SBR DELIGHTED WITH AMBROSE'S FORD CONTRACT
26/11/2004 21:16 (Press Release) -
Stone Brothers Racing are delighted that their driver Marcos Ambrose has resigned as a Ford contracted driver until at least the end of 2009.
Ambrose, who currently holds a sizeable lead (166 points) in the 2004 V8 Supercar
Championship Series in his SBR-prepared Pirtek Falcon, signed the contract extension in Melbourne today.
SBR team co-owner Ross Stone said that Ambrose was contracted by SBR until the end of 2006 and that his new deal with Ford could see the current team relationship continue well into the future.
“We are obviously delighted that Marcos has reached an agreement with Ford for such a period of time,” said Stone.
“We have enjoyed the success we have achieved with Marcos and look forward to a long association.
“His signing with Ford does not necessarily mean he will remain with SBR for that entire time, but we see no reason why we cannot extend our current relationship well into the future.”
Along with SBR, Ambrose has led the way in Ford's revival on Australian racetracks. Ambrose has set the standard for Ford drivers in the V8 Supercar Championship Series since his debut in 2001.
Ambrose's new deal will include a role as ambassador to aspiring young racers
through Formula Ford. Ambrose will work closely with the development of young
drivers, in the process providing them with knowledge of the racing business
on and off the track.
The long-term deal is also aimed at raising Ambrose's personal profile with an
increased involvement in Ford promotions and advertising campaigns.
The V8 Supercar Champion's record on the track is impressive, with 12 overall
round wins, 22 podium finishes and 15 pole positions, all from 50 starts.
"This is just what I wanted, long-term stability with a car maker who's extremely
serious about winning races and championships," said Ambrose.
"I've made many sacrifices to establish my racing career. It's very satisfying
to know that all the hard work can pay off.
"There's still a lot to achieve and Ford, along with Stone Brothers Racing, will
play a big part in making that happen.
"Part of that plan definitely includes another championship. We won it last year
and ideally we can close out the 2004 championship at my home track at Symmons
Plains outside Launceston on November 14.
"My new role with Formula Ford is a great initiative from Ford. Identifying talent
isn't always easy, but my experience both in V8 Supercars as well as Formula
Ford will help men help a new generation of young drivers further their careers
in racing."
Announcing the long-term deal, Australian President Tom Gorman underlined Ford's
commitment to continued success on the track.
"Marcos has made his name with Ford and we wanted to make sure he stayed with
us long-term," said Gorman.
"Marcos is more than just a great race driver on the track. He is also an outstanding
ambassador for our Ford Australia dealers, the fans and the next generation of
drivers.
"His dedication to winning is unquestioned and his personable approach is something
that we all admire".
After three years in Europe, Ambrose burst onto the Australian scene in 2001
with pole position on debut at the Australian Grand Prix support event. From
that point he's never looked back and his championship of 2003, that included
six round wins, is true testimony to his outstanding ability.
Release Date: 03/11/2004
Stone Brothers Racing
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