Greg Ritter
by Phillip Whelan
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Greg Ritter by Phillip Whelan |
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Greg Ritter (Born February 1972) the son of Graham 'Tubby' Ritter, a spectacular and popular driver of the '60s and 70s who achieved success in a variety of Ford Escort Touring Cars and Sports Sedans.
Like so many drivers, Greg started in Go-Karts winning 1 state and 1 national title. He went on to competed in Formula Ford for three years winning the title in 1999 after a hard fought season long battle.
Greg had his debut drive of a V8 Supercar for Valvoline Cummins Racing Team at the inaugural Queensland 500 in September 1999. Having little test time in the teams VT Commodore, Ritter and Matthew Coleman finished a creditable 12th place. A questionable Stop-Go penalty robbed them of a possible top 10 finish. That same season Ritter paired with Steve Owen to finish ninth in the Bathurst 1000 Classic.
After some impressive drives with Garry Rogers team he stepped back aboard a privateer Commodore to contest the Shell series Clipsal 500 double-header in Adelaide, finishing 22nd and 23rd in an impressive but under funded effort.
In 2001 Ritter signed up by Dick Johnson Racing, qualified the #18 Shell Helix Racing Falcon in the top-15 at both Queensland and Bathurst, with a fourth placing at Mount Panorama.
His talents earned him a place as full-time test driver, as well as endurance driver in 2002. He also contested selected rounds in the #71 DJR Falcon.
Greg Ritter gained a full time drive in 00 Motorsport Ford Falcon for season 2003.
Career Highlights
2004
- First place Sandown 500 with Marcos Ambrose
2001
- Fourth place Bathurst 1000 Classic
2000
- Ninth place Queensland 500
1999
- First place Australian
Formula Ford Championship
- Ninth place Bathurst 1000 Classic
- 12th place Queensland 500
1998
- Fourth place Australian Formula Ford Championship
1997
- Fifth place Australian Formula Ford Championship
JAN05