Motorsport News Issue 92 - 17-30 January 1997

Issue 92

$3.95 (NZ $5.95 inc/ GST)

NEWS

17 - 30 January 1997

Greatest visible change in the F310B is the fro~t, which is now raised, following the s~yle first pioneered by Williams and now adopted by most serious teams.

Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo was in positive frame of mind at the Maranello launch although continuing to set modest targets for 1997: ''We want to win more races than "If we didn't have a tyre advantage I wouldn't be saying that we could last year and in 1998 we want to win races in our first season in win the World Championship," he said.

Grands Prix."

However, following the launch of The Arrows A18-Yamahawill run for the first time later this week, the new Ferrari, Schumacher has firmed as favourite for the '97 weather permitting.

At the same time, Ferrari has crown.

Full details on both the Ferrari unveiled its F310B in plenty of time and Arrows inside.

■ for some solid pre-season testing.

FERRARI and Arrows have "I believe that at half of the races unveiled their new 1997 there will be little or nothing to Grand Prix cars within choose between Goodyear or days of each other and Bridgestone. At the other 50 percent of the races there will be a perforTWR boss Tom Walkinshaw mance advantage dramatically one has started the pre-season way or the other. jousting by claiming that "If we are reliable we will be in a Damon Hill can win races position to exploit that tyre advantage when it swings our way. in 1997.

"I think we have to aspire to have a car which is capable of :finishingin the top three reasonably consistently in the second half of the year," says Walkinshaw. "If we can do that there is no reason at all why Damon could not win one or two races."

Walkinshaw also believes that the team's new Bridgestone tyres will be a winning factor.

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Is, Vis, action STAND by for a surprise. The opening round of the 1997 Shell Australian Touring Car Championship is set to be run under lights on Saturday, March 15.

Although the final decision is yet to be taken, Motorsport News understands that Calder and IMG are well down the path in discussions which will lead to that outcome.

Calder has a history of successful night meetings, including Drag and Thunderdome meetings.

Two night touring car races (one V8 one Super Tourer) have drawn modest crowds, but the marketing plus es of Satw-day night could well add some sparkle to a meeting looking to draw a big crowdjust one week after the Melbourne Grand Prix.

AVESCO's Ron Meatchem confirmed the potential plan this week, as did Calder's Steve Bettes.

"The final decision has yet to be made and there are some extra financial implications, but I'd reckon it will happen," said Bettes.

"If it's confirmed, we'll be looking to make a big marketing splash for SHINING BRIGHT ... Just like Eastern Creek in '96, the SA TCC will start at night. the meeting ..."

The Saturday night also has implications for Network Ten's coverage of the opener. While it is not expected to be live, the overnight delay before Sunday broadcast will allow a degree of post-production enhancement.

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

Crompton heads to US ■ Neil Crompton left Australia this week to take up his position with Steve Home's fledgling US Super Tow·er team.

Crompton will drive Home's exBTCC Honda in the 1997 US se1ies.

With interest in the US series growing, we hear Stefan Johansson is trying to put together a Volvo deal, while WalkerSullivan Racing are talking to Audi.

■ There is to be no Mazda 121 se1ies this year for female racers.

However,ladies, lose no sleep.

We hear that discussions are well-advanced for the spot to be taken over by Holden, with its fleet of GP Celebrity Astras pressed into service for a similar women-onlyse1ies, running at a number ofSATCCrounds ...

(PhotJ by Dirk Klynsmith)

■ The original of a cartoon by motor sport cartoonist Stonie, first published on the front page of the AdelaideAdvertiser, featuring Ayrton Senna and a number of GP greats including Fangio, signed by the greats themselves, sold at auction in London recently for a cool$30,000...

Gardner,Larkham's newtyre deals...

Jordan gets Fisichella GIANCARLO Fisichella has as Ralf confirmed been Schumacher's partner at Jordan in 1997 and 1998.

After a couple of weeks of negotiation Eddie Jordan has reached agreement with the 23-year-old from Rome, probably buying the contract that existed between Fisichella and Minardi.

The announcement means that Martin Brundle no longer has an Fl drive and that Jordan is going into the 1997 _seasonwith a pair of drivers who have only eight Grand Prix starts between them.

This will not create a problem if the Jordan 197 is a quick car - as the team hope it will be - but if it has teething problems the team may suffer seriously from lack of experience.

For Brandle, a 37-year-old veteran of 158 Grands Prix during his 12 year career with TyITell, Williams, Ligier, Benetton, Brabham, McLaren and Jordan, the rejection could prove to be the final blow in his Fl career.

"I am very, very disappointed," Martin said, "it's a strange decision.

They already had one inexperienced driver, now they have two. I like to think I will race again, but who knows? Maybe I'll get another chance in Formula 1."

Brandle has been courted strongly by the British ITV network which want him to be one of its team alongside commentary MWTay Walker, Simon Tayl_orand James Allen but Brundle had yet to decide whether he wants to go on competing in other formulae.

-JOESAWARD

by CHRIS LAMBDEN

A shuffling of tyre contracts will see Wayne Gardner ·and Mark Larkham on different rubber in 1997.

Gardner last week signed up with Yokohama, while Mark Larkham (his deal with the Stone brothers in place), will switch from Yokohama to Bridgestone. • vociferously With Gardner unhappy with his Dunlops last year, the opportunity for change has come with Larkham's switch.

Since secretly testing some late last year, Yokohamas Gardner's team has been in discussion with the company and contracts were signed last Wednesday.

For his part Larkham has confirmed arrangements to run the car driven last year by Paul Romano, liveried in his familiar Mitre 10 colours, and prepared by the Stone brothers, Ross and Jimmy.

The Sydneysider completed a move to the Gold Coast last week and is now installed in an office adjacent to the Stone's workshop.

MARK LARKHAM

Had Larkham retained his Yokohama affiliation, an almost unworkable situation would have existed with his car sharing workshops and development effort with Alan Jones' Bridgestone-contracted car.

Yokohama GM Bob Bessemer confirmed last week that Larkham would make the switch: "We enjoyed having Mark with

us, he's very professional, but clearly there would have been an unacceptable conflict having two competing tyre brands in the same workshop.

"We wish him well, while at the same .time we're pleased to have Wayne on ow- tyres. That gives us two Fords· (Longhurst and Ellery) and two Holdens (Skaife and Gardner).

"Having said that, our d_ealwith Wayne is realistically a temporary one. As we understand it, TEGA are committed to introducing a control tyre in August ..."

Gardner's team has confirmed that it wiU run a single car in the Neil Shell, series, although Crompton will return from the US to drive a second car at the GP and IndyCar support races and will share with Gardner in the long-distance races.

Larkham is due to undertake his first laps in the ex-Romano/ Radisich car late this week "and boy I'm looking forward to it," he quipped.

... whileDunlopgoes for the bestof British DUNLOP is re-involving its British racing arm in order to get the development of its VB tyres back on track.

The switch back to Japanese manufacture in the middle of last year did not work as well as had been hoped, with the new Japanese rubber more often than not inferior to a rapidly dwindling supply of the British-built rubber.

The outcome of recent testing by Dunlop's two major teams has resulted in a decision to get the Porns back on the case.

While production of tyres is not expected to return en masse to the UK, Dunlop's Racing

Manager Jeff Moorehead confirmed this week that test tyres may well be produced there.

"Their main involvement will be in technological input, component parts etc, but it's possible there may be some tyres.

"The plan is to continue production in Japan, though. But with technical support from the

UK." The first batch of rubber under the new is due in the first week of arrangement February, for testing by Larry Perkins and the Shell team.

- CHRIS LAMBDEN

heard of the ■ You've in Canberra.

Summernats Performance car freaks take note - the Easternats are coming, to Sandown..

Promoter Jon Davison is shortly to announce plans for the hot rod fest...

■ Former Formula Ford contender lccy HaITington is likely to see some Formula Holden action in 1997, at the wheel of a second Formula Holden car recently acquired by AUSCARracer Bruce Williams.

■ Castro] has formally confirmed Russell Ingall's spot alongside Larry Perlrins for 1997.

At the same time, we hear that LP recently signed a new threeyear deal with the lubricant company, which will take him through to the end of 2000.

promoters ■ Race track received the second draft of their SATCC contracts late last week from IMG. We hear the document ran to 42 pages...

■ CAMS Ltd is officially looking for a new Chief Executive.

The brief, which is being handled by a leading (but unnamed) personnel consultancy, will a "highly qualified executive" from outside the sport with, according to a spokesman, "not necessarily a sporting background".

Ed Ritchie, CAMS' previous Chief Executive, resigned on September 13.

■ Damon Hill has been honoured by the British in the New Year Honours list, being granted the status of an Officer in the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), one of the country's orders of chivalry.

Both Frank Williams and March's Robin Herd have been awarded the more senior title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), but motor racing has still had only one player elevated to knighthood, Australian Jack Brabham - who became Sir Jack in 1979.

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■ Leading Porsche Cup contender Anthony Tratt is to debut in a VB tourer at the Melbourne Grand Prix.

The Toll Motorsport team has leased David Parsons' Perkins Commodore for the meeting, which Tratt hopes will be the first of several.

While the team is currently working to source additional sponsorship to enable it to contest some Shell series rounds, the car is being re-liveried in ToJJ Express colours. ''We're talking to a number of other sponsors now and we're hopeful," Tratt told Motorsport News this week The team expects to start testing next week.

Gobert Anthony ■ missed Lucky Strike's preChristmas training in the Gold Coast due his re-broken coJJarbone.Team mate Daryl Beattie completed a 10 day workout and has recovered fully from the operation to fix his perforated eardrum. Both riders were due to take part in a three day test at Eastern Creek this week.

■ James Taylor at the Grand Prix! No, not the after-race concert but during the Formula Holden race. The British JT will be dliving a Reynard dUl'ing the race. He has several years experience in Euro F3000 and British F2 racing. No reports on whether be knows a Carly Simon ...

■ CAMS Lts has formally begun the search for a new Chief Executive.

A leading Melbourne head-hunting agency bas been given the job of looking for the new CE. Former Chief Exec Ed Ritchie resigned last September.

■ When two Ferraris is not quite enough ... it seems that Ross Palmer Motorsport's flock of 355s will be growing. With son Darren already a confirmed GT-P starter alongside team leader John Bowe, Ross is said to be close to importing a THIRD car for the occasional fling in some of the south east Asian (or maybe even closer)...

■ lndyCar Australia has lost one of its board members. Peter Lacey, a member of the board since September last year, passed away suddenly last Thursday at his home on the Gold Coast.

He is survived by his wife Ann, daughter Kate and son Adam.

■ Peter Hills is awaiting the arrival of his Ford Mondeo Super Tourers, which are due in three weeks.

The three ex-Andretti/ Leitzinger cars are in various states of readiness and he is currently setting up to start work on them immediately.

He expects to name a "high-profile" driver for the team soon.

V8 datesset

By CHRIS LAMBDEN

VEE-8 touring car group AVESCOhas confirmed its 1997 cale,ndar, Ron Chafrm.an Meatchem was able to confirm a provisional calendar on Tuesday afternoon, which was formally confirmed later that day.

The full list can be found on Motorsport News' full 1997 calendar, published on the inside covers of this issue.

The final piece of the jigsaw centred upon finding a spot for Eastern Creek.

In allocating May 25 to the Creek, Symmons Plains has moved to May 4, a week after the round in Victoria at Sandown.

Finalisation of this calendar also sees the supporting Formula Ford and Formula Holden schedules finalised.

Missing from the calendar at present is the Super Tourer (plus GTP, Porsche Cup) schedule, which was badly affected by the muchand delayed changed V8 calendar.

Meatchem also took the to clarify opportunity other issues of the moment - in particular the formation of TEGA which, he says, has happened.

"We are the Australian Supercar Eight Vee Company Ltd, trading as AVESCO Ltd" he said, dismissing registration of the name AVESCO Pty Ltd by the ARDC as ''frivolous". ''The structure and composition of the company is and 99% completed, should be finalised within the week. complex, "It's quite because you have in the joint venture a Licenceholders' Association, an marketing International company and the AMSC. Just how they all relate to each other in legal terms, financial terms etc is complex. But we're getting there.

"Once that is done and we're able to communicate what we're about to you and the people in general, I think you'll appreciate what we're trying to achieve.

Belgianbans affectracing and Britain France, THE Belgian parliament voted last week to ban all Germany where tobacco bans are already in place. tobacco and cigarette The ban will also make it advertising and sponsorship from the start of 1999. much more difficult for This is disastrous news for Belgian drivers to get into Formula 1 which wiJJin turn the sport in that country, where 'local tobacco compa- mean that interest in the nies Bastos and Belga have sport in Belgium will probabeen heavily involved for 'bly decline.

The one thing in Spa's many years.

The ban applies to all road- favour is that it is one of the side and newspaper advertis- most challenging and hising and to sponsorship of toric tracks which the Fl circus visits and it seems that sports and cultural events.

This could be very bad Fl bosses are now tending to news for the Belgian GP as try to find challenging tracks the spread of tobacco bans to make racing better to will probably lead to the watch, than trying to way of dropping of one or more changing the technical reguEuropean events as demand lations to ensure that the for Fl races increases in the cars are evenly matched.

-JOESAWARD Far East. A small country like Belgium will be less able Sea 'Box Seat' Page 13 for to hold onto its race than- Saward's view...

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JOHN Barnard, Ferrari's design chief since August his 1992, is discussing future at Ferrari with team boss Jean Todt and di Luca chairman Montezemolo.

Barnard's five-year contract expires at the end of July and Ferrari has just hired Ross Brawn to be technical director, making him Barnard's boss.

"I want to stay in FI," Barnard told .reporters at Maranello, "and I would like to continue working - CHRIS LAMBDEN with Ferrari, but I cannot say yet what the future will hold."

Barnard admits that he would also like to work with Alain Prost if the Frenchman does take over Ligier. Barnard and Prost have been discussing forming an Fl team ever since Alain left McLaren at the end of 1989.

Ferrari bosses insist that the team intends to phase out Barnard's Design & Development facility in and unless England Barnard agrees to work in Italy, his future with the WAIT ... the BMW/Audi Bathurst battle is still not certain. team must be in doubt.

(Phil Williams photo) Recently, Montezemolo down-played Barnard's role in the development of the new car.

"It's the first time that a Formula One car has been the product of a group of Fen·ari engineers and not just Barnard," said Todt However, Montezemolo At the same time, the DESPITE a number of was clearly satisfied with with TOCA working relationship between meetings his designer's work.

Australia, the ARDC has the ARDC and Seven and ''Barnard has respected yet to formally confirm a their Consortiumpartner, the timeframe for the 1997 the is Bathurst City Council, Super Tourer Bathurst car: we didn't want a revorather strained - all corre1000 for October 5. lution, but an evolution of Both parties, along with spondence is currently via the F310." .

Channel 7, met last week and solicitors...

As for the team's futw·e, expected is it Nevertheless, again on Tuesday of this Montezemolo said, "1997 that TOCA (with the support week and, as Motorsport will be an important year News closed for press, there of TOCA UK) will commit to and we'll try to do better was nothing officialfrom the fielding at least a dozen than three victories we got an for cars British/European group. in 1996.

Motorsport News under- October race, if the Seven ''Between 1997 and 1998 stands that whileboth parties Network can confirm the sort we are committed to win are very keen to promote a of overseas TV package that the world title." major Super Tourer 1000,the will ensure UK manufacturer Even if Barnard were to ARDC board is insisting on support. consider a move to Italy, it The parties were due to the fine detail being in place is hard to see he and before any final decision is meet again yesterday (Wednesday),with the ARDC Brawn working together. made.

Barnard is not used to havThe ARDC suffered quite Board meeting that evening badly, financially,in the mid- to revue the situation. ing to answer to other In the meantime, the BOC 80s when the World Touring engineers when designing Car Championshipcircus vis- Super Touring Championship and building cars. ited Bathurst and only sur- calendar (along with its supThe fact is that Ross vived thanks to a bail-out by porting categories)remains in moved to Ferrari because limbo.

Channel 7.

Michael Schumacher wanted him there - the two having worked together with at Benetton. success Schumacher has been less than complimentary about Barnard in recent months - usually speaking in German so that it is not widely reported.

Ferrari is keen to keep Schumacher happy and so Bainard's comments about staying at Ferrari and hoping to form a good working Michael Borland is building five Spectrum 06 chasses with the relationship with Brawn help of former Spectrum FIF driver Jason Bargwanna. should be seen as being "Like all the new cars it has full-length sidepods," says purely diplomatic. In all Bargwanna, "and it will have a much-improved driver area." probability he will leave Both are confident that the car will be a match for any of the the team in July. new European cars heading to Australia.

-JOESAWARD

N.oBathurst 2L dealyet

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Sponsors seek·a role

By CHRIS LAMBDEN

ROSS BRAWN

THE sponsors of Australia's V8 race teams are seeking a stronger role in the management of the sport and have sought a role in V8 organisation AVESCO. This follows a meeting of sponsors in Melbourne on Monday at Ford's Broadmeadows offices, initiated by Ford's Greg Harbutt, to discuss progress and problems with the 1997 touring car circus.

The sponsors, which included a num-

her of main team sponsors plu the tyre companies, met initially on Monday and were then joined by AVESCO's Ron Meatchem.

While understanding of the problems which have delayed the set-up of AVESCO and its plans, the sponsors as a group are seeking more of a day-today communication path.

To that end, Motorsport News understands that the meeting resolved to strongly seek (if not demand) a seat on the board of AVESCO- not necessarily

with voting rights, more to simply be aware of and involved in what is going on.

Meatchem explained details of the structure of AVESCO and its plans to the group, including the mid-year introduction of a control tyre for the category - one area of widely varying views among the sponsors.

The gathering has opened up a line of communication from AVESCO to the sponsors, who now plan to meet monthly to discuss matters of interest.

■ Word from Europe is that the Malaysian 500cc GP scheduled for Shah Alam on April 13 is in doubt. Lucky Strike's latest bulletins have confirmed the rumour but alternatives to the opening round are yet to be considered.

■ 'According to Japanese newspapers, several Fl cars have been seized by the Tokyo metropolitan police. Politician Tatsuo Tomobe, a member of the House of Councillors, has been investigated after he allegedly collected about B billion Yen ($95m) in iJlega l pay-offs. His son allegedly spent some of the money at the Japanese. and Monaco Grands Prix.

Tomobespent about $3.5m to buy six Fl cars including a FeITari, an ex-Ayrton Senna Williams FW14 (reportedly worth 50 m:illi on Yen) and another Williams, an FW16.

Tom attacks Ferraris for AGP, lndyCar Brawn, Ferrari

AUSTRALIA is shortly to be invaded by Ferraris.

Apart from the Scuderia's new F310B GP car (see separate story) there are about to be more 355s on our raceAT the launch of the tracks than even Ross Arrows Al8 team boss Palmer can dream about.

Tom Walkinshaw was Despite the fact that neihighly critical of Ross ther the Australian Grand Brawn, his former TWR Prix Corporation nor the technical director and of Gold Coast IndyCar office Ferrari, which now has announced their final employs Brawn. programs, Motorsport News "I had a contract with Ross believes that both events will Brawn," said Walkinshaw. hold support races for the The contract was done in Ferrari 355 Challenge.

1995 for him to join whatever The Challenge series, for Fl team I had when his cars identical to the RPM 355 plus 355 equals ... look for more scenes like this at the AGP and lndyCar events.

(Klynsmith photo) Benetton contract expired.

Motorsport car driven by races, three weeks apart. biggest events ever.

Both 'overseas' classes "Ferrari did another deal John Bowe in last year's GTThe class traditionally The category will be head- were considered ahead of the with him so he had effective- Production championship, appears at Macau's Formula ing south after a decision domestic Porsche Cup class, ly two agreements. I didn't runs at several European 3 event (where several well- was made in favour of the despite the fact that that think that was right and Grands Prix and will be to-do locals join in) but the Ferrari circus over the BPR- series will celebrate its 10th took exception to it. It was making their longest ever Albert Park/IndyCar double- promoted Lamborghini anniversary in Australia. the way that Ferrari went trip for the two Australian header represents their Diablo one-make series.

- PHIL BRANAGAN about it that got up my nose.

They thought they could just ride in the face of a contract.

"I think we need to find out whether the contracts we have with key people in Britain are enforceable or not. In Europe they are cerby BARRY LAKE prize-money,goodracing, and a chance to will be up for grabs, plus a bonus of tainly enforceable but in $20,000 to the outright winner of the be seen at the front of the field.

Britain you have some quite ''We've been talking to Level Two and series. unique employment regula- THE Australian Racing Drivers Race formats have not yet finally Privateer drivers mostly," said tions where you cannot make Club's Ivan Stibbard announced anyone work in a place he last Friday that Goodyear will be Stibbard. "We won't- with the blessing been· decided, although Stibbard said, the official tyre supplier for the of these drivers - be excluding the Level "... they are likely to be five, 10 and 15 doesn't want to work.

"These people are being club's ARDC VB Challenge series to One teams, as long as they are prepared lap races, or even 15, 10 and .five. We paid massive sums of money be run over five or six rounds at to compete on these (Goodyear)tyres. I tried that with AMSCAR towards the - millions. If we didn't pay Eastern Creek and Amaroo Park think most of the Level Two and end, running the shaft.est-race last, and Privateer drivers would welcome the it worked well. Jt was very exciting. them they would have us in during 1997.

Stibbard said "We are still looking for opportunity to race against the Level Details will all come out in the next court straight away so why week or two." should they not be obliged to a series sponsor. But if we don't find One guys on the same tyres." one we will go ahead anyway."

Driver Mai Rose, who has the awkThe reality is, though, that most of discharge their obligations of It's good news all round for Level2 and the top teams have tyre deals that ward situation of being an ARDC board a contract? It should be a Privateer VB teams. The series promises, would preclude them from racing in the member, but whose top priority is to two-way commitment." advance his career as a touring car Walkinshaw said that a for them, guaranteed TV exposure, good series on Goodyear tyres. racer, said of this possibility, "I have An entry fee of solution has been arrived at told Ivan - and he understands - that I $750 per round and that it bad not greatly didn't buy this car (his VB Holden will be charged to affected his plans at Arrows Commodore) to do a state series; I ensure a genuine as be had known about intention to com- bought it to race in the Bathurst 1000.

Brawn's deal with Ferrari for "I am going to drive in the Bathurst pete - but entrants some months.

1000 in a VB Holden Commodore ... will receive, for "We are building up an this sum, a pack- whether the race will be the ARDC's or engineering team around age valued at IMG's, I don't know, but I will be there."

Frank (Dernie) and will conRose said that, if he was to compete $4500. tinue to do so. We are not out in an IMG-run Bathurst 1000 there is This includes a on the market looking for set of four Good- "no way" he could afford to run a round any technical director. We year race tyres for of the ARDC VB Challenge only two already have one." the meeting, guar- weeks beforehand. His view is almost Tom also pointed out that certainly echoed by other privateer and anteed national he was not the only team facLevel Two teams. television coverage, ing such problems, Frank Rose added, "Some people have suga pit garage (at Williams having had to gested the ARDC's series will keep Eastern Creek), resort to legal action to preeight crew passes, some privateers out of the SATCC. But vent Adrian Newey starting lunch boxes for I am saying that this series has guaranwork with McLaren when he eight crew mem- teed TV coverage and it just might give has a long-term contract bers each day, a us privateers the opportunity to attract with Williams. a big enough sponsorship package to be hospitality suite There has been some talk and eight hospitali- able to do the SATCCas well." in recent months of a possi"We were told that the ARDC has ty passes in addible Contract Recognition tion to the crew canvassed most of the Level Two and Board for key Fl employees, privateer VB teams and it has had 25 passes. in addition to the existing A prize fund of positive replies and only three negative structure for drivers.

GOOD YEARS ... Goodyear, which used to dominate tour$30,000 per round responses.

-JOESAWARD ing car racing in the 1970s, is coming back.(PhotobyMotorAction)

■ Bike-turned-NASCAR star Kevin Schwantz has had his first taste of cricket. The Texan was at the Sydney Cricket Ground when former test paceman Geoff Lawson recognised him and invited him to strap on the pads.

Schwantz survived his baptism of fire and reportedly worked out what the box was for very quickly...

■ Touring cru· privateer Ma] Stenniken tested his Commodore at Calder last Wednesday, setting his personal best time at the track by more than a second. Also driving was Les May who will share the Quest Consulting VR with Stenniken in the four Victorian races this season.

May will drive at Calder and Sandown's Shell round while Stenniken drives at Albert Park and Winj;on.

ARDC grabsGoodyear

■ Tom Walkinshaw has revealed that he has reached agreement with Benetton International NV to acquire its interest in the TWR Group. Although the Scot never relinquished control of the company, Benetton held a 49 per cent stake.

■ Stewart GP's Fl car failed the new rear impact crash test recently. Such hitches are not uncommon in Fl and although the SFl's first serious test has been delayed, the problem is not a serious one.

■ The first new·Lola Fl chassis is nearing completion, and should be crashtested within 10 days. The car poweredby a Ford Zetec VBwhile Lola's eponymous VlO is under development is due to rnn for the first time eru·lynext month.

■ David Brabham has high hopes of contesting the whole Global GT series this year for McLaren, accordingto his Australian representative.

■ Former Suzuki GT racer Damien White is to move into Formula Ford this year, driving one of Mike Borland's Spectrums.

.......................................................... ........... .....1997 ......17..January .6

-~-

~~-~ ............................••••••••••••••••••••••••••

The Arrows AlB was unveiled in Birmi~gham last week. The car represents a new era for the marque and is the first Arrows to really be considered a Grand Prix contender.

JOE SAWARD was there and reports for Motorsport News: photos by LAT Digital.

Yamaha's

OXllA • QatnonHill on drivingfor Arrows engine

THE Danka Arrows Yamaha team unveiled its 1997 car at the Autosport International Show in on England, Birmingham, "TOM is a great January 9. The Arrows-Yamaha motivator. He's A18 will be driven by World to motivated Champ.ion Damon Hill and by win and that is Brazilian Pedro Diniz. good.

The Arrows A18 car is the first car "I have been to be built by the team since Tom by impressed majority a Walkinshaw bought the respect and shareholding in the team in March affection the last year. The 1997 season is being that people in hailed as the .start of a new era for the team which failed to win a race - the team have for him. It's in 19 years of FormuJa 1 racing quite obvious under its previous management.

"We have several new beginnings," that everyone believes in Tom says Tom Walkinshaw. ''.It is a new and that is reasbeginning for Damon Hill; a new suring. He puts beginning for the Arrows team and a the right people new beginning for me. We have put together a strong technical and spon- in the right sorship team, but I don't think any of places to do the job and that's us doubt that we have a lot of hard good. work to do."

"I am under no illusions this is A lot of hard work has already to be a very tough year for going been done since Walkinshaw took me. I don't know when I am over. going to see a clear track in In June the six engineers who were of me again but that's a front office left in the Arrows drawing motivating {actor. to the new TWR transferred "The new car will have a perTechrucal Centre at Leafield, where they were joined by seven TWR engiArrows designers had to change the neers - most of whom who had been footwell area inside the chassis to his working with Walkinshaw and ensure there was enough room. technical director Frank Dernie at "I think we have to aspire to have Ligier team in the winter of 1995-'96. a car which is capable of finishing in The design process was delayed the top three reasonably consistently somewhat because Walkinshaw did in the second half of the year," says not sign an engine deal with Yamaha Walkinshaw. "Ifwe can do that there until mid-September and was further is no reason at all why Damon could disrupted at the end of that month not win one or two races. when Tom signed Damon Hill. Hill "I haven't got stardust in my eyes has particularly large feet and the or rose coloured glasses. I'm being

formance which will be established from the very first running. We will know early on what its potential is. In all probability it will be somewhere round the middle of the grid but we just do not know until the car runs.

"Then it is a question of whether the team can produce parts development during the season.

That is really the most difficult thing to do because when you are running a racing team you are fire-fighting to keep the team running. To be able to prodevelopment duce parts is very hard. It is all very well to say we know what will make it work, but you have to produce those parts as well and put them on the car.

"The Bridgestone factor is going to shuffle the pack quite a bit. There will be times when they get it more right than Goodyear and we will do better. And there will be times when they get it wrong so it could be up and down a bit."

very analytical. We have one technical aspect of our car which should give us a significant advantage over the opposition in 25% of the races. It is up to us to put a reliable car under Damon to enable him to take full advantage of that."

But Walkinshaw knows that winning will not be easy.

"In terms of equipment we probably have the same as the other big teams but what you have to do is get

people working in harmony as a team. What you need to do is to define exactly what you want everyone to do and keep them 100% focussed on doing that job and for them to have faith that their colleagues are doing their bit just as well. Then it all works.

"It will take us all this year to start building up that confidence. That is why I always say that it takes three ■ years to win a Championship."

THIS

IS YOUR

CHANCE

TO

TWR Group is also taking a major role in developing Yamaha's OXllA engine under former Cosworth engineer Geoff Goddard. ''We will be doing three stages of evolution in the course of the year," says Walkinshaw. "The first engine will evolution have all the modifications designed for reliability and that should be run in Melbourne. We will have the first major evolution for Imola, which will be a improveperformance ment and it is planned that we should have a further performance boost by the British GP." The initial 'Spee C' engine will feature a new bottom end with a revised oil sump, crankshaft, pump and water pump.

The 'Spee D' (lmola) engine will feature a new top end with revised new heads, cylinder camshafts, valves, intake system and pneumatic valvegear.

According to official figures the revisions have already produced a 5% increase in horsepower which is around 35 horsepower more than last season.

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••••••

the Arrows· Re-inventing

ON TARGET ...

The Arrows A 18 looks like it was designed to win races.

Damon Hill {L) and Pedro Diniz lead the team into the season full of confidence.

Tom's troops APART from the 120 that people Arrows Walkinshaw took over last April the TWR Fl operation consists of many top people from other Fl teams.

Technical Director Frank Dernie, Operations Director Tony Dowe, engineers Steve Clark and Emmanuel Janodet Eric and aerodynamicist Lacotte, marketers Daniele Audette and Richard Grundy and PR officer Patricia Guerendel are all Walkinshaw allies from Ligi.er.

Team manager is John Walton (ex-Jordan).

There are also some exWilliams people who left to follow Damon Hill, including chief mechanic, Les Jones, press officer Annie Bradshaw and Vincent Gaillardot from Renault Sport.

There is also an Aussie on the team. After assisting Mike Borland with Jason Bargwanna's Spectrum FF last year Victorian Mark Preston is now a Stress Analysis Engineer with the team.

ON the surface the Al8 Arrows-Yamaha looks like a conventional modern :Ft car but there is at least one radical idea beneath its paint.

"We didn't want a complex car," says Walkinshaw. "It is conventional but it is also a little bit innovative because the chassis continues over the top of the engine cover structure of the car and goes right back to the gearbox."

"The engines have got lower and lower,' says Technical Director Frank "That is good Dernie. because it gives the car a lower centre of gravity. That also means that the top engine mounts end up being halfway up the chassis rather than in each corner. "(So) I decided to make the top section of the rear bodywork structural. If you look at it is an obvious thing to do. Obviously the smaller the engine is in section, the less

TOM WALKINSHAW

stiff it will be and the more it will twist in the chassis.

"I thought that if we built a cantilever at the top and attached the engine to it that would make the package stiffer and reduce the twisting and at the same time would take a lot of the loading out of the engine which will hopefully mean that the engine will be able to produce more horsepower. is the there Then Bridgestone tyres. Not only

wj]] the team race on the Japanese rubber, it has had exclusive access to them during 1996 testing.

Walkinshaw is upbeat about the tyres' performance.

"I believe that at half of the races there will be little or nothing to choose between Goodyear or says Bridgestone," Walkinshaw.

"At the other 50 percent of the races there will be a performance advantage dramatically one way or the other. If we are reliable we will be in a position to exploit that tyre advantage when it swings our way. I don't think you could have anyone better to take advantage of that than Damon Hill if we can put a reliable car under him.

"If we didn't have a tyre advantage I wouldn't be saying that we could win races in our first season in Grands Prix."

Arrows-YamahaA18 technicalspecifications Chassis: Carbon composite,,manufactured at Leafield by Arrows Suspension: pushrod-operated with a triple damper systems front and rear six Arrows-designed Transmission: speed in-line semi-automatic gearbox Clutch: Automotive Products (carbon composite) Wheels: BBS one-piece moulded Front track: 1m65cm Rear track: 1m60cm Wheelbase: 3m

Overall length: 4m70cm Weight: 600kg (with driver and TV cameras onboard) Yamaha OX11A: 72-degree V10 engine Displacement: 2996cc Valve mechanism: direct overhead cam, direct lifters driven by cam gear Fuel injection by Zytek and ignition by Magneti-Marelli Weight: less than 105kgs Length: 575mm Width: 499mm Height: 373m.

■ Marlboro is said to be very keen on having an test driver at Italian Ferrari but with Nicola Larini esconsed at Sauber, Vincenzo Sospiri at Lola and Giancarlo Fisichella signed by Jordan, the chances am fading by the day. Current favourites would appear to be F3000 drivers Christian Pescatori and Thomas Biagi.

■ Ligier and Benetton were at Jerez last week, Benetton running the new Bl97 for Jean Alesi and Gerhard Berger and Ligier running old JS43s on Bridgestone rubber for Olivier Panis and Shinji Nal{ano.In rainy conditions on Thursday the Ligier was quicker than the new Benetton.

■ There are rumoi.u:sthat Ferrari may be trying to poach Ilmor's head of research and development Stuart Groves to join its engine team at Maranello.

Groves was at Ferrari for most of the 1995 season, doing a design study on an unused V8 engine.

has Williams ■ announced a three-year deal with sponsorship Henderson Investors, one of the UK's largest independent fund managers. The company name will be seen on the helmets of drivers and on the Williams mechanics.

■ Former Renault Sport motor engineer Vincent Gaillardot is Damon Hill's race engineer for 1997.

Gaillardot was a chassis engineer with ORECA and DAMS before he joined Sport. Pedro Renault Diniz's engineer is Steve Clark.

■ The next team due to unveil its new GP car will be Tyrrell who will unwrap the Ford-powered 025 in London on January 20.

Then will be Ligier's turn (in Monte Carlo on January ■ A new company called 21), followed by Benetton Grand Prix Archives is to 23 and market posters for all 17 on January Williams on January 24. Grands Prix in 1997, plus an The new Jordan will be • end-of-season championship ready to run on January 27 poster. These collectors but may be lanuched prior items have been commisto the test. Minardi is sioned from automotive expected to be ready artist Dexter Brown and around the same period have the full support of Fl while Sauber and Lola are bosses Max Mosley and not expected to be ready Bernie Ecclestone. For furuntil mid-February. ther information you can contact Grand Prix Archives ■ Cosworth launched its on fax: 00ll 44 171 823 customer Fl engine at the 8285.

Autosport International show in Birmingham last ■ We hear from Japan week. The ED4 is the latest that Alain Prost recently version of the old HB V8 paid a visit to Bridgestone engine which was first in Tokyo. If Alain's plans to introduced in 1989. It was take over Ligier are suffirenamed ED when the Fl ciently advanced for him to regulations switched from need to consider talking 3.5-liters to 3-liters in 1995 about a tyre supply, it canand is now in its fowih evo- not be too long before some lution in that form. form of announcement will be made.

■ Brian Hart is planning ■ The Jordan-Peugeot to use pneumatic-valve versions of his V8 engines this team has signed up British year with Minardi. The aerodynamicist John Davis. engines were tried by The ex-Lotus and Ligier Anows in 1996 but neeaed engineer will be based at more develop!Jl-e,nt.Hart is the team's new windtunnel Seamus also planllll)g to undertake at Brackley. a development programme Malarky has been appointon his Vl0 engine in the ed head of the aerodynamcourse of the season with a ics department. view to using the engines in -JOESAWARD 1998.

RACE ENGINEER A professional Victorian based race team seeks the services of a

full or part time race engineer.

The suitable applicant must have recent experience in Formula 3000, F2 or Formula Holden.

All applicants will be treated in the strictest confidence Apply in writing. Fax 03 5335 8799

.......... .f? @.@.9.~'? ................................

N EW~ ................

8 ••••••• Testing •••••••••• •••••••••• ····••••••• ············· ····························•······················· 17January1991

■ FIA President Max

■ The FIA has confirmed that DelcoElectronics will supply the data recorders that are to be installed into all Fl cars. The aircraftstyle black boxes will go behind the driver's seat and recordinformation in the event of an accident.

■ Silverstone is to undergo a £4.5m ($9.5m) program.of circuit improvements. Three corners - Priory, Brook.lands and Luffield - are to be re-profiled after being rebuilt in 1994 to slow the cars down before the start-finish straight. Work is expected to start when the UK's current spell of harsh weather improves.

■ Derek Bell will be reunited with Ferrari for three endurance races this season. Bell, 55, has signed to race a Moretti team Ferrari 333SP World Sports Car at Daytona (next month), Sebring (March) and Le Mans (June). The fivetime Le Mans winner made his debut at the Sarthe in 1970 at the wheel of a Ferrari 512, and this year's race will be his 27th 24 Hours.

■ The new-for-1997 Nissan Primera Super Tow·er ran for the first time in the UK just before Cluistmas. The Ray Mallock Engineeringdevelopedcar was driven at Donington by Anthony Reid, who will drive in the British series, along with Team Rosberg driver Roland Asch and Sascha Maassen.

- QUENTIN SPURRING

gets toLIgh

----

Mosleyand Vice-President Bernie Ecclestone have called a meeting of the GT manufacturers and teams to discuss the FIA GT Championship at Heathrow, London, on January 23. The BPR Organisation, which ran the Global GT series for three years, may be invited to work with the FIA. Amongthe topics for discussion will be the 1997 calendar which is anxiously awaited by all involved.

THE FIA's new testing regulations will make life very difficult for Flteams.

Formula One tests can now only take place on a track where no other cars are running and no driver without an Fl SuperJicence is allowed to be out in an Fl car at the same time as any Superlicence holders.

Tracks must be cleared for use by FIA safety inspectors and any alterations to the circuits render them immediately invalid until there is a new FIA inspection.

An FIA inspector must be present for the duration of the test, so teams will have to inform the FIA of their a month in schedules advance to allow for this.

The FIA regulations may force teams to take part in a number of large tests rather than lots of smaller ones at different circuits, creating mini-Grands Prix which could be televised and to which spectators may be admitted.

The FIA bas not explained how it will stop teams using private test tracks (some behind walls). Teams may also decide that they can test parts using Formula 3000 cars and run these instead.

-JOESAWARD

The Arrows A18 wasn't the only new car TWR unveiled in Birmingham last week. Volvo's S40 Super Touring car also had its first public showing, impressing onlookers and delighting th_emen who will drive it this season: Kelvin Burt (L) and Rickard Rydell.

Waitingfor lnfiniti

STAYER ... Brabham leads Paul Morris. (Photo by Dirk KlynsmithJ

I'm staying

Indy Racing THE late arrival of the Nissan/Infiniti League engine is causing some concerns in the USA. IRL points leader Mike Groff took the first laps with the new engine last Wednesday at Disney World.

This was a full six weeks after the Oldsmobile/Aurora engine first ran. Worse, Groff completed only 13 laps before a mechanical problem delayed further testing.

"The bell housing on the gearbox is a porous casting," said Groff, downplaying the whole thing, "and it was leaking a little bit of oil, so we're going to put the 'latest an,d greatest' in. It wasn't the engine (that caused the problem)."

Several teams are still awaiting for their engines to be delivered. Hemelgarn Racing received theirs 10 days ago, but at the same time Pagan Racing were awaiting delivery of their from engine builders Pink's.

Because of the delay rookie driver Tyce Carlson is in doubt for the 1997 opener at Orlando but he is expected to be in a PDM car at Phoenix.

-Brabham Testing,testing, GEOFF Brabham I has denied reports that he is about to lose his BMW drive.

Brabham has every intention of staying in Australia this season and continuing his Super Touring career with Diet Coke Racing.

"I'm still waiting for things to be finalised," he said· last week, "but as far as I know things are going ahead." ''Things are still being sorted out," Brabham continued, "and I guess my aITangement is one of those things.

Brabham also said that he had received several offers to drive overseas, including at Le Mans, but that the local Super Touring program was his top p1io1ity.

BMW team manager Lyall Williamson and company spokesman John Kananghinis were overseas last week and unavailable for comment.

WHILE it is yet to be confirmed by the team, it appears certain that the BMW outfit will again be backed by Diet Coke in 1997.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

Juan11...

Juan Manuel Fangio II has walked away from a testing accident at the Homestead oval.

Fangio appeared to get loose with the back-end of the car striking the wall.· He was taken to the hospital for precautionary measures.

AAR 1996-spec His suffered Reynard-Toyota extensive damage to the rear

and right side of the car.

At the time of the accident Fangio was a surprising third-fastest time overall of the eight drivers testing.

Other drivers testing included his AAR teammate PJ Jones, current Champion Jimmy Vasser, Scott Pruett, Raul Boesel, Al Unser Jr., Parker Johnstone and Paul Tracy.

... which helps Williams ONE of the effects of the FIA's new rules may help its Williams continue dominance of GP racing.

The teams were asked to nominate a 'home' test track and all the British teams nominated Silverstone except for the well-funded Williams, which nominated Barcelona.

With Britiain's long winters and the fact that Silverstone is currently undergoing its second face-lift in four years, testing there may be restricted to only 30 days during the season.

Last year, even the lowly Jordan team tested on 41 ■ days...

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•••

DoyleblastsSWCteams

• AUSTRALIAN NASCAR - AUSCAR SERIES Jan 17/18 .Adelaidelnt. .... Rd 4 Feb 7/8 .. Calder Park .... Rd 5 Mar7/8 .. Calder Park .... Rd 6 6 Race series at Calder Park's Goodyear Thunderdome and Adelaide lnt. Raceway.

WINSTON CUP NASCAR SERIES Feb 9 .... OaytonaBuschClash Feb 18 ... Daytona500 ... Rd 1 Feb 23 ... NthCarolina.... Rd 2 32 race series held in the United States.

· AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING Jan 25 ... NitroFunnyCars .CP USA v Aust. Nitro Funny Car Series Rd 2.

Jan 25 ... NewYear Series .WB Aust. Top Fuel Series Rd 2, Top Alcohol Rd1

Feb 1 .... FestivalStates ... AIR Aust. Top Fuel Series Rd 3 Tracks legend: AIR-Adelaide lnt. R'way. GPCalder Parle, EC-Eastem Creek, RIRRavenswood lnt. R'way, WB-Wil/owbank R'way, CID-Canberra.

NHRA WINSTON DRAG RACING SERIES Feb 2 .... Pomona, CA ... Rd 1 Feb 23 ... Phoenix,AZ .... Rd 2 Mar9 .... Gainsville,FL ... Rd 3 23 race series held in the United States

WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Jan 19-22 MonteCarlo .... Rd 1 Feb 7-10 .SwedishRally .. Rd 2 14 rally series around the world

WORLD SERIES SPRINTCARS Jan 18 ... Archerfield.... Rd 13 Jan 19 ... Archerfield.... Ad 14 14 race series around Australia.

SRA/HOOSIER SPRINTCAR SERIES 13 race series around Victoria.

TWIN CITY SPRINTCAR SERIES Jan 23 ... Mt.Gambier.... Ad 1 The Kings Challenge

LONG-TIME manager of Team Kawasaki Australia, and the Muzzy Kawasaki SWC team in 1992/93, Peter Doyle, says the current SWC Kawasaki and Suzuki teams would struggle to win the Australian Superbike Championship.

Doyle's claim follows a four-day test at Phillip Island over December 18-20, where TKA rider Martin Craggill and Kawasaki SWC rider, Simon Crafar, ran neck and neck until the New Zealander clocked a lm36.ls in the dying stages of the final day.

This was 0.034sec slower than his qualifying time at the final round of the WSB Championship last October.

Both Crafar and Craggill circulated in the '36s in mainly cool conditions, Crafar on a '97-spec factory Craggill was testing ZX-7R \\;'.JJ.ile soine of the '97 factory kit on his '96engined bike.

"Martin was the quickest rider out there until Simon did that low '36," said Doyle. "Simon was ·also using the latest factory Dunlops while we were using the off-the-shelf tyr~s. I

GO, GO, GONE ... Gobert's absence from Muzzy will leave them winless, says Peter Doyle. believe that the Kawasaki and Suzuki SWC teams really belong in Superbike Australian the Championship at the moment - I really don't think they'll be competitive in the world superbike championship."

Doyle will have the opportunity to test his claim at the first round of the 1997 World Superbike Championship at Phillip Island on March 23. (Team Kawasaki Australia chose not to contest the 1996 SWC round In Australia).

"Although the SWC has lost Corser and Gobert, you've got Russell and Edwards on the Yamaha and Fogarty back on the Ducati. Then there's Kocinski and Slight on the Hondas and Chili on another works Ducati. I really can't see either of the teams (Suzuki or Kawasaki) making their way through that kind offield and win."

Commenting on the Herald Ecklrun Kawasaki SWC squad that was at the Phillip Island tests, Doyle said, "'It's a brand new team and none of its members have worked together before. It takes time to build a rapport and trust, so it's important that Simon and (Akira) Yanegawa settle in as much as possible in these pre-season sessions.

"I personally hope they do well but the SWC Championship is the toughest there is and I believe the team will struggle to be with the front-runners," Doyleadded.

Yanegawa did a best lap of lm38.3s at the fast 4.45km circuit while Craggill's teammate Damon Buckmaster recorded a lm36.9s - DARYL FLACK

Biaggi'sHondadeal Mickd's

ITALIAN sources say that 250 GP ace Max Biaggi has finally settled on a deal for 1997. to the According reports, Biaggi will race a 250 factory Honda prepared by Erv Kanemoto this season.

In keeping with the Italian flavour of the team sponsorship will come from drinks giant Martini and Rossi and Olivetti Computers.

The triple World 250cc Champion will continue to race on Dunlop tyres.

The announcement re-unites Biaggi and Kanemoto who were together in 1993. the left Biaggi Rothmans/Honda 250 outfit, reportedly after with dissatisfaction the Dunlop tyres, and he headed to Aprilia where he won three

awa

~

BYE BYE BLACKBIRD ... Max Biaggi is leaving Aprilia and heading back to his old 'roots' - Erv Kanemoto and Honda.

straight world titles.

Last season Kanemoto ran a 'satellite' factory Honda 500 for Luca Cadalora which suffered from a lack of

funding and, ultimately, reliability. After an up and down season Honda ended the deal. and Biaggi Kanemoto are expect-

Jan 24 ... Mt.Gambier. : . .Rd 2 The Kings Challenge

Jan 25 ... Warnambool ... Rd 3

STUCKEY

TYRE

SERVICE

Dl7N£DP

for head to ed Australia for Dunlop's tyre testing sessions at Phillip Island before the end of the month.

- PHIL BRANAGAN

MICK Doohan has won the international riders 'Rider of the Year' award for the third straight year.

Doohan won the award in a vote decided by the world's best Superbike, 125cc, 250cc and 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle racers themselves.

The triple 500cc World Champion was voted number one by 23 of the 37 riders polled in the voting.

He polled a total of 134 votes to win the award from his RepsolHonda 500 team mate Alex Criville (100 votes) and Max Biaggi on 66. ''It's an honour to win this award because you're being recognised and respected by three other riders, and that's always a bit special," said Doohan.

In the voting Doohan gave his top vote to Criville ahead of Daryl Beattie.

But Doohan's victory wa soured slightly by the fact that his archrival chose not to vote for Doohan but gave his top vote for Ralf Waldmann, who was runner-up in the 250 title behind Biaggi.

Other Australians also featured well in the voting. New World Superbike Champion Troy Corser was the leading non-GP rider, even th with 23 votes Beattie wa 14th while Anthony Gobert finished equal 22nd.

Hale& Pace?

All event dates in this calendar were correct at the time of printing. Please consult any individual tracks and/or associations for date changes.

IN Europe, Suzuki has confirmed that Mike Hale and Jamie Whitham will ride their Superbike in the WSC. Hale moves across from the PowerHorse Ducati team while Whitham steps up from Yamaha's Briti h Superbike team.

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Canadianraces safe· A RARE display of co-operation from FIA vice-president Bernie Ecclestone and IndyCar president Andrew Craig has temporarily ave1·ted the threat to Canada's three biggest motorsport events.

As a result of their lobbying, and that from business leaders in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal, efforts to rush anti-tobacco legislation through the Canadian parliament has been delayed until the New Year.

The possible Canadian tobacco adver-

tising ban (see Motorsport News, Dec 19) would effectively pushed tobacco companies out of sponsoring Canadian sport.

Brand names and corporate logos or colors would be banned on racing cars competing in Canada and tobacco companies would be severely restricted in the amount of trackside advertising space they could buy.

CART president Craig issued a strong public statement while the matter was under debate. He said that if the law

was passed it would result in the end of the Toronto and Vancouver races. The statement helped galvanize last week's lobbying effort.

"We were assisted very strongly by Mr Ecclestone on behalf of the FIA and by the business commmunities in Canada who realise the damage this kind of legislation could do,"commented Craig.

"I'm very encouraged by what's h~ppened in the last week and I'm sure we'll reach an accomodation."

- PHIL BRANAGAN

Trackchangesa setback?

NORTH America's rush to build or acquire track race tracks is continuing.

The International Motorsports Speedway Group (IMSG), IMSA's parent company, has purchased Sebring International Raceway.

IMSG is a private company owned and operated by a group of investors led by former Reebok International president, Roberto Muller, and Seattle-based investment banker Andy Evans.

The Group has also acquired Mosport Park, recognised as Canada's home of motor racing. Over the years, Mosport has hosted many major league motor racing events including the Canadian Grand Prix, Indy Cars and world-classsports car events.

Critics have already blasted the IMSG announcements

BLURRED JUDGEMENT ... Critics say IMSA 's WSC series should be aligned with Global GTs.

on the basis that the company may now own race tracks but their premier series, the IMSA World SportsCar Championship, is dying due to a decline in factory and

private entries in the World SportsCar (WSC) and GT Series.

Many critics feel that IMSA needs to align itself to European sports car racing

rules, namely those in effect for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This would entice British, European and foreign teams to enter the series.

- BRUCE SMITH

■ After losing Parker Johnstone and Honda, Brix/Comptech has now lost sponsor Motorola. The communications giant will be joining PacWest Racing as principal sponsor of Mark Blundell's ReynardMercedes. Team owner Bruce McCaw has recruited ex-TWR Arrows man Allen McDonald as Technical Director and announced that the team's Indianapolis shop will expand "about 50%" in space to accommodate its growing Indy car and NTCC programs.

■ Walker Racing will field an entry for the 1997 Indianapolis 500. Derrick Walker's team will run a Oldsmobile Aurora-powered G-Force in the event with support from regular sponsors Valvoline and Cummins. "We are advancing through a short list of driver candidates," said Walker who narrowly missed winning the 1992 500 by 0.043s.

■ Dale Jarrett topped Ford's testing at Daytona with a lap of 187.270mph.

John Andretti had the second-fastest time (186.463mph) and Ernie Irvarl, Jarrett's Yates Racing teammate, was third at 186.154mph.

Lake Speed, Dick Trickle, Rusty Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield, Jeff Burton, Greg Sacks and Delma Cowart also participated in the testing.

■ Tony Cicale, who engineered Jacques Villeneueve to the 1995 IndyCar title, has returned to Team Green after a one year absence.

According to Parker Johnstone, he has "learned more in the past few days (since Cicale's return) than I thought was possible".

■ Indy 500 runner-up Davy Jones set the second fastest winter speed in IRL testing the Walt Disney World Speedway last week.

Jones clocked 167.777mph in his Galles Racing's G Force/Oldsmobile, just behind Scott Goodyear's 168.145mph set fow-weeks ago. Tony Stewart, in Team Menard's G Force/Olds, was second fastest at 167.598mph.

■ CART Champion Jimmy Vasser was a spectator at the 'Mickyard'. "I came by to see my friends," Vasser said. "This is the first time I've seen the track or the (new Indy Racing League) cars ... pretty nice."

■ Derek Daly's Las Vegas racing school has announced a partnership with the new American Venturi Cup Series, which is co-ownedby Emerson Fittipaldi. The school will be the official training ground for the series' drivers and will not only provide initial training to participants depending on skill level, but also refresher courses throughout the season.

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Your vote /or the 1996 Australian MotorSport Personality of the ,Year could see you join Australia's motor sport glitterati at the Gala Dinner, on Monday March 3 at the Melbourne Hilton.

One lucky reader will win air travel, accommodation and tickets /or two to the 1996 Australian MotorSport Awards Dinn~r simply by casting a vote /or the

. 1996 Australian MotorSport Personality of the Year.

Just nominate your top three choices on the coupon below and post it to us be/ore the close of voting on 7 February 1997. Voting coupons will appear in the next two issues of Motorsport News, so you may enter as many times as you like but it must be on an original coupon. You may nominate drivers /rom any avenue of Australian motorsport.

Just put your top three in order and you're in the drawl Who will the 1996 Australian MotorSport Year be?

Personality

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Peter Brock has taken the award for the past two years.

Does Brock still command the top spot, or will another Australian motor sport legend take the prize? Or will one of the new breed of rising young stars grab your vote? How about the big names outside car racing - Drag Racing, Speedway, Rallying ... ? The decision is yours.

Don't miss your chance to choose Australia's most popular driver and the chance to be there to see the award handed over. Send your ballot coupon today!

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Alarm bells in the night THEBOX T

he other morning, long before the wintry dawn would break, I was in a deep and warm sleep.

I have no memory of what it was that I was dreaming about but I do remember that it was very pleasant. And then somehow, somewhere in this wonderland, I heard the slightest hint of a distant telephone ringing.

I remember thinking, although still in the dream, that it must be a phone somewhere downstairs because I had disconnected the one beside the bed. And with the thought came a gust of cold air in the warm little dream and the brain began to tick over.

People do not phone in the middle of the night unless it is something important. Phone calls in the darkness usually bring bad news. My missus answered.

"What? Who?" she said in confusion. Then she paused. "Do you know what time it is?"

It obviously wasn't an emergency. I snuggled down. It would be Motorsport News again, getting the time zones in a warp and calling up to discuss something which they would already have known if they had read their E-Mail. .. (Ed: steady on, Saward!)

And then she handed the phone across to me in the darkness, muttering something about cigarettes and "Bloody Australians". I put the phone to my ear. Someone was talking about tobacco advertising. In my drowsy

state I had little patience. my office and spent the next 50 'Who are you and what do you minutes pottering through the dark want?" I grumbled. recesses of my computer looking It was a radio station in at mentions of the word ''tobacco".

Sydney. Sorry, he said. He wanted me to talk about tobacco Tobacco and Grand Prix racing advertising problems in Australia. are, of course, intrinsically Sorry. He thought the time differ- linked and have been since the ence was different.

Sorry. very first sponsorship arrived in Someone had said I would be European motorsport at the leaving early. Sorry.

Monaco Grand Prix of 1968, when I had a thought. "Um, sorry, but Team Lotus turned up in the didn't the Australian government colours of Gold Leaf. just give the Grand Prix an Marlboro and JPS joined the exemption," I muttered, feeling party in 1972 and gradually the big rather pleased that I was keeping guns rolled in: Embassy, Gitanes, track of the news in Australia.

Rothmans, Barclay, West, Camel, "What's the problem?"

Mild Seven and Benson & Sorry, he said. He was interest- Hedges. ed in a "what if?" scenario. I began to wonder how he "Th. would react if I said 'What if I -'- 1 lS COU l wait a few hours and then 17 wake you up in your bed at rOrmU a racing away some strange hour of the S D morning". But I restrained 'Om pa-r ranCOrC mps myself and meekly agreed (with the promise of money) that I would go live with someone on a radio show in in 50 minutes.

I didn't know who I was going to be talking to - and come For the Formula 1 teams to think of it I still don't who I was Marlboro and its rivals offered talking to - but I remember having huge opportunities and the money heard of the radio station. was not only used but also investWell, that was that. I couldn't ed in better facilities. go back to sleep in case I did not One can argue that the tobacco wake up again and Mrs Saward company paid for much of the was now grumpy enough to be infrastructure now in place in F1. avoided and so I donned a dress- They were handsomely rewarded ing gown and wandered down to with TV coverage.

In recent years, however, antitobacco campaigners around the world have begun attacking the industry and there is increasing press1,1re to stop all forms of tobacco advertising and sponsorship.

The World Health Authority has attacked motor racing, claiming that it is a "non-stop commercial"

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for cigarettes and calling for a worldwide ban on "broadcasts of tobacco advertising masquerading as sports sponsorship."

Now, it may not be politically correct to say it, but I object to self-righteous do-gooders trying to ban tobacco advertising in my favourite sport.

It-is fLmdamentally wrong that these meddlesome folk should not be allowed to screw things up.

And before any of the sandalwearing beardy-wierdies start writing in, I should point out that I am not about to start defending smoking itself. I know all about how bad it is for you. I used to smoke 40 a day. Now I don't.

What bugs me is that if a product can be sold, the manufacturers should be allowed to advertise it.

If tobacco is so bad for health, then it should be banned. The fact is that even the most extreme idealistic morons in this world realise that this is never going to happen because governments get far too much income from taxation on tobacco.

And so everyone has adopted this absurd double standard of banning advertising.

I would love to hear someone try to justify this. It seems that the screaming liberal wombats are too busy demanding slipways for tired gay whales to argue the case properly and the politicians are too weak to stand up to these annoying vocal minorities.

I have often wondered if one might be able to enlist the support of enough people in the world to have do-gooders banned as being a health hazard. Annoyance causes stress and stress causes heart attacks.

These kill people.Therefore bleeqing heart liberals are dangerous. At the very least they should be forced to wear teeshirts - I am sure these could be made of recycled materials - which proclaim that "Liberals can seriously damage your health".

one of the few decent venues

left

the world."

Barclay-Boutsen: .,... u ze inde gaten

HAVES and HA VE NOTS ...

Belgium is about to do away with tobacco advertising so don't expect any more Boutsens too soon (left). The three faces of Lotus: with no sponsorship {L), with Gold Leaf signage (M) and no tobacco sponsors (R). Three months later Lotus was dead ...

(Photos by Diana Burnett and Nigel Snowden)

a lot of this on the radio and Isaid then I went, grumpily, back to bed. I had made the point that for Grand Prix racing the problem is really only one for the short-term.

The sport's alliance with - and dependence on - the tobacco industry seems to be weakening as other incomes, from TV rights and merchandising, increase.

We will also soon be seeing the arrival of "virtual advertising" which make tobacco bans meaningless as advertising hoardings in TV pictures are electronically altered to read show different products in different countries.

What I did not say was that the real devastation of tobacco bans comes within the sport in individual countries. Oddly enough, two days later this was the theme of Lord Hesketh when he launched Silverstone's plans for 1997.

I didn't hear the speech but you have only to look at what happened in French motorsport to realise the possible effects.

The French banned tobacco advertising in January 1993. At the time France had three F1 teams and a steady stream of drivers coming through the ranks.

The French Ministry of Youth and Sport said it would ease the blow by setting up a special fund

S

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AT

~ -I

ByJoe Saward,

France·

to replace the money lost to sports which had had to give up tobacco sponsorship.

In the first couple of years this fund was worth A$50m - a small amount compared to what had been lost - but then the politicians snipped it back to A$20m and finally it disappeared completely.

The junior formulae in France lost virtually all its major sponsorship. Money became so difficult to find that in order to stop Elfbacked teams from dominating everything it was decided to restrict Formula 3 to year-old machinery. A lot of teams went out of business and a lot of talented youngsters lost their promising careers.

Today France has only two F1 drivers when there used to be up to 10. The AGS and Larrousse teams have folded and Ligier has been sold to an Italian.

Even before the tobacco ban the anti-tobacco crusaders had nearly succeeded in causing the cancellation of the French GP as well - the oldest Grand Prix of them all.

In December 1992 they won a ruling from a daft court somewhere that the Williams team should be fined A$8m in damages for displaying Camel logos in the Japanese and Australian GPs because TV pictures of the cars had been beamed into France.

The French GP was only saved when Jean-Marie Balestre went directly to the French Prime Minister Pierre Beregovoy to save the race.

Hesketh's speech there Since has been another blow to European motorsport.

The Belgian parliament _has voted to ban all tobacco and cigarette advertising and sponsorship beginning on January 1, 1999.

The ban applies to roadside billboards, newspaper advertising and sponsorship of sports, cultural and musical events.

This could drive F1 racing away from Spa-Francorchamps one of the few decent venues left in the world.

People forget that holding a Grand Prix is not a right, it is a privilege.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is not a sentimental man and he will take the F1 circus wherever life - and money - is easiest and there is no shortage of candidates for races.

But the Belgian motor sport world will suffer too.

For years cigarette companies Bastos and Belga have supported much of the country's motor racing, while Marlboro has plucked out the youngsters like Bertrand Gachot and helped them on their way. That help is now gone.

It is hard enough for talented youngsters to find the budgets to get into F1.

All that tobacco bans really achieve is to deprive countries of the excitement and pride of having a topline Grand Prix driver and open the way for tobacco-backed drivers from other countries who have less talent to take their places in F1. That is bad news for the sport.

Phone calls in the darkness DO bring bad news...

■

-~-~~-~ .......................................................... ................................................................. .!1..!'. ?~~ Le Brain Briefly Historic Drain?

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■ A highlight of the festive season was the annual joust with the unlikely name of the "Olds & Bolds Out-of-ControlRally Point".

Consisting of remnants of the country's oldest motor sp.ortsclub, the now-defunct Light Car Club of Australia, the "Olds & Bolds" attracted a gathering of 82 former members and guests who celebrated Christmas in fineistyle at the Elsternwick Hotel on December 9.

Congratulations to the organisers of the "Olds and Bolds" including Arnold Terdich, Charles Weir and for Fritz Suendermann helping to keep the memory ahve.

on the continent, and should do well in the superquick Lister.

■

David Seath, 'mine host' at Ballarat's famous George Hotel and Historic punter and commentator, has had a major change of lifestyle.

After selling his hotel and acquiring a property near in central Newbridge has David Victoria, acquired a Columbia 27 - a vehicle that floats. Let's hope it's only a passing phase ...

■ After

a recent trip to the USA as part of an organised tour that took in some famous swap meets ■ Australian specials wi!J and museums, Bendigo's be the theme of the 1997 Ray Hickman is undecided Geelong Speed Trials, to be about which way to go in the current Historic scene.

Ritchie along held Ray is well knclwn as the Boulevard on Sunday, owner/~river ,of 'Lulu Bell' March 2 - the weekend - an Australian MG special, prior to the Qantas Australian Formula One so maybe he too will be looking for a new challenge Grand Prix. in the near future.

■ Well-known Victorian ■ The long-awaited book Historic enthusiast, David Fogg is currently building on the history of Elfins, up an Austin A95. 'Foggy' Australia's most famous rachas driven all sorts of ing marque, is soon to hit machinery over the years, the bookshops.

Written by Adelaide and with his considerable 'know-how' the A95 should motoring journalist Barry Catford and edited by John be a real goer.

Blanden, the story of Garrie Cooper and the fabulous ■ One of Australia's most ardent Cooper fans, John sports and racing cars he Caffin, is working hard on created has been a long time the ex-Murray Rainey in the preparation stages supercharged CooperNorton but reports indicate it should after heavily modifying the be released towards the end armco (and the car!) some ofMarch.

A great deal of research months back at Rob Royhillhas gone into the book, climb.

John hopes to have this whjch should be well worth interesting little air-cooled the wait. Keep an eye out for running at the Geelong it.

Speed Trials in March, and If you are lookingfor a low all being well, plans to take it to England to run at such key, lay back event to attend, famous hillclimb venues as the annual Eddington Sprints will be held on ShelsyWalsh and Prescott.

Saturday, April 5.

It's one of motorsport's.

■ Others heading off to the UK and other parts of best kept secrets, and there are are always some very intershortly Europe Queenslander's Don and esting cars taking part.

Janette Thallow, who will Eddington is on the Loddon be taking along their Lister River, not far from Jaguar for company. They Maryborough. intend to compete in as -BRIANREED many meetings as possible

..

DON'T TELL DICK ... Steven Johnson bounced back after this for two wins at Timaru.

MORE Renault engineers to leave are likely Bernard Dudot's team at Viry-Chatillon to take up jobs with rival FI teams.

Renault Sport has already lost Vincent Gaillardot to the TWR Arrows operation and now we hear that Ferrari is trying to lure other Renault men to Italy.

The main target appears to be Jean-Jacques His. The 49year-ol d Frenchman has worked at Renault since he graduated in 1972. He joined Renault Sport in 1985 when he replaced Jean-Pierre Boudy who had moved to Peugeot.

In 1986f87 His worked for Ferrari as head of the competition engine department.

In July 1988, however, he went back to Renault Sport when it became clear that the company would be returning to Fl racing. He has been there ever since.

Feffa1i needs to find a new head of engine research and development following the departure from Maranello of Osamu Goto, who joined the Petronas new Sauber Engineering organistion in November last year. His is the obvious choice.

-JOESAWARD

Aussiesstar in NZ STEVEN Johnson is earning quite a reputation for himself in New Zealand's 'I'ranzAmseries.

Johnson and Paul Morris took maximum advantage of the fact that Kiwi Ashley Stichbury was forced to start from the rear of the grid after a qualifying shunt.

Morris took the first race at Timaru last Sunday, his Camara just edging out Johnson's similar car.

In heat two Johnson reversed the positions, while heat three was another win for Johnson, cementing his place at the head of the points table.

Meanwhile the altercations between Johnson and Stichbury have resulted with action being taken against the young New Zealander.

Stichbury has been excluded from the results of the previous round of the series at , Ruapuna Park near Christchurch.

The action came after he was involved in

1

three collisions in eight days, all with Johnson.

The two drivers got together twice at the Wellington street meeting, resulting in Johnson disqualification from the meeting and a NZ$500 fine. He also had his licence endorsed for six months.

Johnson has acquired somewhat of a 'wild man' tag in New Zealand, unfairly according to the Queenslander.

"The record from last year shows that I only hit someone once," he said. "They can't say I'm a crash merchant. I never intentionally hit anyone - I don't drive like that."

In the NZ Touring Car Championship, both round five heats went to Craig Baird, who led home BMW team mate Brett Riley in race two after battling his way past Wayne Murdoch's Toyota Corona.

TranzAm points: Johnson 179, Morris 156, Alan Ferguson 127, Stichbury 121, Gilbert 72, Mark Pederson 59.

Sabrina' heads west

Report by BRIAN REED

One of Victoria's best the known 'specials', famous 'Sabrina', has been sold by Roy Williams to Terry Smith in WA. Built by Laurie Knight and Ian Welch in Benalla in 1959, Sabrina recorded outright and class wins and placings in the capable hands of Roy Wilhams in all but 7 of its 90 starts, and remains the only sports car to score FTD at the Geelong Speed Trials.

Roy sold the car almost 10 years to the day after purchasing it from Terry Cornelius in 1986, and its new owner hopes to debut Sabrina in an "around the houses" event in WA.

WA-BOUND ... 'Sabrina' is heading to Terry Smith in WA.

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Jimmy Vasserstarted 1996 with the Driversand Teams'titles.PHI

JIMMY SMOKES 'EM ... Vasser started the season in hot form. He headed Down Under where he claimed pole and domi(Photos by Brisbane Motorsport Photography and Darren House) nated the race. Zanardi and Ganassi (right) provide.d formidable back-up.

T

and get hord--oft1onlyone of he 1996 IndyCar will go those unknowns ... season down as many asser started the seathings - a season son like a runaway of haves and have-nots; of train. He dominated of promises; unfulfilled the changing tide of the Miami's opener, finished a sport; and the last to be circumspect eighth in Rio and headed to Surfers Paradise run under its formerly trailing series leader Scott traditional name.

It will also ·go down as a Pruett by a single point.

At Surfers he was simply tiiumph for the 'can-do' men of the sport. Jimmy Vasser unbeatable, leading most of and Chip Ganassi may have the race from pole and he started the season without a backed it up at Long Beach.

Then, after a seventh at 'real' win after losing their 1995 Portland 'victory' on Nazareth, Vasser won the appeal but made up for that US500 at Michigan - in his with a start to the season spare car after a race-starting paralleled only by a few of wreck. It was probably the the marquee names of best performance of the year for Team Ganassi and the one American motor racing. which marked them and One of the things that looked against the duo at the Vasser as the ones to beat.

But - it was also Jimmy's start of the season was their long list of off-seasonchanges. last win of the season. As the New to the team were three competition, especially Ford, Honda Goodyear and the other vital elements; engines, which were still to be Honda teams hit their straps, proven to be superior against Vasser got the staggers and went into 'points' mode, only Ford and Mercedes-Benz's finest; Firestone tyres, which clinching the title when othlookedto have plenty of poten- ers hit trouble in the series tial but could not yet be con- final at Laguna Seca. .

As Vasser's star fell, others' sidered superior to Goodyear; and Alessandro Zanardi, an rose. Michael Andretti took Fl reject rookie with exactly out the 'Lone Star' award for zero IndyCar expe1ience. fighting a sole anti-Honda By the end of the season battle. It was amazing; while rival team managers were five drivers took 11 wins for slashing their wrists to try Honda, one - Andretti - took

V

the way to Chevrolet and all the rest.

That was remarkable by NASCAR, while despite a heavy budget Raul Boesel that itself, considering with his now-usual lack drove of much put s Newman-Haa the season's efforts into their of conviction and took Team new Swift chassis program Green's hopes of defending , and, while other teams were Jacques Villeneuve's 1995 deserting or putting down title to new lows.

Is there any doubt that Penske was a dud car. But Ford at will (and in public), is the best driver of bad Unser Laguna's to went still Unser the in players other he they were carrying the flag cars in the world? If there is, final round in mathematical series were Penske, for the blue oval. compare his results with the Mercedes-Benz and Al contention for the title.

That was their problem. fast man of the team, hitherto to failing PC22 the With Penske latest The Jr. Unser winning wasn't Michael When who spent much of Tracy Paul tanks empty on perform was a disaster, pure and simat Nazareth, Milwaukee, into walls, driving year the regiweekend usual Unser's despite Mercedes, and ple, and Lake Detroit, Elkhart memoone on or, cars other badly qualify to was being roost's second pick for men Vancouver, his Cos worth ... crew own bis occasion, rable up charge 14th), of 12th (say, failed year, the of engine best development engines were won have should Mercedes and one lap to eighth or so on to win a race. usually blowing sky high. one race, Laguna, where Let's think about that for a then pick off the spots Teammate Christian Fittipaldi, meanwhile, also bore moment. The engine didn't through sheer driving aggres- Bryan Herta led most of the the brunt of much of the score a single win (but came sion or great Penske pit work. race, but the reason he didn't heartache associated with the oh-so-..------------------------------, program, stopping often in a close) and the cloudof oil and smoke.

The only other Ford driver to seriously feature all year was Scott N O T - S O Pruett, who with GOODYEAR ...

Tracy Paul two early season second places led the struggled with series coming to chassis, tyres Australia. He had and, ultimately, race a faster teamrace after dashed with engine mate in Unser Jnr. Neither of failure.

The brilliant but the two, or brittle Robby Gordon E m e r s o n was driven to frus- Fittipaldi, manBUDDY SYSTEM ... Buddy Lazier won the IRL's showpiece, the Indy 500. tration, public outcry aged to win a and, eventually, all race.

T

The not-so-

SuperLeague

0

ne of the biggest 1996 stories war was Tony George's against lndyCar. The matter has now been resolved, both will run their own shows and the latter series willbe referred to as 'CART. But for all the pro-Americanhoopla of the Indy Racing League, its first year featured, at best, second rate drivers in well-used cars putting on a under-loved show. Meanwhile lndyCar attendances boomed. They ventured to South Americafor the first time and made a deal to go to Japan in 1998.

While it now appears both series can survive, at least in the short term, side-by-side, the loss of the biggest single motor race in the world, the

Indianapolis 500, appeared only as a blip on the CART radar and its racing at the end of the 1996 season was some of the best ever.

The Indy Racing League still appears at least two seasons away from becoming a serious threat and while it grows, it is interesting that two of the most talented young drivers in the country, Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart, chose to go to and race NASCAR rather than seek full-time IRL rides for 1997.

If Mr George and his scions started the IRL because he thought that lndyCar was putting on a lousy show, 1996 was not a good year for him ...

- PHILBRANAGAN

.~~[!~[f.J;§?.ff'f! ................................................

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new engines and tyres and ended it with BRANAGAN reviews the lndyCar season. wa the most exciting thing to hit the series in years; Alex Zanardi.

After pleading with his sponsors to allow the unknown-in-the-USA Italian into his team Ganassi had hi faith repaid when Zanardi won at Portland and MidOhio. Then came Laguna ...

Just when they were writing 'Herta' on the trophy, Alex dive-bombed the leader at the famous Corkscrew on the last lap in the best move of the year (any year?) to take the win, Rookie of the Year honours and a prime spot on every news service in the world.

It is, then, little wonder than the former journeyman was signed to an airtight contract with Ganassi and with the aforementioned Honda and Firestone deals, looks like the man to beat in 1997.

M

team and just reward for the faith he showed in Honda when others were uncertain.

Which brings us to Bobby Rahal. During the last half of the season the veteran took successive runner-up spots behind Andretti and looked to be the Rahal of old.

His off-sider Herta drove equally well at the end of the season and entered into 1997, for once, without facing a change of team.

But both must have rued their recent past; Rahal is the man who, in 1994, broke up with Honda after doing much of the heartbreaking development work only to see others cash in and get the rewards.

....._

-- 1lota CAUSE AND EFFECT ... Unser drove hard under often difficult circumstances. Chief among his handicaps were Goodyear tyres which were outclassed by Firestone and Mercedes-Benz's 10BC engine (inset) which, despite his best efforts, failed to score a race win.

disasters. Dan Gurney's AAR

Max Papis.

WhenMichaelwasn't winningat Nazareth,Milwaukee, program never looked like it 'Mad' There were other big the resources of even crashes of the year. Emerson Detroit,ElkhartLake and Vancouver,his Cosworth had the second rank two car Fittipaldi had a huge one at teams and clearly foundered Michigan. The veteran developmentengineswere usuallyblowingsky high. under the weight of develop- Brazilian was injured and it

dre Ribeiro won the earts and minds of uch of Brazil with his And not too long ago Herta, fine win in the inaugural Rio it should be remembered, vied 400, and followed it up with with Vasser himself for numanother terrific oval track per- ber one status at Ganassi ... formance at the Michigan 500.

He and Tasman teammate e only other winner for Adrian Fernandez represented be season was Gil de the only other team apart Ferran.

In many's from Ganassi where both dri- minds the Brazilian was prevers won events, a fine effort season favourite, with Honda, from Steve Horne's Tasman Reynard and proven

Ti

Goodyeartyres.

Jim Hall's team was in its final year and found the going tough at some events but de Ferran, becoming more and more American by the day, emerged with bis win, an enhanced reputation and a Honda-powered drive with Derrick Walker to look forward to.

ing both car and engine, though they did show well on Others showed well on occa- occasions. sion. PacWest's 'Mo' Gugehnin Arciero-Wellswere just hitand Mark Blundell both hit ting their straps when they the pace from time to time, had Jeff Krosnoff taken from especially late in the seiison. them in his terrible Toronto Pruett showed speed, but had crash. The likeable CaliforFords to deal with. Greg Moore nian was a huge loss to the was quick from day one and sport but the team rewill be a threat in the future. grouped and look to have a The fourth engine suppli- good future with the fast and er, Toyota, had their share of extraordinarily outgoing

looked to be the end of his career, which he is now apparently reconsidering.

One hopes that he will race, if he must, gently in a wellcaged sedan or similar.

The. other notable shunt was Blundell's. The British rookie had his brakes fail in Brazil and went head-on into the wall at around 300kmh.

He missed several races but made a full recovery.

■

KERB/NG ENTHUSIASM ... Michael Andretti drove the wheels off Newman-Haas's Lola, only to be usually let down by his Ford engine. No such problems for Andre Ribeiro: the Brazilian used Honda power to win twice, including the Rio 400.

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V8s in 1996

TEAL THESHOW

tional links that HRT now has but it all added a spicy new element to the 1996 touring car season here in Australia.

That HRT should get it all together and the whole Lowndes If you wanted a range of differentwinnersthen juggernaught exceed all expectasimply iced the cake. you'd have been disappointed,but 1996 was a tions Success breeds success and as year that changedthe V8 racing scene forever the second half of 1996 rolled.along, a new name became the most recog- both on and off-track. CHRIS LAMBDEN nised one out there on the streets. looks back at the on-trackyear which launched For one young man at least, 1996 was a very goodyear. a young charger'sinternationalcareer.

That balmy evening, under lights at Eastern Creek, where it all startPhotosby Dirk Klynsmith ed seems so long ago.

While Eastern Creek has always, IF Craig Lowndes does make it which, for the first time, our domes- for some reason, been a Bridgestone to Formula One, he'll probably tic championship was used as a haven, Lowndes seemed genuinely proving ground to lay claim to a lay claim to one of the strangest surprised to emerge from the spot on the international escalator. routes to the top of all time. evening with two wins and the It may not happen again - indeed Confirmation of Lowndes' drive championship lead. in team other any in F3000 this coming year - the last there really isn't The first race winner that night tantalising step before that Fl goal the Australian touring car circus was John Bowe, the Shel1 Falcon internaof sort - caps off an extraordinary year in which has the same holding the HRT car at bay for the whole distance (something he wouldn't achieve again for a while!).

All else aside, Bowe is a realist and, one-on-one,a straight talker.

CROWDS ... in pit lane {left) and at Pukekohe {below), where Seton briefly interrupted Murphy's big day.

PRESSING ON ... Gardner (right) often seemed to be in the wars, but he and Crompton looked good at Bathurst until they went down a lap in confused circumstances.

By night's end, he knew that, HRT had it in the bag. speed-wisfa!, "The only way we can beat them is if they shoot themselves in the foot," he confided. "He (Craig) might make some mistakes ..." were nearly His prayers answered.

A couple of dud starts cost Lowndes plenty at Sandown, although he still won on points, while Bathurst was a disaster. The race one collision with Gardner was a low point, putting both out for the day and the pressure back onto the youngster.

Bowe won all three heats to take the championship lead.

The rol1er coaster continued at Symmons Plains with a Lowndes clean sweep and then came Phillip Island which, in retrospect, decided the championship.

If Bowe hadn't been next in line when Lowndes speared off then back across the road, hadn't gone off in avoidance, hadn't rolled the Falcon heavily, the championship might have been ... well, a bit closer.

While Lowndes bounced back with a brand new car at the next round, the team having coincidentally completed the all-new '96 car just prior to Phillip Island, Bowe would take the older, heavier Shell team spare.

JB bad also been knocked around a bit, a lacerated liver being the most concerning outcome.

With Dunlop also committed to returning tyre manufacture from the UK to Japan, there were problems there too and Bowe didn't win another race all year - until he got to New Zealand!

In contrast, Lowndes and HRT

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17Janua~ 1997

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IMAGES OF 1996 ... Lowndes(left) high-wheeling at Sandown; with Murphy {above) enjoying the afterglow. Bowe (right} was the one to more often than not give HRT some stick when he was on the boil. Lean times, though, for former champion Mark Skaife (right), here flamethrowing with the Sega Commodore.

well and truly got it together. The Shell series, a combination of odd last four rounds saw HRT win 11 of technical failures and the occasion12 races (Lowndes eight in a row al driver error costing both points until the title was secured at at vital times.

Others had their moment in the Mallala, then Brock three form sun too - Larry Perkins, Russell three at the final round).

Bowe almost had Lowndes' mea- lngall and Gardner each winning a sure at Mallala, managing to get race, the former pair taking out the the jump and lead the final heat round at which they won.

But for them, and the balance of only for the pursuing Lowndes and a hard-charging Alan Jones to col- the professional end of the field, it lide, spearing the HRT car into the was a case of picking up scraps.

The package to have in 1996 was side of Bowe's car - all of which resulted in Wayne Gardner's debut HRT's Commodore, on Bridgestone rubber. End of story. race win ...

If anyone thought the long disBrock and Glenn Seton were the only consistent challengers to tance races would prove any differLowndes and Bowe throughout the ent, they were to be sadly disap-

pointed.

The Sandown 500 was to turn out to be probably the best race of the year - thanks in the end to the Pace Car. Although Seton had switched his engine preparation across to John Sidney at the beginning of the year, Sandown was the first race appearance of a full, new Sidney Ford under the bonnet of the Ford Credit car - and it made a significant difference.

With the final pit stops coinciding with a Pace Car, Lowndes (taking over from team-mate Murphy) got hooked up with a lapped car (Longhurst) at the restart and allowed Seton (taking his car back from Parsons) to lead.

•After 35 laps of pressure, Lowndes couldn't get back in front.

He didn't have the straight line speed advantage to make passing that bit easier and with just four laps to go a huge finish looked on, ALMOST ... but not quite. Jones {left} hikes a wheel at Sandown. A flat tyre ruined that day, but AJ was on fire come Bathurst.

Perkins {below) - VP was a nice try for Bathurst, but it didn't quite work. Longhurst (right} got better and better, fully deserving the rostrum finish at the Mount.

until Seton missed a gear.

That was all it took and the Sandown 500 trophy went HRT's way.

Again it was Seton who looked the challenger at Bathurst after grabbing pole, along with Alan Jones, whose new team really cli<;kedas time went by.

AJ of course put in a blinding opening stint to hit the front and pull away until the Pack Leader Falcon went up in flames...

Seton played it cool through the opening deluge, but once a freakish· rocker arm problem delayed the Falcon, it was all over. " • ~ Greg Murphy navrgated a dangerous drying track period on

slicks, handed the car back to Lowndes and, as Bowe had said those many months earlier, they wouldn't be beaten unless they shot themselves in the foot.

It didn't happen, and in fact it was Bowe along with Dick Johnson who ground ·out a professional, strong effort to again be best of the rest, ahead of the rapidly improving Castro! Falcon of Tony Longhurst and well-performed youngster Steve Ellery.

An indication of the margin, though. Lowndes' fastest lap (a lap record, on lap 149) of 2:13.16 was a second and a half faster than the continued over page

l~...!8!1f~f .1~~~ 1:

..............................................................

continued from previous page

Shell Falcon's best (Johnson, on lap 150) ...

The year ended as it had started.

Murphy subbed for Lowndes for the two-meeting Mobil series in New Zealand and simply took over where his departing buddy had left off. Three from three at Pukekohe and a late-in-the-day comeback for a third heat win around the streets of Wellington suggests the young Kiwi has what it takes to defend the championship for HRT in 1997.

Again, Bowe was the co-star, a scintillating pole lap and two heat wins in Wellington before the Bridgestone train went by in the third.

So will anything change the pecking order in 1997?

Lowndes is gone, but in his place comes another driven young man.

Despite adjustments around the edges, the crucial tyre imbalance will remain until at least mid-year unless one of the chasing manufacturers takes a big step forwards.

Despite his relatively recent arrival on the V8 scene, Murphy must start 1997 as the SATCC favourite.

Dark Horses? The AJ/Larkham combo could surprise and Gardner on Yokos could finally get in amongst the points on a regular basis. ■

1996 Highlights

Howtheyratedin 19 How did our V8 touring car stars perform over-all in 1997?

It's a complex thing to consider, as these days, pure talent behind the wheel isn't enough.

Technical input, set-up, making the most of a less-than-perfect car - it all contributes to a driver's year.

Our ratings only include the Level 1 professional teams and the few others who are able to do this job full-time (Richards, Faulkner, Ellery).

This is how we saw it in 1996 ...

• Parity.Among cars? Prettyclose.

Amongteams? Maybenot. Among tyres? Get lost!

• Will they, won't they?They will, they won't. Controltyres.

• Mark Larkham'suntimelyearly Bathurstexit. It summedup his year - much better to come in '97 from the Mitre 10 man • LP's VP gamble- good idea,just didn't quite work out ...

sprint series. 8 starts, 6 wins, including Sandown, Bathurst, NZ series. Contributed strongly and has what it takes to step up into spot vacated by Lowndes in '97.

***

Peter Brock Settling in to Senior Statesman role at HRT? Still got the pace on the day - although a couple of uncharacteristic spins this year.

*** Wayne Gardner Some terrific qualifying efforts in a strengthening team. Still one too many bingles - although taken out in other people's dramas a number of times. Could surprise in '97

car, right tyres, right year.

Delivered after a few anxious moments earlier in the SATCC.

~·

***** John Bowe No-one worked harder - for second! PI crash knocked the stuffing out of him, Dunlop struggled, finished in the old car, but still second in SATCC. Strong Bathurst.

*

**** Larry Perkins Solitary race win, but can match it with anyone if the equipment and tyres are up to it. Often couldn't get it right on Dunlops - strong control tyre campaigner... **** Russell lngall Has come through the same, tough, Euro-school as LP. Aggressive, good start and firstlap merchant.

Paul Romano Big jump into the Pro league, albeit with new team finding its way.

* Mark Larkham Worked hard to improve car, but held back by mechanical failures and accidents. Super qualifying effort at Bathurst, but out in early Steven Richards melee. Will surprise in '97 with Youngster on the way up. Still Stone Bros car. learning set-up, but ,, . . ,, same uncompromising It was this high off the ground ... style as Jim. Great opportunity missed at Bathurst (second when spun out in wet). Small team taking on too much with two categories?

***

***

** Neil Crompton

Not enough races to get momentum going, but some good efforts matching and sometimes outdoing teammate Gardner.

****

**** Greg Murphy Late entry in ratings due to NZ

***112Alan Jones Obviously still has "it" - Bathurst Top Ten lap and opening stint evidence of that. If the car is right , gets the "eyes on". Big year setting up new team. Look out in '97.

,ace brakes Competition clutches .P.A&~• disc pads Race Brakes disc pads ,BRAKE disc pads ® brembo calipers

**

Dick Johnson Like AJ, when the car's right can still excel - especially at Bathurst and Lakeside. Probably getting tired of retirement rumours (put about by Junior...)

**

Tony Longhurst Worked hard at moving small team up the grid.

Much happier after Bo Seton engines fitted.

Terrific Bathurst.

Rostrum well-deserved.

Glenn Seton Team down-sized to one car and made big decision on engines at start of season. Unlucky breaks early in Shell series or would have finished better. Brave driving occasionally overcomes set-up short-fall...

**

Mark Skaife Tough year for former champion, with sponsor and team down-size.

Unlucky start to Shell series with car damage in someone else's shunt, occasional glimpses of Skaife pace. Looked good at Bathurst, but got it wrong tactically.

Steve Ellery Consistent privateer in Shell series, but earned his stars with excellent co-driving efforts for Longhurst at Sandown and Bathurst.

***** Craig Lowndes Little left to say. Right team, right

• Craig Lowndes • AJ's openingstint at Bathurst • Russelllngall's pass on Bowe to lead, and win, race two at Calder.

• Last 40 laps, Sandown500, ~eton and Lowndes • Steven Richards,"Rookie"of the year, mixing it with the big boys late in the Shell series • John Faulkner,privateer,in the BathurstTop Ten (okay,on Bridgestones!)

• Dumesny/Bailystickingwith under-developedHoosiertyres for Bathurst- and finishingtop privateer • Post-racewinner burn-outs!

1996 Not-so-Highlights

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John Faulkner Late starter in Shell series, but the addition of Bridgestones to the exHRT package proved a Bathurstqualifyingflier.

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F-a CAR NEW 17January1997 .

22 ·········································~1;'.';' ··························· ··························· ··························· ··························· ··························· Few Formula One cars have been as eagerly anticipated as Ferrari's 1997 GP challenger.

The F3108 carries the hopes of millions of fans around the world and represents a new era for Ferrari commercially as well as technically.

Our Ft correspondent JOE SAWARD heads our introduction to Ferrari's Great Red Hope.

F

ERRARI launched its F3108 at Maranello last week with the of clear intention going into the 1997 season with a reli~ble car, prepared for the season.

Last year the team struggled badly for the first half of the season because the car was late arriving and its gearbox proved to be very unreliable.

As the name suggests the F3108 is a straight development of the F310 which has been tidied up with the lessons learned in 1996. Gone are Barnard's unusual sidepods and the low-nose which was run at the start of last year.

The cockpit area has foll owed the lead taken last year by Williams and the raised nose is very much in the Williams mould as well.

There have been suggestions that the team plans to run an outlandish wing, perched on the top of the rollbar but this has yet to be seen.

new Ferrari F310B is Tahesignificant development

On the commercial side the car has changed to a much brighter red - which is undoubtedly a concession to Marlboro which has a great deal more signage on the car than in previous years.

of last year's F310, V10powered car, which Michael Schumacher took to three wins, giving Ferrari an overall second place in the FIA World F1 Constructors'

fantastic and I am sure we have a good year ahead of us. I have said this for three years in a row, but this sport sometimes makes you wait.

The ways of God are complicated, but 1997 will be good," he predicted.

Di Montezemolo said that "we want to win more races than last year and in 1998 we want to win the World Championship".

felt that chumacher S "Williams will still be the are God of "The ways team to beat" although he hoped that Ferrari would be complicated, but 1997 closer this year than last.

"My real hope is that we can compete for the World will be good'' Championship and put pres-

FerrariPresidentLuca Montezemolo Championship in 1996.

Luca di Montezemolo was in an upbeat mood about his team's chances when he addressed the which large gathering, included the president of Fiat, Dr. Romiti.

"The car is now ready for two months of work and testing before the season and the team is now very strong, organised and maintaining continuity. Our drivers are

The team continues,to be supported by Fiat, Asprey, Shell, Pio-neef/Telecom Italia, Magneti Marelli, Goodyear and General Electric.

There are high hopes in Italy that the car will enable Ferrari to challenge for the World Championship but once again the Ferrari team running are members around trying to keep media expectations low.

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sure on Williams. I cannot predict that we will be champions. To be honest I think this year we are looking for reliability and a big improvement on last year. The real World Championship challenge for us should come in 1998."

Eddie Irvine said that he was looking for more testing , and better reliability, commenting that the F310 had been "the most difficult I have ever had to work with."

RED FIVE ... The F3108 represents an 'evolution' rather than a 'n The new car uses the prominent airbox, an even higher nose and conventional sidepo same transverse the front gearbox and trans- dynamics have been consid- ready, mainly to a new plus suspension, effort an in modified erably mission as the we have But later. gearbox outand handling improve to F310inabidto not incorporated them yet, right performance. ensure reliability, our main concern was to as John designer Chief the although the car on time. finish car the described Barnard engine and aero"I feel very comfortable as, " A fairly conventional, standard F1 car upon which with this new car and it we tried different things with should be reliable, which is another reason why we have some surprises." However, he described the car as continued using the same being considerably different gearbox for this car. A new CLEAN AIR ... from other cars and from last gearbox configuration will The Ferrari year's car in terms of perfor- probably be for 1998 or features a very later." mance. tidy rear end.

"Easy to drive, stable "We were looking for perTypical of John formance advantages. We and consistent are the qualiBarnard designs, have raised the nose posi- ties we have looked for in it incorporates a 'Coke bottle' waist tion like many other teams this car in 1997," summed and a twin element while the sidepods and radi- up Barnard.

Paolo Martinelli, Ferrari's rear wing mounted ator inlets have been of engine develophead car the improve to changed on a central post also made considhas ment, tracks. fast on the (incorporating "Despite the FIA technical erable progress with their tail light). It also regulations the car is signifi- V10 engine introduced for has a fairly condifferent. We already the first time in 1996. cantly ventional rear "This will be a year of modifications other have diffuser.

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• All tran fer

• Perth, Cairn , Townsville from $1550

For further information regarding tyre testing procedures and responsibilities please contact:

• Australian Grand Prix Welcome Dinner at Hotel

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~ Mr David Clarke NationalSecretary t:S @i> Association .==i Australian!Carting PO Box1183 EastVictoria ParkWA 6101 Telephone:(09) 313 1743 • facsimile:(09) 3131763 CLOSINGDATEFOR QUOTATIONS: FEBRUARY15th 1997

Half-mile excitement

T

his Saturday night's fourth round of the 1996/97 AC Delco Australian NASCAR Championship series and the Autopro Australian AUSCARChampionship series on Adelaide International Raceway's famous half-mile oval track promises to continue the tradition of providing close and exciting door to door action.

NASCARseries-leader Kim Jane, in his Bob Jane T-Marts/Goodyear Chevrolet Monte Carlo, is determined to maintain his points advantage over Dean Wanless' Newcastle Metal Recyclers Ford Thunderbird and Ian Thomas' Bright EyesSunglass Stores Chevrolet Monte Carlo - then there are Ken James' similar Pennzoil/Qantas Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Neville Lance's Autopro/Meco Tools Perthbased Ford Thunderbird to also contend with.

A strong challenger for outright victory in the West End NASCAR 100 will be multiple Bathurst 1000 winner and defending NASCARchampion Jim Richards, at the wheel of a the Valvoline/Bob Jane T-Marts/No Fear Pontiac Grand Prix prepared by Canadian owner Dick Midgley.

The West End NASCAR 100 will see respected local driver Bob Middleton at the wheel of his pristine Whiteline Transport Oldsmobile Cutlass lining up alongside the rapid Talbot Fast Freight Chevrolet Monte Carlo of former world 500cc Grand Prix motorcycle champion Kevin Schwantz.

The ongoing Holden versus Ford AUSCAR rivalries will be revived in the Autopro AUSCAR 80, when the V8powered Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons race once again at close quarters.

Heading the Autopro AUSCAR series is young charger Darren McDonald - in his Powermac Products VR Holden Commodore - who is facing stiff opposition from fellow GM

When it's time to replace your

competitors Matthew White, in the RMS Transport Solutions Commodore, Jason Wyllie, in the Trust Bank/Computerland Hobart Commodore, Bruce Williams, previous round winner on the Goodyear Thunderdome last month in his Bendix Brakes/Tubemakers Steel Commodore and the Melbourne's Cheapest Cars machine of Eddie Abelnica.

Hoping to clinch their first victory for the Ford marque this season are the Falcon teams of Leigh Watkins in his Pennzoil backed EF,the AUSCAR Alloy Wheels car of Rodney Jane, Marshall J. Brewer's colourful Fastrack Racing/Cigweld machine and Mark Seaton's DFSHealth Insurance racer.

Always recording impressive times are competitors in the popular Pennzoil-backed Sportsman category, which runs superceded AUSCARsthat have a selection of mechanical restrictions placed on them to limit both performance and operating costs.

The competition is extremely close and it's not unusual for 12 to 15 drivers to be lessthan a second apart during qualifying, with some paint swapping and gentle fender bending occurring amongst the racing pack.

Any one of six drivers in the Sportsman category could score a victory in Adelaide, though one costly mistake will see them slide down the series points tally.

Graeme Gilliland's G&G Engineering Holden Commodore is outright series leader, ahead of reigning class champion Shane Houlahan in his Commodore; then come John Umseher's Associated Car Care VK Commodore and the VL Commodore of Graham Crawford.

A large field of HQ Holdens will supply an abundance of panel touching and excitement in round four of the Holden Quality Parts HQ Holden Series.

Hayden Ivers goes into Saturday's

20 and 30-lap events with a 42 point lead over Paul Bongiorno's car, the latter holding a 3 point advantage over .

John Spencer's DART David Amour Racing Team HQ. Leading the charge in the Orix Legends series is defending titleholder Rodney Jane, who holds a 15 point buffer over last season's runner-up

C e u e FRIDAY - PRACTICE 8.00 Garages open 9.00 HQ Holdens 9.35 Sportsman 10.10 Legends 10.35 NASCAR 11.20 AUSCAR 12.00 Promo track time 1.00 HQ Holden 1.50 Sportsman 2.40 Legends 3.10 AUSCAR 4.05 NASCAR 4.55 Promo track time 7.30 AUSCAR 8.10 Sportsman 8.50 Legends 9.15 NASCAR 10.00 HQ Holdens 11.00 Garages close SATURDAY- RACE DAY 9.00 Garages open 12.00 AUSCAR Practice 12.25 HQ Holdens Practice 12.50 NASCAR Practice

1.25 Legends Practice 1.40 Sportsman Practice 2.10 AUSCARQualifying 3.05 HQ Holdens Qualifying 3.45 NASCARQualifying 4.40 Legends Qualifying 5.10 Sportsman Qualifying 5.45 Race 1 - Orix Legends Cars (5 laps) 6.00 Race 2 - Pennzoil Sportsman Classic(30 laps) 6.30 Race 3 - HQ Holdens Quality Parts (20 laps) 7.00 Race 4 - Orix Legends Cars (5 laps) 7.15 Race 5 - Autopro AUSCAR 80 (80 laps) 8.30 Race 6 - Pennzoil Sportsman Classic(20 laps) 9.00 Race 7 - West End NASCAR100 (100 laps} 10.00 Race 8 - Orix Legends Cars (8 laps) 10.15 Race 9 - HQ Holdens Quality Parts (30 laps) close Garages 12.00

Adelaide International Raceway 1996/97 Australian Super Speedway Championship Round 4 17-18 January 1997 Program Production: Motorsport News - Tony Glynn, Viv Brumby, Gerald McDornan Words: Grant Nicholas

Honda NSX

Ford Te/star (4 cylinder)

Paul Freestone.

Don't be surprised to see South Australian drivers Peter Williams and Adrian and Alfred Bartsch up amongst the leading group as the 5/8th-scale, Yamaha FJ1200-powered cars tear around the slightly banked, carcrunching Adelaide International Raceway's half-mile oval.

Pictures: Thunder-Pies, Tony Glynn, Sean Henshelwood, Brisbane Motorsport

Mazda RX7 SP

Porsche 911 Turbo

Mitsubishi Ga/ant V6

Suzuki Vitara

tyres, choose the tyres that car manufa,cturersrecommend.

A quick glance at the list below

Kenworth T601

Holden Apollo

will show you that more and more people across Australia are driving

Holden Calais

Lexus ES300

on Bridgestone tyres.

Holden Commodore

Mazda 121

Holden Special Vehicles

Aitdi A8

Mazda Protege

Mitsubishi Starwagon

Toyota Vienta

Nissan Maxima

Toyota Corolla

Nissan Patrol

Mazda 626

Daihatsu Mira

8249

RE92

Toyota Camry

Mitsubishi Magna

EXPEDIA

Toyota Lexcen Toyota MR-2

Eunos 30x

Holden Rodeo Ute

Mazda 929

Nissan Serena

Ferrari 456 GT

Holden Statesman

Mazda Astina

Porsche 928

Toyota Paseo

Honda lntegra

Mazda MX5

Porsche 968

fltl/DOESTOIIE

Ford Falcon , )i"-

Ford Laser

RE88

Honda Legend

MazdaMX6

RE71

Porsche Carrera

THAT'S CONFIDENCE

4

Nevillelance racesdirt-trackand superspeedway

T

his season, the impressive super speedway performances attained

by Neville Lance at the wheel of Bruce Peacock's Autopro/Meco Tools Ford Thunderbird have established him as Perth's NASCAR hero and he is determined to snare an AC Delco series victory for the dedicated West Australian team in the very near future.

Thirty-eight year-old Lance has been racing since 1975, starting in singleseater Off-Road buggies powered by highly modified VW engines befor;e- - ~·' making his dirt-track speedway debut during 1984.

After gaining a number of state OffRoad titles, Neville decided it was time to progress into the flourishing WESTMEETS EAST ... Western Australian Speedcar ace Neville lance is now a serious NASCAR super speedway contender on Australia's East Coast.

Speedcar scene, once again with VW engines providing the power. in early 1992, when they attended a take home the glory. The action was finest competed against a visiting USA His childhood fascination for the Cup race meeting at the Winston fast and furious and at times it was the team and a vast number of New Speedcars was quickly nourished as he round of the series.

Downs Dover toughest racing I had ever encounZealand drivers. started to string together some impresto Australia, the pair returning Upon tered.'~ "Both tours provided us with plenty sive results after establishing his own to the Calder Park across ventured then The NASCAR bug struck both Neville of tough and enjoyable competition," racing organisation - a highpoint was Thunderdome to take in the domestic and his buddy Bruce Peacock, the Lance proudly explained. his selection in the Australian Speedcar action. owner of several successful mattress, "Not only did we have to beat the Team that toured New Zealand in 1993 The ensuing discussions with former businesses, felt-related and upholstery to there also were Americans the Kiwis, Australia's of and 1994, when three Australian NASCAR champion Robin Best resulted in Peacock purchasing several of Best's ex-Junior Johnson Ford Thunderbirds, allowing Lance to make his Thunderdome debut in October that year.

"We now have three Ford Thunderbirds," Neville said, "after recently purchasing a late-model from Tri-Star Racing in the USA. "We now have enough spares to Car Sponsor No Name build another machine, plus a fully equipped pantech that serves as our Pontiac Grand Prix Bryan Sala Racing oo· Bryan Sala workshop when we are travelling from Chevrolet Monte Carlo 01· Ken James Pennzoil/Qantas the West to the race meetings.

Chevrolet Lumina Bartsch Racing 02 Adrian Bartsch "We struggled with the set-up on Chevrolet Lumina Graham Smith Racing 03 Graham Smith the new car for a while but, now that 2nd - Dean Wanless Pontiac Grand Prix Panelcare/Shell/Preston Motors 08 Rowan Harman we have developed a good package, 1· Pontiac Grand Prix Bob Jane T-Marts Jim Richards the '96 T-Bird is an absolute delight to 2· Chevrolet Monte Carlo Bright Eyes Sunglass Stores Ian Thomas drive.

Chevrolet Monte Carlo Charlie O'Brien Bright Eyes Sunglass Stores 3 "It was unfortunate that the Holden Commodore 10· Daryl Coon Simoco Communications Chevrolet Monte Carlo of Ken Pennzoil Pontiac Grand Prix Mayday Auto Spares 12 Robert Tinworth James struck the back of my car during Ford Falcon 13 Gene Cook Austoil Lubricants the last round, as I was running cleanly 14' Neville Lance Ford Thunderbird Meco Tools in fifth spot, saving my tyres for a Oldsmobile Cutlass Craig Lawless Racing 3rd - Ian Thomas 21 Craig Lawless at the leading pack as the race charge Chevrolet Monte Carlo Bright Eyes Sunglass Stores 22 Charlie O'Brien The ensuing spin approached. end 25' Terry Wyhoon Ford Thunderbird BP Car care of a podium finchances our wrecked Chevrolet Monte Carlo 27* Kim Jane Bob Jane T-Marts the best of make to had just I and ish Oldsmobile Cutlass 32 Mark King King Spring Works to keep on the lead available was what Chevrolet Lumina 33 Trevor Oliver Kirkman Transport lap - finishing seventh on the night 34• Kevin Schwantz Chevrolet Monte Carlo Talbot Fast Freight/Clarion was disappointing.

46' John Faulkner Cummins Tee Oils Chevrolet Monte Carlo "I'm currently equal fourth on the 43• Paul Stocker 4th - KenJames Oldsmobile Cutlass Consolidated Waste Delco NASCAR Series points tally AC 55 George Elliot Holden Calibra Pennzoil/Goodyear James and the team is looking for with Pontiac Grand Prix 62 Les Kennewell Rouse Hill Landscape Supplies result at Adelaide on the halfstrong a 71 Andrew Calvert Sign Pro Chevrolet Monte Carlo as it is a track that I enjoy; oval, mile 75• Dean Wanless Wanless Metal Industries Ford Thunderbird dirt-track experience helps my maybe 83 Geoff Brabham Bright Eyes Sunglass Stores Chevrolet Monte Carlo shorter layout." the on more 95• Bob Middleton Whiteline Transport Oldsmobile Cutlass supporters include loyal Lance's 96' John Maultsaid Couriers Please Ford Thunderbird 5th - Neville lance Tools, Mobil, Beds Plus Meco Autopro, 98 Col Robinson Star Buyers Group Pontiac Grand Prix trade outlets that have various the and 99 Paul Kell Mick Simmons Sports Pontiac Grand Prix assisted in histitle endeavours.

• Pre-entered for Adelaide.

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592 WHITEHORSE ROAD, MITCHAM, (03} 9873 8700 UNIT 4, Rear of 191 PARRAMATTA RD. AUBURN, (02) 9648 4044 11/58 BULLOCKHEAD ST. SUMNER PK, (07) 3279 1533 285-289 PORT RD, HINDMARSH, (08} 8346 2555 2/196 GLADSTONE ST. FYSHWICK, (06) 280 5335 282 SCARBOROUGH BEACH RD. OSBOURNE PK, (09) 443 4400 53 FERRY RD, (Alfa Building), SOUTHPORT, (075) 5270 222 UNIT 2A, 50 NORTHCOTT DVE, KOTARA, 049 57 0880

MACKAY: 13 TENNYSON ST, MACKAY, (079) 57 7698 HOBART: 222 ARGYLE ST, HOBART, (03} 6231 3737 DARWIN: 2 FRANK PLACE, BERRIMAH, (089) 472 695 WOLLONGONG: 521 PRINCES HWY, WOONONA, (042) 851 013 CAIRNS: 748 ISHMAEL RD, EARLVILLE, OLD 4870, (070) 546 297 CENTRALCOAST:UNIT 3, 10 BON MACE CLOSE, BERKELEY VALE, (043) 898 268 LAUNCESTON: 95 WELLINGTON STREET, LAUNCESTON, (03) 6334 3774 BALLARAT: 9 DOVETON STREET NTH, BALLARAT, 03 5332 9333

~::::..,_

G

m _ ___ _____ _____ _____ __________ 4 '" •Round --

■

■

an on a m1ss1on BruceWilliamswantsmoreAUSCAIvictories

B

y winning the third round of the 1996/97 Autopro Australian AUSC,ARChampionship last month on the Goodyear Thunderdome, Bruce Williams has elevated himself into equal third place on the series points table with Tasmanian racer Jason Wyllie, driver of the ultra-quick Trust Bank/Computerland Hobart VR Holden Commodore.

Williams utilised the superior handling of his Bendix Brakes/Tubemakers Steel/Simoco Communications VP Holden Commodore to greet the chequered flag ahead of the closing Fastrack Racing/Cigweld EFFord Falcon· of former AUSCAR champion Marshall J. Brewer and Darren McDonald's Powermac Products VR Holden Commodore.

"It was most satisfying to gain a win after the team's recent success drought," said a delighted Williams.

"My last championship series victory on the Goodyear Thunderdome was in April '92, though I did manage -to secure a great win at the Gold Coast lndyCar Grand Prix meeting the following season."

:<

UPPING THEPACE... Round three winner Bruce Williams is chasing further glory and the all-important points at the testing South Australian half-mile track.

Williams explained that the AUSCAR category provides good racing, but it's so hard to win with twelve to fifteen cars qualifying less than a second apart and any one of ten to twelve drivers now having the equipment and experience to gain podium results.

No

Diver

Sponsor

02· 04 06 07 2· 4• 5 7* 8 g• 10 11' 12· 15 18' 20 22 23 26' 27 28' 31' 33 38 41* 44• 47 49

Marshall Brewer Nigel Benson Keith Evers Philip Smith Nathan Pretty Eddie Abelnica Hector Gutierrez Rodney Jane TBA Bruce Williams Luke Sheales Richard Howe Nicole Pretty Jamey Hollier Amin Chahda Robert Burns Clyde Lawrence Mark Seaton· Jason Wyllie Jason Kennedy Matthew White Dar IS eers John Truscott Wayne Smith George Kyritsis Darren McDonald Leigh Watkins Wayne Jones Jason Morrell Owen Davies

Cigweld/Goodyear

77

88

• Pre-entered for Adelaide.

•.

Evers Racing Pretty Motorsport/Goodyear Melbourne's Cheapest Cars Hyster Auscar Alloy Wheels Bruce Williams Motorsport Bendix/Tubemakers Steel Abel Auto Wreckers Ferntree Gully Bolts Pretty Motorsport Hollier Motorsport A & P Racing Bendigo Motorsport

Trust Bank/Computerland Hobart Portlink RMS Transport Solutions l&V Truck&Trailer Re airs

Powermac Products Leigh Watkins Racing

DH Industries

Car Falcon Commodore Commodore Commodore Commodore Commodore Commodore Falcon Commodore Commodore Commodore Falcon Commodore Falcon Falcon Commodore Commodore Falcon Commodore Commodore Commodore Commodore Falcon Commodore Commodore Commodore Falcon Commodore Falcon Commodore

"Young drivers like Jason Wyllie and Matthew White winning races this season has been fantastic for the series," Williams said, "though to a certain extent the fact that the more seasoned campaigners experienced problems in the first two rounds allowed them to gather the spoils.

"But the racing and action is so good it makes you more determined to persevere through the hard times, as success must come in the end.

"I'm certain that experience played an important role in the last round, as the track temperature was extremely high and the racing surface was very slippery with oil.

"I decided to miss the AUSCAR Qualifying Polka for the ten fastest cars and start the 80-lapper from grid position ten, after being second fastest in the official qualifying session.

"That decision allowed our crew to change several components and make the relevant adjustments to the suspension specifications.

"My pre-race strategy was to get into the lead position early and force a fast pace - at the two earlier rounds, the pace was a little slower, as everyone attempted to save their tyres and equipment in preparation for a hard charge near the end."

In the closing stages of the event, with Brewer and McDonald the only drivers stalking him and his crew chief advising him via the team's new Simoco Communications system, Williams' race plan came to fruition and the Ballarat racer provided loyal sponsors Bendix Brakes and Tubemakers Steel with another championship win.

"This weekend's 80-lapper on the half-mile oval track at Adelaide will be hard on both the car and driver," stated Williams.

"Traditionally, we nearly always tend to experience hot weather conditions during the South Australian round and there tends to be quite a bit of panel rubbing in all categories, due to the tight nature of the circuit.

"And we will have to work our cars extremely hard, as we're running in third gear for the entire event and eighty laps around the small track is extremely hard work. I don't expect any of us will have time to change tyres, so it will be question of who can run the fastest to the end without wearing out their tyres and brakes.

"Those obstacles aside, though, my aim is to gain two wins in a row, as well as taking home as many championship points as possible."

... Marshall Brewer (left) and round three winner Bruce Williams. (Elise Goudy pie) PRESSCONFERENCE

m

"· • Round 4 ____________ ____________ __________ I 997 WinstonCup , Calendar F

6 Daytona 500 Daytona 3 eh Service 400 r Speedway

te Batteries 500 otor Speedway

7_

Bob Jane Motorsport Gear caters for true race fans D

uring the course of the West End NASCAR100 and the Autopro AUSCAR 80 race meeting, take a stroll to the Bob Jane Motorsport Gear outlets and have a close look at the the exciting 1997 range of

NASCARand drag racing clothing and memorabilia.

There are brightly fashioned Tee-shirts and sweatshirts (available in a wide range of sizes, including kids}, polos, caps and a whole host of other local and American-designed

items available for fashionconscious race fans.

All the leading US super speedway drivers are spectacularly featured on shirts that highlight their sponsors and elaborate race machines - and, for those looking for some-

Headache Powders insville Speedway

0

a Save Mart Supermarkets 300 Sears Point Raceway

RadioCommun,cat1ons r i!l•i

1 -i

JZI

a Winston Select, Charlotte (non-championship) Ma 2

ne Miller 500, Dover Downs 8 Pocono 500, Pocono une Miller 400, Michigan une 22 NAPA California SOO California Speedway uy Pepsi 400, Daytona I 3 Jiffy Lube 300 NH lnt'I Speedway y 20 Pennsylvania SOO,Pocono

us 2 Brickyard 400, Indianapolis g s 10 The Bud at the Glen Watkins Glen lnt'I A gust 7 ITW Devilbiss 400, Michigan August 23 Goody's SOO,Bristol ugust 3 Mountain Dew Sthrn SOO Darlington Raceway September 6 Miller 400, Richmond September 14 New Hampshire 300, NH emptember 21 MBNA 400, Dover Down Sep ember 28 Hanes SOO,Martinsville obe 5 UAW-GM Quality SOO Charlotte Motor Speedway e 2 Sears Diehard 500,Talladega

Octob 26 ACDelco 400 NC Motor Speedway be vem NAPA SOO,Atlanta

ovem er 23 Suzuka Thunder 100, Japan (non-championship)

C

thing different or rather special, there are displays of model race cars, posters and other NASCARmemorabilia that would make excellent birthday gifts.

Bankcard, Mastercard and Visa facilities are available.

m

4 '· •• Round

L-:=----------------------------------

--

B

■

r1ze

es on

JameyHollieris in tlte Sportsmantitle ltunt

J

amey Hollier's introduction to super speedway commenced in l 1987 when he was working with John Sheppard constructing and preparing NASCAR race vehicles for the soon to be opened Calder Park Thunderdome.

After spending several seasons with Sheppard, he and several other fellow employees commenced their own race construction and preparation business in Bacchus Marsh and, approximately two years ago, Hollier Motorsport was founded.

The opening round of the 1993/94 Sportsman series saw the young engineer moving behind the wheel of an XF Ford Falcon and, since that event, he has strung together an impressive list of pole positions, race wins, podium results and lap records.

"I've always enjoyed fielding VBpowered cars and the current Pennzoil Sportsman series really suits my style of racing and budget, as we don't have any corporate support," commented Hollier.

"The racing is fast and exciting, plus

PODIUM FOCUS... Jamey Hollier is determinedto make the second half of the currentSportsmansuperspeedwayseasona memorableone for his team.

there are eight of us that are always dicing for the lead at the majority of the series rounds.

"Unfortunately, we're down in sixth place after contesting only two rounds

1

Om08GUIJ0000m Race#2 • 6.00 pm • 30 laps @mwr7 No Name 01 Peter Norrey 02 Tony Howlett 03 Ian Smith 05 John Wood 06 Glenn Potter 07 James Waring 08 Ron Thorne 09 Andrew Gillespie Darren Green 1 2 Gerry Raleigh Neville Blight 3 4 Troy Small Leanne Ross 5 Stuart Morrison 6 7 James Waring Graeme O'Brien 9 12 Graham Crawford 13 Elias Kyritsis 15 Shane Houlahan 16 Hayden McCarthy 18 Graeme Gilliland 23 Darryl Howden 30 Dallas Crane 33 HarveyCatton 35 Jamey Hollier 41 Mark Vereker 54 Chris Robinson 55 Ben Savage 71 Brett E Campbell 80 Henry Jones 87 Alan Polglase 88 Tony Malley 89 John Umseher

Car Sponsor Commodore CCS Chemicals Adel Speed Shop/Dynomas Perf Exhaust Falcon Commodore Ian Smith Racing Commodore Double R Motors Falcon Falcon Parts Commodore Commodore R&D Roofing Falcon B&A Automotive Commodore Superior Carpet Care Falcon Dulux !Cl/Kerry Panels Commodore Sales Car Blight Neville Threshermans Form Falcon Chris Milton Engine Dev Commodore Commodore Falcon Dennis Panels/SV0 Perf Commodore Crawford Motorsport KP Racewear Commodore Houlahan Motorsport Commodore Commodore G&G Engineering Commodore Kamps Car Care Commodore The CV Joint Commodore Catton Racing Falcon Hollier Motorsport Falcon Vereker Bros Smash Repairs Falcon Masterbeaters Smash Repairs Falcon AAP Telecommunications Commodore Falcon HJ Racing Commodore Penryn Printing Service Commodore Autobarn Commodore Associated Car Care Commodore

(round two was cancelled due to rain), as the engine broke a rocker arm during the opening round and an alternator lead broke during last month's race.

"That meant the only power going to the engine's ignition system was via the battery and these days the unit requires 14 volts from the alternator so the engine was down on power for the whole event.

"I've only raced at Adelaide International Raceway once before and, as our ha_ndling package wasn't the best then, we tended to experience excessive tyre wear.

"For this weekend, I've concentrated on adjusting the front-end alignment and introduced several other tweaks that should provide a balanced handling package.

"One of the secrets to running well at AIR is to go into the corners slowly

and come out fast, remembering at all times to only squeeze the throttle gently, as too much of the right foot will fry the rear tyres - particularly the left rear, as it takes the majority of the loadings."

Several podium results could see the 29 year-old race car engineer up leading the series as the teams head towards the final round of the series on the Goodyear Thunderdome.

"I really enjoy the high straight-line and cornering speeds associated with the Thunderdome," said Hollier.

"Achieving a series of fast laps on the steeply banked tri-oval without tearing up the tyres or equipment is most satisfying.

"Providing we don't experience anymore reliability problems, I'm certain that we will be able to give the leading few a real shake for the championship title."

... #35 Hollier divesinside a trio of his tightly-packedSportsmanpeers.

CLOSEQUARTERS

-

__Bi Round 4

M

9

urray Bridge's famous Butterfly House tourist attraction is fielding a two-car Chevrolet team at this weekend's fourth round of the 1996/97 Orix Australian Legends Championship.

Peter Williamson - the owner of the popular South Australian live butterfly display, bird aviary, nocturnal sanctuary, reptile park and a family diner has been contesting all of this season's events and is now entering a second car for former Formula 500 team-mate Barry Merritt with the aim of expanding the class.

"The expenses related to racing the Formula 500 cars on the dirt tracks has been spiralling upwards over the years," explained Williamson.

"The cost of the chassis and engine development was tending to get out of hand, where the 5/8th-scale Legends all race under controlled regulations aimed at minimising costs, as well providing. close racing.

"My team-mate Barry has been racing the Formula 500 cars for something like 25 years and, through my sponsorship of his cars, I was introduced to speedway racing.

"Then he gave me drive in one of his little machines and I was hooked."

After 15 years in the class and winning a host of State titles and regional features, Williamson decided to move away from the dirt track scene.

"The Yamaha FJ1200 motorcycle engine in the Legends cars is extremely reliable and virtually maintenance-free compared to what I have previously been racing.

"In terms of driver satisfaction, the FLEETWINGS... Peter Williamson has expandedhis LegendsCars team, his twonine cars that raced at the last round car effort debutingat this weekend's were virtually covered by a double-bed Adelaide InternationalRaceway event. blanket and we all had a great time attempting to gain an advantage over fully, if all goes well, the South each other," Williamson added. "The Australian rookies can beat the recogaction on the Thunderdome has been nised drivers like Rodney Jane and Paul very close, with a small amount of touching while braking or cornering."

Freestone.

"The sfght of ten Legends tearing "Another good thing about the cataround the oval will be a tremendous egory is the way everyone gets in and sight for the spectators and, after each assists each other with set-up, mainteof the races, the burnout display is a nance and any repairs; we're sort of a lot of fun big family having fun in front of the "I still have to master the art of perspectators. forming a multiple donut burnou.t, "I believe that the half-mile oval at though but, maybe if I win, it'll just Adelaide International Raceway will come naturally!" suit both Barry and myself and, hope-

Butterf·ly House Legends team

Quadrant IE) Suspensi_ons

Y\

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!...-----------------------------10

4 ,. •• Round

Round3 Round3 Round3 Round3 Round3 Round3

event. (Thunder-Pies) ALTEREDSTATES... Pennzoil Sportsman Ford Falcon drive( Graeme O'Brien turns around Mark Vereker's Ford at the December 28 Dome

Bendix TheBestKnown Namein Brakes.

NEW BLOOD ... Kyle Bourke, Bob Middleton's Whiteline Transport NASCAR team's newest recruit, is the five month old son of crew members Nicole and Bob Bourke - ace driver Kyle's overalls and sleeping gear are colour co-ordinated to match the striking #95 Oldsmobile Cutlass team's sponsorship colours.

.

BOBJAN JJ - -

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On and off the track, Bob Jane T-Marts and Goodyear tyres are hard to match. And when teamed with top racing driver, Jim Richards, you just can't go past this winning combination. Funnily, that's also what Jim's NASCAR and G_TProduction Car competitors find. Try Goodyear performance and passenger tyres at a Bob Jane T-Mart near you and get the winning ',r

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4 Round

12

P l I I

etitive coac lace tutorJohnSpencerputs theoryinto practice

SCHOOL'SOUT... Cu~rentlythird in the HQ HoldenDualityPartspointscore,roadracer/superspeedway ace #24 JohnSpencertakes the inside runningfrom Steve Walker at the Thunderdome.

T

he Adelaide International Raceway track holds special memories for Holden Quality Parts HQ Holden racer John Spencer, who made his motorsporting debut at the venue in 1992 and won the first event that he ever competed in.

After winning the Allan Grice "Search for a Champion" competition in 1991, Spencer was offered a HQ drive in the latter part of the year.

But a quick visit to the Calder Park Thunderdome saw him decline the offer, as he considered the speeds to be too high for a novice.

After some consultation with a number of folk, he decided to commence his racing activities on the half-mile oval at the Adelaide International Raceway.

"I managed be second on the grid next to Mick Webb at the end of qualifying," Spencer recalled.

"In the first race, I got a great start and took off in the lead and stayed there to the chequered flag.

"In the second series race, I started well again and gradually drew away from the field, only to have Webb deliberately hit the rear of my car as I , braked for a corner, forcing us both to spin and thus ruining any chance of back to back victories at my debut race meeting."

Several months later, Spencer participated in the Bathurst 12-Hour, sharing the Holden Commodore Ute with Grice and former AUSCAR and NASCAR champion Brad Jones.

The 41 year-old father of four, a Technical Officer at General Motors Holden Australia's testing ground near Lang Lang in Victoria, is currently placed third in the Holden Quality Parts HQ series at the wheel of one of David Amor Racing's machines.

His team-mate, Carl Trofa, is tenth on the points tally in a sister car.

"The racing in this category is great fun on the super speedway and, when you attain a strong result, you know that you have been working extremely hard out there amongst 25 to 35 other racers," he said. "In fact, the competition is so close at times, we are running four cars wide down the straights on the Thunderdome.

"Drafting and getting a tow during qualifying and the races is the secret of lapping the ovals really quickly.

"My car is down on power compared to some of the other competitors' machines and I have to use them to tow me around the track.

"On several occasions when I have been in front of them, they actually pushed me along the back straight with our bumpers rubbing and this can provide me with an extra 300-plus

engine revs! With a little more development, though, we should be further up the series ladder."

During 1994, Spencer took some time out from his family to teach Terry Wyhoon some road racing techniques at the fast and flowing Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, his endeavours being rewarded last season when Wyhoon won the Goodyear AUSCAR championship series, after running in the lead trio at the majority of the flat track events - a test drive in Wyhoon's BP Car care Ford T-Bird NASCAR has been proposed for later in the year.

In addition, Spencer acts as a coach and mentor for several other up and coming or younger drivers, providing them with advice and sound tuition, as well as showing them that you can race door handle to door handle with a whole group of racers without it being dangerous.

GANG OF FOUR... #24 HQ Holden of Spencer heads #13 Glen McDonald on the Calder Park Thunderdome turns 1-2 pole line, while #10 Steve Walker contends with a rather aggressive #4 John Agosta

--

m 4 '· •• Round ------------------------~---=------------------...:.::...._

13

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ncle Sam was dressed to kill on the Goodyear Thunderdome infield on December 28, with nearly 100 Pre- and Post-War American cars and Harley-Davidson motorcycles turning out for Round Three of the Calder Park Concours International.

It was the largest roll-up to date in the new Calder Concours series, which is being held in conjunction with

am's

Victorian rounds of the 1996/97 Australian Superspeedway Championship and the quality of vehicles and their standard of presentation set a new high-water mark.

While Post-War American cars were predominant - many returning from the opening round of the Calder Concours in October - some stunning Harleys all but stole the limelight.

... RigidframeWorld War-z'WLAHarley stunnerof Peter Montgomery.

BESTPRE-WARMOTORCYCLE

Outstanding - and winner of the trophy for Best Pre-War Motorcycle was the totally restored rigid-framed World War II WLA Harley of Peter Montgomery of Lilydale.

Displayed on a mirror backdrop to show off its show-winning detail, the WLA was brought back from a wartime wreck to original civilian standard over a five year period from 1990-95 and has covered just 850 miles since being completed.

Equally arresting and winner of the award for 'Best Harley' at the Calder Concours was the stunning 1978 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide entered by Thornbury's A~hley Wiese.

This beautiful burgundy bike was completely rebuilt in 1995 and had covered just 164 road miles prior to going on display at Calder.

Finally, the trophy for Best Post-War bike went to fohn and Jean Lee from the Harley Owners Group of Brunswick

at ome for their 1996 Harley Heritage Softtail, which impressed chief motorcycle judge David Reidie from Melbourne's Harley City for its absolutely spotless condition.

"You could eat your dinner off it!" he commented.

Picking trophy winners amongst the huge turnout of Pre and Post-War American cars proved an even bigger headache for key judges Graham Smith of Unique Cars magazine and Doug Willesdorf-Greene of Shannons.

The 'Best Pre-War Car' was the easiest one, with Peter Johnson's superb 1939 Chevrolet Coupe a clear winner.

Although fully restored eight years and 25,000 miles ago, the black-purple Chevy was simply stunning inside and out and actually pointed second-highest overall.

Topping the points score and earning the 'Best Post-War Car' trophy was Rhonda and Butch Floate's magnificent

SHOW 'N GO ... Purposeful engine bay of UMean Machine,, Hotrod Coupe attracted plenty of attention.

LEADING NASCAR RACERSJim Richards and Ian Thomas (below right) took time out to inspect the big display of American cars and motorcycles in Round 3 of the Calder Park Concours International.

"

•

1

Round 4

------------------~__.~

white and yellow 1956 Ford Fairlane Victoria Coupe - the 'Vicky,' also major trophy winner at the inaugural Calder Concours in October, is now for sale to make way for another as yet-undecided project. The queue forms on the left ...

'Best Ford' saw the closest contest on the day, with three Mustangs tied on equal points.

However, Graham Bell of Emerald won on a countback and mileage with his magnificent metallic blue 1970 Shelby GT500 over the similar white 1969 Shelby of Jeff Calleja and Graham Shannon's 1965 Mustang Fastback.

'Best General Motors Vehicle' was more easily decided, despite a bevy of Corvettes, Camaros, Cadillacs and Pontiacs.

Gary Davis from Marshall in Victoria and his all-black and beautiful '69 Camaro SSagain brought home the bacon, just as he did at Calder in October.

'People's Choice' also went to the General, with celebrity

____________ judges Jim Richards and Ian Thomas joining the official judges and the public in casting their vote.

In the end, there was a clear and popular winner: Les Toth from Elwood in his metallic blue 1960 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, which has been the subject of a total restoration from near-wreck to showpiece.

As in previous rounds, Concours entrants on December 28 got a lot more for their $15 entry than the best, secured parking place in the Goodyear Thunderdome, a hospitality marquee and a shot at winning great trophies.

The highlight again was the

chance to cruise the 24 degree banked Thunderdome for several laps on the evening prior to the start of the mainevent AUSCAR Autopro 150, in front of the crowd of more than 15,000 spectators.

The focus is now on Round Four on February 8 at Calder when British and European cars will BESTPRE-WARCAR... PeterJohnson'ssuperb1939ChevroletCoupealso scoredsecondoverall. have their day in the sun. Then, on Saturday March coinciding with the final round Anyone interested in taking 8, it will be 'all makes welof the 1996/'97 Australian part in either day should call come' for the Grand Final, super speedway championship.

Shannons on (03) 9584 7266.

BEST POST-WAR CAR

BEST FORD

BEST GENERAL MOTORS VEHICLE

BEST PRE-WAR MOTORCYCLE

BEST POST-WAR MOTORCYCLE

Clu_

---

BEST HARLEYDAVIDSON

PEOPLE'S CHOICE

1_5_

m 4 '"' Round

L-~1~B ______________________________

_

CalderParlecomingevents

PUREEXIDE-MENT ... Peter Russo's Autopro/Exide Batteries Dodge Oaytona leads the Aussie charge against America's Cory Lee in Round 2 of the USA v Australia Funny Car Series at Calder Park on January 25.

N

ext Saturday night, January 25, the '97 USA versus AUS Nitro Funny Car Challenge - round two qf the 1997 Australian Funny Car Championship - will be run at Calder Park Raceway, the world's quickest asphalt track. • Representing the US will be visiting NHRA Funny Car driver Cory Lee in his 5,500 horsepower "Team USA" Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Lee, a Californian resident, is the crew chief for the Pioneer-sponsored Dodge Avenger team of Tom Hoover, the 1995 Nationals Top Fuel winner.

During his professional drag racing career, Lee has crewed for several of the USA's leading teams competing in the prestigious Winston NHRA Championship Series and the similar IHRA Championship Series.

He also raced a Budweiser-supported Funny Car in the United Kingdom for several seasons in the early '90s.

Several weeks ago, at the Adelaide International Raceway round of the

series, Lee grabbed the coveted top qualifying spot with an impressive 5.447-second 276.92 mph pass, the second fastest Funny Car run in Australia Peter Russo recorded the fastest terminal spe~d mark of 281.13 mph at the 1996 Nationals held at Calder Park, a figure significantly faster than Russo's own official ANDRA national terminal speed record mark for the class, which he also set at the same event.

Unfortunately, the American racer was unable to reverse the Team USA car to the startline after a crowd-pleasing lengthy burnout in preparation for his finals run-off with the Autopro backed "Working Class Hero" Dodge Daytona of former national champion Russo.

Russo took the win when he carried out a solo pass, but on Saturday night he is looking forward to defeating Lee fair and square.

Also hoping to topple the visiting American are Keith Agius in his sleek black Aussie Livestock Tags Ford Probe

TEAM USA ... American ace tuner/driver Cory Lee topped 276 miles per hour in Adelaide three weeks ago.

..

..

_,..,, '.'\,,"""''~',..,,

•... : fr~--'.. ...

and New South Wales hero John "Crazy Man" Taylor in his swoopy Chevrolet Corvette The 1996/97 Australian Superspeedway Championship returns to the Goodyear Thunderdome at Calder Park Raceway on February 8 for the fifth round of the AC Delco NASCAR and Autopro AUSCARseries races.

Other events on the programme include rounds of the Pennzoil Sportsman, Holden Quality Part HQ series and the extremely swift Orix Legends Cars.

Providing extra entertainment will be the Calder Park International Concours, along with the marching girls competition under the guidance of the Victorian Marching Association.

ZANY, WACKY,CRAZY... John 'the Crazyman'Taylorperformsanothermind-blowingburnout!

HI-TECH RACER... The Hoffman and Agius Ford Probe has run as quick as 5.69 seconds over the quarter.

[Hill]]]

' ••• Round 4

.-·

______________________________

,!!17~

Results• Points Update • Results• PointsUpdate • Results• PointsUpdate Place

No

Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

27 75 2 01 14 46 34 25 95 03 12 00 96 33 10

Kim Jane Dean Wanless Ian Thomas Ken James Neville Lance John Faulkner Kevin Schwantz Ter!Y Wyhoon Bob Middleton Graham Smith Robert Tinworth B!Yan Sala John Maultsaid Trevor Oliver Da!YI Coon

No 44

Name

11

12 13 14 15

Place

1 2

Points

12 13 14 15 Place

No

Name

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

28 51 24 68 44

Hayden Ivers Paul Bongiorno John SQencer Paul Fairbairn Robert HeQbUrn Michael Fitzgerald Adrian Lauder Mark Wicks John Agosta Carl Trofa David McSaveney Scott Walker Rod Smith Leigh Casey Tracey Moulden Jim Simmons

3

8

9 10 11

7

78 15 4 25 17 10 14 84 97 5

11

12 13 14 15 16

Place 2

3

8

4

9 3 02 32 37 1

5 6 7 8

9

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

1 13 08 83 3 99 55 62 48 71 98 02 05 32 85

Jim Richards Gene Cook Rowan Harman Geoff Brabham Charlie O'Brien Paul Kell George Elliot Les Kennewell Paul Stocker Andrew Calvert Col Robinson Adrian Bartsch Ron Goodman Mark King Denzil Mead

289 262 230 165 142 115 109 106 100 0 0

16

495 485 463 463 462 457 427 418 413 409 398 393 370 276 142

17

46 27 77 38 33 04 06 07 5 8 15 22 23 49 88

Paul Gover Patrick Kennedy Jason Morrell Wayne Smith John Truscott Nigel Benson Keith Evers PhiliQ Smith Hector Gutierrez TBA Jamey Hollier Clyde Lawrence Mark Seaton Wayne Jones Owen Davies

134 124 115 0 0

18 19 20

.

Points

Name

No

7 1

1

17

Points

Darren McDonald Matthew White Jason Wyllie Bruce Williams Leigh Watkins Rodney Jane Dar!YI SQeers Marshall Brewer Nathan Pretty Eddie Albenica George Kyritsis Richard Howe Nicole Pre!!)'.

Luke Sheales Robert Burns

28 26 9 47 7 31 02 2 4 41 11 12 10 20

4 5 6 7

16

525 467 458 447 447 434 422 420 414 404 400 382 360 339 327

640 598 595 573 564 530 528 505 505 487 473 459 457 457 451 445

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32

86 26 92 81 76 05 6 35 30 2 20 40 33 45 83 21

Graham Francis Richard Ireland David Keleher Grego!Y Aquilina Leigh Yarnall Trevor Dobell Dallas Crane Ian Hibbert Douglas Leaver Steve JessuQ Ken Leigh Percy Richardson Reece Arrandale Simon Landrigan Andrew Koolen Anthony Edwards

Points

350 335 325 312 310 300 292 280 160 11 ........130 12 ........127 13 ········124 14 ........121 15 ········118 16 ........115 17 ........112 18 ········109 19 ........106 20 ········103

Rodney Jane Paul Freestone Jody Freestone Matthew Coleman Peter White Adrian Bartsch Peter Williamson Alf Bartsch Melinda Price

1 ..........175 2 ..........170 3 ..........165 4 ..........160 5 ..........155 6 ..........150 7 ..........146 8 ..........142 9 ..........138 10 ........134

Place

No

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

18 15 89 12 2 35 54 9 08 41 13 5 03 02 33 06 71

8

21 ........100 22 ..........97 23 ..........94 24 ..........91 25 ..........88 26 ..........85 27 ..........82 28 ..........79 29 ..........76 30 ..........73

31 ··········70 32 ..........67 33 ..........64 34 ··········61 35 ..........58 36 ..........55 37 ..........52 38 ·········.49 39 ..........46 40 ··········43

445 438 424 410 403 385 376 367 364 331 315 267 255 238 231 207

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

3 54 31 13 02 11 38 31 49 80 06 07 08 09 9 16

Tony MGuigan PhilliQ Marturano Shane Ryding Glen McDonald Robert Wright Paul Butler Bob Muller Wayne Giles Mark Stocker Craig Griffin Geoff Laurie SteQhen Pegg Trevor Hale John SheQheard Mick Webb Gar!Y ChiQQindall

176 170 164 155 138 134 88 67 61 0

Points

18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

Name Graeme Gilliland Shane Houlahan John Umseher Graham Crawford Ger!Y Raleigh Jamey Hollier ChristoQher Robinson Graeme O'Brien Ron Thorne Mark Vereker Elias Kyritsis Leanne Ross Ian Smith Tony Howlett Harvey Catton Glenn Potter Brett Edwin CamQbell

350 320 298 297 292 289 289 280 276 264 263 257 230 230 230 224 212

22 23 27 :32 34 43 60 62 70 71 73 75 77 80 96 98

09 00 23 87 19 3 6 87 14 01 05 07 1 4

22 30 55 66

Rod Atkins Dar!YI Howden David Lambrick Lindsay Gray John Orwin Gavan Bond Allen Boughen Chris Bysouth John Harding David Bullock Andre Bombski SteQhen Manning Craig Jones Craig Griffin Kevin Stewart Rod Blanche

Andrew GillesQle Ron Savas Dar!YI Howden Alan Polglase Hayden McCarthy Neville Blight Stuart Morrison Paul Allwood Andrew Rhodes-Anderson Peter Norrey John Wood James Waring Darren Green ,, Troy Small Neville Wilson Lance Bennett Ben Savage Scott Teleskivi

-200 150 138 130 127 124 121 100 91

After a day of Thunder spend the night in peace and quiet for only $99 single/twin ~ As the official CalderPark Motorsport hotel, the MelbourneAirport Travelodgeis offering spectatorsa great rate of $99 single/twin during Calderpark events.

Only a 15 minute wheelspinfrom the Thunderdome,the Tra elodge offers all the comfortsyou'd expectfrom a first class

hotel, includingGabrielle'sRestaurantand ReggiesBar.At the Melbourne Airport Travelodgeyou'll be treated like a winner. Phonethe hotel and ask about our special CalderPark Motorsport rates.

1 CentreRoad MelbourneAirportVictoria3045 Tel 03 9388 2322 Fax 03 9330 3230

e~c•orspMNews

:,_

_ ___________________________

IBillJ]]

4 •• • ' Round

1a

I 996/97 Australian i Championships .Superspeedway Cre,w,Chief - Rookie Series

ACDelcosponsors series NASCAR

A

USCAR Racing Pty Ltd and AC Delco have just announced a sponsorship package that will see AC Delco sponsoring the balance of the 1996/97 Australian NASCAR Champi_onship plus next season's series.

"We're delighted to have a prestigious company like AC Delco supporting NASCAR racing in Australia,"

stated Bill Jane, the Marketing Director of AUSCAR Racing Pty Ltd and Calder Park Motorsport Promotions Pty Ltd "The company has enjoyed a strong relationship with motorsport in North America and I'm certain that they will now enjoy an extremely fruitful involvement with super speedway racing in Australia."

i

I

J

Series,,£e,adelsJ

,,eaders NASCAR

NASCAI

AUSCAR

AUSCAI

NEW SUPPORTER... AC Delco has come aboard for the current Australian NASCARseason and the next.

Sportsman

Sportsman

HQ Holdens

HQ Holdens

legendsCars j Next Round: :, . ,·Race.way; .. 7/8 ·FebruaryCc,lder:P.a,:k --

--

---~

---

-----

-------

----

23

17Januar;1997 .. ,..

OB .......... .......... .~QWR'~~0.{ ......................................... ~~.~~~.~-...~~~.......... ..............................

BUSINESS AS USUAL ... the two drivers tried out the F310B for the 400 media representatives present at the launch. And, just like 1996, Michael went first ...

olution'. Improvements over 1996's F310 include a more spelling the end of the Jet fighter' look.

evolution for the engine. We have maintained the same dimensions, but we will be making a lot of changes to the internals which we will be testing on the track over the next two months in order to be ready for the first race, "he said.

Schumacher is setting his sights firmly on the World Championship title in his second year with the team he has made - like Benetton - into his own.

"I want to improve my situation in 1997 and I hope there will be an improve-

ment. I want to win more races and fight for the World Championship, so we have to have that improvement, " he says.

Except for one day's testGoodyear, for ing Schumacher has been concentrating hard on his fitness

program for the new year during three weeks in Portugal and four weeks in Norway.

Testing began the day with after the launch Schumacher lapping Fiorano in the rain. On the Thursday his testing was disrupted by snow.

Schumacher and Irvine will have of their first three major test sessions planned at Jerez from the 19-22nd of January, fol- . lowed by then the 7-10th and 17-19th ■ of February.

THE PEOPLE WHO MATTER ... The men who will be hoping that the F310B takes the Prancing Horse back into the winners' circle: {left to right) Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, Michael Schumacher, Fiat President Dr Romiti and Eddie Irvine.

•nJELT~ □n

EC

F3108 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS. THE F310B is the 43rd single seater built by Ferrari for the World Drivers Championship and the second equipped with a VlO engine.

As underlined by its design·ation, not all the components are of new design and construction, of the 1996 the F310B being a development Ferrari 310 which placed second in the constructors' championship and second in the drivers' championship.

The '3' stands for 3000cc, the '10' for 10 cylinder and 'B' for the second version.

The second generation of the 046 V-10 engine is designated 046/2 and is above all better for its improved driveability. It has 4-valves per cylinder and is built with advanced materials and avant-garde design.

The gearbox is very similar to the 7-speed gearbox used in the second part of the 1996 season, while the aerodynamics is extensively different from the previous car.

CHASSIS. Length: 4.358m.

Width: 1.995m.

Height: 0.968m.

Wheelbase: 2.935m; Front track: 1.690m Rear Track: 1.600m.

Weight (with oil and driver) : 600 kg.

Wheels (front and rear) 13 inches.

TRANSMISSION. Ferrari transverse, electronically controlled, semi-automatic, sequential gearbox.

Seven forward gears plus one reverse. Autoblocking differential.

GENERAL Brakes: Auto-ventilated carbon discs.

Suspension: Pushrod operated torsion bars front and rear.

PEPIFELT• □n

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0 2 9 7 9 Q• 1 8 8 4

Report by STEVEN WHITE

. International Adelaide Raceway hosted the fuel-burning Funny Cars in the Triple M"Full Throttle sponsored Meltdown" on January 4, an appropriately named event, as the mercury hovered in the high 30s for most of the day nonetheless, 13,000 spectators braved the heat to see Aussie champion Peter Russo top the touring American, Cory Lee. The opening round of the 1997 Australian Funny Car Series attract d four runners, Peter Russo, John Taylor, Keith Agius and the Team USA Olds Cutlass of Cory Lee and Del Worsham making the trip to Adelaide.

Worsham, who finished an exceptional seventh in the NHRA Winston points standings last year, wasn't behind the wheel, though, having decided to turn spanners, not tyres - on this trip, Lee was in the hot seat.

At the compulsory 6 o'clockqualifying session, the temperature was still around 37 degrees and the track surface was at virtual melting point, making conditions almost impossible for the fuel cars.

Russo, Taylor, Agius and Lee all left hard and strong, yet at some stage all overpowered the track, smoking the tyres in the trying conditions.

Russo was the least troubled, recording a 6.455 with the Autopro/Exide Batteries Dodge for the number one position, followed

by Lee (8.103), Taylor (11.000) and.

Agius (13.559).

As is often the case at AIR, as soon as the sun went down, conditions dramatically improved; the temperature fell and the cool air provided excellent conditions for Funny Car eliminations.

Agius lined up the Hoffman and Agius Aussie Livestock Tags/Hi-Tee the alongside Oils Probe Autopro/Exide Daytona of Russo.

Agius had a car length on Russo off Report by SCOTT JUG

The first annual Australian Nostalgia Drag Racing titles were held at Sydney's Eastern Creek on December 28 and again rain reared it's ugly head - but, unlike the previous race date in July, when the competitor's weren't able to make a had pass, most brackets reached the semi-final stage before the showers forced an end to the days proceedings.

With 170 entrants spread over eleven classes, the event was billed as a return to the glory days of the sport and, for those with memories that stretched that far back, it proved to be so.

Spectators were provided with not only a feast of Nostalgia racing, but an opportunity to cruise the pits and see plenty of sixties American Muscle cars and some awesomeHot Rods.

TROUBLED OEBUT ... Mechanical woes cost American Cory Lee the first round. (Steven White photo)

ut Lee goo Russo etter the line, but his race ended in a cloud of tyre smoke.

Russo had a handle on the track, recording a shut-off 5.646/250.41 for the win to Agius's tyre-blazing 6.615/216.55.

Taylor had the crowd on its feet with a huge burn-out, although Lee was not to be outdone and laid down a good 660 feet of rubber.

As the smoke cleared, Taylor got away to an early lead, but a .996 60-footer saw Lee pull away, Taylor unable to match the Team USA's horses.

Although Lee's run was smokefree, he had his hands full as the car skated around on the tricky surface, a 5.447/276.92 seeing Lee advance into the final alongside Russo. Lee's terminal speed of 276.92 mph was second only to Russo's 281.13 charge set at the '96 TAC Nationals.

The final promised so much, yet, unfortunately, delivered a disappointment.

Lee again smoked the house down, but it was the end of him, a flash of orange from the car during

the burnout hinting at the cause of his demise.

Russo pulled to the line alone, the header flames standing proud on the green before dying about 660 foot downtrack, Russo recording an easy 6.253/151.82 for the win and points.

Brenton Bassett drove the OG Speed Shop Scorpion into the number one qualifying position in Caltex Bolivar Gardens Top Comp, Bassett recording a BB/Gas 7.856 (.116 over), while John Handley drove into second spot, .149 over

the BB/Dragster index with the Castrol/Genie digger.

Both drivers survived through tough rounds of eliminations to meet up in the final, their opponents, including the up and coming burnout legend Scott Ferguson in the Tonkins Car Audio alky dragster, falling as the night went on.

Handley was out first in the money round and looked as if he would take the win, until the engine died approaching the 1000 foot mark.

Bassett, who didn't need any more motivation for victory, stormed home, taking the win with a 7.890/173.14 to Handley's troubled 7.641/117.09.

The ICI Auto Colour Dulux saw Super Comp Eliminator Melbourne's Eric Goudswaard, who top qualified with the Race Glides B/Altered, meet up with local, sometime Top Fuel hitter, Bob Sherry in the final round.

Sherry was out the blocks first and stayed in front, a 10.267/132.62 (10.29) getting him home over Goudswaard's 8.293//162.10(8.24).

Farmers Union Comp Bike was an extremely competitive bracket in which many track records were reset.

The final was contested by two Adelaide regulars, Sam Scerri and Danny Groto, Groto winning with a P/CB 8.746/146.15 to Scerri's 9.184/155.17.

The Coca-Cola Super Gas was Australian won by former Champion Craig Geddes; Gepps Cross Auto Salvage Modified victor was Roger Voigt; Titan Oils Mod Bike fell to Toni Keating; Westside Wreckers Super Sedan champ was Michael Jennings; Pro Action Spares Super Street went to Rease and the Junior McKinnon Dragsters to Kerry Mellett.

There will be plenty more Nitro action for the fans on February 1 when AIR, which will be celebrating its 25th birthday, hosts the West End-sponsored Festival State incorporating Championships, round three of the Top Fuel series and round one of Top Bike.

RainhitsCreekNostalgia Confirming the laid-back nature of the event, it was decided that due to the intervention of mother nature, each bracket winner would be the car that had made the quickest pass in the previous round of racing - in the brackets that never completed the semis, no winners were declared.

The Top Eliminator bracket was to headline the show; but, with several vehicles incomplete or undergoing rebuilds, only four of the cars were able to make it on race day.

That number included Maurice Fabietti in the "LA Raider" and Norm Longfield's"Jockoliner."

They both lost out in the 'semis, though and Chris Soldatos, in his T-Roadster, ended up taking the win over local Russell Redding's Fiat Topolino.

In Wild Bunch, Benny Gatt wheeled the ever-popular Super Flow Heads XA Falcon, which now sports a new colour scheme, Gatt over :victorious Queenslander John Mol's HQ Holden.

Other bracket winners at Eastern Creek were Joe Schembri (Top Gas), Paul Foley (Junior Gas), Mick Borg (Holden Eliminator), Bruce Anderson (Hot Rod), Paul Soster (OZ Sedan) and Rieman Steve (Motorcycle).

PERFECT ... Maurice Fabietti in Steve Turner's blown slingshot LA Raider. (Basher)

1997 ANDRA AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING SERIES POINTS SCORES Top Fuel Series

03

9392

3333

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Kenny Bernstein Scott Kalitta Cory McClenathan Larry Dixon Blaine Johnson Joe.Amato Mike Dunn Shelly Anderson Connie Kalitta Eddie Hill

Funny Car Series

1415 1197 1194 1193 1161 1141 1017 986 983 915

Peter Russo Cory Lee (USA) 3 Keith Agius John Taylor 5 Chuck Etchells 6 Mark Oswald 7 Del Worsham 8 Kenji Okazaki 9 Whit Bazemore .10 Gary Densham

Dynomax Pro Stock

100 100 60 60 1001 934 918 811 742 737

I

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Jim Yates Warren Johnson Mike Edwards Kurt Johnson Rickie Smith Steve Schmidt Chuck Harris Tom Martino Jerry Eckman Bob Glidden

1723 1399 1101 986 980 961 893 839 797 749

Top Doorslammer Series

7 Michael King 8 Peter Kapiris 9 Shane Elcoate

570 310 310 290 240 180 160 60 40

Raf Pironti

40

I

Victor Bray

2 Johnny Rocca John Scialpi

4 Troy Critchley 5 Peter Gratz 6

Lucky Belleri

.~l'.?@??'~£?.:P.l!.l? ............................................~~G RACING • 11January1991 25 ........................................... ·..·.......................................................... .

Report by KEN FERGUSON

Jonesworld'squickestas Victortops Yanksin QLD

Victor Bray reinforced his position at the head of the Top Doorslammer ranks with another awesome display behind the wheel of the Castro} '57 Chevy at Willowbank's first round of the Castrol New Year Series on January 4, fellow Queenslander Wayne Jones also starring after clocking the world's first five-second sportsman class elapsed times.

The most exceptional performance of the event belonged to Wayne Jones in Top Comp, when he piloted his Motorcraft dragster to a world's best for an iron small block and an automatic transmis ion.

A 6.16/219 in qualifying was followedby a 6.06/221 in his first round loss to Toro Coonan - Jones returned later in the night for an exhibition pass and recorded a stunning 5.97/221.79, the only change on the car from the previous meeting being the brand-new slicks.

The car was set up midway between a Comp and Top Alky tune- up and has still more to go on the blower overdrive.

In Top Doorslaromer, Bray has not let the reduced overdrive rules on blowers stop him, as he continues to lower his ETs every meeting, Johnny Rocca hailing him as "King Victor" at the trophy WORLD-BEATER ... Iron small block/auto trans in Wayne Jones' Motorcraft dragster was good for a stunning 5.97, a world first. (Brisbane Motorsport) presentation - the "Tin Indian" racer couldn't heap Tom Coonan became the even better 6.34/216 in his enough praise on Bray, stat- first winner of the new Top second round loss - and Paul ing that "he's truly a world Comp Eliminator when he Brackam, driving the second champion." drove his small block Chev ROMAC car, who recorded Bray saved the best for powered Ford LTD to a win his best numbers, a 6.53 last against John Scialpi in over Mark Brew in his Top qualifier and a 6.52 in the the final, reeling off a Alky dragster - Coonan has first round.

6.301/224 to defeat a slowing stepped up his horsepower, The jet dragsters of Chuck 6.72/176 by Scialpi. replacing the 6-71 blower Haynes and Leland Blee Bray had earlier run a with an 8-71 at the wer;e booked for a match 6.44/222 to top qualify over December Wild Bunch event. race, Haynes scoring a 3-0 Peter Gratz (6.45/221), Coonan (7.68/175) quali- win when Blee experienced Scialpi (6.4 7/216), Troy fied in the number eight spot starting problems on each Critchley (6.59/207), Michael in the twelve car field with occasion and did not cornKing (6.89/204), Lucky his best-ever numbers. plete a single pass.

Belleri (6.91/189), Col Dunn Brew had been running Haynes thrilled the crowd (7.28/191) and Rocca, who consistent mid-5.90s ail day with his three solos in his took the number eight posi- in his small block dragster "Gravity Storm" dragster, SPECIALISEDMACHINING FOR tion with a best of 8.04/177 and did it again in the final, carding a 5.66 239, followed * RESTORING1950'S& LATERENGINESTO STANDARD after suffering ignition prob- but blew any chance of a win by a 7.03/241 and a 5.66/275 lems. with a .395 reaction. on his final pass to close the * SPEEDWAY Bray's victims en route to Coonan, meanwhile, meeting. the final were Rocca in round recorded a 7. 74/177 on bis Winners in other brackets * DRAG RACING one - 6.48/222 to Rocca's 7.68 dial-in for the win and included Greg Leahy in * SKI BOATS improved 6.68/208 - and proved the guy with the Super Comp, Gavin Eales in t~ammate Critchley in round small budget can match it Comp Bike, Aris Kontoleon * STREET MACHINES two, with a 6.40/223 to a with the big budget teams. in Super Sedan, Rodney * CIRCLET~ACK 6.55/218.

Also impressive in this Hartsen in Modified, Fabio Scialpi disposed of Belleri bracket were Paul Crystal in Modified Bike, * HISTORICS and Gratz on his way to the Shackleton in his Top Alky Steve Powell in Super Street, John Zappia relies 011Southside Engi11eCentre to final with a 6.58/202 and a dragster - who recorded a and Shane Tucker in the keep his 'Zap's Rat Ill running fast & reliably 6.45/216, respectively.

6.49/220 in qualifying and an Junior Dragster bracket.

·soUTHSIDE' ENGINE

CENTRE

HIGH QUALITY.MACHINING FORSTANDARDAND RACEENGINES

AND ANOTHER WIN ... Victor Bray outgunned the Americans once more.

SPECIALISTSIN CYLINDER HEAD SERVICE BORING AND SUNNEN HONING CON ROD RESIZING CRANKSHAFT REGRINDING LINE HONING PIN BORING ENGINE BALANCING SURFACE GRINDING ALLOY WELDING MAGNAFLUXING/CRACK TESTING ALL TYPE OF PRECISION MACHINING

Pb: (09) 317 1233 Fax:

(09) 317 1922

Unit 3/7 Blaikie

St Myaree

WA 6154

............................................... ............. ~~~ •••~~.~.~~·········································_[jJ};pfl@p:~[P. ......11January1991 .26

Report

by GERALD McDORNAN

and SCOTT JUG

With the first round of the 1997 Top Fuel and Australian Dynomax Pro Stock and Pro Bike Championships headlin• ing·the bill and with magnificent weather prevailing, a huge crowd of around 30,000 people turned out for Calder Park's January 11 meeting to witness Graeme Cowin reset the Top Fuel elapsed time national record to 4.92 seconds.

In Top Fuel, American Glenn Mikres and Sydney's Cowin almost completely stole the show with their back to back four second performances, Cowin ultimately resetting the national record with the Shell Rocket to an excellent 4.921 seconds in the final and taking a win over Mikres after the two made their way through the six car field.

Unfortunately, though, the much anticipated first side by side four

PIPPED ... American Glenn Mikres put in a stout effort in Santo Rapisarda's Top Fueller, but couldn't counter Cowin. (Thunder-Pics/Agfa photo) In Pro Stock, while the Dynomax unable to make the event, due to a quality of competition and drama, second run in the final between the

two failed to materialize, although it wasn't for the want of trying.

Championship started off slowly in numbers - with many racers

parts supply problem out of the US - the class made up for it in the

the final being decided on the 20second rule.

2li JANUAR~6.30PM. USAVIIAUSTNITRDIUNNYCARS~ This Saturday night is set to go right off with more red-line excitement at Calder Park.

Catch the Californian Screamer Cory Lee take on Aussie speed sensations Peter Russo, Keith "Hollywood" Agius and John Taylor in a

to be missed this Saturday, 25th of January.

call the Calder Park lnfoline on 1900 937 445.

Race Times: Gates open 7.30am with qualifying from 10am to 4pm. Racing from

Call cost 75c per minute.

5.30pm to 10.30pm.

Tickets: Adults $25, kids 13 and under,

huge night of high octane thrills.

free. Tickets through Ticketek on 13 28 49.

But the action doesn't stop there with the loud and proud Blown Alcohol boys battling it

bus direct to Calder Park. For more information,

out in the curtain raiser.

It's just another night of all out action, not

A R K

(Higher rate from mobile and public phones.)

Repc11

Herald Sun ""'-

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!

Australian champion Joe Polito, a former victim of a 'cruel' loss during a semi-final bye at the Nationals a few years back, took the win over John O'Kearney, who was making his debut at the wheel of his ex-Peter Ridgeway Grand Prix, when the John Williams Auto Sale Pontiac failed to stage in time.

The first round of the Pro Bike Series was taken out by the Serco/Wiseco Suzuki of Gavin Eales, who downed defending champion Les Donnon's off-song Castro] Suzuki in the final.

The blown Top Comp bracket saw Theo Pavlomanolakis, driving his Pav-Tek Race Engines BB/AP Ford Capri, defeat Peter Kapiris's KB-poweredStatesman.

Pavlomanolakis' Capri ran a subindex 7.55/180 to qualify number one and was untroubled in the final when Kapiris s Statesman broke off the line.

Super Comp saw the Sammut Brothers create their own piece of history the Nissan Genuine Parts 300ZX recording the sport's firstever seven second elapsed time for a DD/Ga vehicle, a 7.966/171.91thanks to the Sammut-developed 183 cubic inch, turbocharged Nissan straight six engine producing a massive 915 horsepower!

The Sammut's history-making pass came against their season-long nemeses, Graeme Cooper and Tony Busscher, the run clinching them their second event victory of the season in the four final round contests with the Busscher/Cooper team.

Cowin started his campaign to recapture the Top Fuel title with the Shell Rocket by importing expat Aussie Gary Kennedy, who works full-time on the US tour, to act as

an advisor to the team - and Kennedy's presence appeared to have the desired effect, Cowin's mount making a number of quick back to back passes without major damage.

"We're just going back to basics with Graeme's car and, with each pass, we'll just try and advance it a little further down the track," Kennedy said before the proceedings began.

"We're not here to set low et of the world, we're here to lap the car and gain knowledge ... the time cards will take care of themselves."

Mikres preached very much the· same as Kennedy, the American veteran looking for consistency, knowing that that's what wins races.

"Hey, if we run some fours, or even a 300 mph run, we'll take those as bonuses. What counts for us is recording runs and winning each round," he said.

Mikres led qualifying with a 5.012, on what would have been a four second pass if he was able to keep the car in the middle of the lane.

The resurgent Cowin held down the number two spot with a 5.181, ironing out the bugs associated with his new combination.

The rest of the field consisted of Robin Kirby, who ran a career-best 5.285/267 in third, Terry Sainty, Rachelle Splatt and a blower beltthrowing Darren Di Filippo.

Mikres ran a 4.976/288 in his first round victory over DiFilippo's True Flow Exhaust car and then a quicker 4.953/293.35 on a semifinal bye enroute to the final round.

Amazingly, Mikres lost lane choicefor the final, as Cowin'sShell Rocket fueller came to life in the Continued next page

LOOKING GOOD ... Record-breaker Graeme Cowin sits as Gary Kennedy ponders. (Thunder-Pics/Agfa)

proved that the team will be back and humid weather on HotMonday, January 6, precluded in contention this year, with a any great numbers being run dur- 6.984/196.89 shot, the quickest ing the first day of the latest round pass of the entire test session.

Geoffrion's car was set up with of Pro Stock testing at Florida's a different low gear ratio that Gainesville Raceway, but things meant Alderman's clutch tune-up did improve later in the week.

Warren Johnson had both could not be duplicated in his car his newest Ness car and his new and therefore he was restricted to Rick Jones piece on hand. He a best of 7.06/194.80, backed up with a 7.10/195.86 and a used the two event old Ness chassis to get a baseline of 7.09/196.29.

7.033/197.54 before rain interuptespite his stellar performance ed play. during his initial test session Kurt Johnson has his Firebird painted in its new red, white and late last year, Jim Yates was back blue colour scheme and he went to try another engine combination 7.041/196.89 right after his dad's which, with reportedly stout torque numbers in the right run. an initial After the rain subsided, Mike places, produced Edwards ran a 7.20/193.88, fol- 7.01/196.93 on Tuesday.

The first pass on Wednesday lowed by a 7.07/196.20 from W.J. and a 7.035, again at 196.89 from was a 6.989/196.42 and was followed by a 7.01/195.82 - an Kurt.

OnTuesday, Kurt put down a engine swap produced a 7.00 series of very consistent passes again at 196.42 late in the day. at 7.03/196.80, 7.04/196.80 and om Martino, who now has the 7.02/196.80, while his dad Mama Rosa's Pizza sponsorclocked a 7.000 and a 7.005 at 197.80, the best speed of the day. ship following Mark Osborne's retirement, was not looking good Wednesday saw W.J. make with a best his debut pass in the new car with performancewise a 7.07/195.73, despite a very con- effort in the 7-teens on Monday.

But he reverted to his old chasservative chassis set-up. sis set-up and carded For the second run, Johnson a moved some of the ballast rear- 7.01/196.08 on Tuesday that was ward, dialled in a little more bite followed by successive 7.02 shots and replaced the out of balance at 195.69 and 195.56 on Wednesday afternoon. front wheels and was rewarded Steve Schmidt, who is now with a 7.03/196.24 and a Martino's engine supplier, was 7.04/196.76 an hour later.

A final attempt late in the day getting some more laps on his new Haas Firebird and had a 7.05 was thwarted by a giant wheelon Tuesday, while Rickie Smith stand.

Kurt and his crew were busy was struggling with a best of 7.07 trying clutch and suspension vari- with the Schmidt bullet that had ations, all of which seemed to run in the sixes in Schmidt's own work, as he recorded three 7.00 car and 7.01 in Martino's. shots and a 7.03 - the ?-flat runs avid Nickens and Ron Krisher were accompanied by speeds of were trading motors back and 197.45, 197.23 and 197.10. forward, as they tried to figure out if either the chassis or the motor n Monday, Alan Johnson was having the primary effect on went 7.10 and 7.07 in the "real" Dodge, which still has B-1 their performances.

Evidently Krisher's derived heads rather than the Haas Pontiac-based units on the Team Firebird works a little better than Nicken's Todd Bevis piece, as Mopar entries.

Krisher went 7.06 and 7.03 with Wednesday saw further improvements, with runs of the ex-Larry Morgan bullet that 7.05/195.12 and 7.04/195.22, the could only produce 7.10 and 7.09 latter the quickest Mopar time up shots in Nickens' car.

Nickens went 7.13 and 7.16 to that point. with his own motor, so he is evihe Dodge boys got in a single dently hurting in both departpass each on Monday, with ments.

Darrell Alderman rolling the arren Johnson's new Rick beams early and not getting a time, while Scott Geoffrion's sole Jones chassis is evidently somewhat of a departure from the effort was a 7.23/192.18.

Both Dodges were evidently norm in the area of chassis construggling in both the power and struction. clutch departments and rain The car features a double rail stopped play at 4 o'clock before chassis with widely-spaced tubes and the front strut mounts are they had a chance to try again.

Things got a little better on the simple loops of tubing attached to following day, as Geoffrion put the upper rails. down a 7.16 at 195 mph, despite There are no braces from the a slipping clutch and Alderman base of the A-pillars to the front of put a time on the board with a the frame, so the main longitudi7.20 as rain once more repeated- nal tubes provide the only mealy interrupted the action. sure of torsional resistance in the

By Wednesday morning, the area ahead of the windshield.

Eicke camp had overcome some The car was so new when it of the tyre shake and clutch slip arrived at Gainesville that crew maladies and Alderman stepped chief Greg Anderson was still up with a 7.05/196.29 - at 3 installing the wiring and plumbing. o'clock that afternoon, he finally - KEITH BURGAN

D

BEST APPEARING ... Darren DiFilippo's new fueller looks great and shows huge promise. (Thunder-Pies) Continued from page 27 "By the looks of tonights runs, "I'm looking forward to us alf semis, running a 4.940 at just 261 we've achieved quite a lot in over- enjoying a great year." mph. coming the problems we've had and In the sportsman brackets, the The stage was set for the first the Shell Rocket is set for a good winners were AMCN legend Mike Australian side by side four second season ... although you can't relax Sinclair over Terry Emery (Comp pass in the final - however, for a second and you've got to stay Bike), Scott Fitzpatrick over Phillip Mikrns's Santos Cranes/Hi-Tee Oils on the case if you don't want to be Shearer (Super Mod), Graeme digger overpowered the track 200ft bitten by one of these beasts."

Spencer over Glenn Wakeling off the startline and Cowin set sail Australian Pro Stock champion (Super Sedan), Craig Geddes for the finish.

Polito was ari extremely happy (Super Gas), John Depetro over The Shell Rocket ran under full racer after opening his season with Graeme Murphy (Super Elim), power the entire length of the quar- a win fn -rne Dynomax Series, Glenn Jones over Bill Farrugia ter to record a new national record- Polito's Ford Probe dominating the (Super Street), Frank Carpenter setting 4.921/292mph and take the event and taking the $200 over Callam Godeassi (Mod Bike) early lead in the '97 series.

Dynomax top qualifying bonus, and Jason Maggs over Scott Bettes "People don't realise it, but we along with low et and top speed in Junior Dragster. were just 3/1,000th of an inch away points.

Calder Park's next meeting is on from quitting at the Grand Finals Despite losing out in the final to Saturday, January 25, when the and we had to do a whole lot of the 20-second rule - a rule where second round of the USA v soul-searching to go on," Cowin said the second driver must stage the Australia Nitro Funny Car Series after the meeting. The guys who vehicle within 20 seconds of the takes place. wanted to stay and do the job first prior to their race - O'Keamey American Cory Lee will again be stayed; those who didn't left and was pleased with his team's first at the wheel of the Team USA Olds we've pulled together to get on with showing with their new Pontiac.

Cutlass, while the Australian plaswinning the championship."

"It took me two years to convince tic fantastic representatives will be Kennedy said after the meeting Peter Ridgeway to sell me the car Australian champion Peter Russo, be was happy with the way the and, since he did, he's done an at the wheel of his Autopro/Exide team's car ran, each pass running incredible amount of work to help Batteries Dodge Daytona, Keith further down the track under power us get to the track," O'Kearney Agius with the Hoffman/Agius Hias they overcame their tuning prob- said.

Tee Oils/Aussie Livestock Tags lems.

"I can't thank Peter and his team Ford Probe, Ron Atholwood with "We were taking each pass a lit- enough, along with my team - the Atholwood Brothers Pontiac tie step at a time and progressing including my great mate Bruce Trans Am, Western Australian further and further towards the fin- Agate - who have helped us get the Allan Dobson in Allan Greene's ish line before our next challenge John Williams Auto Sales Pontiac Green Machine Beretta and John came," Kennedy said. into the final.

Taylor in his Corvette.

WATCHFUL EYE ... Former car owner Peter Ridge~ay checks John O'Kearney's style. (Thunder-Pies)

T

D

O

T

W

1997 AUSTRALIAN DRAG RACING CHAMPIONSHIPS POINTSCORES AFTER RD. 1.

1997 Top Fuel Series Graeme Cowin 110 Glenn Mikres 90 Terry Sainty 60 Darren Difilippo 40 Robin Kirby 40 Rachelle Splatt 40

1997 Funny Car Series I. Peter Russo 100 2. Cory Lee 100 3. Keith Agius 60 4. John Taylor 60 Allan Dobson Ron Atholwood

1997Dynomax Pro Stock Series I. Joe Polito 120 2. John O'Keamey 80 3. Tony Wedlock 60 4. Craig Hastead 40 5. Robert Quattrochi 40 6. Paul Rogers 40

Ne"xt Round: Willowbank January 25th

Next Round: Calder Park January 25th

Next Round: Calder Park March 21 st - 23rd

I. 2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

1997 Pro Stock Bike Series I. Gavin Eales 120 2. Les Donnan 80 3. Dennis Ackland 60 4. Jason Lee 60 5. Paul Andrews 40 6. Peter Cochrane 40 7. Colin Linney 40 Next Round: Calder Park March 21 st - 23rd

Jim'snew Pontiac Jim Richards' stunning new Pontiac Grand Prix NASCAR was unloaded last Thursday at Calder Park Raceway and collected by car-owner Canadian Dick Midgley's MelbourneWarwick associate, based DeRose.

The curvaceous "1996 and a half' Pontiac is a Laughlin-chassised exJohnny Benson Pennzoil machine that was wind tunnel-tested and originally scheduled to compete at the 1996 Indianapolis race.

The original front clip was then swapped dwing Indy testing to suit the driver's preference, the revised

car subsequently not appearing at the Brickyard and ultimately being acquired by Midgley "sight unseen."

Richard's initial reservations about the mode of purchase quickly evaporated after a thorough inspection of the vehicle proved positive.

The Pontiac will debut at the next Thunderdome round and the team will continue to use its existing Performance Tech engines, though Midgley wants the Indianabased firm to reassess its development program to produce performance levels rivalling Kim Jane's "obviously superior John Sidney engine package." -TONY GLYNN

FLASH NEW RIDE ... Jim Richards will be campaigning Dick Midgley's new Pontiac NASCAR acquisition at the remaining two Thunderdome rounds this season. Delivered in full super speedway spec (above) with perspex-filled right-side window aperture, the Laughlin chassis machine features comprehensive cockpit/seat protection and swoopy rear bodywork, the latter mandating an interesting wave pattern rear spoiler (below) Thunder-Pics/Agfa photos note that left-side aerodynamic roof fence extends down rear window.

To commemorate Terry Labonte's historic second WINSTONCUP NASCARseries win, WINNINGEDGE RACEWEARis proud to off er an exclusive range of officially approved team merchandise. All articles are of the finest quality and represent excellent value.

Item No

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Description

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BrighterAIR prospects for TerryWyhoon Terry Wyhoon has pulled out all stops in preparation for next weekend's Adelaide half-mile NASCAR event.

"We've basically stripped the car back down to a shell again and built it from the ground up," Wy hoon said. 'Obviously, the nature of the Adelaide circuit requires modifications to the existing super speedway set-up, but the last time we got this carried away we picked up six tenths."

Wyboon had his most succesful NASCAR race to date after extensive modifications to bis BP Car care Ford Thunderbird at last month's Village Cinemas NASCAR 200 at the Thunderdome.

After Christmas at home in California, John Nissen, Wyhoon's

crew chief from the opening rounds of the championship, will be rejoining the team for the Adelaide event, taking over from chassis guru Tom Smith, who filled in during Nissen's absence.

Smith has seen very little of his new wife, Suzanne, since their marriage in December, due to the degree of carnage that occurred at the Christmas meeting and the added pressure of moving to a new workshop this week.

Currently scheduled for repairs at Smith's Race Car Engineering concern were John Maultsaid's Couriers Please Thunderbird, Ken James' Pennzoil Monte Carlo and Neville Lance's Autopro/MECO Tools Thunderbird.

- SEAN HENSHELWOOD

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Seatonreturns

After a break of almost twelve months, AUSCAR front-runner Mark Seaton is expected to compete in his #23 Ford Falcon at the Adelaide round of the Autopro series.

Seaton bas been developing his expanding computer simulated games business, having recently bought his second full-scale Formula I-based car.

"I spend my time driving around the country setting the things up, basically to keep my mind off not

being able to race," he said. "We've been in discussions with sponsor Western Oil, who backed us for the final Thunderdome race and the Group A support race earlier in the year - the response we gained during those two meetings was excellent and they are keen to be involved again."

Seaton finished a fine first and second at tl}e two-part AUSCAR Group A support race, ending the day second overall to fellow blue oval driver Marshall Brewer. pre-Daytona 500 testTheinginitial session was held on Jan 3-5, with the premier Ford teams in attendance.

Dale Jarrett backed up his 1996 efforts with a best speed of 187.270 mph on the Saturday, after also being the quickest on Friday at 186.842.

Jarrett did not have the opportunity to use the car that put him in the winner's circle for the 1996 event, as that vehicle was immediately enshrined in the Gatorade Victory Lane display in the Daytona USA interactive museum adjacent to the track.

"The car has been completely stripped down and gone over and the engine has had some real development, so we think we're in with a fair chance.

"Adelaide has been pretty good for us in the past and I've run at or near the front on each occasion, although our finishing record hasn't been as good.

"But we'll give it a shot and see what support, if any, we can generate for the final rounds."

- SEAN HENSHELWOOD

NASCAR UPDATE

by KeithBurgan,USA panels by a full inch, as allowed by the '97 rules revisions. is hoping to replace Tony Sacks Stewart in the #20 car and run

the full season for Ranier, who has been unable to raise the he Yates team had three cars sponsorship dollars necessary to at the track and Ernie Irvan field Stewart.

Stewart put in some laps in a took the best of the other two car with a Thunderbirds to a 186.154 lap to telemetry-equipped best speed of 183.647, b_efore be third quickest behind John heading to Walt Disney World to Andretti's 186.463 in the honour his commitment to John Yarborou.gh RCA entry.

Jeremy Mayfield's Friday lap of Menard's IRL team - Stewart's 186.023 was next on the list, fol- • plans now include a limited BGN lowed by Lake Speed's .185.931 series schedule, an occasional and Dick Trickle's 185.319; both Craftsman Truck drive and maybe a couple of Winston Cup dates, in set on Saturday. addition to his IRL efforts. eff Burton was the only Roush everal other drivers also team driver on hand and his inproved, with Lake Speed best ~ffort was a 184.676. stepping up to 187.246, John lso in the 184 mph range were Andretti to 187.060 and Ernie Greg Sacks in Harry Ranier's Irvan was just a little quicker at 186.258 before heading off for a #20 and Rusty Wallace.

Wallace may have been one of public appearance.

Following lrvan's departure, the slowest Fords in the first days of testing at Daytona, but - on Jarrett climbed into the #28 and Sunday afternoon - he upped the put in a lap at 186.931. Jeremy ante with a lap at 188.446 to be Mayfield also stepped up a little more that a full mph faster that with a 186.308 effort.

Dale Jarrett's best effort. he GM teams began their inital session on Monday and reg Sacks also surprised the observers by putting in the Hendrick teammates Jeff Gordon only other sub-48 second effort and Terry Labonte were the (47.988) in the Ranier #20 for a quickest, although their speeds were only in the same range as speed of 187.547 mph. those of the Fords on their first he car Wallace used was the day. Only three thousandths of a same one that placed 10th in second separated the #24 and the DieHard 500 at Talladega, its the #5, with Gordon stopping the best-ever super speedway perfor- clocks at 186.745 and Labonte at mance. Assisted by former racer 186.734.

The next best Monte Carlo was Buddy Baker, the Penske South team ran three cars during the Sterling Marlin's #4 at 185.628, three-day test session, including a followed by Darrell Waltrip's new in-house PC chassis; but the 185.254.

The rest of the Chevys were at revamped '96 car was by far the 184 mph, or slower and Derrike fastest.

The rework to the older car Cope was the fastest Pontiac at 183.715. included raising the rear quarter

T

JFR'S LATEST AUSCAR ... Brand-new, paint shop-ready, Lawrence Hill-built Commodore for John Faulkner Racing displays a number of NASCAR-style touches, particularly with its comprehensive cockpit cagework and faired B-pillar treatment.

- SEAN HENSHELWOOD

Gordontops testing The second day of GM testing at Daytona saw Robby Gordon take Felix Sabates' new Monte Carlo to· the head of the pack, surpassing the efforts of the Rick Hendrick teams.

Gordon's 187.387 lap last Tuesday was more than 1.5 mph faster than both Terry Labonte and Jeff Gordon, who went 185.812 and 185.793, respectively.

Former Hendrick team member Ken Schrader was next best with a 185.667 lap in the Skoal Chevy, while Sterling Marlin's 185.510just edged out Schrader's replacement, Ricky Craven, who clocked a 48.576-sec lap (185.277 mph).

Darrell Waltrip actually slowed down to 184.680, as he obviously went in the wrong direction with his set-up.

Although Derrike Cope was again the fastest of the Pontiacs, he too slowed down from his Monday efforts.

Dale Earnhardt continued to struggle and failed to get up to 184 mph, a speed that was surpassed even by Dave Marcis.

Earnhardt was still disappointed The final day of the initial sesson saw Gordon at the head of the pack with an improved 184.816 that left again - once more, though it was him 11th fastest of the GM brigade and well down the overall list.

Robby, not Jeff.

He will get another shot next A 4 7 .845 effort put the Coors Pontiac over 188 mph by just .107 week, as the GM cars hit the track mph, but sufficed to make the again on Jan 20-22.

Although he was offered posiNASCAR rookie the second-fastest tions at several teams, including overall to Rusty Wallace's 188.446.

The DuPont Chevy was next on Robert Yates Racing, Tim Brewer the GM list at 187.383 as Gordon has cast his lot with the Morganimproved considerably more than McClure team.

One factor influencing Brewer's Labonte, who bad to be content decision was the fact that the #4 with a 186.722 lap.

Marlin was the only other driver team has won the Daytona 500 in the 186 mph range at 186.239, three times - despite a long career, while Schrader fell well down the Brewer has never been part of a list when he could not improve on Daytona 500-winning team at the time of that victory. his Tuesday effort.

The team's funding is also very Some of the #24 and #5 cars' magic must have rubbed off on secure, with the news that Kodak has signed with Morgan-McClure Craven's #25, as he was sixth fastest with a 185.759 lap that was for an additional four years to take just a hundredth of a second slower the duration of their affiliation to a than Mike Skinner's 185.993 in total of 14 seasons.

Another constant in the operaRichard Childress' new #31 entry.

Nemechek (185.728) and D.W. tion will be driver Sterling Marlin, (185.322) were next, as Cope found who has just renewed his contract some speed with a 185.185 lap to for another five years.

- KEITH BURGAN remain the Pontiac leader.

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Kinsermaintains his winningform Steve Kinser, the undisputed king of Sprintcar racing, continued his Australian assault with another emphatic victory on January 8 at Brisbane's Archerfield Speedway.

Piloting his immaculate O'Brien Aluminium Maxim, the World of Outlaws legend encountered little opposition on his way to the chequer in the 25-lap feature.

Kinser's only threat came from fellow American Brent Kaeding, who drove superbly through traffic in pursuit of his compatriot to bring his Temprite Insulation Tognotti home in second place.

Paul Lindberg was, as expected, the best of the smaller than expected local contingent in third spot, ahead of an impressive Dean McComb, Tony Bridge and Keading's Californian team-mate, Kevin Pylant.

Kinser's return to Archerfield started-perfectly when he took over three seconds off his own 4-lap record in his first event, a series of

by Pylant, Andrew Scheuerle, match races that saw him join Kathy Kelly, Darren Jensen, Ricky forces with Kaeding to trounce Lindberg and Aussie champ Todd Mitchell, Grose, Billeau and Adam McKenzie.

Wanless.

Wanless shot away at the start Kaeding also etched his name into the record books when he and quickly opened a lead of 100 clocked a new 8-lap mark on his metres as the Yankee trio started way to victory in the opening quali- to move through the field.

The only restart came on lap 10, fier.

Kelly and Sutherland made when secthe in home cruised Kinser ond heat, Wanless and McComb contact in turn 3 and sent Kathy into a flip, putting both cars out of also visiting victory lane.

Only four cars contested the B- action.

At the resumption, Wanless still Main, David Grose (Crazies Restaurant J&J) defeating Ray held sway ahead of Kaeding, Billeau and Mick Rowell in record Kinser, Lindberg, Lambert and McComb. Disaster struck three time.

For onJy the second time this sea- laps later for Wanless, who took his son, race fans were treated to a full Partfinder Schnee to the infield, field of cars,for the feature, with just as Kinser moved ahead of Anthopy J,ambert's Cl_ubCrocodile Kaeding.

Kinser cleared away in the secMaxim and Wanless sharing the ond half of the event - despite a front. close encounter with the lapped car The inverted six format put Lindberg and McComb on row two, of McKenzie - to win by a comfortable margin. ahead of Kinser and Kaeding.

Kaeding enjoyed a similar gap to The fourth row comprised Bridge duelling duo of Lindberg and the follo"."ed Sutherland, and Matthew

CRUISING ... Steve Kinser is crushing his opposition. (Brett Swanson)

McComb, with Bridge and Pylant also in close company. Also making it to the finish were Jensen, Scheuerle, an ailing Lambert, Mitchell and rookie McKenzie. competition, In Speedcar Sydneysider Scott Jenkins made the locals look very ordinary as he dominated qualifying, took out the Trophy Dash and then lowered the 20-lap track record by over seven seconds on his way to an easy win in the feature event.

Toowoomba's DaITyl Bonell finished a distant second, ahead of Mike Meyer, Sean Burrows and Grant Draney.

The Litre Sprintcar feature was a thriller, with a last lap pass giving Terry Bracken a narrow victory over Col White. champion Ricky Australian Tapscott finished third, closely pursued by Michael Gee and Russell Dennis.

- CHRISMETCALF

Jacksontakes AdelaideWSS

Prior to the World Series Sprintcar troupe taking a two week break, Skip Jackson vaulted from fourth place to series leader after his dominant wins at Mt Gambier and the 28 year-old Adelaide, Sydney driver also setting the fastest lap time in the time trials at both SA rounds.

Heat winner at Speedway City on January 3 were Danny Smith (2), NT's Dave McFadden, local Peter Smith (2) and Wayne Bunker.

Adelaide's Dennis Burford was taken to hospital with burns after a heat one incident where his Maxim caught fire on the final lap Burford quickly bailed out from his still-mobile car, which careered infield before lurching to a halt, where fire crews attended to the driver.

famous old club is Another returning to the sport in England.

Newcastle Diamonds, at one time the home of multi-World Champion Ivan Mauger, will be competing in the Premier League next season (effectively Division Two, but oddly named).

A new promotion team has picked up the reins and, once again, Brough Park will. reverberate to the sound of 500cc motors and two-wheeled machines.

Racing will take place on Sundays, with Monday evenings as an alternative date. he legendary Australian ace Tfrom Mildura, Phil Crump, father of top rider Jason Crump, will be returning to the saddle to ride at the newly constructed Newport track in South Wales.

It will not be to race in the League, though.

Points leader Max Dumesny suffered a dismal Adelaide outing, retiring from heat two and the night's racing after failing to post a time trial due to electrical problems.

Bunker was, elevated to B-Main winner over Queensland's Darrell Hodges after a mid-race indiscretion, while SA' Gerald Bault became first reserve by finishing third in the repechage.

Queensland's Barry Lawrence upended his J&J in heat four after tangling with Brett Squiers.

Todd Fast time runner-up Wanless took his Schnee to an important pole-grabbing win over Jackson in the Goodyear Eagle Trophy Dash, followedby defending champion Brooke Tatnell, Smith, Trevor Green and USA's Joe Gaerte.

HEAT ACTION ... #5 USA's Joe Gaerte and Nathan MacDonald at Speedway City. (Frank Midgley photo)

Previous Adelaide winner Green was the main driver to advance from his lowly midfield time trial placing to claim a Trophy Dash start after a solid heat one performance.

However, Green threw it all away when he bad to start the AMain at the rear of the field after spinning out on the greasy track during the pre-race hot laps.

An opening lap clash between

Phil March and McFadden saw the Alice Springs driver's Grizzly forced out with damaged steering.

Jackson jumped to an early lead over Wanless, but on lap 2 Gaerte lost his Hodges Maxim and was struck by Green.

The local star's J&J rolled and caught fire, eliminating him from proceedings and dropping him from the top five pointscorers.

The second restart belonged to

EuroNews~ ~ ~Crump will ride in a match race challenge against another big name from the past at the new Queensmeadow circuit.

He was a master of the old Somerton Park circuit at Newport, where the very special nature of the 'square' bends needed a technique all of their own.

Crump is expected to race there in mid-summer, during what has now become his annual pilgrimage to Europe during the Aussie winter.

C

Greg Hancock alifornian enjoyed some sunshine at home near Los Angeles with his

girlfriend Joanne in preparation for the Aussie David Tapp series.

But Hancock is still unsure as to whether his English club Gradley will be racing during the British season, which starts in late March.

He and sidekick Billy Hamill, the World Champion, both race for Gradley and are hoping the Dudley Wood Stadium will open again to stage the sport.

If not, they are both committed to racing in Britain and will line up for another club.

They would like to race together, but the 'averages' statistic that governs team strengths in the new

Jackson, who withstood Wanless' attempts in traffic.

Next were Tatnell, Smith, Mark Reuter and Andrew Scheuerle, the drivers finishing in the same order at the chequered flag.

Smith retained second place in the championship behind new leader Jackson, with Tatnell advancing to third at the expense of Dumesny, who dropped back from first to fourth. - DAVID McNABB now the club's future is assured ,the promoters are looking to build a team capable of challenging for honours once again after some while in the doldrums.

u-J::

British Elite League might not allow that.

Their Grand Prix sponsorship from the electrical giants, Exide, will continue in 1997. top British Elite League Two clubs are interested in signing South Australian Shane Parker, whose Middlesbrough club has been wound up.

Bradford was the first to enquire as to the availability of the Adelaide rider, but it is understood that Belle Vue has also joined the chase for his signature.

Fellow Aussie Jason Lyons rides at the Manchester track, but

rand Prix rider Chris Louis has Gbeen voted as the 'British Rider of the Year' by the fans.

In a poll conducted by top journal "Speedway Star," Louis gained a staggering 30.4% of the votes, followed by another Grand Prix rider and his own brother-in-law Mark Loram.

Simon Wigg, Martin Dugard and Joe Screen followed, but none reached 10%.

Former World Champion Gary Havelock, injured in the Test series against Australia, polled just

2%!

World Champion Billy Hamill was named as "Overseas Rider of the Year," ahead of Jason Crump who was voted into second place.

fi%l!-P.fJ.<P,f!.?w.f?[!Jl.•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••.••.•.............

"PROBLEM TRACK" was the lead headline on the front page of the Warrnambool Standard Newspaper after the running of Round 9 of the World Series Sprintcars Championship at Premier Warrnambool's Speedway on January 1.

In an article written by the Standard's Peter Fletcher, which was spread over four pages of the January 3 is ue of the newspaper, Fletcher stated that the diivers are fed up with the speedway surface according to the President of the Control Council of Sprintcar Australia, George Tatnell.

The article quotes Tatnell as saying that the Premier club must improve it's track to meet drivers concerns.

It went on to say that the Warrnambool circuit was developing a reputation among competitors as a car-destroying track.

Tatnell's comments came in the wake of widespread criticism of a

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Warrnambooltoo hot? "soft" track prepared for the night's that every time he has raced here racing in question. he has needed help to load the damThe article stated that "drivers aged car into the truck. approached organisers after the Tatnell said that the problem is first round of heats, asking for the the tracks unpredictability: "You clay surface to be regraded because only have to go back to the Classic of deep ruts in the corners." this time last year. Nine cars wore Tatnell is then quoted as saying: tyres out in the final. In the "The general feeling is that drivers Australian Titles there [1993-94], are fed up with the track. [On 31 cars rolled over two nights. We Wednesday night] Blokes were say- just have to start to address it sooning they were going to pack their er or later. The track isn't going to cars up and go home. That's the fix itself." first time I've heard that from so Tatnell did concede, though, the many drivers. Everybody is talking problem wasn't entirely restricted about it, so it's not as if it's a one-off to the southern hemisphere's thing." fastest 1/4-mile speedway.

"We have the same problems at In fact, Barry Lawrence never unpacked his car; he didn't even Parramatta," he said. "I don't know the answer, other than the curators bring it to the track, explaining

sitting down with the drivers and discussing it."

Both Tatnell and Race Director Jamie Nicolson are confident that the problems can be solved, Nicolson saying that the conditions that night were far from normal.

"Generally, it is not as soft as that. We have .been trying to get it packed in tighter and harder for this season," he stated. '!We'il be trying ·extremely hard to make sure that the track is right for any meeting we have, not just the Classic."

Nicolson is hopeful that the experience won't deter drivers from entering the club's time-honoured Grand Annual Classic later this month.

wasn't as good as the we had two heat wins, as the car Nyora previous two times we've been was quick. there. We broke a shocker mount on the front axle in the first heat and in th~ second Trevor Green spun in front of us and we rode his wheel and fell over.

We started ninth and finished fourth, so I suppose we should be reasonably happy with that, seeing as it was on a track that was really hard to pass on.

Danny Smith and I had a great race; I think we passed each other three or four times. Max Dumesny was fast and you can't give guys like that a start.

It shows once again in this level of competition that you can't"afford to drop a heat. he next day we drove to TWarrnambool and worked on the car. We didn't finish working on it until about 7 o'clock. We then went out to a restaurant for dinner which we finished at about 11:45.

Some of the boys kicked on at the Lady Bay, sort of a speedway tradition; but, with racing being my main focus, I was back at the motel and in bed by 12:30.

We worked on the car some more on New Year's Day, changing engines, because we still haven't decided which is our best motor.

We haven't time trialled well this year, which is a disappointment to us. We are down on luck with bad marble draws, etc; but, then again, our luck in the draws for the trophy dashes have been better.

Our bad time trial gave us midfield starts and, because of this,

~J.

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We won the dash- pretty easy and I think there's not too many _people who can keep with us on a rough track with the set-up Alan Felsch and I have got.

At the start, neither Danny nor I wanted a repeat of the last start here, so I pinched the car down low and he was up high and led for the first four laps.

A rough track doesn't bother us - in fact, I think it's my forte and it was an exciting race.

Once we got into traffic, I took over the lead; the car was good and fast and you could run against the fence. Lapping others was easy, as most of them were on the pole line.

With six to eight laps to go, I could feel the right rear tyre going flat and I had to get off the wall because the tyre was starting to roll under and the car laid over.

We had run over something that had put a tear in the tyre.

I went down the back straight to look at the score board to see how many laps were left, as I knew·we had lapped a lot of cars.

But, when I saw there were still four laps to go, it wasn't worth it so we pulled in. At that point, it felt like everything we had worked so hard for had been stolen in one hit.

We were really disappointed and disheartened.

The track was rough and soft, but it doesn't bother me. As Danny said: "It's my favourite Australian race track, but it's Australia's scariest race track." There's not a time that you go to Warrnambool that it doesn't scare you, but that's good.

T

he next night .at Mt Gambier, I thought we would do better.

We were seventh quick when Peter Smith dropped it in front of us and we broke a radius rod.

Once again, you can't afford to drop a heat.

We were on the bubble for running the B-main, but Danny's and a few others bad luck meant that we made the feature.

We set the car to be loose at the start, because we need to pass them early and then hope for a red to tighten it up. We caught up to Max and Todd Wanless and were lucky to avoid them when they tangled right in front of us.

We changed the car and took off again and I was determined to make a run around the outside of

""With the weather, it just didn't get as hot as we expected but, in the end, it was a pretty reasonable track," be explained. "It was just a little bit soft and pushing up a bit early."

Interestingly, the soft, fast track didn't stop Danny Smith or Max Dumesny from rim riding their way to the top two positions and only one car was destroyed as a result of another driver's error, not as a result of the track surface.

The following night at Mt Gambier's Borderline facility, more cars were damaged in some big accidents, including Trevor Green's huge dump, which resulted from too much traction out of turn 2.

- BRETT SWANSON there, but it wasn't good racing.

Todd, Skip, Danny and I were all on the same race pace, which was wide open for 30 laps. It made it very hard. You couldn't pull a great pass to gain a spot, but had to rely on the guy in front making a mistake to allow you past. We were hoping for lapped traffic but, with a few stoppages, that didn't happen.

When Skip's off the front you know he will be fast and he was winning from Todd, myself and Danny.

He now has about a 500 point break over us, with Danny 50 points ahead of us as we go into the final rounds at Archerfield, which - with $15,000 to win on the final race - will make it a very exciting race.

The cream of Australia's racers will be there, as well as Rush, Brazier, the Kellys, Lindberg and American Brent Kaeding.

Nathan MacDonald. Then Greeny crashed, which was a shame fter Adelaide, we came home because he was running well. to Parramatta to try and get We changed the car again with some more points, but it was not a four laps to go and ran up high.

We set Nathan up for the pass, good night for us. We had a bad which we pulled off, but we weren't first heat and start'ed ninth in the fast enough to catch Skip Jackson. feature.

Kinser was quick, but Brazier ·A couple more laps, though and was runn_ing high and drove we might have got Joe Gaerte.

Skip and Paul Felsch have been around the outside of Kinser. It's good to see Brazier back to windoing a good job.

• ning form.

Rush had to come out of the Bn Adelaide, the track was atrocious. It was dry slick, hard on • Mai n again after he dropped a heat. He's done more laps around tyres and hard to get a h9,fd ot • here this season than anyone - it's It's sad to see such a brilliant complex like this. There was a not that he's not as fast as last season, it's just that the level of good crowd who love their competition is so great that you Sprintcar racing and who were can't afford to drop a heat. very appreciative of us being

A

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1997 3411Januar;

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Cardwellcombo maintainsits Compactedge Gordon where Speedway, The father and son combination Cardwell dominated by making of Gordon and Brian Cardwell a clean sweep of all events. to dominate has continued There were also some tales of Victorian Compact Speedcar woe - Pevitt rolled his new car in racing. the waTm-ups for the first heat, On Boxing Day at Bendigo Interna_tional Raceway, it was the after spinning and hitting a dirt younger Cardwell's turn to take out mound.

Lismore's Barr had engine trouthe feature race after an exciting 15 lap feature race which saw four ble all night and Boast was suffercars fighting for the prime posi- ing valve problems again.

Bob English was in trouble with tions. rotary and David Robotham the the gave Davis Dems Canbe1Ta's fence a whack on lap 8 before being broke a pump shaft - apart from these hiccups, the racing was excelblackflagged, as Brian Cardwell took the win over Crrug Hume with lent.

Cardwell started last (10th), Gordon Cardwell third.

The night started out with 16 before coming through for the win in heat one. Martin and Hume cars on hand, includmg the interthe minor positions severTRAFFIC JAM ... #44 Nigel Harvey atop parryl:Ylillsher - also involved is Jason Loveday. (Frank Midgley) swapped and Barr Allen Davis, of cars state Paul Raynes - the weather was al times, before Hume eventually took second from Mrutin. great, but the track was a bit In the bot conditions, the clay unstable.

Bob Boast made easy work of the track chopped up badly and the first heat( winning easily from rough and sometimes dangerous David Robotham and Raynes - Neil track wasn't to the liking of a few Pevitt was having ms first start in drivers.

Gordon Cardwell came from posihis new car and did well to run tion eight to win the second heat fifth.

Brian Cardwell was showing the from Brian Cardwell, with David form that would win him the fea- Robotham third - Neilson put in what some say was the best drive of Stephen Bell led from start to Bowey (two wins), Ransley, Sh.iells although having to contend with ture when he came from position lapped traffic, he kept ahead until nine to win the second heat com- his career. finish to take out round three of and Harvey.

In the 12 lap feature, Gordon These six then drew for positions, the chequer to post his second big fortably; Tiger Martin was second the Precision Race Components started out of position Cardwell third.

Hume and havseason, trus Bridge the at win Bell of ahead pole taking Harvey Championship F500 Victorian Brain attempted to take and seven the of best the was heat final The Time Tucker and Ransley - Dillon, Shiells and ing taken out the run at Riverview Series around the outside field whole the and racing good with packed night, Day. Boxing on back Classic two. row up made Bowey on Bridge, Speedway, Murray as the green flag was dropped.

Rods and Sedans were also pro- incidents. was competitor Unluckiest January 4.

He narrowly missed the fence First up, Martin and Dwayne Runner-up was Adelaide's top Darryl Willsher, who tangled in ms grammed, Jim Wright winning the and, while out of control momentaryoungster, Luke Dillon, son of first race, rolled and had Harvey Modified Rod feature from Travis Tournier had a coming together Speedcar ace Gary Dillon, while land on top. Unhurt, he borrowed Moore and Glenn Goonan - Wright that saw Tournier exit with a flat ily, narrowly avoided taking out Hume in what would have been a tyre and, in the second incident, third and fourth, respectively - another wing, but once again rolled was also a heat winner, Darryl nasty accident.

Gordon with collided Martin other. the winning Wright the after quite some delay as the lap in his last drive - he made Hume was later to lose a torsion Graham Cowland was the victor Cardwell. scorers checked their sheets - were final, but without the top wing.

Both cars were able to continue arm and bend the front axle, but Local driver Darren Disbury also in the Super Sedan feature over Troy Sh.iellsand David Swayne. still held on for fourth behind Obviously upset over the third had the misfortune to roll after he Steven Murphy and Dave Hately, and Gordon went on to win the heat Gordon Cardwell, Martin and and fourth placings were Rob rut a bump coming out of pit corner both Cowland and Murphy winning from his son, Brian, with Martin Brian Cardwell.

Ransley and Nigel Harvey, who and ended in the concrete - but he a heat each, along with Nev Hall third.

The placings were the same in A nasty incident was only narand David Harding. pulled up at the end of the race for took ms place in the final.

In Street Stocks, Alan Matthews rowly avoided when Bluey Neilson the Indian File handicap, but the Bell raced into the lead at the the presentation be)jeving they had finished in· those spots - rightly or start of the final, but NSW's Colin won the Div 1 feature from Brian was confronted with the unexpected race between Martin and Brian Cardwell was something to see, Chadwick and Kevin Lyons, wrule entrance of the water truck just wrongly, the nod was given to Adams pulled up on the main with Martin going right the way after the race finished. straight on lap 8, bringing out a the Div 2 feature went to Warren Shiells and Swayne. arnund the outside of Cardwell for Fishlock Darryl of ahead Gom.rners, with heats caution.

Bell top scored in the second place.

Two days later and the little and Anthony Rehn.

On the green, Bell narrowly two wins and a second, ahead of - BREIT SWANSON - FRANK MIDGLEY cars were at Swan Hill's Sonic Dillon (a win and two seconds), Don retained his lead from Dillon and,

ClassyBellwinnerat MurrayBridgef 500

A stunned Steve Knight in the family's Flocon Engineering Gambler couldn't believe he had won the SRA/Hoosier series round 6 at Warrnambool's Premier Speedway last week•end.

When race official Neville Carter djrected Knight towards the winners circle, Knight said: "What do you want me over there for?"

"Because you won," said Carter.

The look on Knight's face was worth a million dollars as the realisation set in for this quiet but talented driver ..

Knight had used the team's smaller steel 360 engine to take his maiden win, after damaging his bigger aluminium donk at Nyora.

"It's a dead-set shock," Knight related after the race.

"I thought Boult had won. I couldn't see him and the harder I tried .I still couldn't catch him and I thought that I was going bad."

Knight was unaware at this stage that Bault was actually four places behind him.

"The car was good," Knight said.

"It felt magnificent and having Bruce Mirinow work on the car has

Van Bremen used the experience gained from running the World Series Sprintcar series and watching the likes of Danny Smith and Max Dumesny run the high line at Premier to be the only dTiver prepared to run the high line in imilar fashion during the SRNHoo ier event.

Van Bremen brought the D&F Racing/Speedway Fibreglass Foster from position ten to a charging fourth place and may well have taken the race, before dropping out with about fom laps left to run.

Van Bremen had used the high line to breathtaking effect in an earlier heat when he diced with Johnson and Adrian Parr in the Peco Star Wheels/AceGates OTR. Unlike just over a week earlier when the World Series was in town, there were no complaints about the track and there was also a imilarsized field of cars.

Points after 6 of 13 rounds: Richardson 1709, Reed 1651, Knight 1551 Mattschoss 1446, McCubbin 1412, Walsh 1237 Neylan & Bulmer 1231. Boult 1221 and Bottarns 1124.

- BREIT SWANSON

StunnedKnightsnatches rwin r SRAHoosiePremie But the field hadn't lapped him given me confidence. I still can't and, in fact, he was back to fifth believe it."

The reason for Knight's surprise place, where he finished.

The race turned out to be a great was that race leader GeraTd Bault in the.Ohtsu tyres Foster had race for the fans as, over the closing established a big lead early and stages, second-placed Brett Neylan Knight did not see Bault spin as he and third-placed Phil Johnson were encountered lapped traffic. right on Knight's tail, with either "I stuffed up," was Boult's honest one in a position to take the win view of what had obviouslycost him should any of them h.iccup. the race win.

In fact, Knight and Neylan, in ''I was cruising up front, pumped the Commercial Minerals Foster, up with the adrenaline flowing and actually made contact with just two I came up to lapped traffic and was laps to run, Johnson in the Replay a bit impetuous.

Centre Grizzly Entertainment "I went high and there was noth- th.inking that the two were about to ing there. I thought I hit the wall, crash and the race would be handed but I didn't and the caT turned 90 to him. degrees. By the time I recovered, 1 "At the end, I thought out car thought that my race was finished was quicker than Steve's and, when and I might as well pull in because he went down onto the black stuff, I the whole field must have lapped thought that was my opportunity," me." explained Neylan.

"But he slid up the track and we banged wheels and that was that. I didn't realise how close Johno was behind me - I could hear someone, but I was just concentrating on the cars in front."

"When the leaders kissed," Johnson said, "I thought 'you ripper,' but it wasn't to be. The race, though, was a great race from where I sat.

"I got a good sta1t from eighth, but got held up a bit behind #79 [fourth-placed Greg Mattschoss in the Murray Panels Tognotti] and, at one stage when I split a couple of lapped car , I just put the foot down and clo ed my eyes."

The other drive of the night was that of the unfortunate Mike Van Bremen, who could have made it a four-way tussle for the lead if not for a cliffproblem.

35 17Janua~/991 E DWAY ............................................................ ~.~~.................... .................................................. ................ ®P.0P.l!.~!J!Rqj!.

Report by SUE HOBSON

Reigning Tasmanian State Title holder, David Nichols, took vie• tory at rounds two and three and overall first place at the Tri City Event for Super Sedans held at Warnambool, Hamilton and Mt. Gambier.

Nichols, a 34-year-old builder racing from the Latrobe Speedway Club was driving the Rick SlatterAuto 1995 Spargo owned Part Carrick Inn Pontiac TransAm - powered by a Gaerte motor, the Pontiac was designed and built in America by John Soares.

Sponsored by Colorworld Paint Supplies, Coastal Sheet Metal and Launceston Tattoos, Nichol's dominance was clearly stamped on the second and third nights of the series.

But after not finishing the final on night one, Nichols went into the final night placed third in the overall points behind the R&M Brewer Camaro of Bob Earthmoving Brewer and Bill Miller's Blair Athol Auto Parts Pontiac.

A new format was undertaken this year for the series, including time trials for heat positions and the added highlight of a Trophy Dash for the top six point scorers.

Nichols, who also raced at last year's series, found the racing highly competitive.

Peter Logue, driving the Speed Pro Engine Centre IROC Camaro, took the series lead after winning on the first night, but a blown motor forced his retirement, leaving the COME Racing VN Commodore of Danny Amato with the top points.

Last years' winner, Steve Stewart, in his American-designed Dry Creek Wreckers Camaro, was plagued with problems for the first two nights, but was able to show his true form at Mt Gambier, coming third in the feature.

GREAT RECOVERY ... Bouncing back from a round one DNF, Tasmanian David Nichols took home the Tri-City gold. (Brett Swanson photo)

Nicholssteamrollers with two wins Tri-City

Brewer and Nichols were leapfrogging for second but, with 17 laps remaining, a steering problem and shredded tyre forced Nichol's retirement from the race - Ward was caught up with Nichols and was also forced infield.

Warrnambool The restart saw Amato move up Premier Speedway was the host into third to challenge Brewer, with for the first night of the series, Logue setting the fastest lap time of the VN Commodores of Mick Nicola 14.21s in the time trials and (Traralgon Auto Repairs) 'and Gary Nichols, who set the second fastest Bryans (BRH Enterprises Truck Repairers) contesting for fourth.

(14.80s), being clockedat 130kmh.

This was heating up into a great Heat wins were awarded to contest, with the position leapfrogBrewer (two), Logue, Nichols, ging between the two - Gavin Miller and Dave Roberts (Ultra Steel Camaro), with Dean Parsons McKenzie in the Valvoline/Justice (Hussey Performance) taking the Telecommunications Commodore VL also joined the battle, finally win in the B-Main Final.

Logue was top pointscorer but making the pass on Bryans.

Brewer, still holding down secdrew four for the trophy dash, givond, sustained a ripped left front ing the Westoil Falcon of Paddy Ward pole; but it was Brewer who tyre, allowing Amato to take the position as the chequered flag fell. crossed the finishing line first.

Final placings were Logue, Two complete restarts were triggered before racing got underway in Amato, Brewer, Nicola, McKenzie, the final - initially, Stewart tagged Bryans, Roberts, Miller, Parsons, (Polgreen Murphy the wall after hitting a lump of Steven Tracey Duncan clay, causing damage to the front Earthmoving), (Lucar Cargo Van), Robert Burke end and rupturing a fuel tank.

(Southern Petroleum) and Les caused was restart second The Faulkhead (Central Springs Inn when the Falcon of Gavin McEachern (Trident Tyre Centres) Daylesford). threw a fuel pump belt.

When the final resumed, Logue Hamilton Western Speedway saw Stewart took the lead and held it from flag set the pace by clocking the fastest to flag.

Max DumesnyMotorsport agents for

I

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CURRENT

W'BOOL JAN / I

Steve Knight Brett Neylan Phil Johnson Greg Mattschoss Gerard Boult Rob Richardson 6.

7. David Murcott 8. Tim McCubbin 9. Chas Calandro I 0. Darryl Bottams I. 2.

3.

4.

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1 sttr U"oo ~ ~RACING

bumper to bumper behind Miller; ture, immediately taking the lead but it was Ward who made some with Bryans in second.

Stewart and Ward were side by great moves, finishing in fourth - side going into turn 1, with Stewart position. coming out of turn 2 in third posiFinal placings were Nichols, tion.

Miller, Duncan, Ward, Brewer, Nicola, Brewer and McEachern Bryans, Nicola, Roberts, McKenzie, were vying for fifth, with McKenzie Amato, Payne, George Courtot (Daylesford Truck Sales) and sitting closelybehind.

With 19 laps remaining, Brewer Danyle Launer. made a front straight pass on Nicola, McEachern following Mt. Gambier through to tackle Brewer for fifth, With only one point separating first and second in the series, the . with McKenzie making a pass on competition moved on to Borderline Nicola for seventh.

Brewer retired infield and, with Speedway for the final night - time trials were sensational, with both 11 laps remaining, a caution was Nichols and Brewer 'clocking the triggered by Miller.

With racing again underway, fastest lap time of 15.28s.

It was Ward, however, who domi- Nichols was soon sporting a handy nated in the heats, taking two vic- lead, but Bryans was pressured for second by Stewart for the remaintories.·· Other winners included Steve der of the race.

Ward, who had moved up to Hookway (Van Den Bosch Irrigation), Parsons, Jim English fourth, was being closely followed and by McEachern, with Parsons and Transports) (English McEachern, with Burke taking vic- Murphy dicing for minor placings back in the field. tory in the B-Main Final.

Final placings were Nichols, Ward was· the highest qualifier for the trophy dash, but pulled six Bryans, Stewart, McEachern, Ward, Nicola, McKenzie, Duncan, for a full field inversion.

This saw Nicola on pole, but it Burke, Murphy, Parsons and was Nichols who took the victory, Payne.

The top 10 final series placings setting a new 6-lap record of lm28.03s, smashing over six sec- were: Nichols, Bryans, Nicola, Brewer, Duncan, Miller, Ward, onds from the previous record.

Again Nichols dominated the fea- McKenzie,Logue and Stewart.

SERIESAFTER6 ROUNDS 1996/97SRA/HOOSIER RESULTS - A-MAIN

♦

2-lap time in the time trials of 34.78s - heat winners were Roberts (two), Nichols, Nicola, McEachern and Miller.

Nichols, as top pointscorer, drew four for the trophy dash, effecting a top four inversion giving Miller the pole, Miller holding the lead for the 6-lap event.

With Miller off pole in the final, Nichols quickly made the move around the outside after the green flag fell to take the lead.

Miller maintained second and Brewer moved up into third, but with Duncan closely following.

Bryans was applying the pressure to Jamie Payne (Hamilton Signs and Graphics), who was holding down fifth, the tussle turning into a four-way contest with Stewart and Nicola.

Nichols pulled out a lead of half a lap over Miller, while Duncan made a pass under Brewer to take over third. Bryans was still holding out the challenge from Stewart and Ward made a pass on Nicola, holding down eighth.

Murphy spun infield after suffering electrical problems, but no stoppage was effected. With five laps to go, Stewart retired, also experiencing electrical problems.

Second place was now being hotly contested, with Duncan, Brewer, Bryans and Ward all racing

SER/ES POINTS

Rob Richardson ..... 1709 2. Matthew Reed ...... 165 I I SS I 3. Steve Knight .......

4. Greg Mattschoss .... 1446 s. Tim McCubbin ..... 1412 1141 6. Mark Walsh ........

123 I 7. Brett Neylan .......

123 I ......

8. Colin Bulmer 1221 9. Gerard Boult .......

10. Darryl Bottams ..... I I 24 I.

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Australian karting history will be made when the 1997 CIK/FlA Oceania Championships at Todd Road in Port Melbourne blast into life during the week of January 22-26.

The event will be the first international kart race held in Melbourne and will continue the tradition of the event which was originally held at Raleigh in New South Wales and last year at Oran Park near Sydney.

An officially sanctioned CIK/FIA trophy even, the Oceania Championships is recognised throughout the world as being the first international kart race meeting of the year.

The status of the event in turn entices the world's best drivers and teams to compete against each other not onlyfor the honour of winning, but also for the tremendous

In the elite Super A class at the CIK/FIA Oceania Championships we will get to see arguably the greatest kart racer on earth compete, the brilliant Italian Allesandro Manetti driving for the Italian CRG factory in what could be one of his in final appearances karts.

Twice world champion, twice Oceania Champion and winner of numerous international tides, Manetti possesses astounding talent and is capable of making his kart perform beyond its limit.

Manetti finished fifth in last year's Monaco Formula 3 support race after starting from 19th on the grid.

He will continue to race Formula 3 this year in Europe and is being watched

by Formula 1 team owners.

In fact, it will be worth going to the Melbourne event simply to see Manetti compete.

Charlotte Hellberg has been a regular visitor to Australia, although on each occasion in the past it has been with the CRG factory.

For 1997, Hellberg will be racing the British Gillard chassis with CRG engines.

With her movie star good looks and exceptional ability, Hellberg will surely be the in favourite crowd Melbourne.

OceaniaChampionship e week in Melbournnext worldwide publicity that this event attracts.

This month's event will be held a few minutes from the city centre at the Melbourne International Kart Raceway, which is situated alongside famous Melbourne's Westgate bridge.

There will be four CIK classes competing for the Championship, Oceania along with a non-championship Cadet support class a strong team of Australian

drivers will be competing against pilots from Italy, Sweden, Japan, Holland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The elite class of karting which we will have competing in Melbourne is Formula Super A. This is the Formula 1 class of karting, which caters for the world's best drivers competitors must qualify for a Super A licence and have usually won a major CIK

title, such as the World or European Championships.

Th.ispremier class contests the world championships each September.

Formula A is the second World Championship class and is basically the same as Super A, except that drivers must qualify for a Super A licence through Formula A. Australians dominate the Melbourne entry list in this class and will compete of a number against

(Australia, New Zealand and Japan), it is expected to provide some of the highlights of the meeting.

Junior Intercontinental A class has attracted an excellent field for the Oceania Championships - Junior Inter A karts use 100cc piston port engines and a standing start, as opposed to the Indy Car-style rolling starts characteristic of the senior races.

- IAN SALVESTRIN

Europeans and Japanese.

Both Formula A and Super A use 100cc rotary valve engines.

Intercontinental A is currently the most popular CIK class in Australia and subsequently attracts excellent fields for both the Australian and the Championship Oceania Championship.

Intercontinental A karts use 100ccreed valve engines.

With this class open to drivers from the Oceania region

strong field will take the green light, with current Australian champion Jeromy Lohmann likely to be at the front of the field.

Lohmann won the Oceania Chmnpionships when it was held at Raleigh and was a class act in 1996.

Renewing his agreement with Tony Kart, Jeromy will be hard to beat.

Current Australian Inter A champion John Joyce makes the step up to Formula a,driving an Arrow AX6 for Drew Price Engineering.

Joyce is an intelligent, analytical racer, who will be in contention on Sunday afternoon.

Joyce's main adversary in 1996 was Nick Agland and the two will now find themselves as team-mates with rotary power at DPE. Agland is the current Oceania champion in Inter A and will continue to race an Australian-made chassis.

Richard McLeod is a former Australian Formula A champion, finishing an outstanding seventh in the 1992 World Championships - he bas also won in open wheel racecars in Germany.

McLeod poled the third round of the Australian Championship last year, showing that he still has immense speed.

BRILLIANT ITALIAN ... CRG's Allesandro Manetti is passed by Jarno Trulli at Raleigh '95. (Edward Krause photo)

Contenders Ocecania Gianluca Beggio will be driving for the multi-million dollar Birel Motorsport team.

Beggio is the reigning Formula C 125cc World Karting Champion, winning the title last year with Biesse.

Beggio is a rejuvenated driver now he is with Birel.

One of the greatest junior drivers ever, Andrea Bellichi came very close to winning the world title for PCR last September.

Bellichi threatened for the lead last year at Oran Park and is capable of winning in Melbourne - remaining loyal to the one factory, Bellichi

continues on as PCR's number one driver.

Australia's lone hope in the Super A class is the brilliant Ben Horstman.

Multiple Australian and reigning Oceania Champion, Horstman is also racing for Birel, this event marking his debut in Super A.

Ben ranked as the fastest driver at last year's World Championships and then led for much of the North American Championships at Charlotte last November he would dearly love to win and is capable of doing so.

Formula A is dominated by and a very Australians

Continued on page 41

You're invited to be part of Australia's fastest growing motor sport

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Brazillikelyto affectOceania JEREMY LOHMANN (#2) has been shaking down the new Tony Kart at Port Melbourne.

As Motorsport News was closing for press, word in from had filtered Europe that many Qf the European entries for the Oceania Championsliips were in jeopardy due to an event to be held in Brazil on February 16.

It is alleged that the CIK bas advised the European teams and drivers to compete in the South American event, despite the fact that a large number of entries have already been lodged with the Oceania organisers.

ToddRoadtesting The Go-Kart Club of Victoria has made its Port Melbourne circuit available to drivers since early December and a large number of drivers have utilised the opportunity to undertake private testing.

Seen turning in impressive lap times recently was Jeromy Lohmann, shaking down the new Tony Kart chassis with the assistance of team manager Jim Morton.

Clint Cathcart has been himself to acclimatising reed-engined power, running his J &A-tuned Rotaxes, while his DPE team-mate, Sydney's John Joyce, has also conducted valuable testing in recent weeks.

Official Practice is due to take place on Thursday and Friday, January 23 and 24, with time trialling to take place on Friday afternoon.

Racing commences on Saturday with heats and

repechages, while the prefinals, official event presentation and drivers' march will take place on Sunday morning, January 26.

The 30 kilometre (32 lap) finals will take place on Sunday afternoon and be immediately followed by the drivers' podium presentation.

For further information regarding the 1997 Oceania Championships, contact the Go-Kart Club of Victoria on 03 9391 7925.

Ernest Buser, President of the CIK, is due to arrive in Melbourne for Australia's annual International, where he is sure to be questioned by Australian importers and who have manufacturers committed a lot of time, resources and money to this event.

The Go-Kart Club of Victoria is still hopeful of attracting a number of top name international drivers and is considering running a Pro-Clubman support class to complement the currently

scheduled CIK Formula A, A and Intercontinental Junior Intercontinental A class events.

Meanwhile, Australia's reigning Australian Formula A champion and vice-champions, Jeromy Lohmann and Lincoln Mitchell, will be competing in the Brazilian event, racing for Tony Kart and Top Kart, respectively, after competing in Melbourne.

James Courtney is also scheduled to compete in Brazil for Tonykart Italy.

- IAN SALVESTRIN

Officialsupport Ernest Buser, President of the CIK (Commisionale Internazionale Karting), is among those to lend his support to Melbourne's kart first international race and is due to arrive in Melbourne for next week's event.

The Victorian Premier Mr Jeff Kennett has also lent his support to the event.

Mr Kennett is, in fact, an honorary member of the GoKart Club of Victoria, having officially opened the circuit in 1995.

A refen-ing letter was written by Mr Kennett addressed to the CIK in 1996, which assisted in the decision to the prestigious award Oceania Championships to Melbourne.

Bob Edyvean, President of Karting the Australian Association, has lent his support to the event and will be present at the meeting.

The Australian Karting Association is also financially supporting the January 2226 event, which is expected to make a small operating profit for the club.

- IAN SALVESTRIN

localmanufacturers take on the world. LMRKART/NGSUPERSTORE Drew Price Engineering of Melbourne, Victoria and John McCleverty Racing in Toowoomba, Queensland, are leading karting the Australian industry by entering their in this new machines country's premier karting event.

In order to compete in an international event, chassis must be homologated (registered) by the international governing body, the CIK, which is a division of the

FIA.

state of Australia desperate DPE will be competing with an international version to compete.

The field will be made up of its Arrow AX6 chassis, of drivers from South while John McCleverty Racing will also be compet- 'Australia, New South Wales, ing with the 1997 Azzurro Tasmania and the home state of Victoria. chassis.

Racing in front of the The non-championship Cadet class is an invitation- world's most important kartonly class for drivers aged 7- ing fraternity will surely be a 11 years to compete at the thrill for Australia's karting most important race meeting kindergarten and will introduce the youngsters to the of the year.

Interest in the class has form of racing in which they been described as 'incredibly may well compete in the strong' by club officials, with future.

- IAN SALVESTRIN drivers in virtually every

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7i)pj;.cp_q,~~ .. ........ -~~ ~"!.~.~~ ~~- ................................. .................... . . . ...... . . .............. .....1997 ..January ......17 .38 In a major announcement rallying, for Australian Tyre the Silverstone Company has confirmed its support for Australia's premier one-make rally previously category, known as the Corolla Cup. To be known as the Silverstone Challenge, the category will be run in conjunction with the new-look 1997ARC Super Series.

A $40,000 prize pool will Silverstone the make ChaJlenge the richest onemake championship ever contested in Australia.

Silverstone is a Malaysianbased tyre and rubber cornpany which already operates extensively in the passenger vehicle market in Australia and this is its first foray into Australian motorsport.

Silverstone Challenge cornpetitors will utilise the latest Silverstone 855 rally tyre.

The company has already extensively developed and tested its rally tyres over the last two years and promising results in international cornpetition now indicate it has a •truly competitive product.

"Australian rallying is certainly heading in the right direction with the introduction of the high-profile Super

Robson Cup new club level rally series will commence in Victoria in 1997, based in the predominantly western part of the state.

Cup Robson The Rallye Series takes its name from the Brian Robson "Sonny" Memorial Trophy, which -will be awarded to the outright series winners.

Cup Robson The Rallye Series (RCRS) has developed following the demise of the Western Series, Trials Region which has suffered from in interest declining recent years, partly due to its reputation as being a "navigation de-facto championship."

The format of the new series is based closely on the successful Victorian Club Rally Series and is to provide a designed series of low cost and entry level enjoyable events suitable for both novice and more experienced crews.

The RCRS is based primarily around the country-based car clubs and is designed to complement rather than compete with the VCRS. member Founding are the clubs series Car Disctrict Western Club, Hamilton & District Car Club, Ballarat Light Car Club, Melton Motor Sports Club, South East Auto Club (SA) and the Peugeot Car Club.

The 1997 Robson Cup Rallye Series will consist of the following events: March 1 Sundowner Trial Heywood April 19 Tunbridge Trial Ballarat May 10 Forest Trial Mt Gambier August 23 William Harvey Trial Heathcote September6 Moonlight Meander Daylesford September 27 Otways Trial Otways Further information is available from the series secretary, David Johns, on (03) 52531925 ah.

One-make Silverstone Challenge A

to welcome Silverstone to Series," said Silverstone's rallying - "I Motorsport Manager Russell Australian believe that the Super Series Palmer.

"Silverstone is excited to will offer the perfect promobe part of this new venture tional and competitive arena and is looking forward to a to enhance Silverstone's replong-term association with utation," he said.

Silverstone Challenge conAustralian rallying."

The Silverstone Challenge testants will share in the will become one of the pre- $40,000 prize pool, which mier motorsport contests in will be divided amongst all competitors finishing each Australia.

In addition to the.lucrative event of the Super Series.

In addition, Challenge prize pool on offe,r,there will also be a·tnp' tci'Malaysia for competitors will also be eligithe series winner, as well as hie for a share of the Super incentives for the top three Series travel fund, which is competitors in the series to on offer for all ARC competi·tors who enter event in the enter Rally Australia.

Rally five round Australian Rally The Australian Championship.

Chairman, Commission • - PETER WHITTEN Garry Connelly, was pleased

SIL VERSTONE ALTERNATIVE ... One-make Corolla Cup to be replaced for 1997.

Rallymemorabilia Rally fans with a sense of history now have a rare opportunity to grab some 1993 Toyota Team Europe memorabilia.

Sydney-based enthusiast Irit Gill has managed to get her hands on a rather desirable framed TTE Art Poster

No. 4 (835 x 595cm) limited edition print (500 only) celebrating the 1993 Safari (Kenya) Rally.

The print is signed by approximately 250 TTE staff, including former driver Ove Andersson, now TTE's MD. The second collectible is a

promotional TTE post card of the 1993 Monte Carlo Rally, the card sporting the original autographs of Didier Auriol and Bernard Occelli.

Interested parties can contact Irit by phone on: (02) 9968 4760 after 6.00pm to make offers.

~~!~ !!£1y;1;g!;;~ !!'!:!,£.IJF.s VIC: Stuckey Tyre Service _ Ph: (03) 9386 5331 Fax: (03) 9383 2514 SA: The Mag Wheel Centre Ph: (08) 8269 4100 Fax: (08) 8269 7805 NSW: Stuckey Tyre Service -1!!:!',,~~ Ph: (02) 9676 8655 Fax: (02) 9676 5300 ~ iL QLD: Road & Race Spare Parts Ph: (07) 3279 1533 Fax: (07) 3376 5804 7. '½--~= WA: Kostera's Tyre Service Ph: (09) 293 3500 Fax: (09) 293 1355 TAS: Bob's Speed Shop Ph: (03) 6278 2826 Fax: (03) 6278 2827 Find us on internet: http://www.vitel.com.au/customer/00225

i1

Henry goes Suzuki ueensland's Illusion Motorsport rally team will run a Group N 1600cc Suzuki Baleno in the 1997 Rally Queensland Championship.

Driver Henry "Honda" Ryman and navigator Rod Biggar will join Henk professional Kabel's Keema Suzuki team to form a three-car team to attack the 1997 championship.

While '96 drivers Tony Kabel and Rod Cross will continue to drive their 1800cc Balenos, Ryman has chosen to run the 1600cc model in Group N trim.

1996 saw the Illusion team competing in a 1984 in Civic Honda Queensland Clubman and State events, the highlight being a second placing in Rally in class

Q

Monte Carlo entries he leading entries in the first round of the Rally World 1997 Championship, the Monte Carlo Rally, are as follows: 1. Tommi Makinen/ Seppo Harjanne Gp A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 2. Uwe Nittel/ Tina Thorner Gp A Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 4 3. Colin McRae/ Nicky Grist Gp A Subaru lmpreza WRC 97 4. Piero Liatti/ Fabrizia Pons Gp A Subaru lmpreza WRC 97 5. Carlos Sainz/ Luis Moya Gp A Ford Escort Cosworth 6. Armin Schwarz/ Denis Giraudet Gp A Ford Escort Cosworth 7. Didier Auriol/ J.M. Andrle Gp A Ford Escort Cosworth 8. Freddy Lobe/ Sven Smeets Gp A Toyota Celica GT-Four 9. Isolde Holderied/ Catherine Francois Gp A Toyota Celica GT-Four 17. Oriol Gomez/ Marc Marti Gp A Seat Ibiza Kit Car 18. Harri Rovanpera/ Voitt.o Silander Gp A Seat Ibiza Kit Car 20. Emil Triner/ Pavel Stanc Gp A Skoda Felicia Kit Car 21. Pavel Sibera/ Petr Gross Gp A Skoda Felicia Kit Car 23. Gustavo Trelles/ Jorge Del Buono Gp N Mitsubishi Lancer

THET FROM

FOREST

By Peter Whitten Editor, Australian RallysportNews

finishing Queensland, second to eventual outright title winner John Spencer.

Class placings in other rallies and class victories of the in two rounds Car Brisbane Sporting series Club rallysprint capped off a successful learning season for the team.

The team would like to 1996 sponsors thank Rocky's McWhirters News and Casket, the Very Fast Dale and Paintshop Woodhall Cars for their outstanding support during the year.

Henry Ryman has had a 20-year association with Honda, having competed in and sold Hondas exclusively over that period.

In 1997, the Hondas will make way for the 1996 model Suzuki.

Navigator Rod Biggar, who has recently relocated to NSW for work reasons, is keen to continue navigating for the team to and will commute the for Queensland commitrally team's ments.

In 1996, the Illusion team supported the work of the Brisbane Youth Outreach Service, which for support provides Brisbane's homeless and troubled youth.

The team will continue this support in 1997 by donating 25% of all cash the to sponsorship Brisbane charity, as well as assisting in other less· material ways.

London to Sydney s reported in the last issue of Motorsport News, Nick Brittan, with his Trans World Events organisation, plans to celebrate the Millenium with a rerun of the successful Sydney to London Marathon he ran in 1993.

"The London-Sydney Marathon is a very special event, with enormous appeal both for competitors and the public. It's part of motoring folklore," Brittan said.

"Everybody is looking for something special to the do to celebrate and Sydney Millenium with its Olympics will be a very special place in the year 2000," enthused Brittan.

Some of the Australian entries for the LondonSydney Marathon 2000 to Richard are: date (Alfa), Dean Anderson (Capri V8), Rainsford Bruce Hogarth (Ford), Simon Lingford (Datsun Daly Terry 240Z), (Mustang), John Hamilton (Hillman) and Phil Hooper (Datsun).

A

Rally Australia wins he international Rally Press Association has voted Rally Australia the "Best World Rallye" of World 1996 the Championship.

The WA event won the honour ahead of the 13 other rallies that made up last year's championship.

Press Rally The Association consists of the international motorwho sport journalists travel to each round of the series.

Rally year, Last Australia won the World Teams Rally Association's Rally of the Vear award.

Rally Australia's Garry Connelly said it was a for the great honour evenL Press Rally "The judge the Association events on a wide range of the including criteria, of the rally structure itself, the standard of the the media information, of hotels convenience and even the helpfulness of the traffic police.

"So this award is not just a pat on the back for Rally .Australia, it is also a pat on the back for everyone in WA who has had anything to do with the event," Connelly said.

T

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C: Sedans

NASCAR - Commodore, complete car, new paint, lots of spares, motor needs conversion to 9.5: 1, all parts, in good condition. $18,500. Ph: 015 148 846. 93

Porsche 928S, Targa category and class winner. Exe. UK race history. Ready for Targa, Duttons or club competition. Road reg, unique. Exciting car, $39,500 ONO. Mike Catchpole (03) 62 292 479 or (018) 129 169.,,

1960 XK Falcon sedan, new paint, seats, carpets, dash board, all rubbers, underfelt. Spent $3850, sell for $3,500. Not reg. Ph: 03 9689 6031. 93

BMW M3, Super Tourer. heaps of spares, tyres, 6-speed box. Make excellent· 2-litre sports sedan or Targa car $40,000 or offers. Also available spare engine and 17 inch tyres. Justin (018) 962 506. 91

NASCAR - Lumina ex-Giles, competitive car, Super T10, Cambero diff locker, centre G spot Willwoods. $20,000 as complete roller or $30,000 with 9.5:1 23 degree motor. Will trade. Ph: 03 9330 2302 or 018 035 937. 93

Chev Monza Sports Sedan, 6.0 litre, freshly rebuilt, not raced since Indy 96. Top ten car and is reliable.

Spares included, moulds, tyres, wheels, ratios - everything that Is there. $28,000ono. .,

Ml16 Peugeot Class C winner '95 GT Championship.

Ideal GTP car or club car. Peter Brooks 92 12 Hour car.

Will consider trade-in. $16,500ono + spares. Ph: 02 9774 1711or0418644217 . ., Club Car, Subaru Leone 1840cc Coupe. Strong and reliable, worked 130bhp engine. Tuned suspension, alloy cage, harness, kevlar seat, plus much more. Tandem trailer. Give us a call. $10,000ono. Ph: Dave 07 5537 5655 (BH) or 015 592 685. .,

Rally Car - Subaru Legacy ASA GpN. Very tidy car with all the right parts. Spares package included. Possible part exchange late model Commodore. $27,500. Must sell.

Ph: 08 8384 4112 (BH), or 0411 176 400. 93

Escort Sports Sedan, six-cylinder, alloy head, midmount, 4-barrel Holley, alloy cage, Hoosiers. log book.

Very quick hillclimb special, must sell. $4.900ono. Can deliver East Coast. Ph: 049 731 605. 02 VL Group A race car, less running gear, some spares, body in excellent condition, suit 1997 ARDC series or Sp[orts Sedan. $8,000. Ph: 063 531 890. 92

HQ race car, NSW N030, 4th outright NSW Div 1 96 Championship. Fresh top hp Mork motor, new diff. Holds NSWRRC lap record Oran Park. Very well presented.

Spares, wets etc. P.O.A. Ph: Dave 015 492 302, 047 542 666, 02 9879 6191. 93 Calais 85 VK, white duco, lowered, HOT wheels, lambswool covers, 355 cu in Holden VB, Harrop crank and intake, Group A rods, sump, US heads, forged pistons, Genie exhaust, Crane cam, roller rockers, quick car. $17,000. Ph: Dave 08 8261 8813. .,

NASCAR Chev Monte Carlo roller, similar to above., New Harrop 6-spots, full assistance given to buyer. $29,000, payment plan and engine can be arranged. (03) 9761 0500 (BH) or (03) 9801 8326. 91 Fairmont ESP Ghia, 5.8 4-spd, red over charcoal, VGC ins and out. Warm motor, SS exhaust, lowered, new susp.

Good tyres, offers around $16,000 (076) 30 7145 or (018) 79 0200. oo Commodore VL, Turbo series 11. Excellent,original condition. Auto, air, pwr steer, cruise. Turbo timer, RWC, reg 8/97. Must sell $12,000 ONO Mark (03) 5977 4740 AH. 91

.

Rover Vitesse Sports Sedan, 5000 Chev, Carillo rods, AP top loader gearbox, 9 inch spool diff, floating rear end. Commodore Koni struts. lift off panels. $20,000 negotiable, with spares. Ken Nelson (07) 3281 4255 (W) 91 Pontiac Grand Prix NASCAR, Roller, complete with Super T10 gearbox, alloy bell housing, dome cambered rear end.12 wheels, compete oil system. 2 air lines and fittings. Just add engine! $30,000 or sensible offer. Rowan Harmon (03) 9800 3111 (BH) or (018) 360 739. 91

VN Group A Commodore, 215 kw engine, complete with certificate of authenticity, 44,000kms, immaculate condition, some extras included. $45,000. Ph: 068 981 383 . ., SSV Commodore VN, 3.8 V6, 4-speed auto, full SSV kit, exhaust. chip, etc. Air cond, low kms, in VG cond. Tow bar. Offers around $26,500. Ph: 03 5023 5759 or 0418 550 261. 93

Ford Sierra AS Cosworth, 1986, Moonstone blue. BBR Special, 350hp, 57,000 miles. Engine re-assembled 10,000 ago. Fully optioned, extremely quick (featured in Fast Lane magazine) $38,000.(057) 83 2202. 91

NASCAR Oldsmobile, Inexpensive roller. .(,ood history, will run 28s regularly. Brand new Harrop 6-spots, $18,000 or $12,000 without brakes. WIii assist new owner and can supply engine if required. (03) 9761 0500 (BH) or (03) 9801 8326. 91

Sunbeam Tiger conversion, 1964 LHD, 289 Ford motor, has ID tag etc. Make perfect Historic racer. $16,000. Ph: 02 9525 7410. ., Group NC LJ XU1, 1 meeting since extensive mechanical rebuild. Well developed, new paint, good interior. $14,500. Ph: 049 585 787 (AH). 93 Cortina Mk1, 2 door, Toyota 4AGE 16 valve, Wolf injection, 5 speed, Nolothane adjustable suspension, 15 inch wheels, ready to race or register. Professional conversion, GT500 air scoops and diff. $4,900ono. Ph: 049 731 605. 93 Audi 80 1990, a,project car, most parts provided. Red, black velour. Seats, sunroof, lowered suspension.

Mechanic too busy with business to finish project. $16,000. Ph: Don 03 9824 2277 or 03 9883 0204. 93

Ford AS2000, worked steel crankshaft, Hepolite pistons, titanium valves and rods, German head, twin 45mm DCOE, Motorsport alloy sump, bellhousing. Balanced and motor, 250hp. 3. 77 LSD. Very quick. blueprinted $9,500ono. Ph: 066 244 156. ., Fiat 124 Coupe Sports Sedan, 2.0 litre dohc 200hp, reliable bullet-proof. 8 wheels, many spares, ideal for new 21 Sports Sedan series. Winner last three years. $9,000. Ph: Bnan 06 254 2909. 93 Ford Laser TX3 4WD rally car, NSW Clubman Championship winner. Absolutely reliable car, comes with heaps of. spares. Ready to rally, serious buyers only $14,500. Ph: Ben O'Ryan 02 9647 1232 or 018 268 184. zi

BMW M3, Sports Sedan (unfinished) project with spares.

No engine, will consider trade of road car, bike or boat. All offers considered. (02) 9820 2202. 9t•

VL Commodore full chassis Sports Sedan set up for mid-mounted Chev. 9 inch full floater, big brakes, spares and moulds. $17,000. Ph: 063 531 890. 92

AUSCAR Sportsman, VL Commodore. Straight, reliable car, never bent. New seat, on-board fire ex. new screen, fresh motor, 2 sets rims and tyres, must sell $8000ONO Phone (03) 9568 7804. 91

QLD Gemini, ex Darren Privett, best presented car 1994, new motor, no expense spared, competitive car in the right hands, spares. $4,800. Ph: 07 3207 0689. 92 HQ racer, never bent, all the right gear to win. Only done 3 meelings. Reliable car. $5,000. Ph: 063 531 890. 92 NASCAR, Oldsmobile Cutlass Huchison Pagan front steer.

Brand new body and windows, brand new American Keith Dorton engine, new cambered rear end. Harrop 6-spot brakes. Spares include Jerica gearbox, cambered rear end, springs, shocks tee. $38,500. Ph (03) 9728 6915. s1

KTW '92' Amaroo Clubman, road reg'd red club car.

Toyota twin cam. 5-speed, Quickrack superlites. AVS tyres. Spax shocks, good for 180kmh, reliable car $19,000, no offers. Launceston, (0363) 39 459. 91

NASCAA, Terry Wyhoon's Thunderbird. Complete, very competitive car, ready to run. Heaps of spares and pit gear.

See car run Dec 28 Done, POA. (03) 5658 1177, 018 555 821. 91

NASCARs and parts sell-out, 4 NASCARS and all spare parts. 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix, 2 front steer with 9.5:1, 23 dgree engines, T'Dome set-ups, ready to race, $40,000 and $35,000. 2 rear steer rollers, $10,000 and $7500. Parts; Jericos, diffs, tailshafls, diff housings, springs, rotors, $50,000+ of parts for $25,000 or all 4 cars and part for $80,000. Robert Tinworth (03) 9331 0341 or 014 024 150. 92

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CATEGORY: D SedansD OpenWheelers D Speedway □ Drag Cars: □ Other General: D Parts D Engines□ Trailers □ Wanted □ Photographs

4011Januarrt991

•

CLASS

I FI~.~~

······························••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• AUSCAR Falcon EF, Rebuilt 9.5 engine, new pistons, rods, rings, bearings. Dome set-up, ready to race. 2nd car, ex-FoMoCo Ted Robinson, never bent. Rebuilt 9.5 engine, ready to race. 3rd car Falcon EF barred and bodyshell.

Formula Holden, Reynard 89-90, huge spares package, fresh engine only 2 meetings old, holding 97 AGP entry. Cheap entry into top class racing. Lease, or own it for $45,000ono. Ph: Mark Potter or Greg on 03 9762 6232 or 0419 314 326. ,2

$60,000 Phone (049) 37 3333 . .,

Speedway

Books and magazines, motor racing, speedway amd lndyCars. Many rare copies from USA and England. Call Rod on (07) 3396 8248. "

852.113

Super Sedan, new body and chassis. 1995 Camaro, 350 Chev, Brodix heads, Crane Roller, Winters diff. New control arms and springs, Tilton clutch. $25,000 Ph (079) 57 7698, AH (079) 59 2728, fax (079) 51 1537. !13

Litre Sprintcar, Qld no 39. Gerhardt low bar chassis, Kawasaki 1175 fuel inj engine. Halibrand quick change diff, comes compete and ready to race (less trailer) $7500.

Race suits, fire retardant, gloves, underwear. Old, disused, damaged or just unwanted. (07) 5575 4788. ,,

Specialised enclosed transport and service for race and rallies. Let us transport you car to the events of your choice. We provide full service facilities, years of experience available at any time, for any event and at low rates!

Ph: Andrew or Richard McNay (03) 5248 2400 or 0418 526

Sprintcar, Jenkins. Complete, ready to race, top HP Donovan engine. $42,000. Large quantity spares: new shocks, wheels, tyres, wings, bars etc. (046) 28 8322 AH. !13

Cheap' Street Stock Speedway car. Professionally built TD Cortina, 6 cylinder. Forced sale. Complete and ready to race. $2,000ono. Ph: Matt 02 9543 4979 after 9am. 92

!i:iJP.9.CP.f!.?IJ! .•• ........................................

Engines Formula Libre, '95 Pirahna, winner Champion of Winton series, very competitive and consisyent. Suzuki GSXR1100 eng, Winton 58.7s, Plsland 1m45.4s. $15,000 (03) 9723 6632. 91

Holden 202 red long motor, blue-printed, balanced, Vella Terra head, sports cam, chrome rocker cover and side plates. Suit replace all Holden sixes. $700. Ph: Bruce 03 9592 3352. !13

Holden 308, big valve heads, Holley, solid cam, L34 rods, new Borg & Beck clutch, $1300. Super T10 box, close ratio, inc. shifterand tailshaft. $1000. Paul (03) 9218 1146. 93

(07) 55 762 160 or 018 78 3332. 91

':-,:\

-..._ Classic Super modifieds, both ran Murray Bridge, 1 turnkey Holden motor (six), everything less motor (set-up for Chev) POA. 2 ex-Super Sedan chassis suit AMCA Modified specs, POA (03) 9434 1647 or 0419 550 337. 91 Speedcar dirt circuit, ex-Murray Bridge. Rolling chassis, no motor or trans. $550. (086) 512 966. 91

Open Wheelers

Chevron, 1976 F3. ex-Marc Surer, yellow. Historic logbook, as new 2-litre Novamotor, ex. cond with wets and some spares, outright winner Weyburn historic sprints. $49,500. (07) 3396 1624. 91

Parts Holden 6 cylinder big· hp cylinder head, roller ea and followers, suit Speedway, App J, Sports Sedan. Ring for info. Ph: 06 291 5031 or 0411513096.

Chev 440ci engine, Complete, turn key. All professional racing equipment, suit boat or car. $10,990. Contact Peter (02) 9639 5335. 93 Holden Six, big HP. Cyl head, roller cam and followers.

Suit Speedway, App J, Spts Sedan. Ring for info. (06) 291 5031, (0411) 51 3096."'

23

Finned brake drums, stamped ABS B07. 10"x3" inside.

Holden 13" or 14" pattern stud pattern. Re-drill to suit anything. Ideal App J, $80 pair. Ph (07) 5531 3429. !13 AP 4-spot calipers, 1 pair ex-Godzilla GTR racing calipers. Exe Cond, with brand new pads to suit. $1100.

Ring George (03) 9478 0121. !13 Chev 4340 race crank, BRC, fully race prepped, 3-340 stroke. Carillo 6 ince rods, slight dyno time. $2000. (03) 9339 2302, (018) 035 937. !13

L Formula Libre hillclimb special, 0-750cc NSW class champion 1994, 1995 (96 not contested). Multiple record holder. GSX-R engine spares, Hoosier slicks, covered I/weight trailer. Fully prepared and race ready. $8,500. Ph: Steve 06 254 9154. !13

Wheels, ex-Group A Corolla. 16 x 6.5inch, 4-stud pattern or centre lock. Lightweight, recently painted, suit late model cars, $1295 ONO. Phone Shahim (02) 9546 5320. 93 Slicks, new and used. 13-17". Race wheels, 13, 14, 10".

Torana and HQ wets, on BMW/Commodore steel rims.

Pho~e or fax for details (06) 254 2909. 93

Go kart, Azzurro 1995 MS, rolling chassis. Exe cond, only 12 months use. $1600 Paul (03) 9218 1146. !13

AUSCAR parti., Complete alloy head motor. New Super T10 box, 308 diff, floater, Sach clutch, fire bomb, Holley fuel pump, braided lines. AUSCAR shell. Ph. (0418) 50 0287. 93

Superkart, Tony frame, Yamaha 80cc, 6 sp box. Very competitive (4th in '96 club championship). Urgent sale, $2500 with lots of spares. Ph (03) 9330 1169. !13

Gearbox, Holinger 5-speed, suit Chev. Good condition, (02) 9826 fl338 BH, (02) 9607 6344 . ., VL Group A twin throttle body injection, with air box and intake. $2,000. Ph: 063 531 890. 92 Tyres new and used, 15" Yoko A008R, Dunlop 098, half price or less. Ph: 02 9774 1711. 92 Peugeot Ml 16 gearbox, cylinder head complete, manifolds, disc, rotors, motor parts, calipers, suspension, hubs, mag wheels, hi-ratio diff - almost anything for an Ml16. Ph: 02 9774 1711. 02

Historic, Australian Ford 10 Special. 90% restored, suit hillclimb, circuit. Ex-Vic car, plus spares (too many to mention). $3200 ONO Phone (07) 3848 2614. 93 Kart, Arrow AX5, brand new (purchased from OP karts), Yamaha 100cc eng (just run in), three bearing axle. With helmet, suit, spares. $2400. Ph John (03) 9807 6040. !13 Kart, AX5 Ultima Clubman. Well developed chassis, spares, trolley stand, XL helmet. Ready to race, $2700 with bonus Demon X8 chassis. Ph (02) 9487 2448. !13 Formula Holden, Rall RT23 91-92. Only 1 meeting in Australia, everything fresh, ratios, rims etc. Comes with 97 AGP entry. Lease, or own it for $65,000ono. Ph: Mark Potter or Greg on 03 9762 6232 or 0419 314 326. 92 Van Diemen RF96 Formula Ford, complete minus engine, 150 miles since new, fitted Aust up-date mods.

New condition. Bargain. NZ$27,500 includes shipping to Australia. Ph: Ken Smith 00 11 649 274 8646 or mobile 00 11 6425 408 456. 92 Tony Kart, Formula 1995 model, as new condition. $2,000 as rolling chassis or $2,800 with fully blueprinted KT100S motor. Ph: Barry 07 3245 3333 (BH) or 07 3207 9291 (AH). 92

Wiseco and Cosworth 13.5:1 S/B Chevrolet pistons, various sizes and pin heights, all new, $700 per set. Ford Motorsport Jerico aluminium housing #M7005-B, new, $550.

Cool suit, complete, as new, $650. Ph: 03 5472 4116. 92

Other Hotrod and racing magazines, Motor Manual, Wheels, etc. 1950s onwards, catalogue available. Moving interstate,no reasonable offer refused, unsold will be incinerated! No Dealers,Dave. (03) 9687 4653, (015) 31 2918. !13 Books, magazines, AMS, RCN, sew,Classic Bike, Racer.

Automobile Year, Autocourse, Motorcourse, GPI. Tariffi, Hill, Stewart,Bentley,Bristol.Phone for details, (09) 593 2511.!13 Peter Brock racesuit, and gloves. Worn by PB in 1989-90.

Exe condition. Peter Jackson crew shirt (brand new), Nigel Mansellautographed visor. Ph (03) 9876 0215 (BH), (03) 9720 5667 (AH). 93 Benetton shirt, RenaultF1. From1996,worn once. Medium size, $180. (03) 9330 1169.93 Wort<shopparts clearance, 8 foot folder, MIG welder, tandem trailer, forklift, parts washer, lots of hand tools and NASCARparts. (03) 9761 0500 (BH) or (03) 9801 8326 (AH). ., Tandem trailer, 14 foof tandem, fully enclosed (option). $5000. (03) 6326"1563. 91

Trailer, fully encl. Single axle, elec brakes, 12 long, 4'6" high, 5'2" wide. Lift top, drop tailgate, Reg 8/97. Suit multipurposes. $2500 ONO. Oh (07) 3848 2614."

Transporter wanted, to buy or lease.2 or 3 car transporter with tail-lift etc. Must be a professionallybuilt unit in good condition. Contact Ross Palmer Motorsport. Ph: 07 3208 6666, Fax:0732086111. 23 Racecar transporter, Leyland bus, suit large car. 2-sp diff, sleeps 5. Elec winch, enclosed rear, exc tyres. Rego, reco engine, microwave. $10,500 ONO. Peter(0418) 76 7990. 93 1630N Turbo. 21' pan, lined. 2 car International, annexe, 240/12V lighting. tyre racks, benches, aircon. Very low kms, $38,000 (046) 28 8322 (AH). "'

Isuzu 79, Suit NASCAR or smaller. Generator 240 pwr, tail loader, bedroom. Pan height 2410mm, car area 5485 x 2440. B'room area 2135 x 2440. Reg TAT802, $15,000. Ph (02) 9636 4447. 93 Fully enclosed trailer, will carry 2 cars - 1 sedan bottom deck, 1 open-wheeler top deck. 240 volt + 12 volt, tyre racks, storage racks. $4,400ono. Ph: 02 9774 1711 (BH). 92 Nissan UD turbo, 6-speed, new 18ft pan, large underbelly lockers, aluminium chequerplate ramps/floor, white inside/out. Cleanskins, fog/bull lights. Suit any application, very impressive, reg/RWC, low kms. $28,750ono. Ph/fax: 03 5248 3044 or 015 050435. 92 Ford D-Series Transporter, 302 auto, dual fuel, very reliable. Good condition, accept tandem trailer as part trade-in. $7200 ONO. Phone (08) 284 7736 after 6pm. " Transporter, 40 foot drop deck trailer, bogey axle, new tyres. Carries 2 cars decked out with cupboards. benches etc. Chequered floor, $30,000. (03) 9761 0500 (BH), 9801 8326 (AH). o,

Wanted Roll-over cage and 15 inch wheels (preferably with tyres) to suit Alfasud. Ph: Derek Pickard 03 9889 1149. ,:i Transporter wanted, to buy or lease.2 or 3 car transporter built unit in good conwith tail-lift etc. Must be a profess1011ally dition. Contact Ross Palmer Motorsport. Ph: 07 3208 6666, Fax: 07 3208 6111. 23

Villeneuve's - Jacques CraigPollock

personalmanager continued from page 14 of our last issue with apologies to readers who couldn't find the continuation!... (Editorial bum-out ...)

"I felt that it would be the right way to go.

He knew me well, he knew how I was as a person, he knew how I was as a competitor, and if he decided to work with me he'd be completely behind me and he would know what he had to deal with, and vice versa."

For Pollock, putting his weight behind a guy who'd only ever raced in Italian F3 was a big decision.

"If I didn't think Jacques could make it, I couldn't have taken the risk with my career either, because I was in a relatively sound position.

"At the start, Jacques was a name. And everyone wanted him because he had a name that they could use, and their reason to use him was to create the finance to make sure that their teams would be there in a few years.

"Nobody really thought about the person behind the name, or really cared about the person behind the name. We've been able to make that situation evolve so he's not just a name, but he's a talent as well."

The Pollock plan worked perfectly. The Forsythe-Green team was set up with the Player's cash and, after a year in Atlantic, team and driver moved on schedule to lndyCars.

Jacques won a race in his first year and both the Indy 500 and the title in his second. But as early as April '95, even before Indy, Pollock was at the San Marino GP undertaking some serious F1 negotiations.

"There was a very, very positive reaction," says Craig. "Obviously the teams that were interested a couple of years ago were middle of the line teams. Teams that started to be interested in lmola were top teams.

"It was a question of making sure Jacques got into a winning team (in Europe). We had our eye on one particular team right from the start, prior to lmola ..." have to say that the You'd Pollock/Villeneuve team has done a pretty good job. Of course, steering a driver into the best team in the world is one thing, but there's plenty of day-to-day work to do as well.

What makes a good manager?

"You need an awful lot of patience and a certain amount of expertise in very broad areas," says Pollock. "I don't think you should ever be pushed in any one area or an expert in any one area; you've just got to be relatively good at what you're doing in many areas.

"There are tax problems, contractual problems, endorsement problems, sponsor problems, you've got fan letters coming in all the time wanting to know more about Jacques."

How has their relationship changed over the years? from it's changed "Of course teacher/pupil to being a good friend," says Craig.

"The relationship between Jacques and me has developed from being a salesman selling him ideas so he could do things well, to actually being able to convince him that this is the best way to go on the business side in his career.

"Jacques has changed tremendously in the last five years in the way that a 20year-old has turned into a 25-year-old.

"He's actually progressing into quite a good businessman. He's very lucid when it comes down to knowing when it's a good deal and when it's a bad deal, and he's very capable of making his own decisions.

Five years ago he wasn't.

"He knows when to say yes and when to say no, and he's managed to retain an image which is very, very clean. He's got ■ no skeletons in the closet."

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Camathias will compete in the new GP Racing chassis.

At the time of writing, a Richard will be racing the number of South African, other Australian-made chas- European and American drisis, the Azzurro with Rotax ven were still to be confirmed. engines.

With an all-Australasian Dark horses in the field field, Intercontinental A will include South Australian PCR driver Gary Dann, who provide some of the most finished third in last year's spectacular racing of the meeting.

Australian title chase.

After winning the Lincoln Mitchell went one better than Dann last year, Victorian Inter A title last finishing second to Lohmann October in absolutely dominant fashion, 16 year-old for Top Kart.

Danny Richert will start as Twice Australian junior one of the pre-event champion Ryan Briscoe embarks on the start of his favourites.

Richert will compete with senior career, making his Formula A debut in the new Arrow AX6 chassis, alongside DPE team-mates Melbourne for the Italian Clint Cathcart and Darren CRG factory.

Leanne Ferrier will be Hossack.

Western Australian Jason Briscoe's team-mate at CRG, Nastas will make the trip while Western Australian across the Nullarbor to comDavid Clark is certainly capable of taking victory for pete for Jolly Kart - Hastas is the current Western Jolly Kart.

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LINCOLN MITCHELL ... One of the serious local contenders in Formula A. (Krause pie)

The Victorian-based Dino Racing team includes David Dubois and Mark Domaschenz.

Both drivers will be using Dino chassis and engines and Domaschenz, in particular, will be a real contender.

South Australian Tyson Pearce is one of the fastest

kart racers in Australia Tyson won the City of Melbourne Titles at this circuit just six months ago and will be in contention on Australia Day. Ben Savage and Adrian Rossotto will debut the new All kart Phantom in Intercontinental A competi-

tion, while Steve Maher, Andrew Findlay, Justin Dwyer and 1995 Victorian Champion Joseph Pasquale are also likely front-runners.

With CIK Junior Intercontinental A now the premier Junior class in all states of Australia, a number of new young drivers are

about to make their debut in Melbourne.

After qualifying third in the Monaco Kart Cup late last year, Clayton Pyne wilJ surely start as favourite.

Pyne is one of the most experienced in the class and, along with Michael Caruso, Mitchell Wilson an,d New Zealand's Mathew Hamilton, will be racing for Tony Kart.

Bart Price and James Small will be competing for the first time in the Junior Inter A class in the new Arrow AX6, while Paul Dumbrell will also line up for DPE. Victorian Champion Jamie Whincup is CRG factory assisted and will compete alongside the experienced James Harrigan.

South Australian Jamie Carter is a welcome entrant to the class, racing for Gold Kart, while Alan Gurr has taken Troy Hunt's place at Top Kart and Brendan May will race the Merlin chassis.

- IAN SALVESTRIN

~q~~{f!.P.qff ~.~.~.~.~.~~.................................................

4217January1991 ......................... ....................................................

CAMS has never been more desperBeginningof the end

Dear Sir, As a motorsport official, I wish to put in my two cents worth into the AVESCO/TEGA/IMG crap that is going on at the moment.

Don't these people know that we give up our free weekends or week to help the circuit promoters run their major events without whinging or moaning that we are not getting paid enough?

Hell, what payment, I hear you ask.

Our payment is entry into the circuit, or there is no race, two sandwiches (or food vouchers, d·epending on where you are work-

General Manager

Chris Lambden Editor

DavidHassall Technical Editor

Tony Glynn Assistant Editor

PhilBranagan Advertising Manager

Gerald McDornan Graphics and Adver,:ising Co-ordinator

VivBrumby

CONVERTER TORQUE Readers letters and faxes are welcome. Send to address or fax number in left-hand panel. Preference will be given to typed, brief, mailed letters. The staff of Motorsport News does not necessarily agree with opinions expressed by readers.

Bathurst twice. I have done this before, when ARDC ran the touring cars there in 1995 and 1996. I cannot speak for other officials, but I can only afford to visit Bathurst only once, due to holidays and finances.

in the points race. The major difference to the other series that are on the 'net is that ours is 100 percent race distances, the same time as the BIG boys and the same weather conditions.

After having one pole position, 12

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

ate and it is now time for this ongoing delegation of authority to various competitor groups to come to an end and for the governing body to resume it's proper authority.

Until this happens, we will continue to see and hear more rash and i1Tesponsible statements (e.g.

AVESCO formation, "Australian 1000" etc) being given maximum media exposure by the new marketing wizards, with scant regard to facts or desired ultimate results.

In respect of the suggested rebel Bathurst event, this is the perfect opportunity for CAMS to assert it's rightful authority and withold any permit for an event not in the best interests of the sp01t as a whole.

It is galling that an outsider such as IMG should be in a position to attempt to force their suggestion for a Group A calendar on the rest of the sport.

However, it is refreshing to see the majority of 'Torque Converter' contributors are on the same wavelength in resisting this invasion.

Warwick MacDonnell Sunnybank, QLD

Perfectsolution Dear Sir, I have just read in your magazine that there may be two Bathurst races this year. Shock, horror!

But then I thought, this isn't such a bad thing. We've all heard about the yobbos and drunks ruining others' weekends at the mountain.

Well, here's the solution. Firstly, on October 5, hold the 'Bathurst 1000 International Super Touring race.'

The race will be for the genuine WILL IT HAPPEN? ... Bathurst stand-off is not helping the 5-Litre cause. (Brisbane Motorsport photography) motorsport enthusiasts and their Many officials probably would top fives and 24 top 10s, I think 1 families to enjoy in safety and coming), drinks that are suppljed DURfort (sounds a bit like a Volvo, don't had a pretty good season.

ING breaks in proceedings and the agree with me when I say that just you think?)

My team mate and I won the piece de la resistance, the sponsors for one week in Bathurst for the Then, come back on October 19, teams title by a massive 951 points. hat! (on smaller events, this is only 1000, it is expensive, as we either we'll hold the 'DV8ORS 1000' My team mate came third in the if you are working where there are have to fight the Group A drivers (Dinosaur VB Ocker Racing Show).

TV cameras). We also work on the for accommodation in motels/hotels, points.

This can be for the loud mouthed, Now the season is over, the wait hire carnvans either in Bathurst or circuits rain, hail or shine.

Bevans who go there to intoxicated the for on is 2 Racing NASCAR for to them transport and home back Most official's that I am associatthrow cans, burn cars, terrorise Bathurst, or rent a house for the new season next year. ed with work either Melbourne's Fl Once again, congratulations for families and wait for the winner to Grand Prix, or Queensland's Indy week. the cyber racing story and hope to 'smoke 'em up, mate!'

We also have a lot of interstate Car Grand Prix. Some even work No offence to the V8 teams, driofficials to help increase our num- see more in future issues. both! vers, or real racing fans; it's just I would like these organisers to bers with Fire, Flags, Scrutineering the yobs who can't control themPhil Otto sit down and ask these officials just and even in race control! selves that bug me and, I suspect, I hope that this mob of idiots can Gordon,ACT one question. Why do they do it? on a others.

The answer is easy, because they now see that there are destroying ED: Congratulations Thanks for an enjoyable and strong season, Otto. By the way, love the sport. We do not whinge or the greatest tradition in Australian informative read, though some artiyour teammate's name isn't moan that we have to pay for our Motorsport, the Bathurst 1000. cles on 5- and 2-litre privateers 'Manuel,' is it? or transport, accommodation, would be great. evening meals when we only have Ms Joanne Twist to Craig Congratulations Resistthe pressure Blacktown, NSW limited budgets.

Lowndes and Brad Jones on their These are our "Holidays". Yes, respective Championships. Well Dear Sir, that's right, we even give up our Almostthe real thing done.

Firstly, sincere. congratulations holidays to work on the race tracks.

PS. What does the 'M' in IMG on your editorial of January 3, If we have a rebel race at Dear Sir, Or stand for; 'Management?'

I would like to congratulate you 1997. There was not one point Bathurst, are AVESCOtrEGA/IMG on the story of cyber racing made that should not have had the 'Mismanagement?' I'm confused. going to look after the officials? total support of every thinking I do not want to speculate or (Motorsport News 8-21 Nov 96).

J. McPike I also race in a cyber series for enthusiast! dwell on the answer, but I would The need for strong leadership in Mudgeeraba, QLD not be able to afford going to NASCAR Racing and came second

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