Undergrad Whincup eyes both prizes at 500
2/9/2002 17:09 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Canny talent scout Garry Rogers has promoted Formula Ford star Jamie Whincup to his V8 Supercar endurance team – even before the teenager's graduation from the junior formula.
Jamie Whincup (right), with endurance partner Max Dumesny, will drive a Formula Ford and a V8 Supercar at the Queensland 500
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Whincup will partner veteran sprintcar specalist Max Dumesny in a second Rogers Commodore for the Queensland 500 and Bathurst 1000, supporting Garth Tander and Jason Bargwanna in the lead car.
The current Formula Ford championship leader, Whincup will battle with Mark Winterbottom for the title in the season finale at Queensland Raceway – the same weekend he'll tackle his first V8 Supercar event in the 500.
It’s a lot of pressure for a 19-year-old rookie. But Rogers firmly believes he’s up to the task.
“I’m acutely aware of the difficulties,” Rogers said. “Jamie and his team have worked hard all year to win the Formula Ford championship and we won’t be doing anything to jeopardise his chances.
“But we really wanted to give him a chance in a Holden.”
Whincup didn’t need to be convinced.
“It’s been my ambition all year to get a run in the V8 enduros and hopefully move into the V8 Supercar series full-time next year,” said the Melbourne-based racer, Formula Ford’s Rookie of the Year in 2001.
“I’m thankful to Garry Rogers for giving me the opportunity for my first V8 drive.”
Dumesny, 46, a four-time World Series sprintcar champion, hasn’t raced a V8 Supercar since the 1996 Bathurst 1000, but was a standout at Rogers’ selection trials.
“Max’s experience and Jamie’s raw talent will give us something a little different to previous years,” Rogers said.
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