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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Bargwanna Weathers the Storm in Opening NZ V8 Race

Staff, Monday November 10, 2003.

Page 1 of 1

Bargwanna showed his class in slippery wet conditions, as many of the leading teams struggled to keep their cars on the track.

The race was won by Greg Murphy, ahead of Todd Kelly and Garth Tander.

The action began from the start of the 36-lap (100 kilometre) when Max Wilson (Shell Helix Racing) and Mark Skaife collided on the second turn. Both cars were sent spinning off the track.

At the same time a four-car accident down the field brought out the safety car.

With the safety car on the track, most of the teams dived into the pits on the third lap to make their compulsory tyres stops. Championship leader Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) came out ahead of Murphy and appeared to have the advantage.

However, the wet conditions didn't suit the Tasmanian's Falcon and he was passed by Murphy and slipped down the order.

This opened the door for Bargwanna, as he battled for position with former teammate Garth Tander.

As the track dried, Todd Kelly got past Bargwanna, before taking second from Tander on the final lap.

Despite his battles on the track, Bargwanna brought his Falcon home without a scratch.

"The brakes on this car are incredible," said Bargwanna.

"I felt very comfortable in the really wet conditions, but just couldn't get past Garth.

"I got alongside a couple of times, but he held his line and I just couldn't get through.

"Then as the rain stopped and the track dried, Todd Kelly got on a charge and he got through.

"It was great to be back in the fight. Importantly our car was very quick in the dry qualifying session, so even if the weather picks up tomorrow, I feel we'll be just as strong.

"Wet or dry - bring it on!"

The drying track suited Ambrose, as he charged back to finish sixth. The result enough to keep him comfortably in the leas of the championship.

"It result was enough, but we really struggled in the very wet period of the race," said Ambrose.

"We did a good job to get out in front of Murphy after the pit stops, but I didn't have full confidence under brakes in the conditions.

"The championship was very much on our mind and we had to race accordingly.

"We'll make some improvement and hopefully the weather will play its part and we can challenge".

Ford finished with five cars in the first 10, including Paul Radisich (Team Betta Electrical) in fifth, Steve Ellery (Super Cheap Auto Racing) in ninth and Shell Helix Racing's Steve Johnson in 10th.

Earlier in the day the results of the top-10 shootout were cancelled despite the session being completed. Rain midway through session effected the times of the later runners and after a number of leading teams protested, officials cancelled the results.

The final two races of the PlaceMakers V8 International will be run tomorrow. Both races will be run over 150-kilometres and feature compulsory tyres stops.

Top 10 Race #1

For further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Manager
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: 03 9359 8901
Mobile: 0417 262 753
Email: benb@global-marketing.com

Further information and high-resolution images relating to Ford Racing Australia can also be found at: media.ford.com

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