 |
|
| Home | Features | Records | Online Store | Media | Careers | Contact Us |
Back to August 2011 Motorsports News Archive
| 09-08-2011 at 07:00: Hunter Motorsport Set for Malaysia | |
|
For this the 12th edition of the popular MMER, the proprietor of Jim Hunter Suspension at Blacktown in Sydney’s west, will drive his Johnson Window Films Subaru STi in the Touring Production class with fellow Sydney production car racers Gerry Murphy and Michael Caine. Hunter served in the RAAF as an aircraft engineer for three years, 1969-71, and during that period competed as a member of the Nissan factory team in a variety of disciplines when he won 42 of 57 events, including the 1971 Penang Grand Prix. To become a factory driver he participated in a test session with 13 other drivers at Batu Tiga near Kuala Lumpur and was quickest by 1.5 seconds. In what has been a long and illustrious career, he competed as a front running touring car driver for many years and was a regular starter in the Bathurst 1000, sharing cars with drivers such as Alan Grice, Johnny Harvey and Phil Ward, and his biggest win came off our shores when he built a Ford Falcon Ute and took it to Mexico in 1986 and won his class in the famous Baja 1000. The planning for the Hunter assault on the round the clock enduro started three years back when he purchased two new Subaru’s for the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour. The team, now a custom to their Subaru’s, will now head to Malaysia intent on conquering what is regarded as Asia’s biggest Race. The Subaru was almost destroyed by accidents in the 2009 and 2010 Bathurst 12 hour races, but has been meticulously rebuilt and will run in Malysuia under FIA specifications. “This is one event I’m really looking forward to,” said Hunter. “I was successful when I raced there and I’ve always wanted to return. “It’s like when I raced at Baja, as its more of an adventure than a race, and whilst we start off having fun we will get more serious as the week goes on. “This car has always been very strong, in fact its only retirements have been from accidents, but we’ve made it even better, and in testing it has been really good. “It’s in FIA specs with slicks, bigger brakes and things like lightweight windows and a 750 horsepower full Cosworth engine. We’ll stick with the little turbo. “The only concern we have is with the pit stops because you must turn the engine off, and it’s no good on the turbo. “As for the drivers they’re perfect for this type of event. We had originally chosen Gavin Bullas and Gerry (Murphy), but Gav realised it clashed with a family wedding, so had to pull out, which is a pity but we were then lucky enough to pick up Mick (Caine) who fitted right in,” said Hunter. “Both drivers at testing have been very fast, but more importantly easy on the car, and there are no ego’s involved, which is the first thing I look for when looking for drivers,” added Hunter. Murphy is a regular front running production touring car driver in a VT HSV GTS, and he is thrilled with the prospect of racing in Malaysia.
“I felt honored when Jim asked me to drive with him in Malaysia. This race has always been on my bucket list and to be able to do the event with Jim and his team is icing on the cake. A couple of my guys are assisting too, so I get to compete in a marquee race with a great bunch of blokes, in an awesome Hunter Motorsport Subaru. “Jim really is an icon in Australian motorsport. His list of achievements is mind boggling and he is as quick today as he has ever been. It’s that wealth of experience and knowledge which can make a big difference to how well a team performs.”
To his own admission, Caine is a relative newcomer in motor sport, but it is not noticeable the way in which he drives his Massel Racing Mazda RX7, as he puts in some eye catching performances. In last year’s enduro, the class was won by a Honda Malaysian Racing Team Honda Civic Type R, which also finished 8th outright and ahead of the Production Sports Cars. “We really think we can win our class in this (Subaru STi). Last year a Honda R won, and we expect the Subaru to be as fast it,” Hunter concluded with wry smile. |
Forty years earlier, well known Sydney race driver Jim Hunter finished a three year stint with the Royal Australian Air Force in Malaysia, and vowed he would one day return to race. Being true to his word he will do so next month when he competes in the prestigious Malaysia Merdeka Endurance Race (MMER) at Sepang, 15 – 17 September.
^ Back to top ^
|
Login
 Forgot my password! |
|
Copyright All Vic Pty. Ltd. 2007-2024 |
Terms of Use | Home | Features | Records | Online Store | Media | Careers | Contact Us |