BJR ‘monitoring’ Gen2 manufacturer interest

Brad Jones says that his team is monitoring manufacturer interest in V8 Supercars’ Gen2 regulations, but will be reluctant to move away from Holden.

BJR has established itself as the over-achiever of the V8 Supercars paddock during recent seasons, proving a front-running force with minimal manufacturer support.

After missing out on snaring a new manufacturer, the squad made the biggest step forward of any when the Car of the Future regulations were introduced in 2013.

Focusing on honing the largely proven Holden product, BJR has won races in each of the last three seasons and, led by Fabian Coulthard, is a strong contender for this year’s title.

By contrast, those who have switched marques – Kelly Racing (Nissan), Stone Bros/Erebus (Mercedes) and Garry Rogers (Volvo) – have endured fluctuating fortunes developing their new machinery.

Although attracting manufacturer dollars is an obvious goal, Jones says that retaining the team’s competitiveness when the new regulations kick in is the main target.

“We definitely lack that manufacturer involvement, but it’s not affecting our performance,” Jones told Speedcafe.com.

“It’d be great to have a manufacturer but not to the extent that it puts us down the back of the field.

“Really we’re just working through it to see what’s available and if something comes up, we’ll have a look at it.

“But right now, we have a good relationship with Holden even though we don’t get a lot of cash from them.

“We’re monitoring what’s going on (with manufacturers), but if something doesn’t come out of the blue, we’ll be still here (Holden).”

Holden is currently formulating its own plans for Gen2, with a V6 turbo engine expected to be fitted within a new-generation Commodore body.

The manufacturer has already floated plans for a single outfit to look after its new engine program, ensuring the likes of BJR would not have to go it alone on development.

As previously reported, V8 Supercars’ technical department is building its own Holden V6 turbo as part of the process of bedding down definitive Gen2 regulations.

Jones is meanwhile working on his team’s line-up for 2016, with all three current drivers Coulthard, Jason Bright and Dale Wood, up for renegotiation.

Coulthard’s future has been the subject of much attention in recent weeks, with the Kiwi understood to be fielding interest from other squads, including DJR Team Penske.

“We are in negotiations and I think we’re trying pretty hard to keep him but at the end of the day the ball is in his court,” said Jones of Coulthard.

While stressing his desire to keep Coulthard, Jones unsurprisingly says the #14 entry, which will continue to be backed by Freightliner next year, is also in high demand.

“I think it would be fair to say that every single driver who is out of contract and some that aren’t have contacted me (about the drive),” he added.

BJR is aiming to keep its three-car model, which has been in place since 2010.