Endurance time!
The ‘Season of Endurance’ is here! Co-drivers and longer races enter the championship equation as we head into three of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated events on the calendar, including the one and only Bathurst 1000.
But first we start with the L&H 500 at Phillip Island on September 16 to 18, held on the legendary grand prix track, which most drivers rate as one of the best permanent race tracks in the country – very fast and flowing with an unpredictable climate that can, and often does, spice up the racing.
The V8s head to the Island, about two hours south of Melbourne, with the championship race well and truly on following Craig Lowndes’ clean sweep at Queensland Raceway, which saw him close teammate Jamie Whincup’s points lead to just 98 points. Having claimed victories at Phillip Island and Bathurst last season, Lowndes will be feeling justifiably confident.
While Lowndes welcomes five-time series champion and six-time Bathurst winner Mark Skaife as his co-driver, back for the second year in a row, Whincup has a new partner in young Fujitsu Series points leader Andrew Thompson. It’s very much a case of youth versus experience for the co-drivers charged with carrying their partners’ title chances.
Behind them there are several candidates with legitimate claims for outright honours – Mark Winterbottom and the experienced Steven Richards; the Holden Racing Team, always strong at the enduros; the darkhorse pair of Steven Johnson and David Besnard for Dick Johnson Racing; and young guns such as Tim Slade, David Reynolds, James Moffat and co, who carry great form into this event following their starring performances at Queensland Raceway.
For the fans, there’s plenty to see and do at the Island. Grandstand ticket holders, campers and corporate guests will get the chance to meet V8 Supercars drivers on the Saturday night of the event, where they can participate in a pit walk before a pitlane party is held above the pit garages (5pm Saturday).
Also in attendance will be MACK the Transporter for the kids, freestyle trial shows and, of course, the XXXX GOLD Retreat, overlooking the picturesque track, where you can watch the racing in the company of the XXXX Angels.
On track, the Porsche Carrera Cup cars, Formula Fords and popular Aussie Racing Cars will be act as the supporting cast, but it’s all about that 500km race on Sunday, which is sure to set the scene nicely for the big one at Bathurst in October.
