Ford's
night at V8 Supercars Gala Dinner
Press Release
Ford and its V8 Supercar drivers and teams have collected 11 trophies at the annual V8 Supercar Championship awards ceremony in Melbourne. Included in the awards were Champion Manufacturer of Year, the Driver's Championship with Russell Ingall and the Team's title for Stone Brothers Racing.
Ford star Craig Lowndes collected three awards on the night; the Barry Sheene Medal for his outstanding leadership, personality, fan appeal and sportsmanship, Most Popular Driver and Runner-Up in the championship.
Outgoing two-time V8 Supercar Champion and third-place getter in 2005, Marcos Ambrose took his final trophy in Australia before heading to the USA to race in NASCAR.
President of Ford Tom Gorman praised the award winners and all the officially supported Blue Oval teams in V8 Supercar racing.
"Everyone involved with Ford is delighted with the efforts of our teams on the track in 2005," said Gorman.
"The Manufacturer's award is not just for Ford, it's something that all our teams can take pride in.
"Three-straight championships for Stone Brothers Racing is a great reward for Ross and Jimmy Stone, as well their dedicated team.
"Marcos Ambrose has been a great champion here in Australia and we all wish him great success in the USA in NASCAR. He's still be a big part of the Ford family here in Australia.
"I can think of no better winner of the Barry Sheene Medal and Most Popular Driver award than Craig Lowndes. His ability behind the wheel is without question, his attitude out of the car is great for everyone associated with the Ford brand.
"From everyone at Ford, congratulations to Russell Ingall for finally winning a V8 title. To win a championship like this you must have skill and plenty of determination. This is Russell through and through.
"It's been a great year and we look forward to future success on and off the track in 2006."
On Monday Ingall, Lowndes and Ambrose, as well as the Stone Brothers Racing team were welcomed by staff at Ford's Broadmeadows (Victoria) head quarters.
Tom Gorman introduced the drivers to employees before presenting all members of Stone Brothers Racing special medallions to mark the team's 2005 championship.
2005 V8 Supercar Championship Series Awards
Champion Manufacturer
of the Year: Ford
2005 Champion: Russell Ingall Caltex Racing (Ford)
2005 runner-up: Craig Lowndes Team Betta Electrical (Ford)
2005 second runner-up: Marcos Ambrose Pirtek Racing (Ford)
Champion Pole Award: Craig Lowndes Team Betta Electrical (Ford)
Champion Team of the Year: Stone Brothers Racing (Ford)
Barry Sheene Medal: Craig Lowndes Team Betta Electrical (Ford)
RPM Viewer’s Most Popular Driver: Craig Lowndes Team Betta Electrical
(Ford)
HPDC V8 Supercar Series Champion Dean Canto Gatorz Racing (Ford)
Mike Kable Rookie of the Year: Grant Denyer Summit/Jax Racing (Ford)
Privateers Cup Champion Gary MacDonald Kanga Loaders Racing (Ford)
Bathurst Champions: Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly
Best Presented Team: Holden Racing Team
V8 Supercars Australia Media Award Bruce Newton
Best Volunteer Group: Super Cheap Auto 1000
Hall of Fame – Special Category: Clipsal 500 Adelaide.