Motorsport News Issue 254 - April 9-22, 2003

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Issue 254

9-22 April 2003

news and opinion t

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25 Motor Mouth KL may have had Formula One but...

26 Box Seat Saward and our man in green 82 Talk Converter We don’t write this bit, you do, so get cracking!

K J-

featnres 28 Five Minutes With Craig Lowndes Home turf beckons at Phiilip Isiand 30 Five Minutes With Cody Crocker After a WA double, he’s a happy bloke 32 Racin Jason Brighty speaks out on the past and life with Team Brock 34 Who got JR? Ford Performance Racing’s tech man wants to keep winning 40 Uncle TOMS cabin boy Courtney is slaying them in the Japanese F3 series 44 Jordan turns 200 The team, not the man. That would just be silly 46 Cyclone Tracy CART’S senior driver has still got plenty of fire

race coverage

so Brazilian wax job It looked like a red win. Then it was a red flag and a yellow win. Then it was a silver win. Confused? Pass the red wine in the silver Jug 58

Neil and Deliver Hodgson and Vermeulen take the wins at Phillip Island recmia ma/v 64 Cody Breaker Crocker breaks through with Forest Rally CLbUb double. No red flags, no yellow oars but plenty of red wine UL

pnaoRiK

CHAOS ll\l BRAZIL

regulars

B|iFiir..‘robbeid’ Wby; red.flag' 1 Wabb*r eAtd('rnclii»«

Photos: Cover; suttonimages.com Contents: suttom-images.com LOWNDES JORDAN COURTNn CROCKER

60 Rallying

64 Speedway

66 NASCAR

70 Histories

72 National Scene

76 Marketplace

68 Drag Racing 3

The Twilight Zon( l Webber stars but his crash triggers red-fiag l No-one has the Rivers on the track l Rubens' hoodoo stays l No points for NIichaei l W T A

N extraordinary Brazilian Grand Prix has set the scene for an exciting return to Europe at the San Marino Grand Prix in two weeks.

After a race of attrition in the most difficult of circumstances, Kimi Raikkonen maintained McLaren's imbeaten 2003 record with a fortuitous

%

victory, his second on the trot. The Finn had lost the lead to Giancarlo FisicheUa on lap 53 of the rain-affected race but inherited the win when the ‘ race was red-flagged because of separate accidents on the main straight involving Mark Webber and Fernando Alonso.

Raikkonen took the lead when team-mate David Coulthard pitted on schedule to complete the race, which was looking like running to FI's mandatory two-hour time limit. But Raikkonen was battling for grip on his Michelins and FisicheUa,on Bridgestones, took the lead,just prior to Webber losing control of Ills Jaguar R4 on the entry to the main straight.

Webber's car speared off the track at around 260kmh and was virtuaUy destroyed by the impact. As Webber emerged bruised but otherwise unhurt from the wreckage,Alonso, who had already served a drive-through penalty for passing under a yellow flag, hit one of Webber's wheels at fuU speed. The Renault R23 hit the barriers and was likewise destroyed, Alonso exited his car unaided but also suffered bruising in the accident.

He was stretchered to the Interlagos medical centre where he was cleared of major injury.

The race was red-flagged and,at first,Jordan team members thought they had scored a fairytale win. But after some minutes, when officials counted the results back the necessary two laps, Raikkonen was declared the winner, with FisicheUa second and Alonso(who missed the podium ceremony) third.

"There was disappointment for some but this was our day," grinned Eddie Jordan after the race.

"1 thought we had a chance to win it, particularly towards the end when Giancarlo passed Raikkonen. We were the quickest car at the track and it was fantastic. If you had asked me would I have expected a podium in Brazil I would have said you are out of your mind but it happened."

4

Happy Anniversary Baby: FisicheUa almost gave Eddie Jordan a dream 200th CP. Even second was pretty good...

IronicaUy,it happened in the team's 200th race. Jordan scored its first podium at its 50th start and also scored top-three results in its 100th and ISOtli starts.

was simply not a factor aU weekend.

Both Ferrari and McLaren have new cars being tested - Ferrari's new F2003-GA is scheduled to race at Imola

- and,on pace,Jaguar and Mark Webber looked entirely capable of Amazingly,Ferrari failed to score a point. Michael Schumacher was one of l chaUenging the leading drivers, six drivers to run off the .track at Turn 3,at which point a river was running across the track. Team-mate Rubens BarricheUo looked to have the race in his keeping but his hometown hoodoo saw him retire when his Ferrari F2002 unexpectedly cut out with a fuel feed problem while leading easily.

"1 am very disappointed," said the Brazilian."All I can say is that 1 did my very best. The beginning of the race, when the track was at its wettest, was difficult, as the car had a relatively low downforce set-up." honicaUy much of the blame for the GP's estimated $10 million damage biU can be laid at the sport's new cost cutting measures. Prior to the season, the teams agreed to limit the wetweather tyres available to one type, which meant that neither Bridgestone and Michelin had tyres really suitable for the wet conditions.

Raikkonen leads the championship, both BarricheUo and Coulthard feel that they should be and Schumacher

Clearly, the new regulations have had some effect on tire changes in FI, 2003-style. Michelin has definitely erased much of Bridgestone's 2002 advantage and the next three races could decide who wiU be the man to take the 2003 title ...

Finally, a C MARK Webber emerged with just a sore left leg from the shunt which brought to a close a sensational Brazilian Grand Prix weekend for the Australian Jaguar driver.

"My left leg's a bit sore," he reported to MNews as he headed for the airport. "I can't bend it much at the moment - but it'll be

okay, He also suffered a cut to his neck, from the new HANS device - in the 260km/hr crash, in the late stages of the Grand Prix.

Webber stood the establishment on its butt in his third GP for Jaguar, claiming provisional Friday pole in the wet, then backing it up in the dry on Saturday with a grid three

performance -just 0.05s short of pole.

"Quite a day," he mused, as the FI fraternity came to terms with the resurgence of a team widely ridiculed during the 2002 season.

Suggestions from some quarters that Jaguar may have short-filled the R4 to boost its qualifying performance were dismissed by Webber:' "We're on a two-stop strategy and that's all there is to it," he said.

Events on Sunday were to back his claim, the Jaguar running strongly until most of the field pitted under the first Safety Car despite a recurrence of fuel feed problems first suffered in

molorspon news

NEWS

eGP

05 + 11 = ??

PETER Brock and Steve Richards will nnake a return visit to the Targa Tasmania rally on May 13-18 at the wheel of V8 Monaros. They will compete in Motorola-sponsored cars that have been upgraded from the versions that the pair raced in the event last year to comply with the Modern Competition regulations.

Brock's navigator will be Anne Gigney, while Gerry Bashford will be calling the pacenotes for Richo.

right tyres Fisi almost wins!

n Kevin Prendergast has a new job. The former Eastern Creek and Phillip Island circuit manager has moved west, taking on the job at the Quit Motorplex,

Le Lowndes?

Craig wants to do Le Mans in 2004

Fisichella

Webber

Malaysia, forcing Webber to carry more fuel than actually required to reduce the problem.

Emerging in eighth after an early second stop during a Safety Car period actually put Webber in the box seat for a podium finish as all but two of the cars in front of him were expected to stop again.

Flowever, his efforts to protect badly wearing intermediate tyres found him out too wide as the Jaguar entered the pit straight and it got away from him - ricocheting off both the outer and inner walls and shedding all four corners.

"That's not the result we were looking for," a philosophical Webber told MNews later in the day - but I think we've earned some respect this weekend ..."

9 April 2003

CRAIG Lowndes is setting his sights on racing in the Le Mans 24 Hour in 2004.

The Ford Performance Racing star, who tested his Falcon BA at Phillip Island last week, is looking for the contacts of the Prodriveowned team to offer the opportunity to race in the famed French classic next season.

"We are looking at that, but not for this year," said Lowndes.

"This season is all about us getting together and consolidating and making sure that it all goes to plan.

"Next year, I would love to look at the Le Mans 24 Flour race. It is something that I have always wanted to do but have never been able to in the past. With Ford and Prodrive, a lot more opportunities can arise now, but that is more about next year than this year."

An obvious choice for Lowndes would be a drive in one of Prodrive's Ferrari 550 Maranellos. The V12-powered cars are similar in architecture and power to a V8 Supercar and would be the type of car most familiar to a local driver.

One of Prodrive's 550s took on the almost invincible works Chevrolet Corvette C5 In the GTS class in last month's Sebring 12 Flour race. The car passed the Vette for the lead, only to suffer mechanical problems.

Prodrive will run two Ferraris in the 2003 race, with Kelvin Burt, Anthony Davidson, Jamie Davies, Tomas Enge, Peter Kox and Darren Turner driving.

- PHIL BRANAGAM

HRT and four cars still being resnh/ed THERE is still no resolution to the matters facing the Holden Racing Team and what was formerly TWR Australia.

TEGA's Tribunal is still gathering information on the rule which prohibits an entity having a commercial interest in more than four cars, while TEGA and Holden, which owns HRT,are continuing their dialogue regarding the regulation that prohibits a manufacturer owning a team.

"The(TEGA)Tribunal continues

its investigation on the 'four-car' rule," said TEGA Chairman Kelvin O'Reilly,"and the broader ownership issue is still being worked on between us and Holden at the moment."

There is no suggestion that there is an impasse affecting the matter, nor any suggestion that a team or teams will not be able to continue racing while discussions continue regarding the matters are being resolved.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

n Motorsport News is to be represented in the Bathurst 24 Hours commentary box again this year albeit tenuously. English correspondent David Addison is to be part of the eight-hour Channel 7 coverage of the event, along with fellow Pom Andrew Marriott. Talks are underway to tempt Leigh Diffey back across the water as well. n Correction; last issue, MNews reported on the ownership status of Ford Performance Racing as being 51 percent owned by Prodrive and 49 percent by Ford Australia. That, in fact, is the equity mix of Ford Performance Vehicles. FPR is wholly owned by Prodrive. Apologies to all for the error. n Two of the top four drivers in the this years Kart Stars Series will get to sample Steven Ellery's Super Cheap Falcon V8 Supercar.

This is the second year that this incentive has been in place. In 2002, Clint Cathcart and Adam Graham won the test drive and are both entered in this year's Formula Ford championsip which begins this weekend at Phillip Island, supporting the V8s, n Trident Racing spearhead Rod Wilson has flown to Spain as a guest of Maserati to attend the first round of the new one-make Maserati Trofeo series. After attending last weekend's race in Barcelona, Wilson was scheduled to visit the Maserati factory in Italy to discuss plans for the Bathurst 24-Hour N-GT Trofeo project. n Reigning Australian F3 Champion James Manderson is still trying to scrape together the funding to finalise his racing plans for 2003.

Manderson returned to Germany last week, where he participated in a two-day unofficial test at the Lausitzring for Swiss Racing Team.

Manderson impressed the team when, on the second day of testing, he managed to run within a tenth of the time set by team-mate Cesar Campanico.

5

Davison: enough is enough No more In-house'events at Santlown SANDOWIM promoter Jon Davison says that he may promote no more CAMSsanctioned events at the track.

Davison has reacted swiftly to PROCAR's decision not to run the Sandown 500 event this year, but says that the Melbourne circuit will still be available for events promoted by others. His decision will not effect the Melbourne 500, which is promoted by IMG. Davison, who first promoted an event at Sandown in 1991, said that he was holding discussions with local government instrumentalities, with a view to holding an event similar to the Easternats, in early November.

"We had 12,700 attend the V8 Supercars last year, and more than 17,000 at the Easternats," he said. "Added to that, the costs of promoting the Easternats are much lower than having a V8 Supercar race. It just does not make economic sense.

"When it became apparent that the V8 Supercar Sandown 500 was coming back, we contacted John Cowley. I informed IMG that it would not be possible to run the V8 event on the original November date but we agreed that we could move the PROCAR event to September.

3

John agreed that a September date was possible but that would be subject to a turf club calendar.

"That date was taken by the VATC, the weekend before was vacant. Chris Edwards asked if we could arrange the September 8-10 date and followed that up with a letter.

They (PROCAR) wanted the date and the turf club allowed that, but PROCAR said that they did not want to proceed.

"That left a bad taste in my mouth. PROCAR terminated the event, not us, and I would be well within my rights to seek legal redress for my efforts. I cannot be bothered going down that road but I would be looking for some guarantees from PROCAR before looking at another event.

"In the past, PROCAR has let us down in a number of areas, including payments.

That leaves me in a difficult position.

"It is so difficult to be a motor sport promoter now.

The demand for permit fees, track upgrades and so on, mean that we cannot take a 'speculative' position in events any more. Some other entity may want to run events, and that is fine, but this is a very serious turn of events."

- PHIL BRANAGAIM

Cowin's mi

Aussie Top Fuel star

AUSTRALIAN NHRA Drag Racer Andrew Cowin is making a strong recovery after sustaining lifethreatening head injuries in a fall two weeks ago.

The 23-year-old was released from the Johnson City Medical Centre in Johnson City, Tennessee last week after making an astonishing recovery from injuries that initially had the Sydney-born racer on a life-support system.

"Andrew's progress has been absolutely amazing, the doctors are stunned by it, with the latest cat scan giving him the all-clear", said his mother Wendy, who caught the first plane from Australia to be by Cowin's side after the accident.

"They have told Andrew that a recovery from injuries like the ones he sustained happens to only one in 100 people - Andrew's lucky enough to be the one."

back behind the wheel of his Carrier

Incredibly, Cowin could even be

Boyz Top Fuel dragster as early as tills month. Subject to a final green light from medical examiners, the team said that they expect to be amongst the action at their hometown race, the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tennessee, on April 25-27.

"I've told Andrew provided the doctors give him the okay, we'll be racing at our hometown race," said team co-owner Andy Carrier.

"We have only known Andrew a matter of months,but not only is he now the driver of the Carrier Boyz Racing Top Fuel dragster, he is a part of our family. We're looking to having Andrew home and going racing with him soon."

Cowin's own thoughts on the accident and his recovery can be found in his column on page 68.

- MARK GLENDENNING

CHRISTIAN Murchison has joined the ranks of the new Eurocup Formula Renault V6 series.

The Western Australian, who has spent the past few years contesting the F4000 (nee Formula Holden) series with Hocking Motorsport, signed on with the DAMS outfit after testing with the team last week, just days before the opening round in Barcelona last weekend. He brings the Formula Holden graduate count in the series to two, joining super quick Kiwi Matt Halliday who is driving for the RD Motorsport outfit.

The Eurocup Formula Renault series has had something of a

facelift for 2003. The cars are fed from the 3.5 litre V6 engine built for the Vel Satis and Espace models, and are capable of speeds up to 275 km/h.

Electronic management comes from Magneti Marelli, while the tyres were designed specifically for the series by Michelin.

Drivers use a Formula One-style six-speed sequential box.

As part of the effort to prepare competitors for the step up into the big leagues, the ten-race series includes races with both standing and rolling starts, and has extensive television support in Europe from Eurosport.

The winner of the 2003 title will be rewarded with a Renault FI test.

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motorsport news

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NEWS

pacle recovery on the mend after 5-metre fail

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Will AGP’s March date be Shanghai’d?

HALLIDAY kicked his Formula Renault V6 campaign off in fine style with a pair of top four finishes at the opening round at Barcelona's Catalunya circuit last weekend.

The New Zealander overcame a car that was not quite handling the way he would have liked to finish fourth in Saturday's 45minute Grand Race, and backed it up with a third place in Sunday's half-hour Super Sprint. The combined results leave the RD Motorsport driver second overall in the championship standings.

"We are a bit behind the eight ball on set up at the moment but have learned heaps over this weekend," said a delighted Halliday.

9 ADril 2003

"I never thought we would come away from here second in the points so not taking risks and ensuring I finish has paid good dividends. We now have a good foundation to build on and with a Swiss driver leading the series ahead of a New Zealander ... well Kiwis have had enough of that for one year!"

Murchison, too, had a solid start to the season, finishing ninth and 11th despite his extremely limited preparations for the weekend. Swiss driver Neel Jani claimed the chequered flag in both outings.

The series continues in France at Magny Cours on April 26.

- MARK GLENDENNING

THE Australian Grand Prix could be moved from its traditional March date to February in 2004 to allow the inaugural Chinese Grand Prix to be held in March.

The Melbourne event, which has hosted the opening Formula 1 race of each season since 1996, could be brought forward by the FIA to 29 February so that China can be accommodated while the teams are en route to ^ Malaysia.

The move would mean that the race moves away from the traditonal Labor Day holiday weekend, which is not likely to please the local organisers, but that priority is not likely to override the wish to hold a successful event in mainland China, which is locked into March by the constraints of weather.

A February date would also fit in with a possible move by the Australian Open Tennis at Melbourne Park to March.

The news also means that September or October are now the likeliest dates for Shanghai's V8 Supercar race ...

- QUENTIN SPURRING/STAFF

Sam gets Ricky's Fiat Sam Astuti has bought the Formula 3 car campaigned by Ricky Occhipinti last season. The Fiat-powered 96 Dallara will be driven at Symmons Plains by David Borg. Work on Astuti's new Dallara Renault is continuing, and it is expected the Borg will debut the car at the Wakefield Park round in mid-May, with a second, TBA driver slotting into the '96 Dallara,

The factory Skoda Autospecktrum touring car race team elected to miss this weekend's opening round of the FIA European Touring Car Championship because it is behind on the development of its two Superb racecars. They will debut in the second set of races at MagnyCours, France at the end of the month.

■ After a 'toe in the water' exercise at the Australian Grand Prix, AEG Power Tools has committed to the full season of the Carrera Cup as an associate sponsor of the VIP Pet Foods team of Tony Quinn and Marcus Marshall. Quinn will drive the car used by Alex Davison to win all three support races at the Grand Prix, with the car he raced at the GP now in the hands of Andrew Miedecke, ■ Konica V8 Supercar Series racer Mark Floward is a late entry for the opening round of Carrera Cup Australia at Phillip Island this weekend.

Floward, who regularly drives a Ford Falcon in the feeder V8 series, will take to the controls of the RT Motorsport Porsche GTS Cup car in his first race in the Porsche class.

The car is the former Maher Algadri machine, which has been updated to 2003-specification. It was campaigned last year by Algadri and last turned a wheel at the Bathurst 24 Flour with Algadri joined by Carrera Cup racers Jim Richards, Peter Fitzgerald, and German Matt Weiland.

■ Two Carrera Cup drivers won't be making the trip to Phillip Island to race in the opening round.

Kiwi racer Andrew Bagnall's Porsche Motorsport NZ car will stay in storage in Melbourne while Bagnall is in the United States for a family wedding. Scaysbrook's Fuzionbacked car is still yet to be repaired after it was crashed heavily during qualifying at the Australian Grand Prix support races.

7

FIA Tough welcome for Aussies w THE 2003 British Formula Three

from start to finish to win ahead of

Championship got off to a difficult start for the Australian

van der Merwe and Piquet Jr. Further back, Davison made a sensational start to rocket through the middle of the field and

contingent at Donington last weekend, with Will Davison and Will Power both having tough

debuts.

Davison, right, started on the back foot when severe handling problems saw the 20-year-old Victorian qualify the Alan Docking Racing Dallara/Mugen-Honda 15th for race one and 19th for race two.

A controversial race one saw Carlin Motorsport's Jamie Green lead from pole to flag only to be disqualified (for a tyre infringement, along with team mate Richard Antinucci) played into the hands of Carlin's third driver, Alan van der Merwe, who inherited the win.

Things were also going badly for Nelson Piquet Jr, who was disqualified from participating in race one after his car failed postqualifying scrutineering.

But Carlin's misfortunes worked out well for Davison, the Aussie moving up to ninth in the revised standings for the championship class and scooping up a handful of points in the process.

The result, however, is subject to an appeal from Carlin to have its other two drivers reinstated.

There were no such problems for Green in race two, who again led

eventually come home 11th.

"It was a very tough day which is not indicative of our true capabilities," said Davison.

"But we moved forward and made the car better after it was totally undriveable during qualifying.

"If I'd been that slow in testing then you'd understand what was happening, but we haven't changed the car since we tested there (Donington). Something weird has happened but we're not sure what.

"We salvaged some points but it was one of those rare, rare, weekends where things just don't turn out. I haven't had very many of them in my career so we'll put it behind us and focus on the next tests and races."

Meanwhile Power, above, had his hands full as the lone Ralt runner in the field.

announcement is not entirely clear although the FIA says that it has taken the decision simply because it does not want to make a substantial investment in the equipment needed (rumoured to be in the region of $lm) at a time when there is much uncertainty, particularly in the light of the legal challenge being mounted against the federation by Williams and McLaren.

Although the FIA has a considerable sum of money invested in the FIA Foundation, the federation does not have a huge turnover and there are fears that the additional equipment and potentially large legal bills would put the organisation into difficulties.

This is a curious argument as the arbitration case between the FIA and the two teams is unlikely to be

Debuting the company's new chassis, the Queenslander qualified the Diamond Racing machine well back in the field, but recovered to finish 15th in race one and 23rd in race two.

Round two of the championship kicks off at Snetteron in two weeks.

Migration season

MOVES are afoot within motorsport pubiishing, with the news that a iong-standing tradition is about to end with the shifting of industry newspaper Auto Action to Sydney.

The decision, from publisher ACP’s corporate headquarters, means the editorial department of AA (and its sister publication Motorcycle News) is to be relocated from Melbourne to join ACP’s Sydney-based magazine line-up.

MNews understands that the majority of current AA staff have declined the move northwards, provisionally scheduled for two months time, and will be replaced - including, it seems, editor Andrew MacLean.

The move away from one of two Australian motorsport centres (Melbourne and the Gold Coast) is seen as a purely management/logistics-driven decision.

8

DAVISON

THE FIA has informed the Formula 1 teams that launch control, traction control and fully-automatic gearboxes are not going to be banned at the British Grand Prix as had previously been announced.

This will mean that the existing tecluiology will go on being used until the end of the year.

The motivation for the

Bouncing back Courtney deen sweeps at Cuji JAMES Courtney's Japanese Formula 3 career is rapidly gaining momentum following a clean sweep of the second round at Fuji last weekend.

Courtney topped the charts in qualifying for both races, and made the most of his advantage to end the round with two wins and a healthy lead in the championship.

For an in-depth interview with James Courtney, turn to page 40 of this issue. motorsport news

NEWS

backdown

Rice paddy

3

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Traction control testing in 2001:Just when we thought we were almost electronic-aid free again, the rules change disputed until some time next year.

■The effect of the announcement wUl mean that drivers will stUl benefit from the electronic aids which means that the biggest teams, which can afford more exotic electronics, will continue to dominate. As a result cost cutting will be reduced and the show will not be enhanced.

There are any number of ways to read the FIA's move.

It can be interpreted, for example, as a way of giving the teams enough rope to hang themselves; it could be because the FIA cannot find a way to police its rules or as a way of pushing the smaller teams out of business. It could even be because the FIA is worried about the legal action. The problem in this case is that there is no obvious answer as to which of these theories (if any) are correct...

- JOE SAWARD

For the stat-heads

THINK back, if you can, to the 2001 Formula One season. The German Grand Prix in particular. And to be even more precise, lap 23.

Michael Schumacher was in the spare Ferrari after the gearbox on his race car packed it in immediately after the start, causing the Prost of Luciano Burti to plow into the rear of the red machine at a great rate of knots.

The race had been restarted, and Schumacher was pottering along in fourth behind the two Williams and Rubens Barrichello.

The German made his pitstop, and moments later, his race was over. A rare mechanical gremlin had struck, and Schuey was off for an early shower courtesy of a fuel pressure problem.

There is nothing particularly remarkable about all of that . .. until you consider that until he aquaplaned gracefully into the tyres in Brazil, it was the last time since the German GP two years ago that he had registered a DNF. 9 April 2003

After finishing 24 races in a row, it is understandable that the law of averages would catch up with the five-time Champion. No doubt, however, he would have preferred to happen at a time other than when he was already experiencing a career-worst start to a season.

Even more incredibly, Interlagos also brought to an end the Prancing Florse's streak of points-scoring results - a run that has lasted since San Marino in 1999. That's exactly

Remember when: Some of you probably weren't born last time Schuey DNF-d. OK, well not quite, but you know what we mean ... four years. Scary.

The team did keep one streak running, however it is probably not the one that they wanted.

When Barrichello's car ground to a halt while he was in a commanding position, it brought the unlucky Brazilian's run of home-track DNFs to nine.

THE innovative deal between Chinese national broadcaster CCTV and the Jordan Grand Prix Formula 1 team has already generated sponsorship interest.

A week after the deal was publicised, three Chinese and two European companies are said to have contacted Jordan for sponsorship possibilities.

"This is a fantastic opportunity", said Eddie Jordan. "China is such an important market - and we will be the team for China from now on." n Former Formula 1 driver Eddie Irvine has won an appeal against a London High Court decision after he had sued radio broadcaster TalkSport over its use of a photograph of him in its advertising, which had been altered so that he appeared to be wearing a logo of the station.

It was undisputed that this image had given the impression that Irvine was endorsing the UK station, and the original judge awarded Irvine £2500 damages, ruling that this was a "reasonable endorsement fee."

However the judge also ruled that Irvine should meet the costs of the case (more than £250,000) because he had rejected TalkSport's offer of an 'out of court' settlement. This week the Court of Appeal overturned that decision, awarded Irvine £25,000 and set aside the costs.

■ The FIA Sportscar Championship has adopted the same air inlet restrictor regulations as those employed by the AGO for the Le Mans 24 Hours and the American Le Mans Series. The move opens the championship to LMP900 and LMP675 category racecars, such as the Audi R8 and the MG-Lola EX257.

FIA Sportscar organiser Stephane Ratel told French newspaper 'Le Figaro' that he was "ready to offer a place to Team Bentley this year in our championship, subject to the agreement of the other competitors.'

■ Grand American Road Racing Association president Roger Edmondson committed the body to its new-for-2003 Daytona Prototype category "for the next 20 years" when he hosted a meeting this week of six constructors and suppliers in Indianapolis. Crawford, Doran, FABCAR, Multimatic, Picchio and Riley & Scott all called for stability of the formula for the next decade.

■ The works Morgan race team, whose entry application for the 2003 Le Mans 24 Hours was refused by the ACO selection committee, has retained most of its sponsors for an alternative short programme in the FIA GT Championship. The new focus for the Morgan Aero 8 will be the Spa 24 Hours in July.

- QUENTIN SPURRING 9

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home of

[motorsport] 2003 V8 Supercar Championship* Apr 13 ... Phillip Island

.Rd2

May 4

.Rd3

Eastern Creek

May 25 ...Winton

.Rd4

June 8 ... .Barbagallo

,Rd5

Jun 29... .Hidden Valley

,Rd6

Jui 20

,Rd7

QLD Raceway

Aug 17 ...Oran Park

,Rd8

Sep 14 ...Sandown

,Rd9

2003 Konica V8 Series* May 4 ... .Eastern Creek

.Rd3

July 6 ... .Phillip Island

.Rd4

Aug 3 ... .Winton

n Rd5

Aug 30 ...Mallala

.Rd6

2003 FIA Formula One Championship* Apr 20 ... .San Marino

,Rd4

May 4 ... .Spain

,Rd5

May 18 ...A1-Ring Monaco Jun 1

,Rd7

,Rd6

Jun 15 ... .Montreal

,rd 8

Jun 29 ... .Germany

.Rd9

2003 CART Championship* .Rd 3

Apr 13 ....Long Beach .

May 5 ... .Brands Hatch

.Rd 4

May 11 ...Germany .. .

.Rd 5

2003 IRL Championship* Rd3

Apr 13 ... .Motegi

Rd4

May 25 .. .Indianapolis Jun 7 .Texas

, Rd5

2003 MotoGP Championship* ,Rd2

Apr 27 ... .Africa May 11 .. .Spain

,Rd3

May 25 .. .France Jun 8 .Italy

,Rd4

Jun 15 ... .Catalunya

,Rd6

,Rd5

2003 World Rally Championship* Apr 13 ... .New Zealand

,Rd4

May 11 ...Argentina Jun 8 .Greece

,Rd5 .Rd6

jun 22 ....Cyprus

.Rd7

2003 Australian Rally Championship Jun 15 ....Rally Queensland Jul6 Sydney

.Rd2 .Rd3 .Rd4

Aug 10 .. .Rally Of S.A 5 Melbourne

.Rd5

2003 Procar Championship .Rd 2

Apr 25 ....Symmons Plains

.Rd 3

May 16 .. .Wakefield

rten1 J

home of

motorsport_ All event dales in this 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.

Coulthard claims 'win'after k

Burns go home?

THE WRC silly season is already in full swing, with the strong rumour at the moment being that Richard Burns, above, will leave Peugeot at the end of this when his contract expires, returning to Subaru.

Subaru gave him his World title in 2001 and was a far happier place for the Briton than his home for the past 18 months at Peugeot.

Coupled with that the word is that Better Solberg might be moving to Peugeot next season.

Reports in the Norwegian press last week stated that top brass in the French team are admirers of the Subaru driver's talents.

Solberg's contract with Subaru expires at the end of this season, and with Burns, Gilles Panizzi and Harri Rovanpera all coming to the end of their current contracts at Peugeot, there could be a berth for Solberg at Peugeot.

Subaru's team chief David Lapworth said recently that this season's driver transfer market could be 'very interesting' with a clutch of top names looking for new deals for next season.

However, both Solberg and his manager, Jim Carlsen, deny having had any contact with Peugeot.

"All of our focus is with Subaru," Carlsen stated.

Along with Solberg, Burns, Panizzi and Rovanpera, Alister McRae's current deal with Mitsubishi ends this year, as does Freddy Loix's and Armin Schwarz's at Hyundai.

Colin McRae and Carlos Sainz signed just one-year deals when they moved to Citroen at the start of this season, as did Didier Auriol when he joined Skoda, -JON THOMSON

SUBARU ARC up-and-comer Dean Herridge and co-driver Glenn MacNeall have been forced to miss this weekend's 33rd Propecia Rally New Zealand.

Herridge, who competes under the Subaru Rally Team Japan umbrella for WRC events, was forced onto the sidelines

after the team announced that it was withdrawing from the event due to uncertainties over the international situation regarding the war with Iraq.

Company policy states that all international travel be cancelled should an event arise that could place the safety of its workers at risk. Given that most of the ,'5

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ftte-race pitstop DAVID Coulthard has declared himself to be the moral wiimer of the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Scot was leading the race when he made his final pitstop at the end of lap 53, aDowing team-mate Kimi Railconnen to move up from second position.

Following Fernando Alsonso's crash on lap 55, the countback rule handed victory to Raikkonen on the grounds that the Finn had crossed the start/finish line as the leader on lap 53.

Coulthard, who was classified fourth, admitted that he was "really pissed off" that his pitstop had not been taken into account.

"I'd done my final stop of the race and I know the three guys in front of me all had to come in again if the race had not been stopped," Coulthard said.

"I believe I have more claim on that victory than other people. I am going away from here without a Grand Prix win that I worked hard for. The record books will show that I finished fourth and that I am 11 points down in the Championship."

Coulthard currently sits second in the Championship behind Raikkonen. team members are usually flown from Japan for the event, the policy effectively left Herridge without a crew.

"It's disappointing," said Herridge, who was running strongly at the ARC curtainraiser in WA two weeks ago until his efforts were thwarted by gearbox problems.

"It's ddj^ vu, because the same thing happened two years ago for the same event. Back

24 Regs done

PROCAR has released the supplementary regulations for the 2003 Bathurst 24-Hour race.

An anticipated field of 55 entries are expected, drawing upon six eligible classes - four fewer than for last year's inaugural event.

The classes are as follows: Class A (outright): Sports cars complying to regulations for Australian Nations Cup (Group One), FIA Grand Touring (N-GT), British GTO, All Japan GT(Group Two), American Grand-Am, Lamborghini Trophy.

Class B: Australian Nations Cup (Group Two)sports cars.

Class C: FIA Super 2000 touring cars.

Class D: Australian GT Performance touring cars.

Class E: Australian Production Car Championship touring cars (classes A, B, C).

Class F: FIA Group N, FIA Super Production, New Zealand Schedule 'S' touring cars and cars invited by PROCAR Australia.

"PROCAR and our partner Bathurst City Council have made a long term committment to the Bathurst 24-Hour race and after the inaugural event last November we are confident it has enormous potential," said PROCAR Australia Deputy Executive Chairman John Cowley.

"We have been contacted by many potential entrants from Europe and the United States since last November. International media coverage and word of mouth in the motorsport world has reached them and they're keen to tackle Australia’s legendary Bathurst circuit."

Television coverage will again be provided by the Seven Network, who will air at least six hours of the race live, including opening and closing programs and periodic live updates.

One new element of the 2003 race that is sure to prove popular is the addition of Super Screens at various locations around the circuit to help fans stay in touch with the race as it unfolds.

Support events to the Bathurst 24-Hour will be the seventh annual Showroom Showdown mini-enduro for production touring cars, V8 BRute races and the Great Aussie Ute Muster.

The Bathurst 24-Hour will be held at Mount Panorama on 22-23 November, with qualifying on 21 November. then, the event came just after September 11.

"At the end of the day it's very disappointing for me as a driver, but that's their company policy and you have to respect that."

Despite not being able to suit up for the rally, Herridge has departed for New Zealand and will do some recce runs, "You've got to look at the positive side, and by going over

and doing the recce I can still keep my pace notes up to date and continue my learning curve over there."

The other team Subaru Rally Team Japan car of Norihiko Katsuta and Kohei Kusaka has also been withdrawn from the event.

- MARK GLENDENNING

JAPAN'S famed Suzuka Circuit will look different when the Formula One circus heads there for the last round of the World Championship in October this year.

The sweeping 130R corner has been reprofiled, which will provide a faster and more flowing run through the turn. The change removes the bump from the centre of the corner.

This bump sent Allan McNish's Toyota through a guardrail in Saturday practice last year.

Also, the chicane after the 130R has been modified. The corner has been brought closer to the 130R and is more open than before, providing drivers a faster run onto the main straight.

Motorcycle riders faced another change with an extra chicane to negotiate before they ride onto the main straight.

The motorcycle course is said to add 3m to the overall length of the track. n In a further sign that the Wales Rally of Great Britain is putting down deeper roots in south Wales, the event organiser has taken a permanent office in Cardiff.

It is the first time that the event formerly known as the RAC Rally has established a full-time base in its host town.

Traditionally, it moved around Britain, basing itself in towns such as Bath, Cheltenham, Chester and York.

The Welsh Government has replaced Network Q as the rally's main sponsor. n DidierAuriol is impressed with the new Skoda Fabia WRC's ruggedness after a 400 kilometre three-day test in southern France last week.

Field on rough gravel, the test gave Skoda's new semi-automatic gearchange a thorough workout without problems.

"We weren't looking for performance. It was to see if it was strong. The suspension is very good there's lots of travel.

"They've done a good job and we're really satisfied," Auriol said.

In addition to the new gearbox and suspension, the Fabia has a lower centre of gravity and a significantly stiffer bodyshell than the current Octavla.

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9 April 2003

Suzuka facelift

n The FIA World Motor Sport Council has decided on the adoption of a single tyre supplier for the front running SRI category of the 2004 FIA Sportscar Championship, and has invited tenders.

Last year US-owned, UK-based Avon Racing successfully tendered for the exclusive contract to supply the SR2 division in 2003, - JON THOMSON/ OUENTIN SPURRING/STAFF 11

is this the end for Schumad

l^ough times: Ralf has been with Williams since 2000, is '03 his last with the famous team:?

THERE has been a lot of talk in ft in 2003 and is scheduled to earn circles ini recent days about the US$18m (A$30.4m) next year. This future of Ralf Schupnacher with;the deai was negotiated at a tirue when ' BMW Williams team. the economic situation was nowhere Schumacher has a contract which near as difficult as it is today. runs until the end of 2004 but there Schumacher has not done very are key signs that the relationship well in the last 12 months, particularly may come to an end before then:. when compared:to his team-mate ;1 The rumours began when Willi J uan Pablo Montoya. Williams wants better results and;unless things start Weber, Ralf’s manager, speculated that Ralf might move on to Toyota. to happen soon, there is a danger that Williams will decide to,tetminate Weber said that he wants Ralf to the contract and pick a new driver. stay at Williams for two more years.

This happened a few years ago but that Toyota is a good alternative.

The only slight problem with this ..when.Alex.Zanardi failed t&^4(|yn,the team’s confidence. The result was idea is that Toyota has shown no interest at all in Ralf and so the that Zanardi was paid off.

There have been rumours that if = stories are being seen more and this were to happen the team-would more as attempts to create some choose either the current test driverleverage to try to negotiate a better d eal for Ralf.

Marc Gene, who has done very well This is not going to happen as Ralf in the last year, or would piok up a is currently early US$15m (A$25.3m) new star. Current speculation

and Pizzonia isn't flavour of Penske < the month either n nn

For one so highly rated, Pizzonia has struggled so far this year.

12

THE Formula 1 paddock in Brazil was full of rumours raising the question of whether Antonio Pizzonia is the right man for the job as Mark Webber's team-mate.

When Pizzonia was signed by Jaguar last autumn, the new FI regulations were not in existence. The decision by Jaguar to restrict its testing has meant that Pizzonia has not been able to learn as nnuch as he would have been able to if the team had been testing between the races. This seems to have had an effect on the Brazilian driver's performance in the early races this year. Mark Webber's astonishing performance in qualifying in Brazil showed up Pizzonia once again as he was only 17th on the grid.

The suggestion is that the emphasis in FI is now on experience because there is very little time for a young driver to test and learn the ropes in

Formula 1. Three of the four new boys this year are driving for teams which have agreed to restrict their testing to Friday mornings at Grands Prix meetings. This means it is very hard for them to get to grips with the sport and Pizzonia has clearly struggled. /'We have had a few people knocking on the door and offering their services," said a Jaguar insider. "We have to see how Antonio does but at the moment, we are not very happy."

- JOE SAWARD

ROGER Penske has resigned from the board of directors of the International Speedway Corp.

This has led to speculation in the United States that he is considering joining Bernie Ecclestone's attempt to revive CART as an alternative to the current Formula 1 World Championship.

Ecclestone would be allowed by his contracts with the FIA to use the Formula 1 brand if the current Concorde Agreement was cancelled by the signatories. This is unlikely to happen as there would have to be unanimous agreement for that to happen and the small FI teams would be in a position to demand massive benefits in exchange for their agreement.

The stories of a deal between Ecclestone and Penske have also been linked to the suggestions that there might be a new Formula 1 race in Las Vegas. Presumably this would have to replace Indianapolis as Tony George is closely

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suggests thiat while Giancaflo Fisichella may seem to be the obvious candidate for the drive, the team might be more likely to pick a youngster such as Mark Webber. The other option would be to go for a younger (and cheaper) driver.

Schumacher finished a lacklustre ninth in Brg^il although he arg,ued that he would have been on the podium if the race had; not been ended early. In fact Half was lucky because at the end!of the Safety Car invention which followed the crash between Ralph Firman and Olivier Fanis, Ralf overtook Jos Verstappen before the two cars crossed the startline. Fortunately for Ralf the incident was apparently not spotted and so he avoided;a drive-through penalty, which would have dropped him even further back. ^ JOE SAWARD

Bernie is still not happy AT a time when one might expect to see the FIA and Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One operation working together to try to defeat the planned GPWC operation, it is odd that Ecclestone has continued to be outspoken about some of the changes that have been introduced in FI this year, not least the structure of qualifying.

Ecclestone says he wants it changed because the current set-up is less exciting than before. He appears to want to institute a system of four 30-minute qualifying sessions.

Ecclestone may be worried that the single car qualifying is not as exciting as had been anticipated (because of the FIA regulation that cars must run with the same fuel in the race as the one with which they finished qualifying) but there is no doubt that the racing is much better as a result of that regulation. And when all things are considered, many more people watch the races than

they do qualifying.

Going back to the old system with the fastest driver on the front of the grid creates the danger that the racing will become as processional as it was in 2002, when the TV viewing figures dropped because spectators were bored of watching Michael Schumacher's Ferrari dominating everything.

The change in the qualifying format was voted by the Formula 1 Commission last October and in order to be changed must now go back to the same commission. There is a general feeling that too much change will be disastrous for the sport as it will drive confused spectators away.

The FIA continues to say that it is not planning any change of format this year although Ecclestone seems to think change will come.

"The new system is not working," he said last week."We are going to change it."

-JOE SAWARD

luits ICS associated with the International Speedway Corp via The Motorsports Alliance.

Penske has been on the board of the ISC since 1999 when he sold his portfolio of racing circuits to the ISC for US$129m.

A deal between Formula 1 and CART would open the way for Formula 1 races to take over some of the better CART venues, notably Long Beach, Miami and Mexico City, while CART could take over some of the venues which would no longer be able to afford to run Grand Prix.

Much of this is speculation, but the fact that such matters are being discussed indicates either that there are serious talks going on or there is a major public relations effort going into torpedoing the plans of the Grand Prix World Championship in the run-up to an important meeting of that organisation in Munich on April 11. There have also been stories regarding Formula 3000 being transformed into a new Formula 1 World Championship which have been placed In British newspapers.

-JOE SAWARD 9 April 2003

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Why Bernie? Eccelstone is not happy with the new qualifying system, which has helped to produce three unpredictable and exciting races.

Our new pool THE Automobile Club de Monaco has confirmed that modifications to ease the 'swimming pool' complex, phase one of an improvement programme at the harbour Formula 1 circuit, have been completed.

Phase two will get under way later this year to transform the present cramped pit and paddock into a new purpose-built facility. This year's Monaco Grand Prix is scheduled for 1 June. n Swedish automotive engineering company Mecel, which was tasked by the FIA to produce its ' 'spy in the cab' Formula 1 data monitoring system, has admitted that its device would not have been ready for the British Grand Prix in July, the FIA's original deadline for its ban on Formula 1 'driver aids'.

The FIA had previously indicated only that it would not invest in this expensive technology until the resolution of the arbitration proceedings against the ban on electronic control systems that are to be pursued by the McLaren and WilliamsFI teams. n Formula 1 engine supplier Mercedes-Benz is in talks with the Swiss Sauber team over a potential deal for the 2004 season, according to the German 'Auto Motor und Sport' magazine. Sauber entered Formula 1 with Mercedes engines in 1995, but is currently supplied by Ferrari, although the units are rebadged by the team's Malaysian commercial partner, Petronas.

Mercedes is understood to be offering the engines at around a third of what the Ferrari deal is said to cost. n The Jaguar Racing Formula 1 team in Milton Keynes, UK, has already decided not to design and build an all-new chassis for the 2004 season. Speaking at the launch of the new XJ road car. Jaguar operations director Sir John Allison said: "There will be incremental change (to the racecar). This will save costs and allow us to build for the future." The 2004 design will be based on the existing R4 monocoque, with developments to the aerodynamics, suspension and Cosworth engine. n Istanbul appears increasingly likely to join the Formula 1 World Championship in 2005. A suitable site has been earmarked close to the city's Pendik-Kurtkoy airport for the new Grand Prix circuit, designed by the FIA consultant, Hermann Tilke.

Istanbul's Chamber of Commerce is to implement funding of the projected Turkish Grand Prix track and the race will be organised by TOMSFED, Turkey's national sporting authority.

- QUENTIN SPURRING 13

Smoke Wars Pt XV THE long-running dispute between the FIA and the European Commission over the issue of tobacco sponsorship is back in the news following the announcement that the FIA will mount a legal challenge to the Commission at the European Court of Justice.

The issue in question is why the Europeans changed the date for its tobacco sponsorship ban from October 2006 to the end of July 2005.

The FIA has tried to have this date changed because of the implications of the change, but the European Commission has refused to budge or even to explain why the date was changed. The problem is that working on the earlier date, several teams and sponsors had concluded deals taking tobacco sponsorship until the end of 2006.

In order not to break these contracts, the FIA says that “the most likely consequence of the 2005 ban in the EU is that a number of the EU events on FIA Formula One World Championship calendar will have to move to non-EU countries".

In December, the FIA sent a letter to the European Health Commissioner David Byrne, attacking the Commission's decision as being “gratuitous and irresponsible”.

Byrne replied to Mosley in January, saying that the letter was “both inaccurate and, if I may so, unsporting”. He blamed the FIA for failing to get an amendment through the European Parliament and said that he did not believe that “the FIA needs to place the blame for managing to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory at everyone else's door”.

Mosley replied that he would still like an explanation of why the date of implementation had been changed and warned the

Commissioner that teams are “legally bound to observe tobacco sponsorship contracts which do not expire until the end of 2006”.

The FIA says that it is left with no alternative than to challenge the ban legally.

At the moment however, the law cannot be challenged because it is not actually law.

That will not happen until the legislation is confirmed in the Official Journal of the European Union. It is not clear when this will happen but, as we understand it, it could be very quickly.

The FIA’s announcement of legal action may therefore be an attempt to get the EU to change its mind before it is necessary tor there to be legal action. Having said that, it is unlikely that Byrne will be willing to back down because he has already had to face the collapse of his first attempt at a directive, and the arguments put forward for the new directive are based on internal market legislation.

The FIA argues that if the move goes ahead it will force events out of Europe, which will cause considerable economic damage in the regions where the European races are currently held. Evidence of this is very clear and a group of Belgian businesses is currently in the process of challenging the FIA’s cancellation of the Belgian GP because of the country's aggressive attitudes towards tobacco which caused the F1 teams to vote against competing.

As a result of that decision the FIA cancelled the race and the local businesses immediately began to complain about lost income. Attempts to force the FIA to put the race back on the F1 calendar (a ridiculous suggestion) have been defeated in a court in Verviers. .

IDE SAWARD

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Dubaijumps AS Bahrain pushes on with the construction of its US$150m(AUD $252.5m) Formula 1 track at Sakhir, across the Persian Gulf the Emirate of Dubai is also building a Fl-specification racing circuit.

Designed by the same minds behind Maylaysia's Sepang circuit, right, both tracks are due for completion this autumn but Bahrain has already secured a long-term contract with the Formula One group to host a race, starting in 2004.

The length of this contract is not clear but it is unlikely to be less than five years. This would mean that the earliest possible date for an event in Dubai would be in 2009.

We have heard suggestions that rather than compete for a race in the Middle East(and thus push up the price), Bahrain and Dubai may have agreed to a deal by which Bahrain gets the race first but it would then switch to Dubai.

Whatever the case, the Dubai Autodrome and Business Park is under construction, the finance for the project being provided by Union Properties, a development company run by Ards A1 Jallaf, a major player in finance in Dubai and chief executive of the Errdrates Bank.

The project has the support of the Dubai royal family, notably the Crown Prince Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid A1 Maktoum.

The primary aim in Dubai is to build up motor racing from the grass roots and thus create a strong infrastructure before hosting a Grand Prix. There is even a hope that there might even be a Middle Eastern driver in FI by 2009, which would be a major boost for any race.

The idea of putting a business park alongside the circuit is aimed at the automobile and motor racing industries and the locals hope that in addition to local racing orgaidsations,international companies and team will establish headquarters in Dubai and use the 4.9km circuit for testing.

The facilities will include both indoor and outdoor kart tracks, an off-road driving course and a motor racing academy.

- JOE SAWARD

More smokescreens Brazil the latest to strike tobacco hurdles

THE Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has come to the rescue of the promoter of the Brazilian Grand Prix over the difficult issue of tobacco sponsorship.

The anti-tobacco legislation was voted through congress last year but fears that the Grand Prix would be cancelled led to an agreement between the promoter of the race and the Ministry of Sport. The legality of this arrangement was challenged by anti-tobacco forces and the result was confusion in the days leading up to the event with some teams running tobacco branding and others avoiding it.

In order to clarify the situation. President Da Silva finally used his discretionary powers to enact a provisional law on to alter the tobacco ban with immediate effect. This means that until July 31 2005 the anti-tobacco law will not be applied to “international sportive events which are not held in one single country and which are organised or promoted by foreign institutions” .

As part of the deal it was agreed that during broadcasts warning messages about smoking will be flashed on the screen.

- JOE SAWARD

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Richards on pause

VolksBerger?

GERHARD Berger has left BMW Motorsport, but already his name is being linked to a possible job as the head of a muchrumoured Volkswagen assault on Formula 1.

Volkswagen has consistently denied any concrete plan to enter FI in the immediate future, but the company boss Bernd Pischetsrieder is a great believer in using the sport to promote sales and improve the image of a car company. Pischetsrieder was the man who pushed through the current BMW program when he was chief executive of the Munich firm. He hired Berger to run the FI program but was then dumped from BMW after a boardroom battle with Wolfgang Reitzle in 1999.

Since taking control of VW last year, Pischetsrieder has played down any Formula 1 plan, saying it is currently too risky but he has also said that he expects to see some of the current manufacturers leave the sport and he may be waiting for the opportunity to enter the sport when the current field thins out.

Getting a program up and running would take at least three years so if a decision was made in 2003 there would be a year of recruiting in 2004, a year of testing in 2005 and it would not be until 2006 that the team would actually appear. This would suit Berger, who says that he has left BMW because he needs a rest and time with his family but also says that he does not think that he is finished with FI. At least part of Berger's decision to quit BMW stems from the yetto-be-announced decision that BMW is not going to start its own team but rather push ahead with a renewed alliance with the Williams team.

German press reports suggest that Volkswagen is in constant discussion with Sauber about purchasing the team.

- JOE SAWARD

Stoddy sleeping easy

PAUL Stoddart says that he is confident that the Minardi team is now close to

having enough money to make it through the Formula 1 season. Stoddart says that he hopes the remaining money needed can come from a fighting fund set up by the teams to help the small teams survive.

Stoddart, pictured right in cruise mode, says that he has now sorted out problems with the Gazprom sponsorship but also admitted that he did not follow up on Malaysian government money after receiving a number of death threats after the team ran with 'Malaysia for peace' stickers on the cars in Sepang.

One potential threat has, however,been removed with the team having been cleared in a long-running tax investigation by Italian authorities which might potentially have cost US$6.5m 9 April 2003

(AUD$10.9m). The problem has been dogging the team since 1992 and has not been addressed by the various owners of Minardi during that period. Stoddart was aware of some of the potential problems when he bought the team a couple of years ago,but admits that he was not aware of all of them.

"This news means that Minardi has a clean slate for any investors wanting to come into Formula 1," he said.

Stoddy was also bouyed by his team's performance in Brazil, despite the fact that neither driver made it to the finish.

"Today saw possibly the first time ever that Minardi was potentially in a genuine, race-winning position. Many people may laugh, but only those of us within the team will ever know the truth.

We had the strategy, but not the luck."

- JOE SAWARD/STAFF

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WRC rights holder David Richards has acknowledged that his gung-ho plans to expand coverage of rallying on TV have been paused.

Finance appears to be the major hurdle at the moment, with City venture capitalists in the City of London demanding some returns on the already substantial investment before advancing more funds.

Richards says that plans for live television coverage "remain fluid" despite the difficulty of raising extra finance.

Richards, who is seeking AUD$70 million to fund live transmission from stages, described the current investment climate as "quite impossible".

"My drive is towards live TV now.

I've got a very clear focus, I've got to get the live TV sorted," he said.

Hopefully Richards will be able to press the play button on live coverage soon. n Hyundai's Freddy Loix was a happy man after putting the Accent WRC3 through its paces last week when the team went testing for the first time this year, A financial crisis at MSD had prevented the Hyundai team from testing this season. However a budget has now been finalised and the team conducted a four-day test in Spain last week.

"I'm very pleased with the work we've carried out," said Loix. "We've tested new shock absorbers and we also tested a new turbo which will boost up the power in the lower revs, "Hyundai also released a new test calendar and we'll be testing more regularly from now on. We'll be testing prior to Greece, Germany and Great Britain." n Jaroslav Janis upset his more fancied rivals in International Formula 3000 testing late last month. The ; Charouz ISR Racing driver snatching n the fastest time on day two after ; heavy rain upset the first day at the , Jerez circuit in Spain, i Arden International team-mates Bjorn Wirdheim and Townsend Bell ' were next best, followed by Yannick : Schroeder and Jordan Junior driver Derek Hill. n The rumour mill in the UK has ' linked a number of people to the ' purchase of circuits believed to be ready for sate by Octagon : Motorsports. Former grand prix driver ' Jonathan Palmer has been linked to Snetterton, as has a consortium I headed by BTCC boss Richard West i and amateur racer Roger Bennington, : However, it is understood that ; Octagon is keen to sell its circuits as ^ a group and not individually.

- DAVID ADDISOIM/ JOIM THOMSOIM/STAFF 15

Bemie ready for 10-4

THE last few days have seen a marked increase in the politics of Formula 1 in the run-up to an important meeting of the GPWC, which is due to take place on April 10.

It is anticipated that this meeting will see the GPWC trying to get Formula 1 team owners to sign up to their planned new championship. It remains to be seen whether this will be successful as the GPWC has yet to conclusively prove that it has the commitment of the automobile manufacturers in anything other than vague terms.

Team bosses will be looking for financial guarantees which, to date, the GPWC has been unwilling to make.

It is no coincidence that there has been a lot of talk in the last few days of Bernie Ecclestone considering buying control of the CART series in America. It has been clear from the start that Ecclestone is not going to give up his hold on FI without a fight and the latest tactic appears to be to offer teams an alternative to both the current FI World Championship and the planned GPWC series. This is a very clever move because, to the average spectator, CART machinery is very similar to that used in Formula 1.

The cars are currently powered by 2.65-litre turbocharged Cosworth V8 engines, which are run on methanol. But CART has already announced that it is switching to normally-aspirated 3litre VIO engines in 2005 and that will inevitably attract interest from the current Formula 1 engine manufacturers because CART offers them the way to make an impression in the all-important US luxury car market.

A takeover of CART and the transformation of that series into a 'new' Formula 1 would kill several

birds with one stone. It would take

FI into America in a much bigger way, with the established European teams taking on the likes of Newman Haas Racing and Forsythe. Such a series would inevitably attract back some of the teams that switched to the Indy Racing League and it is likely that Penske, Ganassi, Mo Nunn and Team Rahal would all want to be involved in such a series.

The Formula One group already has long-term contracts with many of the big FI events and a change in the technical specification of the cars would not have a big effect.

The racing would also be considerably cheaper because the rules are tighter.

The series would also be much more flexible as the unwieldy Concorde Agreement could be bypassed. If Ecclestone produced a more sensible financial package for teams, incorporating more of the overall income generated by FI, the teams would follow rather than risking an involvement with the GPWC,which looks like being more expensive and less politically stable.

Faced by such a new series the automobile manufacturers would inevitably have to look at the bottom line and see that CART is not only cheaper than FI but also targets the markets that they want to be in. There would be considerable pressure within the car

companies to go down that route.

The smaller teams will also want

better deals as by blocking the cancellation of the Concorde Agreement they can demand a better deal. And there is also the FIA which is unlikely to side with the GPWC,given that organisation's clear message that it would prefer to run its series outside FIA control, which is not really a practical option.

The alternative to scrapping the Concorde Agreement is for the races to go on being run but with the teams sending old cars while concentrating their efforts on a new series, an arrangement which would be very damaging to all concerned.

The FIA will obviously have a major role to play in all this because it exists to protect the sport and if switching to CART regulations in 2005 makes the most sense to protect the Formula 1 World Championship then the federation is likely to go down that route rather than engaging with the automobile manufacturers.

While all this is happening, Ecclestone continues to negotiate terms to buy back the remaining shares in the Formula One group from the investment banks who own the business. All the talk of splits will no doubt help to convince the banks that it is time to sell up and get out.

-JOE SAWARD

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1

A tall story: Bernie Ecclestone, above with Toyota's Ove Andersson, may be working on a plan to take Formula One, and its manufacturers, to CART and America.

But anything he is planning may depend on Ferrari, left. What is a world championship without the cars from Maranello?

F A SI

Wear your Hi

by JOE SAWARD

THE FIA has confirmed that it will stick with its desire that all Formula 1 drivers to use the HANS device, despite problems in Malaysia with Rubens Barrichello and Justin Wilson.

The governing body said that "if any driver is unable to wear the device for medical or other reasons, the team concerned will have to replace him,just as they would if he could not wear a crash helmet or seat belts".

The FIA reminded teams that they are free to modify the HANS system to suit their cars and drivers, provided any modification is first agreed with the FIA Safety Commission.

The FIA said that "evidence that the HANS system significantly reduces the risk of injury to a driver in a major accident is overwhelming.

Teams have known about the system and the proposals for its introduction for more than two years. Indeed the system was officially announced for Formula 1 in April 2001 at the San Marino Grand Prix by the President of the FIA accompanied by Professor Hubbert of DaimlerChrysler (which did much of the development work).

The statement went on to say that "the system can be uncomfortable if not properly adjusted for the individual driver. It also marginally raises the height of the centre of gravity of the car. It would be unfair if some drivers were allowed to race without it. At the same time, the proven safety gains are so great that it would be irresponsible to abandon the system".

The HANS device was invented by Dr. Robert Hubbard,a biomechanical engineering professor at Michigan State University. In the 1970s, Hubbard worked at the General Motors Research Laboratories on development of crash test dummies and when his brother-in-law sportscar racer Jim Downing talked to him about his belief that many of racing's debilitating or fatal head and neck injuries could be prevented, Hubbard began work on HANS.The objective was to reduce the chance of serious injury caused by the violent movement of the unrestrained head and helmet combination in an accident.

In a high-G accident(in the region of 80G), a 151b head and helmet

16

moiorsport news

NEWS

ays tough

INS or you're outta here

combination effectively weighs 12001b for a split second. Crash recorders in Indycars have recorded many accidents over lOOG and the driver's neck has to take this load.

The generally accepted average threshold for injury is about 7401b and that can be registered during a head-on accident at speeds as low as 60mph.

Hubbard developed and tested prototype HANS systems in 1989, testing the first systems with crash injury biomechanics experts at Wayne State University in Detroit.

Downing wore the HANS device in practical tests. The first HANS device went on sale in 1990 and since then General Motors, Ford, and Mercedes Benz have all conducted their own experimentation and have recognised the effectiveness of the device in reducing driver injuries. In 2000 a compact versions of HANS was developed for use in CART,IRL, FI, NASCAR and other forms of racing and there are now several thousand HANS devices being used on a regular basis. The HANS device is now mandatory in CART and Formula Atlantic and NASCAR has a similar mandatory head and neck restraint system.

Since the FIA announcement Barrichello has tested out a new system on his Ferrari and seems to be happy with the result.

9 April 2003

HANS Stuck?

No, it's Cristiano da Matta, but the Brazilian FI rookie is still stuck with wearing the HANS device, as are all the FI drivers.

The Jung and the Restless?

RALLYE Deutschland organisers have had a scare following an unsatisfactory report from FIA-nominated observers during a meeting of the World Motor Sport Council in Paris last week.

The report could see Germany lose its round of the WRC on safety grounds if it fails a second and final inspection at the beginning of May. Germany only gained a round of the series last year, and conducted an all-tarmac event to, it was thought at the time, good reaction from the teams and officials.

Rallye Deutschland representative Gunter Jung, however, is confident that the event will go ahead as scheduled.

"We had a problem in preparing the papers and detailed maps of the Baumholder area for the observers due to bad weather," said Jung.

"Heavy snowfalls made it impossible to take photos from the helicopter or drive through the stages.

"The observers have seen the other two stages of the rally and had no complaints, just small suggestions to improve. We have a new spectator guiding system and more roads into the Baumholder area."

VALE

Fenmin Velez FORMER IMSA World Sports Car and Group C2 champion Fermin Velez died last week in Barcelona after a battle with an undiclosed form of cancer.

The Spaniard won the 1987 and 1989'C2'titles with the Spice team,and the IMSA titles in 1995 and 1997. He also raced in the Indy Racing League,finishing 10th in the 1997 race.

Velez contested the British Formula 3 championship series in 1978 and 1979, before he returned to Spain to race in hillclimbs.

Following his C2 titles, he was contracted to race for the TWR Jaguar team in Cl but

his season was cut short by a major testing crash.

Velez started his career in saloons and was the 1982 Spanish Hillclimb Touring Car Champion in a Simca Rallye before turning to Sportscars.

He ranked third in the 1984 Spanish Hillclimb Championship driving a Lola T292-BMW and won the 1985 Spanish Hillclimb championship in the Lola T292-BMW. He made his FIA Sports Car World Championship(SWC) debut in the 1986 Monza race in a John Fitzpatrick Racing Porsche 956,finishing 10th.

Velez was three days short of his 44th birthday.

F3 goes oval BRITISH F3 could race on an oval this year. Plans are at an advanced stage for a race to be run on the oval at Rockingham, albeit only for the 2003 cars that comply with the FIA crash test regulations, In the absence of Champ Cars at The Rock, the F3 showdown would make it the UK's fastest race, but teams have reacted quietly to the idea. Fears of damage in case of an accident are top of the list (young drivers on ovals? Surely not!) followed by concerns over engines failing after flat-out running for 25 minutes.

Also of concern is the race date, just a week ahead of the prestigious Marlboro Masters, Pah, wimps these Poms! n Ernani Judice has returned to Promatecme F3 for 2003, despite parting with the team mid-way through 2002. He will be joined by race-winner Michael Keohane who has split from the Lola Dome/Sweeney Racing team after fears the car would be uncompetitive. n Giorgio Pantano will resume his Formula 3000 career with the Pianiga, Italy based Durango Team in 2003. Pantano (24) had a winter test for BMW WilliamsFI and, more recently, had to discard plans to race in the CART ChampCar series.

Pantano's team mate will be fellow Italian Raffaele GianMaria. n MG will run three cars in the BTCC this year, with Colin Turkington slotting into a third works car alongside existing drivers Anthony Reid and Warren Hughes. Turkington previously raced an MG ZS for Team Atomic Kitten in the Independents Cup class last year.

MG's expansion to a third car follows earlier steps up by rival manufacturers Vauxhall and Honda. n The new British SEAT Cupra Championship is set for an intriguing last race. With a series of docu-soap telecasts offering viewers a chance to get to know the drivers, the series will run its Brands Hatch event as a non-championship double-header Superprix with the grid for race one decided by a viewers' telephone vote! The first race will be run on the Brands Indy circuit, the second on the longer GP track. n The Dallara Nissan World Series will receive a boost this season thanks to the cars running 4,5-litre engines. This is the penultimate year of Nissan's current contract but it is expected to remain involved, whilst a UK race is being rumoured for 2004.

- DAVID ADDISON/STAFF 17

NEWS It was there that, during the 1993 European Grand Prix, Senna overcame appalling weather conditions to win commandingly, lapping almost the entire field in the process.

To mark the 10th anniversary of the race, a statue of the Brazilian will be officially blessed.

BRITAIN'S Donington Park circuit will host a special celebration of the life of Ayrton Senna next weekend.

The track holds a special place in the story of the Brazilian champion, who was killed in an accident at Imola in 1994, as it was the staging ground for one of his most memorable performances.

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PETER Fitzgerald might want to clean up in the 2003 Porsche Carrera Cup series.

The Melbourne veteran will carry the support of Enjo cleaning products, which kind of look like bedroom slippers and work by ... durmo how, but they do work, and without nasty detergents.

"I see our main opposition as JR (Jim Richards), Tim Leahey, Marcus Marshall, Matt Coleman and the ever-improving Jonathon Webb," said Fitzgerald. "(Geoff) Morgan will be hampered by no seat time since the GP due to car repairs but I wouldn't discoimt him and I would also expect Tony Quinn, Scott Shearman and Peter Hill to do a good job."

THE BMW Williams team continues to bolster its technical operations and in recent weeks has revamped its aerodynamic department.

The control of the department has now been handed over to Dr Antonia Terzi, the ex-Ferrari engineer who joined the team last year. She now takes over full control of decisions and will work with Gavin Fisher on the of the current car and the design of the new car for next year.

The team is already in the process of producing new parts which appeared in Brazil which the team hopes will improve the performance of the FW25. These new developments are believed to be the work of Terzi.

The latest word on the two engineers who were previously in charge of Williams aerodynamics is that both Nick Allcock and Jason Somerville are to leave the team, although at the moment Somerville is on permanent leave.

Recent rumours have suggested that the team is looking for a top level engineer to become deputy technical director under Patrick Head.

- JOE SAW/ARD

18

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2003 Le Mans 24 Hour Entry List UVIP900 4 Riley & Scott R&S-Ford MClIIC 5 Team Goh Audi R8 6 Champion Audi R8 9 Kondo Racing Dome-Mugen SI01 10 Audi Sport UK Audi R8 11 JML Panoz Panoz LMP-01 Evo 12 JML Panoz Panoz LMP-01 Evo 13 Courage Courage-Judd C60 14 Team Nasamax Reynard-Cosworth 01Q 15 Racing for Holland Dome-Judd SI01 16 Racing for Holland Dome-Judd SI01 17 Pescarolo Sport Courage-Peugeot C60 18 Pescarolo Sport Courage-Peugeot C60 19 Durango Durango-Judd LMP 20 Lister Racing Lister Storm LMP 21 Sezio Florida Norma-Ford M2000-2 LM-GTP 7 Team Bentley Bentley Speed 8 8 Team Bentley Bentley Speed 8 LMP675 23 Team Bucknum Pilbeam-Ji MP91 24 Welter Racing WR-Peugeot 25 Welter Racing WR-Peugeot(V6!

26 RN Motorsports D8A4-Zytek 03S 27 Intersport Lola-MG B2K/06 29 Noel del Bello Reynard-Lehmann 2KQ 31 Courage Competition Courage-Ji C65 GTS 50 Chevrolet Chevrolet Corvette C5-R

51 Chevrolet Chevrolet Corvette C5-R 61 Carsport America Pagani Zonda GR 64 Graham Nash Sateen S7R 66 Konrad Saleen S7R 68 Scorp Motorsport Chrysler Viper GTS-R 72 Luc Alphand Ferrari 550 Maranello 80 Veloqx Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranello 86 Larbre Competition Chrysler Viper GTS-R 88 Veloqx Prodrive Ferrari 550 Maranello GT 70 JMB Racing Ferrari 360 GT 75 Thierry Perrier Porsche 911 GT3-RS 77 Team Taisan Porsche 911 GT3-RS 78 PK Sport Porsche 911 GT3-RS 81 Racer's Group Porsche 911 6T3-RS 83 Seikel Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3-RS 84T2M Motorsport Porsche 911 GT3-RS 85 Spyker Spyker C8 Double 12R 87 Orbit Porsche 911 GT3-RS 91 Racesports Salisbury TVR T400R 92 Racesports Salisbury TVR T400R 93 Alex Job Racing Porsche 911 GT3-RS 94 Risi Competizione Ferrari 360 GT 95 Risi Competizione Ferrari 360 GT 99 XL Racing Ferrari 550 Maranello RESERVES R1 Taurus Sports Lola-Judd B2K/10B R2 Konrad Sateen S7R R3 Racer's Group Porsche 911 GT3-RS R4 Graham Nash Saleen S7R R5 PK Sport Saleen S7R R6 Luc Alphand Porsche 911 GT3-RS

ENGINE AAANAGEMENT & DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS

What? One MG? British Boys hurled out of Le Mans ONE MG prototype will be on the grid for June's Le Mans 24 Hours, despite four of the British car maker's Lola-built prototypes being entered for the big race.

The American Intersport Racing squad will take its MG-Lola to the French enduro for the first time, but the three other versions of the car will not be present. Dyson Racing withdrew its car in the days before the publication of the final list, while two more entries-both with support from MG - were denied places.

Dyson's move follows a disappointing start to its American Le Mans Series campaign at Sebring earlier this month when its two LMP675S were hit by a series of reliability issues. The team, winner of a string of US sportscar titles since the late 1990s,said it will now concentrate on its ALMS programme.

Team owner Rob Dyson said: "it's a very difficult decision for us.

We recognise that our car is fast enough but we need more development and reliability testing."

The British Ray Mallock Limited team was to have been MG's factory-backed team, but it appears that its entry was turned down becau.se it didn't go to Sebring last month. Stalwart Sportscar entrant Hugh Chamberlain was also aiming to take an MG-owned chassis to Le Mans. He was denied an entry for

this car but was granted two for the squad of TVR GT contenders he is helping to run.

RML's Mike Blanchet said:"We weren't taking it for granted that we would be at Le Mans, but we are disappointed. Our absence from Sebring was not because we didn't want to be there.

"RML's plan is to be at Le Mans in 2004. We will be analysing the new rules for prototypes to see how they will affect the MG,but we will also look at other possibilities." l Also missing from the list was heavily reworked version of the Morgan Aero 8 LM-GT seen for the first time last year, but this time entered by the factory.

Morgan boss Charles Morgan, who,was_due to ha\'e raced the new Aero 8 LM-GT,said he was "shocked" that the car had not received an Le Mans entry. Fie conceded, however, that the team's absence from Sebring didn't help its cause. Morgan stressed that the project would continue.

"We are pushing ahead with the car and should be ready to test, in secret,soon."

An attack on July's Spa 24 Hours is now scheduled to be the car's first event, while the team will contest Sebring next year in its bid to get an entry for Le Mans 2004.

And,as a thought,seeing the Moggy at Bathurst's 24 Hours sounds like a good idea to us ...

-GARY WATKINS

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The cost of attendance is $175 (inc gst) per person, per day, inclusive of all comprehensive course notes, relevant documentation, and morning/afternoon teas and lunch.

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motorsport news

NEWS

Mate,you're Collard

CADILLAC refugee Emmanuel Collard has landed a Le Mans drive with Porsche's factory-supported team from the US. The Frenchman, who was left out of a drive when Cadillac pulled out of sportscar racing last year, right, will race 911 GT3-RS jointly run by the Petersen and Alex Job Racing American Le Mans Series squads. He will share the car witlr Porsche factory regulars Lucas Luhr and Sascha Maassen.

The deal marks a return to the Porsche ranks for a former factory driver, who also imdertook two races with Job in 2001. The deal includes a drive at Petit Le Mans with Job and an attack on May's Nurburgring 24 Hours in one of Manthey Racing's twinturbo 911s.

Collard, a Porsche factory driver in 199697 and a Job irregular in 2001, said: "I'm not driving a prototype, but this is still a factory deal. This is why I have taken it."

-GARY WATKINS

Will it be a red dawn?

THREE Ferrari 550 Maranello machines will join the GTS field for the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Two of the Prodrive-built 550s will be entered by Veloqx Prodrive Racing, a ProdriveA/eloqx Motorsport joint venture which scored a second place for the GTS class in last month's Sebring 12 Hour race. It is a step up for Prodrive, who fielded just one car last year.

The team will retain their Sebring line-up of Kelvin Burt, Anthony Davidson, Jamie Davies, Tomas Enge, Peter Kox and Darren Turner for the Le Mans campaign.

The third car will be fielded by Luc Alphaland Aventures who, with the French Solution F team, will be taking on Le Mans for the first time.

- MARK GLENDENIMIIMG

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We’re One Martin Short

2002 Bathurst 24 hour hero Martin Short was rumoured to be vacating his British GT Mosler and teaming up with former rival Tim Sugden in a Porsche in the FIA GT Championship.

Sugden was set to be partnered by James Hanson who pulled out at the 11 th hour giving Short a chance of the drive for Steve O'Rourke's team.

Wonder if that means that Short his saving his Mosler, above - actually, two Moslers - for the Bathurst 24 Hour race? n Scuderia Ecosse is a new team to the British GT Championship this season and has its sights set on the FIA GT Championship. To be driven

by Marino Franchitti and Stewart Roden, the car will tackle a handful of the UK races plus the Spa 1000 kms in August. n An all-girl crew in a Chrysler Viper? Yep, in British GTs. Amanda Stretton and Annie Templeton will share a Viper run by Steve Watson, last seen over here in his heroic efforts at the Adelaide ELMS race.

The ultimate aim of the team, Team CMS, is to tackle Le Mans. Stretton's first test in the car wasn't a huge success, the car shunting the Rockingham pit wall - whilst she was leaving the pits!

- DAVID ADDISON

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Zanardi Barron mi be al^oiiB to return Alex gets a S Poi*ce while tfe Ferraii peeeieps to Ground Zero

ALEX BARRON will make a return to the IRL ranks in Japan this weekend, replacing the injured Gil de Ferran.

But perhaps the biggest shock though is Barron, who finished fifth in last year’s series, is to drive a G Force chassis rather than a Dallara. ; Marlboro Team Penske has ; used Oallaras since entering the ; IRL but will use the G Force : chassis in the first-ever indy ' Racing event off American I shores. ' Penske Racing President Tim

OinciriG is foeusing on his teams future, and the indy 500 in late May. “Dallara have done a fantastic job for our organisation over the past two years.” he said.

“However, our philosophy has always been to continually evaluate our options to ensure we are racing the most competitive equipment available.'’

“The experience that we wil gain in Japan will accelerate our evaluation process prior to Indianapolis.”

Regular Penske driver Welio . ^ Castroneves will remain in a Dallara for the Japan Indy 300.

Gil de Ferran will be sidelined for at least a month after | suffering a minor fracture of his i lower baok in a high-speed shunt with Michael Andretti at Phoenix International Raceway, i The Doctors who treatedi de Ferran though are confident the ' HANS device, which allows the 1 driver's head to move with the i drivers torso during: an accident, j saved ihim from further injuries.

- PHtL MORRIS

ALEX Zanardi will return to EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany on May 11 as the Grand Marshall.

The Italian, below, who lost both his legs in a horrifing accident at the circuit 18 months ago, has been an inspiration to many and wiU be a popular guest at the fifth round of the CART series.

Tire Champioship returns to the EuroSpeedway after missing its roimd last year. The German 500 will be the first oval event for the Champ Cars this year.

- PHIL MORRIS

1

Indy 500 entnes hot up THE 87th running of the Indy 500 has attracted a lot of entry interest.

Penske have a huge Indy 500 attack in stall with four entries

marked down for the biggest race on the IRL calender.

Helio Castroneves and Gil de Ferran will be joined by two other drivers, who are yet to be announced.

It is uncetain though whether the team will fill the vacant seats with other drivers or if they will be used solely as back-up cars for the lead men.

Castroneves is shooting to be the first ever man to win three Indianapolis 500s in a row.

22

Other entries confirmed for the famous race are Target Chip Ganassi Racing, who has confirmed three cars, two for Scott Dixon and Tomas Scheckter and one for a yet-to-benamed driver.

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Access Motorsports will feature in a one-car attack with co-owner Greg Ray. Veteran Indy campainers Billy Boat and Arie Luyendyk will both attempt to qualify for the 500. Two-time winner Luyendyk is confirmed as the third driver for Mo Nunn Racing while Boat will drive a Panther racing machine alongside reigning IRL Champion,Sam Hornish Jnr.

motorsport news

NEWS

Laguna Seca Safe

CHAMPIONSHIP Auto Racing Teams(CART) last week announced that Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca would continue to host a round of their series for at least another two years.

The deal, which has an option till 2006, is significant for the

Champ Cars after the recent round loss at Road America.

This has pleased the local Monterey Country, which annually receives a large economic boost from the fans attending the race.

Also in Laguna Seca news, new pit row suites and garages

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will be used for the first time by the CART teams when they hit the track in mid-June.

The complex cost around US$7.5 million ($13m) and features four corporate and eight individual suites over looking pit lane.

- PHIL MORRIS j

GM Executive gets Indy 500 start!

General Motors executive director Herb Fishel will drive the offical Pace car for this years Indy 500.

Fishel will pilot a Chevy SSR, boosting a 5.3 litre small block V8 which produces nearly 300 horsepower. n Dan Wheldon has been confirmed as the Andretti Green Racing's third driver for the Indy 500, joining Michael Andretti and Tony Kannan.

Wheldon will replace Andretti for the remainder of the series after he retires from racing after driving duties to concentate on running the team. n Sebastian Boudais completed his first-ever test on an oval circuit at the start of the month at Phoenix International Raceway.

After two rounds of the series, Boudais has qualified on pole for both events and is keen to convert his good circuit form to oval racing, which is something he has never done before. However, there is only one oval and two superspeedway courses on the CART calender.

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23

MOTO GP

The Ralians'Job

Their riders go 1-2 at Suzuka -and their bikes aint bad, either

VALENTINO Rossi just keeps winning, taking the opening round of the MotoGP Championship at Suzuka.

But the World Champion's victory was overshadowed by an appalling accident to Daijiro Kato, who crashed heavily on the approach to chicane on lap three. The Japanese lay motionless on the track while attended by circuit medical staff and was helicoptered to hospital after emergency heart resuscitation treatment. He was listed in critical condition, in a coma in mtensive care.

Honda took a 1-2 on home soil.

Max Biaggi starting his association with the Pons/Pramac team with second place behind his arch-rival, In fact, a 1-2-3 was only stopped by Ducati, the pre-season hype provmg true. Loris Capirossi took third, 1.8s behind Biaggi and five seconds clear of Sete Gibernau.

The news continued to be good for the Italian teams. Troy Bayliss was a strong fifth, holdmg out his old SBK rival Colin Edwards, who showed consistent speed on the Aprilia Cube.

Now Michelin-shod, the threecylinder bike was enough to beat countryman Nicky Hayden, who got the better of off-season star Alex Barros, whose Yamaha was never a match for the Hondas.

Suzuki had a terrible race, Kenny Roberts and John Hopkins never in the hunt on a track where the bikes starred (in the wet)last season.

Aussies Garry McCoy and Andrew Pitt lurched around on their gripless Kawasakis, which need development if they are to challenge the big guys.

Points; Rossi 25, Biaggi 20, Capirossi 16, Gibernau 13, Bayliss 11, Edwards 10, Hayden 9, Barros 8.

MANUEL Poggiali made a copybook 250cc debut, coming from 23rd on the grid to win.

But the best news for the Aussies was the form of Ant West. Still recovering from a back mjury. West was right in the thick of the leading battle until he lost the front end of his Aprilia late in the race and tumbled into the gravel.

Sebastien Porto had led by 5s before first West and then Poggiali chased him down. Japanese wild cards Hiroshi Aoyama and Yuki Takahashi took the other podium spots,from Porto.

THE opening race of the 125cc was a cracker that ended in controversy.

24

i?:

Familar faces, not brands: Loris Capirossi lead early under Valentino Rossi and Max Biaggi found a way past. John Hopkins and Suzuki continue to struggle, right.

Lucio Cecchinello took the chequered flag after he straightlined the final chicane after being forced onto the grass (at 220kmh !) by Stefano Perugini. The latter won the race on appeal, while Cecchinello, who was given a 30s penalty for the excursion,lodged an appeal after he was passed under a yellow flag.

Mirko Giansanti and Steve Jenkner filled the podium.

Casey Stoner failed to finished after a crash on his Apfiha.

Now^ just where was I? THE 2001 British Touring Car Champion,Jason Plato is set to make a return to the series with the privateer team GA Motorsport, run by Gary Ayles, himself a former BTCC driver.

Bfrlato (35), a former front-runner for Renault, was dumped by Vauxhall after winning the title, but soon landed a drive in the flourishing ASCAR stock car series.

At Brands Hatch this week, he confirmed that he was at an advanced stage of negotiation with CA to run in a two-car team alongside the promising Scot, Gavin Pyper.

Plato was also hoping to race an MG Lola LMP675 at Le Mans this year, but seems to have lost out because the ACO declined the RML team's entry.

- QUENTIN SPURRING

BVP

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Both ends of the spectrum O NE of the pleasures of this job is that you do get to drop in on all kinds of motorsports over time. The last couple of weeks has provided one of the most intriguing contrasts of all, as purely by chance I've had the opportunity to view motor sport from two ends of the spectrum.

While the MNews editorial heavyweights were partying in Adelaide at the hugely successful Clipsal 500, a terrific deal from the guys at Lauda Air allowed me to travel to Kuala Lumpur with Mark Webber’s Dad Alan for a first-time look at a venue everyone raves about.

Whistle-stop weekend trips like this are always great fun but this one got off to a slightly comic, if tragic, start when Big Al arrived at Sydney International check-in with wife Dianne's passport instead of his own.

Al would follow on 24 hours later, this time with the correct visage in his documentation.

Thanks to his son, word spread through the FI Paddock like wildfire and the poor guy spent the weekend fending off sexchange jokes ...

Anyway, there's no doubt that the venue at Sepang is a great facility. The circuit is challenging; the facilities for the teams are just excellent; but there's one missing ingredient - atmosphere.

It may have been Grand Prix weekend but there was no ontrack action at all on Thursday, no crowd on Friday and a sprinkling of sorts on Saturday. With no warm-up and just a couple of local supports, most of the crowd flocked in around lunchtime Sunday in time for the show.

It's not KL's fault, but the climate acts against them too.

Quite warm; very humid. Most non-locals scurry from refrigerator to refrigerator, if you like. About the only ones really at home were the GP Another tremendous race - Todd Road CIK Intercontinental ‘A’ winner Graeme Powles

drivers and associated glitterati who had been acclimatising nearby for the previous week ...

I know the rest of the world is constantly telling us how good we have it here in Australia, but they are so right. I lost count of the FI journos who, upon learning of my domicile, expressed the view that they'd really rather have been in Adelaide watching the V8s! In the end, they got quite an intriguing GP for their trouble, but gee, we do have it good here in March.

Now if only they'd built Sepang in Sydney where Eastern Creek now stands ...

on thedays embankment at the Seven later I'm standing Todd Road kart track watching the finals of the opening round of the CIK series, reminding myself just how good top level karting is and why young blokes who come through the upper echelons go into car racing with a tremendous level of racecraft and motorsport experience.

I was fortunate enough to see a few World Championship Kart finals a few years back and remain committed to the view that they often provide as high a quality motor racing as you will ever see - anywhere.

The same goes for the top stuff here in Oz. The standard these days is high - our top guys race overseas as a matter of course.

I

i

Motor Mouth with Chris Lambden The Formula A final in particular - the main event on the CIK agenda - at Todd Road was an absolutely fabulous motor race.

The top six provided as fine a piece of racing 'combat' as you could wish for. There were some stunning moves and it wasn't decided until the very last lap. It was tremendous.

The Dunlop-backed CIK series and the KartStars series, backed

by Ford, are the two high-profile national series in the country these days and both are appearing at a track near you sometime in the near future as they wend their way around the country.

If you want a great afternoon's entertainment - and a reminder that motor racing in its purest form really does still exist - keep an eye on MNews' karting pages and get along to a round of one of these two series when they come to town.

It's very refreshing.

25

Webber's little

T

HERE is a famous rugby commentator in Britain called Bill McLaren (no relation to Bruce). McLaren is a Scotsman with a gentle lilting voice which somehow seems to fit, despite the violent nature of the game on which he commentates.

McLaren has always done his homework well and one of his catchphrases over the years has always been: "There'll be dancing on the streets of XXXX tonight" when a certain player, who comes from XXXX, has scored a try or kicked a goal.

In the final seconds of qualifying in Brazil the banter in the media centre included the impersonation of a gentle lilting Scottish voice saying: "There'll be dancing on the streets of Queanbeyan tonight!"

The fact was that in Queanbeyan it was 4am but Mark Webber fans were no doubt dancing. There are a lot of Webber fans in Formula 1 and I am one of them although, being a filthy Pom, I try to contain my excitement to sensible levels unencumbered as I am with nationalist feeling on the subject.

Mark did a good job at Minardi last year but no-one paid him much attention because there was no yardstick by which to measure him. Beating Alex Yoong was not considered enough in FI circles to make him a major star, which is not entirely surprising.

This year Webber has moved to Jaguar Racing and in the first two races there were signs, if you looked hard enough, that a big result was just around the corner. But every time the golden goose was about to lay the gold egg something went wrong and the team ended up with golden egg all over its face.

The midfield in FI in 2003 is a very tough place to be. A few tenths of a second can drop you from the top four to 15th or 16th - and that doesn't look nearly as exciting in the cold light of day as a place with the stars.

And then we arrived in Brazil and suddenly Webber and Jaguar are stars. The media is asking how it is that the team that was butt of the jokes in FI last year could have made such progress?

26

That's not Neil Crompton! No, it's ITV's Louise Goodman interviewing a distracted Webber after he topped Friday 'qualifying'. Earlier in the week he had some balls in the air during a Davis Cup-inspired hit-out on the tennis court. Please ladies, no swooning ...

meant nothing to all but the anoraks in the media centre.

"Has anyone ever met this bloke Piecrust?" someone muttered at Interlagos.

"His name is Pitchfork," came the reply.

"Who designed the car, anyway?"

There were lots of umming and ahhing noises.

The team's 2003 press pack contained a biography section which featured 11 names - and that was before John Hogan (no relation to Paul) joined the team.

But there, amongst Jaguar's Dirty Dozen, was no technical director, no chief designer and lots of complicated titles.

The second name on the list and the man who put together the team was Tony Purnell, the chief executive officer of the Premier Performance Division of the Ford Motor Company. It was he who decided who and what had to go where.

Purnell made his name as the boss of electronics firm PI Research but contrary to popular belief he was not some software boffin but actually a proper mechanical engineer who wrote a thesis entitled 'Aerodynamic Aspects of FI Car Design' and went on to a research scholarship at Cambridge University and some time at MIT.

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The knives came out and the trimming of the fat began.

Eddie Irvine took a bullet. Pedro de la Rosa took another.

And then Niki Lauda was found in the conservatory with 37 daggers in his back...

It

Rather than being a graceful leaping cat, the team looked in 2002 like a fat old moggy lazily supping up cream from a huge saucer with a Ford logo on the rim. It was clear even then that the Cosworth engine was a very nice piece of kit but was being wasted because it was mated to a horrible chassis. The Cat, we all laughed, was actually more like a dog.

The knives came out and the trimming of the fat began. Eddie Irvine took a bullet. Pedro de la Rosa took another. And then Niki Lauda was found in the conservatory with 37 daggers in his back. A new management was named and as no-one had ever heard of any of them noone paid them much attention.

Purnell, Pitchforth, Gillan and company were names which

Purnell's philosophy is at the root of Jaguar's turnaround. It is why Webber was able to do what he did in Brazil.

"If you consider the role played by the traditional FI technical director," Purnell said.

"He's required to be something of a demi-god. Not only is he expected to have a full understanding of every last nut and bolt on his car, but he's also expected to be an able manager of the whole shebang.

"From my own experience.

I've learned that technically very gifted people are rarely very good people managers.

"So the first thing we've done is to separate those two aspects of the traditional technical director's role. It's simply too much to expect from one guy.

I'm not into autocrats; I'm into teamwork. For that reason I've tried to select titles that avoid requiring anyone to be a superman.

"When I started Pi Research I learned loads of important lessons - and I also learned what I wasn't good at. But one area in which I think I can be pretty effective is strategic thinking.

"I think I'm pretty good at recognising and hiring the right people, structuring an environment in which they can do what they're good at, showing them how to work with one another, and monitoring the whole process afterwards. I'm terribly bad at actually managing the process myself. I'm not into prima donnas.

"I've got no time for drivers trying to take control of everything instead of being part of the team like everyone else.

"And I think both Mark and Antonio (Pizzonia) are very much aware of the tasks ahead of them, and will approach those tasks in an enthusiastic, co-operative and, above all, professional manner.

"And that's the right way, the only way. After all, however much of a megastar he might be, that's what Michael Schumacher does at Ferrari, isn't it?

"Mark is just so damned professional. He really is extremely impressive from that point of view."

And not a bad racing driver either...

"Mark is just so damned professional. He really is extremely impressive from that point of view ff

- Tony Purnell

The Box Seat With Joe Saward

Five minutes with

Craig Lowndes

The car may he new -anU so is the team,for that matter - but LownUesy heaUs 'home'to Phillip Island this weekend with real confidence. PHIL BRANAGAN spoke to him MOTORSPORT NEWS: You must be heading to Phillip Island this weekend with your back up.

CRAIG LOWNDES: Well, we are pretty pleased with the way that the new car went in Adelaide.

We worked hard on the car over that weekend and we were happy with it.

We tested at Phillip Island last week and that was a big plus. All that makes us pretty confident going into this round.

MN: How much of an advantage is that, given that so few people actually test there?

CL: It was only our second day that were tested there and we can't really count the first day.

We only got to do five laps that day, so this test was the crucial one.

We tried to cover as much as we could in a short time and it all went smoothly. We completed over 100 laps in the car and the balance was quite good. You are always looking for more and we have to make sure that we do it on the day.

MN: When you test a brand new car and it's different to the team's other cars, what do you do first? Race set-up, qualifying ...

CL; We tried to do a bit of both.

We had a program and we stuck to that pretty closely. We would love to have another couple of days down there but we generally got through everything we wanted to do.

MN: How does the car compare to the AU around the Island?

CL: At the moment, we are searching for rear drive. At the test, we were working on that end of the car and we managed 28

to get it under control.

We only had David Besnard's car down there for comparison, because Glenn Seton's car is still getting repaired from Adelaide.

From David's car to our car, there was not a lot of difference in terms of lap times. The new car was probably just that little bit nicer to drive that the other; both David and Glenn had a drive of the new car and felt it was also a little bit easier to drive.

\ MN: Set-up wise, how was it?

CL: The set-up I had in it the car was pretty comfortable for both David and Glenn. Cosmetically, it didn't really suit either of them; the gear lever was a little too far back and low for David and Glenn didn't really have things quite perfect either.

But we were happy that the car was handling well so we are all positive that when all three cars are up and running, we will be able to get them on the pace and head in the one direction as well.

MN: In the past, we have seen some 150km races at the

Island where there have been some pretty tired right-rear tyres at the end. How will 300km, with a tyre and fuel change, go?

CL: We did a lot of miles down there and it pulled up pretty well.

We have some knowledge to work from in that regard and, hopefully, it will be better than everyone else's.

But you are right. It's going to be a long race and we will have to be careful with our tyres.

MN; Is this the end of people pitting as soon as the pit window opens?

CL: That will all depend on where you are on the grid and what kinds of risks you want to take.

But you could be right. If you have nothing to lose, we might all be doing that.

MN: You have had some good and bad days down there.

There were some great drives with HRT and some fair old hits as well.

CL: There were some big accidents. I think that the 1996

accident was one of my biggest hits of all time. It is one of those circuits; it's fast and it's flowing but, at the same time, you have to know that the danger is there and that it's ready to bite you all the time.

The weather can be a factor there as well. It was fine there last week when we tested, a little overcast, but it can all change so quickly.

MN;There comes the opportunity, with FPR and its Prodrive links, to do some other things apart from V8 Supercar racing. Would you look at that?

CL; We are looking at that, but not for this year. This season is all about us getting together and consolidating and making sure that it all goes to plan.

Next year, I would love to look at the Le Mans 24 Hour race. It is something that I have always wanted to do but have never been able to in the past. With Ford and Prodrive, a lot more opportunities can arise now, but that is more about next year than this year. moiorsport news

INTERUIEW 1^

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29

Five minutes with

Coily Crocker

With the ARC growing tighter than ever, a dean sweep in Western Austraiia was the perfect start to 2003tor the Suharu young gun,as MARK GLBVDBnvo tounO out MOTORSPORT NEWS: There's nothing like hitting the ground running!

CODY CROCKER: I know! It's a pretty good start. Actually it's funny, because a few people asked me some weird sorts of questions. They said, 'oh, now that you've won those heats, does that put any more pressure on you for the rest of the year?'

Well, I couldn't really be in a better position. I think, if anything, it's going to alleviate the pressure somewhat. So yeah. I'm pretty happy about it.

MN: Last year you were saying that you couldn't really push the car hard until you got to Tasmania. That's obviously not the case in 2003.

CC: No. We're using the same car as last year, with a few different things - some suspension changes and stuff like that - and it's absolutely fantastic.

I'm pretty happy to be on the pace so early. We thought we might take a few stages and someone was going to get the jump on us from the start, because a lot of the other teams have done a fair bit more testing than we have.

I've done one day of testing since November last year and that was a few days before the rally (Rally Australia).

So we're pretty happy to be on the pace straight away, and we basically didn't change our approach all weekend. We were pretty much flat out from the start, and it all went really well.

MN:So all that homework last year has paid off straight away.

CC: Pretty much, yeah. We're pretty happy with the car, it was quite effective and it just went from there.

30

Sunday T)/tv4S * -

And that builds on itself. As soon as it's a good-handling car, you give yourself confidence and you can drive a bit harder and push a bit more, and it gets you a double effect.

MN: At the start of the year you were expecting the competition to be tight. Now that the opposition have shown their hands, what are your thoughts?

CC: It's going to be incredibly tight. 1 think we're just fortunate to win. Everyone says 'oh yeah, but you should back yourself, and I do, and I think I'm capable of winning. But there are so many variables that can happen.

I'm sure that every event's going to have someone different winning ... I just hope that we get a few more than everyone else!

Ifs definitely getting tight.

Like, the last few stages, we were never more than a few seconds in front of the guy in second, whether it was Simon (Evans), or Spencer (Lowndes), or Dean (Herridge), who was 0.6s behind us on Sunday.

And the next stage we beat him by 0.1s, so the gap went out to 0,7s! (laughs) It's amazing, and it's pretty good that they went to the tenth of a second

timing for the first time in the ARC. That's the sort of thing you get from it.

MN: Has the team expanded at all in light of Possum Bourne's extra workload?

CC: No, it's probably less if anything. They're trying to cut some costs this year, because it's just getting so expensive and it very quickly gets out of hand.

If you've got 30 people and something goes wrong, you multiply even/thing by a factor of 30 effectively if you have to stay another day, or rebuild another engine. So they're trying to cut back a little bit, but obviously you can't at the expense of jeopardising anything in the team.

So it's a pretty big process.

A couple of the guys have been working absolutely flat-out basically since November last year, rebuilding cars, building new cars, getting things ready, and it takes a lot out of them.

There's a lot of guys who have worked so hard this weekend.

Particularly Joel, my team leader, he's had a few hours sleep a night for a few weeks. I gave him my trophy, just as a little bit of a reward, and that meant a lot to him, which is great, because

he just put in so much effort.

We're not sure who was more nervous, me or him, because jumping around the service park looking at the times! So he was pretty excited too.

MN: With yourself and Simon and Spencer all doing so well in WA,2003 is already being played up as a 'changing of the guard' in the ARC. Would you stick your neck out that far yet?

CC:(laughs) No, bit early to tell.

It's one event, and a few things happened. It's all 'ifs and onlys' sort of thing. If it had have been slightly different, it could have been a similar result to what we're had in the past.

But I think it's fantastic that it's happened that way, and I think that's partly because of the Group N regs. There were a lot more cars that were a lot more even. I think the three of us - being all Victorians, or course! - happened to do really well this weekend.

It may not happen that way at the next event, and I'm sure you'll see Possum and Ed (Ordynski) up there again, without doubt.

But as long as we can be up there as well. I'll be happy, moiorsport news

The P MOTORSPORT NEWS;Firstly, the results from Team Brock at Adelaide were outstanding. Pole position and two podium finishes. Did you expect this so early?

JASON BRIGHT: There's no doubt we've got some of the best guys in pitlane working on the car and V8 Supercars is all about who you've got working for you. As long as were using the right equipment, there's no doubt we're going to be up the front.

I guess,for a new bunch of guys to be working together so well and to have no mistakes in the pits, it was just fantastic.

I've seen a number of teams set-up in V8 Supercar over the last couple of years and they all struggle for a certain amount of time. These guys though have been able to jump in and do a top job straight away.

MN:Do we assume you are the lead driver for the team?

JB: There's no real lead driver. I guess there is a bit of a role there, but defiantly no team orders.

32

moiorsport news

INTERUIEW

I

rice is Bright Team Brock is hungry. And so is Jason Bright GRANT ROWLEY interupted Brighty’s grocery shopping to talk about life after HRT, America and testing ...

Paul's out there doing the best job he can and with the experience I have had in Commodores over the last few years, there's an element of assisting Paul in that sense. I tliink everyone in the team is experienced enough and Paul can hold his own.

MN:HRT is a large organisation with a great deal of stability. Why did you leave?

JB: 1 just saw an opportunity to move over to a fresh, new team and try to get into a race-winning package. As far as I was concerned, as long as we could get good guys working on the cars, and a good engineer. It's the type of team where you can be competitive and get a lot of credit for what you do.

4

MN:What's it like working for'The King', Peter Brock?

JB: Peter's profile is second to none and he has ah amazing following. He doesn't have an actual role in the

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team as far as teUing us what to do but he's always there to give advice, that's for sure.

MN; When can we expect to see a Team Brock VY on the circuit?

JB: It's hard to say. It all depends when we can get one up and running.

I'd say mid-year would be the earliest. We would have to make sure

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JB: Mark Skaife is definately the man to beat. He's got the runs on the board but there's a whole bunch of

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guys that are going to be up the front this year.

Skaife does everything right and he's on a bit of a roll at the moment. I think he's driving the best he ever has so he'll be tough. They (HRT) seem to have gotten the VY on the pace pretty quickly.

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Betta be Bright: At the AGP support events, Jason won the first race. At the Clipsal 500, above, he finished on the podium in race one and now sits third in the Championship chase. It could be a big year for the 30-year-old Victorian ...

9 April 2003

MN: How have you settled into TB? Is it a different environment to HRT? JB: Yeah, it's quite different. The beauty of it is everyone is sort of new.

They are all working together for the first time and everyone's keen to do well. With the newness of the team, you can build relationships rather than fit into them.

continued on page 34 33

continued from page 33 MN:Do you still have ambitions for an overseas career?

JB: I guess if the right opporhmity came up then I'd certainly look at it.

There is provision in my contract to do that but the likelihood of it is pretty slim. I'm not shy to admit that either.

As far as going overseas is concerned, one-day I'd love to do Le Mans,I'd love to do the Indy 500. If there was an opportunity to fit that in without jeopardising what I'm doing here, then I'd really look at it.

Le Mans is certainly something I want to do. Those cars are a lot of fun to drive and they race at some of the best tracks in the world.

Bright, shown leading Roberto Moreno,gave the world a wake-up call on the Gold Coast in 2000. Had circumstances been different, who knows where he might be now ...

MN:Do you have any of the financial hangovers left from your stints in America?

JB: Yeah,for sure. There's a bit of stuff carrying over. It's not really the position I'd like to be in but at the end of the day, I wouldn't give up what I did over there for the world.

The racing I did in that year (2000), even though it has been a burden for the last couple of years, I still believe it was worth it. I wouldn't be in the position I am now without it. There are no regrets.

moment in your career ...

JB: We'd had a good day and just to make the everit was a big achievement. Nothing really went our way as far as weather conditions went. It was the most difficult track to make your Champ Car debut on and to have every practice session

wet and one qualifying session half dry ... the circumstances couldn't have been any more difficult.

But race day all went great.

Strategy, fuel, it worked out perfectly.

We were in a good position for the last few laps and yeah, I made a really good restart but it was

As far as overseas is concerned, one day I'd love to do Le Mans,I'd love to do the Indy 500"

MN:The Champ Car race on the Gold Coast in 2000 was a crucial

- Jason Bright

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INTERUIEW MN;If something became available overseas, would you book a flight and pack your bags?

JB: At the end of a year, yes. But it would have to be a really good deal.

However, V8 Supercars are going extremely well at the moment. The opportunity to go back to America would have to be a very attractive deal and something with a bit of security, unlike when I was there in '96 and 2000.

MN: What are your thoughts on the offshore expansion of the V8 series?

JB: Personally, I think it's a great

chased. It would be a good event to do but I guess my main priority is to concentrate on what we're doing in the V8s.

You have to consider your main interests.

But last year, the 24hour looked like a lot of fun ...

MN:So, have yourself and Team Brock done much testing since Adelaide?

As if I want to help them do any hotter, we want to beat them more than n anyone!

tl

- Bright on helping HRT them but our relationsliip couldn't be any more distant. As if I want to help them do any better - we want to beat them more than anyone! It's just crazy!

A case of Panoz Envy; Brighty at work in Adelaide's Race of 1000 Years. idea. Except we'll probably be away even more each year. But taking us to more international venues is great for the series and great for the drivers. It will make the championship even healthier because the dollars that will be available from racing overseas will boost the whole series.

MN: Would a drive in the Monaro at the 24-hour appeal to you?

JB: It's not something that I've really

JB; We haven't done a test day at all.

Not one day.

MN:Is this due to AVESCO's ruling?

(ED:There is still confusion over test' regs/days within the TWR Group) JB: Yes. A week ago everything was sorted out but now, they've stopped us from testing again, which is just ludicrous.

They think there's this thing going on with HRT and ourselves.

Apparently we are out there to help

MN:Do the testing restrictions partially play into your hands because you're running the VX at the moment?

JB: WeU,I'd hate to be trying to develop a VY without any testing, tliat's for sure. But we are the only team getting restricted. It's just us,so nothing's really playing into our hands.

MN: Maybe it limits the damage then,in the meantime?

JB: Well, in some ways it might not work out too bad. If we can go to the next couple of rounds and be as competitive as we have been so far, then we're going to have a lot of test’ days up our sleeve when we get the

VY. But it s just ridiculous.

Team Brock are a whole bunch of new guys who have never worked together before and we're not getting the opportunity to go testing. Pretty frustrating...

MN:Does this mean you go to the race meetings with a point to prove?

JB: It probably makes us a bit hungrier, but come race weekends you do everything you can. I sat dowm with my engineer yesterday and tried to drag as much information from Adelaide as possible so we can go to Phillip Island in fairly good shape. But we don't really know what to expect.

The most frustrating part is that my engineer has never worked in V8 Supercar before and we haven't had a test day for him to get a handle on it.

He's having to learn at the tracks, which is ridiculous.

It's (the racing) going alright but I'd like to think it could be that little bit better and I'm sure it will get better once we get to test some new bits on the car. It's just frustrating knowing more potential is there and we're being held back for no reason.

Eventually, everything will be sorted out but all it's doing is hindering us at the start of the year.

Mobil'tl

He'll never have to buy a fridge or front-loader again: The season has got off to a strong start. Could a Commodore VX be THE car to have in 2003?

9 April 2003

35

John Russell is a long way from 'home' = England, family and Formula One. But Ford Performance Racing's new technical boss is grabbing his new challenge with both hands.

By PHIL BRANAGAN

I

^OHN Russell looks tired. It's been a couple of months since he came to Australia and,because that, a couple of months since he has seen his wife Mandy and their two children.

Ford Performance Racing is a hive of activity. Since my last visit to what used to be Glenn Seton Racing, there has been more hiring going on. The place is full of people I have never seen and cars are everywhere;there Craig Lowndes's Falcon BA;there the two AUs of Seton and David Besnard; yonder a brand new Barra bodyshell.

One pantech is parked out on the street; the factory next door holds the other one, plus components, wheels and plenty of people hard at work.

It's a frantic place but RusseU looks comfortable. There is much to do and the former WiUiams and Jaguar Formula One engineer is used to hard work. And he is happy to be at what one of our former Prime Ministers so charmingly referred to as'The Arse End of tlie World'. Despite the distance, not just the kilometres from the UK to Melbourne but the technical void between Formula One and V8 Supercars, the 42-year-old is a long-time fan of the category and pleased to be down imder.

"The first time I came here in 1991 with Wilhams, we had a briefing at Thursday lunchtime and there was a racket going on," he remembers."I wandered out of the garage to have a look and it was V8s, though there were other things on the track,like the Nissan Skyline. I thought,'Bloody hell, this is pretty good!'.

"1 went up to the hairpin and saw aD these cars having traction

problems - well, some of them didn't!

- and I still thought that it was pretty good. I watched all the practice sessions; the next time I saw them was at Turn 1 and I distinctly remember John Bowe's car coming in, belching flames with the brakes stiU red hot from the comer before. I saw the race and thought,'These are serious tools, big horsepower,not much grip', and the racing was exemplary. The cars were racing hard but the drivers didn't have each other off at every corner. I think that the lead changed four times on one lap.

"It was a good,sound sport with real competition. The driving skill level was very high and I logged the memory into the back of the memory bank with a memo to come back and do this.

"The opportunities for someone like myself to get into this were few and far between. I always kept my ear to the grormd and, when I left Jag, 1 was looking for a new challenge. I did not want to do FI again and motor racing is pretty bleak at the moment in Europe,so I was biding my time. I was happily pottering around, redecorating the house and enjoying hfe with the kids and family."

In stepped fate. For months.

Prodrive had been looking for an opportunity to add a race team to its investment in Ford Performance Vehicles. After initially being close to a deal with 00 Motorsport,in December the British outfit bought GSR and started expanding its canvas. , It was not a matter of being in the right place at the right time. In motor racing terms, Russell was nowhere.

having left Jaguar Racing last August.

"There was no Mnk with Prodrive," he says. "I knew people there,a couple had worked on the 1996 Williams touring car project. One was with BAR and one is now with Jordan. They had moved to Prodrive for the 1999 Mondeo project, which was very successful,so the Prodrive directors knew enough about me and what I was about.

"I knew(BAR design chief) Geoff Willis from the WilUams days and made inroads through Mark Ellis and other people to find out what was going on,and to alert Prodrive if any opportunities came up. This came up; I contacted them on the Tuesday, went to see them on the Thursday and hopped on a plane on the Sunday.

"The wife and the two kids will be here this week. I cannot wait; we have been a long time apart which,in a way,has been quite useful because I have been able to give 100 percent attention to this. I am looking forward to an enjoyable life here with them."

Russell packs one of the most impressive CVs in the sport. He joined Williams in 1989 and worked with the team's drivers through one of the most successful eras in the team's history. In the period that he was with the team,it won 38 GPs, two Drivers' titles (Nigel Mansell in 1992 and Alain Prost in '93) and three Constructors' titles. But by the end of '94, Russell was getting to tlie end of his tether.

"It was a very intensive job; we did all the races as well as all the tests. 1 was out of the counhy for 200-plus days a year, and then there was

another 100 days in the factory. So I got about a week off a year with the family; I was always exhausted and

jet-lagged.

"1994 was a very hard year at Williams. I came to a crossroads;I had fantastic opportunities at the team but 1 wanted to do something else.

Fortunately Renault had approached Williams to do a UK touring car program for them. Renault Dealer Racing had been running a program for about two years but they wanted to bring that up to a higher level.

There was already an association there because of the FI program and Patrick (Head)realised that I was not happy and was going to, probably, leave FI at the end of the year.

"So I was the lead designer on that program. At the same time, the team manager at Williams FI,Ian Harrison, wanted to change and moved over to be team manager on the touring car program. We knew each other pretty weU.I went home from Adelaide, was there for a day and walked into an empty factory in Baseldone Road, Didcot, to set up a touring car team around three worn-out RDR Laguna touring cars and a small group of people. Not to dissimilar to what we have here now ..."

"We ramped that up to being 30 people by the end of the season, built three new cars and the season was underway. We overcame all the problems and, at the end of the year, we sealed the Manufacturers' trophy, which was a pretty good effort, I thought.

"The next year, we built brand new cars, there was some new design and new ideas. We made a few errors in

moiorsport news

INTERUIEW

inven

the design of the car, and the engines were being done by a French company. The car was blindingly quick at some circuits and very poor at most circuits, it was a bit of a scrappy year, even though Alain Menu finished up second in the championsliip. Not bad,but not what we wanted and not what Renault wanted.

"So we were into 1997. We overhauled almost every component in the car, a lot we improved but some we couldn't, we got ahead of ourselves for that season, it was quick out of the box and Menu won the championship by August. At that stage, we had scored the highest number of wins by a BTCC team in a single season.

"It was a satisfying program. From my point of view,it was ideal;I was doing something I valued but I did not have to go to all the races and I had a family life, which I really wanted.

But, if Russell was getting to the point where he wanted to move on to another challenge, Williams presented him with a new opportunity; "Patrick came to me and said, 'BMW wants to do a Sportscar program with us, do you want to do it?'. My response was,'I am actually pretty happy doing what I am doing', but the way he asked 'Do you want to DO IT for a second time meant that there was not a lot of option involved!

"So I went off on a Le Mans adventure. It was a 'greenfield' startup; all we had was the BMW V12 engine from McLaren's roadcar, which was a superb piece of engineering for a roadcar engine. It had horsepower, torque and drove well through the rev range but, as it was a big old beast, it was not ideal for a Sportscar. So we asked to make some modifications, to lower the C of G,and we designed a car with a team :of people who had never done a Sportscar at the time.

"I had never done a car from the

Hullo John, got a new motor? Russell, above, is taking on the world in V8 Supercars. Already, his experience outside Formula One is impressive, with wins in the BTCC with Renault and at Le Mans with BMW, opposite.

ground up before. A touring car is somewhat defined by its bodyshell and it was innovative in parts, but we

started late. The car was quick on occasion, even though it was overweight, but at the first Le Mans race we id,we had a wheel bearing problem. There was a hardness issue witli the seal, and we could have come in every four hours and changed uprights but did BMW want to be doing that? It was better to pull the cars and come back next year.

"Ultimately, it was the right decision. We knew what we had done wrong and what we had done right, n we expanded the team to about 50 people and Graham Humphreys came on board. We worked very well together; he brought a lot of experience from what he had done with Spice. I had some firm ideas about the 1998 car and we got to work on the 1999 car.

"It was quick out of tlie box. We won at Sebring and then won Le Mans,then we took some ALMS races, which was very satisfying because it was never designed to be a Irigh-downforce car; it was purely designed to win Le Mans. It was a great experience; we had top drivers in JJ Lehto,Jorg Muller and Tom Christensen, who I cannot say enough about. He is a fantastic driver, worldclass but he never got the breaks.

"To see the drivers sit down and work together was one of the best things about the program. I was used to Formula One drivers; that's like watching two babies, sitting in their nappies, throwing dummies across the room at each other. It was an extremely refreshing environment; they were competitive on the track but they worked together. That's true here at FPR; we have three extremely strong drivers, they work well as a team and do the biz on the track."

One of the factors of Russell's time at Williams's FI team was the level of success they enjoyed. Between 1989 and 1994, the drivers won 38 GPs, three contructors' titles and two drivers' championships,for Mansell in 1992 and Frost in 1993.

continued on page 38

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37

continued from page 37

"I like something more intimate, where I feel like I can have more

"Personally, 1 had a fantastic time in Formula One with Williams. The

influence. I like to identify people's strong points and bolster them into the assets we use the strongest."

But things change. Eventually, Russell left Williams, looking for a new challenge. It came in the form of Jaguar Racing and it was not to be

first year I did it, I was a greenhorn but it was the first year that Adrian Newey was there. We worked well together, we designed the 91 and it was a fast car. After that, all the cars we designed were outrageously fast and that made my job easier.

Basically, all I had to do was pour petrol into them!

"I got on well with Nigel Mansell for two years, and then with Damon Hill for 18 months after that. That was a good experience; he was the underdog, if you like.

"I always enjoy working with a smaller group of people. There is great satisfaction in teamwork, rather than some big, glossy operation. Williams was very much a small family in those days; when I joined the team, it was 140 people.

When I left in '94, it was 200. Now it's nearly 500. Like most of the Formula One teams now,it's a large, large precision engineering operation, as opposed to being a racing team, though there are still elements of that. There's internal politics and a high degree of accountability to manufacturers, and quite rightly so. There's a lot of money involved and the investors want to know what it is being spent

that, when the team gets some of the niggles out from this year, it will start to shine to some extent.

"I had a good relationship with Cosworth, with Nick Hayes and his senior engineers. Unfortunately, I had four or five people to who I directly reported in a short space of time and it's impossible to forge a

Foi* me,the biggest satlsfacflen is making a car that is a tenth slower than Hohfen and then b^ them because the team

i the success that he wanted - but he did get some positives out of it.

"I joined in January 2000 and left in August 2002. It was a disappointing experience for me, personally. I set out some goals and objectives that I wanted to achieve and did achieve those objectives. It was very hard; there were some good people in the team who have yet to show their abilities. I think

strong relationship and a critical path in a short space of time. It is very hard to work in an environment where everything you do you have to self-justify and build a team while developing a car. I learned a huge amount;it was the first time I had been involved in the full-car design side of it. I had done the Sportscar and touring cars, but this was different. I made mistakes and 1 am

not beyond admitting that I made mistakes. I was not entirely responsible for everything that happened but it was an experience and I wish them all well."

Now,Australia, and V8 Supercars which, compared with what he is used to, must seem like dinosaurs. surely?

"I think that people call it 'dinosaur technology' but at the end of the day, it still about a contact patch and a car. I am not sure what value FI teclmology and other championships actually bring; they certainly bring a huge engineering expense. One of the things with this championship is that you can still go racing for a sound budget. It is in proportion because of the small number of people in the country but it works. People still need to be able to enter as semi-privateers and have a chance, with Safety Cars etc, of still running at the front. That has to be maintained.

"Part of the essence of the championship is that it does not was to get overly professional, in my view. I watched it happen in the BTCC;I suppose that Williams could be blamed to some extent for that transition but it was a natural thing; it was going to happen anyway.

Prodrive started it with the Alfa the year before and it was a championship that was growing in its recognition. It got stronger and

Some good, some bad: Russell's last race with the Williams FI team saw Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill tangle, left, resulting in Schuey's first title. Jaguar beckoned in 2000, right, Russell with drivers Eddie Irvine and Luciano Burti and aerodynamicist Mark Handford, right.

THIS MONTH’S SUCCESS STORY Sam Silvestro has raced in Production Sports for fours years now. Previously he oampaigned a very quick Datsun 240Z, but this year has stepped up to a Mazda RX7 series 6, running in the outright class against some far more prestigious (and expensive!) competition like Lotus, Cobra and Porsohe. After bringing the car to Redline Motorsport, the car was converted bank to twin turbo configuration with FIA Restrictors, to comply with new rules in the category that limit power under a “power to weight ratio". Against everybody's belief, Redline actually tuned the car tor more horsepower and this resulted in a two second improvement in lap time for the car "I want to thank all the guys at Redline at Eastern Creek. for helping me get the RX7 further up the grid. It was really honking at Eastern Creek.”

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33 38

3

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INTERUIElftf stronger, with a lot of very good drivers and teams running at the front, but it became a bit pedestrian.

It needed a crazy move by someone inexperienced to spice it up.

"It is very important that the championship holds onto the big grids that it has got. You do need to have aU sorts of characters out there, otherwise it wiU become just a professional procession.

"Ultimately, my goal is to have the best racing team in the southern hemisphere, as is David Flint's as managing director. But I don't want to make the racing boring; for me, the biggest satisfaction is making a car that is a tenth slower than Holden and then beat them because the team did a better job. It's not just HRT; you have Stone Brothers and a number of other teams doing a very good job. I think that HRT has extracted the'maximum'out of the regulations and other people are getting wise and catching up. It's going to be very tight at the front.

"There is always a technical challenge and I enjoy the racing side of it as well. It's a strategic challenge to work together with the drivers and still try and do something a little bit better. It's still hard to do something, even if it doesn't involve millions of dollars and operates in a limited framework."

And, what does Russell think of the framework of V8 Supercars?

"I always said to Renault,'This is fine but it's a four-pot, front-wheeldrive 2-litre.' What we needed was a body with a decent engine and rearwheel-drive. Unfortunately, the manufacturers couldn't convince their marketing departments to do that. Racing cars are supposed to be driven from the back anci, to be exciting, you need to have loud engines and traction to be limited. I would say that something like this would be well-received in the UK." Will FPR win races? We do not know when and where, but 'if' seems to be a gimme. Winning is what John Russell does - and he doesn't want to stop now.

Black Sunday, nine years on

JOHN RUSSELL was with Williams at Imola on 1 May 1994 - the day Aryton Senna was killed.

Even nine years later, it is obvious that the loss of the mercurial Brazilian left a mark on Russell and the rest of the team.

"The first recollection I have of anything was watching television when Kennedy was killed. I did not understand what had happened but I knew something momentous had happened.

"This was like that. I did not know Ayrton that well; he had joined us recently and all we knew was that he was this tenacious bastard who beat us by pulling a rabbit out of a hat in an inferior car that came from nowhere. When he joined Williams, which was for him for making a peace - he had his first FI test in a Williams - he was a lovely, lovely guy.

"We had heard all the stories - we had heard them about Alain Prost as well - that he was a difficult, conniving political animal but I never saw that side of him. A deeply impressive guy; if you asked him a question, there would be no immediate response.

Every single question, he would think about it and then give you the response.

"His car recall and understanding of things like tyre pressures were beyond anyone I have ever worked with. He would come into the garage after a 15-lap run and tell you that the left-front was 0.2psi too high and one of the rears was 0.5 low and he would be right to within 0.1 psi. Just unbelievable. If he said that on the 16th lap he had a slow gearchange at the Acqua Minerale, you would look up the data and there it was. He would spend 70 percent of his time driving the car and the rest working out how to win the race. That was the difference.

"Imola was horrific. That is only description. It started with Rubens Barrichello having an enormous accident on the Friday, then Roland Ratzenberger on the Saturday, which upset Ayrton enormously.

"I never got a signature of the guy. I am not a great one for memorabilia and 1 have worked with some

really great drivers. I never had Ayrton sign anything but I have a circuit map, on which we used to debrief.

He had just come back from the scene of Roland's accident and he picked up a ballpoint and drew a line from the Tamburello to Tosa, where he had the accident. He screwed it up with the biro; he was very, very disturbed by it and it was sad to see.

"I remember going back on Saturday night to the hotel we were staying in, which was actually a converted monastery. The roof was about 25 feet high and I did not sleep a wink. I had this ghastly feeling; I thought, 'This is not all over and there is something wrong here.'

"I did not actually see the TV pictures of the car going in; I was running Damon Hill. All I remember was Adrian Newey grabbing me in a frenzy and saying to tell Damon about the debris on the racetrack.

"It was devastating. For me, the biggest thing personally was going back to the factory and seeing the flowers everywhere. The whole driveway was awash with theni. It had an enormous impact on me.

"We went to the next race at Monaco and Karl Wendlinger was injured ^quite seriously and was touch and go until he, fortunately, recovered. Then we went to Barcelona and Andrea Montermini had an enormous accident right in front of us, with his legs . hanging out the front of the tub. That all left its mark and I couldn't stand it any more.

"Since then, I have been extremely safety conscious, overly so, perhaps, for someone in motor racing. In terms of the cars we design and the way we operate, that is a real priority.

"The other thing I remember about 1994 was the way that the team picked itself up afterwards.

Everyone pulled together,' David Coulthard joined Damon and we all put our heads down. By the end'bf the season, we had won the Constructors' title and that meant a lot to all of us."

- PHIL BRANAGAN

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39

Y

OU might expect James Courtney to be a bit down. After all, a career that seemed to be on a continuous upward spiral hit a major hurdle late last year and it wasn't even his fault.

Well on the way to winning the British F3 title and with a Jaguar FI testing contract, life was good until the former world kart champ went to Monza to do a day's work for the then struggling FI team. The rear suspension broke going into the fast Ascari complex and James had a big, big shunt - almost headlong into the barriers.

It was, without doubt the biggest FI crash of the year, as big a shunt as that seen, more publicly, when Luciano Burti effectively ended his FI career in the barriers during the Belgian Grand Prix in 2001.

Courtney had bruising to the brain. He missed just one F3 round and then tried to see out the year, but constant headaches in the car extracted their price.

The title was gone and then, amidst all the internal rationalisation and managerial angst at Jaguar, so was the Jaguar deal.

There were possible F3000 drives for 2003 but these required a degree of funding and it just didn't happen.

So James, and manager Alan Gow, took the 'Japanese Option' -Japanese F3 with the formidable TOMS Toyota Team.

It's a real drive, money comes in rather than goes out, and it's a lifeline chance to re-establish James Courtney in the memory banks of the sometimes fickle

FI world.

Some see Japan as a one-way trip, but the records show it provided the springboard for several GP drivers - HeinzHarald Frentzen, Eddie Irvine and now Ralph Firman to name a few.

So no, James isn't down - in fact he's remarkably up-beat and enjoying a deja-vu new challenge similar to when, as a 15 year-old, he set off to live and race karts, professionally, in Italy.

"One of the reasons behind coming here was the fact that I had raced in England for four years," he says. "1 knew all the tracks, all the people. Don't get me wrong, I was enjoying it, but I wanted another challenge something new.

"We didn't have the budget to do F3000 and I didn't want to do British F3 again. So, I saw

"I saw coming here as a massive challenge, to get by without knowing the language or anything about the place II

- Courtney coming here as a massive challenge, to get by without knowing the language or anything about the place - like I did with karting - new circuits, new team, new engines, new tyres. Everything's completely different.

"If I can do well with all these new challenges, then I think it will help me to do better in the end."

So James Courtney finds himself in a team-supplied apartment at the foot of Mount Fuji, a stones-throw from the famous Fuji racetrack, with two rounds of the Japanese championship under his belt.

After a minor clash with officialdom cost him one of the two races at the opening round, things were put right last weekend at his 'home' round at Fuji. In the wet, he took pole by over two seconds, then won both races going away ...

How is he settling in to an allnew culture, team and lifestyle?

"At first it was a bit difficult.

When me and my girlfriend arrived, we didn't know any Japanese, didn't know any people, I'd never met anyone from the team before - we were thrown in at the deep end. With the culture being the exact opposite of anywhere else I've been in the world it was a big shock at first.

"Now we've met a few people. My girlfriend has been doing some English teaching at local schools - there are eight schools in this little town and everyone wants to learn English - and we've met some Canadian people who we go out with. It's been three months, but now it's quite good - no different to anywhere else.

"You can look out of the window of our apartment and there's just this massive mountain. Very impressive - it's always got snow on it. In July and August you can actually climb it - they tell me Wayne Gardner climbed it last year, so I'd better have a go too sometime ..."

§

Smile James, you're on some wacky Japanese game show: Courtney is coming to grips with being one of the favourites for the Japanese F3 championship in the TOMS Dallara-Toyota, top.

40

He's already at home with the TOMS team: "The team is very, very professional - my engineer is really good. He speaks English, is very good, and we've struck up a really good relationship already - we spend time together away from the track.

The level is probably up a little even on the team I had last year.

"I had only one meeting face to face with one guy before I got here. The rest was done by email and phone and so, when I got here, I was meeting most people for the first time - but everyone was very, very good. I know a few words of Japanese now and quite a few of the team speak some English, so we're getting on fine!"

The opening round would have been a complete Courtney crush - but Japan's strict to-the-letter officialdom cost one of the two heats: "Officials are massively strict here - a bit like their culture.

There's one way to do things and there's no way they're going to go about it any differently!

"It's different from England and Europe, where I've raced for all those years. There if, for example, you speed in the pit lane, there'll be a little bit of leeway - if you're only a couple moiorsport news

s ft

of km/h over or there are other circumstances, they'll judge you appropriately. Here, if you're a hundredth of a km/h over, you're done!

The Japanese F3 schedule isn't hugely time consuming.

Courtney is looking forward to some time out - and some possible other drives: "There are only 10 rounds in the Japanese F3 championship. plus Macau and Korea at the end of the year, so I get quite a bit of time off. Racing in Japan, from what everyone tells me, is very expensive, so they don't do very much testing as we know it away from race meetings.

That means time for other things. Time to get home for a couple of weeks in June including a quick trip down to Melbourne to catch up with the people at Globe Shoes and Mooks Clothing, the only two Australian personal sponsors (AGP aside) that have and still do assist Courtney's overseas racing.

There's some free time next week. I have to leave Japan for a few days for visa reasons, so we're going to Bali for a week!

"But the free time may also open doors to do some other things - there's the 1000km GT S April 2003

1

"It'S all gone now and I think I'm driving better now than I ever have II

- Coutney on the after-effects of his FI testing crash race at Fuji, which would be good to have a go at. They say there's also the opportunity, after June, to do some (Formula) Nippon stuff, so that could be really good as well."

It's a crunch year for James.

He knows that. But he is driving for Toyota's works Japanese F3 team and the top Toyota racing

brass do get along to many of the rounds. Success may find him in the Toyota FI loop.

But, having finally recovered from the effects of that big shunt, he seems determined to avoid putting too much pressure on himself: "When I first tested for the team here earlier this year it was

the first time since the crash that I haven't had to drive with a really bad headache. Later on last year it was okay day-to-day, just walking around. But when I got into a racecar, with the loud engine noises and so on, I'd start to get really bad headaches - like migraines They did say at the time that it could take six months before I'd not have any problem. They were right. The Christmas break. did me a load of good. It's all gone now and 1 think I'm driving better now than I ever have.

"Ever since I left home, my whole concentration was just in getting to FI. Now, after last year and all the things that happened, 1 realise it's not the only thing you can do in your life.

"From here on I'm just setting little goals for myself and, sure, the ultimate goal is still to do FI, but I don't think I'll be gutted if I don't get it. 1 think a lot of people would ...

"I think I've still achieved quite a lot in my career. I'll just keep going along and doing my best. I don't think you can plan what's going to happen too far into the future, especially in this business.

"I'll just do my best and see what happens."

41

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Still Crazy after Jordan Grand Prix started in its 200th race in Brazil. ADAM COOPER caught up with team boss and self-confessed FI addict Eddie Jordan

MN: Only 12 teams have done 200 races. Are you proud of that?

EJ: I don't really look at it like that.

It's just a milestone that comes up in my mind. It's just a confirmation of how mad I am, that I've spent all this time in this business.

But I'm addicted to it. FI has such strong power and persuasion, with the intrigue and the technology and the commercial side. It's so distinctly different to any other type of business. It's cut throat, but it's friendly, it's quite human. It has all type of superlatives and negatives that converge in one area.

It's quite a bizarre sport, and it's unlike any other sport, because 70 percent of the product is non human. If you look at golf or tennis or anything like that, it's 98 percent human, whereas motor racing is not. Michael Schumacher needs the car, he needs the tyres, he needs the engine. What staggers me is that we had a podium in our 50th Grand Prix in Aida, and in our 100th we had a podium with Ralf, and in our 150th we had a podium (ED: And Giancarlo Fisichella in the 200th.

This interview was before the race in Brazil). Things have changed a lot in FI, and to finish in the top three now would be a fairly major surprise.

MINI: What are your memories of the first race in Phoenix in 1991, and getting up early for pre-qualifying?

EJ: It's a bit the same now, isn't it? It starts at 8.30am. I landed at 5.30am in Brazil on Friday, carrying all the new bargeboards and suspension bits for the car, and had to rush out to get them on the car. So it was a bit of a slog. It reminded me very much of 1991, going to work in the dark! In Phoenix we didn't make it through pre-qualifying with one of the cars, and that was the only time we missed the cut.

MN: Personally, are you as motivated as you were in 1991, or has it changed?

EJ: It's very different. In '91, we were a fledgling group of people who had really no idea. We got there purely by luck and survived because a lot of things came in our favour. We ducked and we dived and made promises and we paid them off. People knew we were serious, and we survived.

I used to have a great philosophy that I wrote up on a board at every management meeting - survive, stabilise and succeed. And I had them all individually - in 1992 it was survive, in 1993-94 it was stabilise and make sure that it was a very strong and effective platform, and then we'd push forward and succeed. But it didn't work out like that because the survival took a lot longer, and the stability took a fair bit longer.

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MN: But you did get your success ...

EJ: Then we did have our bit of good fortune and good luck and perhaps we went down a road that involved a change of structure after 1999 where:we grew too quickly and brought in other people to help me with the management, who were absolutely better than me in certain respects.

The difference was that I have 30 years experience in motor racing, and when your name is above the door, people expect you to be there, making the decisions and doing the passionate pleas and the calls for more and more effort and cajoling, and doing the kinds of things that make a team.

I'm probably more experienced in that aspect now, but life has moved on. FI has become an unbelievably scientific sport where the best technical brains in the world combine with the most athletic drivers in the world to make an unbelievable package, and I'm really proud to be part of that.

MiM: Until 1999 it was a constant upward path and then you had setbacks. Is there a sense of frustration or moiorspon news

FORMULA ONE

All These years I oeuenuiuenet^^

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Jordan 1991-style: Michael Schumacher made his FI debut for Jordan in 1991, above.

The team's first car, left, was launched with no sponsors and little fanfare by EJ and designer Gary Anderson. Former driver John Watson is in the car.

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l Jordan, 2003-style: Ciancarlo Fisichella and Ralph Firman run in formation in Brazil.

Fisi gave the team another podium and earned an EJ hug, left. The man himself got a big lift from Damon FHU and Ralf Schumacher after a 1-2 in Belgium in 1998, below left. disappointment now that you know that making that last step is going to be so hard?

EJ: I think that's probably right.

I'm more philosophical about it in some respects. That doesn't mean I'm more accustomed to not winning, or more accepting of not winning, not by any means.

What it means that the manufacturers have become so strong, and when you're effectively paying for your engines certain parts of the sponsorship are going to an area that the major manufacturers don't have to put in their budget. What's left to develop and create the car is obviously limited. That has its ramifications all the way through the team. I think our car is a very good car this year. Time will tell, and will take time to gel with our new engine supplier. The new partnership is in its absolute infancy, but has a great chance of moving forward.

9 Bpril 2003

EJ: It's a knock-on effect. I think the show is important, vitally important, and as a result of that it's better for Jordan.

MN: What's your realistic target now? It must be very different from when you were going into 2000.

EJ: I keep having to remind myself that we had no points going into Silverstone in 1998. We got one, scrambled in the wet, and then we went off and finished first and second at Spa. Those days seem a long way away.

But I'm particularly proud after 200 Grands Prix that there are only four current teams that have won Grands Prix in the last five years - I'm saying Grands Prix.

Peter Sauber looks in reasonably shape now, but he's never finished in the top three of the championship, and he's certainly never won races. He's always said, 'I look up to you,' and I think that's an amazing thing for him to say.

MN: How tough have the last six months been?

EJ: Different, because you get into a habit. In 1991 and '92 I didn't have any wages. I just needed to scramble by. And now

we're back to the same thing 12 years later. It just happens to be that both times there's been a Gulf War at the time. So I never need to see another Gulf War, please, because it seems to be a bad omen for me!

MN: Are you safe now?

EJ: To be fair, we were always safe with the exoeption of the engine bills. We're addressing that as much as we can. The new Concorde agreement, or whatever is happening in the future, is going to be the key thing.

MN: Have the new rules helped you?

EJ: I think very soon you'll see nearly all the teams doing Friday, (Fernando) Alonso wouldn't have been on pole or on the podium had it not been for the new rules and the testing, so on that basis, it's fantastic.

MN: The rules are designed to create a better show, and that must help you to sell sponsorship ...

MIM; Giancarlo is obviously looking to get into one of the top three teams. What's his future with you?

EJ: No one can blame him for that, I believe with Ford we may be able to push into that area. We just need a big push now.

Everyone knows he's a big talent, but people say he's a bit erratic, but I don't see that. Even Michael Schumacher make mistakes when he's under pressure. Giancarlo made a mistake in Malaysia (on the grid) and he paid the ultimate penalty.

MN: How good is Ralph (Firman)?

EJ: It remains to be seen. Clearly we didn't give him the best chance in qualifying in the first races, but in Malaysia his only chance of scoring a point was to do one stop, because he knew he'd be hammered in qualifying. I think he did a very good job. He's a very good racer.

But how quick he is, in a race, starting at the front, I don't know.

45

Full CiPCi

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Paul Tracy used to be the youngster gunning for the scalps of the senior drivers in CART. Now he is the veteran in the Young Guns' sights.

PHIL BRANAGAN spoke to the Canadian

T

HERE'S a new kid gunning for the 2003 CART title. He hungry, he's fit and he's waaaaaay fast.

He's Paul Tracy. After 13 years in the series, the 34-year-old Canuck is still gunning for his first title and he is determined to make it happen this season. He is fitter than ever and, despite the challenge of the new generation of drivers, led by rookie Sebastian Bourdais, he is up to the challenge.

The Frenchman has taken pole position and led the two opening races of the season but it has been Tracy who has greeted the flag on both occasions. In the Brave New World of CART,Tracy looks to be the red-hot favourite for the crown.

"It's been a great start, better than I could have expected," he smiles.

"In testing, Newman/Haas was the team to beat but that has not translated into race wins. I am happy to have two wins, but you have to remember that(Bruno) Junqueira and Bourdais have had problems. Hopefully, we can keep it going.

I worked hard over the winter on making the car work. When I left Team Green,I was not able to take set-up sheets or anything else with me. Players' switched to Lolas from Reynards so the engineers had a lot to learn, so that meant that I could not concentrate on getting the fastest laps out of the car over the winter. I really gathered data for the races and that was a big help to the team 46

in the early races.

"We have a good car that is comfortable to drive. I can get the speed out of the car in qualifying we've been on the front row for both races - and the races showed that the car was more consistent, and better on its tyres, than everyone else in the field. We concentrated on

11

A lot Of young guys come in and want speed. speed,speed;'How fast can it go?' One lap fast is fine but, if you cannot do a bunch of them, rr that's not good 5 - Tracy

getting a good racecar.

"A lot of young guys come in and want speed,speed,speed;'How fast can it go?' To a degree, that's important. But on tracks like ...

Monterrey, the Gold Coast, Long Beach, you need to do 100 laps on Sunday. One lap fast is fine but, if you cannot do a bunch of them, that's not good."

Experience is showing. Once considered a natural talent who was not in the best physical condition, Tracy has spent the last two years in particular working on improving his

condition, which has resulted in a new,sleeker appearance and better fitness.

"I have done my homework. I trained hard over the winter and I have got myself in great condition.

The last couple of years have been n frustrating, because I have been ready to win but we missed the luck to keep it going. Last year,I didn't score that many points on the track but I got myself in the right condition to win.

"I am normal now! I am five nine and a half(176cm) and 176(pounds, 80kg). A lot of the guys I was racing against were much smaller; I w'as giving Cristiano da Matta 50 pounds last year. That's a big chunk of weight!

"CART has taken the average weight of all the drivers and include that in the car weight. Because of that, I have taken weight out of the car; some of the other guys have had to put weight in their cars. It makes it a level playing field.

"I was always around 195 before, and my lightest was 166, at Spring training. I looked good but I felt lousy; I couldn't sleep, I had to really work hard to stay at that weight. Now I can maintain my weight without starving myself to stay there. The last thing I want is to fall apart at the end of the race. Now I feel fine and really fit."

Apart from the physical changes, and the challenge of fitting into a new team, Tracy and the other

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Men in Red: Tracy was on hand when Ayrton Senna tested a Penske CART car at Firebird Raceway in December 1992. Tracy, then 22, was officially the team's test driver and had competed in 15 races. drivers on the grid have new hardware to play with this season.

With the move of Toyota and Honda to the Indy Racing League, the CART series now has a 'spec' engine, built by Cosworth and badged by Ford. It makes an interesting comparison for Tracy, who has previously enjoyed works engines from Mercedes-Benz (at Penske), Ford (at Newman/Haas) and Honda (at Team Green).

"The engine has a lot of power at the bottom (of the rev range)," says Tracy."A lot of the electronics that we were accustomed to having in recent years, like boost control and traction control, have gone away.

This year, we have higher boost and lower revs. It has a lot of grunt!

"Without traction control, the biggest thing is keeping tyres underneath the cars. In the last quarter of a stint, it's important to be

This seems like a pretty good vintage: Tracy got his second win of2003 in Mexico, left, to go with his season-opening chequer in Florida. Fie faced an all-new package this season, with CART moving to a spec Cosworth engine and his Players'team changing from Reynard to Lola, below.

fast. I have driven these cars for a long time, without traction control, where Bourdais is new to it; he is used to sprint races, where you go hard from 'Go'. It's like having separate races in CART; you have to treat each set of tyres differently to get the best out of them.

"Bourdais goes fast from the green. In the first race, he pulled away early, I kept him in sight and he had problems later in the race. In the second race, the same thing happened. We were moving away from the rest of the field, we pitted under yellow, he didn't but there was another yellow right away. He resumed at the back and chased but he had problems at his next pitstop and hit the wall.

"I have the experience and he is learning the ropes but, for sure, he is capable of winning the races."

While 34 may not be considered 'ancient' in CART terms - Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi and Bobby Rahal to name but three were all winning races during their 40s in the 1990s- Tracy is well-placed to observe the challenge from the new generation of drivers.

"I have been here a long time. I have seen a lot of guys come and go, with a lot of hype, but then they get found out. Bourdais reminds me a lot of Juan Montoya; watch him on the track and he has a lot of natural speed and car control. We see guys from Europe; some come and go but then there are the Montoyas and the Alex Zanardis. They arrive and stamp their name by going fast straight away. Nigel Mansell did that too, but he was the current world champion.

"But I do not think that anyone

continued on page 48 47

continued from page 47 expected Bourdais to come in and go THAT fast straight away!"

Considering the calibre of drivers he has raced against, Tracy is probably underrated by many, but he packs a great record. In almost 200 starts, he has won 21 races and been on the podium 50 times, all while competing against the Michael Andrettis, A1 Unser Jrs, Zanardis and others. A 25 percent podium record is impressive in any kind of racing.

"There were a lot that got away too!" he affirms, "I can probably count 50 podiums that have gotten away from me! We have a solid track record; I have 21 wins and I have won all the big races I wanted to win. My main goal now is the championship and pass a couple of guys who have won more races than me. Emerson Fittipaldi won 22 races and Rahal won 24.1 hope I can pass those guys before I quit driving. I think it's possible."

Of course, one race he never won is the Indianapolis 500. He had many attempts at the race before the CART/IRL split and, last year, lost the race in controversial circumstances when IRL officials deemed that he passed Helio Castroneves under yellow late in the race.

"1 feel 1 won that race and the

first one to win it twice, "I have all my trophies in my office except for the Gold Coast trophy. It's in the main room because I want everyone to see that one. It's a big gold cup and it's an awesome trophy.

"It's another reason why I stayed in CART. I love coming to Australia and racing in Canada,I have cousins, uncles, aunts ... all sorts of relatives in Australia and that is a part of why I did not want to go to the IRL with Barry (Green). It was not something that I wanted to do; I am a road racer at heart and I want to be able to continue to do that."

So, now what? Tracy has earned almost US$10 million ($16.6m) is career prizemoney, has had a lot more in team contracts and endorsements and has a comfortable life in Las Vegas. How long will he keep going?

"I am 34 now and I feel that I am in the best condition of my life," he says. "1 feel like I am driving very well but 1 have not put a number on ' how long I will race. I guess you can't race in open-wheelers at this level forever.

"When my time is done in openwheel racing, I don't see myself retiring - not in the next five years. I want to try Stockcars, 1 want to try endurance cars and I want to come

good races like we have in Australia, Toronto and Vancouver.

"1 try and do whatever I can media-wise, because I am the most recognisable name now. I really don't feel doing the Indy 500 is going to help CART. I made my career in CART and 1 want to support the series."

And another race he has not won is 'another' Gold Coast Indy. After winning the race in 1995 with Newman/Haas, he is one of 12 racewinners of the Queensland event.

"Pretty amazing, isn't it? For a 15year (sic) event. . . I want to be the

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to Australia and do Bathurst. I will drive as long as I enjoy doing it and am competitive at it. When the day comes that I don't enjoy in any more, I will retire and be content."

Tracy at Bathurst? We'd like to see that. But, for the time being, let's enjoys seeing what he can still achieve in the Players/Forsythe Lola. Plenty of time for Commodores of Falcons yet...

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majority of the fans feel that I won that race. 1 believe that it came down to politics; IRL versus CART. We won on their playground.

"But there is nothing I can do about it. It is sad that, in sport, politics comes into it. On the racetrack, I was in front, 1 was the car that crossed the line first and the timing showed that I was the winner. But it didn't go down that way.

"My motivation now is driving for Jerry Forsythe and the team is 120 percent behind trying to rebuild CART. We want the series back to where it should be and they do not feel that going and doing one race, and propping up the IRL, is helping CART. 1 agree with that; we need to concentrate on our series, our races and our venues and add some more

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I feel like I am driving very well but I have not put a number on how long I will race. I guess you cant race in open-wheeiers at this level forever*';

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You win some... sutlon-imagcs.com

Tracy has bad his shares of ups and downs, especially in 2002. He tangled with Kenny Brack at Road America, top, but before that was controversially ruled out of an Indianapolis 500 win, above, officials deeming that he has passed Helio Castroneves under yellow flags. Tracy sees it as an unjust, home-team decision.

Green Team ... and Blue: Generally, there were many successes at Team KOOL Green.

Here Tracy and team-mate Dario Franchitti celebrate a 1-2 at Vancouver under tbe watchful eye of Aussie team owner Barry Green.

moiorsDort news

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PAUL Tracy has built himself a successful life in CART. Yes, there have been the odd appearances in other races (like IRL) but, in the main, he had made his career in the one series.

But that could have been much, much different.

In September 1994, with Michael Schumacher locked away under contract, Benetton principal Flavio Briatore was looking for new blood and Tracy tested for the team at Estoril.

The link came because Tracy was to be out of contract from the Mercedes-Benz-backed Team Penske at the end of the season and he was a 'free agent'. There were numerous obstacles, including the fast that it was then (and now) almost impossible to test for an FI team without signing a contract, but it was eventually sorted and Tracy got his test.

He ran for two days in the Ford-powered car and was impressive - enough, in fact, to be offered a race seat for the following year; "I had to opportunity to drive in the team in 1995 as team-mate to Schumacher," he says. "I

was offered a deal to go to the team and I was offered a fairly shaky contract from Flavio. I didn't feel that the timing was right so I decided to stay in CART. In Formula One, when you are hot you're hot but, if you're not, you're out. I guess that time kind of passed me by. It's nothing I regret; I built a career in CART and I have enjoyed that. The racing is great and the stress levels are much less - not that it's not stressful, but the political side of it is much less. You can concentrate on the racing.

FI is probably 50 percent politics and 50 percent racing. I enjoy what I do and I get paid very well for it. I have no regrets.

So, Tracy walked away from FI, signed for Newman/Haas Racing and stayed in CART, where he won two races and finished sixth in the series.

Johnny Herbert raced at Benetton alongside Schumacher, who won his second title.

The 1995 CART champion? Jacques Villeneuve.

Soon, Canada would have another FI driver, but it wasn't Paul Tracy.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

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49

Right Place Right lime

The 2003 Brazilian Grand Prix will go down as one the strangest races in recent memory, with Kimi Raikkonen taking the win after a red flag. There was chaos, carnage and lots and lots of damage.

JOE SAWARD reports from Interlagos

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HAT more could you ask from a Formula 1 race?

Drama,crashes, mysteries, an underdog with a hard luck story, a broken-hearted local hero, an Aussie battler and a World Champion who dropped the ball.

It was just too good to be true.

When the race was red-flagged after two spectacular crashes, no-one was quite sure who had won.In such situations, the race result is declared tv\'o laps before the red flag is shown.

It was all wonderful high drama.

That is not to mention the fact that there was RACING! Cars passed other cars; no, more than that, they did it around the outside. There was some spectacular driving of the

highest order and,again, it came predominantly from the 'new guard' of Formula One drivers. Kimi Raikkonen did it; Fernando Alonso did it, between bouts of brainfade where yellow flags were concerned.

The winner? Rubens Barrichello should have won. The local hero was the class of the field all weekend (except when Mark Webber was stealing his thimder) and looked to have the race in the bag when his Ferrari F2002, inexplicably, stopped without warning.

Tlrat left David Coulthard in charge but his scheduled pitstop came at what turned out to be just the wrong time.

Raikkonen took over, Giancarlo

Fisichella passed him as the McLaren's Michelin's started to fade and, then, all hell broke loose. Kimi and Fisi took the top two spots on the podium but only after a controversial finale. But tliere was so much going on,even before the teams arrived in Brazil, that affected the race ... £cdtimeMotorsport Images

When takehappened a step backatand lookyou at what Interlagos, there is a very strong argument tliat the most important influence of the race was a decision in October last year when the Formula 1 team bosses unanimously voted to change the rules to limit wet tyres at ^ each event to just one specification. The tyre companies then took the decision

to take a supply of intermediates because these are, in theory at least, the most adaptable tyres.

The problem was that the rain in Brazil was heavy (which is not unusual). The intermediate tyres were simply not effective enough to shift the amormt of water that they needed to shift. The cars became very difficult to handle, particularly where there was water flowing across the track. The result was that a whole series of cars went off at the same corner: the high-speed Turn 3. Some

% n

Home phobic: Rubens Barricbello looked set to put bis hometown hoodoo behind him before his

Hed/one Motorspon Inugei

50

Ferrari suddenly stopped, leaving him to ponder what might have been.

motorsDorl news

All fired up over nothing: Well, second. Kimi Raikkonen won the Brazilian CP after being passed by Giancarlo Fisichella's Jordan, above. Fisi was pretty pumped after the race when he thought he had won, right, while his car went up in flames, below right. A bizarre end to a bizzare race. avoided hitting the walls. Some did not.

By the end of the race there were six cars behind the wall including the Ferrari of Michael Schumacher,Juan Pablo Montoya's Williams,Jenson Button's BAR, both Minardis and Antonio Pizzonia's Jaguar. Of the near misses, Mark Webber took the

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prize for the most spectacular close caU with a high-speed spin which he was able to catch (more by luck than judgement, if the truth be told).

The tyres would later put paid to Webber once and for all (see Webber's Brazilian Diary, page 57)and bring about the end of the race because Fernando Alonso hit a wheel which had come off Webber's car.

The Spaniard (who had been penalised earlier for ignoring yellow flags) paid for his apparent lack of caution and had a truly massive crash. Once again we saw amazing strength of the modern FI cars.

Neither man was seriously hurt in crashes that a few years ago would probably have been 'fatals'.

The result of the race was thus declared at a moment when the

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strategies were unwinding.If the race had not stopped, McLaren would have scored a 1-2 victory. Of this there is little doubt. The Jordan team Uked to portray continued on page 54 9 April 2003

51

Oneforthe<

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N Friday night after the hullabaloo had died down, Mark Webber was knocking around the paddock, feeling pretty pleased with himself.

He had set the fastest time of the first qualifying session but he knew that it was mainly due to the weather conditions. When Webber had his run the rain had stopped falling but the track was still wet. It was an impressive effort and evidence that Jaguar Racing needs to be taken a lot more seriously this year.

"The car is good in the wet," said Webber, "but you know I think it's probably good enough to qualify in the top five round here even if it is dry."

You hear some drivers spouting forth optimistic twaddle on a regular basis but Webber is more sensible and so when he says such things you take notice. But what happened on Saturday afternoon surprised everyone, including Webber himself.

The qualifying session had been interesting early on. The weather was good and Jenson Button {who had been off on Friday) led the way. Justin Wilson and Ralph

Firman tried to beat him but failed. Then Juan Montoya set a new standard and knocked another couple of tenths from the target time. Montoya's time would remain fastest until Giancarlo Fisichella emerged and beat the Jordan. No sooner was that done that Half Schumacher pushed himself into the front line.

It did not last long for Jarno Trulli became the third leader in as many miles.

But then the action stopped and it was not until the second Fienault arrived that the action hotted up again. The Spaniard went fast enough to grab fifth place.

With the time ticking away until the end of the session Michael Schumacher set off to sort out the top five names. Michael made a mistake and had a small off at the end of the circuit.

David Coulthard next emerged and did enough to grab pole position by a few tenths.

Raikkonen followed and was so close to DC's times that pole seemed to be in his grasp. But then he made a small mistake, running wide at one corner, and Kimi was second fastest by a tiny margin.

As Raikkonen slowed down Barrichello was winding up for his challenge. The Barrichello fans were dancing for joy in the grandstand. In the first sector Rubens's times were almost exactly the same and suddenly Barrichello was 0.006 secs quicker at the second timing

point. The crowd had to wait 17 seconds and then, as the Ferrari crossed the line, the grandstands erupted for joy.

This was, they thought, the nearest thing to a dead cert. The Jaguar would never beat the Ferrari.

But Webber had other ideas. At the first split time he was just under the wire. Webber's concentration remained solid. We expected to see him lose time in the middle sector but as Mark went through the second timing point the timing beams revealed that he was a quarter of a second ahead. The partying in the grandstand stopped, the excitement having been chilled by the sleek green machine.

"In 17 seconds Mark Webber is going to be on pole position," said someone in the media centre.

Everyone looked down towards the final corner as the Jaguar came into view. Everyone held their breath. This was what carby-car qualifying is all about. This

is what Bernie Ecclestone had wanted to see. Webber went over the line and the split second needed for the timing device to reveal the winner seemed to go on for rather longer.

And then the crowd took off with a roar of delight: Rubinho was on the pole. Webber was just a fraction slower. It was so close that the final four had all registered 1 ml 3.8s. The rest of it was down to fractions; hundredths.

Webber had made a small error in Turn Nine: "I was really surprised to have been that quick," he said. "It was a good lap but the track had changed a lot from the morning session and we decided that the best thing to do was to be conservative and stick with the beast you know and hope that she looks after you."

The beast certainly did that.

Jaguar's true competitiveness had been hidden at the first two races. There was just a hint in Melbourne that the car was good

Friday on my mind: Mark Webber was tbe Friday story after ending 'qualifying'in PI but Rubens Barrichello did the job come Saturday, the top four drivers covered by a tenth of a second.

Red/uiw MotormortJmMet

but in Malaysia the whole weekend was ruined by a fuel feed problem. But in Brazil there was no doubt about it. The Jaguar is a good car. Indeed, it is rather better than the team expected.

Jaguar Racing's team principal Tony Purnell, the man who was the architect of the changes which the team has undergone in recent months, came stumbling out the back of the Jaguar garage unable to communicate in any coherent fashion.

"Surprised?..." he said.

"Surprised. It's ... it's stellar.

Absolutely stellarl" And so the session had managed to do everything that was wanted of it. The Brazilians were happy, the Australians were happy. And it had been a great session. motortpoi

FORMULA -I

Sreen and Golds Webber was the story of the day, unless you were a Brazilian journalist and had to begin each article with the words "Rubens Barrichello".

“The key issue was not so much that the front row would be red and silver-grey, but rather that Michael Schumacher was back in seventh behind not only Barrichello, Coulthard, Webber and Raikkonen but also Trulli and Ralf Schumacher. It was obvious that Michael was probably on a strategy that called for a heavier load and that he had sacrificed speed in qualifying for a better potential in the race.

But be it seventh on the grid of 17th Michael Schumacher cannot just be written off and Michael's rivals were smart enough to figure it out "Michael may be tanked up with fuel but he will still be a threat even from that far back," said McLaren's Martin Whitmarsh.

"He will have to find a way to pass those ahead of him and that may slow him down but he will be a threat in the race. What we do not know is just how much of a threat that will be. Much would depend on the weather.

The McLaren team felt strongly that Barrichello's strategy would be to run light and fast in the early laps before a stop while Michael would probably hold on as long as he was able to do before rushing

in to refuel. A heavy fuel load meant that the strategy would be more flexible to take into account things like Safety Cars and rain storms.

Webber was realistic enough to point out that he would probably not be in the fight for a podium unless some of the challengers stumbled. But he wanted a fistful of points after two pointless outings in Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur.

The Renaults did not seem to be much of a worry to the McLarens and Ferraris for the track exposed both the strengths and the weaknesses of the Renault. In the first and third sectors where horsepower is important the cars were hopeless but in the middle sector where handling is key the Renault was unbeatable.

The others who looked like being very useful were the two Williams-BMWs. which lined up sixth and ninth on the grid with Ralf Schumacher on this occasion beating Juan Pablo Montoya. The team had a new front wing and a new gearbox but the rain on Friday had played havoc with the assessment of the improvement gained. Both drivers complained in qualifying that the car understeered but both were confident that in the race the cars would be right up there.

And there were the other wild cards. Webber was one but Giancarlo Fisichella was right up

there too in his Jordan, with which he had conjured up eighth place. The Saubers seemed to have had a rather stodgy level of performance but clearly the Swiss team had a plan for Sunday. BAR too was not far off the pace with Jenson Button 11th and Jacques Villeneuve 13th.

What tricks did they have up their sleeves for race day?

Down at Toyota, there was a lot of disappointment for in the morning session Olivier Panis had been quickest overall. But on his qualifying run he made a mistake and so ended up 15th. But the car was obviously fast.

The same could not be said for Cristlano da Matta's sister car which seemed to be a real handful. Panis promised the team that he would make up for his error in qualifying with a great result in the race.

In a field full of happiness and disappointment there was one rather startling result: Webber's team-mate Antonio Pizzonia was way back on the grid. 'Jungle Boy' seemed to be well out of his depth.

Down at the back as usual were the two Minardis, almost a second adrift of the slowest other car. The team's strategy was to run a big fuel load and hard tyres and hope that the circumstances would result in a decent finish.

But we would not know whether this was a good strategy, or not until Sunday ...

- JOE SAWARD

Grand Prix

Brazil

April 5 2003 2 R Barrichello(BRA) Scuderla Ferrari Marfboro 1:13.807 n 5 D Coulthard (GB) l West McLaren Mercedes n iria^aiB d,'o'ir 14 M Webber fAUS) ^Jaguar Racing ; 1:13.851 0.044 |6KRaiKkOnen(FiN) I West McLaren Mercedes 1:13.866" '*0.059 7JTnJlll (I) : Mild Seven Ranaidt F1 Team l 1:13.953 +0,146 [4 R Schumacher(D] BMWWilliamsFI Team 1:14.'124 +0.317 " 1 M Schumacher(D) ; Scu^ria Ferrari Mari^ro_ : 1:14.130" *0.323 11 G Fisichella (I) i Jordan Ford 1:14.191 ¤ 0.384 BMW'VWlliamsFI Tosm 1:14.223 +0,416 6 F Alonso(E) . Mild Seven Renault FI Team n : 1:14.384 + 0.577 17 J Button (GBl ;Lut^ strike BAR Honda 1:14.504 + 0.697 9 N Hetdfetd (D) Sauber Petronas "1:14.631 +0.624 Lucky Strike BAR Hortda 1:14.668 +0.861 lOHHFrentzen(D) :Saubcr Petronas ! 1:14.839' +1.032 1200 Panis(F j Panasq^nic Toyota Racing ' 1:14~839 +'V.032 :Jordan Ford 1:15.240' +1.433 ISAPhaonIa(BRA> Jaguar Racing^ ' 1:15.317" +1.510 21 C Da Malta(BRA) ^Pan^nicjoyota Racing ; 1:is;64i +1.834 Minardi Cosworth_ ' 1:16.542 +2.735 18 J Wilson(GB) Minardi Cosworth . , 1:16.5B'8 +2.779

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continued from page 51 itself as the team that was robbed of victor}' by the rule which states tliat when a race is red-flagged tire result is determined tw.'o laps before tlie stoppage. But could Giancarlo FisicheUa really have made it to tire cliequered flag if the race had gone on?

The answer is that, probably, nobody really knows. The team strategy was an interesting one.

When the race started beliind the Safety Car, the cars circulated for a few laps while the track dried out enough for racing to begin. On tlie seventh lap, FisicheUa abandoned his eighth place in the queue and went ' into the pits. The team pumped the car fuU of fuel and FisicheUa was sent back out to rejoin at the back of the queue. It had cost him virtually no time and there was a possibility that he could rim the entire race distance without refuelling again. It was a gamble. A gamble based on a number of Safety Cars slowing down fuel consumption and a tw'o-hour limit that would stop the race long before the aUotted 71 laps.

Would he have done it? FisicheUa liimself was not sure.

"Honestly, it was on the limit," he admitted.

The team refused to give any details, preferring to bask in the glory of what might have been. There was plenty of sympathy for Eddie Jordan and poor old FisicheUa, who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

But realistic analysis left many question marks. It is worth noting perhaps thatHeinz-Harald Frentzen tried the same thing. He had his car pulled off the grid and switched to the spare car with complete wet settings and a tankful of fuel. He never stopped? Could he have made it to the finish? One more Safety Car would have done it, his race engineer admitted. In other words,"No!" The only man who could have gone aU the way was Webber and there is little doubt that if the race had panned out as it should have done, Mark woiUd have been on the podium in his Jaguar. As it was, the car was wrecked because the intermediate tyres were worn down to slicks and Mark lost control.

For a while Barrichello, the local hero, seemed to be on his way to a victory he has so often failed to land in Brazil. It would be no different in 2003. He pitted with most of the field on lap 19 and then got faster and faster until he caught and passed Coulthard. He did three consecutive

Barrichello had been on pole it was clear that he started the race with a lower fuel load than some of the others. All the major players pitted on the same lap and Rubens was in the pitlane for the same amount of time as most of the others and so logically he would have had less fuel.

Coulthard pitted again on lap 52, six laps after Rubens went out. Yes, running out of fuel looked like the most likely explanation.

These then were the trends and the result was that Raikkonen now has a lead over Michael Schumacher of 26 points to eight. With the new points structure, winning back a gap like that is going to be a major achievement for the World Championship favourite Michael Schrunacher. The Ferrari team suddenly does not look like the dominant force it was last year and one can only wonder whether or not this will sap Michael's desire to keep chasing his sixth title ...

THE major changes to the cars at Interlagos, the first 'medium downforce' circuit of the season, mostly involved wings.

MNews FI Technical Editor Paolo Filisetti's drawings show that the front wing of the Williams FW25, left, features a very sinuous profile that in detail is a double S profile (1) sporting it at each side of the wing. Furthermore the wing kept the two tiny vertical fins (2) placed underneath.

Toyota's TF103, below left, sported minor changes to their aerodynamics configuration. In particular, the Cologne-based team introduced a rear wing featuring new endplates characterised by rounded cuts on the top at the rear extremities so to reduce the

wmA M

fastest laps and it looked like the world was his oyster and then the Ferrari stopped. The team said it was a fuel feed problem. In Formula 1 terms that means that Barrichello had run out of gas. There were whispers of metering problems. Given that 54

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Rcdzone Molorsport Images

turbulence generated by the fact that the angle of the wing profiles adopted here is high.

Renault’s R23 rear wing, below, resembled the one introduced by McLaren at Melbourne. It features a dramatically sculpted profile of its upper element (arrowed) and of its foremost profile placed over the main element.

This solution was studied for a medium fast track as it is Interlagos, but was not possible to test it extensively on the Friday morning test session due to the adverse weather conditions.

Aero-wise, Imola is similar to Brazil, and Ferrari will race its new 2003-GA. Look for more of Filisetti's work in all the GP reports in future editions of MNews. ^

Yellow Alert: Ralph Firman lost control of the Iordan at Turn 1, skating the Fordpowered car into the Toyota of Olivier Panis. Firman was a passenger in the car, a fact that he explained to Panis, left.

I think that this one has had it: Medicos inspect the crashed Renault of Fernando Alonso, below. The Spaniard collected a wheel left on the start/finish by Mark Webber's stacked Jaguar, the amount of debris prompting the red flag.

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9 Rprll 2003

SIEMENS oHI|«

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2003 FIA Formula One World Championship

FORMULA1

WORLD

2003 Brazilian Grand Prix - Overall Race Classification after 53 laps - 228.347 kf«sovIsional Driver

Nat

Laps

Time

6

Kimi Raikkonen

FIN

West McLaren Mercedes

53

1:29:53.179

11

Giancarlo Fisichella

ITA

Jordan Ford

53

1:29:54.010

00.831

8

Fernando Alonso

ESP

Mild Seven Renault FI Team

53

1:29:59.874

06.695

05.864

West McLaren Mercedes

No.

Entrant

Kph

Best

Lap

152.423

1:24.104

39

152.400

1:23.454

51

152.234

1:23.770

41 40

Gap

5

David Coulthard

GBR

53

1:30:00.570

07.391

00.696

152.215

1:23.132

5

10

Heinz Harald Frentzen

GER Sauber Petronas

53

1:30:02.571

09.392

02.001

152.158

1:23.089

53

6

16

Jacques Villeneuve

CAN

53

1:30:11.089

17.910

08.518

151.919

1:24.463

48

7

14

Mark Webber

AUS Jaguar Racing

53

1:30:13.249

20.070

02.160

151.858

1:24.956

50

8

7

Jarno Trulli

ITA

53

1:30:16.748

23.569

03.499

151.760

1:25.036

43

1:24.778

Lucky Strike BAR Honda Mild Seven Renault FI Team

46

9

4

Ralf Schumacher

GER

BMW WilliamsFl Team

53

1:30:26.735

33.556

09.987

151.481

10

21

Cristiano Da Matta

BRA

Panasonic Toyota Racing

52

1:30:22.315

1 LAP

1 LAP

148.743

2

Rubens Barrichello

BRA

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

46

1:19:35.138

DNF

149.411

1:22.032

17 Jenson Button

GBR

Lucky Strike BAR Honda

32

0:57:44.015

DNF

143.269

1:26.042

17

19 Jos Verstappen

NED

European Minardi Cosworth

30

0:54:53.909

DNF

141.249

1:28.010

25

47

Not Classified 46

1

Michael Schumacher

GER

Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

26

0:47:25,754

DNF

141.689

1:24.040

18

3

Juan Pablo Montoya

COL

BMW WilliamsFl Team

24

0:44:39.952

DNF

138.879

1:25.814

24

15

Antonio Pizzonla

BRA

Jaguar Racing

24

0:44:42.824

DNF

138.730

1:27.990

24

20

Olivier Panis

FRA

Panasonic Toyota Racing

17

0:32:56.134

DNF

133.393

1:30.494

17

12 Ralph Firman

IRL

Jordan Ford

17

0:32:56.957

DNF

133.337

1:29.159

13

18 Justin Wilson

GBR

European Minardi Cosworth

15

0:29:28.569

DNF

131.506

1:28.023

15

8

0:18:41.572

DNF

110.551

2:11.396

4

9

GER Sauber Petronas

Nick Heidfeld

Fastest Lap 189.101

1:22.032 on lap 46

BRA [ Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro

2 f Rubens Barrichello'

Drivers’ Points: Raikkonen 26, Coulthard 15, Alonso 14, Trulli 9, Barrichello, Fisichella, Montoya and M. Schumacher 8, Frentzen 7, R.Schumacher 6, Villeneuve 3, Button and Webber 2, Heidfeld 1.

Constructors' Points: McLaren 41, Renault 23, Ferrari 16, Williams 14, Jordan and Sauber 8, BAR 5, Jaguar 2.

Grand Prix of

Brazil

Positions lap by lap

April 6 2003 Grid Position/Driver ; 1

Rubens Barrichello

‘ 2 David Coulthard : 3

Mark Webber

i 4 Kimi Raikkonen ; 5 Jarno Trulli ; 6 7 ; 8

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; 13 Jacques Villeneuve

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j 15 Olivier Panis

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20 motorsport news

BRAZILIAN FI

iMark Webber's Brazilian Diaiy F you'd said before the weekend that I could have provisional pole, grid three and points, I guess I would have taken it, so there's much to be happy about despite my spectacular exit from the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Having looked after everything in the early stages, we'd called the right strategy, fuelling up to go right to the end at the second stop. I stood to gain quite a few places late in the race as up to four of the cars in front of me needed to stop before the end of the race.

However, I really don't know whether I would have made it that far without having to make a quick stop for tyres - my 'wets' were well down, to virtually no groove, and that's what caught me out.

We didn't make an issue of it at the time, but the fuel 'drop-out' problem from Malaysia reared its head again but, bizarrely, only in my car - we knew it before the race.

So, when I say we fuelled it up to get to the finish, it actually had enough on board to get to lap 93 (I), in normal circumstances!

Apart from the time handicap of carrying that extra weight, it made it harder to look after the sottish 'wets' on a slowly drying track.

I'd already survived one big moment at the Turn 3 skidpan (720 degrees, with pike) and in the cockpit, things weren't getting easier.

It's a vicious circle. You're searching out damper, cooler spots on the road to keep the tyre temps down, but then the tyre wears to the point where the tread is all but gone and there you are, on a virtual slick, still looking for damp areas - and that's what brought me undone. I was out wide onto the straight, looking for tyre cooling and ... well, you know what happened next.

But there was a stack of people with 'what-ifs' this weekend in one of the most bizarre FI races for some time...

We ended a pretty good car here.up It'swith a mediumdownforce place, Michelin had a good 'grooved' slick and we had a great balance in the car.

A change in our approach to the Friday morning unofficial session helped a lot. Rather than using it to bed our race engine and then make a quick change, we started straight off with the practice unit and got a lot of useful laps in.

I was able to do two good long stints as part of our tyre comparison and was able to opt confidently for the softer Michelin, 9 RprII 2003

sSt

Before and after: Webber puts the hurt on Trulli early in the race, while Michael Schumacher follows. It all ended with a bit of a bang ...

Rcdzone Motorsport Images

which worked well, even in'the longer run, as well as being really good when fresh.

The rain brought in another factor and things certainly worked out okay in Friday Qualifying! It all came together rather well. I had done a fresh rubber run on race fuel late in the wet morning session and had an idea that we had a good balance.

Certainly, the track was a little less wet for the last group, but I was well-pleased with the set-up on my car and the lap itself.

It was some 2.5 seconds quicker than the two drivers either side of me (Pizzonia and Panis), but even I was surprised to see on the read out that I was quickest after two sectors. I actually eased back slightly to make sure of the third sector (which is pretty much all straight anyway) and there it was ...

Saturday, really, was even more satisfying.

We chipped away at a couple of little things in the morning session and scrubbed a couple of sets of tyres, then popped in a 1m14,5s in the qualifying warm-up, which is a pretty good form guide. It was

sixth-best and I was pleased that it remained dry, so we could see how we stacked up in dry qualifying trim.

I guess I hoped to knock a couple of tenths off that in the actual run. We actually took four kilos of fuel out (a lap and a half's worth), which is worth a tenth or so, no more, and sat and waited for the other 19 cars to run.

Going last is quite something and, yes, I could see on the dash that after two sectors I was up on Barrichello, A little mistake at Turn 9 lost a tenth or two, which cost us - but who could be unhappy with P3, some seven-tenths better than the warm-up!

It was a bit disappointing that some observers assumed we were running light - even DC mumbled something about "thought you were three-stopping" - but we had a genuine two-stop fuel load on which, of course, would become apparent on Sunday.

“The delay at the start was a saviour for me. I had a small throttle problem on the out lap, which took a little time to resolve -

if the race hadn't been delayed, I was headed for the t-car and a pit lane start...

With the knowledge that I would more than likely have the fuel feed problem rear its head, the mission was going to be points. Avoid any aggro at the start and run the best race I could.

It's frustrating, though. The sixtenths penalty you're carrying as a result of the extra fuel is something you could well do without. I really hope we get to the bottom of it before Imola.

It was a very, very difficult day for everyone. You can't see much, your visor wants to fog up, the mirrors are fogged, the track's changing every lap ... know what I mean?!

As I said, despite all that, our strategy worked well and might have reaped a reasonable result if I hadn't strayed a fraction wide onto the damp in my attempts to look after the rubber.

It was a fast shunt - we're doing 250-260km/h at that point - and it hit quite hard before spinning across the road.

My left leg took a fair whack and I copped a small cut on my neck - courtesy of the HANS device of all things - but was otherwise okay. Poor old Fernando hit even harder...

D

espite the dramatic end to the day, I can fly back to the UK very satisfied with the progress the team is making and the potential of the R4.

This time last year. Jaguar was in disarray. We've shown that the R4 has genuine pace - if we continue to work hard, a good result will come.

Imola will be a defining race for us. Last year the R3 was terrible there (I outqualified them in the Minardi!) but the R4 was pretty good in testing at Valencia, which is often a good Imola guide ... 57

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I Fila da need for speed: | Hodgson, above right, | was in a class of his own 5; at the Island and now has % four starts from four wins.

That flaming foggy!

Corser's new Foggy Petronas, above, looked great and mixed it up with the V-twins for a while.

Seven not heaven:

Hod^n maintains dominance, Ve

Chili stopped in Race 1, right, but made up for it in Race 2.

May the fours be with you: Lavilla, below, rode a lone battle on the Suzuki.

58

AUSSIE Chris Vermeulen took his first World Supersport win at Phillip Island.

Vermeulen's Honda CBR600RR took off at the lights, withstood the pressure from the Suzuki of Round 1 winner Katsuaki Fujiwara and zoomed to a 9.3s win.

"I've been hanging out for this win for a while now and it couldn't have come at a better place," said the young Australian.

"My plan was to get my head down from the start and try to make a break," he explained. "At first it looked like Fujiwara was going to stick with me, but when I saw he was dropping off I just got my head down and tried to keep a smooth rhythm. I was even able to build enough of a lead to be able to roll it off a little in the closing stages."

Vermeulen's Ten Cate Honda team-mate Karl Muggeridge shook off two practice crashes r one of which destroyed his race bike - and battled hard for third but, eventually, fell back to seventh place.

Jurgen vd Goorbergh took third, his best result since leaving MotoGP ranks, fighting off Stephane Chambon. The Suzuki rider fought off the Yamaha R6 of Kevin Curtain, who was extraordinarily impressive considering the power deficit he faced compared to the workssupported bikes.

Broc Parkes raced with the lead group early until he stopped with engine failure.

Points; Vermeulen and Fujiwara 45, vd Goorbergh and Corradi 23, Teuchert 21, Muggeridge 19.

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rmeulen’s maiden Supersports win a

9 April 2003

SBK SUPEBBIKES

AST year, the rider of a red Ducati came to Phillip Island with a perfect score in the World Superbike Championship. He won both races at the Island and left with his 100 percent winning record still intact.

In 2003, history repeated itself. Neil Hodgson made it four wins from four starts and will be hoping to go one better than his predecessor, Troy Bayliss. The Aussie was overhauled for the title by a reinvigorated Honda and Colin Edwards, both departed this season.

After being bested by Frankie Chili in qualifying, Hodgson woke up for Superpole and cruised to an 8s win in Race 1.

But team-mate Ruben Xaus pushed him hard in the second race, the gap between the two Fila Ducati 999F03s a mere 0.07s, The two factory bikes were the class of the field, especially when Chili blew an engine while challenging Hodgson on lap 5 of Race 1. The Italian veteran recovered in the second outing,'taking third place from Regis Laconi, HM Plant Ducati team-mates James Toseland and Chris Walker and Gregorio Lavilla (Suzuki).

"I really wanted to win this race as a tribute to Barry Sheene, who passed away recently," said Hodgson.

"I just wanted to fly, lead and not let anyone attack, so I was surprised when Chili came underneath me at the hairpin. I was pleased that he was there, no one wants to be on their own in a race, and when Chili dropped out I was disappointed, but I wasn't going to roll back the throttle to make a show. I continued at the same pace and went for it."

The second race did not go according to the Briton's plans; "I tried to break everyone early on, got a bit of a lead, stayed cohsistent with a fast pace but then Ruben started chipping away," he added, "When he got close I decided to have a bit of a rest, that was my cunning plan. I knew from all the other races today that everyone who led out of the last corner won so that was in my mind at the end. My bike was so fast today so I thought that if I could do that, then I would win."

"Neil got the better line in turn 11 and that set him up better for the final corner," said Xaus afterwards.

While the Union Jack flew twice on the rostrum, the Aussie riders had a good weekend. After a great fifth in Race 1, Troy Corser backed up a good qualifying effort by hauling the Foggy Petronas to eighth in Race 2, the threecylinder bike constantly spitting flames at the opposition.

"If somebody had told us we'd get a fifth so soon in the season, we wouldn't have believed them, so all in al l we're pretty satisfied," smiled Corser, "But for a few problems though the results could've been better. In the first race, the engine's mapping wasn't quite right and we were losing quite a bit of bottom end. It's a nature of our bike that every time we put in a new engine, we had to do new mapping for it. My start was OK and I tried to go round the outside of everybody at turn two I The rear started sliding later in the race, but that was the same for everybody. I kept riding hard to the end and I was reasonably happy."

The other local to start was Steve Martin. The Adelaideborn rider rocketed to fourth in Race 1, the warmer conditions assisting his Pirelli-shod DFX Ducati 998. In the process, he shook off Corser and Laconi in the final stages of the race.

"That was great fun, I really enjoyed that although it was very hard work," said Martin after the race. "It seemed like a really long race and I'l l admit I was relieved to see the last lap board come outi" Martin backed up the result with a solid ninth in Race 2, again battling with Corser and Marco Borciani (Ducati).

While the potential of the Foggy FPl is clear, the only other non-Ducati to look the goods at PI was GregoTia Lavilla's Suzuki GSX-R1000.

After a strong third in Race 1, he made a good start to Race 2 but tyre problems left him to drop through the field to eighth.

Four races down, four wins to Hodgson. Ducati is almost turning the SBK into a onemake series.

But, as the all-singing, all dancing MotoGP blockbuster season opened in Japan last weekend, is anyone going to care?

Points; Hodgson 100, Xaus 80, Walker 48, Lavilla 44, Martin 41, Toseland 40, Laconi 34, Corser 28, Borciani 26, Pedercini 23, Garcia 18, Clementi 17, Chili 16, Borja 15, Sanchini 10, Bussei and Russo 7, Haydon 5, Fuertes 1.

59

Bargain basement Rally Oz? It also doesn't take into account that the event was staged in September up until 1996 and Langley Park was run without problems at that time.

A Rally Australia insider, who was not willing to be named, told MNews that the moves are purely to save money with the shutdown,set up and bump out of the Langley Park track taking up to six weeks and costing many millions of dollars.

"They can build a stage at Gloucester Park much more cheaply than at Langley and there is less disruption," the source said.

"We had the jewel in the crown of World Rallying and now they are trying to turn it into a shadow of its former self. It is a great pity."

Other changes announced at last week's media launch in Perth include the new single service park, which will see all the servicing done in a park at Jarrahdale, about 60km south of Perth.

The blow of losing Clerk of Course Garry Connelly, along with the ructions over its contract with CAMS and the FIA (which were only resolved last Tuesday at the World Council meeting) have done nothing for Rally Australia's reputation and standing in the Championship.

With the new contract giving WA a much shorter year-to-year tenure, the chances of the rally being moved to the East Coast has been strengthened, and this will surely only be enhanced by the organiser's cost-cutting moves.

by JON THOMSON

ONCE the best round of the World Rally Championship,Rally Australia is in for a bargain basement adjustment come September, with a major slash to operating budgets bringing some big changes.

The famed Langley Park stage on the edge of the Swan River, which has showcased Perth to the world for almost a decade, has been given the flick in favour of a stage at the Gloucester Park trotting track.

In addition, the rally will almost certainly shift its event HQ and media centre to the trotting facility in a move that is believed to be saving the organisers money by avoiding the hire of rooms at the traditional base at the Sheraton Hotel.

Organisers have denied that the moves are in a bid to lop large amounts out of the event's operating budget, citing the'wet weather'in September as a reason to avoid the Langley Park stage.

"It is a particularly bad time for rain in Perth and we want to avoid any problems with Langley Park," said event PR Diane Bortoletto.

This isn't borne out by the Bureau of Meterology, which shows that Perth averages 80mm rain in September - less than half the July average, which is the wettest month of the year in the WA capital.

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Accent-uated NEW ARC recruit Juha Kangas from Finland was having a little trouble understanding his wellspoken expatriate British co driver Julia Rabbett calling the pace notes on day one of the Forest Rally.

Kangas asked if Julia could learn 11 words of Finnish to help him understand the calls.

The pair worked out a system during the day which pleased the Finn greatly.

“It is much better now. It is so good, I asked her to marry me, said Kangas jokingly.

- JON THOMSON

60

I 3

End of the road: The bean-counters (or weather men, depending whom you believe) have pulled the plug,on Langley Park

Truckin’ on Eleventh THE fierce competition in the ARC has spread from the forest to the service park, with the contest to have the biggest and fiashiest new transporter becoming a major arena for inter-team rivairy.

Possum Bourne’s Volvo rigid with a massive dog trailer appeared at the Rally of Melbourne last year and wowed all the teams.

The return of Toyota, however, has brought a transporter that

looked more at home on the set of Smoky and the Bandit. A massive Peterbuilt prime mover in TTR colours with a 445hp Cat engine under the extensive bonnet towing the Toyota pantechnicon trailer was the envy of everyone in the service park.

“We may not have won the rally, but we’ve won the transporter stakes,” said Coral Taylor.

- JON THOMSON

TOYOTA was apparently threatened with having the homologation of its new Corolla Group IM Prototype pulled just prior to the start of the Forest Rally last week after it refused demands by CAMS to sign a new TV contract before the start of the rally.

It is believed that Toyota actually found support from its rival manufacturers in the last minute standoff.

While representatives of Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi were in a huddle just outside pare ferme at restart on Saturday morning, it is believed ARCom boss Garry Connelly tried to sort out the impasse by phone from his Brisbane base.

Toyota was allowed to run after the last minute 'summit' meeting reached a compromise 2 with Connelly by mobile phone, n None of the company

I representatives would talk about I . the contract standoff, but moiorsport news

RALLYING

A Sharper Focus

FORD has unveiled a dramatic new Focus WRC that exploits the rules to the limit and could be the car to beat in the second half of 2003.

The new car is a departure from previous Focus World Rally Cars, with designer Christian Loriaux throwing out the previous model's safe and reliable design philosophy for a more radical wirming edge.

Loriaux's priorities were a front-toback push to save weight and improve weight distribution, combined with better performance on high-speed rallies.This has demanded major aerodynamic revisions,including new front bib spoilers that look particularly vulnerable for gravel events.

Just on 80 per cent of the car is new, with a new hydraulic system that consumes less power,a lighter, more sophisticated electrical system and dispensing with one of the old car's tw'o transmission oil coolers.

The key to the aerodynamic changes is a switch to the Focus SVT170 sold in the USA as the base model for homologation purposes.

The new car is longer, which has made it possible to shift the 'chipcutter' rear wing further back, aiding downforce, while extending the front spoiler.

Ford isn't specifying the weight distribution, but Loriaux said that he

stronger roll cage. Wheel arch flares and the inner rear arches are also new.

Ford is declining to give many details about the rear suspension, but it seems that MacPherson struts have been discarded in favour of a coilover set-up, with a lower wishbone,a trailing arm and an extra transverse link angled downwards from the top of the hub towards the rear differential.

Pi's latest Hercules electrical ^ system replaces circuit breakers with . S solid-state relays and sites every ^ 3 switch bar the wipers on a control unit between the crew. Combined

had met his objectives and that ballast will be used. The total weight saving is believed to be close to 50kg. , The bodyshell has a narrower transmission tunnel and a new propshaft, which means the crew sit closer to the centre of the car, and a

hour Toyotascare 1

>-

MNews understands it was as a result of the manufacturers not being given sufficient time to study all aspects of the contract.

The drama unfolded despite an apparent agreement which specified the deadline for signing the contract was April 15th.

It is believed Toyota was the easiest mark for CAMS with the special homologation granted to 9 April 2003

its Corolla being directly attributed to CAMS and not the FIA, as is the case with Subaru and Mitsubishi.

The TV coverage of the Australian Rally Championship is fully funded by the manufacturers involved in the series, with each contributing to meet the costs.

- JOIN! THOMSON

with a lighter dashboard, it saves eight kilos compared to the 2002 car.

Cosworth has shaved yet more weight from the iron-block Duratec engine, which has a re-positioned Garrett turbo and a different cooling system. Both response and maximum power have been improved. The radiator and intercooler are laid almost flat, with fans mounted above.

Ford rally team director Malcolm Wilson is so impressed with the capabilities of the 2003 Focus World Rally Car that he thinks lead driver Markko Martin could become World Champion this year.

"There was only one objective for Christian Loriaux and his team: to build a car that could win on all events," said Wilson.

"I'm so confident in this car and what's happened, I think we'll be a very strong contender for next year's championship.

"1 think if this car's reliable.

Markko could be a contender for this year's championship,especially with the points system."

The Ford chief accepts that the Loriaux-designed Ford is unproven.

He warned that the Rally of New Zealand - the car's first event posed an enormous challenge in organisational terms, and pointed out that Martin and Francois Duval have little experience in New Zealand.

Martin, above, is thrilled with the new Focus, but carefully distanced himself from Wilson's prediction.

"1 am very pleased to hear that my team boss has so much faith in me!"

Martin said.

"1 don't mind, but 1 think it will be a very big surprise if we fight for the championship this year."

- JON THOMSON 61

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Herridge upping his pace, new ARC recruit Juha Kangas finding rapid form and Mitsubishi number two driver Lowndes delivering a new level of speed, this year's opener has given the title a fresh new complexion.

Crocker showed exceptional speed all weekend and did not put a foot wrong in an event that has been dominated by team mate Bourne for the past few years.

The younger Subaru driver was under pressure from Evans right from the start on day one but was 62

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Is HERE has been a changing of the guard in Australian Rallying. It was subtle and may not be in full force yet, but the indicators are there following the results of the opening round of this year's Championship in WA. It was the first time in 10 years that a past champion hasn't won the opening round and all the signs are tliere that the championship could be a battle of the young guns.

Cody Crocker took victory in both heats, beating Simon Evans and Dean Herridge to the top step of the podium on day one, while Crocker led Spencer Lowndes home on day two with Scott Redder in third.

Possum Bourne's early demise with a blown engine sidelined the reigning Champ for the weekend while Ed Ordynski battled fuel pickup and gearbox problems, leaving the yoimg guns free to fight out the opening round in a knock down, drag-out struggle.

With Subaru's number three driver

n

H ^J3IS.^ *M~

able to trade blows aU the way through Saturday after Bourne went out at the end of stage two.

Bourne's engine cried enough after a conrod broke, holing the block. The setback came after a gear selection problem on Friday night resulted in a massive over-rev on the opening spectator stage around Busselton's seaside park.

Bourne failed to score in last year's opener as well, but the seventimes champion is going to find it tough this year. He is also facing a 'no score' from the Queensland round later in the season when it clashes with his World

!

Championship program.

Evans showed a new calm head during the rally. He was fast, but was taking fewer risks. Even after troubles at a hairpin bend cost him around 10 seconds he showed maturity in going for the points rather than risking it all on a lunge for victory.

The privateer Subaru driver won five of the nine stages on day one, while Crocker took the other four, but this was enough to leave him 7.9s ahead of Evans at the conclusion of the heat.

"This is the best start to the championship I have ever had, we just need to build on this and keep the pressure on," said Evans.

The revelation of the opening leg was Herridge, delivering the speed that he had been promising. In fairness, it appears that he had to make do with machinery that was a

little below par in 2002. This year however, it looks to be right and will ■ give him a strong chance.

Kangas may have had trouble understanding co-driver Julia Rabbett but it couldn't have been too much of a problem, scoring equal fastest on the opening forestry stage and then going on with it to finish fourth on the day. It was a promising performance from the Finn as he dials into Australian conditions.

The man who was leading part-way through day onethis lastrally year was Scott Pedder, but his heat ended on the second stage this year when he came in a bit fast on a corner and rolled off the road to be stuck fast. The car was repairable but he would take no further part in heat one.

Patriarch of the Pedder family, Ron Pedder summed it up by declaring, "I've had better days", particularly after elder son Mark lost considerable time with a broken clutch slave cylinder.

At the Mitsubishi Ralliart operation, Ordynski was having a woeful time. The Adelaide driver encountered fuel pick-up problems all day before the car's transfer case let go on the penultimate stage, putting him out for the rally for the day at least. After spending most of the heat in fifth place it had been a tough day at the office for Ordynski.

Lowndes was battling handling woes in his Ralliart machine, but was still able to bring home fifth place in a strong and consistent drive.

If things were difficult at Mitsubishi, the two-car Toyota operation of Neal and Rick Bates were struggling to explain a severe lack of pace. This was despite Rick taking fastest on the two tarmac stages on Friday night.

"I am driving it as hard as I dare go, if I took it to the next level I would be in the trees," said Neal.

"I am at a bit of a loss to explain it, but I think some more power will help."

Neal was pipped for sixth place by Rick by just 3.7s, largely due to some road penalties incurred by Neal late in the day.

There wasinto a great heading dayexpectation two. With Ithe added spice of overnight rain to moisten the ground, the battle between Crocker and Evans shaped as a dickens of a fight.

However missing bonnet pins were to detonate Evans's chances and end the battle with Crocker. Stopping to replace the pins cost him 30s and any shot at victory. After capturing fastest on the opening test Evans looked to be a chance, but he would have to settle for fourth on the day and second overall for the rally.

Flawless driving on Crocker's part in the slippery conditions saw him build a substantial lead despite an impressive drive from Lowndes into second spot.

"We're feeling fantastic. We're elated," said Crocker.

"I was surprised we won both heats. We didn't expect that at the

motorsport news

RALLYING ?

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Pinned down: Evans, above, lurked close in Crocker's shadow for much of the rally but was thwarted by missing bonnet pins.

Meanwhile Lowndes, below, was also less than happy with his car but nevertheless fought his way up

to third

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HEAT1 HEAT 2 Subaru Ihl4m7.8s 1, Crocker/Foletta 1. Crocker/Foletta Subaru Ihl4m25.7s 2. Evans/Evans 2. Lowndes/Randall 3. Pedder/Humm 3, Herridge/Macneall Subaru 1h15ml46s EvoVII Ihl5ml4.3s 4. Evans/Evans 4, Kangas/Rabett 5. Lowndes/Randall EvoVII Ihl5m44.5s 5. Ordynski/Stewart Points Crocker 41, Evans 28, Lowndes 26, Kangas 21, Herridge 14, Pedder 14 Manufacturers: Subaru 72, Mitsubishi 40, Toyota 40

53m23.1s 53m38.6s 53m41.3s 53m56.7s 53m56.8s

ARC Round 1 Forest Rally

3

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first round. It's a good confidence boost and great to have that at the start of the season, but at the same time you can't afford to get cocky on one win."

Lowndes's efforts were made all the more impressive by the ill-handling Evo Vn. The young Melburnian's performance in bringing the car home in second salvaged pride and valuable points for Mitsubishi after battling with Herridge.

Herridge's rally evaporated with a gearbox jammed in two gears two stages from the finish. His misfortime meant Scott Pedder made amends in his battered Lancer, capturing third place after the roll on day one.

Returning for the 2003 season in an Evo V Lancer, Mark Thompson was fast in both heats but broke a 9 April 2003

driveshaft on day one before going on to score seventh in heat two and enough points for 10th overall.

Local Andrew Hannigan in his Daihatsu took the F16 class ahead of Tasmania's Lee Peterson in his Mivec Mirage.

With Crocker's rousing drive comes a 13-point lead over Evans heading to the next driver's championship round in Queensland in June. If the fight continues in the same vein, we might see an entirely new name on the national title for the first time in the last seven years.

Triple the threat: If Herridge's speed in WA ivas any indication then the opposition now have three very quick factory Subarus to worry about...

\j

Burford buries opposition

THE Speedway City 360 Sprintcar Cup was dominated by two local drivers who showed the rest how it's done.

Adelaide's Michael Burford carried through his great form from the heats to start the 20 lap A-Main from pole and never looked back from there.

Runner-up Damien Eve turned in his best performance since switching from dirt rods, while Melbourne's Tony Moule completed the podium a fair distance adrift of the leading pair.

"That's an old Jenkins chassis we're running," admitted Burford.

"But it gets the job done and I feel real comfortable in that car."

Eve suffered a dismal run at Speedway City in his maiden sprintcar season, but the rookie kept the Lightning Karts J&J very tidy for a well-deserved main race place.

Finishing behind the top trio were Mildura's Col Beasley in an exRobbie Farr Avenger, Ron Donaldson (JSR), Owen Pitt and Alex Ramsay.

A busy support program also saw

the 2003 Super Sedan Spectacular and Speedway City Junior Sedan Cup run.

Angaston ace Steve Vaughan took out the Sedan Spectacular with one of his best performances for the season.

Vaughan started the 20-lapper from the second row after veteran Steve Stewart drove his brand new Pontiac from sixth to first in the pole shootout.

Chris Blunden raced away to an early lead but was gradually reeled in by Vaughan. On lap 11, when Paul Zeidas held up the leader, Vaughan pounced and took up the front running.

A severely deflating rear tyre ruined Blunden's chances of pressuring Vaughan into a mistake, allowing the Barossa Valley driver to take the chequer.

The 2003 Speedway City Junior Sedan Cup saw Mark Gartner was dominate,finishing well in front of the pack in the A-Main.

- DAVID McNABB

a.

s' Local lad: Burford gave the out-of-towners a lesson in S.A speedway.

Reed takes Derby and Vic Title MATTHEW Reed has taken his third PRC Super Sprint Series Championship foilowing the final round of the series at Ballarat’s Redline Raceway last weekend.

Reed won the title and the prestigious Fireball Derby in the process, despite never running a single lap of the feature event due to thick fog setting in on the rural venue.

Reed needed only to finish his first heat to secure his third championship and duly did so after the officials gifted him a front row start when he should have been towards the rear of the field. Reed took full advantage of the opportunity and won the first heat and

sealed the championship title.

With the Fireball Derby being awarded based on heat points, the decision to allow Reed to restart his opening heat on the front row, (despite being caught up in an opening lap skirmish) makes the decision even more contentious.

Cobden charger John Vogels can arguably lay claim to having his name inscribed on the trophy as there was no doubt about how he accumulated enough points to have shared the front row with Reed.

Warmambool’s Phil Johnson completed the top three qualifiers and looked like he’d never been away (again).

Heat wins went to Reed, David Magilton and Tony Smith.

Championship contenders Ian Lewis and Rob Rankin both crashed out of their opening heats. Lewis in particular had looked lightning fast leading easily until colliding with a pair of backmarkers.

After a rain delay, the second set of heats were run in an everthickening fog. While leading by a mile, Matthews clipped a spinning car, which allowed Rankin to win. Johnson and Vogels secured the other heat wins.

The qualifying order before the abandonment of the features was Reed, Vogels, Johnson, Van Bremen, David Swayn, Magilton, Charles Hunter, Darryl Downing, Tony Smith, Darren Russell, Ian Smith, Ron Dalton, Paul Bastow, Mark Smith, Adrian Parr and Rod Matthews.

Rankin and Lewis were both in the B-Main.

None of this detracts from Reeds championship win however, as his speed and consistency has never been in question - three championships from only five attempts are testament to that fact.

The local yardstick by which Reed, and a few others, measure themselves by, is Diggers Rest veteran Ian ‘The Fly' Lewis. Lewis won more feature races than Reed, but lacked consistency.

Rob Rankin and Rod Matthews had a close battle for third and David Swayn completed the top five championship combatants.

- BRETT SWANSON Where there’s a Fireball Derby, there’s fog: It may have been disappointing for the fans and drivers, but Reed sealed the Victorian title without even turning a wheei in the final.

6a

moiorsport news

iLH'lV/iVl Vale: June McLean 1 ■.

MNEWS learnt last week of the sad passing of June Maclean. June was a diligent worker in the Speedway circles and will be dearly missed by the racing comunnity. June is survived by her husband Don and children Donna, Alison, Craig and Ian.

IV

■ Jim Knight, the owner of the Flocon Sprintcar Racing Team which has fielded cars for Steve and Peter Knight and Americans Chad Kemenah and Danny Smith, is lucky to be alive after suffering an aneurysm of the aorta at an SRA club meeting recently. Knight was rushed to hospital and was in a critical condition in intensive care for some time but has recently been allowed i to returned home to start a long period of convalescence. The teams future participation in the sport is unclear at the moment.

A'i

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The Green Facter

by GREG BOSCATO

While the final rain stopped season sprintcarthe A Main, it was South Australian Trevor Green who had already wrapped up the prestigious Parramatta City Raceway Titan Garages Sprintcar series by qualifying into the A Main field.

Green's Atrad Radiators Eagle had gone into the PCR Season finale with a healthy points advantage with Andrew Scheuerle and Troy Little set to sort out second position.

"It was just lucky we put in a solid four or five weeks before these last two races and actually getting the points to get it all done," Green said after the event.

"Everything tonight was going great. Having Joey Saldana out here was good for me. We started to do a lot more of what Joey had been doing and I think it paid off. Our results in the

latter part of the year have been really good."

With a strong 48-car field.

Green was impressive all night, ending up the heats with a win and a strong third. This made him top point scorer heading into the 30-lap A Main final. But rain started to fall during the running of the B Main, leaving the officials no option but to cancel the remaining races on the card.

This series win to Green, a fitting end to a summer was when he decided not to run the WSS and move to Sydney to contest the entire PCR track championship.

The night was a disappointment for Troy Little. His Barry Smith Isuzu/Kimbo Transport Maxim suffered electrical troubles all night and except for a third placing in heat 5, he was a non-finisher in every other race. That made the 21-year-old a non-starter in the A Main field after magneto troubles forced him out of the B Main.

Max Dumesny Motorsport Australian Distributors for

Xoo$trr

^ ^ RACING TIRE

For more Information on Hoosier Drag and SpeedwayTyres call:

NSW: 02 9679 1990 ● Fax 02 9679 1187 VIC-03 9331 6477 ● Fax 03 9331 7444 SA- 08 8332 0800 ● Fax 08 8364 0296

9 April 2003

The $10,000 Dash for Cash final saw Steven Graham take ■ out a good win over Green, with Marty Perovich third.

Adrian Maher was also having magneto trouble during the night and had to qualify into the A through the B Main. Impressive racer Gary Rooke flipped over in heat 7, badly damaging his Cool Chassis sprintcar. But quick work by his crew had the car repaired for the B Main. Adam Clarke was sensational in heat 6, winning in the Garry Rush-owned Maxim.

Clarke also clocked the fastest ever time around the Parramatta track, recording a blistering 11.856s lap.

Other heat winners were Brett Loadsman, James Thomson, Gary Rooke, Marty Perovich, Grant Tunks and Max Dumesny while Rodney Maxwell took out the.C Main and Queenslander Ricky Mitchell was impressive in winning the B Main just as the rain hit the venue.

■ It looks like the Parramatta season final meeting might have been Sydney sprintcar star Warren Ferguson's last meeting. Warren ran strongly this summer in the ex-Marty Perovich Maxim but with a lack of sponsorship dollars, Warren's entire team is up for sale. Warren has picked up two PCR A-Main victories since his debut in sprintcars a number of years ago but will be retiring from the sport unless a sponsor or a new car owner can be found during the off-season.

■ Exciting young Victorian speedcar racer Flarley Bishop is set to run a full season of speedcar racing at Sydney's Parramatta City Raceway next season. Teaming up with Peter Bourke, Harley believes that Sydney is the place to gain more experience and will race one of Bourke's Carline Mufflers Stealth Fontana speedcars.

With his dad Ray 'Noddy' Bishop on hand, the former Victorian Rookie of the Year is hopeful of some good results against the Parramatta speedcar stars next sumnrier.

■ The annual Sprintcar Association of NSW Presentation night is to be held on May 10th at the Liverpool Catholic Club. For tickets and more info contact Arthur Cowan on 0412 961 442.

- SWANTON/BOSCOTO/STAFF

2003 WORLD OF OUTLAWS CHAMPIONSHIP TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY MAR 29

1. Steve Kinser 2. Danny Lasoski 3. Craig Dollansky 4. Paul McMahan 5. Tim Shaffer 6. Daryn Pittman 7. Mark Kinser 8. Chad Kemenah 9. Brooke Tatneli 10. Kraig Kinser

11. Randy Hannagan 12.Jason Johnson 13. Joey Saldana 14. Johnny Herrera 15. Jeff Shepard 16. Donny Schatz 17. Dean Jacobs 18. Zach Chappell 19. Ricky Logan 20. Jac Haudenschild

1

2003 STANDINGS

1 Danny Lasoski . .

2 Steve Kinser 3 Craig Dollansky .

4 Mark Kinser . . .

5 Daryn Pittman . .

6 Jac Haudenschild 7 Jeff Shepard 8 Shane Stewart. .

9 Joey Saldana . . .

10 Jason Sides

1535 1521 1485 1430 1375 1365 1348 1345 1341 1313

.11 Randy Hannagan 12 DonnySchatz . .

13 Jeremy Campbell 14 Johnny Herrera . .

15 Brian Brown . . . .

16 Jason Johnson ..

17 Sammy Swindell .

18 Tim Shaffer . . . .

19 Aaron Berryhill . .

20 Brian Paulus . . . .

1298 1107 1091 1086 940 809 . 760 753 753 741

65

RYAN Newman chalked up his '7| second career win in front of 200,000 fans when he passed Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 11 laps to run at the sprawling oneand-a-half mile Texas Motor Speedway on March 30th.

Always fast in qualifying, the Penske Dodge team has had trouble with chassis set-up for the mid arxi late segments of a race. This time though, they were on the money.

Newman's crew elected to change just right side tyres during the final caution with 51 laps remaining. He was first off Win race, kill tyres: Newman plays up to the massive Texan crowd pit road, but was overhauled by Earnhardt Jr. of Gordon’s as did many. Exiting turns two and ; 'Little E'just one lap into the contact. i restart. four seemed to be a problem as Bill Elliott lead 43 of the first 48 "I was worried for sure once he the laps wound down.

Joe Nemecheck aired the 10th laps before being sidelined, passed me.” said Newman.

“When I went to shift on the and final caution with 51 laps ■‘I figured they would have : made their car a little bit better restart I felt the motor dancing. I remaining. ran out of power and it blew up “Something happened in the : too (during stops), but fortunately right front,” said Nemechek. on the back straightaway,” ‘ they got tight and our car was a remarked Elliott of his blown “Going into three, the worst ‘ little better. As soon as we got by Evernham Dodge engine. possible spot where you let off you saw how much we pulled it Elliott Sadler and Gordon then the gas, the thing just went out, but Jr. did a good job of straight. I was just hanging on. It swapped the lead, a strong racing me dean. This feels took a terrible lick." awesome." looking Sadler heading 91 laps Jr. and Jeff Gordon battled 'One thing with the super-fast before his demise exiting turn two.

Tm not sure it was a faal set Texas track is wherever you hit. hard and traded paint ftrihe youteke a Odt. Others that can of tyres or if t had a right rear feiSh line with Jr. coming oat <^ead. day induded going down ' said £ ‘He’s one of the few daveis ^^er. pole, ■Twd^c^lj^ofe was ft^SDL V Tm gonna wn^'S knows exacBy'how loose.’

It was s much bumper to ffTO car a little sore, but fm somebody,* y might is tore all to pieces. quipped have been the to ifautOToe race victory lane, but ip Just bad luck for us." th® radiSff wfe'faied with water Points Ii ^er Kenseth then ii tilled afthe took dp the running, but /slipped from. contention in the turns.

r^wred 3400 {^rids and his win was allow^ to ^nd.

- MARTIN D CLARK Rnal result; NawmanfDodge), Earnhardt Jr. (ISfipvy), J Gordon Chevy), Nadeai/piontlac) , Martin (Ford),Ra^lFord). Green Johnson (Chevy), (Ford), McMurray f (Dodge).

Four DALE Earnhardt vaulted to second in the Winston Cup championship standings with a win on Sunday at the 2.6 mile Talladega Superspeedway.

'Little E' also broke into the record books, becoming the first driver to win four consecutive races at the track.

Earnhardt took the lead with a controversial manoeuver just four laps from the end.

"This is cool, four in a row", he commented.

"I was thinking I just needed to be up front and get some points, but Matt (Kenseth) left such a big old hole going into three, he would have done the same thing. For as many cars as we had on the racetrack it was a hell of a race. I'l l tell you that."

"Junior's pass is what got me shuffled out," said leader Jimmy Johnson.

"I saw him come across the flat into three and almost bodyslammed the car next to me and I moved up to miss it. I was hung out in the third groove and those guys all marched by.

Monte TONY Stewart's primary Monte Carlo was impounded by NASCAR after it failed to meet the body template measurements during the initial inspection prior to the first practice at the Texas track.

The area of concern was the trunk and rear window area, 'When viewed from the rear, the car's body was offset to the left and higher on the right corner, which raises the rear spoiler, creating more downforce.

"This was a big shock to me, Tm not sure how it got that way," said crew chief Greg Zipadelli, "By calling back to the shop and looking at the notes, it was something that happened to it when we finished it and we put the back window in.

"They took the car and impounded it and told us to get started on the back-up car, so we changed motors and suspension parts. We missed a lot of practice and it set us back quite a bit. „ "Tm a little frustrated with I everyone at our shop that put us in this predicament. This team has dealt with a lot of adversity in the past and I we'll deal with it again."

68

moiorspon news

NASCAR

peat for Junior "From where I was standing it looked like he was below the yellow line. I don't know why he was down there, but I know anybody that passes down there gets black flagged."

Earnhardt dropped below the yellow apron line briefly when Kenseth moved down the track to block Earnhardt. NASCAR, however, deemed he was in the act of passing and that the move was legal as he was already alongside Kenseth.

Amazingly, Jr. started at the rear of the field when his team changed engines on Sunday morning following a phone call from the head engine builder.

The Bud Chevy also received front end damage in a lap four wreck.

The team pitted 17 times to make repairs to the nose of the car and it paid dividends. DEI cars have now won eight of the last ten restrictor plate races.

It didn't take long for the anticipated restrictor plate track 'big one' to happen, just four laps into the race, Ryan Newman cut a left rear tyre.

almost went airborne, slapped the wall few times, burst into flames and caused a melee that involved 27 cars. Eight cars were taken out of the race, while others re-took to the 33degree high banks with varying degrees of damage following subsequent repairs.

Aside from cautions for debris, two other yellow flags uncoiled when Michael Waltrip was squeezed out of the inside groove by Jeff Gordon, Waltrip spun, but amazingly only included Jeremy Mayfield in the fracas.

The third accident happened when Kurt Busch orchestrated a three-wide move between Greg Biffle and Tony Stewart that saw Stewart in the wall and Busch with right front damage.

Terry Labonte chalked up his first top five in 28 races with a fifth after good runs at Bristol and Texas ended with bad luck, while Ward Burton lead some and looked to have his 2002 Daytona 500 form back, bringing his CAT Dodge home seventh.

- MARTIN D CLARK

Final result; Earnhardt Jr. (Chevy), Harvick (Chevy), Sadler (Ford), Craven (Pontiac), T Labonte (Chevy), IVlarlin (Dodge), W Burton (Dodge),J Gordon (Chevy), Kenseth (Ford), R Gordon (Chevy).

Points standings; Kenseth 1223, Earnhardt Jr. 1104, Busch 1046, Johnson 1013, J Gordon 1011, Craven 1000, Waltrip 994, Harvick 977, Stewart 937, Sadler 895.

Carlo m the clink

"This is the first occasion that we've had presented for inspection a car that was pretty much outside the box that's been built for the current cars," commented NASCAR President Mike Helton.

"It's the first time we've seen anything this exotic, all I can really say is it didn't fit the template and it didn't fit very well at all."

NASCAR's 2003 inspection process uses 32 body templates,of which 18 are the same for all marques in the series in 9 April 2003

an effort to 'aero-match' the cars.

Stewart qualified 32nd after his back-up Joe Gibbs Chev passed inspection with zero parts from the impounded car, and the team trucked a third car from North Carolina in case the first back-up car was involved in an incident.

NASCAR transported the illegal car to its research and development facility close to Charlotte for them to further inspect the car. The only comment from Stewart came in a

prepared statement.

"The cars all look the same from where I'm sitting. I've got three things I'm in control of, the steering wheel, the shifter and the pedals. All of our cars are good, whether it's a primary or a backup."

Stewart may not have had that to say after the race where he was never in contention and finished a lowly 34th when his engine expired with 41 laps to run.

- MARTIN D CLARK

Penalty-free zone NASCAR announced over the weekend at Talladega that it will not Issue any form of penalty to the Joe Gibbs-owned team of Tony Stewart for the rules violation found at Texas.

Apparently their main concern was to take the car from competition as unlike other body violations that are normally fixed with filler at the track, Stewart's car could not be fixed. In contradiction to Mike Helton's statement at Texas, apparently the car did fit the templates, but a cross measurement of the rear window was outside the allowable tolerances.

David Green, Larry Foyt and Brett Bodine failed to make the field for the Talladega race, Foyt and Green were actually disqualified from the field as their cars were too low after their qualifying efforts. Ricky Rudd, Jeff Burton, Dave Blaney, John Andretti, Ken Schrader, Mike Skinner and Tony Raines took the available provisional starting slots.

The teams of Mike Skinner, Bobby Labonte, Jeff Green and Dale Earnhardt Jr. started at the rear of the grid due to engine changes, 'Little E' the highest of those in qualifying, was to start 13th. n Penske Racing and Evernham Motorsports fiave teamed up to Itelp each other with their restrictor plate programs. Penske is supplying engines to the Evernham Dodges of Bill Elliott and Jeremy Mayfield for Talladega and Daytona and in return, Evernham is helping Penske with aerodynamic aid.

The program worked for Mayfield at Talladega, where he took the pole over Kevin Harvick with a 186.489 mph lap. n Brett Bodine put in one his best qualifying efforts with the 25th fastest run at Texas but a blown engine forced him to the back of the grid.

The same fate occurred to Jimmie Johnson who qualified fourth fastest and was quickest in final practice until his Hendrick power source let go. Sterling Marlin also changed an engine in his Ganassi Dodge on race morning, joining Bodine and Johnson at the rear under NASCAR rules.

Bobby Labonte won his second pole of the year with a 193.514mph average lap around the fast Texas Motor Speedway, with Elliott Sadler and Ryan Newman the top three.

A sore Kyle Petty was X-rayed after qualifying in Texas where it was discovered he had two cracked ribs and a rumoured, but unconfirmed broken vertebrae from an accident at Bristol the previous week.

Christian Fittipaldi subbed for Kyle in post qualifying practice and the race and was running in the mid-20s when he impacted the wall hard. He ended his day in the 38th position.

- MARTIN D CURK 61

Rockingham washed out

Larry no Lite-w

LARRY Dixon,Tony Pedregon and Greg Anderson all scored their second victories of the 2003 NHRA

POWERade season last Sunday at the NHRA SummitRacing.com Nationals in Las Vegas.

Dixon, right, equalled the number of season wins of beer rival Brandon Bernstein as he motored to his tliird 'j

HEAVY rains washed out final eliminations at the IHRA Spring Nationals drag racing event at Rockingham Dragway two weeks ago, forcing IHRA officials to re schedule the final eliminations to later this year.

Since Rockingham Dragway hosts a second IHR/VHooters Drag Racing Series event, officials opted to create a fourday Super Event' consisting of the uncompleted portion of the Spring Nationals followed by the Oct. 17-19 IHRA World Finals.

Qualified racers returning to compete in the Spring Nationals will be afforded one time trial on Thursday, Oct. 16, with elimination finals beginning Thursday afternoon.

Once the Spring Nationals is completed, racers will move immediately into World Finals portion of the meeting with qualifying on Friday, the 17th.

The event will provide racers with a chance to earn 'double points' on the final racing weekend of the season.

In Top Fuel, Clay Millican, above, earned his 10th consecutive number one qualifying award on the strength of a Friday night 4.69/295 effort. Rhonda Hartman-Smith, a three-time tour winner, holds onto the second spot in her Fram Filters dragster at 4.77/308.

The biggest surprise in qualifying was Bruce Litton's failure to make the eight-car starting lineup. Litton, second in points last season when he lost to Millican in nine final rounds, was unable to get down the track under power on all of his attempts.

Qualifying leaders in the other pro categories were Mitch Stott in Pro Modified, Rob Atchison in Alcohol Funny Car, and Pete Berner in Pro Stock.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI 68

win in a row at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a 4.60 at 312 mph effort, defeating Doug Kalitta's 4.69 at 314 mph.

Dixon advanced into the 50th final of his career by keeping his Dick LaHaie-timed Miller Lite dragster in the mid-4.5 second range in all of the first three rounds. He posted a 4.54/325 against Mike Strasburg in the opening round and a pair of 4.57's at 326 and 320 mph against a tyre-spinning Doug Herbert and David Baca, who was even with Dixon until the supercharger belt exited the car past half-track.

Dixon also set a new national speed record of 332.75 mph during qualifying.

K

Doug Kalitta contmued his seemingly unstoppable string of low qualifying efforts with his fourth number one qualifying effort of the season. His 4.499 at 330.63 paced the Las Vegas field. Kalitta was vulnerable in the opening round when he recorded an off-pace 4.98/224 in his Kid Rock-themed Mac Tools dragster.

Opponent Steve Chrisman cut a very late .403-second light and gave up the chase a few hundred feet out.

Kalitta then defeated Rhonda Hartman-Smith in a close 4.66/317 to 4.67/277 race before ending Brandon Bernstein's two-event wm streak with another 4.66 at 316 mph when Bernstein lost traction.

Pedregon recorded his first victory at Las Vegas after posting runner-up finishes in 2000 and 2002. Pedregon powered his Castrol Syntec Mustang to a final round 4.91/283 wm when Whit Bazemore had a red-light start.

Enroute to the win,Pedregon knocked off his car owner,Jolm

Bazemore, the top qualifier at 4.78/323, had advanced into the final

Cranes car. n Dobson was unable to front for the final race due to a gearbox problem, but the team decided to put on a show anyway by throwing on some old rubber and attempting a full track burnout!

They nearly made it, too ...

Meanwhile, Read lined up against reserve John Buchanan, who took an early lead but was forced to shut off due to engine

problems.'Pommie' Read went on to record a 5.44s win.

The one dampener on an otherwise great race meeting came in the form of a bad crash from Neil Anderson’s Top Comp Customline.

The car veered off the line and into the wall during qualifying, and while Anderson escaped unharmed, the car was severely damaged.

Force, in the opening round with a 4.82/315. A second round 4,91/279 stopped an out-of-shape Ron Capps and a motor-wounding 5.00/288 dismissed team-mate Densham.

-

WHAT looked on paper like a David and Goliath rematch turned out to be a lot closer than many could have imaged when Steve Read’s Top Fueller went head-to-head against Allan Dobson in Allan and Cheryl Greene’s ‘Greene Machine’ Funny Car at Kwinana recently.

The pair were even as they passed half track in their first match-up before the Greene Machine began to get out of shape.

It had crossed the centre line and was sitting right behind Read when the Fueller’s engine called it quits at the end of a 5.3s pass.

Dobson had to pedal the Funny Car in race two after the clutch locked up, but he gathered it together to steal the win from Read right at the finish line, a 5.47s/289mph sneaking just inside the 5.48s from the Santo’s

moiorsDort news

DRAG RACING

eight Mr Invincible?

j

with wins over Jack Wyatt, Scotty Cannon, and Tommy Johnson Jr. Former Pro Stock team-mates Anderson and Kurt Johnson staged a great final with Anderson taking a holeshot victory to become the first two-time winner this season.

Johnson had the quicker car in the final, posting a 6.896 at 201.10 mph against Anderson's 6.907 at 200.95 mph, but the .016 to .051-second advantage Anderson gained at the starting line was too much for KJ to overcome.

Anderson's Vegas General Construction Pontiac Grand Am was the quickest of the first two rounds, clicking off a 6.87/201 against defending series Champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. and a 6.88/201 against Barry Grant, who fouled.

In the semis, he slowed to a 6.90/201 during a semifinal win over former employer Warren Jolmson, losing lane choice to KJ in the final.

Johnson's AC Delco Cavalier was extremely consistent, taking Johnson to a 6.88, and a pair of 6.89 wins over Gene Wilson, Mike Edwards, and Mark Whisnant. Johnson also set a new track speed record of 201.73 mph in qualifying.

David Wells defeated Don Hudson 5.37/265 to 5.45/262 to win the Alcohol Dragster title. Wells purchased the former 2001 Championship car that carried Rick Santos to the title and has retained the tuning of Norm Grimes.

In Top Alcohol Funny Car, Bucky Austin was able to drive around Cy Chesterman's final-round holeshot to for the win, 5.65/257 to Chesterman's 5.69/253.

- DAVID OSTASZEWSKI POINTS: Top Fuel: Dixon 403, Bernstein 344, Kalitta 272, Smith 230, Baca 212, Funny Can T. Pedregon 348, Densham 323, Bazemore 304, Capps 287, Worsham 234. Pro Stock: Anderson 383, K. Johnson 320, W. Johnson 282.

Pro Stock Bike; Savoie 118, Scali 96, Berry 74

9 April 2003

1 SUPPOSE I could start off my first Motorsport News column for the year by telling you about my start to the NHRA POWERade season, having picked up a ride with the new Carrier Boyz Racing from Tennessee just the week prior to the Winternationals.

But, in the light of the events in my life of the past couple of weeks, it might seem a little boring!

I am sure you've seen it elsewhere within the pages of Motorsport News, but just in case you didn't know, I fell headfirst 4.5m onto concrete off the ladder of a fire-truck crane that I had climbed to take photos from.

I don't really remember anything about the accident, or the following three days in hospital when they kept me heavily sedated, but I am told that things were not looking too good for me for a little while the phone call to my mum, Wendy, back in Sydney pretty much telling her to prepare for the worst.

Thankfully, with the help of the great medical staff at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee and the love and caring from my girlfriend, Jenny, Shirley Carrier .

- my team owners, Mark and

Andy Carrier's mum - and my mum, who caught the first available plane over to the US, I am now out of hospital, starting to feel a lot better and looking forward to getting back into my Carrier Boyz hotrod.

While I understand my condition was fairly serious for a while - they did have me on life support in the intensive care unit for the first 12 hours - I am still a little shocked by the reaction to the accident.

Sure, everyone likes to think that they're popular with family and friends, but the outpouring from everyone else has left me a bit stunned.

Not only was my room filled with flowers, balloons, cards, faxes and emails from all of the people whom I'd grown up to admire and respect in drag racing, a huge thrill in itself, but also from people from all over the world - racers from all sorts of sports, journalists and fans 90 per cent of them who I've never met.

Some people went to amazing efforts to let me know how they felt - I'm told by the staff at the hospital that one guy and his kids actually drove for over three hours to get to the hospital and drop off a card and flowers.

Something like that really

f 1320 notes ■Ilk

Andrew Cowin

gives you an appreciation of just how much impression we make on people who enjoy watching what we do - it's something I'd never really considered before and something I can never forget.

1 will be endeavouring to answer everyone who sent messages personally over the next few weeks, but in the meantime I would like to take this opportunity to thank you publicly, your wishes and support was heartfelt by not only me, but my mum and dad, Graeme, my brother Johnny, Jenny and the Carrier family.

In the next week I have to undergo a final brain scan to make sure there's no bleeding and everything is okay, and if I get the clearance from the doctors that I'm expecting I will be back driving the Carrier Boyz Racing Top Fueller at the Mac Tools Thunder Valley Nationals 5; at Bristol in two weeks.

I Bristol will be a special race in S I more ways than one - not only will it be quite a remarkable comeback from where I was, but Bristol is also home for the Carrier Boyz team, Andy and Mark's dad, Larry, having built the track.

The first day of the event is also April 25, ANZAC Day, and during this difficult time with our troops a part of the coalition in Iraq, and as an Aussie overseas getting to earn a living doing something I love thanks to the freedom we all enjoy, it will mean that much more to me.

The Carriers are a fantastic family, and the team has made great progress in the short time it's been together, and I am confident we will do a good job in Bristol.

For those that helped me. I'm sure me just getting back into the car will be enough reward, but I would sure like to win them an NFIRA 'Wally' at Bristol -that's the aim.

69

A fitting trib

JOHN Dawson-Damer was honoured with a tribute to his love of pre-1970 racing cars at the All Historic race meeting at Oran Park, 29-30th March,2003.

Dawson-Damer,better known as DD, was killed in an accident while competing in the 2000 Goodwood Festival of Speed, and it was a privilege to be able to view some of the Dawson-Damer's collection of

JLotus Formula One cars, not seen for several years.

Pre-1970 racing cars hotly contested the honour of winning the perpetual HSRCA trophy in John's memory, with Les Wright to be the first to have his name engraved.

Wright had to work hard to keep the hard-charging Paul Hamilton at bay.

Another inaugural memorial shield,in recognition of the late Ian Forsyth, was presented to Tom Law in his Beetle \hv. It was awarded to the competitor who had the lowest aggregate score for the first two regularity events. Law had a second and first collectively. Ian Forsyth, who died in Febrary 2002, was extremely active and hard working in the Regularity ranks. Ian and his very familiar Daurder SP250 may be sadly missed, but through the shield, not forgotten.

Considering that Group Nc had a huge outing during die previous weekend in Adelaide at the Clipsal 500, they were weU represented with 32 cars entered. Peter O'Brien's 1971XY

Ford Falcon was a real handful for top qualifier Brad Tilley, although Tdley claimed his XY was only running on seven cylinders. O'Brien won three from four. Tilley ran away with the last race as tyres became an issue.

Meanwhile brother Cameron Tilley, who was also a top qualifier, became an easy runaway leader in Group Nb in his 1962 Valiant S on Saturday after Ross Muller put his'64 Chevy Nova SS on its lid with the help of the sand pit in turn one.

However Tilley also suffered a terminal, handing the race to David Wheatley in his Cooper S. Wheatley enjoyed easy wins from thereon.

Richard Carter in his new 1982 Ralt RT4- yes, the March has been sold was not nearly as quick as Ty Hanger's 1977 March F Pacific, who qualified with an on-the-limit effort, lm05s lap. However,Carter was much more reliable, taking three wins from four starts. Hanger replaced an engine overnight to give him immediate success, but the gremlins soon returned.

- MARSHALL CASS

Dream team: Cohn Bond gives the sexy Lotus 49 a workout, above.

rr 5

I

A Lotus Eleven on display at Oran Park as part of the tribute to DawsonDamer. Given what was happening out on the track, below, the garage was probably the safest place to be ...

Downforce aplenty: The Croup Q & R Racing and Sports Racing cars do thier magic.

70

motorspon news

HISTORIGS

ute

Eddington goes large

THE Vintage Sports Car Club Wigram Trophy Race, and after a of Australia (Vic. Div.) succession of owners, the Rubber Duck was retired in 1964. celebrated 20 years of the Eddington Sprints in fine style Grant Cowie purchased the with its best meeting ever on very tired but complete racer in 1986 and gradually rebuilt it over I Saturday, March 29. a 12-year period (even matching I Seventy three competitors 5 took part and the quality field the original pale green paint had a record crowd on hand to work). The famous 1931 Rubber enjoy motorsport in the true Duck Austin 7 fired up again in sense of the word.

May last year after being silent The MG Car Club of Geelong for almost 40 years. supported the event with eight The strongest-ever and most cars, including the Jaguarcompetitive field of lady drivers powered Buchanan of Ivan took part, and finally it was Joanne Coad who took the Washington and the very attractive 1972 TVR of Pete honours narrowly in the famous Castelow. There was also a Vauxhall Special, eclipsing her strong contingent from the father's best time in the process.

Bendigo Sports and Classic Car Ray Sprague (AMX)tried hard Club to add to the local and for fastest time of day but couldn't interstate entries. quite match Barry Murphy in the Heading the big car division Wayne Ford Special. Conditions was Tony Osborne's massive were excellent, and Murphy's best run of 12.69s is believed to be the Delage, powered by a WWI-era fastest ever recorded in the 20Hispano Suiza aircraft engine.

At the other end of the scale year history of the Eddington was a host of flying Austin 7s, Sprints.

- BRIAN REED one of the most interesting being the 1931 'Rubber Duck' single Class Winners: seater of Grant Cowie - a Cled Davies (Dodge Spl.) 22.99s; Alan streamlined monoposto designed Tyrrell (Austin 7) 25.7s; David Bishop (Austin 7) 16.09s; Neil Murdoch (Lombard) by the factory in England for 22.09s; Phillip Schudmak (Bugatti Type record breaking purposes as well DIRT track fans with long 35B Replica) 17.24s; Terry Valmorbida as circuit and hillclimb racing. memories will have the (Alfa Romeo) 19.93s; Tony Osborne Cowie's car, one of four built, is (Delage Hispano Suiza) 16.35s; Graham opportunity to relive the glory identical to the one that was the Jackson (MGTB) 23.90s; Betty Lowe days of Tracey’s Speedway in (Alta) 23.39s; Bernle O'Shannessy first 750cc racer to achieve Maribyrnong when the (Lagonda) 20.50s; Peter Wilson (Riley) lOOmph (160km/h). After the Victorian Vintage and Classic 16.91s; Jim Russell (Ford Spl.) 15.27s Austin Motor Company, retired (Fastest Pre-War); Bob Lewis(MG) Speedway Club will hold a 20.21s; Robert Dalziel (M.G. B) 17.59s; the cars from competition in the reunion at the famous venue Ivan Washington (Buchanan) 15.58s; UK and Europe in 1934, Cowie's on April 13.

Aaron Define (Honda) 17.66s; Ian Brown car was then raced in New Tracey’s closed in 1963, but (M.G.B GT) 17.89s; Ray Sprague(AMX) a number of dedicated Zealand and was brought across 13.46s; John Hazelden (Cooper Austin) the Tasman for the 1936 members have restored 16.29s; John Pitman (MG TC Spl.) 16.10s; Joanne Coad (Vauxhall Spl.) 16.68s; Australian Grand Prix at Victor genuine vintage speedcars and Russell Laird (Holden EH) 15.68s; Harbour. Kiwi Ron Roycroft dirt track bikes to rekindle great Russell Mead (Cortina) 16.88s; Liam memories at occasions such as successfully campaigned the car Sayles (Chrysler Charger) 15.23s; Barry the reunion.

Murphy (Wayne Ford Spl.) 12.69s (FTD) in major events such as the Lady The machines are maintained as authentically as possible to represent the period in which they last raced, but certain modifications have been made to encompass modern safety requirements.

As a result, they no longer race in anger but participate in ‘spirited demonstrations’, given that many of the vehicles are gaining in value (and the drivers and riders are getting older!)

Location is at the rear of the RSL in Maribyrnong Rd, Maribyrnong, and the meeting will run from 11am until 4pm.

All proceeds will go to the Royal Childrens Hospital.

For further information contact the club secretary Barry Barker on (03) 9726 6940.

Rubber Duckie, you're the one: Grant Cowie's 'Rubber Duck'was one of - BRIAN REED many special cars at the Eddington Sprints.

Get dirty!

9 April 2003

Winton looming ENTRY forms are now available for the Austin 7 Club's 27th annual Historic Winton meeting to be held on May 31-June 1.

Forty-four events will be conducted over the two days, catering for all historic groups from pre-war to FBOOOs and Appendix J sedans. Included on the program will be 17 events for motorcycles and sidecars.

The organisers expect entries to total 270 cars and 110 bikes, and feature car this year will be the fabulous American Miller 4WD raced by international driver Dean Butler.

The Miller was the world's first successful four-wheel drive racing car and caused a sensation when it was unveiled in 1934 by Harry Miller for the Indianapolis 500.

One of only two 4WD Millers ever built, it is fitted with the famous 255 cu.in. four-cylinder Offenhauser engine - the same engine that powered 23 cars to victory over the years in the Indy 500.

Of special significance will be the running of the inaugural Mark Dymond Trophy for Group Lb competitors. Mark's father, John, and Penrite Oils have been enthusiastic major sponsors of Historic Winton almost from the beginning and the event in his son's memory will be one of the main features of the program.

Secretary of the meeting is Grant Campbell, phone/fax (03)9592 9310 (H), 9596 2777(W), e-mail thecampbells@netspace.net.au or visit www.historicwinton.org n Easter is always a busy time for car buffs and 2003 is no exception.

In what promises to be the biggest gathering of MGs ever assembled in Australia, owners and enthusiasts will gather in Shepparton for the MG Car Club National Meeting sponsored by the RACV from April 18 to 22.

The program includes a Concours at Victoria Lake Parklands (April 19), a speed event at Winton followed by an observation run (April 20), and a motorkhana at DECA, Shepparton followed by a tour (April 21), For further details contact Noel or Lorraine Clacher on (03)9898 4848. n Other Easter events fnclude *The Bendigo Easter Fair cavalcade and display of veteran, vintage and classic cars and motorcycles, Bendigo's famous historic trams, horse drawn vehicles and old bicycles (April 19) (03) 5434 6462 or e-mail info@bendigoeasterfestival.org.au *The RACV Singer Car Club National Rally, Beechworth (03) 9802 8148 * The All Historic Race Meeting, Mallala (April 19-20) organised by the HRR of the Sporting Car Club of SA, and Australian Hillclimb Championship, Collingrove (April 21), Phone (08) 8390 1609, - BRIAN REED 71

national Hrynliik strikes first scene

etnedl^

Grant Rowley

CIK Championships off to a cracking start at Todd Road

by IAN SALVESTRIN

EXPANDING to 5 rounds in 2003, the Dunlop Australian Karting Championships started in spectacular style at Melbourne's Westgate Raceway over the last weekend of March.

Revised regulations, newly homologated 2003 karts with radical new bodywork,combined with the nation's best drivers made for a new look championship.

And to add more spice to the revitalised series, Dunlop were introduced as sponsor and control tyre supplier for all four championship classes. A total of eight tyres per driver are now permitted for the massive 100 kilometres or 95 laps of racing the CIK regulations dictate.

After totally dominating Formula A early. Top Kart's Andrew Tomlinson ran wide while leading the pre-final, costing himself pole position for the final which went to CRG's Jason Hryniuk.

It mattered little though as from the first corner the Formula A final became a 10-kart high speed freight train with the lead changing more than a dozen times. Hryniuk, Tomlinson, Azzurro's Richard McLeod, Arrow's Matt Wall and BireTs Michael Patrizi all took turns at leading with passing moves that

would have left lesser drivers in the l fence with destroyed karts.

The racing was absolutely amazing. Wall enjoyed the largest lead of anyone mid-race before falling back into the hands of McLeod. The 1993 Formula A champion then held a narrow lead before being controversially touched and passed by Hryniuk at the end of the straight. Hryniuk managed to hold off Patrizi in the dying stages to take an amazing win with McLeod in

I

jm CIK CHAMPIONSHIPS 2003 third, Nick Simmons a great fourth and Wall recovering for fifth. McLeod set fastest lap of 40.09 seconds,even faster than qualifying for the ICC gearbox class.

"That was the best race I've ever been in, and not just because I won", said Hryniuk after the race. No one disagreed.

Earlier CRG's Matthew Sofi took the first ever Championship round win in the 125cc Intercontinental C gearbox category after overcoming BRM's Justin Ruggier and DBM/First Karts impressive Ashley Slavkovic.

Sofi built a strong lead early but was hauled in at race end by Omega's Tyson Pearce who came from grid six to finish just 0.4s behind at the chequered flag. Ruggier was third ahead of William Yarwood and

Winners and Crinners: Above, Tyson Pearse, Matthew Sofi and Justin Ruggier celebrate on the podium. While Jason Hryniuk, top right, won a fasinating Formula A contest.

n

Blake Varney.

Glenn Powles took his first ever Intercontinental A victory after a race long battle with Birel twin's Kyle

Clews and Nick Lo.ve. Driving the '03 Trulli Kart, Powlc.s sat in second behind Lowe before moving to the front with 8 laps to go. By this stage Shane Price, who started from the back of the grid, had joined in the battle along with the No.25 Trulli of Eddie Wignall. Price managed to get into third as Lowe went“from second to fifth in one lap, but Powles held just enough of a lead to hold the win by 0.19s from Clews and AX8 driver Price.

Top Kart's Kristian Lindbom had worked himself to the front of the Junior Intercontinental A final only to hand the win to Arrow's Paul Laskazeski when he broke a chain in the final. Laskezeski, who had a fast but fragile run through the heats was never challenged with the demise of Lindbom and won from Trulli's Ben McCashney and TopKart's Roddy Bellbowen to lead the Championship going to the second round in Adelaide on May 3/4. motorsport news

KARTING

Back to Morgan Park THE Queensland Gemini Racing Association hosted the second Queensland State Championship event of the season at Morgan Park Raceway last weekend.

The host class saw some spirited racing with Nick Rangeley winning the points event from Kandice Walker and Nick Cresswell. Michael Dawes won the other three races.

Highlight of the meeting were the Sports Cars. Tony Quinn brought the Alex Davison Carrera Cup Porsche out to race. Grant Watson was injured in an off-track crash on Friday night

the final race.

Derek Pingel brought out his Lola T87/50 Holden, being the first Formula 4000 to race at Morgan Park. Pingel took four wins and reset the outright lap record to 1:01.9376s. Chris

Mixed relations: Tony Quinn, above, leads John Gilmore took top Campbell in the Hooper, but the order would be spot in both reversed by the end of the weekend. Pingel, left, set a Championsliip new lap record in his F4000 car. races amongst the Productions fields, FFords with Mark Holt and Kent

Quinn taking the seconds.

Bob McLoughlin won the Sports Sedan race ahead of Stephen Voight in the ex-Scotty Taylor V8 Supercar and Chris Dormelly. Donnelly won the first two races with Phil and recent national Formula Ford competitor Ash Lowe was offered the drive in the Prosport Mulsanne Kawasaki. John Campbell(Hooper SNH9901 Suzuki) won the first two races. Campbell just beat Quinn home in the championship race while Lowe was third after getting stuck in fifth gear during his climb from the back row. Lowe bolted away to win

hi Historic Touring Cars,Jolm English won the first championship race ahead of Garry Brown and Ian Lees but Bruce Dummett claimed the win in the second second. Cameron

Crompton also grabbing a win.

Formula Vee was again the Shane Hart and Usher Jabiru show. The pair taking two wins each, although Trent Usher won the Championship round from Hart and Russell White.

Black had a rollover descending from the tower crest in his Mark 1 Escort but was unliurt.

Carlo Chermaz obliterated the Superkart field in the feature race ahead of Stephen Tapper and Tyrone Gautier.

Adam Uebergang won a lot of fans sliding across the turn 2 crest sideways lap after lap while in complete dominance of the Improved

Brett Cooper won the HQ event from Gary Marks and early leader Gary Bonwick.

-MARK JONES

Sandown Sizzles THE third round of the Victorian Motor Racing Championships was held at Sandown Raceway on Sunday under hot skies.

The event was in honour of Peter Lee, who passed away 10 years ago in an accident at Phillip Island.

Formula Vee produced typical close racing, sometimes too close though. Tony Bocquet won the main race,just ahead of Damien Harris and Martin Risely.

Despite suffering minor problems, Darren Hossack in the black Saab blitzed the Sport Sedan field in the main race. Stephen Vines won the first two heats due to Hossack's dramas but couldn't resist the Saab's speed in the final. Michael Robinson picked up three third placings. o

Too strong: With preperations for Phillip Island in mind, D'Alberto won Sundays Formula Ford races with ease.

Mort Fitzgerald spanked the MG field, setting lap times 3s faster than his nearest rival.

Saturday's first Formula Ford race saw Adrian McCurdy edge out Sam Oliver. But Tony D'Alberto didn't turn up for Saturday's race and came from the back of the field to easily win Sunday's heats.

Steve Newing took his Nissan Stanza

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&

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Keeping distance: It was not happy times for Formula Vee drivers, Ray Colenso, left, and Brett MacLennan at Sandown on Sunday.

12 March 2003

to a clean-seep in the Under 2 Litre Sport Sedans,as did Lydon Punshoon in the Sports Car events.

Drew Marget was another competitor to grab three wins from three starts in the Historic Touring Cars.

A huge field of HQ Holdens couldn't stop NeviUe Haley winning each event.

It wasn't as easy as it sounds though, Ken Wright, Glen McDonald and Richard Gay giving Haley grief all the way to the flag.

Brendan Morter dominated the exotic Porsche 944 class, while in Improved Production, Ken Douglas, Tony Floreani and Chris Bailey all tasted victory in front of 42 entrants.

- GRANT ROWLEY

World Cup Karting Choas IT seems that the Formula Super A World Karting Championship series is in turmoil, Flaving been a series of races for the past three years, although predominantly on European circuits, the 2003 World Championship will now be a one-off event at Sarno, Italy on October 25-27 and will be conducted for Formula A. The change comes as a consequence of the cancellation of the opening round in Portugal. It seems that the manufacturers who field teams in the championship did not enter the event in protest to the CIK-FIA's planned phasing in of 4-stroke classes to World championship level karting. As a consequence, the four round European championship that starts next month will be used to qualify drivers for the Sarno event.

The CIK-FIA has now formed a new 'World Championship' committee to look into the matter. n With the demise of the World Championship series, the level of interest and competition in the Italian Open Masters Championship has boomed, particularly in Formula A. Flaving been in the wilderness for some time, PCR returned to form when Manuel Renaudie (PCR/PCRWega) won the opening round at La Conca with the Tony KartA/ortex's of Carlo van Dam and Sauro Cesetti right behind.

Flowever, the Tony Kart factory swamped the field at round two with Cesetti, van Dam and Davide Fore making it an all green podium. n Ben Florstman carded 13th in the opening round while Biesse/Fox team mate Josh Hunt missed the final after DNF'ing on the opening lap of the repecharge. The second round at Pomposa was more productive for both Aussies, Hunt carding 16th and 12th in his heats before finishing 16th in the final, Horstman placed 6th and 8th in his heats but was unclassified in the final, a mechanical problem forcing him out after completing just one lap. New Zealand’s Wade Cunningham (CRG/Maxter/Bridgestone)finished 21st. n The winner of Rotax Light at the 2003 KartOz Super-8-Series final will win a drive at the 2004 Rotax MAX Euro final in Austria. Sniper Alignment Systems have negotiated the deal which includes air fares and accommodation for the driver and a mechanic, plus the supply of a kart and engine at tlie event. While in Austria, the Australian winner will form part of the Kombikart factory team that won the 2002 Euro title.

-MARK WICKS

NATIONAL

School has never been so much fun

WHOEVER claimed University students have the best life, have been proven right again!

Welcome to Formula SAE. The concept; to design, manufacture and compete in openwheel style cars in a motorkhana-type competition.

Conceived back in 1981 by the US Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the class has grown in popularity right across the globe, witli three championships now being contested in the UK,America and Australia.

Tight restrictions and limitations are placed on the chassis and engine, ensuring the creativity and knowledge of the students are tested.

But the speed of the car are not

the only factor that will win them the trophy. Presentation, cost and acceleration gain the teams valuable points.

Each team also has to keep a close eye on the project and budget management,complex component analysis and, most importantly, team work.

Preparations for the Formula SAE-A (Australasia) are well advanced for the 2003

competition, with 16 Universities from Australia set to compete against a selected group of international teams.

This years event will be held on Mitsubishi's home turf in South Australia between the 4th and 7th of December.

- GRANT ROWLEY

Does Melbourne have the edge?

Formula Student: The University of Wollongong were the 2002 Champions, top right, and will be hard to beat in '03. Above, the Wollongong team leads the Uni of Western Australia through the tight witches-hats.

ONE of the team’s vying for victory in Formuia SAE-A is the University of Meibourne, competing under the banner of MUR Motorsports.

There are 18 students involved in the project, with nearly 25 percent of the team comprising of female members.

A vital component of the MUR Motorsports campgain is the innovative WATTARD engine. Designed completely inhouse by William Attard, the turbocharged unit is said to produce around 70hp, at least 10 percent more than the popular 600cc motorcycle engines other teams have used in the past.

But will it be enough for to win the Formula SAE-A championship?

- GRANT ROWLEY

Round and Round da House V .j

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What is a Wattard? This is the powerplant MUR hopes will take them to victory lane later this year.

time stopped the clocks Antiques: The lads line up for the Round the Houses events in Northam with a at 62.67s. mixture of old and diverse machinery.

Showing consistent form was Richard THE 'Round The Houses' will run the course in. They Barbour, who steered his events kicked off in Northam, must try to adhere to this as Porsche 911T to within 1 .Os of home of the world-famous closely as possible. his regulated time.

Avon Descent.

Jack del Borello, piloting his At the other end of the scale, 'White Mouse', a Ford 10 Run through the centre of Colin Betts driving his '64 Northam last month, the annual Special, nominated a lap time of Holden EH, had an off on his 78s. He lapped the course with "Vintage on Avon" saw a large final lap, setting a time of times at 78.98s and 78.49s. range of vehicles take part in 143.74s, blowing his points total Well known pedaller Charlie over twenty 3-lap regularity right out. heats.

Mitchell, in his TS Special, David Markich headed the The event is based on nominated 65s for his laps in field for the Triumphs vs the Pre 1960's Sports and regularity runs. The driver Tribulations event with his time nominates a time the vehicle Racing Regularity. His worst

being met to within 1 s.

The Mopar v Ford v GM event went to John Urquhart. He hauled his Charger 265RT around quicker than his nominated 73s.

Bevan Neave cleaned up in the All Racing cars Regularity in his 1977 Titan Formula Ford, barely more than 0.25s out on his nominated time of 62 seconds!

The 'Round the Houses' series continues in June at the picturesque town of Albany.

- DAVE CONOLE

INDUSTRY NEWS

Speedflow ¤

SPEEDFLOW has become

recognised as Australia's premier manufacturer of aluminium hose ends and adaptors.

All Speedflow anodised aluminium fittings are made from either 2024 or 6061 billet aluminium heat-treated to a T6 temper. All material used is aircraft certifiable.

The Speedflow steel fittings are coated with an ENS process to give a uniform coating both internally and externally.

Speedflow high performance hoses are all premium quality and are used

Innovations range of Bar Pieces and Eclectic Vessels, The Golden Eleece Bowser,has now been released.

This Eclectic Vessel holds around 2.3 Utres of your favourite port, bourbon, whisky or any beverage in an attrachve ceramic depiction of a circa 1940's Golden Fleece petrol bowser.

Using the Golden Fleece pumps from the 1940's as a reference Ceramic Innovations has produced an attractive and functional reminder of motoring history in Australia.

H.C. Sleigh commenced marketing 'motor spirit' in Australia in 1913 and the first Golden Fleece pump was installed in 1920, which became the first single brand service station in Australia.

The Bowser is made from highfired stoneware, which is fired three times to create a piece of the highest quality. The decals are fired to the unit, completing the authentic look.

The Golden Fleece Bowser is completed with a chrome front panel, polished brass side fittings and fully functional rubber hose to dispense your favourite beverage.

The Bowser stands 50 cm high,12 cm wide and 9 cm deep.The Golden 9 April 2003

wet nitrous

in street, marine and all race applications. Premium quality high pressure braided hose and low pressure blue and black hose are available.

Nitrous System has many new advanced features.

They have recently added a number of new product lines to their extensive range,some of which are pictured here.

Fof more information or the

All components,such as solenoids and activation electronics, are factory pre assembled inside tlie

location of your nearest stockist call Performance Wholesale on 07 3808 1986 or visit their website at

"Nitrous Management Unit". This ensures you win be spending less time in the garage ’ installing the system and more time having fun.

The patent pending "Fuel Shear" technology used in the nitrous

www.performancewholesale.com.au

Golden Fleece THE latest addition to the Ceramic

FIREWALL GROMMET

THE "Firewall Grommet Seal" designed by Seals-it stops smoke and fumes from coming into the driver's area.

The firewall seal grasps the fuel and oil lines tightly, closing off all space. The seal is made from fire retardant rubber, yet stretches around the fitting for easy removal.

Available only from GMP RACING PRODUCTS phone 03 9543 6222 for more information.

Fleece Bowser is available from Ceramic Irmovations for $355 For more information phone 03 9555 9011or visit

The ZEX™ "Wet"

nozzle places the enrichment fuel directly inside the high speed nitrous plume exiting the nozzle. This results in the most complete atomization of enrichment fuel possible, thus ensuring maximum horsepower and eliminating fuel puddling that can cause intake backfires.

Instead of relying on micro switches or push buttons, the ZEX’'’’' "Wet" Nitrous System uses advanced electronics to "learn" the throttle position sensors voltage curve. It

then programs itself for your specific vehicle and, when armed, will only activate the nitrous system at wideopen tlirottle, ensuring the perfect engagement every time. Suits Chrysler, Ford, Honda,Hyundai, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagon and other applications.

For All Product Information or your nearest stockist contact Performance Wholesale on (07)3808 1986 or visit the website at www.performancewholesale.com.au

Give us a break, mate!

EBC Brakes have been appointed Australian Master Distributors for the world’s leading dry-break connector Staubli.

Staubli has a dry-break for every wet line on a race car.

Used by the major F1, Touring Car and WRC cars, most connectors are available in aluminium and titanium.

Brake line and clutch drybreak connectors are a must for all cars and touring cars doing long distance races.

There are also the FIAcertified fuel break-away and fuel sampling connectors, compulsory in many formulae, including WRC cars.

Contact Russell at EBC Brakes(Aust)for a brochure 03 9462 3210.

75

ra mou r

news

c

vjiy

RACESHOP gives you the opportunity to promote your products and services to the widest possible range of motorsport competitors and enthusiasts. Advertising in RACESHOP costs as little as $60 per issue! Call Brendon Sheridan on 03 9550 0870 now!

Discover...

CREATIVE

www.holley.com

&IMPL.Y AWfc£»OMfc Rfc£»ULT£»

RADIATORS, INTERCOOLERS & OIL COOLERS l Offroad cars l Motorbikes l Boats l Hot Rods l Street Cars l Circuit Cars

AHe

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MOTORSPORT

Aluminium Cumpetiliun Wheel Nuts 0-BD Tyre Pressure Gauges 10 Carnegie Place Blacktown NSW 2148 p 02 9676 8655 f 02 96765300 ● e qarvdunlop@02email.com,au

www.garysmotorsporttyres.com.au

mFELPRO

Trade enquiries welcome

^rft.

fa'-

Where sealing Is a science

76

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n large murats l wdwites

vwvw.thecreativeones.com.au Telephone:(03)9544 2011 Facsimile:(03)9544 2911

P

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Trade enquiries welcome

AUSTRAL I

Ph. 02 97S8 I960

A

Fax. 02 9758 1155

\y

O

RMAN

C

E

FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS^ FUEL PUMPS, ) AIR DENSITY GAUGES k a COMPONENTS

k’-1 k i m m L^j k m

Yaur Complete Performance.

Ignition Source

F

VIC 37A Fenton St Oakleigh 3166 Ph:03 9543 6222 Fax:03 9543 6244 OLD 3/26 Expo Crt Ashmore 4214 Ph/Fax:07 5531 0181 NSW 2/109 Airds St Minto NSW 2566 Ph: 02 9820 4255

31

MSD

R

Hawk Performance disc brake pads have the stopping power and brake modulation to reduce lap times and put RACING PRODUCTS you In the winners' circle - with 8 different race compounds.

A

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mmimii

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i- .

Phone 07 3808 1986

MSP Ignition and the MSP Ignition Logo are- trademarks of Rocket Industries P/L in Australia. All trade enc^uiries should be directed to: Ph 02 55251900 Fax 02 55251911 Email sales@rockctind.com

»nvw.performancewholesale.coiii.au

PLASTICS

lil

● Full range of industrial plastic materials Nylon, Acetal, Teflon, Polythenes, PVC etc ● Racecar windows “cut to size” & moulded ● Perspex & polycarbonate sheet ex-stock ● Polyurethane & Delrin for suspension bushes

PLASTICS FOR INDUSTRY DANDENONG VIC 03 9706 381 1

FIA HARIUESSES 2008 expiry, lightweight buckle, 3" webbing, clip in ends Black, Red, Blue

Aust Etandard 4 point belts fr $145 AUSTRAL

n hero cards . banners

A

Easy to fit Extra Power Max Engine Protection Used by the Mitsubishi Ealliart WRC team.

5 point - $539 ● 6 point - $579 FOR IMMEDIATE DELIVERY

Ph. 02 9758 1966

n motorsport propos^

r 1

VIC 03 9386 5331

OUNMiOF

c«Brwd

Call 08 8132 1888 for your nearestdistributor |

MOTORSPORT WHEELS

COMPOWW

\weiand/

Holley Performance System Distributors

COMPOMOr/VE ||BnSW 02 9676 8655 iH SA 08 8387 3522 Rn WA 08 9293 3500 » TAS 03 6273 7555 W NT 08 8941 5388 L, QLD 07 3217 1188 tRE sEevo www.stuckey.com.au

l posters > business cards

)N

RACE PRODUCTS

Ph 02 9791 6001 Fax 02 9791 6002 sales@5impsonraceproducts.com.au

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

I

'Oamand the besti High performance engine components for over 30 years.

Race, strip or street.

Trade enquiries welcome

AUSTRAL

Ph. 02 9758 1966

I

A

I

Fax, 02 9758 1155

RACE PRODUCTS

J

World's leaders in Motorsport Safety Technology Helmets ● Suits ● Boots ● Gloves ● Harnesses ● Crew Gear ● and all accessories for all motorsports Quality ● Price ● Service Simpson Safety Equipment Australia 91 Rookwood Road Yagoona NSW 2199 AUSTRALIAN DISTRIBUTORS

motorsport nows

MARKET PLAGE

7

/

P

/

LATIN UM

The world’s strongest and most affordable shaft type roller rocker

Formula Fords@ CalderPark Fun Drive Days (S525) l next course avaiable 28th Feb

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

an»m It. unveil.

. Open Practice 30+ laps (S795) ; n Most Wednesdays 5 Gift vtxictieis Available

Formula Ford Race School

Ph 03 9555 5522 Fax 03 9555 4152

Further Information and Bookings: 03 9217 8866 l www.udrivevic.com

i Performance Plumbing Made Easy Kocket Indu5trifi6 \e the Manufacturer’s Appointc^f Distributor for Russell in Australia. All trade enc^uiries should be directed to: Ph 02 3525 1900 Fax 02 33251911 Email sales^rockctind.com

CROWCAMS

l Fast profile design service to your requirements l Custom ground roller, solid and hydraulic profiles using unique computer controlled machines for unrivalled accuracy /. enow l Matching race valve train components ' uus including PSi(USA) valve springs and a huge range of one piece super duty pushrods

Ph 03 9357 0469 or Fax 03 9357 0001

www.yellaterra.com.au

H a r m o

Balancers

The True Performance Alternative

f

l

Extremely durable bonded dampening material

SRv; ; l

Easy to read computer etched timing marks Available in economical cast iron Street, all steel SFI approved Race and new Serpentine for Chev, LSI, LTl etc

Visit our website: www.crowcams.com.au

ndlMMj FLYWHEELS The ultimate in strength & safety Your choice Of Standard weight or

l

lightweight steel Available for all popular applications

l

including Ford 6 cyl, Cleveland and Windsor V8, Holden 6 & V8. Chev SB & BB V8

Ph 03 9555 5522 Fax 03 9555 4152 www.yellaterra.com.au

Ph 02 6937 8888 Fax 02 6921 7536 Visit out website www.precisionparts.com.au

:¥ ONE PIECE RACE PUSHRODS Ja S^EEDrLOW Premium Motorsport Hose & Fittings!8 Wf As used by top touring car,speedway & drag racing teams. l .080" wall chrome moiy l one piece construction

l available In Yu & W diamet<

Contact your state distributor...

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

www.performancewholesale.com.au

Custom made pistons to suit 4, 6 & 8 cylinders Ph 07 3290 5911 Fax 07 3290 5933

fj

Hardiman Auto Supplies Motorsport Connections Victorian Speed Pro Performance Wholesale Crane Technologies Gogear lacing Services

(02) 9771 5877 (02) 9838 7272

l .080" wall hardened steel

(07) 3808 1986

NEW street race version

(08) 9443 4400

p.03 9357 0469 f:03 9357 0001

(08)8363 5566

CAMS racing and rally licence courses @ Oran Park monthly $605 in your car.

Includes lecture and OLT.

cars. No pre-requisites. 40 laps at Oran Park.

AUTO METER and the Auto Meter

f&PUME

m

■

Logo are trademarks of Rocket Industries P/L in Australia. Al!

[O

● Mocal ● Aircraft Bolts ● Girling ● Goldine ● Silverline

skirts ● Sure seal ring grooves

Phone 07 3808 1986

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

www.fjerfonnancewholesale.com.au

Ph/Fax 02 9526 6666

Ph Byran MilJer ● Hob 0417 274 507 ● Ph 02 9524 3389 ● 1 Tamba Place Lilli Pllll NSW 2229 ● Email easternraceparts@hotmall.com

PORTABLE FLOORING Workshop

Marquee Floor

H

Display Areas Access Paths

Installs quickly Bj Rolls up for storage M

ft ‘

www.pro-floor.com ● pLi 03 9804 3455 9 April 2003

HI I

Serck on Coolers

BMim

j

IRANKtSHMMifSsi^, rarihomwiimo

^ @S'SmS(SffGi3pSCS3iI3S

j o" s 7^ R A L I A Ph. 02 9756 1966 Fax. 02 9758 1155

COMFETmON INSnUMENTS.^

Eastern Raceparts

● ciMc: Oiamond turned

Rocket Industries is the Manufacturer's Appointed Distributor for Arias Forged Racing Pistons in Australia. All trade enc^uiries should be directed to: Ph 02 3325 1900 Fax 02 3325 1911 Email sales^rocketind.com

Auto

trade enc^uiries should be directed to: Ph 02 5325 1900 Fax 02 &3251911 Email sales0)rocketind.com

V

A WtNNJNG Ct^BtNATIOfr ^

● Oiamond finished pin bores

^

Australia's Mast Wanted Performance Gauges

Formula Ford Test Drives - $654.50 in our

■"

● Extruded billet forged ^ aluminium

also available

'crow aua

visit our website: www.crowcams.com.au

Dlobady Doe§ It Setter ARIAS pistons

from 6.00" to 10.00"

(03) 9794 5177

International Racing Drivers School For more info ph 02 9873 1773, fax 02 9871 1018 or email peter@finlays.com.au www.finlay5.cam.Eiu

* Off the shelf or custom

l .050" length steps

ttnXiiS?fJtty3S33KBa

-f

Phone 07 3808 1986 Li’

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

www.perfonnancewholesale.coin.au 77

m race Shop

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m

Shaft Mounted/T&^mUACHINE I Rocker Arm i^^^mi^kODUCTS y Systems

Experts Tn the ^ art of High Performance Helmet Painting

bmniam

Check out our website and cal! now to arrange your custom painted helmet design

Phone 07 3808 1986

MiTO:;;oaairas£!r®LiQo®airQ:=E(EQm

57 Taunton Dr Cheltenham VIC 3192 ^ Ph 03 9584 4499 Fax 03 9584 4008 Email avo@bigpond.com

or visit our website for your nearest aistritutor.

matt@airxtremeart.com

www.perfomancewliolesale.com.au

□ 414 41B DSB .is

7<wif SHADE SPECTRUM w SHADE

ismterkssbie Windows of (0)p|iort9Jsiiltf for Eeigfaie Experts

° Accurnie, Repeotoble, Versotile

Specialists In l Turbochargers ball bearing and non ball bearings l Kils & overhauls available l High How intercoolers and kits l Link engine ■nanagement systems ● Oil coolers and oil coolers kits* Silicon hoses and bends *1610 suspension kits

● Toke monool control or hands-free

Now available in 3 sizes 2.4m X 2.4m 3m X 3m 4.5m X 3m Li to cover atl situations.

Maintenance free.

The 60 second shade structure.

»Local design, support, development, instnilotion ond on-site training “Top names demand top equipment (users inc NIZPRO, HSV, HRT & John Sidney Racing) “ Engine, chassis, go-kart or motorbike

For moreInfernaliDD andto damonstralioB (ontact:

^DynoLog

' Dynamometer

AREX Compuling P0>Box151 Montrose Vic 3765 Ph 03 9751 1142 Rix 03 9751 2173 Mob 0408055 541

i.

;.W-W

Emoil oeldef@melbp(.otg.au

FEbPRO PERFORMANCE GASKETS

PERFORMANCE :&mCE,ENGINEi

^1800 089 089

1IVWW.UiGSt^t^^&Kyilf

$363^^

i^RAIME %^ams

Steel Main Caps to sultf most V8 applications

’ r www.spectroinslisdo.coD.3D

Manufactured in USA by Pro-Gram Engineering

State Distributors

NSW: (02) 9678 9977 QLD: (07) 3808 1986 VIC: (03) 9794 5177 WA: (08) 9353 1155 Australian Importer and distributor:

Phone 07 3808 1986

CRArsJE

or visit our website for your nearest aistributor.

Ph: 08 8363 5566

Fax: 08 8363 5633 TECHNOLOGIES LTD. www.cranecams.com.au

www.performancewholesale.com.au

Ph 03 5339 SIS? Fax 03 5339 2144

Sold in Australia by

Queensland 07 3341 9911 Sydney 02 9609 1101

1^;

Melbourne 03 9326 6088

race;

Competition disc pads ● Race brakes ● Pagid ● Hawk ● Endless ● Performance Friction Over 10 years experience of brake modifications and upgrades for road and race. Caliper conversion 1, 2, 4 & 6 piston. Custom made disc rotors.

Mdnu^acture/s & distributors of i

High performance & racing disc brakes

I

iHAmOPl

f

t,

Pho^07^^fr986

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

SPECIAL

^ e/X-C'itAyS^C''To C

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[-PERFORMANCE 308-355 C.l.

Engineering j

This space could be yours

www.performancewholesale. com. au «

mg

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6,U U

TOM SEAL

www.gunjmolorsports.com

PISTON RINGS

Bsr

m ulmate precision component Onishing

Engineered isotropic finishes for carbon & alloy steels, stainless steels & titanium components.

Increase component effidency and life span, reduce vibration, friction, noise & operating temperature. This is not polishing, but refining machined surfaces to a polished condition, removing machining peaks - the cause of micropitting which leads to component failure.

ir. Toeowe HARROP ENGINEERING AUSTRALIA PTY LTD 96 Bell SUeol Pr

Telephone (03) 9474 0900 Fax (03) 9474 0999

f; [/ 'A

78

imi

Guru Racing -

(03)^2$^^

Race logistics i^E L^is^s interstate transport ALL ROUNDS ALL CLASSES

Fully enclosed custom built race car transporters

Ul SSWBSSiifSSuWillSBIIJLSISMnSS

Phone 07 3808 1986

or visit our website for your nearest aistributor.

www.performancewholesale.com.au AUSTRALIAN DISTmmOR

fiM^ersoni LLiA ^ssa . msuMP

. F*L'U-I'D

1

S-Y*S*T‘E-M-S

lisa 1

i

ir New & used karts H Servicing H Spares H Heimets H Suits & aii your karting needs

Security for car and equipment

Factory 9,19-25 Grange Rd Cheltenham vie Ph 03 9585 5340 Fax 03 9585 5320

on 0418 474 816

or visit our website for your nearest distributor.

race@tnt.com.au

WWW.performancewholesale.com.au

Professional race car logistic and event specialists Contact Neil Griffiths

(mmm wj

yj

Phone 07 3808 1986

CLASSIFIEDS

Classifieds .online classifieds

IIClMiS Find hundreds more race vehicles and parts for sale at www.my105.com

SEU

from lust $25

your motorsport vehicle, parts, memorabilia with our all-new combined magazine/internet classified service.

Courtesy of an agreement between Motorsport News and internet classified service my105.com, your advertising will appear in both for as little as $25.

Yes 6 months on my105.com AND one insertion in Motorsport News for just $25! HOW?

Just log on to www.my105.com and follow the prompts!

Alternately, you can still use the classified form on these pages (surcharge applies for the service of entering the ad onto my105.com)

LOG ON NOW — IT’S THE SMART WAY TO SELL YOUR EQUIPMENT!

DODGE VIPER 97 Super GT

CARRERA CUP Car for Lease Want to compete in the Carrera Cup Series in 2003. RT Racing has one ji 2003 spec GT3 car available for full S season lease packages. This car is the S only one available for lease currently and is as new to challenge the series.

Be there for round one Philip Island in April!. Richard 0408 911541.

I Penske 3 way shocks. Competition fuel I cell. Brembo brakes - 4 pot 13in Rears, I 8 pot Min Fronts. Competition power

tj.-

I steering-separate reservoir & cooler. n Fluid line water systems-Heat

www.myl05.com/68561 $150,000 NZD, Race Ready Bargain, Call Kenneth. Day: 09 274 8646 NZ or 0011 64 9 274 8646 from AUS. Evening: 025 408 456 NZ 0011 64 25 408 456 from AUS

I exchanger. U.S CNC dry sump system’5 stage-4 scavenge. Engine has been lowered 3in and moved back 2.Sin.

Sedans/Sports Cars --JI

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Porsche RSR, Front runner in previous Porsche Cups. 3.5 litre 330 hp engine by Motion Automotive, features direct ignition and Motec engine management for loads of smooth torque. Easy handling racetrack fine tuning, care of fully rose - jointed adjustable suspension, Konis or Bilsteins, and centre locking rims. Rapid value $49,900. Tom 0419 868 911 /0419 868 911.255 www.myl05.com/57928

Honda Civic Rally car & Trailer, 1976 model, 1238CC. Civic RS components including: Twin Keihin Carburettors, exhaust manifold, cam, pistons. Vented discs, 36mm Bilsteins. Steel cage, harnesses, seats, hydraulic handbrake plus brake bias valve, tripmeter. log book. 9 mags & 4 new tyres.

Trailer has electric brakes, new axles, lights, guards, wiring etc $6,500, will separate.

Philip 0414 958 898. 255 www.my105.com/85988 Commodore Car, Ex Alan Walls, Tower Racing, absolutely one of the best, big horse power, roller gearbox, best of everything. $30,000.(03)5762 5541 255 www.my105.com/21285

9 April 2003

www.myl05.com/91355

Holinger 6 speed sequential. Tilton clutch 3 plate magnesium. Tilton bellhousing magnesium. Magnesium flywheel. Diff 3:54-4 stage Posi-drive system US competition. Motec dash with launch control on 1st, 12 separate systems. This cost over $360,000.

KONICA V8 SUPERCARI, HRT Craig Lowndes V8 Supercar. Perkins Holden just Fully Rebuilt - New Perkins Heads - Harrop Diff - AP Running Gear, Fully Rebuilt 'Six' Speed Hollinger, Autronic Engine Management Spare Doors, Wheels, Spoilers ETC. (Successful V8 Ride Business Available with car). $69 995 ONO. Greg 03 9217 8933. 255 www.myl05.com/54588

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Mazda RX7 Race Car. 13B Turbo T04 Garret Wastegate Koni adjustable suspension Torson Diff Stack Dash Microtech LTX8 EMS ETC Spare new engine, gearbox, diff. New fully Enclosed walk in trailer, annexe. Raced Sandown, Phillip Island, Winton, Outright Winner Octagon Series Tas 2002. Ciean.Quick Straight Car. Package $29,000 car only $20,000 Neg. Mark 0408 133 510 / (03) 6369 5416. 255 www.my105.com/39162

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Nissan Bluebird Space Frame Sports Sedan, Log booked alloy space frame, fibreglass body, 16" Simmons, Alcon/carbon brakes, Koni shocks, rose jointed suspension, 420HP injected L20 Turbo Engine: forged pistons, carillo rods, stainless valves, garrett turbo, big intercooler, custom alloy sump, best of everything. C/W body moulds, many new slicks and more. Will sell less engine.

10,000 Or Best Offer. Clint 0414 94 3987.

255 www.my105.com/47621

Holden V8 BRute For Sale, Garry Holt is selling his Holden V8 BRute. New engine, many new parts and many spares. Genuine enquiries please call or email garry@easterncreekkarts.com.au, Garry 0413 879 879. 255www.my105.com/49056

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GROUP NC U TORANA, one of aussie's fastest NcTorana's red log book, LJ Torana, fresh high H/P engine, Koni shocks, alloy radiator, knig springs, reliable, too much to list, lap record, race winner, immaculate throughout, heaps of spares, for more information please call. 26500 ONO. Adam 0438541 972. 265 www.my105.com/30812

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Porsche GT3, Bond cage. Lister air jacks, Motec ECU, Motec dash, G-sensor, Beacon etc, fully freshened, very quick GT3, ready to race, 2 sets wheels. $205,000, 0417 620 980 255 wvirw.my105.com/28147

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Datsun 1000, Datsun 1000 sports sedan injected CA18 engine 5 speed sunny hydraulic gearbox HI65 diff 5 link rear suspension 10" brakes record holder King Edward Park and Ringwood hillclimbs. Very reliable and competitive club level car. $6500. Also avaiable at extra cost .Trailer and almost enough parts to build another car. Darrell Peattie 0410263380 / 02 49469310, 257www.my105.com/28024

Tekno Autosports - Carrera Cup Porsche, factory built . Purchased January 2002 backup car for National Series. Raced 3times only. Round win at Oran Park (New lap Record), Pole position, race win at Barbagallo.(Approx 8hrs run time). Never Crashed, Sensational looking car in original Motorsport trim. Eligible for Marque Sports Cars, PRA Series and Nations Cup. $200,000. Steve 61 2 989 99503. 254 www.my105.com/87971

Tekno Autosports - Porsche Cup Car, As raced by Jonathon Webb in 2002 Australian Porsche Cup. Runner up and Rookie of the Year. Resprayed ready for 2003. Complete with Lister air jacks, dry break fuel system, 16 BBS wheels, new wets and numerous spares. All road equipment Including wheels/tyres and interior trim. Full, Penske/Eibach race suspension. Motec ECU and fully optioned Motec dash All data available. $185,000 ONO. Steve 61 2 9899 9503 254www.my105.com/74603 79

Open Wheelers

Ford Escort Mark 1, Full spare frame, fresh 13B PP, fresh Needham straight cut box, AP Brakes, wets, space rims, weighs approx 700kg, proven performer and reliability.

URGENT URGENT SALE. $17,000 URGENT SALE. Matt (02) 6684 0409 or 0414 611 687 /(02)6684 0409 or 0414 611 687. 254 www.my105.com/377

Commdore Cup Car #84, 2002 spec, well sorted front running car, fresh fop horse power engine, comes with 2 gear boxes, 2 sets of rims and tyres, 3 diff ratio sets, trailer and many spares. $25,000. Ian 0408 103 815/0408 103 815. 254 www.myl05.com/83594

BMW 2002 1972, set up for club sprint/classic rally use with dual Weber 40 □COE carbs, gas fl owed cylinder head, Koni shocks, elec fan, Superlite wheels, sports s/wheei etc. Very good performance, handling, appearance and interior. Some spares inol another set of alloy wheels, VIC reg NWR678. $9,900 ONO. Richard 03 9822 5034. 254www.my105.com/50511 Honda Civic VTiR, CAMS Log Books. Full Cage to Strut Towers Front 8. Rear, Sparco Seat. Sabeit 6 Point Harness. Memo Wheel.

Link Engine Management System & Standard Computer. Koni Shocks & Ride Height Adjusters. Full Camber Adjustment.

Upper & Lower Strut Braces Extractors & Mandrel Bent Exhaust. Not Enough Space to put the rest. PHONE FOR DETAILS. $12,000. Grant 0422 288 088 / 02 98722279. 254 www.my105.com/4259

Historic XY GT Falcon, Red log book group NO car, presents very well, fresh 351 Clev eng, has done run in laps only, F and R Sway bars, big brakes balance bar, fuel cell, 9 inch diff, top loader, wheels x 3 sets wets, colour hot orange, more info please call. Readverstised due to uncompleted sale. $33,000. Doug (03) 6334 8855 or 0418 590 318 / 0418 590 318. 254 www.myl05.com/85213 Torana, Torana Sports Sedan LJ, Modified P76 V8 powered, borg Warner transmission and diff, 4 wheel disc brakes, 16 x 10 wheels, spares include engine, gearbox diff, panels wheels.Oran park 2001 enduro placegetter, reliable simple car,$10000ono, trailer to suit available $2000. $10000 ONO. Kevin Akers 0417405590 / 0249514297. 254 www.myl05.eom/8075

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‘VN Commodore Saloon Car, Motor just Re-Built, Well Maintained. $15,000. Glenno (07) 3216 5558 or 0419 787 031 254 www.myl05.eom/54680

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Super Tourer, Ex BTCC Alfa Corse prepared factory car, 3rd in last years championship with a rookie 16 year old.Very reliable car with a huge spares package including a fresh spare engine and lots more. Please contact for the spares package. Allan 0409 023 060. 254 www.myl05.com/31946 Falcon XF Imp Prod, 250 alloy head high performance gas motor acl pistons 200 rods waggot cam geni extractors 2.5 mandrell exhaust single fail 28 spline minispool 4 wheel discs koni shocks king springs new radiator and harmess laps oran park 54s Wakefield 1.13s 2 sets race tyres 15 inch alloys can deliver east coast quick reliable club car. 2800 Or Best Offer, ray 0249732237 / 0249731605.

254 www.myl05.com/54648

Torana LC Sports Sedan (2door), Unfinished, set up for 308, Muncie, 9inch diff, Lola F5000 calipers, oil cooler, Lexan Windows, Aircraft fuel pump, New-paint, aluminium panels, seat, slicks, rims (rear), radiators (x2), wiring. L34 Extractors to suit above $500 ono. $3,450 ONO. mark 0428 535 245. 254 www.myl05.com/89569

Commodore VT Supercar, Only 7 races old in as new condition.The last Gibson-built car.Complete less engine. Spare parts package aiso available. $165,000. Eddie 0418 360 058 / 0418 360 058. 254 www.myl O5.com/19666

Reluctant For Sale, U2L Sports Sedan.

1380 cc iron head. SCCR box with LSD. Huge front disc brakes. 2 pac paint, 3" 5 point harness & Marsh race seat. Including wets, Dorian timer and trailer. Sub 1:10 at Wakefield Park on old rears. All assistance given to new pilot. $ 7,000.00 with trailer & spares. John Wakefield 0418-872121.

254 www.my105.com/56554

Formula Vee Spectre, very competitive car, reguiar top three finisher in QLD Championship, includes trailer, some spares and set up assistance. $11,500. Russell 0412 532 249. 255www.my105.com/43307 Welsor Waggot Sports 1300 Clubman, built 1972 by Colin WEar, rebuilt from front to back including new paint, features 3K Corolla engine with new big valve head, Modena straight cut close ratio gearbox, new clutch, rebuilt diff and new front shocks, 2 sets of 3 piece wheels Iset of Avon A 40/50 hillclimb tyres, new aluminium guards, battery, etc. $17,500 priced to sell, Andrew (03)5443 0810. 255www.my105.com/7355

Chevron B29 1975 Historic Group Q, with log book and C of D, recently subject to a complete restoration to original specification and is in excellent condition, history known from new when delivered to Hong Kong, Top HP Cosworth BDD big valve engine, Hewland FT200, spare ratios, plus set of mounted wets, enclosed aluminium trailer available, price depends upon package.

Peter (02) 9909 1144 or 0412 403 582. 255 www.my105.com/80639 2 X Factory Backed Mygale SJ 97 Formula Fords, Mygale Australia offers for sale two (2) fully rebuilt factory SJ 97 Formula Fords. Ritta Race Engines with full setup assitance front running championship cars - PI Systems available. $27995 ea ONO. Greg 03 9217 8933. 255 www.myl05.com/46317

Formula Vee Stag, This race car was built in '74 and is in good condition.featuring a sound Greg Hepburn engine.Aiso comes with some spares including front end.etc.Was last raced in 8/02 and is a great historic vee for the price. $4 000. Mark 0410 654 774. 255www.my105.com/46477

riffwaytosellyourgear!

77777 From just $25* lust log ou online classifieds

CStCOOry: □ sedans

□ Open Wheelers

□ Parts □ Engines □ Trailers

□ Speedway

□ Wanted □ Photographs

□ Drag

□ Other

□ Jobs

Description: Please keepads to no more than 50 words, plus up to 6 photos if desired.

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Exp

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NOTICE TO AOVERTISERS Please use the form provided and print clearly. Please nolo we are unable to return photographs supplied for use in classified ads. Ads will appear as soon as possible after receipt. MN/my105.com dassifieds are for the sale of private goods and vehicles only, not business advertising Photos marked 'proof' will not be used.

molorsport news

CLASSIFIEDS 1 90U

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Echidna Clubman Sports 1300, 1984 model, one owner since 1989, very reliable with fresh motor, flowbenched worked head with stainless valves, well suited to hillclimbs or circuit work with very respectable times all around, comes with many spares and semi enclosed trailer (unreg), $12,000 will consider offers. Trevor (02)4261 1060 /(02) 4261 1060.255www.my105.com/55182

Elfin 600E F2, historic group Q log book, 1600 twin cam, Hewland Mk9, chassis number 7126. $38000 Neg. Ivan Clencie 03 97616622 / 03 9762 1732. 255 www.myl05.eom/62509

Production Sedan Commodore, Ex NSW/VIC, Bilstein susp, adjust front and rear autometer gauges, Wilwood pedals, powersleering, quick steer power glide auto, fresh Ray Chatfey engine, good tyres and alloy wheels, full fibre glass panels and spares, ready to race. $9,500 ONO. Simon 0417 445 316 / 0417 445 316. 254 www.myl05.com/82769

Engines 355CI Small Block Chev Drag Engine Motor, comes with Carb, 850 Meth BoLaws, Bo-Lawsbelt-Drive, Fuel Pump, Stefs Hi-Torque Starter, MSD Disl. $10,000.

Glenno (07) 3216 5558 or 0419 787 031.

254 www.myl05.com/33006

02 9787 9735. 254 www.my105.com/31134

Speedway

MOTEC DASH LOGGER, MOTEC DASH LOGGER with loom, some sensors, 2MB memory,beacon,as new $6,000 Richard 0412 320 940. $6,000.00. Richard 0412 320 940. 254 www.myl05.com/41315 Getrag 5 speed, Getrag 5 speed close ratio gear sets. Straight cut, dog type, new 0417979226. 254www.my105.com/74317

Pontiac 2001, super sedan.john pyne chassis,all the best eqipment,14# chev .700hp, very well engineerd .will sell as roller or trade. $40,000 ONO. Warren 0412487771. 257 www.myl05.com/80052 2002 AU Super Sedan, Raced only 2 meetings, sell complete or separate, built by John Brown from Newcastle, car runs a 363 Cleveland engine, roller cam, roller rockets shocked crank, four V altered heads, dry sump, motor barnes oil pump, too many extras to list. $8,500 spent on refreshing engine chassis, aluminium wheels tyres, many more spares. 0419 989 010 / (02) 4730 3440. 255www.my105.com/4465

9 April 2003

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1996 Chev Silverado Extra Cab, Voitex motor. Captains chairs, lowered, American Racing Wheels, tabliner, perfect tow car, immaculate condition. Ian 0408 103 815.

254 www.myl05.com/7189

Coach Transporter, 38ft midmount, 250HP turbo Volvo, 4 speed pre-selected gear box, air brakes, exhaust brakes, tubless tyres, tyre racks, alloy tailgate. Pontoon lounge carpeted, fridge. $22,000 ONO. 0419 989 010 255 www.my105.com/14138

tSlCJWOBTS

38ft Semi-Trailer, Can carry two sedan type race cars. Heaps of storage space Some benches and cabinets. $25,000.

Glenno (07) 3216 5558 or 0419 787 031.

254 www.myl05.com/47675 I**

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Collectable/Memorabilia Blante Models - All Signed, 1 x Johnson XE Palmer Tube, 1 x Moffat Cobra Coupe 1977,1 X Moffat Coupe 1978. 0415 178 696 254 www.my105.com/92629

Wanted Improved Production Car Wanted, Roller or unfinished project, Toyota Corrolla or Sprinter pre 1986. Jeff 0148 277 902. 255 www.myl O5.com/18049 Wanted, chevy Nova or chevyll parts from 1962 to 1967. Mainly require 63 sedan body panels & any parts for 67 sedans or coupes.Anything considered please phone or email , tippo@fastrac.net.au. Bob 0412 810 815. 263 www.myl05.com/29009

Productlaunch Driver Sites Club Sites

Enclosed Trailer, Fully Enclosed Car Trailer. Popular with Formula Ford guys, but used for an Improved Production Mazda Rx-7. $10,500 replacement cost must sell at this price. 3 Months NSW Rego. Call for more Details. $6800.00 NegJ Pete Harmston 0415 821175 / 0415 821175. 255 T*

Super Tow Vehicle / Campervan, LWB, hi roof,.dual wheel, Chev turbo 350, registered as campervan, Stratos seats, fridge, stove, double bed, wardrobe, etc, comfortable, quick, economical and legal tow vehicle, mechanically as fresh, professional paint, no signage, race car sold. Trailer for sale ONO $4,500 please visit www.my105.com/83282. $15,500. Gary 0412 670 422. 254 www.myl O5.com/10007

Driver/Crew Apparel

Light-weight Car Trailer, Custom designed, light-weight car trailer. Tandem drop axles, beaver tail and flush stowing ramps. New (used once). Would suit all cars up to 1300kg sedan. $3000 Neg. Marcus 0411 137 230.254www.my105.com/15883

www.myl05.com/57837

Trailer, professionally built steel/alloy dual axle enclosed front, tyre racks, full floor with full length alloy ramps, alloy wheels, fresh paint/no signage, suit historic towing cars, sport sedans, etc, campervan also for sale $15,500 ono for more information please visit www.my105.eom/10007. $4,500 ONO. Gary 0412 670 422. 254 www.myl05.com/83282

Racing Suits/ Helmets, 2 Full suits RPM Racegear.Nomex Three, Blue & White size M Racesuits,gloves M,shoes size 8.Bell Helmet SR-PRO Size 7 1/4 or 58,with carry bags.These suits and helmets were used in 2 Targas and are very clean and well looked after, $975 each set,as I will sell separately. $975 each set ONO.Tony 07 55321400 / 07 55773077. 254 www.myl05.com/22200

Clutch operated T400, Clutch operated Turbo 400 transmission. Professionally built, currently street set up. ie: park mechanism. Comes with 360 degree scattershield to suit chev and Hurst

Transporters/Trailers

Super sedan complete. Firebird super sedan complete car ready to race. Good strong engine appox 580hp, wide five alloy wheels heaps of spares inc 2 complete wide five diffe, spare new chassis, spare complete front end steering etc. everthing I have for this car will go. call for more info, genuine enquiries only. $28,000 ONO.255www.my105.com/28630

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Parts

lightening rods. Ideal 1/4 mile transmission. $1800. Tony 0418 146 590 254 www.myl05.com/26489

Race Winning Super Sedan, Ron Pyne, three time Australian Super Sedan champion offers for sale his 2003 race winning Rick Slatter built 4-Bar Super Sedan. A reluctant sale of a brand new, race winning car. $50,000. Ron 0438607615. 255 www.my105.com/71163

Coach Transporter, 38ft midmount, 250HP turbo Volvo, 4 speed pre-selected gear box, air brakes, exhaust brakes, tubless tyres, tyre racks, alloy tailgate. Pontoon lounge carpeted, fridge. $22,000 ONO. 0419 989 010/(02)4730 3440 255 www.myl05.com/14138

L~~ \

Doug Nash / Gearbox, Doug Nash Gearbox 5 spd suit Chev 350 Bell housing, button clutch and shifter. $2700 Neg. Cliff 0412926973. 255www.my105.com/9154

1985 AF2 Kaditcha, Curently fiat bottom AF2 but also ellgable Group R histioric (all ground effects bits available)A very quick car in either category. Complete and total rebuild tip to toe over 5 years - virtually a new car.

Judd Golf, FT200, mounted wets, ratios and spares. Very well presented. Offers considered. Richard Harward 0410 573684 /

Tandem Trailer with Storage, Banana back. Enclosed front, Tyre rack plus Isqm lockable storage. New tyres, Electric Winch, reconditioned brakes, new master cylinder.

Used for rally car but will fit upto large sedan easily. Fresh paint ready for your signage. Easy to load, good access to oar underbody. Strong, stable and tows very well. $3000 Best Offer. John 0418404945.

256 www.myl05.eom/54590

Isuzu Transporter, Interoooled turbo, six speed gearbox, bunks, 4 coach seats with seat belts, tyre racks, compressor/generator seif contained. llO.OOOkms. Ideal for speedway application. $50,000. Ron Pyne 0438607615. 254www.my105.com/12668

Join a growing motorsport network on the web.

I

HINO FF177 Truck, Takes two formula holdens / fords / 3's. Can be modified to take more cars. 12,000 lb tail lifter. Belly lockers. Heaps of storage space. New 2pak white paint. Air conditioning. New tyres.

Exellent condition. $35,000. Glen Hastings 0413 322 198. 255www.my105.com/3232

I

For as little as $90.

Call us on (02) 9648 4777

I 81

OPINION

■uarsaon EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Phil Branagan »editor@mnews.com.au Assistant Editor: Mark Glendenning “ mark@mnews.com.au Staff Journalist: Grant Rowley " grant@mnews.com.au

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CONTACTS

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CONTRIBUTORS

FI: Joe Saward, Adam Cooper, Paolo Filisetti Europe: Quentin Spurring, Gary Watkins, David Addison US: Phil Morris, Martin D. Clark Speedway: Brett Swanson, Julie Pearce, Geoff Rounds, Wade Aunger, Tony Millard (UK), Greg Boscato Rally: Jon Thomson Histories: Brian Reed Drag Racing: Greg Ward, Jon Asher (USA), Dave Ostaszewski (USA), Nick Nicholas, Steven White, Ken Ferguson National: Mark Wicks, Sean Henshelwood, Erin McCowatt, Mark Jones, Chris Jordan Photographers: Sutton Motorsport Images, Dirk Klynsmith, Bothwell Photographic, Marshall Cass, Nigel Snowdon & Diana Burnett, AFl Images, Neil Hammond, Slipstream Photographic, Phil Williams, Allsport, John Morris/Mpix, Frank Midgley, Peter Bury, Mike Patrick (UK), Chris Carter, James Smith,‘Paris Charles, Bob Potts Motorsport News is published by Australasian Motorsport News - ABN 55 125 120 702 Publisher: C Lambden Printed by: Offset Alpine Printing Pty Ltd, Lidcombe, NSW. Distributed by: NDD Ltd

Where’s Richo?

Thanks for makmg a great fortnightly read - it puts your competition to shame!

However,Steven Richards seems to have been neglected in the Clipsal 500 race report from your last issue. There was not one individual photo of his car in there which I fiiad confusing since he is currently second in the series. I think he is a wonderful talent and deserves far more recognition than what he is receiving now. I'm looking forward to a Motorsport News feature on him soon ...

Also, congratulations to Mark Webber for qualifying third and finishing in the points in his Jaguar at Brazil. Top job Mark!

Michelle Johnson HurstvUle, NSW

Courtney comes good

It is awesome to see young Aussies gunning for glory overseas. No, I'm not going to talk about our heroic soldiers in Iraq or our FI star Mark Webber (even though they are all heroes of mine).

James Courtney seems to have something his Japanese competitors don't. jAnd it's probably talent. James is on fire in Japan, blowing those 'wanna-be racers' into the weeds.

Please MNews, can you keep us up-to-date on this immensely talented local.

James Anker via email ED: Thanks for the interest in young James. We can't help wishing there was an F3 Nations Cup race this year...

I want a different winner!

I love the V8 Supercars. I love the noise, the look, the drivers and the teams. I even like Tony Cochrane.

But the one thing I can't handle is

The Brazilian Grand Prix was well worth waking up at 3am (even though I had to leave for work at 6am!)and I must say tlie day at tlie office seems to be dragging on forever.

Tm hanging for the rest of the FI season to unfold. Mark will

converter Send us your thoughts: mail; PO Box 7072, Gardenvale, VIC 3186 fax: 03 9596 5030 email: mnews@mnews.com.au

the same person winning every race. It shits me to tears. This season is going to be tire same old HRT story. Wlien and how can we stop this team?

Obviously they are good at what they do, and obviously TEGA won't penalise them because 85 per cent of the crowd wear HRT apparel. So what the hell can be done? At least the new points system won't allow Skaife to rim away with it so early.

I might say though, even if HRT remain in victory lane. I'll still turn the telly on Sunday afternoon to watch the mighty V8s! name withheld at request via email

Mark of a champion

Well, well, Mark Webber, you are the greatest!!

Lf there is one driver in the current crop of FI superstars who is the next Michael Schumacher, it's Australia's own Mark Webber. The guy is just amazing. His efforts in the Jaguar, even before his qualifying effort at Brazil, were simply fantastic.

score more World Championship points and considering the way he is driving at the moment, I wouldn't be surprised if Jaguar finish in the top five constructors, maybe even the top three!

Anyway, congratulations Mark (the magician) Webber, you are my hero!

JeffFitzgibson Brisbane, Queensland

International interests?

To be honest, I think the V8 Supercars going overseas is a waste of time.

If you look at the cars, most of sponsors are Australian companies and hardly any of them export their products to China, Dubai or where ever they are considering going.

This is our national series. There aren't many international sponsors on the cars now, how are the people in Shanghai going to relate to them.

It's a waste of time and money for the series.

I can't see our countries sponsors pumping more cash into the sport if the cars aren't performing in front of local crowds.

They may as well put their sponsorship dollars in the state lottery and hope for a win. They'll get a bigger return from that than if they go to China.

But wMe the V8's are still racing in Australia, I will contently watch with interest. Yet unfortunately, I can already see that red #1 car crossing the line in first place a Phillip Island.

Stuart Sinclair stuxl@hotmail.com

Material published by MOTORSPORT NEWS is copyright and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Freelance contributions are welcome, and while all care will be taken, Australasian Motorsport News does not accept responsibility for damage or loss of material submitted.

‘Opinions expressed in Motorsport News are not necessarily those of Australasian Motorsport News or its staff.

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82

It's number 11, but don't be fooled: Loyal MNews reader Michelle wants more pics of Steven Richards. If Richo continues his excellent form, we don't think this happy-snap of the red Castro! Car will be the last for '03... motorsport news

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