inquiries after the plan was reported in Motorsport News.

Taylor would not confirm who the seven young hopefuls were but, after some digging around with other sources, Motorsport News was able to put together the list of drivers who were tested.

The list included Marty Beckton, Dean Herridge, Scott Redder, Steven Shepheard, Spencer Lowndes and young NSW driver Mark Thompson.

Each of the hopefuls was given the chance to sight the stage, do gravel notes and have a competitive go at it with one of Australia's leading co drivers alongside.

According to Taylor, the assessments are still being

I I

put together and no decisions have been made yet.

-JON THOMSON

Martin Lintott gets ex-Crocker Subaru

ONE of Au.stralia’s leading privateers is planning to make his rivals see red this year.

Martin Lintott will run the exCody Crocker 2000 Group Nwinning Impreza WRX and is having it rebuilt at the Auckland workshop of Possum Bourne.

52

It’s also being repainted in Lintott's familiar red livery as a change to Subaru blue.

“We really hope to step up a gear this year and be a consistent front runner in Group N,” says Lintott, “and the car is obviously an important component of that plan.”

The car will make its debut at the first round of the NSW state championship, the 2GO Rally at Wyong on the central coast.

From there, the Lintott team will head for the first round of the 2001 Australian Rally Championship season in Perth on March 31-April 1.

THE upcoming Australian Rally Championship will almost certainly be the last year Neal Bates enjoys Toyota factory support, according to Toyota Australia spokesman, Mike Breen.

Breen said that the likelihood of Toyota being involved in the ARC beyond 2001 was remote, and that the company’s campaign this year was more out of loyalty to Bates than anjdhing else.

With Toyota certain to be lost to local rallying, as it has been on a world stage for the past season, the speculation about what Bates might do in 2002 is rife.

One suggestion is that Peter Evans, the new general manager for marketing at Hyundai in Australia, is looking at continuing his long-term relationship with Bates by putting together a Hyundai Accent ARC campaign.

Evans, who was head of Toyota conversions. Accessories and Motorsport(T-CAM), has made no secret of his desire to fund a Hyundai WRC in the ARC. As reported previously in MN, Hyundai and its UK factory rally operation MSD are keen for distributors to campaign the car in local markets and are offering the Accent WRC at relatively low prices for this puipose.

To run a car in Australia would require strong technical resources and the ability to stay on top of technical demands. Bates, whose technical expertise and workshops ●have enabled him to stay competitive in the outdated Corolla against Possum Bourne and his newer Subaru, would be the logical choice.

According to Bates’ co-driver Coral Taylor, they don’t know for sure that Toyota will pull out at the end of the year but agi'eed the future was clouded.

“The writing is on the wall for sure, but after a decade with Toyota, we have very strong allegiances and, if they do pull out of rallying, we would only entertain other offers once all avenues of competition with Toyota were exhausted,” she said.

“Certainly, at the end of the year, if Toyota said it was all over and there was no other forms of motorsport they wanted us to pursue, then we would look at other offers to enable us to keep the team together,” she said.

‘We haven’t had any other offers yet,” she emphasised.

“It would hurt if there was a split. Ten years is a long time and there are very strong ties for us at Toyota, but we would have to look at any opportunities that came up," she added. motorsport news

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Happi

Rovanpera

Snow swept away the fancies in Sweden. JON THOMSON reports White Knights: Rovanpera and Pietilainen were ecstatic after taking a well-deserved maiden WRC win.

(Photos by Sutton-lmages)

SWEDISH RALLY %

r j

r * 54

H

ARRI Rovanpera has stormed to a superb victory on the Swedish Rally after refusing to be fazed by overnight snowfalls and near-blizzard conditions on the final day.

In an event blighted by having potentially faster cars lose time by running early on the road, the Finn made the most of his opportunities to take his maiden 'ITOC win. / The Peugeot driver won by almost 30 seconds from Mitsubishi’s Thomas Radstrom and Carlos Sainz, but talking point of the event was the shock exit of Tommi Makinen. Starting the final stage second, and having already conceded the event to Rovanpera, the four-time champion still pushed hard on the stage, only to roll out of the event just a handful of kilometres from the end of the rally.

The crash meant Mitsubishi missed out on valuable points but still leads the manufacturers title in a rally that saw many un nominated drivers gain points ahead of the more fancied stars.

And, to highlight the recent criticism of the Manufacturers’ points system, Peugeot, which took both titles in 2000,is yet to score a point this year.

World Champion Marcus Gronholm succumbed to water pump failure on the first day, while Colin McRae and Richard Bums lost time early after landing in, or on, snow banks, both finishing out of the top six.

Day 1

Gronholm started the event in storming form, taking almost 4s on the opening stage from Bums and McRae. Already though, conditions were

a talking point. Overnight snow meant that Makinen and Sainz, the two cars leading on the road, were ploughing the snow for the opposition. At the end of SSI, they were 13th and eighth respectively.

But the World Champion’s charge ended on SS2. The Peugeot 206 ended the stage with steam pouring from the engine and, despite starting SS3, it was obvious that the water pump problem was terminal.

“For me,it was exactly the same problem as the Monte, we don’t know exactly but I think it is the same problem,” said Gronholm.

This was denied by the team hierarchy; ‘We think Marcus’s problem was the cylinder head gasket,” said Peugeot Sport’s chief engineer Michel Nandan. “It was absolutely not the same problem as the Monte.”

Toss a coin, figure it out... molorspon news

WORLD RALLY That handed the lead to Thomas Radstrom, guesting for Mitsubishi, who was still getting used to the size of the Lancer.

“You have to approach corners differently with this car than what I’m used to, because of its size, but the handling is brilliant,” he said.

While Makinen and Sainz mounted a rear-guard attack, the Brits were in trouble. After Burns beached the Subaru, costing 13 minutes, McRae lost six minutes stranded on a snow bank on the following stage, losing second place.

Worse awaited Subaru. Markko Martin had a puncture on the 50km SS4, losing a top 10 spot while he stopped to change it.

With all the dramas it was, remarkably, Sainz who had the fastest plough, taking the lead on SS4 and building on it to finish the day 13.2s up on Rovanpera, who eased ahead of Radstrom on the final stage.

Day 2 There was more snow, which meant that the lead was up for grabs. First man on the road Sainz dropped 20s on the opening stage, though he was not necessarily complaining; “I think it is a handicap to be first on the road, though it depends on the stages - it’s worse on some than on others,” said

Sainz.

But an electrical fault in the Focus on the next stage handed the lead back to Rovanpera, while Makinen also surged through into second while Radstrom,farther back on the road, charged through into third.

After a strong showing in Monte Carlo, Hyundai was having grief in the Scandinavian snow. After Alister McRae was hampered with wastegate and exhaust manifold problems, it fell to Kenneth Eriksson to uphold Korean honours, but he lost his top three gears late in the day, losing two

n 'X

minutes and dropping him outside the top 10.

The day ended with a Super Special at the Lugnet ski-jumping arena, to which Rovanpera took a liking, stretching his lead over Makinen to 7.4s, with Sainz in third from Didier Auriol. The Frenchman, not nominated in the event for Peugeot manufacturer points, was struggling against a bout of bronchitis and had forced himself out of his sick bed to take the start of the rally.

It would all end in tears for Auriol. After bravely battling on, his Ford would stop on him with two stages remaining in the event while sixth, transmission woes the culprit.

Tina, Turn ’er: Thomas Radstrom and Tina Thorner salvaged some pride for Mitsubishi after Makinen rolled on the final stage.

Day 3

Being first on the road meant that Rovanpera was now the plough for the rest of the field, but he confounded the opposition, taking time off Makinen and Radstrom on the opening to stages to extend his advantage.

The only man to challenge him for pace was Bums,on a charge after starting 20th on well-swept roads.

Such was Rovanpera’s speed that Makinen, 18s back in second, conceded the event before starting the final stage.

“I can’t catch Harri,” the Finn admitted.

So it looked even more odd when, within a few kilometres of second place and a sohd WRC points lead, Tommi rolled his Lancer onto its roof That allowed Rovanpera to cruise home, 28s ahead of Radstom.

Unfortunately, Peugeot hadn’t nominated the first-time WRC winner for manufacturers’ points, meaning that the French team is

ieiiiis

3h27m01.1s Peugeot 206 WRC 1 Harri Rovanpera/Risto Pietilainen +0m27.9s Mitsubishi Lancer 2 Thomas Radstrom/Tina Thorner +0m37.0s Ford Focus RS WRC 3 Carlos Sainz/Luis Moya +2m05.3s 4 Toni Gardemeister/Paavo Lukander Peugeot 206 WRC +2m25.2s Ford Focus RS WRC 5 Francois Delecour/Daniel Grataloup +2m48,5s Subaru Impreza WRC 6 Potter Solberg/Philip Mills Drivers' Championship points: Makinen, Sainz and Rovanpera 10, Delecour and Radstom 6, Gardemeister 5, Armin Schwarz 3, j Freddy Loix 1.

Manufacturers' Championship points: Mitsubishi 23, Ford 14, Skoda 6, Hyundai 5, Subaru 4.

WRC Round 2 Rally of Sweit

= MA1T

-'

Broken Freps: Colin McRae had a smorgasbord of woes in the snows of Sweden, but finished the event, even if he was out of the points.

« v/Sf^

Spanish Pride: On a weekend when Spain lost in the Davis Cup - and the golf - Sainz retrieved something for King and country with third place.

still to score a point this season.

“The feeling is very good, but I'm sad about what happened to Tommi because we had a good battle going,” said Rovanpera.‘Today was all about not having problems and not making mistakes and we did that.”

Radstrom, who had been nominated by Mitsubishi, finished ahead of Sainz, the second Peugeot

of Toni Gardemeister, Frankie Delecour’s Ford and Fetter Solberg who, at least, salvaged some joy for Subam. Eriksson was eighth ahead of Colin McRae. The championship heads to warmer climes with the Rally de Portugal in a fortnight where the dust and gravel will make an interesting challenge after two unpredictable snow rallies.

55

stand and deliver ANDRA ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton has to do Just that, having made the decision to run the Nationaisjust eight weeks out. GERALD McDORNAN borrowed five minutes of his time to taik about the sport of drag racing and the Nationais...

MOTORSPORT NEWS: Bob Jane's decision to cancel national events at his tracks, claiming the costs of running the sport amongst other things behind his decision, brought into question the viability of drag racing. For ANDRA to take the risk of running the Nationals at such short notice, it would appear that you have complete confidence in the sport...

TONY THORNTON: I think that goes without saying. Couple that to the complete confidence in the calibre of people who have stepped up to be involved at short notice, apart from the racers. Officials, long-time ANDRA supporters ... the confidence in drag racing as a whole is certainly there.

changed that.

Now, from our point of view, running the Nationals is probably the best way of notifying the right people of the credibility of drag racing and the spectacle it can deliver...

sport - the people involved in drag racing and their association - is in a much better position to deal with these things now.

Thirteen years ago we would never have thought about running the Nationals any more than we would have thought about flying to the moon.

It's a positive reflection of where we've all come in the last 10-12 years. It's a bad problem, but we're in a far better position to deal with it.

MN; I believe ANDRA undertook a mail-out late last week,informing them of your decision. I know it's only early, but how has the response been to that so far?

TT: Not too many racers in Queensland have received their letters yet, but we've had an amazing response from Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Already we have in-excess of 200 entries for the event which, considering the event has been 'open' for a couple of days, is impressive.

The reaction hasn't surprised us, really. We were sure that, put to the racers correctly, highlighting it was ANDRA's event - or the racer's event to be more precise - it would end up a worthwhile exercise.

We need 300 entries, our target is 400, but we'd love 500!

On the basis of the response we've had and the enthusiasm with those responses, we are confident we will have a great response.

MN; Financially, ANDRA have certainly turned around since that time...

TT: Yes, but not to the grand scale where you need to be able to bankroll the Nationals with only six-to-eight weeks notice...

We certainly have had a number of people that have stepped up and offered to invest in the event - that's not as a sponsorship, but investment from people who are willing to help share the load. I'm heartened by that response.

It's interesting that much of that financial support has come out of Sydney...

ANDRA itself can't bankroll the event without a favourable result...

MN:Is it ironic that, 13 years after you took ANDRA over, you are again confronted with the same problem - no track in Sydney and Bob Jane withdrawing from running events?

TT: It certainly is ironic, but perhaps the thing I can say is that, while the problems seem similar, the problems are far greater than what they were as the sport has far more to lose.

The heartening thing is the

MN: You have called for the Olson State Government to support the sport in South Australia. Do you see ANDRA's move in a positive manner in regards to the influence it might have on the reaction you will get in Adelaide? Also, was that thought of?

TT: We had originally targeted running smaller events in both Adelaide and Melbourne, but Bob Jane's January decision

56

MN: Where will it lead?

TT: Quite frankly, in the short term, our full energies are being devoted to the Nationals. The Nationals are our highest priorities. After that, we're looking at running normal level events in Adelaide and Melbourne.

I've always said that ANDRA is not in the business of running events, but we had no choice when the announcements were made in December and then January, In the end, it wasn't a question of whether we would run an event, it was a question of whether we would run the event.

MN: You would need a substantial amount of senior management and officials who are capable of running the event to the highest level to have the desired affect. Who has put their hands up?

TT: Ian Smith will be meeting director, while Steve Wilson will be in charge of track preparation, Harry White will also be involved in a senior position. Lindsay Whitchurch is involved in the marketing, sponsorship and hospitality. They're all long-time ANDRA people in one way or another and have been involved in the successful running and promotion of events in the past.

They are also working on their own groups of people - they know who is required to help run the event the way it needs to and deserves to be run.

For the advertising of the event. I'm meeting with Clemenger Advertising in Adelaide later this week. Given the other events we're running up against - the Grand Prix, the Air Show - we need to have people that know the market and know how to get into it right.

We've worked with Clemengers on and off for the last five years and they have experience and a solid track record.

Hopefully, they'll rise to the occasion as will ANDRA, the racers and the sport of drag racing.

Caldep Pari

by GERALD McDORNAN

THE 35th running of Australia’s most prestigious drag racing event, the Nationals, will go ahead after the sport’s sanctioning body the Australian National Drag Racing Association committed itself to promoting the event.

Scheduled for March 15-17, the event which is being dubbed ‘The Racers’ Nationals’ will take place at Calder Park Raceway, with ANDRA early last week coming to terms with track owner Bob Jane to lease the venue.

Jane notified ANDRA of his decision not to continue with his five-year contract on January 19, with the immediate response of support from racers and interested parties convincing ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton that the body should look to the event’s promotion.

“Taking on the organization and promotion of the Nationals is a major step for the Association,” said Thornton.

“Because we have a policy of keeping administration costs to the tracks and the racers at a minimum,the challenge of funding the Nationais at such short notice is a big one.

“I’m pleased to say that a number of people and businesses within drag racing have already pledged financial support and we will be inviting others to make an investment.”

Thornton said a moral obligation to run the Nationals was also felt, with many interstate and overseas racers and visitors having already made their plans, or in the process of finalising them.

A management team has been assembled in Melbourne to oversee preparations of the event, while former ANDRA Chairman of Honour and Calder Park meeting director Ian Smith has been engaged to plan the Nationals and again act as meeting director.

Entry information for competitors was circulated late last week and sponsorship and hospitality arrangements moiorsDort news

DRAG RACING

sto Nationals are go be leased for the 35th Big Go

r i

have already commenced.

The entry information asked all competitors to notify ANDRA of their interest in running the event, with the early response surprising even CEO Tony Thornton.

ANDRA has engaged Clemenger Advertising in Adelaide to market the event, while former Calder Park media relations consultant Grant Nicholas’services are also expected to be contracted for the event.

ANDRA’s move is already being seen as leading the sport’s big chance to return to the ‘glory days’ with the Nationals thought to having floundered in the past three seasons after a change in Calder Park management.

At its peak,the Nationals attracted up to 500 teams, with claimed spectator numbers of near 80,000 for the three days.

While it has never been calculated, with around 250 international and interstate racers and teams, plus up to 4,000 visitors, the financial impact on the Melbourne community is thought to be rivalling many other major sporting and social events, including the International Air Show which runs in Melbourne this weekend.

'

TSSli

Champion’s Flight: Dave Schultz’s last appearance on his Sunoco Suzuki (David Ostaszewski) Hayabusa brought him NHFIA win number 45 in Houston.

V'

VALE: Dave Sehtilii

DAVE Schultz, winner of a record six TijHlElAPro Stock Bike championships, passed away on February 11 after a short battle with colon cancer, * Schultz,52, was the winningest rider in NHRA Pro Stock Bike'^history, having taken 45 national event victories. He holds the record for the most consecutive victories, taking eight in 1994, while Schultz’s 14 consecutive top 10 finishes are also an NHRA Winston

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Difkg Racing series records Perhaps Schultz’s most dramatic win came in October last year when,having been diagnosed With cancer in August, he returned for one final event at the Supemationals in Houston.

It was his 45th and final wm.

Schultz is survived by his wife Meredith,son Brian and daughter Kim.

>DAVH)OSTASZEWSKI

JET-HOT

Critchley gains a Gatornats berth AUSSIE Pro Modified standout Troy Critchiey has been given an invitation to take part in the Pro Mod oategory's historio appearance at an NHRA event, the Gatornationals in Gainesviiie, Fiorida, next month.

Critchley's fifth-piace finish in the IHRA points iast season, his second top 10 in the last two years, ensured he received an invitation to join the 20 select drivers at the event.

Included amongst the list of drivers who will attempt to qualify for the eight car field are; current IHRA champ Fred Hahn, Quain Stott, Shannon Jenkins, Al Billes and former Australian tourists Wayne Torkelson, Kirk Kuhns and Johnny Rocca. n A number of rumours are floating about suggesting there is already dramas between Mateo Tools Funny Car team owner Don Schumacher and newly-hired Shoe, Whit Bazemore.

It is believed the two had words in Pomona after Bazemore received his contract, the all-important numbers reportedly less than what had been spoken about before Bazemore skipped camps for the ride... n The NHRA has given final approval to Dodge's new Pro Stock Neon, with the factory-backed Nickens Brothers - who field cars for Darrell Alderman and Mark Osborne -- and Larry Morgan expected to debut the cars within two months.

The racing Neon was developed as a joint effort between Mopar engineers, chassis builder Rick Jones and composite specialist Mark Kirkman.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

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57

New cars, new stars and a fresh look: Kurt Johnson, above, won with a new car, while Joe Amato won with a new driver. below, Darrell Russell. Bruce Server looked the same, left. but still won, while Aussie Andrew Cowin looked good with the K&N Filters car, right.

-!' f. !'

(Photos by David Ostaszewski)

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moiorspon news

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G RACING

n Drag Racing

MLU&CO wm CMI/AU

f

jjjjjj AFTER spending much of the winter in hibernation, drag racers everywhere excitediy look forward to the Winternationals at Pomona.

There new drivers, teams and cars hit the NHRA trail for the first time each season.

DAVID OSTASZEWSKI was there to catch all of the action, news and gossip as the new season begun...

16 February 2001

NEW cars, teams and drivers Pomona always exudes a fresh new look in February as the NHRA Winston drag racing series kicks off. 2001’s AutoZone Winternationals was no different, with a proliferation of new model cars and paintjobs offering enough to keep any tired race fan’s eyes wide open.

At the end of four gruelling days, Pomona even offered three new ‘looks’ in the winner’s circle, with Top Fuel rookie Darrell Russell, hired by the now-retired Joe Amato to shoe his car, winning and Kurt Johnson’s newgeneration Chevrolet Cavalier also taking victory.

Funny Car offered Bruce Sarver in the winner’s circle for the second time, albeit at the head of the quickest field in the sport’s history.

Russell’s victory in a considerably white Amato fueller over Mike Dunn’s tyre-smoking New York Yankees car made him

just the third rookie in history to take a national event win on debut - Russell joining KC Spurlock (Funny Car - 1990) and Gary Scelzi(Top Fuel - 1997).

The win was hard-fought for, with the Jim Walsh-tuned car of Russell also downing Australian Andrew Cowin, low qualifier Doug Kalitta and surprise semi-finalist Bobby Baldwin.

“This is truly a dream come true,” a surprise Russell said afterwards. “When you race, you always want to win, but with a new driver and a new crew chief, we were expecting to take baby steps.

“The changes Jimmy [Walsh] made to the car had us running quicker every round and that’s what counted.”

Russell said the power of the fuel car, compared to his previous alcohol dragster ride, was amazing.

“These cars are incredible. This thing launches all over again at half-track when the clutch locks

r

r

ii

up. I’m still ‘behind’ the car ... when we’re going through the finish line, I’m still thinking about the 1,000ft mark. Scelzi told me it will take me around 40 laps before I can think in real time.”

Amato was just as ecstatic, the five-time champion having offered Russell the ride after retiring with eye problems.

“This is almost as much fun as driving,” he said.

“Anytime you can debut with a new driver and a new crew chief and get the points lead, that’s pretty good stuff. This is a great start for this team - it’s way beyond my expectations.”

Cowin had looked flawless in the new-look K&N Filters car, posting three straight 4.6sec laps in qualifying, ending up eighth on the ladder with a 4.65/315.

Unfortunately for the all-Aussie team, changing weather conditions caught them out and Andrew smoked the tyres against Russell. continued on page 60 59

Photo «>y David Oslaszcwski

-ii-rai

Where’s my 50-grand? Having won the Winston Finals in October, plus the delayed US$100,000 Bud Shootout, Gary Sceizi believed he should have been paid a ‘double-up’ bonus of $50,000 by the NHRA. Meet Mr 300: Aussie Jim Read and veteran Dick LaHaie chat.

“Could have, should have, didn’t ... we won’t make any excuses,” Cowin said.

“The car ran great, we just got caught out and missed the opportunity. We won’t miss it in Phoenix.”

Fellow Australian David Grubnic qualified in sixth (4.63/314) and took out Tony Schumacher in the first round before being stopped by Larry Dixon in round two.

Sarver’s victory in the toughest Funny Car field ever was strong, overcoming a final round holeshot

by Tony Pedregon to win 4.88/308 to 4.95/284, although the Alan Johnson-owned Funny Car driver isn’t getting carried away just yet.

“When you look over and see a Castrol car, it makes you realise what’s on the line in a hurry,” Sarver said.

“We picked up this new car in the off-season and it’s a real rocket.

“Now I can say that I won the first race of the year ... cool, Fm a hero for at least two weeks.”

With 28 Funny Cars in attendance and 25 making qualifying laps, the 16th spot bump sat with rookie Tony Bartone at just 5.01secs - only three cars not making four second runs.

Johnson’s victory on debut of the first 2001 Cavalier Pro Stocker was impressive, the ACDelco-backed piece taking a final round 6.91/200 to 6.93/200 victory over Dodge’s Darrell Alderman - Johnson has now won seven of the last 12 events...

“We’ve only done 15-20 runs on this car, but we couldn’t be happier,” a delighted KJ said every pass at Pomona in excess of 200mph.

After qualifying fifth best at 6.86/201, Johnson strung together passes of 6.88/200, 6.89/200 and 6.88/200 to eliminate Mark Osborne, Mike Edwards and low qualifier (6.82) Bruce Allen.

Randy Daniels defeated Greg Stanfield in the final round of Pro Stock Tmck, 7.52/179 to 7.55/179.

Daniel’s Chevy S-10 dispatched John Lingenfelter, Todd Patterson and Bob Panella teammate, Jeff Gracia, to take his eighth victory in the class.

Australian sportsman racer Bernie Cunningham won his fifth NHRA national event, the former Ballarat racer winning Stock. ,

AutoZone Wintefnaiionais Poindiia.^agai Top Fuel...

Darrell Russell, Keystone Racing (.499) 4.665/309.77 det Mika Dunn, New York Yankees (.479) 5.560/231.44 Low of. Doug Kalitta 4.576secs / top speed. Larry Dixon 318.84mph Funny Car...

Bruce Sarver,e-moola.com Pontiac(.533)4.887/308.35 det Tony Pedregon,Castrol Mustang (.48114.957/28439 Low et:Tommy Johnson 4.838 secs / top speed. Tony Pedregon 314.17mph Pro Stock...

Kurt Johnson, ACDelco Cavalier (.4591 6.912/200.44 det Darrell Alderman. Mopar R/T (.452)6.936/200.41 Low et Bruce Alien 6.828secs/ top speed. Kurt Johnson 202.18mph Pro Stock Truck...

Randy Daniels, Daniels Racing SIO (.458)7.527/179.97 defeated Greg Stanfield, Chevy S10(.441)7.552/179.49 Low et Randy Daniels 7.461secs / top speed. Bob Panella 181.42mph

2001 NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING STANDINGS FEB 8.

Winston Top Fuel Championship I.Darrell Russell Kcystone/Amalo .. .

2.Mike Dunn New York Yankees 3.Larry Dixon Miller Lilc

Sv

60

Winston Funny Car Championship Winston Pro Stock Championship

1 12

1.Bruce Sarver e-moola.com Pontiac

114

I.Kurt Johnson ACDelco Chev Cavalier . . 114

. 97 .76

2.Tony Pedregon Castrol Syntcc Mustang . . 94 3.Chuck Elchells Kendall Camaro Z28 73

2.Darrell Aldennan Mopar Parts Dodge ....94 3.Bruce Allen Rchcr-Morrison Pontiac .... 78

4.Bobby Baldwin Baldwin Racing ....

.71

4.Whit Bazemore Mateo Tools Pontiac .. ..72

4.Warren Johnson GM Performance Pontiac 77

5.Doug Kalitta Mac Tools Racing .. . .

. 58

5.Tommy Johnson Jr Skoal Bandit Camaro ...58

5.Mike Edwards Mike Edwards Pontiac

55

6.David Grubnic John Mitchell Racing

. 54

6.Frank Pedregon CSK Pontiac

6.Richie Stevens Vcispar Pontiac

53

57

7.Gary Scel/i Winston/No Bull

.54

7.Ron Capps Skoal Bandit Camaro Z28 . ..55

7.Jcg Coughlin Jog’s Mail Order Olds .

52

8.Tini Gibson Bill Miller Engineering .

.53

8.A1 Hofmann Mooneyes Pontiac . .

51

8.Tom Martino Century 21 Pontiac . . .

51

9.Doug Herbert Snap-on Tools lO.Andrew Cowin K&N F-iltors

, 35

9.Jcrry Toliver WWF/XFL Pontiac .

36

. 33

lO.John Force Castrol GTX Mustang

33

O.Ron Krishcr Eagle One Pontiac Firebird , . 36 33 lO.Jim Yales Peak/Spliinre Pontiac

motorsport news

DRAG RACING Solid TV ratings for Pomona

Now this is rocket science: Scotty Cannon debuted yet another Mad Scientist Oakley Funny Car. Pre-season testing form qualified Cannon, but he lost in the first round.

Pomona’s Grand Am; Mark Pawuk was amongst a number of Pontiacbacked Pro Stock drivers to debut the new Grand Am. (Photos by David Oslaszowski)

f

(Photos by Jon Asher)

Force adds another Third Castro! Funny Car to debut before Top Fueller arrives into the fire.”

While a driver hasn’t been announced, the car will test prior to the Gatornationals the event at which it will make its debut.

On its announcement,the move was seen in the US as a marketing ploy by Force to attract more sponsors to his booming operation, with marketing director Kelly Antonelli confirming as much; “We’ve had inquiries from several potential sponsors, but they want to see something tangible,” Antonelli said.

“For that reason, we really can’t afford to delay our new team’s introduction. Talking about a third team is one thing, but putting it into play makes it a much easier sell.”

-DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

H While on the subject of Cowin and Grubnic, the points after Pomona had both Aussie Top Fuel pilots inside the top 10 in points. It would be a good bet to say that that fact would be a little bit of history...

H Apparently Gary Scelzi was a little bit miffed as to why he wasn't paid a US$50,000 bonus by the NHRA for winning the rain-delayed Bud Shootout last weekend.

The Shootout was delayed from the Winston Finals, which Scelzi won back in November, with the original deal stating "win both the Finals and the Shootout and we'll give you a L'onus $50k."

Scelzi did, they didn't and he's not too happy about the whole deal...

A couple of two-base hits; Mike Dunn made the Top Fuel final in Darrell Gwynn’s NY Yankees car, above, but smoked the tyres, while Chuck Etchells’ Pomona return to the oockpit was promising, left, although his debut as a two-car team owner was hit for six when Jim Epler failed to qualify in his Camaro Z28.

JOHN Force will add a third Castrol Mustang Funny Car to his team from next month.

Force, who resisted a similar move last year, made the decision following Pomona when it became apparent that his plans to get a Top Fuel car on the track by that time couldn’t be realised - the team having already hired a new crew for the dragster.

“We don’t have a dragster chassis yet, but what we do have are two brand new Funny Cars,” Force said.

“So, after talking with [crew chiefs] Austin Coil, Bernie Fedderly, John Medlen, Jimmy Prock and Dickie Venables, we decided the best plan would be to get our new crew members comfortable with one another by throwing them 16 February 2001

POMONA'S event marked the beginning of a five-year television deal between the NHRA and ESPN and, despite some criticism of the coverage, the ratings numbers appeared strong.

In excess of one million homes in the US tuned into the Winternats, giving an audience of around five million. Compare those ratings to those of the Adelaide Le Mans race (approx. 900,000 homes) and the Gold Coast Indy Car race (approx. 400,000 homes) and it's easy to see both Andrew Cowin and David Grubnic can provide some Australian companies with excellent coverage in the US, especially considering the cost of participating in the other two series.

B The NHRA has modified its oildown rule for 2001, with competitors now allowed up to three oildowns during the season without fine or points penalty.

Oildowns four to six will be the same as 2000(US$500 in qualifying/US$1,000 plus 10 points in eliminations), while any team's seventh or more oildown will cost double.

Last year nearly US$100,000 in fines was levied at teams with all of the money going back into the NHRA's consolidated revenues.

B Having announced the addition of a third Funny Car (see separate story), John Force is also adding a hotel to his Yorba Linda, California-based race shop property, along with four new offices, a US$1 million machine shop and a merchandise store four times the size of the current one.

New colours: Jimmy Prock in Force/Castrol attire.

n Nostalgia.fans will be thrilled to know the Goodguys Bakersfield meet, scheduled for March 9-11, will feature a 16-car front-motored Top Fuel field for the first ever time. As many as 30 cars have fronted in the past for qualifying, but only now has the organisation been able to schedule a full, four-round field.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI 61

Australian Titles

Skip becomes A1 In a big night ofracing in Brisbane, Skip Jackson finally picked up his first Australian Sprintcar Title and the right to use the A1 plate for the next 12 months. MARK JONES vvas there to see all of the fast and furious action

KIP Jackson took the biggest win of his career after a near perfect drive at Brisbane International Speedway on Saturday night.

Jackson ran away from fellow front-rower Brooke Tatnell, and withstood incredible pressure from Garry Brazier late in the race to win his first Australian Sprintcar Title.

The A-Main was a fiercely contested race that kept the capacity crowd thoroughly entertained. Jackson led the early running, building and maintaining a gap over Tatnell in the early running. Brazier took the fight to Jackson past half distance with a fierce dice for the lead erupting just past the 30 lap mark.

Two late race red flags brought Max Dumesny into the fight, and

the pole shuffle and drove hard and smooth to keep the rest of field at bay in the 40 lap A-Main.

And it was a tremendously popular win with the huge BIS crowd, which were treated to the best race seen in Queensland all season.

B

razier looked

to be the main threat. In the Time Trial, he smashed the lap record by half a second and in the Leave me alone Shane, I know Brisbane International like the palm of my hand ... In the first year of teaming up, Shane Krikke and Skip Jackson, above, have taken a while to get going, but it was all v/orth it in Brisbane. Max Dumesny, left, worked hard for third place in the feature race.

(Photos by David Lamont and Warren Bndge)

fTime Trials^

Brazier had to fight to defend second place, allowing Jackson to move clear for the win.

“The car was good, and the team’s done a good job,” said a highly emotional Jackson. “They got me started at the front, and it If made my job OK. For Jackson, it was consistency rewarded.

After being third fastest in the time trial, three thirds and a fourth in the heats ensured a high point score, and into the finals he led the pointscore. He kept pole in 62

A-Main battled with Tatnell for many laps before finally making a passing move stick on lap 23.

Brazier then applied the blowtorch to Jackson and the lead swapped to and fro during the 30s.

Once Dumesny arrived at the front, Brazier had to defend fiercely to keep the Victorian legend behind.

It was a particularly aggressive fight, which ended when the two cars collided on the cool-down lap.

A cloud of officials descended on the two immediately post race to

POS 1 2 3.

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

HO At N29 W2 Q36 Q6 Q5 W92 Q32 02 Q68 V7 095 V5 N8 W99 075 N61 N56 W8 024 N6 W17 039 N92 N20 025 03 N96

DRIVER Garry Brazier Kerry Madsen Skip Jackson Drew Kruck Stephen Bell Darrell Hodges Treuor Green Nathan Macdonald Todd Wanless Cameron Gessner Daryn Maggs Andrew Scheuerle Max Dumesny Brooke Tatnell Jamie Maiolo Darren Jensen Mick Turner Robbie Farr Pino Priolo Tony Bridge John Shore Luch Monte Scott Davis Adrian Maher Troy Little Peter Thorley Clem Hoffman Bruce White

TIME CAR 11.587 Metalcorp Maxim 11.767 Bike Biz/Yamaha Twister PennzoilTToyota Genuine Parts Maxim 11.780 11.788 Titan Garages Eagle 11.873 Speedflow Maxim 11.986 Valvoline Maxim 11.993 Adrad Radiators Maxim 12.001 RAAF MAC 1 12.026 ABC Auto Gear Maxim 12.073 Union Steel Viper 12.078 Drysdale's Chaffmills Eagle 12.082 Lucas Oils Maxim 12.083 Valvoline Maxim 12.097 Shell Helix Avenger 12.103 Ausquip Maxim 12.129 SercoAViseco Maxim 12.129 Truckline Parts Eagle 12.132 EWT Auto Dismantlers Avenger 12.137 Yale Budget Forklifts Maxim 12.178 AB Bridge Removals Avenger 12.215 Caltex Havoline Eagle 12,238 Sunnyvale Plants Maxim 12.247 Cairns Mufflers Gambler 12,363 Bevellite Glass Gambler 12.500 Barry Smith Isuzu J&J 12.575 OLD Diesel Spares J&J 12.692 One Mile Hotel Avenger No Time Westco Tognotti

Australian Sprintcar Title - Brisbane international molorsgort news

SPEEDWAY

Where were the cars?

IN today's world of Sprintcar racing, a big event at Parramatta City Raceway can draw as many as 60 cars, and events throughout New South Wales and Victoria regularly pull 30-40 cars.

So why, for the most important race on the Australian Sprintcar calendar, did only 28 cars show?

There is the traditional debate of prestige over cash. Some events, particularly the PCR 50K, have high first-place purses, though the

money tails away rapidly, something much less of an issue at the Nationals.

Has the allure of the A1 plate been lost in the pursuit of the almighty dollar?

That being said, the titles were the third weekend of racing in a row (after the Classic and CAT 50,000) and that comes after a season of WSS racing and state series racing, so why have the top three events on consecutive weekends in three different states?

It means that teams

are really pushing themselves and their equipment to keep up.

Why not have one at the beginning of the summer, one in the middle and one at the end to try to ensure interest in racing throughout the season instead of a lull in 'big shows' and then have them all together?

The racing budgets can only stretch so far as well and, with the sheer number of Sprintcar races around the country in a summer, perhaps there's too many races

and not enough dollars to get racers there.

Also, there's the reputation of Brisbane International Speedway as a car wrecker. The new circuit owners have worked had at improving the venue, but the circuit itself is still slightly too small.

Is it the travel?

Brisbane is a long haul for the Victorian-based teams - but so are the tracks out west. Would a West Australian Nationals have so few entries? Is a win against Australia's top four

drivers an unrealistic prospect? The performance of Darrell Hodges suggests otherwise.

However, all that being said, the promoters and organisers were roundly congratulated for the excellent running of the event.

Yes, it's a long haul, and yes, it's at the end of a long hard season, but surely, surely, the Australian Titles should be able to draw more than 28 cars. No matter where they are ...

-MARK JONES

II

(It'S the) Australian titles, everyone gets a little bit desperate tt

-Brooke Tatnell

keep the two drivers separated. It was one of several similar incidents throughout the A-Main as various drivers vented their frustrations at each other.

D

umesny was left with it all to do. After spinning to a halt in one of the heat races, he was well down on points going into the AMain and started from 10th. In the early laps, he picked his way forward when he could and the stoppages kept him in touch with the leaders.

On lap 35, Drew Kruck ran over Todd Wanless’rear wheel, sending both into the turn four wall, which led to another heated driver debate on-track..

On the restart, Tatnell and Kerry Madsen clashed, sending Tatnell into the turn four wall hard. There were some anxious moments for those watching, mindful of Tatnell’s back injury incuiTed Stateside last year, though Brooke did walk from the wreck, taking time to exchange views with Madsen before limping

from the field.

Tatnell was in pain immediately after the race, but several hours later was walking freely again.

Madsen was sent rear of field for his part in the incident. It was the second such incident after overnight leader Stephen Bell had to be directed from Madsen’s car after Bell rolled in turn Turn it into Austraiia #2: Garry Brazier has to give his number to Skip Jackson, but three while running ‘The Brash One’faught extremely hard to keep it. fourth.

(Photo by John Morris/Mpix) “(It’s the) fence and that’s all there is to it.

Australian titles, lot of people fell out in front of us. everyone gets a little bit Congratulations to Skip, we’ll be We got past a few and moved up to desperate,” said Tatnell. back again next year.” a reasonable spot. We would have been better if it was a few more With four cars removed, “We lost brakes for about 10 laps in the middle there, which made it Dumesny now had a clear shot at laps and maybe have done a little Brazier. a little hard on the cush, but still' better. I’m quite happy to have run ‘We had to come from back in we had a really fast race car, and 10th,” he said. the longer the race went the better continued on page 64 “We were quite lucky actually, a our car was. We got put into the

Max Dumesny Motorsport Australian Distributors for

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16 February 2001

n

2000/01 AUTOPRO SUPER SPRINT SERIES SCORE Grand National Sprintcar Classic

Point Standings to January 29, 2001 I.V6 Mike Van Bremen

V20. David Swayn 8.V2I Frank Ramsdale 9.VI8 Ian Lewis

1907 1812 1684 1571 1515 1465 1465 1375 1 191

10.V70 John Vogels

1 133

2.VII Jeff Judd 3.V32 Ian Thomsen...

4.VI2 Colin Bulmer ..

S.W52 Jeremy Warren 6.V9 Rod Matthews...

I I.VI4 Peter Knight I2.V57 Ian Smith ..

924 917

I3.V43 Garry Chippendall .... 874 853 I4.V56 Brent Hough...

832 15.V30 Darren Russell .

776 I6.V84 Graeme Pitcher 746 I7.V73 Charles Hunter.

I8.V6I Allan Barlee ...

653 I9.V7I David Murcott..

652 621 20.V36Troy Sheills

I. Donny Schatz.

2. Danny Smith .

3. Danny Lasoski 4. SkipJackson ..

5. Max Dumesny .

6. Brooke Tatnell .

7. Chad Kemenah 6. Jason Meyers..

9. TommyTarlton .

10. Fred Rahmer .

USA 15 Til USA20 W2 VS N8 I5K USA16 V22 USA2

63

1

Australian Titles Australian Sprintcar Titles RESULTS Heatl Dumesny, Green, Jensen, Gessner, Kruck, Brazier, Little Heat 2 Tatnell, Turner, Macdonald, Maggs, Madsen, Bridge, Bell, Thorley Heats Farr, Maiolo, Jackson, Wanless, Scheuerle, Hodges, Maher, Shore Heat 4 Turner, Farr, Brazier, Jackson, Hodges, Little, Hoffmans Heats Bell, Scheuerle, Tatnell, Dumesny, Gessner, Green, Shore Heat 6: Jensen, Wanless, Kruck, Madsen, Maggs, Davis, Maiolo, Maher Heat?

Scheuerle, Tatnell, Jackson, Farr, Maggs, Bridge, Madsen, Maher, Davis Heats Hodges, Green, Brazier, Kruck, Shore, Turner, Thorley Heats Maiolo, Bell, Wanless, Little, Monte, Hoffman, Jensen Heat 10 Jensen, Maggs, Wanless, Brazier, Farr, Bell, Maher, Shore, Monte Heat 11 Macdonald, Turner, Jackson, Kruck, Maiolo, Priolo, Thorley Heat 12 Dumesny, Madsen, Tatnell, Little, Scheuerle, Davis, Hoffmans Points after heats: Jackson, Tatnell 100, Wanless 97, Brazier 96, Bell, Jensen 95, Scheuerle 94, Kruck 93, Madsen, Dumesny,Turner 92, Farr 90 etc B-Main Hodges, Maiolo, Macdonald, Maher, Shore, Davis, Monte, Thorley, Priolo, Hoffmans Pole Shuffle Scheuerie d Kruck Jensen d Scheuerle Jensen d Bell Brazier d Jensen Brazier d Wanless Tatnell d Brazier Jackson d Tatnell A-Main Skip Jackson Garry Brazier Max Dumesny .

Darrell Hodges Trevor Green Robbie Farr Kerry Madsen Darren Jensen Mick Turner Daryn Maggs Jamie Maiolo Andrew Scheuerle Brooke Tatnell Drew Kruck Todd Wanless Stephen Bell 64

continued from page 63 third. There’s always another race next week.’

Troubled twosome: Both Stephen Bell, above, and Brooke Tatnell, below, had run-ins with Kerry Madsen which saw them out of the feature.

(Photos by Warren Bridge and Brett Swanson)

w

There'S always another

race next week" Arguably, thetodrive of the night went Darrell Hodges. He had a - Max Dumesny driveshaft fail during the final heat at the start of Saturday night’s racing and it took In anGreen actioncollided packed heat 11, a herculean effort from his crew to violently with Tony get the car ready from the B-Main Bridge(A B Bridge Hodges suddenly found himself in.

Removals Avenger), Hodges led the B-Main from flag destroying the front end to flag, keeping just clear of the of Bridge’s car and entertaining battle between Jamie putting Green upside Maiolo and Nathan Macdonald. In down and into the fence the A-Main, Hodges scythed in front of the gi'andstand through the field, quickly picking on the exit of turn four. up to Max Dumesny.

Green’s front right The two Valvoline-backed wheel actually penetrated Maxims fought hard and clean the fence, making the while the cars in front of them extrication of first Green, disappeared one by one. then his car, difficult.

“It was pretty tough,” he Green’s car was towed reported. from the field.

“We needed a full red on the last During the delay while stoppage. The car had no brakes, it the hole in the catch fencing was had a bad vibration, the torque patched. Green’s car was repaired tubes had fallen out of it, so I was and returned to the field only for just lucky to finish. the crew to be told by officials that “If we had better brake pads, we cars can’t be returned to the track might have picked up two more/ after going behind the wall for spots, but 15th to fourth is a pretty nice drive.” repairs, reducing their efforts to nought.

By the final red flag, Hodges’ As attrition took its toll on the brakes were shot, having been front runners. Green gi-adually punished for over 70 laps of BIS, came up the field, dicing with Farr but still had enough in resei-ve to and Hodges for most of the race. keep clear of Trevor Green and Robbie Farr.

Fan'battled through to sixth in the end, not quite re-discovering the form that saw him demolish the field at BIS back at the Fifth was perhaps a poor reward for Green.

The West Australian Australian Sprintcar Open in veteran had been consistently January. quick throughout the event.

“We just didn’t get the car right all weekend and it cost us.” said a rueful Farr.

T

he A-Main decimated the locally-based teams, with all five Queensland cars in the pole shuffle coming adrift in the main event. Overnight leader Bell was rolled after contact with Madsen on lap 15, while Wanless and Kruck eliminated each other.

Andrew Scheuerle had a puncture which put him out despite several attempts to re inflate it, while Jensen spun down the field after receiving a bump from Scheuerle while well-placed, moiorsport news

SPEEDWAY

Schatz down under World of Outlaws star Donny Schatz has spoiled the Aussie drivers' party with wins in both the Warrnambool Classic and CAT 50,000.

JULIE PEARCE profiles the 'money man' of the moment in Sprintcar racing.

DONNY Schatz has been the man doing the winning in the big money Sprintcar races in Australia this year, his motivation to succeed this summer fuelled by his last visit here.

“I'd given up the World Series last year as just a shocker and laid it all on the table this year,” he told M News recently.

At the Gough & Gilmour 50,000 at Parramatta, his sheer speed and experience was too much for the opposition.

‘The track’s challenging. You had to be careful of the cushion, (because) it’d grab you and hook you up in there and do what happened to Garry Brazier. It happened to a couple of guys.

“It’ll bite you if you iet it - you know I was cautious with it and bided my time and the car was really awesome. The track was slick in the middle, there was a top groove and a bottom groove and I could run both of them.

“With most cars, it’s tough to get your cars to do that, but once I figured out how to do it, I was actually a lot better than I expected to be.”

Schatz is unlike any other visiting driver when he says he enjoys his time in Oz and that there’s a different mindset of racing.

“People take more pride and more fun in it (in Australia). You know, things are so intense and so serious in America that sometimes it’s not fun. Here in Australia, the intensity is there and the desire and the heart’s there, but somehow people make racing here more fun.

“I don’t know what it is. If I did.

I’d go home and try and get it that way in America. That’s just the way it is and it’s awesome absolutely awesome. Perhaps 16 February 2001

America has a little to learn from Australia after all.”

Interestingly, when asked about a comparison of the organisational skills in Australian speedway and American hero: Donny Schatz returns to the US the World of with wins in arguably, the two biggest races on the Outlaws, Australian calendar.

Donny chose (Photos by John Monis/Mpix and Martin D Clark) to speak about the differences two different systems are between the rulings in each “probably suited well for the country. size of the countries.'

“The World of Outlaws does In terms of his not allow the car owners, the competitiveness in Australia drivers or the teams to appeal this season, Schatz was things, if they don’t like quick to point out that the racecar was Australianowned, with a chassis that was “probably a year or two "People take more pride old and have 30 or 40 races n

and more fun in it,

-Schatz on Australian racing something - guess what? That’s the way it is.

“Here, they give the people the opportunity to appeal things and try to change decisions instead of one guy running the show and saying how things go.

“It’s a little bit different that way; we answer to one guy. One guy makes or breaks the rules, that’s how it is. Whereas here it’s not necessarily one person, it’s a committee or a board.

“There’s too much politics in racing and when you get stuff like that involved, it does take the fun away.”

He wouldn’t state a preference for either system, saying that the

on it.’

‘The motor’s brand new, it makes the weight rule. But the motor was the latest and greatest technology - stuff I’ve been working on for over six months to get it right.”

Schatz’s World of Outlaws car has a 410 cubic inch engine (compared with a 372 cubic inch engine here) and makes about 100 more horsepower. However the other parts he claims are identical, just the engine has “a couple more inches compression.”

The set-ups are “a lot different though,” explaining perhaps why some drivers have problems adjusting to their Australian drives.

The World of Outlaws gun was at Archerfield as a spectator for

the Australian title, and will fly home to prepare for the first World of Outlaws race on February 23.

The World of Outlaws series consists of 104 races between the the end of February and the first week in November, with races every two or three days on average.

Does a schedule like that take sap the energy and enthusiasm to race?

“Sometimes it can when things aren’t going good. When things are good, you are on top of the world. When they’re not going good, you’re not. It’s all part of racing.”

HI 65

Gough & Gilmour 50,000

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All cashed up: CAT 50,000 winner Donny Schatz. n (Photo by John Morris/Mpix)

D

ONNY Schatz is the first man in Australian speedway history to win $50,000.

The World of Outlaws star chased down early leader Robbie Farr to storm away and claim the history-making 35-lap Gough and Gilmour CAT 50,000 at PCR on February 3, ahead of Skip Jackson, Max Dumesny, Robbie Farr, Tommy Tarlton and Danny Smith.

Chad Kemenah, Kerry Madsen, Pete Murphy and Fred Rahmer completed the top 10.

With six Americans nominated (Jason Meyers had gone home before the weekend)Schatz pocketed $50,500 for car owner Luch Monte after Rocket Industries put up $500 cash through K&N Filters for the polesitter.

Farr sat on the front row alongside Schatz and led for several laps before the American blew by in traffic and was never legitimately challenged from that point.

‘We were way too good too early,” Farr lamented during a red light stoppage with only five laps remaining.

Monte looked like an expectant father during the short break.

“I just want this to be over,” he grinned nervously, “I think we’ve got them covered but anything can happen yet.”

The Schatz machine steamrolled away on the highline, despite the advances of Jackson on the lowline once the greens flashed on.

Not even a yellow light with one 66

Donny's Dollars

Donny Schatz made it two wins in twa weekends with a win at the Gough §i iiSmiv CAT 50,000 at Parramatta, scoopiiii the cash for both he and car owner Luch iimte.

WADE AUniGER reports

lap remaining(Drew Ki-uck spun down the back straight) could stop the inevitable.

“Donny was too quick up high.

We had a look on the bottom but the bottom wasn’t there like it usually is,” Jackson conceded.

s

mith and Garry Brazier had each played the Alphabet Game to get through their respective C and B Mains before making the transfer to the big one.

Brazier had missed his heat race in the Mopar Australia #1 entry on the Friday night and this forced him to start in the D-Main along with Kelly Linigen.

Linigen won the event with Brazier placing second and then nearly made the transfer to the BMain after starting from 12th.

On the final night he came from the C-Main to pass a stack of cars in the B and then the A before giving the turn four tyre wall an enormous hammering and flipping badly.

rjS; -

y t.

V

> V.

Smith Louise had Genner takenteam up with to drive the , the Gough and Gilmour reversearm John Boy, and on Friday night, he struggled with the unfamiliar combination.

“These cars are better suited to the slick than the hookier track, so I’m kinda hoping that the surface will dry out tonight,” he said.

He took off to win the C-Main (from the third row), took the last transfer spot in the B-Main after starting from 13th and began the A-Feature from dead last.

In the main event he was like a

:4

Hard time, hang time: Garry Brazier missed his first heat and played (Killer photo by John Morris/M pix) catch up the rest of the time, until this ... man possessed. Blasting from the rear, he picked off cars one by one until a certain top five and potential top three presented itself After a lengthy battle with countryman Tarlton, Smith eventually had his run forward cut short when Dumesny proved too

tough to tame.

“Danny makes me so mad sometimes,” said friend Brad Doty.

“If he didn’t smoke so much and he got himself in better shape, I’m sure he could win more races. He’s still got so much talent.”

Farr had faded to third for much of the last third of the race, but moiorspon news

SPEEDWAY

^ 9

Dumesny got him with only one lap to travel.

Dumesny had won the preliminary night A-Main with a powerful drive around the outside of Kevin Burton to take the lead.

Andrew Scheuerle then held out an aggressive Schatz to hold on for second, but not until the American had tried every trick in the book to unsettle the young Queenslander and move by into second.

“I think Donny was just playing with us last night,” said Dumesny with his Saturday night third-placed trophy.

“He obviously had more up his sleeve tonight than he showed last night.”

^ < -'-<r

CAT 50,●IiTi Briefs

E

Friday afternoon saw periods of torrential rain throw the meeting into turmoil with promoter David Lander and the Sprintcar Association quickly developing a plan to convert the weekend into one night affair.

At 6pm while making plans on Saturday, the sun remarkably came out and the meeting was back in full swing. Ten minutes later it rained again but, somehow, it stayed away after that and the program was completed.

Qualifying king; Skip Jackson was the quickest in qualifying but had to settle tor a podium finish rather than a win in the 50,000 feature race. ,

■ Missing from the original nominations list on Friday night when the meeting commenced were Dean McComb, Nathan MacDonaid, Clem Hoffmans, David Murcott, Warren Ferguson and Les Porter, Many of the Queensland stars were unable to get past Coffs Harbour as the highway had been flooded due to torrential rain in the area, while McComb had been injured in a wreck the weekend before at Warrnambool.

(Pholo by John MofniT/pi^}'

The in qualifying wasfastest set bytime Jackson with a 13.324s pass in the Toyota Genuine Parts/Pennzoil Maxim.

Heat wins on Friday went to Troy Little (non-qualifiers event) Kevin Burton, David Anderson, Trevor Green and Kemenah.

The D-Main went to Linigen in new record time with Brazier second and Troy Little third, while the C-Main was won by Mick Turner from Queenslander Drew Kruck and Jamie Jones.

Friday’s B-Main saw Murphy victorious ahead of Jackson and Steven Graham, while Burton led the A-Main for many laps

before Dumesny eventually got around the outside, before Burton’s diff locked up several laps later.

The D Scramble on Saturday was won by Brett Leadsman, with the D-Main later going to Little.

The C Scramble went to Pino Priolo and the C-Main later saw Smith in victory lane.

The B Scramble saw one of the biggest wrecks of the weekend when Mark Blyton helped Stephen Bell on his way big time in turn four. Bell flipped many times before coming to a rest near the dummy grid! The win went to Madsen and the B-Main victory also went his way.

The A Scramble was won by Tarlton over Murphy and Green.

■ Counting Speedweek (WA), the Kings Challenge (SA), the Warrnambool Classic (VIC), and the CAT 50,000 (NSW), Americans have won all the major events in Australia in 2001. Brooke Tatnell won the O'Brien Nationals, Robbie Farr won the Australian Open and Max Dumesny won the Speedway City $10,000 to stem the flow of dollars heading offshore.

■ Tommy Tarlton's main wing was quite a talking point. The enormous aerofoil looked like a flashback to the 80s when the wings looked more like a flattened garden shed than an aerodynamic aid.

"The wing gives me substantial side-bite in the corners. It really works," said Tommy.

Of contrasting fortunes; Schatz’s team-mate and car owner (Photo by John Morris/Mpix) Monte found a way to celebrate the $50K!

■ Interestingly, the first two cars across the line were West Australianowned, with Donny Schatz driving for Luch Monte and Skip Jackson for Shane Krikke, ■ $70,000 was paid out in the 35 lap Gough and Gilmour CAT 50,000 main, while PCR promoter David Lander won't rule out the possibility of a $100,000 version of the Gough and Gilmour event - one day.

-WADEAUNGER

4.

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■ Weld Wheels ■ Eagle chassis ■ Pro Shocks ■ All titanium parts Mail order available - all credit cards accepted

Ph; 02 4332 8755 Fax: 02 4385 8395 Mobile: 0411 470 712 21 Sanctuary Place Bateau Bay NSW 2261

16 February 2001

2000/2001 SPRINTCAR RACING ASSOCIATION OF VIC CALENDER CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS . Avalon . . .Rd 8 Mar I I Premier . . .Rd 9 Mar 24 Mar 24 . Wagga . .Rd 10 NON CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS Apr 13

Avalon . .EasterT

Apr I4

Mt Gambler . .EasterT

Apr IS

Warrnambool . .EasterT

QSSS 2000/2001 CALENDER Feb 24

Lismore

Rd 10

Mar 3

Brisbane

Rd II

Mar 17

Brisbane

,Rd 12

f Mar 24 . . . Toowoomba

.Rd 13

Brisbane

Rd 14

I Apr 21

Mike Von Bremen current 2000/01 points.leoder

67

circumstances - it was just one of those times where it obviously wanted to finish.

Dumesny on tie dirt

w

ELL, we got the Maxim chassis fairly good after the Newcastle round of the World Series Sprintcars and we were not sure if it would be right for the grand final at Parramatta City Raceway on the Saturday night, so we headed off to Adelaide for their Friday night show as we knew we had a good set-up for there.

If it worked well, we knew that it would be fine at PCR the following evening. Things worked out okay, as we won the $10,000-to-win A-Main which proved the car was pretty good and the bank balance looked a lot better.

The dash back to Sydney for the final wore some of the team guys out a little, but we were right there in the heats and the A-Main until I collected a spinning backmarker after passing Donny Schatz for third place.

The incident flattened the right rear tyre and knocked the rear end out of the car, so that finished our WSS campaign.

After couple of daysspending repairingathe car once again, we headed off to Mount Gambier's Borderline Speedway for the King's Challenge on the Friday night, where I finished second to World of Outlaws star Danny 'the Dude' Lasoski from Skip Jackson.

Then we moved across to Warrnambool for the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic. I was going pretty well until Sunday night's A-Main, when the rotor button in the magneto broke, the engine started to misfire and lost power.

I managed to greet the chequered flag in fifth spot, which was satisfying under the 68

From there for we the headed back to Sydney Gough & Gilmour CAT $50,000 race at PCR where I won the preliminary A-Main on the Friday night under black and rain-threatening skies.

The next night, I started out off row two for the $50,000 race and ran in fourth spot for the majority of the event before I managed to pip Robbie Farr for third on the second last lap. Schatz ran away with the event and controlled it well, with Skip taking second and Robbie back in fourth.

After returning to our raceshop to clean the equipment and make several adjustments, we headed to Brisbane for the 2001 Aussie Title and it was interesting to note that the promoter had changed the track considerably since we were there for the WSS races.

They had put a bunch of new dirt on it, including some clay, as well as changing the layout of the track.

A considerable amount of time had been put in changing the shape of the track to make it more racy. It was quite fast but it is still quite narrow, which is always the case at Archerfield.

I managed to grab a heat win on the opening night then I spun out in the last heat and that hurt me terribly pointswise.

I started the Title Feature out of 15th, meaning that I was in catch-up mode right from the green. Thanks to the high amount of carnage, I was in third with four laps to go.

I got by Garry Brazier on the back straight for second, but he managed to squeeze me dowrY and hold me off so I ended up running third - a little bit of controversy once again.

Skip did a hell of a job and was running strong all weekend.

w

e have a two-week rest

now before heading off to Adelaide, Tasmania and Bunbury for their major events.

Come down to our Valvoline transporter after the races for a chat or an autograph.

Lambert.

New South Welshmen

by BRETT SWANSON SYDNEY’S Dave Lambert in the Weber Fabrications machine and Mark Brown in the Rondalee Stealth totally enthralled the crowd with an intense, but clean, 30 lap feature race that saw Lambert crowned the 2001 Victorian Midget Champion at Heathcote Park on February 3.

The state of play in Australian Midget racing is extremely sad, with small fields in most states except New South Wales, and consequently small crowds as a result.

Former Australian champion Craig Brady was a late, hut welcome, addition to the contenders who, while numbering only 13, were full of class with the likes offormer title winners Paul Farrell, Brown, Ian Lewis and strong chances Darren Power, Peter Ghent, Harley Bishop and Darren Hossack in the field.

The opening heat was Farrell’s, while Lambert headed home Brown in heat two.

Promoter Butch Morley couldn’t believe his eyes when the cars were being fired for heat three when the lights went out.

Fortunately, there was a back up system in place and the lights were quickly re-fired.

Farrell made it two from two while Brown absolutely destroyed the opposition when he won the final heat by just on half a lap from Bourke.

Lambert used the inside line to emerge down the back straight with the lead over Farrell and Brown in the feature.

Brady had failed to make the start leaving Ghent in fourth. On lap four the only stoppage occurred when Farrell’s car jumped out of gear.

He was sent to the back of the pack and subsequently charged to third, but the three way dice for the lead became a two-car affair.

From the restart, Lambert led away with Brown hounding him looking for a way past.

Lambert was running fast on the bottom, never giving Brown the chance to pass. It looked good for Lambert until the pair screamed into turn three for the last time.

.'/

I

"The State ol play in Australia Midget raciitg is extremely sad, with small fields in most states except Mew South Wales and consequently, small crowds as a resultn With a lapped car in front, Lambert rolled off the throttle and Brown dived underneath, taking the lead for the first time.

Brown struggled to keep the car down on the pole line and ran wide.

Lambert gassed it up hard and shot down under Brown, with the pair exiting the last turn side-by-side for the run to the flag with Lambert less than a car length ahead.

“When I got that opening on the last turn, I thought we had a chance but I guess we had too much stagger on and the car drove off the left rear, taking me up towards the fence,” said Brown.

Farrell was disappointed but happy with third, having come from the hack.

“That was a hard 30 laps,” Farrell said as the sweat poured off all the drivers in victory lane.

“It’s not often that you get to run 25-odd laps non-stop.”

Ghent managed to fend off Peter Bourke for fourth. molorsport nows

s Vic I^Ue Heathcote Midget men: NSW driver Dave Lambert, left, and Mark Brown were too good for the Victorians at Heathcote.

Paul Farrell, below, was the best of the Vies.

(Photos by Kevin Emmerson and Brett Swanson)

SPEEDWAY

Dillon bounces back DEFENDING Tucker Time Southern Shootout Series Champ Luke Diiion more than made up for missing round four of the series with a win in round five at Speedway City in Adelaide iast weekend.

Dillon, who missed round four due to work commitments, narrowly missed the Super Challenge Bonus of $500 for the driver who can win all their heats and the feature by only losing one heat all night.

“I’m happy. Soon I’m getting a Polaris engine that will be faster than my Rotax,” said Dillon.

He led the feature from pole position and was never headed, using the Rotax engine which won last season’s Australian Title after his preferred unit broke the rotary disc at week before at Murray Bridge.

Brad Chapman, who won the night previous in Mildura, finished second in the GKR Transport machine.

“We had a great weekend but this is it for me. I won’t be back, it’s all I can afford,” said Chapman.

Lee Dillon filled the podium.

“This car handles nice and the motor is strong. It’s good to run with these guys,” remarked the 17-year-old.

Jason Loveday (Racetec/ Rotax) was fourth ahead of Kane Cruse, Ken Willsher, Tim Caddy, Michael Wise, Graham Mollenoyux, Darren Mollenoyux, Shane Oshea and Darren McDonald.

Points: Luke Dillon 236, Willsher 223, Cruse 222, Chapman 220, Lee Dillon 193, Wise 174, D. Mollenoyux 159, Caddy 125, McDonald 89.

G. Mollenoyux 85.

Todd does it so

I

Cooking up a ^ storm in Mildura LAANG dairy farmer David Cook has won the biggest race of his short career with victory in the Victorian Super Rod Title at Timmis Speedway in Mildura on February 3.

“I am living a dream at the moment. To think only two and a half years ago I bought the car and now I am the Victorian Champion!” he said.

Cook powered away at the start in the Chevrolet-powered Sungold Milk machine with only one problem - running out of brakes with six laps to go.

His lead was big enough for Cook to make it home victorious, having started second on the grid.

“We changed the chassis set-up to suit the hooky race track after the first heat and it worked nice for the rest of the night,” said Cook.

Darryl Nelson in the #S9 machine took the runner-up spot, while David Magilton (#V3) grabbed third.

- AARON NOONAN

MILDURA’S Leigh Adams was hoping to retain his Australian Solo Championship crown and make it his sixth, hut he was heaten by Sydneysider Todd Wiltshire in the final on February 3 at Murray Bridge’s 300-metre Riverview circuit, with both riders scoring 14 points from their five rides.

Adams dropped a point when beaten by Wiltshire in his fourth ride and another Sydneysider, Mick Poole, downed Wiltshire in the final heat. Rounding out the top four pointscorers were Poole on 10 points and Western Australian Steve Johnston on nine.

Checking it out: Adams and Wiltshire Wiltshire opted for position one check the track.

(Photo by Frank Midgley) in the final, with Johnston Adams right behind. alongside, then Poole, while Adams The defending Champ couldn’t took the outside gate position.

Even though he had beaten pass and Wiltshire was home after Adams in heat 14, Wiltshire knew four fast and furious laps.

Points: Wiltshire,Adams, 14, Johnston 12, that he had a fight on his hands, Poole 10, Parker, Woodifield, Sadler 9. and as the tapes went up, he shot - FRANK MIDGLEY out and lead all the way, with

Jones’ waiting game FOR the last seven weeks American Scott Slay has been wheeling Newcastle Super Sedan star Steve Jones’car around with some significant results.

Slay scored 4 wins from 7 starts 16 February 2001

in the G-Force Dodge Avenger and now the pressure is on Jones to keep that winning streak alive.

Jones was itching to get back behind the wheel on February 10 and prove his capability once more, but the heavens opened and

cancelled the meeting before he could get a run at Newcastle Speedway.

Lining up to get the win in the fourth round of the Gough and Gilmour Series were John and Luke Pyne, David Robertson,

Robert Carrig, Bernie Roberts and Keith Sims to name a few, with the fifth round of the series scheduled for February 24 at Newcastle. The Burnout Nationals will be held there this weekend.

- WADE AUNGER 69

Scott off the bench?

THERE is considerable speculation around Charlotte at the moment that the recently-dxunped Scott Pruett may end up driving a Tide Ford Taurus this year.

The former Indycar star right hasn’t been released from his contract by PPl team owner Cal Wells, with the suggestions having Pruett driving a second car at the Watkins Glen and Sears Point road races later this year.

Pruett, who last week raced in the Daytona 24 Hour classic, is also being linked with possible IRL Indy 500 drive, with the Kelley Racing team expected to run a third team car for him in May. - MARTIN D CLARK

I PHIL Hill, the 1961 Formula 1 World Champion, took an up-close look at the modern world of Winston Cup last week when he visited the shop which prepares Dale Earnhardt Sr's infamous #3 Goodwrench Chevy.

Hill toured the Richard Childress Racing complex while on assignment for Road&Track magazine, with

America's first ever FI champion showing his dab hand behind the wheel the following day of the black #3 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Hill's assignment with R&T calls for a back-to-back comparison between Earnhardt's car and Junior Johnson's 1963 Chevy Impala. Now that should make for an interesting read...

NASCAR media dispute

HAVING lost its telecast rights to the Winston Cup Series to a Foxsports and NBC/Tumer consortium, cable sports network ESPN has refused to accept its credentials for the upcoming Daytona 500.

ESPN’s refusal to accept the credentials has come about through the planned launch by Fox of its new Totally NASCAR program, which will be a direct competitor to ESPN’s NASCARfocused RPM2nite program.

NASCAR has requested more coverage on ESPN’s mainstream sports, news-based Sportscenter program, notifying the cable network its reporters and crews 70

for that program would be conditions, which violate standard welcomed and allowed full access practices in our industry," Nagle to the event. said. "We will do our best to ESPN has said that it does not aggressively cover the sport." specify under what outlet Nagle said the central issue was credentials are requested - that NASCAR's attempt to dictate where all requests are made under ' any ESPN coverage appeared.

ESPN heading without reference "NASCAR is telling us they will to which show. credential ESPN personnel for "We've talked and talked, and Sportscenter," he said. "They are now the talking is over," ESPN trying to dictate to us how we use spokesman Dave Nagle said. material we own and that goes Nagle said ESPN and its against every standard practice in the television industry, so we're associated outlets,including espn.com and RPM2night, would attempt to not accepting any credentals." provide Daytona 500 coverage,such A NASCAR spokesman admitted as interviews,from off-site. that the reason for the policy was to help Fox with its launch.

"We will not accept credentials for our'TV outlets under these - MARTIN D CLARK

HAVING previously been reported as having no interest in becoming another generation of Petty stockcar racers, Kyle Petty's youngest son, Austin, is said to be planning on racing soon.

Well-respected auto racing commentator Bob Varsha mentioned the fact during the telecast of the Rolex 24 Hour race from Daytona, with sources suggesting the plans were told to him by the family.

While it might seem odd given the fact of the previous comments, with the wellknown the fighting spirit of the Petty family running through his veins, it wouldn't surprise if Austin did race as the family recovers from a tough 2000.

- MARTIN D CLARK molorsport news

NASCAR 500 Richest Ust? THIS year’s Daytona 500 winner will receive in excess of US$1.3 million ($2.3m), thanks to the largest ever purse offered in history - a massive US$11 million.

Second place will earn the runnerup over US$900,000, while third place is worth over US$600,000. n Ray Evernham's head engine builder, Ron Vacarro, has parted ways with the team, although his departured appears to be not as amicable as what has been offered.

Sources close to Vacarro, who came from Hendrick Motorsports to start the Dodge program with Evernham, are suggesting he will now form his own company.

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Daytona

Big things expected of drag racing champ’s small block stockcar

16 February 2001

■ Jeremy Mayfield has extended his contract at Penske Racing, although the time frame for the extension wasn't revealed Morgan McClure keenly sought Mayfield for the Kodak ride this year before the team signed the controversial Robby Gordon.

■ Rick Mast's year at the Hal Hicks-owned Mid-West Transit team will come with backing from Wond Best Buy.com. The dot-com company have joined the team, which ran a car for Ricky Craven in 2000, in association with Hicks' own Mid-West trucking company - Hicks having secured the US Mail contract for the mid-west states.

WJ/Cope

NHRA Pro Stock champion Warren Johnson’s Winston Cup team will make its first appearance at the Daytona 500, with WJ and partner Derrike Cope picking up a one-race deal with K&N Filters - the backers of Aussie drag racer Andrew Cowin’s Top Fueller.

WTiether WJ right and Cope will make any more appearances on the Winston Cup tour in 2001 depends on w'hether the partnership can secure funding.

Johnson’s small block-powered stockcar is expected to be one tough contender and, if Cope does surprise with speed, the attention given by the media could attract a full-time backer.

- MARTIN D CLARK

n Johnny Benson proved to be quickest in recent testing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his Hendrick built and powered SBVIl Pontiac with turning a lap of 173.376mph. Also fast at the test were Todd Bodine, Rusty Wallace and Michael Waltrip. Penske's new hot shoe, Ryan Newman, caused the only incident of the multi-day testing, backing his car into the concrete.

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■ The bad news for Galaxy Motorsports just keeps getting worse, with their 2000 backers, Red Cell Batteries, signing up to sponsor Brett Bodine this year - the deal complimenting Bodine's primary sponsor, Ralph's Supermarkets.

In times when some teams are attracting US$15 million, Bodine's reported US$5 million contribution from Ralph's isn't big, but the Red Cell cash will go a long way towards paying tor his Yates engine deal.

■ Galaxy owner Darwin Oordt hasn't given up hope of racing this year, saying he expects to be in Las Vegas in March, although no driver has been named. Despite remaining under contract, Wally Dallenbach Jr has said he won't return in 2001.

- MARTIN D CLARK

n

Back to Heathcote

by BRIAN REED

MEMBERS of the Vintage Speedcar Club took part in demonstration runs at Heathcote Park's re-opening meeting on February 3- the first time the central Victorian track has seen action in the past six years.

Eight classic and vintage midgets were on show, with six of them running on the night led along by club stalwart and former president 72-year-old Frank Nankiville driving his 1964 Datsun 180B-powered speedcar.

Another keen participant was Shepparton’s Malcolm Church, who had driven straight from Parramatta Speedway the previous night in order to run his 1947 Kurtis Kraft midget powered by a llOcu.in. Offenhauser. His car is one offour Kurtis Krafts he owns, and this one was originally campaigned as the ‘Hennessy Offy’

by American Bobby Albert Snr. The original owner, along with three other veteran speedway colleagues from the USA were on hand at Heathcote Park to take in the action and to see the ‘Hennessy Ofiy slinging dirt again.

Church has certainly been a good customer for Bobby Albertthis is the third vintage Kurtis Kraft speedcar he has bought from him!

Albert hails from New York and during his 40-year career was a versatile driver who competed in TQ midgets and full midgets as well as sprint cars and stock cars.

He won a total of 109 feature races, and was the 1961 indoor series champion at Comack L.I. and the 1961ATQMRA outdoor champ.

As an ARDC competitor, Albert was the ‘most improved driver’ in 1962. He finished second in the points in 1965 and four years later he was Stock Block Champ in the Strapoli Bros. Cheve 2. In 1974, he won the SMRC championship driving for his son Bobby in a Buick-powered midget, and took the car owners championship for his son in the VRC sprint cars championship in 1980. Bobby Albert Snr. was voted into the Eastern States Hall of Fame in 1992.

His grandson Bobby III carries on the tradition, driving modified stock cars at the Lebanon Valley Speedway in New York.

The other American visitors were former drivers Tom Cochrane 72

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— Dirty Deeds: Heathcote Park echoed to the sound of Offys and co. earlier this month. Albert even has his own swap card I (Photo by Brian Rood)

Stirling return

from Pennsylvania, and “the oldest rookie in the business,” Bill Keimel who hails from New Jersey. Fourth member of the party was ‘The Polish Prince’, Stan Lobitz also from Pennsylvania. Lobitz is an ardent collector of vintage speedway cars and had seen lots of good things during his time in Australia. He was also highly impressed with the standard of workmanship he had seen here ' amongst the speedway fraternity.

The foursome began its visit taking in the RACVs Australia Day display of significant vehicles in the Alexander Gardens which included several vintage speedcars.

As well as Heathcote Park, their whirlwind visit also took in speedway meetings at Warmambool and Parramatta.

“I'd love to come back,” said Tom Cochrane. “But next time I must bring my wife to show her your country.”

SIR ^rling Moss and Jaguar Cars win be re-united at Le Mans this year ,-0= bQ years ^er the legendary racing driver first competed at the classic ^ndi circuit ^ and on the 50th anniversary of Jaguar ? first victory in the vjrprld's,toughest endurance race, §}r Stirling will be one of a specially invhed group of drivers taking part in a unique race staged to celebrate the heritage of the 24hour event. The Le Mans Legend

race will take place before the running of this year's twenty-fobr hour endurance race on Saturday 16 June.

Moss will drive one of the famous racing Jaguars ever built ^ the Jaguar C-Type - which gave Jaguar its second win at La Sartha. ■ Its owner Adrian Hamilton (whose father, Duncan, together with Tony Rolt, drove the car to victory at Le Mans in the 1953 race) has made the

Photo by Ford Racing Media

motorsporl news

i

I

HISTORICS

Reds have much more Le Mans historic car available.

Before he flies to Le Mansfor the race. Moss will be at Jaguar s headquarters at Browns Lane, Coventry,to flag off a cavalcade of G-Types driving to Le Mans to celebrate the fiftieth aiiniversary of Jaguar's first victory in 1951.

"Le Mans holds a special place in Jaguar s heritage," Jaguar's managing director Jonathan Browning said.

16 February 2001

MORE than 350 entries have been received for the Shannons Phillip Island Classic scheduled for February 24-25.

Thirty events are scheduled for the two-day meeting catering for pre and post-w'ar racing and sports cars, as well as Historic Formula Fords and the crowd pleasing Group N tourers. And for good measure, the thundering FSOOOs make a welcome return to the Island to relive the great days of Stewart, Bartlett, Walker, Costanzo and others.

The organising club, the Victorian Historic Racing Register, has chosen Ferrari as the featured marque, and some splendid examples will be on display and also competing.

Prancing Horse Racing will show the 1997 Formula One Ferrari driven by Michael Schumacher during a memorable Grand Prix season, above. The ex-Michele Alboreto FI FeiTari which was badly bent at the Island in a demonstration run a couple of ' years ago has been meticulously rebuilt and it will be a special treat to hear the scream of this turho powered classic around the same course this year.

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation has made available one of the 2001 FI display Ferraris similar to those that will contest

the opening round of the World Championship season at Albert Park the following weekend.

In addition to the FI cars, there will also be several fine sports cars on show including the F40 LM owned by Gil Mathews,former drummer from Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs. The first car to cany the Ferrari name was the famous ‘Barchetta’(‘little boat’) in 1948.

The ex-Mike Hawthorn Barchetta will again be competing at Phillip Island, and at the other end of the spectrum. Prancing Horse Racing will be putting the fantastic Nations Cup Series Ferrari 360 Modena Challenge cars through their paces. Young charger Mark Noske will lead the team of 3.5 litre V8 machines, which are geared for speeds in excess of 290km/h.

Amongst the pre-war Historic cars competing will be one of the greatest cars associated with Enzo Ferrari - the classic Alfa Romeo Monza straight eight, 2.6 litre supercharged car of 1933.

Popular international Peter Giddings will drive his Monza which was first registered to Scuderia Ferrari in August 1933 and ran in the Monaco GP that same year. Amongst its drivers were Dusio (later to manufacture Cisitalias), Farina, Rovere, Ghersi and Sienna.

It has been rebuilt by Paul Grist

and in Peter Giddings’ hands has won the Shell Historic Challenge against all other drum brake cars.

He averaged lOOmph (160km/h)in the Mexican La Carrera and won at Barbagallo, Lime Rock(USA), the Road America meeting in n Wisconsin and scored top placings in New Zealand. This model Alfa Romeo was named ‘Monza’ as a result of its 1-2-3 finish in the 1933 Italian GP at Monza.

Racing starts at Phillip Island on Saturday 24 at 1pm and on Sunday at 9am, and not surprising, Ferrari cars will enjoy free enti7 and have their own special reseiwed parking area for the weekend.

- BRIAN REED

Coming Events; FEB. 18 VHRR PRACTICE DAY, CALDER PARK. m.23-24 SHAHNONS PHILLIP ISLAND CLASSIC. ROTARY CLUD OF BUHDOORA HISTORIC MOTORING EUENT, PLENTY RD.. BUHDOORA. KIWANIS ALL-FORD DAY, GEELONG RACECOURSE. 73

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Awesome foursome: Haley, Emery, Gittus and D'Agostin were the form drivers at Oran Park.

(Photo by John Morn&/K^)

on Noonan NEVILLE Haley won the battle, but Christian D’Agostin won the war in the Commodore Cup at Oran Park.

Pole-sitter Haley led into the first corner from Geoff Emery with the rest of the field sorting itself out behind, before charging away as he did at Symmons Plains. He grabbed the win 5s clear of Emery, D'Agostin, Greg Waters, Marcus Zukanovic and David Gittus, as well as taking the lap record.

Race two and it was more of the same for Haley, as he made a good start and pulled away with Emery again in second. D'Agostin made a bad start and dropped back to seventh before pulling back a place into turn one.

Haley crossed the line over four seconds clear of Emery, Zukanovic, Gittus and Waters.

“Phil Howe prepared the car well as it was good enough to win on the day,” enthused Haley.

“The team gave me a fantastic car all year,” said D'Agostin, who shall be returning to defend his championship in the next season.

- MICHAEL SHAW Commodore Cup FinaKI D'Agostin 706, Waters 677, Emery 635, Gittus 607, Holdsworth 556, Pearce 548, Pappendell 494, Parker 400, Zukanovic 284, Haley 270.

ahead Winner again: Mark Winterbottom.

by MARK WICKS

iphotii by Aaron Nucajd/M Ncw\ Diyiiai)

MARK Winterbottom successfully defended his Portland Grand Prix Title on the weekend, winning the fifth annual street classic with ease.

Winterbottom (Tony Kart/Rotax) took a clean sweep of all heats to claim pole for the final with South Australia’s Mark Hester (CRG/Parilla) alongside and Jason Burns (BRM/Parilla) and Adam Klunyk (Arrow/Rotax) on row two.

Winterbottom and Hester made contact into the first turn, but mayhem had broken out further back in the field, prompting a full re-start.

Winterbottom rr jde a 74

cleaner getaway the second time and immediately set about establishing a lead he would hold to the end ot the race on his way to defending the title.

Hester tried to stay in touch in the opening laps but had to settle for a comfortable second, well clear of the rest of the pack.

Tim Macrow (Kosmic/Rotax) worked his up to third having found his way past Burns mid race, as did Dmm Weitzel, who clawed his way from 11th to fourth.

Crashes decimated the mid field runners, with only 10 karts completing the 15-lap final.

While Winterbottom ran away with the Formula 100 final for seniors, the battle for the lead in Junior Clubman was much more interesting.

Jace Lindstrom (Arrow) wrestling the lead from Shane Price on the final lap.

Consistent placings from Chris Uhlhorn (CRG)and Rhys Archer (Azzurro) put them on the front row ahead of Price (Arrow) and Matthew Hall (CRG).

Archer led the early laps from Price, who soon found his way by and established what looked to be a race winning lead.

While Shane circulated out front, Lindstrom (Arrow) was on the move. Having started out of grid five, Jace worked his way through the traffic to be on Price’s rear crash bar in the closing laps, before making his move starting the final lap and winning by several lengths. moiortporl news

NATIONAL

Queensland kicks off

by MARK JONES

STATE level racing in Queensland kicked off for the year with the MG Car Club hosting at Queensland Raceway on February 4, using the ‘B’ circuit.

Fifteen Saloon Cars fronted for the first round of the new Ultimate Patios series and Shane Beikoff (Commodore)took three competitive wins.

On his return to racing, Kurt Kratzmann(Commodore) took three seconds, while Tony Shanks (Commodore), Luke Norris (Commodore)and Gavin Sadler (Falcon)each took a third position.

Ash Lowe (Swift SC93F)lead home the largest Fonnula Ford field(13)seen in some time, leading home Ian MoncrielTs muchmodified Van Diemen RF91 three times. Klark Quinn (Vector TF94) was third in the feature race.

Lowe received a $475 donation from those in attendance at the meeting after an appeal was started by on-track commentators to raise money for tyres for Lowe’s Melbourne GP campaign.

In the mixed sedan races, the Rover-Chev Sports Sedan of Jeff Haley won the first two races as he pleased. In the Feature, a late race confrontation between Beric Limton(BMW M3-R)and Colin Giblett(Commodore VL)saw the

Holden domination: Shane Beikoff and the rest of the Holden drivers were the ciass of the Saloon Car field at QR. (Photo by Mark Walker) Mazda RX7s of Daniel Wilkie and Tony Isarasena nip through for the minors.

The combined HQ Holden and Gemini races saw the National HQ Champion, Craig Yates, dominate all three races. Ron Lange was second in the feature in the lead

Gemini, ahead of Kids Walton (Gemini).

Peter Harburg(Porsche 911RSR) won the feature and third races in the thinly contested Sports Car field, while the first race was won by Leon Td'app (Porsche 911), his debut race win.

National Saloon Car Series THE burgeoning Saloon Car class will have a national series this year, with six rounds running on the Konica AVESCO program.

Known as the CSA Alloy Wheels Saloon Car Challenge, it wil l kick off at Wakefield Park at the first Konica round at the end of the month.

At Queensland Raceway the first round of the six round Ultimate Patios Queensland Saloon Car Series was contested. There are 31 cars completed or nearing completion in South East Queensland alone, including 2000 National Champion, Shane Beikoff.

- MARK JONES

in Portland

Archer and Uhlhorn were further back and running in tandem for third and fourth.

360 drivers competed in 18 classes over two days at the spectacular coastal circuit.

16 February 2001

Everybody s doing it: While lace Lindstrom, right, psyched himself up for the final.

DPE’s two-seater was getting plenty of interesting on-lookers over the weekend.

(Photos by Aaron Nc

lAI

Having a V8 experience THE 'V8 Experience' performance driving school has added a new toy to its stable of high-powered V8 Falcons.

The new car is the ex-OzEmail EL Falcon VSSupercar last raced at Bathurst 1999 by Mark Williams and Scott Fleming, which was originally a Tony Longhurst/Castrol car.

Glenn 'Kermit' Stewart intends to add the car to the Darlington Parkbased school, but also to race with fellow instructor, national HQ Holden Champion Craig Yates.

At the moment, the team are aiming at the proposed mini-enduro for Konica Series cars at Bathurst.

The team are currently looking to raise a budget, and are looking for a sponsor for both the car and the V8 Experience.

Of Yates, Stewart said: "He is as quick and as confident and as caring of the cars as (former instructor) Steve Johnson was.

"He deserves the opportunity to show his skills to a bigger audience than he has done to this date."

- MARK JONES

ASSC dates released NASSA has released the dates for the 2001 Australian Sports Sedan Championship and the good news for fans is that the category's national title will follow the V8 Supercar circus around parts of Australia.

This year will see a five round series taking in the three eastern states, commencing at the opening round of the Shell Championship Series at Phillip Island.

The series then continues on with Shell Championship Series dates at Eastern Creek, Oran Park, the Queensland 500, and finishing at the December Sandown event.

A strong field of cars are expected to turn out, all with the goal of beating the dominant machines of Tony Ricciardello (Alfa) and Kerry Bally (Nissan).

-MARK JONES

2001 Australian Sports Seijan Championship Rd 1 Phillip Island Rd 2 Eastern Creek Rd 3 Oran Park Rd 4 QLD Raceway Rd 5 Sandown

Mar 25 Apr 29 Ju! 29 Aug 26 Dec 2

Digital)

15

Industry Nev>fs

Ford Bears

Official Port

Ford Tickford Racing merchandise is nowofficial ^ available in the latest team a.'- . design. rr^ The new range includes a full range of team caps, Tshirts, jackets, polo shirts, kids gear, beanies, key rings and even mouse pads are now available from Ford dealers or via ' direct mall.

Some items have already sold i out so get in fast to secure your merchandise for the coming H season.

For more information contact Ford Tickford Racing on 1800 819 910 or visit the official website at www.fordtickfordracing.com.au.

Ceramic has just releasedInnovations the 2001 Official FI Grand Prix Port.

This year the port is presented in a porcelain decanter which is platinum trimmed and inlayed with pewter that is sculptured in relief of a classic Formula 1 rear end. Each bottled contains 500ml of Bullocks Tawny Port and is priced at $82.50. Only 2000 units will be produced and, as in the past, these are set to become sought after collectors items.

Order your port at the Grand Prix or by contacting Ceramic Innovations on 03 9555 9011 or at www.ceramicinnovations.com.au.

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Model transport

Gauge your rmanM

oiyiia Automotive aftermarket specialists Speco Thomas have just completed testing and development of a range of highperfoormance automotive gauges named Speco Meter.

The Speco Meter range is designed to perform at the highest levels and is suitable for rotary, four, six and eight cylinder engines.

The range includes six

Ohiux The latest die cast model offering from Classic Carlectables is in stores now. The Dick Johnson Racing Transporter is designed to complement your 1:43 scale Classic Carlectable V8 Super car collection.

The transporter is complete with team colours and sponsors logo. While it is not to scale, the rear door folds down and two 1:43 scale supercars can be accommodated.

The DJR transporter model is the first release of a series of diecast model transpoiters in various V8 Supercar team colours.

A recommended retail price of $35.00 makes it excellent value for money.

For more information regarding this or any other Classic Carlectable model contact Pitstop Model Cars on 03 9743 1100 or in Sydney Exclusive Model Cars on 02 9746 3104.

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Classifieds

accepted (marked with a ●) and most be prepaid at the following per issue rates: $5 per 10 words (min $10 per ad), photo $10. Further enquiries to our advertising department on 03 9527 7744.

Classifieds can be mailed, faxed or emailed. Classifieds are not accepted over the telephone.

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.

Yep, another HQ race car! winner of 5 Australian Hilldimb 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. ;oo HQ Holden, NSW #20, new engine August 2000, excellent condition, heaps of spares. $5000. Also, spare BRE engine, little use. $1800. Ph Mark 0408 965 182.2to Ford Escort Mkll, Sports Sedan/Club Car, com plete with fully enclosed trailer. Many features, great package. Must sell. Ph 08 8270 2358. ;oo Commodore VL, rebuilt high performance 308, Aussie 4 speed, 9" locker diff, Simmons wheels, professionally prepared shell and cage. Excellent condition, suit Sports Sedan or Club Car. $9500 ono. Ph 02 4946 9554 or 0407 905 039. ;oo

V8 Supercar, ex-Bowe CAT Falcon EL. '98 model, 6 races old, spares included. $130,000. For sale or lease. Ph Craig 0412 895 560.200 Future Tourer Holden Commodore VS, this Auscraft-built chassis is a sister car to the two cars that have dominated the Future Tourer series. As raced at Bathurst '99 and driven by James Brock at the first round at Oran Park. Can can be purchased as is with full Motec or as carbureter car. Big brakes, Harrop adjustable front suspension, Detroit locker, near new rear end, Bilsteins, fire bomb etc. $42,000 with Motec fuel injded package or $35,000 with carburetered. Ph Bruce Williams 0418 349 555.200 AUSCAR VS Commodore, brand new rolling chassis, genuine Auscraft-built VS shell, painted white never assembled, comes with front suspen sion, steering, rear end/suspension, fuel bladder, bumpers or can be converted to Future Tourer chassis (opening doors etc) and be supplied with engine, exhaust and drivetrain etc. Ph Bruce Williams 0418 349 555.200 Commodore Sports Sedan, spaceframe, 350 Chev, Super TIO, 9" diff floater, ready to race, log book, urgent sale, sell for cost of engine. $19,500. Ph 03 9432 9482 or 0418 500 287. 200 Sports Sedan P76, 4.41 alloy V8, 16x10 Bathurst mags, 2 sets slicks (1 new), large front discs, 9-in disc, LSD, 20-point steel cage, spares inc std engine/gbox. $4200. Ph 03 9761 9508 or 0418 369 302. 200 HQ Holden project car, painted shell, rollcage, Prostar mags, seat, harness. $2900. Ph 0419 139 303. 200 HQ Holden race car. Pro Star mags, spare engine, log book, ideal first car. $3900. Ph 0419 139 303. 200

Gemini Series race car, proven top five runner, top horsepower Phil Laird engine, Koni adjustable shock absorbers, strong steel cage, good shell, 2 sets mag wheels, assorted spares, new front Pagids. 5th in 1999 series, first non-factory car home. Car has set fastest laps and recorded race wins. Lakeside 68.5, Qld Raceway lm37s. $4500.

Ph 07 5497 9636 ah or 0413 600 396 bh. 200 Torana UC hatchback Sports Sedan, unfinished project, sell complete or separate. New steel rollcage, fabricated front end, c/ratio top loader gearbox 81 bellhousing for Chev V8, Ford nine inch diff, drop tank. Vehicle is log booked with CAMS. $6000 ono Ph 02 4579 6133 ah or 0413 004 469. 200

16 February 2001

absolutelyfree

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

Sedans/SDorts Cars

V8 SuperCar Konica Supercar Series Ex Perkins Bathurst Winning Car. Chev Engine. Current 6-sp Hollinger. Latest Harrop 6 spot brakes, Konis (F) 81 Ohiins (R) fully adjustable. Autronic engine man agement, PI Dash. $75,000 All components Lifed.

Full pit equipment available. Spares package avail able. Race Ready. May consider trade. Ph Owen Parkinson 0418 133 274 200

2 issues*

VC Brock Commodore 1980, excellent condition, build no 485 of 500, with all SLE and Brock options, red with matching velour interior, original condition, suit collector. 120,000kms. $19,500 ono. Ph 03 9796 9327.200 Commodore HSV SV5000, 1990 Series II, 200kW engine, British racing green, full leather interior, low kilometres, excellent condition, all options, long reg. $28,000. Ph 03 9796 9327.200 Mazda RX3 Coupe, Sports Sedan, 13B turbo race engine, Needham box, LSD 4 wheel discs, 15x10 slicks, very quick. $5500. Ph 0413 383 102.200 Ford Thunderbird NASCAR, winning history, fiat track setup, some spares, excellent start for 2001 series. Ph 0419 659 790.200

SXYI UUStl

Porsche GT2, A Class Porsche Cup race car, exGeoff Morgan, now race ready for 1st round of 2001 Championship Feb 25 Wakefield Park. Fitted with M8 MoTec, 3.8 motor, 380hp, alloy tank, Bilstein shocks, fully welded integral rollcage, electric windows and mirrors. Spare wheels, slicks and wets. $180,000 including spares. Finance available if required. Ph 0418 337 755 or fax 03 9775 2399. 2m

V8 Supercar VS Commodore Holden 5 Itr, Getrag 5 speed, 80 spare tyres, ideal for Sports Sedans or Konica Series. For more info ph Jeff 0415 107 601. im

£

k.

Torana LC XU1, race/sprint, rebuilt in 2000, new cage, seat, panels and paint. 202, Webers, crane ign, 4 wheel discs, 15x8 mags, offers. $8500, Ph 0419 485 525.200

Capri 6 Itr Chev, Cola, JE, H-rods, 23 degree, CR bullnose, counter lever front, cambered rear, Molley space frame, Harrop, winning State level.

National level with right budget, well sorted, reli able. 30ft trans. $40,000. Ph 07 4634 8562. .99 VL Commodore showcar, 6 cyl, 5 speed, 4 wheel discs, car totally rebuilt, nothing untouched, fully detailed engine bay and undercarriage. Complete retrim, 3rd Sedan Summernats 2000, front cover Street Commodores Jan/Feb. $21,000 ono. Ph 02 4933 2976. 200 EB Falcon Sports Sedan, rolling chassis, 2nd 2000 Vic Titles, all the best parts used, all spares included. Could be changed to Club Car specs, ring for details. $15,500. Ph Rod for details 03 5792 2527 bh. 200

GTP Class E, 1998-1999 Bathurst winning car, 1999 class championship Proton M21 . For sale or lease. Ph Kosi Kalaitzidis 03 9524 9290 or 0419 524 752. ^00 Toyota Celrca 74 model, twin carb, hi-RPM engine, no rust, HD suspension, good Club Car, reg 2001, priced to sell. $2500 firm. Ph 02 4822 1563. 200 Capri 1970 V6 GT, manual, RH front qtr damaged, otherwise vg orig condition, ideal Group N project, must sell. $1500 ono. Ph 03 5777 8220. 200

a

Ford Escort Club Car, new top HP 2lt engine, just run in, excellent shell, good components, many spares, reluctant sale for new project. Ready to win. $12,000 ono. Ph 02 9713 5850.200

Lotus Cortina 1965, original English car. Genuine.

History from new. Lots of aluminium and Ford works parts. With 2 door spare car (12 months rego). Ring for fax sheet. $35,000. P. . 0418 415 129.200

UC 1978 Torana, 202 Red motor. 2 1/4 inch exhaust, extractors, 14 inch hot wire mags, with 205/65 tyres. Good interior. Not registered. $ 1500 ono. Ph 0408 878 542 or 07 5495 5415. 199

Q

0-1I

Ex-Bathurst ASX, currently displayed at Bathurst Museum. Immaculate, genuine race car with CAMS log book. May take road car as part pay ment. Urgent sale. $60,000. Ph 07 4925 0220. 199

Nissan Bluebird Sports Sedan, alloy space frame, midmount 2.2 Itr, Motec M8 injection.

Sierra turbo 450hp, intercooler, fibreglass remov able shell, FI carbon-fibre brakes, FI flooring, tita nium parts, trailer and extras. $35,000 ono. Ph Gino 0417 577 063. 199

Nascar Chev Lumlna, with 40ft container and spare tyres, pit equipment, helmets and suits and display pergola. Based in Darwin, NT. Ready for ●use as ride school business. $35,000 Ph Charlie 0419 886 338. 199 Mitsubihsi Lancer Evo 4 1997, silver, GSR, 4WD, ABS, Active Yaw Control, tein suspension, Recaro interior, all power options, sunroof. Pioneer stereo, HKS gauges. Immobilizer, alarm, co.mplianced Nov 99, warranty, rego Nov 2001, 25,000kms, fastidi ously maintained. $65,000. Ph 0417 217 502. 199 Mkl Escort Sports Sedan, Z20 Nissan engine Z18 turbo, 5 spd, twin Webers, OP South 52s, ideal for Supersprints, urgent sale, make a reason able offer. Ph Richard 02 4578 3745. 199

Mazda RX7 Club Car, complete, ready to race 2001, fresh top HP 13B Bridgeport, SV turbo gear box, torsion diff, lap record holder at Phillip Island, Sandown and Symmons Plains. Some spares. $22,500. Ph Rohan Ambrose 0409 945 828. 199 Group A VL Commodore, total rebuild, every thing new, Harrop front and rear, 14" front discs, Motec, 4 sets wheels 17x10, spoilers plus mani fold, carb and spare injection manifold. Ph 08 9045 4305. 199

Honda 1971 95 Coupe, daily driver, well main tained, CAMS 3J log book, leather seats, electron ic ignition, rare car with proven performance, some spare panels and glass. $6000 ono. Ph 02 4967 3445. 199 Club Car TF Cortina, 350hp 6 cyl, t/loader, suit sprints or race, nothing to spend. Oran Park 50s, ring for details, no reasonable offer refused. Ph 02 9605 7517 or 0403 011 924. 199

79

Childs & Albert alloy rods, 5.7 inch, large jour nals, brand new and in box, never used. Suit Chev. $750. Ph 0412 619 552. roo Subaru roll bar, brackets etc $150, Hotwire mags 15x7 $140 set. VDO. Mini Cockpit, used once. $90. Ph 07 5539 9337 or 0414 399 337. roo

Galloway-developed, race-winning Spectrum 07, Speedtech engine, MoTec, spares package, with assistance given to new owner. $37,000. Trailer also available. Ph Owen Kelly 0419 896 382. 199 Open Wheeler, 1986 86/50 Lola Formula 3000.

Corolla KE10 U/2L Sports Sedan/Club Car, fresh 1209cc, motor improvements 3K, twin Webers, big brakes. Watts link, 14x7 challengers, fibreglass, CAMS log book, road reg, phone for info. $4900.

Ph 03 6344 9091. 199 Alfa GTV 105 Sports Sedan, unfinished project, mid-mount Nissan SR20 & 5 speed, BMW diff and suspension rear, a-arm front, pushrod suspension, fibreglass box guards etc. Can be completed. $5000 ono. Ph Grant 07 3277 3114. 199

Reynard 90F Formula Ford, complete fibre giass body work, 2 nose cones, 2 radiators. $300 ono.

Ph 02 4774 2267 or 0412 043 605.200 Quick change, suit Compaa, off-set axie, one piece birdcages. $600. Gear sets $100. Ph 0438 557 056. 200 Outlaw 1000,2 piston aiioy brake caliipers, 1.75" SS pistons, pius Hawke brake black pads. Never used. $570. Ph 02 6288 8179 ah or 0401 144 028. 300 Formula Vee, full exhaust system, priced to sell at $400. Ph David 03 9739 4322 bh or 03 9735 4873 ah. 200

Escort RS1600, works Atlas, full floating axle assembly, alloy hubs, 2 piece large spline axles, 53" tubes, 2F LSD centre set up for coil overs, very rare. $3150. Ph 08 8278 5988. 199

Van Diemen RF94 Stealth, rolling chassis or com plete with engine. Pi system, Ohiins, all setup avail able. 2nd in Aust FF 2000, winner Bathurst. Ph Peter 02 9630 6509 nr 0418 217 451

Wilwood 13" X 1.25", disc brake rotors x2, Superlite calipers to suit disc, 2x mounting hats to suit above discs to HQ hubs. All parts brand new. $2000. Ph 02 4579 6133 ah or 0413 004 469. 200

Escort R52000, twin IDF/PP manifold $250, Lotus T/C timing chest $625, Sierra Cosworth crank u/size $450, Earls 13 row cooler $175, Escort T/C dash $625. Ph 08 8278 5988. ,99

Racing clutch, 7.25" tilton style complete includes 2x new driven plates, suit Top Loader gearbox. $800 Ph 02 4579 6133 ah or 0413 004 469.200

Wheels, four 13x9 with Avon slicks $450.

HQ race car. Dome or circuit, good cond. $5500.

Also, HQ circuit car, needs work, no wheels. $1200. Ph 0411 726 951. 199

Hilbourne fuel injection, to suit 289/302 Windsor, just been serviced, cam driven pump, tim ing cover, lines, shut off, tank, electric water pump. $2500 ono. Ph 03 5250 2345 or 0412 181 136, 200 Formula Vee, Kestrel. 2 round wins NSW 2000 series, 2nd fastest lap time 2000 Nationals, fresh Cutts engine, long and short gearboxes, spares, enclosed trailer with annex. $10,750. Ph Benjamin Porter 02 9876 1618 or 0414 767 833. 199 Formula Vee, Elfin, lots of $$$ spent including new bodywork and moulds. Needs some work, 90% complete, suit beginner, with trailer. $3200. Ph 0419 910 990. 199

V8 Supercar, front bumper and rear wing to suit Ef Falcon. Could also be used on Sports Sedan with rear wing raised or Club Car with front splitter/dif fuser unbolted. Front and rear lights and bonnet also available. Ph 0409 441 028. roo Munchie four-speed, complete and fresh, vertical gate shifter, steel flywheel, street or strip clutch assembly, Dellow bellhousing, suit Chev, excellent unit $2845 ono. Email: precision.racing@dragracer.com roo

Kosmic Junior Kart, roiling chassis, 3 meetings old, excellent condition, sale due to sponsorship commit ments. $2750. Ph Brendan 0428 519 423. 199

Escort Twin Cam 1970, 1800cc steel crank, 45s, elea ign, 5 spd steel Supra, newly rebuilt engine, clutch and diff, adj Konis, roller strut lops (new), quick rack (new),4 wheel discs, 3pc enki 14x6 plus much more. $12,500. Ph 02 4393 0222. 199

Drive available, 2001 Formula Ford National

Mini Sports Sedan, full roller,(no engine/box), log book, full cage, big brakes, race seat and harness, coil over suspension, laminated screen etc. $1000 ono. Also many Cooper S and performance parts for sale. Ph 02 9773 1909. 199

Open Wheelers

Swift SC96K Fomiula Ford, rolling chassis, will accept Zetec engine, all latest factory upgrades, will consider offers or part trade. Ph Ray 0418 327 155. 199

Parts

■Yokohama A032R tyres, 205/60/13x4, used once for Sprint, suit Club Car or Group N etc. $630 ono.

Ph 03 5777 8220. 200

Formula Ford, we are currently looking for drivers with budgets who wish to compete in the National FFord or Vic State Race Series. We have competitive 07 Spectrum chassis available with Motec logging systems. Ph Keith 0408 066 106 or 03 5940 1206 for more details and serious enquiries only please. 200

Racesult, Emerson, ex-Colin Bond, Hyundai Super Tourer, double layer medium, red with yellow stripes. $400 suit. Ph 0407 668 835. 199 Super T10, X ratio, suit Commodore Cup, with shifter and bell housing. $3500. Ph 0418 133 274. 199 l Air jacks, new/used, large range, most applica tions, quick release handles available, top quality.

C.C.l. 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. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Pedals, brake/clutch, floor mounVhanging, 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 - AP, Alcon, Brembo, Outlaw, Willwood. Overnight delivery. CCI Ph 0418 925 767.

l Oil coolers - heat exchangers, Earls, Sotrab, Serc.k, 6-70 row, new/used, also used water to oil heat exchangers, over 100 in slock. CCI Ph 0418 925 767.

JWF Milano 750, fibreglass body, complete with double skin doors, bonnet and hard torneau. All moulded fron. original 1959 car. $3500. Ph 07 5525 2009 ah or 07 5530 5248 bh 199 Borg Warner, Super TIO, steel case gearbox, ex-Janson Bathurst '77, shifter, bell housing & Tilton clutch bearing. Short driveshaft, fully rebuilt. $3000. Ph 02 9905 6114 or 0429 771 117. 199

Falcon AU XR6, set of 4 16" mags (5 spoke) and tyres, brand new. $1250. Ph 03 9434 1831 or 0418 132 068.200

Off Road Racing, 2 x 2L Kombi gearboxes, best of everything $1900 each. Beard ultra seat $450, 2L VW Golf engine inc all parts to bolt onto buggy $600. 4AGE adaptor plate and fly wheel $200. Ph 0414 367 997. 199

Munchie Four-Speed, complete and fresh, verti cal gate shifter, steel flywheel, street or strip assem bly, Dellow Bellhousing, suit Chev, excellent condi tion, $2845 ono. Ph 0412 619 552.200

Intercomp lap timer 81 beacon, great low cost in car lap data $395. Also, RPM switch/shift light $125. Both as new condition.

Ph 0412 252 821. 199

l Racecar parts, brake parts, chassis stands, diff oil pumps, exhaust collectors, fuel cell acces sories, oil filters, quicklift jacks, rat.o boxes, radi ator caps, springs, spoilers, wings etc. CCI Ph 0418 925 767. l Uprights, fabricated/cast, fronts/rears, various sizes, new/used, also CVs, driveshafts, wishbones, rockers, pushrods, all top quality, exc condition.

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

Speedway

Grand National/Club Sedan, Camara body, Wiand drive, Chev, 3 speed box, Dyna diff, disc brakes, ideal board or Club Sedan coil-over chassis, need to sell. $2000 ono. Ph 02 9622 1267.200

Send us your classified ads and we’ll run them for FREE* Caleflory: □ Sedans □ Open Wheelers □ Speedway'□ Drag DParts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs nOther.

Description:

Please keep ads tonomorethan 30 words,plusa photo if required.

^

Name: Address:.

Ph ( 80

)

I

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

series, close to half normal price, suit first year driver. Fully setup and competitive RF95. Ph 0411 052 944. 199

1974 Cheetah MkS, original AF3 motor improve ments, factory car (ex-Brian Sampson), Holinger 5 speed gearbox/factory lightweight wheels, last raced as AF2, only requires a 1300cc Toyota Corolla engine for Historic Group Q compliance. $19,000 ono. Ph Neil Stephens Turbos Motors 02 9759 8870 or John Muddle 02 9634 1853.200

MoTec M8 ECU, interface cable, software, loom, some sensors. $3000. Ph 02 6562 7832 or 0428 625 730 for details. 199

Ex works car fitted with Mazda 12A rotary turbo.

Stunning car. Full ground up rebuild. Ready to race. Many spares. For full details contact Donnie Mackillop (Scotland, UK) Ph 0011 44 1360 440902 or email juliasquire@hotmail.com 199

Chev titanium inlet, 2.08 exhaust valves 1.60 $1100 the set. Yates titanium valves 2.10 and 1.60. $1100 the set. Ph 0419 655 701.200

V8 Supercar, ex-John Bowe CAT car,'98 model EL Falcon, 6 Supercar races old. Spares package inc.

Ph 0412 895 560. 199

Ford Cleveland, 3.310" stroke, nitrided crankshaft, 5.950" Ridgecrest alloy rods, 4" std Glidden design Venolia pistons, internally balanced set up, as new. $ 1500. Ph 03 5472 4116 or fax 03 5470 6966, email: farrell@iaccess.com.au 199 SBC Parts, Cola 3 5/8 4340 four hole stroker crank - 6" Carillo mid weight conrods - 13:1 Wiseco pistons $2500. Hilborn 2 7/16" injec tion and 80A pump $1500. Stepped headers HPC coated $700. Remote oil pump and sump to suit $200. Ph 07 4978 1726. m

I

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.

molortport news

I

MARKET PLACE Transpoiters/Trailers

Weber inlet manifold, to suit 1750cc Marina or 501 Rover 6 cyl. Were made by Lynx Engineering. Ph 0011 64 3 832 172. 199 1992 Formula 1 season,review video titled '9/16 Well

.ARMYRESERVE -S£»qg

Done Nigel'. Willing to buy to update collection. Write to: Lance Black, 105 Broad Street, Sarina QLD 4737.

Van Diemen RF80, Sydney region only. Ph 02 9922 2481. 199

Modified Production, VH Commodore, worked 202, roller rockers, some spares, no work, just get in and race. $4500. Ph Tony 0417 294 313 or Wayne 0407 660 952 or nights on 02 6624 2400. 200

Enclosed trailer, 6m x 2.4m x 1.5m cabin space, front and rear doors, tandem drop axles, electric brakes and controller, registered, suit open wheel er, room for tools and spares, tows great. $3950.

Ph 039798 3680 or 0412 968 257 email

Other

ossie7@optusnet.com.au 200 Fully enclosed trailer, 5.5m x 2.5m x 2m, 240v power points, lights, benches, cupboards, winch, annex. 9 mths rego, ex-race car trailer. $3500 ono.

Ph 03 5250 2345 or 0412 181 136. roo

(90x60) -t- 5 MXs (50x40), great presents for FI and MX fans. Very good condition. $40 ono (FI), $15 ono (MX). Ph 08 8636 2527. 199

Formula 1 and MotoCross blockmounts, 3 FIs vWi«;5.5‘k'.,.

L_:

1996 Indy polo shirt,signed by Mario and Michael Andretti, Greg Moore, Alex Zanardi, Dario Franchitti and 7 others. Ph Martin 07 3285 3547 ah. 199

U Torana, full chassis set up for Super Gas, 350 Chev, powerglide throttle stop and timer. Has run 9.60 at 141 mph. $20,000. Ph 0412 716 025. 199

to 00. All 13 cards in mint condition. Ph Gerry 03 9792 4339 after 6pm. 199

chev 400 engine, fully reco KB pistons, 350 rods crack-tested and fully balanced. Never used, much more to list. $2800. Ph 0417 521 645. 200

Bathurst 1982 3 hour highlights including Hardies Heroes. 1986 to 1992,1996 to 2000. Full race coverage, ali good condition. Ph Gerry 03 9792 4339 after 6pm. 199 Camera, Pentax MZ50 with 28-80 lens, brand

Engines

Ideal tow vehicle. Maverick LWB with V8 Chev. Duai Fuel, HD Tow Bar & Bull Bar, UHF Radio & driving lights, Alpine stereo system.

Very good condition. $19,000. Ph Phil 0419 252 898. 200 Ford FIDO 1984, ex-ambulance, new tyres, 9 months rego, 2400kg tow pack, bed, stove, ideal for towing/storage etc. Ph Mark 0408 965 182. 200

Litre Sprint Car, GSX Engine, methanol injection, Complete with custom fully enclosed tandem trailer, ready to race, the lot $10,000. Ph Neil 07 4975 1450.200

Mazda Sll RX7, tubbed rear, ladder bars, coil-over shocks, fibreglass doors and front RCI seat harness and fuel cell, well presented, no motor and box. $4500 neg, Ph 03 5345 8045. 200

Motoring books and magazines, large run of Autosport 1988-1998, Autocar and The Motor UK 1950-1964, set of Modem Motor 1954-98. Ph 08 9279 7003 or fax 08 9377 3939.200

AMCA National, brand new Redline Legand Tali Boy chassis, AFCO shocks, Tilton pedals, never raced I Plus spare engine, diff and front clip. $11,000. Ph 08 8382 8209.200 Sprintcar Hi-bar, complete car including radiator, wings, rims with lots of tyres. Lee steering, Halibrand rear end, complete front end torsion bars, shocks, new seat belts, ready to race, only requires a motor.

Must sell due to business commitment. $9500.

Ph 03 5282 2792.200

Racesuit, FIA-approved, double layer racesuit in good condition, size S/M, Perth area. Ph 08 9332 5471 or 0417 960 414. 199

Trailer, fully enclosed 6.4 x 2.5 x 2, tandem axle, rear door, ramps, display door, 2 x side access doors, 12/240V power, insulated roof, 3 x windows(open ing), electric brakes, near new, delivery kms only. $10,500. Ph 02 4464 3565.200 Frehauf aluminium pan, 40', takes 2 cars, 240V light and power, aiuminium ramps, huge tool boxes, priced for quick sale. $5000. Ph 0408 503 366 or email: poole1995@yahoo.com 199

13BPP rotary, 300hp, complete, 51mm down draught Weber carby, button clutch and lightened flywheel, electronic dist $2990. Ph 03 9792 9526 bh or 03 9708 0992.200 Sprintcar motor, 18 degree heads, KFI injection, Donovon block, lA ent ultra-lite crank. Grower maxilite rods, Carr bolts, new pistons, new cam litters & 3/8 p/rods, Dan Olson pan, Barnes pump, Jesel rock ers, Mallory mag, in excellent cond and is apart for inspection. $36,000. Ph Ken 0414 768 861.200 BMW M3 engine, 2.3ltr 16V 220hp, 1988 exc cond, complete with everything, inci 5 spd Getrag box, ideal for 2002 or E30 conversion. The lot for $11,000. Ph Mick Mitchell 02 9757 2966. rm Toyota IG-GE motor, complete with EFi, comput er, air flow meter & fiiter box. VGC, 2 litre 6 cyl. $480. Ph 03 9555 2144 bh. 199

Bathurst, Castrol Grid Cards, 84, 86 to 90, 92, 95

new, still in box, ideal for motorsport shots. $500.

Race suit, red RPM Mondial 2 layer, brand new. $550. Ph 0419 242 025. 199 Exhaust tube bender, 3 phase binnie, computer controlled, as new condition. $8000. Can inspect in Castlemaine, Vic. Ph 03 5472 4116 or fax 03 5470 6966, email: farrell@iaccess.com.au 199 Bolts and fasteners, huge range, GR-8, GR-5, 8.8, M/Steel, rivets, Unbrako, washers, comes in 20 X 8 shipping container that is shelved and has car pet and lighting. Must see, must seli. $7500 ono.

Can inspect in Castlemaine, Vic. Ph 03 5472 4116 or fax 03 5470 6966, email: farrell@iaccess.com 199 Refuelling equipment, 2 churns, 1 vent bottle, 1 overhead rig, all alloy with stand and fuel pump.

Ph Peter 02 9630 6509 or 0418 217 451. 199

Engine,360 Sprintcar engine built to WA specs, done 6 meetings since overhaul. $10,000. Ph 08 9459 8444. m Cosworth BDA, BDG alloy cylinder block includ ing main caps, little use, $3500 ono. Ph Michael on 0412 480 744 or 07 5547 5085 ah. 199 Brownfield 235, alloy heads, Jessel rockers, Isky Tool springs. Crane Cam, roller lifters, rev kit, pushrods, alloy rocker covers. GC. $5000. Ph 0412 738 604 or 07 3800 9982 ah. .99

Formula 500, Harris frame, Staliard running gear, twin Yamahas, latest barrels and heads, excellent condition and very fast and reliable.

Also, fully enclosed alum trailer (bogie) to suit above. Will separate if required. POA. Ph 03 5023 5759 ah. 200 Litre, Lazer motor, McGee injection, BP quickchange, Gardner bars, arms and steps. Vortex wings, fresh this season, all spares & trailer, $14,000 ono. Ph 0438 557 056.200 Modified Production VH Commodore, methanol 202, just been built, adjustable suspen sion, Koni shocks, Wilwood brakes, powehead reduction box, tell-tail tacho, plenty of spares, too many to list. $5500. Ph 03 5962 5538 or 0428 101 420. .99 VL Commodore, 253 V8, Ford 4 spd, Toyota diff, alloy Sprintcar wing and seat, M5D ign, auto metre etc, heads, spares. $4600. Also, LH Torana Hatchback, complete, ready to race minus engine. $2300. Ph 0404 060 481. 199

Isuzu JCR 5 speed, 2 speed diff, 22ft x 8ft pan, under body storage, new winch, generator, 1.4T tailgate loader, 6 new tyres, long range fuel tank, reg Jan 2002. $22,900. Ph 0414 661 113. 199

e

Trailer, fully enclosed tandem 6.5 x 2.5 x 2, colour bond panelled, rear door ramp, side door access, winch, full length awning, near new. $8200 ono.

Ph Paul 0418 109 006. 199 Chev Banana Back, 350 4 spd, duel fuel, bullbar, new tray, ramps, lights, winch, chains, wiring, tyres, engineered, 6 mths rego. $13,000 ono. Ph 03 9785 1263. 199

Bedford bus transporter, unfinished project, tailgate and ramps done. Suit Super Sedan. Carry 13 people plus car. Owes me $3500. Ph 02 4944 9660. 199 EA Super Sedan, turbo 3.9, 2 spd, Q/C, near complete, near new, very light, 600hp at 5000 and 881 nM at 4500. Spare turbo alloy crossflow motor. $17,000 neg. Ph 0409 562 318. 199

16 February 2001

Boss 302, blocks, DOZE 6015C x 2, heads DOZE 6090A X 2, standard M&BE steelcrank DOZE 63030A. $6800. Ph 08 9045 4305. 199

Wanted Wanted, FT200 gearbox. Ph 02 4323 3777. 200 Race mechanics, pit crew fabricator, wanted to join a Melbourne-based Nations Cup team, experi ence in race car preparation and restoration essen tial, great opportunity for the right crew. Fax your details to Mike 03 9782 2722.200 Drives wanted, in any QLD State Series FFord races and teams leasing cars for national champi onship. Ph 0403 384 553.200 Bell Dominator helmet, or Bell fuelling SS or Bell Vortex. Must be in excellent condition and new. Ph 0403 389 533.200 Wanted, 17" x 7 1/2" inner rims for 17" BBS centrelock wheels, 20 bolt holes. Ph/fax 0011 64 3 6849 874.200 Go Kart, KT100J to suit new kart buyer, approximate^ $1200. Must be in good racing condition. Preferably south-east Queensland area. Ph 07 5486 4126.200 Transmitter, Dorian TvSOOO (blue) and charger.

Momo open wheeler steering wheel. Ph John 0413 503 259 or 03 9511 8079 ah. 199 Full face helmet, size 59. XL race uniform, 10 1/2 size boots, large gloves, separate items just fine. Ph 02 6384 7311. 199

42ft drop deck race car transporter, carries 4 FHoldens or 5 FFords, full length x <.uft awning.

90001b lifting crane on monoroil. Exc tyres and brakes. Ph Ray 0418 327 155. 199

Senna commemorative teplka helmet, no 727 of 1000 produced worldwide. Comes in original casing, accompa nied by certificate of authenticity. Highly collectab'e. Sound investment $9000 neg. Ph 0413 264 427. 199

Books, Autocourse 1990, 91, 93, 94, 98, 99.

Australian Motor Racing Year 1987, 88, 90. Ph 02 9264 0034 ah or email: andrew.playdonSbaker net.com 199

Racing pit scooters, brand new Vespa/Piaggio.

50/125/200CCS. $2500. Ph Paul Morris 0418 752 001 or 0411 631 000. 199 2000 Indy program,signed by all the drivers except Shinji Nakano, Memo Gidley and Oriol Servia.

Excelient condition. $60. Ph Peter 07 3807 3326. 19s John

Bowe #1

Shell-FAI Falcon, Classic

Carlectables, 1:43 scale, model #2001. Original, mint condition, never removed from box, rare.

Will sell to first reasonable offer. Ph 0410 622 087. 199 Queensland Raceway life membership, com plete pass entitles free circuit entry, VIP car park and free practice. $2600 including transfer fees. Ph 0415 357 398 or email: stevek@ozlinx.com.au. 199

81

OPINION

iMUHiPirt news

EDITORIAL STAFF Editor: Phil Branagan Assistant Editor: Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist: Aaron Noonan PRODUCTION Adv & Graphics Co-ordinator: Viv Brumby ADVERTISINO Advertising Manager: Brendon Sheridan ADMINISTRATION Managing Director: 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, Mark Jones, Jon Thomson FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins US: Phil Morris Speedway: Brett Swanson, Julie Pearce, Geoff Rounds, Wade Aunger, Tony Millard (UK) Rally: Peter Whitten, Jon Thomson Histories: Brian Reed Drag Racing: Greg Ward, Jon Asher (USA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson Super Speedway: Martin Clark (USA) National: Mark Wicks, Sean Henshelwood, Michael Shaw Photographers: Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Bothwell Photographic, Marshall Cass, Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett, AFl Images, Neil Hammond, Slipstream Photographic, Thunder-Pics, Phil Williams, Allsport, John Morris/Mpix, Frank Midgley, John Bosher, Lynley Reid, Mike Patrick (UK), Daniel Wilkins, Wayne Nugent, Peter French, Chris Carter, James Smith Artist: Bernie Walsh Cartoonist:Allan Schofield Motorsport News is published by Australasian Motorsport News - ABN 55 125 120 702 Publisher: C Lambden Printed by: PMP Print 37-49 Browns Road Clayton 3168.

Distributed by: NDD Ltd Material published by MOTORSPORT NEWS is copyright and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Freelance contributions are welcome, and while all care will be taken, Australasian Motorsport News does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of material submitted.

Opinions expressed in Motorsport News are not necessarily those of Australasian Motorsport News or its staff.

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

Meanwhile, your marketing dollars will now actually be supporting the products you manufacture.

I write regarding David White’s (Network 10) comment of “our involvement in the AFL will in

Come on Holden, rise to the challenge and dump the golf.

no way compromise our motor 5> sport commitments.

Phil Compagnoni Via E-mail

How are they going to show the Adelaide 500 and the Canberra 400 on the Saturday when they will be showing AFL on Saturdays?

converter

If Bathurst does go back to the long weekend, it will clash with the AFL

A$ 180.00 A$230.00

m

Thanks guys for a great magazine. The new format is much better and we seem to get more for our money.

We loved the

Saturday).

With all rounds

great trivia quiz.

Any chance of it becoming a regular feature? One

having a top 10 or 15, is it going to be shown on Saturday afternoon or will we see who is

question and its answer amazed us

on pole on the news?

all.

Only a few years ago we had to wait until

Question eight sought drivers for both DJR and HRT.

10pm or midnight to watch touring cars and most times we already knew who had won and

We got a couple right, but Larry Perkins?

lost by the news(both TV and radio).

Surely this is an error.

Tony Cochrane and AVESCO better get the broadcast rights for V8s correct.

If not, when and in what circumstances did a very loyal Holden driver do a

Greg McEwan

Via E-mail

‘Lowndesy’ and switch camps.

Your reply to this would make us very

Cromley’s the voice

grateful. Keep up the good work.

Great to see Neil Crompton back in the

Charles Kemp Via E-mail

news and in print.

I was beginning to think the hit that knocked him out of the lead at Bathurst had punted him out of earth orbit.2^ the voice of

Here’s the proof: Reader Kemp questioned our great trivia quiz, so here’s the proof. Yep, that’s LP wheeling the Mustang through Forrest’s Elbow in the 1985 James Hardie 1000 when he shared the car with Dick Johnson.

Ford in V8 racing, he

(Photo by Chevron Publishing)

should be able to bridge the gap between Ford fans and Craig Lowndes at Gibson Motorsport.

I can’t think of a better outcome for Neil. Now all he needs is a

Ken Rumsby E-mail: rumsbnk@nor.com.au

It ain’t an er ror Chuck. LP was a DJR/Ford man in 1985, when he Joined forces with Dick Johnson in the Mustang for the endurance

Down with golf and tennis!

races at Sundown and

The following line is one I never

Bathurst, having left the Mobil Holden Dealer Team mid-year.

He returned to the General’s

expected to utter.

Congratulations Ford.

I’m sure that some tennis equipment suppliers would like to

$132,00

Trivial matters

Grand Final (on a

competitive car. Come on Polites, let’s see Ford deliver the goods!

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 news 82

Super Saturday Showdown

step in and sponsor the Australian Open.

product the next season in the Enzed Commodore and has been faithful ever since running HSV, HRT and Castrol Holden Commodores.

something Send us your letter for Talk Converter (please keep them to about 200 words) by mail to PO BOX 1010, Caulfield North 3161,fax 03 9527 7766 or email us at msnews@ozemail.com.au motorsport news

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