Full Throttle

Drivers from both sides of the V8 Supercar fence have praised the latest safety improvements at Bathurst’s Mount Panorama circuit on the eve of this weekend’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 (620-miles).

Holden driver Rick Kelly and Ford’s Alex Davison might not agree on much through the season, but both have given the green light to a new section of paving through The Esses on top of one of the most challenging parts of the 6.213km circuit.

Since 1980, the inside of The Esses, just after the cars crest Skyline, has been a deep gravel trap designed to ‘catch’ cars of drivers who misjudge the corner.

In what is a regular tradition for drivers arriving at the circuit, Kelly and Davison both did several reconnaissance laps of the track today and took particular notice of the changes at The Esses.

Kelly, who won the race in 2003 an 2004 and will line-up in his own Jack Daniel’s Holden Commodore with his brother Todd this weekend, said that the paving was a ‘smart’ move.

“It is going to be a big benefit as it will reduce the amount of debris that comes on to the track from the sand trap that has been there in the past,” said Kelly.

“There is still a strip of grass there behind the kerb to stop cars going too far over the back of the kerb and gaining an advantage.

“That small grass strip will still bring a bit of dust and debris on to the track, but all in all I think it is a big step in the right direction and a smart move.”

Davison, who drivers the IRWIN Falcon for Stone Brothers Racing, said that the previous configuration of The Esses was a ‘serious’ hazard by the end of the 161-lap race.

“In the past the gravel has not actually stopped the cars and certainly towards the end of the race there has been so much debris on the track that it was a serious hazard,” said Davison.

“More guys had accidents trying to avoid the gravel trap and with it now sealed these types of incidents should also be avoided.

“I don’t see there being any issue with people trying to deliberately cut through the sealed section as the next corner will be on you before you know it.

“The way it has been designed with the kerbing, a grass strip and then the sealed area, it clearly defines The Esses and has not detracted from the character and challenge of that part of the track.”

The Supercheap Auto 1000 is Race 18 of the V8 Supercar Championship Series and cars will be on track for the first practice sessions Thursday.

In other “safety” related news: Adult fans attending the Bathurst 1000, will be limited to one “slab” of beer a day — or 24 375 ml cans - as police focus on reducing alcohol-related crime.

The 24-can rule would also be placed on mixed drinks for the V8 car race starting on Thursday which draws thousands to the rural town of Bathurst in eastern New South Wales state, the NSW police said on Tuesday.

But more restrained spectators would be able to slake their thirst, if not their craving for alcohol, with up to 36 cans of low or mid-strength beer.

Wine lovers must make do with no more than four litres of cask wine per day and combinations of the options would not be allowed, the police statement said.

“This is one of the greatest motorsport events in Australia and for some it is a pilgrimage that they make every year,” Assistant Commissioner Alan Clarke said.

“Police respect people’s rights to enjoy the race weekend, but will promptly act when the law is broken.

“Every year thousands of race fans attend and enjoy the event and Police will not allow their safety to be compromised by a drunken few.

“As such we will once again be focusing on alcohol related behaviour,” he said.

No word whether there will be a race day restriction on the amount of Vegemite fans can bring into the track.

NOTE: The included video is the 2005 edition of the Bathurst 1000 and features the “other side” of Marco Ambrose that current NASCAR fans seldom ever see - and why he was called the “Devil Racer”. The crash, combined with a poor performance at the co-hosted (with the Champ Cars) round on the Gold Coast arguably lost him a third straight title.

The following year 2006, saw Ambrose make his move to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

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