Jim Beam Racing News
Jim Beam Racing: Special connection with the mountain
07 October 2008
Jim Beam Racing duo Will Davison and Steve Johnson head to the coveted Mount Panorama today with one thing on their minds, conquering the mountain that is synonymous with both the Johnson and Davison name.
If we take a ride down memory lane to 6 October 1958 at Mount Panorama, we arrive at an Australian Grand Prix victory by Davison's famous grandfather Lex.
Fifty years on and with a Bathurst podium finish to his name last year, Will Davison would love nothing more than to win the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in 2008.
"Bathurst is just one of those races that anyone in the field would give anything to win, it has a legendary history in Australian motorsport and the Davison name has had great success there in the past," said Davison.
Davison also has another family member along for the ride in this year's V8 Supercar field; Brother Alex will drive for Paul Cruikshank Racing, adding another family element to the mix for the Davison name this weekend.
"Competing against Alex is going to be great, he has forged a career of his own in Europe but to have him back competing at this event is very special, especially given it's fifty years on from my grandfather's win, its going to be great weekend for the family," explained Davison.
Having piloted the Jim Beam Racing Falcon to third place after leading the field in the final laps of last year's V8 Supercar event, Steve Johnson is determined to stand atop the Bathurst podium this year.
Father and team owner Dick Johnson experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows at Bathurst having conquered the mountain three times during his illustrious career and also having his hopes of a victory shattered in 1980 via the famous rock incident.
"Bathurst means so much to the Johnson family, we have shared some of the greatest moments at the track and last year it was fantastic to stand on the podium," said Johnson.
"We carry some good form into this weekend having been on the podium last month at Phillip Island, so we know what we are capable of and definitely feel like we are in with a good chance this weekend."
"This is like a grand final for V8 Supercar drivers, so much preparation goes into this event, and it really is a huge team effort."
Endurance drivers Steve Owen and Warren Luff will look to continue on from their solid contribution at Phillip Island where they ran inside the top five during the first stint of Phillip Island's endurance race.
Rain and racing incidents hampered the duo's end result, however they showed consistently good pace throughout the event and will take great confidence into Bathurst.
Owen has a busy weekend on the cards as he fulfils his Fujitsu V8 Development Series duties as well as competing in Jim Beam Racing's #17 Falcon
"I'm no stranger when it comes to Bathurst, this will be my ninth visit there and last year I was fortunate enough to finish in sixth position so with a bit of luck we will be right up there again this weekend," said Owen.
Warren Luff has experience with the Jim Beam Racing crew at Mount Panorama having raced for DJR at Bathurst back in 2003 and 2004, and with a recent sanctioned test day under his belt is confident heading into the event.
"We tested last week at Queensland Raceway and worked towards refining our race package for this weekend," said Luff
"Our strong pace at Phillip Island makes it easier on the team and allows us to open the race strategy for Bathurst; I can't wait to get things underway."
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