Dunlop Opener Attracts Bumper Field

A strong 30 car field will line up for the 2014 Dunlop Series opener on the streets of Adelaide this weekend with a mix of rising stars and experienced heavyweights set to take part at the Clipsal 500.

Seven drivers will make their Dunlop Series debut this weekend: Dan Day, Jordan Ormsby, Ryan Simpson, Tim Macrow, Fredrik Lestrup, Jordan Ormsby and Jack Le Brocq. 

Both Day and Simpson are graduates of the V8 Touring Car Series while Tim Macrow has made the step up to the Development Series as a two-time Australian Formula 3 Champion. 

Erebus Academy driver Jack Le Brocq brings experience in V8 Utes, Australian GT and the V8 Touring Car series while Jordan Ormsby’s credentials include a victory in the Australian GT Challenge category. 

Swede Fredrik Lestrup joins the series having previously competed in Mini Challenge, German GT and endurance events in Europe and Dubai. 

Last year’s runner up Ash Walsh will return for his fourth year in the series and will be one of the favourites for the title in 2014 racing for Matt Stone Racing once again. Expect to see him in the main Championship PIRTEK Enduro Cup, lining up once again with Dick Johnson Racing to steer with Scott Pye in the #16 Wilson Security Falcon. 

MW Motorsport’s Andre Heimgartner will also be one to watch in 2014 in his second season and with a race win in 2013 to his name. He also has a connected with DJR, having been signed on as a development driver with the team (Click here for Heimgartner's preview of the Clipsal 500).

Eggleston Motorsport has expanded to three cars in 2014. Garry Jacobson joins the squad after defecting from Sonic Motorsport while 2012 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 winner Paul Dumbrell and New Zealand’s Ant Pedersen complete the line up.

Third placed 2013 driver Andrew Jones will once more drive for Brad Jones Racing with Kiwi Chris Pither returning as his teammate. Jones yesterday announced ADVAM backing for the season opener.

Image Racing’s Taz Douglas also makes his return in 2014 after finishing sixth in last year’s Championship.

Geoff Emery, Matt Hansen and Jim Pollicina have pooled resources to create GMJ Motorsport.

2014 sees the return of Ford Performance Racing to the Dunlop Series after a one year hiatus with Cameron Waters running under the ENZED FPR banner. Team principal Tim Edwards stressed the importance of the Dunlop Series and investing in future motor racing talent.

South Australians account for four positions on the grid with Day, Ormsby, Josh Kean and Jay Verdnik all representing the host state.

Last year's Champion Dale Wood has stepped into the V8 Supercars Championship with ADVAM/GB Racing. Jack Perkins has also graduated from the development series, running the Team JELD-WEN FPR Falcon after finishing fourth overall last year, despite missing the first two (of seven) rounds. 

Click here to see the complete Dunlop Series field for the 2014 Clipsal 500.

The Dunlop Series is on track for the first time on Thursday for two practice sessions, with Qualifying on Friday morning ahead of that night’s race one.

Tickets are available to the event now.