Virgin Australia Supercars Championship - Archive

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Holden or Ford

  • Holden

    Votes: 209 36.2%

  • Ford

    Votes: 175 30.3%

  • Ford and Holden

    Votes: 64 11.1%

  • Nismo

    Votes: 74 12.8%

  • Erebus

    Votes: 7 1.2%

  • Nismo and Erebus

    Votes: 6 1.0%

  • Volvo

    Votes: 43 7.4%
  • Total voters
    578
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Just watched the final races of the final round of '06.

Why. Just why.

Why couldn't we enjoy a fair race between the two. I wouldn't be as angry if Kelly won and the battle was close and fair. But no, luck (like it almost always does) plays into Holden's hands yet again.

It will be interesting to see what Holden fans have to say in defence....
 
v8 supercars has reached a new low, someone from krusty burger had to win a championship with only 1 win, prick kelly is a complete ****, plus holden,and AVESCO, only way holden can win is by blocking and hitting ford teams out, anyways ford won more rounds this year, ford already raped up the championship with what, 7 or 8 round wins out of 12?won clipsal,sandown and bathurst, lowndes was leading prick for 2 races untill the third, the points system is a disgrace,thank god its changing next year, rick kelly is the least deserving driver to win a championship ever, 2007 i see, lowndes,tander,bright,winterbottom,courtney,TODD & whincup at the top, handbag,spinner skaife and sir krusty burger wont do well at all, oh well, ford have dominated for 4 years now, nice to see some holden light,even tho they DO NOT deserve it.

rant over
 
For shame, Holden. For shame.

Five times over the course of the weekend four drivers (from the two sister teams, no less) were involved in incidents that did nothing but harm for Lowndes: Skaife hitting him at Hayshed and later his flag for blocking, Tander's flag and later driver-though for the same offence, and then the Kelly brothers involved in that incident at the hairpin.

If you search YouTube, there's a video that shows the replay from the helicopter (sorry, but I don't have the link). And if you watch very closely and use Mark Winterbottom in fourth as a guide, you can tell Lowndes and Rick are really having a go in terms of pace until they collect (in fact, Rick's hit causes Lowndes to go faster). Winterbottom's important because if you keep watching, you'll notice something very strange about Todd Kelly's car: he isn't braking when he enters the hairpin. This means one of two things: either he's nuts or he was deliberately slowing down to either block Lowndes or to act as bait. That's not to say the incident was premeditated, but only to say something was rotten and that Todd Kelly isn't the innocent bystander here.

Frankly, I don't care who wins the verdict. As a Craig fan, I'd love it is "Lnowdes" (I love that sponsorship joke) was given the title, but it would be very controversial if they did regardless of the fact that it's the right thing to do.

No, what matters is the actions of Skaife, Tander and the Kellys. These guys are some of the best in Australian motorsport and representing a brand that, while I admit I don't like at all, is nevertheless a part of Australian culture and identity. I'll never be able to look at those four again with any sense of admiration and respect for what they do (even if I'm rooting fo rthe other side).

They've already proved their worth.
 
Rick Kelly is the most undeserving winner in the history of the championship. To not win a single round all year but to win the championship must feel hollow. I know among my work friends V8 Supercars will be the laughing stock of Australian sport tomorrow and it will be thoroughly deserved. Name one other sport, even another motor racing championship where the series is won after the victor had not won a single event. As the single motor racing fan and usually the one defending the sport I will not be defending V8 Supercars.

Having said that, Rick Kelly's whole season has been geared towards buying a ticket into the "Grand Final". His championship victory could not be put down to his accumulator attitude but to his totally careless driving and his stable-mates dirty tactics. Does anyone seriously believe Garth Tander had a fuel pressure problem in race two? Is there any doubt that had the race three incident not occured that Todd Kelly would be doing exactly the same thing Tander did in race two? There won't be any supporters turning their backs on Toll HSV Racing, HRT or the TWR the Second racing empire because of this weekend but they will lose a lot of respect from opponents and their supporters.

Geoghegan, Jane, Brock, Beechey, Johnson, Lowndes, Ambrose, Moffat, Skaife, Richards, Kelly. Pick the odd one out. Which one isn't a racer.

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20903900-23770,00.html

It's not over yet but I'd say it might as well be. It doesn't look good for the sport to be overturning the championship result after it has been awarded. Tony Cochrane had a pretty wide grin on his face congratulating Crash Bandicoot on the championship victory at the podium. You have to give it to Lowndes, he did a great job getting his crippled car home and he did a great job in races one and two against his four opponents.

News just in, Toll HSV announces new sporsorship deal. Read all about the new sponsor here

Okay, it might seem that I'm making this whole claim all because I'm a Ford man. Untrue. What I'm claiming though, is clearly visible, even if only in Australia. I am not saying this under "blue" influence. People do not have to believe me if they choose not to, but I can tell you I'm not the only one who can see this. Besides, I'd rather not take this any further than need be, otherwise it might just have to have it's own thread.
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I haven't heard such crap around here for a while. You'd rather not take this any further because you can't.
 
In Kelly's defense, it is mainly to do with the stupid points system that allows this to happen. The system doesn't reward you to go after that extra position.
 
Actually, in 2003, Matt Kenseth won the NASCAR Championship without scoring a win. ;)



Now, watching that, I say Craig squeezed Rick down, and it shouldn't have been enough to spin Lowndes, I think Lowndes just stuffed up his braking after that, and caused his to spin.
 
Hmm.

Tander was blocking Craig in Race 2, so Rick could close up. Dirty tactics.

From what I see in that video ^, Rick gave Craig a fair 'ol nudge in the right rear corner. Sure, Craig was moving over, but Todd was on the left of the track, so Craig only had one place to go. To the right.

What's more, when Craig starts braking, Rick closes up even more pretty rapidly - so I suspect he (Rick) was 'intending' to spin Craig.

Rant over.
 
However, CL then got into the side of TK's car, straightening him out, so, that means it was all CL fault for spinning after that.
 
Interesting, that. Craig gets into the side of Todd, partly straightening him out, only to end up going around anyway. Hmm.

I still reckon Rick caused the initial incident .
 
It was Ricks fault. That's why he got penalised but in the context of the round, does the penalty fit the crime? That is what 888 is protesting. The meeting between the Stewards and the two drivers was at midday today but there is no news as yet what the outcome was. Whatever happens Rick has acquired (not won) the title. If they decide a more harsh penalty is required they won't deduct more than 25 points and they won't give him a four lap time penalty. Lowndes is screwed whatever happens. It sets a hell of a precedent for future title deciders. Just run the opposition into another car, cop the drive through penalty which is far less of a penalty than a useless car and stroll to the finish.
However, CL then got into the side of TK's car, straightening him out, so, that means it was all CL fault for spinning after that.
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He wouldn't have spun after hitting Todd's car if Rick didn't push him into Todd's car.
What's more, when Craig starts braking, Rick closes up even more pretty rapidly - so I suspect he (Rick) was 'intending' to spin Craig.
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Before the race the team said over the radio that they didn't need the car after the race. Sounds suspicious to me.
 
Well, Rick Kelly's championship has been confirmed, according to his teams website.

Following today's stewards inquiry into an incident between Rick Kelly and Craig Lowndes in Race 3 of yesterday’s V8 Supercar Championship Grand Finale, the appeal hearing has confirmed that NO FURTHER PENALTY would apply to Rick Kelly.
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I'm hoping more news on what was said will be released.
 
Ricky Fitness
Well, Rick Kelly's championship has been confirmed, according to his teams website.



I'm hoping more news on what was said will be released.
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This being the website of a team whose drivers - along with their sister team's drivers - were giving Lowndes nine kinds of hell all weekend?

I won't believe that one until I hear it. We're Better Dead Than Red!
 
Why would they lie about the stewards decision? 👎

EDIT: I just heard on the news that the decision is true. Lowndes accepted the final ruling(sp?) bus still consideres himself the real champion.
 
I have definite views about the TollHSV team drivers...

 
:lol: 👍 That's awesome! :D
 
If someone can make me a wallpaper, with the normal decals on the car, but the same slogan above it, I'd SO rock it.
 
You know, history is always going to remember Kelly as that driver who won the championship by pushing the other driver off, and whose mates were illegally blocking him all weekend. He might get a chance at redemption in 2007, but it's too bad because there's not going to be another Chamionship for Rick.

I've noticed Holden fans have been bad sports all year - complaining that Ford never should have been allowed to win at Bathurst because it was the first race after Brock passed away, and now they're acting as nothing happened this weekend; it's an attitude of "Who cares how we win, just so long as we do win ..." I'm willing to bet that if Lowndes' and Kelly's positions on the track were reversed (ie Lowndes bumped Kelly), there'd be a real stink from them.
 
"The Sheene medal, named after the late British motorcycling legend and Supercars commentator, is awarded for outstanding leadership, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship."

Something Rick (in fact, the whole Tool HSV Cheater Team) severly lacks. What this tells me, is that the commentators and fans wanted Lowndesy to be champion.

the eBay auction
YOU ARE BIDDING ON THE CHAMPIONSHIP WINNING CAR AS USED BY HOLDEN'S RICK KELLY
This car not only won the championship but also was involved in the lowest of low acts ever seen before on a motor racing circuit or sports field in this country. This car is so good it won the championship without even winning a round of the series.
AS A SPECIAL BONUS YOU WILL ALSO GET THE EXTRA, EXTRA WIDE REAR BUMPERS FROM THE CARS OF GARTH TANDER AND MARK SKAIFE AFTER ALL THIS WAS A GREAT TEAM EFFORT AND NOTHING GETS PAST THEM EVEN AFTER WARNINGS
BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE....
YOU ALSO GET THE MARSHAL'S BLACK FLAG AND V8 SUPERCAR RULE BOOK WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT THE WINDOW WITH ANY CREDIBILITY OF AVESCO AND V8 SUPERCAR STEWARDS OR DRIVING SKILLS WHICH RICK KELLY HAD TO SHOW TO WIN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
NO RESERVE, HAPPY BIDDING
I DESERVE THE RIGHT TO END THIS AUCTION EARLY IF COMMON SENSE PREVAILS AND THE TRUE CHAMPION IS CROWNED 2006 CHAMPION ALSO AS IT IS ADVERTISED ELSEWHERE AND MIGHT BE SOLD EARLY SO AS TO BURN ONTOP OF THE MOUNTAIN NEXT YEAR IN MEMORIAL OF THE GREATEST SPORTING INJUSTCE OF 2006.​


PLEASE LET ME KNOW YOUR ADDRESS WHERE I CAN SEND THESE PICTURES WITH YOUR FREE TIN OF PETROL AND A PACKET OF MATCHES.​
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I actually agree 100% with that :lol:
 
You know, they said the same thing about guys like Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Darrell Waltrip in the '80s.

By the by, if that car really was for sale for that price...I'd buy it. A race car is a race car, no matter who drives it. I could always put a Goodwrench paint job and Pontiac (or Chevrolet) bodywork on it.
 
In Tanders defence earlier in the season the officals said that near the end of a race you can defend your line (blocking) tander was blocking his line as he was racing for position and third place in the championship there was more than two cars out there. As for those people who say that R.Kelly punted Lowndes off, I dare you look carefully at the beginning of the clip Rick is clearly making a move on the inside and lowndes acme across and blocked him. The stewards made a fair call in my opinion
 
The reason Craig went across, though, was because Todd was where Craig would've ended up.
 
TheBigMan045
In Tanders defence earlier in the season the officals said that near the end of a race you can defend your line (blocking) tander was blocking his line as he was racing for position and third place in the championship there was more than two cars out there. As for those people who say that R.Kelly punted Lowndes off, I dare you look carefully at the beginning of the clip Rick is clearly making a move on the inside and lowndes acme across and blocked him. The stewards made a fair call in my opinion
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There is a difference between blocking and defending. A driver is well within his rights to defend his position, otherwise all racers would be forced to yield as soon as the guy behind him began a passing run, which is precisely what Lowndes was doing. Yes, he moved across, but watch the video again and you'll notice Todd Kelly is simply coasting into the hairpin. Lowndes had no choice but to go around him and Rick should never have been where he was. Blocking, on the other hand, is what Tander and Skaife were doing in the first two races: they were exceptionally slow around the track and Rick Kelly was clearly benefiting from the delay, which is simply disgusting.

There's no defence for Tander's actions. Look at the timing sheets: a standard lap around the Island is somewhere in the 1:35 range and a lap where you're dogfighting for position is usually a few seconds off because you're not on the racing line. But if you view Tander's laps during Race 2 aroudn the times he was caught for blocking, he's way off Lowndes' fastest time in Race 3, which was a 1:40. He either had a problem or was blocking.

So don't defend Holden drivers by trying to pin it on Lowndes. Those four drivers from the two closest teams in the paddock were giving him trouble all weekend purely so that they could have won. If Rick Kelly were as great as his title suggests, he would have caught Lowndes all on his own.
 
I wonder what Kelly is thinking knowing they didn't believe he couldn't finish ahead of Lowndes on his own and needed the help of three team cars. Perhaps all the Toll/HSV and HRT cars should carry the number 1 next year.
There's no defence for Tander's actions. Look at the timing sheets: a standard lap around the Island is somewhere in the 1:35 range and a lap where you're dogfighting for position is usually a few seconds off because you're not on the racing line. But if you view Tander's laps during Race 2 aroudn the times he was caught for blocking, he's way off Lowndes' fastest time in Race 3, which was a 1:40. He either had a problem or was blocking.
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And his lap times after the drive through in race 2 were miraculously quicker.

Murphy and Dumbrell have new homes next year.
http://www.v8supercar.com.au/news/latestnews/newsdisplay.asp?Ind=M&gid=23489741
 
Anyway, there a few changes coming up for 2007 for the V8 Supercars. Obviously there are always drivers changing brands and teams. Steven Richards is going to FPR. Andy Jones will be driving with daddy and Uncle Brad. Dumbell is off to Supercheap which was made vacant by Murph who is going over to his daddy's team Tasman (taking his chief mechanic with him). Jeff Grech (former HRT manager) has just started at Supercheap. Bowe looks to be heading to Glenford Tools. Team Kiwi is holding onto Radisich and getting an FPR built Falcon. Despite licence confusions JDR will have two cars but will have two new drivers to replace Richards and Dumbrell. Shane Price or Jack Perkins to step up maybe? In a pre Phillip Island interview Tander said he could see himself staying at the "Clayton enclave" for some time yet. Might we see some driver swapsies at HRT and HSV/Toll?

So out of 17 teams, 11 have not announced driver changes as of yet. Those are Stone Brothers Racing, Holden Racing Team, WPS Racing, Toll HSV Dealer Team, Dick Johnson Racing, Paul Cruickshank Racing, Garry Rogers Motorsport, Team Sirromet Wines, Autobarn Racing, Triple Eight Race Engineering and Team Kiwi Racing. That's not to say there won't be changes but SBR, WPS, DJR, GRM, Sirromet, 888 and TKR are all looking stable at this point.

The VE Commodore is being introduced next year as is the BF Falcon. The VE is the first V8 Supercar to be choped and changed like a sports sedan. The roofline is lower than the road car and the rear doors are shorter so the car complies to the Project Blueprint specifications.

To encourage more passing, the VE and the BF aero package is being altered to make the cars more equal (aren't they supposed to be equal already?) and to reduce the overall downforce. This should make the cars move and slide around more and increase braking distances. All Ford teams must be running the BF from round one while the Holden teams will be phasing in the new VE. The BF is mainly cosmetic upgrades from the BA while the VE is a completely new car. No word yet as to whether the VZ aero package is being revised but you would have to assume so as it could offer teams who elect to run the VZ at the beginning of the season a huge advantage.

The points system is being changed finally. The new points system has larger increments between point scorers and points will no longer be awarded all the way down the field.

As of next season there can be no engine secrets in pitlane. Fuel injection setups are one of the biggest secrets teams have but next year teams will be able to wander up and down pitlane and see other teams hardware. No more putting blankets over the engine when the bonnet is up, no more pit crews blocking the cameras or ushering the cameramen away and I believe smaller cold air inductions to make the engine more visible.

Channel Seven is taking over the telecasts. Neil Crompton will be back but no other commentators have been confirmed. Grant Denyer is leaving Sydney's Sunrise morning program but is staying at Channel Seven. Might he be one of our new commentators or is he going to concentrate more on his racing? There has been talk about Channel Seven offloading some races to other networks because they have got themselves in strife over the AFL telecasts. Seven and Foxtel have not reached an agreement over the broadcasting of AFL games so Seven may be required to show more AFL games than first thought. This jeopardises Sevens promise of showing Saturday qualifying and racing live. One of their solutions was to have a round (Eastern Creek) on a non-conflicting Queens Birthday holiday Monday. Another proposal was to show race two live, then show an AFL game, then show race three live then another AFL game.

It is shaping up to be a highly anticipated season opening with all these changes. After all the negative publicity this week it would be difficult to imagine the media getting too excited about it however. It would be interesting if you could measure the damage V8 $upercar Australia took after the farce that was Phillip Island.
 
Schrodes
So out of 17 teams, 11 have not announced driver changes as of yet. Those are Stone Brothers Racing, Holden Racing Team, ...
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As I understand it, Russell and James are still under contract to SBR so there's very little chance of them moving.
 
Schrodes
Channel Seven is taking over the telecasts. Neil Crompton will be back but no other commentators have been confirmed. Grant Denyer is leaving Sydney's Sunrise morning program but is staying at Channel Seven. Might he be one of our new commentators or is he going to concentrate more on his racing? There has been talk about Channel Seven offloading some races to other networks because they have got themselves in strife over the AFL telecasts. Seven and Foxtel have not reached an agreement over the broadcasting of AFL games so Seven may be required to show more AFL games than first thought. This jeopardises Sevens promise of showing Saturday qualifying and racing live. One of their solutions was to have a round (Eastern Creek) on a non-conflicting Queens Birthday holiday Monday. Another proposal was to show race two live, then show an AFL game, then show race three live then another AFL game.
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Denyer is moving to a commentary position next year; he'll be our man in the pits.

Also, DJR has hit financial troubles and needs to find a 2007 sponsor before the week is out otherwise they're out of here.
 
In my defence isnt that what a team is all about helping each other out? Whincup wasn't helping Lowndes out, simple as that motor racing is a TEAM sport. Anyway Lowndes and R.Kelly have something to prove next year Rick trying to prove he was worthy of winning the title and Lowndes wanting to prove he can still win the championship.

Sad to see the news about DJR, TKR have had plans to move to ford for a while and had to raise $400 000 to keep racing next year. Team Tasman will be a force next year and someone for us kiwis to cheer on (as well as TKR), with Murph and J.Richards the tasman cars have had the speed in the season just gone and with Murph's input it should be a strong year for them.
 
For God's sake! Some of you people are unbelievable. As much as it was somehow Ricks fault, by giving Craig Lowndes a very miniscule touch from behind, Rick deserves to win the title just as much as Lowndes. Why? Because Craig Lowndes is nausiating. He has won 2 Bathursts, 3 championships, several races and rounds. And he has been loved, then hated by his move from Holden to Ford. Craig is the poster boy for V8's, Mr Perfect, hasnt ever put a foot wrong, and now all of a sudden this stupid kid "Kelly" has dashed the hero of his championship. BIG DEAL!!! Rick is the new champion, now whether he cheated or not is very debatable. But who cares about Craig for gods sake. For all that its worth, Craig is a pretty decent guy, he has had a very successful career, and good on him. But seriously people, if this was the first round, then no-body would've cared, penalising either driver in this circumstance is extremely severe, if 888 racing cant win the championship properly, on the track, going to have a sook to CAMS shows just how pitiful they are. Maybe the better man did not win, but thats that, and that is the past.
 
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