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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford Set to Own Canberra Streets

Staff, Monday June 4, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

The win by Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) has not only attracted the attention of the rival Holden camp, but with a number of Ford teams fully competitive this season, Canberra is set to see the Blue Oval shine despite expected cold and wintry conditions.

On top of the cold is the very tricky Canberra circuit. Unlike the Adelaide street circuit, Canberra is very narrow and allows no room for error.

As at last year’s debut meeting, the format features three races; all different from the other.

Race one will be over 25-laps with a compulsory tyre stop; the starting grid will be reversed for race two; while the third race will be over fifty laps and will include two compulsory pitstops, one for tyres and another for fuel.

The starting positions for the final race will be determined from the combined results of the first two races.

The grid for the first race will be decided by a top-15 shootout following qualifying.

The format is one of the most exciting on the entire championship calendar, and drivers are fully aware of the challenge.

“Last year I was very consistent and got the round win,” said Ford Tickford Racing’s Steve Richards.

“Canberra is a real fight, you need to stay clear of the trouble but take your chances when they arrive.

“If you take it too easy you will get shuffled back - you have to stay aggressive and the results will come. Canberra carries a large points spread; 18 points for pole position, with the twin 25-lap races set to give the winner 90 points each, while the final 50-lap race sees the winner net 180 points.

“Canberra can really put you back in the championship chase,” said 2001 Supercar debutant Marcos Ambrose.

“My aim is to win every time I go out there, if I can do that, my championship hopes will be right on track.

“I obviously haven’t raced at Canberra before, but the other drivers only have last year’s experience to go on; which compared to the other circuits is a much smaller advantage.

“My team mate David Besnard is in the same position, but with the vast experience of Stone Brothers Racing, we have already shown that we go to every circuit ready to race.

Canberra features a longer race program than most events, with practice and qualifying on the Friday, the top-15 shootout and the opening race on the Saturday, with the final two races on Sunday.

With 32 cars diving for pitlane, officials have reduced the speed limit to just 40 km/h instead of the usual 60 km/h.

Teams have also been advised that speed limiters on the engine management systems will be a requirement to guarantee that the limit is not breached.

Top 10 Championship positions after Hidden Valley.

Ford will field twelve factory-supported drivers in nine teams at Hidden Valley. These drivers are:

Details for Round Five of the 2001 Shell Championship Series in Canberra:

For further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing
Phone: (03) 9533 4455
Mobile: 0417-262 753
Email: ben@segalmedia.com.au

Howard Marsden
General Manager
Ford Racing
Phone: (03) 9359 8461

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