Ford fully focused on winning Bathurst
8/10/2004 22:07 (Press Release) -
Ford will be out for nothing short of victory at Australia's premier motor sports event, the Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 at Bathurst on Sunday October 10. Ford has enjoyed one of its best periods in V8 Supercar Racing over the past two seasons, however, the crown of Bathurst champion has eluded the Blue Oval since 1998.
Ford comes into this year's 1000km endurance test at Mount Panorama with momentum on its side and a collection of outstanding candidates to win the 'Great Race'.
Leading the charge will be V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing). Ambrose has taken 12 overall wins and 15 pole positions all from 48 starts. This year he's taken four wins, including victory at the Clipsal 500 (Adelaide) and the recent Sandown (Melbourne) 500. He's also scored three wins straight to lead
the championship standings.
“This year I have won the biggest races excluding Bathurst, now it's time to add that one to the list,” said Ambrose.
“Winning big races is never easy. The key to our success has been our preparation and going to Bathurst will be no different.
“We had our last test two weeks prior to the event and we really had a great outing. We were able to give the car an excellent run, give my co-driver Greg Ritter plenty of laps, go through some Bathurst race styled scenarios and give the crew plenty of pit stop practice.
“Our Bathurst form in recent years has not been to the very high standard we expect of ourselves. That's not going to be the case this year. Collectively everyone on the team is focussed on winning and nothing less.”
Bathurst has created heroes over the years. It's also had its fair share of hard luck stories. Included in these are Glenn Seton (Ford Performance Racing) and Brad Jones (OzEmail Racing).
Seton will be making his 21st start at Mount Panorama. Over the years he has come desperately close, finishing second twice and being with ten laps of winning in 1995.
“I waited 20 years to finally get a real Bathurst highlight and that was finishing second with Craig Lowndes last year,” said Seton.
“I'm not satisfied with that. I want to win the race and with a great teammate and an experienced team behind us, we're pretty confident of being in the fight.
“Your whole season can be judged on how you perform at Bathurst. It's that important. The championship may have changed a lot over the years, but the fact remains that winning Bathurst is still the most important goal of the season.
“You win that race and you are an Australian sporting legend, not just a motor sports hero. People always remember you as a Bathurst winner.”
Like Seton, Brad Jones has come close on numerous occasions. Jones has the best record at Bathurst without actually winning the event.
“Twice second, twice third, I certainly know my way to the podium after the race,” said Jones.
“This year they have built a new pit complex and podium, and I'm pretty keen to try the new top step of that podium.
“Along with my co-driver John Bowe, we'll both be making our 20th starts at Bathurst. JB has won it twice, but is determined to get another.
“For me, my brother Kim and our team, winning Bathurst remains the biggest goal in our lives. My determination to win Bathurst goes back a very long time. Much further back than my debut back in 1985.
“We certainly lift for the event. All teams know we'll be strong at Mount Panorama and that's pleasing for our dedicated crew to hear. I certainly would like to backup those claims with top spot this year.”
Ford will send a total of 30 drivers across 15 officially supported teams. It's a line-up that includes the very best drivers in Australia, as well as well-known names from New Zealand, South America and Europe.
A $24 million dollar redevelopment including the new pit complex, paddock and spectators facilities, will give Mount Panorama a fresh look in 2004.
For sports fans across the country Network TEN has announced the biggest television coverage ever for Bathurst.
TEN's Bathurst broadcast is now 18 hours over three days:
· Friday, October 8: 1pm - 4pm,
· Saturday, October 9: 12pm - 5pm
· Sunday, October 10: 7am - 5pm (Sunday is live into all markets).
Cars hit the track from Thursday October 7, with further practice and qualifying on Friday. Saturday's action included the final practice and top-10 shootout. Sunday's 161-lap race gets underway at 10am.
V8 Supercar details for Bathurst
Top 10 Shootout - Saturday 9 October - 3.40pm
Race (161 laps - 1000.293km) - Sunday 10 October 10am
Circuit: Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales
Length: 6.213km
Lap Records:
Qualifying - Murphy 2:07.9503 (2)
Shootout - Murphy 2:06.8954 (2003)
Race - Murphy 2:08.6726 (2003)
Estimated top speed: 295km/h - Conrod Straight
Estimated average speed: 135 km/h
FORD V8 SUPERCAR LINE-UP
1. Marcos Ambrose (Tas) / Greg Ritter (Vic) - Pirtek Racing
5. Alain Menu (Swi) / Adam Macrow (Vic) - Ford Credit / Ford Performance Racing
6. Craig Lowndes (Vic) /Glenn Seton (NSW) - CAT / Ford Performance Racing
9. Russell Ingall (SA) / Cameron McLean (Qld) - Caltex Havoline Racing
10. Jason Bargwanna (NSW) / Mark Winterbottom (NSW) - Orrcon Steel Racing
20. Mark Larkham (NSW) / Matt Halliday (NZ) - Orrcon Steel Racing
12. Andrew Jones (NSW) / John Cleland (GB) - OzEmail Racing
21. Brad Jones (NSW) / John Bowe (Tas) - OzEmail Racing
17. Steven Johnson (Qld) / Warren Luff (NSW) - Shell Helix Racing
18. Owen Kelly (Tas) / David Brabham (GB) - Shell Helix Racing
23. Davis Besnard (NSW) / Alex Yoong (Mal) - WPS Racing
48. John McIntyre (NZ) / Neil McFadyen (NSW) - WPS Racing
31. Steve Ellery (Qld) / Luke Youlden (Vic) - Super Cheap Auto Racing
88. Paul Radisich (NZ) / Max Wilson (Bra) - Team Betta Electrical
888. Yvan Muller (Fra) / Dean Canto (NSW) - Team Betta Electrical
TOP-10 CHAMPIONSHIP AFTER 9 OF 13 ROUNDS
1. Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA 1487pts
2. Jason Bright / Paul Weel - PWR - Holden 1464pts
3. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden 1397pts 4. Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden 1373pts 5. Russell Ingall - Caltex Havoline Racing - Ford Falcon BA 1347pts 6. Greg Murphy - KMart Racing - Holden 1284pts 7. Todd Kelly - Holden Race Team - Holden 1163pts 8. Garth Tander - Valvoline Racing - Holden 1155pts 9. John Bowe - OzEmail Racing - Ford Falcon BA 1004pts 10. Jason Bargwanna - Orrcon Steel Racing - Ford Falcon BA 962pts
Ford V8 Milestones at Bathurst
21st Bathurst start Glenn Seton Ford Performance Racing
20th Bathurst start Brad Jones OzEmail Racing
20th Bathurst start John Bowe OzEmail Racing
10th Bathurst start Mark Larkham Orrcon Steel Racing
Birthday
42nd Paul Radisich Team Betta Electrical 9 October 1962
|
|
