Drag Racer Bishop gets a Supercar thrill

DRAG RACING STAR EXPERIENCES V8 THRILLS WITH LOWNDESEY

The world's fastest jeweller Stuart Bishop experienced speed of a different kind in Ipswich today when he left his Diamond Doorslammer dragster in the garage for a stint in the V8 Supercar hot seat with none-other than V8 legend Craig Lowndes behind the wheel.

His first ever experience in a V8 Supercar, the Wallace Bishop Jewellers CEO was blown away by the experience, with Bishop enjoying a strong bond with the TeamVodafone driver who is the reigning Bathurst champion and two-time winner of the Bishop-created Peter Brock Memorial Trophy.

Swapping the straight quarter mile for the twists and turns of the Ipswich circuit aboard Lowndes' V8 Supercar was always going to be something different for the Brisbane businessman but even so, it was obvious the ride was more than unpredictable for Bishop!

"Craig was fully aware of my need for speed and tolerance level that needs 'feeding' and I was sure Craig would do his best to fulfil this 'need'," enthused Bishop.

"I fully expected Craig to be at his prime and I was NOT disappointed -- believe me!

"It was certainly different being in the passenger seat, but great fun nonetheless -- I think we will have to see if we can give Craig a go in my car and see how he likes it!"

Bishop and his Diamond Doorslammer are set to make their next competitive appearance on February 15-17 for the Western Sydney International Dragway's 2008 NRMA Summernationals and round four of the ANDRA Top Doorslammer Championship.

Bishop is currently third on the ladder after a promising round three start at the Perth Motorplex on December 1 - which saw him qualify third from a field of 13 - went awry when the quick release steering wheel came off in his hands on the launch of his first elimination round.

Heading to Perth Bishop was second in the standings with the early elimination seeing him slip to third. Despite this disappointment however, Bishop and his immaculate '67 Camaro still walked away with a big trophy -- awarded the circuit's 'Best Presented Car and Crew'.

The Camaro was always bound to turn heads when it debuted in Perth as Bishop's trademark jeweller's attention to detail could be fully appreciated by the immaculate, pristine condition of his Murray Anderson built Top Doorslammer.

Boasting 3500 horsepower courtesy of an expertly crafted USA Built Dave Riolo engine, the Queensland drag racing masterpiece has plenty of go to match the show, but it's all the trimmings including a specially customised variable, that was bound to take the breath away of any avid appreciator of fine machinery.

Encased in the roof there are more than 540 cubic zirconia featured in a diamond configuration and incorporated among them is a half carat, 50-point diamond valued at more than $5000. A replica of that very diamond could be one lucky drag racing fans to keep, simply by taking photos of all the action at their local drag racing facility.

Fans can become involved in the national Wallace Bishop Jewellers Photographic competition, which provides amateur and professional photographers the opportunity to win more than $20,000 in cash and prizes, simply by taking photos at their local drag racing track and entering them online at www.stuartbishopracing.com.au.

There are two categories available, one for the Diamond Doorslammer and one for drag racing across the board, with full details available at the website.

-credit: stuartbishopracing.com.au