Got a question? Ask the XXXXpert

Got a Question? Ask the XXXXpert

Question: Any clues as to when we will know what engine will be used in the COTF cars? Brenda White

Answer: Brenda, it was late March 2010 when V8 Supercars Australia announced its Car Of The Future blueprint. At that time Mark Skaife explained that V8SA was currently finalising details of an “engine equalisation program” for the “normally aspirated V8s”. No further details of that engine equalisation program or the engines themselves have been made public. What has been confirmed is that the COTF’s introduction has been put back until 2013, with the prototype chassis set to hit the test track this winter. See below for more info on COTF engines.

Question: There are a heap of rumours and conjecture floating around about which engine(s) will power the COTF. If manufacturers from overseas join V8 Supercars, will they be able to use their own V8s or will they have to use the GM/Ford V8? Bob Kimber

Answer: Bob, new manufacturers can use their own engines, with parity achieved under the “equalisation” program outlined above. I understand that any normally-aspirated V8 engine, regardless of capacity, could co-exist with the Ford and Holden V8 units already in use. I also remember some comments made about a generic engine being made available to manufacturers who don’t want have a suitable engine or don’t want to develop their own. There’s been no confirmation from V8 HQ on that front though. I quote Mark Skaife from the March 2010 COTF announcement: “Any V8 engine can potentially be used where a manufacturer can modify one of its family V8 powerplants or utilise an existing category V8 Supercar engine. Who knows, this may open the door to teams fielding Nissans, Toyotas, Hyundais, Mazdas… whatever!”

Question: Out of all the drivers you have interviewed or got to known, who would you most like to sit down with and have a chat over a cold beer, XXXX Gold of course! Jarrod, Sydney

Answer: Of the legends of the sport, I’d most like to have a good long chat to Allan Moffat. While the careers and lives of fellow icons Peter Brock and Dick Johnson have been covered extensively in countless magazines and books over the years, it’s a somewhat different story for the third member of Aussie tin-top racing’s holy trinity. Moff is yet to open publicly about his racing career and I’d love to hear about it first-hand. Of the current drivers, I’ll nominate four. Firstly, the Kelly brothers, Todd and Rick, as I’ve never really got to know them. Then there’s Murph, as he is such an entertaining guy to chat to generally. I’d like to ask him about racing a Porsche in the Le Mans 24 Hours in the 1990s. Finally, Jason Richards, as to spend an arvo with him in a beer garden somewhere would confirm he’s well on the way to recovery after fighting cancer. All the best, Jase.

Pic: Murph at his attacking best

Credit: Rob McKay / Mania Group

Question: Is there any news on who will be the new steerer of the #18 Jim Beam Falcon for DJR in 2011? Regards, Rob, Woongarrah NSW

Answer: James Moffat was confirmed today, Rob, as James Courtney’s replacement in #18. So I’d also ask Allan over that beer about his thoughts on his son’s graduation to the top tier!

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Question: Is there any news on who will be the new steerer of the #18 Jim Beam Falcon for DJR in 2011? Rob, Woongarrah NSW

Answer: At the time of writing, Rob, nothing has been announced. All signs and whispers point to James Moffat being James Courtney’s replacement. If that happens, two legendary names of the sport will join forces. Whoever slides into #18’s seat will have to bring sponsorship, so I guess young Moff could yet be gazumped for the drive.

Question: Is there any update for us Murph fans on what he will be doing in 2011? Tracey, Victoria

Answer: You must be in agony Tracey. Back in November I wrote: “Maybe an opportunity will pop up at the four-car Kelly Racing.” Specialist motorsport media outlets reported just before Christmas that Greg Murphy is indeed likely to drive full-time for Kelly Racing in 2011. They wrote that he’ll take over the seat vacated by Jason Bargwanna, who will move to Brad Jones Racing to keep Jason Richards’ seat warm while the Kiwi recovers from cancer. Any announcement won’t be far away as the official pre-season test day is January 29. Perhaps you’ll read it here first in Murph’s In the Drivers Seat column.

Pic: As Murph pondered his future, fans were crossing their fingers they would see him again in 2011.

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: Why don’t V8 teams let people look in the back of the garages anymore? Everything seems to be covered up. You could see into the support race garages and tents at Bathurst, but not the main game ones. Ray

Answer: I have noticed an increased use of partitioning and screening in the V8 garages, Ray, which is disappointing. Especially when punters pay good money for paddock passes. Whether that’s got something to do with presentation, the desire to hide secrets or stopping the wind blowing through the garage at cold climate events, I’m not sure. Certainly at Bathurst I noticed it was virtually impossible to peer into the garages. However, I’m not sure that having a gander is quite so difficult at some other race meetings, so perhaps the weather plays a part.   

 
Question: I attended the Gold Coast event and was struck by how easygoing and approachable the international co-drivers were. I also enjoyed your interviews with them for the big screens. How did you find them to deal with and who was your favourite to interview? Max, Burleigh Heads, Queensland

Answer: You’re right, Max, all of the internationals were affable. All were on for a chat, save for Jacques Villeneuve, who, although he was approachable and pleasant, always gave very brief answers. In fact, the internationals were far easier to deal with than two or three of the prima donnas among the V8 Supercar ranks. Most of the V8 regulars are fantastic, although a couple need a kick in the arse. My favourite was Helio Castroneves – who just seems so high on life. I’ll have what he’s having!  

Question: How much of a V8 Supercar was actually on the car when it came out of the factory?

Answer: As V8 Supercars are thoroughbred racing cars – and not built from production-based bodyshell assembled on a production line – allow me to twist your question around. It’s far easier to outline the components that are carried over from a Falcon or Commodore road car to the V8 Supercar equivalent. The only components carried over and totally unmodified are the plastic parts such as the light assemblies, the wing mirrors and the front grille. All other production-derived parts (basically the external body that you can see from the outside and their internal attachment component) have been modified in some way for different reasons: to allow for the rollcage structure; to allow for the larger wheel clearance; to reduce weight; to improve driver safety; and to comply with Project Blueprint rules. Not one component of the roadcar’s running gear and suspension can be found in a V8 Supercar.

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Question:  Any news on what Murph might be up to in 2011? Let’s hope Sydney wasn’t his last drive. Craig

Answer: Craig, expect Greg Murphy to drive for the Holden Racing Team at Phillip Island and Bathurst next year. Joining HRT makes sense: he gets the chance to post another Bathurst win, with either Garth Tander or new recruit James Courtney; and driving for the factory squad sits nicely with his work for HSV in New Zealand. Just because he’s a part-timer in 2011 doesn’t mean we’ve seen the last of him as a full-time driver beyond that.  

Pic: Murph will be back!

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: With only seven weeks until the 2011 season championship starts, do you think the drivers and teams need a longer break?

Answer: Not so much the drivers, but I pity the poor crews who have build new cars for 2011. Mind you, I haven’t heard as many complaints this year about the short off-season, maybe due to 2010’s mid-season break, which gave everyone a breather.  

 
Question: What’s the latest progress on the COTF? When is this meant to be in place? Jordan

Answer: At the COTF’s official launch in early 2010, it was announced that the Car Of The Future would be eligible to be raced from the first event in 2012, alongside the current generation cars. A hybrid year, in other words. I understand that some planned COTF aspects (that is, some major components) are being rethought. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised if its introduction date was put back to 2013, especially if there are no new manufacturers ready to go for 2012, which is likely to be the case. This could alleviate the need for that hybrid year, when creating parity between old and new would be tricky.    

 
Question: What is the basis/criterion for the Barry Sheene medal? Is it like a best and fairest? If so, I was a little surprised that the chap who won more races, more poles than any other didn’t win the award. Especially, as he never ‘individually’ made a forced error all season.  I am sure the decision must have been close between a few good competitive drivers, but what were the ultimate differentiators to led to James Courtney and not Jamie Whincup winning the award? Dirk

Answer: The Barry Sheene medal is indeed a best and fairest award. As to criteria, I’m not sure they are etched in concrete. I believe a panel takes into consideration various aspects, many of them specific to 2010.  Either Courtney or Whincup would have been worthy winners.  Can’t argue with Courtney getting the nod frankly, as he won the title after blocking out the turmoil at DJR.

 
Question: Firstly, and before I continue, congratulations to James Courtney, who despite huge pressure and team discord won the championship and drove well all season. However, looking at the points system, I would argue that while it does reward consistency it could also celebrate mediocrity. To be clear I am not taking anything away from James’ efforts, but, it would have been possible to place 5th in every race, in essence never stand on the podium, and still win the championship this year by 50 points. Dirk

Answer: No points system is perfect. Sorry, I can’t fault the system given the season climax it tossed up. TeamVodafone’s poor reliability is what cost Whincup the title. Courtney still won plenty of races, so no one can suggest he did it on consistency alone.

Luke’s note:  Merry Christmas to all XXXXpert readers, especially those who took the time to post a question. Keep them coming in 2011. I’ve enjoyed learning what’s on your mind, while helping fans decipher what can be a bloody confusing sport at times. Sit back and relax with a XXXX Gold – you deserve it. May Santa be good to you.  Although, I fear I might miss out since I just dropped the B-word!

Cheers
Luke

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Question: With all the driver uncertainty and drivers changing teams, do you think that takes the focus away from the racing action? Should V8 Supercars implement a time period where no contracts for the next season can be signed. Similar to what other sporting bodies do.

Answer: I actually think the opposite. The silly season chatter adds another element to the on-track proceedings. Frankly, V8 Supercars struggles to generate media coverage for the bulk of the season. As spectacular as it is, in many respects its too clinical, politically correct and lacking human elements for the press and general public to take notice. There were too few big stories through the mid-season, partly because events were spaced too far apart. In contrast, the busy Bathurst to Homebush period – with five events in nine weeks – has been a revelation. It’s been extra compelling due to the behind the scenes manoeuvring that has come to light. So, no, implementing a ‘no contract signing period’ would be wrong. Not to mention impossible to enforce.

Question: Rumours are circulating that Jamie Whincup has had enough and wants out. If he does move on do you have any idea in what category? The Dobey Brothers

Answer: That’s the $64,000 question. As good as he is, Jamie’s options would be extremely limited. Especially with the GFC still biting hard in Europe and America. When Marcos Ambrose moved to America for 2006, the US economy was still strong. Its bubble has since burst and NASCAR teams are feeling the pinch. So I can’t see Jamie doing the NASCAR thing. His trump card – if indeed he is keen to head O/S – is tapping into Triple Eight’s connections in Europe. Roland Dane may be able to open up a door or two in the Old Dart. Reports of Whincup linking up with McLaren, after he drove the Vodafone-backed grand prix machine at Albert Park, are fanciful. Name the last driver to gain a start in Formula One who didn’t come through Europe’s junior open-wheel ranks? Whincup is too old to start the journey towards F1 and has never raced outside Australia. I don’t get the impression Jamie has ‘had enough’ as much as him wanting to expand his horizons.

Pics: The XXXX Angels adding some colour to the V8 Supercars grid.

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: With the new Car of the Future, could Ford change to a Mustang body shell or Holden to Camaro?

Answer: No, both the Mustang and Camaro are two-door coupe models and don’t therefore don’t meet COTF rules. I quote COTF architect Mark Skaife at the official launch back in March. “Our open shopfront policy will be based on potentially attracting additional manufacturers,” Skaife said. “We want to open the door to genuine high-volume production, four-door sedans which will be configured as V8 rear-wheel drive racecars under strict parity arrangements to compete equally against Falcons and Commodores?”

Question: I didn’t know so many of the V8 Supercar drivers try their hand at other sports. Do you think this helps them perform as professional drivers? Smitty, Newcastle

Answer: Smitty, participation in endurance sports helps a great deal. As shown by Paul Dumbrell’s improved form since taking up triathlons. What a glutton for punishment! Other sports hone reflexes.

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Question: Who do you think can realistically still win the 2010 championship? Scotty Toowong, QLD

Answer: Realistically, Scotty, it’s a three-way fight: James Courtney, Jamie Whincup, Mark Winterbottom. The first two are obviously even-money favourites for the title. The third, ‘Frosty’, only needs Courtney and Whincup to suffer one DNF each over the last four races (two at Sandown, two at Homebush) and he’ll be right there. Not beyond the realms of possibility, especially as he won’t have the pressure on him. Craig Lowndes is only 57 points further afield, however he needs all three to suffer a disaster to get back into the hunt. Thus, the odds of this happening lengthen significantly.

Pic: A 3 way battle for the 2010 Championship

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: What’s going to happen to Murph? Katrina, Blue Mountains, NSW

Answer: I gathered no concrete information in Tassie, Katrina, but my gut instinct tells me Greg Murphy will pop up somewhere next year in a full-time drive. Believe me, there’s plenty still to play out this silly season, with the wheeling and dealing only getting into gear now. Holden New Zealand will be just one of Murph’s many backers keen to see Kiwiland biggest racing star continue. Maybe an opportunity will pop up at the four-car Kelly Racing. I can’t help but wonder how long Todd Kelly will keep driving (full-time) for. Todd has a massive amount on his plate nowadays: effective team principal, perennial technical tinkerer and V8 Supercar board member. And a desire to win Bathurst with his brother; something he can’t do as a full-time driver. Just thinking ‘out loud’ there, but it gives you an idea of the sort of scenario that could play out to create an opportunity for Murph.  

Question: Are there going to be any changes to the Sydney 500 this year? Tracey, Penrith, NSW

Answer: Tracey, I put your question to V8 Supercars Events chief Shane Howard during the Tassie round. He told me that the only significant change to the actual track was a reprofiling of the first chicane, to make it more free-flowing. This section was very slow and cumbersome last year. In fact, it was the slowest in the whole championship. I also asked Howard about improvements for spectators. He said covering grandstands was a major focus for 2010, so too improving viewing for General Admission spectators. The latter includes some viewing platforms. Expect some announcements re off-track entertainment this week. See you there! 

Question: Will James Courtney swap teams and go from the Blue Oval to the Lion in the off-season? Sammy, Scarborough, WA

Answer: James Courtney’s future is tied to the outcome of DJR’s protracted ownership situation. He is contracted to DJR for 2011, unless there’s a significant change of ownership, which could well happen. I was told by a good source at Symmons Plains (although my oncourse commentary commitments prevented me from seeking confirmation) that Courtney’s manager, the British-based Allan Gow, will be visiting Australia for this weekend’s Sandown event to shore-up his future.   

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Question: I’m a big Ford fan and went to Bathurst. Can you tell me why all the Holden team garages were at one end and the Fords at the other end. Many thanks. Razz Harvey

Answer: Hey Razz, the garage allocation is determined by the finishing order of the previous year’s Teams’ Championship. So HRT won the right to the first two garages in pit road, from the mob that finished second, TeamVodafone (achieved while in Fords, but now in Holdens). Two Ford teams, Dick Johnson Racing and Ford Performance Racing, were due to take up the next garages. However, both teams expanded for 2010, adopting Racing Entitlements Contracts (the licence to field their extra car) that finished further down the order. So DJR and FPR elected to have all three of their cars grouped together further down pit road rather than having their troops split and at opposite ends. This moved Garry Rogers Motorsport and other Holden teams ahead of them and led to the situation where the Holdens are grouped at one end, Fords at the other. Complicated, huh?

Question: Does Ford now have the record for most pole positions? Richard Collis

Answer: Ford does seem to be the Saturday champs at Bathurst, Richard. The Blue Oval now has 20 Great Race poles to Holden’s 18. Compare this to race wins and Holden dominates 27-17. Interestingly, eight out of the last 13 years, the marque on pole hasn’t gone onto win the race.

Pic: Frosty takes the front row for Ford Performance Racing

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: What is the most number of laps ever driven in a Bathurst 1000 in one stint and who was the driver? Tyson Carey

Answer: Good question, Tyson, and I draw your attention to some different scenarios, as there aren’t any specific records of longest stints in the V8 Supercar era. Way back in 1968, Bruce McPhee won the Hardie Ferodo 500 (miles) completing all but one of the 130 laps. The rules then required two drivers per car, but no minimum/maximum distance per driver. So Barry Mulholland is a Bathurst winner by virtue of completing just one lap – enough time for McPhee to run to the loo and have a drink. Incredibly, the rules were relaxed for 1970-72 and Allan Moffat won two Bathurst 500s (1970 & ’71) driving the entire 130-lap distance solo. Brock did likewise in ’72, before two drivers became mandatory when the race became a 1000km affair for ’73. It wasn’t uncommon for one driver to do the bulk of the driving through the 1970s and ’80s, witness Allan Grice completing 137 of 163 laps en route to the ’86 win. That’s all but 26 laps. Grice did two long stints: he started the race and did 72 laps and did 65 to complete it. In the V8 Supercar era, drivers have often double-stinted, for a maximum of 60-odd laps, but Lowndes’ triple stint was unheard of. It was a by-product of the new ‘split the guns’ rule requiring full-time drivers to stay in their regular cars. Hence, until this year the guns usually rotated stints.

 
Question: Is Holden really better than Ford? Because I heard Ford was Found Ona Rubbish Dump. Zack Nofrills Stunner

Answer: Good one, Zack, you’re on fire. Boom! Tish! In all seriousness, Holden is certainly better at managing its motorsport program than Ford. Broadmeadows let Triple Eight slip from its grasp and its dud strategic move came back to haunt the Blue Oval on October 10.

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Question: When did James Courtney drive for HRT? I must have missed that!

Answer: You are forgiven, as Courtney’s Bathurst debut lasted just seven laps. He crashed HRT’s #22 Commodore on top of the Mountain just 20 minutes into the 2005 Great Race. Maybe it’s lucky for him then HRT boss Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly won the thing that day and his indiscretion wasn’t dwelt on. In truth, Courtney starred in practice and at the Sandown 500 a few weeks before. Sandown was his actual V8 debut, where he finished 11th with Jim Richards. Skaife was dirty that Courtney slipped through HRT’s fingers, so he made a point of nabbing another highly-credentialed Aussie open-wheel star, Ryan Briscoe, for the following year. As an aside, after a four-year absence Briscoe returns to Bathurst and HRT this year. 


Question: Who is the youngest driver to win Bathurst? And on that case who is the oldest driver?

Answer: Ding, ding, ding, come on down Rick Kelly… who was just 20 years, eight months and 25 days when he won the 2003 Great Race with Greg Murphy. In doing so, Kelly reset the record for the youngest ever V8 Supercar/Australian Touring Car Championship race winner. The oldest was Jim Richards, aged 55 years, one month, 11 days. Neither record can be broken this year, as there is no younger than Kelly and older than Richards in the big event.


Question: Are V8 Supercars doing anything special to celebrate 50 years of racing at Bathurst?

Answer: Not that I’m aware of. I don’t blame V8 Supercars Australia if it doesn’t celebrate the milestone, as it’s far from a clear-cut anniversary. The Bathurst classic has its origins at Phillip Island in 1960, so it’s a hard-sell when there are two venues in play over 50 years. V8SA will, however, celebrate the ATCC’s 50th anniversary at its heritage round at Sandown in November. And Ford will celebrate 50 years of the Falcon on the Mountain.

Pic: Ford are set to celebrate 50 years of racing on the Mountain.

Question: What do you think of the noise some motorsport writers are making about getting rid of corner numbers on the newer tracks and giving them a name? At Bathurst there are so many great corner names, it would be cool if other circuits followed suit.

Answer: Couldn’t agree more. Any driver referring to, say, Forrest’s Elbow as Turn 19, should be shot on site. Sacrilege!
It wouldn’t take long for corner names to catch-on elsewhere. Great idea. 


Question: Who will win Bathurst this year? Which team is your roughie? Which team will underperform?

Answer: My tip is Jamie Whincup/Steve Owen for the win. God knows the super-quick Owen deserves a career break. My roughie is the Alex Davison/David Brabham Falcon. Brabham’s performance at Phillip Island was brilliant and his endurance racing record is second to none. Davison always goes well at Bathurst, where qualifying isn’t important. As to an underachiever, I’m loath to pick anyone. Greg Murphy has had a crap year, but he’s capable of anything on the Mount. History shows Bathurst is never a happy hunting ground for FPR, so, if pressed, I’ll say the factory Ford team. Happy to be proved wrong.

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Question: With the old boys winning the first enduro of the season, do you think being king of the mountain this year will come down to experience this year? Eddie H

Answer: I can’t see TeamVodafone being beaten on the mountain, Eddie, barring an act of God. Even then, given Roland Dane’s connections, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got a direct line to the big man upstairs. And I don’t mean Tony Cochrane. For mine, it comes down to a choice between car #1 or #888. I have to tip Jamie Whincup and Steve Owen. For two reasons. Firstly, I thought Owen outperformed Mark Skaife at Phillip Island. Skaife was solid, but Owen was sensational. He and Whincup were doing it easy until the oil-cooler problem. He deserved much better than a lowly 29th.

Question: Where do you reckon Whincup will finish in the championship? Barry Langtry (Facebook Fan)

Answer: I still think Whincup will win the title, Eddie. Still lots of drama to play out and he’s got the wood on James Courtney in race’s without the soft option tyre. For all Whincup’s dramas at PI, he really didn’t lose much ground to Courtney.

Pic: J-Dub still looking solid to win the 2010 V8 Supercars Championship

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: Where else in the world is there a category of V8 Supercars or is Australia the luckiest country in the world to have this category racing here? Natasha

Answer: Natasha, the V8 Supercars series is uniquely Australian. The closest things to it are Germany’s DTM (Audi versus Mercedes) or Italy’s Superstars Championship. The latter features V8 cars from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes and Porsche. Two of the drivers from the Superstars series, Fabrizio Giovanardi and Gianni Morbidelli, will race in the Armorall Gold Coast 600 next month. More info at www.superstars.it

Question: As the XXXXpert, where do you suggest is the best place to watch the boys do the rounds at Bathurst? Richard D, Sydney

Answer: I recommend you walk around the circuit in the lead-up days, Richard, visiting the various spots, especially Sulman Park and Skyline up top. Then on race day, set-up-shop down the bottom at Murray’s Corner, which is the final corner. This is where I watched many a race when I was a punter. There’s always plenty of action here, you see can see cars limp back to the pits and follow the pitstop strategy, and there’s a big screen nowadays. Gotta get there early on Sunday, though. Last year I walked into the circuit at 6.10am on race day and there were already perhaps 1000 people at Murray’s sitting silently in the dark awaiting the day’s activities.

Question: I want do up my own V8 Holden and am open for some suggestions on what I can do to make it more like the V8 Supercars. Mr XXXXpert what would you do? Destroyer Dave

Answer: Dave, a Google search will provide some clues for tracking down V8 Supercar look-a-like body kits. There’s even such a business for sale on eBay for $295,000! No kidding. The biggest problem I see with running a V8-like kit, is ripping off the front splitter on kerbing. Perhaps you’re better off doing what the father and son did on the old KFC ads and make up a kit out of cardboard… just don’t do it on a Volvo.

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Question: How long does it take to build a V8 Supercar? Anthony Fresen (Facebook fan)

Answer: The quick answer, Anthony, is several months. Or between 1500 and 2000 man hours. The current V8 Supercars chassis are ridiculously labour-intensive to construct. Much of this is absorbed in the welding of the body-shell and rollcage. An aim of the Car of the Future project is to reduce the build time by using a control chassis. Time equals money.

Question: With the injury to Greg Murphy, what are the actual recorded G Forces experienced in a V8 Supercar? Simmo

Answer: Drivers experience the highest cornering G-Forces across the top of Mt Panorama. Specifically, Sulman Park’s sweeps see the drivers experience 2.1G. Under braking at some corners it’s between 2 and 2.5G. Compare that to a Formula 1 driver, who experiences a maximum of 5G under brakes and 4.5G in some turns. If you’re asking what Gs are generated in a crash, Simmo, I can’t help you. The quoted post-crash figures seem to get more rubbery and inflated each time there’s a significant accident. I stopped paying attention when a team quoted 115G a few years ago.

Pic: Frosty experiencing a few G’s around this tight corner

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: Who will replace Murph behind the wheel if he pulls out of Phillip Island and/or Bathurst? It would be a tragedy to lose a legend like him for the enduros. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Murph. Tanya

Answer: That’s the $51 question right now, Tanya. Daniel Gaunt is firming as favourite for Phillip Island after testing for Paul Morris Motorsports on Tuesday. It won’t be the same at Bathurst if Murph is not on the grid. Fingers crossed he’ll be back for the biggie. Get well soon, Gregory. 

Question: I’ve heard a rumour that if a Formula 1 car was racing at Bathurst that it would actually get airborne at places around the top of the mountain? You reckon that’s true? Brock

Answer: Glad you asked this question, Brock, as the thought of F1 machines around Mt Panorama blows the mind. I’d be surprised if a grand prix car would get airborne there. F1 teams spend hundreds of hours in windtunnels, resulting in cars that generate massive amounts of downforce. This downforce keeps them glued to the road – unless, like Mark Webber at Valencia, there is wheel-over- wheel contact. But a single F1 car on a fast lap would hug the Bathurst track beautifully. Mind you, it would have to take a wide line through the Dipper, so it didn’t rip off its front wing. Before anyone asks, a F1 car would lap in the 1 minute 30 second region, some 36 seconds quicker than a V8 Supercar’s 2 minutes 7 seconds. This is based on comparative laps around Albert Park, where a F1 car’s lap time around the temporary Melbourne circuit is roughly 70% of a V8 Supercar lap time there. Now before anyone gets too excited, it won’t ever happen. Mt Panorama is not licensed to host F1 cars at full tilt – but dreams are free. Several years ago it was planned for a Champ Car (an American open-wheeler) piloted by Max Wilson to try to break the outright lap record. But CAMS scuppered that plan, requesting a pace car to control its speed. Spoil sports. In any case, it never happened due to lack of a suitable engine.

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Question: If two drivers are tied on points at the end of the championship, do you know what happens? Do they have a shootout or anything to determine the champion? Sarah

Answer: Sarah, it would be decided on a count back, with the driver scoring the most race wins over the year crowned champ. Rule 15.4 2.5 reads, in part: “If this fails to break the tie, then the driver with the greater number of second places will assume the higher place in the final series order.” And so on. My initial reaction when I read your question was: ‘Hah! That’s never going to happen.’ Then I remembered the 2006 season finale at Phillip Island, which saw ultimate champ Rick Kelly and Craig Lowndes tied on points going into the very last race. So you never know…

Question: Luke, I’ve been trawling YouTube watching old footage of V8 and Group A racing to satisfy my urge of V8 noise during the break. My question: why did Larry Perkins run a VP in the 1996 Bathurst 1000 after winning in a VR the year prior? Cheers, Rohan Gould

Answer: A man after my own heart, Rohan! Many a happy hour can be spent digging up YouTube treasure. Great question. Perkins reverted to the older model, believing it faster around Mt Panorama due to its more pronounced front-splitter, which generated more downforce than the VR’s more compact front air-dam. He was trying to overcome the superiority of HRT’s Bridgestone tyres, which had proven quicker than his team’s Dunlops. Ironically, according to reports at the time, the extra front downforce proved a liability in the wet, as the car was skatey at the rear. This contributed to co-driver Russell Ingall bunkering the car on lap 59 on a greasy track. The car went down a lap and they ultimately finished sixth. It’s fascinating to ponder whether Perkins’ plan would have paid off it the race was run entirely in the dry…    

Question: What do the teams and drivers think of the long midyear break? Similarly, what do they think of the Car of the Future? What are teams doing to plan for CotF? Darren Jacobs

Answer: Darren, the crews are pleased to get a break from the rigours of travelling. In fact, it gives many team members the chance to have a well-deserved holiday. Same goes for the drivers, by-and-large. One or two team owners have expressed their concerns about the high changeover cost of moving to the CotF, while others highlight the promised longer-term cost reductions. Overall, it appears to have been well-received. V8 Supercars Australia has rubber-stamped the CotF plan, but final component specs will be signed off once prototypes have been built by Pace Innovations later this year. So there’s not a lot teams can do to start planning, other than tender for the manufacture and supply of some control components. They have all of 2011 to build the cars. 

Pic: Ford or Holden for the 2010 Championship?

Credit: Justin Deeley

Question: Hi Mr West, I went to Townsville this year for the V8 Supercars and will be going again next year. Can you tell me when next year’s V8SCS calendar will be released, so I can start planning? Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Answer: Dear Mr MM&tFB, last week V8 Supercars issued a statement to say the calendar will be released around Bathurst time – early October. They must be tired of jokers like me ringing them up and asking about it. Bank on Townsville being on the corresponding weekend next year, as the race needs to be held during mid-year Queensland school holidays, as Townsville State High School is within the race precinct.

 
Question: Hey Luke, Who will win this year’s championship Holden or Ford? Michael Haase

Answer: Michael, I still think Jamie Whincup is a good thing for the title. He has the wood on James Courtney on the control tyre, which will be used for over 90 percent of the remaining racing laps. So to answer your question: probably Holden.