Cat Racing Bathurst preview

Cat Racing Duo Set Their Sights On Mount Panorama

Cat Racing¹s John Bowe and Simon Wills believe they are better prepared than ever as they get set to do battle at the biggest race of the year, the V8 Supercar 1000 at Bathurst.

The duo proved to be strong contenders at the recent Queensland 500 and are confident they can carry that speed into Bathurst next week.

"This place gives you the highest of highs and the lowest of lows." Bowe said.

"I have been there 16 times now and the only times I have managed to finish the race, our team has either won or finished second. I would certainly love to finish the event this year and continue that record, but everybody knows, this year will be tougher than ever.

"The car was very strong at the Queensland 500 and Simon did a great job. I see no reason why we can not be just as competitive."

Bowe is hopeful the event will be blessed with dry weather after last year¹s event was troubled by constant rain.

"Last year everybody was up to their ankles in mud ­ it was pretty deplorable considering this is our biggest race of the year," Bowe said.

"I have my fingers crossed that the weekend will be dry. We don¹t need to be walking around in the mud again and I would rather prefer the track was dry as well.

"I know our Cat Falcon goes pretty good in the wet, but from a driver¹s point of view, it is not a lot of fun from where I sit."

By combining with Bowe and the Briggs Motorsport squad, Wills believes he has his best shot yet at success at Mount Panorama.

"I am going into Bathurst this year with a lot more confidence and am better prepared than ever," Wills said.

"This is a tough race because you have to maintain a strong pace all day and the track is not very forgiving.

"I really think we have as good a shot as anybody at winning the race. I am confident the entire team will do a great job and I am really looking forward to the weekend."

BATHURST RECORD:

JOHN BOWE
Debut:1985, Volvo 240T with Robbie Francevic
STARTS: 16
POLES: Nil
WINS: 2 (1989, 1994)
PODIUM FINISHES: 6 (2 x 1st, 4 x 2nd)
LAST YEAR: DNF with Jim Richards

SIMON WILLS
Debut: 1998, Holden Commodore VS with David Parsons
STARTS: 3
POLES: Nil
WINS: Nil
PODIUM FINISHES: Nil
LAST YEAR: 7th with Craig Baird

-CR-