Faulkner in doubt for Clipsal 500
4/4/2000 21:08 (Jason Whittaker) - Veteran JFR namesake, John Faulkner's Clipsal 500 campaign is in doubt after sustaining a serious back injury last week.
Faulkner will make the journey to Adelaide for the event, but will wait until Friday to decide whether or not to race. Recently signed young-gun Adam Macrow is on stand-by to pilot the No. 46 Asia Online Commodore should the need arise.
"Let's say I'm more up-beat about the condition of my back than I was last week," the 47-year-old said. "My back is getting better everyday and either way I will be in Adelaide."
After looking almost no chance of making the grid on Saturday, a visit to the back specialist late last week confirmed the injury was not as severe as first thought. Faulkner says his fitness is currently at 75%.
"I will know within ten laps of Friday's first practice if my back is up to it, which still gives me enough time to enter Adam as Team Asia Online's official driver if needed," he said.
"With double points up for grabs there is more incentive to start the race but on the other hand I have a duty to my sponsors Asia Online to stay in the race and gain maximum exposure."
"Currently I am feeling better than I expected but I'm still covering every base, including going as far as pouring a new seat mould in preparation for the weekend," he said.
Should 21-year-old Macrow start, rules state he will be unable to collect any of the points on offer.
Clipsal 500 proceedings, with or without Faulkner, will begin on the streets of Adelaide this Friday.
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