AMBROSE CLOSES IN ON CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SECOND PLACE IN RACE #1 OF V8'S IN TASMANIA
26/11/2004 23:38 (Press Release) -
Second place in the opening V8 race of the Tasmania Triple Challenge at Symmons
Plains has Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) well within sight
of back-to-back titles.
Ambrose finished behind Rick Kelly, but importantly was eight positions in front
of Jason Bright to gain 16 points on his championship rival. If Ambrose can finish
this weekend with 27 more points overall than Bright he will wrap up the championship
with one round remaining.
Today's V8 race was the first in the Apple Isle since 1999 and fans were treated
to a tough fight throughout the 42-lap journey.
Starting from fourth on the grid, Ambrose charged into the first turn in second
place behind Steven Richards. The race was decided in the pitlane when Rick Kelly
jumped up the order with a great tyre change. Ambrose had a slower stop and dropped
down the order, before going on a charge.
It came to a head on lap #21 when Steven Richards tried a late braking move on
Todd Kelly at the end of the back straight. The result forced both cars wide
and allowed Ambrose to jump into second place.
>From that point the biggest question was the weather. Although there was a light
shower, it didn't affect the result.
“In terms of our championship that could have been a very dangerous race,” said
Ambrose.
“There were so many circumstances that could have affected the outcome, so to
grab second and extend our points margin on Jason Bright is fantastic.
“I'm proud of the guys in the team who have again given me a great racecar and
not let any other external events effect them.
“It was a tough race. I was surrounded by Holdens and the threatening rain didn't
help things either.
“It was a race where you had to take opportunities when they came. That was off
the start and when Steven Richards had his lunge at Todd Kelly.
“I could see that Steve was starting to struggle with his brakes and when I saw
him have a go at Todd I knew it wasn't going to stick. Todd did fight back for
the next corner, but I had the better run and was then able to hold the position.
“It's good for the fans here in Tasmania and ideally we'll complete the job tomorrow.”
The drive of the race came from WPS Racing's David Besnard who finished eighth
after starting in 25th position.
Tomorrow completes the Tasmanian Triple Challenge with another two 42-lap races.
Earlier in the day stewards released their findings into the Ambrose and Rick
Kelly pitlane confrontation at the previous round on the Gold Coast. Stewards
found Ambrose guilty of rule B6.5.14 in which he intimidated Rick Kelly. Stewards
issued a $10,000 suspended fine on the condition that he doesn't commit a similar
breach of the rules through to the end of 31 December 2005.
Race #1 results - Tasmania Triple Challenge
1. Rick Kelly - KMart Racing - Holden Commodore
2. Marcos Ambrose - Pirtek Racing - Ford Falcon BA
3. Todd Kelly - Holden Race Team - Holden Commodore
4. Steven Richards - Castrol Perkins Motorsport - Holden Commodore
5. Garth Tander - Valvoline Racing - Holden Commodore
6. Craig Lowndes - CAT Ford Performance Racing - Ford Falcon BA
7. Russell Ingall - Caltex Havoline Racing - Ford Falcon BA
8. David Besnard - WPS Racing - Ford Falcon BA
9. Paul Radisich - Team Betta Electrical - Ford Falcon BA
10. Jason Bright - PWR - Holden Commodore
Release Date: 13/11/2004
Ford Racing Australia
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