Surfers Paradise: Aussie Racing Cars preview

CROMPTON OUT BUT STARS LINE UP FOR AUSSIE RACING CARS

Aussie Racing Cars has been given a greater prominence at the Nikon GP with more races and on track action which is sure to wow the fans.

While the extra race is a boon for spectators and competitors one driver who has to now watch from the sidelines is Television commentator and race driver Neil Crompton.

Crompton was formally listed to drive the Toyota Motor Corporation TRD Aurion but the new V8 Supercars 4 x 150KM race format has meant the organisers have rescheduled the Aussie Racing Cars and V8 Supercars on track sessions back to back on some of the days. The closeness of the completion of races has reduced the available time for Crompton to be able to get out of the race car and in to the commentary box.

David Besnard has stepped in at the last minute to drive the number 15 Factory backed Toyota Aurion. Besnard has had a brief foray into Aussie Racing Cars several seasons ago when he drove in some of the events at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide but it will be quite a change from his last drive at Bathurst recently in the GRM Team V8 Supercar where the part-time driver lead the race with team mate Greg Ritter in the latter stages.

"I am disappointed that I am not having a drive as I really enjoy the car on the Gold Coast circuit, the timing is just too tight for me to jump out of the car and get back to the OB unit to call the V8 race in reasonable time' said Crompton,

'I am sure Bezzy will be pretty fired up and on the pace when he gets in to the car after doing such a great job at Bathurst".

The category has also attracted newly crowned Formula Ford Champion Nick Percat who was a Series regular in 2006, winning at the Gold Coast in the rain that year.

The young South Australian will perform double-duties, racing both Aussie racing Cars and Formula Ford this weekend.

"Percat proved his skill in the Aussie Racing Cars a few years back and there is no reason why he won't be up the front this weekend," Series coordinator Phil Ward said.

Aussie Racing Cars will hit the track at the Gold Coast Nikon GP with a huge day of racing entertainment including Practice, Qualifying and Race 1 on Thursday. 3 more races will be held on each successive day of the event.

-credit: aussieracingcars.com.au