James Courtney Confirmed

[SS Commodore]

RPM JUST confirmed James Courtney to replace Marcos at SBR

[wayno]

I have a new 'public enemy number one'.
Must say I'm very dissapointed. Holden have once again dropped the ball on the driver front. When are they going to learn that the guy behind the wheel is just as important as the overall package?

[clubbie]

So everyone who laughed at me when I said all along it will be Courtney (and I wont go into all the reasons why the Japan GT contract was just a red hering again). Looks like I was right.

Too bad he is already damaged goods - he has driven a holden. LOL

[VXfan]

Originally posted by wayno
I have a new 'public enemy number one'.
Must say I'm very dissapointed. Holden have once again dropped the ball on the driver front. When are they going to learn that the guy behind the wheel is just as important as the overall package?
I'm with u Wayno,cannot believe that the #1 Holden team gives the guy a foot in the door and then he goes to the #1 Ford team!I'm mightily p'd off with this.:mad:
Having said that,I do wish him some success,just not too much;)

[Esses]

Originally posted by VXfan
I'm with u Wayno,cannot believe that the #1 Holden team gives the guy a foot in the door and then he goes to the #1 Ford team!I'm mightily p'd off with this.:mad:
Having said that,I do wish him some success,just not too much;)

Bit of a difference between a "foot in the door" & a full-time drive with the best team going. I reckon it's completely understandable.

[WET 24/7]

Hmmmm, got me thinking about how much information he has gathered from his 2 races with Team Red while he was there .....

Im sure there would be such things as fuel consumption, setups etc that Ross and Jimmy would be pretty interested in.

[spoonster05]

So James gets to go over to one of the two leading Ford teams armed with insider knowledge of one of the leading Holden teams set-ups, chassis tweaks, tyre life, etc..

It may not seem like the data is interchangeable but I'm sure he could tell SBR some information that will be handy..

[Chev_350]

while i agree Holden dropped the ball on this one, I dont think there was much that they could do.....most of the top Holden teams have their drivers locked in, do they not? I dont think you would put such a good driver in a GRM or Longhurst car. Plus there was that whole resigned in Japan for next year deal

[SWRT]

Great choice SBR, this guy could a bigger whirlwind then Marcos with his natural driving flair, and his the first new rookie since Craig Lowndes with a chance of winning the 06 Crown in race winning machinery.

[mick xu1]

I think Holden tried very hard to sign him....i think that's why it took so long to Sign Todd up....... because they were trying to put a deal together for James

Thats what me finks

[TBVX05]

Now I hate SBR even more!

[toddy05]

I'm intrigued by channel 10's positive and absolute statement that SBR is announcing tomorrow its signing of Courtney. I say this because noone from SBR was quoted or interviewed, Courtney wasn't quoted or interviewed, Ingall knew nothing of it; what's yto say that Channel 10 hasn't totally screwed up this one and SBR announce tomorrow or another day someone else......How definite is this? I know 10 would not run this story without some element of truth or certainty but reading between the lines it looked a bit of a sus story.....Anyone????:confused:

[Holden2003]

I can't see the big deal where Holden lost. SBR in that RPM interview admitted that Courtney was not their first choice. I think he was leading to Steven Richards being their first choice, as the word contract was mentioned. HRT would of not hired Courtney for 2 rounds if he was going straight to SBR.

In My mind its total coincidence. Good to see a great Aussie talent in this series, at the expense of a fine talent (as much as I don't want to admit it). I think both Ford and Holden will rally behind Ambrose.

[Chev_350]

Originally posted by toddy05
I'm intrigued by channel 10's positive and absolute statement that SBR is announcing tomorrow its signing of Courtney. I say this because noone from SBR was quoted or interviewed, Courtney wasn't quoted or interviewed, Ingall knew nothing of it; what's yto say that Channel 10 hasn't totally screwed up this one and SBR announce tomorrow or another day someone else......How definite is this? I know 10 would not run this story without some element of truth or certainty but reading between the lines it looked a bit of a sus story.....Anyone????:confused:

i thought that very samething.....oh it would be funny if tomorrow its someone else and the Stones were just leading Channel 10 on

[spoonster05]

If SBR roll David Thexton out at tomorrow's 'unveiling' I'm going to be a very rich man :p

[Holden2003]

like the previous conspiricy theories thrown up, but they are just that. The official SBR launch is tomorrow of sponsor, livery and Courtney and thats probably why there was no mention from staff as they are waiting for tomorrow.

[brchi17]

Originally posted by VXfan
I'm with u Wayno,cannot believe that the #1 Holden team gives the guy a foot in the door and then he goes to the #1 Ford team!I'm mightily p'd off with this.:mad:

maybe they were expecting him to do what he did on the mountain & therefore placed their hand firmly in the middle of his back :p

cheers

[biante1478]

Great news if true, and also highly rumoured on other forums.

Holden --- the last three years have been just the start of your nightmare :D

[Moffat Fan]

Originally posted by toddy05
I'm intrigued by channel 10's positive and absolute statement that SBR is announcing tomorrow its signing of Courtney. I say this because noone from SBR was quoted or interviewed, Courtney wasn't quoted or interviewed, Ingall knew nothing of it; what's yto say that Channel 10 hasn't totally screwed up this one and SBR announce tomorrow or another day someone else......How definite is this? I know 10 would not run this story without some element of truth or certainty but reading between the lines it looked a bit of a sus story.....Anyone????:confused:

As I said in another thread, James Courtney took delivery of an SBR Race suit on Friday. This from the guys who make the suits!!!!!!!

[Dingo]

Originally posted by wayno
Must say I'm very dissapointed. Holden have once again dropped the ball on the driver front. When are they going to learn that the guy behind the wheel is just as important as the overall package?
And where pray tell do they put him? HRT and HSV are full for 2006, same with Perkins. And I couldn't see Courtney moving back to Australia for any other Holden team. It's certainly interesting the differing philosophies that Ford and Holden have regarding drivers - Ford buy theirs whatever the cost, Holden pick theirs up for bargain prices, then cut them loose when they want more cash.

Maybe Snappy Tom should have a word with Frank Williams...

[Chev_350]

I still remain optimistic that its not Courtney, given that on rpm they didn't talk to the Stones or Courtney.......and that Courtney is ment to have a drive day with HRT in December, maybe im just in denial :(

But at noon we will know for sure

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by Dingo
And where pray tell do they put him? HRT and HSV are full for 2006, same with Perkins. And I couldn't see Courtney moving back to Australia for any other Holden team. It's certainly interesting the differing philosophies that Ford and Holden have regarding drivers - Ford buy theirs whatever the cost, Holden pick theirs up for bargain prices, then cut them loose when they want more cash.

Maybe Snappy Tom should have a word with Frank Williams...
have to disagree parts of that comments, ford would rather buy talent than find it.
other than ambrose what other young talent has ford uncovered, compared to holden, lowdnes, murph, rick, todd, bright, richards, cam, bargs, ingall, other richards,
ford only seems to have marcus as the only serious driver, other than winterbottom, ritter. in the main game at the moment.
holden discovers them ford poaches em.

[Dingo]

Originally posted by GRPIII
have to disagree parts of that comments, ford would rather buy talent than find it.
<SNIP>
holden discovers them ford poaches em.
And how is that different to what I said?

[Luke Orreal]

Wow, I was hoping this was going to happen! I think he will slot right into the seat nicely!

Now the child in me would just like to say: Sour Grapes Sour Grapes Sour Grapes Sour Grapes !!!!! :p

All jokes aside, next year is looking good.

[Robert Murphy]

Originally posted by Dingo
And how is that different to what I said?

Great question, cant wait to see the ansewer.

Rob

[Luke Orreal]

Well it is official, James Courtney will be driving for SBR next year. Just checked the V8 Supercar website.

Yeehaa!!

[john]

I would have opted for Warren Luff over James Courtney.......
I thought Luff did well @ Bathurst & in his season @ DJR last year.
What do you Ford fans think?

[BATHURSTFAN]

have to disagree parts of that comments, ford would rather buy talent than find it.

And why is this different to any other sport?.

At the end of the day the drivers make their owns decisions on whether or not to join a team for whatever reason, be it money, better team or no other option.

Holden drivers go to Ford and Ford drivers go to Holden, it will keep on happening.

Just because Courtney drove at Bathurst for HRT for one race doesn't make him a Holden driver.

[Esses]

Originally posted by GRPIII
have to disagree parts of that comments, ford would rather buy talent than find it.
other than ambrose what other young talent has ford uncovered, compared to holden, lowdnes, murph, rick, todd, bright, richards, cam, bargs, ingall, other richards,
ford only seems to have marcus as the only serious driver, other than winterbottom, ritter. in the main game at the moment.
holden discovers them ford poaches em.

Ummmm, I could be wrong, but didn't Bright drive originally for SBR? A blue EL?
I presume that "other Richards" is Jim? He's a case in point. Name a make of car he HASN'T driven.:D

[spoonster05]

Yep, you're right Steve, although Jason did do a few laps at Bathurst 97 in the Alan Jones Falcon in 97 as well (although this was Stone Brothers prepared anyway I think).

I think you're right about Jim Richards having raced nearly everything, except perhaps a Lada :p

[wayno]

I think it was Allan Jones, Scott Pruett and Jason Bright in that car from memory.

[lukey73]

Originally posted by wayno
I think it was Allan Jones, Scott Pruett and Jason Bright in that car from memory.

Correct Wayno not bad going for you since only see
Holden RED. Only reason Bright got a drive was that the car was so far back it didnt matter and he set times quicker than both Jones and Pruett !

Luke

[mick xu1]

Jason's first drive in V8's was for GRM in a VS Commodore 1997 in Tasmania, when Steven Richards went OS

[toad]

I think Courtney and SBR will be a very powerful combo. James has always been near the top of whatever series he has entered. He is also very articulate in front of the camera's. I think its great to see him in V8 Supercars be it f Ford or a Holden.

[Holden2003]

James has raw speed. When Marcos started out, in 2001, he showed signs of raw speed. I think in Phillip Island, his debut he either finished 4th in both races or in the top four in both. Give James 1 or 2 yrs and he'll be a contender, to the series new top driver (well old actually), Craig Lowndes.

Wonder if James can win fords bathurst in 8+ years?

[GSXR1]

Originally posted by toad
I think Courtney and SBR will be a very powerful combo. James has always been near the top of whatever series he has entered. He is also very articulate in front of the camera's. I think its great to see him in V8 Supercars be it f Ford or a Holden. My thoughts exactly - I'm not fussed whether he drives for the Red or the Blue side - and in a gun car like the Stone Bros put together I think we will stick it up a few people. :cool:

[Kiwiracing]

Good luck to Courtney, I just wonder what experience he has on Aussie circuits? Didn't he say at Bathurst he hadn't done much driving at home???

Cheers
Kiwiracing

[toad]

Originally posted by Kiwiracing
Good luck to Courtney, I just wonder what experience he has on Aussie circuits? Didn't he say at Bathurst he hadn't done much driving at home???

Cheers
Kiwiracing

Yes I am sure that will be a factor in his first year as will mastering the lack of grip/downforce of the V8's compared to what he is used to.

It is going to be fascinating to watch, to see how quickly he comes up to Ingall's speed. And also to see if the other drivers give him a bit of on-track touch up and off-track criticsm to bed him in :-)

[Chev_350]

Originally posted by toad
Yes I am sure that will be a factor in his first year as will mastering the lack of grip/downforce of the V8's compared to what he is used to.

It is going to be fascinating to watch, to see how quickly he comes up to Ingall's speed. And also to see if the other drivers give him a bit of on-track touch up and off-track criticsm to bed him in :-)

given his pace at Bathurst this year, which was his first time there......im not affraid to say as a Holden supporter, im scared

[Kenseth17]

A new era begins at SBR and an exciting one at that. I wish Courtney all the best and great to see a young Aussie talent back home.

[wayno]

I'm still shattered. I followed Ambrose very closely when he was overseas and have done the same with Courtney. Seems all my favourites end up in the wrong bloody camp! :(
That's it! I've cracked it and will stop following the careers of the likes of Will power and Will Davidson IMMEDIATELY! :D

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by Robert Murphy
Great question, cant wait to see the ansewer.

Rob
i think what im trying to get across is ford would rather spend money buying drivers than bringing young talented drivers thru.
if thats fords approach all well & good, but maybe they should take a leaf out holdens book, v8 supercars would still have a bunch of senior citz if it wasnt for some of the talent scouts at holden, lowdnes was the start, murph, bright, richards, kelly, bargs young lions etc.
ford hasnt brought any decent young guys thru fullstop, bar ambrose.
ambrose came straight for europe, jnr only got a drive cause of dick.
its a 2 way street why should holden be the only one to find the talent? doesnt ford what partiy?
as for bright yes he did drive a grm commodore at sysmons plains in 96 while steve was o/s. if not he may have never been given a chance.
the other richards is not jimmy but jason.
but if you look at it from the ford side side of the fence,all these drivers ford are poaching what to win bathurst, so starting off in a holden is not a bad thing least there a good chance of winning on the mountain, bar brighty none of the current young crop have won in a v8 falcon, bowe was around pre v8 supercars.
as for courtney, i never said he was a holden driver & its good to see him back in oz even if its in a ford. he's a local boy, his parents still live round the corner & went to the same school as me, so i wish james the best of luck.
ford should just find some talent.
as for lolaltiy its a shame as there is no lolaltiy in any sport any more let alone motorsport.
most sportspeople should be happy get paid doing what they love, not worrying about how much more money they can get.

[Road Runner 72]

Originally posted by wayno
I'm still shattered. I followed Ambrose very closely when he was overseas and have done the same with Courtney. Seems all my favourites end up in the wrong bloody camp! :(
That's it! I've cracked it and will stop following the careers of the likes of Will power and Will Davidson IMMEDIATELY! :D

Well I love following the JGTC "well online anyway, as I can’t find any where that shows the races" or as its called now superGT.

He & his co driver are currently in equal 2nd in the championship driving his Open Interface TOM'S Toyota Supra, on 54 points only 7 points behind the leader “Car ARTA Honda NSX� who is on 61 points with one more round to go.

This is the super GT point scoring system for those interested.
1st, 20 points
2nd 15 points
3rd 12 points
4th 8 points
5th 6 points
6th 5 points
7th 4 points
8th 3 points
9th 2 points
10th 1 point

Also 2 points for pole & 1 point each for 2nd & 3rd qualifier & also a point each for the 1st 3 car with the best lap time.

The final round “round 8� is this weekend at suzuka, so good luck to James as he has a strong chance at winning the championship & that would be a great way to leave superGT hey.

Also here is a photo of my 1:43 2004 James Courtney Toms Supra.

CLICK 2 SEE (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/road_runnn er_72/RoadRunnersCollection/Random%20photos/Toms20 04.jpg)

Cheers

Mike

[Robert Murphy]

Originally posted by GRPIII
i think what im trying to get across is ford would rather spend money buying drivers than bringing young talented drivers thru.
if thats fords approach all well & good, but maybe they should take a leaf out holdens book, v8 supercars would still have a bunch of senior citz if it wasnt for some of the talent scouts at holden, lowdnes was the start, murph, bright, richards, kelly, bargs young lions etc.
ford hasnt brought any decent young guys thru fullstop, bar ambrose.
ambrose came straight for europe, jnr only got a drive cause of dick.
its a 2 way street why should holden be the only one to find the talent? doesnt ford what partiy?
as for bright yes he did drive a grm commodore at sysmons plains in 96 while steve was o/s. if not he may have never been given a chance.
the other richards is not jimmy but jason.
but if you look at it from the ford side side of the fence,all these drivers ford are poaching what to win bathurst, so starting off in a holden is not a bad thing least there a good chance of winning on the mountain, bar brighty none of the current young crop have won in a v8 falcon, bowe was around pre v8 supercars.
as for courtney, i never said he was a holden driver & its good to see him back in oz even if its in a ford. he's a local boy, his parents still live round the corner & went to the same school as me, so i wish james the best of luck.
ford should just find some talent.
as for lolaltiy its a shame as there is no lolaltiy in any sport any more let alone motorsport.
most sportspeople should be happy get paid doing what they love, not worrying about how much more money they can get.

Great ansewer, I now understand what you were saying. I agree with you 100%.

Rob

PS. I Know I am a great friend to at least one person. :D

[Robert Murphy]

Originally posted by Road Runner 72
Well I love following the JGTC "well online anyway, as I can’t find any where that shows the races" or as its called now superGT.

He & his co driver are currently in equal 2nd in the championship driving his Open Interface TOM'S Toyota Supra, on 54 points only 7 points behind the leader “Car ARTA Honda NSX� who is on 61 points with one more round to go.

This is the super GT point scoring system for those interested.
1st, 20 points
2nd 15 points
3rd 12 points
4th 8 points
5th 6 points
6th 5 points
7th 4 points
8th 3 points
9th 2 points
10th 1 point

Also 2 points for pole & 1 point each for 2nd & 3rd qualifier & also a point each for the 1st 3 car with the best lap time.

The final round “round 8� is this weekend at suzuka, so good luck to James as he has a strong chance at winning the championship & that would be a great way to leave superGT hey.

Also here is a photo of my 1:43 2004 James Courtney Toms Supra.

CLICK 2 SEE (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v191/road_runnn er_72/RoadRunnersCollection/Random%20photos/Toms20 04.jpg)

Cheers

Mike

Mike,
Please, what is the best site to follow this on.
Rob

[Road Runner 72]

Originally posted by Robert Murphy
Mike,
Please, what is the best site to follow this on.
Rob

Hi Rob,

Here you got buddy ;)

http://supergt.net/en/

[Kenseth17]

Originally posted by GRPIII
i think what im trying to get across is ford would rather spend money buying drivers than bringing young talented drivers thru.
if thats fords approach all well & good, but maybe they should take a leaf out holdens book, v8 supercars would still have a bunch of senior citz if it wasnt for some of the talent scouts at holden, lowdnes was the start, murph, bright, richards, kelly, bargs young lions etc.
ford hasnt brought any decent young guys thru fullstop, bar ambrose.
ambrose came straight for europe, jnr only got a drive cause of dick.
its a 2 way street why should holden be the only one to find the talent? doesnt ford what partiy?
as for bright yes he did drive a grm commodore at sysmons plains in 96 while steve was o/s. if not he may have never been given a chance.
the other richards is not jimmy but jason.
but if you look at it from the ford side side of the fence,all these drivers ford are poaching what to win bathurst, so starting off in a holden is not a bad thing least there a good chance of winning on the mountain, bar brighty none of the current young crop have won in a v8 falcon, bowe was around pre v8 supercars.
as for courtney, i never said he was a holden driver & its good to see him back in oz even if its in a ford. he's a local boy, his parents still live round the corner & went to the same school as me, so i wish james the best of luck.
ford should just find some talent.
as for lolaltiy its a shame as there is no lolaltiy in any sport any more let alone motorsport.
most sportspeople should be happy get paid doing what they love, not worrying about how much more money they can get.

Always two sides to every story and while a few ex Holden drivers have gone to Ford, there are some things you have missed out on.
How do you know Ford would rather spend money on buying drivers than developing them?? They have been astute and smarter in this area and treat drivers generally very well.No wonder some drivers at least listen to what they have to offer.Its good business.
Whilst Bright drove a round at Symmons Plains in a Holden that hardly qualifies him as a Holden guy first. He won Bathurst in a Falcon and drove full time for SBR in 1998 and '99.He has not reached those heights again and is back at Ford.
Steven Richards drove to a Bathurst win in '98 with Bright before heading to Holden the next year.
Mark Skaife drove a Nissan for 6-7 years before they were kicked out and Fred Gibson bought some Holden Commodores.We don't go calling him a Nissan boy do we?
Paul Radisich has gone from Ford to Holden after being a 'pure' Ford boy in Europe as well.The opportunity arose and thats fine.Good to see him have a half decent year.
Dean Canto may be joining Holden full time, we will have to wait and see.Drivers go back and forward and always have done.
Mark Winterbottom is a Ford product you could say along with Ambrose, Seton (a few early years at Nissan), Jnr Johnson, although he did drive a Holden once or twice??, whilst Besnard and Baird have not come along like we thought they once would, both being tried by SBR over the years as well.
Courtney has taken a different path because of his overseas driving but quite simply a Ford team had a seat and a good one to offer and Holden did not.Simple as that.
As for Ingall and Lowndes, maybe if Holden treated them better they may have been able to keep them.I know for sure Rusty is happier than a pig in s%*t at Ford and good luck to him.Lowndes had issues at HRT and they never saw him again.The rest is history.
The funny thing is Ford were once slammed for not taking Motor Racing seriously in Australia and now they get the odd hammering for outfoxing their rivals in driver deals.Saying that up until this post, Lowndes and Ingall have not won titles in a Ford yet.Of course that may change shortly.It has been the Ford product Ambrose who has headed this pack. As i said there is always two sides to every story and if Ambrose comes back to Australia I am sure Holden would offer him the Earth to join them if he was a free agent.I couldn't blame them for that.It would be good business.
In a perfect world we would do what we do for love but that don't pay the bills and sports people everywhere need to get what they can because it won't last forever.

[inter]

has jame courtney raced in any oz racetracks ( apart from sandown and bathurst)?
Will he need to learn all the tracks?

inter

[toad]

Correct me if I am wrong but I think Paul Weel started out with Ford at a very young age and now drives for Holden (or does he?) and Steve Ellery has been a Ford driver since very young age...although I think at one time swithced to Holden then back again.

[wayno]

Originally posted by toad
Correct me if I am wrong but I think Paul Weel started out with Ford at a very young age and now drives for Holden (or does he?) and Steve Ellery has been a Ford driver since very young age...although I think at one time swithced to Holden then back again.

Paul went straight from off road racing to V8 Supercars. Was it in an ex-Anthony Tratt Falcon? Wrong side of the fence for me so I might be a little light on facts about this!

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by Kenseth17
Always two sides to every story and while a few ex Holden drivers have gone to Ford, there are some things you have missed out on.
How do you know Ford would rather spend money on buying drivers than developing them?? They have been astute and smarter in this area and treat drivers generally very well.No wonder some drivers at least listen to what they have to offer.Its good business.
Whilst Bright drove a round at Symmons Plains in a Holden that hardly qualifies him as a Holden guy first. He won Bathurst in a Falcon and drove full time for SBR in 1998 and '99.He has not reached those heights again and is back at Ford.
Steven Richards drove to a Bathurst win in '98 with Bright before heading to Holden the next year.
Mark Skaife drove a Nissan for 6-7 years before they were kicked out and Fred Gibson bought some Holden Commodores.We don't go calling him a Nissan boy do we?
Paul Radisich has gone from Ford to Holden after being a 'pure' Ford boy in Europe as well.The opportunity arose and thats fine.Good to see him have a half decent year.
Dean Canto may be joining Holden full time, we will have to wait and see.Drivers go back and forward and always have done.
Mark Winterbottom is a Ford product you could say along with Ambrose, Seton (a few early years at Nissan), Jnr Johnson, although he did drive a Holden once or twice??, whilst Besnard and Baird have not come along like we thought they once would, both being tried by SBR over the years as well.
Courtney has taken a different path because of his overseas driving but quite simply a Ford team had a seat and a good one to offer and Holden did not.Simple as that.
As for Ingall and Lowndes, maybe if Holden treated them better they may have been able to keep them.I know for sure Rusty is happier than a pig in s%*t at Ford and good luck to him.Lowndes had issues at HRT and they never saw him again.The rest is history.
The funny thing is Ford were once slammed for not taking Motor Racing seriously in Australia and now they get the odd hammering for outfoxing their rivals in driver deals.Saying that up until this post, Lowndes and Ingall have not won titles in a Ford yet.Of course that may change shortly.It has been the Ford product Ambrose who has headed this pack. As i said there is always two sides to every story and if Ambrose comes back to Australia I am sure Holden would offer him the Earth to join them if he was a free agent.I couldn't blame them for that.It would be good business.
In a perfect world we would do what we do for love but that don't pay the bills and sports people everywhere need to get what they can because it won't last forever.
some good points there too, but what i saying is that holden have given more young drivers their first start in v8supercar.
both richo & brighty were given a start in a holden, regardless of were their drivening later on in the series.
skaife doesnt count, he was round well before the supercar era, he may be nissan boy, so is seto & bowe a volvo bowe.
does brad jones count as a holden boy? he drove for HRT.
radisch is a pre suppercar driver also.
yes weel did start in a falcon, but as a privateer nothing to do with signing him as a young talented driver as he is. wasnt he an off road champion?
so your still left with holden giving the likes of lowdnes, kelly x2, bargs, garth, murph, richo, noski & white were also invovled in the youg loins, theres a few fro this year & next, but they are yet to prove there worth at the front of the field.
thats not to mention some of the drivers that were given drives as endro drivers, people like luke youlden whom lp gave him a first drive but now drives for ford.
dumbrells another who larry gave a chance, yet he's still to find it.
bar ambrose,name me one potental race winning young v8 supercar driver that ford has unearthed thru talent rather than letting the moths out of there wallet?
if holden had ford approach you'd be watching 20 odd cars, with all the drivers in & over 40 years of age.
now i know why so many ford supporters call it formula holden, cause 95% of all drivers started or have driven a holden.
so ford marketing sales pitch "have you driven a ford lately" is not only for the average driver but is really directed at race drivers.
maybe seto should try his luck in a holden, he may win one in the right car. even thou he has been on the podumn, his been there in a skyline.
if ford want to spend there money thats fine, all they have at present in there stats is ambrose for 3 titles & brighty for 1 win on the mountain, even the ford drivers prevoiusly in holden have a better resume, in just lowdnes you have the same stats from the one driver, without rusty couple of wins, so dont give me bs about ford giving there drivers a fair go, who has really given these drivers a fair and winning go?

[the_goldie]

Originally posted by toad
Correct me if I am wrong but I think Paul Weel started out with Ford at a very young age and now drives for Holden (or does he?) and Steve Ellery has been a Ford driver since very young age...although I think at one time swithced to Holden then back again.

I think I have a poster with Ellery being in a Holden, could have been in a young lions team at one stage - but not too sure. Will have to check it out.

[fomoco04]

What about the next batch Dean Canto, Warren Luff, Adam Macrow, Will Davison all driving cars with blue ovals on them aren't they? They may be in the development series but I guess thats what its for DEVELOPMENT. In fact if you lok at all the next gen drivers nearly all of them are being groomed by ford teams.

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by the_goldie
I think I have a poster with Ellery being in a Holden, could have been in a young lions team at one stage - but not too sure. Will have to check it out.
ellery drove the holden young lions car not sure on the year 98 i think, sponered by konica.

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by fomoco04
What about the next batch Dean Canto, Warren Luff, Adam Macrow, Will Davison all driving cars with blue ovals on them aren't they? They may be in the development series but I guess thats what its for DEVELOPMENT. In fact if you lok at all the next gen drivers nearly all of them are being groomed by ford teams.
canto started off in konica series, in a holden i think, could be wrong, in line for a drive in 06, nice bloke dean meet him many a time thru his & his fathers business outside of racing.
warren luff, i think is a been & gone. had drive with djr & given the boot shame thou very talented driver first saw luffy driving at his old mans driving school age 14, very skilled for that age.
adam maccrow yes ford have done well bringing this youngters thou but he is still yet to prove he has the goods, will davidson, have lost sight of wherewill is, but is he driving for the a1 team?
like all champs in the konica series they all find it very hard to find there feet in the main game, but its a great series, maybe ford & holden should both have level one franchise (yes its illegal) like the young lions, ford were supposed to get one going a few years ago, and the highest place winner in both cars gets a drive in the main game for that year. brings new talent thru every year.
should also be not just for drivers but for team personnal also.

[group C]

I think at the end of the day,this is no longer looked upon as a sport it has become big business,for the teams and drivers, the drivers look at it as a job, so if you got offered $X amount over what you are already earning i think most people will take it.
Look at J.Bright was right up there in a Holden got poached by ford offered alot of $ and his own team,he may not be winning on the race track,but i bet he is winning in his bank account.

[HRT 1-2]

Originally posted by the_goldie
I think I have a poster with Ellery being in a Holden, could have been in a young lions team at one stage - but not too sure. Will have to check it out.

Co-drove at Bathurst in '94 with Phil Ward in a VP! I don't think he did anything prior!

[Crowey05]

Didn't Ellery drive a 2L Sierra in the 1993 Bathurst 1000? Could be mistaken but i think he did

[Leigh]

So if the definition of giving a guy a start is "who they first raced a V8 Supercar with" then:

Noske's first drive was Bathurst 95 in a Moffat EB

Tratt was Albert Park 97 in a privateer VP entry

Todd Kelly's first race was Sandown 98 in a John Faulkner Racing VS...JFR was a privateer in those days...so if we are discounting privateer drives...

Nathan Pretty, again a privateer VS; Bathurst 98

White was 99 in a JFR privateer entry...

Canto was 99 in a privateer VS

Ritter was a GRM mobile at Qld 500 in 99

...and Ellery certainly started in a privateer Commodore...as HRT1-2 wrote...

Can somebody remind me if Captian Kaos had Holden support on his Coke-mobiles?

Cheers

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by lcfp2297
So if the definition of giving a guy a start is "who they first raced a V8 Supercar with" then:

Noske's first drive was Bathurst 95 in a Moffat EB

Tratt was Albert Park 97 in a privateer VP entry

Todd Kelly's first race was Sandown 98 in a John Faulkner Racing VS...JFR was a privateer in those days...so if we are discounting privateer drives...

Nathan Pretty, again a privateer VS; Bathurst 98

White was 99 in a JFR privateer entry...

Canto was 99 in a privateer VS

Ritter was a GRM mobile at Qld 500 in 99

...and Ellery certainly started in a privateer Commodore...as HRT1-2 wrote...

Can somebody remind me if Captian Kaos had Holden support on his Coke-mobiles?

Cheers
very good points on all above
as for cpt kaos, yes he did have holden support, but dont forget he drove for hrt in the early 90's

[Leigh]

Originally posted by Crowey05
Didn't Ellery drive a 2L Sierra in the 1993 Bathurst 1000? Could be mistaken but i think he did
Vesrix only goes back to 1992, and then only includes the 5L Group A category vehicles from the early years...

If that is the case, then it removes Ellery from the equation completely as he pre-dates the V8's...ala Skaife, Seton etc...

Cheers

[Leigh]

Originally posted by GRPIII
very good points on all above
as for cpt kaos, yes he did have holden support, but dont forget he drove for hrt in the early 90's
I was thinking more along the lines of drivers that started their careers with WGR...

Cheers

[GRPIII]

Originally posted by Crowey05
Didn't Ellery drive a 2L Sierra in the 1993 Bathurst 1000? Could be mistaken but i think he did
yeah your right
elllery co-drove with a guy called gary gosatti from wa in the phoenix motorsport ford sierra in the under 2 litre class.

[spoonster05]

Originally posted by lcfp2297
I was thinking more along the lines of drivers that started their careers with WGR...

Cheers

Russell Ingall started his V8 career with WGR in the Sandown and Bathurst enduros in 1994 alongside Win Percy, he's the only one that springs to my mind

[rehau]

Originally posted by GRPIII
canto started off in konica series, in a holden i think, could be wrong, in line for a drive in 06, nice bloke dean meet him many a time thru his & his fathers business outside of racing.
warren luff, i think is a been & gone. had drive with djr & given the boot shame thou very talented driver first saw luffy driving at his old mans driving school age 14, very skilled for that age.
adam maccrow yes ford have done well bringing this youngters thou but he is still yet to prove he has the goods, will davidson, have lost sight of wherewill is, but is he driving for the a1 team?
like all champs in the konica series they all find it very hard to find there feet in the main game, but its a great series, maybe ford & holden should both have level one franchise (yes its illegal) like the young lions, ford were supposed to get one going a few years ago, and the highest place winner in both cars gets a drive in the main game for that year. brings new talent thru every year.
should also be not just for drivers but for team personnal also.



my first memory of dean canto was driving with alfredo constanzo 's maserati at the sandown 500. This is just my recollection.

rehau

[toad]

Originally posted by lcfp2297
So if the definition of giving a guy a start is "who they first raced a V8 Supercar with" then:

Noske's first drive was Bathurst 95 in a Moffat EB

Tratt was Albert Park 97 in a privateer VP entry

Todd Kelly's first race was Sandown 98 in a John Faulkner Racing VS...JFR was a privateer in those days...so if we are discounting privateer drives...

Nathan Pretty, again a privateer VS; Bathurst 98

White was 99 in a JFR privateer entry...

Canto was 99 in a privateer VS

Ritter was a GRM mobile at Qld 500 in 99

...and Ellery certainly started in a privateer Commodore...as HRT1-2 wrote...

Can somebody remind me if Captian Kaos had Holden support on his Coke-mobiles?

Cheers

McConville Was Bathurst 95 (?) with DJR Ford

[Chev_350]

Originally posted by toad
McConville Was Bathurst 95 (?) with DJR Ford

I think it could have been a little earlier than that, Didn't he hit the way at the Esses or the dipper in his first year?

[Leigh]

Originally posted by toad
McConville Was Bathurst 95 (?) with DJR Ford
Sandown 93 with DJR (EB)

Cheers

[Leigh]

Originally posted by spoonster05
Russell Ingall started his V8 career with WGR in the Sandown and Bathurst enduros in 1994 alongside Win Percy, he's the only one that springs to my mind
That's who I was thinking of...hardly a decision by the Holden management to bring Ingall on board though...

[brchi17]

Originally posted by the_goldie
I think I have a poster with Ellery being in a Holden, could have been in a young lions team at one stage - but not too sure. Will have to check it out.

Lets not forget that well before Ellery drove for HYL, he badly damaged a DJR Falcon on the mountain - I think the year was 1993.

cheers. :)

[spoonster05]

Originally posted by brchi17
Lets not forget that well before Ellery drove for HYL, he badly damaged a DJR Falcon on the mountain - I think the year was 1993.

cheers. :)

I think you're getting confused with Cam McConville, Ellery did race for DJR bit it was in the 99 enduros, paired with Paul Radisich

[Chev_350]

Originally posted by spoonster05
I think you're getting confused with Cam McConville, Ellery did race for DJR bit it was in the 99 enduros, paired with Paul Radisich

yep in 93 it was Radisich and McConville in car #18.....Cam wrecked it comming outa the esses

[toad]

Originally posted by spoonster05
I think you're getting confused with Cam McConville, Ellery did race for DJR bit it was in the 99 enduros, paired with Paul Radisich

Which year did Ellery drive with Longhurst in a Falcon...I thought they came in top 3 or so after Ellery did a double stint...or am I mistaken

[Leigh]

Ellery with TLR in 96 & 97 (http://www.conrod.com.au/stats/drres.cgi?id=72&sc=-t-d+x)

[wayno]

Originally posted by toad
Which year did Ellery drive with Longhurst in a Falcon...I thought they came in top 3 or so after Ellery did a double stint...or am I mistaken

I think it was 1996 in the Castrol Falcon. Steve did a great job that day as conditions were pretty tricky. And yes, he did do a double stint in the car from memory.