2001 – “Fresh Faces, Fresh Challenges”

•    Young rising stars Marcos Ambrose and David Besnard join SBR to drive the Pirtek and Caltex Havoline Falcons respectively.
•    Pukekohe, New Zealand becomes part of the racing calendar, a circuit that Ross and Jimmy first started competing at in Formula Fords almost 30 years ago.
•    Marcos puts the Pirtek Falcon on pole at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in his first ever V8 Supercar event.  
•    Ambrose wins his first round at Hidden Valley, Darwin.
•    David Besnard records his first ever podium finishing 2nd at Oran Park Raceway.
•    Marcos becomes one of only two drivers to ever claim a pole position at Bathurst in their rookie year.  
•    Ambrose finishes on the podium at the Pukekohe and Sandown rounds.
•    Marcos Ambrose is named ‘Mike Cable Rookie of the Year’ and CAMS Personality of the Year at the V8 Supercar Gala Awards Dinner.

Comments from Ross

“It was a big risk taking on two rookie drivers, however, both had international racing experience, Marcos having raced in Europe and David had just returned from racing in the States in Indy 2000. It was hard work to try and convince sponsors of their potential.
 
At the AGP Marcos in his first race managed to put the car on pole but was knocked around by the more experienced drivers.

Both drivers have very different personalities and driving styles, Marcos was very intense and professional working hard at his craft and David relied more on natural ability, but both wanted to win and prove themselves.”