Defending Champion Relaxed And Ready To Go
21/2/2004 6:35 (Press Release) -
Defending V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose says he is “relaxed” and “ready to go racing” after a two-month lay-off.
Ambrose gave Ford its first championship since 1997 when he drove his Pirtek Falcon to outright victories in six of the thirteen rounds last season – including the series decider at Eastern Creek back in December.
The title was also the first for Stone Brothers Racing and capped off a fantastic year for the Queensland-based team which also included the Konica V8 Supercar title clinched by youngster, Mark Winterbottom.
Ambrose will show off his 2003 championship trophy publicly tomorrow when he and SBR teammate Russell Ingall are the guests of honor at the team’s annual Fan Day at the team’s headquarters at Yatala from 10am to 2pm.
2003 was an amazing year for Ambrose who was contesting just his third full V8 Supercar championship.
“The pressure is off now we have the championship under the belt,” admitted Ambrose.
“2004 is all about enjoying the racing, while at the same time trying to defend the title.
“I want to be the best ‘champion’ I can be for the sport and for the fans.
“Make no mistake, I will be doing everything I can to win back-to-back titles for Pirtek, Ford and our other sponsors.”
Ambrose says the lead up to this season has been a little more relaxed and he believes everyone involved with his title defense will benefit as a result.
“Last year was a huge one for everyone involved in the sport, especially on the Ford side with a brand new race car to build and sort out,” said Ambrose.
“We all deserved a major rest and I took time out by going on a road trip in my Ford F250 truck to Tasmania with my partner Sonja.
“We played golf, rode bikes and generally just did everything except think about racing, but now it’s time to get back into it.”
The V8 Supercars will race in support events at the Foster’s Australian Grand Prix from March 4-7 before the official opening race of the 2004 season at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide from March 18-21.
OPEN DAY - EVENT DETAILS
VENUE: Stone Brothers Racing Merchandise Shop
ADDRESS: 20 Binary St, Yatala, Queensland
DATE: Saturday, February 21, 2004
TIME: 10am-2pm
DRIVER APPERANCES: 11am-1pm
WHY: Meet Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall, chance to get some great bargains on merchandise.
MORE REASONS: Kids jumping castle, show bags, Balloons and sausage sizzle
Release Date: 21/02/2004
Stone Brothers Racing
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