For the first time in a long time my enthusiasm for the series is waning with the complete loss of holden and ford in the domestic market this series is on it's last legs.
I've been wondering about this too. The Comodore and the Falcon are soon to be memories. GM will start importing US cars, Ford USA has already lined up the Fusion for import so where does that leave the V8 Supercars?
I'm going to present a scenario, with a little evidence to back it up.
Right, for starters,
Penske Racing USA is buying DJR (Dick Johnson Racing)
Richard Childress is looking at the VIP Petfoods team.
Last week end, at the Ipswich event, Scott Mclaughlin's Volvo had a huge 33 side number on his car (NASCAR style)
Can you see where this thought is heading?
Here's a rather odd coincedence.. Calder Park raceway
Its just recently spent money to gain the top fuel dragsters back, that means it can run championship events which make money
Money that can be spent on that 'other' track there.
'Google' Calder Park Thunderdome'
Bloody hell you exclaim, that's like of those Yank tracks.
Correct, it is.
Australia is the only other country (save Canada, no ocean) that has held a NASCAR event..... ever, exhibition race, not all cars, in Japan excluded).
I'm not suggesting banked ovals are gunna spring up like mushrooms all over the country.
Many people don't know NASCARs run circuits too. I personally prefer the ovals myself, 43 cars passing you at 205mph in 1.5 seconds.. That'll do me..
Google 'Sonoma Raceway' or Watkins Glen'
I see either a sort of amagalmation, either a domestic series like V8 Supercars, with the NASCAR style racing beginning. Marcos Ambrose is highly sought after by Penske because, he is direct access to the Australian Market. Lets suppose Australia becomes part of the NASCAR circuit, other teams will come, money will start flowing Aussies will have access to US driving/team opportunities, the V8's may even live on as a preliminary race (like reserve grade) to the NASCAR events, see the 'Nationwide series).
NASCAR will have races here, the V8's (or what ever they become) will go there, they'll go where the money is and the US market is Billions..
I dread saying it, but the ol' V8's may just vanish completely.
The current V8 Champion, Comodore is also the US NASCAR Champion, simply badged the Chevrolet SS. Coincidence?
We have utes, they call'em trucks.
Drivers who've seen the future.
Marcus Ambrose - Petty Motorsports
Brad Jones _ NASCAR experience.
Gary Rogers Motor Sports - Raced the Thunderdome in the Volvo, way back when..
DJ raced the 'Dome too, also has US race experience.
Scott McLaughlin - Just been over to the US on a NASCAR fact finding mission, hence the huge 33 on the Volvo. Its called Product Recognition over there.
Shane Van Geisbergen - These last two feature often on I-racing
Lots of hints hey?
I may be totally off my tree too. I follow both codes, NASCAR and the V8's, and over the last ten years, they are slowly getting closer to being the same type of car until here we are at 2014 and the cars are for all the difference it makes, the same race car. Yanks use 5 stud wheel nuts. Our cars are RH drive. We use different radio frequencies than the Americans.
What are your thoughts?
V8Supercars, a resurgence imminent, or a dinosaur, soon to be extinct?
I personally believe, in 10 years, Australia will offer 5 or 6 races in the NASCAR series and our most successful teams will be there, trying to show the Yanks how its done, including the US events.
If its any consolation, Camaros and Mustangs will be on showroom floors, not sitting at an importers yard. Think of the options.. "wonder if they'll have big blocks?"
Imagine, Dealer backing for your Commemorative 2015 Boss Mustang, or your 8litre Camaro.