Wallabies Rev-Up To Scotland Test With Ford V8 Supercar Stars
18/6/2004 22:33 (Press Release) -
Ahead of their second rugby Test against Scotland this year, at Telstra Stadium, the Qantas Wallabies put their hand/eye reflexes on show in a special driving challenge with Australia’s leading V8 Supercar drivers, in the Ford V8 Wallaby Challenge.
The Wallabies line-up of Phil Waugh, Matt Dunning, Stirling Mortlock, Radike Samo, David Lyons, George Smith, Stephen Larkham and Chris Latham, took on V8 stars Glenn Seton (Ford Credit / FPV Ford Performance Racing), Orrcon Racing duo of Jason Bargwanna and Mark Winterbottom, as well as AllBlack infiltrator, Paul Radisich Paul Radisich (Team Betta Electrical).
More used to driving towards the opposition, the Wallabies performed different types of driving skills at Sydney’s Eastern Creek. Darting past the defence was replaced with dodging witches hats in Falcon road cars.
The Ford V8 Wallaby Challenge included a number of skills tests on the skidpan and the opportunity to sit beside the V8 stars on fast laps around the Eastern Creek Raceway.
The day gave the Wallaby players an insight into car control. After countless spins, all players settled into improving their driving.
The competitive element come out as pride between the teams and the codes went on the line.
“That was one of the best sponsorship activities the Wallabies have ever done,’ said Phil Waugh.
“It was a lot of fun, and we certainly learnt a lot about car control. Getting the opportunity to learn from the very best drivers in controlled conditions was a big thrill.
“Then to sit beside the V8 drivers as they took us for laps of the track was just amazing. I’m pretty sure my career as a rugby player was the right choice!”
Jason Bargwanna was pleased with the outcome of the day.
“As athletes we all get competitive and the competition today was pretty stiff. The chance to not only teach the Wallabies car control, but also just sit down and compare our sports was a lot of fun.
“I’m pleased to hear that Wallabies had a great day. From what they tell me we’re pretty much guaranteed the entire squad for the next event!
“I know the hot laps had them a little nervous, but not half as much as I would be if I had to pack into a scrum!”
The winner on the day was Wallaby fly-half Stephen Larkham. His family has plenty of pedigree in motor sport, with second-cousin Mark Larkham the owner of the Orrcon Steel Racing team that Bargwanna and Winterbottom drive for.
“I know Mark is driving at Bathurst this year and he’s still looking for another driver,” said Stephen Larkham.
“However, I think it’s safe to say the other name in the window won’t be mine,” said Stephen Larkham.
“I wouldn’t say no for lap with him in the real V8 Supercar when he and I have the chance!”
The success of the day has Ford already planning for future events.
The Qantas Wallabies take on Scotland in the second Test this Saturday night at Telstra Stadium in Sydney. Ford’s V8 Supercar stars will next be in action at round #6 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Queensland race on from 2-4 July.
Ford V8 Supercar line-up: Qantas Wallabies line-up:
Glenn Seton Ford Credit / Ford Performance Racing Phil Waugh
Jason Bargwanna Orrcon Steel Racing Matt Dunning
Mark Winterbottom Orrcon Steel Racing Stirling Mortlock
Paul Radisich Team Betta Electrical Radike Samo
David Lyons
George Smith
Stephen Larkham
Chris Latham
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