John Bowe: Prodrive too good in Townsville

I've always thought the longer strategic races in V8 Supercars were much more interesting and exciting to genuine race fans rather than those 60km dash things, no doubt Townsville certainly proved that!

The racing was intense, elite level and very entertaining - given I was in Townsville I haven't watched the TV coverage yet. I'm not sure what the viewers thought but the live action was fascinating and built to a perfect finish. It was sports entertainment - deluxe!

It's pretty obvious to all now that the Ford V8 Supercars have kicked a goal from fullback, the rest have to work hard to bridge those tiny gaps that the category is all about.

The cars and drivers are so close it's almost unbelievable. When you see multiple Champion Jamie Whincup, who is arguably Australia's greatest touring car driver, qualifying outside the top 10 in a multiple Championship winning Triple Eight car - it highlights the caliber of the teams and drivers in the category.

To my mind the soft tyre mix was spot on, Dunlop has done such a great job of the soft tyre that it's really a race tyre of considerable durability.I know they have some other options available, even super soft; I urge the V8 Supercars hierarchy to consider this for the future. Just imagine the Townsville race with the mandatory use of the three Dunlop Sports MAXX compounds - now you're talking.

That would really be rolling the dice and would throw up some random results I'm tipping. What's pretty clear is the cars are incredibly equal, give or take some tiny differences.

I think we need to acknowledge the Prodrive Racing boys and in particular owners Rod Nash and Rusty French for giving their talented team the resources to keep developing when Ford Australia said it was out.

I remember Ford's glory years - the late Geoff Polites inspired a real Ford racing culture and entrusted the late, much-missed Howard Marsden to lead it. That led to a double title for Marcos Ambrose and a title for Russell Ingall [2003-2005]. It was a great time for Ford fans - those same fans are still there, and I meet them frequently.

The incredible sales success of Mustang pre-sales tells me Ford really needs to be in motorsport at the top end! After all, Mustang's heritage is in racing.I pray Ford marketing people don't underestimate it; the new Mustang is lining up to race in the USA. That's very exciting for Mustang owners - most want to see their brand racing [and] Ford has a very proud racing history!

Sadly, if Frosty gets up this year, it will all be the work of Prodrive Racing Australia, not Ford Racing. On the other side of town I have always admired the way Holden has stuck and stayed committed to Australian motor racing.

The brand has been a staunch supporter for over 40 years, and is leading the way with the Gen2 Supercar plans. Holden Motorsport man Simon McNamara has flagged some highly sensible ideas about the possibility of a V6 turbo engine for the future with one supplier to contain costs.

How smart? The category needs cost containment, regardless of how wonderful the racing can be.

I've been asked by many people about the Gen2 cars from 2017 - I'm an absolute believer, it must happen and it will create more interest and with different vehicles and brands - it will give us a broader base of potential fans.

I'm super impressed by Nissan and Volvo being involved and how they leverage our sport. I'm sure we'll see at least four other manufacturers join after Gen2 gets a little momentum. As long as the costs are kept in check and the technical judges are fully equipped to do their jobs.

From now on in my column I will nominate a driver of the weekend, not the winner necessarily, but who is the driver of the weekend for me.

My 'JB Townsville Award Winner' is David Reynolds. Frankly, I think he's only just begun to hit his straps. I've thought - for years - he has a natural gift few have. His best years are ahead of him, if he has the right support and quality people close to him. Well done Davey, keep it going. A win at Queensland Raceway and your world will open up, I reckon.

Finally, Frosty deserved his Townsville wins - confidence breeds confidence and the way Frosty managed his tyres and maintained his pace was the Championship sign in my eyes. Well done to all at PRA!

See you at Queensland Raceway in a few weeks!

Cheers,JB

Follow John Bowe on Facebook. Bowe is supported by Wilson Security, Dunlop Super Dealers and Coates Hire, and competing in the 2015 Touring Car Masters Championship.