There’s probably numerous things that probably could be done, but some of them are only from my point of view. I think the level of competition and the money spent will even itself out a little over time when some teams fold and then the money won’t be needed in the category I suppose.
Q:
What is good about the series in its current package?
SW:
I suppose the thing that I still love about the category is actually going to the different tracks all over the country, and going overseas as well. Just seeing the public and how they really like it – going to Darwin is probably my favourite round – they really get stuck into it there and you have a great time.
Q:
Do you enjoy it more there than here in Adelaide?
SW:
Well, Adelaide is another fantastic race meeting, I suppose that Darwin is just something a little different for a Kiwi to see. It’s just the support that the category gets from some of its fans that is fantastic.
Q:
You mentioned Bahrain. There has been a mixed reception to the overseas rounds, whether it’s relevant, whether they should go. The series went to Shanghai – that didn’t really turn out as planned – but do you think that looking at something away from the Australia/New Zealand market is something that the category should be actively pursuing?
SW:
Even though I really enjoyed going to China (2005) and Bahrain, I don’t think that we should be going outside the shores - only over to New Zealand to maybe have a second round there – because that’s where the fan base is. Plus for the sponsors, for instance Supercheap (Auto) – what gain do they get from racing overseas? I think it better just trying to make the best deal out of what we’ve got here.
Q:
Team BOC is moving to Holden next year and Cameron McConville is likely to lead the team. This puts you back onto the drivers market. Where do you sit in the scheme of things?
SW:
The main thing is that last year I found that it (racing) hurt my business in a way, so what I need to do is make sure that everything is in place for this season. I’ve had a few full-time drives put to me, though I’ve pretty much decided against that, and I’ll just do the endurance races. I’m going to look at getting involved in other sides of the sport, maybe running a couple of Utes in the V8 Ute series, and having a bit of fun with that. I’ve had some involvement with the series and now I just want to take it to the next level and see how that goes.
Q:
And your tip for 2008?
SW:
I’d like to see Mark Winterbottom do it. I think that FPR have shown that they are pretty strong. Hopefully they have a better start to the year than the last couple, but if they get everything right then Mark will be hard to beat.
