Re: 2013 V8 Supercars Discussion

by **NoRecoil** Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:24 pm

Reports premature on Stoners Dunlop Series debut

Two-time MotoGP champion Casey Stoner

One of the most anticipated announcements in V8 Supercars history looks to have been gazumped by an article in The Sunday Mail newspaper in Adelaide today.

It is believed that a story that has been prepared in advance for the official program of the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide next month has been re-worked into a news story – claiming that Casey Stoner’s move from MotoGP to V8 Supercars is “official”.

Stoner was quick to close down the premature announcement, tweeting a denial a few hours after the story surfaced.

He wrote: “Don’t believe everything you read! Haven’t decided what I’m doing yet, of course V8 Supercars is on the cards. Will let you know when I do!”

Given long editorial lead times for such events, most stories for official event programs are prepared and kept under embargo until they hit the newsstands a few weeks before the actual event.

The nature of the event program business always means there is always some ‘risk’ and that many stories are prepared in a manner to ensure they are not dated.

It is believed that is how the Stoner story was prepared, but on being discovered by another journalist, it was turned into a news story.

There has been plenty of speculation about Stoner joining V8 Supercars’ Dunlop Series with Triple Eight Race Engineering and his long-time sponsors, Red Bull, for sometime, but there has been nothing made public or confirmed by any of the stakeholders.

The story also claims that Stoner, who quit MotoGP at the end of the 2012 season after a career that netted two world championships, will race with his traditional number #27.

If Stoner is to race under the #27, it would have required Triple Eight to obtain the Level 3 contract from long-time holder Matthew White Motorsport.

The seven-round Dunlop Series kicks off at the Clipsal 500 Adelaide in late February before taking in Barbagallo, Townsville, Queensland Raceway, Winton, Bathurst and Homebush.

While it is almost certain that Stoner will be a part of the Triple Eight Race Engineering outfit in 2013, the role, and with what sponsors is not expected to be made ‘official’ for another week.

by **Dazza4610** Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:32 pm

NoRecoil wrote:

To have a Top 10 would mean he had more than 10 hits... oh do you mean hits in to other drivers. lol

Captain Kaos!

by **JamieWhincup#1** Tue Jan 22, 2013 1:28 pm

Seats filling for 2013 V8 Supercars Championship

The final look of the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship grid is almost complete, with a number of impending confirmations set to lock down the new field.

As reported by Speedcafe.com last week, former Stone Brothers Racing star Shane van Gisbergen is set to make an unexpected and bold return to the V8 field, linking with Tekno Autosports.

The shock news regarding the fast Kiwi’s future is set to be confirmed later this week.

The role vacated by van Gisbergen at Erebus Motorsport (formally SBR) is yet to be confirmed, with paddock talk linking Chaz Mostert to the drive. The Ford Performance Racing junior driver is likely to remain a driver contracted to FPR, but could be loaned to the new Mercedez Benz team.

FPR team principal Tim Edwards has said in the past that if he is unable to find Mostert a seat in the V8 Supercars Championship, he will field a Dunlop Series entry for his young charger.

Another set of seats yet to be announced lie with the newly-expanded two-car Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport squad.

Dunlop Series runner-up Scott Pye has been heavily linked to the drive in the #30 iSelect-backed entry, while the team’s second Holden is firming as a new home for Dean Fiore.The West Australian recently confirmed that he will lease his own Racing Entitlements Contract to Dick Johnson Racing for this year.

Team owner Lucas Dumbrell could not be contacted for further comment.

The final vacancy is at Dick Johnson Racing, driving the #12 Falcon that was recently vacated by Fiore. Last year’s DJR driver Steve Owen and former Kelly Racing pilot Karl Reindler are understood to be in contention for the position.

Other seats that have not been made public, yet are widely known as confirmed, are Michael Caruso and James Moffat at Nissan Motorsport.

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by **JamieWhincup#1** Tue Jan 22, 2013 10:34 pm

NZ TV Reports Van Gisbergen Deal Done

RAMPANT speculation concerning the future of Shane van Gisbergen has taken a step up tonight following reports in New Zealand media that he has signed a deal with Tekno Autosports.

TV3 New Zealand reports that van Gisbergen will team up with the Queensland-based team in a VIP Petfoods sponsored Holden alongside Jonathon Webb. VIP Petfoods have been long supporters of the sport, including backing Steve Owen's Dick Johnson Racing Ford in 2012.

Tekno owner-driver Jonathon Webb denied any deal had been done when news first broke last week, as reported at V8supercars.com.au here.

The TV3 NZ report also suggested van Gisbergen would race with the Quinn family at next month's upcoming Bathurst 12 Hour race.

We will follow this story and update with more news as it comes to hand...

by **NoRecoil** Wed Jan 23, 2013 9:48 am

2013 V8 Supercars Discussion - Page 2 FPR%20FG%20Falcon%202013%20(JELD-WEN_ROMA%20Car%2018)%203D%20FINAL%20RGB%20A4

Charlie Schwerkolt Racing’s Alex Davison will campaign the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship season under the Team JELD-WEN banner after the team announced a multi-year deal with windows and doors provider, JELD-WEN.

Team JELD-WEN forms part of Ford Performance Racing’s expanded four-car line-up for the new season.

Davison will drive the number 18 JELD-WEN FPR Ford for Schwerkolt who is pleased to confirm the details of his team.

“To be able to bring a great supporter of V8 Supercars like JELD-WEN back into the sport is really satisfying and to do it in conjunction with the launch of my own team is the icing on the cake,” Schwerkolt said.

“This is the ideal year to be making what feels like a comeback to the sport. With new rules, new cars and the link-up with Ford Performance Racing it couldn’t be happening at a better time.

“Alex is a seasoned campaigner and with the support of JELD-WEN and our other partners I am sure CS Racing can be battling at the front with the other FPR cars.”

Davison believes, with the support of the FPR network behind him, he can quickly adapt to his new surroundings.

“It is great to finally reveal the look of my race car for the new season as it means we are getting close to going racing,” Davison said.

“Having JELD-WEN on board is also a great way to launch Charlie’s team as they have been a big supporter of the sport over the years so I am glad their return coincides with mine.

“FPR is ahead of the rest of the field when it comes to testing the new cars so that additional development will help us early in the season. Also, being able to work with Mark Winterbottom, David Reynolds and of course my brother, Will is going to make the adjustment to the team far easier.”

Title partner JELD-WEN is the market-leader in the windows and doors industry.

JELD-WEN is also the company behind such brands as Regency, Stegbar, Airlite, Corinthian Doors and William Russell Premium Timber Doors.

The team’s entry will also receive support from Roma Caravans, Waverley Forklifts, Manitou Group, Aisle Master and AC-TEC Services.

Davison and Team JELD-WEN will test at Winton prior to the V8 Supercars season launch at Sydney Motorsport Park on Saturday, 16 February.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:22 am

^^ The Jeld Wen car looks great Smile

It will probably be the best looking of the 4 FPR cars.

by **NoRecoil** Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:28 am

Doubt it will be the final cut.

It will end up with the FPR eagle on it somewhere

by **Dazza4610** Wed Jan 23, 2013 10:29 am

NoRecoil wrote:Doubt it will be the final cut.

It will end up with the FPR eagle on it somewhere

Already does... have a close look at the rear door.

Nice how the door handle doubles as the eagle's eye.

by **sempeR** Wed Jan 23, 2013 1:58 pm

Bad paint schemes seem to be following Alex Davison.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:10 pm

Quinn: SVG Tekno Deal 'Done'

UPDATED: VIP Pefoods owner Tony Quinn has all but officially confirmed Shane van Gisbergen's switch to Holden squad Tekno Autosports for the 2013 V8 Supercars Championship.

Speaking with Auto Action magazine, Quinn confirmed the plans when contacted by the magazine earlier today:

“As far as I’m concerned, [the deal with Tekno is] done. It’s definitely been done; it’s definitely happening, so giddy up.”

“… I think he’s absolutely one of the handful guys who can bring it to Jamie (Whincup),”

“Jamie’s at the top of his game, Lowndes is always a tippy toe away from the top of his games and the Giz is one of the guys equal to. Given the right gear, maybe he’ll do the job.

“The current plan is to start off the season with V.I.P., but it might well change to Darrell Lea when we go to America for our sales of the product.

_________________________________________________________________

From Auto Action

Shane Van Gisbergen will be back in V8 Supercars this year... in a Holden. The 23-year-old Kiwi has performed a complete U-turn on his decision to quit the sport at the end of 2012 and will today be confirmed at Holden squad Tekno Autosports. Van Gisbergen is expected to be unveiled as Tekno Autosport’s second driver on Seven news tonight, putting an end to weeks of speculation about his future.

Also expected is confirmation that pet food giant, V.I.P. Petfoods will come on board as title sponsor of Van Gisbergen’s Triple Eight-built VF Commodore. V.I.P. Petfoods boss Tony Quinn confirmed the news when contacted by Auto Action this afternoon.

“… I think he’s absolutely one of the handful guys who can bring it to Jamie (Whincup),” said Quinn of van Gisbergen. “Jamie’s at the top of his game, Lowndes is always a tippy toe away from the top of his games and the Giz is one of the guys equal to. Given the right gear, maybe he’ll do the job.

“The current plan is to start off the season with V.I.P., but it might well change to Darrell Lea when we go to America for our sales of the product.

“As far as I’m concerned, [the deal with Tekno is] done. It’s definitely been done; it’s definitely happening, so giddy up.”

Quinn wouldn’t be drawn on why van Gisbergen ended his association with the Stones/Erebus late last year.

“To be fair, I was the same as everybody else, and as shocked as everybody else on Shane’s moves,” he said. “He would be the best person to comment on his reasons for going in and out of the sport. I had nothing to do with that. It wasn’t designed or calculated or anything like that.”

Quinn also confirmed that van Gisbergen would race the V.I.P. Petfoods Porsche, alongside himself and son Klark, at this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour.

“He’s going to be in the Porsche at the 12 Hour. We’re trying to work out how the height difference is going to work out, but thankfully the Porsche has got an adjustable seat.”

Edit:
Link to confirmation video Smile

http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-Shane-van-Gisbergen-talks-about-move-to-Holden-in-the-V8-Supercars/tabid/317/articleID/284177/Default.aspx

by **sempeR** Wed Jan 23, 2013 5:15 pm

Was gonna put this in funny pages haha, iv seen people whinging all over fb already.

Lucky or Unrucky for svg fans?

by **NoRecoil** Wed Jan 23, 2013 7:25 pm

sempeR wrote:Was gonna put this in funny pages haha, iv seen people whinging all over fb already.

Lucky or Unrucky for svg fans?

Got nothing to do with the badge for me, I like Webb and Tekno. Better then him going somewhere else

by **sempeR** Wed Jan 23, 2013 8:33 pm

Tekno could've been more consistent last year, but it was their first year in the triple8 commondoor. Shane behind the wheel will really push jonno and the team I think. Not a real fan of the giz as a character, but as a driver he is a gun and this deal looks exciting.

by **TEEROY 34** Thu Jan 24, 2013 12:10 am

RUCKY!! thats a win for sure.
The Giz was a win for anyone to pick up, dat boy got talent!!

by **sempeR** Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:20 am

Last night i was looking through some pics of BJRs new car testing in AlburyWodonga and i thought to myself, gee the new wheels look a bit ricey. I mean, they almost look like something you would pick up from Bob Janes, you know those 'Rodney Jane Racing Wheels' you see on anything from Pulsars to Kia Rios to Commodores?

I wish V8s would turf the control wheel and let the teams go back to running what ever they want. Saad Face.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Thu Jan 24, 2013 9:44 am

Very funny prank call on Murph Razz

http://www.therock.net.nz/RJ-Wind-Up---Greg-Murphy/tabid/1325/articleID/23662/Default.aspx

by **TEEROY 34** Thu Jan 24, 2013 10:51 am

agree with the wheels Semper, the control ones look crap. think they should all go with the DUB style out of FM4 Smile

by **NoRecoil** Thu Jan 24, 2013 5:17 pm

They'd look ok as a brushed alloy, but toooooooo shiny

by **JamieWhincup#1** Thu Jan 24, 2013 7:09 pm

I quite like the new wheels as standard but they look great when they are painted like on the HRT test car.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Fri Jan 25, 2013 6:49 pm

by **Dazza4610** Sun Jan 27, 2013 6:43 am

Casey Stoner signs one-year deal with Triple Eight

Sunday 27th January, 2013 6:15am
Author: SpeedCafe ©

Casey Stoner has confirmed that he will compete in the Dunlop Series this year, driving for champion team Triple Eight.

The Sunday Telegraph has revealed one of the worst kept secrets of the V8 off-season, with the two-time MotoGP champion outlining his plans to contest the entire Dunlop Series in a Red Bull-backed Commodore VE.

“It is a trial year to see how I go and how I like the sport,” Stoner told The Sunday Telegraph.

“We are definitely making a commitment to it, but at the same time we don’t want to go too deep in case it is not for us.

“I was going to do 75 per cent of the races, but I have decided to do them all.

“I want to get as much time in the seat as I can and try to understand what it is like to drive a V8.”

Stoner has also hinted that he’d like a shot at this year’s Bathurst 1000.

“I doubt anyone would want me at Bathurst, but I am not ruling it out,” Stoner said.

“It is every Aussie’s dream to drive there.”

In an extensive interview, Stoner also says that he would consider returning to MotoGP in the future.

by **sempeR** Sun Jan 27, 2013 9:46 am

It's worth reading the article from the Sunday telegraph too Wink

by **JamieWhincup#1** Fri Feb 01, 2013 1:58 pm

Scott Pye confirmed at Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport

Scott Pye has been confirmed as a V8 Supercars Championship driver for the 2013 season.

The former Formula 1 hopeful will drive for Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport in an expanded two-car Holden Commodore team.

After finishing second in his rookie V8 season in the Dunlop Series last year, Pye was confirmed as LDM’s first drive in his home state of South Australia, with the announcement made on the Clipsal 500′s start-finish straight, alongside Le Mans 24 Hour winner and South Australian Vern Schuppan this morning.

The driver of the second LDM Commodore has yet to be announced, although Dean Fiore has been heavily linked to the seat.

Pye drove with LDM in last year’s endurance races alongside Taz Douglas. The pair finished 24th in the Sandown 500 and failed to finish the Bathurst 1000.

After finishing third in the 2009 Australian Formula Ford Championship, Pye ventured to Europe when he won the British Formula Ford crown at his first attempt. He stepped up the prestigious British Formula 3 Championship the following year, and after a tough start, scored a number of race wins at the end of the season.

Pye returned home to race with his mentor Roland Dane’s Triple Eight team in the Dunlop Series last year, finishing second to champion Scott McLaughlin.

Pye will continue his relationship with Dane’s Triple Eight team, as LDM is a customer of the champion team.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Fri Feb 01, 2013 7:26 pm

Look, it's a real life 2013 V8 Supercar – with a paint scheme!

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by **JamieWhincup#1** Wed Feb 06, 2013 9:19 am

Greg Murphy confirmed at the Holden Racing Team

The Holden Racing Team has confirmed that Greg Murphy will drive with the factory Holden team in the Sandown and Bathurst endurance races later this year.

As first reported by Speedcafe.com in December, Murphy is set to suit up in HRT colours for the first time since 1998.

It has not been decided yet whether Murphy will partner Garth Tander or James Courtney, with much of that dependant on the future of Nick Percat at the team.

Courtney’s former endurance partner Cameron McConville confirmed on Monday that he was moving on to conduct the Driving Standards Observers role for the series, and with Percat an outside chance to claim one of the final seats in the V8 Championship, Murphy’s position in car #2 or #22 is up in the air.

Murphy, 40, enjoyed a seat fitting in Tander’s all-new VF Commodore yesterday, with Tander confirming that their different builds and height would not pose a problem for them to drive together, if required.

Murphy was left out of a regular drive this year after vacating his seat at Nissan-bound Kelly Racing. He will compete in a full V8 SuperTourers program in New Zealand.

The four-time Bathurst winner is a Holden loyalist, having taking his first Bathurst win with HRT in 1996.

“Life’s come a full circle and I couldn’t be happier, I’m back with the Holden Racing Team where it all started. To be part of the factory Holden team feels very right,” Murphy said.

“I didn’t want to be part of a (full-time) team that couldn’t provide a strong prospect of winning races, so the best option was driving in the enduros only with a team that gave me a real chance.

“HRT goes to Sandown and Bathurst to win. This is the best opportunity I’ve had to win those races in the past few years – this is the best place for me to be.”

The Holden Racing Team will unveil its new VF Commodore on Monday.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Thu Feb 07, 2013 11:41 am

Maro Engel confirmed to drive SP entry at Erebus

German racer Maro Engel will join the V8 Supercar field after being confirmed as the replacement for Shane van Gisbergen in the #9 SP Tools Racing entry of Erebus Motorsport V8.

Engel will be part of the team’s three-car Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG V8 Supercar entry alongside Lee Holdsworth (IRWIN Racing) and Tim Slade (HHA Racing).

It will not be the first time Engel has driven for the organisation having raced for the GT team at Phillip Island in the SLS AMG GT3 in September.

The deal is a multiyear arrangement with the former DTM and AMG sportscar racer. It comes off the back of a successful V8 Supercar test with the team in December.

“In December I tested the 2012 car and it was a great experience. The car was really fun to drive; I had great feedback out on track and heightened my desire to be part of this category,” said Engel.

“We had a really successful and positive test and it was great to work with the engineers. They are a really professional team and it gave me a really good insight into what the V8 Supercars have been like and I think with the changes for this year it’s going to make them even better.

“This year will be a steep learning curve for me, that’s for sure, but I’m really looking forward to learning from my team and team mates. I’m definitely coming over to be successful however I think we have to appreciate that this will take some time.

“This year is an unknown for everybody with new cars and new Car of the Future regulations, so I think we will have to wait and see how things go in the first race to see where we are all positioned.”

Erebus Motorsport V8 CEO Ryan Maddison said the process of filling the car #9 seat was one that was carefully considered.

“Erebus Motorsport V8 has a huge response with offers to drive both full time in car #9 and endurance events, and we are still fielding highly creditable applicants both domestically and internationally,” said Maddison.

“Maro has four years of experience as a Mercedes-Benz factory driver in the DTM series and has produced a number of standout performances including his win with Erebus Motorsport at Phillip Island last year.

“We undertook extensive due diligence on all levels and we believe that Maro’s desire to learn the V8 category, his professionalism and his motivation will strengthen our 2013 driver line-up which includes Lee Holdsworth and Tim Slade.

“The result is that we are entering this year’s V8 Supercars Championship with three drivers who we are not only very experienced, but that are excellent team ambassadors.”

Erebus Motorsport v8 General Manager Ross Stone said the December test went a long way to the team signing the German.

“Maro tested our 2012 spec V8 Supercar back in December and exceeded our expectations, given that a V8 Supercar is so unique to learn to drive in terms of the control tyre and brake package against engine power.

“He adapted to the car very quickly and showed that he had the determination and skill to race in the category. Of course he will have a lot to learn this year, as will every driver getting into a new car of the future,” said Stone.

by **JamieWhincup#1** Thu Feb 07, 2013 1:34 pm

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