Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:26:29 +1000 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 02:26:29 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/ PTCC News, Here is the latest news from the Australian Production Touring Car Championship /n The Australian Production Touring Car Championship (PTCC) is for Street Legal Production Cars. With a Capacity Under 6 Litres, 2 wheel drive and Normally asperaited, Turbo Charged or Supercharged. /n In 2006 the Australian Production Touring Car Championship (PTCC) was established for current model production cars, Car modifications are limited to enhance safety. Drivers competing in the PTCC are racing for a National title run by the PTCC as part of the Australian Motor Racing Series (AMRS) and the Australian Auto Sport Alliance (AASA) in Australia. All cars that are being raced around the track on the Sunday can be brought at the local dealer on the Monday straight off the 'show room floor'. Copyright 2000-2007 Ozspeed Management http://www.ptcc.net.au/ http://www.ptcc.net.au/images/ptcc_small.jpg 96 140 webmaster@ptcc.net.au (David Platt) webmaster@ptcc.net.au (David Platt) en-us Sun, 02 Mar 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=714 The first Sunday in March and the first event of the Australian Motor Racing Championship. The new broom, the new team that was going to breath new life into the AMRS, well more of the same, in fact much less was offered up. It sad to see the what the AMRC has managed to do to categories that were growing and had been supported by category managers who had spent tens of thousands of their own dollars to build exciting racing opportunities. The PTCC finished year 2007 with 16 cars and to see 9 cars entered tells the story. The whole event was less than a normal club day with 59 entries the AMRC would have run at a very large loss, how the television was funded, would be an interesting story. Were the competitors asked to pay a levy, if not when will it happen. In 2007 the entry fee was $750 with the PTCC picking up the full Television cost. Think about it! Compare Morgan Park’s club day 109 entries and the Sandown State round with 131 entries. The much vaunted AASA Australian Touring Car Championship 5 entries, the Gran Turismo (GTs) 5 entries and the Production Car Championship 9 entries. The whole problem with the AMRS in 2006 /7 was a lack of direction, poor administration, no vision and too many distractions for the promoter. The AMRC is no better. The PTCC has been working with CAMS to gain special dispensation for those PTCC competitor holding AASA licences who would like to gain a CAMS licence, if you are interested contact David Platt for information and assistance. The PTCC will return in 2008 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=714 PTCC Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=713 News flash: An action packed WPS Bathurst 12 Hour has finished – what a way to spend 12 hours! The Xeetec BMW 130i of Luke Searle and Peter Kelly has finished in 6th position overall after completing 243 laps of the gruelling Mount Panorama circuit. To be the first and only Class C car over the line in the Hot Hatch Performance Class was an achievement in it’s self, but to be surrounded by V8’s and Turbo cars from the more powerful Class A and B categories was extremely satisfying. Even more amazing was this feat was achieved by only two drivers, with every other competing team who finished the race having three drivers to share the 12 hour duties. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR RACE OVERVIEW The 2008 WPS Bathurst 12 hour has been an amazingly close race with the SKWIRK.com Mitsubishi EVO just beating home the VIP Mitsubishi EVO after completing 253 laps. Not quite the amount of laps as per 2007, but seven safety car periods put paid to that record. Next home was the twin BMW 335i’s of Holt and Morcom followed by the Alan East Motorsport who were the quickest car in the race. With only three laps to go the BMW passed the EVO to jump into 5th only to be passed on the second last lap. Full Results on Natsoft: [url]http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?10/02/2008.MOUN.R11[/url] Full race run down for the Xeetec BMW 130i: * Total laps 243 * Position 6th outright (1st in Hot Hatch Performance Class) * Fastest lap: Lap 21, Time 2:36.9667 * Overall race time: 12:01:51.2897 Today, the Xeetec BMW 130i was able to mix it with the best Class A and Class B cars in Australian Production Car Racing at the pinnacle of Australian Circuits; Mount Panorama and to come away with 6th outright is a testament to the dedication of the team and the commitment of David Searle to simply go racing. Luke and Peter said before the race that they wanted to win Class C and beat their 2007 finishing position and of course fight for an outright win. Well done lads. The Xeetec BMW 130i is engineered like no other in Australia straight out of the workshop of Newcastle Performance Centre and chief mechanic Shane Brandon. If you want your BMW to be engineered with the same level of professionalism, power and prestige then contact them Tuesday morning. The XEETEC BMW Team is thrilled with the result from today’s WPS Bathurst 12 hour and would like to extend their thanks to sponsors Xeetec and Newcastle Performance Centre for their support in the WPS Bathurst 12 hour campaign. XEETEC Who are Xeetec? They are an up and coming electronics company specializing in motor sport digital video systems who have been working closely with Newcastle based DSM BMW team for over a year now developing the MVS which is a solid state digital video system specifically designed to cope with the harsh environment of motorsport. The Xeetec MVS unit is able to view lap by lap progress and works to find the fastest way around the mountain with the team. For more information about Xeetec log onto www.xeetec.com.au or for information about this exciting event log onto [url]http://www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au[/url] 2008 The next objective is the Production Car series in 2008 and if any sponsors are interested in jumping on the amazing BMW 130i for 2008 and beyond, feel free to contact me as soon as possible. Finally, special thanks go to the Bathurst Regional Council (BRC) and Global Entertainment Team (GET) for an excellent event. See you again in 2009. For more information on the Xeetec BMW Car Team contact: Xeetec Racing Media Manager, Richard McLean on: 0438 590 994 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=713 BMW Luke Searle PTCC Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=710 After 12 long hours Darrin Harris and his young team have brought the little Proton home in 21st . Harris , Lange and Kerns ran unnoticed all day , the little Proton never missed a beat . The preparation is great credit to the team from Queensland . After 217 laps around Bathurst the trip home to Queensland will be a walk in the Park for the team . Well done Lubrimaxx Proton http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=710 Proton Darren Harris PTCC Sun, 10 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=708 News flash: An action packed WPS Bathurst 12 Hour has finished – what a way to spend 12 hours! The Xeetec BMW 130i of Luke Searle and Peter Kelly has finished in 6th position overall after completing 243 laps of the gruelling Mount Panorama circuit. To be the first and only Class C car over the line in the Hot Hatch Performance Class was an achievement in it’s self, but to be surrounded by V8’s and Turbo cars from the more powerful Class A and B categories was extremely satisfying. Even more amazing was this feat was achieved by only two drivers, with every other competing team who finished the race having three drivers to share the 12 hour duties. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR RACE OVERVIEW The 2008 WPS Bathurst 12 hour has been an amazingly close race with the SKWIRK.com Mitsubishi EVO just beating home the VIP Mitsubishi EVO after completing 253 laps. Not quite the amount of laps as per 2007, but seven safety car periods put paid to that record. Next home was the twin BMW 335i’s of Holt and Morcom followed by the Alan East Motorsport who were the quickest car in the race. With only three laps to go the BMW passed the EVO to jump into 5th only to be passed on the second last lap. Full race run down for the Xeetec BMW 130i: Total laps 243 Position 6th outright (1st in Hot Hatch Performance Class) Fastest lap: Lap 21, Time 2:36.9667 Overall race time: 12:01:51.2897 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=708 PTCC Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=712 Qualifying is over for 2008 and the results speak for themselves across the entire field. Cars from 2007 are nearly 1.6 seconds quicker around the demanding Mount Panorama circuit this time around. Last years winners Morris/Holt/Baird are faster by 1.6 seconds in their BMW 335i, but the good news is so are the Xeetec BMW 130i of Searle and Kelly. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR PRACTICE #3 Full Results on Natsoft: [url]http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?10/02/2008.MOUN.P7[/url] * Total laps 15 * Position 16th fastest (1st fastest in Hot Hatch Performance Class) * Time 2:39.8886 Primary objective for today’s practice session was to circulate with a full tank to simulate race conditions to ensure the set up was fine. Achieved! Peter was able to put together a number of excellent laps only to be baulked by other cars on each lap which frustrated the Sydneysider. The fuel pick up problem has been fixed but two front wheel bearings have been replaced after minor issues during practice. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR QUALIFYING Full Results on Natsoft: [url]http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?10/02/2008.MOUN.Q5[/url] * Total laps 17 * Position 17th fastest (1st fastest in Hot Hatch Performance Class) * Time 2:36.8027 Both Peter and Luke are satisfied with the qualifying pace and simulated race pace later in the session from the Xeetec BMW 130i today throughout qualifying. What started out as a good lap on soft tyres nearly turned into a disaster with the tyres almost un-driveable after one lap. A quick stop for harder rubber and the team was back on the pace again. The field ahead of the Xeetec BMW 130i in seventeenth place consists of nine turbo all wheel drive cars, two twin turbo BMW 335i and five Australian 5 and 6 litre V8’s. Not bad for a BMW 130i punching well above it’s weight. As promised by Luke, another 1-2 seconds has been found from the car today and tomorrow is all about bringing the car home at 6:30pm on Sunday. Finally, trouble with the differential pump has forced the team to stay back before heading out for a meal and an early night. XEETEC Who are Xeetec? They are an up and coming electronics company specializing in motor sport digital video systems who have been working closely with Newcastle based DSM BMW team for over a year now developing the MVS which is a solid state digital video system specifically designed to cope with the harsh environment of motorsport. The Xeetec MVS unit is able to view lap by lap progress and works to find the fastest way around the mountain with the team. For more information about Xeetec log onto www.xeetec.com.au or for information about this exciting event log onto http://www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au The XEETEC BMW Team invites you to drop by the pit garage at Bathurst this weekend. Ask for a demonstration of the new XEETEC MVS unit or just have a chat with Peter, Shane or Luke about the BMW 130i. For more information on the Xeetec BMW Car Team contact: Xeetec Racing Media Manager, http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=712 BMW Peter Kelly PTCC Sat, 09 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=707 The cars are back in their pits after the qualifying session . The David Wall Evo 9 GSR has taken pole with a time of 2.30.3179 just ahead of Paul Morris in the BMW 335I. In third was Klark Quinn in another Evo 9 GSR with 2.31.1157. The PTCC car of Kelly and Searle finished in 17th outright but ahead of all the class C cars . Lukes time was 2.36.8027 . Team Manager David Searle was happy with the time and the XEETEX team is still full go for the race . With one of the strongest pairings the team is still a strong outside chance of suprising the faster teams The Lubrimaxx Proton team of Darrin Harris posted a time of 2.58.0050 and gives the team a chance for a podium finish in class F . http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=707 PTCC Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=711 Today’s results show the strength of mind that a small BMW racing car team from Newcastle, NSW have had over the last ten months. Driver’s Luke Searle and Peter Kelly, along with chief mechanic Shane Brandon together with David Searle from David Searle Motorsport (DSM) have been solely working towards the first practice session at the WPS Bathurst 12 hour with steely determination. Today’s early results illustrate a well sorted BMW 130i that is two seconds quicker than the first practice session for the 2007 WPS Bathurst 12 hour, quicker than Holden’s V8 Sportswagon and over 10 places higher than it’s direct Hot Hatch rivals. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR PRACTICE #1 Full Results on Natsoft: [url]http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?10/02/2008.MOUN.P3[/url] Luke jumped into the Xeetec BMW for the first five laps of the first session to shakedown the handling, bed in the brakes and to assess the circuit. Once back in the pits, Peter climbed in for another three laps before Luke finished the session out. * Total laps 10 * Position 6th fastest (1st fastest in Hot Hatch Performance Class) * Time 2:37.4599 A problem with fuel pick up was noted during the entire session especially under heavy braking which has slowed the car considerably but time before session two will be used to rectify the problem for Saturday’s all important qualifying. WPS BATHURST 12 HOUR PRACTICE #2 Full Results on Natsoft: http://www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi?10/02/2008.MOUN.P6 Luke again jumped into the Xeetec BMW for the first six laps but immediately the fuel pick up problem returned this time affecting the car on every corner on every lap. Peter again jumped into the car but was baulked on each hot lap as he tried to better Luke’s Practice #1 time. * Total laps 17 * Position 10th fastest (1st fastest in Hot Hatch Performance Class) * Time 2:38.2066 But it was not to be, as time and a busy session interrupted any attempt to drive around the fuel pick up problem. Both drivers were happy with day one and believe that another 1-2 seconds can be found from the car before race day. XEETEC PRACTICE OVERVIEW So with the first day’s shakedown out the way it was down to Shane Brandon from Newcastle Performance Centre to diagnose the problem and he did. The team is now working to replace all the necessary parts and fine tune the suspension set up in readiness for day two; Practice #3 and then Qualifying on Saturday afternoon. XEETEC Who are Xeetec? They are an up and coming electronics company specializing in motor sport digital video systems who have been working closely with Newcastle based DSM BMW team for over a year now developing the MVS which is a solid state digital video system specifically designed to cope with the harsh environment of motorsport. The Xeetec MVS unit is able to view lap by lap progress and works to find the fastest way around the mountain with the team. For more information about Xeetec log onto www.xeetec.com.au or for information about this exciting event log onto http://www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au The XEETEC BMW Team invites you to drop by the pit garage at Bathurst this weekend. Ask for a demonstration of the new XEETEC MVS unit or just have a chat with Peter, Shane or Luke about the BMW 130i. For updated photos try Wilson Brothers Racing and see how the Subaru’s are traveling as well: http://www.wilsonbrothersracing.com/news9.html For more information on the Xeetec BMW Car Team contact: Xeetec Racing Media Manager http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=711 BMW Luke Searle PTCC Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=706 Friday , track is opened for racing , 36 cars to take on the mountain for the 12 hour crown . The PTCC teams of 2006 and 7 champion Searle and team mate Peter Kelly will run the BMW130 supported by Xeetec . Joining the Xeetex team for Bathurst will be Darrin Harris and his Proton . Darrin will team with Lange and Kerns as the Lubrimaxx team runs in class F . Despite clutch and fuel problems the Xeetex team are running 6th and are a real outside chance for outright honours . The Lubrimaxx Proton may well grab a podium in class F . The Production Touring Car site will have up dates on the progress of the PTCC teams as well as general information on the 12 Hour . After the second session the top three times are ; Pearson /Mechtler Evo 8 2.33.2780 Morris/Baird BMW 335 2.33.3893 Quinn/Denyer Evo 9 RS 2.34.4595 The Xeetec Team of Kelly/Searle are 6th with a 2.37.4599 and the Lubrimaxx Proton of Harris/LangelKerns posted a 3.02.5813 . Ozspeed are at the track .Give the boys support on the forum they will be checking the forum and will be happy to answer any questions http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=706 PTCC Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=704 Monday, 4th February 2008 - For immediate release BMW 130i OF SEARLE AND KELLY INTRODUCE – XEETEC Over the last ten years, David Searle Motorsport (DSM) has successfully campaigned a range of BMW racing cars with Newcastle resident Luke Searle. In 2006 the team moved away from the 320i Super Tourer into the BMW 130i Production Car class. In 2006 and 2007 Luke dominated the Australian Production Touring Car Championship and together with team mate Peter Kelly came away from last years WPS Bathurst Motor Festival with a respectful eighth place. However, the 2007 WPS Bathurst 12 Hour left them disappointed. The BMW 130i was up into fifth place 7 hours into the race until excessive brake wear forced the car into a number of lengthy un-scheduled pit stops. This year DSM is hoping for a lot more. With only a week remaining to the start of the 2008 WPS Bathurst Motor Festival, DSM has been working overtime to ensure the BMW 130i is fully prepared and now with the new support of Xeetec, things are looking even better. After a successful test at Wakefield Raceway last Friday, the team has completed the shakedown and are ready for the WPS Bathurst 12 Hour weekend on the 8-10th of February at the legendary Mount Panorama. When asked about the set up of the car for 2008 Luke responded, “We have had another full year with the BMW 130i last year and found more speed in the setup. We had another great year defending the PTCC Championship and some successful runs in the APCC. Teaming up with Peter again should be great. Apart from being great mates, we drive similar and we push each other very hard”. So what is so different? This year, the BMW Team will be supported by Xeetec, an electronics company specializing in motor sport digital video systems. “We have been working closely with Xeetec for over a year now developing the MVS which is a solid state digital video system specifically designed to cope with the harsh environment of motorsport” said Luke. Peter then chipped in “With CAN and RS232 they have real time graphic overlay of data and as well picture in picture which has also benefited us greatly in developing our car”. Peter went onto say “Returning to Bathurst again is a dream come true. After last years 12 Hour I can not wait to go back and do it again. We have learnt a lot from last year and are confident in a more competitive run. Having the Xeetec MVS on board will benefit us greatly as we will also be able to view lap by lap our progress and work closely together to find the fastest way around the mountain, as well as work closely with our race engineer to get a better set up for the 12 hour.” Log onto [url]http://www.xeetec.com.au[/url] to find out more The focus now shifts towards the drive out to Bathurst on Thursday where teams and drivers from all over Australia will meet to try and secure the 2008 WPS Bathurst 12 Hour trophy. For more information about this exciting event log onto [url]http://www.bathurstmotorfestival.com.au[/url] XEETEC BMW SCHEDULE The XEETEC BMW Team invites you to drop by the pit garage at Bathurst next weekend and to keep up to date with all the latest developments of the Xeetec BMW Team Jump online at [url]http://saeracing.ozspeed.net[/url] to find out more. 2008 WPS BATHURST MOTOR FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE Friday 8th February, 2008 7.50am – 8.10am – Holden HQs Grid 1 – Practice 8.20am – 8.40am – Formula Vees – Practice 8.50am – 9.40am – WPS Bathurst 12 Hour – Practice 1 9.50am – 10.10am – Holden HQs Grid 2 – Practice 10.20am – 10.40am – Saloon Cars – Practice 10.50am – 11.10am – Holden HQs Grid 1 – Qualifying 11.20am – 11.40am – Formula Vees – Qualifying 11.40am – 1.00pm – Break – Resident Access 1.00pm – 1.20pm – Holden HQs Grid 2 – Qualifying 1.30pm – 1.50pm – Saloon Cars – Qualifying 2.00pm – 2.50pm – WPS Bathurst 12 Hour – Practice 2 3.00pm – 4.00pm – Ride Sessions and On-track entertainment 4.25pm – 4.45pm – Holden HQs Grid 1 – Race 1 5.00pm – 5.20pm – Formula Vees – Race 1 Saturday 9th February, 2008 7.25am – 8.15am – WPS Bathurst 12 Hour Practice 3 8.25am – 8.45am – Holden HQs Grid 1 – Race 2 9.00am – 9.20am – Formula Vees – Race 2 9.35am – 10.05am – Saloon Cars – Race 1 10.20am – 10.50am – Holden HQs Grid 2 – Race 1 11.00am – 1.00pm – Break – Ride Sessions, Resident Access, On-track entertainment, Drivers Autograph Session 1.15pm – 2.15pm – WPS Bathurst 12 Hour – Qualifying 2.10pm – 2.50pm – Holden HQs Grid 1 – Race 3 3.05pm – 3.25pm – Formula Vees – Race 3 3.40pm – 4.10pm – Saloon Cars – Race 2 4.25pm – 4.55pm – Holden HQs Grid 2 – Race 2 5.05pm – 5.25pm – Parade Laps – Car and Bike Clubs Sunday 10th February, 2008 6.30am – 6.30pm – 2008 WPS Bathurst 12 Hour For more information on the Xeetec BMW Car Team contact: Xeetec Racing Media Manager, Richard McLean on: 0438 590 994 Email: rich.mac@bigpond.net.au http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=704 BMW Luke Searle PTCC Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=703 Below is a copy of the announcement from Garry Willmington regarding his departure from Wakefield Park \"Just thought I owed it to you, to let you know personally, I will be finishing up at Wakefield Park as Circuit Manager on 28th January 2008 after being here since June 2000. Natalie also finished up working for Wakefield Park at the end of November 2007. She is no longer looking after finances etc. I\'d just like to thank you for your help and support throughout our association. Garry and Natalie Willmington.\" http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=703 PTCC Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=702 Dear Competitors and PTCC fans, A lot of misinformation has been circulating and I am taking this opportunity to state some facts. In late December 2007, I received a call from Mr Rod Dale, the a director of Australian Motor Racing Series Pty Ltd. This call was to inform me of proposed changes to the 2008 series. During this conversation, Mr Dale advised me that AMRS could no longer continue to support the series due to the heavy losses AMRS had incurred over the past three years. Mr Dale said that in order to enable the series to continue in 2008, Bob Jane and Mick Ronke had taken control of AMRS and would be the sole promoter for the coming series. I was further informed that despite our enormous contribution in creating and developing the category over the past two years, Ozspeed Management would no longer be required by the new promoters. Ozspeed was not invited to the meeting held at Calder Park in December when it appears that Mr Dale sold or assigned a category not owned by AMRS to Bob Jane and Mick Ronke. Mr Dale said the new management would contact me, but to date this has not happened. It is clear that Mr Dale, Mr Jane and Mr Ronke want the Production Touring Car Championship Category as a headline act. It is also very clear that Ozspeed Management is no longer required by the AMRC, but its Production Touring Car Category, its profile and its past success are valuable components of the new series. A offer to continue to be involved in the new series sourcing funding for the new promotors was not considered by Ozspeed and the PTCC for obvious reasons I don\'t need to list the achievements of The Australian Production Touring Car Championship Pty Ltd; they are there for all to see. From a very humble start in 2006 to the premier production car category in 2007. I also find it very amusing that Mr Dale would use the PTCC forum, another very successful part of the championship, a championship which Mr Dale and others must have considered badly managed, to promote the 2008 series for Australian production touring cars. Promoters need to be aware that Ozspeed Management Pty Ltd and The Production Touring Car Championship Pty Ltd will aggressively protect and defend its intellectual property and its investment in the championship. Any unauthorised use of any proprietary material, logos or copyright material will be dealt with by our solicitors. Competitors and fans should appreciate that our intentions in this regard are not selfish ones. As competitors you are free agents and can race anywhere you like. Ozspeed and the PTCC plans for 2008 will be released shortly . Ozspeed and the PTCC would like to thank all competitors and fans who supported the category during 2006 and 2007 . Sincerely , David Platt The Production Touring Car Championship http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=702 PTCC Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=701 The winner for 2007 of the PTCC V8 Super Car drive was announced today. 2007 B Class Champion Bryan Fitzpatrick drove the Garry Wilmington V8 Supercar . Bryan completed some very quick laps in the 600hp supercar with one minor spin . Bryan with very limited experience in the rear wheeled drive car impressed Garry Wilmington with his car control and speed . When Ozspeed spoke to Bryan he was over the moon just having finished the test session . The PTCC and Ozspeed would like to thank Garry Wilmington for his support with the V8 Super Car drive 2006 and 2007 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=701 PTCC Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=700 This is the big ONE. The Championships will all be decided. With the class A trophy all ready retained for 2007 Luke Searle is comfortable but Kelly wants the win. Fitzpatrick just has to keep Byers at bay while Flanagan must not let Erler win their battle. They wait for the starter, the final PTCC race for 2007, last race on the program the tension builds Fitzpatrick is watching Byers, Erler locks onto to the Hyundai of Flanagan. This race the grids positions are based on the drivers cumulative points over the earlier two races and Searle is off pole then Kelly, Natalie Wilmington and Hocking. Erler is two rows behind Flanagan. As the starter gives them the green Kelly makes a fast start and leads team mate Searle with a determined Hocking not wanting the BMWs to get away. This will develop into a titanic struggle between Searle and Kelly, Fitzpatrick and Byers and Flanagan and Erler. I am watching from the tower and have a perfect view but never too sure who to watch. Big Al the track commentator is doing a great call as the struggle for those Championship trophies roars on. Kelly is determined to hold his leads, his brakes are suspects and Searle is relentless , pushing for the error that will not come. Back in the field Bryan Fitzpatrick has Byers right behind and Neil is making the Renault driver earn this Championship. Erlers has made up ground on the Flanagan car and applies pressures, he sees the trophy and forces the error from Daniel and gains the place around the back of the circuit. Daniel grabs another gear and the power and the extra torque of Hyundai gives him back the lead down the long front straight. This race goes right down to the flag. After 10 of the best laps this year Peter Kelly gets a well-deserved win over Luke with Derek Hocking third. Hockos has found the pace after a tough three rounds. Natalie Wilmington after a solid drive to hold off Simon Morrison in her old Magna is third. Then Otten in the Alfa, Fitzpatrick ahead of Byers. Hans Riehs was 9th in the Gosford European Service Peugeot from Flanagan, Erler, Natoli, Soole and John Wilmington. Darren Best was a DNF. The Champions for 2007 Class A / Outright Luke Searle SAE College Newcastle Performance BMW 130 Class B Bryan Fitzpatrick Capital Steering Katoomba Auto Parts Renault Clio Class C Daniel Flanagan Goodyear Auto Service Phillip Hyundai Sonata http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=700 PTCC Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=699 Race two is reverse grid and does this prove exciting. As in race one all the field makes a good start. Flanagan is fastest away and looks for an early lead. Daniel wants that class C Championship for the team and sponsors. Searle, Kelly and Hocking are all making their moves with the Commodore looking stronger than for some time. Kelly is the mover and appears to be gaining the edge over the field From the rear of the C class grid Peter Erler is chasing down the Hyundai of Flanagan and it is clear Peter has not given away his chance at the Championship as the Mulgoa Quarries and Metro Tyres Proton puts in some very fast laps. Fitzpatrick is steady and appears to have Byers and Rieh under control. After having driven superbly Kelly spins out of control and almost take the wall out, back in control Pete starts to recover his lost lead to Searle. Hocking moves into second to the delight of all his fans and the team from the Brest Cancer Foundation. Trying hard to regain lost ground Pete has another spin, latter to find the problem to be back brakes. With Kelly’s bad luck Simon Morrison gain 3rd place. Back in the field Queenslands Daniel Natalie seems to be having trouble getting the best from his Proton. Making only his second PTCC outing John Wilmington brings the ex Saliba 2006 winning Nissan Pulsar home safely after a steady drive. Anthony Soole was a DNF. Across the line Searle, Hocking, Morrison, Kelly, Flanagan, Otten, Erler, Fitzpatrick, Natalie Wilmington, Byers, Best, Riehs, Natoli, Wilmington, Soole . Fastest time Searle 1.23.3288 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=699 PTCC Mon, 26 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +1000 http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=698 Sunday morning at Oran Park, perfect for the final round were the PTCC teams are all wearing the National Breast Cancer Foundations logo as the team help raise funds to support the fabulous work of the foundation. With the championship up for grabs the field get off to a clean start in race one Searle off the front and Kelly back of the grid. Hocking is away fast and keeps Searle looking in his mirrors as he brakes very late into turn one. Hocking with the amazing Pink livery of the National Breast Cancer Foundation looks strong and attacks Searle at every opportunity. On lap three coming over the bridge the gremlins strike the Hocking team again, this time electrical problems and the car slows and stops. Simon Morrison is fast and proving a real worry for Natalie Wilmington while Peter Kelly is storming through the field in the Xeetec backed BMW. Fitzpatrick is steady and wants to ensure his class B championship lead is maintained and is steady in 5th in the 15 car field. Flanagan in the Goodyear Auto Care Hyundai from Phillip is ahead of rival Peter Erlers who has a major task after starting rear due to not qualifying. Across the line after 5 laps it is Luke Searle, Natalie Wilmington, Peter Kelly and Rick Otten in the Alfa Romeo. Simon Morrison after a fantastic drive into fourth cops a 20 second penalty for jumping the start and is relegated back to 12th. Fastest time to Searle at 1.22.850, which is a PTCC lap record. http://www.ptcc.net.au/the_news.php?nid=698 PTCC