Motorsport News Issue 200 - March 1-15, 2001

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motorsport Issue 200 1 -15 March 2001

INSIDE

News and Opinion

4 5 6 8

10 27 28 98

Lowndes'first Ford drive The Kid is ready for racing Minardi wins the race Stoddy gets the cars here!

Adelaide pulls the pin Premier Olsen cancels ALMS Earnhardt latest NASCAR suspects his belts New look V8 Supercars Everywhere you look - paint!

Motor Mouth It's been a long haul to 200 Box Seat Getting the words right Talk Converter CARTs, Dale and undertrays

Features 30 36 52 58

The 200th MN Looking back on the big stories FI Grand Prix Preview Two in a row for Michael? Or a silver steamroller?

DJR - Then and Now Dick Johnson has come a long way. So have his cars Murf; Life goes on Will he still get 5% off at Kmart?

Race Coverage

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Regular Departments

FUUFI PREVIEW^

^EARNHARDT 3MURPHY ICmN’s200TH!

LOWND BREAKS - « COVER

Wakefield Park Konicas Wills wins Wakefield war Aussie Speedcar Title Adam Clarke beats the best Daytona 500 Waltrip wins on blackest day

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Photos: Cover: Sutton-lmages and Jack Alley. Contents: Sutton-lmages. Atley and Marshall Cass.

22 62 70 76 82 86 88 92

Motorcycles Rallying Drag Racing Speedway NASCAR Histories National Scene Marketplace a

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Toyota’s Aussie TOYOTA is to back a young up-andcoming Australian driver potentially all the way to Formula 1.

As Motorsport News closed for press, came news of a major announcement planned for Melbourne today(Wednesday) concerning Toyota Motorsport, its Formula 1 team "and the future of a young Australian driver."

Toyota personnel were tight-lipped when contacted on Monday, but it seems likely that the announcement will reveal a long-term alliegance to Toyota and be part of a young driver scheme - not dissimilar to James Courtney's current situation with Jaguar FI. "It'll be terrific news for us in terms of an Australian involvement in Toyota's FI plans," is all Toyota's PR Manager Mike Breen could tell us on Monday - while, adding that he expected to be bringing a "special" guest along to that night's MotorSport Awards Dinner.

Just who could the lucky young

Australian be?

Australia has a number of talented young drivers, both here and in the same international karting environment which thrust James Courtney into the limelight and it is there that a European-based team would most likely look.

MotorSport Young Achiever nominee Troy Hunt was Australia's best-performer at last September's World Kart Championship, although Ryan Briscoe - a late contemporary of Courtney's - has a terrific and now extensive pedigree at international level.

Our money's on Briscoe - if we were searching for Australia's next international talent, he'd be high on the list. Like Courtney, he's been living and racing in Italy and already has the European mindset.

If we're right and the deal involves support all the way, expect Briscoe to move into one of the European single-seater categories this year...

Watch this space.

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TOCA under fire AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane has criticised his opposite number at TOCA Australia, Kelvin O’Reilly, over comments that he (Cochrane)claimed to be “disgraceful”.

Cochrane was responding to a recent news story in which O’Reilly referred to the lifespan of motorsport categories.

“AVESCO have listened to repeated insults from Alan Gow and Kelvin O’Reilly that V8 Supercars were dinosaurs and Two Litres were the way of the future,’for some time now,” AVESCO said in the statement.

“Therefore, you can understand our complete surprise and amazement that TOCA are attempting to re-invent themselves as a V8 category.”

That is a reference to the TOCATburer category, which takes over from Future Iburers for the 2001/02 season.

AVESCO’s statement continues; “This is certainly not the case with V8 Supercars who have been in existence for nine years and every year continue to go from strength to strength.

“AVESCO Chairman Tony Cochrane will be writing to the AVESCO lawyers asking them to clarify with CAMS how a new category of V8’s (sic) can be 4

proposed given the very clear settlement that was achieved on this issue only last year.”

CAMS and AVESCO settled a legal dispute last June,in which the control and management of the V8 Supercar category was invested in AVESCO. “AVESCO will pursue every legal avenue available to ensure that no passing off ofthe very valuable AVESCO properties is undertaken,” the statement continued.

“The dismal crowds that this TOCA championship draws proves that you can’t fool the fans with some down market knock-off of the very popular V8 Supercars,” Cochrane said.

O’Reilly responded; “It would appear to me that Professor Alan Fels on the 12th of October, 1999, summed it up. He said ‘While AVESCO is the exclusive category manager of the V8 Supercars, these exclusive rights should not hinder the development of other potentially competitive V8 classes of motor racing’.

“CAMS-sanctioned Future Touring cars on 1 May, 2000 so it would seem to me that the ACCC and the controlling body may have more say about who does what in this sport than Tony Cochrane.”

- PHIL BRANAGAN

Man and Machine: Lowndes takes a brea YEP,that is Craig Lowndes, and that is a Ford Falcon.

The three-time ATCC winner tested the ex-Craig Baird AU at Winton last Friday and declared himself pleased with his first acquaintance with the car.

“It’s a very different feel to the Commodore,” he said after his first 90 minute run. “On the cosmetic side, the noise of the engine, the seating position ...”

“It’s really good. The car itself is better than I expected; it’s got some great potential.

“It’s different to what I expected.

Everyone keeps saying that the car is very harsh and they (Fords) don’t absorb the kerbs, but this car is very good on that side.

“It’s different; the cockpit and the feel of the engine - it has a different note. The car is easy to feel.

“It’s a very strong motor ... I’m feeling ever3dhing is working as it should.”

But after two sessions at motorsport newt

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t Winton between testing sessions in his Gibson Motorsport Falcon. (Photo by jack A»ey) Winton, his first drive in a V8 Supercar since the FAI 1000 last November, Lowndes has warned that no-one should have too high expectations to start with.

“Every track we go to we will be starting afresh. I have learned a lot already.

“There’s nothing much we can do to fast-track the development process. There are already things we would like to change on the car between now and the GP - like the footbox.

“As we sit here we have a good car for a package in race conditions.

“We would love to be able to win races this year. The GP and Phillip Island will give us a good indication of whether we are up to speed.

“I’m going into it to do the best I can. There’s no doubt we will get to the front - it’s just a matter of when.

“We’ve got to walk before we can run and crawl before we can walk.”

1 March 2001

TAG sponsor?

WHILE the car will run with Gibson/Ford signage this weekend, rumours are suggesting TAG as a likely sponsor for Lowndes' Falcon.

Lowndes' team has reserved number 00 - last used in association with a Traffic Accident Commission zero-alcohol promotion...

There will be no sponsor signage on the car this weekend, the team opting tO/ have a 'proper' sponsor launch prior to the Phillip Island SCS opener in three weeks.

The car will however appear in allnew GMS black, silver and grey livery, which will remain on the car throughout the season.

The TAC has a long history in motor racing, formerly backing the Sandown 500 enduro, the Drag Racing Nationals at Calder Park and the Peter Brock Classic at Calder in 1995.

That, ironically, was the first race Lowndes drove for Holden Racing Team as a full-time driver . . .

Minardi on pole PAUL Stoddart has won the first race in his career as a Formula One team owner - to make it to Albert Park.

In fact, his European-Minardi team had the honour of being the first team to arrive in Australia, with the Minardi PSOls landing at Melbourne’s Avalon airport on Sunday morning.

Stoddart, who bought the ailing Italian team six weeks ago for a reported $90m,fought a battle to ensure that his cars were on the grid at Albert Park.

At the same time, he has named his second driver, with Tarso Marques bagging the final FI seat for 2001.

The 25-year-old returns to the Faenza team for a second stint, having driven for Giancarlo Minardi in 1996 and ’97. Most recently, he has raced in the American CART series.

“It is a little like coming home,” he said. “At the same time, there is also a different feeling at the factory since the team now has a new owner in Paul Stoddart.

The announcement was made as both Alonso and Marques tested the team's new car for the first time at Vairano on Wednesday. The completion of the first shakedown was a great relief to Stoddart: “It has all been a bit of a blur, but to see the car running for the first time was quite an emotional moment,” said Stoddart. “It has been a huge mountain to climb to ensure we will be there on Friday in Melbourne for the start of practice, but we have made it.”

AT the same time as his cars were landing in Melbourne, Stoddart handed the CAMS Foundation aimed at raising funds for young Australian drivers heading overseas - a huge bonus in the form of a ride in a European Minardi two-seater FI car (possibly with Nigel Mansell at the wheel!) and a week with the team, all expenses paid.

The Foundation was set to be launched at tonight’s MotorSport Awards and CAMS CEO Peter Hansen confirmed that the ride would be auctioned at that time: “It’s a fantastic gesture by Paul,” he said. “Apart from guests at the dinner, anyone can put in a phone bid today via my office(03 9593 7777) to grab this fabulous prize.”

- JOE SAWARD/STAFF

Longhurst/Nash?

We hear the latest move in V8 Supercar racing is Tony Longhurst to Rod Nash Racing. We believe that the Queensland veteran will race Nash's second Commodore VX in the Shell Championship Series, replacing Cameron McConville, who will race for the Lansvale team. n Paul Romano will be back in his own Commodore at Albert Park this weekend. The Queenslander had spoken to Derek Van Zelm about running his Commodore, but the deal didn't come off. Look for the Van Zelm VT to appear later in the season with a TBN driver and new sponsorship. n Two drivers will be inducted into Karcher's Formula Ford Flail of Fame tomorrow (Thursday). Bathurst winner Garth Tander and Benetton test driver Mark Webber will join the ranks of the fast and famous in a ceremony in the Albert Park paddock. n Qur spies tell us that Pirelli may be about to end its sportscar supply program in the USA. The Italian tyre giant, which provides rubber for Cadillac among others, may continue to supply teams based in Europe. n Peter Hill is the latest recruit to the ranks of the Nations Cup. The exFormuia Holden man will suit up in a Porsche GT3, which is being prepared at the Melbourne workshops of Peter Fitzgerald. l n Look for the changes at the Subaru Rally of Canberra on May 6.

There will be two new stages in the Kowen Forest, while the popular Mineshaft stage returns. The event will be a round of both the ARC and Asia-Pacific Championships.

■ There will be a licensed outdoor drinking area for the World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island over the April 20-22 weekend. There will also be a Super Screen in Cowes, near the stage area for the Friday and Sunday night concerts. Burnout competitions and Freestyle Motocross complete the entertainment package.

■ Ticket prices have been set for the Island's opening round of the Sheil Championship Series. Top of the range tickets include general acimission for all three days, access to the infield at Honda Corner, pit walks, reserved parking and entry to the VB Monster BBQ on Saturday night for $89.

Ticketmaster 7 is handling the ticketing, or call Phillip Island on 03 5952 2710.

■ Tom Ferrier, the 19-year-old who had been signed to drive Vauxhall's third car in the BTCC this year, has been forced to split with the team, with "sponsorship clashes' cited as the reason. Triple Eight has been linked to running James Thompson and David Leslie in a satellite team alongside Yvan Muller and Jason Plato.

5

Adelaide Le Mans

SA government pulls out ofALMS- will Panoz take.

by PHIL BRANAGAN and PHIL WILLIAMS

THERE will be no international sportscar racing in Adelaide this year.

South Australian Premier John Olsen dropped a bombshell on the race last Friday when he announced that his government will not take up an option on running any further races of Don Panoz’s American Le Mans Series.

Mr Olsen described the 2000 race as “a fantastic one-off event” for the city.

“But we have so many worldclass events that we can afford to pick and choose which ones are right for Adelaide,” he said.

The move will free around $8m of money which was earmarked for the event. Olsen, who is under pressure in what is an election year, is likely to commit the funding to nurses, whose union rejected an offer of $24 million in increased funding last week.

In a luncheon speech last Friday, Mr Olsen said “at the end of the day, you have to make some hard choices. The choice was Le Mans or 200 nurses. We have taken the 200 nurses.”

The negative publicity the government has received from some quarters over the main infrastructure - temporary pit buildings, control tower and grandstands - being left erected in the Victoria Park Racecourse between both the Le Mans event and this year’s Clipsal 500 in April are also believed to have influenced the decision which was made in Cabinet last Thursday.

Mr Olsen’s media release referred to “... an overload on our parklands.”

Speaking in Georgia, Panoz said that he was surprised at Olsen’s announcement.

“The Premier's announcement was unexpected, and I was shocked and disappointed to learn he had made it,” he said.

Panoz had just completed a 10day trip to Australia and claimed he had an agreement to stage the race for the next five years.

Cooper’s Brewery had reportedly committed to sponsor the race for

The choice was Le Mans or 200 nurses. We have taken the 200 nurses

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-SA Premier John Olsen the next three years.

Panoz told Adelaide’s Advertiser that he had met with Olsen and Tourism Minister Joan Hall, one of the driving forces behind the event.

“I shook hands on the deal because I was told the term,s would be acceptable to the cabinet,” he said.

However, Panoz has not turned his back on Australia, suggesting that he would seek another venue for the race.

“We are optimistic that with the success of the inaugural event in Adelaide that we will find a way

Only 999 Years short: The Adelaide Race of a Thousand Years was feted by thi to bring our racing teams back to Australia,” he said.

That would indicate that Panoz may seek to move the race to Perth. Panoz had been talking to the WA government about staging an event in the west to kick off his 2002 Asia-Pacific series. He is likely to seek the support of the new WA Labor government, headed by Premier Geoff Gallup.

The Race of a Thousand Years was dogged with controversy from the start, with a number of withdrawals leading to a small field showing for the end of season event, which was won by

21 laps by Audi’s Allan McNish and Dindo Capello.

Local support for the event was not to the same level as the Clipsal 500, despite a claimed attendance at the December event of 144,000 over the three days.

There was considerable resistance to the road closures for the event, and local media was lukewarm, citing a lack of recognisable teams and drivers to promote.

However, local sources point out that the large crowd figures may not be entirely accurate, and that the race day crowd grew as the end of the event, and a post-

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WHILE the loss of the Adelaide race is a setback for Panoz Motorsport Australia, which conducted the Race of a Thousand Years, race promoter Dean Rainsford has said that the race may remain in Australia.

Rainsford addressed a media conference on Monday, saying that he felt that the race "would return to Australia this year".

“Since the Government's announcement on Friday, we 6

have received a number of significant approaches and, despite some comments made recently by the Government, we now have enquiries for a 2001 event from every state in mainland Australia," he said.

"However, there will be a race staged in Australia this year.

"We are hoping to finalizing (sic) the venue and date for this year's Australian round of the Le Mans Series within the next four to six weeks."

Rainsford said that the race generated $87m worth of media exposure for Adelaide around the world which, he claimed, was more than twice as much as any previous race held in the city. As well, he claimed a TV viewing audience of 320 millions households, and 4500 visitors to Adelaide.

He slammed the announcement by Premier Olsen for not informing him of his decision to pull funding out

of the race before his public statement.

"Not myself, Don Panoz or any of our team was informed of the Premier's decision, and the fact he was going to make an announcement that the Government was not going ahead with the arrangement as agreed with us," he said.

"In fact, the first time our media manager, Paul Ryan, was informed of the decision he got a call from a radio station while moiorsporl news

NEWS

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n Karl Wendlinger has signed to join former Viper team-mate Oliver Beretta and Yannick Dalmas in the new Chrysler prototype sportscar.

Testing in Spain hasn't gone too well, with the Mopar powerplant being replaced for the time being by a Judd while it undergoes further modifications.

ace to Perth?

n Porsche's semi-works outfit in the ALMS for 2001, Alex Job Racing, will have Randy Pobst and Sascha Maassen joining Lucas Luhr and Christian Menzel, while Bob Wollek and Johnny Mowlem will drive for Petersen Motorsports.

Flying colours: McLaren passed its crash test - who didn’t? (pnoiobysution)

More crash test dramas

jovernment until last week.(Photobysutton-images) race concert featuring several bands, drew closer.

The 2001 Adelaide race was scheduled to be a non championship event which would bring together the contenders from Panoz’s American and European series in an end-ofseason ‘shoot-out’.

Mr Olsen’s announcement puts an end to a potential date clash with the final round of the Shell Championship Series at Sandown on December 2. Any new event is unlikely to be allocated a clashing date by the FIA.

I I he was interstate on Friday working with potential sponsors.

"I am amazed and disappointed that the principals of two of our four major sponsors of this event were first informed of the decision while they were listening to the Premier at lunch at the Hilton."

He also said that the race in Perth would not happen until the 2003 season.

- PHIL BRANAGAN 1 March 2001

UP to four FI teams have had to resuhmit the carbon fibre tub of their cars for crash tests before being allowed to take part in this weekend’s first GP of the year.

All the teams are saying little and publicly denying any problem, but Benetton, Ferrari and Jaguar are reportedly among the teams who have had to re-engineer their tubs and resubmit to fresh crash tests.

None of the teams is expected to fail a second time. It just doesn’t happen.

With current cars designed down to the gram, a fresh batch of tubs with increased layers of carbon fibre is a quick fix available to all - although the stress on overworked manufacturing divisions in the teams increases in proportion.

Two years ago, Sauber faced the same dilemma, a second test back in Europe clearing the team literally on the Tuesday of GP week, with the race team already set up in pit lane at Albert Park.

“It’s not a big, big problem,” one team insider told us. “Fortunately, the first tests were a good two or three weeks ago which does provide time for the teams concerned to re-engineer and resubmit in time..

The mysterious withdrawal of the Ferrari cars from the FOCA freight flight from Italy added late weight to the suggestion that Ferrari may be one of the teams with a late problem.

The Ferraris were due to arrive in Melbourne on a commercial flight on Tuesday as Motorsport News hit the presses.

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

Canto grabs Full DEAN Canto will be joined for the Queensland 500 and the FAI 1000 by Geoff Full.

Full, who ran the team's EL in the Konica Series round at Wakefield Park on the weekend, is the only privateer driver to lead Bathurst in the Supercar era,though hasn't had a full-time drive since a full-time GTP Subaru drive in 1999.

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He's easy on a car and will do a good job," said car owner Terry Steer, who is keen to see his team's EL finish in the top 10 in the Konica Series and earn a start at Bathurst.

Canto said at Wakefield Park that the team had the budget to run 10-11 rounds of the Shell Series, but was searching for the rest.

- AARON NOONAN

n The Saleen driving line-up for the GTS class of the ALMS has yet to be announced, although sources suggest that American Tommy Kendall and Pom Oliver Gavin will share one of the cars. n The entry list for the opening round of the ALMS at Texas is very thin. There are just 21 entries, including 2 Audis, 2 Panozes, a privateer Audi, four GTS cars and 12 GT cars. Chevrolet's Corvettes will have the ex-ORECA Vipers to contend him run by an American team, while the BMW/Porsche rivalry will continue in GT, the new BMW V8 due to debut soon. n FIA president Max Mosley has repeated last year's attack made on Silverstone, the home of the British Grand Prix. The Northamptonshire l circuit came under scrutiny last year after wet weather caused spectators to walk miles to the track and trample through muddy car parks."We have said to Silverstone that we cannot have something on a par with the Olympic Games and the football World Cup being held down the end of a lane in a muddy field.' n According to Mosley, the FIA has struck a deal to remove both power steering and brake balance assistance as a concession for the return of traction control. Brake balance is currently assisted electronically, but the impending arrival of traction control has prompted the FIA to reduce the number of aids available to the driver in 2002. n Jordan driver Jarno Trulli said on Thursday that he wants to stick with the team until he wins his first Grand Prix. 'I think at the moment I feel all right at Jordan,' he said. 'It would be nice to grow up with Jordan, stay with Jordan, and win races with Jordan in the future.' . n Jaguar Racing's Commercial and Marketing Director, Rob Armstrong, has quit the leaping cat for new pastures. Jaguar has yet to announce his replacement. Armstrong has a good reputation in FI and is expected to appear with another team.

7

Earnhapilt's

NASCAR claims The Intimh

by MARTIN D. CLARK

EXPLANATIONS and

FI for Ten? YET again, rumours are suggesting that Network 10 is in the market for the FI broadcast rights.

Despite denials, it appears that a deal could be done which would see the network obtain the rights to all GPs from current broadcaster, the Nine Network.

Network representatives were unavailable for comment, but one rumour suggests that there could be a swap between the two networks, with Nine securing 10's current deal to broadcast the Melbourne Spring Racing carnival, which features the Melbourne Cup. Nine is believed to have the rights for the GPs until the end of the 2002 season and should retain the rights until then - unless it fails to fulfil its contractual obligations.

But there has been considerable discussion that, with Nine and 10 taking over the AFL football package from Seven next year, and with Nine having a current and ongoing deal to broadcast the National Rugby League competition, it may be stretched to fulfil those obligations with regard to FI. It is also believed that senior 10 executives have already had discussions with FIA Vice President (Promotional Affairs) Bernie Ecclestone, whose companies control the international broadcast rights.

Ecclestone is thought to be dissatisfied with the current performance of Nine, and issued an apology to

Australian viewers last October over the network’s refusal to broadcast the championship-deciding Japanese GP live because it ran over the 6pm news bulletin.

Moving the GPs to 10, however, presents a similar problem, with the network already committed to V8 Supercars (SCS and KV8SS), Champ Cars, MotoGP and World Superbikes. Ecclestone would be keen to ensure that FI had premier status on the network, as well as securing a lucrative payment for the rights.

As well as a possible NineTen deal, it appears that Fox Sports could show Formula One - perhaps as early as this season.

Motorsport News has been told that the cable sport network investigated the possibility of broadcasting the Albert Park event live, but that it was not able to do a deal with host broadcaster.

Nine.

However, there have been suggestions that Fox's parent company. News Limited, has shown interest in gaining a deal which would take effect as soon as the San Marino GP on April 15.

Ecclestone is said to be looking at the deal favourably, which would allow Fox to side-step Nine completely, and ensure that GP fans had, at least, the option of watching the racing live - or closer to live than Nine's current package ...

- PHIL BRANAGAN

recriminations have already started after the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona last week.

Earnhardt, 49, was killed instantly after his Chevrolet Monte Carlo hit the wall on the final lap of the Daytona 500.

It now appears that, while the crash itself did not seem big enough to cause death or serious injury, an adjustment to Earnhardt’s seat belt may have contributed to the injuries will claimed the life of the seven-time Winston Cup champion.

NASCAR held a press conference last Friday at Rockingham to announce that one of Earnhardt’s belts was found to have separated in the crash. The discovery of the damaged belt was made the evening of the crash but, for whatever reason, it took NASCAR five days to make the announcement.

The discovery of the failure sheds light on why Earnhardt had a fractured skull from front to rear and other broken bones.

‘There was a broken left lap belt,” remarked NASCAR boss Mike Helton. “The left side of the lap belt came apart.”

Director of Competition Gary Nelson continued, “It was separated between the two pieces of metal hardware, so the webbing itself had separated. We don’t know when, we don’t know how at this point.”

“It appears, probably,(that) his chin struck the steering column in the such a way that the forces fractured the base of his skull,” said Dr Steve Bohannon of Daytona Speedway.

“I think he would have had a much greater chance of survival if the belt had remained intact.”

The seat belt was manufactured in November of 2000 by Simpson Racing Products.

“Having manufactured seat belts in the motorsports industry for more than 43 years, I have never seen a seat belt come apart in the manner that occurred,” said safety guru Bill Simpson.

“This company has no responsibility for what happened.

None. My conscience is totally clear.

When the seat belts are properly installed, they won’t fail. I’m telling you it has nothing to do with

This company has no responsibility for what happened. None. My conscience is totally clear

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- Bill Simpson Simpson.”

Earnhardt, along with his son Dale Jr, were the only two drivers in Winston Cup to use open face helmets.

“I think the use of a full face helmet may have helped spread the impact,” said Bohannon.

Word around the Rockingham garage area has NASCAR making further announcements about the failure in the near future, although rumours say something chafed through the belt, caused possibly by an installation or routing problem.

Meanwhile, Earnhardt’s widow Teresa has filled a lawsuit against the Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office, seeking temporary and permanent release of photographs that were taken inside her husband’s car a day after the crash. The court order also prevents the release of pictures of Dale’s body. The suit came about after a major press association obtained the images and a Florida newspaper along with internet web sites used the photos.

motorsport news

NEWS

belt broke

Rain iator’s lap belt came apart stops the Rock

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Preparing to race: NASCAR has suggested that the death of Dale Earnhardt may have been caused by a faulty seat belt. (Photo by Sutton-lmages) Earnhardt’s team owner Richard Childress also held a press conference to announcement the replacement for his fallen friend.

Kevin Harvick, who he described as the future of his team prior to Da3dona will run a number 29 white Goodwrench Chevrolet for the remainder of the season.

“I would hope you guy’s don’t expect me to ever replace Dale,” said Harvick,“because nobody ever will.”

Harvick finished second in the Rockingham Busch race driving for Childress and was to compete in a handful of events at the end of the season before making his Cup debut in 2002.

“We will not use the number three on an3rthing for one year,” said Childress. “I will never run a number three black Goodwrench car again. We may run a number three car again someday; we’ve got 28 years at RCR invested in it.

NASCAR do not retire numbers and they would like to see us keep the number three.”

Dale Earnhardt Jr also spoke with the media at Rockingham.

“We are going to maintain and cany on with the racing program and stick beside Teresa the best we can and help here out in any way she needs,” he said.

1 March 2001

“I do want to say that any notion or any blame placed upon anyone, whether it be Sterling MarUn or anybody else for that matter, is ridiculous and will not be tolerated.

Some ofthe things are completely incredible that I’ve heard and been told about.

“I miss my father and I’ve cried for him and I’ve cried for him, but out of my own selfish pity is the reason for those emotions. I just have to try and maintain a good focus for the future and just remember that he’s in a better place, a place we all want to be.”

Dale Earnhardt was buried in a private family only ceremony at an undisclosed church on February 21, with a “Celebration of Life’ held for family, friends and the NASCAE commimity the following day in a Charlotte church. Around 3,000 people attended the service, which was shown live on "TV for a one time ever showing.

The coverage was tasteful, not showing any close-ups of the grievers,just the two members of the clergy and Randy Owen of the group Alabama, who sung in the short service. Teresa came on stage at the end and faced the three segments of audience to say thank you three times.

- See page 82 for more

THE first Winston Cup race since the death of Dale Earnhardt, Sunday's Winston Cup race at the North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, was short-lived, the race being called off after heavy rain came on lap 51.

This came after a delayed start and some 30-plus laps already held under caution because of a lap one wreck in turn four and more showers.

Ironically, the lap one wreck involved Dale Earnhardt Jr, who tangled with the Wallace brothers, Mike and Kenny.

Earnhardt was the only one of the three to retire with heavy right front damage.

"Someone got into the back of me," said 'Little E' who qualified 25th. "I'm all right, I was just really ready to get back to racing. I guess I'l l have to wait until Vegas now. I had the lap belt a little too tight and I'm a little bruised up."

Apparently Ron Hornaday tapped Jr and started the melee. Hornaday was ousted from Dale Earnhardt Inc last year, his position taken by Michael Waltrip.

Pole sitter Jeff Gordon, along with the two remaining DEIowned cars of outside front row sitter Steve Park and Michael Waltrip, and Ward Burton looked the fast cars during the green laps.

Earnhardt's replacement, Kevin Harvick in the number 29 white Goodwrench Monte Carlo started 36th, the last position available from qualifying. He finished second in the previous day's Busch Series race.

Only Kyle Petty and rookie Andy Houston in the PPI McDonald's ride failed to qualify, Fastest qualifier among the Dodges was Burton in 11th.

- MARTIN D CLARK

n ALBERT PARK All the news from the opening Grand Prix of the season, plus the huge support racing program.

n Champ Cars kick off The Indy stars and cars head for Mexico for the first time n World Rally Championship After the snow of Monte Carlo and Sweden, will Marcus Gronholm’s fightback start in Portugal? n Winston Cup latest After the loss of Dale Earnhardt, what will become of the greatest show on earth?

MOTORSPORT AWARDS Everyone was there and the winners were grinners.

We name the winners in motor racing’s night of glamour 1

15 MARCH Contents correct at time of going to press

9

ten home of

[motorsport] Shell Championship Series V8 Supercars 2001* Mar4 .

■Albert Park . . .(Non championship)

Mar25

Philip island .

Adelaide . . . .

.Rd1

Aprs .

Apr 29

Eastern Creek

.Rd3

May 12 Jun 7 .

Hidden Valley Canberra . . .

.Rd4

Jun 24

Perth

.Rd6

Jul 15

CalderPark .

.Rd7

Jul 29

Oran Park . . .

.Rd8

Aug 26

Ipswich

.Rd9

.Rd2

The V8s hit the 2001 warpaint on show

.Rd5

Richo on the Island and in a Ford: Steven Richards has fitted. comfortably into the #6 FTR Falcon and is looking forw/ard to 2001.

(Photo by Graeme NCf*inder/C^onlry Studios)

Konica V8 Supercar Series 2001* Maris . . .Oran Park . ●R d2 May 6 . . . .Winton . . .

,R d3

May 27 . . .Philip Island Lakeside . .

Jul 8

,R d4

L

i

Rd 5

Aug 12 . . .Mallala . . .

Rd6

Bathurst . .

.(non Championship)

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

.Rd 1

Maris . . .Malaysia Brazil* Apri

.Rd2

Apr 15

.Rd4

. . .San Marino*

.Rd3

Apr 29 . . . .Spain

,Rd5

M ay 13 . . .A1-Ring*

. RdS

May 27 . . .Monaco* * - denotes F3000 round also

■ RdS

SOOcc World Grand Prix Motorcycle Championship 2001* .Rd 1 Mar 19 . . .South Africa Apr 2

Malaysia . .

.Rd2

Aprs

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* Mar 11 . . . .Monterrey .

.Rd 1

Long Beach

.Rd2

Apr 29 . . . .Texas . . . .

.Rd3

Apr 8

Nazareth . .

,Rd4

May 19 . . .Motegi . . .

Jun 3 Milwaukee

.Rd5

Jun 17

.Rd7

May 6

. . .Detroit . . . .

.RdS

World Rally Championship* .Rd 3

Mar8-11 . .Portugal .

Mar 22-25 .Catalunya

.Rd 4

May 3-6 . . .Argentina

.Rd 5

r

1 ten L J home of

motorsport m

All event dales in ihis calendar were correct at the lime of printing. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations for date changes.

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

by AARON NOONAN TEDE long wait is over: the V8 Supercars are returning to the race track this weekend at Albert Park and teams and drivers have been busy in preparation for the nonchampionship event, as well as the first round of the Shell Series at Phillip Island at the end of March.

Phillip Island recently played host to many of the top 'Victorianbased Level 1 teams, with Steven Richards getting down to business with the Ford Tickford Racing AU and Jason Bright in the #2 HRT VX. Richards’ father Jim also spent some seat time in both FTR team cars, “just in the possibility that something may happen for the enduros,” said Richo Jnr. TWR’s other team, Kmart Racing, also ran a car for Todd Kelly and Greg Murphy, while Castrol Perkins Racing also were showing off their new green, red and white colours on the track, both Perkins and Russell Ingall sharing the track time.

At the other end of the eastern seaboard - Queensland Raceway Ford’s teams were busy testing.

Stone Brothers Racing with

David Besnard and Marcos Ambrose, CAT Racing’s John Bowe and Paul Weel all took to the track in their 2001 colour schemes.

Tim Leahey tested for the CAT team last week, while Weel has picked up the backing of DuPont for the bonnet of his K& J Thermal Ford.

Mark Larkham Motorsport was there, but not in the Mitre 10 blue we’ve been seeing since 1995 on a Falcon. The car currently bears a plain yellow in deference to Karcher, whose colours and name the car will carry this weekend.

The colours are completely new for Cameron McConville, who unveiled his new Lansvale Smash Repairs car in Sydney last week. ,Formerly of Rod Nash’s team, McConville will drive the team’s first VX Commodore before a new car is ready to replace the VS which will be shared early in the season by Trevor Ashby and Steve Reed.

McConville only managed 12 laps at Eastern Creek after the team worked flat-out to have the new car ready.

“The good thing is that we’ll be at the AGP,” said McConville.

“We’ll be treating the the whole weekend really as a hig test session. The car felt good, it was quite encouraging.”

UPTUS ■

Cam’s new car: McConville. joins Lar^i debut its new'VX^^

Tony out, Dave in; Besnard takes over the Caltex/SBR Ford ii motorsport news

NEWS

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(Photo by Dirk Klynsmtth)

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by JOE SAWARD THE surprise arrival of former Arrows pacesetter Pedro de la Rosa at Jaguar Racing, just weeks after apparently joining Prost Grand Prix, seems to have sent a fair amount of fur

flying.

The Spanish driver, who was dumped by Arrows in January after a dispute over sponsor signage, regularly impressed for the little team last year, and was taken on by Prost for two years to head the testing and development of its Ferrariengined cars.

Although a testing role, it was

widely believed that the move would also lead to de la Rosa taking a race seat in the future, perhaps even during the 2001 season if the team’s second driver, Gaston Mazzacane, proved too far off the pace.

To great surprise in many quarters, however, the Spanish press ran a string of stories claiming that Jaguar had signed de la Rosa to replace team leader Eddie Irvine for this season.

Jaguar hotly denied this, but two days later announced that it had signed a one-year deal with de la Rosa and that he will race for them in the future.

The first, and most obvious, of the aggrieved parties was Frost

Grand Prix, who immediately instigated legal action against Jaguar, de la Rosa and his management.

Jaguar, however, denied any

blame.

“Our understanding is that Pedro and his management team were in a position to sign a contract,” the spokesperson said.

“So that is what we did.” de la Rosa refused to comment on the contractual situation, but reinforced his ambition to get back on the grid sooner rather than later.

“In the end, it all comes down to racing,” he said. “That’s the thing I want to do, and I had to guarantee my future.”

drives^ m

Herbert’s rrows test seat A

JOHHNY Herbert has signed on as Arrows’ test and development driver and the team is hoping to draw on his extensive experience in the continued development of the new A22 chassis.

Herbert, a three-time Grand Prix winner who left Jaguar Racing after the 2000 season and has been unable to fulfill his ambition of racing in either CART or the IRL, said he was very pleased to be joining Arrows.

“I see OrangeArrows as a team of people who are very serious about their racing performance but also like to enjoy life, and that suits my philosophy down to the ground.

“This is a new challenge for me; I know I can make a valid contribution, and I am very much looking forward to getting down to business.”

12

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rest 4

The Three Amigos: Bernoldi, Herbert and Verstappen.

(Photo by Sution-lmages)

“It’s great to have Johnny on board,” said Arrows boss Tom Walkinshaw.

“We have good continuity with Jos (Verstappen), fresh talent with Enrique (Bernoldi) and with

the experience of Johnny we have a complete driver llne-up."

Herbert will have his first test for the team the weekend after Albert Park at Silverstone, on March 7-9.

PANOZ has settled on its fourth driver for the 2001 season in Brazilian Gualter Salles.

The former Champ Car driver will join Klaus Graf in the second of the team’s new LMP07 machines, while David Brabham and Jan Magnussen will drive the team’s lead car.

A third V8 monster has been entered for the opening Texas ALMS race with drivers yet to be named.

molorsport news

NEWS

I gets a badge

ant pays for Frenchman’s Ferraris PROST has signed a major deal with Acer Computers, which has become the team's engine partner for 2001.

The team's Ferrari-powered AP04s will now be known as Prost/Acers.

“I am proud to have brought into Formula 1, once again, a new brand name,leading-technology company Acer,” said team owner Alain Prost.

“Acer's fresh enthusiasm and determination match perfectly the feelings of our renewed and re motivated team.”

“Our fields share the same philosophy and objectives; a drive for excellence and achievement.

Together we look forward to a long-term successful partnership.”

Does this mean I get a free PC? Alain Prost looks like having a stronger 2001, particularly now that Acer’s covering the big bill

n Both the newly-returned Renault Sport and reigning world champion Michael Schumacher have been strongly critical of any potential move to pay-per-view. Schumacher said 'I would very much oppose that.

Everybody should be allowed to see what they want to see and in my case that would be FI.' Renault, meanwhile, upped the ante and threatened to leave the sport if German media giants EM.TV and Kirch combine to force Formula 1 onto strictly pay-per-viewing. n Ferrari test driver Luca Badoer returned to the cockpit last Tuesday after his SOOkmh flip in Barcelona last month. The Italian driver admitted he is not yet back to maximum strength, concentrating on electronics testing at Fiorano. n Magny-Cours is to undergo major redevelopment prior to this year's French Grand Prix on July 1. Four new grandstands are to be constructed, boasting a total of over 4610 seats.

The grandstands may only be temporary with all the circuit infrastructure set to be revised in 2002. Nine giant screens will also be set around the track to ensure the spectators get a detailed view of the race.

Doohan set for Awards Night

n Nigel Mansell has signed a contract with European Minardi - but he will not make a racing comeback, the team confirmed last week. The 1992 world champion, who has grown back his celebrated moustache, will instead pilot guests round in the two-seater European Minardi FIx2 and take part in high speed multi-car demonstrations.

FIVE-TIME 500cc World Champion Mick Doohan was among the stars set to appear at the 2001 MotorSport Awards Dinner, kicking off GP Week in Melbourne on Wednesday night.

Doohan, who is to drive a Mercedes AMG CLK 55 in the Targa Tasmania road rally, was expected to present the major MotorSport Awards.

Final nominations for motor sport’s most wide-ranging awards have been released and promise a night of interesting results.

James Courtney, Mark Skaife, Garth Tander and Mark Webber are the nominees for the major award,Australian MotorSportsman of the Year.

The full line-up of nominees is listed below.

n Eddie Irvine is unhappy with the small scale of Jaguar Racing after his four year stint at Ferrari.'We are a bit understaffed,' he said.'We have lost some mechanics and engineers, some good people. We have brought some people in, but we need to attract more good people. We have done a lot of work, but have not done some things that needed to be done.'

from Maranello ... (Photo by Sunon-lmages)

%

Harrop Engineering has come up with exquisite all-new trophies (right) for 2001 Bike Racer of the Year

MotorSportsman of the Year James Courtney Mark Skaife Garth Tander Mark Webber

Circuit Racer of the Year Mark Skaife Garth Tander Simon Wills Luke Youlden

International Achiever of the Year David Brabham Jason Bright James Courtney Mark Webber

Personality of the Year Jason Bargwanna Russell Ingall Mark Skaife Mark Webber

Speedway Racer of the Year Brooke Tatnell

Young Achiever of the Year Dean Canto

Rally Driver of the Year Neal Bates .

Possum Bourne

Drag Racer of the Year Victor Bray Gary Phillips Jim Read Peter Russo

Troy Hunt Rick Kelly Luke Youlden 1 March 2001

Cody Crocker Ed Ordynski

Troy Bayliss Troy Corser Garry McCoy Mat Mladin

Mike Figliomeni Jason Crump Max Dumesny

n Good news for Michael Schumacher this week came with the naming of a street in his home town of Kerpen after its favourite son. By a quirk of fate, Michael Schumacher Strasse leads to his family's karting circuit. 'It will be a great feeling to drive down that street,' he said. n Ferrari have displayed all 10 of its Formula 1 World Championship winning cars together for the first time in an exhibition at Galleria Ferrari at Maranello. The combination of genuine cars and replicas of those broken up under team founder Enzo Ferrari's policy of not hanging on to old things will be on display until April 20 as a tribute to the team following their double championship winning performance in the 2000 season.

-JOE SAWARD 13

Ferrari keeps

Ie

Will Schumacher stay until 2006?

FERRAEI’S hopes of retaining Michael Schiunacher beyond the end of his current contract, which ends this season, have been boosted with the announcement that Marlboro will continue with the team until the end of 2006.

The continuation of the contract with Philip Morris, which owns the Marlboro brand, will ensure the team has enough funds to keep hold ofthe German when his contract comes to an end after the 2002 season.

It was reported that the tobacco giant paid Schumacher US$10 million($18m)to change the base colour of his helmet from white to dayglo red in 2000.

“I am very pleased we can extend for several more years the successful collaboration with Philip Morris,” said Ferrari president

Luca di Montezemolo.

The two companies have been in partnership since 1984 but only in 1997 did Marlboro become title sponsor for the team, seeing the traditional rich scarlet of Ferrari replaced by a more lurid shade under the banner ‘Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’.

Hans Fluri, president of Philip Morris’s European Region, said: “We are absolutely delighted that we will continue the very successful relationship that Marlboro has enjoyed with Ferrari since 1984.

We are extremely proud of our long standing association with such a superb and outstanding company as Ferrari.”

-JOESAWARD The figures add up: Ferrari - and these honeys - will stay Marlboro red until 2005.

(Photo by Sutton-lmages)

Aussies rack up testing mil

BOTH leading Australian internationals have been busy testing as the start of the European race season looms.

While Mark Webber has tested both FI (Benetton) and most recently F3000 with Super Nova, James Courtney has undertaken his first F3 testing of the year with Jaguar F3.

Following the Estoril FI tests,

reported in our last issue, Webber headed for Imola for the first official F3000 two-day test, followed some days later by a team test at Snetterton in the UK. Webber finished third on the time sheets after the two days, pleased to get back into an F3000 car and tom be working with his new team.

"It's the first time I've driven an F3000 since Spa last year," he told us, "so it took a little bit of re-adjustment.

"We lost a bit of time on the first day, but I'm happy with the work we did over the two days."

Team-mate Mario Haberfeld set the early pace, but finished fifth at the end of the two days after damaging his car on the

Number 1: Webber has been quick in testing for Super Nova at Imola and at Snetterton.

14

(Pholo hy SuUon-Imagcs)

second morning.

Fastest time of the test was set by Brit Justin Wilson (Nordic Lola), ahead of Jaime Melo (Durango Lola).

Webber reported the following week's test at Snetterton as "terrific."

"We tried all sorts of things with the car and it now feels very good," he said.

Courtney, meanwhile, is racking up the miles as he acclimatises to F3.

Courtney completed a threeday test with the Jaguar F3 team in Spain, completing more than 1500km at Jarama.

After getting up to speed at his first visit to the track on Monday, the young Sydney driver was hampered by an electrical problem on Tuesday, which rendered his DaliaraHonda without data logging.

On Wednesday, with logging intact again, he ran consistently the fastest laps of the test, eclipsing his team-mate, Andre Lotterer.

As we closed for press, Courtney was preparing for a single-day test at Silverstone, before jetting to Melbourne to attend the Australian Grand Prix.

- PHIL BRANAGAN motorsport news

NEWS

I Join the Club: Roberto Moreno and the rest of the CART drivers are heading to the mile-high city. iP/tolo by SiiUon-ImiiRes)

Schu sued over helmet

THE legal representatives of reigning World Champion Michael Schumacher are currently having a busy time.

Brussels-based Bell Helmets is seeking compensation from the German driver over his decision to switch to a German rival’s bullet proof headwear before the expiration of his contract.

The company is thought to be seeking up to US$1.25 million ($2.4)in damages, while Schumacher’s legal team recovers from losing a battle against a German art gallery which had a partially nude painting ofthe champion on display.

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Schumacher is also involved in a further legal battle with an impersonator who, he claims, uses the image of the German champion without permission to earn a living.

-JOESAWARD

FOLLOWING the loss of the Stan Kroenke, owner of the Rio race on the CART Pepsi Centre in addition to the calendar,the series has Denver Nuggets NBA team, is announced it will race in also part of the tentative sevenDenver next year. year contract which includes a Businessman George Gillett, five-year option through 2013. who owns the Montreal . "We are absolutely thrilled to Canadiens ice hockey team, bring one of the world's premier announced the return to Denver auto racing events back to of the series after it raced their Denver," said Gillett. in 1990 and 1991.

"The location of the track next The 1.7-mile (2.6km) street to Pepsi Centre will provide a perfect race venue while circuit will incorporate the avoiding the inconveniences streets surrounding the Pepsi associated with the last race Centre and will be run on the US held here. This time, we're Labor Day weekend.

CART will finance the event doing it right."

Chris Pook, who has headed along with the Dover Downs the successful Long Beach Entertainment Group and Gillett's Booth Creek event for 27 years is the event's manager.

Management Corp.

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By Allan Schofield A4PREA<leCESAR1S!!

Bernie TV battle continues

FORD has reached the milestone of 100 years in motor racing.

To celebrate, the company will run a car in special colours in the Winston Cup this season. That’s Dan Davis, Director of Ford Racing Technology and head of Ford’s racing program, with the car, right.

Henry Ford, the founder of the company, raced his own cars; that’s him,#4, about to pass Alexander Winton in a 1901 race, above.

milestone

covered...

do not believe SLEC is worth what EM.TV is contracted to pay.

Haffa has until the end of the week to exercise his option to buy the extra shares. If he falls to complete the purchase, SLEC has the right to force him to pay USSIbn for the shares later in the year.

SLEC is expected to veto the sale of the shares to Kirch, and many believe that Kirch has not really found the money he claims to have done but is simply seeing whether Ecclestone will attempt to stop the deal happening.

- JOE SAWARD

Jobs for THE global motorsport industry now has its own recruitment consultancy.

Recruitment in Motor Sport (RIMS)has been established by former FI marketing man Paul Jordan and aims to help teams find the right people for the right jobs.

There will also be an Australian presence. Trevor Sheumack, wellknown engineer and Michelin's Australian competition manager, will represent the company here, with an aim to providing local motorsport people with international opportunities and, perhaps, positions in the growing Australian scene for overseas candidates.

“With eight year’s experience in the international side of the business, I think I have an understanding of what is required both here and overseas,” Sheumack said.

We ve got you

from heaWollo

THE tussle between Bernie Ecclestone and German TV magnates Leo Kirch and Thomas Haffa over control of 50 percent of SLEC,the holding company of the Formula One group, continues.

Kirch has announced that he has found financing to complete to purchase of EM.TV's shareholding in SLEC and to guarantee Haffa's purchase of another 25 percent of the company.

The money needed was in the region of US$1,5bn ($2.9bn) and several banks are believed to have turned Kirch down, as they

“It's important for young guys here to have an understanding of what is waiting for them before they head off into the unknown.

Whether it's making the right introductions, or just organising six weeks accomodation when they arrive, it’s all important.”

Jordan has enlisted the support of team owners in Europe and the United States in an effort to build a truly global agency.

“Personnel are the key to all motor sport success,” says Eddie Jordan (no relation).

“If RIMS can consistently deliver the best people the market has to offer, everyone will be a winner.”

“Borders cannot be the boundaries to knowledge,” says Chip Ganassi. “We will cooperate with any initiative that seeks to enrich our industry talent pool.”

RIMS can be contacted at www.rims-int.co.uk

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THEY may take our sporfscars, but they’ll never take our... utes!

Yep, Ute fever has gripped Adelaide, as the City of Churches prepares for the first Procar-organised Ute Muster race at the Clipsal 500 on April 7/8. Testing starts soon for the Holden and Ford weapons, which are being prepared at Wayne Park’s Brisbane workshop. Among the drivers for the first event will be Channel 10 talking head, Grant Denyer. moiorsport news

I

JAGUAR

Incorporating Jaguar Racing magazine.

«t.oo

Life begins at 40

for the first E-TYPE XJR takes on the Isle of Man TT FI 2001: The R2 unleashed

arrives in style

The new Jaguar magazine incorporating jaguar Racing will bring you an insight into the world of Jaguar and the people behind the cars. The first issue looks at Jaguar’s most important model ever, the X-TYPE. Waiting in the wings is the F-TYPE, the spirited successor to the E-type, which will go into production for sale in 2004. The magazine will follow the progress of our new small sportscar as it heads for the showrooms. The challenge of Formula 1 remains, and Jaguar have put many new elements in place at Jaguar Racing in the pursuit of success on the race tracks of the world.

Jaguar is published quarterly, and mailed to owners of new jaguar cars.

But a subscription to Jaguar is available to anyone by telephoning the order line on: (02) 9353 0253.

One year subscription $32 For details of Jaguar Cars call or visit your local jaguar dealer or the jaguar website at www.jaguar.com.au

News

Targa

Weel gets DuPont

-T

and confirms Baird for enduros

by AARON NOONAN

PAUL WEEL and his K&J Thermal Products team have added DuPont to its honnet for the 2001 season in a new sponsorship deal between the Gold Coast team and the global paint manufacturer.

“We’ve had a change within the team structure for this year and we’ve bought more experienced people on board who I think will be instrumental in improving my performance,” said Weel.

As predicted in Motorsport

News back in December, Craig Baird will join Weel for the endurance races.

“It’s great to sign a driver of Craig’s calibre this early in the season and the fact that he’s locally based is a huge asset for us,” said Weel.

“He’s available to go testing whenever we are, which means he’ll be familiar with the car long before the first practice session for the Queensland 500.”

Weel will begin the season in a two-race old Ford, which he debuted at the Sandown sprint round last year.

Aussie rainbow warrior: Paul Weel.

(Photo by Slipstream Photographic)

PETER Brock will be making his second attempt at Targa Tasmania in April.

The nine-time Bathurst champ is returning to the event in a Holden VU SS Ute with son James, who finished third in this year’s V8 Future Tourers class, and will be up against entries including five-time world motorcycle champ Mick Doohan, Jim Richards (Porsche 911) and Neal Bates (Lexus IS200).

"It's a hot field, but we have a seriously fast vehicle that is sensational to drive and does everything it needs to do to for us to be competitive," said Brock.

"These Utes are fast as they come, and we'll modify the exhaust, put a set of Bridgestone tyres on it, and tinker with the springs and shocks since we won't be carrying the loads it was designed for."

The father and son combination ran the event two years ago in James' Torana XU1’, but crashed out on the final day.

"That was a 'toe in the water' exercise with no prior knowledge of the roads and conditions, but this time it's much more of a serious effort with a new Holden and our preparation will be better," said Brock.

Nissan Factory Le Mans 24lir ASSISTANT TECHNICAL MANAGER Australia’s premier Motor Racing Category needs a Technical Specialist to assist in the running of this fast growing sport.

You wili be technicaliy competent (mechanicai trade or engineering quaiification preferred) have experience in motor racing, be cairn under pressure,adaptable and committed.

Must be prepared to travei to more than 20 weekend races per year as weii as undertake travei for team visits, testing and other purposes.

This is a full time position based in Queensiand.

Written applications must be iodged by ciose of business Friday March 9th to be considered. No phone cails please.

Appiications to: Tony Manson Operations Manager AVESCO PO Box 607 Southport Qid 42 i 5 Fax:07 5526 3461 E-mail: tm@sei.com.au 18

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K/*f/ / y/. V/ /■ v ..y/ _ A stay calm: Walkinshaw is under fire from former staffers. (Phoiobysunon-images)

Tom stays cool

TOM Walkinshaw has declined to comment on newspaper reports alleging he faces High Court action from two former employees.

Former Arrows chief executive Keith Shepherd and the team's former financial officer Christopher Hicks are reportedly seeking compensation for breach of contract following their dismissal, along with several other members of staff, in the fundamental re structuring of the team in recent months.

As well as damages resulting from the alleged breach of contract the disgruntled pair are seeking payment of their salaries, bonuses, and share options which they claim are outstanding following the termination of their contracts.

More damaging still, however, are the reported allegations that Walkinshaw deliberately excluded them from management decisions, refused them access to documents, and embarrassed them professionally by withholding information.

It also stated that the writ claims the Arrows chairman diverted money earmarked for the Formula One team into his other businesses. The news could not come at a worse time for Walkinshaw, whose team is struggling to piece together its full finance package for the 2001 season and has lost Spanish petroleum giant Repsol's backing

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with the departure of Pedro de la Rosa for Prost and, latterly.

Jaguar.

Repsol has this week been joined by fellow sponsors Eurobet in leaving Arrows. The betting company, a subsidiary of Coral, which is owned by Morgan Grenfell Private Equity, itself a subsidiary of Deutsche Bank and a company whose relationship with Formula 1 is far from a happy one.

Morgan Grenfell joined the American finance house Heilman & Friedman in buying the 50 percent stake in Bernie Ecclestone’s Formula 1 holdings company which was then sold to German media group EM.TV. Both companies took shares in EM.TV as part-payment for the deal and the resultant collapse has left both Morgan Grenfell and Heilman & Friedman with a loss of around US$400m ($760m) on the deal.

Morgan Grenfell is believed to be looking to sell Coral as a means of balancing the books. Meanwhile Eurobet does not have the budget to continue and the Arrows deal last year was not exactly what the company management expected. It seems that the company expected to be the Arrows team's title sponsor but that Orange took that role - which it keeps in 2001.

Eurobet was the title sponsor of the Arrows Formula 3000 team' but clearly this was not enough to keep the company in FI this year.

- JOE SAWARD

FIA president Max Mosley has announced that Formula One will feature dramatic new changes and the beginning of the imposition of automated safety systems on the sport from next year as Formula 1 continues to place greater emphasis on safety both for the drivers and safety workers.

The announcement comes in the wake of the death of fireman Paolo Ghislimberti at last September's Italian Grand Prix. As a result of that tragedy, Mosley revealed that the yellow flag system currently in operation to slow drivers following Grand Prix accidents will be ditched from 2002 and replaced with speed limits.

This follows the multi-car incident on the opening lap at Monza when a stray wheel struck Ghislimberti, who was out of his allotted position and therefore exposed to the debris of the accident at the second chicane.

"From 2002 the normal yellow flag system will be replaced by the imposition of variable speed limits," Mosley said.

"These limits will depend on the layout of circuits at the accident site and the degree of risk to track workers. It will be decided by the race director and communicated electronically to every driver in the area of the accident.

"Cars will be equipped to run just under the speed limit. Cars exceeding the speed limit will be detected and given a stop-go penalty."

Mosley also said that the

The boss: Max Moslev {Photo hy Suthm-Jmiigvst

safety car will be removed from Formula One and replaced with a 'speed profile system' in 2003. This new system will keep all cars competing at the same speed, with the gap between them remaining constant.

A collision avoidance system will also be introduced to avoid accidents in thick spray and poor conditions.

It is believed to have long been Mosley's intention to push these systems through, and thereby set out Formula 1's stall as a paragon of road safety.

With an increasing alliance between the sport and the world's leading car manufacturers it is thought that these automated 'big brother' devices will gain more acceptance among the car-buying public if they are seen to good effect in Formula 1.

- JOE SAWARD

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V8s, FI, may.

Super Tourers, GTP, FHoiaen, FFord, Nations Cup, Porsche Cup Brock, Lowndes, Johnson, Senna, Schumacher moiorspon news

NEWS

RICARD

All aboard the Christina Relax, she'sJust a yacht, sortof...

Giant FI Launch set tor March 23 TOYOTA Motorsport President, Ove Andersson, has indicated that the team is set to start testing its new Formula 1 car in March to commence its countdown to joining the Formula 1 World Championship in 2002.

Andersson stated that the team will start testing after their launch on March 23 in the hands of former Sauber driver Mika Sale and Briton Allan McNish who will spend a year gathering data.

The testing for the team will be based at Paul Ricard, formerly the home of the French Grand Prix.

"After we launch the test car on March 23, testing will begin," said Andersson. "Later in the year we will also start to gather data around

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most of the European circuits."

Toyota Motorsport, whose Formula 1 operation is based near Cologne, Germany, also caused a stir when it announced that a "basic agreement" has been reached with Exxon Mobil for a technical partnership in Formula 1.

Exxon Mobil is currently represented in Grand Prix racing by McLaren, the deal having been in place since the start of 1995, with Mobil enjoying an original equipment supply arrangement with Mercedes-Benz.

It is possible that McLaren may have done a deal with another oil company for 2002, in which case the obvious candidate would be British Petroleum, as all the other major oil companies are tied up with other teams.

- JOE SAWARD

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THE harbour at Monaco is likely to experience the greatest display of oneupmanship yet seen in Formula 1 this season when Aristotle Onassis's legendary yacht - Christina -steams into port.

An as-yet unnamed FI team has apparently bid to hire the 96m vessel on which the late shipping mogul frolicked with Maria Callas and Jackie Kennedy whilst wining and dining the likes of Sir Winston Churchill, Marlene Dietrich, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, John F Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and Richard Burton.

For a quarter of a century this icon of opulence has been corroding in a Greek militan/ harbour after being bequeathed to the state. Following a US$45 million ($92m) refit, however, new owner John Paul Papanicolaou is offering the restored vessel for hire at a cost of around US$450,000 a week and will just have completed her sea trials by the Monaco weekend.

The 36 guests that the Christina is able to accommodate will be able to sip cocktails in 'Ari's bar' whilst seated on stools faithfully re-covered in fabric stitched from whale scrotums.

They will also be able to watch the Formula 1 field emerge from the tunnel and howl round the harbour from the wide lounge deck with its bronze-bordered pool and mosaic frescos, whose floor rises in the evening to allow social functions.

-JOE SAWARD

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JUST two weeks after Honda confirmed its four-stroke Grand Prix program, Yamaha has publicly announced its intentions for the introduction of fourstroke racing in 2002.

Having supported the push for change since 1998, Yamaha’s strategy for the new formula will see it trying to directly link the technological advancements made in Grand Prix racing to the development of its road-going products.

As a result of that objective, Yamaha last week announced the details of its new prototype machine.

Codenamed the OW-Ml, the 2002 race machine will run an all-new, in-line, fourcylinder powerplant with Yamaha’s trademark five-valve head design, while the chassis will be an evolution of the latest YZR500.

A large number of configurations were considered, but Yamaha engineers concluded that an in-line four offered the best balance of compactness, performance and power delivery.

especially for the chassis.

Already in the initial stages of an intensive testing programme, the OW-Ml, with Max Biaggi aboard, has demonstrated quicker acceleration and higher top speeds than the current bike.

Both Biaggi and team-mate Carlos Checa have been pleased with the bike.

“It was very exciting to test the new bike and I was very impressed,” Checa said.

“It’s compact like the 500, but the increased engine braking and traction are noticeable. It handles very weU and has a wide power range.”

Yamaha’s Motorsports Division Chief, Yoshiharu Nakayama, has been closely involved with the venture since the outset; “We are testing both inside and outside Japan already and have an exhaustive development program planned to be ready for the 2002 season.

“I am optimistic and confident that we will have a highly competitive new bike for next year.” moiorsport news

BIKES

Copser confident Aussie wants second Superbike title

TROY Corser is eyeing a second World Superbike Championship, with the Australian increasingly confident about his chances aboard the Aprilia after two successful pre-season tests.

Corser recorded the fourth fastest time at the open test in Valencia, Spain, despite a foot injury he sust2iined in an earlier test at Kyalami, South Africa.

“I know the machine very well and we have improved it even more over the winter,” Corser said at the Aprilia team launch in Venice,

the 2000 Superbike World Championship.

“I told the team we were here to get the RSVIOOO ready for the first race and not to worry about lap times,” he said.

‘We have a lot of work to do and it’s important that the bike is ready when the lights go green in the first round.”

Corser won five races in 2000 in what was just the second year of racing for the RSVIOOO. The Aprilia factory has now provided the machine with more mid-range power at Corser’s request, with the new engine also considerably stronger than the previous one.

“This year I’m in it to win and I think we can do it,” he added confidently.

“We won’t be going for anything less than the championship.”

Corser’s focus in Valencia was on developing the Aprilia RSVIOOO he rode to third place in

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SOOcc World Champion Kenny Roberts Jr has fired a warning shot across the bows of Suzuki's Grand Prix ship, telling the company that if it intends to repeat last year's 500 MotoGP championship success, they have a lot of work to do with this year's revised bike.

Roberts, speaking to itaiian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, said, despite Suzuki winning the championship last year, it doesn't enjoy a technical advantage.

“We may have won the title, but we don't have a technical advantage. We lack power and acceleration, particularly in the middle range, and on the fast tracks we are not competitive," the second-generation racer and World Champion said.

"Last year we were always on the limit, with a very reduced margin of error. That's why we aiternated wins with less impressive resuits." “i feei i am capabie of winning on any track, but i cannot say the same of the Suzuki."

Roberts comments came just prior to the officiai iRTA tests and have been interpreted as a measure of some dispieasure the American has feit with the eariy work that had been done on the new bike.

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Dream over Sega calls time on Dreamcast SEGA has pulled the plug on its struggling Dreamcast games console on which the major new Formula 1 game “FI World Grand Prix II” has only just been launched.

Sega will suffei’ a I'ecord loss in the industry by bringing production of Dreamcast to an end this month, but the much-hyped unit’s demise has brought about a dramatic refocussing on video game software which may throw a lifeline to the biggest Formula 1 game yet in this highly lucrative market.

Sega fii'st went head-to-head with its main rivals Sony and Nintendo with the Saturn console in the early 1990s, but I’eceived a financial mauling.

Returning in 1999 with the Dreamcast, Sega produced the world’s first 128-bit console wired up for online gaming, but PlayStation’s avid following had built hugely in the intervening years.

The loss of Dreamcast may well be the company s saving grace however, as it returns solely towards the development of new games.‘FI World Grand Prix IF, which featui-es the 1999 FI season as both a straight race simulation and as an opportunity for playei's to turn TV director is ideally suited to Sega’s new role as the developer of games for the PlayStation 2 and also the eagerly-awaited Microsoft XBox. As a result, the company is said to be ‘running out’ existing stock. The price of the Dreamcast console has plummeted to $99.95 in the USA,and expect a similar drop from the current $400-plus cost here.

-JOESAWARD

Don’t lose that nut: Jason Bargwanna does his best mechanicjob last week.

(Photo by James Smith)

Open all hours IT was a case of the Big V everywhere you looked at the open day for Garry Rogers Motorsport last week.

All four VCRT drivers, Garth Tander, Jason Bargwanna, Leanne Perrier and FFer Will Davison, were on hand to greet the fans and sign autographs.

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Waverley shop, and were treated to the sight of V8 Supercar stars Tander and Bargwanna attacking their Commodore race cars in simulated pit stops.

Word is that Bargs was the pick of the mules, completing his corner quickly though the chances of him swapping a steering wheel for spanners seems remote.

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26

motorsport news

OPIMON

T

HE death of Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500 is already being felt in the hearts and minds of everyone who loves motor racing around the world.

It's hard to believe that The Intimidator could lose his life in such tragic circumstances. The television coverage of the incident portrays, on first look, what is, by NASCAR standards, a fairly innocuous-looking crash but one that, I feel sure, will have repercussions for the sport long into the future.

February 18,2001 will long be burned into the memories of race fans,just as May 1,1994 is to followers of GP racing. The death of Ayrton Senna at Imola was talked about for a long time-it still is - and already, there are similarities between the two incidents. Just as Formula One changed forever when the Willlams-Renault speared off the Tamburello, so too will Winston Cup. Expect pointing fingers, expert and less-than-expert opinions, and changes to Cup cars, and driver apparel, and so on.

To lose a man such as Dale Earnhardt from our sport is a disaster. To fail to learn from the loss, and to fail to pay sufficient tribute to a legacy that will live on long after the #3 Chevrolet fades from our memories, would be catastrophic.

Beyond all the races,the fans and the adoration, Earnhardt was a man; a husband, a father, a son.

Those who feel the pain of losing a loved one deserve, and have, our condolences.

Motor racing will go on but, without Dale Earnhardt, it is a much 1 March 2001

poorer sport than it was just two weeks ago.

The 2001 after season almost upon us and, oneisof the busiest pre-seasons in years, it will be a huge relief to just see the cars going around.

The domestic scene looks like providing a fascinating season. The VS Supercar scene has been talked about, and previewed, ad infinitum.

Then there is Nations Cup; GT Production; Formula Holden and Formula Ford. Trying to figure out who will do what is a headachecausing job.

The challenge is on for the sport, but it is also on for the media. Not us, orthe other specialist publications, whose brief is, basically,to pay attention to anything and everything and report on it, butforthe general media.

Despite the efforts of those involved in motor racing, we are still seen as some poor cousin to the hit and kick sports, some of which really don't deserve the level of media coverage they currently enjoy.

I mean, really; the football at the moment is pre-season, with all the stars safely wrapped in cotton wool until the 'real' thing starts.

How can swimming the Murray River justify the amount of ink it has attracted - especially as it is downhiin So what if some 237thranked tennis player loses in the second round of the Qatar Open?

The night that SBS carried news of Earnhardt,they closed with a tribute to some Spanish cyclist who had been injured in a training crash - in Spain! Okay, he has my sympathiesbut, in the pecking order of Aussie sport, who gives a jot?

Having said that, I am looking forward to the upcoming '60 Minutes' yarn on Craig Lowndes leaving Holden for Ford. Their film crew was at the HRT launch recently. Seems that there are not enough diet scams going around at the moment, and Tom and Nicole rrr/g/rfreconcile ...

So, a TV story about Lowndes versus Mark Skaife, Holden versus Ford. On a 'current affairs' program which is sponsored by Toyota.

That's what I call using the medium.

With thiscelebrates issue, Motorsport News a significant milestone - our 200th issue.

Almost eight years ago,four Individuals had an idea for a new and better motor racing publication. Despite the doubtersand there were plenty of them -the publication gained a foothold straight away and soon became known as the publication of record for the major moments in our sport.

There have been a lot of ups and downs, and changes, along the way. The biggest came in the middle of last year when we changed from a broadsheet format to a smaller, more user-friendly A4 magazine size, at the same time going full-colour. There have been more and smaller changes since, but the essence of MN remains what it was in July, 1993; to produce the best publication that we can.

The people who work on MN come from backgrounds as diverse as the drivers in the sport- or you, the readers. What bonds us is a passion for the sport, and a desire to see it grow. The sport has done

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that; in fact, it has boomed in certain areas in recent years. Now the challenge is, surely, to ensure that the growth continues, and that bust does not follow boom. That is the challenge faced by the people charged with the care of our sport.

For now, we will tinkle a glass or two of champagne at this end. Two hundred is a big numberto celebrate. Work on the next 200 issues starts tomorrow morning, at Sam, at Albert Park ...

Nothing can withoutNews, change.

At exist Motorsport we are making some changes of our own.

Gerald McDornan and MN have a long history together. First off, he was a freelance contributor; in fact, his by-line was in MN #1 all those years ago. More than five years ago, he joined us full-time as Ad Manager;then,two years ago, Gerald became Assistant Editor when I slipped into the Editor's chair.

Much of the progress made during those years has been due to the work put in by Gerald, and now his talent has been recognised by others and he is off to join Holden's motor racing program. That's good for Holden, bad for us. Despite beating each other over the heads with microphones, laptops and all sorts of other stuff, we've had a lot of fun in the last five years.

Already he is making 'corporate' noises that Holden's on-track dominance will continue - no, grow - in 2001. We don't know if Gerald is right about that, but we know we'll miss him.

See you at the races, Gerry Mack.

27

T

he new season beckons and, in the Formula 1 world, activity has reached fever pitch as new cars are rushed through their final preparations, going from test to test.

Soon they will be bound for the airports to be freighted off to Melbourne. The gossip mill is grinding at high speed: who has failed the crash tests? Are there going to be any late changes in drivers? Who is sponsoring whom?

Are the testing times to be believed or not?

For the journalists, the season has already begun. There are team launches and team lunches in which everyone tries to persuade you to write nice things about their chances this year. Preview material is flowing as freely as the wine. The desks have been cleared, last year's paperwork (largely unsorted) has been thrown onto the bonfire. The countdown has begun. All systems are go. Will it be Ferrari or McLaren? Will it be Bridgestone or Michelin?

And, just when I was nicely warmed up, some idiot sent me a list of rhetorical questions which he had trawled from some murky corner of the Internet. I wasted two minutes reading them.

They were not that funny, but one or two did raise a thought: Why is a boxing ring square? Why is third hand on a watch called the second hand? Why is traffic slowest in the rush hour?

For a moment, my thinking went lateral and I found myself considering the idea that noone ever really explains what we are all talking about.

“ormula 1 people wander about talking in jargon and for those who are new to the sport, it is not very helpful. It is a bit like being stuck in a lift with a group of computer nerds all of whom look like The Penguin from the Batman movies - and who gabble about gigaflops, megabytes and band width.

And then I remembered the trauma of being a young race reporter and not knowing what 'homologation' meant and being ashamed to ask anyone to explain it to me. I looked in the dictionary but that was no help. In the end, I just had to figure out from conversations which took place.

Motor racing presents the newcomer with a baffling array of words. Even the word Formula One creates confusion. Why is there a Formula 1 and a Formula 3 but no Formula 2? Well, there used to be a Formula 2, but then the FIA (which are the initials for the French translation of the 'International Automobile Federation') came along and, with brilliant logic, deleted Formula 2 and replaced it with Formula 3000. So when you count in motor racing, you go: 1,3000, 3. Simple.

No-one tells you that Grand Prix means 'Big Prize' in French. It was first used for a race which started in the town of Pau 100 years

'iNliy de padii cars ovortake but not laidartika? I tlity caa sut-«iimar otiM* cars why can they not hhcomerthemr

ago and was universally adopted after a big race at Le Mans in 1906. The Americans even went as far as having a race called 'The Grand Prize', but it did not survive.

When you stop and think about it, the questions come thicker and faster than a Finnish racing driver. Why do racing cars overtake but not undertake? If they can outcorner other cars why can they not in-corner them? If there is understeer and oversteer why is there is no such thing as in-braking when FI people talk so much about outbraking?

Why do engines have butterflies and trumpets? Flow can cars have coke bottle rear ends and flat bottoms? And when a wishbone snaps, does one get a wish or a prayer?

N

ot so long ago, a Dutchman with the impressive name of Flenk Wagenaar Hummelinck sent me a book called 'Formule 1 ABC' and I thought:'What a brilliant idea!" And then I read the book and concluded that all race fans now have to do is to spend 15 years learning to speak Dutch and they will be fine.

Flowever, reading between the lines I discovered the explanation for really useful FI expressions such as 'lollypop man','marbles', 'hot air management' and 'idle button'(no, he's not a Benetton driver).

I wanted to know the derivation of the word 'pit' and discovered that "Ein pit is eigenlijk een overdekte werkplaats" and that it was first used on the 1908 Targa Florio. By why is a pit called a pit?

Excuse mey vous m Three colours yellow; British Racing Green, Germanic Silver, Italian Rosso and French Blue. So what does yellow mean; the Banana Republic or Ireland?

(Photo by Suiwn-ImaftfS)

28

-1

FORMULA ONi A pit is a hole in the ground, at least it is according to the dictionary. Well, there are seven meanings in terms of nouns and three verbs. The motor racing usage of pit is the seventh and last noun and is described as "an area beside the track where racing cars are serviced during a race”. Fine, but why?

Some claim that the paddock on the Targa Florio was lower than the race track and so became known as 'the pit' but even the great Internet could not give me confirmation of that.

And languages other than Dutch are not much help either. The French call the pits 'les stands', which can get very confusing when one considers that in English the stands are the grandstands. The Italians and the Germans use the word 'box' or 'boxen' to describe the pits, and in America, the garages tend to be away from the track and they are called garages.

So what about the word 'paddock'? Flow, when applied to motor racing, does a word meaning grassy meadow become a tarmaccovered camp for motorhomes?

“The answer to many of the questions about motor racing can be found at a place called Brooklands. It is just down the road from the current McLaren factory in Surrey and was the very first permanent racing circuit in the world.

You can still see bits of the great old oval circuit as you fly out of London's Fleathrow Airport and head south to France.

When they opened Brooklands in 1907,

motor car racing did not have a language as it does today. So the organisers based everything on The Sport of Kings - horse racing.

Brooklands had grandstands which were reminiscent of racecourses, it had different enclosures for members and for the general public. There were bookmakers who took bets on who would win the races and there were even white rails beside the racetrack. It was, in effect, horse racing with cars.

This is how the paddock became known as the paddock. In horse racing, a paddock is where the horses are finally prepared for a race. At Brooklands, the horses were replaced by cars. The original garages at Brooklands were known as stalls - just as in horse parlance - but this quickly faded away and the replenishment depots acquired the name 'pits'.

The influence of Brooklands is also felt in the nomenclature of the race officials. Motor races have a starter, a clerk of the course and stewards who made the decisions about the rules.

But not all of the Brooklands terminology and practices have survived. Originally every race was for a Trophy, a Plate or a Cup, although there were some races which were graced with the name Stakes, which means that they were for a cash prize. This faded away over time.

The tradition of drivers wearing different coloured jerseys - just as jockeys do - was also discontinued quickly with the introduction

of numbers on the cars. This made it much easier for the spectators and officials to know what was going on.

The system was altered a few years laterto when cars from different nations began appear in different national colours. This was thanks to an American newspaper man called James Gordon Bennett, who offered an impressive trophy to the nation which won a race he organised.

The cars of each country were given different colours; France was blue, Germany white, Belgium yellow, Britain green and America red. The fact that no Americans made much of an impact in Europe resulted in red being taken over by the Italians - which is why today Ferraris are red. Frosts are blue and Jaguars green.

German cars were white until 1934 when Mercedes-Benz decided to save weight by not painting its racing machines and Ferdinand Porsche, the Auto Union designer, decided to follow suit because he had minimalist tendencies. And so Germany's national colour has become silver, which is why the McLarens are silver-grey.

And, if you want to know why the Ferrari fans are called the tifosi, it is because they are mad and froth at the mouth with excitement.

The word comes from the Italian for typhoid and is used when one is trying to describe feverish activity..: Which brings us neatly back to where we started. On the road to Melbourne.

rlez racing i

29

MN at 200

Great moments IT seemed like a good idea at the time and, as George Peppard used to say every week on The A Team', "I love it when a plan comes together..."

July 15, 1993 saw a bunch of enthusiastic but nervous types take the wraps off a new motor sport publication - a news-based fortnightly to compete with the only other publication in the market at the time. Seven and a half years later, it has gone through many changes and another 199 issues have rolled off the presses. In that time, there have been some great stories, some sad stories, some wild stories.

We asked several of our current and past writers to select the ones that stood out for them...

D

Chris Lambden Publisher, Motorsport News

ESPITE the need to from age 17, from his first ever kart race in oversee the day-to-day operations of Europe. Sitting back here in Australia and Motorsport News,there is still the opportunity to be involved, watching his evolution to write and - thanks to the into the legend he privileged position and access became was intriguing.

In an Australian afforded us - witness close-up some of the great moments in context, the progress of Webber - and now motor sport and some of the great stories Motorsport News James Courtney, who has broken. this year faces the first Several of those follow as some of his major moments of of our past and current writers truth - will be similarly look back at the period spanning fascinating to watch. those 200 issues.

Those who have tried, For me,a top moment- on a yet failed, to make it personal level - was looking on at into the overseas bigEstoril last September when Mark time know just how Webber cemented his spot at tough it is. We can only Benetton. watch, admire and It was crunch time. His whole support those who do Blue for you: Webber made a real impression during his first test with Benetton, effort to date could well be for make it. whiie Ingaii and Perkins started their partnership in the best way possible. nothing if this didn’t go better Right now we have (Photo above by Sution-lmages) than very well. A competent couple two young Australians of days, half a second off, would be headed to the peak. okay, but then it’d be “that was OTORSPORT News has great, we’ll see what we can do...” kind-of stuff. covered all the Bathurst races since the start of the modern It needed more and, as history will show, the guy delivered, V8 Supercar era and the ’95 genuinely matching team hot-shot victory by Larry Perkins and Giancarlo Fisichella for pace on Russell Ingall- from a lap down made history. the same day.

The race had everything Whether it all ultimately leads to Webber lining up on an FI including that vital early lucky break. The race-leading starting grid is still to be Skaife/Richards determined, I Commodore had guess, but that indeed lapped the was the day Has there been more unfortunate Castrol that gave him who will forget the blue Falcon’s The duo used the Safety Car tension and drama in one his shot at it. car after its lap one engine going suddenly off-song periods well and had the pace to It was puncture and was with 10 laps to go and the look on climb all the way back to second.

Bathurst race?

Bo Seton’s face... mental going away. It Even then victory looked Has there been more tension looked like a long, pressure at its unlikely. Glenn Seton (who had and drama in one Bathurst race? long day for LP and highest. demoted planned co-driver Allan That’s what motor racing is for For me, observing those Rusty, though the latter was Grice after practice in favour of me. Lots of very good race drivers personal challenges, the pressure hanging on to the red car for all he Skippy Parsons and survived a was worth. mid-race clash which took out win big races. That’s what they’re times, the development of Bowe in Johnson’s Falcon) had the But a rare mechanical failure, a paid to do. individuals in motor sport as they It’s in those rare and brief measure of the Castrol car as the broken tailshaft, in the Gibson car “grow’into it is the most moments ofintense pressure that suddenly thrust Ingall back onto race reached its final stages and fascinating part. seemed headed for his first ever the lead lap (behind new race you really see who’s got it and who In another life, way before Bathurst win. That was until leader Dick Johnson)- and the rest hasn’t. Well worth the price of Motorsport News,I was fortunate admission... is now part of Bathurst legend. another major moment of drama enough to know Ayrton Senna

M

30

motorsport news

THE BIG STORIES

The end of the Brock era

I

was standing at the back of the Holden Racing Team pit bunker at Bathurst at 11:15am on October 19, 1997 when something remarkable happened.

It was a pit stop. Sure, pit stops are, usually, not that interesting but, in the context of what came before it, and shortly after, it was one of the most significant moments in the sport’s histor}'.

HRT had headed to Bathurst determined to win. They had a killer line-up; in the lead car. defending Champions Greg Murphy and,just returned from his Formula 3000 foray, Craig Lowndes. In #05, Peter Brock was joined by team new boy.

Mark Skaife. And in the Young Lions car, Mark Noske and Jason Bargwanna, who beat the world. seemingly, to qualify fastest on Friday afternoon. He emerged from the car triumphant and was lifted clean off the ground by Brock in a moment when. perhaps, the chalice was passed on.

In the Saturday shoot-out, Skaife poled, Murphy was third.

Bargwanna fifth. But that all went out the window during the Sunday warm-up; Bargs walled the car(nicknamed ‘The Pram’ by

the HRT wrenches) and was out.

He and Noske manfully faced the press an hour later before beetling away. It would take some time before the little guy re-established his career.

The race started with, remarkably. Brock in the lead car. Since announcing his retirement in May,the great man

had lived on an almost minute-tominute timetable and many had assumed that Skaife, who had done much of the set-up work in the preceding week, would start the car. Nope; the tribe had spoken - Peter would start.

And what a start. Alongside and behind, Glenn Seton and Murphy hesitated, allowing Larry Perkins to challenge Brock in the first corner.

The HRT car responded and, in his final race Brock took the lead and the world went bananas.

Peter was On It. His first flier was a 2ml3.10s, his second a 12.49. Larry responded with a 12.33, the lap record which still stands today but, with

The HRT cap responded and, in his finai race, Brock took the iead and the world went bananas

I

Last look: Brock, leading the 1997 Primus 1000 at Bathurst, hurtles through The Dipper in the Mobil Holden (Photos by Marshall Cass and Dirk Klynsmilh) Racing Team Commodore in his final drive.

1 March 2001

Phil Branagan Editor, Motorsport News 1000km in mind, that was as far as the sprint race went. Brock inexorably pulled away; he had a small but telling gap when Murphy barged into second on Mountain Straight on lap 26.

The first stops loomed. At the end of lap 31, Seton, in fourth, pitted and resumed and then, suddenly, tyres appeared from everyv'here. Up the pit lane at Perkins’, four new Dunlops and Russell Ingall waited; at HRT, eight tyres were readied for Skaife and Lowndes . They were going to pit both cars, which were about two seconds apart, together.

After 26 seconds of toil, #05 and #15 returned in formation.

Brock eased his way through the crowded bunker and grabbed a seat and a drink. Amid the usual flurry of engineers, used tyres and pyrometers, the driving career of Australia’s own touring car legend was over - not that we realised it at the time...

Six laps into his stint, Lowndes was forced off line by a lapped car and was into the wall. Then, on lap 51, Skaife had the engine go sour on the run up Mountain Straight; it had backfired through the airbox and burnt out some wiring.

Skaife pitted, the team fussed around for a while, but that was that. Peter Brock was done.

A friend of mine, one of Europe’s top photographers, came to Bathurst in 1995. He has shot Formula 1, DTM, BTCC and all the big events, without ever having asked a driver for an autograph.

On his first trip to Bathurst, he lined up, waited like everyone else, and asked Peter Brock to sign - which, of course, he did.

That’s the effect that Brock’s career has had one our sport. To be there and witness its conclusion was really something...

31

MN at 200

Two milestones Motorspoi-t News’ Asuccess significant factor in since its launch in July 1993 has been the quality of features and news and race reports from an incredibly diverse range of motor racing disciplines.

So, with my background having solid foundations in drag racing, I thought it best to look there first for my highlights of the last 199 issues, especially after considering the level of coverage this publication has given and committed to the drag racing.

From those previous 199 issues, it would be hard to go past an event which came early in MN’s life - issue 13 to be exact.

The story was from Calder Park Raceway’s December 18,1993 event where, at 6.14pm to be precise, Graeme Cowin sat the drag racing world on its collective backsides with the first four second pass outside the United States - a 4.895 second elapsed time the stunning result.

For Cowin, the run was the achievement of a goal that the veteran had set when he returned to the sport only seven months previously after a five-year hiatus.

But, for drag racing, the first four second run was something that produced amazing results in all spectrums...

With the most impressive.

professional operation ever seen to that date in the country, and a mostly full-time crew,,led by highly experienced crew chief Gary Evans, Cowin set about mastering the modern technology, conquering the track, achieving his goal and writing yet another piece of history.

It was thought Cowin might have run the first four a few weeks prior at Calder, and while a ‘quickest ever’5.14 second run was the result, it was still short of what was anticipated. Calder Park boss Steve Bettes quickly booked Cowin for a return visit in a few weeks time...

When the time arrived. Cowin, Evans and the team did the job expected and achieved the result they wanted.

While they were ecstatic, it had all been planned. Perhaps it would be best remembered for them in the days, weeks, months and years to follow.

Why was Cowin’s run so significant? Well,from my point, it wasn’tjust for the performance, it was for what it did for the sport.

Ifs amazing to think that just 4.895 seconds could be so significant in one's views, but it was and still is...

Increased media attention helped with more corporate support.

Everyone benefited.

It’s amazing to think thatjust 4.895 seconds could be so significant in one’s views, but it was and still is...

IT is quite ironic that while I herald my most significant NASCAR moment,in the same issue of Motorsport News we also say ‘goodbye’to the one who brought the moment to us - Dale Earnhardt.

Earnhardt’s name was synon3Tnous for racing hard and wiiming. He was a legend to the loyal race fans who followed his career, much like our own Peter Brock was at home.

But, unlike Brock who claimed Australia’s Great Race as his own, winning nine times at Bathurst, Earnhardt never seemed to be able to win the race that he thought mattered - the Daytona 500.

Many times Earnhardt was close. He led the 500 more often than not, but was always robbed of certain victory when the chequer seemed so tantalisingly near.

Even without Earnhardt, 1998 was a significant year in itself for stockcar racing.

It was the 50th anniversary of NASCAR competition, while the 500 also celebrated its 40th running.

K.

Gerald McDornan Asst Editor, Motorsport News For Earnhardt, it was the year he finally broke through...

The win was spectacular and one that brought the fans to their feet.

But perhaps more significant was the way in which Earnhardt’s peers greeted the win.

It appeared as though every member of every team, whether the head honcho or the backroom boy, stood in pit lane and cheered, waved and shook The Intimidator’s hand as the famous black #3 Goodwrench Chevy made its way toward victory lane.

Even Earirhardt’s departme to the grass infield to perform a couple of celebratory donuts on the specially painted NASCAR 50th anniversary logo was smiled upon by the powers that be. They imderstood the significance.

Earnhardt’s much-sought, muchearned Daytona 500 victory was a great moment. It was a significant moment. It brought tears to the eyes of even Earnhardt’s most ardent opposition. Much like his tragic death at Daytona last week...

c At last, first: Dale Earnhardt had won more races at Daytona than any other driver, but the 500 escaped him - until 1998. (Phow by David Tayior/Anspon) 32

moloripon nows

THE BIG STORIES .#

TJie loss of a e£ti^^s^^

♦

I f n ^HERE is no doubt in my n mind that the pivotal moment in modem Formula 1 history was at 2:18pm on the afternoon of Sunday, May 1,1994, when Ayrton Senna’s Rothmans Williams-Renault, being hounded mercilessly by the Benetton-Ford of Michael Schumacher, went off the track at Tamburello Comer at Imola in Italy.

The car was aimed at the wall but, as it neared the concrete, it began to turn slightly. It hit the wall at 210kmh and Senna was hit in the head by wreckage. The details are neither pleasant nor relevant.

There were frantic efforts to save him but, at 6:40 that evening.

Senna died in hospital in Bologna.

The wave of grief that followed left everyone in the sport surprised. Senna, they knew, was a big star, an important international name, but no-one in FI really appreciated just how big that was.

In the weeks that followed that awful afternoon, Formula 1 rolled with the punches. New rules were rushed through to try to make the cars safer. It helped others to survive accidents that came later.

But the crash was more significant than that. For a start, Senna’s death did, incongruous though the thought may seem, raise the global awareness of Formula 1 motor racing and, as a result of that, increased the 1 March 2001

Goodbye: Senna’s death left a huge hole in the sport and robbed fans of (Photo by Pascal Rondeau/Allsport and Sutton-lmages) a classic battle for supremacy.

The wave of grief that foHowed left everyone in the sport surprised. Senna, they knewL was a big Star, an important international name, but no-one in FI really appreciated just how was sport’s popularity.

Each year the FLA issues the official viewing figures of the sport and there is no doubting the fact that Senna’s accident resulted in a 30 percent increase in viewers. In 1993 there had been a total of 32 billion ‘viewings’of Formula 1.(A ‘viewing’is best described as each time anyone sees anything about FI on the television.)

In 1994, that figure had shot up to 45 billion and it remained at 45 billion in 1995. That increase in numbers of viewers had a vast array of knock-on effects in the sport and in the motor racing industry as a whole.

The second really important result of the accident was that it deprived Formula 1 of the man who was needed to beat Michael Schumacher.

Joe Saward FI correspondent, Motorspot^ News

Senna’s remarkable record of success was achieved when he was up against a man of almost equal stature as a driver; Alain Frost.

Schumacher may have beaten some of those records but he did it without having to deal with another giant talent. Damon Hill, Jacques Villeneuve and Mika Haldcinen are all worthy racing drivers, but none of them has the stature or the talent of a Senna or a Frost. They had their moments, but that was all.

Schumacher has had it easy.

Michael made the most of the hand that fate dealt him and is today as big a star as Senna was at the height of his powers but, if Senna had still been around, Schumacher would have had to work a lot harder.

Senna died at 34.

It is probably fair to say that if he had lived he would have had another four or five good seasons in him. Frost was still winning at 38 and Senna would probably have done the same.

His death robbed Formula 1 of what might have been some titanic battles between Ayrton and Michael. In a way, it is sad for Schumacher as well, because when his career is put into historical perspective, he will always be remembered as a driver who had no really tough opposition, while the Senna-Frost years will be remembered as an great era when two giants met head on.

At 32, Schumacher still has a few good seasons left, but already a new generation is beginning to emerge to write a new chapter in FI history.

Who knows what chapter will follow the one entitled The Schumacher Years’?

33

MN at 200

A new breed of hero o CTOBER 2,1994. If there was a day where the Craig Lowndes story reaUy took off, it was on that day some seven years ago.

My hero Peter Brock had just bitten the concrete at the top of the mountain in the 1994 Tooheys 1000, and word had filtered down the hill like a raging bushfire that he was out and that number 10 (as well as the $100,000 cash bonus posted by race officials that year) wasn’t going to happen.

The Holden fans breathed a heavy sigh, for their ‘man’ was out.

But how do I know that they sighed and that some started heading back to the car park?

Because I was a 14-year-old kid standing on the fence at the bottom of Con-Rod Straight (somewhere in the photo on this page actually), resigned to the fact that Dick Johnson and John Bowe would steam-roll their way to a Sandown/Bathurst double.

But the fans (me included) had taken their eyes away from the track, not noticing the kid who was dri-ving the #015 Commodore.

He’d won the Formula Ford series the year before but, apart from those in the industry, no-one really knew about Craig Lowndes.

I remember lining up in a twoperson queue to get his autograph at Sandown a few weeks earlier a far different scenario than today I reckon!

I must dig that cap back out one day too ...

Craig was lined up in the Safety Car queue behind Bowe. Brad Jones had hauled the second HRT Commodore up through the field during the by-then marathon race.

A lot has been written and made out of what Craig did on lap 148 of that race, but in all honesty, it wasn’t planned and surprised Craig more so than anyone.

With Bowe in the lead and Lowndes right behind, the latter was tucked up behind the rear wing of the Ford on the run up Mountain Straight. The Ford moved slightly to the right to cover the line into Griffin’s Bend, but Lowndes simply outbraked him and ran around the outside into the lead!

“I didn’t have any intention of passing him, I was actually amazed,” Craig told Motorsport News later.

34

"1

He’s arrived: Craig Lowndes announced that he was ready for the Big Time when he led the 1994 Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst. (Phoio by chevron Publishing) The defining moment which signalled the arrival of Craig Lowndes into Australian motor racing folklore didn’t come until perhaps one and a half minutes later when the two surged out of Caltex Chase, the Holden in front for the first time.

The adrenalin pumping through Craig hit the crowd as he jammed on the picks for Murray’s

Corner and jumped back on the loud pedal for the run down Pit Straight and another lap of the Mountain.

The crowd, which had become quiet over the past hour as the race had again settled into a pattern, erupted into a roar which would put English soccer fans to shame, as Lowndes, who was clearly the underdog, led the

I didn't have any intention of passing him, i was actuaiiy amazed," Craig told Motorsport News later.

I,

Aaron Noonan Staff Journalist, Motorsport News biggest race in the country.

They waved their caps, cheered their lungs out, and punched the air. The buzz in the air was like nothing I had ever experienced.

Smiles instantly replaced frowns and it seemed like a wave of fresh air had struck them and brought them to their feet.

They came alive.

The demise of 05 was forgotten.

It wasn’t that Brock was being abandoned, but a new star was being born - and he was flashing his way down Pit Straight to start lap 149 in the lead, willed on by a new wave of instant fans.

That short burst of 10 seconds - the time the two cars came into ■view and left - is the time it took for Craig to capture the imagination of the fans.

They’d been expecting this ‘kid’ to just lie down and be beaten by the veteran rather than, in perennial Brock-speak, ‘have a red hot go’.

We didn’t know it at the time, but we very quickly came to realise that ‘that move’ would be the beginning of a new era in Australian touring car racing, where youth suddenly became a viable proposition in the eyes of team managers, who previously could only think of the repair bills rather than the potential.

Although the history books show that Lowndes and Jones fi nished second that day, and Craig only led two laps after being passed for the lead following a close call with a lapped car, there’s no doubt that the Australian public’s recognition and - forgive me if this sounds soft and mushy - love affair with Craig Lowndes began on that very day.

It’s writing about moments like these which keep the M News team, and one former 14 year-old spectator, ticking... mot(

THE BIG STORIES

They said we were crazy

I spent the best six years of my life as the founding Editor of Motorsport News.Starting a new magazine from scratch is always exciting and taking MN to market leadership in that time was undoubtedly the most personally gratifying accomplishment of my 30 years in this business.

It seems incredible that MN is already 200 issues old. When I was a much younger man,in my early 20s, I was the Editor of the original fortnightly Auto Action when it racked up its 200th issue. AA seemed at that time to be long established, so I guess we can now stop thinking about MN as being the new kid on the block.

Having been the Editor for about the first three-quarters of these 200 issues, I can look back on so many big and interesting stories, but the biggest ones seemed to happen in those early days.

I well remember the astounded reaction that greeted our cover story suggesting that Peter Brock could he returning to the Holden factory team after something like seven years out in the cold. It just seemed so unlikely at the time.

My fellow media colleagues and PR hacks assembled in Adelaide for tbe GP a few days after that story broke looked at me as if I bad lost my mind. I’m sure they were suggesting that I was just mouthing wishful thiiiking on Peter’s behalf or desperately beating up a good cover story. But it

was all true - a money was talking genuine scoop that through the voice of I found it hard to was soon confirmed. powerbroker and believe that anyone business However, the millionaire Ron biggest story during could steal the GP my reign broke at Walker, who from Adelaide about the same time headed the new and also involved Kennett because it was the Government’s Adelaide. Again,it Involved the most popular FI race special events unthinkable, this company. in the world time the suggestion I managed to get that the Grand Prix Walker on the would be stolen from phone and he must Adelaide and moved to Albert Park have almost choked when I told in Melbourne. him why I was calhng. At that Again, the cynics thought we had stage, the Albert Park plan was the lost our marbles and would do best-kept secret in Australia and it an}fthing for a big headline. Again, would have been a front page scoop they would be left to wipe away the for the daily newspapers, let alone remnants of humble pie.

Motorsport News.

In true scoop story tradition, we Walker was cool, though, and were tipped off by someone on the even admitted that they were inside who needed to remain looking at getting motor racing hack to Albert Park. However, he anonymous. He was involved in the firmly denied any thoughts of engineeiing studies of the proposed GP track at Albert Park and was a taking the GP from Adelaide, as he had to. friend offellow MN co-founder Tony But Deep Throat was adamant.

Glynn. I never even knew bis name He even told us that Walker had and referred to him in the office as been to London and signed a multi‘Deep Throat’- the name used by yeai' deal with Bernie Ecclestone. the informer who brought down Having recently worked for CAMS, President Nixon dming the I once talked to Bemie about Watergate scandal.

To be honest, I found it hard to another matter and of course kept his phone number. Wisely, perhaps, believe that anyone could steal the GP from Adelaide because it was he chose not to take my call.

With such powerful people the most popular FI race in the involved, we published a carefully world, but I have been around for worded story - nervously checked long enough to know that money talks. out by our legal advisers - with In the case of Melbourne,the some real trepidation. We believed

David Hassall Founding Editor, Motorsport News the story had legs, but the ramifications of being wrong were clear.

After the story was published we waited for the phone to ring. If we were wrong,some mighty important people would be out for our blood. The phone never rang, so we figured we must have been

right.

Of course, we were right, as became evident in the following months when finally the general media got onto the story and the Victorian Government confirmed everything.

For me,that and the Brock story were the tmning points for MN. The opposition had done their best to contradict our stories and were consequently shown to be out of touch.

Within a two-week period, the new kids on the block had broken the two biggest stories of tbe decade and we never looked back.

Sr n “ T-

SM gajss

Melbourne is go: Who would ever have thought that the Grand Prix would move from Adelaide to Melbourne? We did ...

1 March 2001

(Photo by Sutton-lmagos)

35

Formula One

Contenders Millions of dollars worth of cutting-edge Grand Prix technology is being assembled at Albert Park for the first race of the 2001 World Drivers’ Championship. JOE SAWARD previews the Formula One season

F

The King: Can Schumacher make it two titles in a row?

36

formula 1 experts who have been around for a while know that making predictions is a dangerous business. There are trends, which seem to be developing but,sometimes,spanners are thrown in the works.

This year, there is plenty of potential for screwing up predictions. There is the additional issue of tyres: Bridgestone now faces Michelin and no one really knows what is going to happen. There have been a few changes of engine. And automatic driver aids will be brought back at the Spanish Grand Prix. Will it make a difference? No one really knows.

In the past, the top teams have generally remained at the front no matter what the rules are, so one can say that, in all probability, the World Championship will be fought out once again between McLaren and Ferrari. That really means Michael Schumacher and Mika Hakkinen, as Rubens Barrichello and David Coultbard remain (for the moment at least) in the shadow of the two former World Champions.

Hakkinen is unlikely to have the same sort of problems as he had last year, when he seemed to lose interest in winning for a few weeks. He came back, but lost out.

Perhaps he should not have done.

However, there is nothing as painful as defeat to spur on the men at McLaren and you can be quite sure that the team will hope to have a technical advantage once again. Both teams use Bridgestone tyres and, if the Japanese tyre supplier plays the game fairly, it will be an interesting fight.

To suggest that there are going to be any other contenders is a little bit brave - but one can never tell. The Michelin tyres may be exceptional and the new BMW engine may lift Williams to within striking distance of McLaren and Ferrari. The chassis is certainly going to be good, because Williams designers Geoff Willis and Gavin Fisher have now collaborated successfully on a string of cars and each one seems to be better than the last.

Juan Pablo Montoya is supposed to be a giant-killer, so one can and should not write off the chance of a complete surprise - but, in FI,

molorsport news

PREVIEW

\i

I

t pirtai

I

! I

Preten I such things are rare. It is 'dogged, nose-grinding development work which closes gaps and not miraculous breakthroughs.

There is little doubt that Williams will be the team that is most likely to deliver the goods and the general feeling in the paddock is that Half Schumacher will get rattled by Montoya and be overshadowed. Last year Ralf looked very uncomfortable (not to say grumpy) whenever Jenson Button blew his socks off, but the end of season points tally is all that matters, and Ralf won that contest hands down.

In some respects, Ralf is lucky not to have to face a second year with Button. For both Williams drivers, it will be a year of making or breaking reputations - which is just how Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head like it to be. A healthy rivalry between team mates is the best way of going forward.

The performance of the new BMW engine is going to be vital.

You can be as brilliant as you like in a windtunnel and you are still not going to find horsepower. FI is a series in which grunt really matters and those who do not have it suffer.

But it is more subtle than that, because the nature of the tracks means that, while outright power 1 March 2001

is useful, horsepower throughout the rev range is the key and, when there is traction-control in place to stop drivers wasting the power, it really will be done to the lumps of metal which produce screaming horses.

Most people in Formula 1 agree that Honda should be producing very impressive engines. The company has an amazing history of success in FI and, although the company is not quite as it used to be in the good old days of the late 1980s and early 1990s, there are still plenty of brilliant brains in action.

The two Honda-supplied teams are not as convincing. Jordan is lagging behind the opposition in terms of people and equipment.

The team suffered a lot of staff losses last year and these things do matter. Tim Holloway is a fine engineer and there are good people behind the EJll, but one can only do as much as you equipment and budget allows.

The most interesting about Jordan will be the continued struggle for supremacy between Heinz-Harald Frentzen and Jarno Trulli with a lot of money being put behind the Italian.

British American Racing has no problems: the team is united, the

continued on page 38

©

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0

Double Team: Are new daddy Hakkinen and Coulthard double trouble?

37

Formula One

Back to the Old Days

Two throwbacks to the 90s- traction contol and a tyre war return to FI this season. JOE SAUMRD ioohs at what it wil mean THE 2001 Grand Prix season is going to be a funny season because the rules of Formula 1 will change after the first four races.

Until the Spanish Grand Prix, everyone will run without traction-control (and if you believe that you will believe anything) and then, in Barcelona, everyone will adopt the automatic stuff.

Is it good for the sport or is it bad? The only way to answer that question is really to wait and see. Some say that it will ruin Formula 1 because the computers will be driving the cars, but others argue that fighter aircraft have evolved from wood and canvas to composite jets and yet there is still the potential for dog fighting.

The best drivers will still come out ahead. It is unlikely that the new regulation will have any real effect on the ability of the drivers to overtake one another.

If nothing else, it will get rid of the poisonous slagging matches that have been a feature in recent years. This has given the sport a rather lessthan-clean image out there in the rarefied world of reality -

where FI bosses never tread.

The sniping is probably going to be worse than ever in the first four races, because it has become clear that the FIA software checkers cannot keep up with the software men employed by the teams and so some of the teams may risk running systems which push the rules to the maximum (or simply break them).

There will probably be some comments about it all but, as no-one oan really keep track these days; it will probably not lead to any overt controversy.

The coming Bridgestone v Michelin tyre issue is more likely to do that. Having a tyre war is good news for Formula 1 racing, as it adds another variable to the FI package.

The last time we had a new tyre company, we had some pretty spectacular surprises, although none of them resulted in victories for the underdogs.

You may remember Damon Hill leading much of the Hungarian GP in his Arrows, or Jarno Trulli walking away from the field in Austria. In Argentina too, there was the potential for a surprise when Olivier Panis was in a position to win the race until his Prost broke down.

Don't expect miracles from Michelin at Albert Park. The French army will bring a stock of conservative rubber to Melbourne, to cater for maximum temperatures which could be anything between 18 and 38 degrees.

Look for the 'good stuff' once the circus hits Europe, where the weather is likely to be more predictable.

The problem is that the FIA has not really defined the rules with any great clarity and the teams are worried that there will be disputes about how much tyre wear is acceptable and whether or not the grooved tyres become faster when the grooves disappear and they behave like slicks.

The FIA says that policing will not be a problem but if there is controversy it will act very quickly.

The major problem is not something that can be solved with the wave of a magic wand or the imposition of a new rule.

The mistrust that surrounds a small number of engineers will not go away until those scum retire from the sport - and that is going to take years.

\A860.COm 'imniKip

Great expectations: There will be a lot of upcoming war for supremacy between Ralf

/ continued from page 39

l cr

MSv■w -n^ .

Fat Boy is bach Michelin and its corporate logo,_^ Bibendum, are back in FI. What will it mean - and what will happen when it rains?

(Photo by Sutton-Inuiges)

38

r.

car is great, the driving team stronger than ever and blah, blah, blah ... That is what they are saying.

Well, one can never really trust what the BAE barons have said in previous years, so there is no reason to think that there will be a sudden outbreak of the truth in 2001. The team is in deep debt. It is still split by management tensions. The chassis package has not been as good as the engines to date.

Yes, Olivier Panis will make Jacques Villeneuve work for his money - but only if the team shows itself to be competent at running two cars. This may sound harsh, but these things are not easy.

One would expect the team to moiortporl news

PREVIEW

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be rather more consistent than last year and there must be more reliability. If these two goals are achieved then there really ought to be more points scored. But finishing third in the World Championship? Boy, now that would be something...

In theory, Benetton should be mixing it with the two Honda teams and, perhaps, from time to time, nibbling at the rear wings of the two Williams-BMWs. But once again a lot depends on the engine.

Renault's fancy new VIO engine has been rushed through because of the future bans on testing which have been agreed.

This means that early in the year (at least), Jenson Button and Giancarlo Fisichella are going to be looking in their mirrors, wondering when the smoke will start to come out from the back of the car. Last year's car was a botch job, thrown together at the last minute by a new technical team.

This year there is a revised version of that group of engineers, but they have had more time to 1 March 2001

think things through and one would expect a rather better car.

Fisichella's future will be decided in the first eight races of the year. He has to see off Button in dramatic fashion if he wants people to see him as a rising (rather than as a fading) star. Not many people think he can do that.

If the engine works, the chassis is better and the Michelins are competitive there is no reason why Button could not really make a big impression. But that is an awful lot of‘ifs’.

Jaguar Racing has a lot of convincing still to do, but the new car has been produced by a new chief designer. It is a very conventional car, the aim being to be reliable and so to score points.

It will probably achieve that. To ask for more will not be easy.

Eddie Irvine has lots of fans but he is yet to convince the FI cynics that he is anything more than a glorified number two driver.

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Formula One continued from page 39 Luciano Burti seems like a solid choice, if rather unexciting. To survive in FI with a middleraking team, you need to do rather better than that.

In theory at least, the two Ferrari customer teams should do rather well. Sauber has not been at all convincing in recent years but there has been a lot of change in the last 12 months at Hinwil and a new design team has emerged.

continued on page 43

arcoin CHAMMUiS O Little Boy Blue: Jenson Button suits up for Benetton-Renault. Betcha Sir Frank regrets letting him go ...

(Photo by Sutlon-lmages)

more revs THERE has been a fair amount of juggling in terms of engines in recent months, with several changes of engine partner and a rash of exciting new engines - most of which do not seem to work properly at the moment.

The most obvious change is that Renault Sport is back in an official capacity with an interesting 111-degree VI0 engine. The new engine has been shrouded in secrecy, because it is supposed to feature electronicallyoperated valves. This is expected to result in a weight-saving of around eight kilograms and an appreciable drop in the centre of gravity of the engine.

However, the plumbing of the exhausts is much more complicated and so there are more likely to be reliability problems.

The need to make radical changes in the architecture of the engines comes because the current units have reached their absolute limit of development, unless new materials are allowed. The FIA's cleverly-worded ban means that exotic beryllium alloys are banned and that

means that steel crankshafts will once again suffer from the inherent torsional resonance problems that steel suffers when revs go over 19,000rpm. The only way fonward, therefore, was in packaging the engine differently to maximise aerodynamic efficiency at the rear of the cars.

The logic is sound, but it remains to be seen whether the machinery will be as good. Developing computer-operated actuators that can work 300 times per second is not going to be the work of a moment. To move that fast, they will need to be light, but if they are too light, the valves will not move.

Ferrari and McLaren are both believed to have similar prototypes in development but no-one is talking openly about such matters.

The loss of beryllium means that older engines, such as the European VI0, may actually gain back a little of their performance. It is a nice idea but it is not really going to make much of a difference.

Mugen has disappeared to make way at

Jordan for a second Honda factory VI0 supply, while Peugeot has also disappeared to make way for Asiatech.

The Peugeot FI program was a complete disaster for seven years and there is no reason to suspect that a bunch of anonymous Asians are going to make anything change at the renamed Peugeot Sport. The most likely outcome is that a lot of the staff will depart.

The one big change, which may make a difference, is that of Prost to Ferrari. It is not really clear why Sauber has failed over the years to make better use of the secondary Ferrari VI Os, but it looks like Prost is going to do rather a better job of it, so we should not be surprised to see the blue cars {or at least one of them) in the top 10 on a fairly regular basis.

With so much development going on, it is probably fair to say that there will be more reliability problems this year than in previous seasons during which reliability has been remarkable.

And a damned good thing that will be...

- JOE SAWARD

Cutting edge technology: Who will win the battle ofthe VIOs? Two ofthe contenders will be Honda, left, and Mercedes-Benz, inmmh, Mn„.u,.i>rnzo-<.nirmJL,cPi 40

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Nothing to see here: There are no political upheavals at BAR-Honda; the team boss says so ...

New Kid, on the block: After about 10 minutes’ experience, Kimi Raikkonen makes his Ft debut at Albert Park. He’s been pretty quick in testing, and the Sauber is proving to be pretty reliable, too.

(Photos by Sutlon-lmages)

i ■rrw-.- —

continued from page 40 It needs to be successful because the recent Saubers have been pretty poor. The team is investing in its own windtunnel but that will take a while to be ready.

The choice of drivers is very unPeter Sauber-ish, with two youngsters. Nick Heidfeld has yet to really convince; his performance at Prost last year was not intoxicating. Kimi Raikkonen is a massive gamble but, clearly, the team believes in the Finn and good on them if they are right. If they are wrong, they deserve the crucifixion that they will get.

A lot of people feel that Prost will make the most progress this year. It would not be hard. Last year's performance did not do justice to the word 'woeful'.

With a sensible chassis designer, good middle management and a lot of help from Ferrari (is that gearbox, transmission and rear suspension really the work of the Prost engineers?) the team should do very well indeed.

nicAi

British Racing Green: Bobby Rahal and Luciano Burti carry a lot of expectations for Jaguar Racing, (Photo by Sutton-lmages)

t Mirch 2001

Jean Alesi is still a tiger and, while Gaston Mazzacane has yet to prove anything, the team already has a good alternative in place in the form of Pedro de la Rosa.

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who thinks that Mazzacane will still be racing for the team in Monaco...

The Arrows package is pretty unconvincing. The engineers (or those who are left at Leafield) are talented enough and will no doubt produce a quick little car. The engine is an oddity. Because Asiatech will not say who is involved, everyone assumes that no-one is involved and so the whole thing looks like an Oriental version of Supertec, but starting out with a less good engine.

One hopes that Tom Walkinshaw knows what he is doing, because cynics would say that it looks simply like a survival strategy. Still, if nothing else, Tom is maintaining the Arrows tradition of being non-winners.

One cannot expect much from European Minardi, given the starting point, but the Faenza design team does a pretty nice job.

The engine has a few more horses than The Charge of the Light Brigade (600) but one cannot expect too much.

The team's aim is for good reliability in the early races and this is a sound philosophy. A sixth or seventh place in Australia or Malaysia would probably net the team another US$10m in TV money for next year...

The 2001 World Champion?

Um... Mika Hakkinen?

Probably.

mr Business

LOOK at the 2001 crop of GP cars and you will notice two things; less cigarette signage and more from computer companies.

Almost every team in the pit lane has a sponsorship deal sorry, 'technical partnership' with major computer suppliers.

At the forefront of the laptop wars is Hewlett-Packard, which supply both Jordan-Honda and Jaguar Racing with the hardware they need to go racing.

But there will be a new angle this year. There will be newer, faster laptops in Melbourne, but the 'J' teams will also be equipped with hand-held HP Jornada Personal Data Assistants which will operate on a wireless network. That means that every team member can be

updated minute to minute with the information which is tailored for his, or her, individual tasks.

Today’s PDAs pack as much processing power as the best laptops of just six years ago.

And 'wireless' means that they can be updated on the run ...

Of course, there can be a downside to all this chip-driven wizardry. One prominent team arrived for a recent winter test but left without so much as a lap to their credit. It seems that the laptop with all of their start up programs was safely in the keeping of a senior engineer, who was in transit on an airliner.

They had to pack up and go home without firing a shot. No computer, no horsepower.

And no, we will never tell which team it was.

- PHIL BRAIMAGAN 43

Formula One

Fan mamti

as you would expect from PAUL Stoddart is as direct a forthright, astute businessman who has a gift of getting from A to B with the minimum offuss or diversion.

He translated a youthful passion for cars into a small fortune from buying and selling them at auction in Australia. He then found the margins were even better in the aWation business and turned a small fortune into the kind of money you need to go racing. Now he is risking it all by buying into a team which habitually fills the back of the grid in Formula 1.

With just days to go before the first race, and the ink not yet dry on his deal to invest in a team with no title sponsor, cars still being finishes and a second driver only just signed the first question had to be, “just what, Mr. Stoddart, have you gone and done to yourself?”

With a wry smile, the answer of FI’s newest mandarin is exact; “We’ve purchased all of the shares that control Minardi SpA.” This is all well and good but there was the small matter of time.

The rest of the field has had engines and aerodynamics and driver aids on test since the middle of last season. Throughout the winter, the new bits have been proven or broken at a dozen circuits around the world while the commercial side of every team has 44

been busy shoring-up the finances.

While most of the rest of the field has been launched and are as ready as they’ll ever be, Stoddart has bought a multi-million dollar problem. He will have been chain smoking his way through many sleepless nights in the countdown to Melbourne as the chassis were completed, the engines installed, the right driver found to partner Fernando Alonso —himself an FI rookie - and sponsorship relentlessly sought.

It’s a situation few people would willingly take on for the proverbial million dollars, lb spend several times that amount to buy yourself such a nightmare scenario after a career which, up until now, has smacked of entrepreneurial opportunism and an uncanny knack of closing a favourable deal seems more than a little out of character and you can’t help but wonder why.

“Minardi was available,” says Stoddart.

“Also,it was the only team to need what we have to offer. Before I went to Faenza, I’d heard all the stories and expected to see something not really in keeping with modem FI, and I was surprised. It is a dedicated and motivated workforce who produce tidy designs and work well.”

No matter how often the thought occurs that, to normal folk, such an undertaking might seem

insurmountable, the truth is that Stoddart is revelling in the challenge. It might seem like an irrational thing to have done - a bridge too far foi’ a man who has bought airliners, and then even a whole airline that nobody else wanted and turned them into profitable, well-ran, professional institutions.

Yet in Stoddart, there is no room for whimsy. He loves the sport, always has, and it is that passion for racing which has brought him this far. But there is no sentiment in how he views his new role as a Formula 1 team owner. Like the cars he bought at auction all those years back, like the fleet of BAG 111 aircraft and the personnel of Dan Air he employed to create his airline, Minardi is another business, pure and simple.

“I think there’s a big difference between an airline and a Grand Prix team,” he says.

“An airline is asset-rich because of the sheer value of things like the aircraft. Formula 1 is completely different -1 see the value of it in being only one of 12 teams, and there can’t be any more than 12, but the value of that is something you can’t see, feel or touch.

“When you think about it, you’re building a new car every two weeks specific to each circuit. I’he cost is up to(US)$50 million ($91m)for a team for a year, and you certainly do not have $50

, \ million-worth sitting around at the end of a season.

“But 1 believe in Formula 1, where the sport is coming from and where it is going to. I can’t say that I want to do better than the other teams. I’ve got Minardi and I’m realistic about what I can achieve in the short-term, but it’s a challenge, and it’s challenges that I enjoy.”

The first, and possibly the biggest, of those challenges that the newly-renamed EuropeanMinardi FI Team has faced was simply to reach Melbourne - never mind the daunting prospect of qualifying within 107 percent of the likes of McLaren and Ferrari with all their many thousands of miles of testing and honing already completed.

“Nothing will stop us[going to Melbourne],” Stoddart had siad in the lead-up.

On that you do not doubt him.

In the end, the Minardis were among the first cars to touch down in Melbourne...

'There had been a plan in place in case the team missed the boator plane - such is the beauty of owning your own airline. Stoddart has had a stripped-out Boeing 737 on standby, its pilots briefed and all systems go should the rest of the field leave without him, You can imagine the flight crew sitting about in deckchairs waiting for the .scramble bell to ring like moiorspon news

PREVIEW

Karcher presents “Model of the Month

?9

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Being there: Stoddart has one-seaters, two sealers and Tyrrells up the wah-zoo; but his prioity v^as to get two PSOIs to Albert Park > in lime. He succeeded.

(Pnoto try Sunorvlrrwges)

their forebears in the Battle of Britain, but if the Blitz spirit is ahve and well and living in rural Ledbury, it energises Stoddart.

That, and the fact that he is returning to his home town as a prodigal son.

“The support from and feeling for u.s from Australia is massive,” he says with justifiable pride.

“It’s really quite warming that Australia has adopted Minardi as an Australian team so quickly, and standing on the grid at Melbourne, particularly for someone bom and bred in the city, will be a very emotional moment for me.

“I’d like to think people appreciate the effort it will have taken to get to Melbourne in such a short period of time. I know, though, that Rome wasn’t built in a day...”

The expense and effort it will have taken to reach this first roimd would put a big dent in anyone’s plans for the forthcoming season. To a team without much in the way of backing it would almost seem suicidal, so what will ‘Stoddy’ be doing to ensure that the PSOl develops through the rest of the season?

“We have a modest budget this year, and it depends where you operate on the grid what the costs are. If we don’t get enough sponsorship, I will have to fund

it, as painful as that might be. If any title sponsors who want to come to FI pick up the phone and call me,they’re very welcome.

“At the moment, we have one sponsor which is driver-related.”

It is a different world to that of almost anyone else in Formula 1.

For Michael Schumacher and Ferrari, anything less than a repeat of last year’s double championship will be disappointing, to say the least. Tb Ron Dennis, those titles are a Holy Grail which he will relentlessly pursue, while Jacques Villeneuve has set third place as the minimum acceptable result from BAR in 2001.

Although European-Minardi will be holding its pre-season launch today(Thursday)literally on the eveo f the race, what, Mr. Stoddart, would you set out as your aim if you were to have one?

“I m only interested in making it to the top 10 of the Constructors’ Championship by the end of our first season.

“I think that the big boys have got their acts together so well that it is going to be very, very hard to score a point, and by that I don’tjust mean for us.

“I don’t underestimate for a single second the momentousness of the task, but sheer bloody effort will take us a long way.”

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Formula One

Their first time

A driver’s first Formuia One race is a memorable experience and some have done better than others. MARK GLENDENNING looks at some noted debuts

WHILE the beginning of Ferrari and McLaren's 2001 championship campaigns will be the main story at Albert Park this weekend,the eyes of the world will also be firmly focused on those who will be

making their first Formula One appearance.

Speculation surrounding the chances of Williams new boy Juan Pablo Montoya has been one of the biggest aspects of the pre-season build-up. Fresh from

Storming debut: Villeneuve was headingfor victory in Melbourne in 1996 (Photo by Mike Cooper/Allsport) until engine problems stopped his Williams-Renault.

46

a highly successful stint across the Atlantic, Montoya arrives in Australia as the most hyped debutante since Jacques Villeneuve in 1996.

His performances in pre-season testing would suggest that he'll have an easier time making the transition from Champ Cars to Formula One than some others have in recent times, but more intriguing will be the battle for supremacy within the team between the Colombian and Ralf Schumacher, Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen's appointment with Sauber brings with it a cloud of controversy reminiscent of that which accompanied Jenson Button's debut last year.

Single-seater experience is hardly Raikkonen's strong point - in fact, he is so inexperienced that the FIA will be reviewing his super license after Imola.

He has put in some respectable times during the pre-season, but there is a huge difference between lapping a quiet circuit in relative privacy and charging into the first corner under racing conditions with 21 other cars also aiming for the same patch of tarmac.

Fernando Alonso performed impressively during last year's F3000 season, but he's going to find life somewhat different when he is strapped into his Minardi for the first time under race conditions.

Minardi has never offered the ideal car for a newcomer to prove himself in, and the dramatic changes that the team has been subjected over the past months means that both they and the young Spaniard will be trying to find their feet at the same time.

While his appearance as substitute for Eddie Irvine at last year's Austrian Grand Prix means that Luciano Burti is not, strictly speaking, a debutante, it will, be at Albert Park that his FI career really starts. After an

abysmal performance in 2000, Jaguar is under a lot of pressure to deliver the goods this time round.

Traditionally, little is expected of those who are making their first appearance at a Grand Prix, but Formula One has a way of producing some surprises from time to time.

Giancarlo Baghetti walked away from his first Grand Prix - the French Grand Prix of 1961 - with the winner's trophy under his arm after starting the race from 12th on the grid in a Ferrari. American Johnnie Parsons managed a similar feat when he won at Indianapolis in 1950. {At the time.

Indy counted toward the World Championship).

Several others have started their first race from pole. Mario Andretti did it in his Lotus-Ford at the United States Grand Prix in 1968, Walt Faulkner and Duke Nalon started with a clear track ahead at the Indy 500 in 1950 and 1951 respectively, and Carlos Reutemann planted his BrabhamFord on pole on debut at the 1972 Argentine Grand Prix.

A little closer to home, the first modern-era Grand Prix at Albert Park got off to a sensational start when Jacques Villeneuve, making his first Formula One appearance, took pole in emphatic style from Williams team-mate Damon Hill.

Villeneuve went on to lead most of the race, setting fastest lap in the process, before an oil leak forced him to concede victory to

Hill.

Villeneuve came close to being only the second driver to claim pole, the fastest lap, and victory in his first race. The only man to do it? Giuseppe 'Nino' Farina, who scored the triple in his Championship debut. It's an impressive achievement, but one that must be placed into context.

The 1950 British Grand Prix, was the first race in the history of the World Championship.

Consequently, every driver on the grid was,from a Formula One perspective, a rookie.

Still, it is worth keeping the achievements of some earlier first-timers in the back of your mind when the starting lights go Ul out at 2pm on Sunday. moiorsport news

and be Schney Subscribe to Motorsport News during the month of March and you could win a personally-autographed Michael Schumacher photograph (valued at $295).

Simply take out or renew an existing subscription before March 31 and you will be in the draw for this exclusive collectable - courtesy of The FI Shop.

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technical data:

3-/./tre VIO engine, 800 hp, 575 kg.

IT may be a bit of a stunt, but the opportunity to compare a V8 Supercar on-track with an F1 car and a road-going BMW will provide an interesting sideshow to the weekend's activity at Albert Park Billed as the ultimate speed comparison, six-time Bathurst winner Larry Perkins will pit his brand new Castrol VX Commodore V8 Supercar against the latest Grand Prix racer, an FW23 Williams-BMW driven by Marc Gene over a single lap of the GP track every day.

And, just to keep things in perspective. Ford legend and four-time Bathurst winner Allan Moffat will also take part in the comparison with a road-going car, albeit a BMW 318i and not a GTHO Phase 3...

Similar tests have occasionally taken place over the years at 48

t .STecftfTica/

- Technical data:

V8 engine,^dlO'hp, %^50 ^ ' ^ 18M5.cc engine, llShpr^WO kg'-^

tracks around the world, Australia having got in on the act back in the Adelaide days when a Johnny Herbert-driven Lotus was matched with West Australian drag racer Allan Dobson's five-second Top Alcohol Funny Car. Each time, the Formula One cars have proved their obvious worth, with the virtually unlimited resources and few design limitations proving to be the difference.

That's not hard to understand if you take a technical look at it all. A Formula One car really offers few flaws in design while V8 Supercars - which are developed to the limits in terms of current design and know-how -are still fundamentally soupedup road cars.

With a handicap system in place, this year's 'Ultimate Test' will prove to be worth watching

as Gene attempts to close the gap with his 575kg/800hp Williams-BMW to Perkins' 1350kg/610hp Commodore and Moffat's standard 'Beemer'.

Moffat will leave the line one minute before Perkins who, in turn, will leave about 30 seconds before the FI racer. Handicaps will be adjusted over each of the four days of the GP. Perkins, having driven in FI back in the mid-'70s, is under no illusion as to how his Castrol Commodore will go against the Williams. The Grove-based FI team employs around 400 staff to build its cars, as opposed to Larry's current crop of 20 blokes...

"In theory, the Williams should catch me at the finish line, but I'm going to try that little bit harder and I might just beat it," Perkins says.

The latest evolution V8 out of

LP's Moorabbin workshop is expected to raise the team's level of performance at Albert Park.

Still, ever the racer, LP doesn't want to lose...

"Mind you, if Gene and the Williams do catch me, there won't be a lot of room to pass," he concludes with his usual grin.

Organisers will be attempting to co-ordinate a close finish, although one would assume that Moffat's 318i, in standard road trim, will find itself being caught at an alarming pace as it completes the lap.

However, Moffat too suggests he will be equally unrelenting on the closing FI car...

"How wide is the track? It's quite narrow all the way around, isn't it," he suggests.

"I can't see the Formula One car getting past either of us..."

- GERALD McDORNAN moiorsport news

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20 years of DJR Falcons

The same, only different: Dick Johnson’s 1981 Falcon XD and his 2001 Falcon AU share a legacy of speed - and more things than you might think ...

(Photos by Marshall Cass)

Dick Johnson and his team havo boon ono of the constants of the Australian touring car scene. He's come a long way since the days of the 1l*u Bln Falcon XD of 1981. PHIL BRANAGAN looks at the DJR Falcons of 1981 and 2001

Decades apart

T

WENTY years is a long time in politics. In motor racing terms, it’s an eternity.

That’s the time scale that separates these two cars; Dick Johnson’s 1981 Tru Blu Ford Falcon XD and Steven Johnson’s 2001 Shell Helix Falcon AU. Technology rules in motor racing and V8 Supercar racing is no different to any other class. The progress which has been made in two decades is staggering.

Apart from the natural order of things, there have been a lot of changes inspired by rule changes.

In the days of the XD, there was no such thing as a rev limit; engines were as homologated for each car, whereas today they are rev-limited, compression ratio-set 52

5-litre V8 Fords or Chevrolets.

Nothing bigger, nothing smaller.

But there are similarities as well. Both cars have Ford two valve, pushrod engines, producing as much horsepower as they could; about 455hp in the XD and ‘over 600’in the AU. Torque is relatively close; 380 ft/lbs then versus 450 today. Both use the old, reliable Ford nine inch differential, and both carry 120 litres of fuel, though the current car does so in a high-tech fuel cell.

The interiors are completely different, with the stripped-out AU in stark contrast to the fullyupholstered 1981 model.

“Putting the rear seat in was one of the last things we used to do when building a car,” Dick explains.

“It was a bit of a milestone;

when we fitted it, Roy (long-time DJR wrench Roy McDonald)and I used to climb in the back and have a Vic Bitter to celebrate...”

The old car even has a console; “That’s where Frenchie (co-driver John French) used to put his lunch,” confirms Johnson.

That’s another difference; 20 years ago, DJR consisted of Johnson, McDonald, Dave ‘Dyno’ Johnson and Leon Horsman; now, the team is 26-strong, plus drivers Johnson Jr and Paul Radisich.

The XD, built from the proceeds of the 1980 Bathurst phone-in (which was matched dollar-fordollar by Edsel Ford), cost about $100,000 to build, a huge amount for the day. A current car is worth about $300K, but bear in mind that, 20 years ago, one Aussie

dollar bought about US$1.20.

Today, it’s worth about 53 cents.

In modern terms, that makes the XD a far more expensive car, in global terms, particularly if you allow for inflation...

What does this mean on the track?

The AU will hit around 302kmh at Bathurst, on its way to a lap time in qualifying ofaround 2ml0s. The XD ran out of horsepower at around 260kmh and ran a best lap of 2m21s - and that was before there was a hard stop at the Chase.

The sport has come a long way.

So have the cars, and Johnson and his team. And, thankfully, Dick likes to keep his old race cars ...

The XD and AU in detailpages 54-57

motorsport news

RETROSPECTIVE

The car that started the legend

THE Tru-Blue Falcon XD is one of the most famous cars in the history of the sport in this country.

Born from the public's outpouring of support after Dick Johnson hit 'The Rock' while leading at Bathurst in 1980, it is fondly remembered as the car which not only established the Queensland battler at the forefront of the sport, but as the car which took Ford back into the winner's circle after a long period of domination by Holden's Torana and ROVALLCY -—WINES Commodore.

Amazingly enough, Johnson % remains the only driver ever to have won a race in the model.

The XD had a fairly short track life and it was not until his blue who built a car out of a six-cylinder Falcon he had bought new. car started winning races that other teams and drivers switched to Ford.

Willmington debuted the car at Oran Bob Morris took his first win in Park and was joined a few weeks later at Symmons Plains's ATCC 1982 but, by then, the Ford army was in XEs, which had been updated round by Murray Carter in the XD he had built in Melbourne. As part of the with a coil spring rear end, which process of building V8-powered cars replaced the XD's leaf springs.

Johnson was not the first to race out of six-cylinder road cars, CAMS an XD in 1980; he was not even the homologated the car's racing weight second. The honour of being the first at 1360kg - the same as a road 'six'.

It was to prove a seemingly small. fell to Sydney's Garry Willmington, n

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but telling, advantage.

Johnson, determined to make that work in his favour, beavered away at getting weight out of the car and made his first appearance at Lakeside in June, 1980. His Falcon was immediately the pick of the Fords, challenging Peter Brock at Oran Park before a lack of funds forced him to skip Sandown's 400.

Bathurst beckoned. The deeds of man and car there are writ large in

the sport's mythology. Suffice to say, Johnson appeared at the start of 1981 in a new XD, built from the ground up from public and Ford money and he was, for the first time since Allan Moffat left for Mazda, Ford's 'Man'.

The first three races in the season saw Johnson win three straight races before Brock, inevitably, got going, winning the next two. It was all down to the last round and, on home soil, Johnson had the locals on their feet for the whole race, holding out the Commodore and getting home by a narrow margin.

Then came the Manchamp.

Brock got his revenge, taking the honours with three wins and a second (though Toyota took the official prize due to the consistency of its class cars).

But Johnson came back at Bathurst. Aided by his trusty team and co-driver John French, Johnson won the race, which was shortened by the multi-car pile-up at the top of the Mountain. He had fulfilled the promise shown at Mount Panorama a year earlier and the sport, particularly in Queensland, would never be the same again.

soot

A National Calendar of Events l Practice - Friday l Qualifying - Saturday l Racing - Sunday l Ralliart - Racing Mirage powered by a 1.6 litre MIVEC engine l Ralliart approved components include : l Race computer l Close ratio gearbox l Evolution IV brakes l Adjustable competition shock absorbers l Advanced driver training avaiiable l Extensive print and television coverage l Race cars prepared and delivered to each circuit l Lap times: l Oran Park (South) 49-9921 l Oran park (Grand Prix) 1:20-9276 l Winton 1:37-8655 l Queensland Raceway 1:25-4124 l Wakefield Park 1:09-7985 l RalliartySutherland Mitsubishi technical ^ support at each round of the series l Discount air travel for competitors Ik l You just arrive and drive, we look after |E the rest .—", For a complete information pack contact: Bill O'Gorman, l

1 March 2001

n

Phone: Series Co-ordinatior (02) 9521 7222

r

Mobile:0416 249 149 Fax: (02) 9545 7901 Email: mirageseries@hotmail.com 53

20 years of DJR Falcons

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Built from the proceeds of the public's reaction to the famous 1980 Bathurst'rock'incident, Dick opvAnFNTiflt [jirimJM Johnson's Tru-Blu XD Falcon Palrr^F Tub© conquered all in the 1981 Australian Touring Car Championship. This is the 'state-ofs fTAAAiitusJ n I the-art' championship winner of 20 ●WttS) ROVALLt'f years ago

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RETROSPECTIVE

i

20 years of DJR Falcons

Dick Johnson Racing was the oniy Ford team to win a round of the Sheii Championship Series in 2000. 1 DJR has censtructed yet another generatien ef Faicon to contest this " year's series,the team hoping to win another champienship,20 ''■p years after its first S

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RETROSPECTIVE

Generation X: The latest generation AU Falcon from DJR is world-class. The sparse interior, above and left, is highlighted by a well-designed and constructed cage engineered to help the car perform and remain safe. A Motec data acquisition unit, incorporating a digital display, is a far cry from the XD’s ‘primative’ analogue gauges. The aerodynamics of the AU, far left, have been controversial, but are effective, while the current brakes, right, are standard fare for V8 Supercars huge Brembo calipers with Harrop hats and discs.

(Photos by Marshall Cass)

Greg Murphy

Just call me La Just when it seemed he was again dead and buried foilowing the dramatic turn ofevents at Gibson Motorsport, Greg Murphy has returned to the TWR fold, but this time in the red, blue and white of Kmart AARON NOONAN spoke to 'the Murf about the deal which saved him from a potential season on the sidelines.

Motorsport News: Considering all that's happened over the summer,it must be a real relief just to have a drive!

Greg Murphy: Yeah, it's been a lot of work by a lot of people and it was looking pretty bad there for a while. I was pretty disappointed about everything that happened over the last two months and I was very angry about it as well.

Steve (Richards) and I, as far as we knew, were all sweet for this year, and to be thrown into the position we were thrown into at such a late stage ... I was wanting to rip someone's head off, that's for sure.

MN: With all of the happenings at Gibson Motorsport around Christmas time, it must have really rocked your socks when the team was sold.

GM: The thing that makes you so angry is that people knew about it a long time before we found out. We were the last ones to find out and we are the

"I was wanting to rip someone's head off...

i§

The new warpaint: Murphy and new team-mate Todd Kelly have been busy belting around Phillip Isiand in {Photo by Graeme Neander/Coventry Studios) Kelly’s car in preparation for 2001.

Days include: J|

l 5 laps in a V8 Supercar l Advanced driving technique l Computer data imag^otjfim l Photo certificate^^^ l BBQ lunch For bookings’& furthehufforn

G-Force Motorsport Drive Days Ph: 03 9217 8933 Calder Park Raceway Locked Bag 7, Sunbury U 58

- Murphy on his ‘interesting’ summer

INTERVIEW

zarus ones who suffer the most. You try to be loyal to people and do the right thing and you get stomped on.

MN: So it's safe to say that you're highly motivated for 2001?

GM: I really am. I was pretty worried there for a while about what was going to happen and then, especially when it was going in a direction I didn't want it to go in, I was getting really concerned.

MN: Well let's look at the positives of the situation.

When did the TWR option come into the picture.

GM: It's worked out 10 times better than what I had. It's great for Kmart, it's great for Holden and for Todd (Kelly).

MN; And it's a come-back of sorts for you to HRT for the first time since 1998. The faces are quite familiar still?

GM: Oh yeah, there are heaps of people who are still there from when I was there last. The whole thing is great. It's come together really well.

MN: When you headed to GMS in 1999 it was building

from scratch. There were new cars, new tyres to deal with, new faces and people to work with. Is this situation a lot further ahead in those departments?

GM: We’re a lot further ahead.

We've got a great infrastructure that we're part of and can delve into the information that's already there and work from it, whereas, when Steve and I started at GMS, we were starting from zero.

We had to build everything from scratch and sometimes we would think we were making progress and all that but then we’d fall back again.

Last year we seemed to be making some headway and this year was going to be a better year.

Now, with the infrastructure at TWR, we're in a better position to build.

MN; Just how separate are the two teams - HRT and Kmart Racing?

GM: When we go away to the track, you've got two teams working on four cars, but at the end of the day, we've got all the same stuff going into them.

Because in a situation like that, you can't afford to be running two different 'specs' or

The lucky red undies ain’t designed for your ‘noggin, Murf...

(Photo by API Images) The Kiwi’s happy with his new deal. two different sorts of bits because the bits are coming from the same open door.

Even though we've got our own engineers and mechanics, our own truck and our own workshop, we still delve into the same infrastructure.

W

You try to be loyal to people and do the right thing and you get ir stomped on.

- Greg Murphy

continued on page 60

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59

Belting up: Murphy had Bathurst success with Gibson Motorsport in 1999, while in his last Bathurst with HRT in 1998, above right, bit the concrete in Friday qualifying.

(Photo by Phil Williams)

"I don't want to waste my time, I want to go straight to the point end of it ail and I believe this is the fast track to son - Murphy on linking with TWR We've decided to focus on the first round of the championship and get Todd up and running at the AGP. We don't want to put too much pressure on everyone, so we want to stretch the workload and not make it too chaotic.

continued from page 59 MN: But there's nobody moving from team red to team white, red and blue?

GM: No. They retain basically their same running line and we're just building our own up.

MN: In terms of that infrastructure, is it not much more than a re-badged and re-painted Young Lions team with some more staff?

GM: It's an expansion of that (HYL), for sure. The Young Lions program has been successful in what I was trying to achieve and now that's changed slightly because of the situation.

Todd's grown up now and is a full grown lion. He's going to be a great team-mate. I'm looking forward to working with him and I think the whole thing's just an evolution.MN:This evolution is pretty much the first instance we've seen in V8 racing here as we see with the Hendricks, Roushes and the like in NASCAR, with multiple teams running out of the same ownership and, in some cases, the same facilities. Can you see things going that way in Australia?

GM: Yeah, I can. I really do think that. There are going to be opportunities for some teams to be able to do what has happened here (Kmart/TWR deal).

I think it's the future and people like TWR have the infrastructure and the back-up and can make it happen.

60

Change the car and the number and it’s all the same!

The sprint race format didn’t suit the Gibson cars. That should be different in a TWR car.

(PhKCSyAFt iraagM) With what we've done with Kmart Racing and the Holden Racing Team, I personally think that's the way it's going to go.

MN: You don't turn a wheel in anger until Phillip Island, while Todd's running the AGP this week. The time element obviously caught you out.

GM: Obviously we've been pretty late getting this whole

thing together and a lot of things have been sitting dormant there for a few weeks while everything was put together and finalised.

We're a fair way behind in respect to getting my car up and running for the AGP and, timewise, we were struggling a bit.

The entries were closed and it was going to be difficult to change that and get it happening.

Getting re-acquainted

BATHURST 1998 was Greg Murphy’s last drive in a TWR/HRT car having been a full-time driver for the team in 1997 and a winner at Bathurst, Sandown and in the New Zealand Series in 1996.

So what did he think about being back in a TWR car after two years in Gibson Motorsport Commodores when he drove Todd Kelly’s #15 machine at Phillip Island last week? “(It was) very smooth. Everything’s really easy. The gearbox is really, really good, and feels very crisp and very light. It’s nice to steer, it just feels really smooth.The power’s good and certainly the engine’s a lot stronger than what I’ve been used to for the last two years. It’s just the whole package - it’s a refined package.”

Murphy will drive the ex-Young Lions car(HRT#038) as car #51, which is eventually destined for Paul Romano after undergoing a ‘birthday’ at Dencar over the summer.

-AARON NOONAN

MN: And what are the expectations early on?

GM: I think they should be pretty high. The team are expecting us to do a bloody good job and I'm expecting to do a good job.

Everyone's worked hard to make this happen and this is what I believe the best scenario is for Greg Murphy, so therefore 1 want to make sure I do the best job possible.

I've got the best equipment so I've got to be able to do the job.

MN: So it really was a case of Greg Murphy taking control of Greg Murphy's destiny?

GM: I didn't want to be building from scratch again. I don't want to go for the next couple of years building something from zero.

I've already done that and it's getting a bit lame.

I don't want to waste my time, I want to go straight to the pointy end of it all and I believe this is the fast track to doing so.

MN: But not with #12?

GM: There weren't a lot of good memories about having that number, now that you mention it, so I'm not really too concernedi

E

motorsport news

- 25th

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HYUNDAI’S WRC star Alister McRae has escaped from a high-speed crash in testing.

McRae and stand-in navigator Ian Grindrod emerged shaken but unhurt from the crash in Spain, during which the team was shaking down its new evolution Accent WRCII. The car reportedly hit an earth bank and flipped before rolling.

The Scot is expected to give the new car, which features heavilyrevised engine and transmission, its debut in the Portuguese round of the WRC, which starts on March 8.

“It all happened very fast,” said McRae. “I just ran a little wide in a sixth gear corner and the car touched a bank. This flipped it

into the road and it started to

roll.

“The test had gone very well up to that point, but something like this is always a risk when you’re trying to realise all of a new car’s potential.”

The British-based MSD team is now racing the clock to prepare a new car for McRae and Kenneth Eriksson for the event.

“We’re very pleased with the way the car held up (in the accident),” said MSD’s David Whitehead.

“Although it looks like we won’t be able to use that particular car again, its structural integrity wasn’t compromised. With the feedback we’ve received, it looks as if the new car is definitely a step in the right direction.”

Rally Oz se

WA government TV deal Ke

by PHIL BRANAGAN

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Banking on it: Alister McRae w/hacked his Accent WRC in Sweden, but (Photo by Sutton-lmages) his Spanish crash in WRCII was much worse.

THERE have been major changes to the coverage of the World Rally Championship, with the West Australian government now holding the Australian broadcast rights to all WRC events.

The deal was settled last week between WA State Development Minister Clive Brown and International Sportsworld Communication CEO David Richards, who acquired the TV rights for the series last season. It means that the WA government is now able to negotiate its own local TV for all events, including Telstra Rally Australia.

The government also has a long-

Pedders backs Junior Challenge

NATIONAL suspension giant Pedders will be the major sponsor of the revamped ARN Junior Rally Challenge, which will return in April 2002.

Announcing their involvement in the Pedders/ARN Super Challenge, Pedders Suspension's National Marketing Manager, Scott Pedder, said the company were proud to support the event.

"We see the Pedders/ARN Super Challenge as not only a great way of promoting our product, but of helping to give the young rallying talent of Australia the best possible chance to make it to the top of the sport," Pedder said.

"We can see a big future for the event and think that it will offer young drivers a fantastic chance of showing their skills."

The event will pit drivers aged 25 years of age or younger against each other in a bid to discover Australia's best young rally talent.

62

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The Pedders/ARN Super Challenge will be organised by Australian Rallysport News and will be based in Wangaratta in north-eastern Victoria.

The event will allow drivers from all states to contest the event, provided the drivers and their vehicles comply with the event regulations.

Vehicles must be 2 litres or under, two-wheel drive and normally-aspirated.

The former ARN Junior Rally Challenge, which ran from 1994 until 2000, was responsible for uncovering talented Victorian Cody Crocker, who won the inaugural series in 1994. Crocker drove a Mazda RX5 to victory in the first year, and was subsequently picked up by Team Subaru to drive its Group N Impreza WRX. Further details on the Pedders/ARN Super Challenge can be obtained by contacting (03) 5722 1250.

- PETER WHITTEN

term deal with CAMS to maintain the event in the west.

“The combination of these two agreements will now put an end to speculation about the event’s future in Western Australia, and that it may be poached by another Australian state,” Mr Brown said.

Melbourne Major Events chief Ron Walker said that he had been consulted by Richards about the move, and that he had recommended that the TV rights go to the WA government.

It now appears that the event will stay in the west until at least 2003, with MME now concentrating its efforts on securing the event for Melbourne the following year.

The likely scenario is that, barring the FIA allocating a second WRC in Australia, the Rally of Melbourne, which is based in the forests 50km east of the city, could assume WRC status in 2004.

Meanwhile, Richards’s deal will see a change in host broadcaster in the UK. Next season, the terrestrial TV rights will move to commercial broadcaster Channel 4, with telecasts on each night of the three-day WRC events. Each event will receive three and a half hours of TV, compared to one at present.

WRC events are currently broadcast on the BBC, which lost the Formula One broadcast rights to ITV in 1997. Channel 4 is expected to invest up to $40 million in the championship over the next three years.

Channel 10 will continue to show the events this season, and the network is negotiating for 2002 and beyond.

moiorsport news

RALLY NEWS -D

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upes future

!ps WRC in Perth -inr now

Local TV changes

A MAJOR shake-up in the TV coverage of the Australian Rally Championship will take place for the upcoming season, with the Ten Network taking production in-house.

The changes mean the Project Group, which has produced the coverage for the past three years, will no longer handle the filming or post production of the rally coverage, all of which will now be handled directly by Ten. The shake-up doesn't come without a major hike in costs, with all three ARC manufacturers being asked to up their contributions to the TV production costs by as much 150 percent.

According to one of the manufacturer's representatives, who was not keen to be named, the rise in costs was a bit

alarming, given it came totally out of the blue over Christmas.

The spokesperson said the significant increase is hard to cope with, given that it came so late and well after most had already set budgets for 2001 "That said, Ten has promised to significantly beef up many aspects of the coverage, with more cameras and satellite up link facilities at every round and that, obviously, comes at a cost," said our source.

"But it would have been better to have had some time to plan for it.

There are still a lot of things to be finalised yet but, generally, I believe the move will be a good one and will sort out a lot of the problems we have had with the coverage."

-JON THOMSON

Parker for WRC FOLLOWING hot on the heels of her former hushand Glenn Macneal, West Australian Claire Parker has announced she has a ride in this year’s World Rally Championship.

Parker is to climb aboard a World Championship Group N car with British driver Natalie Barrett for at least two European WRC events this year.

With a busy workload in Perth, where she works for the Eventscorp organisation on Telstra Rally Australia, Parker is happy to do a limited number of WRC

events this year, but is thrilled with the prospect.

“Natalie and I have been talking almost constantly since we met at last year’s Rally Australia, trying to put something together,” she said just before departing to prepare for the upcoming Rally of Portugal.

“The program is for two events at this point with an option for more.

“After that, we go on to Catalonia, and that weTl see what happens,” she said.

- JON THOMSON

More for Carlsson SWEDEN’S young rally sensation Daniel Carlsson is to contest the Raily of Portugal for the first time.

Carlsson, 24, sprang a surprise by finishing seventh on the Swedish Rally in an outdated Corolla World Rally Car, beating Swedish veteran Kenneth Eriksson and a clutch of highlyrated Finns in the process.

He will again drive a Corolla in Portugal, with Stig Blomqvist's vastljt experienced former navigator Benny Melander guiding him.

Carlsson will face stiff opposition not only from the six works teams, but also a brace of Scandinavian and European young guns.

Together. Carlsson and Melander.

He will have to contend with the similar Corollas of Finn Tapio Laukkanen and Norwegian Fetter ' Solberg’s brother Henning, and Portugal’s Rui Madeira and Adruzilo Lopes(Ford Focus) and Belgium’s Kris Princen in a Peugeot 206.

Rally Portugal starts on March' 8.

-JONTHOMSON

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We’re on 10: Oastler, Rust, Bates and Taylor will stay on 10for 2001.

1 March 2001

63

s

IMON Wills and Team Dynamik got off to a stellar start to the 2001 Konica V8 Supercar Series at Wakefield Park on the weekend,the Kiwi winning two of the three races in addition to taking pole position.

While Wills had perhaps the fastest car of the weekend over both a one-lap flier and a race run, the spotlight also was cast on fellow open-wheeler graduates Leanne Femer(Valvoline/GRM) and Paul Dumbrell (Wynn’s/GMS).

Ferrier impressed with a calm and calculating drive, only beaten to the chequer by Wills in race three after a small brake lock-up, having led the entire distance. The former Formula Fordster ended up second for the day, while Dumbrell picked up his first racing win in cars since graduating from karts, winning the reverse grid race two in a lights to flag performance.

Michael Simpson upheld the honour for Ford in the ex-Besnard EL,finishing fourth on the day ahead of David ‘Truckie’Parsons in the second GMS VT. The level of competition and presentation has clearly been raised in the Shell Series-feeder category and that’s not a bad thing

Dynamik

A chequered weekend: Simon Wills, above left, overcame race two delays to pick up the round win for Team Dynamik and the Kiwi joined Paul Dumbrell and Leanne Ferrier on the podium at day’s end.

And the Konica girls as well ... {Photos by Dirk Klynsmith) 1 f -

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Open wheeler graduates Simon Wills, Leanne Ferrier and Paul Dumbrell filled the podium in the Konica Series' opening round for 2001.

AARON NOONAN was there to see the first V8 race at Goulburn's Wakefield Park 64

moiorsoort news

j.

' l *

Monica V8 series at all. A claimed 8152 fans turned out to see the new cars and faces as well as the existing ones in what is shaping up to be an exciting championship chase.

By the time qualifying had ended for the Konica Series opener, you could be forgiven that you’d accidently stumbled into a Formula Holden event.

With Birrana Racing running Simon Wills’ car, NRC Racing and the Wynn’s team on hand, open wheeler experience looked to be a V hiritvu good idea!

It would be cniel to say that Wakefield Park is in the middle of nowhere(when it’s only a short drive down the road from Goulbum), but when the sun beats down like it did If we call Bargwanna ‘Bargs’ and Tander ‘GT’, what do we nickname Ferrier? during Saturday,then the comment (Photo by Bob Potts) The Valvoline driver impressed many in her V8 debut, taking two seconds and second overall. comes to life, usually in the red sunburn that it causes ...

Now, being the track owner from Wills on a hot lap. He wanted to put a time in the bank. I Such was the heat, it was hard doesn’t hurt, but Garry Holt’s sixth survived buzzing the engine in found eight-tenths by driving with to wander around the paddock spot effort was a little bit of a practice, shifting from second to a bit more ‘mongrel’.” without getting stuck to the first, instead of third ... surprise.

Owen Kelly, in the JFR VS rapidly melting bitumen.

Nevertheless, the ex-Longhurst The Still, a lm00.73s was enough to which he was running with his own crew for EL was looking nice in its new edge out Simpson, who had Ross uncertainty of Stone on hand for the weekend to the weekend in the livery and was ahead of Parsons, just who would who had a nice and simple excuse oversee things (which was part of do what in this same mould as Ryan as to why he was seventh. the deal when the Queenslander McLeod did last year, first qualifying “Too old ...” he laughed. was second for the bought the car last year) and session was Ric Shaw was eighth in the dropped down the timesheets to - Sale Brede majority of the session, perhaps its debut of the Bob Tindal-built VS, fifth after being on pole on two but Brede put in a highlight, with Mai Rose behind. occasions. pearler on his last flier after a though by the end it really was “Trying to pull these cars up is quick pit stop for an adjustment.

Formula Holden, not just in terms continued on page 66 the hardest thing,” the former Dale missed pole by less than of the teams, but in terms of the Formula Ford/HQ/GTP driver two-tenths, but it was a great cars in the top four positions. debut by the NRC team and Brede, reported.

In his debut for Team D3mamik, who was often overshadowed in Simon Wills picked up the first Formula Holden, was looking pole award, but only after trading TIME GSR POS NO DRIVER strong and the testing program times with Michael Simpson, a 1:00.3922 1 73 Simon Wills Team Dynamik Commodore VT undertaken over the summer was real surprise packet 1:00.5775 2 90 Dale Brede NRC Racing Commodore VT in the ex-Besnard paying dividends.

1:00.6122 Thermo King/JFR Commodore VS 3 96 Owen Kelly SBR Ford EL. “We’re really rapt actually, our aim all weekend was to be on the 4 80 Paul Dumbrell While Dale Brede Wynn’s/Forbes Corp Commodore VT 1:00.7321 1:00.7605 front row of the grid,” he said. had dipped into the 5 93 Michael Simpson OLD Vehicle Warranty Falcon EL one-minute bracket to 1:00.9800 Kelly was third, despite Onefone/E'Creek Karts Falcon EL 6 20 Garry Holt suffering a headache earlier, but 1:01.0080 be quickest in second 7 82 David Parsons Forbes Corp Commodore VT his track experience in the BMW practice, it was hotter 8 49 Ric Shaw Ric Shaw/Auto One Commodore VS 1:01.1996 Super Tourer wasn’t hurting and come qualifying, 9 44 Mai Rose Supercar Experience Commodore VS 1:01.2571 Beth (the nickname bestowed on though the increased 1:01.3031 Valvoline/GRM Commodore VT 10 33 Leanne Ferrier track time and the car by builders HRT)was still 11 145 Geoff Full www.discpads.com.au/RPM Int Falcon EL1:01.5118 showing good pace despite its age. experience on the 1:01.8774 Actron Air Falcon AD 12 89 Kevin Mundy “I’ve got all intentions of doing track for everybody 1:01.9784 meant that there was Castrol Harris Falcon AU the whole championship. We’re 13 88 Craig Harris 1:02.0721 room for the times to taking it round-by-round but one 14 500 Alan Heath Power/Coopers Falcon AU fall. way or another we’ll make it Terry Wyhoon Racing Commodore VS 1:02.2323 15 25 Terry Wyhoon happen,” he said.

Wills put in a 1:02.2574 All Trans-Trucks Falcon EL 16 56 Luke Sieders lm01.2s, before “It’s pretty much the same (deal 1:02.4090 Team SA Falcon EL 17 59 Adam Wallis as McLeod),‘there’s the car there, Simpson undercut it 1:02.8596 18 81 Tim Rowse Rowse Motorsport Commodore VS find yourself a truck, get some twice, though the 1:03.0166 The Race Centre Falcon AU 19 87 Rod Salmon Kiwi went back out in guys and go and race. Oh yeah, 1:03.1077 GM Motorsport Commodore VS the ex-Gibson car and 20 111 PhonsyMullan bring it back all shiny and new!

1:03.1462 Paul Dumbrell was fourth in the 3M Racing Falcon EL 21 61 Ross Halliday nailed pole with a 1:03.2882 lm00.3922s. ex-Richards Wynn’s VT, with Alan 22 77 Richard Mork V8racing.com Commodore VS “It was a lot better 1:03.5546 Heaphy and Rod Smith overseeing 23 60 Scott March Evers Motorsport Commodore VS the two-car operation; David on new rubber,” 1:03.5823 The Xerox Shop Commodore VS 24 37 Bill Attard ‘Truckie’Parsons in the plain reported the two-time 1:03.9698 25 84 Daniel Miller Air Liquide Commodore VS white #82 car.

Gold Star champ.

“The first run I ‘PD’ wasn’t feeling the best with took it a bit too the heat and being sick wasn’t helping, nor did getting a baulk complacent and 65

L'

"Our aim all we^end was to be on the front row of the grid"

( Qualifying"^

mss Rond 1 iflfakefflelil PariK

Wakefield Park In Brief n While Con Toparis was entered in the RPM International EL Falcon, it was Geoff Full who instead picked up the drive in the car after what car owner Terry Steer termed "contractual obligations not being met." Full will join Dean Canto in the AU for the Queensland 500 and FAI 1000. n Following in the steps of greatness: The new Wakefield Park media centre would be a bit familiar to athletes from the Sydney Olympics. It was one of thousands of temporary accomodation units used at the Games and the track reportedly has plans to bring more of them to the site for trackside accomodation. n Gibson Motorsport had two cars at the opening round of the series, though they were entered under the Bob Forbes Corporation banner. With Paul Dumbreli in the Wynn's car, he was joined by David 'Truckle' Parsons, who is intending to simply increase his racing miles with an eye on the enduros with a few KV8SS rounds. Dumbrell's car won in Steven Richards' hands at Canberra and Calder, while Parsons' is the one he raced in Challenge colours in 1999. n Joining in: Kevin Mundy was a new name to V8s. Formerly of the Daewoo Series, Munday has bought the ex-Greenfield AU and shared space with Craig Harris’ newlyliveried Castrol car. Ironically, John McLean was re-united with the exGreenfield car, having left Rod Salmon's outfit to join Harris, n Picking up his best Konica Series qualifying result was Garry Holt. In addition to that, his team also picked up the backing of Onefone, which manages the retail outlets for One.Tel phones. n OzEmail goes Konica racing?

Well, no, but sort of. The BJR truck was in the paddock, though carrying Rod Salmon's Oneworld AU. Graham Jenkins was on hand to help out the former rallyman, who missed the races with a chronic migraine.

-AARON NOONAN

continued from page 65 Rounding out the top 10 was Leanne Perrier taking it nice and steady in the Valvoline #33 machine,formerly driven by Jason Bargwanna.

Geoff Full was 11th in the RPM International Falcon, which won the series in Dean Canto’s hands last year. Full was a late replacement for Con Toparis (see briefs) and in an unfamiliar car and track was doing alright.

In fact, the top 11 was covered by 1.1s, a stat which really illustrates the increased quality and competitiveness of the Konica Series.

Race 1(19 laps)

The weather in the Wakefield area of the world couldn’t have been any different on Sunday, grey cloud cover and overcast conditions greeting all and sundry.

That meant that the times tumbled and Simpson was quickest in the waiTn-up, setting a lm00.13s,the quickest all weekend.

By the time the lights went green, it was Brede who got the grip right and charged into the lead with Wills in tow.

The Kiwi was quickly through at Wakefield Park turn before the lap was over and left Brede to get swamped by Kelly and Simpson, who both carved their way past on lap two.

Wills quickly banged in the fastest lap of the race(and the weekend to that point)on lap four (ImOO.OSs)and held a constant advantage over Simpson until the Safety Car wandered out onto the track because ofAlan Heath’s cai-, stranded on the exit ofthe last turn.

'That closed Simpson and Kelly back up to the boot of the Team Dynamik car, but neither had the speed to stick right on the Kiwi and he held a safe buffer to the flag.

Simpson matched him for lap times, while Kelly played it cool and conservative to round out the

Everyone’s a Wynner: Paul Dumbreli, above, led the entire second race but got spun around in race three, only snaring the final podium spot on the last lap of R3. Craig Flarris, below, had problems of his own.

Fle's in amongst all that sand somewhere ...

(Photos by Dirk Klynsmith and John Morris/Mpix)

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top three, Brede was the best of the rest in fourth, while Parsons grabbed fifth as a result of a clash between Holt and Shaw,the former punting the latter at the final turn, Dumbrell found an interesting way of scoring pole for race two.

While he finished 10th, the Wynn’s driver survived a wild ride through the dirt coming onto the pit straight as well as a separate spin to score pole ,„ Perrier continued to improve, growing more confident with herself and the car in finishing eighth behind Holt and Harris having got as high as sixth, while Rose followed the Valvohne car home.

Full’s first Ford run came to an abrupt end, pitting early with a sticking throttle before the problem was rectified and he re joined a few laps down.

Race 2(17 laps)

With the reverse top 10, Dumbrell and Rose occupied the front row

“We were worried about it(being stuck in the field) happening and it has,” said Wills, Dumbrell had to fight offthe advances ofan inspired Mai Rose, who was relegated to fourth by a charging Femer,and Parsons, who filled the hole which Leanne created.

As hard as ‘Tmckie’pushed, Ferrier held her ground and was a deserved second, which should shut up many of her critics who said she was going to struggle, Simpson’s charge through the field came to nought when he went off at the end of the front straight on lap nine, buried in the sand, ‘Td just passed Parsons and the warning light for the temperature came on and before I knew it, I was at the corner and spun into the ditch,” said Michael, Kelly also was in strife, limping into the pits to retire with bent steering after an opening lap tangle.

The retirements and drama of a few helped Harris get fifth with Shaw behind, but perhaps the drive

SHERRIFFS MINI-CARS //

Welcomes You to

The 2001 Qantas Australian Grand Prixtt Our temporary shop is now open and will close 12th March 2001 8 Spencer Street,(near Flinders Street Corner) Melways Ref: Map 2F-A7 Mobile: 0417 647 649

stock Top: Ferrari F300 M. Schumacher 1998 Left: McLaren Mercedes MP 4-13 M. Hakkinen

Right: Jordan Mugen Honda 198 1998 Below: Williams Mecachrome FW20 J. Villeneuv

I don’t care what you say, I’m not driving with Skippy again, it’s ail too hard: David Truckie’ Parsons and Alan Heaphy confer.

(Photo by Difk Klynsmilh)

and to put it simply, Dumbrell made a gun start and did nothing but lead the entire race distance to win his first car race, “We were really saving the tyres for the last race,” grinned the 18year-old, “I wasn’t impressed about the Safety Car period (which occured on lap nine to fetch Simpson’s Ford from the sand) which scrubbed the lead but it was really nice to get out and do it in the fashion we did,” While he had no dramas at the front, Wills and the like at the back half of the inversion had a shocker. The race one winner got bounced off the road at the opening turn with Shaw and Full also heading bush.

He was delayed later when Holt spun at turn one but managed to finish seventh, both he and Malcolm Ramsay not happy about the inversion format for the races.

1 March 2001

of the race was Teny Wyhoon, Running with no funding apart from his own pocket in the nearly ancient VS Commodore,the former NASCAR winner charged from the back of the grid after a R1 DNF to end up eighth ahead of Adam Wallis in the Team SA car, Brede struggled to make progress and ended up 10th, after a collision with Holt which later was found to have caused severe damage to the right front tyre’s deadlock, the Canberra driver lucky to make it to the end without a tyre blowing, ,

"I wasn't impressed about the Safety Car period II

-Dumbrell on his race two lead which disappeared continued on page 68

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Monica V8 series KoBica Rd 1

WakefleldPark

S/3 09 Rk« 1(19 UBS) POS DRIVER

R«CniME/UPS

ERSTEST

Wills 20:35.0054 20:36.1134 Simpson 3 20:39.0602 Kelly 4 Brede 20:43.9956 5 Parsons 20:48.2056 6 Holt 20:48.9401 7 Harris 20:50.2874 Ferrier 20:50.5386 Rose 9 20:51.5118 10 Dumbrell 20:56.3881 II Shaw 20:57.9254 12 Wallis 20:58.7231 13 Rowse 21:06.4893 14 March 21:06.7804 21:14.1782 15 Halliday 21:17.5560 16 Mundy 17 Mullan 21:23.7411 18 Attard 16 laps 19 Heath 16 laps 20 Full 14 laps DNF Sieders 6 laps DNF Wyhoon DNS Mork, Miller, Salmon

1:00.0527 1:00.3237 1:00.4480 1:01.0231 1:01.1924 1:00.8636 1:01.3605 1:01.4185 1:01.5884 1:00.3386 1:01.4632 1:02.0628 1:02.6934 1:02.5003 1:02.8061 1:01.5081 1:01.8805 1:02.9731 1:01.8507 1:01.7565 1:01.7397 3:26.6615

Bace 2(II UBS) 1 Dumbrell 22:34.3739 2 Ferrier 22:34.9255 3 Parsons 22:35.6152 4 Rose 22:38.3470 5 Harris 22:43.1510 6 Shaw 22:44.4275 7 Wills 22:48.0780 22:49.7102 8 Wyhoon 9 Wallis 22:53.2222 10 Brede 22:55.6120 11 Mullan 22:56.0144 12 Sieders 22:59.0323 13 Holt 23:02.0267 14 March 23:03.1916 15 Attard 23:07.1659 23:11.9695 16 Simpson 23:26.1598 17 Mundy 18 Rowse 16 laps 16 laps 19 Halliday DNF Full 14 laps DNF Kelly 1 lap DNF Heath 1 lap DNS Mork, Miller, Salmon

1:01.1905 1:00.9451 1:01.0186 1:01.5028 1:01.4613 1:01.7348 1:00.7322 1:01.7999 1:02.1777 1:01.1780 1:02.1287 1:01.3362 1:01.3873 1:02.6759 1:03.3902 1:01.1515 1:01.2104 1:02.6517 1:03.6327 1:02.1739 5:48.6403 6:19.1278

RlCt3l17)lfl() 1 Wills 24:21.3304 24:21.8124 2 Ferrier 24:29.4891 3 Simpson 4 Rose 24:30.7188 24:34.6761 5 Wyhoon 6 Full 24:35.1984 7 Dumbrell 24:35.5892 8 Parsons 24:36.9762 9 Mullan 24:39.5486 10 Heath 24:46.3765 II March 24:46.6854 12 Attard 24:48.3317 24:55.4177 13 Halliday 14 Sieders 25:12.1197 15 Brede 16 laps 16 Mundy 15 laps DNF Harris 18 laps DNF Rowse 15 laps DNF Kelly 4 laps DNF Shaw 2 laps DNF Holt 2 laps DNS Wallis, Mork, Miller, Salmon.

1:00.8510 1:01.0491 1:01.4140 1:02.0978 1:02.0898 1:02.2122 1:01.5111 1:01.2020 1:02.6206 1:01.6563 1:03.1656 1:03.1648 1:03.8938 1:01.7678 1:01.7561 1:01.6177 1:01.9007 1:03.2486 1:04.3692 1:09.1996 1:08.8181

Points after round one: Wills 234, Ferrier 210, Dumbrell 190, Simpson 186, Parsons 184, Rose 180, Brede 148, Mullan 124, March 120, Harris 116, Wyhoon 112, Attard 108, Halliday 104, Shaw 102, Mundy 100, Holt 98, Wallis 90, Full 84, Sieders8M|e£^74J<ell^72^^^^^^

continued from page 67

Race 3(17 laps)

While there was some muttering up and down pitlane about the reverse top 10 system and its consequences for race three, the results of race two determined the race three start.

However, Dumbrell bogged down fi'om pole, allowing Ferrier to burst into the lead, one which the Valvoline driver built to a handy size, especially considering the opening few laps and the action it involved.

Brede got served off the road by Mullan at turn one and pitted to change the rear tyres, while Parsons looped it on oil in lap two, leaving Ferrier in clear air as the fast cars in Wills and Simpson were stuck in the pack.

Dumbrell was the next to go, spun by Shaw on the same lap and dropping to 21st. Trying to avoid Dumbrell, Kelly took to the grass and copped a spoiler full of grass which clogged it right up. u Rather than finish ninth and blow the motor it was better to put it in the truck,” he said.

Amazingly, Ferrier was in the lead by the virtual country mile and it was only going to take bad luck or a mistake for her to be stopped. After three laps, the gap was six seconds ...

That didn’t stop Wills though, passing both Rose and Harris to gi-ab second and set off in pursuit of Ferrier, who, after five laps, was 7.9s up and driving away!

Leanne’s worst nightmare struck on lap nine when the dreaded Safety Car board came out for Mundy’s car in the sand at turn one and when it went green on lap 15, the Kiwi was all over the bumper of the GRM car.

However, Ferrier didn’t lie down and there was simply nowhere for Simon to pace. He himself admitted at the post-race press conference that he wouldn’t have been able to pass her unless she had made a mistake.

Which she did.

It was only a little one, but running up the inside of the road a One mistake; This was the only wheel Simpson put wrong, (jamss smith)

System needs tweaking

THE main talking point at Wakefield Park seemed to be the reverse grid second race and its consequences for both drivers at the front and rear of it.

There were mutterings of sandbagging and the like and clearly there are some imperfections in the system. Perhaps awarding more points in race one will reward those having a good weekend before their day potentially turns to muck and discourage any form of sandbagging.

Paul Dumbrell could have carried off the weekend, even after finishing 10th in race one. The race two format and his car speed (as well as track position) could have been enough to win the round seeing that the race three grid was set on race two results, rather than aggregate points, a far more equitable system.

Just as the Safety Car can make or break you, the reverse format does that too. It's just another variable to spice up the racing and it worked. As an example, in race three it was the grid format which 'made' Ferrier and the SC which broke her. For Wills, it was the other way around.

And it's not a reverse grid race anyway. If it was, then the guy who finished 25th would start 1st. It's an inverted 10 if anything ...

- AARON NOONAN

"Rather than finish ninth and hiow the motor it was better to put it in the truckn - Owen Kelly on race 3DNF smidgeon more than usual to cover the line into the middle hairpin left the #33 car running \vide and a gap big enough for #73 to drive through and take the win.

Wills only had to finish second to wrap up the round, but there’s nothing like making sure, is there?

Harris had been stacking them up behind him before a big lose at the end of the straight which beached the Castrol car, allowing

Simpson to get third ahead of Rose and another sterling effort from Wyhoon.

The third podium position was decided on the last lap. Simpson had it, but after a mature drive through the field to ninth, Dumbrell picked up the final step on the dias when two cars fell off on the last lap, giving him seventh for the race behind Full.

He was congratulated on the effort by a race official, as well as handed a $500 fine for dangerously re-entering the track after the race one spin ...

Oran Park hosts round two of the series on March 17/18 with a handful of other cars to join in the action.

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Read first in Cpitd

B/lr 300 wants to win first Nats since 19911a Twotime IHRA World AUSTRALIA'S greatest ever drag racer, Jim Read, has filed the first entry for the 35th annual ANDRA Nationals, scheduled for Calder Park Raceway on March 15-17.

Read, who has won the Nationals a record 10 times and recently became the first racer outside North America to break the 300mph barrier, submitted his entry to ANDRA on the morning of the first day acceptances were taken - the veteran believing this year's event to be one of the most important in its history with the sanctioning body having taken over the promotion of the event when the Bob Jane organisation withdrew just weeks ago.

"ANDRA's decision to take up the promotion of this year's Australian Nationals is a giant leap forward," said Read.

"All racers have a part to play in making sure that this is the biggest and most successful

First in, best dressed: Jim Read (Photo by Marshal!Cass!

Nationals ever. It should receive the support of all racers and everyone should participate in a spirit of co-operation and goodwill."

Amazingly, Read, who has actively campaigned in Top Fuel for over 25 years, has not won a

Nationals title since 1990 in Perth.

Conflicts in sponsorship between Read's previous sponsor, Winfield, and Calder Park's Quit anti-tobacco backing kept the veteran away from the event between 1992 and 1995, although he has contested every event since.

Read's entry is a strong indication of his belief in the importance of the Nationals and one that might point to the veteran trying to secure the event for the Western Sydney Motorplex, which is in the process of receiving final approval from the New South Wales State Government.

Having once received backing from the Melbourne Major Events Corporation, the securing of the Nationals by WSM, which pumps around $10 million into the local community, would be seen as a coup by Read and Sydney.

- GERALD McDORNAN

Nationals grows

OVER $200,000 in prizemoney will be offered at this year’s Nationals, with ANDRA having finalised its payment and contingency schedules last week.

The total on offer at the Nationals brings the Australian Drag Racing’s Series worth to in excess of $1.3 million, making it one of the richest motor racing series in the country.

ANDRA CEO Tony Thornton said the financial offerings of the Nationals, along with the prestige of winning the annual ‘Big Go,’ had proven to be an attractive lure, with over 300 entries already received for the event.

"We’ve just finished entering our first lot of mail which contained over 170 entries and there’s another pile that has just arrived that looks just as big as the first," Thornton told Motorsport News on Friday.

"The response to competitors has been quite amazing and I think we’ll exceed our highest expectations of400 entries without two many dramas next week."

70

They’re back: A Funny Car match race will run at the Nationals.

(Photo by John Winkler/Thunderpics)

Thornton said that while entries closed last Friday, the late notice of the promotion of the Nationals and the current mail situation meant they would continue to process late arrivals until the end of this week.

Thornton also said the advertising campaign for the event was now under way (see advertisement this issue), with the campaign ‘cranking up’ over the next week.

"The advertisements look great and the television and radio commercials, I believe, will work exceptionally well, so we’re expecting a great event."

An interesting feature of the print advertisement in this issue is the mention of a Funny Car match race, with Melbourne racer Garry McGrath, who will again run his Top Fuel dragster for Terry Sainty, expected to contest a two or three round series against the Queensland-based Bailey Brothers.

McGrath has only recently landed an ex-Joe Gibbs/Cruz Pedregon 2000 Pontiac Firebird body for his car, with the extra aerodynamic downforce of the body expected to help his car improve on its previous, consistent 5.5sec bests.

- GERALD McDORNAN

EXCLUSIVE by GERALD McDORNAN TROY Critchley, out of a job since his split with Johnny Rocca at the end of last season, has landed a plum ride in time for both the IHRA and NHRA Pro Modified seasons.

Talking exclusively to Motorsport News, Critchley said he has secured a contract to drive for Roy Singleton’s Majesty Homes team, replacing dual IHRA Pro Modified champion TommjMauney.

“I went to bed on Sunday night thinking I had no ride and on Monday Roy rang me and hired me for the job,” Critchley said.

Critchley replaces Mauney in Singleton’s ‘41 Willys, ironically built by Mauney, which is powered by a blown Chev - the combination the same one used by Mauney to record a number of 6.2 second elapsed times last season.

“I’m not quite sure of the politics, but Roy has hired me for the ride and I’m really excited about the opportunities presented.

“The engine combination is strong and Tommy’s cars are also capable of running at the pointy end,so the opportunities for Troy Critchley to improve on last year are certainly there.”

The Australian met Singleton through former Pro Mod champ Scotty Cannon, Singleton having originally been an associate sponsor of Cannon’s IHRA efforts.

“We started talking about moving his operation over from nitrous to blowers last year and that’s how we really got to know each other. Roy went with Tommy at the time, so it was really nice to receive his call last Monday.”

Critchley said his working partner and Kobelco blowers chief, Darren Meyer, who was employed by Johnny Rocca as a tuning consultant last year, will also join the team.

“It’s all looking fairly exciting at the moment. We’ve got a major pre-season test session coming up at Virginia Motorsport Park in two weeks motorsport nows

DRAG RACING

iley lands a ride

Champ Tommy Mauney dumped for Aussie Pro Modified star

Polito’s Firebird Nationais flight?

WHISPER are still suggesting that three-time Nationals Pro Stock winner Joe Polito will run at the Nats in a brand new Pontiac Firebird and not his Ford Probe.

The rumours have Polito having pieced together the combination of a Jerry Bickel-buiit Pontiac and a 358 cubic inch Pro Stock Truck engine for his sponsor, Truckmate.

Whether the rumours are true, only time will tell. But, if they are, expect the time it takes Polito to cover the Calder Park quarter-mile to reduce significantly... n While on the subject of Pontiac Firebirds, Melbourne Super Stock racer Bruno Cavallo is racing against time to get his car finished in time for the Nationals. Cavailo's car, which was crashed at Calder Park in November, has been repaired by chassis builder Wayne Rowe and has already visited Fairbank Panels for paint. If the car makes the Nationals, look for it to be a hitter with a new engine combo...

Colourful new clothes: Troy Critchley's new ride is this radical 1941 Willy’s, albeit with a blower motor.

(Photo by David Ostaszewki)

and I’m sure everything wiU work well.”

Quite distinct from when he worked with Rocca, where Rocca kept his name in the spotlight hy not putting Critchley’s name on the car,

truck or any merchandise, Singleton appears to he happy to play team owner...

“Ye^,the arrangement is a fair hit different and,I suppose, that can only he good for me. Finishing in the top 10

the past two years has certainly helped - everyone knew who was driving and preparing Johnny’s car anyway - hut having my name around the place will only he good.

Fuel engine meratepium IN an effort to curb the possibilities offurther escalating performances and. increased costs to teams,the; NHRA has issued a memo to li Top Fuel and Funny Car teaif announcing a moratorium on all new engine designs.

The moratorium, which is effective immediately and remaii in place until further notified, ai necessitates that all engine beini used in competition comply with five criteria; - maximum 4.800 bore centre!

- max. cam centreline of 5.40C -intake valve angles of35 degr( (plus or minus 1 degree) - exhaust valve angles of 21 _ degrees (plus or minus 1 ' degree) J - engine design was used in competition on or before ' February 1, 2001 ^ It is beheved one manufactm-eij was close to introducing a new j desmodromic-style engine, with th

perceived advantages ofthe valv^ activation system thought to be at to lead towards better performing and more rehable engines.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI 1 March 2001

n ANDRA has appointed the Sydney-based Australian Video and Entertainment(AVE) to produce its coverage of the 2001 Nationals.

AVE will commit its Speedweek program to two one hour specials highlighting the professional categories, while all other brackets will receive exposure on the solidlyrating Speedweek program with individual segments.

It is believed the first Nationals program will go to air in early April, around three weeks after the event. n Around 20 cars are expected to run at Calder Park next Sunday In a private, pre-Nationals test and tune session. All the serious names in the sport in Melbourne are believed to have shelled out around $300 each to have the track prepared for the single-day hit-out.

- GERALD McDORNAIM

STOP PRESS: Ridgeway injured

I The power within: A moratorium on nitro engines has been announced (Photo by Gerald McDornan) by the National Hot Rod Association.

TWO-time Australian Pro Stock Champion Peter Ridgeway has been seriously injured in a home accident and there are concerns he may miss the Nationals.

Ridgeway seriously cut his left hand late last week and underwent three hours of micro and plastic surgery to fix the injury.

While he is confident he will be able to race his Speedflow/No Fear/John William Auto Sales Olds at the Nationals, Ridgeway will have to receive medical clearance before the event.

-GERALD McDORNAN 71

fjeneralion X; The new 2001 Muslun^ claimed ils first win in NHRA competition.

I/'I-.I.:

O, Ult>-Ln

Force gets Coil's 100th

Superwrench tunes drag racing’s Superstar to 93rd career Funny Car title

THE question has been asked whether John Force will become the first competitor in NHRA history to win 100 national events this year, but Force has been beaten to the mark, albeit by his own crew chief, Austin Coil.

Force and Coil combined to notch up their 93rd victory at the CSK Nationals in Phoenix and, combined with the seven victories he scored with Frank Flawley and the famed 'Chi-Town Flustler' jn the early '80s, Coil secured his 100th win.

The win came at a venue the two have dominated, winning seven of the past eight years this time, Pomona winner Bruce Server the final round victim while it also came over the quickest Funny Car field in history, with Gary Densham's 4.961 second run relegating three other four-second runners to DNQ status.

"I thought Sarver was going to come around me because my hot rod was nosing over, but I kept my foot on the gas and killed the engine," an excited Force said.

"This thing was slinging Castrol all over the place, but it didn't matter as we got Coil his 100th win.

72

"There's some bad old teams out here now. Cannon, Snake's guys ... and Funny Car is going to be tough this year, but I've got Coil and [Berniej Fedderly and a bunch of other guys that will keep us up top."

Force still recorded a 4.92/285 lap to win, Sarver losing the clutch having run in the fours all weekend.

Pomona non-qualifier. Dean Skuza sat his Mopar Parts Dodge Avenger on the pole with a 4.805/308 - the effort the quickest pass for a flopper since the enactment of the 90-percent rule. Skuza lost in the first round to Densham.

Doug Kalitta re-visited the winner's circle, earning career win number six as he defeated rookie Joe Amato team driver and Pomona victor, Darrell Russell in the final round - 4.62/309 to a tyre-smoking 7.41/111.

Kalitta's win denied Russell of becoming only the second rookie to score wins in his first two professional starts, a feat accomplished by now three-time Winston Champion Gary Sceizi in 1997.

After struggling in qualifying, carding only one good pass, Kalitta laid down four solid passes

Star maker: Austin Coil was as coo! as ever-while Force was taking yet another nitro Funny Car win.

i

(Photo by David Osi

t

^ .

TOMS pofaekucom

DRAG RACING Is it Meitco time?

WHILE Darrell Russell's Joe Amatoowned fueller has appeared in virgin (or should we say 'rookie') white for the previous seven rounds of racing Pomona and Phoenix, for the final in Phoenix it mysteriously appeared with Mateo Tools signage. Could it have been the Mateo Tools people trying some one-upmanship on the rival Mac Tools and their final-winning Doug Kalitta car? Obviously... n A fair amount of the credit for the great performances in all professional categories at Firebird International Raeway must go to the new racing surface, with the concrete launch pad now extended out to the half-track mark.

That said, Whit Bazemore's comments were spot on the mark (and that's been a rarity over the last couple of years) in regards to the Funny Cars, saying the class has never been stronger.

Again, Top Fuel couldn't make the numbers up for a full field, but the Funny Car ranks had eight drivers head home after qualifying.

Mac Attack: Doug Kalitta ‘flew’ in Uncle Connie's Mac Tools fueller, winning his sixth NHRA Top Fuel title. with the Mac Tools fueller, tuned

by Uncle Connie Kalitta, to take out Aussie David Grubnic, Larry Dixon, Kenny Bernstein and Russell.

"We really struggled early here," said Kalitta.

"We shook on every run during qualifying except for the last one and this morning we barely made it up here for round one because we had engine trouble and had to swap out two motors.

"This is a win we'll remember and, hopefully, one that will put us on track for a shot at the championship."

Andrew Cowin once again put the Cowin Family Racing/K&N Filters dragster into the middle of the field with a ninth best 4.65/312 and, like in Pomona, had to face Russell in the opening round. Russell again won, although this race was a little closer - 4.65/309 to 4.77/306.

Like Skuza in Funny Car, Mike Dunn recorded the quickest 90percent run, although he matched the 4.521 second et to a jawdropping 328.22mph - the second fastest run in history.

Dunn smoked the tyres in the second round against Russell.

Five-time Winston Champion Warren Johnson claimed his 82nd Pro Stock victory, posting a winning 6.92/199 in the final round to stop Brad Jeter's 6.96/198 - the difference at the finish line, thanks to Jeter's

From zero to hero and back again: Dean Skuza dmfd in Pomona, ran the quickest time ever in Phoenix and then lost in the first round...

(Phoios by David Osuuzt'wski)

a

n Independent racer Craig Smith tried to fill out the field in Top Fuel, although he lost his only run when he smacked the wall and the run was not allowed. Smith had tried to do what he did in Pomona - wait until the last qualifier before making an appearance - but that decision bit back hard. Not only did Smith not receive the US$9,000 first round money, but he also damaged both his engine and chassis...

UfltOOQi

holeshot, just one-thousandth of a second.

The win was the first for Pontiac’s new Grand Am Pro Stocker, WJ joining with his son, Pomona winner Kurt, in having put GM's new cars - the Grand Am and the Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 - into the winner's circle.

"We're extremely happy with this car considering the short amount of time we had to get it ready for competition this season," Johnson said.

"Kurt and I have been getting back in shape now for a while. It's one of those cases where you keep your nose to the grindstone and good things end up happening.

"We're in the points lead now, but the only time you need to be

in the lead is after the last race."

Together, the Johnsons have won the last five NHRA events (including last season) and eight of the last 12.

In the Pro Sportsman categories, familiar faces were again seen in the winner's circle with Rick Santos and Pat Austin winning the Federal-Mogul Dragster and Funny Car classes.

Santos downed Mark Hentges 5.45/259 to 5.53/257 in the final, while Austin defeated Steve Gasparrelli.

David Baca, who recorded an all-time quick 5.22 in Pomona with his nitro-injected dragster, set the speed record in Phoenix at a whopping 274.44 mph, topping 270mph three times.

n Mike Edwards' top qualifying 6.886 second run in Pro Stock was the first time Edwards had taken the number one spot at a national event.

Edwards, who is awaiting delivery of a new Grand Am, still works as crew chief for Ron Krisher, having signed on when funding for his own team ran out last year. n Apparently, a number of Pro Stock teams weren't enthralled with the variation in the readings the weight scales were producing, with a number of heavy hitters, including Kurt Johnson and Darrell Alderman, having qualifying runs thrown out.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

2001 NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP DRAG RACING STANDINGS FEB 8.

Winston Top Fuel Championship 112

1.Bruce Sars’cr c-moola.com Pontiac

114

l.Kurt Johnson ACDcIco Chev Cavalier .. 114

97

3.Larry Dixon Miller Lite

l.DarrcIl Aldennan Mopar Pans Dodge ....94 3.Bruce Allen Rcher-Momson Pontiac .... 78

76

2.Tony Pedregon Ca.sirol Syntec Mustang . . 94 3.Chuck Eichells Kendall Camaro Z28 .... 73

4.Bobby Baldwin Baldwin Racing

71

4,Whit Bazcmorc Mateo Tools Pontiac .... 72

4.Warren Johnson GM Pcrfonnance Pomiae 77

5.Doug Kalitta Mac Tools Racing

58

S.Toniiny Johnson Jr Skoal Bandit Camaro ... 58 57 6.Frank Pedregon CSK Pontiac

6.Richie Stevens Vcispar Pontiac ....

7.Ron Capps Skoal Bandit Camaro Z28 .. . 55 51

7.Jeg Coughlin Jeg's Mail Order Olds

52

8.Tom Martino Century 21 Pontiac ..

51

6.David Grubnic John Mitchell Racing .... 54 54 7.Gary Scelzi Winsion/No Dull

1 March 2001

Winston Funny Car Championship Winston Pro Stock Championship

1.Darrell Russell Kcysione/Amato 2.Mike Dunn New York Yankees .

S.Tim Gibson Bill Miller Engineering

53

8.A1 Hofmann Mooneyes Pontiac ..

9.Doug Herbert Snap-on Tools lO.Andrew Cowin K&N Filters

35

9.Jcrry Toliver WWF/XFL Pontiac .

36

33

lO.John Force Casirol GTX Mustang

33

5.Mike Edwards Mike Edward.s Pontiac ... 55 53

9.Ron Krisher Eagle One Pontiac Firebird . . 36 33 lO.Jiin Yates Pcak/Splitfire Pontiac

73

W

1320 notes jyidrewCgwIii

“irst, I've got to say 'hi' to everyone at home. We've been gone since late December,so it's been a little while since I've seen everyone...

We're already two races down on the NFIRA tour - the Winternationals at Pomona and Phoenix last weekend - and we're moving onto the third.

It's tough racing so far from our family and home, but we have always strived to race against the best drag racers in the world. Still, it could be a whole lot harder, as we're planning on running 10-12 races, as opposed to the full 24 on the NFIFIA Winston calendar. phoenix felt 11 a little like watching the movie 'Groundhog Day' to me, where the day just kept on repeating itself, with the event, for us, mirroring what happened in Pomona two weeks before.

My K&N Filters Top Fueller ran three fast and consistent laps in qualifying-4.65/312, 4.67/311 and 4.72/310 - along with one tyre-smoker, which again qualified us mid-pack (ninth instead of eighth this time).

You almost couldn't believe it, but we were again seeded against Joe Amato's new driver, Darrell Russell in the first round, although this time he had lane choice as he qualified eighth.

On the run we had a little clutch malfunction and, as the motor wasn't quite loaded enough, the engine dropped a cylinder and our 4.77/306 wasn't quick enough against Darrell's mid-4.6.

Unlike Pomona, though. I'm glad to say, we actually gave Darrell a run for his money, which is some consolation for again losing in the first round.

e seem to be Darrell's good luck charm at the moment as he again reached the final, having won the Winternationals at Pomona a couple of weeks ago.

Darrell is a really nice guy (we're actually calling him Darrell Lee 'cause we reckon he's sweet I), but, boy, has he landed on his feet therel Two races in Top Fuel and two final rounds...

No jealousies here, Darrell is driving really well and Joe Amato's team is experienced, professional and never short on equipment.

Performance-wise, a heartening side for us is that Darrell's car running the same numbers we are, so we know our K&N Filters fueller could be in a final round again real soon.

It's obvious from his performances, that fast, consistent runs are very much the key to winning here and we are definitely on the right track in that regards.

Rickie Smith joins the Pentastar fold

DESPITE constant rumours of a reduction in Mopar’s drag racing program, yet another Dodge Pro Stock car made its debut at Phoenix last weekend.

Veteran ‘Trickie’ Rickie Smith, once a Ford hero but for the last 11 years a GM racer, debuted an Avenger R/T for team owner Kenny Koretsky, with the team deciding to ‘split’ its two-car operation between the Dodge and Pontiac until two new Neons become available.

ur next event- the Mac Tools Gatornationals - is in Gainesville, Florida, in two weeks time and that's an event I'm really, really looking forward to.

Gainesville's race is one that has a lot of history and tradition and to finally get the chance to run there Dad never raced there either - is something that's excited the whole team.

- Andrew Cowin

is the Gainesville track, which 'King' Kenny Bernstein ran the first 300mph run on back in 1992 and it always has really good traction, while the air, we're told, is pretty much like Willowbank around Winternationals time in June. So, with a little luck, we might be able to put our K&N Filters car back into the 4.5s, which we haven't quite done since the 90-percent nitro rule came in last year.

The race is being held on the same weekend as the ANDRA Nationals are at Calder Park so, hopefully, that might be a l ittle bit of an omen for us. Last time we raced on that weekend was when dad won the Nationals, so you never know...

Cheers,

.

Koretsky leased the Avenger from the official factorysupported Nickens Brothers team - the Jerry Bickel-built car having been driven by Scott Geoffrion in 2000 - along with the same Hemi powerplant that put Mark Osborne into the program at Pomona two weeks previously.

Smith failed to qualify for the 16-car field, his 6.96/198 ranking him just 21st best.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Just like this one: Trickie Rickie’s Dodge was like Mark Osbornes.

\t,

0

Phoenix felt a little like watching the movie 'Groundhog Day,' where the day just kept on repeating itseh"

74

Dodge adds another

I

Tough at the top

INDEPENDENT Funny Car racer Johnny Gray knew his first full season on tour would be tough, but Gray was prepared, sourcing the right funding, buying the right components and hiring the right staff. Little did he know...

Gray, the first ever racer to top 200mph in a naturally-aspirated car (running A/Dragster), now also holds the dubious honour of being the quickest Funny Car racer in history NOT to have qualified for a 16-car field.

Gray’s storming Friday 4.96/302 run in Phoenix was quick and would have qualified him in any other field in history.

But, in Phoenix, it didn’t, as for the first ever time, all 16 qualified cars made runs in the fours - the bump spot sitting with Gary Densham’s 4.961s pass!

Gray did attempt to qualify on Saturday, but his two passes, one a 4.98/274, resulted in head gasket problems slowing his Dodge Avenger the independent having to then sit and watch eliminations on Sunday.

“I’ve got enough engines, I’ve got a great crew, we ran well, but it just didn’t cut it this weekend. This Funny Car racing is sure tough,” a bemused Gray said.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

Muldowney signs

THE legendary Shirley Muldowney will make a return to IHRA competition this year, with the four-time World Champion having signed to compete at two events.

Muldowney will contest the AC Delco Nationals, presented by Chevrolet at Virginia Motorsports Park in April, along with the Mopar Parts Canadian Nationals at Grand Bend Raceway in Ontario in June.

The veteran was runner-up at last year’s event in Canada and

(here’s a little bit of trivia for drag racing fans) actually ran the first ever SOOmph pass outside the United States at the race eventually setting top speed of the meet at 310.13mph.

Muldowney was contracted by the NHRA to attend two events last year - the US Nationals at Indy and the AAA Club of So Cal Finals at Pomona - with the reaction from race fans even stunning the most ardent Muldowney opponents.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI

moiorsgorl news

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The Nationals are back and the big boys have come out to play. Come see the wildest and most spectacular event on the Australian Motor Racing calendar. Nothing* comes close to Drag Racing Action at the Nationals. Catch Top Fuel Dragsters, Top Doorslammers, Pro Stock, Top Bike, Pro Bike and Top Alcohol, plus nine other brackets and Funny Car match races on Friday night. With hundreds of competitors, it doesn't get any better than this. $80 gets you a three day Gold Pass of adrenalin fuelled action including general and pit admission. Gold Passes are available on Freecall 1800 888 426. Gates open 7.30am, Calder Park, Melbourne. Don t miss it!

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THE 35TH AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING NATIONAJJ—

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Giving himself a 26th birthday present: Newcastle’s Adam Clarke had to overcome not just the other drivers keen on the biggest Speedcar title in the oountry, but the weather delays as well.

(Photo by Paris Charies)

Adam takes ti in Adelaide a

Report by DAVID McNABB

excellent tactical race to Adam drove an claim Clarke his first Australian Speedcar Championship when the rain-affected titles were finally concluded Sunday evening at Speedway City.

The Newcastle youngster gave himself the perfect birthday present - he turned 26 a couple of days before the championship event - when he took control of the 40-lap final at three-quarters distance to lead home Sydney duo Darren Jensen and Craig Brady.

"This is our year," understated a jubilant Clarke who adds his No.l ranking to the Australian Grand Prix he won four weeks ago. His crew picked the perfect setup, with the Bob Woods-owned Fontana/Infinity settling into sixth place in the early laps but steadily advancing during the non-stop race.

Clarke was in a class of his own and eventually crossed the line well clear of the other 12 cars still running at the finish.

"Dad, Steve and Bob worked real hard on our setup. That's a Newcastle-built Infinity, only five shows old, that we ran tonight and we're proud of it," Clarke added.

Jenkins was philosophical with second place in his first outing on the Adelaide track, having dictated the race out front in the Leer76

Preparing for landing: Victorian Craig Smith, below, had to ride out this heavy roii, whiie the top four got to smile for the camera. From left to right it’s Brady, Clarke, Miss Speedway City, Jenkins and Ekins (Photos by Paris Charies)

owne laps.

'Really, I was lucky to finish after the right rear started deflating. In fact, the tyre went flat at full distance," the 27-yearold admitted.

A fter steady drizzle washed xi^way any chance of running the big race on Saturday evening and forced a 24-hour postponement, the main casualty was the other Jenkins entry.

Troy Jenkins, finishing the heats third on points after topping the leader board on Friday, was unable to remain in Adelaide an extra day. He opted for returning to his heavily pregnant wife in Sydney allowing NZ champion Michael Kendall's advancement into the pole shuffle.

Despite the rain delay and a

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le Aussie Title fter rain delay power blackout that was rectified only minutes before Sunday's final leg, the 55th running of the nation's most prestigious Speedcar event went relatively smoothly. No track records were under threat during the four rounds of 10-lap heats for the 40 entrants, in spite of a good racing surface - partly due to the large amount of restarts needed for Friday's opening bracket of heats.

An early hiccup concerning driver draws for heats subsequent to the opening round was resolved

by Friday evening and it was down to the business of seeing if WA's Mike Figliomeni could successfully defend his third Australian title.

Sadly for 'The Fig', his Go-Gear Fontana/Fighter seemed off the pace and was placed 13th going into the A-Main in only his second appearance at this venue,

0

ne driver especially pumped prior to the 40-lapper was Brisbane's Todd Wanless, aiming to become the third winner of both national Sprintcar and Speedcar crowns. The Ross Kiehne Gaerte/Beast was a constant threat to raceleader Jenkins during the main event but Wanless finished winless when he was forced out around lap 30 with overheating problems.

1997 champion Craig Brady was another determined entry, starting in number one spot after

1 March 2001

Title Tidbits ADAM Clarke's winning time ot just under 10 minutes, broke the 40-lap track record set by Sleepy Tripp back in 1980.

In fact, he lowered it by nearly one and a half minutes, but then, racecars are a lot quicker these days.

Clarke also recorded the meeting's fastest heat winning time. n Three of the first four placed cars used Fontana engines and interestingly, more than a third of all entrants were using Joe Fontana's powerplants, A stat breakdown shows that Stealth chassis easily outnumbered all other makes used.

No longer number one: 2000 champ Mike Figliomeni couldn't repeat his success from this time last year.

(Photo by Paris Charles)

converting his high points status into the sought-after pole position via the pole shuffle.

However, after two false starts, Brady eventually missed the start and ran most of the distance in third place, his Thomson Mower Centre/Esslinger-TCR hanging on for third ahead of Darwin's Warrenne Ekins.

Four times national champion Ekins ran a ruthless, yet calculated campaign, advancing from seventh (he started sixth) and forcing his way past rookie Nathan Smee on the last lap to relieve the former Litre star of fourth place.

By finishing fourth, Ekins duplicated his placing from the last time these titles were run in Adelaide nine years ago.

Leading local Adam Baines qualified 11th and put in a crowd-pleasing effort but his Monk-Fontana/Stealth suffered birdcage damage and was forced infield on lap 19,just before New Zealand's Justin Insley's Gaerte/TCR succumbed to overheating and suspension problems.

Narrowly missing out on a topten finish in the main race.

Western Australian Mark Glazebrook admitted his setup was designed to cater for the circuit turning slick.

"Dad owns the car and was talking slick - I just drive....," said the Perth youngster. "But we weren't the only crew to punt on the track turning black."

N'ewly-crowned Victorian _ Champion David Lambert became the 40-lapper's first casualty when his Gaerte/Stealth

was involved along with Insley in an opening lap incident with Neville Lance. Lambert's car incurred front shocker troubles while Insley's later suspension problems were a legacy of this incident.

Both Kendall and fellow Kiwi Insley succumbed to overheating problems in the main race.

"That's the first time our Esslinger has got that hot," Kendall related after running solidly during his fifth Australian tour.

AUSTRALIAN SPEEDCAR CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS 1.

2.

Adam Clarke Darren Jenkins

3.

Craig Brady Warrenne Ekins Nathan Smee

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF DNF

Mike Figliomeni Neville Lance Mark Cooper Toby Gibb Paul Farrell Mark Glazebrook Peter Ghent Ron Liddell Todd Wanless Brett Morris Michael Kendall Justin Insley Adam Baines Steve Graham David Lambert

n Springvale's Craig Smith became the championship's first withdrawal after the 28-year-old Victorian's sore back needed hospital attention following a practice night, three-car incident. This same crash claimed local Colin Brooks, whose Cordia-powered entry broke its steering box. n Another Victorian, Darren Hossack, 29, was also hospitalised with an eye injury after the former V8 Supercar driver's Power ScaVBeast rolled heavily in heat three.

A false start in that race helped Hossack to his demise when he failed to notice the yellow lights in time - a legacy of the late afternoon sunset. n Others striking trouble on opening night were Sydney-based and current SA Champion Mark Brown, whose Rondalee Gaerte/Stealth broke a cam gear, forcing him out of heat two.

Brown's crew repaired the pushrod damage in time for him to have a run Saturday and he was smoking the opposition until his engine again expired. n Sprintcar star and former state Speedcar champion, Trevor Green, battled a lack of brakes early in the title show, only to have his Reg Baker Volvo/Beast succumb to a tightening engine which forced an early trailer after just one heat. n Despite one of the most impressive operations at the track with a state-of-the-art transporter and two cars at his disposal, Steve Graham didn't have the best weekend, his new Gaerte/Stealth being forced out of the opening heat and also the final with a loss of horsepower. n Heat winners for the title show were Wanless (2), Brady (2), Troy Jenkins (2), Farrell, Insley, Kendall, Darren Jenkins, Baines, Smee, Cooper, Graham.

- DAVID McNABB 77

The Bell Pings In QLD STEPHEN Bell(Speedflow Maxim)took the lead in the Titan Garages Queensland Sprintcar Summer Shootout after winning the Car Sound Central Feature Race before a big crowd at Lismore City Speedway on the weekend.

It was a win that very nearly wasn’t his after a last corner clash with Darren Jensen (Serco Maxim)saw Jensen scoot pass Bell to take the chequered flag.

Race officials immediately relegated Jensen to second spot and Bell now holds a small points gap in the championship to Darrell Hodges (Valvoline Maxim), who was third on the night, with Jensen close behind Hodges.

Bell came through from the back of heat two to finish second in an excellent start to the night, and finished fourth in a tough heat four to qualify for the 3x3 Shootout.

In the feature race. Bell started well to be third at the end of the first complete lap, which took three attempts to complete. In front. Drew Kruck

I No glass breaking here; Adrian Maher overcome a tricky track to win at PCR. fPhoto by Wa

78

Bridge)

(Titan Garages Eagle) and Scott Davis (Cairns Mufflers and Wreckers Gambler) both rolled during the race leaving Bell to keep Jensen at bay for the remainder.

‘The rough track caught a few people out, but the holes were there for everyone, you could either drive into them or around them. But we’re quite happy with our night.” said Bell.

Bell would not be drawn on his chances for the Flowing wth the speed with the greatest of ease: Stephen Bell couldn’t be stopped in series win though.

(Photo by Brett Swanson) ‘‘There’s another four the QSSS’ latest round at Lismore. rounds to go, we’ve got effectively ten laps until the car pulled out the front “I was being patient. One day to go in a feature.” right torsion rod putting him out.

I’ll get good at passing cars.”

It was a bad night for said a rueful Kruck.

His speed though, was championship hopeful Drew Round 10 will be held on ominous. In the feature.^he Kruck. A win and a second in March 3 at Brisbane rubbed wheels with early race the first two Shootout Sprint leader Scott Davis and flipped International Speedway, and rolled. races put him on track to win Archerfield.

by WADE AUNGER ON February 17, Wentworthville Sprintcar driver Adrian Maher took out the 30-lap Pavement Salvage main event at PCR after starting on the front row for the uninterrupted featmre event.

Steven Graham started alongside Maher in the feature but the Bevelite Glass #92 Gambler stormed away from the Fox Sports #40 Stealth and was never caught on a track that nearly put a few drivers on their heads.

“The track had so much drive. It was unbelievable. I didn’t have Moth (crew chief Tim Gleeson) with me tonight and it was an uphill battle tiying to unhook the car enough,” said Justin Mineeff.

For all his perseverance though, Mineeff was able to claim a season’s best third place behind Maher and Robbie Farr.

Farr slashed through the field to claim second, extending his lead even further in the Proton Satria GTi Driver of the Year Series and edging him ever closer to the $28,000 car on offer. molorsport news

SPEEDWAY Tatnell 7th in WoO opener WITH a season of racing in Australia under his belt as well as another World Series Sprintcar title, Brooke Tatnell has begun his 2001 World of Outlaws campaign with a sensational seventh place at Kings Speedway.

Andy Hillenburg earnt his 24th career win in taking out the season opener, with recent visitor to our shores, Brad Furr, picking up second ahead of Tinn Shaffer.

"I don't think I've ever started off the year with a win," Hillenburg said.

"I've started pretty good, but never with a win. I'm just happy to get a win."

Jeff Shepard, Donny Schatz and Mark Kinser headed the Australian, while big names Steve Kinser and Jac Haudenschild also had problems.

'The King' tangled with Mika Farta, while Haudenschild, in his first race in the #83 Beef Packers car, flipped in turn two for his second tumble of the night. Joey Saldana broke the circuit record in qualifying but flipped on the last lap of the feature race.

Nothing like #1: Skip Jackson had the new number but not the position.

(Photo by Peter French)

Skip is Australia #1 WHILE the paint may have been still drying on the newly-applied 'Australia 1', Skip Jackson couldn't beat Donny Schatz to the position in two consecutive nights of racing in the Wild West Sprintcar Series at Kwinana and Bunbury, WA. Schatz, who has scooped the big money events over the summer, blew the field away on both nights take two wins, making it 13 podium finishes

The result gave him enough points to take a week away from PCR and chase the Australian Speedcar title in Adelaide, despite the fact that he’d only driven a Speedcar once prior to the event.

That ‘once’ was a feature win just prior to the Pavement Salvage Sprintcar event when he took the Dark Family Esslinger to victory in the 20-lap Speedcar feature.

Mark Brown and Brett Morris trailed Farr home in second and third place

from the 13 race starts he has had in Western Australia.

"Gee, 1 have a great time here in Western Australia, this really is a home away from home for me," said Schatz.

"To win at Kwinana last night and then win again tonight with my car owner Luch Monte finishing second behind me tops off a great season for me here in Australia.

My theme has been to have fun and it appears to have worked."

Meanwhile, Jackson was

Dollansky back to WoO

respectively, while the race was marred by a nasty crash when Tim Evans spun and Troy Jenkins flipped.

Jenkins’#6 was struck first by Chris Gallagher and then in the roll-cage

by Trevor Malouf whilst upside down.

Max Dumesny Motorsport Australian Distributors for

Xocsirr

^^ RACING TIRE

For more infonoation on Hoosier Dmg and Speedway Tyres calk

NSW:02 9679 1990 l Fax 02 9679 1187 VIC:03 9331 6477 l Fax 03 9331 7444 SA:08 8332 0800 l Fax 08 8364 0296 1 March 2001

solid, fourth at Kwinana behind Schatz, Jamie Maiolo and Michael Figliomeni, and third behind Schatz and Luch Monte at Bunbury.

Terry Cutts was the local stand-out, having got back behind the wheel after a three year break, while Ryan Farrell's ex-Meyers machine suffered a head gasket problem.

But Schatz was dominating and 2001/2002 promoters better stop him at customs next time!

Foxy racer: Steven Graham’s Fox Sports Net machine started on (Photo by Warren Bridge) the front row but couldn’t stop Maher.

2000 World of Outlaws Gumout Series Champion Craig Dollansky is returning to the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series this season.

The American will drive Karavan Motorsport's #7 Polydome-backed Maxim, beginning at the opening round of the series at Kings Speedway.

'We're excited to return to the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series,' Dollansky said.

'We feel like the time we spent racing with other series the last one and a half years has us ready to return to the Pennzoil World of Outlaws Series. We're stronger in a lot of different areas and we have more experience. I feel like we're prepared to race with Sprintcar racing's best and win some races.

'It's a tough schedule and you're racing against the best every night, but we have a lot of good people behind us. We're still looking for a major sponsor, but feel we have a strong team.'

2000/01 AUTOPRO SUPER SPRINT SERIES SCORE Point Standings to January 29, 2001 I.V6 Mike Van Bremen.

2.VI I Jeff Judd 3.V32 Ian Thomsen....

4.VI2 Colin Bulmer ...

5.WS2 Jeremy Warren .

6.V9 Rod Matthews V20. David Swayn 8.V2I Frank Ramsdale .

9.VI8 Ian Lewis 10.V70 John Vogels

1907 1812 1684 1571 1515 1465 1465 1375 1191 1 133

I I.V14 Peter Knight I2.V57 Ian Smith ..

I3.V43 Garry Chippendall 14.V56 Brent Hough...

I5.V30 Darren Russell .

I6.V84 Graeme Pitcher I7.V73 Charles Hunter.

I8.V6I Allan Barlee ...

I9.V7I David Murcott..

20.V36TroySheills

Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic 924 917 874 853 832 776 746 653 652 621

I. Donny Schatz..

2. Danny Smith .

3. Danny Lasoski 4. Skipjackson ..

5. Max Dumesny .

6. Brooke Tatnell .

7. Chad Kemenah 8. Jason Meyers ..

9. TommyTarlton 10. Fred Rahmer .

USA IS Ti l USA20 W2 VS N8 I5K USA 16 V22 USA2

79

Farrell goes his

Da Winner: SA V8 Dirt Modified Champ, Mark Robinson.

(Photo by Pahs Charles]

Robinson SA Mod Champ Records tumble at Riverview

by PARIS CHARLES THE 2001 South Australian V8 Dirt Modified Championship is one that will go down as a longed talked-ahout event at the Riverview Speedway venue,the title though ending up in the hands of New South Welshman Mai-k Rohinson,above.

Local Glenn Goonan set the trend from the outset of the evening against the clock in time trials to set a new one-lap dash record of 14.l82s around the 360metre oval.

The visiting Robinson opened his account with a first up heat win home by Steven Milthorpe and Cory Hodgson, while the second heat victory went to Victorian competitor Murray Atkins, who was closely tailed home by locals Todd Wigzell and Travis Moore.

Second generation rising star Cory Hodgson showed the field a clean pair of rear wheels to win the third heat in record time, while Brett Price and Milthorpe rounded out the placings.

Wigzell was even quicker in the fourth heat to shave more time from the quickly dropping 10-lap record, with Goonan and Robinson next to greet the checkered flag.

Steven Milthorpe took the fifth 80

heat honors aboard his Milthorpe Transport/Pedders V9 machine while New South Welshman Mark Owens showed better form to finish second ahead of Wigzell.

The sixth and final heat was all Goonan, who smashed the 10 lap record again.

The time taken from the existing record prior to the night’s racing was huge, as the record had fallen from the existing 2m28.3s to a staggering 2m22.5s.

The 25-lap Woolworth’s Shopping Centre Championship Feature went flag to flag without stoppage, with local youngster Hodgson starting from pole and Milthorpe joining him on the front row.

Hodgson got the early jump aboard his R&N Electrical car to lead the field into turn one but his race lead was short lived as Milthorpe took control, opening a small break on the pack Robinson skillfully made his way through the field to challenge Milthorpe for the lead and, after many attempts in passing, Robinson found a way through to take the lead and successfully hold out Milthorpe to the checkered flag.

Hodgson held on for third, closely followed home by the Wigzell brothers, Todd and Shane.

Further back was Owens and Shane Osmond.

The number stays the same but the equipment changes: Ryan Farrell, above, will be behind the wheel of the Maxim formerly steered by American Jason Meyers.

(Photo by Peter French)

WA visitor goes WoO

AFTER representing the US in the 20th annuai Speedweek in Western Austraiia during the summer, American Brad Furr, wiii represent Brad Furr Racing in the Worid of Outiaws series this season. ' "We’re very excited about racing with the World of Outlaws. It’s the most competitive sprint car racing in the world,” said Furr, who finished second in the four-race Speedweek competition with a win, a second and a fourth.

If Furr can’t duplicate those sort of results in WoO, then he will move to the Gumout Series, the WoO support series.

Furr, 23, will make his decision following the April 14 race at Eldora after running the first 11 events of the season.

He ran full-time in the Gumout Series last year with a best result of three second-places and part-time with the Outlaws with a best of third.

Again he will pilot the Sanmina Corporation-backed Eagle with Mike Harper the team’s crew chief.

motorsporl news

SPEEDWAY

own way

It's Bond... Grant Bond

Speedway Briefs EXPERIENCED Formula 500 ace Ken Wlllsher has won his third Victorian Formula 500 title at the picturesque Nyora Speedway in Gippsland.

Racing a Kenser chassis of his own design with a Polaris engine, Willsher was the top pointscorer going into the 20lap final with defending champion Jason Loveday and Warrnambool's Graham Mollenoyux alongside.

Willsher lead the entire race, surviving several charges from 21year-old Loveday, who finished second with Terang's John Pearson third.

"This one is for my sponsor, Chemblast Industrial Coatings in Warrnambool," said Willsher. "(I'm) glad to win it for Peter and Julie McDonough and I have to thank my crew. Cooky (Ron Cook) and Brett (son Brett Willsher). We worked hard to get the setup right for the feature."

Treloar ejected for touching tapes

ONE of Western Australia's

hottest Sprintcar guns, Ryan Farrell, has made a change for the remainder of the 2001 racing season following recent 'direction changes' in the Geoff Kendrick team for which he has been driving.

Farrell is full steam ahead running his own team with Ian McArtny of Triple A Transport and has purchased the Maxim chassis from Monte Motorsport which American Jason Meyers ran successfully during the WA Speedweek Series, as well as the ex-Ron Krikke motor from last season.

Farrell will continue to carry the WA95 number in honour of the late Darrell and Jason Krikke, the number he has carried during this year's Car Craft Wild West Sprintcar Series as team-mate to Trevor Green in the Kendrick-owned

Rangin’ it out: Bond and Gavenlock were too good in the NSW (Photo by David LamonI) Championship.

The 2001 NSW Champions are Grant Bond and Vic Gavenlock, thesidecar duo taking their second championship.

On a night at Newcastle Speedway where Darrin Treloar was controversially ejected from the final for touching the tapes as he attempted to win his 8th NSW Championship, Bond and Gavenlock were clearly one of the favourites in the heat racing.

Treloar was deemed to touch the tapes in the A-Final and was ruled out of the race as a result. The seven-time NSW champ was clearly unhappy with the decision and pulled an enormous burnout on the infield pad as the tapes flew up without him.

Chris Pym and Dean Edwards came from a win in the B-Final to run the Championship four-lapper and finish a fine third, but one disappointing heat earlier in the night made his evening a lot tougher than it should have been.

Bond and Gavenlock were never troubled to win the event from Turner and Stokes in second and Pym and Edwards placing third, after coming from the B-Final.

-WADE AUNGER

operation.

"It is all about protecting our Wild West points lead at this stage until we settle with our new transporter and get the whole package ship shape for the rest of the season, said father John Farrell.

- AARON NOONAN

n Tim Flutchins won the 2001 Tasmanian Sprintcar Championship on February 17, in what was a Tasmanian 1-7.

Although these days based in Melbourne, fellow Tasmanian David Murcott took second in the T3 car ahead of Tony Smith, Robin Dawkins, Anthony Johns, Phil Chilcott, Gary Lutterell and Victorian Adrian Parr. n Adelaide's Russell Harrison came good when it really counted with victory in the Australian Under 21 Solo Title at Gillman Speedway.

Leading up to the final, Harrison had only dropped one point in his five rides to Mildura’s Travis McGowan, who top scored with five wins, Harrison gated best and took the lead in the final, while McGowan put a terrific fight but overdid it in turn three, falling harmlesslyand losing the chance to retain the title he won at Tamworth last year.

An elated Harrison took the win with Ashley Jones (Victoria) and Ben Shields(NSW)completing the top three.

'This now gives Harrison his third Australian crown, having won two in the Under 16s at WA's Bibra Lake in 1995 and at SA's Wingfield in 1997.

- FRANK MIDGLEY

Fireball Derby eff THE Fireball Derby,one of Victoria’s most prestigious events, has been cancelled due to “contractual difficulties” between Heathcote Park Speedway promoter Butch Morley and the SRA. The event, which was scheduled for February 24, was originally slated for the Bacchus Marsh Speedway before being re scheduled to the Heathcote Park venue.

Instead, Morley is hoping to run a ‘Blast from the Past’type of meeting featuring Solos, Sidecars, Speedcars, AMCA Nationals, Super Sixes and a Super Modified demonstration.

“Our main priority at the moment is to let the fans know that the Fireball Derby will not be run at Heathcote Park on the 24th of February,” said Morley.

“We would hate people to turn up expecting to see Sprintcars and

not have them on the program.

“Instead we are trying to do something different and to give the long suffering bike fans and nostalgia buffs something worthwhile in its place.”

The Fireball Derby and the final round of the Autopro Super Sprint Series scheduled for Heathcote Park will not be run; the SRA working on scheduling the races at other tracks.

-AARON NOONAN

2000/2001 SPRINTCAR RACING ASSOCIATION OF VIC. CALENDER CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS

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Apr 21

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There were more memorable ones, too. The 1987 Winston Earnhardt, or you loved YOU either loved Dale to hate him.

There was win at Charlotte when he no in-hetween for NASCAR’s shoved Bill Elliott from the greatest racer ever. But, one lead at the chequer; the IROC thing is certain with his tragic Talladega race last year when, passing at last week’s Daytona after some‘tramming and 500, whichever side you were banging’ with Junior, he led his son across the line... on,Earnhardt will be missed.

Earnhardt was versatile too.

It’s tough to imagine the black #3 Goodwrench In this year’s Daytona 24 Chevrolet without Earnhardt hour race, as reported in the behind the wheel. It’s tough to last issue of Motorsport News, imagine Earnhardt not playing he drove to an outstanding practical jokes in the garage fourth place finish along with area anymore. It’s tough to co-drivers Andy Pilgrim and imagine him not moving cars Kelly Collins and, of course, his son Dale Jr. out of his way on the short tracks just to rattle the driver’s He enjoyed it so much that cage... he hinted at returning to test Sadly, we don’t have to the Corvette and maybe race in imagine because on the last lap a companion Winston Cup weekend at Watkins Glen of the Daytona 500 - the race the Intimidator so desperately scheduled for August... wanted to win - Dale Dale was the third child of Earnhardt was taken from us.

Martha and Ralph Earnhardt, It is reality. the 1956 Sportsman(now While very few got to Busch Series) Champion, himself considered to be one of actually meet Earnhardt, he was well known to us all. The the best dirt drivers of all time.

‘The Intimidator’,“The Man In Sadly, Ralph died of a heart Black’, The Dominator’,‘Iron attack in 1973 while working on his car, but Martha still Head’,‘Big E’... all nicknames we have come to know Dale lives in their home town of Earnhardt by.

Kannapolis,just north of Charlotte.

‘Mr Invincible’could have been another, because it A high school drop out.

Dale’s ‘big time’career started seemed Earnhardt got away at Charlotte in the World 600 in with many scrapes. The 1997 1975 driving a Dodge. He Talladega wreck was probably the worst of his career and started 33rd and finished 22nd.

In 1979 he started his full amazingly he escaped with injuries only to his collarbone time Winston Cup career and sternxxm. driving for Rod Osterlund and It seems ironic that won his first race after just two Talladega was the track at months - the April Bristol race. which he had his last win, an In 1980 Earnhardt became amazing win,in October of last the first driver to win Rookie year. of the Year status and the With 10 laps remaining in the following year become event he was in 22nd position champion. He won five times in and he fought his way to the 1980. front to take the chequered In Augu.st of 1981 he drove flag. The win was the ‘stuff’ of a true champion... for independent driver Richard Childress for the first There’s no doubt that that win must have time, but Childress ranked among his favourite encouraged him to get a during his 25 better ride and year career, the following although his year he was only Daytona .500 win, in driving Bud Moore’s Ford.

1998 - after 20 In 1984, years of trying Childre.ss and - would have Earnhardt surely topped - How Earnhardt won his last the li.st. teamed up yet race, at Talladega, last October again - their “Who would have believed I relationship could have continuing to won the this day...

After two Daytona 500 in

With 10 laps remaining he was in 22nd, hut he fought his was to the front to take the chequered flag first

the 50th anniversary of NASCAR,” the happiest man on earth said at the time.

2 March 2001

tough years, RCR and Earnhardt turned the corner and six more Winston Cup

titles followed - 1986,’87,’90, ’91,’93 and ’94.

His record of seven Winston Cup titles is only equalled by ‘the King’ Richard Petty, while on race wins he stands fourth on the \\ all-time winner’s list with 76 victories - his total reflecting the moi’e competitive nature of Winston Cup racing in the modern generation.

Earnhardt also amassed a US$41,538,362 fortune in winnings.

He didn’t need to race.

Earnhardt wanted to race. He liked to race and he wanted to win...

“An eighth championship would be the icing on the cake,” he quipped last year.

“It would be tremendous. I’ve won the Daytona 500, but an eighth Winston Cup title would be the ultimate.”

Forbes magazine reported Earnhardt’s earnings in 1999 to be ‘just’ US$26.5 million, his Chevy dealership and chicken and livestock farms adding to his massive souvenir sales.

Earnhardt took between 7-10 semi-trailers to each race packed with souvenirs...

While he was very much the racer, Earnhardt was also very much the family man, worshipping his children. Dale Jr, Kerry, Kelly and 12 year-old Taylor Nicole - his only child with his second wife Teresa, who helped turn his business into what it is now.

He joked that Teresa was the only person that have ever intimidated ‘The Intimidator’.

He was proud of Dale Jr, or ‘Little E’as he became known, and his amazing accomplishments in his rookie season of Winston Cup last year, although he hated being known as Dale Sr, preferring to be called ‘Big E.’ It appeared that, with Dale Jr coming into the sport and his long awaited victory in the Daytona .5(K),‘Big E’mellowed out .somewhat,at least off the track.

“My son coming into the sport has probably made the biggest difference,” he said last year.

It caused more focus on me being an elder of tbe sport rather than of just being Earnhardt.”

In 1997, Dale Earnhardt Inc moved in to a new multi million dollar facility and it was soon given the name ‘Garage Mahal’, with its lavish glass exterior and superb interior.

At the ‘Garage Mahal,’ Earnhardt formed a twotime Craftsman Truck championship team for Ron Hornaday.

- Earnhardt He also began his own Winston Cup program for Steve Park and,of course, ran a championship-winning Busch team for Dale Jr. ^ , From that evolved his 2001 line up of three Cup teams,for Park, Jr and his new ride for friend Michael Waltrip. , After 463 starts, Waltrip . . would win his first race last ■' ^ weekend - the Daytona 500.

■ ; It was his first race for Earnhardt, but Earnhardt’s last race.

With Dale Jr finishing on ; the bumper of Waltrip, the proud team owner, race . - % driver and dad would not have wanted it to end any other way... ' ^● Earnhardt knew his fierce; ; intense style of racing was not popular.

“I got into the side of . ; Richard (Petty) at Martinsville going into (turn) one. I did it from about 10 cars back from where I . started and I passed, like, five or six cars getting into the corner, just to get to Richard Petty.

“1 didn’t do it just to get Richard, it’s just that he was in the way when I got there,” Earnhardt once said.

He knew no other way...

As we said earlier, you either loved him or loved to hate himoThere was no inbetween with Dale Earnhardt.

Earnhardt seemed poised to capture his record eighth championship in 2001. After a strong 2000, he was the favourite. He represented NASCAR’s past, present and future. The whole NASCAR organisation will take a long time to rebound from his loss.

But, more importantly. Dale Earnhardt will be sorely, sorely missed...

- MARTIN D CLARK

I got into th e side of Richard [Petty] going into turn one. i did it from 10 cars hack, i passed five or six cars getting into the corner, just to get Petty"

83

●

Reactions to 'Big E' THE reaction to the news of Dale Earnhardt's death and the developments following have been quite amazing, reflecting the popularity of the man and NASCAR in the United States.

Here are details of some reports...

n Newly-elected President, George W Bush personally called Earnhardt's wife Teresa to express his sadness at the tragedy, while North Carolina’s Governor Mike Easley also called to offer his condolences.

A Bush spokesman said the President told Teresa his "prayers are with the Earnhardt family and the NASCAR community." n Motorsport News’NASCAR correspondent Martin D Clark reported that a major traffic flow problem existed on the interstate freeway between Daytona, Florida and the Earnhardt shop in Mooresville, North Carolina when Earnhardt’s transporter made the journey home. As a mark of respect, no one was prepared to pass the truck on the road... n Clark also reported that a queue of vehicles in excess of two kilometres long waited as fans drove past Earnhardt’s own workshop, with many stopping to lay tributes. n Such was the popularity of Earnhardt that Teresa Earnhardt accepted a request to televise the private family funeral live on Fox. Services were also being held at both Martinsville and Atlanta Motor Speedways.

JVUCHAEL Waltnp believes the contact between Dale Earnhardt and Sterling Marlin’s cars which led to Earnhardt’s fatal impact was a racing incident and the Daytona 500 winner has said no one should be held to blame.

one: IfltaltPip

“It was just a racing incident, Sterling didn’t do anything wrong,” Waltrip said last Tuesday.

“Nobody is going to get off the gas when the chequered flag is waving and Stirling was simply racing.

“There’s no denying they made contact, but I’m sure Sterling didn’t think Dale would wreck, or he wouldn’t have rubbed him. I believe that in my heart. I don’t see it as anyone’s fault.”

Waltrip said he believed Earnhardt was doing the job he loved when the accident happened.

“I think Dale was doing what he loved to do,” explained Waltrip.

“He was coming for the chequered and his two cars were winning the race.

“Close racing sometimes makes contact happen and when contact happens, you hit the wall.

Schrader hit it and Schrader walked away. Dale didn’t...

“I don’t think anyone could have done anything any differently in that situation to help Dale.”

It has been reported in the US that both Marlin and team owner Chip Ganassi have both received death threats since the incident.

rw-.

Sometimes you can win and lose all at the same time: Waltrip wants no one blamed for Dale Earnhardt’s death.

(Photo by Jamie Squire/ALLSPORT)

Childress loses more

Team owner sadden by the death of his friend and driver RICHARD Childress, owner of Infamous black #3 Goodwrench Chevrolet that Dale Earnhardt drove to six of his seven Winston Cup titles, has said he lost more than a driver In the last-turn Daytona accident.

"Dale was much more than a racecar driver. He was my friend," Childress said.

"We hunted and raced

\\

Half mast: Earnhardt’s race shop.

(Photo by Martin 0 Clarti)

84

9

f .9:

My driver, myfriend: Richard Childress celebrales the 1998 Daytona 500 with hisfriend and driver Dale Earnhardt. Earnhardt's wife, Teresa, watches on.

together. We laughed and cried together. We were able to work side-by-sIde and had the success we had for almost 20 years because, first and foremost, we were friends.

"I will miss Dale always. He was the greatest." motorsport news

NASCAR Busch numbers fall from 81 to 45 JUST 45 Busch cars were entered for the Grand National Series race at Daytona.

You might say 'so what?' but with 81 entries the previous year, that is some drop! Most are blaming engine rule changes and the resulting rises in costs are the reasons behind the drop with most teams running Chevys (which have been effected most).

WaltPip's

Daytona 500

by MARTIN D CLARK

WHILE the story of Dale Earnhardt’s tragic death has been reported on virtually every news service around the world, Michael Waltrip’s win in the classic Daytona 500 has almost gone unnoticed.

Michael Waltrip won the Daytona 500 and it seemed as though it didn’t matter. That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.

Michael Waltrip raced like a champion and earned the sport’s most coveted trophy.

The win came in Waltrip’s 463 Winston Cup start and his first with Earnhardt’s now three-car DEI outfit.

The occasion should have been one of great celebration, with Dale Jr finishing second,‘Big E’ protecting his two (Irivers when the accident happened in the last turn of the last lap.

Earnhardt’s wreck also collected the car of Ken Schraeder, and the limp wreckage slid down the banked pavement to the grass.

Schraeder jumped from his car to check on Earnhardt, then waved rescuers to the black car.

In the meantime, Waltrip, ‘Little E’ and Rusty Wallace collected the chequered flag as

first three home.

“Well, it’s just unbelievable,” Waltrip said.

“I’d be oh-for-463 if it weren’t for Dale Jr. He dreamed that he won the Daytona 500, and he did.

I just got to beat him to victory lane.

“Let me ask you a question, though. Is one-for-463 really better than oh-for-462? It’s the Daytona 500 - that’s all I know.

And I won the Daytona 500.”

The earlier part of the race was highlighted by 49 lead changes, with advantages largely going to the Dodges and Chevys, while the nightmare start to the season began on lap 174 when 18 cars wrecked on the backstretch - Tony Stewart’s car flipping up over Robby Gordon’s and landing on Bobby Labonte’s.

Stewart was worst hurt, with concussion and a separated shoulder. Ironically, he was released from hospital that

n Nine drivers failed to make the cut for the Daytona 500 - Dave Marcis, Hut Stricklin, Derrike Cope, Morgan Shepherd and, surprisingly, Todd Bodine.

The seven drivers who took provisional slots were 2000 champ Bobby Labonte, Jeremy Mayfield, Robert Pressley, Elliott Sadler, Robby Gordon, Ron Hornaday and Brett Bodine.

Two drivers switched to back up cars for the 'Great Race'- Sadler and Johnny Benson.

America’s great race: ‘Million Dollar' Bill Elliott led the 43rd Daytona 500 off from the pole, giving Dodge the best possible start in its return to Winston Cup racing. Dodge didn’t win, but the performance of its cars was strong.

n During the second week at Daytona NASCAR put 10 cars though their paces on NASCAR's rolling dyno. No word on the horsepower results though.

- MARTIN D CLARK

(Photo by Robert Laberge/ALLSPORT)

Lifetime aO

night...

FINAL results; Waltrip (Chevy) 200 laps, Earnhardt,Jr (Chevy), R Wallace (Ford), Rudd (Ford), EUiott(Dodge), M Wallace (Ford), Marlin (Dodge), Hamilton (Chevrolet), Mayfield (Ford), Compton (Dodge).

GSTiincludeill

www.fastrachraclng.com.au 85

Hanging with the Singers

by BRIAN REED

THE 14th annual Picnic at Hanging Rock attracted a huge gathering of veteran, vintage, classic and modem classic vehicles to the picturesque location near Macedon on February 11.

A roll-up of 1400 desirable cars and commercial vehicles, stationary engines and other exhibits also attracted a large public gallery.

President of the Macedon Ranges and District Motor Club Inc., Graeme Lemin said "... It(the rally) started way back in 1988, and has grown to a size that is way beyond anything we thought possible.”

Many motoring clubs used the occasion to promote their organisations as well as show off their vehicles, and some interesting cars with motor racing heritages emd vehicles of historic significance were proudly displayed.

Included were two rare British Standards; a 12-horsepower 1936 model sedan with long rakish lines that suggested a strong Swallow influence, and a 1927 Standard 1428 with racing bod3rwork. Both cars belong to the Graham family.

A lineup of three Singers (including a pair of Le Mans sports cars) caught the eye. After beginning life as a manufacturer of sewing machines and then cycles, the first Singer car was built in 1905 under licence from LeaFrancis.(A fine example of the LeaFrancis was also at Hanging Rock).

But it wasn't until the mid-30s that Singer took a major leap forward when all models were fitted with overhead camshaft engines. Such configuration was an ideal basis for the A.G. Booth-designed Sports Nine.

One of these 972cc cars was placed 13th outright in the 1933 Le Mans 24-hour race driven by Barnes and Langley. The following year the Lewis/Hindmarsh 1.5 Singer took seventh outright, one place ahead ofthe similar car of Barnes and Langley. Then in 1935

Sing, Sing, Sing: It \was a case of Singers everywhere you looked at the recent Picnic Hanging Rock, with three of the model shining in the sun. Even Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco, drove one of the cars, right.

(Photos by Brian Reed)

the consistent team of Barnes and Langley finished 16th ahead of five other Singers in 17th, 19th, 20th, 22nd and 23rd positions. The Bames/Langley 973cc car was classified third in the Index of Performance and finished second behind the Martin/Brackenbury Aston Martin in the Biennial Cup. These strong performances during the 1930s resulted in the model being dubbed the Singer ‘Le Mans.’

Another car to attract its share of lookers was the beautifully restored 1954 Sunbeam Alpine belonging to Brian and Judith Gallagher. The proud owners acquired their Sunbeam in Adelaide and well knovm Historic racer Richard Stanley was responsible for restoring the body. The car with the flowing lines had spent its early years in the USA and was reputedly driven by film star Grace

Kelly.

Get in early for Camperdown

ENTRIES for the Shannons Vintage Motorsport Weekend at Camperdown are expected to double for 2002, thanks to an intensive marketing campaign by the event organisers.

Spokesman Wes Wilkinson said 100 starters are anticipated, with strong interest especially from the Bentley Car 86

Club and the Vintage Sports Car Club.

With its links to the local community, Camperdown gains plenty in terms of visitors, income and publicity, and other advances being proposed for next year's event include television coverage, a spectator’s marquee at Queens Park for the street stage, and a temporary

grandstand at the Hampden Hotel corner.

The local car club is also hoping to develop a swap meet, which would be held in a section of Camperdown's picturesque Manifold St. avenue. Sounds like a popular idea.

- BRIAN REED moiorsporl newt

HISTORICS Briefly Historic

THE golden days of Tracey's Speedway will be re-lived when the oldtimers take to the track at Maribymong Reserve on April 8.

Hotrods, Midgets, TQs and bikes will feature on the program, with races from Ham until 4pm.

A gold coin entry fee will be collected at the gates in Raleigh Road, and a donation will be made to the Royal Children's Hospital a gesture which the late Fred Tracey instigated when his speedway was Victoria's main venue. Mrs. Tracey has given the OK for the meeting, and some of the old programs from Tracey's will be reprinted and on sale to help swell the coffers.

The Maribymong Reserve can be found in the Melways on Map 28, B7, and further information can be obtained by phoning Ken Izzard on (03)9370 5942.

- BRIAN REED

Notes on Nota n CHRIS Buckingham,son of Guy Buckingham (the founder of Nota Sports & Racing) in Sydney, has written to say that the company which was established in 1956(and featured recently in MN),is still alive and well, and continues to produce competition and road cars.

Since the Fang - Buckingham's most successful design with well over 100 examples finding happy homes amongst motor sports types - Chris has spent some time during the '80s in England and Europe working in the racing car industry and learning new technologies to incorporate into his future plans.

On returning, Buckingham has set up a design team of aircraft.

car and motorcycle racing personnel which has resulted in the Nota Fang FI project, A batch of cars is being readied for a current crop of performance oriented motoring enthusiasts, and a new Fang 1300 is being developed with a Suzuki Swift GT1 engine to comply with the new mid-engined Clubman class.

Meanwhile, Nota will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year - a landmark that is likely to be celebrated at Oran Park's Historic race meeting in January 2002.

There could be no more appropriate place to acknowledge the landmark - Guy Buckingham was the founder of Nota and was also instrumental in the design of the circuit!

Records tumble at Rob Roy THE return of championship hillclimbing on February 11 to Victoria's famous Rob Roy brought out the best amongst competitors - a total of 13 records were broken on the day, although Paula Elstrek’s outright time remained intact (just!)

One of the most impressive was Darren Ciantar’s final run of 24.37secs in his Nola Holden to set a new Group F(h) time for Sports Cars over 1600cc.

Norman Gowers (Morris Mini) recorded a smart time of 24.9s to establish a new Sports Sedans(up to IGOOcc) record, and the over 2000cc record went to Norman Lee (Holden Torana)in 24.27s.

The famous Kleinig Hudson - a record holder from yesteryear, showed it still knows its way up Rob Roy when 1 March 2001

Tom Roberts managed a respectable 29.92s run in the Groups J & K, and Ballarat's John Pitman took the L(b) class in 29.90s driving his MG TC Monoposto.

Other Historic classes went to Andrew Makin (Groups M,0 & Q) with a time of 23.11s in his Palliser FF, and Lindsay Siebler won the hotly contested Group N touring car class in 25.16s behind the wheel of his Morris Cooper S. Hillclimb specialist Leo Bates had plenty left in the tank when he registered a best run of 25.05s in his Lobito to take the Group F(a) class for sports cars up to IGOOcc. It was a very successful meeting with the hill in excellent condition, and as usual the MG Car Club of Victoria did a fine job with the organisation.

New Rob Roy records Tony Bocquet(Jabiru) 26,44s Formula Vee Wesley Inkster (Van Diemen 23.92s RF88) Formula Ford Jim Van Bemmel (Pirahna HC2) Formula Libre to 1300cc 22.32s Rod Moody(Cheetah Mk7) Formula Libre to 2000cc 21.64s (FID) Neil Hawker(Porsche 911)Prod.

23.83s Sports Cars John Murrell (Escort RS2000) Sports Sedans to 2000cc25.04s Jeff Beaumont (Mitsubishi Lancer)Touring Cars over2000cc 21,93s Mark Spiekman (Datsun 1000) 25,52s Club Cars to IGOOcc Peter Ruyg (Datsun 1600) Club 24,84s Cars to 2000cc Steve Grinstead (Torana A9X) Club Cars over 2000cc 24.02s

Supplementary regulations and entry forms are now available for the Adelaide Speed Week 2001 to be held from April 10 to 16.

The invitation is to attend Adelaide's Clipsal 500 meeting and stay on for "your week in Historic Motor Racing Heaven" starting with a dinner on Tuesday the 10th, followed by a hillclimb at Collingrove next day.

There will be private practice and garage hire at Maiiala on Thursday April 12, Friday 13(being Friday 131) is a free day -'the lull before the storm'- and Saturday will feature a Social Day Around the Houses before the big days at Mallala on Sunday and Monday, April 15 and 16. All Historic Category 5 cars. Group N touring cars as well as racing motorcycles are on the program, plus regularity events for pre and post-war racing and classic cars.

Entries close on Friday, March 20 and further information is available from Joan Shearer of the SA Historic Racing Register on (08)8390 1609 (after hours).

n Lovers of sportscars will be at Sebring this weekend for the third race in the Historic Sports Racing Series.

After missing the previous race at Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the ThunderSports machines will shake the ancient Sebring blacktop, with a number of visiting European drivers cars taking on the Americans.

Well-known Aussie visitor Win Percy will take on the assembled Porsche 956/962 and Nissanmounted opposition aboard a Jaguar XJR-11. Winny and the TWR-built car, above, suffered from gearbox problems during qualifying at the Daytona series opener, but expect the former Bathurst winner to be on the pace on the Florida airstrip track.

British driver Charlie Agg leads the series in his Nissan R90C. OTHER COMING EVENTS March 1-4 Historic Parades - Qantas AGP program March 18 Shannons American Motoring Show - Flemington Racecourse April 1 RACV Great Wings & Wheels Day-Lilydale Airport April 8 Shannons British & European Motoring Show - Flemington Racecourse - BRIAN REED 87

ntional Honours even scene

afted

n Noonan

PORSCHE CUP

HONOURS were shared between Paul Whitmarsh and Martin Wagg in round one of the Pirelli Porsche Cup races at Wakefield Park.

Whitmarsh led away from pole in race one to pull a small break on Wagg, while Warwick Miller ran a quiet race to finish in third place well clear of Richard Wilson, Michael Turner and Ken Jarrett.

Up front, Whitmarsh held his lead until the second last lap when coming into the infield section of the circuit he was blocked by two lapped cars, allowing Wagg to not only catch, but pass Whitmarsh and take the lead.

Class B came down to a close fought battle between Don Tryhorn, Ray Crocker and Russell Wright.Wright led early from Tryhorn and Crocker.

Crocker slowly caught and then passed first Tryhorn and then Wright to take the class lead only to spin almost at the end of the race, allowing Wright back though to take the win.

For the second race, Wagg got away well to lead Wilson and Whitmarsh. On the second lap, Wagg ran wide in the infield section letting Whitmarsh through, along with Wilson, who then had to stop to serve his penalty for jumping the start.

This time Whitmarsh was not going to let backmarkers spoil his race and commenced to charge away from the field, winning by nine seconds.

The race for outright positions settled down, allowing Wagg to finish second, well clear of Jarrett, Good and Trevor John. The battle for class B continued from race one with the same three drivers being joined

by GT class driver Michael Turner.

At the finish. Turner just managed to sneak past Wright to take sixth place overall while Wright took out Class B. -MICHAEL SHAW Porsche Cup Points GT - Wagg 28, Jarrett/Turner 15.

A - Whitmarsh 44,Good 30,Wilson 27.

B - Wright 44, Tryhorn/Crocker 33.

Invitation - McNamara 14.

88

Season 2001 is go, go, go!

Whitmash and Wagg head the field into turn one. Wagg is behind the wheel of the ex-Jim Richards Targa Tasmania car, and shared the race wins with the driver of the #29 GT2, who found time to go do some bush driving off the circuit, right.

(Photos by John Morris/Mpix and Dirk Klynsmith)

Wakefield Park is QLDer country Kratzmann and Norris top big fieid

QUEENSLANDERS Kurt Kratzmann (Commodore)and Luke Norris(Commodore) shared the wins in round one of the CSA Wheels Saloon Cars at Wakefield Park.

In race one, Kratzmann led the field easily, while Norris worked his way up to second place.

Bruce Heinrich (Falcon) was running second until mechanical problems put him out, leaving Cavyn Croft(Commodore)to finish third ahead of Vince Gatt (Falcon) and Leon Fletcher (Commodore).

Race two saw Kratzmann lead away from the start only to have Norris move past at the top of the circuit. They continued a race

long battle with Norris coming out ahead.

Croft again finished third after Gatt attemped a number of passes on him, finally spinning and finishing eigth.

Race three saw Norris make a good start to lead Kratzmann, Croft and Fletcher.

Kratzmann moved past Norris a couple of laps into the race in the infield section and Fletcher pulled into the pits and out of the race.

Croft managed to slip past Norris, only to run wide and let Norris back past to finish second to Kratzmann.

The final race of the day saw a close battle between Kratzmann,

Norris and Heinrich in the closing stages. Norris had a gap on the other two, only to see it dwindle to nothing and finally Kratzmann move into the lead and stay ahead over the line with less motorsport news

NATIONAL

Adam’s Arrow

Gr^h^m b^<Dl< in Oz

HAVING earlier announced intentions of competing in the United States in 2001,former Australian JICA Champion Adam Graham has now confirmed he wili be staying in Australia.

The Graham family were trying to find funding for Adam to race SKUSA ‘shifter’ karts and selected Formula A events with American Top Kart dealer J&J Racing.

However he will now contest major Australian events in Clubman Light, aboard an Arrow chassis with the assistance of JT Motorsport's Jon Targett, CKP and Force Racing Engines.

- MARK WICKS

WAKEFIELD PARK SUPPORTS THE Sports Sedans at Wakefield park were dominated

by Joseph Said, who looked likely to win the first race until an early off put him back in the field.

A good start and then good fortune when Bill Martin crashed out while in a battle for the lead in race two helped Said to win the three remaining races.

Martin took the first race from Mark Duggan and Jeff Boaden.

Behind Said in race two came Duggan and Norm Stokes, while again in race three, Duggan finished second from Boaden.

Duggan didn't make the start of

than half a second covering the top three.

Kevin Weeks(Commodore), finished a distant fourth in what was an entertaining race.

- MICHAEL SHAW 1 March 2001

race two which left Stokes to take second from Boaden.

In the Improved Production class, Scott Fleming(RX-7)came close to a clean sweep after winning three of the four races.

A bad start in the fourth and final race let Peter Rushton(RX-7) through after three consecutive second places. Colin McAlister (Commodore)came third in the first two races, while James Stewart(WRX STi) completed the podium in the last two races.

Peter Landan (Elise) dominated the first Production Sports race at to finish ahead of Mark Whitehouse(GT3)and Robert Johnston (GTS).

In race two, Whitehouse got a jump at the start, while slightly further back, Stan Adler (911) jumped the start and served his penalty a lap later.

Johnston meanwhile passed Whitehouse for the lead and Landan followed shortly after when Whitehouse spun at turn one. Third was taken by Bryan Taylor (911).

Johnston and Landan again finished first and second in race three with Whitehouse moving up to third. The fourth and final race was a tight battle between Landan and Johnston, with Landan just managing to keep in front despite a last corner attempt by Johnston, with Taylor a distant third.

- MICHAEL SHAW

Horstman second AUSTRALIAN karter Ben Horstman has shown strong form in finishing second in the Formula Super A class of the Winter Cup in Italy.

Driving the factory Biesse/Fox entry, Horstman’s second place sees him start the 2001 European season in exactly the same way as he finished the 2000 season, when he claimed second at the prestigious Monaco Cup. After qualifying third, the Australian charger took second behind Haase driver

Mauro Piu (Haase/Titan), with Tony Kart's Benjamini running third (Tony Kart/ Vortex).

Gianluca Beggio (BirePTM) debuted the new TM lOOcc water-cooled rotary in sixth.

European Champion Lewis Hamilton (CRG/Parilla) claimed seventh place, with current World Champion Davide Fore (Tony Kart/ Vortex) back in 11th.

Horstman’s new team mate, Italian Max Orsini, finished

18th.

- MARK WICKS

COMING EVENTS

KARTINB

10/11/12 March Vic Open Sprint Ch'ship Todd Rd Port Melbourne n 18 March Vic Country Classic Rd 2 Grayland Street Cobden 25 March Club Day for all Clubs o 1 April Warrnambol City Titles Warmambool For informatioii on any of the above call the Victorian Karting Association

03 0149 0302 r 03 93021144 V\C10WANKM«\NG ASSOCIMVON

www.vka.asn.au vka@bl40.aonc.net.au 89

Karting Briefs THE AKA Head Office has now moved from Ipswich, OLD, to Penrith, NSW. in line with the appointment of new CEO Colin Wilson.

The new contact details are: Australian Karting Association Inc. PO 60x4222 Penrith Plaza NSW 2750 The offices are located at Suite 2, 483 High Street, Penrith.

Ph 02 4721 1300, fax 02 4721 1522. e-mail: auskarting@bigpond.com n 2000 Junior ICA Champion Andrew Thompson is returning to Swiss Hutless chassis to defend his title.

Thompson ran the red frames at the opening Bolivar round of last year's series before switching to Tony Kart and going on to claim the championship. He will continue to use van Doom-tuned Vortex engines and Vega tyres. n The winner of this year's Re.Sa series will receive a free test drive in a Piccoia Scuderia Formula Three Dallara Alfa Romeo. As an added bonus, one other driver from the series, now known as the Piccoia Scuderia Re.Sa Cup, will also receive a test. n Drew Price Engineering has appointed a new Race Team co ordinator. Twent/ eight year old New Zealander Dale Verrall commenced at the team's Melbourne headquarters last month. Verrall is a multiple NZ champion and had most recently been running his own kart preparation and driver management business. n Regan Payne has switched from PCR to Solo for the 2001 season. He has been testing FI 00 engines for this year's National Championships at Newcastle but has yet to decide whether to race the CIK series. n The National Capital Kart Prix is returning to the streets of Canberra after a two year lay-off. The event will be held on March 17 and 18 and will take place in the car park opposite Rydges Hotel on London Circuit. n Over 35 and still got what it takes to win? The regulations for this year's Rotax M/tX World Challenge have been revised to ensure at least one driver over the age of 35 competes from each country that qualifies drivers for the World Final in Malaysia early in 2002. All other drivers must be over 18. n Taz Douglas has begun preparation for this year's Ford KartStars having won a free drive by winning the Junior Clubman class that supported the series last year.

Douglas made his debut in the class aboard a DPE-supplied Arrow at the Portland Street Grand Prix where he finished second in Rotax Light.

- MARK WICKS 90

The English Patient IN a state already replete with at least half a dozen Ford Escort-based Sports Sedans, what might the significance be of one more?

That was a question a few might have pondered when the English clan - John, and sons Sean and Craig - brought this stark white Escort up to Queensland from down south.

The car holds many memories for John English, a 19-year Bathurst veteran who is probably best known for punching a huge hole in the concrete wall at the Esses with a Group C Falcon at Bathurst in 1984. Back many moons ago, he raced against, and got beat by the car’s original owner Phil Ward. Regularly.

Today, John races an E49 Charger in Group N,Sean has returned to Geminis after some time away and is looking at

Improved Production, while Craig races the family’s pride.

The Escort was built and raced

by Ward, and was the terror of Sports Sedans in the early 70s.

“The log book says it goes back to 1972/73 when Phil Ward first built it. It was the giant-killer back in those days; Phil had a BDA motor in it.” recalls John.

The car was then bought by Mick Monterosso and K&A Engineering in Adelaide rebuilt the car from its original monocoque design into a spaceframe design, more familiar of modern Sport Sedans. The car gave them the idea that would later become their current RS6000 Escort.

For the last five years, it had been garaged in Victoria.

‘When we got it back here, we found the car was less than satisfactory, so we employed Nev Bridges, who completely stripped

From early 70s to early 00s: The ex-Ward Escort lives on in the hands of the Englishes, above.

(Photo by Mark Jones)

the car and basically had a full rebuild from the ground up,” said John.

The car now runs a 13B peripheral port Mazda rotary engine with a five-speed, 1:1/5 gearbox and full-floater rear end.

“It took us eight to 10 months to build the car up,” says Sean.

“It ran for the first time at the

No World Series for DPE I

by MARK WICKS

DREW Price Engineering has officially announced they will not be contesting the inaugural CIK-FIA World Karting Championship Series for Formula Super A this year.

The Melbourne-based company had been investigating the feasibility of such a venture for a number of months and had had discussion with various engine suppliers and drivers, both local and overseas, before making the decision earlier this month.

One of the major stumbling blocks, apart from the logistics of being located in Australia, was engines.

With a lack of hands-on experience with the newgeneration water-cooled lOOcc rotary valve engines, it seems the chances of success were too hit-and-miss for the team to commit to an engine package.

“We needed to establish exactly what had to be done if Team Arrow was to become a

issues involved in this proposed project, as well as looking at the other programs we have on the go and our own commitments here in Australia, we have decided n that we should put our FSA aspirations on hold for now".

Jon Bussell, who has been involved with several European-based teams at World Championship level and now works for DPE, said he thought it was the right, and logical, decision to make at this time.

As with many other teams, DPE was looking to compete in the 2001 Championships to gain entry to the 2002 series, where the top 14 teams from this year will gain Staying in Oz: There won’t be any DPE automatic entry. suits racing in the World Championship DPE builds the Arrow Series, (Photo by Aaron Noonan/M News Digital) range of chassis and is Australia's largest kart reality for this year's FSA World manufacturer and exporter, Championship Series" said having been in the karting managing director Drew Price. business for over 25 years.

“Having had a long look at all

moiorsport news

I

I

Ut

'JB.

!

NATIONAL

Jacer’s Port of call

by AARON NOONAN BENJAMIN Porter will be behind the wheel of a factorysupported Jacer Formula Vee for the 2001 season, contest ing the NSW State Series, 2001 Formula Vee Nationals in Queensland and the planned interstate Super Series.

In his first year in the hotlycontested NSW Series, Porter won Rookie of the Year, finishing first Lakeside Konica Lites round and I got down to a 58s in the car first time out.”

“We believe the car eventually should do 54 seconds around there,” said John.

Bathurst still allures though, and there is talk of the three teaming up in a GT-P car if it can be pulled together. In a good car, John, Craig and Sean would be hard to look past for the GT-P 3 Hour.

- MARK JONES

in Division Two and third in Division One. The results included two round wins and several other podium finishes.

“Ben showed some remarkable driving skills in 2000, although he is still young, he displays maturity behind the wheel far beyond his age,” said Jacer’s Jason Cutts.

Porter will also take on a testing and development role with the marque in addition to racing duties.

The Sydney-based Jacer factory produced the 2000 Formula Vee Nationals-winning car driven by Cutts, while it also helped Hart Mason to 26 race wins.

A Victorian State Championship, National Super Series title and new lap records at Eastern Creek and Wakefield Park helped cap a big year.

Software Craft, a leading software supplier to the customs clearance, freight forwarding and transport industry, will continue to support Porter in season 2001.

All aboard the yellow Jacer road: Benjamin Porter, right, is keen to continue Jacer success in the Formula Vee category in season 2001.

March National Racing Calendar New name for Ford series THE Ford MAX Challenge has been renamed and will be known as the Ford Racing KartStars Series.

Dates for the 2001 series have finally been agreed upon after many lengthy discussions with the states and clubs involved. All five rounds are to receive television coverage, with SBS scheduled to show highlights of each round, plus a one hour special on the Fox network.

A package of junior classes has been assembled (Junior Clubman, Junior National, Midgets and Rookies) and will be known as Junior Blitz. This will 1 March 2001

now see kids as young as seven competing in support classes to the Ford KartStar tour. The winner of Junior Clubman will win a fully funded entry to next year's KartStar series.

Dates and venues are: May26/27-Raleigh, NSW Jun 30/Jul 1 - Newcastle, NSW July 21/22 - Geelong, Vic August 24/25 - Ipswich ,Qld (day/night event alongside the Queensland 500 V8 round) October 13/14-Todd Rd, Vic (Victorian dates are yet to be confirmed by the VKA) - MARK WICKS

Date 3rd 10th

11th 15th 17th

18th 25th

31st

Circuit Event Tannworth NSW Hillclimb Championship:2 Barbagallo, WA Night Master Series South West Vic Vic Country Classic Series:2 Begonia Raliy Victorian Rally Championship:!

State Races Oran Park, NSVV 2GO Raliy, Wyong NSW Rally Championship:!

Nirimba NSW Motorkhana Championship:2 Central West, NSW East Coast Classic Rally Cooloola Rally, Gympie OLD Rally Championship: 1 Tinnbertown NSW Rally Championship:2 Bog a Duck Trial Vic Club Rally Series Winton Victorian Motor Racing Championships:!

Phillip Island Victorian Superkart Championship Lakeside Circuit racing Gippsland Victorian Hillclimb Championship:2 Eastern Creek State Races Bathurst NSW Hillclimb Championship:3 Victorian Motorkhana Championship:2 Deniliquin, NSW Daylesford/Bacchus Marsh Challenge of Clubs

To make sure your event is listed in future issues, write to The National Scene Editor at PO BOX 1010, Caulfield North 3161, fax 03 9527 7766 or email(msnews@ozemail.com.au) details of your event.

91

Industry News

Gear Up for Formula One THE Victorian FI and Special Events shop is bringing to this year’s GP the biggest range of FI team and driver apparel since the store opened in 1995.

Senior management travelled to Europe recently to directly source and import all the latest FI ranges - readily seen at the FI Shop at 116 Elizabeth Street Melbourne.

McLaren, Sauber, Jordan and more. Driver ranges include both Schumachers, Irvine, Barrichello, Villeneuve, Coulthard, Hakkinen, Frentzen, Wurz, Fisichella ...

And for some Australian flavour - Minardi.

THE Motorsport Shop has set up at a couple of locations near the Grand Prix with

The 2001 Qantas Australian FI Grand Prix range is also in stock. Customers are invited to

merchandise. The range includes a selection of t-

shop soon - race wear sold out last year!

Most product is available in womens and childrens sizes.

Ferrari’s championship victory is captured in the Schumacher World

The FI Shop also carries a huge range of memorabilia wheels, tyres, Senna Foundation

Championship collection - t-shirts, caps,

range of official FI merchandise from most teams, Mick Doohan and V8 supercar merchandise.

The Motorsport Shop have stalls at the Grand Prix near

heaps of FI gear.

Based in Sydney the Motorsport Shop has secured a shipment of official Eddie Irvine

gate five and eight. Or you can purchase online at www.gpshop.net. ||.

For further information phone The Motorsport ' Shop direct on 02 9546 l> 2654 or visit their showroom at 13 Connels Point Road South Hurstville NSW.

shirts, caps and hats all with the Eddie Irvine official logo. The Motorsport Shop will also have in stock a full

VT Coupe in 1:18

products (including replica helmets and Team Lotus No. 12 t-

photographs - along with Ferrari’s range (including the ladies collection) of

Holden have go into production of the car, to known as the Monaro.

The new model from Auto Art features

shirts)- and V8

genuine race gear, model cars, teddy bears, videos etc.

Other team product is available from Jaguar, Benetton, BMW,BAR,Arrows,

Supercar, Bike GP and other goodies.

Currently open early ’til late, seven days a week.

Enquiries to 03 9654 8734, 03 9654 5448 or fax 03 9654 8233.

opening doors and bonnet with full FOLLOWING the popularity of the 1:43 scale model of the Holden Commodore VT Coupe released by Auto Art last year they have now released a 1:18 scale model.

interior detail.

Pitstop Models have a limited number in stock now. Contact them on 03 9743 1100 or visit the showroom at 41a Bakery Square Melton Vic.

Formula 1 limited editipn airbursh prints

SPECIAL

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The VT Goupe was built by Holden as a one-off concept vehicle and marketing tool.

Due to demand

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11391 Exhaust 1.6- $29.00lnc GST ea.

11392 Inlet 2.02- $29.00lnc GST ea.

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The Finest in High Performance Plumbing, Hoses, Hose Ends and Fuel Fittings Distributed nationally by:

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moiorspon news

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RUCtSHOP gives you the opportunity to promote your products and services to the widest possible range of motorspo^^* competitors and enthusiasts. Advertising in BACESHOP costs as little as $50 per issue! Call Brendon Sheridan on 03 9527 7744 now!

CROWCAMS

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Now available in Australia

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MOTORSPORT Engine /Hatiificetians Body Kits Exhaust Systems SVa Components Suspensian Upgrades Sl/O Wheels & Tyres Perfnrmance Brakes Full Servicing Ph 03 9876 8586 Fax 83 9879 7535 Mob 8407 365 414

ONE PIECE RACE PUSHRODS As used by top touring car, speedway & drag racing teams. l .080" wall chrome moly l one piece construction l available in */»" & /<" diameti l .050" length steps

Factory 3. 44 Charter Street. Ringwood 3134 Email 5vomatorsport@blgpond.com.au Website www.svomotorspart.com

a huge range of one piece super duty pushrods

R ore The world’s strongest and most affordable shaft type roller rocker

l Available in twin shaft and unique single shaft designs for all parallel and cant valve engines l Strongest race rocker available with unique lifetime warranty for road and race applications

VIC:(03) 9794 5177 WA:(08)9353 1155 Australian Importer and distributor:

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THE HIGHEST QUALITY GEARS BN THE RACING INDUSTRY

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STUCKEY TYRE SERVICE

TRADE ENQUIRIES WELCOME sale8@rocketIndu8tries.com.au

VIC 03 9386 5331 NSW 02 9676 8655 SA 08 8387 3522 WA 08 9293 3500 TAS 03 6273 7555 NT 08 8941 5388 www.stuckey.com.au

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l Your choice of lightweight steel or alloy l Available for all popular applications including Ford, Cleveland and Windsor V8, Holden 6 & V8, Chev SB & BB V8

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www.sumidel.com

RACING PRODUCTS

Complete range of Crower Cranhshafts, Con°Rods, Race Cams ^^n^FORMANCE & Valve Train fr rrr*.

Components available? Y^HOLESALEIFo Visit our Website or call us for your nearest distributor.

Ph: (07) 3808 1986 www.perforniancewholesale.com.au

CU9TO** J^LUSMHIUm

/VLUivnmujivi RADIATORS, INTERCOOLERS & OIL COOLERS ● Offroad cars ● Motorbikes ● Boats ● Hot Rods ● Street Cars ● Circuit Cars 07 55 981 499 or

Fax drawings to 07 55 981 980 HANDBUILT AND ALL AUSTRALIAN MADE

1 March 2001

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NSW:(02)9678 9977 OLD:(07) 3808 1986

NEW street race version^ also available ^

Contact Paul Weel on

aaw CAMS

Ph 03 9357 0469 or Fax 03 9357 0001

State Distributors

hi

l .080" wall hardened steel

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machines for unrivalled accuracy f l Matching race valve train components ^

SEia PLATINUM caa g^RAIME RssMams

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from 6.00" to 10.00"

l Custom ground roller, solid and hydraulic profiles using unique computer controlled

including PSi(USA) valve springs and

All Mechanical Repairs

212a Mahoneys Road Thomastown Vic 3074 Ph 03 9462 3210 Fax 03 9462 2516

l Fast profile design service to your requirements

0 -100 km/h in under 4 seconds

Full range of new and rebuilt SU fuel pumps and carburettors in stock. ●Carburettor restorations. ●Throttle body rebushing ●Fuel Pump repairs.

A 4

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Phone 9739 6323

rwR

Jo>Troc>l»lH 04*S M7IM

Terrv Wilson Racing For all your high performance needs ● full service and tune up ● engine rebuilds ● Intercooler upgrads ● link plug In engine management systems ● latest 4-wheel dyno testing equipment Ph OS ossa 4499 or OS assa aooa 57 Taunton Drive Cheltenham Vic 3192

Ph. 02 9759 5595 Fox. 02 9758 1155 omoll. Info@sumldol.com

Keep your Cool

K

Rameausher driving suits are manufactured exclusively in PROTEK fabric, an innovative development representir® the latest devetopmeni

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Not only safer but more comfortable ... because It's made from natural fibre. PROTEK fabric breathes, allowing body heat to be ransferred away from the wearer in hot conditions, yet the same fabric offers warmth in cooler conditions.

Designed for your Safety and Comfort FIA approved, ● 3 layer and sir^le layer construction, lightvfeight version also ● standard and tailored sizes, wide range of colours i ● five standard designs or custom design your own f ● We also sell FIA approved boots, gloves, underwear & balaclavas

^■amecrtisher Racewear Ph 03 9722 9000 Fax 03 9723 1999

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A VIC 03 9386 5331 SA 08 8387 3522 NSW 02 9676 8655 WA 08 9293 3500 TAS 03 6273 7555 NT 08 8941 5388 Check

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Australian Manufacturer il9il ot Aluminium a Steel Ke--' Hese Ends a Adaptors. frr.ooj,, Ma#e QLD: (07)3808 1986 Performance Wholesale NSW: (02) 9771 5877 Hardiman Amo Supplies (02) 9838 7272 Motorspori Connectiofis VIC: (03) 9794 5177 Victorian Speed Pro SA: (08)8363 5566 Crane Technologies WA: (08)9443 4400 Gogear Racing Services

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Available for Commodore VN to VT, EF to AU Falcon, BMW, Lancer, Magna & Excel Ph 08 8371 1500 Mob 0418 600 751 AUTOMOTIvm

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Ferrea RACING COMPONENTS Full range of Ferrea Competition Stainless & Titanium Valves, Con-Rods & Gudgeon Pins available!

^Rh^FORMANCE YlWHOLESALE LTD

Visit our Website or call us for your nearest distributor.

Ph:(07) 3808 1986 ^ www.performancewholesale.com.au ^

BOB ROMANO

Performance Motors

HRLTECH

Authorised Queensland distributor for Haltech Engine Management Systems. Inhouse installation & programming carried out in our fully equipped workshop on Dyno Dynamics 4WD chassis dyno,

PERFORMANCE WORK l All mechanical repairs l All makes & models l Subaru performance upgrade kits

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Where sealing Is a science

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Fax. 02 9758 1155

HPC’s exhaust coatings provide superior protection against thermai fatigue. l Exhaust System Coatings Piston coatings l Wettable dry film coatings l Non-wettable dry film coatings HPC High Perlarmance Coatings Pty Ltd Ph 03 5002 4719 BWiIsiaBDaillidi8tH)IPirkleii!i»a39S3 f» 03 SBB2 4718 Inill: hpcilc@tnl.cge.ao Woh: Hvm.hpcoatlnpo.coDi

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A

Attention!

Remarkable Windows of Opportunity for Engine Experts

Racing Drivers Wanted

l Accurole, Repeatable, Versotile l Take manual control or hands-free l Locol design, support, development, installation and on-site training

Australian Karters Warehouse is offering to a limited number of Motorsport News readers a golden opportunity to race in the most dynamic form of motorsport in the world,ffie sensational MW-Rotax Maz

l Top names demand lop equipment fusers inc NIZPRO, HSV, HRT 5 John Sidney Radng) l Engine, chassis, go-kart or motorbike

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FROM KARTING TO FORMULA 1 Our team drivers have Included: Michael Caruso, Alan Curr, Mark Winterbottom, Leanne Ferrier, James Courtney & Jason Bright

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moiersport news

1

NiARKET PLACE

raiFREE SeJans/Sports Cars

Classifieds

accepted (marked with a ●) and must be prepaid at the following per issue rates: $5 per 10 words (min $10 per ad), photo $10. Further enquiries to our advertising department on 03 9527 7744.

Classifieds can be mailed, faxed or emailed. Classifieds are not accepted over the telephone.

Forward to Motorsport News Free Classifieds, PO BOX 1010 North Caulfield 3161. Fax: 03 9527 776b' Email: msnews@ozemail.com.au. Make sure to list your category.

height adjustment, very light car with CAMS log book and can be run on club plates. Has spare engine gearbox and selection of diffs. Ph 0407 889 016 for more details. $8500 ono. 201

box, LSD, 4 wheel disc brakes, dual axle trailer. No reasonable offer refused. Ph 02 6559 4002. :oi

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Mazda RX-7 Improved Production, Over 2 It, or Sport Sedan 13B fuel injected microtech engine, 5 races old built by Mazsport. New Nedham 5 speed gearbox, Harrop diff with LSD centre. Fully welded cage, 3 piece wheels. This car is ready to race with no extra cost and will be very competitive. $22,500, Ph 0404 873 472.201

Nissan Pulsar GTiR, silver, 1993, 2-litre turbo 4WD, rally rego, log book. $8500 ono. Ph 07 3209 2073 or 0414 645 755.201

Falcon Production car, ex-GTP EL XR6, ground-up rebuild, new everything, huge range of spares, slicks, wheels, brakes, electrics, panels, tailshafts, radiator etc. Ideal for Street Sedan/Improved Produaion. Nothing to spend. $15,900 ono, Ph Darrell 02 4578 3434 or 0409 785 114 till 10pm. 201 BMW Group A 323i E30, Ex JP5 Longhurst '85, ex Kitten Car Polishes rollover car Bathurst '86, com pletely restored and ready to race. Original Group A trim with all the right bits. Left hand drive car with history. Reliable and fast. Good spares pack age includes new engine and two sets wheels. $39,000, Ph David 0412 209 719. 201

Nissan GTR R33, original condition as imported, 10 mths rego, 1995, white, 18" wheels, low kims, any inspection invited. $58,950. Ph 0416 228 835.201

HQ race car QLD #S3, top 4 qualifier and finisher, top HP engine, CAMS logbook, 3rd QLD champi onship 2000, pole position QLD 500, holds fastest lap QR, Lakeside, 1:05.3. $8000. Ph 07 5428 7285 or 0419 709 939.201

I:

VH Commodore Sports Sedan, full tube chassis, mid-mount, suit S/B Chev, log book, polished alloy interior. Watts link rear, coil overs, alloy radiator, brand new in plastic 3" 6 point harness, quick release s/wheel, body panel moulds, spare gears, springs etc. Rolling chassis less rotors and calipers. $11,000 ono. Ph Ralph 0416 088 174. 201

it HGMonaro Group Nc, fresh high HP 350 Chev, seam welded, steel cage, pedal box, triple plate clutch, autometer gauges, no expense spared. Seen at Phillip Island Histories Feb 24/25. $60,000. Ph Jeremy 0418 545 185 or 03 9425 9443 or email jeremy@mantelloholdings.com.au 201

Falcon 500G5 7/71, raw orange, black interior, V8, manual, all original except for paint. $8500 ono. Ring for details 03 5792 2527 bh. 201 Nissan Pintara TRX, ex-GTP car, excellent begin ners/club car. Some spares. $6000 ono. Ph 0419 659 790,201 NASCAR Pontiac Grand Prix, 18 degreee Chev

Valves, moly pushrods, moly rings, screw in studs, Hypertectic pistons, new exhaust. King springs, Koni shocks. $25,000 ono. Ph 07 5448 5569 ah. 201

engine with 650hp, very reliable and consistant per former, comes with Alcon and JFZ brake packages,

Datsun Under 2 litre club car, just completely rebuilt ready for 2001 season, blue printed L20 engine five speed box and limited slip diff, fully adjustable front and rear suspension with ride

Sports Sedan, '78 Celica, Rover alum V8, 5 speed

1 March 2001

V8 Supercar Konica Supercar Series Ex Perkins Bathurst Winning Car. Chev Engine. Current 6-sp Hollinger. Latest Harrop 6 spot brakes, Konis (F) & 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

HQ race car, good condition, quick car with right driver. $4200 ono. Ph 0412 503 898.201

MGA Racecar, continuous race history since 1982.

NSW Group Sa Championship winning car last 3 years. Great introduaion to Historic Racing. Rountree engine, Needham gearbox. 36 starts for 32 outright placings including 15 wins. $24,000 ono. Ph 02 9522 6845 or email: edholly@optusnet.com.au 201

LM

1965 Mustang, gold, black Interior, newC4 trans mission, 302W, mild Camshaft, roller rockers, S/S

Fiat 124 Sport 1968, histo'ic Group Sb log book, club reg, consistent division two car with further development potential. Only four race meetings on new motor. $6800. Ph Mike 02 6257 2570.20.

required. POA. Consider lease to right person. Ph Cameron Wilson 0419 768 662.201

EA Falcon GL sedan, 3.9 multi-point, 5 speed, dam aged RHF, repairable, or parts suit Saloon Car. $1700.

Ph 07 5428 7285 or 0419 709 939.201

HQ racer, chick magnet! This could be you, top 10 QLD Raceway, workshop clearance, everything included. $4400. Ph 07 5520 4855 bh or 07 5593 6368 ah. 201

1960 Bugeye Sprite, VGC, steel bonnet, original engine, soft top and tonneau, new tyres, dub plates CH3199. $10,000 or will swap for Group N car. Ph Chris 0417 053 417.201

HQ Holden NSW #20, new engine, August 2000, excellent condition, heaps of spares. $5000.

Also, spare BRE engine, little use. $1800. Ph Mark 0408 965 182.201 QLD Gemini Series, 2000 Championship winning car, pole 6 of 9 meetings, won 5 of last 6 meetings, no expense spared, full range of spares, wheels etc.

Tandem axle trailer available. Assistance available if

Commodore Cup #14, many race wins in national senes, me 2nd 2000/2001 National Championship.

Top HP engine (new), every part 1st quality. $28,000. Ph Greg Waters 0412 988 091.201

absolutelyfreet

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

,4

Commodore Cup car, good HP Tate engine, HM exhaust, fresh gearbox, fast, well maintained, too many spares to list. POA, Ph Trevor 0418 135 187. 201

2 issues

Jerico and T10 gearbox and all spares. Ideal for 2001 NASCAR series or Sports Sedan. Must sell. Ph 0410 640 644.201

T®'

6

V8 Supercar, ex-Bowe CAT Falcon EL. '98 model, 6 races old, spares included. $130,000. For s'Je 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 -aced 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 injrted 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 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. 2» 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, logbook, ideal first car. $3900. Ph0419 139 303. 2m

4'

Ford Escort Club Car 2Lt, twin side draught Weber carbies. Performance tuned extractors. Max power head, Crowe cam, flat top pistons balanced and blueprinted, baffled sump, polished alloy roll cage.

Cobra race seat and belts, 7-in Rebel race wheels, Toyo tyres, sports exhaust system. Locked diff, spares and log book. $5400 ono. Ph Craig 03 5126 2822.201

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

95

home. Car has set fastest laps and recorded race wins. Lakeside 68.5, Qld Raceway 1m37s. S4500.

Ph 07 5497 9636 ah or 0413 600 396 bh. joo

Toyota Celica 74 model,twin carb, hl-RPM engine, no rust, HD suspension, good Club Car, reg 2001, priced to sell. $2500 firm. Ph 02 4822 1563. rco

Commodore Sports Sedan,spaceframe, 350 Chev, Super T10, 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. rco

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

Torana UC hatchback Sports Sedan, unfinished projea, sell complete or separate. New steel rollcage, fabricated front end, c/ratio top loader gearbox & 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

Open Wheelers

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

Formula 3 Reynard 903, 2nd 2000 championship, powered by Golf engine, ready for 2001 season.

Loads of spares. Priced for quick sale. $33,000. Ph 02 9743 5911 bh.20i

%

Yep, another HQ race car! winner of 5 Australian Hillclimb class wins. Never beaten five years of competition. No expense spared, comes with fresh top HP engine, nothing to spend.

Delivery assistance. Ph Peter 02 9642 2979 or 0410 734 191 . 200 HQ Holden, NSW #20, new engine August 2000, excellent condition, heaps of spares. $5000. Also, spare BRE engine, little use. $1800. Ph Mark 0408 965182.20) Ford Escort Mkll, Sports Sedan/Club Car, com plete with fully enclosed trailer. Many features, great package. Must sell. Ph 08 8270 2358. 200 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, 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. Ph 0418 415 129. 20)

Nota Clubman, 1966 model, 1498cc Ford engine, twin Webers (fully rebuilt), all new brakes, new exhaust etc. CAMS log book, previous racing and hillclimb history. Needs further work. $14,500. Ph 0418 239 866 or 02 9976 2961 ah. 201

I

r

Superkart, 250 National, Suzuki 5 spd, full Kelgate brake system, new Kevlar floorpan, many spares, near new Walden Miller leathers, log book.

Ready to race. $4500. Ph Rob 03 9563 0977.201

-UHONDA cos; iMIJarlcrcarri

mi

2 Go karts, I AX5 extended front, very little use with air-cooled ARC. 1 Dino 101 kart with rebuilt J (very fast). With stand, trolley, large suit. All for $3500. Ph 02 9626 8792. 201

J

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

Kestrel Formula Vee, immaculately presented, car only competed in 7 race meetings. New tyres, Willans belts, Momo steering wheel, SPAX adjustable shocks, slimline mirrors. Complete with trailer and some spares. $7200 ono. Ph Ashleigh Rusby 08 8206 2517 bh, 08 8344 5374 ah or 0402 881 825.201 Open wheeler, 1966 Farr Special hillclimb car, VW motor 8 g/box, Hoosier vintage tyres, fully rebuilt, with trailer. $6750 ono. Ph 03 5261 3337.201

Parts

Historic Formula Ford, Van Diemen RF82, 1999

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 524 752.200

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 896 382.201

Proton bonnets, #MB945514 $150 each. Turrets #PC421201 $200. Genuine parts, tiny transit dam age. Ph 07 5428 7285 or 0419 709 939.201 Butler built seat, suit Nascar road course, as new condition. $600. Ph 0417 558 452.201 Group R Champion. Complete package with spares, moulds, trailer. $28,000 ono. Ph 02 9755 2299, 0411 428 178 or email: andrew_wilson@colpal.com 201 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

Tailshaft and yokes, Perkins type 1996 built. Ph 0417 558 452.201 Borg Warner, diff ratios with pinion bearing and shim, 4.11, 3.08, 3.23, 3.9. Ph 0417 558 452. 201 Jerico, complete gear set and parts. $3500. Ph 0417 558 452.201 Borg Warner,diff ratios with pinion bearing and shim, 4.11, 3.08, 3.23, 3.9. Ph 0417 558 452. 201 Jack Roush manifold, suit C302Bs $750, one-off magne-

Send us your classified ads and we’il run them for FREE* Category: nsetians aOpenWheelers □ Speedway DDrag

□ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs □ Other.

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)

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Spectrum 068, indduing full Motec system, top HP Speedtech engine, spares package, 2 sets of tyres, all in excellent condition and ready to race. $34,000. Will sepa rate. Ph Peter Banfield 039762 6719 or0417 159434. 201

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

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

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

Porsche GT2, A Class Porsche Cup race car, exGeoff Morgan, now race ready for 1 st round of 2001 Championship Feb 25 Wakefield Park.

Fitted with M8 MoTec, 3.8 motor, 380hp, alloy tank, Bilstein shocks, fully welded integral rollcage, electr'ic 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. 200

Formula Ford 1991 model, complete with enclosed trailer and annex, excellent condition with ratios, wheels, spare bodywork and fresh engine. $16,500. Ph 07 3806 1465.201

DA

VC Brock Commodore 1980, excellent condition, build no 485 of 500, with all 5LE and Brock options, red with matching velour interior, original condition, suit collector. 120,000kms. $19,500 ono. Ph 03 9796 9327. 200 Commodore H5V 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, 138 turbo race engine, Needham box, LSD 4 wheel discs, 15x10 slicks, very quick. $5500. Ph 0413 383 102. 200 Ford Thunderbird NASCAR, winning history, flat track setup, some spares, excellent start for 2001 series Ph 0419 659 790.200

F3000 Ralt RT23, rolling chassis, spares, suit FHolden or hillclimb car. $23,000. Ph 0417 375 774.201

u

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 107 601.200

f

systems. Ph Keith 0408 066 106 or 03 5940 1206 for more details and serious enquiries only please. 2m

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.

moiorsport news

(

MARKET PLACE Slum manifold, suit C302Bs, 4Vs, raw casting by Ernie Elliott. SI000. Brand new XE Nascar blocks $4000, Hamburger alloy dry sump,suit Cleveland, new $1000.

Also, wanted: one A3 head. Ph 07 3290 1606.201 Gear ratios, Mk 9 19:32. $105 each. Ph 07 3806 1465 ah. 201 Dunlop Formula R D93J tyres, 195/60/14x4, used once in wet conditions, as new. $700. Ph 0408 435 010.20.

bars, shocks, new seat belts, ready to race, only requires a motor. Must sell due To business com mitment. $9500, Ph 03 5282 2792.200

rego, 2400kg tow pack, bed, stove, ideal for tow ing/storage etc. Ph Mark 0408 965 182.201

; ARMY RtSEBW

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 0992.2m

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

Globe Bathurst wheels, and tyres. Falcon 4, 15x7 and 2 15x8, new. Make an offer. Ph 02 6884 3752.201 Yokohama A032R tyres, 205/60/13x4, used once for Sprint, suit Club Car or Group N etc. $630 ono.

Ph 03 5777 8220.200

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 Childs & Albert alloy rods, 5.7 inch, large jour nals, brand new and in box, never used. Suit Chev. $750. Ph 0412 619 552. 200

Bocucnmiro* Hcaw^iWian AMCA National, brand new Redline Legand Tall Boy chassis, AFCO shocks, Tilton pedals, never raced! Plus spare engine, diff and front clip. $11,000. Ph 08 8382 8209.200

Reynard 90F Formula Ford, complete fibre glass body work, 2 nose cones, 2 radiators. $300 ono.

Ph 02 4774 2267 or 0412 043 605.200

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

Ideal tow vehicle. Maverick LWB with V8 Chev.

Dual Fuel, HD Tow Bar & Bull Bar, UHF Radio S driving lights, Alpine stereo system. Very good condition. $19,000. Ph Phil 0419 252 898. zm 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. 2co Formula 500, Harris frame, Stallard 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

Munchie four-speed, complete and fresh, vertical gate shifter, steel flywheel, street or strip clutch assem bly, Dellow bellhousing, suit Chev, excellent unit $2845 ono. Email: precision.racing@dragracer.com 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. zoo

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. 2m

Drags

Transporters/Trailers

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

Modified Production, Cnetura, 265, Charlyn power steer, fabricated suspension, fibreglass moulds, spare roller, needs work, still registerable. $2500. Ph 08 8556 3944 or fax 08 8557 4274.201

Hino GD '82 model. Pantech, alloy side boxes, pwr winch, ramps, 5x4 metre enclosed annex, excellent mechanical condition, cruise at 115mph. Must sell, $16,990. Ph 03 9790 6204. 201

Grand National/Club Sedan, Camaro 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

Trailer, lightweight, 5th wheel, 8x2,4x2.4, suit open wheel x2, touring car. $14,000. Ph 0417 375 774.201 Hollywood mobile home, with race car in rear.

International S tow, TA6 axle, 180hp with turbo, 6 speed, toilet, shower, fridge, cooking facilities, sleeps 6.

Spent $200,000, sell $110,000. Ph 08 9452 2808, 201 Ford FID01984,ex-ambulance, new tyres, 9 months

Sprintcar Hi-bar, complete car including radiator, wings, rims with lots of tyres. Lee steering, Halibrand rear end, complete front end torsion

1 March 2001

Wanted

English Motor Sport magazine,July 2000 edition.

Ph 02 9872 8043.201 Mechanic or team manager, position for talented Kiwi mechanic, experience in all forms of race car development and preparation , prefer VSSupercats or similar, Sydneybased but prepared to move. Ph Kirk 0415 704 388.201 Formula Vee chassis, suitable tor use with late model narrow type bodywork. All non-VW parts required. Ph Matthew on 0414 954 756 or email on mwoodland@bigpond.com 201 Twin Weber side draft manifold, to suit 116E or 120E Ford made by Lynx Ph 07 5537 9780 or 0418 784992.201 Wanted, FT200 gearbox. Ph 02 4323 3777. 2m 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

Go Kart, KT100J to suit new kart buyer, approxiiTiately $1200. Must be in good racing condition. Preferably south-east Queensland area. Ph 07 5486 4126.200

Other

Founding life membership (Family Pass), for Queensland Raceway. Free entry to all Queensland Raceway meetings, pit entry, members area, and gener al practice days. Discounts on merchandise and other dis counts. $2600 inc transfer fees. Ph 0414 482 990.201 RPM Mondial race su'rt, size XL, suit 6"2' tali, FLAapproved in excellent condition, blue with yellow waist.

Hardly used. $250 ono. Ph Nick 0408 741 765.20.

Bathurst 1982, 3 Hour highlights including Hardies Heroes. 1986 to 1992, 1996 to 2000 full race coverage. 1992 to 2000 Top 10. All very good condition. Ph 03 9792 4339 after 6pm. 201 Official Grand Prix port, complete set of 16 from Adelaide 1985 to Melbourne 2000 inclusive. Ph John 02 9848 5527.201 Race seat, Veio GP90, wide, FIA-approved, black, still in wrapper. $550. Also, Dunlop optical align ment & camber gauges, good condition. $750. Ph 0438 361 438.20.

Super Sedan,350 Chev, quickchange diff, plenty of spares, ready to race. Ph 0408 565 077 or 03 5447 2304. 201 Grand Prix Midget, Australian & Victorian Championship-winning car. Stinger chassis, torsion bar suspension, power steering, Suzuki 1197cc, 40mm Mikuni RS carb, possibly the best available, consider trade for street rod etc. $9500. Ph Noel Freeman 03 5250 4080 or 0402 072 795.201

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. 2m

Wanted, 17" x 7 1/2" inner rims for 17" BBS centrelock wheels, 20 bolt holes. Ph/fax 0011 64 3 6849 874. 200

turns

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 441 028.200

Sprintcar motor, 18 degree heads, KFI injection, Donovon block, LA ent ultra-lite crank. Grower maxilite rods, Carr bolts, new pistons, new cam lifters & 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

Drives wanted, in any QLD State Series FFord races and teams leasing cars for national champi onship. Ph 0403 384 553. 2m Bell Dominator helmet, or Bell fuelling SS or Bell Vortex. Must be in excellent condition and new. Ph 0403 389 533.200

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

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

Speedway

},

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 181 136.200

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

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

1

ossie7@optusnet.com.au 200

Quick change, suit Compact, off-set axle, one piece birdcages. $600. Gear sets $100. Ph 0438 557 056.200

Formula Vee,full exhaust system, priced to sell at $400.

Ph David 03 9739 4322 bh or 03 9735 4873 ah. 202

is

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

Subaru roll bar, brackets etc $150, Hotwire mags 15x7 $140 set. VDO. Mini Cockpit, used once. $90. Ph 07 5539 9337 or 0414 399 337.200

Outlaw 1000,2 piston alloy brake callipers, 1.75" S5 pistons, plus Hawke brake black pads. Never used. $570. Ph 02 6288 8179 ah or 0401 144 028. 200

2 Car Transporter, fast, reliable, 26', 210hp 10speed HINO FF, new fittings, sleeper cab, p/steer, winches, hoists, fold-out ramps, stainless benches, lockers, belly bins, aero kit, huge storage area, 240V lights and much more. Superb condition. $42,000. Ph: 0427 425 254.201 7m enclosed dual axle trailer, 240v/12v, work bench, tyre racks, water tank, 7m x 7m attached annex, all professionally built. Suit FFord/open wheeler/Porsche/sports car. $11,000. Ph 02 9524 1199.201

Falcon AU XR6, set of 4 16" mags (5 spoke) and tyres, brand new. $1250. Ph 03 9434 1831 or 0418 132 068.200

Full race engine, new 4340 crank, 4340 rods, JE pis tons, full roller, Brodix 10 heads with jessels Victor Jnr manifold, 4 bolt billet caps, engine full rebuild, never raced. $12,000. Ph 08 9452 2808.201 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

Pireili racing siicks, 2 @ 305/645/18 + 2 @ 245/64518 never used. $600 the lot. Ph Vince 0414 849 307.201 Brakes,2 AP Racing calipers,4 pot, 1 7/8" + 1 3/4" pis tons, carbon metalic race ready 83 pads to suit 12'13” rotors. 2 AP Racing calipers 4 pots, 1 1/4" pistons, new Hawke 110 pads, new 12" cross-drilled rotois. $3500 ono. Ph08 9571 1685 or 0414 908 129.201

3888 0081 ah. 201

Engines

V8 253, and V8 auto box, M21 4 speed manual with clutch, flywheel, gear stick and bell housing. All Holden. V8 motor $800 ono, V8 auto $400 ono and V8 M21 manual $600 ono. Ph 02 4421 6779.201 PCR ReSa engines (2), intending on racing and winning in ReSa in 20017 Both engines are proven race winners, freshly re-built and race ready. $1800 or $850 each. Ph 0419 382 017.201 Series V RX7 13 B turbo motor, with intercooler, computer, harness etc. VGC. $1750 ono. Ph 07

Australian Motor Racing Yearbook No 10, 1980/81, very rare edition. VG condition,aa now and complete your collertion. $190. Ph 0408413 309.201 Grand Prix ports, mint condition, still in box, Adelaide 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94. Melbourne 96, 97. $600 the lot. Ph 03 9720 2472 ah or 0418 546 216 bh. 201 FI Memorabilia, genuine team gear from private collection - most teams, most years. Bags, shirts, sweaters, jackets, caps, pins. Also driver photos.

Some items signed. Must cull, no reasonable offers refused. Ph 0408 312 526. 201 QLD Gemini Series, drive available in 2000 cham pionship winning car, only drivers with suitable budget will be considered. Ph 0419 768 662.201 Motoring books and magazines, large run of Autosport 1988-1998, Autocar and The Motor UK 1950-1964, set of Modern Motor 1954-98. Ph 08 9279 7003 or fax 08 9377 3939. too

97

OPINION

motorspon

I really enjoyed watching the American Le Mans Series last

EDITORIAl STAFF Editor: Phil Branagan Assistant Editor: Gerald McDornan Staff Journalist: Aaron Noonan Staff Journalist: Mark Glendenning

great tracks America has.

Why don't the Champ Cars race at Road Atlanta and

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PRODUCTION Adv & Graphics Co-ordinator: Viv Brumby ADVERTISING 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, Nick Garton 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, 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.

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American Eyes

by realising existing assets, utilising commercial sponsorships and seeking industry and government support.

The transfer of the FI GP to

year though the big surprise for me has been the number of

this new complex from Albert Park would further release

Sebring? Road Atlanta is an awesome-looking track, FI should have raced there and not at the unconfigured Indianapolis track.

I also agree with one of your readers in a recent Talk Converter, who said that Adelaide is a lot better circuit than Albert Park.

If the race was to be moved then

converter

museum, test tracks for industry, driver education facilities, research workshops and perhaps even a theme park!

But then, Ecclestone's not interested in racing at the best venue for motor racing, he's interested in whose paying him the most to get a race, even if the venue is unchallenging to the drivers and produces boring racing.

A Earnhardt fan Could you put in a crossword puzzle and questions about motorsport in general because I’m always keen to test my knowledge.

I imagine that you’ll have a tribute to Dale Earnhardt in this issue of Motorsport News as well.

I’ve always followed him since I started following NASCAR racing, which has been 13 years since they first appeared at the Calder Thunderdome in 1988.

Philip Jones Ballarat, Vic

CART confusion Your magazine just keeps improving! I was confused by the Phil Morris article on the CART Rio round which he says was scheduled for March 25, when Channel lO's column next to it says Feb 11.

So when do you think that Ford might get around to making their mind up where Formula Ford is going? They’ve totally stuffed the category by the premature announcements of a one-make

A complex in the MelbourneGeelong corridor would seem the logical location in view of the existing infrastructure in that area.

From a broader point of view, the benefits of such a complex could be immense and include tourist attractions such as a motor

it should have gone to Phillip Island rather than Albert Park.

Paul Halliday, Rockhampton, QLD ED: Champ Cars would never survive Sebring, which has more bumps than Jennifer Lopez. Road Atlanta is a bit downtrodden these days, but they did rebuild PI, didn’t they?

funds which are currently being used to prop up the ridiculously uneconomic use of Albert Park.

Garry Peebles Hampton East, Vic

Quick questions are good questions

Saying goodbye: Reader Jones was one of many Dale Earnhardt fans. (Photo by Sutton-images) category (which over 90 percent of the FF Association think is inappropriate) and has now delayed the decision again.

Do we have unrealistic

I have a quick question on the 2001 Shell Championship Series.

I see that the Holden brigade are wheeling out their VX Commodores for this year. Tell me, which undertray rule do they run on?

Are they required to cut off their 100mm after Bathurst or is all

expectations of Ford's ability to make decisions?

that forgotten?

In TEGA's project blueprint, we now have a TEGA undertray for the Falcon.

George Stockman Email: stockman@planet.net.au AN: The Rio CART race is now

Is the TEGA undertray the one off the Commodore, with the 100mm cut-off, or full size?

off George after all of the drama in Brazil between the governments, CART and the

like.

Anyone with Garry?

If motor racing is to move forward in Victoria, we clearly need a world-class permanent, multi-use, motor racing complex that can be used by all versions of the sport every day of the year.

This would act as a magnet to attract further events to Victoria from interstate and overseas. The Indycar and Le Mans events for example. There would be an opportunity to develop new events.

Such a project would require substantial financing, but this should not be an impossible task

Adrian Fuller Email: asfuller@primus.eom.au AN: The Commodores get their undertray back as the deal was that both Ford and Holden would revert to “as homologated”form for 2001...

No confusion!

Just a quick note to say well done with an awesome publication.

The new layout is absolutely fantastic and your entire team is a credit to Australian motorsport and motorsport media.

Congrats on your efforts and keep up the fantastic work!

Andrew Panagopoulos EmcdbAndrewRevHead@aoLcom

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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