Not so long ago, WPS Racing was a backmarker – a team that commanded little respect in the V8 Supercar paddock – with no manufacturer funding, and machinery that was outdated and uncompetitive. However as
Matthew Agius writes, the team’s turnaround in 2006 has been nothing short of astounding.
Reflecting on the year that has been thus far, there are several standout aspects affecting competition that come to mind. The introduction of reverse grid races and the improvement and decline of team’s in the paddock. By far the biggest improver has, in my opinion, been WPS Racing. Only a few short years ago, this team were where the likes of the Fujitsu and Glenfords teams are today – newcomers to V8 Supercars beginning an audacious attempt at taking glory in one of the world’s most competitive touring car championships.
The squad originally started off by buying out a fraction of the defunct OO Motorsport’s equipment and machinery and setting up a two car team to run for the 2004 championship. The campaign kicked off by team boss (and motorsport newcomer) Craig Gore, was just the first step in WPS’ progress to becoming an Aussie car racing superpower. The outspoken Gore gave the team three years before it was consistently championship-competitive and there were some encouraging signs early in their assault. As the team grew in competitiveness, Gore poured funds into the V8 safety car program, Aussie Racing Cars and the Carrera Cup, Australian Rally Championship events, and ultimately began a Champ Car operation – Team Australia.
As Gore expanded his motorsport horizons, it appeared as though the team was floundering. There was encouraging signs at the end of 2004, with lead driver David Besnard appearing in the top ten. A race win at Symmons Plains also featured, albeit under unfortunate circumstances where Besnard was awarded the victory due to botched race timing.
