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Fords Winton Assault - Minus Brad Jones

Staff, Wednesday May 16, 2007.

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Ford's Winton Assault - Minus Brad Jones

Ford’s crop of talented V8 Supercar drivers are geared up for an all in assault at Winton Raceway this weekend, minus Brad Jones from Team BOC who earlier this week announced his retirement from racing.

A relatively sudden decision saw Jones step back from his role as driver of the #14 Team BOC BA Falcon after 105 championship starts, the veteran electing not to compete at his home event for round four of the V8 Supercars from 18 – 20 May.

Ford's Winton Assault - Minus Brad Jones

Brad Jones,retired, with nephew Andrew Jones

New Zealander Simon Wills steps into the BOC drive effective immediately, with Jones taking a hands-on role in running the team and continuing as a popular ambassador for Ford.

“To tell you the truth now that I’ve made the decision it’s a little tough,” said Brad Jones.

“I’ve had fantastic support from people throughout my career and I’ve had fantastic support from Ford. “

“They’ve [Ford] been there since I first started in V8’s – a relationship that began as a handshake with Howard Marsden.”

“One of the great things about V8 Supercars is the people involved. The Ford fans are an extremely loyal bunch, they are there to cheer us on rain, hail or shine.”

“A lot of people think it’s strange for me not to see out this season, but I think when it’s time it’s time. At this moment I know it’s the right move.”

“At the end of the day it’s the best thing for the team, the focus is on them and getting results. The aim is to get Team BOC back to where it has been in years gone past.”

With 22 starts and six podiums at Bathurst, Jones has been a highly successful Blue Oval contender at the mountain and he will take on the endurance events (Sandown and Bathurst) with Team BOC this year.

“Brad has achieved a significant number of podium finishes for Ford, in particular at Bathurst,” said Ford Motorsport Manager Ray Price.

“He will always be a well-known ambassador for the Blue Oval and for the sport as a whole. He’s got some great insight and opinions as to how things should be done and no doubt he’ll make sure he’s heard!”

“Brad’s decision to move away from driving will allow him to assist as a team mentor, and is certain to play a crucial role in Team BOC moving forward on the grid.”

Ford’s remaining crop of skilled and determined drivers on the other hand are not for a second thinking about pulling back.

The likes of Craig Lowndes, Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom, Steven Richards, James Courtney, Jason Bright and the Jim Beam boys are set to battle it out on the track in a few days time – looking to secure a so-far elusive race win despite stellar qualifying performances and undeniable speed at the season’s first three V8 rounds.

Ford's Winton Assault - Minus Brad Jones

Craig Lowndes

Lowndes, who took the overall round win at Winton in 2006, is confident of a return to form this weekend. Bright who has had great success at Winton and finished in second place to Lowndes last year is keen for a strong result.

Both Winterbottom and Courtney are itching for a win after claiming pole at Pukekohe and Clipsal respectively.

In his retirement year John Bowe will also be a Ford man to watch, his three Winton victories make him the most successful racer on the Victorian circuit.

“Ford is certainly looking for a return to form at Winton,” said Ray Price.

“We’ve had some great results here in the past, and it’s the home test track for FPR, Britek, BOC and TKR.

“Incidents and circumstance have eluded us race wins so far this season, but we’re claiming pole positions and fastest lap times; so it is now time to consolidate.”

“The Ford teams have been working hard on their preparation, the drivers are in peak condition. It’s just a matter of getting those things to come together on the day.”

Ford's Winton Assault - Minus Brad Jones

Ford’s line up of V8 Supercar drivers will contest three 32 lap races on the three kilometre circuit this weekend at Winton Raceway near Benalla (VIC).

ROUND 4 – WINTON RACEWAY

SEVEN NETWORK BROADCAST TIMES

19 May, Saturday – 14:00 – 17:30
20 May, Sunday 12:00 – 15:00

2007 CHAMPIONSHIP TOP TEN

#1 Rick Kelly, TOLL HSV, Holden
#16 Garth Tander, TOLL HSV, Holden
#22 Todd Kelly, HOLDEN RACING TEAM, Holden
#88 Jamie Whincup, TEAMVODAFONE, Ford
#2 Mark Skaife, HOLDEN RACING TEAM, Holden
#4 James Courtney, JELD-WEN, Ford
#888 Craig Lowndes, TEAMVODAFONE, Ford
#5 Mark Winterbottom, FPR, Ford
#17 Steven Johnson, JIM BEAM, Ford
#18 Will Davison, JIM BEAM, Ford

2007 OFFICIAL FORD DRIVER LINE UP

#4 James Courtney, JELD-WEN MOTORSPORT
#5 Mark Winterbottom, ORRCON FORD CREDIT FPR
#6 Steven Richards, CASTROL FPR
#9 Russell Ingall, CALTEX RACING
#12 Andrew Jones, TEAM BOC
#14 Simon Wills, TEAM BOC
#17 Steven Johnson, JIM BEAM RACING
#18 Will Davison, JIM BEAM RACING
#21 Paul Radisich, TEAM KIWI RACING
#25 Jason Bright, FUJITSU RACING
#26 Alan Gurr, IRWIN RACING
#88 Jamie Whincup, TEAMVODAFONE
#111 John Bowe, GLENFORDS RACING
#888 Craig Lowndes, TEAMVODAFONE

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