ATCC: Sandown report

FALCON WINS SANDOWN CLASSIC

A stunning drive by co-driver John Bowe gave Ford hero Dick Johnson his first ever Sandown 500. Despite starting 15th on the grid Bowe took his Falcon to the front early in the race and was seldom headed.

Local hero Peter Brock attempting to win his tenth Sandown classic ran strong early but made a couple of untypical mistakes which resulted in visits to the pits to repair minor damage.

Second in the race was new Aussie Touring car champ Mark Skaife with co-driver Jim Richards in the Winfield Commodore.

Last year's Bathurst winner Larry Perkins with former motor cycle star Greg Hansford finished third. Perkins was battling for second when he collided with the poduction class Volvo of Dutchman Jan Lammers and local production car star Kent Youlden.

British Driver Win Percy was the first international driver home in seventh while first privateer was Melbourne's John Trimbole in the Daily Planet Brothel sponsored Commodore who finished tenth.

The stunning form of the Johnson Falcon will give a lot of concern to other teams in the lead up to the Bathurst 1000 on October 3.

RESULTS: SANDOWN 500 =====================

1  Bowe/Johnson         Falcon    (FORD)
2  Skaife/Richards      Commodore (GM HOLDEN)
3  Perkins/Hansford     Commodore
4  Longhurst/O,Brien    Commodore
5  B.Jones/Lowndes      Commodore
6  Brock/Merzera        Commodore
7  Percy/Ingall         Commodore   
8  Grice/S Johnson      Falcon
9  Seton/Radisich       Falcon
10 Trimbole/Harrington  Commodore