John Bowe's End of Year Review: Part Two

Alex Premat: Certainly a better performance than last year but seriously out pointed by his teammate, begs the question to be asked – doesn't it? The Europeans certainly have trouble with our cars. I would give him another year but will Garry? It would be my preference, than starting again with another fresh face. They’ve invested two seasons, it will take another two seasons to settle.

James Moffat: One of the toughest racers out there, James’s performances went up and down with the competitiveness of the Nissans. If the Nissan is competitive next year I reckon James could be ready for the big time. I expect more consistency in year two from James in the Nissan.

Chaz Mostert: Undoubtedly a revelation this season, on his good day he could compete with anyone. He showed once again the path through Formula Ford and the Dunlop Development Series is the way to go. He has the plum drive next year, so the pressure is really on for him to deliver. He will need to take another big step – I think he can.

Tony D’Alberto: I hope the series isn’t losing Tony. He’s a very capable racer and TDR’s a true family team, which is becoming rarer in today’s top end motor racing world. He needs more consistency but so do some others. This is such a demanding sport – it is very results driven – when the field can be within one second at some circuits.

Russell Ingall: Russ does not need to retire, that's for sure. As tough a racer as there is. Qualifying lets him down, but always did. The longer the race the better he goes if he survives the early lap (damage/crashes). The category still needs his colour – I just have a feeling the ol’ fella isn’t quite done yet.

Rick Kelly: The leading Nissan driver and a former Champion. He is a potential race winner if the car is good enough. That's the challenge the Kelly team faces, is not the driving talent. It’s a tough gig starting from scratch with a new manufacturer – they have the ability as a team to make it there.

Alex Davison: A pretty good finishing position, after being out (of a V8 Supercar seat) for a while. Inconsistent in qualifying really made the season tough for him. Qualifying has become so crucial today, especially the shorter races. Alex is a very dedicated racer and a great corporate personality. I hope he finds a seat for 2014.

Jonathan Webb: After a mid season lull, Jonno was on fire at Homebush. It can't be easy having Van Giz as a teammate and being actively involved with the running of the team. The owner driver model doesn't really work (these days) on a consistent basis, the demands on both aspects are massive in today’s V8 Supercar world.

James Courtney: After two indifferent years James looked like the James of old on a number of occasions. Don't underestimate the people factor – having Adrian Burgess around him again will add to his strength. I can see a slow quiet shift in the team dynamics at HRT. James was very lucky to not be smashed up badly at Phillip Island. I hope he has no physiological damage – he’s a tough rooster.

Read my analysis of the bottom nine in the 2013 Championship here.

Cheers,

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