So why does BJR go so well at Bathurst?
2/10/2004 22:09 (Press Release) -
There are always two things inevitable at Bathurst. At some stage there will be teaming rain at the top of the mountain whilst at the same time the crews are basking in the sun in pit lane and the other is that Brad Jones Racing will be somewhere at the front of the field. Second place in 2001 and front row starts in the last two years proves that.
It's a question on many people's lips - just why do BJR do so well come Bathurst ?
Well, according to team owner Brad Jones, it's a combination of an inherent car set-up and driver expertise – “Ever since we started in V8 Supercars back in 2000, we have always been able to set our cars up for fast, sweeping circuits. There’s something about our heritage that’s helped us with that and it’s perfectly suited to Bathurst.”
“You also can’t beat driver experience when you come to Bathurst. It’s a daunting place that creates extra pressure just because it’s Bathurst. There’s been plenty of drivers that have struggled even after being there a few times and then there’s people like John [Bowe] and myself that just thrive on it.”
20 year veteran of Australia's “Great Race” is John Bowe, a multiple conqueror of the 'Mountain'. Is it just his experience these days that gives him and the team a competitive advantage ?
"Collectively we have a fair bit of knowledge on the place [Mt Panorama]. Brad [Jones], myself and a number of our team members have been at the forefront at Bathurst plenty of times and that certainly helps.”
“In the Ford world, BJR are very much underestimated. We might not have the flashiest transporters and weather satellite stations but we are serious racers and that’s what it takes to do well at Bathurst. There’s not a person on our team that doesn’t have a genuine racing mentality,” said Bowe.
In team news, quintessential Australian brand, Kitten has joined BJR for the endurance races, taking out signage on the headlights of the team's two Falcon V8 Supercars.
According to National Marketing Manager, Ian Maidens, the arrangement is a strategic one to capitalise on the popularity of motorsport at this time of year.
"Our CRC brand has had a long association with BJR and we know how well they can promote us, so getting on board with Kitten Car Care for Bathurst is quite exciting. Just like Bathurst, Kitten Car Care products is an institution in this country and it's fitting to have a prominent position for one of Australia's all time great sporting events," said Maidens.
With just over a week to go before the 2004 Bathurst campaign gets underway, BJR are using the final days to put the finishing touches together to what will be a $350,000.00 venture to stand on the podium on Sunday afternoon.
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