2015 Valvoline Wakefield 300 program by Wakefield Park

February 28-March 1 2015

CONTENTS

| Welcome................................................................... 3 | Schedule of Events................................................... 4 | Australian Endurance Championship.................. 5 | Supashock Pole Position Award............................ 5 | 2015 Valvoline Wakefield 300 Entry List............. 6 | 2014 Australian Endurance Champ Review........ 8 | Team Profiles............................................................ 14 | Undiscovered Talent............................................... 35 | Super TT/MX5 Cup................................................ 36 | Superkart 100........................................................... 36 | AussieHire.com.au Hard Charger Award ........... 37 | Lap Records ............................................................. 38 | Circuit Map ............................................................. 39 Welcome to the opening round of the Australian Endurance Championship, the Valvoline Wakefield 300.

MATTHEW RONKE

When this event started in 2008, there were only 20 cars on the grid, but a number of competitors persuaded us to keep the event going, and it has now grown into one of the biggest race meetings we hold each year. It has also led to the creation of the Winton and Willowbank 300s, and those three races combined make up the Australian Endurance Championship.

Event Director

This year, a total of 63 cars will take part and that means we will again be using the split-race format, which we introduced successfully last year. As always, there is a very diverse field of cars and it’s great to see a number of new names on the entry list. Trying to pick a winner is an impossible task; there are at least a dozen cars capable of outright victory, and many more that could finish on the podium. And that’s just for the main race! I would also like to thank Valvoline for their continued support of this event, and it is also pleasing to welcome Supashock and Aussie Hire as minor sponsors, presenting a couple of prizes this weekend. Enjoy the weekend, and don’t forget to remind your friends and family to tune in for the action via the live stream on www.motorsportstv.com.au.

2015 VALVOLINE WAKEFIELD 300 The official program of the 2015 Valvoline Wakefield 300 PROMOTER Wakefield Park Motorsport Pty Ltd 4770 Braidwood Road Tirrannaville NSW 2580 Phone (02) 4822 2811 Fax (02) 4822 2812 info@wakefieldpark.com.au www.wakefieldpark.com.au ORGANISING COMMITTE Matthew Ronke, Craig Stevenson, Lachlan Mansell CLERK OF COURSE Matthew Ronke COMMUNICATIONS Lou Hallam FLAG MARSHALLS Wayne Johnson and team SAFETY CAR DRIVER Phil Mundy COMMENTATORS Lachlan Mansell, Zak Caban, Terry Nightingale CHAPLAIN Lyle Hughes SOCIAL MEDIA Shelly Ives, Katey Ison VALVOLINE PROMOTIONS Katelyn McGregor, Bri Behlings OFFICE Robyn Ryan, Gail Lewis TRACK PREPARATION Sam Gill PROGRAM EDITOR Lachlan Mansell PHOTOGRAPHS Judi McDonald, John Smith, Rene Martins, Alicia Jackson

Cheers, Matthew

Valvoline Wakefield 300

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday 28th February 2015

8:35

Super TT/MX5 Cup Drivers Briefing

Event Time Category Description Duration Q1 9:00 Super TT/MX5 Cup Qualifying 15 min P1X Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group X Practice 1 20 min P1Y Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group Y Practice 1 20 min P1Z Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group Z Practice 1 20 min R1 Super TT/MX5 Cup Race 1 10 laps P2X Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group X Practice 2 20 min P2Y Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group Y Practice 2 20 min P2Z Valvoline Wakefield 300 Group Z Practice 2 20 min R2 Super TT/MX5 Cup Race 2 10 laps Lunch Q2A Valvoline Wakefield 300 Qualifying Slower 50% 35 min Q2B Valvoline Wakefield 300 Qualifying Faster 50% 35 min R3 Super TT/MX5 Cup Race 3 15 laps S1 Valvoline Wakefield 300 Supashock Shootout 1 lap R4 MX5/Super TT Race 4 10 laps Podium Presentation Supashock Pole Award Podium Presentation 2014 Australian Endurance Championship 4:15 Valvoline Wakefield 300 Compulsory Driver/Team Briefing

Sunday 1st March 2015

8:00

Superkarts Drivers Briefing

Event Time Category Description Duration W1 8:30 Valvoline Wakefield 300 B Main Warm-up 30 min R5 9:05 Superkarts Race 1 6 laps W2 9:25 Valvoline Wakefield 300 Outright Warm-up 30 min R6 10:05 Superkarts ` Race 2 6 laps R7 10:20 Valvoline Wakefield 300 B Main 127 laps Valvoline Wakefield 300 B-Main Podium Presentation R8 13:20 Superkarts 100 Race 3 50 min National Anthem R6 14:20 Valvoline Wakefield 300 Enduro 137 laps or 17:55 + 1 lap Valvoline Wakefield 300 Podium Presentation

February 28-March 1 2015

Three States. 900km of Racing. 1 Winner. The Australian Endurance Championship, sanctioned by the Australian Autosport Alliance, returns in 2015 with a trio of 300km races at Wakefield Park, Queensland Raceway and Winton. Last year’s AEC was won by Mark Mackay and Justin Ruggier, who finished in the top 10 outright in all three races. Early indications are that this year’s AEC will be more competitive, with a number of competitors intending to compete in all three events. There have been some tweaks to the points systsm for this year’s AEC - there will now be the Outright Championship, presented to the driver(s) with the best outright pointscore across the three races, and a Handicap Trophy, presented to the drivers who perform the most consistently within their division throughout the series.

Pole Position Award Leading Australian racing suspension manufacturer, Supashock, has announced its sponsorship of the pole position award for the Valvoline Wakefield 300. Thanks to Supashock, the fastest driver in the Top 10 Shootout will receive a $500 prize, along with pole position for the 137-lap marathon around the Goulburn circuit. Supashock managing director Oscar Fiorinotto, a highly-regarded engineer at the very top level of Australian motorsport, said the pole position award for the Wakefield 300 would generate valuable brand recognition for Supashock Racing Suspension in the wider Australian motorsport community. “Over the last few years, we’ve been fortunate enough to supply our racing dampers to teams in professional motorsport competition, including the Australian V8 Supercars Championship and European GT Championship,” Fiorinotto said. “I have been keeping an eye on the Wakefield 300 for several years and I have been very impressed with the number of entries it attracts;

it really has become the pinnacle of club-level motorsport in Australia. “Drivers who compete in events like the Wakefield 300 are always very passionate about their cars, and like to have the best equipment at their disposal, so they are exactly the types of people who can benefit from Supashock products.” Wakefield Park circuit manager Matthew Ronke said Supashock pole position award would further add to the excitement of the Top 10 Shootout. “The Shootout is always held on the Saturday afternoon, and it’s one part of the weekend where everyone pays attention,” Ronke said. “With the added bonus of a cash prize, it will be even more hotly contested than usual. “We are pleased to welcome Supashock as the pole position award sponsor – it is pleasing to see a company that has been involved in professional competition supporting club-level motorsport as well.”

Valvoline Wakefield 300

VALVOLINE WAKEFIELD 300 ENTRY LIST No

Sponsors

Driver 1

Vehicle

Colour

Property Investment Store

Anthony

Soole

Glenn

Townsend

Lotus Exige

White

Contrast Personnel

Calum

Ballinger

Neil

Dedrie

BMW M Coupe

Blue

Carbotech Brakes

Michael

Hall

Andy

Harris

Mazda MX5

White

Kool Jet Racing

Todd

Herring

Richard

Herring

Mazda MX5

Green

Kool Jet Racing

Tim

Herring

Kristy

Herring

Mazda MX5

Green

Pinnacle Automotive Daniel

Sugden

David

Krusza

BMW E36 328i

Black

Pinnacle Automotive Rodney Rods Pools

Stait

Doug

Westwood

BMW E36 328i

Dark Blue

Hunter Pacific

Greg

Lomax

Phillip

Allen

BMW E46 M3

Grey

Colder Refrigeration

Rob

Hay

Terry

Nightingale

Mazda MX5

Black

Valvoline Australia

Ian

Kegg

Mark

Nottage

Hyundai Excel

Silver Black

Aswohotos.Net

Nick

Martinenko

Matilda

Mravicic

Mazda MX5

Green

100

The Wicker Man

Dori

Saade

Endree

Saade

BMW M3

Black

Carl

Kosutar

Chris

Deckers

Mazda MX5

Red

102

Driver 2

110

Targa Racing Mx5 Parts.Com.Au

David

Viner

Rob

Viner

Mazda MX5

Black

119

Sherrin Rentals

Michael

Sherrin

David

Ayres

BMW 135i

Orange

123

Hume Smash Repairs Steven

Head

Owen

Boak

Mazda MX5

Black

127

Tanner Autosport

Shane

Tanner

Ben

Johnson

Proton Satria GTI Green

141

One Way Racing Bevico Commercial

Elliot

Wright

Greg

Morsillo

Triumph TR7

White

150

Higgins Trading

Martin

Higgins

Ben

Seehusen

Mitsubishi Evo 9

White

Kreamer

Martin

Duursma

Mitsubishi Evo 9

White

157 164

One Way Racing

Mark

Morsillo

Rhys

Morsillo

Triumph Dolomite

Yellow Blue

175

Ensign Shipbrokers

Tony

Ross

Paul

Chapman

Mazda MX5

Black

178

Daniel

Reynolds

Matt

Stubbs

Mazda MX5

Orange Black

183

Roland

Rohrle

Ross

Wood

Mazda RX7

Black

186

J&S Automotive

Angela

Coradine

Peter

Lucas

Lotus Exige S

White

198

CPD Racing

Craig

Durrant

George

Pethard

Mazda MX5

Grey

222

222 Racing Supreme Dry Cleaners

Chad

Cotton

Jase

Collins

Future Busa

Green

771

Truckrite.Com

Dave

Shaw

Brad

Goss

Ford EB XR6

Black

781

Bpg Motorsport

Adam

Burgess

Craig

Burgess

Ginetta G50

White

818

Byp Racing

Benny

Tran

Victor

Honda Civic

White

888

Anderson Waste Services Louis Mobile Mechanics

Andrew

Walker

David

Lo-Iacono

Hyundai Excel

Green White

994

Targa Racing Mx5 Parts.Com.Au

Paul

Shacklady

Anthony

Carter

BMW 130i

Blue

Valvoline Wakefield 300

2014 Australian Enduranc

Season Review Competitors barely had a chance to recover from the epic 2013 Valvoline Winton 300 before anticipation for the 2014 Australian Endurance Championship reached fever pitch. For the first time, the AEC was to consist of three races, with the traditional Wakefield and Winton 300s joined by the Willowbank 300 at Queensland Raceway in May. It may have been less than a fortnight before Christmas when entries opened for the Wakefield 300, but festivities were put on hold as competitors flooded the Wakefield Park office with their entry forms, determined not to miss out. Ultimately, so many entries were received that organisers were forced to split the field into two races; a 127-lap â&#x20AC;&#x153;B-mainâ&#x20AC;? for the slower cars and a 137-lap main event for the faster cars. The division between races was supposed to be determined by qualifying times, but the outcome was confused by wet weather conditions during Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

qualifying sessions. In the end, competitors were asked to nominate their divisions and the field was split into equal groups for each race. The B-main was taken out by the Targa Racing Mazda MX5 of Terry Nightingale/Adam Dodd, who spent the first portion of the race battling with Avo Sohgomonian/Endree Saade (BMW 3 Series) and Jake Camilleri/Scott Nicholas (Mazda 3). Camilleri and Nicholas fell back with an unscheduled pit-stop for a tyre puncture, and fought gallantly through the field until their charge ended with a gearbox failure. Meanwhile, Sohgomonian and Saade retired with a power steering failure, allowing the CXC Global Mitsubishi Evo of Gavin Holland/Dave Thomas to finish second

February 28-March 1 2015

ce Championship ahead of Robin and Peter Lacey. Come the main event, and it was Andrew Macpherson/Brad Shiels who came through for the win in their Lotus Exige. Macpherson and Shiels looked to be out of contention after an unscheduled pit stop at the half way mark, but staged a stunning fightback to take the lead inside the final 30 laps. They were significantly aided by a drive-through penalty for Queenslanders John Prefontaine/Robert Hackwood, also in a Lotus, for overtaking under Safety Car conditions. Nevertheless, it was a stellar performance by the debutants, who finished second. Third was another Lotus of Glenn Townsend and Anthony Soole, who made two unscheduled pit-stops - one to repair damage from an early collision with the David Raddatz/Shane Otten Mazda MX5, and another for damage sustained during a spin. Brian Anderson/Gerry Murphy were fourth; they looked set for a podium before the bumper of their

BMW M3 was dislodged by a tap from Daniel Deckers under Safety Car conditions. Anderson was received a mechanical black flag for loose bodywork; Deckers was given a drive-through but still finished fifth alongside Luke Otten. Rounding out the top 10 were Daniel Kapetanovic/ Daniel Sugden (BMW 328i), Angela Coradine/Peter Lucas (Lotus), Daniel Reynolds/Morgan Freemantle (Mazda MX5, winners of Division 3), Calum Ballinger/Neil Dedrie (BMW M Coupe) and Mark Mackay/Ray Vandersee/Justin Ruggier (Skelta G Force, winners of Division 1). As always, there were plenty of hard luck stories down the order. 2013 Winton 300 winners Rob Hay/ Nick Cancian suffered an early-race hub problem on their Mazda MX5, and could only manage 17th, while defending champion Jake Shelley and his father Steve led the race by two laps after a clever tactical pit stop under a mid-race Safety Car, before a wheel parted company with their Lotus. They were the last classified finisher in 20th.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

There were plenty of high-profile retirements as well, including David Raddatz/Shane Otten (broken steering), Dylan Thomas/Tim Brook (power steering line failure which leaked fluid on the engine, causing a fire), Terry Denovan/Geoff Stockley (lost wheel), Nathan Jess/Matthew Thompson (driveshaft failure) and polesitters Steve Anslow/Rick Shaw, who were leading comfortably before retiring with a differential problem. And so everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention turned to the inaugural Willowbank 300, which saw a number of Queensland competitors trying their hand at the popular 300 kilometre race format. The end result was not surprising, endurance veteran Ryan McLeod and V8 Supercar driver Steve Owen taking victory in their Holden Astra ahead of the BMW 135i of Grant and Iain Sherrin. Tony Ross and Paul Chapman were third in their Mazda MX5, but as far as the AEC went, the significant news was that Daniel Deckers/Luke Otten were fifth ahead of

Mark Mackay/Justin Ruggier. Deckers/Otten had finished both the Wakefield and Willowbank 300s in the top five, while Mackay/Ruggier had accumulated generous points for winning their division at Wakefield, leaving both combinations equal on points and setting up an AEC title showdown at the Winton 300. Terry Nightingale and Adam Dodd also backed up their Wakefield 300 B-main victory with a strong seventh outright at Willowbank, leaving them third in the AEC points and with an outside chance of snatching the title. Following on from the successful introduction of the split-race format at the Wakefield 300, enough entries were received to allow the same thing to take place at the Winton 300. The B-Main was a ferocious and frenetic affair, with numerous lead changes during the opening stint. Daniel Byron led early, but retired after mechanical

February 28-March 1 2015

problems with his Mazda MX5 after just five laps. Shaun Vanzyl then moved into the lead aboard his Mitsubishi Mirage, but overheating problems forced the retirement of him and Greg Tasker after 21 laps. A gaggle of Mazda MX5s capitalised, with Terry Nightingale, Nick Leontsinis and Tony Ross all swapping positions many times as the first round of pit stops approached. At the stops, Nightigale, Leontsinis and Ross handed over to their respective co-drivers Adam Dodd, Peter Lacey and Paul Chapman, and Chapman found himself in the lead and pulling away from Dodd. However, Chapman and Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chances of victory evaporated when they received a five-minute stopgo penalty for a fuel spill in pit lane. Dodd found himself with a comprehensive lead, and went on to secure the race victory for himself and Nightingale, preserving their 100% success rate for B-Main races. Leontsinis/Lacey finished second ahead of Ross/ Chapman, while David and Rob Viner were fourth

ahead of Division 5 winners Matt Thewlis/John McIlroy. If the B-Main was a cracker, it was really just an entree for the main race, which produced one of the most dramatic finishes ever seen at Winton. Nathan Jess, sharing the Canberra Hydraulics Future Racer with Matthew Thompson, overtook the Mazda RX7 of Gerry Murphy/Michael Caine on the very last lap to snare a brilliant victory. Jess and Thompson had qualified in Division 1 and were required to make an extra five-minute pit stop, but some well-timed Safety Cars had worked to their advantage, and they found themselves on the lead lap at the business end of the motor race. When the final Safety Car was deployed due to a crash for the Steve Murray/Patrick Duncan/Ryan Walker Commodore at Turn 10, Jess was in a position to pounce. Murphy/Caine crossed the line second but received a post-race penalty for breaking out of the fastest

Valvoline Wakefield 300

permissible lap time for Division 2, relegating them to third behind David Raddatz/Shane Otten. The MX5 Mania pilots had been in control for much of the race, but a mechanical black flag with just a handful of laps remaining forced them into a late pit stop; it was a heartbreaking end to their challenge. Flying under the radar and scoring a fine fourth place were Michael Hall/Andy Harris in their Mazda MX5, while the ever-consistent Pinnacle Automotive team recorded yet another top five result thanks to the efforts of Daniel Kapetanovic and Daniel Sugden. Mark Mackay and Justin Ruggier sealed the Australian Endurance Championship with sixth outright in the Ray Vandersee-owned Skelta, ahead of Daniel Reynolds/Matt Stubbs and Calum Ballinger/Neil Dedrie.

Graeme and Sean Bell were a brilliant ninth outright in their BMW E30, winning Division 3 by a comprehensive seven laps, while Gavin Holland/Tim Brook completed the top 10. After being regular Winton 300 podium finishers, the combinations of Steve/Jake Shelley (Lotus Elise) and Chad Cotton/Jase Collins (Future Racer) plummeted back to earth in 2014, both teams experiencing a variety of dramas on their way to finishing 13th and 14th respectively. At least they finished though, which is more than could be said for the 2013 race winners, Rob Hay and Nick Cancian. They led the race early but it was all downhill after their first pit stop, and they eventually retired with engine problems.

February 28-March 1 2015

2014 Pointscore 1st

Mark Mackay/Justin Ruggier Skelta G Force/Mazda MX5 - 140

6th

Gerry Murphy BMW M/Mazda RX7 - 99

2nd

Adam Dodd/Terry Nightingale Mazda MX5 - 114

7th

Ray Vandersee Skelta G-Force - 93

3rd

Nathan Jess/Matthew Thompson Future Racer - 113

=8th

Michael Caine Mazda MX5/Mazda RX7 - 88

4th

Daniel Deckers/Luke Otten Mazda MX5 - 112

=8th

Daniel Reynolds Mazda MX5 - 88

5th

Paul Chapman BMW M Coupe/Mazda MX5 - 101

10th

Michael Hall/Andy Harris Mazda MX5 - 86

Valvoline Wakefield 300

Tampered Motorsport Mazda MX5

Matt Thewlis

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 17th B-Main 2014 with Stephen Harrison

Adam Ronke

Starts: 5 Best Finish: 14th 2011 with Warren Sheehan

The Tampered Motorsport Mazda MX5 had a good run in last year’s AEC, especially at the Winton 300 where Matt Thewlis and John McIlroy finished fifth in the B-Main. Car owner Adam Ronke slots into the car for the Wakefield 300, alongside Thewlis who finished third outright in last year’s Pulsar Challenge enduro at Wakefield Park.

Royal Purple Oils/Disc Brakes Australia Holden Cruze

Chris Reeves Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Bruce Colbey Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Last season was a successful one for Chris Reeves, who won the NSW Production Touring Car Championship in his Toyota 86. He and Bruce Colbey have just one prior Wakefield 300 start, in 2008. They also attempted to compete in the 2010 race but retired after practice. For this year’s event, they will race a brand new Holden Cruze diesel which may not have the outright pace of other cars, but will have enough fuel range to give them plenty of strategic flexibility.

Truckrite.com.au Ford AU Falcon

Jonathan Lawson Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Cameron McKee Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Cameron McKee made a solid AEC debut alongside David Shaw at the Winton 300, and is back in his own car at Wakefield Park aboard a six-cylinder Ford AU Falcon. With limited experience at Wakefield Park, McKee and Lawson will aim to finish the race, most likely in the B-Main, and be competitive within their division.

February 28-March 1 2015

Ezy Profile

Mazda MX5

Nick Cancian Starts: Best Finish:

4 3rd 2012 with David Raddatz

Malcolm Cancian Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Nick Cancian has been one of the high fliers in the Australian Endurance Championship for a few seasons now; he crossed the line first in the 2012 Wakefield 300 only to be penalised post-race, but then bounced back in the 2013 Winton 300 for a fine win with Rob Hay. For 2015, Cancian is joined by his father Malcolm, who made a welcome return to circuit racing with an outright race win in the opening round of the Modern Sports Cars.

Deputy.com Lotus Sport Elise

Steve Shelley Starts: Best Finish:

2 4th 2011 with Jake Shelley

Jake Shelley Starts: Best Finish:

4 1st 2012-13 with Michael Shaw

Jake Shelley won the Wakefield 300 aboard a Mitsubishi Evo with Michael Shaw in 2012 and 2013, and was on track for a hat-trick of victories last year, leading by two laps inside the final hour of the race when a wheel fell off his Lotus. The Deputy.com team is one of the most professionally prepared in the event but Steve Shelley is yet to win an AEC round with his son. Could 2015 be the year that changes?

Menai Mufflers Holden VH Commodore

Terry Denovan Starts: Best Finish:

3 19th 2013 with Geoff Stockley

Geoff Stockley Starts: Best Finish:

2 19th 2013 with Terry Denovan

The organiser of Wakefield Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s popular MRA Series reunites with his father-in-law for another attempt at the Wakefield 300. So far, luck has not gone the way of Denovan who retired from the 2011 event while in a top 10 position, and failed to finish last year when a wheel parted company with his Commodore. If the car stays reliable, it has the pace to run at the front of Division 2.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

Hyundai Excel

Dave Williams Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Scott Williams Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Former Daewoo Challenge competitor Dave Williams returns to the drivers seat in a Hyundai Excel, teaming up with his son Scott Williams. The goal for this duo will be to stay out of trouble and race competitively against the other Excels in Division 7.

Canberra Hydraulics Future Busa

Nathan Jess Starts: Best Finish:

7 1st 2008 with Chris Clearihan and 2009 with Jeff Davy

Matthew Thompson Starts: Best Finish:

5 5th 2011 with Nathan Jess

The Future Racer pilots are full of confidence after their brilliant, last-lap victory at Novemberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winton 300, and Nathan Jess is no stranger to the top step of the podium at Wakefield either, having won the 300 on two occasions. With a car that should be among the fastest Division 2 runners and vast experience in the AEC races, Jess and Thomposn head into the weekend as red-hot favourites.

14 5

PCAR Autosport Honda Integra

Jack Phelan Starts: Best Finish:

Nik Kalis Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Two drivers from very different racing backgrounds line up for their first Wakefield 300 attempt. Phelan has been racing a Porsche GT3 Cup Car in Production Sports, while Nik Kalis is well-known for his exploits in Time Attack in a Mitsubishi Evo. Team owners Peter Conroy and Anthony Robson are experienced endurance racers whose expertise will aid the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy.

February 28-March 1 2015

5 15

Muscat Trailers HSV Clubsport

Robert Coulthard Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Steve Hodges Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

A couple of regulars from the NSW Production Touring Cars make the transition to the Wakefield 300. Both drivers impressed at last year’s Prod Touring Two Hour, where they finished second outright. Based on the times previously recorded by this car around Wakefield Park, Coulthard and Hodges are likely to be Division 3 contenders.

Targa Racing Mazda MX5 Mark Mackay

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 10th 2014 with Ray Vandersee/Justin Ruggier

Justin Ruggier

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 10th 2014 with Ray Vandersee/Mark Mackay

The defending Australian Endurance Champions are back at the Wakefield 300, albeit behind the wheel of a Targa Racing Mazda MX5 rather than Ray Vandersee’s Skelta. Ruggier was one of the standout drivers of Australian Motorsport in 2014 and won the Shannons Nationals Driver of the Year Award along with being listed in Wakefield Park’s five standout drivers of the season. Mackay is solid and consistent. A Division 3 win will be their aim.

Sherrin Rentals BMW 135i

Grant Sherrin Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Iain Sherrin Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The Sherrin brothers were very impressive in the Australian Manufactuers Championship last year, and also finished second in the Queensland 300. A bruising Bathurst 12 Hour campaign has not dampened their enthusiasm, and they are entering two cars in the Wakefield 300 as part of a full assault on this year’s AEC. Their BMW 135i is fast enough to run in Division 2, and hence compete for outright honours.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

Ozetees Gold Coast Embroidery Mazda MX5

Peter Lacey Starts: Best Finish:

2 3rd B-Main 2014 with Robin Lacey

Robin Lacey Starts: Best Finish:

2 3rd B-Main 2014 with Peter Lacey

The Laceys have been regular runners in the AEC for a few seasons now, and finished on the outright podium in last year’s Wakefield 300 B-Main. Peter Lacey also finished second in the Winton 300 B-Main alongside Nick Leontsinis, so the endurance record of this car is sound. Another B-Main podium or even a win is an achievable target.

Challenge Motorsport Mini Cooper S

Iain McDougall Starts: Best Finish:

1 12th 2014 with Jack Wynack

Lee Evans

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 19th 2012 with Kostinken Pohorukov/ Trent Murphy

Iain McDougall and his co-driver Jack Wynack starred in the wet qualifying for last year’s Wakefield 300, hauling their Mini Challenge car into the top 10 outright. They were also leading their division in the Winton 300 before retiring with mechanical problems. With Wynack heading overseas, McDougall has selected Evans as a good replacement and he is a sensible choice, having turned plenty of laps at Wakefield Park in an older Mini.

22 5

Ultimate Tunes Goodyear Phillip Mitsubishi Evo VIII

Daniel Flanagan Starts: Best Finish:

7 8th 2009 with Shane Tanner

Jason Hart Starts: Best Finish:

1 12th 2013 with Pedro Hietanen

One of the most-capped Wakefield 300 drivers steps out of his HSV Clubsport, into an all-wheel-drive Mitsubishi Evo for this year’s event, with Jason Hart and the Ultimate Tunes team that claimed back-to-back Bathurst 12 Hour pole positions with Steve Owen in the production car era. This car is fast enough to be a Division 2 contender, providing it stays reliable.

February 28-March 1 2015

5 23

Massel Racing Mazda RX7

Michael Caine Starts: Best Finish:

1 14h 2014 with Carl Kosutar

Gerry Murphy Starts: Best Finish:

1 4th 2014 with Brian Anderson

Caine and Murphy came within a lap of winning last year’s Winton 300, only losing out to Nathan Jess/Matthew Thompson at the death. Murphy, alongside Brian Anderson, also led the Wakefield 300 last year, and both drivers have extensive experience at Wakefield Park, stamping this entry as an outright contender.

Lubrimaxx Mazda MX5

Brian Ferrabee Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

David Barram Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Experienced Queensland Production Sports racer Brian Ferrabee lines up for his Wakefield 300 debut, having formerly competed in the Winton 300 with Tony Bonnano in 2013. He will be joined by David Barram, who has experience in Sports Racers and Production Sports.

Targa Racing BMW E46 M3 Brian Anderson

Starts: Best Finish:

2 4th 2014 with Gerry Murphy

Michael Cruse Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Brian Anderson had a taste of the lead with 40 laps to go in last year’s Wakefield 300, and was on course for at least a podium finish before being forced into an unscheduled pit stop when a tap from another competitor loosened his rear bumper. Anderson’s BMW M3 has proven to be a consistent and reliable package, and his new co-driver Michael Cruse is one of the front-runners in Victorian Improved Production racing.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

Acclaim Security/Mobil Lagoon Triumph TR7

Jon Newell Starts: Best Finish:

1 29th 2013 with Glen Coutinho

Glen Coutinho Starts: Best Finish:

1 29th 2013 with Jon Newell

Newell and Coutinho line up for their second Wakefield 300 start, aboard a Triumph TR7 V8. Coutinho also has extensive experience racing a Clubman, so this car should be competitive with the other Triumphs, most likely in the B-Main.

5 34

Wellpro/CMR Motorsport Lotus Exige

John Prefontaine Starts: Best Finish:

1 2nd 2014 with Robert Hackwood

Robert Hackwood Starts: Best Finish:

1 2nd 2014 with John Prefontaine

It was a fine debut performance from the Queenslanders in the Lotus at last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakefield 300, who qualified on the front row of the grid and finished second outright, with only a late-race drive-through penalty preventing them from taking the win. The Winton 300 was less kind, mechanical problems ending their day at the half-way mark. Their Lotus should set Division 1 times, necessitating an extra pit stop.

5 35

AussieHire.com.au Honda Civic

Mike Fitzgerald Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Rod Chivas Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

One of the new cars in the field, Fitzgerald and Chivas team up in a Honda Civic for the 2015 event. With no previous experience in the Australian Endurance Championship, a solid finish will be the target for this team.

February 28-March 1 2015

Cafe Agave 54 Mini Cooper S

Henry Draper Starts: Best Finish:

2 7th 2012 with Linda Devlin

Linda Devlin Starts: Best Finish:

2 7th 2012 with Henry Draper

One of the most talented and underrated female drivers in Australia, Linda Devlin lines up with Henry Draper for her third Wakefield 300 start, and will be full of confidence after dominating the Mini races at Januaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s MRA round. The Mini has not been totally trouble-free in the 300s though, so the team will need it to run reliably if they are to contend for Divison 3 honours.

Advanced Gas Maintenance Toyota 86 David Bailey Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Matt Shylan Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

NSW Excel Racing Series competitor David Bailey and NSW Production Touring driver Matt Shylan team up to contest the Wakefield 300 in one of the newer cars in the field. The car should run reliably and be a contender within its division in the B-Main.

Harland Engineering Peugeot 205 GTI

Parry Anastakis Starts: Best Finish:

Lee Field Starts: Best Finish:

7 10th 2011 with Ashley Tollit

1 DNF

Parry Anastakis has finished more Wakefield 300s than any other driver, completing the race six times from seven starts. Hong Kong-based Aerial Atom Cup driver Lee Field has achieved vast success overseas and will be one of the best-credentialed drivers in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wakefield 300, making this combination a definite contender for a B-Main win.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

MX5 Mania/Natsoft Mazda MX5

David Raddatz Starts: Best Finish:

7 1st 2010 with Shane Otten

Shane Otten Starts: Best Finish:

5 1st 2010 with David Raddatz

Always outright contenders, David Raddatz and Shane Otten return for another crack at the Wakefield 300, having contested AEC races together for a number of years now. They remain the only driver combination to win both the Wakefield and Winton 300s, and were unlucky not to add another Winton 300 victory to their CV last year, when they were called into the pits from the lead with a late-race mechanical problem.

5 46

Southern Cross Sheds/Ultratune Holden VX Commodore

Michael Wedge Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Peter Batterham Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

A couple of competitors in the Queensland Touring Car Championship make their first trek south to compete in the Wakefield 300. They teamed up in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Queensland 300 but recorded a DNF due to mechanical problems.

5 57

Deckspeed Racing Mazda MX5

Daniel Deckers Starts: Best Finish:

4 5th 2014 with Luke Otten

Luke Otten Starts: Best Finish:

3 5th 2014 with Daniel Deckers

Daniel Deckers and Luke Otten took the fight right up to Mark Mackay and Justin Rugger in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Australian Endurance Championship, only falling out of contention when their MX5 developed mechanical problems at Winton. Their MX5 should be on the pace at Wakefield Park, with Deckers turning numerous laps in his MX5 Cup campaign, marking this combination as an outright contender.

February 28-March 1 2015

Total Parts Plus Mazda MX5

Jeff Hume Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Russell Sholz Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Another pair of Queenslanders line up for their first Wakefield 300 start. Hume competes in the Queensland Production Sports Car series and the MX5 should be a competitive package for the Wakefield 300, so this teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s result will largely depend on how quickly they come to grips with the circuit.

CXC Global Racing Mitsubishi Evo IX Gavin Holland Starts: Best Finish:

1 2nd B-Main 2014 with Dave Thomas

Daniel Byron Starts: Best Finish:

2 7th 2013 with Neil Halls

Gavin Holland made an outstanding circuit racing debut last year, finishing second in the Wakefield 300 B-Main and 10th in the Winton 300. Daniel Byron has much more racing experience, albeit primarily in Mazda MX5s. This car should be a contender in Division 2.

Handit BMW E30 325i

Glenn Potter Starts: Best Finish:

3 25th 2012 with Ray Kwong

Rod Potter Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Canberra driver Glenn Potter lines up for his fourth Wakefield 300 start, while his son Rod Potter makes his debut. The BMW E30s have proven to be very well suited to endurance racing, with good reliability and consistent speed, so the Potter team will undoubtedly be contenders for a top six finish in the B-Main.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

CXC Global Racing Mitsubishi Evo X

Dylan Thomas Starts: Best Finish:

3 2nd 2012 with Dave Thomas

Dave Thomas Starts: Best Finish:

2 2nd 2012 with Dylan Thomas

Last year’s NSW Formula Vee Champion returns for his fourth Wakefield 300 start, teaming up with his father Dave Thomas once more. Originally entered in a Daytona Coupe, the CXC Global team elected to revert to the Mitsubishi Evo X after engine problems with the Daytona. That’s not a bad thing though, because the Evo is capable of doing consistent Division 2 times, exactly what is needed to contend for outright victory.

5 69

Targa Racing Mazda 6 Diesel

Adam Dodd Starts: Best Finish:

2 18th 2013 with Mark Bell

Tony Bonnano Starts: Best Finish:

2 17th 2013 with Calum Ballinger

After winning both B-Main races at Wakefield Park and Winton last year aboard a Targa Racing Mazda MX5, Adam Dodd swaps into an ex-Australian Grand Prix Celebrity Race Mazda 6 Diesel for this year’s race, where he will be joined by Tony Bonnano. The car’s fuel economy will give the team plenty of strategic flexibility and it should set consistent times all race long without drama, if not the raw speed to be an outright contender.

5 73

Property Investment Store Lotus Exige

Glenn Townsend Starts: Best Finish:

1 3rd 2014 with Anthony Soole

Anthony Soole Starts: Best Finish:

6 3rd 2014 with Glenn Townsend

Townsend and Soole finished third in last year’s Wakefield 300 despite two unscheduled pit stops; without which, they likely would have won the race. They will be looking for outright victory this year and it is a very real possibility if they stay out of trouble.

February 28-March 1 2015

Contrast Personnel BMW M Coupe

Calum Ballinger Starts: Best Finish:

2 9th 2014 with Neil Dedrie

Neil Dedrie Starts: Best Finish:

1 9th 2014 with Calum Ballinger

A pair of top 10 finishes in last year’s Wakefield and Winton 300s establishes this combination as a contender for a strong outright result at this year’s AEC opener. At Winton, this combination sneaked into Division 1 and was forced to make an extra pit-stop, but at Wakefield Park it should circulate comfortably in Division 2. Could be a podium chance if the strategy works out.

5 75

Hydra-Wash/Carbotech Brakes Mazda MX5

Michael Hall Starts: Best Finish:

6 5th 2008 with Phil Taylor and 2012 with Chris Gough

Andy Harris Starts: Best Finish:

1 13th 2004 with Michael Hall

Michael Hall and Andy Harris were the quiet achievers of last year’s Winton 300, sneaking their way to a stunning fourth outright after a solid and consistent run where they nailed the strategy and avoided drama. The NC MX5 has proven to be a strong package and Hall has come close to the podium in the Wakefield 300 in the past, while Harris, one of the younger drivers in the field, continues to impress in the MX5 Cup.

Kool Jet Racing Mazda MX5

Todd Herring Starts: Best Finish:

2 DNF

Richard Herring Starts: Best Finish:

2 DNF

Unlike the other Mazda MX5s in the field, the Herring entry is powered by a Nissan SR20 motor, which makes this car a potent package. However, reliability has been the enemy for the Herrings and they are yet to finish the 300. Could 2015 be third time lucky?

Valvoline Wakefield 300

Kool Jet Racing Mazda MX5 Tim Herring

Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Kristy Herring Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The Kool Jet Racing operation has expanded to two MX5s for 2015, and Tim and Kristy Herring line up for their Wakefield 300 debut - they will be aiming to be competitive within their division and complete the race without any mechanical problems.

Pinnacle Automotive BMW 328i

Daniel Sugden Starts: Best Finish:

1 6th 2014 with Daniel Kapetanovic

David Krusza Starts: Best Finish:

2 3rd 2013 with Daniel Kapetanovic

One of the most consistent teams in the AEC returns in 2015, with David Krusza back in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat after a 12-month sabbatical. Krusza, who won the 1995 CIK Australian Karting title against the likes of James Courtney and Marcos Ambrose, is one of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most underrated drivers while Daniel Sugden is fast and capable, marking this combination as a dark horse for the podium.

Pinnacle Automotive BMW 328i

Rodney Stait Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Doug Westwood Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Pinnacle Automotive has expanded to a second BMW 328i for the Wakefield 300, albeit naturally aspirated (the Sugden/Krusza entry is supercharged). The aim for Stait and Westwood will be to contend for division honours in the B-Main.

February 28-March 1 2015

5 88

Hunter Pacific BMW M3

Phillip Allen Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Greg Lomax Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Allen and Lomax will be hoping for a better run than last year’s Wakefield 300, where they were the first retirement, lasting just two laps. They did bounce back at the Winton 300, finishing inside the top three in their division. Since then, they have completed a number of test days and should be well prepared for a more satisfactory assault on this year’s Wakefield Park enduro.

5 91

Colder Refigeration Mazda MX5

Rob Hay Starts: Best Finish:

4 2nd 2010 with David Raddatz

Terry Nightingale Starts: Best Finish:

3 26th 2010 with Brad Shiels

Rob Hay separates from long-time co-driver Nick Cancian to team up with 2014 Wakefield 300 B-Main winner, Terry Nightingale. The naturally-aspirated Colder Refigeration Mazda MX5 sits in an interesting zone in terms of its lap speed, being not quite quick enough to run right at the front of Division 2, but a fraction too fast for Division 3. Nevertheless, a top 10 outright result is well within reach.

Valvoline Australia Ian Kegg Starts: Best Finish:

Hyundai Excel

1 21st B-Main 2014 with Dean Evans

Mark Nottage Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Ian Kegg is thoroughly enjoying his time back in motorsport after a seven-year break from 2006 to 2013, and is still driving as competitively as ever. He’s joined by fellow former HQ Holden racer Mark Nottage, who is now a fulltime competitor in the NSW Excel Racing Series, and the pair should contend with the other Excels for a Division 7 win.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

RSWphotos.net Mazda MX5

Nick Martinenko Starts: Best Finish:

2 8th 2012 with Steven Head

Matilda Mravicic Starts: Best Finish:

2 21st 2013 with Geoff Kennedy

The husband-and-wife duo of Martinenho and Mravicic have a long history in Production Sports racing, typically in Mazda MX5s. They swapped to a BMW M Coupe for last year’s Wakefield 300 but chalked up a DNF after being turned around late race, and have reverted to Mazda power for this year’s Wakefield 300 campaign, where they are a dark horse for a podium finish.

100

The Wicker Man BMW M3 Dori Saade

Starts: Best Finish:

1 11th 2014 with Mark Boudib

Endree Saade Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Endree Saade was one of the most impressive drivers in last year’s NSW Super TT, winning the series on debut and earning himself a place in Wakefield Park’s list of five standout drivers for the season. He teamed up with Avo Soghomonian for a DNF in last year’s Wakefield 300, but his brother Dori was more successful, finishing second in Division 1 and 11th outright with Mark Boudib.

102

Deckspeed Racing Mazda MX5

Carl Kosutar Starts: Best Finish:

1 14th 2014 with Michael Caine

Chris Deckers

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 13th B-Main 2014 with Stuart McFadyen

Carl Kosutar made his debut in the Wakefield 300 last year and was also one of the front-runners in the first round of this year’s MX5 Cup. Chris Deckers, son of Daniel, set the fastest lap of last year’s Wakefield 300 B-Main, and will likely be aiming for a spot in the main race this time around.

February 28-March 1 2015

110

Targa Racing Mazda MX5

David Viner Starts: Best Finish:

1 5th B-Main 2014 with Rob Viner

Rob Viner Starts: Best Finish:

1 5th B-Main 2014 with David Viner

Last year was a breakout season for the Viner father-and-son combination; they won the Modern Sports Car Championship and finished well in the B-Main in both the Wakefield and Winton 300s, albeit with a breakout penalty at Winton. This year, they will be aiming to take the next step and contend for a B-Main win.

5 119

Sherrin Rentals BMW 135i

Michael Sherrin Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

David Ayres Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The second of the Sherrin BMWs was called into action at the Bathurst 12 Hour after the damage sustained by the primary car, and finished the race in 30th position after numerous pit stops due to fuel issues. The mechanical dramas should be rectified for the Wakefield 300, and Michael Sherrin and David Ayres have proven themselves to be a solid endurance pairing; look for them to compete for Division 3 honours.

5 123

Hume Smash Repairs Mazda MX5

Steven Head Starts: Best Finish:

Lou Iezzi Starts: Best Finish:

3 8th 2012 with Nick Martinenko

2 20th 2013 with Owen Boak

An ill Lou Iezzi put in one of the drives of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Winton 300 B-Main, charging from a pit lane start into the top six before making an early pit stop due to exhaustion. He and Steven Head are a rapid combination and their MX5 is capable of setting times that will allow them to contend for victory in the B-Main this year

Valvoline Wakefield 300

127

Tanner Autosport Proton Satria GTI

Shane Tanner

Starts: 6 Best Finish: 8th 2008 and 2009 with Daniel Flanagan

Ben Johnson Starts: Best Finish:

1 12th 2011 with Shane Tanner

A regular competitor in the Wakefield 300 since 2008, Shane Tanner returns in his distinctive Proton Satria GTI for 2015. He will be joined by Ben Johnson, who also drove with him in the 2011 race, where they finished 12th outright. Last year Tanner was a DNF due to gearbox problems; provided the car runs reliably, he and Johnson can be expected to contend for Division 7 honours.

141

One Way Racing/Bevico Triumph TR7 Elliot Wright Starts: Best Finish:

3 16th 2012 with Mark Morsillo

Greg Morsillo

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 32nd 2013 with Elliot Wright/Mark Morsillo

Triumphs may not have an enviable reliability record, but Elliot Wright has gone some way towards improving their reputation with a series of solid finishes in the Wakefield 300, higlighted by 16th outright with Mark Morsillo in the wet race of 2012. This year, they will most likely contend for a division win in the B-Main.

157

Mitsubishi Evo

Ed Kreamer Starts: Best Finish:

2 13th 2013 with Martin Duursma

Martin Duursma Starts: Best Finish:

2 13th 2013 with Ed Kreamer

They may be BMW Car Club members and they may come from a background of tarmac rallying, but both Ed Kreamer and Martin Duursma have adapted well to endurance circuit racing, with strong showings in the Wakefield 300 the last couple of years. Mechanical problems have prevented them from scoring stronger results, so they will be hoping for a trouble-free run in 2015.

February 28-March 1 2015

164

One Way Racing Triumph Dolomite

Mark Morsillo Starts: Best Finish:

4 16th 2012 with Elliot Wright

Rhys Morsillo Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

The Morsillo Triumph Dolomite could be described as a wolf in sheep’s clothing; instead of the four cylinder unit which powered the standard Dolomite, this one is fitted with a turbocharged V8 engine which gives it potent straight-line performance. It will therefore be quite a challenging car for Rhys Morsillo to make his Wakefield 300 debut, although his father Mark Morsillo has four previous starts in the event.

5 175

Ensign Shipbrokers Mazda MX5

Tony Ross Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Paul Chapman Starts: Best Finish:

1 8th B-Main 2014 with Tony Bonnano

Tony Ross and Paul Chapman upstaged some much faster competition when they finished third outright in last year’s Queensland 300, before they backed up that performance with third in the Winton 300 B-Main. Both drivers have also turned laps in the Queensland Production Sports and NSW/VIC Modern Sports categories.

5 178

Mazda MX5

Daniel Reynolds Starts: Best Finish:

2 8th 2014 with Morgan Freemantle

Matt Stubbs Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Two former Formula Vee national champions reunite in Reynolds’ MX5 for an assault on the Wakefield 300, after running in the Winton 300 the last two years. Despite being down on power compared to many other cars, the talent of Reynolds and Stubbs has seen this car punching above its weight in a number of races. A bit of rain would assist this team significantly.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

183

Mazda RX7

Roland Rohrle Starts: Best Finish:

5 7th 2011 with Ross Wood

Ross Wood Starts: Best Finish:

5 4th 2010 with Hayden Pullen

Roland Rohrle and Ross Wood both have strong records in the Wakefield 300; in five starts, Wood has only finished outside the top 10 once, while Rohrleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RX7 is always reliable if not blindingly quick. This pair is a fair bet for a top10 finish in the B-Main.

186

J & S Automotive Lotus Exige S Angela Coradine

Starts: Best Finish:

1 7th 2014 with Peter Lucas

Peter Lucas Starts: Best Finish:

1 7th 2014 with Angela Coradine

Angela Coradine and Peter Lucas endured an up-and-down Wakefield 300 debut last year, where they spun off the circuit on a number of occasions, yet they still managed to finish seventh. If they can keep it tidy this year, they should be well placed to go for a top five finish.

198

CPD Racing Nevco Mazda MX5

Craig Durrant

Starts: 1 Best Finish: 14th B-Main 2014 with George Pethard

George Pethard Starts: Best Finish:

1 14th B-Main 2014 with Craig Durrant

MX5 Cup series organiser Craig Durrant and co-driver George Pethard line up for their second start in the Wakefield 300. Like the other MX5s in the field, the Durrant/Pethard entry should be consistent and reliable. Their aim will be to improve on last year by finishing inside the top 10 in the B-Main.

February 28-March 1 2015

222

Team Supreme Future Busa

Chad Cotton Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Jase Collins Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

With all the success for Chad Cotton in the Winton 300, it is hard to believe this is his first start in the Wakefield enduro. He will again be teamed with Jase Collins in the Team Supreme Future Racer, a car that won the Winton 300 in 2012 and finished second in 2013, but suffered fuel problems last year.

771

Truckrite.com Ford Falcon

Dave Shaw Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Brad Goss Starts: Best Finish:

1 DNF

Dave Shaw made his AEC debut at last year’s Winton 300, winning Division 6 alongside Cameron McKee. For the Wakefield 300, he’s joined by Brad Goss, who has substantial experience in production cars and endurance racing, so this car should be well placed within its division this weekend.

5 781

BPG Motorsport Ginetta G50

Craig Burgess Starts: Best Finish:

4 18th 2014 with Adam Burgess

Adam Burgess Starts: Best Finish:

4 18th 2014 with Craig Burgess

After three previous retirements, the Burgess father-and-son combination finally made it to the finish of last year’s Wakefield 300 in their Mazda RX7. Mechanical problems struck again at Winton though, when Adam Burgess teamed up with Josh Muggleton for a DNS after an engine failure in practice. This year. they have upgraded to a Ginetta which should be one of the faster cars in the field, as well as being well-suited to endurance racing.

Valvoline Wakefield 300

5 818

BYP Racing Honda Civic

Benny Tran Starts: Best Finish:

Victor Vo Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Time Attack competitor Benny Tran will need to sacrifice one-lap speed for consistent race pace when he lines up with Victor Vo in his Honda Civic. While Tran is a front-runner in Time Attack, the mentality to perform well in an endurance race is completely different, and reliability will be a key factor for the BYP racing operation.

888

Anderson Waste Services Hyundai Excel

Andrew Walker Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

David Lo-Iacono Starts: Best Finish:

0 Debut

Andrew Walker raced in last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NSW Excel Racing Series, while David Lo-Iacono has participated in some track days ahead of a full Excel Series assault in 2015. These drivers will be aiming to compete with the other Excel entries in Division 7.

994

Targa Racing BMW 130i Paul Shacklady

Starts: Best Finish:

1 6th B-Main 2014 with Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter Starts: Best Finish:

1 6th B-Main 2014 with Paul Shacklady

Former PRB racer Paul Shacklady made his AEC debut at the Winton 300 in 2013; he and Anthony Carter also competed in the Wakefield 300 last year. In a car that is easy to drive and well-suited to the Wakefield Park circuit, these drivers should aim for a podium in their division.

Undiscovered Talent

February 28-March 1 2015

Takes on Valvoline Wakefield 300 A Baulkham Hills racing driver, rated by many as one of the great undiscovered talents of Australian motorsport, is preparing for next month’s opening round of the 2015 Australian Endurance Championship, the Valvoline Wakefield 300. David Krusza was one of the stars of the national karting scene in the mid-1990s; he raced against current V8 Supercar stars like James Courtney and Marcos Ambrose in the CIK karting series on his way to winning the national go-kart title in 1995. While many of his rivals progressed to higher rungs on the racing ladder and were able to forge a professional career, Krusza elected to focus on other pursuits. “The karting scene was a lot of fun and good experience; as well as James Courtney, there were also people like Giancarlo Fisichella and Jarno Trulli (who would go on to become Formula 1 Grand Prix winners) who came out here from Italy to compete in some of the bigger events,” Krusza said. “There was an opportunity for me to move into Formula Ford and chase the dream of becoming a professional racing driver, but I was also concentrating on finishing high-school and didn’t think it was fair for my parents to make any more sacrifices at that stage.” Krusza spent a number of years outside the sport, concentrating on business and family interests, but returned to the driver’s seat in 2011. “I was travelling back from a business meeting in Melbourne and a long-time friend of mine, Daniel Kapetanovic, happened to be doing a sprint day at Winton (in northern Victoria) in his BMW. He offered me a drive and I was bitten by the racing bug again!”

number of production car events, including a one-hour Production Touring Car race at the holy grail of Australian racing, Mount Panorama Bathurst, in 2013. Krusza and Kapetanovic have also been regulars in the Australian Endurance Championship 300km races, finishing third outright in the 2012 Winton 300 and 2013 Wakefield 300. “The endurance events are always very enjoyable weekends; there’s a real spirit of camaraderie between the competitors,” Krusza said. “There are also the elements of teamwork and race strategy, with pit stops and driver changes, which are a real challenge.” For the upcoming Wakefield 300, Kapetanovic has stepped out of the driver’s seat and will assist the team’s preparation, while Krusza will be partnered by another experienced racer, Daniel Sugden, in the Pinnacle Automotive BMW 328i. Krusza believes they will make a strong pairing. “The BMW we will be racing has been a very reliable package; every race it’s started, it has finished in the top 10,” Krusza said. “We’ll be aiming to win our class, and hopefully finish on the outright podium.”

Since then, Krusza has competed alongside Kapetanovic in a

Valvoline Wakefield 300

No 18 42

Sponsors Sherrin Rentals N/A

44 75 110

SUPER TT/MX5 CUP Driver First Grant Julian

Driver Last Sherrin Burke

Opscentral.Net

Parry

Anastakis

Michael Rob

Hall Viner

111 119 164

Hydrawash Targa Racing Mx5 Parts.Com.Au Cpd Racing Nevco Sherrin Rentals One Way Racing

Craig Michael Mark

Durrant Sherrin Morsillo

818

Byp Racing

Benny

Tran

State Vehicle QLD BMW 135i NSW BMW M Coupe NSW Peugeot 205 GTI NSW Mazda MX5 NSW Mazda MX5

NSW Mazda MX5 QLD BMW 135i NSW Triumph Dolomite NSW Honda Civic

Colour Red Black

Capacity 2995 3200

Red/Black

1905

White Black

2500 2000

Grey Orange Yellow

2500 2995 3900

White

2400

AVOIG SUPERKART 100 No 5 8 17

Sponsors N/A Taplin Racing Sydney Asphalt Repairs

Driver First David Graeme John

Driver Last Fogerty Taplin Dunn

State NSW NSW NSW

18 33

Mac'S Marine Total Climate Control Air Conditioing N/A Als Brickcleaning

Warren Matt

Mcilveen Wark

NSW NSW

Drew Allan

Parks Parker

NSW NSW

Greg Alan Brian Steven Dane Joshua

Tinsley Dodge Tinsley Capenecas Mcilveen Hayman

NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW NSW

Mark Dennis Wayne

Vickers Gizas Horswell

NSW NSW NSW

45 57 58 71 75 78 88 88

N/A Vision Patios N/A N/A

90 95 111

Pitt Technologies Aasa/Mra Superkart Racing Team

Vehicle Arrow Ax7 Brm Gpm-66 Anderson/ Mavrick Brm Gpm66 Anderson Maverick Tonykart Italkart Rotax Arrow Ax9 Iwt Scorpion Arrow Ax8 Superkart Arrow X1 Italkart Supersonic Arrow X1 Arrow Ax8 2014 Italkart Avoig

Colour Yellow Black Yellow/ Black

Capacity 125 125 250

Orange Red/White

125 250

Green Yellow/Red

125 125

Blue White Purple Red White Red White,Yellow

125 125 125 125 125 125

Blue Black Black/Green

125 125 125

February 28-March 1 2015

AUSSIEHIRE.COM.AU

ARD HA R D C HA R G E R AW

This weekend’s opening round of the 2015 Australian Endurance Championship, the Valvoline Wakefield 300 has received a further boost with the announcement that Aussiehire.com.au will sponsor a “Hard Charger Award” for the main race on Sunday afternoon. A prize of $500 will be presented to the team that improves the most places from their grid position to their finishing position. Aussiehire.com.au managing director Mike Fitzgerald is himself competing in the event, racing an Improved Production-spec Honda Civic. “The Wakefield 300 is a great event, and even though this is my first time racing in it, I’ve been watching it for a number of years and it just keeps growing,” Fitzgerald said. “By sponsoring the Hard Charger Award, we’re supporting grass-roots motorsport while also rewarding a team that puts in a good effort during the race.”

Wakefield Park circuit manager, Matthew Ronke said he is delighted with this sponsorship arrangement. “This year, we’ve had quite a lot of interest from companies wanting to become involved in the Wakefield 300, which is very encouraging for the future,” Ronke said. “In such a competitive field, every position will be fiercely contested so whoever wins the Hard Charger Award will have earned it.” Practice and qualifying for the Valvoline Wakefield 300 will be held this Saturday, 28 February, followed by the B-Main and main race on Sunday, 1 March.

Construction equipment – breakers and jackhammers, compactors and rollers, drills and grinders, levels, saws and more. General equipment – cleaning and floorcare, earth-moving, events and entertainment, gardening and landscape, materials handling, power tools, pumps and more. Vehicles – tippers, utes and vans. Traffic management – arrowboards, safety lights, visual message boards and barriers. For more information, please visit www. aussiehire.com.au.

All the action will be live streamed via www.motorsportstv.com.au. About Aussie Hire Aussie Hire is based in Hornsby, on Sydney’s North Shore, and was founded in 1987. It has a wide range of equipment available for hire including:

Valvoline Wakefield 300

WAKEFIELD LAP RECORDS