BROCK AND JOHNSON TO RENEW RIVALRY AT INDY
8/11/2004 18:38 (Press Release) -
Australian motorsport’s greatest rivals will don the race suits together and get behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar for one last time next week. And two people will have the chance to go along for the ride of their lives with them, all in the name of charity.
Dick Johnson and Peter Brock have battled for three decades in the names of Ford and Holden. As part of the Gillette V8 Supercar Challenge at the Lexmark Indy 300 next week they will do it all again – to raise money for breast cancer research.
The pair will also give someone the once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the seat alongside them while they complete a flying lap around the spectacular Gold Coast circuit.
The ‘hot’ laps of the Surfers Paradise circuit are currently being auctioned on E-Bay with all money raised going to Breast Cancer Research. Bidders can access the auction through the front page of the V8 Supercar Championship Series website at www.v8supercar.com.au. Bidding closes at 3pm on Thursday (tomorrow).
Johnson has not raced in a V8 Supercar since he made a brief comeback to race with son Steve in 2000. Brock was due to compete one last time at the Bob Jane T-Marts Bathurst 1000 at the weekend but did not complete a single lap when his co-driver Jason Plato crashed his car.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” said Johnson who will drive his son Steven’s Shell Helix Ford Falcon in the Hot Lap with the successful bidder.
Johnson recounted his rivalry with Brock fondly.
“The best part of it was that we had a lot of respect for each other. If we swapped paint twice in our entire careers I’d be very surprised. We’ve had careers that have paralleled in a lot of ways.
“Now he were are all these years later still involved in the sport. Our sport has certainly changed a lot in the last few years.
“Still, it will bring back a lot of memories when we race around the Gold Coast circuit together one more time.”
Brock is also anticipating a flood of memories when he tackles Johnson again, albeit in different circumstances to the good old days.
“We are friendly compatriots who enjoy a bit of a chat and a joke,” said Brock who will drive the impressive Holden Racing Team’s PR2 for the Hot Lap.
“He was fabulous for the sport and I don’t know if the V8 Supercar world really understands the contribution that Dick Johnson has made to current V8 Supercar racing.
“We both came through a tough school and know what it was really like. It will be great next weekend to be there and do this, as well as being part of the fantastic series we have these days.”
Johnson and Brock will take to the Gold Coast streets on Saturday week.
Release Date: 13/10/2004
Lexmark Indy 300/AVESCO
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