John Bowe showed that he's still one of the best drivers in the championship in the OzEmail Racing Falcon. His ninth place in the championship was also a model of consistency finishing with five top-tens, including third at Bathurst.

"It's a great result for the team and well deserved," he said. "Now it's time to do some development over the off-season and come back bigger and better next year.

"This is only a small team, but a dedicated group of people that all want to beat the big teams on a regular basis. From a driver's point of view it keeps me very focussed and it makes racing very enjoyable.

"One of the most pleasing things is that everyone knows we are one of the best teams at Bathurst. 2005 we will go back there again and give it everything to make the top spot."

Shell Helix Racing's Steven Johnson completed the 2004 season with eight top-ten finishes, including an amazing run of five over the final five rounds.

His best result came at Sandown when he combined with Warren Luff to finish third behind Marcos Ambrose / Greg Ritter and Russell Ingall / Cameron McLean.

"The highlight for me really has been every round from Sandown onwards," Johnson said. "That weekend we put both team cars in the top-ten shootout and then Warren and I combined to finish third in the race. It really lifted the crew who had been improving the car, but not getting the rewards. From then we've raced strongly and confidently.

"I can't wait for the 2005 season. There's a lot of strong teams out there, and for the first time in many years they are all Ford teams!"

In amongst all the action over the weekend was Ford President Tom Gorman. It was the first championship experience for Gorman who took over the presidency from Geoff Polites in March.

"It was an amazing emotional high to be present at such a great moment," he said. "My joy was echoed by the thousands of Ford fans with their flags and signs, turning Eastern Creek into a veritable sea of blue.