John Bowe: Bring on NZ!
We are headed over the ditch this weekend!
Don't ever underestimate how much difference it makes to Kiwis racing in front of their own people. Remember the dominant performances of Greg Murphy back in the Kmart days. Now we have three of the Championship’s leading protagonists from the Shakey Isles!
I expect all three to drive outside their comfort zones – imagine what this will do to the crowd, it will be bulging at the seams with sheepskin coats and Ugg boots!
I loved the Pukekohe circuit from the very first time Dick Johnson and I raced the Shell Sierra there in 1990 – the track had a hallowed feeling about it. There is so much history and many memories there.
The incredibly credentialed Stone brothers grew up just down the road and the track has hosted some of the most famous drivers in the world over its long history.
I think it's good to have the V8 Supercars back there; the Hamilton street circuit was a very poor substitute and let's face it, we have more than enough street races!
The circuit itself will undoubtedly suit the cars with the stronger aero packages, in particular Volvo – the section of track that is from the first gear hairpin an the end of the straight and up over the flowing fast hill and down through the frighteningly quick fifth gear turn one is a serious test of man and machine.
I bet young Scotty (McLaughlin) in Sweden’s finest will be at the forefront.
The Holdens are well balanced as we've seen this year. Fabian (Coulthard) will be 100 centimetres taller in front of his ‘bros’ and Van Giz (Shane van Gisbergen) has been tall all year. The grid and Championship has been the closest and toughest I have ever seen in my long motor racing life, I reckon.
Let's not forget the Champion of Champions – Jamie Whincup. Do you reckon he enjoyed being off the pace at Winton? I don't think so!
Never underestimate a Champion OR a Championship team, I say. The weirdness of Winton had them on the back foot this year but I don't expect that to happen again.
A thought from my rambling brain – how about trying for a second V8 Supercar event in NZ next year at the Quinn’s new Highlands Motorsport Park in the South Island? It's a fabulous place and would provide a world-class spectacle. Who's for a Kiwi double header, what do you reckon?
This weekend's ITM 500 Auckland awards the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy, a fantastic initiative by V8 Supercars last year to preserve our great mate’s memory.
Last year was fittingly won by Brad Jones Racing’s Jason Bright who, of course, was a very good friend and teammate to JR. I am sure the BJR boys will have plenty of incentive going into the weekend.
It's enough to tip Fabian as favourite I reckon – his home track, home crowd and the legacy of Jason Richards.
Cheers,
JB
Follow John Bowe on Facebook. Bowe is supported by Wilson Security, Dunlop Super Dealers and Coates Hire, and competing in the 2014 Touring Car Masters Championship.
