A bright start for the V8s at Albert Park
7/3/2004 11:03 (Press Release) -
PWR Racing’s Jason Bright won the second of three V8 Supercar races this weekend by taking the GP100 at the Australian Grand Prix meeting in Melbourne.
Bright got the jump on yesterday’s race winner Greg Murphy at the start, and was able to pull away and control the race for the entire 19 laps.
The weekend’s second all Holden podium was completed by Steve Richards and Murphy. An early challenge by Ford driver Marcos Ambrose came to an end when his engine overheated after being blocked by leaves.
Garth Tander claimed fourth spot after third yesterday, with Jason Bargwanna the first Ford home in fifth after fighting for most of the race with HRT’s Todd Kelly.
But all eyes were on Bright today and an impressive performance that signals he will be a Championship contender again this year. It also gives him a race win here each of the last three years.
“This race never seems to mean much in terms of the Championship, but you wouldn’t want to be 15th here and heading into Round One,” Bright said. “We are trying pretty hard, we came here to win.
“We think we’ve got the equipment to do well this year, and we are happy with out progress after two test sessions and two races.
“We pushed pretty hard for most of the race today, the rear brake bias went away from us a bit in the middle and Richo was able to close in a little, but then we I got the bias right I was able to pull away and look after the tyres.
“We weren’t flat out at the end, but I was surprised by Richo’s speed, he is going to be tough tomorrow.”
Richards was running behind Bright and Murphy early in the race when Murphy locked a wheel and ran wide to avoid hitting Bright. Richards moved into second.
“I was imagining Brighty’s car going sideways too and me taking the chequered flag,” Richards said after the race.
“The car was good enough today, we really wanted to see what the car was capable of today, and I’m sure we can get it better for tomorrow.”
Murphy again lost the start after starting both races from pole position.
“To be honest, I didn’t think that start was all that bad, it just seems Jason got away better,” Murphy said. “The rear tyres are still not hanging in there, so we’ve got a bit more work to do on that.”
The Ford challenge faltered early in this race, first losing John Bowe with a lost wheel on the opening lap and then Betta Electrical teammates Paul Radisich and Max Wilson after contact with each other.
Tomorrow’s final race for the weekend starts at 10:37am.
Race 1 Results
1. Jason Bright – PWR Commodore
2. Steve Richards – Castrol Perkins Commodore
3. Greg Murphy – Kmart Commodore
4. Garth Tander – Repco Valvoline Cummins Commodore
5. Jason Bargwanna – Orrcon Falcon
6. Todd Kelly – HRT Commodore
7. Simon Wills – Team Dynamik Commodore
8. Cameron McConville – Repco Valvoline Cummins Commodore
9. Steven Johnson – Shell Helix Falcon
10. Steve Ellery – Super Cheap Falcon
Release Date; 6/03/2004
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