This is a feature of the 2006 championship, which, whilst it will make the racing closer, is an unnecessary addition in the wake of increasing costs forcing some teams to shut up shop. That said, it will provide more entertainment for the viewing public who at the end of the day, keep the championship running.
With lap times across the V8 Supercar field set to be reduced with the closure of several privateer teams, and brand new technical or racing partnerships between other racing entities, there is still a sense of one-sidedness in the series.
Five teams stand truly poised to contest the championship. In reality some teams were far too behind with consistency or race pace at the end of 2005 to indicate a return to the top ranks of the championship in 2006. Ford’s front running teams in Stone Brothers Racing and Team Betta Electrical each boast impressive lineups for this year, with the Holden Racing Team, Toll HSV Dealer Team and Super Cheap Auto Racing all looking strong heading into the season opening Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
New look teams will also feature on the grid at Adelaide, including a combined effort from Mark Larkham and WPS Racing, a graduated assault from Paul Cruickshank Racing, a new partnership from Rod Nash Racing and Independent Race Cars Australia and also an expanded Team Sirromet Wines operation.
Following on from the merger between Larkham Motorsport and WPS Racing, Jason Bargwanna and Max Wilson will grid up with new look WPS-Orrcon BF Falcons at the Clipsal 500 at the end of March. Former drivers David Besnard and Craig Baird have been ditched to make way for the new pair, and will compete in the Aussie Race Cars and Australian Carrera Cup respectively.
Glenfords Tools Racing is the new image of former Fujitsu-series team Paul Cruickshank Racing. PCR will field the ex-Steve Ellery #88 Falcon from 2005, with Marcus Marshall spearheading the team’s single car assault.
