Team VIP Petfoods’ defending Aussie Racing Car champion and current series leader Paul Kemal will be looming over his opponents in more ways than one during this weekend’s series round four at Eastern Creek.
Although most have paid witness to the dominating force of Kemal on the race track - many would be unaware of the jaw-dropping figure the 32 year old Balmain-ian continues to cut out of the driver’s seat.
At almost twice the height of his Aussie Racing Car, Kemal easily towers over both his competitors and their rides - with his huge 192cm stature unexpectedly revealed each time he exits his pint-sized racer.
Standing at 105cm the Aussie car appears even more petite than usual beside the wiry frame of Kemal - however at 450kg the Team VIP Petfoods #1 “BA Falcon” gets some of its own back at the weigh-in - clearly overwhelming its driver’s 88kgs.
“Most people are shocked when they see me hop out of the car, ” laughed Kemal.
“I am always being asked how I fit and if it is cramped inside, but to be honest I don’t even notice it. ”
Although just how Kemal manages to fold his huge frame into his pocket-rocket may seem a mystery, no such ambiguity surrounds his form – with Kemal’s outstanding and consistent performances an undisputed quantity within the category.
Results including two championships (2001 and 2006), wins at every track raced bar one, lap records at Clipsal and Sandown and an amazing charge from 27th to 2nd in six laps at 2006’s Bathurst 1000 have cemented his reputation as the driver to beat in the highly competitive series.
“I am totally committed to defending my 2006 championship, ” said Kemal.
“So far the year has been going well and I am currently leading the series.
“If everything goes to plan I will keep this form going into the next round, extending my championship lead and heading towards my ultimate goal of a record third title. ”
The Team VIP Petfoods’ star will lead the pack to Eastern Creek ahead of Ward brothers James and Brad.
At the same time, fellow Team VIP Petfoods drivers Tony Quinn, Craig Baird and Klark Quinn (along with New Zealand’s Kevin Bell) will battle it out in Germany aboard the new Porsche 991 GT3 RSR (Type 997) for their second Nürburgring 24 hour assault, following on from their remarkable 2006 ninth on debut (event schedule below).
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