41 entered for Bathurst 1000
13/9/2001 23:26 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
The grid for next month’s V8 Supercar 1000 at Bathurst has been announced, with 41 cars set to launch an assault on Mt. Panorama this year. (Click here for the entry list details)
The provisional grid is the smallest since the Bathurst classic of 1997.
It does not include a partner for Marcos Ambrose in the Pirtek Falcon, though an announcement from the Stone Brothers Racing camp is expected soon.
While a number of drivers have been mooted for the vacant seat, part-time Queenslander Wayne Wakefield has emerged as the likely candidate.
Ambrose’s original ally, Tasmanian Greg Crick, gave up the seat after a disappointing Queensland 500 campaign. Instead, Crick will drive with Ross Halliday in his Ford.
Elsewhere, veteran Peter Doulman has been revealed as John Faulkner’s co-driver for the race.
Faulkner teamed with Craig Baird for the Queensland 500, but Baird will share driving duties with Mark Noske in the Prancing Horse Racing Falcon at Bathurst.
Former NRC Racing driver Dale Brede will co-drive Alan Heath's AU Falcon.
The Holden Racing Team has entered an unchanged driving line-up, despite their precarious championship position.
Shell Series leaders Mark Skaife and Jason Bright will again unite in the lead car, while Tony Longhurst and Tomas Mezera will share the No. 2 Commodore.
Meanwhile, 23 entries have been received for the 30-lap Konica Series race, to be run in support of the V8 Supercar 1000 on Saturday morning.
The field is led by year-long Konica class racers Michael Simpson and Kevin Mundy, both of whom will back-up for the 1000km marathon on Sunday.
Regardless of the possible ride with the Stone brothers, Wayne Wakefield will campaign his Graphic Skills Commodore in Saturday’s race.
Tickets are now on sale for the V8 Supercar 1000, October 4-8.
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