John Bowe: Sandown success and the return of a legend
The Wilson Security Sandown 500 was a roaring success, as it deserved to be. The track is great and such rich motorsport history. The atmosphere in the huge grandstand was electric.
I was amazed to see the volume of Volvo supporters in the grandstand, I think it reflects the efforts the mother company are putting into spreading the word. Ford and Mercedes could certainly learn some lessons from Volvo.
Plenty of accolades have already been spoken about the winners, Paul Dumbrell has to be the ultimate co-driver doesn't he? And Jamie is V8 royalty, if he wins this year's V8 Supercars crown he will set a benchmark that will never be beaten, I reckon!
There were some very impressive drives from the co-drivers, and many of them did extremely long stints, V8 Supercars drivers are truly elite athletes. In fitness terms they would hold their own anywhere against anyone.
With Triple Eight (Red Bull) to be first and second in the Championship after Sandown speaks volumes for their structure, people and team management.
Not to mention their sponsor - Red Bull, not a bad product I must say, I needed some myself last weekend with six races in two extremely different race cars.
I think I called it pretty well last week ... Triple Eight and HRT ... should have had a few bob on them, only problem is I spend all my money on my own race car.
The news of the moment in V8 Supercars land is of course is the return in 2015 of our former Champion Marcos Ambrose and the arrival of the Penske organisation to join my friends at DJR.
This must have surely been the worst kept secret of all time ... there will be no miracles because miracles in motorsport just don't happen, the whole thing will succeed, given time.
DJR are already a good little team, with the Penske resources it will allow them to grow over time into a good big team. The Penske record is incredible, they bring real benefits to the table as opposed to just money.
I certainly hope Ford develop a relationship with DJR/Team Penske - as they have in the USA.
There will be lots of market share/success to chase long after the Falcon is gone, motorsport helps brand profile and recognition if it's leveraged and used properly.
The return of Marcos Ambrose and the arrival of Penske will be incredibly good for V8 Supercars, one of the best and most successful racing organisations in the world and a double Champion now added to the mix.
A publicity dream really!
And don't underestimate Marcos, he's a Champion, I've known him since he was a kid and he's a very special race driver.
Sure he'll need to learn the cars again but their behaviour is way better than it was, the only real issue will be the lack of testing allowed, so give him the time ... please?
He's one hell of a racer and I'm personally rapt that he's coming back home to race, rather than retire to the peaceful lifestyle in Tassie.
If he wants to and has the desire, he has another 10 years in V8 Supercars in him.
It's awesome that DJR will continue, don't forget that without Wilson Security and Crimsafe we would not have a DJR. My friend Dick Johnson has bought so much pleasure to the motorsport fans of Australia, they deserve to survive and prosper.
The boys and girls of DJR have done an amazing job these past two years to survive and slowly move forward.
It's the world's toughest tin top category in my opinion, success is incredibly hard to achieve. I wish all at DJR/Team Penske the best for the future.
Please .... Ford Motor Company get on board, please!
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.
