"There could be a few surprise runners at the front because it is not too technical. I think that could mix things up a bit, especially with a few drivers who are not in championship contention towards the front. The secret will be lots of horsepower and lots of brakes. You will need a strong right foot."
His second-placed teammate Marcos Ambrose is enduring a tough culmination to season 2005. Poor results at Sandown, Bathurst and Surfers Paradise have resulted in Ambrose slipping from favour with the motorsport gods. He is hoping to win in Tasmania this weekend – his home event – and leave for NASCAR racing in 2006 with a win in front of his home state.
"I guess it was pretty good to finally get the chance to race at Symmons Plains last year after growing up just own the road," said Ambrose.
"We had a couple of good results in the first two races, but then we had a rare engine drama in race three which probably cost us the round and the chance to wrap-up the championship in front of a home crowd. This year we have some chasing to do and we will be giving it our best shot."
The final Ford driver realistically in the championship is Team Betta Electrical’s Craig Lowndes. The former champion boasts the highest number of 2005 wins, four pole positions and importantly track experience at Symmons Plains.
"It has been a long time since I have been in a position to compete for the championship title, so I am certainly not going to let this opportunity slip away without a fight," Lowndes said.
"I am really looking forward to getting down to Symmons Plains the Team Betta Electrical car was strong there last year and the improvements we have made to the cars this year should suit the circuit.
"We are under pressure but not as much as the front runners. Our aim is to win races and in doing so push for the championship, the three race format gives us a chance to collect some good points and this style of pit stop race really suits our team."
