Thousands Flock To SBR Fan Day
21/2/2004 18:46 (Press Release) -
More than 6500 V8 Supercar fans invaded the back streets of Yatala in
Queensland today for the second annual Stone Brothers Racing fan day.
The crowd, ranging in age from newly-born to over 80, battled temperatures in excess of 40c to catch the first glimpse of the 2004 Caltex Havoline and Pirtek Falcons and to grab an autograph from their drivers Russell Ingall and reigning series champion Marcos Ambrose.
Co-team owner Ross Stone, said the attendance at today's Fan Day was again way above expectations.
"I think when you see the amount of people we had here today you realise just how big the sport has become," said Stone. "I cannot believe the number of people who stood out in the heat waiting to get an autograph from Marcos or Russell and to look at the cars."
Ambrose and Ingall arrived around 10.30am for some media commitments and then signed autographs for more than two hours straight.
"Days like today make it all worthwhile," said Ambrose, who will drive the #1 Pirtek Falcon this season. "It was great to see so many people here and many of them driving Fords. "The Ford fans have had to wait a while to have a car with the number one plate on the side of it and now they can enjoy it."
Ingall is looking forward to having what will possibly be his best chance of clinching his first V8 Supercar crown this season and he knows he has plenty of support after today.
"I attended my first SBR fan day last year and I have to say the team has stepped it up a notch today after learning a lot from the first event," said Ingall, who will drive the new-look #9 Caltex Havoline Ford. "The amount of people here today considering the heat is just incredible. I spoke to plenty of people who had traveled hundreds of kilometres just to grab an autograph and have a look at the new car liveries. "I think that is a testimony to the popularity of this team and how they go about their racing."
It is planned that the Caltex Havoline and Pirtek Falcons will be seen on the track for the first time in their new colours at Queensland Raceway next Thursday.
The cars will then be packed-up for a trip to the Foster's Australian Grand Prix before heading to Adelaide for the opening round of the championship on March 18-21.
Release Date: 21/02/2004
Stone Brothers Racing
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