GLOBAL RACING INDUSTRIES MEDIA RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, DECEMBER 20 2006

2007 FUJITSU V8 SUPERCAR SERIES AWAITS DREW RUSSELL

Stepping up after success in Production-based categories, Newcastle teenager Drew Russell will continue to climb the ranks of Australian motorsport in 2007, when he enters the Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series.

Russell, 18, made his Australian circuit racing debut in the 2004 Clipsal 500 Australian Production Car Championship support races just before his 16th birthday, becoming the youngest driver to do so, having previously contested karting and the Formula Challenge open wheel series in New Zealand.

The following year, he was first in Class A and second outright in the 2005 Australian Production Car Championship, and last month secured the 2006 GTP Privateers Cup title.

“I’m really excited about it,” beamed Russell. “We’ve had a good run in Production Cars and GTP in the last couple of years and this is really the next step as I work towards my goal of racing successfully in the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

“We’ve seen that in the last few years, out of all the classes in Australia, the Development Series has the best track record in terms of drivers moving up to the Main Game, so it’s the place to be.

“It will definitely be a massive step up both for me personally and the team and it will take a lot of hard work, but I think it will be a great achievement when we are sitting there on the grid next year for the first time, ready to race.”

In an early Christmas present for Russell, Global Racing Industries - headed by Drew’s father, and former V8 Supercar Privateer, Wayne - recently took control of a Holden VX Commodore, campaigned previously by Derek Van Zelm in the class.

It will be prepared from their Newcastle base in the coming months, ahead of Russell’s debut in the series at the Clipsal 500 on March 1-4. The 2007 Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series will be contested across seven rounds and televised on Channel 7.

“The car will be massively different to anything I’ve driven before,” he said. “Both the Honda S2000 and the Mazda RX7 I’ve driven are essentially road cars, so it will be an enjoyable challenge to get to grips with the V8.

“We’re realistic about it, and know that this car isn’t going to be a match for a lot of the cars at the front of the field, but it will be a good way to get started in a V8 Supercar.

“The goal will be to finish the races, get as much time in the car as possible and become more competitive at each round. By the end of the year I’d like to be punching above our weight, running in the Top 20 on pace, which would be a good achievement and reflect well on us.”

The team will also announce details in the coming weeks of an exciting new program, Superclub Newcastle, which will provide opportunities for Newcastle businesses and motorsport enthusiasts to be involved in Global Racing Industries' activities.

Further information about Superclub Newcastle is available from Go Karts Go Broadmeadow on 02 4952 9129 in the meantime.

Global Racing Industries thanks the support of Go Karts Go, Oran Park Raceway and Koala Glass.

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