WPS/WOW team to withdraw from V8 Supercars
February 14th 2008 10:37
Craig Gore, team owner of the WPS/WOW V8 Supercar team has made a sudden announcement just one week out from the start of the 2008 series. Personal and health issues have forced the Gold Coast business man to make a permanent withdrawal from competition.
Gore has sold his two Team Licence agreements with the cars and other equipment to be sold separately. The new owners of the Licence Agreements is yet to be disclosed however at least one is believed to have gone to Larry Perkins. His financial services group, Wright Patton Shakespeare, will continue to support the category with its sponsorship of the safety car, an agreement that is set to continue for another five years.
An ear injury, suffered late last year in a helicopter accident has forced Gore’s hand, requiring him to avoid constant loud noises, like those prominent on a race track.
“It’s been an exciting journey and I would like to think that we did it our own way at WPS Racing over the past four seasons,” said Gore.
“Operating a successful team in this sport is an enormous challenge. When we started this team back in 2004 I underestimated the time required to run a team that could win races on a consistent basis.
“With my business interests absorbing more and more of my time and my doctor continually in my one good ear telling me how important it is to look after myself, I just cannot dedicate the time and effort required to mould our operation into a race-winning V8 Supercar team. It is my belief that if you are not in this game to win races, then you shouldn’t be around.
“The sport of V8 Supercar racing is an extraordinary sport and I will continue to be passionate about its growth and success. Wright Patton Shakespeare will continue as the naming rights sponsor of the WPS Chrysler Safety Car program.
“I am proud of what we achieved in a short amount of time and believe there have only been a couple of other organisations who have managed to build their brand as successfully as we have through our V8 Supercar involvement.
“I was also pleased that we could give so many young drivers a chance to experience what it is like to drive a V8 Supercar.
“I have to thank the core group of people that have been involved with our team over the past four seasons. Their loyalty and dedication have inspired me and I am truly grateful for their efforts and friendship.
“We have also been involved with some tremendous corporate partners over our four years including everyone at WOW Sight and Sound and Chrysler who have enjoyed going racing the WPS way.
“Our fan group has also grown from year to year and has been tremendously committed and a lot of fun to have around.
“Both our drivers (Max Wilson and Jason Bargwanna) are contracted, but the terms and conditions of those agreements are confidential and will be worked through accordingly.”
WPS driver Jason Bargwanna, former Bathurst winner, is understandably disappointed about the decision, lamenting the fact that just one week out from the season opener at Adelaide he has been left suddenly high-and-dry without a drive for the coming series, standing on the sidelines watching the other competitors zoom past.
Good luck to both him and Max Wilson, driver of the WOW Falcon, in securing drives as soon as they possibly can.
Gore has sold his two Team Licence agreements with the cars and other equipment to be sold separately. The new owners of the Licence Agreements is yet to be disclosed however at least one is believed to have gone to Larry Perkins. His financial services group, Wright Patton Shakespeare, will continue to support the category with its sponsorship of the safety car, an agreement that is set to continue for another five years.
An ear injury, suffered late last year in a helicopter accident has forced Gore’s hand, requiring him to avoid constant loud noises, like those prominent on a race track.
“It’s been an exciting journey and I would like to think that we did it our own way at WPS Racing over the past four seasons,” said Gore.
“Operating a successful team in this sport is an enormous challenge. When we started this team back in 2004 I underestimated the time required to run a team that could win races on a consistent basis.
“With my business interests absorbing more and more of my time and my doctor continually in my one good ear telling me how important it is to look after myself, I just cannot dedicate the time and effort required to mould our operation into a race-winning V8 Supercar team. It is my belief that if you are not in this game to win races, then you shouldn’t be around.
“The sport of V8 Supercar racing is an extraordinary sport and I will continue to be passionate about its growth and success. Wright Patton Shakespeare will continue as the naming rights sponsor of the WPS Chrysler Safety Car program.
“I am proud of what we achieved in a short amount of time and believe there have only been a couple of other organisations who have managed to build their brand as successfully as we have through our V8 Supercar involvement.
“I was also pleased that we could give so many young drivers a chance to experience what it is like to drive a V8 Supercar.
“I have to thank the core group of people that have been involved with our team over the past four seasons. Their loyalty and dedication have inspired me and I am truly grateful for their efforts and friendship.
“We have also been involved with some tremendous corporate partners over our four years including everyone at WOW Sight and Sound and Chrysler who have enjoyed going racing the WPS way.
“Our fan group has also grown from year to year and has been tremendously committed and a lot of fun to have around.
“Both our drivers (Max Wilson and Jason Bargwanna) are contracted, but the terms and conditions of those agreements are confidential and will be worked through accordingly.”
WPS driver Jason Bargwanna, former Bathurst winner, is understandably disappointed about the decision, lamenting the fact that just one week out from the season opener at Adelaide he has been left suddenly high-and-dry without a drive for the coming series, standing on the sidelines watching the other competitors zoom past.
Good luck to both him and Max Wilson, driver of the WOW Falcon, in securing drives as soon as they possibly can.
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