2005 V8 Supercar Champion – Bathurst a Sea of RED !

Holden’s amazing winning streak at the famous Mt Panorama circuit has now been stretched to seven in a row following Mark Skaife’s sensational win in an action packed and sometimes controversial Supercheap Autos 1000 last weekend.

HRT drivers Mark Skaife and Todd Kelly started the race with the sole ambition to look after their car, and put themselves in a position to push for victory in the race’s crucial final hour. Thanks to the early retirement of Ford hero Craig Lowndes, who had been the pace setter all week, and numerous on clashes and controversial decisions that all but wiped out Ford’s chance of victory, the HRT team were able to run at their own pace pushing when required, setting up an exciting final 20 lap run to the finish.

It was a particularly sweet victory for Skaife, who broke a winning drought extending two years back to the Sandown 500 in 2003. For Kelly, it was his third round victory for the year and promotes him to third placing in what is now a very tight championship fight.

“It’s an incredible race and the grand final for Australian motorsport, and one of those races we work all year to try to win,” Skaife said.

“When I won last time with Richo it was a great feeling and today, after the last couple of years of not going well enough, I think this is probably the best win personally for me and the best I’ve driven here today in all my Bathurst drives.

Kelly, who celebrated his 26th birthday on race day, said it had turned into the happiest birthday of all and paid tribute to his teammate.

“Number 26 is one I’ll never forget,” Kelly said. “It’s been an unbelievable birthday and I’d like to thank Skaifey who has done a magic job all day.

“We worked all week to get the car right for that last stint and Skaifey did an absolutely magic job. Thanks mate.”


_________________________________________________
 





1 Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*