John Bowe: Holdens dominate Townsville
In my opinion Townsville is the perfect venue for a street race. I haven't always been a fan of street races and I've always given Clipsal the tick as the best by far, but Clipsal could now be under pressure in years to come.
Townsville has it all as a street race venue. Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill and her staff are incredibly supportive. The race attracts many tourists to the region for the race, it's not all about the racing.
It's a great place to holiday and see the elite level of racing that is V8 Supercars.
A couple of things I think that came out of the weekend. You can never under estimate Red Bull/Triple Eight Racing, Jamie Whincup can never be overlooked and Garth Tander is never to be written off.
The common factor here is Holden, who deserve the highest accolades for being such solid and constant supporters of the sport we love.
While others come and go but Holden have stayed and are still committed - that's impressive in my book!
Observing the Townsville races at close quarters a couple of things are obvious to me, now don't shoot me down here!
Ford are short of rear grip, even Frosty could not compensate such is the level.
Sadly for the Kellys the Nissan are nowhere in reality (at this time). They simply don't have enough pace.
I notice they're politicking for engine bore and stroke changes and it's my observation, maybe it's needed. We certainly need Nissan to kick some goals.
The Mercedes Erebus cars are nearly, nearly there, they are competitive at most tracks but winning is a wish. Betty and Daniel have made a huge commitment and it's really starting to show.
Will Davo in particular was very racey. When they (Erebus) get their engine upgrades they'll threaten for wins I'm sure!
Now, Volvo is THE STORY of the year, it looks and works well everywhere. The reason I believe is downforce.
Trust me, I have been involved with cars with aero influence for 30 years, I can tell what's what without a wind tunnel.
The Volvo is a cracker, as is it's driver, the driver talent is always a factor unfortunately in Townsville, they snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
Fast forward to October and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 - my money will be short odds on the Volvo! A big statement, I know!
The Championship is getting hotter, but it's getting hotter between two drivers, both huge talents and very special humans.
Spare a thought for the stress and pressure that goes on for top line racers/their teams and those close to them. It's certainly is no walk in the park.
This is a gold medal year for the V8 Supercar Championship, the winner will be without doubt the most deserving in my living memory.
I can't wait for the next round at the Coates Hire Ipswich 400, from August 1-3. Make sure you get there and don't miss a minute of the thriller!
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.
