Holden penalty sticks, but not for Bathurst
17/5/2000 22:05 (Jason Whittaker) - Despite ferocious debate through the week from all quarters, CAMS have stood firm and confirmed the Holden penalty will stick in a special meeting by the board this afternoon. However, in a surprise move, the new supposed parity-friendly regulations will be scrapped for the Bathurst event.
In an effort to reduce the disparity problem currently plaguing the category, the Confederation of Australian Motorsport (CAMS) today declared there would be no back-flip on the highly-controversial move, and all Holden teams will have their wings clipped before this weekend at Hidden Valley.
However, in what is seen as a compromise to the furious Holden camp, the regulations forcing teams to trim 100mm from the front undertray of the Commodore will be scrapped for the FAI 1000 at Bathurst in November.
"A certain amount of pressure was brought to bear on the situation," CAMS CEO, Peter Hansen, said.
"However, CAMS cannot be moved by such actions, as it represents the interests of all parties. These procedures that have been refined over the years to protect the rights of participants must be adhered to," he said.
Hansen said the Bathurst event, which the Ford's of Dick Johnson Racing dominated last year, was "unique" and carried special circumstances.
"The Board of CAMS always recognises the need to create a fair and just environment for all competitors and therefore made allowance for the unique circumstances that apply at Bathurst," Hansen said.
"Consequently, the Holden Commodore VT undertray in 'Eastern Creek' specification of 100 mm greater length will be permitted at Bathurst," he added.
With the ruling now official, Holden teams will be forced to make the chances before opening practice at Hidden Valley this Friday.
A 100mm shorter front spoiler will, officials hope, provide the Commodores with less downforce and slow times by up to 0.3 seconds per lap.
However Jeff Grech and the Factory Holden team are adamant the changes could slow their Commodores by as much as half a second per lap.
The Ford camp isn't convinced of this, in particular John Bowe who has publicly criticised the parties involved in the decision for not going far enough.
The changes will remain in place for the next three Shell Series rounds, after which time the decision will again be reviewed by CAMS and the Performance Review Committee (PRC).
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