Subscribe

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia
Commentary

As Whincup closes in on sixth title, a Tasmanian Devil lurks in the shadows

The 2015 Australian V8 Supercar season will see the return of Marcos Ambrose, which could potentially be bad news for Jamie Whincup.

Marcos Ambrose, JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota, Tasmanian Devil

Marcos Ambrose, JTG Daugherty Racing Toyota, Tasmanian Devil

Eric Gilbert

Australian V8 Supercar Series 2004 champion Marcos Ambrose celebrates
Winner Marcos Ambrose celebrates
Champion Jamie Whincup
Victory lane: race winner Marcos Ambrose, Petty Motorsport Ford celebrates
Jamie Whincup and Paul Dumbrell, Red Bull Holden
Marcos Ambrose, Richard Petty Motorsports Ford
Champion Jamie Whincup
Holden Logo
Ford and Holden flags
Ford Logo

Marcos Ambrose is 38-years-old, hasn't raced a V8 Supercar in nearly a full decade, yet I believe that he will threaten the reign of the Red Bull Holdens in 2015. A lot of that belief has to do with personal opinion, but it does have some roots in actual facts.

James Courtney and Shane Van Gisbergen are two of the best V8 Supercar competitors today, yet neither could match what Ambrose did at Stone Brothers Racing when they drove for the team. The ageless Russell Ingall won a championship with them, but again, he wasn't at Ambrose's level.

Briefly crossing paths

Jamie Whincup and Ambrose briefly crossed paths in 2005, but it wasn't the right time. Ambrose was at the top of his game and heading out the door. Whincup was new and with a mid-pack team, rarely finding himself up front.

Road racing talent shown in NASCAR ranks

Since moving into NASCAR, Ambrose has proven himself to be one of the greatest road racers the sport has ever seen. In NASCAR, he takes a mid-pack car and becomes unbeatable when the circuit goes to a road course. Gordon, Stewart, Montoya; all very capable road racers couldn't touch him at Watkins Glen.

With Ambrose at the wheel, the blue ovals will rise again and he will challenge Whincup in a way the very capable Mark Winterbottom never could. Ambrose can beat him when it's all said and done.

A short career, but a lot of success

Ambrose's stats seem solid at first glance. 28 victories and two championships is no easy feat. But to understand how good this guy really is, you have to look at the evanescent span of time he was able to accumulate these stats in. 

He came, he saw, he conquered, and then he vanished.

Two champions, two marques ... The Perfect Storm

Now, it is Whincup who is at the top of his game and on the heels of a sixth championship. He drives for the strongest team in the sport, and carries the flag for Holden.

Dick Johnson Racing will be Ambrose's new home, but don't let their lackluster performance of late decieve you. Team Penske, yes, THE Roger Penske, is going to be heavily involved with the race team. Ambrose wouldn't have made the switch from NASCAR if that wasn't the case. He was waiting for the perfect opportunity; the chance to return with guns fully loaded in order to come out swinging. 

So be prepared V8 Supercar fans. Whincup vs. Ambrose is finally happening. Two champions, two marques, two eras crossing over into one. It's nothing short of the perfect storm. 

Poll Question

Be part of Motorsport community

Join the conversation
Previous article Whincup/Dumbrell win at the Gold Coast and take Enduro Cup victory
Next article Holdsworth leaves Erebus, to join FPR in 2015

Top Comments

There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?

Sign up for free

  • Get quick access to your favorite articles

  • Manage alerts on breaking news and favorite drivers

  • Make your voice heard with article commenting.

Motorsport prime

Discover premium content
Subscribe

Edition

Australia