Stone Brothers Racing launches BA Falcon

Stone Brothers Racing took the covers off its first official BA Falcon racecar in a test at Queensland Raceway near Ipswich today.

Both its regular driver Marcos Ambrose and his new SBR teammate Russell Ingall, who will debut his own new Caltex Havoline BA Falcon in support races at the Foster's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 6-9, tested the Pirtek Racing Falcon.

A team of more than 25 mechanics, fabricators, designers and engineers have been working on the project around the clock to make today's test a reality.

More than 2500 man-hours have gone into the design, development and construction of the first SBR Falcon, which has been prepared in the now famous Pirtek colours, which Ambrose took to third place in last year's championship.

The last pieces were bolted on to the car as it sat in pit lane. SBR were desperate to get a day's testing under its belt with the new BA with only one other day available before the AGP next month.

Team owner Ross Stone had nothing but praise for his crew who have been working in double shifts to meet today's deadline.

"I actually considered calling today's test off, but the boys refused to listen to me," said Ross Stone.

"The effort from everyone involved in this project has been enormous and I guess today's launch is like the birth of a baby.

"We believe the new BA Falcons will play a major role in helping Ford back to the top of V8 Supercar Championship Series."

Ambrose, won the final round of last year's championship to finish third overall in the title chase and as the leading Ford driver.

"It has been remarkable to watch the evolution of this car," said Ambrose.

"The amount of detail and design is just remarkable, but nothing you would not expect from Stone Brothers Racing.

"The car feels good and I believe we have a solid base on which to build a winning race car."

Ingall had an equal amount of praise for SBR the team he joins this season after several years in the Holden camp.

"The attention to detail on this car is just remarkable. Every weld is just perfect," said Ingall.

"If the amount of dedication I have seen in the building process continues through the season I am confident of a very successful year.

"I cannot wait for my Caltex Havoline Ford which will be finished next week."

FORD CAR SPECS

ENGINE
V8 Ford SVO 5,000cc cylinder iron block and aluminium heads.
Limited to maximum 7,500 RPM & 10:1 compression ratio
Power: 635 BHP & 455 ft lbs torque
Spark Plugs: Bosch
Engine Oil: Caltex Havoline Premium SAE 20W50

GEARBOX/DIFFERENTIAL
6-speed Holinger gearbox - Australian made
Gearbox Oil: Caltex RPM Borate 220
Differential: Ford 9 inch crownwheel and pinion.
Ratio per regulations and circuits 3:7, 3:5, 3:25.
Differential Oil: Caltex Synstar 85W 140

BRAKES
Front: Brembo Monobloc 6 piston front Calipers Disc 360 by 35mm
Rear: Harrop 4 piston Calipers Disc 330 by 28mm
Brake Fluid: Caltex GP 600 Racing Brake Fluid

OTHER
Performance: Top Speed 298 kph @ Bathurst
0-100kph: 4.0 seconds
Wheels: Oz wheels 17 inch by 12 inch
General lubricant (wheel nuts): Caltex Chain & Bar Oil
Tyres: Dunlop V8 Supercar Control Tyre
Seat: Recaro
Steering Wheels: Sportsline (RPM)
Weight: Regulation 1350kg minimum

-sbr-