Lowndes Rains 'Em In To Score Second At Eastern Creek V8's
14/4/2004 22:06 (Press Release) -
Craig Lowndes (CAT Ford Performance Racing) has steered his way from 15th on the grid to a runner-up finish in a rain-soaked second round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Sydney's Eastern Creek.
The race was won by 21-year-old Rick Kelly, who showed experience beyond his years as other leading drivers struggled in multiple rainstorms, including one that ended the race ten laps early.
Lowndes' result repeated his effort of last year when he finished behind Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing).
In a race that featured five safety cars, including one for the start, fortunes fluctuated between many of the teams.
Lowndes made his way through the field during the safety car periods, as he was able to get the most of re-starts to make up positions.
The final run saw him pass three cars, including Garth Tander just one lap before the final safety car.
Following a horror weekend in Adelaide where failed to score any points, second place today has elevated him to 16th in the championship.
“Huge result for us, I'm pleased for myself and the boys who have worked non-stop to get things turned around,” said Lowndes.
“The conditions worked in our favour, but that's racing. I really enjoyed the challenge today. You just had to get in there and make the most of all the opportunities.
“It was good tough racing, but importantly we didn't turn anyone around and there was a lot of respect shown by many drivers.
“We had good speed in the toughest of conditions. The car was good on and off the racing line, which was a big bonus on the slippery track.
“We still have a way to go with the car, but a result like this definitely puts a spring back in the step of everyone.
“Today certainly shows that this is an unpredictable championship. Any team that finished in the top-10 deserve to feel satisfied.
“Next up we go across to Pukekohe in New Zealand, and we could get more of the same unpredictable weather. I'm sure this championship has more twists and turns to come.”
V8 Champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) finished seventh and is now 12 points behind Steven Richards in the title chase.
Ambrose led from pole position, but during the round of pits stops Rick Kelly took up the challenge. Ambrose battled with Mark Skaife before running wide and slipped down the order.
It was a philosophical Ambrose who said the very wet conditions forced him to be somewhat conservative.
“That was not easy today, there was many times I saved the car from going off the road,” said Ambrose.
“We were good in the drizzly type conditions, but really struggled in the heavy rain.
“The re-starts tended to be in the heavy conditions and that's when most of the others got by.
“It was good to get a top-10, and although we've slipped to second in the championship it's still very close.
“However, I would like a dry run in New Zealand”.
Other notable performances from today came from Steve Johnson (Shell Helix) who claimed sixth and Jason Bargwanna (Orrcon Steel Racing) who finished in eighth and now sits fifth in the championship.
The V8 Supercar Championship Series now boards the boat for the trip across the Tasman for the V8 International at Pukekohe between April 30 - May 2.
In other news announced today, the V8 Supercar Series will not run in China as planned in November. Championship organisers AVESCO announcing that the event would be postponed through to 2005 and that a replacement event for the 12-14 of November would be announced in the coming weeks.
Top-10 result - Eastern Creek
1. Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore
2. Craig Lowndes - CAT Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon
3.Garth Tander - Valvoline Cummins Racing - Holden Commodore
4. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore 5. Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore
6. Steven Johnson - Shell Helix Racing - Ford Falcon BA
7. Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA
8. Jason Bargwanna - Orrcon Steel Racing - Ford Falcon BA
9. Craig Baird - Team Kiwi Racing - Holden Commodore
10. Max Wilson - Team Betta Electrical - Ford Falcon BA
Top-10 championship - after 2 of 13 rounds
1. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore 360 pts
2. Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA 348 pts
3. Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore 336 pts
4. Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore 327 pts
5. Jason Bargwanna - Orrcon Steel Racing - Ford Falcon BA 270 pts
6. Jason Bright - PWR Racing - Holden Commodore 267 pts
7. Paul Morris - Sirromet Racing - Holden Commodore 264 pts
8. Craig Baird - Team Kiwi Racing - Holden Commodore 258 pts
9.Garth Tander - Valvoline Cummins Racing - Holden Commodore 222 pts 10. John Bowe - OzEmail Racing - Ford Falcon BA 216 pts
Release Date: 04/04/2004
Ford Racing Australia
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