Brad Jones will not make his return to the V8 Supercar Championship Series this weekend at the Sandown 500, instead focusing his attention on the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Mt Panorama next month.
After an intense week of treatment to manage a herniated disc in his lower back, Jones has been advised to concentrate on his recovery, rather than risk further damage.
“Yesterday was definitely my best day since the test last week in terms of being able to sit down, but the doctors have told me that I would miss Bathurst if I aggravated it further by driving at Sandown and to be honest Bathurst has, is, and will always be, my 100% focus, ” said Jones.
After retiring from driving in the series full time earlier this year and having stood on the Bathurst podium 5 times, Jones’ sole focus has been preparing for Sandown and Bathurst.
“This is certainly not the preparation I had in mind and it isn’t ideal to head into Bathurst without competing at Sandown. Competing at Sandown could mean that I wouldn’t get the opportunity to start my 23rd Bathurst 1000, so it’s really a no brainer. ”
Jones’ absence gives Christian Murchison his opportunity to drive for Team BOC, having tested with the team in 2006 and earlier this year, whilst competing on the world stage in the A1GP series.
Twenty six year old Murchison is no stranger to V8 Supercar endurance races having driven in both enduros back in 2000.
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