Managing Director of Britek Motorsport Jason Bright makes his Mount Panorama debut for his own team at this weekend’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.
The winner of the 1998 Bathurst classic, Bright established his own V8 team at the end of 2004 with the aim of ultimately driving for Britek Motorsport at the 1000km endurance event.
Bright will be making his 11th start at Mount Panorama aboard the #25 Fujitsu Racing Falcon with Adam Macrow.
He has his sights set on a return to the podium in 2007 and in the process bring attention to his fledgling motor sports operation.
Bright speaks openly about Bathurst 2007.
Does Bathurst remain the most important race of the year?
Without doubt. Bathurst is the one race that captures the attention of everyone. It’s what this sport is all about. When you have success at Mount Panorama everyone knows about it; not just those who follow our sport.
In terms of Britek Motorsport’s history is this the biggest race it has had?
For sure. It’s the third time that the team has been to Bathurst, but it’s the first time we go to the race with a very real chance of winning. The Fujitsu Racing team has proven at different stages throughout the year that we have a fast car. Whether it’s been in practice, qualifying or in the race. We just need to put it all together on the one weekend. Our preparation has been good for Bathurst and if we can put together a complete weekend we can win the race.
It’s not just about your car - as a team owner you also have to take into consideration the IRWIN Racing car.
We do want both cars to do well. In both instances we are not in a championship battle so we can roll the dice a little with strategy. I’m sure that if the IRWIN car can go the distance it has the potential to finish well inside the top-10. We have made some improvements to both cars since a test last week and that has everyone across both cars feeling confident.
You have won the race before in 1998 with Stone Brothers Racing, do you see Britek Motorsport in 2007 in a similar situation?
It’s almost like 1998 all over again. Much like us now, Stones had a pretty tough year up until Bathurst. The team had shown potential throughout the season and then got it done on the one weekend that counted. I know from that experience what a win at Mount Panorama means. It ignited my career and profile and did the same for that team.
If Britek Motorsport can win at Bathurst would it be seen as a surprise victory?
Maybe from the outside, but not by me. I believe that although the final results this year have not shown it, we are ahead of where I thought we would be as a team. I’m confident that we can qualify the Fujitsu Racing Falcon well inside the top-10. We have proved that on numerous occasions this year. Our race pace has been very good and I know that over a long race that will be critical. In terms of drivers we are strong with Adam Macrow and I. If it comes down to a fight at the end I’m ready for it.
Is there more pressure to win because it’s Bathurst?
Not from me. There are plenty of people who put too much pressure on themselves. However, you only get one chance every year to have a crack at it. So you must be well prepared. That’s something I have been very pleased with going into the race this year. We really have been planning for this race for 12 months.
What would it mean for yourself to win with your own team?
It would mean a lot to me; it’s been a long time coming. I won the race at just my second attempt, but I have not tasted success at the race since then. I have had the good fortune to run with different teams, all of which had the potential to win, but we didn’t take the victory. Winning with my own team and group of employees, business partners and fans would be without doubt a career highlight
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