AMBROSE WINS RACE #1 OF CLIPSAL 500
20/3/2004 20:46 (Press Release) -
V8 Supercar champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) has started his 2004 title
defence in the best possible way winning the opening 250km race of the Clipsal
500 on the streets of Adelaide.
A great day for the Stone Brothers Racing team with Ambrose's teammate Russell
Ingall (Caltex Havoline Racing) finishing third behind Steven Richards.
Ambrose drove a superb race and his Stone Brothers Racing crew made all the right
moves in the pits, to have him clear of the opposition by mid-race distance.
Starting third, the Tasmanian was second by the end of the first lap behind pole
sitter Greg Murphy.
A safety car period on lap #20 set up the victory for Ambrose. He made his compulsory
tyre stop while Murphy's team chose to keep him on the track.
Ambrose made his fuel stop six laps later, while Murphy didn't head to the pits
until lap #30. Murphy made both his stops in green flag periods and fell down
the order.
Another safety car on lap #42 had Ambrose in third place behind Warren Luff (Shell
Helix Racing) and Paul Morris. On the re-start he passed both cars and was never
headed.
Behind, Ingall moved into challenge Richards, and although he did pass his former
teammate, the Enforcer was unable to hold onto the second position.
Ingall choosing to play it safe and take third position ahead of tomorrow's final
race.
Up front Ambrose took the chequered flag repeating his Saturday win of last year.
"Great start to the season, I could not have wished for a better result," said
Ambrose.
"The car was excellent and I knew that pit strategy would be key. We made the
right call and then was able to drive my own race from there.
"The tyres took a bit of a hammering, but they did 58 laps on what was a pretty
hot day.
"I knew the tyre stop early was the right call and the car's balance remained
excellent throughout.
"In terms of how I feel physically, I'm exhausted. That was the toughest race
I've driven. I was hot by the second lap and we'll going into full recovery mode
tonight. Tomorrow we'll then go back into preparation mode and go for the win.
"Winning tomorrow will be very important. It's a very big race in terms of prestige,
the championship and personally it's just a great challenge".
Ingall was called into the pits at the same time as Ambrose. Although he had
to sit behind his teammate while the crew completed the Tasmanian's pit stop,
Ingall rejoined the race only a few spots behind and went on one of his customary
charges.
His battle with Richards was the highlight, with both drivers praising each other
for tough but fair racing.
"Top start for us and I know we can go better tomorrow," said Ingall.
"You can't knock the Stone Brothers crew, I was a bit miffed to have to sit behind
Marcos and wait for my service, but it was clearly the right call.
"Out on the track the boys kept me updated with my position as well as the numerous
incidents that occurred out there.
"The racing with Richo was great. Always hard, but we both kept it very fair.
In fact the boys were pleased to see no dents on the car for a change!
"I've really worked hard in the off-season getting ready for the year. I got
some training tips from three-time AFL premiership player Jason Akermanis and
in the hot condition today it really helped".
The opening leg of the Clipsal 500 had numerous incidents on the concrete lined
street circuit. Ten cars failed to finish the 78-lap race and only 14 cars finished
on the lead lap.
Drivers and crews hit the track again tomorrow afternoon at 2pm for the final
250km leg.
Top-10 results - Race #1 Clipsal 500
1. Marcos Ambrose -Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA
2. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore
3. Russell Ingall - Caltex Havoline Racing - Ford Falcon BA
4. Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore
5. Paul Weel - PWR Racing - Holden Commodore
6. Paul Morris - Siromet Racing - Holden Commodore
7. Mark Skaife - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore
8. Paul Dumbrell - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore
9. John Bowe - OzEmail Race Team - Ford Falcon BA
10. Glenn Seton - Ford Credit / Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BA
Release Date: 20/03/2004
Ford Racing Australia
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