Team VIP Petfoods defending Aussie Racing Car Champion Paul Kemal is leading the pack as he heads to Mount Panorama for this weekend s WPS Bathurst International Motor Festival and round three of the 2007 ARC series. Three wins and a fifth in round two at Albert Park s Australian Grand Prix last month saw him snatch the series lead from main rival James Ward.
Kemal and his number 19 “BA Falcon” will be looking to maintain and further that lead this weekend – even though he has had problems at the legendary track in the past. “It was fantastic to take the series lead back after round one, and so head into Mount Panorama at the head of the pack, ” said Kemal. “Even though things haven t always gone smoothly here in the past, I always look forward to running on the circuit as it just a great track.
“I am really happy to be back on top of the series and in a good position to defend my 2006 ARC title which is something I am totally committed to. ” During the 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the second of two 2006 Bathurst ventures, Kemal was served with a technical penalty during the second ARC support class race for passing under the yellow. The penalty saw him take 27th position on the starting grid for race three – a disappointing result following a blazing race one win.
“I managed third overall in my first 2006 run at the circuit (during the inaugural WPS Bathurst International Motor Festival), ” said Kemal. “Unfortunately during my last Bathurst run in 2006 the technical penalty meant we started 27th for the third race, which was unfortunate after winning the first race. “From there I charged to second in six laps – so it seems we certainly have the speed there and I am looking forward to getting back on the track. ”
In preparing for this weekend Kemal said only basic maintenance of the car had been undertaken with no special preparation. “As I ran here (Bathurst) twice last year, I know what is required, so we did not need to do any special preparation in the lead up, ” said Kemal. “With only two weeks between rounds I guess we were lucky we only needed to do general maintenance and some minor fiberglass repairs following on from our strong run at the Australian Grand Prix. ”
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