|
Kemal Leads ARC Pack To Bathurst |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 03 April 2007 |
Team VIP Petfoods’ defending Aussie Racing Car Champion Paul Kemal is leading the pack as he heads to Mount Panorama for this weekend’s WPS Bathurst International Motor Festival and round three of the 2007 ARC series.
Three wins and a fifth in round two at Albert Park’s Australian Grand Prix last month saw him snatch the series lead from main rival James Ward.
Kemal and his number 19 “BA Falcon” will be looking to maintain and
further that lead this weekend – even though he has had problems at the
legendary track in the past.
“It was fantastic to take the
series lead back after round one, and so head into Mount Panorama at
the head of the pack,” said Kemal.
“Even though things haven’t
always gone smoothly here in the past, I always look forward to running
on the circuit as it just a great track.
“I am really happy to
be back on top of the series and in a good position to defend my 2006
ARC title which is something I am totally committed to.”
During
the 2006 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, the second of two 2006 Bathurst
ventures, Kemal was served with a technical penalty during the second
ARC support class race for passing under the yellow.
The penalty
saw him take 27th position on the starting grid for race three – a
disappointing result following a blazing race one win.
“I
managed third overall in my first 2006 run at the circuit (during the
inaugural WPS Bathurst International Motor Festival),” said Kemal.
“Unfortunately
during my last Bathurst run in 2006 the technical penalty meant we
started 27th for the third race, which was unfortunate after winning
the first race.
“From there I charged to second in six laps – so
it seems we certainly have the speed there and I am looking forward to
getting back on the track.”
In preparing for this weekend Kemal said only basic maintenance of the car had been undertaken with no special preparation.
“As
I ran here (Bathurst) twice last year, I know what is required, so we
did not need to do any special preparation in the lead up,” said Kemal.
“With
only two weeks between rounds I guess we were lucky we only needed to
do general maintenance and some minor fiberglass repairs following on
from our strong run at the Australian Grand Prix.”
Kemal’s
Albert Park hat-trick was followed by a hard-fought 5th position in the
final after an uncharacteristic spin put him towards the back of the
pack.
Kemal’s Team VIP Petfoods teammate Craig Baird will also
take the wheel during the Easter event – competing with Paul Morris and
Garry Holt in the WPS Bathurst 12 hour showcase enduro event in a BMW
335i.
|
News