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THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER 2006
PLASTIC BAG RUINS TOP-5 BATHURST RESULT

Trackside debris in the form of a plastic bag put an end to Allan Simonsen's sensational drive through the field at last weekend's Bathurst Super Cheap Autos 1000.

Simonsen and team mate Richard Lyons were sitting comfortably in 4th place behind the James Courtney/Glenn Seton Falcon when the debris became caught on the front of the #88 racer during lap 130, causing engine temperatures to skyrocket, which in turn forced their Team Betta Electrical Ford Falcon V8 Supercar to pit.

Despite the setback, the international pair clawed their way back up to finish the 161 lap enduro in 12th place.

"It was a very disappointing thing to happen, said Allan.

"We had a brilliant car today and our strategy was spot on. Ludo, our race engineer together with Richard and I had mapped out what we felt was the best plan, taking into account the inevitable safety car periods and it all fell into place. To have our charge ruined by a plastic bag was pretty hard to accept. But we all know that we were on the money all day so that's important to remember.

In an ironic twist to the weekend, Allan had picked up the local Saturday newspaper, the Western Advocate, to find an article on the 'Dangers of Debris' at Bathurst with an accompanying photo showing Allan coming along Skyline in car 88 with a plastic bag wafting nearby.

"That's pretty freaky stuff, mused Allan, after the race had finished. I wonder what the odds could have been that the featured car would be the victim."

Following the unscheduled pitstop, Simonsen managed to move back up in the field to eventually finish 12th outright, in an event that was littered with damaged race cars.

Race honours were taken by Craig Lowndes and Jamie Whincup, in the sister Team Betta Electrical Supercar, only a car length ahead of the Toll HSV pairing of Rick and Todd Kelly.

"I am so pleased for Craig, Jamie and the entire team. There are an awesome bunch of people and their level of professionalism has shone through today, said Allan, directly after the race.

"To have the opportunity to be part of the team for the enduros has been really special and I'd like to thank Roland Dane for his belief in my ability, and everyone involved for making me feel part of the team.
Richard Lyons was an excellent teamate at Bathurst
The 88 racer was perfect all day

On a much sader note, was the the death of fellow racer Mark Porter as a result of an accident in Friday's Fujitsu V8 Supercar race. Our thoughts at Allan Simonsen Racing go out to Mark's family and friends at this very difficult moment. We would also like to wish David Clark a speedy recovery from injuries sustained in the same accident.