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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Ford to Return to Winning Ways at Oran Park

Staff, Monday July 23, 2001.

Page 1 of 1

Steve Johnson has been at the forefront of the Ford charge - the Shell Helix Racing driver came close to extending Ford’s three-race winning streak to four, at the recent Calder Park round in Melbourne.

His second placing behind Paul Morris saw the Shell Helix Racing driver make-up some ground on the championship leaders.

Currently placed fourth in the championship standings, Johnson is keen to get another round win and stake a claim for the title.

“We had a solid round at Calder, but I’m after victory at Oran Park,” said Johnson.

“Our team has been at the front of the Ford assault this year, and I’m keen to start another winning streak at Oran Park.

“My teammate Paul Radisich is also hitting form at the moment. Having two cars at the front will be the goal for the Shell Helix Racing team.

Another Ford Falcon AUXR8 driver determined to do well at Oran Park is Mark Larkham.

Last year Larkham was involved in one of the biggest accidents the V8 series has seen, when he slammed into the rear of the stalled car of Paul Morris at 160 km/h.

Despite a massive fire, Larkham and Morris escaped the inferno with no burns, a testament to the fire safety measures used in modern day motor racing.

“Both Paul and I suffered some back injuries, but thanks to the fire proof suits, the design of the fuel systems in the cars and the fire crews at the track, we didn’t suffer any burns,” said Larkham.

“Last year’s accident won’t hold me back - a win will certainly put those memories behind me.

“I’m determined to take a win - we can’t let the other Ford teams take all the glory.

Oran Park will see the championship return to pit stop racing, where each team must perform a compulsory four-tyre change in each of the 95km races.

This puts pressure on pit crews, as they try to gain valuable seconds over their competitors in the pit lane.

Ford drivers to have had success at Oran Park include; Craig Lowndes (Gibson Motorsport) victory in 1998, Glenn Seton (Ford Tickford Racing) first across the line in 1994, and 1995 winner John Bowe (Cat Racing).

Championship Standings after seven of 13 rounds

Ford will field thirteen factory-supported drivers in eleven teams at Oran Park Raceway. These drivers are:

Details for Round Eight of the 2001 Shell Championship Series at Oran Park (NSW):

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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