Aussies To Hit The Mountain This Weekend

Aussie Racing Cars' huge entry list is set to showcase a jaw dropping display of close racing this weekend at Mount Panorama Bathurst at the
Bathurst International Motor Festival.

This is the third time in 12 months that the 'pocket rockets' have ventured to the Mountain, and on each occasion the category has thrilled the crowd with four and five-wide action entering and exiting corners.

Series leader Paul Kemal will look to extend his slender points lead over James Ward in the scheduled three races while V8 Supercar driver Paul Morris
seeks that elusive round win.

Bathurst round spoils is one trophy that is absent from the Kemal cabinet and the strong start to season 2007 suggests he is ready to claim Mountain
glory.

"It was fantastic to take the series lead back after round one, and so head
into Mount Panorama at the head of the pack," said Kemal.

"Even though things haven't always gone smoothly here in the past, I always look forward to running on the circuit as it just a great track.

"I am really happy to be back on top of the series and in a good position to defend my 2006 ARC title which is something I am totally committed to."

"Unfortunately during my last Bathurst run in 2006 a technical penalty meant we started 27th for the third race, which was unfortunate after winning the
first race.

"From there I charged to second in six laps - so it seems we certainly have the speed there and I am looking forward to getting back on the track."

Kemal's Albert Park hat-trick was followed by a hard-fought 5th position in the final after an uncharacteristic spin put him towards the back of the
pack.

Ward was victorious in 2006 at Bathurst and will plan to use that winning
experience to catapult himself to the top of the standings.

"It was a great feeling to be on the top step of the Bathurst podium, it was
certainly a highlight in my career," Ward said.

"These cars are so much fun to drive around the huge track and if last year is anything to go by, it's going to be really hard work to win again, as it
is anyone's game."

Ben McCashney, Kyle Clews and Series rookie James Manderson will attempt to become the third round winner for the year after showing exceptional speed
for the opening part of the season.

Sydney's Brad Lowe returns to the series this weekend in the Garry Rogers Commodore seat vacated by Nick Simmons. Lowe, who was impressive in the 2005
series, will pilot the car for the remainder of 2007.

Masters Cup leader Steve MacGregor is hoping to extend his early lead in the points and plans to make further inroads into the top 10 overall standings.

It was such a great feeling to win at Bathurst last year in the Masters Cup
and I would love to add another trophy this year.

One of MacGregor's closest rivals, Mark Duckworth will be sitting out the Bathurst event with cracked ribs received when he hit the wall at Albert
Park in Race 4.

Friday's practice session will commence early in the morning followed by qualifying and Race 1, while Saturday showcases Race 2 and the final Race 3.

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