Jason Bright News

[Mickcals]

Just an update on Bright:

he wont be making a decision until the end of the season.

Also FPR and Ford have made Bright a very good and promising offer.

FPR have offered Bright the lead drive for FPR, making him the lead driver for the factory team. Also Ford said that they will heavily back Bright's attempt to create "Team Bright"

Ford is willing to build a team for Bright (Bright's already got the license).

Also Ford has a driver in line to pick up the drive in his team, and that is Greg Ritter - either way Ritter will have a drive either with FPR or Team Bright.

Also the "Good Guys" electrical retail giant is looking at sponsoring the team.

[lewi]

Hmm interesting. Seems Ford is keen to get more good drivers!

[murph_fan]

Mickcals, this is only a rumour started by a dodgey motorsport magazine. I wouldn't believe anything at this stage.

Also, I don't see the logic in him moving from a top team (PWR) to a struggling team (FPR)??? &(

The magazine also states that he will be the lead driver in the Cat Ford, while owning his own team for someone else to drive in.

Allthough, these days, most people seem to only care about the money, which if in this case he will go to FPR for sure.

Another rumour is Baird going to WPS, apparently he got paid out a a contract with TKR to race with them next season.

[VQ]

Thing is, ford has to put way more effort and money into this then Holden does to get anyone, I mean, as far as I know, Lowndes is the highest paid racer in the v8's.

[Perko_Rulz]

There is no such thing as loyalty to a badge nowdays in the V8's. It's loyalty to the all ighty ollar. ^_^

[VSV6]

Yeh Holden never put much Money into Racing drivers.
To be honest did they ever need to? Commodores have almost always outclassed Falcons since they came out.
With PBP things are starting to turn against them.....

Cheers
-Mike

[VQ]

other then skaife, he wouldn't change even to nissan, I asked him directly.

[Perko_Rulz]

but he is holden's poster boy, it would be stupid leaving the Holden Racing Team to become the Nissan Racing Team. He would get so much support from Holden, indirectly that is.

[skaife_fan]

I know this is a little bit off topic but in response to Mike's post a couple of the years that the Falcon dominated in 93,95. They used to slow them down I'm pretty sure in 1995 they took some size off the front undertray off just before Bathurst.

[Y2kGoofball]

VQ but deep down in his heart he would

For skaife it comes down to the ownership of the team. We all know theres something not right there as to how Holden wanted ownership but was denied so magically a driver "brouight out the team", even you know that theres more to it.

I think it'd be more a legal thing then a "well I'm loyal to the badge" and if there were Godzillas back, he'd be gone in a flash if he could

Dont forget his switch to Holden was forced when Nissan was banned for 1993 and Ford turned down Gibson Motorsport which only left one choice for the man. Skaife remained with Gibson Motorsport till his switch in 1997, Fred went onto create the Wynns team a few years later, which become Kmart Racing.

Gibson himself then finally got to move to Ford (Lowndes in 2001) which is when I believe TWR brought the KRT, but at the same time Skaife remained with HRT since making the switch back in 1997.

Now Skaife has mentioned in the past his liking for the 4wd Skyline and although cant 'directly' say he would because he's attached to a factory team, it doesnt take much brain power to work out if the offer was there he'd be gone in a flash

I mean Skaife prooved you dont even need a major sponsor to win Bathurst and a championship in one of them!

The problem is he has to say "nah I wouldnt". I'm sure my boss wouldnt appreciate me telling customers I hate my employer and I would prefer to work across the road! Think about it ...

[VQ]

if he hated them, he wouldn't have said yes to becoming the owner, they would have found someone else, so therefore he does like Holden to want to own the team.

And the GTR that they raced had very little in common with the road car other then the block and shell, I've read articles about it and the engine by itself is worth $100,000 and the rest of the drivetrain is worth another 30 or more, so it's hardly stock.

[skaife_fan]

I thought I read somewhere that Gibson Motorsport went to Holden becasue they thought the Holdens were more developed than the Ford's through Tom Walkingshaw and in actual fact Rothmans the parent company of Winfield (sponser at the time) and Peter Jacksons wanted Gibson Motorsport to use Fords so they would be in Fors along side Glenn Seton and Alan Jones in the Peter Jackson Falcons.

[Y2kGoofball]

And the GTR that they raced had very little in common with the road car other then the block and shell, I've read articles about it and the engine by itself is worth $100,000 and the rest of the drivetrain is worth another 30 or more, so it's hardly stock. I didnt say anything about them being stock or modified or anything so where'd that come from :confused: :confused: :confused:

[Y2kGoofball]

also VQ

I didnt say he 'hated them'

The jist of it was after Nissan was banned team owner Fred Gibson went to Holden where Skaife remained in Gibson Motorsport till he joined HRT in 1997

As for ownership why not ... I mean he just come off 3 consecutive championships and 2 consecutive bathurst wins with the team, and its quite obvious if you think about it Nissan wont be back in the near future

skaife Fan I read differently. I read Gibson wanted to go to Ford for whatever reason (sponsorship for one) but was knocked back, which is why he went to Holden and for a while even ran a blank Red VR!

I dont know, you may be right

[Perko_Rulz]

Verse from the theme to a popular Reality show sums it up:

Money money money money money money money, money, mmmmooonneeeeeyyy!

[VQ]

Whatever, the point is, Nissan, thankfully isn't coming back in touring cars, heck their sportiest car is a 350z now! I can't beleive Chris hasn't popped in to say his few words on the GTR too, but anyway, if Skaife wasn't 100% for Holden then he wouldn't have said yes to becoming owner of the team, but I've heard rumors, which i think I have said before that says that lots of HRT's mechanics are moving to other teams because they dislike Skaife running things.

[Y2kGoofball]

well we might disagree on this topic then and leave it at that!

As for the mechanics ive heard it too. I dont think its got much to do with the man himself, I think its got to do with the fact since becoming owner its quite obviously impacted on his weekend driving, even though he swore not to let it!

[Perko_Rulz]

I disagree, I think we can agree!

[VQ]

I agree!!

[Y2kGoofball]

anyhoo back on topic

who believes bright would go to FPR?

I dont think so personally

[murph_fan]

stranger things have happened! (as the v8 commentators always say)

personally, i can see him driving for fpr next year, and you know ford dish out loads of cash for drivers. I hope he doesn't drive for ford, but I think he will.

[Perko_Rulz]

I think he may have another crack overseas.

[Mickcals]

Well Fred Gibson went to Ford due to the fact the Gibson anf Ford had a reasonable relationship and though Ford would interested in picking up the current and former ATCC champions (Skaife and Richards).

Ford knocked them back mainly because they only wanted a small army of Falcons (similar to want they did back in the 70's when they would only fund three Ford drivers (normally the Moffat Dealer team, Murray Carter and Gibson when he raced Falcons)

There were only four Falcon's for the 1993 season (the two DJR cars - Johnson and Bowe and the two Peter Jackson cars - Seton and Alan Jones) compared to Holden's 17 Commodores (i think)

[Perko_Rulz]

I think the now because it is back to the Win on Sunday, Sell on Monday situation again, Ford are bringing in more teams. With the lesser teams when you were factory backed, the more money you would be able to spend on the developement of the race car which eventually filters down into our road going cars. eg, If the Ford Race Devlopement was 1.5 mill between 3 teams, there is $500,000 each. If is is 6 teams it is $250,000 each. You wouldn't get the same developement with more cars.

[Y2kGoofball]

well the Win on Sunday sell on Monday is so true

"Ford. Boss of V8 Supercars" where did they get that from :rolleyes:

[Perko_Rulz]

I have a feeling the if Toyota, mitsubishi and Nissan come into the V8's I think they would be the highest selling cars out, IF they were winning races. I think the Lancer sales went down with this years rally performance didn't it?

[murph_fan]

yeah and now thats leading to the end of the EVOLUTION series, 8 is their last one, and now the Mirage (which will be entered in to next years WRC C'ship) will now be their 'sport model' and would expect to sell lots more than evo.

[VQ]

they changed the name to Colt, and it's based on the same platform as the new Mercedes Benz A-Class.

[Perko_Rulz]

The colt has already been released over here, it was a hatchback shitheap.

[Mickcals]

I have a feeling the if Toyota, mitsubishi and Nissan come into the V8's I think they would be the highest selling cars out, IF they were winning races

Well if Toyota jojns then both Holden and Ford will be in a lot of trouble cause i Toyota would throw alot more money into the catergory, much more than Ford Aust and Holden can keep up with

[murph_fan]

In Formula One, Toyota has the biggest budget, more than Ferrari.

[Mickcals]

my point exactly

[VQ]

and yet they are not winning, but more people are buying camry sportivo's then ever, I mean really, how can a FWD Camry be sporty? speccially with that ugly box rear end.

And toyota would want to go into V8's, and they prolly could, rnt they in Nascars with their own 5 litre OHV motor there? they could use that, but then people would want to buy rwd camry's....

[Mickcals]

Yeah Toyota have entered the NASCAR Truck (Ute) Championship (The Craftsman Cup)

Toyota, when biding to join the V8s, presented the same V8 engine they use in that championship. But the only problem was that the Camry was not a RWD which means Toyota will have to work on that if they want to be re-considered

[murph_fan]

And they have to sell a certain amount of vehicles before they can enter the series.

[Mickcals]

Just some more news from Auto Action.

They said pretty much the same thing but with more detail.

Ford's plan is that they are hoping that a Harrop/Bright/Benson combo will bring FPR up to scratch while Ritter and co will help give Team Bright the experience they need to become a compitive team (that way Bright can just jump into a good team unlike Lowndes when he came to Ford)

Ford is hoping that by 2006 (at least) FPR will be up to scratch and so will Team Bright and then Bright and Ritter will switch places so Bright will be in his team and a more experienced Ritter will become the lead driver for FPR.

Also Ford has pitched a million dollar salary to sweeten the deal with Bright.

Also Auto Action comfirmed that Radisich isnt joining FPR, so Shane maybe Team Kiwi might be where he ll end up

[Perko_Rulz]

Put a price cap on what the comoanies are allowed to spend. Thats waht pisses me off with F1. With the prices at the moment, if way not exist soon.

[murph_fan]

A million dollar deal, I can't see him refusing to that!!!

But it sounds like its going to happen if theres so much talk about it, and in detail.

Team Owner David John hopes to announce a replacement driver for Baird within a week or so.
This was from the NZ herald.

[Mickcals]

well it should be interesting

[VQ]

Well, news I've read, the Camry is going to be 4cyl only and the Avalon the only 6 Toyota you will be able top buy on the next generation, on the same platform, so it forces people to buy a avalon if they want a 6 toyota, personally I'd never touch any toyota unless it was a GT-One, there are better cars on the market.

[skaife_fan]

I read in a newspaper that Tony Cochrane has not ruled out Toyota joining as early as 2007.

[murph_fan]

The only reason all this started was because they are now racing overseas in China.

But I would still like it to be Holden vs Ford battle, not Toyota and Mitsibushi!! They don't care about what the fans want, just how much money goes into TC's pocket!!

[Bo0]

Yeah thats right, he's just looking at all the $$$ signs when he thinks of the prospect of Toyota joining. And the fact that for the past couple or so years they have been the #1 manufacturer in terms of sales in Aus so he would want to tap into that as well.

[Mickcals]

Well id hate go back on topic, but as murph_fan said in the Indy thread, Jason Bright has or is going to sign with FPR in the next couple of days, with his team mate being Greg Ritter.

Also Team Bright is slowly taking shape with Dean Canto, Paul Radisich, Warren Luff, Cameron McLean and Andrew Jones all competeing for a seat in that team

Also Nathan Pretty is thought to have replaced Tander at GRM

[VSV6]

God Damit
DAMN YOU FORD DAMN YOU!!!
We are losing all our talent (again)
Bright has no idea what he is doing, I'd just look at the history of Holden -> Ford drivers
Lowndes= Champ to Loser
Bargwana= Up and comming to Loser
Ingall= Bastard to Bastard ^_^
Brock(only one year)= Legend to Loser

I mean even if you don't have a choice, why would you go to FPR?? go somewhere better

Bright can't win this year, I will now refuse to cheer him on because i don't want that #1 on a Ford again
:nono:

Cheers
-Mike

[Bo0]

Well Bright did start his career at Ford, won bathurst in his debut season so what does that say... :)

[VQ]

they were cheating! :p

[VSV6]

^_^ ^_^ ^_^
He won Bathurst, nothing else though.....
Even if a Bathurst win is more important than a championship he still does better with Holden than he was doing with SBR (Ford)

Cheers
-Mike

[Y2kGoofball]

yes ive seen the promo Bright / Ritter FPV sponsored BA in the newsagent today on one of them newspaper magazine thingys

Its a shame because Bright had what it took to do it in a holden, just his choices werent too good

No second driver at HRT was going to be the teams focus, not while the other bloke had a #1 on his car. I think this year in particular the times have changed only because #22 is so far up the ladder then that samer bloke who had the #1

Then team brock, well? The team never did any good, the original driver is a factor but realistically brock only took over the team to offer his son James a seat because rival Dick still had a seat for his son when Steve joined V8 Supercars. So if his rival did it then he wanted to offer his son the same. As things turned out James enjoys the Brutes which tied in quite well with the Procar series as I think most Brute and Nations cup events were ran on the same day while they had the tracks hired.

Im sure Bright went in with the idea of going strong and impressing the fans, even moreso when Brock managed a second cad (although bright had to BYO ) and Betta electrical to sponsor his cars.

Then like I said Brock left V8s for Procar which was the perfect opportunity for Paul to buy the team (or his parents, whoever) and plaster his name on it. Personally I'd be intimidated if my team mate owned the team and had his name all over the cars.

I think Bright at Kmart would've worked well ;)

Once again though look at the move, to FPR. He's gone to a crap team with unreliable championship (ie not enduro) cars where both drivers left. The plan : go really really well and make people think gee he's good, look how well hes going in what was a crap team - exactly the same as Team Brock!

[Bo0]

Well yeah thats right, he'd rather go to an "up-and-coming" team rather than stay at a team that you would think would be at its potential, or join a team in midst of being in good form, probably for publicity i say, to big-note himself.

Although like you said FPR are a crap team, they wont be for long. This is a great oppertunity for Bright to lead the team and take it to new heights;- but then we said that about Lowndes and look what happened there...

FPR have really got their act together since lowndes announced his depature, things are finally looking up and if they finish strong this season, people might percieve Bright's move to be better than first intended.

[Mickcals]

Next FPR will be a force, didnt you see Lowndes at Indy he was the fastest driver on the road, and i dont think they are having engine trouble anymore, did you see how close he was to T.Kelly in the first race and then Murphy, all that hot air would have easily killed an reliable engine

[Turboginge]

Just an an interesting comparison, compare the results of those drivers who went from holden to ford, as you sed "Champ to loser"... then compare those who went the other way ... ford to holden, I cant think of too many right now but an addition to your lineup... look at what has happened to the Castrol team.. ( Perkins ). When it was castrol Holden, ok they wernt winning everything but they were doing a hell of lot better than they are now as Castrol Ford.

Just a point to ponder, the only ford team it seems to be doing well is SBR and I personally put that down to their driver/crew more than their car.

Gooooooo Holden

[murph_fan]

Actually Bright's first season was in a VS GRM Commodore in 1997. They won Bathurst and i think that was all.

[VSV6]

No it was an EL SBR Falcon and they did win Bathurst, but yeh that was their only High that season

Cheers
-Mike

[murph_fan]

Sorry I didnt write that correctly!

What I meant to say is Bright started off in 1997 #34 GRM VS Commodore.

In 1998, he went to SBR and won Bathurst, I think that is all he won that year. So Brights first season was in a Holden, now going back to Ford...

[monaro]

Next FPR will be a force, didnt you see Lowndes at Indy he was the fastest driver on the road, and i dont think they are having engine trouble anymore, did you see how close he was to T.Kelly in the first race and then Murphy, all that hot air would have easily killed an reliable engine

Lowndes was only fastest because of his uncanny ability to hustle the car through turns, he carries alot more speed through apexes than a murphy or ambrose. He would have won the whole lot if he didnt have such a horsepower difference, the KRT's and the HRT's were killing him down straights.

[lewi]

Yeah, for sure. Tip to FPR, - england doesn' t know how to build V8s properly!!

It would have peed lowndes off so much. I don't feel he's made a mistake by joining 888 racing.

Sooner the better

[Mickcals]

Yeah, for sure. Tip to FPR, - england doesn' t know how to build V8s properly!!

It would have peed lowndes off so much. I don't feel he's made a mistake by joining 888 racing.

Well maybe Triple 8 should listen.

They too are doing all their engine development in England, its just that they have had better success.

FPR now have their engines built in the FPR factory by Rob Bension (former BJR engine guru) also their head engneer Daniel Russel can focus solely on engneering rather than team management.

Lowndes has made a big mistake by leaving FPR, and Bright will be reaping the rewards for switching sides, something that Lowndes has yet to do.

The only thing going for Triple 8 is the Lowndes/Campbell Little relationship as they have worked together in the past when Lowndes was just starting out

[monaro]

if the only thing going for Triple 8 is th Little/Lowndes relationship then they have alot to be cheering about.

I can really see lowndes producing for them next year, even if it is for the wrong manufacturer.

[VQ]

I don't think Bright will be reaping the rewards myself, new things come around an upset the proven stuff all the time don't they?

TWR in the late 80's proved that you can't develop a car for racing in Australia in england, because the setup and conditions are different of course.