V8Supercar bringing back PROCAR?

[Robert Ryan]

Now that V8 Utes now has a 4 yr contract with them, will APC and Australian GT follow suit? If that does eventuate the support races will be vvery interesting indeed.

[D.R.T.]

I dont see why the v8 utes signing an extended deal will mean the others will suddenly jump aboard ? The utes have been on the VESA bill before, then left, then came back and the same with GTP.

That said, AGT were in talks with VESA last year about the issue.

[Pro Racer]

would be nice to see the others jump aboard.

[Denosaur]

Rumour had it back when GRM built the Thunder Ute, TC and his mates tried to start up a series of them to match NASCAR and their Truck Series. At the time, don't know if it was CAMS, TEGA or even V8 Utes or Brutes as they where known then shut the idea down.

Obviously the entertainment factor they provide as got them the 4 year deal. Not to mention the fact that they're V8's........

As for the rest, IMO would be worth there while to jump on board. Thou what I would like to see is some bipartisan co-operation and planning.

[racer69]

Seeing as AGT have seemingly been pushing for some longer races (particularly at the end of last year), i don't see how that would fit in with a V8 weekend.

It seems mandatory to race on the V8 program you must run three short sprints

[Robert Ryan]

It seems mandatory to race on the V8 program you must run three short sprints

longer races at Bathurst(Like it was in the past and just recently) could meet the criteria they want.

[ff s conscience]

I'm all for it providing that the GT cars can have decent garaging.

Running current GT3 or older GT2 cars out of tents on gravel/grass or other crap is a MAJOR PROBLEM.

We utterly ruined a complete set of wheels and brake callipers when driving hot slicks across rocks at the lower paddock of Phillip island.

Cost in excess of $20,000 to repair.

[D.R.T.]

Personally I would rather see AGT keep with their marquee events and the Shannons Nationals.

In the bigger picture, seeing the Shannons grow and gather momentum within the motorsport industry including APCC and AGT.

[mountainstar]

I don't see V8's picking up the gt championship or the APCC.

[Driver TBA]

Originally Posted by Denosaur

Rumour had it back when GRM built the Thunder Ute, TC and his mates tried to start up a series of them to match NASCAR and their Truck Series. At the time, don't know if it was CAMS, TEGA or even V8 Utes or Brutes as they where known then shut the idea down.

Yeah, I remember that. Utes with wings and flares, running on BBQ gas. Think it got as far as a photo of a stripped out Falcon ute on a hoist.

Do GRM still have/use the Thunder Ute?

[Denosaur]

Originally Posted by ff s conscience

I'm all for it providing that the GT cars can have decent garaging.

Running current GT3 or older GT2 cars out of tents on gravel/grass or other crap is a MAJOR PROBLEM.

We utterly ruined a complete set of wheels and brake callipers when driving hot slicks across rocks at the lower paddock of Phillip island.

Cost in excess of $20,000 to repair.

I think that's bigger than MAJOR PROBLEM.
There should be more work happening down there, just don't know if the lower paddock is part of those plans.

Originally Posted by Driver TBA

Yeah, I remember that. Utes with wings and flares, running on BBQ gas. Think it got as far as a photo of a stripped out Falcon ute on a hoist.

Do GRM still have/use the Thunder Ute?

I think your right there on how far it got. Probably good that it got that far....

GRM still have the Ute, it got converted from the original VU model body work to VZ model body work about 2-3 years ago, and a change of paint from Silver to Black. They now use it for some corporate days and so on.

[Robert Ryan]

I'm all for it providing that the GT cars can have decent garaging.

Running current GT3 or older GT2 cars out of tents on gravel/grass or other crap is a MAJOR PROBLEM.

We utterly ruined a complete set of wheels and brake callipers when driving hot slicks across rocks at the lower paddock of Phillip island.

Cost in excess of $20,000 to repair.

FF Conscience if that can be done and with Australian Performance Car onboard, as well as the Utes, who is going to complain about the lack of categories racing on a V8Supercar program?

[Alan52]

If the Mini Challenge finishes up on the V8 program (more than likely because of the CC connection) then one of the existing support classes is going to have to be shunted off the bill .Looking at the schedule at V8 rounds this year there simply isn't the space to fit in an additional 7-8 round series.The 2 most likely to be pointed in the direction of the Shannons Nationals are Aussie Racing Cars-who run 3 of their 8 rounds away from V8 Supercars- and Performance Cars who would be virtually forced into a merger with Production Cars.

[Robert Ryan]

The 2 most likely to be pointed in the direction of the Shannons Nationals are Aussie Racing Cars-who run 3 of their 8 rounds away from V8 Supercars- and Performance Cars who would be virtually forced into a merger with Production Cars.

It would seem the most logical outcome.

[Buckshot]

Originally Posted by Driver TBA

Yeah, I remember that. Utes with wings and flares, running on BBQ gas. Think it got as far as a photo of a stripped out Falcon ute on a hoist.

Actually that was another attempt at a ute series - I believe that was being planned by the Power Tour promoters to run with the trucks and the V8 Stock Cars.

I remember seeing the article in AutoAction and the LPG thing stuck in my head.

[racer69]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

I don't see V8's picking up the gt championship or the APCC.

GT wise they were on the support card at the Clipsal 500, and almost were on the card fulltime this year

[ff s conscience]

Originally Posted by Robert Ryan

FF Conscience if that can be done and with Australian Performance Car onboard, as well as the Utes, who is going to complain about the lack of categories racing on a V8Supercar program?

I didn't know they did.

But anyway, I don't think that's the problem, more like the Vcr8's worrying about faster, better, more interesting cars taking away their spotlight...

The other worry (for GT) is that the ONLY time I've ever experienced trouble with security/vandalism etc is where the bogan knuckledraggers are... which is of course obvious. Badgings, abuse, damage, theft....

So I have to say, I'd prefer GT to be strong enough to carry itself... lets hope the GT management (snicker) can take it there...

[cptkablamo]

I must admit I would have reservations and would not like it at all if the GT were to link up here.

I think a better idea is that the Australian GT links up with Thundersports and other series with a Euro focus and create something special for sportscars - rather than be something lame for the V8s.

[D.R.T.]

I agree. In an ideal world Australian GT would be a destination in itself without being a rung in the v8 ladder.

With events on A1 GP, Clipsal and the Sandown 350 hopefully the category and the National circus can grow in the mindset of the Australian public

[racer69]

Given that F3 and AGT are the 'highest profile' categories running in the CAMS Nationals, perhaps they should promote it like the old 'PowerTour' in Britain...

Promote F3 and AGT as the main attractions, with the others as support events, so people know straight away what is on, not just advertising the 'Shannons Nationals' and expecting the target audience to do their own research into what is competing....

It would also open up the opportunity for GT to run longer races on more permanent basis, which would suit the class better.

[Robert Ryan]

Given that F3 and AGT are the 'highest profile' categories running in the CAMS Nationals, perhaps they should promote it like the old 'PowerTour' in Britain...

Problem is that profile, is pretty low. You need mainstream TV to boost it, not SBS.

[Buckshot]

Something really needs to be done about the GT coverage, this **** poor little highlights package that goes shown on Channel 9's Speedmachine is a joke.

[Robert Ryan]

this **** poor little highlights package that goes shown on Channel 9's Speedmachine is a joke

Yep, it needs to be on Channel 7 with the others.

[D.R.T.]

When you add the tv together its not too bad. Channel 9, SBS and Fox Sports is some pretty coverage for the championship and sponsors but yes the current 3 race format is not user friendly for the 30 mins slots they have.

Though it was mentioned a few years back that Speedweek on Sunday afternoons would outrate Trackside on 10. Not sure if that is still true these days though with the transition to 7.

I am not sure what the solution is though ? If you want longer coverage your going to have pay even more, raising the costs involved for competitors.

Aussie Racers tried an end of season DVD I think last year, maybe F3 and AGT could get the full races off AVE and do something there?

[Buckshot]

Originally Posted by D.R.T.

When you add the tv together its not too bad. Channel 9, SBS and Fox Sports is some pretty coverage for the championship...

I've been recording every episode of Speedweek this year and I haven't seen the GTs on there yet ?

The coverage they've been getting on 9 has been woeful. They only have half an hour minus adds to show 3 x 20 minute races and they waste about 10 minutes talking the the drivers when they could be showing on track action.