Russell Ingall comes to his senses
November 30th 2007 02:47
The 2005 V8 Supercar champion Russell Ingall has announced that this weekend’s final round of the 2007 championship will be his last racing for the blue oval. The former Holden driver has been given the opportunity to return to his old manufacturer after a five year partnership with Ford and Stone Brothers Racing.
The Enforcer has been released early from his contract to pursue other opportunities to be revealed next month. My best guess is that Ingall will be joining Larry Perkins at Jack Daniels Racing, replacing Perkins’ son, Jack, after the youngster suddenly discovered he had diabetes and had to pull out of the remainder of this year’s championship.
Since his health issues were discovered, Jack Perkins has been in limbo, not knowing where his future in V8 Supercars was heading.
A move to Jack Daniels Racing would be beneficial to all concerned, particularly Larry Perkins, giving him an experienced campaigner in his team again, and Shane Price, the second driver in the team who needs someone like Russell to learn from.
“I have to thank everyone at Ford Australia and Stone Brothers Racing for their support over the past five years,” said Ingall.
“In particular, I would like to thank (Ford President) Tom Gorman for his on-going friendship and his understanding of this current situation which has allowed me to be released from my contract a year early.
“Opportunities have presented themselves on the ‘other side’ and Tom (Gorman) and (Ford Motorsport Manager) Ray Price have been good enough to allow me to explore those options – there will be more on that in the coming weeks.
“I have to thank Ross and Jimmy Stone and everyone at SBR for giving me competitive race cars during our five-year relationship, especially in 2005 when obviously we managed to win the championship.
“I also have to thank the Ford fans for their tremendous support over the past five years and hope they will understand my reasons for moving on.”
“Phillip Island has many special memories for me, especially that Sunday in 2005 when we finally got the job done after being runner-up four times,” said Ingall.
“This weekend will be another emotional one for other reasons, but, as they say, nothing lasts forever.
“We are just outside the top 10 of the championship and hopefully we can punch our way back in this weekend.
“I will be wanting to win this weekend has much as I wanted to win my first race for Ford back in 2005.”
Ingall is currently 11th in the championship.
The Enforcer has been released early from his contract to pursue other opportunities to be revealed next month. My best guess is that Ingall will be joining Larry Perkins at Jack Daniels Racing, replacing Perkins’ son, Jack, after the youngster suddenly discovered he had diabetes and had to pull out of the remainder of this year’s championship.
Since his health issues were discovered, Jack Perkins has been in limbo, not knowing where his future in V8 Supercars was heading.
A move to Jack Daniels Racing would be beneficial to all concerned, particularly Larry Perkins, giving him an experienced campaigner in his team again, and Shane Price, the second driver in the team who needs someone like Russell to learn from.
The Enforcer is returning to the fold
“I have to thank everyone at Ford Australia and Stone Brothers Racing for their support over the past five years,” said Ingall.
“In particular, I would like to thank (Ford President) Tom Gorman for his on-going friendship and his understanding of this current situation which has allowed me to be released from my contract a year early.
“Opportunities have presented themselves on the ‘other side’ and Tom (Gorman) and (Ford Motorsport Manager) Ray Price have been good enough to allow me to explore those options – there will be more on that in the coming weeks.
“I have to thank Ross and Jimmy Stone and everyone at SBR for giving me competitive race cars during our five-year relationship, especially in 2005 when obviously we managed to win the championship.
“I also have to thank the Ford fans for their tremendous support over the past five years and hope they will understand my reasons for moving on.”
“Phillip Island has many special memories for me, especially that Sunday in 2005 when we finally got the job done after being runner-up four times,” said Ingall.
“This weekend will be another emotional one for other reasons, but, as they say, nothing lasts forever.
“We are just outside the top 10 of the championship and hopefully we can punch our way back in this weekend.
“I will be wanting to win this weekend has much as I wanted to win my first race for Ford back in 2005.”
Ingall is currently 11th in the championship.
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