Road racing

Bathurst 24: Morgan Works race report

Morgan's Bathurst campaign ends after 6 strong hours Saturday Nov 22 - Bathurst, Australia - A blown engine ended the Morgan Aero 8 GT Cup car's impressive run at the Bathurst 24 hour race after six strong hours that won the hearts of the crowd.

Published: Nov 26, 2003, 6:47 PM

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Morgan's Bathurst campaign ends after 6 strong hours

Saturday Nov 22 - Bathurst, Australia - A blown engine ended the Morgan Aero 8 GT Cup car's impressive run at the Bathurst 24 hour race after six strong hours that won the hearts of the crowd. The Team had overcome an early problem with a bottom radiator hose, and drivers Keith Ahlers, Tom Shrimpton, Adam Sharpe and Neil Cunningham had all put in superb sessions in very challenging track conditions to fight back up the field. Adam Sharpe, on his debut at Bathurst and to 24 hour racing, posted a brilliant 2 min 28 lap as the track dried following torrential rain.

Taking over from his regular team mate, Cunningham registered a lap of 2 min 25 - the team's best time at the Mount Panorama circuit - and was closing strongly on the two class-leading Porsches when the sudden engine failure hit at the end of the pit straight just as darkness was descending.

Team spokesman David Dowse commented:
"This is such a shame for the team and the fans who have been giving us such fantastic support ever since we arrived here. The car was going really well, and the problem just came out of nowhere."

Despite the disappointment, the Morgan Team was far from disheartened.

"We have had a really great reception from the crowd, the media and the organisers, and everyone on the team has thoroughly enjoyed the unique experience of racing here at Bathurst. All four drivers had a good session on track, and they all loved the circuit. We've made a big impact, and we plan to be back next year to finish the job - maybe running the Works Le Mans car in Class A."

The Morgan Works Team's immediate objective will be the 12 hour race at Sebring in the USA with the Works Aero 8 LMGT car as the team continues to work towards gaining an entry in the 24 Hours at Le Mans in 2004.

-www.morgan-motor.co.uk

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