MEDIA RELEASE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, JULY 4, 2006

FORMULA VEE INTERSTATE BATTLE HEADS TO SYDNEY

A mammoth field of Formula Vee drivers from three states will descend on Sydney’s Eastern Creek this weekend, for the final round of the 2006 Formula Vee CAMS Invitational Challenge.

42 entries have been received for the Swarfega / Premier One Products sponsored races, featuring drivers from New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland in what will be the second and final outing for Formula Vee on the CAMS Nationals card for the year.

The field features the current Formula Vee State Championship leader from each of the three states; New South Wales’ Stephen Butcher (Skyes Group Stinger), Victoria’s Drew Beacham (Creative Machining Jacer) and Queensland’s Shane Hart (Mick Motors Jacer).

In Formula Vee’s CAMS National Racing Series debut at Phillip Island in May, Hart battled it out for the weekend honours with New South Wales driver Adam Proctor (Swarfega Jacer).

Hart was victorious in Races 1 and 3, while Proctor scored the win in a soggy Race 2 to clinch the weekend and hold a single point advantage over Hart, with Victorian Phillip Kilworth (Bent Steel Sabre) third.

Unlike Phillip Island, Proctor will have the advantage of racing on home turf. As part of his NSW Formula Vee Championship tilt, he took a clean sweep of race wins at the circuit in late April.

“We’ve got a really good setup for the circuit," Proctor said. “The car works really well at Eastern Creek and I always go pretty well there.

“It’s only really Shane to worry about, everyone else is a bit further away. Obviously finishing ahead of Shane is the main thing, one point isn’t very much.”

Proctor’s wins at Eastern Creek in April came in three frenetic races, with groups of up to eight cars battling for the lead at any given time. He expects more of the same close, yet clean, racing this weekend.

“Traditionally, there’s pretty good Formula Vee racing at Eastern Creek. Usually, there’s about eight or 10 guys racing for the lead, and it’s just a matter of putting yourself in the right spot on the right lap to be at the right position as you go over the line on the last lap.

“It’s no surprise if you’re leading one lap, then sixth or seventh on the next lap, it’s just all timing and being in the right place.”

If the interstate drivers are to taste success, it won’t just be Proctor they need to overcome.

NSW Series front-runners Ryan Simpson (Parramatta Smash Repairs Jacer), Guy Lingard (Ken Lingard Truck Repairs Jacer), Matthew Pearce (McDonalds Penrith Jacer), Mitchell Abrahall (Workhorse Collision Repairs Polar) and Ian Chivas (Swarfega Jacer) all enter the weekend fired up for success.

Among the leading interstate drivers making the trek to Eastern Creek are Victorians David Frith (Dimension Data Sabre) and Daniel Reinhardt (Australian VW Performance Centre), and Queenslander Grant Bromley (Jacer).

Another Queenslander in the field is Steven Bradbury, who became Australia’s first Winter Olympics Gold Medallist with a memorable win in the 1000m Speed Skating final at the 2002 Salt Lake City games.

Bradbury (www.QueenslandHouseandLand.com Elfin) has chosen Formula Vee for his entry to motorsport, having previously participated in the Australian Grand Prix celebrity races in 2003 and 2005.

“I’ve had a pretty keen interest in getting into motorsport since I first did the celebrity Grand Prix in 2003,” said Bradbury.

“I met up with Rob Thompson from Plan Build Homes at Indy in a bar last year and we struck up a bit of a friendship. He drives in Formula Vee himself, we got to talking, and he’s been a big part of me being able to get into Formula Vee.

“I’ve always loved anything that goes fast. I’m hoping that I’m able to channel a lot of the energy that I used to have for Speed Skating - which was pretty much 100% focus, and dedication - into it. I want to have some of those feelings which I haven’t had for a few years, and I’m hoping that motor racing could be the next thing for me.”

He made his motorsport debut a fortnight ago at Morgan Park Raceway in the Queensland Formula Vee series, a series he plans to contest in full in 2007.

“The car is a lot of fun to drive,” he said. “It’s different to anything else I’ve ever driven before. It’s the first time I’ve been in an open-wheeler except for your local go kart track. I’m slowly learning that it’s a lot more than I thought about maintaining corner speed, so I’m still figuring out exactly how to take it around on the best line.

“At Eastern Creek, it’s really going to be about just improving myself a little bit. There’s no point in going out there and racing at 110% and possibly wrecking the car. It’s mainly a learning curve at the moment, and try and keep the red mist under control.”

Longtime supporters of Formula Vee racing, Swarfega Rapid Hand Cleansers and Premier One Products will sponsor the event, having sponsored a number of drivers in the category including Proctor.

“We’re very pleased to be able to extend our support for Formula Vee to sponsoring their racing at the Nationals at Eastern Creek,” said Bernie Learson from Swarfega Rapid Hand Cleansers and Premier One Products.

“The Swarfega / Premier One Products Formula Vee races at Eastern Creek are going to be a showdown not to be missed. With a record number of entries, excitement is guaranteed for those at the track and those watching on TV.”

After a successful debut on the CAMS National Racing Series at Phillip Island, Formula Vee Category Manager Ian Chivas is excited about the weekend ahead.

“Eastern Creek always puts on good, close, Formula Vee racing and I don’t see this weekend being any different,” said Chivas.

“We had great racing at Phillip Island, too, along with a tremendous level of enthusiasm and excellent presentation from our competitors, who have continued to support the class with big numbers for this weekend.

“Again we’ve got a quality lineup of drivers from three states in a range of chassis’ including Jacers, Polars, Makos, Sabres and Stingers. It’s shaping up to be another great weekend.”

The weekend kicks off with a pair of practice sessions on Friday, before qualifying and the first five-lap race on Saturday. Races 2 and 3 will be held on Sunday, across seven laps.

About Formula Vee Australia

Formula Vee racing in Australia is a cost-effective, entry-level form of motorsport. Having celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2005, the class continues to grow, following the introduction of the 1600cc engine to the New South Wales series in 2003. Each state has a Championship which are always hotly contested, featuring large grids and frenetic racing.

Website - www.fvee.org.au

About Swarfega Rapid Hand Cleansers

Swarfega is a tried and very much trusted brand within the automotive, retail and general consumer market, having been around for over 50 years. The Swarfega name is synonymous with expertise, knowledge and quality products in the skincare market. Their extensive range of hand cleaners means that whatever the job in hand, Swarfega will have the product for you.

Website - www.swarfega.com.au

About Premier One Products

Premier One Products are the first choice for service and quality when it comes to cleaning products. Premier One Products has the latest in cleaning chemicals and equipment to cater for the most discerning customer, achieving maximum results for higher efficiency.

Website - www.premieroneproducts.com.au

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