The mighty V-10 Dupont sponsored Dodge Viper of Darcy Russell will join the already exotic grid of the Australian GT Championship for Round 2 of the 2008 title chase at the Clipsal 500 to be held on the famous Adelaide street circuit from February 21-24.
The Russell entry marks a welcome return of the Dodge marque to the Australian GT Championship that was won by a Viper (in the hands of Greg Crick) in 2006.
Demonstrating the strength and growth of the category, at least three Lamborghini Gallardos will compete in Adelaide as compared to just one at last year’s Clipsal round.
The Lamborghini Gallardo brigade includes Mark Eddy in the ex-Washington car now sponsored by Quarterback and 2XU, Ian Palmer in the Palmer Steel Industry entry, and Ross Lilly in the Koala Furniture International car. A fourth brand new Gallardo brought into the country by the NATRAD Washington team may yet be a late addition to the field with a yet to be named driver.
Following his victory in Round 1 of the 2008 Championship, Allan Simonsen in the Coopers sponsored Ferrari 430 GT3 will come into the Adelaide round as a favourite but can expect plenty of close competition from John Kaias in the ABCOR, Preston General Engineering Aston Martin DBRS9.
The Ferrari camp is a strong one with Irish international Hector Lester making a return visit to the Adelaide circuit, this time bringing his own Ferrari 430 GT3 that he campaigns in the British GT and FIA GT3 Championships, David Stevens in the Brennan Voice Data & IT Ferrari 430 Challenge, John Teulan driving the Shell Racing – Stahlwille Ferrari 430, and Keith Wong in the Bicycle Express Ferrari 360 Challenge.
Simon Middleton be driving the Flash Air – Daikin Air Conditioning Porsche GT3 RSR with Graeme Cook in GT3 RS sponsored by Haden – Smith Brothers while Porsche GT3 Cup Cars will be in the hands of Mark Krashos (Glenelg East Daynight Pharmacy), Greg Ward (Echo Ridge Wines), Adam Wallis (Warrin Mining), Peter Fountas (Ultrafinish Group – Jaylec),and Anthony Kosseris (Oxford Tavern Wollongong – Belmorgan Property Developments).
The Lotus marque will also be represented by way of the ‘giant killing Urban Arrangement Elise model to be driven by Peter Lucas.
Last year’s Clipsal Australian GT Championship round results were as follows:
Race 1 – 1. David Wall (Porsche RSR GT3) 2. Allan Simonsen (Ferrari 360) 3. John Teulan (Ferrari 430)
Race 2 – 1. Allan Simonsen (Ferrari 360), 2. David Wall (Porsche RSR GT3) 3. Bryce Washington (Lamborghini Gallardo)
Race 3 – 1. Allan Simonsen (Ferrari 360) 2. David Wall (Porsche RSR GT3), 3. Bryce Washington (Lamborghini Gallardo) Fastest race time: Allan Simonsen 1:24.8507 set in race 3.
2008 Australian GT Championship Round Results – Rd 1 A1 GP
Allan Simonsen Ferrari 430 GT3 117
Craig Baird Ferrari 360 GT 92
John Kaias Aston Martin DBRS9 88
Ross Lilley Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 71
Peter Lucas Lotus Elise 69
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