John Bowe: History Tells Us...

Here we are, a couple of weeks out from Phillip Island and two rounds remaining in this years Championship! There’s no shortage of chat about who’ll win – let’s revisit a classic season finish or two to make my point.

Let me say, we’ve had a variety of scenarios in past seasons. We’ve had clear-cut winners or a tussle between two. There has been the odd three-way battle, but never a four-way battle with four potential winners in the frame like we have now.

I can tell you, Lowndesy, Jamie, Frosty and Will at this point would be thinking, planning, and focusing on winning the Championship – that’s what a pro athlete does. Not only have we got four potential winners – from two different teams, one Holden and the other Ford – these are fantastic ingredients for a real showdown. No driver would feel safe, confident or feel it’s a done deal… far from it!

The nerves will be on the rev limiter – it won’t be done till 5.15 on Sunday 8th December at Homebush, I reckon. If you’re a serious race fan, you wouldn’t miss being there for quids! It’s a long way from being done – guaranteed. One of the most important rounds is about to take centre stage… I can’t wait to see it unfold!

Looking over the field, I think it’s a fair call to say excluding our ‘fastest four’ it’s very possible race winners could come from Brighty, Coulthard, The Gizz, Tander, Courtney, McLaughlin and one or two other possibilities. Add to the mix the ‘fastest four’ and you can see.

Did anyone see what happened to Jamie on the Gold Coast? If a repeat episode like that happens (DNF) or a bad race result … it’s good night Irene. You could say Jamie had a comfortable lead going in, now he finds himself in a dog fight.

Both Triple Eight and FPR have almost drawn level (I reckon), FPR have gathered momentum from their win at Bathurst and carry a belief they can win this thing. Is this the closest category in world motorsport with four potential winners and only two rounds to go?

I’ve been critical of FPR in the past for dropping the ball with victory in sight – I think it’s the one per centers that win Championships. What a fantastic effort for both teams to potentially deliver our 2013 Champion.

In today’s world, professional sport is entertainment. On that premise this is entertainment of epic proportion. If we look back to 2010 – most people expected Jamie to win – history shows James Courtney’s name is on the trophy. Whilst plenty of people might have hoped for a DJR victory, I think it was expected Jamie/888 would take the cash. Not so.

I think the closeness (this season) has been achieved given all teams are running new cars (COTF). Over time the development improvements will mean the leading teams (resources) will stretch their margin, as is often the way.

While the Triple Eight drivers will remain teammates next year (and beyond), Will moves on. Will that impact this years outcome – NO. Just four very nervous blokes bringing their best game and only one winner. I feel for them.

Let’s look at Phillip Island. It was resurfaced earlier in the year. That will make a huge difference to the cars’ handling characteristics. The grip level will be like no other encountered this season and again could influence the outcome of the round.

In 1990 Lakeside was resurfaced and everyone murdered their tyres to the point they were badly blistered. Colin Bond was way too clever us – he motored around and preserved his tyres and we didn’t. Suffice to say he won because he respected the circuit and it’s effect on the tyres. He was a crafty ol’ fella. Standby, tyre preservation could influence the winner of the Phillip Island round. Did I mention … there could be a little nervous tension?

In recent weeks MotoGP ran at Phillip Island and their tyre degradation was so bad they had to schedule a bike swap (mid-race) in an effort to ensure they could complete race distance … same issue really. While a tyre test is scheduled, I can tell you the resurface will be grueling on the cars and it adds another unknown element into the mix.

Let me close by taking you back to 1997… It was the final round at Oran Park with Russell Ingall, Glenn Seton and I all with a big chance. I was four points behind Seto and Rusty was 16 points adrift of me – so we’re in for a dog fight. In short it went like this: Race one and Alan Jones drills Russell and puts him into the fence ... goodnight Rusty, game over. I’m having a little car trouble … we can’t fire the Shell Helix Falcon to come out for the last race …. Bugger!

The winner of the 1997 Championship was Glenn Seton … taking nothing away from Seto. I wanted to share a little history … it isn’t over till you’re holding the trophy on Sunday at Homebush. Who’ll win … you’ll have to come and see the answer to that one.

Cheers,

JB

Follow John Bowe on Facebook. John Bowe is supported by Wilson Security, Dunlop Super Dealers and Coates Hire, competing in the 2013 Touring Car Masters Championship.