SBR leading team again in shootout
10/10/2004 7:24 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing’s Marcos Ambrose and Russell Ingall were the two highest-placed Ford drivers in today’s top 10 shootout for the Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 at Bathurst’s Mt Panorama.
Ambrose improved five places from yesterday’s qualifying position in his Pirtek Falcon and will start from fifth place in tomorrow’s 161-lap contest with his co-driver Greg Ritter.
Russell Ingall dropped three spots in his Caltex Racing Falcon and will start from eighth place with his endurance team mate Cameron McLean.
Steve Richards took his first pole for the endurance classic from Jason Bright and Paul Dumbrell.
Today’s shootout runs came after a successful hour-long morning practice in which all four drivers clocked some very competitive lap times.
SBR had two cars in today’s shootout, despite drama for both the Pirtek and Caltex cars on Thursday and Friday which cost valuable track time.
The Pirtek car did only nine laps on Thursday because of a first session accident and then an engine problem in session two.
The Caltex car was badly damaged in the rear after an accident in the opening session yesterday while co-driver Cameron McLean was at the wheel through Caltex Chase.
The team managed to get the car repaired in just over three hours and Ingall did a great job to produce the fifth-fastest qualifying time.
MARCOS AMBROSE – QUOTES
“The shootout lap was the best we could do,” said Ambrose.
“I think there must have been an extra chicane out there for the Fords, or the Holdens missed a corner or two.
“We certainly have a better race car than qualifying here this weekend.
“This week has been difficult for us and I did not help that situation with my little oops on Thursday.
“I am happy to be starting fifth and being the leading Ford. There is no doubt that we are looking forward to the race.
“We have had tyre issues here the last couple of years, but we are confident we have gotten on top of that problem. It is certainly something we will be monitoring during the race.”
GREG RITTER – QUOTES
“I did half a dozen laps in the car this morning and I was very comfortable,” said Ritter.
“To be starting fifth is pleasing, especially after the time we missed on Thursday.
“I guess it is a case of wait and see.”
RUSSELL INGALL – QUOTES
“It’s all good,” said Ingall.
“I think we should and could have been a couple of spots further up the grid, but it’s a long day tomorrow.
“We knew the Commodores would be better over the one lap because they have more down force at the front end which helps them get heat into their tyres much faster.
“If it was a two-lap shootout I think the results would have been a lot different.
“The car was very solid in this morning’s session and I think we are heading into tomorrow’s race with a terrific package.
“Those guys can have the champagne today, we’ll enjoy it tomorrow.”
CAMERON McLEAN - QUOTES
“I enjoyed my laps in the car this morning and there is no doubt I am going to bed tonight knowing I have my best chance ever of winning this race tomorrow,” said McLean.
“There are so many things that need to go in your favour to collect the big trophy here, but I think we are starting with a solid package.
“I have not lost sight of the job I have to do.”
SHOOTOUT – TOP 10
1: Steve Richards (Holden) 2:07.9611
2: Jason Bright (Holden) 2:07.9623
3: Paul Dumbrell (Holden) 2:08.0360
4: Greg Murphy (Holden) 2:08.1177
5: Marcos Ambrose (Ford) 2:08.4490
6: John Bowe (Ford) 2:08.5537
7: Paul Morris (Holden) 2:08.6920
8: Russell Ingall (Holden) 2:08.9225
9: Craig Lowndes (Ford) 2:09.4096
10: Jason Bargwanna (Ford) 2:09.45231
QUALIFYING - TOP 10
1: Greg Murphy/Rick Kelly (Holden) 2:08.0940
2: Jason Bright/Paul Weel (Holden) 2:08.1283
3: Steven Richards/Jim Richards (Holden) 2:08.1363
4: Craig Lowndes/Glenn Seton (Ford) 2:08.3637
5: Russell Ingall/Cameron McLean (Ford) 2:08.4064
6: Paul Morris/Alan Gurr (Holden) 2:08.4906
7: Jason Bargwanna/Mark Winterbottom (Ford) 2:08.4963
8: Brad Jones/John Bowe (Ford) 2:08.5197
9: Paul Dumbrell/Tony Longhurst (Holden) 2:08.5285
10: Marcos Ambrose/Greg Ritter (Ford) 2:08.5736
BOB JANE T-MARTS 1000 – FACTS AND FIGURES
TRACK FACTS – MT PANORAMA, BATHURST
Venue: Mt Panorama, Bathurst
2004 Race format: Qualifying (Friday) and Top 10 Shootout (Saturday); 161-lap Race (compulsory tyre and fuel stops) - Sunday
Circuit Length: 6.21km
Circuit Direction: Anti-Clockwise
Maximum Speed: 300 km/h (Conrod Straight)
Qualifying Record – Greg Murphy (Holden) 2:06.8594 (2004)
Lap Record- Garth Tander (Holden) 2:08.6726 (2003)
CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS (After 9 of 13 rounds)
1: Marcos Ambrose 1487
2: Jason Bright 1464
3: Steven Richards 1397
4: Rick Kelly 1373
5: Russell Ingall 1347
6: Greg Murphy 1284
7: Todd Kelly 1163
8: Garth Tander 1155
9: John Bowe 1004
10: Jason Bargwanna 962
THE WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Bob Jane T-Marts 1000
Mount Panorama, Bathurst NSW
Sunday October 10
7:15 – 7:35 – Warm Up
10:00 – 5.45pm Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 (161 Laps)
TV TELECAST – NETWORK TEN
Sunday – 7am-5pm (EST)
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