Russell Ingall’s “Bench Racing”

[Mark Petch]

Originally Posted by Maggo

Episode 5 https://youtu.be/5R35UuSQ0kM

Great episode, and in particular highlighting the very significant cost saving to be had in the future. Back in 2010/11 we faced those exact same cost issue's when we were developing the New Zealand V8 Supertourer with Paul Ceprnich of Pace Innovations, who also worked for Paul Morris as both PM's design and race engineer.

The Chassis that Paul designed for us also became virtually the identical chassis for the first two Pace Innovations V8 SuperCar prototypes, which were tested extensively prior to the Mark Skaife led committee, deciding to convert the two prototypes to Independent rear ends etc.

Our V8ST front upright was also designed to be universal, as in it fitted both Left and Right hand suspension. This idea also migrated into the Marc cars.

Were V8 Supercars went wrong is caving into pressure from several of the teams and allowing them to build their own control "Pace designed" chassis in house, this destroyed the potential cost saving's overnight and also shafted Pace Innovations because V8 Supercars never compensated them for the loss of business that followed. Paul had to "Suck it Up" as he could not afford to get offside with the powers to be.

I could go on and on, but it's water under the bridge as they say.

So carry on the good work Dude, because unlike Rusty you do know what you are talking about, but hey the show was Rusty's idea so good on him for driving the bus!

Cheers,

Mark.