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John Bowe: Whincup has a fight on his hands

24 Feb 2015
JB's back with his predictions for 2015: "I honestly think this year we'll see a shake up". Who is he tipping to challenge Red Bull this season?
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How exciting is it leading into this year's Clipsal 500!

The streets of Adelaide really come alive in a few days. I reckon Clipsal is the best-organised event on the entire calendar - I love racing there, it's a favourite event among the drivers!

V8 Supercars is the biggest and best game in town and never is it more apparent than in the beautiful city of Adelaide - if you've never been, you should do it once and then you'll understand the hype.

I drove in the first Adelaide street race in 1985 and I've driven every Adelaide City race since, I wonder if there's anyone else who's done that? Reckon that's longevity for you!

I honestly think this year we'll see a shake up, not just at Clipsal - throughout the season. As much as I admire Roland Dane, Red Bull Racing and Jamie [Whincup] and Craig [Lowndes], I reckon it could be the year of Nissan and Volvo on the rise.

Nissan should benefit from their aero tweaks. They needed it after early mismanagement; their new cylinder heads will make a difference, remember Ford and Chevy have had over 20 years to refine and develop their gear.

This game is not only about horsepower, more importantly these days is fuel economy; it's such a crucial factor in today's results.

Who'll emerge as Nissan's top contender this year? It's up in the air as far as I can see. The only struggle will be trying to keep four drivers happy and that can be a potential nightmare!

On the other hand, Volvo/GRM were incredibly impressive in all areas last year and Scott McLaughlin is ready to win the Championship, I truly believe they're a real chance!

For the knockers of David Wall, I ask you to reserve your opinion until a couple of meetings into the season. He's a good steerer and I'd like to think I'm a reasonable judge of talent. He's not had the right ingredients thus far, trust me; it needs the right people, equipment and chemistry!

The environment at GRM with a natural champion teammate like Scotty, Wall will surprise the more than a few, I reckon!

We will now have Fords on a more even playing field, glad I'm not a, 'I told you so sort of fella' - I did say the Fords lacked downforce (last year), now they have more downforce. Watch the improvement this year; they'll be more stable!

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I seriously doubt any team running four cars can win the Championship; that goes for Walkinshaw Performance.

Trying to have everyone on the same page (times four) would be a nightmare - my admiration for Tim Edwards and Adrian Burgess is enormous.

My smoky this year is Shane Van Giz and Tekno (an obvious one I know), they're not far away after a very solid year last year. The business model (generally) is for two car teams to make the numbers viable, in Tenko's case they can fully focus on the Giz - he's a special talent!

If Tekno can keep Giz tidy, keep mistakes to a minimum and he gathers maximum points each outing, he'll be well in the frame and a serious title contender. They showed they know how to get the job done and came home with a wet sail late last season. The key is to be thereabouts in all races - he's a good qualifier and a very strong chance.

Looking at the biggest story in V8 Supercars in more than 20 years - I'm referring to Marcos Ambrose and DJR Team Penske - don't underestimate them for a minute!

I feel this year will be precise and process driven operation that may not deliver the results some people are hoping for ... I know they'll come in time. Watch them go in 2016 with a season under their belt, they will be deadly!

I'm a huge admirer of Marcos in many ways. We may be related; my dad Brian sold his last race car, an Elfin Formula 2 car in the 1970sto Ross Ambrose, Marcos's dad, if you get my drift!

Seriously, the DJR-Penske alliance will yield results. Won't it be a sad day if they're forced to move away to Lexus or BMW? I reckon Ford Australia will be asked by Ford US to support DJR Team Penske in the long term - that's my big crystal ball tip this year.

I don't wish to underestimate the likes of James Courtney, Garth Tander, Craig Lowndes, Frosty [Mark Winterbottom] or new star on the horizon in Chaz [Mostert]. All I'm saying is Jamie will have a battle on his hands and it may just come from the Japanese and Swedish marques!

Bring on Adelaide, race fans - I can't wait for Clipsal!

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.

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