Dynamik team for SA, as Ramsay launches factory attack
7/10/2002 13:31 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) -
Adelaide V8 Supercar fans will have a team to call their own next season, with local racing entrepreneur Malcolm Ramsay announcing a full-scale assault on the 2003 championship.
After months of speculation, Ramsay finally laid his cards on the table yesterday, committing two Holden factory-backed cars to the full V8 Supercar Championship Series program.
In partnership with Kiwi racing identity Kieran Wills, father of Queensland 500 winner Simon, Ramsay’s Birrana Racing workshop has begun construction of two VY-spec Commodores. Seven key staff appointments have also been made.
The operation will be known as Team Dynamik.
No drivers have been officially linked with the project, but Simon Wills is almost certain to steer one car. Wills walked out of Briggs Motorsport earlier this year, revealing he was keen to pursue his father’s racing interests.
Wills drove for the team in Formula Holden and the Konica V8 Supercar Series, winning both championships.
That will leave one key Holden seat open, with Castrol Perkins Racing refugee and former Adelaide boy Russell Ingall a possible target.
Ramsay, a prominent local businessman and former top-line driver, said the challenge is the greatest in his career.
“We are taking this challenge very seriously indeed," he said in a statement. "We have been overwhelmed by the ongoing support we have received from racing associated businesses, local business and fans alike."
”Being South Australia’s only V8 Supercar team provides us with a unique opportunity to develop local initiatives supporting the Adelaide community, with a particular emphasis on youth development and community schemes."
Forcing his way onto the grid could prove Ramsay’s greatest challenge. With new entrants squeezed out by current franchise rules and over-subscribed grids, Ramsay may need to buy out an existing team to play next season.
Birrana Racing has a rich pedigree, including a record seven Formula Holden titles. Formula One driver Mark Webber and current V8 Supercar stars Jason Bright and Rick Kelly are just some of the drivers to benefit from their apprenticeship with Ramsay.
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