10 years - too long
6/9/2004 13:06 (Press Release) -
It’s been 10 years since BJR’s John Bowe last won the Sandown 500. For the first time since standing atop of the podium in 1994, Bowe believes that this year poses to be his best chance to do it all again.
“I have no doubt that we can win it [Sandown 500]. They way the OzEmail Falcon and the team have come together has given me more confidence about this year’s campaign than any other in the last nine,” said Bowe.
“The biggest difference between ’94 and now is that we [BJR] are one of eight or nine teams that have a strong chance of winning. Ten years ago there were two or three. Plus the importance of pit stops has put a lot more pressure on the team as a unit that wasn’t there in the past.”
“As a team BJR have always peaked at the endurance races. Last year we finished fourth in car that wasn’t as good as it could have been. This year, both Brad [Jones, co-driver] and myself really feel we have a more developed package and a group of guys that have what it takes to win.”
When asked about who he feels his main rivals will be, Bowe commented – “Skaife and Kelly in the HRT car will be very tough to beat and I expect Ambrose and Greg Ritter to be up there as well. Whist Ambrose’s Falcon hasn’t been as dominant this year, I think that Greg Ritter will be out to prove himself and with their combined talent, they will be competitive.”
John Bowe will join team boss Brad Jones in the number 12 black OzEmail Falcon, in a formidable driver pairing for both the Sandown 500 and Bathurst 1000 endurance-style events. After front row starts in their previous two Bathurst outings, Bowe believes it’s a combination that most V8 Supercar teams envy.
“The strongest part about us is our relationship and determination. We have known each other for a long time and have built up a true friendship. There is no way we would let each other down,” Bowe added.
Bowe was asked if he had heard recent speculation that Brad Jones may retire at the end of the year – “Yes, I’ve heard it and I’ve only got one thing to say – why would he ? If anyone would bother to study the facts, it will prove that Brad is a not only a very good race driver but a fantastic one. Like me with my starts, Brad’s weakness is his qualifying but his ability to ‘race’ is as good as anyone’s.”
The second of the BJR Falcon’s will see newly crowned Konica Minolta V8 Supercar Champion, Andrew Jones tee-up with former multiple British touring car ace, John Cleland in the number 21 white OzEmail Ford.
Cleland arrived in the country from his homeland Scotland on Sunday night and will be whisked into a full testing day at Winton on Monday. All four drivers will spend the day settling into their cars and a further media announcement will be made after the session on the outcomes.
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