V8 Supercars

Here and Now with John Bowe

At this time of year all motorsport talk is of the two long distance V8 endurance races at Phillip Island and of course Bathurst. This year though the teams have been thrown a curved ball because the rules stop them pairing up the two regular drivers.

In the past, most teams put their full time racers in one car and ran the second car essentially as a support act. This move will really open up the list of possible winners, it has also placed a premium on the experienced and reliable co-drivers.

Since the long distance opener moved to Phillip Island there has been much more strategy involved, mainly because of the island’s inclement weather. The addition of non regular co-drivers will add to the tactics as well because obviously the best person to have in the car at the end will be the regular ace!

Some teams have picked wisely, some not so in my opinion. My pick of the top chances is divided between Courtney-luff in the DJR Ford, Winterbottom-Youlden in the FPR Ford, Tander-McConville in the HRT Holden, Whincup-Owen in the 888 Holden and Lowndes-Skaife in the other 888 Holden. That’s about it I reckon, for the top step of the podium anyway.

Throw in some bad weather, a safety car or two and the inevitable fuel consumption dramas that comes with the use of Ethanol E85 fuel and I can realistically see another 15 cars with a chance of a podium finish.

One thing all the teams can be sure of though is the strength and reliability of the SP Sport Maxx ‘Control’ tyre. Be it wet or dry, the Dunlop control tyre is totally dependable. From the heat of Darwin to the freezing cold of Phillip Island, Dunlop has given teams the consistent performance they need since 2002.

The Phillip Island race is a great prelude to the big one at Bathurst and is a chance for the drivers and teams to sharpen and hone their game. I would not miss it for quids!

Tags: Dunlop SP Sport Maxx, Phillip Island