MURPHY’S MOUNT PANORAMA AS HOLDEN CLAIMS SIX STRAIGHT
18/10/2004 19:44 (Press Release) -
First class and fancy-free proved the ideal strategy for Kmart Racing duo Greg Murphy and Rick Kelly as they etched their names among the many greats of Mount Panorama during a drama-filled 42nd Bob Jane T-Marts 1000.
It remained a story of old for Ford followers as the successful duo ensured Holden maintained its vice-like grip on the Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 title.
Complementary to the action-packed entertainment the ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN produced, the biggest-ever crowd assembled at Mount Panorama witnessed history in the making.
An amazing record Sunday crowd of 60,359 pushed the Event number to 172, 695 over the four days, eclipsing the previous overall attendance record figure by close to nine thousand people.
The feature Event provided the first occasion in the V8 Supercar era that a back-to-back success had been secured by the same team duo.
But charging from the front and staying out of trouble during the seven safety car periods ensured Kmart Racing’s Holden pair kept their car intact as drivers jostled for positions.
“We were continually brought back to the field when in good position as the safety car periods began but that’s just the way it goes,” said Murphy.
“Sometimes it can be a good thing for you and other times it can be a bad thing but we remained positive and it all worked out in the end.”
Murphy’s fourth win at Mount Panorama equals the record of fellow Holden campaigner Mark Skaife marking the two as the most successful regular drivers at Bathurst still competing in the Australian V8 Supercar Championship Series.
In another rare occurrence Ford Performance Racing’s Craig Lowndes and Glenn Seton secured successive second placings at the ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN.
The FPR crew led home a field of six Ford drivers tailing Murphy, as John Bowe and Brad Jones of OzEmail Racing completed the podium.
Right from the outset, the Mount Panorama classic motorsports spectacle had fans on the edge of their seats as Castrol Perkins Racing pole-sitter Steven Richards had a minor coming together with Jason Bright of PWR Racing.
By the end of the first lap a 1-4 Holden domination on the grid had been converted to a 1-2-3 leading pack headed by reigning V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose in the Pirtek Racing Falcon.
A dramatic second yellow flag period was instigated on lap 31 when a limping Jason Plato in the 05 HRT Commodore was rear-ended by John Cleland who was blindsided in traffic at the exit of Caltex Chase.
Cleland’s campaign was over with his OzEmail Racing Falcon turned upside down on impact.
But perhaps the most major impact on the race outcome came on lap 112 when the Richards assault took a major back-flip.
A stray kangaroo ventured into their path at the Cutting severely damaging the front end, which required a major overhaul in the pits and cost the team valuable time.
Overall the 2004 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 provided the pinnacle Event in the 42- year history of the ULTIMATE SHOWDOWN leaving IMG Director of Motorsport James O’Brien well pleased with the outcome.
“During the eight year’s IMG has been associated with the Bathurst endurance Event we have witnessed phenomenal growth and the 42nd Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 is a fitting finale to our involvement,” said O’Brien.
“We hand over the reigns of controlling such a prestigious motorsports feature Event knowing full well we have contributed substantially to the many positive outcomes for Australian V8 Supercar Racing, the state of New South Wales and in particular the entire Bathurst Region and surrounding areas.”
“Bathurst Regional Council have been a tremendous partner in growing this Event, and we know full well with their passion and drive, future endurance races at the Mount Panorama circuit are bound to be a success.
“Their pro-active, hands-on approach to such a huge undertaking should be commended.”
2004 Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 attendance figures
Thursday – 30 274
Friday – 35 433 (record)
Saturday – 46 629 (record)
Sunday – 60 359 (record)
Total – 172 695 (record)
Release Date: 10/10/2004
Bob Jane T-Marts 1000
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