Wakefield's dream call-up to SBR
14/9/2001 16:02 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Stone Brothers Racing has drafted Wayne Wakefield to co-drive Marcos Ambrose's Pirtek Falcon, realising a lifelong dream for the 31-year-old Queenslander.
Wakefield replaces Greg Crick, who stood down from the position after a disappointing run alongside Ambrose at the Queensland 500.
"It's the call-up I have been waiting a lifetime for," Wakefield, who signed with the team on his birthday yesterday, said.
"Pirtek Racing has won Bathurst in 1998 and with Marcos it's clearly one of the hottest teams in 2001.
"Bathurst is the pinnacle of motorsport in this country and I'm looking forward to running with a driver and team that has a great opportunity of success."
A hero among the local Queensland racing community, Wakefield's year - and career - has been beset by a lack of funding.
He shot to prominence last year, finishing third in the inaugural Konica V8 Supercar Series, but his only appearance this season was at the Lakeside Konica meeting, finishing on the podium.
"I'm under no illusions that this could be a career turning-point for me," Wakefield said, "so I'm keen to make the most of the opportunity."
Ross Stone was impressed with Wakefield's under-funded achievements in last year's Konica Series, and promised him a ride if one became available.
"I did promise him an opportunity if something came up and I believe he will do a very good job for Pirtek Racing at Bathurst," he said.
"Importantly he does have a fair deal of V8 and Bathurst experience, which is vital at Mount Panorama.
"Wayne will get at least two tests, possibly three, before Bathurst."
As well, Wakefield has been granted permission to run his Graphic Skills Commodore in Saturday's 30-lap race for Konica-class cars at Bathurst.
"Add in practice for both races in the days leading up to the weekend and he won't be short of miles around Mount Panorama," Stone said.
Wakefield will make his third Bathurst start this year, while Ambrose is a Mt. Panorama rookie.
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