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V8 Supercars Engage In Geoff Polites Tribute

Staff, Wednesday May 7, 2008.

Page 1 of 1

V8 Supercar teams will honour the passing of Ford boss Geoff Polites this weekend by incorporating black ovals bearing the word 'Geoff' into race car liveries at round four of the Championship in Perth.

The voluntary act was made available to all V8 Supercar teams by Ford Australia, and Stone Brothers Racing has kindly printed decals via its in-house facility for all those who wish to participate.

General guidelines have suggested teams position the black oval on the rear quarter panel to promote a consistent message, however differing liveries will see teams accommodate the oval where possible.

"Geoff Polites played an integral part in the development of Ford Australia's role in V8 Supercars," said Ray Price.

"It is certainly fitting for V8 Supercar teams to have the opportunity to show their respect for a man who was heavily involved in the sport.�

"Sydney Swans players were able to show their respect for (former team manager) Geoff by wearing black arm bands during a match.� These black oval decals are a way our sport can display a similar sentiment at the first race event since Geoff's unfortunate passing.

"Geoff meant a great deal to many people in the V8 Supercar industry, and he helped shaped the Ford careers of talents such as Marcos Ambrose and Craig Lowndes � in fact, he was the mastermind behind bringing 'the kid' over from the red side.

"His impact will never be forgotten."

Geoff Polites recently lost his battle with cancer, returning from overseas to be with his family for the birth of his first grandchild before his health deteriorated and he passed away in Melbourne.

In his time at Ford Australia he had a major involvement in V8 Supercars and was responsible for the development of various champions, including current Nascar star Marcos Ambrose.

�I signed my first major contract with Ford through Geoff and it gave me so much pleasure to reward him with the first of my V8 Supercar championships,� said Marcos Ambrose.

�He was a true 'Australian' who was passionate about everything he did and everything he was involved in.

�He maintained a strong interest after he moved from Australia and took delight in Ford's on-going championship success and Bathurst wins.

�It was great that his beloved Swans got the job done for him a couple of years ago.

�Geoff Polities had a major influence on my career and was a guy I was proud to call a friend.�

Ford's V8 Supercars are currently being trucked across the Nullarbor to participate in three 50 lap sprint races on the 2.42 kilometre Barbagallo circuit in Perth from 9-11 May.

Having this year won two out of three Championship rounds, it has been a positive start to the season for the Blue Oval who is set on taking out the manufacturer's title.��

Last year's West Australian event saw the beginning of a return to form for Ford's Dick Johnson Racing Falcon's, with Steven Johnson and Will Davison fourth and fifth respectively.

For those who wish to join in the action, positions have been made available to Ford Racing fans in the Barbagallo Blue Oval Club � an exclusive corporate hospitality facility that offers guests pit tours and visits from all Ford associated drivers.�

Located at pit exit the facility offers outstanding viewing of the entire circuit.� Ticket details plus further Ford Racing news can be found at www.ford.com.au/racing.

For more information, contact:
Vicki Heath
Motorsport Media Manager
Telephone: 03 9359 8190
Mobile: 0402 355 325
E-mail: vheath3@ford.com

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