Australian touring car legend John Bowe has driven a V8 Supercar for the first time since his retirement from the sport in 2007.
The 1995 Australian Touring Car Champion and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner was a guest driver for Wilson Security Racing at Eastern Creek today, steering Tony D’Alberto Racing’s Ford Falcon FG and the Holden Commodore VE.
Also driving the two Wilson Security Racing cars at Eastern Creek today was endurance driver Dale Wood and Formula Ford racer Trent Harrison, filling in for the team’s regular drivers Tony D’Alberto (on his honeymoon in Europe) and David Wall (broken foot).
Bowe last drove a V8 in the final round of the 2007 V8 Supercars Championship with Paul Cruickshank Racing at Phillip Island.
Since then, he has competed in a number of other racing classes, including production cars and historic open wheelers. He won the 2010 Bathurst 12 Hour and currently leads the Touring Car Masters Series in his Ford Mustang.
Bowe accepted Wilson Security’s offer to take the wheel of the car for its corporate guests in Sydney.
“I’ve had plenty of opportunities to drive recently, but I haven’t really wanted to,” Bowe told Speedcafe.com.
“When you retire from racing them, then you should stay out of them!
“Wilson Security has been very good to me. They asked me, and I said yes. I don’t really say no to anything they request.”
Bowe says that he enjoyed the drive day but insists he has no thoughts of a comeback.
“The sequential gearbox makes it simpler. It frees up a bit of brain space, so that’s nice,” he said.
“I think the engines are nice too, certainly better than I remember them.
“I’ve quite enjoyed driving the cars today – probably more than I thought I would – but I’m not going to do a Frank Sinatra! I’m pretty happy with the racing I’m doing and I’m enjoying it.”
CLICK HERE for Speedcafe.com’s interview with Formula Forder Trent Harrison on his promotion from Formula Ford racer to V8 ride day driver.
