John Bowe: The Gold Coast Can Bite

22 Oct 2013

John Bowe's views on the weekend's final enduro, the ARMOR ALL Gold Coast 600, and the current state of V8 Supercars.

4 mins by James Pavey

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This weekend’s Gold Coast round… I don't think the V8 Supercar Championship is signed, sealed and delivered – not just yet anyway. In fact, I think it’s far from it!

The Gold Coast circuit is the most unforgiving on the V8 Supercars calendar; it has absolutely no run off! There’s always been controversy here, kerb hopping has long been the issue and inconsistent rulings with differing opinions. It dates back to 1994 and could well play a part this round and ultimately have an impact in the Championship.

I have a strong feeling there’ll be plenty of ‘blues’ about corner/kerb hopping this weekend, as there’s been in past years. I’m predicting plenty of drive throughs. This circuit is very tough on brakes/tyres (given the temperatures) and a co-driver could influence the outcome of the 2013 Championship – make no mistake the pressure will be on big time!

The Gold Coast circuit is treacherous, at best – in as much as a couple of centimetres, misjudgment on turn in, can rip your front wheel off your car. This will be one of the most grueling rounds… I can feel the tension the drivers and teams are exposed too!

In 1997 Dick Johnson and I had a coming together – which is what you call it when no one is to blame (of course) – and we were teammates, so fierce is the competition. The task will be much harder here, given it’s a street circuit and a leg of the PIRTEK Enduro Cup, with their Bathurst/Sandown co-driver pairings. No one wants the Championship to be decided by a co-driver, but it could happen!

While we’ve got three rounds to go, two of them are on street circuits and that means lots of concrete! Jamie (Whincup) has been outstanding all year… don’t discount Lowndsey for a minute, he has what it takes! Triple Eight will have their work cut out this weekend – trying to give both their drivers the best chance of winning.

Don't underestimate how much the win at Bathurst will galvanise Frosty (Mark Winterbottom) and his team. He’s an awesome talent and has always been. The Great Race win moves him into ‘Grand Achiever’ class and that will do wonders for his confidence, belief and mental motivation and the people/team around him.

It's time now for FPR to throw their full support behind Frosty – that means team orders should be introduced going to the Gold Coast. The call needs to come from Tim Edwards… I think it has to happen! Even though, Will Davison will be none too pleased. Frosty needs to be given priority here and every chance to wrestle the Championship away from the Master – name for Jamie.

Make no mistake Jamie Whincup is as good a Champion as we’ve ever seen in Australian motorsport. Jamie’s a very complete driver, he has demonstrated his sublime talent on so many occasions. He again showed his ability at Mount Panorama, in his faultless chase of Frosty.

I’m hoping Ford’s announcement of an extension of FPR’s support will grow beyond one year. Ford is a massive world brand with a very loyal following both locally and internationally in motorsport.

While Falcon won’t be with us (after 2016), Ford will rebuild a very successful business in Australia. I’m hopeful; Ford embraces the support and the love of their brand in motorsport. I’ve been in the Ford world for 25 years now (I’m hoping for a Gold Watch – haha) and I’ve had a strong connection with their customers, supporters and fans for many years.

Other than Ford’s support of Geelong Football Club – I think that’s the longest running sporting sponsorship in sporting history (Ed: 85 years, and believed to be one of the longest continuous sporting sponsorships in the world) – V8 Supercars engenders incredible passion among Ford followers in Australia. The purchase of a car is an emotional one. In many cases it can translate into race team support.

I’m hopeful Ford see their way clear to support my dear friend Dick Johnson. After spending a substantial amount of time with DJR at Bathurst, it’s amazing the following he has amongst the Ford faithful. To me, it’s a marriage well worth having and I know Ford would benefit given his loyalty over many tough years – let’s hope!

It’s kinda funny, while I was racing with Dick (at DJR) we were so focused on the next round we didn’t really have time to fully understand the level of love, support and passion that existed amongst our fans. These days I have substantial interaction with the fans and their love and intimate knowledge of our sport is astounding. I think it’s what makes our sport/category… tribal like!

I guess by now you will think I’m a one eyed Ford lover/supporter. I'm not, I’m very open minded. Sometimes, I can get up on my soap box – this has been one of those times!

Just for the record, I’m Jamie's number one fan, I have been for a long time, there is nothing like a battle between two great Champions!

Bring on the Gold Coast!

Cheers,

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.