Jim O’Halloran’s Weblog

Published February 7th, 2003 by Jim O'Halloran

V8 Supercar News

Things look exciting, for the 2003 season, with the new project blueprint rules, new cars, new teams, etc. To kick it off, Ford announce a new factory team.

Ford Performance Racing (FPR) is the final component in Ford Australia’s revived commitment to race-bred performance in its road car range.

FPR will ultimately feature three Ford BA V8 Supercars to be driven by star drivers Craig Lowndes, Glenn Seton and David Besnard.

… about time Ford got behind V8 Supercars again! In 2004 there will be a V8 Supercar Race in China.

At a meeting this week in Shanghai, the Peoples Republic of China, a Heads of Agreement was signed to stage a V8 Supercar race in Shanghai commencing in 2004 over a five-year period.

The series will also be shown on chineese free to air TV for at least the next 6 years from March. Bit of a coup, and a good opportunity for sponsors too.

In no big supprise Paul Dumbrell has signed with Castrol Perkins.

“Larry says this year is a learning one for me so there is no need to feel any pressure, although I want to be competitive and do a good job for my team,” Dumbrell said.

… and as expected Russel Ingall (ex-Castrol Perkins) will drive a Stone Brothers’ Ford this year, but wastes no time before shooting his mouth off.

“My expectations for 2003 are winning a championship - nothing more and nothing less,” said Ingall.

“I am sure Ross and Jimmy Stone (team owners) have not hired me to muck around for a couple of seasons.”

Craig Baird (ex-Team Brock) will drive for Team Kiwi.

Team Kiwi Racing have today announced that ex Team Brock V8 Supercar driver, 32 year old Kiwi, Craig Baird has joined Team Kiwi Racing as lead driver for the 2003 and 2004 Australian V8 Supercar Championship replacing Jason Richards who has decided to move to Australia and pursue a drive with a to be named Australian team.

Adelaide based Team Dynamik then announced the signing of Jason Richards (ex-Team Kiwi) and unveiled its livery for 2003.

Team Dynamik drivers are Simon Wills, twice Australian Drivers’ Champion and Konica V8 Supercar Series Championship winner, and Jason Richards three times New Zealand Touring Car Champion.

… sounds promising. Looks good too! After a very poor season at DJR, Paul Radisich has signed with Briggs Motorsport (Betta Electrical).

We know we can provide Paul with a new, well prepared BA Falcon V8 Supercar. With the enthusiastic, experienced team of specialist technicians behind him this team will give him possibly the greatest opportunity in recent years to excel in a category of motorsport that means so much to him ­ said John Briggs.

Jason Bargwana has left Garry Rogers Motorsport (Valvoline Cummings), and a replacement has been signed there, looks like Bargs will be driving for Larkham Motorsport next year.

Unless DJR plan to run only 1 car this year, thers still a hole there though. Team Brock has lost its driver (Craig Baird to Team Kiwi above), so theres a hole there also. I’ve also heard (but can’t find reference to it on the internet) that Team Brock will come under the TWR Australia umbrella next year, with Jason Bright as its lead driver.

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