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Bowe joins OzEmail Racing

4K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  Space Lord 
#1 ·
President of Ford Australia, Mr Geoff Polites today unveiled the new OzEmail V8 Superteam for 2002 at Ford Australia’s Headquarters at Broadmeadows.

An arrangement with Prancing Horse Racing will see their newly appointed Director of Motorsports, John Bowe, join the OzEmail Racing Team, partnering Team Principal Brad Jones in two OzEmail XR8 Falcons.

“Ford is making a massive commitment to V8 Supercars, not only with funding to our teams, but also extra marketing to promote the Ford brand through Racing," said Mr Polites.

"2002 is a very important year for Ford Racing, we have made great strides in 2001 with four race wins and six pole positions, now we need the championship," he added.

"The extension of the OzEmail Racing Team to 2002 is the type of commitment needed for success in V8 Supercars. Ford shares the team's excitement as it sets its sights on truly challenging the competition,” concluded Mr Polites.

The OzEmail Racing Team’s expansion is the realisation of a goal set by Brad Jones during the 2001 V8 Supercar season.

“Both Kim (brother Kim Jones) and I knew that to be successful in the V8 Supercar category we needed the team to grow. The benefits of a two car team are far greater particularly with development and testing,” said Jones.

“To be able to secure the services of John (Bowe) is fantastic. With all his experience and ability, he will be a major asset to our team and will put us in a position to be very competitive in the future.”

“When we knew John was available for next year, we approached OzEmail and Ford Racing for the financial assistance to allow us to put him in a second car. Everybody knew the value that John would bring to the team and if it wasn’t for their support, we wouldn’t be here today,” Jones concluded.

As one of the few non automotive based brands to exploit the broad growth of V8 Supercars, OzEmail’s additional commitment will see them join the highest profile sponsors in the sport.

"Without a doubt, OzEmail Racing is one of our most significant and successful sponsorships", said Mr Justin Milne, OzEmail Internet CEO. "We have been with the team since their debut into V8 Supercar racing and we are proud to support their ongoing success and growth."

For Ford Racing, John Bowe’s signing with the OzEmail Racing Team was good news.

"In response to the extra enthusiasm shown by OzEmail Internet and the Brad Jones Racing team, Ford has increased its involvement for 2002,” said Ford Racing’s General Manager, Howard Marsden.

"With two of the most experienced and accomplished drivers in Brad Jones and John Bowe, the OzEmail Racing Team of 2002 will be one of the most professional teams on and off the track.”

"I'm sure together Brad and John will combine to be a formidable combination on the track, especially in the endurance races at Bathurst and Queensland, as well as individually at places like Adelaide, Eastern Creek and Sandown which will all see long distance events next year,” Mr Marsden concluded.

After a two month break from V8 Supercar duties, John Bowe, the former Bathurst and Championship winner is thrilled to be teaming-up with his long time friend Brad Jones.

“I was fortunate enough to have the choice of a number of opportunities for next year. When Brad and I first started to talk about me joining the OzEmail team obviously I was excited. To echo Howard’s (Marsden) thoughts, this team is totally professional and equally important for me, it has a friendly environment. I think we will be a real force next year,” said Bowe.

Commenting on his dual role with Prancing Horse Racing, Bowe said “My arrangement with Prancing Horse Racing allows me to spend the time I require with Brad and the OzEmail team and also oversee the PHR racing program. There are a lot of advantages for both parties in having me totally involved with motorsport, particularly with the development side.”

The OzEmail Racing Team are now in full preparation mode for the 2002 V8 Supercar season. In addition to driver John Bowe, the team will take on a range of new personnel over the next two months, including ex-DJR and founding CAT Racing engineer Phillip Curtis.
 
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#2 ·
That's great news, must say I wasn't confident that it was any more than a rumour. Where are they getting the second car from, PHR maybe?
 
#5 ·
If JB can screw some qualifying speed from the cars they will win races next year no problems at all, you look at Brad Jones Race speed and he is usually within the top 5. But starting from the traditional 20th position makes for a tough weekend.

Great News.:s3
 
#6 ·
OK I'm going to be the bad guy here...

It is good that the Jones Bros have struck this deal....BUT!!

It is no championship winner. Ford stuffed this up again.

First it was FTR to be the all conqouring team then GMS stepped in, and now BJR?

And we wonder why Ford can't win races. Take a leaf out of Holdens book. take one team and stick to it. Develope it into a winning team just don't drop a team because it didn't do to well.

ok I'm done.
 
#7 ·
Let me tell you guys, Bowe has been in serious training, he would have lost at least 20% body weight last time I saw him..

Next year is gonna be huge


Bowe we are right behind you.

Post on FF - Own the Net
Drive a Ford - Own the Road
Drive Ozemail - own the Trak
 
G
#9 ·
Ford have put their trust in Brad to beat HRT. Look at Brad's experience and motivation:

1. Trained by HRT in driving and team management (and will want to win against them more than most as it is a "personal" mission.
2. Selected by Audi to run their Australian team, including international racing such as Macau, and scored two championships, Jackie Chan Trophie, Macau GP, stand in Le Mans drive etc.
3. Five Auscar/Nascar titles whilst running the team and driving.
4. Second at Bathurst this year by a tiny 2 something seconds (thanks Morris! Not).
5. Not intimidated by other drivers such as Skaife on and off the track.
6. Has a personality so is capable of doing publicity for the brand.
7. Never a driving error at Bathurst in all the years he has competed, even taking the car from last to second after Lowndes spun it to drop them back so far. DNFs are through car failure and that can be fixed with $$.

Add JB's experiecnce with car set up and it is my belief that Ford have better invested their money with a stable and committee team. The Jones brothers won't be buying and selling their franchise, chucking hissy fits and the like at the end of each season as we have seen with the likes of GMS, Briggs et al.
 
#13 ·
HSE2 said:
No I think Ford are too thin as well.

As far as Ozemail goes they better be better then their internet service, otherwise the cars well be dropping out for no reason
lol!!!!

Did anyone notice JB's new car is number 888? This is the same number as the PHR Falcon which raced at Bathurst last year. Coincidence??? What is the relationship between PHR and Ozemail team? As far as i know, JB is still linked to PHR.
 
#14 ·
HP Dude said:
As far as i know, JB is still linked to PHR.
Yep JB is the motorsprot manager for PHR as well as driving for BJR..
 
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