Driver Dynamics Blog

Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Mr Bill Ford today joined with Victorian State Premier, the Hon Steve Bracks and Federal Minister for Industry, Tourism & Resources, the Hon Ian Macfarlane to officially dedicate the company’s new Research & Development Centre currently under construction in Geelong.  

“This new Research & Development Centre will allow Ford Australia to continue developing world-class vehicles for Australia and overseas markets,” said Mr Ford.

“The Ford Australia team is in a unique position to offer world-class design and engineering capabilities to the rest of the Ford world. This exciting new facility will allow Ford Australia to continue this important work.

“I am very proud to be here today with Premier Bracks and Ministers MacFarlane and Haermeyer to dedicate this new facility. I would particularly like to thank our Government partners for their foresight and willingness to support the future of Ford in Australia.”

The Centre is part of a previously announced broader strategic direction for Ford Australia and, when completed in 2007, will house more than 350 product development engineers. It will also incorporate new test and equipment areas, including engine development laboratories and prototype facilities.

It will complement the company’s Design Studio and Engineering & Technology Centre in Campbellfield, and the Proving Ground in Lara. These facilities are also being upgraded in support of Ford Australia’s leading-edge design and engineering capability.

“Our new Research & Development Centre will underpin our future engineering projects,” said Ford Australia President Mr Tom Gorman.

“It will play an integral role in our ability to successfully deliver on the design and engineering leadership role we have secured for a new global light commercial vehicle architecture that will eventually be sold in more than 80 countries worldwide.

The Centre is due for completion in late 2007.

Team Betta Electrical’s Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup have won Australia’s biggest motor race, the Super Cheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst.  

The win was Ford’s first at Mount Panorama since 1998 (Jason Bright and Steven Richards - Pirtek Racing). It was Lowndes first triumph in the race since 1996 and it was Whincup’s first win in the ‘Great Race’.

The win was Ford’s sixth win of the season from nine rounds. It was Lowndes fourth win and Whincup’s second.

In one of the most emotional-charged races ever held at Bathurst, Lowndes held off a determined Rick Kelly over the final laps to win by 0.01 of a second!

Rounding out the top-three was JELD-WEN Motsport’s James Courtney and Ford veteran Glenn Seton.

The race itself was dramatic from the start with pole position winner Mark Skaife crashing on the opening lap. It set the tone for a race that had 10 safety car periods over the 161-laps.

Others to strike drama included the CAT Ford Performance Racing Falcon of Jason Bright and Mark Winterbottom, as well as the First Rock Home Loans Racing Falcon of Steven Johnson and Will Davison.

This resulted in an ever-changing leader board where teams gambled with fuel strategy.

The race settled down just after the half-way mark when Jamie Whincup and Todd Kelly battled for the lead. Whincup took first position from Todd Kelly on lap #109 and this proved a decisive part of the race as he handed the Falcon over to Lowndes with a 10-second lead.

Lowndes’ lead was evaporated with just 10 laps to go when the final safety car was called onto the track.

Lowndes drove an inspirational final seven laps after the re-start to take the chequered flag.

It was an emotional Lowndes who along with Whincup took the first ever Peter Brock trophy.

“This is the biggest and most important win of my life,” said Lowndes.

“It’s been too long between victories for me at Bathurst and for the Ford fans it’s been even worse.

“To get it for Ford, myself, Jamie and our awesome crew is just amazing.

“With all the emotion around Peter Brock’s passing and the pre-race ceremonies honouring him today, I was just so determined to win this race. I’m so proud to have my name on the Peter Brock trophy.

“I have to say that Jamie was awesome today. He pushed me all weekend and in the race I was so confident in him doing the job and he didn’t let us down. He’s a wiz kid!

“We gave it everything in the race. Rick as always is a tough competitor and Todd was just as tough when he battled with Jamie. So to win against great competition like that you know you have done a great job.

“Our crew was fantastic. We kept to a plan with our pits stops. We made just four stops for the race, while others made up to eight! This gave us great track position to keep our place near the front.

“This result is great for our championship chase. Today shows that the best way to win a title is go out and try to win every time - especially at Bathurst.”

After finishing second last year Jamie Whincup is now a Bathurst champion.

“It’s the highlight of my life,” said Whincup.

“I had a big responsibility for this race and I’m really pleased with how I drove. I drove the car as hard as I could and it remained strong.

“I have learnt so much this weekend to win this race. I know that it will hold me in a much stronger position not just for this race in the future but others races as well. Importantly I want more!

“I’m so pleased to win it for the team and the Ford fans. They have been awesome since I joined the Blue Oval this year and they showed all that emotion during the podium presentation.

“Now we all have something to really cheer about!”

Ford Motor Company President Tom Gorman enjoyed the celebrations.

“This is a major highlight in my three years that I have been at Ford Australia,” said Gorman.

“I don’t think I knew how much it meant until Craig crossed that line.

“The emotion and importance of this win can’t be underestimated. I know everyone at the Ford Motor Company in Australia and indeed around the world will enjoy this result.

“For our dealers and fantastic supporters I’m especially pleased. They really deserve it. We have won every major trophy over the past three years - now we have the piece of silverware that everyone has been waiting far too long for.

“To Craig and Jamie, as well the entire Team Betta Electrical crew a big thanks. Together they have worked so hard to win this race. To be part of it is something I will never forget.”