Ingall
on course to win first V8 title at BigPond Grand Finale
Press Release
Russell Ingall (Caltex Racing) will take a handy 49-point lead into the final round of the 2005 V8 Supercar Championship Series, the BigPond Grand Finale at Phillip Island on November 25-27.
A four-time runner-up in the series, Ingall is determined to make 2005 his crowning achievement in V8 Supercar racing.
After taking the lead at Bathurst in October, Ingall has been under enormous pressure to maintain his championship lead, first from team-mate Marcos Ambrose (Pirtek Racing) and now from Craig Lowndes (Team Betta Electrical).
After somewhat disappointing rounds at Surfers Paradise and Symmons Plains (Tasmania), Ingall will take control of his destiny at Phillip Island.
"The Enforcer will be back at Phillip Island," said Ingall.
"I got to the lead in the championship by driving aggressively, but over the past two rounds we've had a couple of issues that have seen us finish those rounds down the order.
"Although we've maintained our position in the lead of the championship, we have must go to the final round with the aim of victory, not play it conservatively.
"That approach is just not going to cut it against the likes of Ambrose and Lowndes, as well as a fleet of Holden drivers.
"I came to Ford three years ago to win a title; this is now the time to get the #1 on the green Falcon.
"This is my time. I have the equipment, the team and the determination to seal the deal."
Lowndes has already wrapped-up the pole award trophy for 2005, having started from position #1 on four occasions. Add to this four round runs, but he's still keen to finish the year off with another victory.
"We want to win the race first and foremost, if that brings us the championship then that's a bonus," said Lowndes.
"Russell will be hard to topple for the championship, but we'll give it everything. I'm sure he'll be a far tougher competitor at Phillip Island than he has been recently.
"The other factor is that Marcos is still in with the fight as well. So I can't just be concerned with Russell's position.
"The big winners are the Ford fans, who will walk away happy one way or another."
Ford has not claimed the top-three positions in the championship since 1993 when Glenn Seton beat home team-mate Alan Jones and John Bowe. A victory to any Ford team at Phillip Island will also ensure the Manufacturer's Cup.
For defending two-time Series champion Marcos Ambrose it will be his final race before joining the NASCAR series in the USA. Ambrose recently announced a multiyear deal with famed Ford outfit Wood Brothers/JTG Racing.
"It sounds like a broken record, but I must this round," said Ambrose.
"You never give up, but I really have to rely on Russell and Craig both finishing a long way behind.
"In saying all that, I'm looking forward to finishing my career in V8 Supercars in style. The last two years I was able to win the title on the right note with victory at the final round. This time I might not be winning the championship, but a victory will still be very sweet.
"I'm very keen to end this stage of my career with Ford in Australia by making sure it wins the Manufacturer's Champion as well.
"It's clearly going to be a great weekend for Ford. Two years ago I won with Holdens all around me. Last year Russell was able to claim second. Now the Ford fans really have something to cheer about with three cars heading the championship. I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure things finish that way."
Drivers have a two hour practice session on Friday, with Saturday's action including qualifying, top-10 shootout and the opening 23-lap race. Sunday's concludes the weekend with another two 32-lap races. Each race includes a compulsory tyre stop.