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SPECIAL

Ford Territory

SPECIAL

Ford Territory

Russell Ingall Wins 2005 V8 Supercar Title

Staff, Monday November 28, 2005.

Page 1 of 1

Russell Ingall (Caltex Racing) is the 2005 V8 Supercar Champion!

It's Ford's third consecutive Driver's championship.

Ingall led home a Ford championship 1-2-3, with Craig Lowndes (Team Betta Electrical) in second outgoing two-time champion Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) in third. It was the first 1-2-3 for Ford since 1993 when Glenn Seton won from Alan Jones and John Bowe

On a great day for Ford, Ambrose won the final round, the BigPond Grand Finale at Phillip Island to secure Ford the Manufacturers Cup.

Coming into the Phillip Island round, Stone Brothers Racing had already clinched the Team's title and Craig Lowndes finished the season with the most pole positions (five).

Another award for Stone Brothers Racing this weekend was the Snickers Pit Crew award which netted the team $50,000.

A four-time runner-up in the series, Ingall finally took the number #1 plate with fifth place overall for the round.

Ingall played the perfect balance of aggressive driving with plenty of caution over the three races.

"I have a little bit of mixed emotions, but I am glad it's over," said Ingall.

"I guess I am waiting for it all to sink in. Maybe that will happen after a few VBs with the Caltex crew tonight.

"This is a fantastic result for Ford, Caltex, Bosch and everyone involved with Stone Brothers Racing.

"So many people have worked so hard for this moment and I am happy it has finally come.

"I had a few moments out there in the races, but I guess they all seem "moments" when you have the championship on the line.

"At the end of the day, you don't go slower in the head as you get older, just physically.

"If you can keep yourself fit, you are in the game and I plan to do that for sometime yet.

"Now we have number one on the door we are the target for next season and we need to ensure we are ready.

"We will review of weaknesses over Christmas and fix them. Then we can blast into 2006 as the champions.

"You have to be smart and quick to win this championship. You have to do absolutely everything. What ever it takes.

"Our job was made easier this weekend because the Caltex Falcon was quick, but because of our situation we could not really show how quick it was."

For Ambrose a victory in his final race before heading to the USA to follow a racing career in NASCAR racing was a special way to end this chapter in Australian V8 racing.

"My time in V8 Supercars has been pretty special and to go out with a win like we did today and give Ford the manufacturers' title is extra special," said Ambrose.

"I have built up some tremendous friendships in this series up and down pit lane then you have everyone at Ford and Pirtek.

"There was a tear in my eye there at the end, but at the same time I am excited about what lies ahead.

"I had a terrific car this weekend and I guess to win the round was a great reward for all boys and a fitting way to go out.

"I have to thank Ford, Pirtek, my crew and Ross and Jimmy Stone and their families for all their support and giving me the opportunity for such success over the last five years."

Craig Lowndes gave it everything over the weekend to try and beat Ingall to the championship. He won the opening race of the weekend before finishing third in the second race. However, a drive through penalty for pitlane infringement all but ended his charge.

"Second overall in the championship is still a great result," said Lowndes.

"It's great for Russell to finally break through for the title. For Marcos to win the round and secure Ford the manufacturer's title is awesome for all the Blue Oval teams.

"We took four round wins this year and we are delighted with that. Team Betta Electrical has done an amazing job this year and we take plenty of confidence into 2006.

Team now take a well earned break over the summer period and regroup at the opening round, the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide 23-26 of March 2006.

Next year's championship will have some new formats introduced, including reverse grid races at a number of rounds.

V8 SUPERCAR CHAMPIONS TO BE HONOURED AT FORD

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

Date: Monday 28 November

Event: To mark the third straight title for a Ford driver and team, Ford President, Tom Gorman, will make a special presentation to V8 Supercar Champion Russell Ingall and the Stone Brothers Racing team. Ford will also honour the top-3 Ingall, Craig Lowndes and Marcos Ambrose.

For Further information contact:
Ben Beazley
Media Coordinator
Ford Racing Australia
Phone: 03 9359 8190
Mobile: 0417 262 753
Email: bbeazle3@ford.com

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

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