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28 Januar/2000
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Perkins' new VT and Larry plans a two car enduro assault By PH8L BRAMAGAN LARRY Perkins has unveiled his latest VT Commodore V8 Supercar - and there are a few tricks in store from the Melbourne-based team. The car, which will be debuted by Russell Ingall in the opening round of the Shell Championship Series at Phillip Island on 12/13 February, features a radical ‘twin’ roll cage which greatly increases the rigidity ofthe car’s chassis. Most notably, the interior of the car has a diagonal cross-member in front of the driver, running from the top right-hand corner of the cockpit to the bottom of the car’s Apillar. While that in itself is reminiscent of the noted Holden Racing Team ‘Petty Bar’ Commodore VS of three years ago, Perkins expects no con troversy over his innovative design. The car was expected by CAMS early this week, and passed its technical inspection with flying colours. “It’s a standard process,” he said. ‘Tou have to meet certain strength requirements, and certain rules. CAMS have had a look and there is nothing they are remotely worried about. I didn’t expect there to be. “The fact that the car has two roll-over bars is just following the trends which have been followed in Europe for some years, and which HRT have continued here.” Perkins, who will start the sea son in the VT he and Ingall ran at Bathurst last season prior to step ping into his own new car in April, will run two cars during the season and, for the first time, run two Castrol cars in the endurance races. “There are up to six or seven younger drivers in Australia who are worthy candidates. They have demonstrated their skills in other classes, but we’re a way off picking drivers. I have a hst, but I haven’t approached anyone yet.” Expect a lot of busy signals on Perkins’ phone in the next few weeks as young drivers scramble for a chance to drive for LP ... For an exclusive look inside Perkins’ latest challenger, see pages 20/21.
Brown leaves QR STOP PRESS: Dennis Brown is now longer with Queensland Raceway. Following a meeting with the receivers on Tuesday afternoon, his 10-year contract was terminated. “Obviously, it’s disappointing,” he said,“I think the way the government has handled it is appalling.” See news story, page 5. ■ Latest rumour: John Faulkner will announce his sponsor soon. According to our source,JFR has bagged a “large American sponsor” for his Commodore VT,with a second, ‘Junior’ development program to take a yoimg driver into the USA racing scene. The team is staying tight-hpped but MN believes the driver will be FF hotshoe and former karting whiz, Nick Agland.
Now he’s the Reinforcer: Ingall’s new Castrol/Perkins Commodore VT sees the light of day for the first time at Perkins’s Moorabbin base. At least something with an engine can use the runways ... (Photo by Tony ciynn)
Kmart’s new look
■ Speaking of secrets: Brad Jones is due to announce his sponsor for his new V8 Supercar next week. No leaks have come out of the team [“I’m amazed it hasn’t got out,” said TM Kim Jones last week] but the tip is it’s non-automotive-related. Let’s see; that lets out oil companies,tyres, retailers... ■ Sponsor rumour #3: There is expected to be an annoimcement at Phillip Island regai'ding the sponsor for the V8 lites series. No-one is saying too much, but MN beheves that the sponsor will be one ofCUB’s Light beer brands, maybe Fosters Special Light. V
■ Hot on the heels of Leanne Ferrier getting the Valvoline FF deal(see page 8) we hear that another fast female is moving up. Word is that Queenslander Rachel Smeaton will run in the GT production ranks this season in one of Honda’s mega-powered S2000 roadsters.
STEVEN Richards and Greg Murphy will be getting discounts on Castrol oil, Stanley Tools, Sony PlayStations, Meguiars Killer Shine and KTM motorbikes at their local Kmart this year. Their newly-liveried, Gibson Motorsportbuilt Commodore VTs were displayed on Tuesday and will race for the first time at Phillip Island on February 12/13.
Holden Racing Team sees Red
further advances in our commercial and technical activities.” While taking the covers off its new look, HRT also unveiled its new range of merchandise, treating the awaiting media to a fashion parade - the annual sales, which total around $10 million per year, playing an increasingly bigger role of importance within the team.
By GERALD McDORNAN
HOLDEN Racing Team’s new look for 2000 has been unveiled and, as expected, the official launch revealed an increased commitment from the factory to the Tom Walkinshaw-owned, Clayton-based operation. The prodominently red cars of series champion Craig Lowndes and Mark Skaife will carry large Holden logos across the bonnet, while previous naming rights sponsor Mobil, having increased its commitment to the team for a further three years, takes a slightly smaller supporting role to Holden on the cars this year. “The key ingredients in winning three of the past four Touring Car titles have been HRT’s staff, drivers and the business approach to motor racing,” HRT chief John Crennan said at the launch.
3
“It’s very satisfying to know that HRT has retained its staff, we have drivers the calibre of Craig
Lowndes and Mark Skaife defending the championship and believe that we now have made
HRT’s Young Lions team will continue in 2000 although at the launch of the senior team, team boss Crennan said the programme wouldn’t be finalised for another two weeks. Todd Kelly will remain with the Young Lions in 2000, although the team will run as a single car team, Kelly driving the ex-Skaife VT. An announcement regarding sponsors of the Young Lions will be made in two weeks.
■ Legends, start your conversation; Frank Matich is a confirmed guest presenter for the Australian MotorSport Awards on February 10. The sportscar and open wheel legend of the ’60s and ’70s will hand out several gongs at the Melbourne Park Tennis Centre. There are still some tickets available; see page 19 for details. ■ Good news for Superbike fans: Phillip Island’s round of the World Superbike Championship is now going to feature a round of the Supersport Championship. The April 23 race will have a full field of the 600cc howlers. It’ll be interesting to see how much slower they are around the Island than the big beasties. ■ What’s French for “Stop this damn thing!”?: McLaren is bringing its fabulous two-seater MP4-98T FI car back to Albert Park. The heart attack for two is expected to feature on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and one lucky winner will be able to get the Ride of a Lifetime behind McLaren test pilot(and former Monaco winner) Olivier Panis just by buying a ticket to the race.'Ticketmaster(1800 677 438) has the details. Weight Watchers’ number is in the book.
try laaking him in the eyes.
Jason “Mad Dog” Bargwanna V8 Supercar
Face your fears. Live your dreams.