FROSTY THE FORD MAN

MOTORSPORT JOINS THE BUSHFIRE RECOVERY FIGHT

Australia's Motorsport community has joined the rest of the nation in supporting the victims of the terrible bushfires that as we go to press continue to race across Victoria. At this time over 180 people are confirmed dead with many others missing or seriously injured. Young Victorian Drifter Luke Jacobs and his parents Alan and Miros Jacobs as well as Luke's close friend BMX rider Nathan Charles all lost their lives at the Jacobs family home in Koornalla.  “This is a horrible tragedy and they will be sorely missed.” said Drift Australia’s Wayne Boatwright.  Several Victorian state rally competitors lost business and homes in the inferno that swept across the ranges at a stunning speed fanned by 46 degree temperatures and gale force winds. V8 Supercars Australia joined other professional sporting groups across the country in announcing a $100000 donation to the national appeal while V8 stars, Jamie Whincup, Craig Lowndes, Garth Tander and Will Davison gave their time in a nationally televised appeal that raised over $20 million. “As a sport we are doing what we can with this donation and the other initiatives announced today" said V8 Supercar Chairman Tony Cochrane. "We urge our fan base throughout Australia to contribute to this extremely worthwhile cause.” V8 Supercars Australia CEO Cameron Levick said that all proceeds from the annual test day at Winton Motor Raceway on March 9 would also be donated to the relief fund. Queensland Raceway, which has a test day on March 11, will donate all it's gate takings to the North Queensland Flood Appeal. Jamie Whincup said he was devastated by the fires in an area so close to where he grew up. “Personally I am in a state of shock - having grown up only 15 minutes from the Whittlesea Relief Centre; I enjoyed much of my recreational time in the King Lake district and have many of my relatives, friends and fans located in the fire affected area.  “I have today personally donated $1,000 to the appeal and call upon my fellow V8 Supercar drivers to match that amount. If we can all do this that will equate to an additional $30,000 on top of the $100,000 V8 Supercars have donated as our sports governing body."

KELLY WINS A WET ONE BUT ALL IS SUNNY FOR JAMIE

Falcon driver Jamie Whincup edged closer to his first Australian V8 Supercar championship despite finishing second to Holden's Todd Kelly at a wet and windy Symmonns Plains Raceway in Tasmania. Starting from the front row Whincup led early but was soon under pressure from main title rival Holden's Garth Tander as rain began to sweep the Northern Tasmanian track. Tander ran off the track in the tricky conditions and stalled leaving Kelly as Holden's main contender against the fast Fords of Whincup and Mark Winterbottom. Kelly drove brilliantly in the terrible conditions coming from way back in the pack to be challenging for the lead within a few laps. After changing to wets Kelly stormed through the field again to take the lead for good on lap 35. After the race an emotional Kelly, who leaves the Perkins team at the end of the year, described the race as one of his best ever.

TRIPLE EIGHT WIN DOUBLE JEOPARDY

Triple Eight racing pair Jamie Whincup and Craig Lowndes will start from pole poition after a win to Whincup in the final sprint race today. In a confusing two race qualifying format Whincup led from the front to outlast Dick Johnson Racing's Will Davison, however on aggregate points between the two 14-lap races the HSV Dealer Team Commodore of Rick Kelly and Paul Radisich will share the front row.