Dragon withdraws Bathurst wild card entries
A disappointed Tony Klein has formally withdrawn Dragon Motor Racing from this year's Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 as the team refocuses its efforts on the Dunlop Series and strengthening the team structure.
Klein had entered two new generation Holden Commodores, raced by Garry Rogers Motorsport last year, for this year's event, joining New Zealand's Super Black entry as wildcards for Mount Panorama.
Reluctantly Klein admits his team would be under-prepared for the massive challenge of Bathurst and the resource required to be competitive at one of the world's most daunting races.
"Our major concern about racing at Bathurst in particular was the lack of experience we, as a very young team, have at our disposal," Klein told v8supercars.com.au.
"The key issues for our team is safety for our drivers and teams; and the possibility of jeopardising other teams' chances at Bathurst and ultimately their Championship results."
Klein said he would now focus on building the team within the Dunlop Series - it is their first year in the Series - with a view to ultimately join the V8 Supercars Championship.
"Although we are very disappointed we have acknowledged our shortfalls as a team and taken appropriate steps to improve our equipment, spares, systems, processes and staffing," he said.
"Our plan is for the long term viability of our team and its progression. We are now focusing on 2015 in the Dunlop Series to build our experience, especially in the areas of safety and compliance. I am sure in 2015 you will see a much improved DMR."
Dragon explored several options to race the two cars at Bathurst. Those included working alongside existing Championship and Dunlop Series teams to field the entries.
"Unfortunately we have not been successful in securing a suitable solution and therefore we will not be able to attend Bathurst this year," said Klein.
V8 Supercars confirmed the withdrawal as it plans for the event.
"Tony poured his heart, soul and an enormous amount of resource into making this project work," V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton said.
"We admire that fact that Tony has been completely transparent through the journey and that it ultimately became a mountain too high for his young team to achieve.
"Given Tony's passion, dedication and commitment to the sport we are sure the team will ultimately achieve its goals of running at Bathurst and in the Championship."
