Scot of Racing enticed back down-under
21/6/2001 0:01 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Brad Jones has enticed likeable Scot John Cleland back to Australia for the V8 Supercar endurance events – not that he needed much persuading.
Cleland will partner Jones in the OzEmail Falcon at the Queensland 500 and Bathurst 1000, in a deal announced today.
Cleland said his love for the country and category couldn’t keep him away.
“I am delighted to be joining Brad and the team at OzEmail Racing,” the 48-year-old, two-time British Touring Car champion said.
“I love coming back to Australia every year and competing in what is now arguably the most competitive touring car category in the world and doing it this year with a super-professional team like OzEmail will make it even more enjoyable.”
The announcement ends a four-month search for the right candidate, Jones says.
“Kim (brother/manager Kim Jones) and I had considered a number of options, both nationally and internationally, before agreeing to terms with John,” he said.
“John is a seasoned Bathurst campaigner who has regularly finished in the top ten. He knows what it takes to be competitive and he also knows what it takes to win.
"And the added advantage is that he is a great person and well renowned for being easy to work with and a team player.”
Jones was partnered by Tomas Mezera at both races last year, but the veteran racer was snapped up by former employer, the Holden Racing Team, last month. Cleland drove alongside Rodney Forbes in both endurance events in 2000.
Cleland will test with the team prior to the Queensland 500 in August.
“This will work out well as I have yet to drive the AU Falcon and I can’t wait to be back behind the wheel of a V8 Supercar again,” Cleland said.
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