Cats and Ford V8 Stars Rev-Up for big weekend
14/8/2004 14:43 (Press Release) -
Ahead Geelong's round 17 clash with Carlton at Telstra Dome this Sunday (25 July), the Cats put their hand/eye reflexes on show in a special driving challenge with Australia's leading V8 Supercar drivers at Calder Park Raceway.
It was also a warm-up for the Ford stars, who hit the track at Winton Motor Raceway this weekend for round #7 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.
The Ford V8 Cats Challenge had Geelong's leading players team-up with the likes of three-time V8 Supercar Champion Craig Lowndes, two-time V8 title holder Glenn Seton and Bathurst winner Jason Bargwanna.
To add spice to the day, V8 star Steve Johnson partnered Geelong star Steve Johnson.
Aiming to make his “Mark” on the track was Cats' coach Mark “Bomber” Thompson.
Used to driving towards the opposition, the Cats performed a different type of driving at Calder Park Raceway. Darting past the defence was replaced with dodging witches hats in Falcon road cars.
The Ford V8 Cats Challenge included a number of skills tests and the opportunity to sit beside the V8 stars on fast laps around Calder Park Raceway.
The competitive element came out as pride between the players and the codes went on the line.
Paul Chapman showed the way for the Cats setting the quickest time in the motorkhana.
Overall all the players benefited from the expert driver tuition including captain Steven King.
“It was a great experience, but those Ford Racing boys don't have to worry about any of us making a change to car racing,” said King.
“The opportunity to learn how to control the cars was a real eye opener. It's something that can only be taught by skilled drivers in controlled conditions.
“Getting to know the drivers was a real buzz and it was great to compare our two disciplines.
“We'll have to get them all down to training and let them experience our world!”
Even the coach was impressed with opportunity to improve his driving skills.
“We had eight guys who'll be playing in the senior side this weekend, so today I was a little nervous,” said Thompson.
“It was a really good team exercise and importantly everyone, including me, got great tips from the best drivers in the country.
“I'm sure the other players in the club will be drilling the guys about the experience.
I'm sure it's not going to be the last time we try something like this.”
Organiser of the day and Bathurst winner, Jason Bargwanna, was impressed with the Cats' driving skills.
“The important thing about driving is that you can always improve your skills,” said Bargwanna.
“The guys didn't hold back and I even got comfortable sitting beside them by the end.
“I'll take up the offer of coming down to the Cats training, although my football days will be limited to some kick-to-kick in the park.”
The Cats go into their clash with Carlton this weekend sitting fifth on the ladder.
Defending V8 Supercar Champion and Ford driver Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) takes the championship lead into this weekend's V8 Supercar round at Winton.
Ford V8 Supercar line-up:
Craig Lowndes CAT / Ford Performance Racing
Glenn Seton Ford Credit / Ford Performance Racing
Jason Bargwanna Orrcon Steel Racing
Steve Johnson Shell Helix Racing
Geelong Cats line-up:
Mark Thompson (coach)
Steven King (captain)
Joel Corey
Henry Playfair
Cameron Mooney
Paul Chapman
James Bartel
Steven Johnson
David Wojcinski
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