Thread: The Bathurst 1000 2018.

All is good guys, I'm a happy chappy right now, in front of the TV!
But not much action today, it's wet at Bathurst, so no-one's taking any chances. Some like the rain, I don't,....slows everything down I reckon, but then it does give the slower cars a chance to get into the mix.
Supercars, which is our current major form of tin top racing in Aussie, is actually in very good shape, it's different to earlier series, Group C, Group A etc, but I can remember pathetically poor grid numbers in those days,...no-one wanted to race against the Sierras, and then the Nissan GTR was nobbled because it was too fast.
I can remember 9 (yes NINE) entries for one of the biggest races (Sandown 500) on the program in 1990 or 1991, We are now a long way away from that with a regular 25/26 cars on the grid, and there are penalties if you don't turn up to race.
RECs ( Racing Entitlement Certificates) are limited, and are keenly sought after, should they become available.
Yes, it is different, I can't quote crowd numbers, but the Sport, (perhaps not amongst some of you guys!!.....and that's fine right,..I'm not "having a go!) is in very good shape. Yes, it is different, there's a lot more emphasis on the media aspect, and yes it has been intentionally made into a bit of a circus, as are most major motor sport events these days.
In view of the parlous state of industry in this country, I believe that it's a miracle that teams are able to find sufficient sponsorship,....but they do!! Then ya've got the inclusion of Roger Penske, probably the World's most successful "Racer" getting heavily involved,..and He wouldn't be doing that just to race,...he's looking for the promo value to his Aussie ventures which provide sponsorship, but He wouldn't do it, if it wasn't a paying proposition.
Next year of course we'll have Mustang, which will be great. There's talk of Camaro, but I don't see that happening, there's also interest from Hyundai who are starting to promote a performance image. And of course the cars in the category are far more complex & "tuneable" than before. Part of the enjoyment for me is not the actual race, but seeing how engineers tune the cars, in all sorts of ways to get a top quali time....that's where the media, & particularly Foxtel come in,....with in camera access to the pit garages, & this year, on Foxtel the total 161 laps will be ad free!
Look, if I had the dollars, I wouldn't be getting involved in a Supercar Team, it's "super cut throat", "dog eat dog" etc, I don't know how Teams do it, but they do, and they do it well.
I've been watching Aussie tin tops sinse the sixties, and whilst the cars may not be like they used to be (what is), the racing competition is as good as any I've seen.
If you've bothered to read this, thanks. Pickles. (of course, all of this is only "IMHO")

Originally Posted by Homestar

Well that sort of ****s it for the average joe then doesn't it...

Not really Gav, when you're talking HSV vehicles, relative to previous HSV pricing of their modified Commodores,...the Camaro is around the same price as their lowest price VF11, the Clubsport, & way below higher priced models like the GTS etc, the last GTSR was around $120K, so an $86K car is not out of order for the "HSV market". It is reasonable to compare Camaro with the Mustang which is $20k cheaper, but check out the finish & equipment on Camaro, and you'll see there is a difference, but I guess the market can decide on that one. I've heard nothing official, but I believe that next year there is a possibility that Walkinshaw will convert the higher spec/power (650HP) ZL1 version of the Camaro, which will be more expensive, and I reckon they'll sell like hot cakes. HSV do not want to match Mustang sales, they will do 550 this year, and around 1000 next year,..don't forget they're also doing the MASSIVE Silverado & the Dodge Ram, they're working double shifts,....We've been to Walkinshaw Park on a few occasions,..the conversion process is extremely comprehensive and has only been done under control & monitoring of GM Detroit. There has never been any mention from Detroit that Camaro will be produced RHD, which IMHO is a bad blue as there would be a world market for that car. Corvette on the other hand will be produced RHD, I believe we'll see it in around 3 years, to be sold via Holden Dealers.
As far as what cars will race, like I said, Hyundai have made overtures, but I really don't know. As far as the cars are concerned, it doesn't really worry me, as long as they're fast and the racing is good. Nascar is a HUGE sport, yet their cars bear much less resemblance to road cars than Supercars,...and some of their guys have been over here recently checking out Supercars because they like what is happening here. As you probably know, a chief executive of McLaren & Michael Andretti have bought into what was Walkinshaw Racing, so there's a lot going on!
The involvement of Roger Penske has been absolutely positive, as has the prospect of Mustang.
Gotta say the racing was pretty average today though,..VERY wet, no-one was taking any chances!
Martin.
By the way, does anyone believe I think Supercars is perfect?....Well I don't, ya can always improve on stuff. I used to go to races all around Victoria, Calder, sandown, Winton, Hume Weir, Phillip Island etc etc. But I haven't been to a race meeting for many years, don't like the crowds, the parking & all that stuff, I just love the current TV coverage. I see more of the racing & "goings on" now than I ever did. And the cost of entry,...I was shocked the other day when a friend told me that He had to pay $30 extra to gain pit entry at Sandown, & I believe a similar amount for a Grandstand seat, both of which used to be included in your entry fee. It is what it is!