V8 rumours and gossip 2007

[Chev_350]

2007 is fast approaching, thought I'd start a fresh thread for the upcoming V8 season

What we know so far.

Calender

Round Date Event Location
1 1-4 March Clipsal 500 Adelaide
2 23-25 March Perth V8 400 WA
3 20-22 April PlaceMakers V8 Supercars New Zealand
4 18-20 May Winton Motor Raceway VIC
5 9-11 June Eastern Creek Raceway Sydney
6 22-24 June SKYCITY Triple Crown Darwin
7 20-22 July Qld Raceway Ipswich
8 17-19 August Oran Park Raceway Sydney
9 14-16 September Sandown 500 Melbourne
10 4-7 October Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 Bathurst
11 18-21 October V8 Supercar Challenge Surfers Paradise
12 1-3 November Bahrain International Circuit Bahrain
13 16-18 November Tasmania Challenge TAS
14 30 Nov - 2 December Grand Finale Phillip Island

Entry list

1 Rick Kelly Toll HSV Dealer Team
2 Mark Skaife Holden Racing Team
3 Jason Richards Tasman Motorsport
4 James Courtney Jeld Wen SBR
5 Steven Richards (Castrol - BP?) FPR
6 Mark Winterbottom (Orricon?) FPR
7 TBA (Jack Perkins?) Jack Daniel's Perkins Engineering
8 Max Wilson WPS Racing
9 Russell Ingall Caltex SBR
10 Jason Bargwanna WPS Racing
11 Shane Price Jack Daniel's Perkins Engineering
12 Andrew Jones Team BOC BJR
14 Brad Johns Team BOC BJR
16 Garth Tander Toll HSV Dealer Team
17 Steven Johnson Jim Beam DJR
18 Will Davidson Jim Beam DJR
20 John Bowe Glenfords Tools PCR
021 Paul Radisich TKR
22 Todd Kelly Holden Racing Team
23 Greg Murphy Tasman Motorsport
25 Jason Bright Fujitsu Britek
26 TBA (Warren Luff?) TBA (Fujitsu?) Britek
33 Lee Holdsworth Valvoline GRM
34 Dean Canto Valvoline GRM
39 TBA Team Sirromet PMM
50 Cameron McConville Super Cheap Auto PWR
51 Paul Dumbrell Super Cheap Auto PWR
55 Steve Owen Autobarn Race Team
67 Paul Morris Team Sirromet PMM
88 Jamie Wincup Team Vodafone Triple 8
888 Craig Lowndes Team Vodafone Triple 8

Tasman is currently seeking a naming rights sponsor
BP - Castrol is set to take over from Caterpillar on the #5 FPR Falcon
WPS could possibly be rebranded with another one of Craig Gore's companys

Jim Beam has become the offical Burbon of V8 Supercars.

[spoonster05]

I was under the impression number 51 would go with Murph to Tasman as it is his trademark number now, similiar to Skaife with #2, Perkins #11, etc

Particulary when the Anger Management clothing range usually features a #51 on the item somewhere...

[Chev_350]

oh yeah forgot about that one, does Murph have a apart in Anger Management?

[spoonster05]

Yeh, it originated from a partnership between Greg Murphy Racing and Globe International (which GMR driver Peter Hill founded)

[brchi17]

I was under the impression number 51 would go with Murph to Tasman as it is his trademark number now, similiar to Skaife with #2, Perkins #11, etc...

According to Club Murph this is in the process of happening ;)

[vr-x3500]

Anyone heard anything else about the DJR Jim Beam sponsorship, I still haven't heard anything to confirm or deny whether the rumours are true or not.

[spoonster05]

Definitely true, Jim Beam also has bourbon pouring rights at all the events

Was speaking to our Coca Cola rep yesterday about scoring free tix to Bathurst as Coca Cola are handling Jim Beam in Australia now, he said he will see what he can do :)

[Poita]

Anyone heard anything else about the DJR Jim Beam sponsorship, I still haven't heard anything to confirm or deny whether the rumours are true or not.

I emailed DJR on Friday before XMAS after it was announced in several publications, if they could confirm Jim Beam was their new sponsor and for how long. Below is the reply I got....

"Sorry Peter, I have no information available regarding a new naming rights sponsor for 2007, except to say that DJR will be on the grid in 2007, and the team is working hard to make sure everything is ready to go - on and off the track."

[Chev_350]

Coca Cola are handling Jim Beam in Australia

they are, in what respect?......(genuine question, not calling you a liar)

[Chev_350]

I emailed DJR on Friday before XMAS after it was announced in several publications, if they could confirm Jim Beam was their new sponsor and for how long. Below is the reply I got....

"Sorry Peter, I have no information available regarding a new naming rights sponsor for 2007, except to say that DJR will be on the grid in 2007, and the team is working hard to make sure everything is ready to go - on and off the track."

of course they are not going to tell you.

[spoonster05]

they are, in what respect?......(genuine question, not calling you a liar)

Maxxium who are the importers of Jim Beam and several other brands (Canadian Club, Absolut Vodka, etc) into Australia have reached an agreement where the RTD spirits and mixer cans and bottles will be produced at Coca-Cola Amatil's South Australian plant and the spirit's themselves will be distributed through the Coca-Cola Amatil channels

Maxxium will continue to control marketing and the like but the deal is all signed off.

I don't know what happened to Fosters Cougar Bourbon deal with V8's, will have to wait until our new Foster's rep visits us for that one...

[Chev_350]

I see I see, so would that mean there mixer cans would be spirt and Coke rather than the generic cola????

the Cougar deal will be interesting maybe CUB a thinking of pulling out?

[Rob]

Entry list

5 Steven Richards (Castrol - BP?) FPR
6 Mark Winterbottom (Orricon?) FPR



I think you'll find that Richo will be in Car 6
and that Mark will be in Car 5 as per normal.

[Chev_350]

oops

[brchi17]

There will be a V8 team running out of Sydney, I can't remember who the driver is (actually I'd never heard of them which doesn't mean much), but they own the Romano franchise & will now use it as it cna no longer be leased to Perkins. The car will carry #24.

[V8SS]

There will be a V8 team running out of Sydney, I can't remember who the driver is (actually I'd never heard of them which doesn't mean much), but they own the Romano franchise & will now use it as it cna no longer be leased to Perkins. The car will carry #24.

Will it be a Ford or Holden Brad?

[tiger]

Walden Motorsport garth walden driving a holden is the tip
Perkins has bought a level 1 franchise from tega so he can still run 2 cars

[Chev_350]

back to 32 cars then?

[GRPIII]

Walden Motorsport garth walden driving a holden is the tip
Perkins has bought a level 1 franchise from tega so he can still run 2 cars

spoke to garth a few weeks back, unless this is new news garth is running & preparing porsches's & will be running a gts in the production class.

[Holden2003]

Thanks Chev 350 for starting this thread. I was going to do it as I found it frustrating that V8 conversations were all over the place last year. Theres nothing wrong with off-shoot threads, but with last years threads it was hard to find where the bulk of the talk was in the forum about V8s. We hard Rumours and gossip and also each round seemed to have its own thread. I hope this thread becomes the mainstream thread for 07.

[hobby]

spoke to garth a few weeks back, unless this is new news garth is running & preparing porsches's & will be running a gts in the production class.

can you tell us if this is the new model GTS ?

and if so this may be the alternative to the Cochrane circus i have been waiting for.






.

[GRPIII]

can you tell us if this is the new model GTS ?

and if so this may be the alternative to the Cochrane circus i have been waiting for.






.
unsure wether they are vz or new ve gts's.
but there'd be no point in getting an older model would there?

[singer]

I believe from all that I've read we'll be getting VE versions

[brchi17]

The worst kept secret of 2006 has finally been let out of the bag

Steve Richards returns to Ford with FPR in 2007 (http://www.fpr.com.au/news/press-releases/document.aspx?ID=3624)

cheers,

Brad :)

[Dingo]

spoke to garth a few weeks back, unless this is new news garth is running & preparing porsches's & will be running a gts in the production class.
http://ozmotorsport.com.au/node/423

[brchi17]

http://ozmotorsport.com.au/node/423

thanks or the link Matt ;)

Also after reading this part of that article
.....While in Brisbane yesterday we also organised a car from a strong team, and we’ll be making an announcement in January on that..... you'd have to think that they're going to run a Ford as I'd find it a bit a stretch for PMM to fit that descriptive

cheers :)

[brchi17]

Pictures of Frosty's New #5 (http://www.bammedia.com.au/site_gallery.asp?site_ id=orrcon07&event_id=444&parent_str=0,563,564,566#client=23) for season 2007

[Pug205]

Yuck! what a cheap looking paint scheme. The front and back is too white and looks unfinished :(

I prefer the mock up versions that were in Motorsports News a while ago. That was based on the Focus WRC as BP are sponsoring car #6 IIRC.

Hopefully that is why the car looks so plain still as it isnt offically announced till car #6 is shown. Hopefully!

(Hey this was my 100th post!)

[Holden2003]

Wonder what both Larkham and Craig Gore think of Orrcon jumping ship. That must of caught them by surprise. I wonder if they think they are still in the top 3 of the Ford teams.

My ranking of Ford teams would be:
888, FPR, SBR, DJR, WPS, BOC, Britek

[brchi17]

Or are they chasing Frosty as they've got a history with him (2yrs x LMS) & he'll no doubt be a title contender again this season ???

[wayno]

Don't blame them, for moving. Why would you stay at Larkhams mob?

[dgm1968]

Don't blame them, for moving. Why would you stay at Larkhams mob?

They certianly arent the first and no doubt wont be the last to jump ship. Look at Super Cheap, Pirtek and so the list goes on.

---------------------------------------------------------

Go Lowndesy
http://community.webshots.com/user/dgm1968

[Holden2003]

Don't blame them, for moving. Why would you stay at Larkhams mob?

I think the main reason Orrcon jumped was that they wanted to be seen as an outright sponsor of a car or team. I don't think they liked or anticipated the merger of WPS & LMS in 2006, limiting their decal sizes. Also, FPR is a very strong team and the links with frosty seals the deal.

[Rob]

Yuck! what a cheap looking paint scheme. The front and back is too white and looks unfinished :(

I prefer the mock up versions that were in Motorsports News a while ago. That was based on the Focus WRC as BP are sponsoring car #6 IIRC.

Hopefully that is why the car looks so plain still as it isnt offically announced till car #6 is shown. Hopefully!



With 14 rounds now, look for much simpler designs
as it's becoming more difficult to maintain the cars.

Also sponsors are wanting "cleaner" areas to put their
logos so it's not lost in a clutter of logos.

[Graeme]

... not to mention that the Orrcon investment is now directed toward only one car in a pre-eminent team, and one in which the driver has performed well both on and off the track during 2006. Looks good to me.

[Pug205]

With 14 rounds now, look for much simpler designs
as it's becoming more difficult to maintain the cars.

Also sponsors are wanting "cleaner" areas to put their
logos so it's not lost in a clutter of logos.


I am a fan of the simplier designs and uncluttered race cars and hope the V8s teams are indeed moving towards this idea.
Always thought the V8s of the 95 - 96 era looked much better then the Nascar look we seem to be heading for lately. All teams had distinct, sharp paint schemes that all stood out from one another.

This one just looks kind of cheap to me though, not much effort put in to it I feel :rolleyes:

[CowboyMatt]

I am a fan of the simplier designs and uncluttered race cars and hope the V8s teams are indeed moving towards this idea.
Always thought the V8s of the 95 - 96 era looked much better then the Nascar look we seem to be heading for lately. All teams had distinct, sharp paint schemes that all stood out from one another.



Agree with that. Sometimes less is more.

[Chev_350]

Yuck! what a cheap looking paint scheme. The front and back is too white and looks unfinished :(

I prefer the mock up versions that were in Motorsports News a while ago. That was based on the Focus WRC as BP are sponsoring car #6 IIRC.

Hopefully that is why the car looks so plain still as it isnt offically announced till car #6 is shown. Hopefully!

In my professional opinion that mock up in Motorsport News looked horrible. It looks like simple designs are become the new trend in race car paint schemes all round not just V8s, alot more NASCAR teams are moving towards simple schemes for this coming season and their cars are easier to decal than they have ever been. As Rob said it is all about having the sponsor's logos easier to read, after all they pay the bills

Wonder what both Larkham and Craig Gore think of Orrcon jumping ship. That must of caught them by surprise. I wonder if they think they are still in the top 3 of the Ford teams.

Question is what did Orrcon think when WPS and LMS merged? They possibly could have only been there last year because it was the last year in the contract, Gore has plenty of money.

[Rob]

FPR wanted to go for a cleaner look. In reality there's not that much
difference from 06 to 07, it's just cleaner and more sponsor friendly.

Remember race cars always look so much better in the flesh than in photos.

[whitlam]

Question is what did Orrcon think when WPS and LMS merged? They possibly could have only been there last year because it was the last year in the contract, Gore has plenty of money.

This may be a stupid question but what/who is LMS? :scholar: :whip:

[Tumbo]

abbreviation for Larkham Motor Sport - formally Orrcon racing

[spoonster05]

This may be a stupid question but what/who is LMS? :scholar: :whip:


Larkham Motor Sport

Just beat me to it Tumbo...

[Tumbo]

course I did Spoonster :D

[whitlam]

abbreviation for Larkham Motor Sport - formally Orrcon racing

Larkham Motor Sport

Just beat me to it Tumbo...

Thanks, I knew it was ____ Motor Sport and I was trying to think of names starting with L :D

[Tumbo]

Lisa Minelli MotorSport? haha! :p

[05shan]

Lisa Minelli MotorSport? haha! :p
Both full of drama.....amongst other things:p :D

[spoonster05]

Lisa Minelli MotorSport? haha! :p

Now that would be an interesting team, doubt they would ge much support on top of the mountain at Bathurst though !! :p

[Holden2003]

In my opinion I think the WPS operation is a mess. Gore is sponsoring too many aspects of motorsport that don't really help his brand more. I think he would be doing enough to promote WPS if he sponsored just his V8 team.

Sponsoring the V8 safety car, carrera cup, aussie cars is probably too much. If he put all his resources into his V8 team, and made his V8 team successful, it would be so much better then sponsoring all these things when his V8 team looks substandard. He has so little faith that his cars that they wont be seen at the front of the V8 field so he sponsors the safety car!

However, he does deserve plenty of credit for Aussie vinyards sponsorship. Sponsoring Ambrose and Champcar does plenty to promote that brand and helps Tagliani, Power and Ambrose immensely.

[brchi17]

In my opinion I think the WPS operation is a mess. Gore is sponsoring too many aspects of motorsport that don't really help his brand more. I think he would be doing enough to promote WPS if he sponsored just his V8 team.

Sponsoring the V8 safety car, carrera cup, aussie cars is probably too much. If he put all his resources into his V8 team, and made his V8 team successful, it would be so much better then sponsoring all these things when his V8 team looks substandard. He has so little faith that his cars that they wont be seen at the front of the V8 field so he sponsors the safety car!

However, he does deserve plenty of credit for Aussie vinyards sponsorship. Sponsoring Ambrose and Champcar does plenty to promote that brand and helps Tagliani, Power and Ambrose immensely.

I think at the end of the day, Gore wants is to get his companies name out there & present it to a wider community to whom is grossly brushed over where non-motoring companies dare to travel (you can't do this with only 1 V8 supercar team).

To a smart business man, them demographics of the average motorsport fan would be rather appealing, considering their loyalty to it's supporters....

[Leigh]

Sponsoring the V8 safety car, carrera cup, aussie cars is probably too much. If he put all his resources into his V8 team, and made his V8 team successful, it would be so much better then sponsoring all these things when his V8 team looks substandard. He has so little faith that his cars that they wont be seen at the front of the V8 field so he sponsors the safety car!
It's not like any of them are underfunded;)

AIU, WPS may well fit under the new for 2007 "spending cap", but at current spending, may well have to make cuts for the proposed lower 2008 "cap"...There are very few teams on the grid that at current spending, will need to make cuts to meet the proposed 2008 cap!

Also, I think you'll find the team will be branded differently in 2007.

[Malik]

According to v8supercar.com.au Larry Perkins has given both his drives for 2007 to Shane Price and Jack Perkins..


where's Dumbell going?

[Pug205]

Drumbrell is off to Super Cheap to partner Cam McConville.

[Holden2003]

According to v8supercar.com.au Larry Perkins has given both his drives for 2007 to Shane Price and Jack Perkins..


No surprise there. It will be interesting to see these drivers as they are very young and don't seem to have the flair when young Craig Lowndes entered the series.

Are these guys men or boys?

[wayno]

According to v8supercar.com.au Larry Perkins has given both his drives for 2007 to Shane Price and Jack Perkins..

Well, they're the right price for the Frank Williams of Australian motorsport. :rolleyes:
What happened to their big talk about signing a name driver to lead the team?

[Martin Thomas]

It appears Steve Owen has missed the chance for a decent drive next year. I haven't missed anything, have I? I realy hoped he would be in a JDR or SCAR car.
Bet he is driving a Ford in 2008.

[brchi17]

It appears Steve Owen has missed the chance for a decent drive next year. I haven't missed anything, have I? I realy hoped he would be in a JDR or SCAR car.
Bet he is driving a Ford in 2008.

do you think ;) ???

from the two I suspect the Autobarn car could/would be the better pick.....

[CowboyMatt]

According to v8supercar.com.au Larry Perkins has given both his drives for 2007 to Shane Price and Jack Perkins..


where's Dumbell going?


I wonder if Jack will leave after a couple of years because he's not getting paid enough?

[wayno]

It appears Steve Owen has missed the chance for a decent drive next year. I haven't missed anything, have I? I realy hoped he would be in a JDR or SCAR car.
Bet he is driving a Ford in 2008.

I thought the Autobarn team showed some glimpses of fine form last year. They are certainly improving. Hopefully Autobarn will tip a little more money in for 07 and we can see Steve move up a little further in the results.

[brchi17]

I thought the Autobarn team showed some glimpses of fine form last year. They are certainly improving. Hopefully Autobarn will tip a little more money in for 07 and we can see Steve move up a little further in the results.

Exactly, now that Steve had driven on all of the circuits in the series at least once, I think he continue to show brilliance - his drives at Winton Bathurst & Phillip Island were not flukes !!! Also the addition of Oscar as his race engineer mid-year has shown results, so it will be interesting to see how he goes at Adelaide. Hopefully RNR can continue to improve their apple cart so Steve can show everyone his real talents as he's a driver who's earned his drive through talent & not on the size of his fathers bank balance.

[wayno]

We are a bit biased though Brad. :D

[WiKo]

Anyone out there no if any of the liviers have been released yet

[Rob]

FPR - Orrcon launched on New Years Day. That's all at the minute.

Most teams will only be getting back this week or next so I wouldn't
expect much until late Jan early Feb.

[WiKo]

thx rob will have 2 keep my ear to the ground

[Pug205]

V8X has a sneak of Murphy's Tasman car on the cover out this week.

[Holden2003]

V8X has a sneak of Murphy's Tasman car on the cover out this week.

Is this one just for Adelaide like the round to round changing paintjob we had last year or this permanent for the series. I hope for the latter as I was not a fan of the constant sponsorship change.

[spoonster05]

According to V8x Firepower will be the 'naming rights' sponsor at Sandown, Bathurst, Indy and Bahrain and there are two other sponsors to be announced later on

Can't say I really like the new Tasman logo, unless that's Firepower's logo on the side of the car..

Interesting to see both Tasman and Supercheap's sneak peeks both had #51 on the car

[VXfan]

Interesting to see both Tasman and Supercheap's sneak peeks both had #51 on the car
The SCAR car also had Biante Model Cars on the sides!:confused:

[CowboyMatt]

Interesting to see both Tasman and Supercheap's sneak peeks both had #51 on the car

I couldn't understand it either.

I was thinking it might have been some creative design work by V8X rather than an official picture. They even said the Murphy car was going to change during the season.

[brchi17]

......I was thinking it might have been some creative design work by V8X rather than an official picture. They even said the Murphy car was going to change during the season.

I think you've hit the nail on the head ;)

[spoonster05]

The SCAR car also had Biante Model Cars on the sides!:confused:

I noticed that as well, thought it was a bit strange

[Rob]

I couldn't understand it either.

I was thinking it might have been some creative design work by V8X rather than an official picture. They even said the Murphy car was going to change during the season.

No, it's definately a Holden design (I am sure Designer will confirm).
The logo on the side is the Firepower logo not the Tasman logo.
Sponsor logos would be for indication only not final placement.
Note: Murphy name on the window of both SCAR and Tasman cars.

[Exceler8]

i cant say i like tasman having different sponsors for the year
yeh its good that different sponsors get to appear on the car but a permant sponsor would be better i think
and i never knew murphy could drive 2 cars at once

[WiKo]

So it's official Steven Richards is of FPR, I was reading in last issue of Action Auto what a great mag if anyone hasn't read a copy. Get 1 you won't be dissapointed.Any way Larry Perkins gag oreder has been lifted and he will b there for next season. is it just me or does any one see the correlation between Ford poaching Holden drivers??? I no Steve was a Ford driver in the past But why do so many Holden drivers head to the blue oval???

[troym]

some of the holden heavies need to wakeup! sometimes success breeds arrogance at the upper levels & i think holden suffers from this, i have worked at the same comapny for 25 years & now 90% of our opposition once worked for us, & for a few thousand dollars we could have easily retained 60% of them, yet we have to spend tens of thousands retraining, so i know this problem 1st hand. Loosing Craig Lowndes will go down as the biggest mistake holden ever made, & the many who have followed since just frustrates all of us holden fans, i think the following drivers should have been retained

lowndes
bright
whincup
courtney
richards

letting courtney slip through their fingers proved they get it wrong too often, although he did little during his endurance drives with HRT, he is a star of the future, it proves someone has lousy negotiating skills within the holden camp.

[WiKo]

U make a fair point troym is it arrogance or is it greed? or is it just that ford give them much more than holden will. Look at Steven Larrys a straight talker and has always said he wont pay the big bucks. Where frod is willing to pay for his services. Same goes for the mentioned above. What gets me is holden give them a chance bulid them into the superstars they r today and ford come in give them more bucks or what ever and they switch. I think alot of what goes on we dont hear about, politics and the such.

[Pug205]

Like most people would do with their own careers- drivers will go where they are paid better. That is of course only one factor to consider.

I also believe that to many drivers the Holden v Ford thing is not as tribal and set in stone as it once was.
It is now more about the team that gave them the chance to drive and build their career rather then what type of car they drive. This is seen in the younger guys who swap "camps" every season without much notice (Whincup, Ritter, A Jones, Canto, etc)

For Steven Richards it seems to me to be an easy choice to make - stay with LP who has less resources and been mid field at best for 2006 or go to one of only three Factory Teams which has been up the front and winning for almost all of 2006? He like all drivers races to win not to help sell road cars.

On the other hand if a Ford driver was in a semi competitive team and was offered a drive with HRT/Toll he would jump at the chance I bet. It goes both ways. Brand loyality only seems to apply when you are already entrenched in the brands family with teams like HRT, Toll, FPR, 888, SBR.

[WiKo]

I thought I would start this thread. As it's a topic of hot discussion. What to all of you think about the situation?

[Nick Short]

What did people do in the days before Ford and Holden started this sales ruse? Were there different brands of clothes line and you were a traitor if you were poached by Hills from the other brand? A racing driver is a racing driver. Ford to Holden, Holden to Ford, they want to race and get paid for it. What about going from Holden V8s to a different racing series altogether? Or Ford to professional surfing? If a Holden driver made the leap to F1 and drove a Ford-powered car, is that a good or bad career move? Perhaps if he lost his seat it would be better if he raced in the Barina Challenge Cup, just so nobody gets upset at his treachery.

[CowboyMatt]

No different to other sports really.

The athlete / driver has loyalty to himself first - what is the best thing for him to do?

Fans have a far deeper loyalty to their team than most athletes and it's scandalous in the eyes of some fans to see their heroes move to the opposition.

At the end of the day it's their livelihood / career and in it's no different to people in the corporate world when they move on to what they think is a better opportunity.

There may be a current trend in Holden drivers moving to Ford, but as has been said before, there is a lot of politics and goings on behind the scenes we don't hear about.

With Lowndes I personally think one of the reasons he left was there wasn't enough room on the same team for his and Skaife's egos to harmoniously exist.

[05shan]

IMO I think the drivers look for oportunity to expand their careers and their bank accounts. Looking at Fords involvement overseas (pro drive etc.) would make a lot of young drivers, aiming at open wheels or european racing, to swap camps.
I believe(?) Richards was also given 2 or 3 drives a year in the Pro Drive Aston Martin. This may have aided his decision also.
I think a lot of Holden supporters, me included, are well and truly over the loss of Lowndes.

[Holden2003]

I think lowndes had finished business with Holden. At the time he defected to Ford, the challange of winning a championship with them was the equivalent of Marcos challenge to do well in the States. He needed something new to do and winning with Ford was the new goal.

As for driver changes, I don't read too much into it. I do agree though that too many of holden's eggs are in the HRT/HSV teams and they need to spread their resources to other teams.

[Graeme]

Personally, I find that the driver/team manouevres are sometimes more entertaining than the racing ... it also tends to challenge opinions as to whether it is 'the car' that wins or 'the driver' that wins.

[wayno]

As for driver changes, I don't read too much into it. I do agree though that too many of holden's eggs are in the HRT/HSV teams and they need to spread their resources to other teams.

Maybe there is too much invested in the HRT/HSV teams, but what other Holden team can take up the challenge?

[Chev_350]

letting courtney slip through their fingers proved they get it wrong too often, although he did little during his endurance drives with HRT, he is a star of the future, it proves someone has lousy negotiating skills within the holden camp.

I don't know about that Alan Gow, Courtney's manager although not going into the details told me Holdens deal was very very good deal its just Ford's was better, at that stage they had won back-to-back titles and were on there way to third, if you weren't attached to a brand it would be hard to pass up.

[Designer]

No, it's definately a Holden design (I am sure Designer will confirm).
The logo on the side is the Firepower logo not the Tasman logo.
Sponsor logos would be for indication only not final placement.
Note: Murphy name on the window of both SCAR and Tasman cars.

Tasman is still work in progress....

[Holden2003]

Maybe there is too much invested in the HRT/HSV teams, but what other Holden team can take up the challenge?

Well Ford and the Ford Teams do seem to share their resources. FPR will be sharing with TKR and SBR supplies engines to 888, BJR and I think PCR.

You have to only go back to 2002 and realise there were only 4 Holden teams running with more then 2 cars (HRT, Kmart/HSV, GRM and Perkins). When Team Brock expanded, Holden gave them the resources and when in they were in SCAR form they decided on their own to withdraw from that. Sirromet never received any support when they expanded as well as Tasman.

To answer your original question, I would say that GRM should be invested in as Garry has an eye on picking driver talent and maybe Tasman as Greg Murphy is as talented as the HRT/HSV boys and Jason is a great driver to.

[singer]

Well Ford and the Ford Teams do seem to share their resources. FPR will be sharing with TKR and SBR supplies engines to 888, BJR and I think PCR.

You have to only go back to 2002 and realise there were only 4 Holden teams running with more then 2 cars (HRT, Kmart/HSV, GRM and Perkins). [quote]When Team Brock expanded, Holden gave them the resources and when in they were in SCAR form they decided on their own to withdraw from that.

What additional resources were given to Team Brock by Holden???

I thought that there were NO additional resources were given to Team Brock by Holden.

Can you let us all know where this peice of info comes from?

Its my understanding that Kees Weel felt by buying Team Brock & retaining PB that he would get assistance from Holden, futhermore when this didn't occurr the friction between KW & PB became increasingly apparent which led to the split between PB & KW.

[Chev_350]

What additional resources were given to Team Brock by Holden???

I thought that there were NO additional resources were given to Team Brock by Holden.

Can you let us all know where this peice of info comes from?

Its my understanding that Kees Weel felt by buying Team Brock & retaining PB that he would get assistance from Holden, futhermore when this didn't occurr the friction between KW & PB became increasingly apparent which led to the split between PB & KW.

Hard to say since the year before it was a 1 car Ford team, but I am sure they would have got something from Holden....They did get 2 HRT cars after all and were the third team in HMS.


Oh got the latest V8X, says Jim Richards wont be racing at Bathurst this year...what a shame.

[brchi17]

.....Oh got the latest V8X, says Jim Richards wont be racing at Bathurst this year...what a shame.

Not surprising really, I think 2006 showed that while Jim is a great of the sport, even he's a little too old now to keep up with the pace of the series (Personally I suspect had James not crashed the #22 car before he got to drive it in 2005, it would have been his last V8 drive).

[Holden2003]

They were considered the third team of HMS and I thought at the initial stage they were under the TWR umbrella, until it collapsed in January-March of 03. I think I am wrong about the TWR thing though.

Holden needs to share its engines and technical information like SBR and now FPR are doing. To depend on just HRT & HSV is too risky. The spread between Holden Teams performance vs other Holden teams is far greater then Fords spread of performances vs other Ford teams.

I think Holden has been caught out by some of these teams expanding from 03 (which was meant to be my point earlier) and could have been a bit more instumental to helping these teams.

[Chev_350]

They were considered the third team of HMS and I thought at the initial stage they were under the TWR umbrella, until it collapsed in January-March of 03. I think I am wrong about the TWR thing though.

Yeah I don't think the TWR thing sounds right, HRT and Kmart were owned by TWR at the time, Team Brock was owned by Kees Weel. Don't forget while PWR was a Ford team it was based on the Gold Coast, I would be very suprised if Holden didn't help getting their Victorian operation up an running.

[Dingo]

Oh got the latest V8X, says Jim Richards wont be racing at Bathurst this year...what a shame.
Which is a shame after the debacle that was 2006. Then again, hopefully there won't be the endless comebacks associated with another former great...

[05shan]

Oh got the latest V8X, says Jim Richards wont be racing at Bathurst this year...what a shame.
Yeah read that too..it is a shame as i enjoy watching him race, no matter what car it is;)

[brchi17]

Yeah read that too..it is a shame as i enjoy watching him race, no matter what car it is;)

Having not read the article in V8X, one can only assume he's speaking about the V8's as he openly committed to another Carrera cup season for 2007 ;)

[wayno]

Oh got the latest V8X, says Jim Richards wont be racing at Bathurst this year...what a shame.

Not being mean but I'm glad about this.

[Buffalo]

Wonder if Tasman and FIREPOWER are going to go the same way as DJR and WESTPOINT ... The attached article reads like a KGB spy novel and provides some interesting insight into FIREPOWER the company and what it does or does not do ... All I can say is I hope that TASMAN get their money upfront !!

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/07/11681048 67997.html?from=top5

[CowboyMatt]

Having not read the article in V8X, one can only assume he's speaking about the V8's as he openly committed to another Carrera cup season for 2007 ;)


Correct.

[Chev_350]

Wonder if Tasman and FIREPOWER are going to go the same way as DJR and WESTPOINT ... The attached article reads like a KGB spy novel and provides some interesting insight into FIREPOWER the company and what it does or does not do ... All I can say is I hope that TASMAN get their money upfront !!

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/07/11681048 67997.html?from=top5

Interesting....

They were on the car last year, if they didn't get their money then, they wouldn't be back

[CowboyMatt]

Wonder if Tasman and FIREPOWER are going to go the same way as DJR and WESTPOINT ... The attached article reads like a KGB spy novel and provides some interesting insight into FIREPOWER the company and what it does or does not do ... All I can say is I hope that TASMAN get their money upfront !!

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/07/11681048 67997.html?from=top5


Hmmmm.........

[05shan]

Not being mean but I'm glad about this.
It does make sense as he said he is making way for the young talent.and he has had about 35 starts from memory(?)

[brchi17]

It does make sense as he said he is making way for the young talent.and he has had about 35 starts from memory(?)

I think it's more about no longer being able to be super competitive than giving the young kids a go ;)

[05shan]

I think it's more about no longer being able to be super competitive than giving the young kids a go ;)
Got a good point there. Least he will still be racin Porsches and Targa's;)

[wayno]

I think it's more about no longer being able to be super competitive than giving the young kids a go ;)

That's my take on it as well. Two prangs in two outings last year aint good.
I'm still sad to see him go though.

[brchi17]

That's my take on it as well. Two prangs in two outings last year aint good.
I'm still sad to see him go though.

I know what you mean, I think it's very, very sad as well. Jim is really the last of the legends still racing that I grew up watching, but that said, you can't be competitive forever

[carnut01]

It seems that the V8 Supercar website has been updated with the 2007 Team / Competition numbers, with a couple of interesting changes:
Murphy keeping #51 at Tasman
Bowe will be using #111 at PCR
and Paul Dumbrell in car #00 at Supercheap

full list here - http://www.v8supercar.com.au/teams/tmdrvopt.asp?in d=M

[WiKo]

It seems that Larry Perkins is giving a bit of young blood to the team. Bold move!! Hope Shane and Jack do well there gonig to be little fish in a very big pond. Very couragous Larry.

[brchi17]

It seems that the V8 Supercar website has been updated with the 2007 Team / Competition numbers, with a couple of interesting changes:
Murphy keeping #51 at Tasman
Bowe will be using #111 at PCR
and Paul Dumbrell in car #00 at Supercheap

full list here - http://www.v8supercar.com.au/teams/tmdrvopt.asp?in d=M (http://www.v8supercar.com.au/teams/tmdrvopt.asp?i nd=M)

I know it's only a tentative list, but the interesting points for me are Britek only running one car & the rumored Sydney V8 Supercar team is not listed, leaving us with only 30 cars......

[wayno]

Isn't 30 cars what Bernie Jnr wanted all along? :rolleyes:

[brchi17]

Isn't 30 cars what Bernie Jnr wanted all along? :rolleyes:

I thought it was 28 :confused:

[beast]

30 is a good number for normal rounds but Bathurst need 40 cars.

[HRT 1-2]

Bowe will be using #111 at PCR




What is it with Bowe and his funny numbers! With that number he's definitely no pom!:D

What ever happened to the FIA thingy about no three digit numbers?

[gab73]

30 is a good number for normal rounds but Bathurst need 40 cars.

Bathurst really needs 55 cars and no pace car.

[brchi17]

Bathurst really needs 55 cars and no pace car.

Does it.....in this day and age of ohs & people who sue at the drop of a hat, I am afraid these days a long gone....

I'd just be happy if all 30 cars competing this were competitive for the win as I know last year there only about 10 cars which were & the rest were simply making up the numbers :(

[AmonFan]

Bathurst really needs 55 cars and no pace car.
Gab Bathurst the traditional way died many, many years ago, now its just a series of heat races ;)

Fortunately we have proKart where the odd V8 , development Series driver and many other car drivers mix it with the weekend warriors ;)

[TAG05]

I would guess that the number 111 on the side of the car for Bowie would not be his number choice, but that of team owner Paul Cruikshank (gee I hope I spelt that right) as a tribute to his good mate Mark Porter tragically taken as a result of that terrible accident on Friday at Bathurst last year.
Remember back to the Gold Coast round last year, Marcus Marshall also ran #111.

[Holden2003]

30 is a good number for normal rounds but Bathurst need 40 cars.

There were so many safety cars at last years Bathurst with 31 cars. Imagine how many with 40 cars. I think less is more for Bathurst. Having less cars in theory means second seats should be given to better drivers and maybe less agro.

[Chev_350]

Kudos to PCR using the #111

Interesting to see Fabian driving the #39, since he does have a long term signed deal the now Blue Oval Team Kiwi, yes it doesn't mean anything until the Rat gives it up but I still find it interesting none the less.

[HRT 1-2]

I would guess that the number 111 on the side of the car for Bowie would not be his number choice, but that of team owner Paul Cruikshank (gee I hope I spelt that right) as a tribute to his good mate Mark Porter tragically taken as a result of that terrible accident on Friday at Bathurst last year.
Remember back to the Gold Coast round last year, Marcus Marshall also ran #111.

Oh, sorry I weren't aware of the significance:o! I thought it may have been like when Bowe ran #888

[toddy05]

Didn't Bowe run 600 when he was in Briggs? I did not know he ran #888 as he hasn't driven for t8. Was that before T8 was competing?

[Chev_350]

yeah he ran #600 at Briggs, I think that had something to do with CAT engines and yes he did run #888 with the OzeMail cars before Triple 8 took over Briggs, at the time he was using #888 in Nations Cup aswell, then Triple 8 requested the number for obvious reason.

[cooper1117]

The rats car for this year - very inspiring :D

http://www.tkrfan.com/tkrford/index.html

[Chev_350]

no that can't be it....can it, What about the fern? Better than the plain black car with no signage, no number, no nothing that they had at the V8 Launch last year.

Speaking of the V8 Launch, this year is gonna be a low key invite only thing rather than the public events they had in 05 and 06 in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

[Holden2003]

I doubt this is the final TKR livery. The car is just black in areas that had the FPR falcon logos on last year. The car is Brights 2006 BA falcon. Maybe they just stuck on a few logos when they got access to it from FPR and will do a full overhaul of the paintjob.

[Chev_350]

I doubt this is the final TKR livery. The car is just black in areas that had the FPR falcon logos on last year. The car is Brights 2006 BA falcon. Maybe they just stuck on a few logos when they got access to it from FPR and will do a full overhaul of the paintjob.

The car is black pretty much all over, not just where the FPR stuff was. I gather the car is NZ now, being show to all the people who "paid for it" so this is probably just a rush job.

[toddy05]

Speaking of the V8 Launch, this year is gonna be a low key invite only thing rather than the public events they had in 05 and 06 in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.
Had heard this and thought how does that fit in with fan friendly? Even the Stones are not having their open day this year.....I am starting to think VESA is heading the way of F1 rather than NASCAR as far as fan friendliness.

[Buffalo]

Wonder if Tasman and FIREPOWER are going to go the same way as DJR and WESTPOINT ... The attached article reads like a KGB spy novel and provides some interesting insight into FIREPOWER the company and what it does or does not do ... All I can say is I hope that TASMAN get their money upfront !!

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2007/01/07/11681048 67997.html?from=top5

Looks like more than just Tasman Motorsport that could be affected if this Firepower mob go turkey up ... seems some other high profile sports people are involved with it as well including Steve Waugh ... Still stinks a bit I think as there is too much smoke ( drugs, money laudering, KGB etc etc ) for there not to be a fire happening somewhere - pardon the pun;) . I'm going to be very interested to see what unfolds here.

Todays news : http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/firepower-chief-linked-to-halliburton/2007/01/15/1168709679192.html

[V8SS]

I doubt this is the final TKR livery. The car is just black in areas that had the FPR falcon logos on last year. The car is Brights 2006 BA falcon. Maybe they just stuck on a few logos when they got access to it from FPR and will do a full overhaul of the paintjob.

Aren't the Falcons getting a new aero package as well?? They're all supposed to be BF's as opposed to BA's yet Brights old car was a BA.
The TKR car just looks like a BA.
I think the TKR livery is just a rush job as they are taking the car on a nationwide tour. I'm sure it will be different come Adelaide.

[whitlam]

Looks like more than just Tasman Motorsport that could be affected if this Firepower mob go turkey up ... seems some other high profile sports people are involved with it as well

theres the Sydney Kings too

[NO.5HDT]

Aren't the Falcons getting a new aero package as well?? They're all supposed to be BF's as opposed to BA's yet Brights old car was a BA.
The TKR car just looks like a BA.
I think the TKR livery is just a rush job as they are taking the car on a nationwide tour. I'm sure it will be different come Adelaide.


I'll try to get a pic up of the car that was published in the local Hawkes Bay newspaper of the TKR car with David John posing proudly with it....And my Holden Dealerships signage showing very prominently behind it.:)

[Rob]

BF is just a cosmetic/aero update.
New 3 piece rear bar, Holden style side skirts and no
flared front wheel gaurds.

[spoonster05]

Looks like more than just Tasman Motorsport that could be affected if this Firepower mob go turkey up ... seems some other high profile sports people are involved with it as well including Steve Waugh ... Still stinks a bit I think as there is too much smoke ( drugs, money laudering, KGB etc etc ) for there not to be a fire happening somewhere - pardon the pun;) . I'm going to be very interested to see what unfolds here.

Todays news : http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/firepower-chief-linked-to-halliburton/2007/01/15/1168709679192.html

This is a little like the mysterious Shannon Group that waltzed into Formula One sponsorship with some very shady dealings surrounding the group..

[brchi17]

......Speaking of the V8 Launch, this year is gonna be a low key invite only thing rather than the public events they had in 05 and 06 in Sydney and Brisbane respectively.

I saw this (http://www.v8supercar.com.au/news/latestnews/news display.asp?Ind=M&gid=27671533) on VESA website, looks as if they are trying to use a morning tv show instead of a public event in the park......I'm not sure how successful this might be......???

[Holden2003]

I saw this (http://www.v8supercar.com.au/news/latestnews/news display.asp?Ind=M&gid=27671533) on VESA website, looks as if they are trying to use a morning tv show instead of a public event in the park......I'm not sure how successful this might be......???

I asm a fan of Sunrise but martin place is awfully small. They do host concerts on stage such as INXS, but the stage is not that big. I think the sunrise coverage is good as it opens motorsport to a tv audience that is not often exposed to it.

However they should have done a mini launch there at Martin (6 fords, 6 holdens) on Sunrise and a proper launch with all cars and drivers somewhere else.

[Chev_350]

I asm a fan of Sunrise but martin place is awfully small. They do host concerts on stage such as INXS, but the stage is not that big. I think the sunrise coverage is good as it opens motorsport to a tv audience that is not often exposed to it.

However they should have done a mini launch there at Martin (6 fords, 6 holdens) on Sunrise and a proper launch with all cars and drivers somewhere else.

When I was there earlier in the year and didn't think it was that small, the area infront of the Seven building yeah, but there is a bit of room around all the Commonweath bank buildings. But by the way it is worded not all the cars are going to be there.

[carnut01]

it seems that this association didn't (http://www.wpsracing.net.au/news_article.asp?news _id=5070) last long...

[wayno]

Didn't see that one coming! Everyone seems to be happy, but I wonder if that really is the case?

[cooper1117]

Didn't see that one coming! Everyone seems to be happy, but I wonder if that really is the case?


Agree - it never is. Gore is a smart man and knows not to air dirty laundry. My guess there is a genourous severance package that includes certain comments to be delivered to the press.

[brchi17]

I find this line of the article interesting...

Larkham reiterated that today’s decision is a joint one and that it was part of a “big picture” solution to the future success of WPS Racing.

It does sound like there might of been some friction....:confused:

[Chev_350]

What happens with Larko, last I checked there was no more licences avalible

[brchi17]

What happens with Larko, last I checked there was no more licences avalible

I suspect he's now got a big wallet of $$$ & has been put on gardening leave for a period of time.....

Actually I wonder if his time in the sport has now passed....I can't see him as being a real asset to another team because during his career as both a driver & team owner/manager he never really achieved a lot, sadly being a nice bloke was enough.

Sadly I think he'll be remembered for his Bathurst pole (2000 I think :confused:) & his Oran Park & Phillips Island start line write offs.

[wayno]

He also had a win at Indy when it was non-title didn't he?

[Oh Five]

Sadly I think he'll be remembered for his Bathurst pole (2000 I think :confused:) .

Which you cant remember:D :D :D

[HRT 1-2]

He also had a win at Indy when it was non-title didn't he?

Yep, twice actually, both races in '98.

[brchi17]

It appears like Tasman will continue on their various sponsor schemes for 2007 as the below pic shows the livery Murph & Ja Richo will run at Sandown, Bathurst, Indy & Bahrain

http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/site/_content/i mage/00000048-image.jpg

found on the Tasman website (http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/default.aspx?s =newsdisplay&id=122)

[wayno]

That is a stunning looking car in my eyes. :cool:

[brchi17]

That is a stunning looking car in my eyes. :cool:

I know, personally I'd like to see a 3/4 view from either end of the car as I think the lines of the VE are going to make this car look really cool....:cool:

[malscar]

Personally I would like the head facing forward. Unless they don't want it to see what murph is going to hit.:p

[MarkHM]

Is it a dragon's head?

[HDTHSVHRT]

That car looks tops! Cant wait to see all the VE liveries!

[05shan]

That is a stunning looking car in my eyes. :cool:
Agree totally.
Lowndesy's car looked great on the news today as well.
Very McLaren F1 looking (regards to chrome):D

[jediholden]

It appears like Tasman will continue on their various sponsor schemes for 2007 as the below pic shows the livery Murph & Ja Richo will run at Sandown, Bathurst, Indy & Bahrain

http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/site/_content/i mage/00000048-image.jpg

found on the Tasman website (http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/default.aspx?s =newsdisplay&id=122)

Very nice. Can't wait for the model:rolleyes:

[brchi17]

CAT named as a 'key' sponsor of Jason Bright's Fujitsu Racing (Britek) #25 Falcon....also Irwin tool (us company) are going to sponsor Fujitsu Racing's #26 car which will be driven by Alan Gurr.

Britek will be unveiling their cars on February 9th

[05shan]

CAT named as a 'key' sponsor of Jason Bright's Fujitsu Racing (Britek) #25 Falcon....also Irwin tool (us company) are going to sponsor Fujitsu Racing's #26 car which will be driven by Alan Gurr.

Britek will be unveiling their cars on February 9th
Thought they were sponsoring Brighty's Car in the main game???

[Chev_350]

Thats what he means, Fujitsu sponsors Britek (not the Fujitsu series) CAT will be a big but not namingrights sponsor

[lukey73]

Find that strange as CAT wanted to get more publicty not less, i really thought there money would have been a good assest to DJR.

Wasnt Alan Gurr signed to a multi-year deal with PMM? Maybe the rumors of an argument between Gurr and Morris at Indy last year were closer than either would like to admit.

[05shan]

Thats what he means, Fujitsu sponsors Britek (not the Fujitsu series) CAT will be a big but not namingrights sponsor
Thanks for the clear up. Thought CAT was naming rights sponsor:o

[brchi17]

Thanks for the clear up. Thought CAT was naming rights sponsor:o

Well at this point in time it doesn't appear to be the case. FYI Britek Motorsport is currently racing under the name of Fujitsu Racing ;)

[brchi17]

.....Wasnt Alan Gurr signed to a multi-year deal with PMM? Maybe the rumors of an argument between Gurr and Morris at Indy last year were closer than either would like to admit.

I thought he was too Luke.....what I also found interesting was in the information about Gurr's drive it doesn't state if it's for the main game or the development series ;)

[spoonster05]

Morris has got Fabian Coulthard to complain about now hasn't he ?

Wonder how long Coulthard's multi year PMM contract will last ?..

[spoonster05]

It appears like Tasman will continue on their various sponsor schemes for 2007 as the below pic shows the livery Murph & Ja Richo will run at Sandown, Bathurst, Indy & Bahrain

http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/site/_content/i mage/00000048-image.jpg

found on the Tasman website (http://www.tasmanmotorsport.com.au/default.aspx?s =newsdisplay&id=122)

I quite like this as well although the Firepower dragon took a little getting used to, shame the Tasman Tiger won't be on the car for Bathurst but still a good livery though !!

[Oh Five]

Ok dumb question time:o what is firepower

[Chev_350]

Ok dumb question time:o what is firepower

Thats what alot of people want to know....

According to their website it is a fuel additive tablet, but its only avalible in like 3 shops around the country.

[05shan]

Heard that the HRT cars are going to use the "Day-Glo" colour similar to the 84 VK Brock car. Should look sweet:D ;)

[whitlam]

Ok dumb question time:o what is firepower

Have a look and decide for yourself ;) (http://www.firepowergroup.com/)

[wayno]

Hmmmmm. Sounds like selling snake oil to me, but I would like to hear from someone I know that's used it.

[singer]

The mythbusters recently did a show on petrol/gas improvement products.;)

Didn't have to many people spruking their product:confused:

I wonder whether Firepower would get a look in????????????????????:confused:

[whgblue]

Yep your right, #51 does go with Murphy, #20 was the second Team Brock / PWR number and was held by the team before Murphy joined.

[VXfan]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.

[brchi17]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!

nice pic Tony is it one of yours ???

Looks like people are going retro this year ;)

[TKRFAN]

The rats car for this year - very inspiring :D

http://www.tkrfan.com/tkrford/index.html

Hi All

Sorry this is a bit late, but had to register to reply hehe. I can confirm that the photos from my site above are of the TKR Ford, but is DEFINITELY NOT the 2007 livery LOL

The car was late arriving into NZ, so the whole tour was rushed into a week, so the sponsors only were put on. :)

[wayno]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.

:disappointed: :stunned:

Couldn't find a vomiting smilie. Geez I hope that aint it!

[carnut01]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.
what is with the V8 teams and what to an outsider may appear to be copying each others paint schemes. in 06, we had 3 teams adopt the orange & black livery (DJR, Tasman & Toll), now we have HRT and 888 with dayglo red schemes... it just makes it harder to identify cars in the pack from a distance when 2 or 3 teams have a similar scheme. i cant see how that is good for the sponsors:confused: although i am sure the HRT and 888 cars will standout in the pack

[VXfan]

nice pic Tony is it one of yours ???

Looks like people are going retro this year ;)
No,not mine,found it on another forum.I won't make any judgments on it until I see some better pics.

[Buffalo]

:disappointed: :stunned:

Couldn't find a vomiting smilie. Geez I hope that aint it!

Wayno - Here ya go ...

http://planetsmilies.net/vomit-smiley-31.gif (http://planetsmilies.net)

[szwadiak100]

Maybe Designer can tell us whether or not this is the real deal.

[sphinx84]

i suppose that would be the best idea so we can get it out there so people stop guessing

[brchi17]

Maybe Designer can tell us whether or not this is the real deal.

it would be interesting as he's gone very quiet since his teasing talk about it from the other day...

[mick xu1]

God i hope not..... that looks crap!!!!!!!!!......and it has Black wheels... not good

[WiKo]

nice pic Tony is it one of yours ???

Looks like people are going retro this year ;)

Looks pink because the photo has been takrn from about 29 metres away!!

[wayno]

Looks pink because the photo has been takrn from about 29 metres away!!

Well on the track we aint gonna be much closer than that to the spectator, so I stand by my original comment.
Looks terrible. I really hope that isn't it. I didn't buy any HRT merchandise last year because the orange looked rank. I shudder to think what we will have to put up with if that's the colours they're using.

[brchi17]

Well on the track we aint gonna be much closer than that to the spectator, so I stand by my original comment.
Looks terrible. I really hope that isn't it. I didn't buy any HRT merchandise last year because the orange looked rank. I shudder to think what we will have to put up with if that's the colours they're using.

mate must be time to change teams.....;)

Hopefully the Toll HSVDT keep their orange/black colours as they looked cool, but instead of all black clothing of 06, hopefully they'll use a little more orange....

[malscar]

At least we will be able to find Skaife easily when we are called out to get him and tow him home.:p

[wayno]

mate must be time to change teams.....;)

Hopefully the Toll HSVDT keep their orange/black colours as they looked cool, but instead of all black clothing of 06, hopefully they'll use a little more orange....

Would be nice. Black clothing sucks on a hot day as we all found out at the Island.

[Holden2003]

I actually feel sorry for the HRT livery designers. The HRT logo is not only one of the best sports team logos, but one of the best corporate logos in the country. It looks agressive and sums up HRT very well.

However, their design is so hard to manipulate and do creative things with it. I think HRT should stick to the 2005 paintjob and not have this pressure to redesign themselves every year.

[brchi17]

I actually feel sorry for the HRT livery designers. The HRT logo is not only one of the best sports team logos, but one of the best corporate logos in the country. It looks agressive and sums up HRT very well.

However, their design is so hard to manipulate and do creative things with it. I think HRT should stick to the 2005 paintjob and not have this pressure to redesign themselves every year.

But then they wouldn't be able to release a 'new' collection of sucker gear, sorry supporter gear for those have to have the most up to date item :D

I wonder if this year teams will reduce their merchandise lines as judging by the rounds I attended last year (Sandown, Bathurst & PI) they had heaps of discounted they couldn't sell from previous years.....

[wayno]

I put that more down to their recent lack of success Brad. A lot of supporters only support when the seas are calm.

[james]

Would be nice. Black clothing sucks on a hot day as we all found out at the Island.Your right ------but winners were grinners on that day.

[Chev_350]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.

Whoa, too much black, from what little I can see, I don't like it.

[troym]

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg

i hope this is not the 2007 hrt offering, i thought the ugly duckling of 2004 was bad enough, but this??? the black wheels look horid, can only hope this is some lousy mockup from a painter with no skills & is suffering from water paint fever!!

[wayno]

Maybe it's April 1st and we just don't know it. :D

[brchi17]

where is designer when you need him....???

or has management at Fisherman's Bend seen that pic.....

[AmonFan]

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.

So Timmy Slako has brought a franchise and making a welcome return ;)

[Designer]

I actually feel sorry for the HRT livery designers. The HRT logo is not only one of the best sports team logos, but one of the best corporate logos in the country. It looks agressive and sums up HRT very well.

However, their design is so hard to manipulate and do creative things with it. I think HRT should stick to the 2005 paintjob and not have this pressure to redesign themselves every year.

We have to do it every year.....MER CHAN DICE
We, as Designers, would love to give the livery just a tweak each year, but Marketing and coorperate guys always ask for more, especially this year with the new VE.

The VE is a new proportion and body though, so it was time for a big change........no doubt it will rock the current crop of people who like current car.....change is good, just not accepted easily at times:-)

Wait until you see the final "Racecar" guys............ithis looks friggin pink, whatever that car is ??? :D

There is far more black in it this year, I can tell you that I guess....and it's far more agressive.....This pic is weird, that's all im saying....if you still dont like it when it's launched officially, feel free to take the piss outta me:)

[wayno]

As long as that shot posted bears no resemblance to what we're getting I'll be happy.

[Donny05]

So when is the "official" unveiling Designer? For HRT and Toll / HSV?

[Designer]

We sent out some digital images to mags last week, so im guessing they will be in the Motorsport mags soon....................before the actual car launch.
I'm actually glad everyone is seeing this pic in a way....lowers everyone's expectations on the final car ..less pressure:D

I hope everyone is pleasently surprised...maybe not ???
We'll see....

I just think it's great there's so much passion about HRT.....

[Designer]

Gotta go to bed boys...get to work early and change the livery seeing no one likes it..........haha.......just kidding.

When the car is actually launched, i'll post some nice pics of it for you guys....

[Donny05]

I just think it is dissapointing the HRT don't even mention an unveiling of the new livery on their website. There is never much of anything insightful on there. :confused:

[Designer]

I just think it is dissapointing the HRT don't even mention an unveiling of the new livery on their website. There is never much of anything insightful on there. :confused:

Can't help you there....that's a HRT thing

[Designer]

OK....just say this before I go:

I can't say anything about the new car...simple, black and white.
But, I joined this forum firstly as a model enthusiast, and because there's a real decent group of enthusiasts here...especially on V8's

Make no mistake, all comments are taken in, and filed away....it's all great feedback which can be drawn upon in the future.

With that said...it will be good to hear feedback on the new cars when they're launched, and perhaps help shape an influence our livery designs in the future.

So, I must stay tight lipped...I'm sure you guys understand.
I enjoy coming to this forum and it's the only one I belong to....please don't make it too hard for me:D

[BILLFORD1]

So Timmy Slako has brought a franchise and making a welcome return ;)

Looks like 07 is to be a "Retro year" with a return to the 1984 "Rocket Red/Dayglo Red" livery....But will it be Retro in the way of RESULTS ??? !! :D

[Footy]

Heard that the HRT cars are going to use the "Day-Glo" colour similar to the 84 VK Brock car. Should look sweet:D ;)

So is this the new HRT livery?
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/1107/hrt07hw5.j pg
Not the best pic but u get the ides.Looks pink!!
Cheers,
Tony.

Yep.:)

[troym]

Designer Get Rid Of The Black Wheels They Look Crap!!

[CowboyMatt]

As long as that shot posted bears no resemblance to what we're getting I'll be happy.

Me too - nothing I can see from the photo impresses me. It looks more pink than red. Time will tell.

[HRT 1-2]

I really hope that isn't it. I didn't buy any HRT merchandise last year because the orange looked rank. I shudder to think what we will have to put up with if that's the colours they're using.

I'd heard black and silver for the merch this year!

[wayno]

I'd heard black and silver for the merch this year!

Cool! Maybe I can finally get some new HRT gear. :)

[Designer]

Designer Get Rid Of The Black Wheels They Look Crap!!

I think they need to be pink to match :)

[brchi17]

Cool! Maybe I can finally get some new HRT gear. :)

Hopefully (for you) the sponsors logo's don't look like last minute job they did in 06 when they used those large patch type badges which looked like :sick:

[Buffalo]

Good news for DJR fans ...

http://www.djr.com.au/Website/2007/Launch.php

[Chev_350]

hmmm, I wonder what the sponsor will be, that font is sooooo hard to pick :rolleyes:

[brchi17]

Good news for DJR fans ...

http://www.djr.com.au/Website/2007/Launch.php

Is it a coincidence that the writing is written with the same arc as Jim Beem that was mentioned not so long ago by another member of our forum ???

I wonder how much their #1 membership will sell for, I hope for DJR's sake it's a lot more than $10k.

I know I'll be joining once membership is announced for the rest of us :)

[Buffalo]

Apparently ( exclusive announcement in this weeks AA ) - John Bowe will be spearheading a new two car HPM sponsored team in thia years FUJITSU Development series ... The article says that he will act as the Technical Chief and guide the development of Luke Youlden and Aaron McGill ... The McGills Automation Motorsport team will run AU falcons and SBR donks.

The article doesn;t specifically say that Bowe will not be driving in the main series ... so I am wondering if he will be doing this on top of his drive in the main game ??? Does anyone know if his drive in the main series is confirmed or if he has now "retired" ???

[CowboyMatt]

Last thing I read said it was happening - can't remember how long ago it was though.

[GRPIII]

Walden Motorsport garth walden driving a holden is the tip
Perkins has bought a level 1 franchise from tega so he can still run 2 cars
appears garth will be the driver, in a holden, ex murphy car, but may not make round one at adelaide, avesco will have to get someone else to fill the spot.
still running a ve gts in production class, porsches no more.
sponsor is a local sydney deal.

[Chev_350]

We sent out some digital images to mags last week, so im guessing they will be in the Motorsport mags soon....................before the actual car launch.

Wasn't in Auto Action today :( you would think they would run the images as soon as they got them?

[brchi17]

Wasn't in Auto Action today :( you would think they would run the images as soon as they got them?

not unless there is an release embargo telling them they can't be used before x date ;)

[Buffalo]

not unless there is an release embargo telling them they can't be used before x date ;)

Maybe it's taking 'em longer than they thought to Photoshop the "pink" out ! :D

[Chev_350]

waste of time sending em then

[Leigh]

Could Holden/HRT have been clever...now that the magazines have the pictures that are likely embargoed, they can't creat "mock-ups" because they'd either know they were wrong, or break the embargo;)...

[wayno]

Bet they'll come out on publication week for both our magazines here and both will have 'first look' and 'scoop pics' or some other such garbage on the cover. :rolleyes:

[05shan]

Sick of waiting, wish they would just hurry up and show us!!!

Know this has proberbly been answered but can anyone tell me when the first In-Car camera footage was taken on an ATCC/V8 Supercar??????
We had a debate at work today and i couldnt remember.

[wayno]

First race cam was Willo's Celica at Bathurst.

[05shan]

First race cam was Willo's Celica at Bathurst.
Dont supose you know the year Wayno:o

[brchi17]

I know designer can't show us what it is, but I wonder if he could tell us what date it's happening without getting into too much trouble :confused:

[inter]

Dont supose you know the year Wayno:o

1979, pretty sure

[05shan]

1979, pretty sure
Cheers Inter:cool:

[wayno]

Dont supose you know the year Wayno:o

Sorry. 1979 as inter said.

[gab73]

Officially it was 1979 in Willo's celica but i have seen footage of race cam at bathurst from either 1972 or 73

[wayno]

Officially it was 1979 in Willo's celica but i have seen footage of race cam at bathurst from either 1972 or 73

But is it race footage or movie footage shot from in the car and shown later? I feel it might be the latter. ;)

[AmonFan]

The 73 Footage you see is from Ron Dicksons 4 Dr HQ Monaro........

[gab73]

Yes thats the one

[Designer]

I know designer can't show us what it is, but I wonder if he could tell us what date it's happening without getting into too much trouble :confused:

They can't show her yet cause she ain't finshed !!!!
All I can tell you is that it will be very, very soon...

I remember the willo footage in the Celica too...........thought it was amazing at the time:-)

[CowboyMatt]

Apparently ( exclusive announcement in this weeks AA ) - John Bowe will be spearheading a new two car HPM sponsored team in thia years FUJITSU Development series ... The article says that he will act as the Technical Chief and guide the development of Luke Youlden and Aaron McGill ... The McGills Automation Motorsport team will run AU falcons and SBR donks.

The article doesn;t specifically say that Bowe will not be driving in the main series ... so I am wondering if he will be doing this on top of his drive in the main game ??? Does anyone know if his drive in the main series is confirmed or if he has now "retired" ???


On the V8 Supercars site under line-ups for 2007.

[Leigh]

...but that "official" list also has some teams competing in illegal BA's;)

[brchi17]

We sent out some digital images to mags last week, so im guessing they will be in the Motorsport mags soon.....

They can't show her yet cause she ain't finshed !!!!
All I can tell you is that it will be very, very soon...

So what image sent to the mag's then......:thinking:

1+1=5 hey ;) :D LOL !!!

[Designer]

So what image sent to the mag's then......:thinking:
1+1=5 hey ;) :D LOL !!!

Digital images of the design...not photos of the actual car...:)

[Tumbo]

so spill then where are these images :D

[Designer]

so spill then where are these images :D

with the magazines....

[Chev_350]

and they have yet to publish them?????

[mick xu1]

with the magazines....

Look Designer, we are all friends here... share it with us we won't tell anyone.....can you just give us a hint......is it the car that's being posted on this thread

[Tumbo]

you gotta love Winterbottom throwing the cat amongst the pigeons; http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=104551 perhaps he's upset that his finish the the yr didn't get enough of a mention in light of the 'controversy'

[VXfan]

What a goose:smash:

[Skaife fan]

What drugs is Winterbottom on :confused: ,being a Holden fan i would never jump ship to join that whinging crew! :p

[wayno]

What a goose:smash:

Agree. What a ridiculous comment.

[brchi17]

Looks like they'll print anything on a slow news day....:rolleyes:

just when we thought everyone had put it behind them, they have to print this crap :rolleyes:

[sphinx84]

Whats the old saying "any news is good news" . People support teams or drivers and what want to do is their own business.
The media should focus on something more intersting.

[brchi17]

......The media should focus on something more intersting.

obviously there must be nothing else for them to report.....if only we had pre-season testing, then at least there would be some 'new' news for them to publish.....

[sphinx84]

yea we could only wish but cost cutting comes to mind

[brchi17]

yea we could only wish but cost cutting comes to mind

but each team is given X-amount of test days a year, why not mandate that test day #1 is on x date at x track....not compulsory but not refundable either so if they don't attend they lose that day.

As such being the case I suspect most would turn up....

[sphinx84]

Probably but would have to change for when a new model is released (VZ to VE and AU to BA) to give the new cars time to be finished and painted. They would also have to pick a venue close to everyone because of logistic costs.