2005 – “Russell’s Turn”

•    SBR’s business expands once again with the addition of its new engine program; the purpose built engine shop opens in Yatala and becomes the home of SBR Engines, 888 Engines, LMS Engines, BJR Engines and PCR Engines.
•    SBR employ 12 full time engine builders and machinists to operate the new program which involves the servicing and maintenance of race and test engines and the research and development department.
•    SBR also introduce the 3UP ride car, a purpose built race car that offers fans to experience the thrill of a V8 Supercar on a race circuit.
•    Ambrose wins the season opener at the Clipsal 500 street circuit in Adelaide.
•    The Shanghai, China circuit is added to the V8 Supercars series calendar.
•    Ingall takes the championship lead from his SBR teammateafter a controversial crash with Holden’s Greg Murphy forced Marcos to retire from the Bathurst 1000.
•    Marcos Ambrose announces that he will leave V8 Supercars at the end of the season to pursue a career in NASCAR; the search for the next SBR driver begins.
•    After driving 9 years in the series and finishing 2nd overall four times Russell Ingall wins the V8 Supercar Championship with Stone Brothers Racing.
•    Phillip Island is a fitting place for Russell to win the championship as he dedicates his win to his close friend the late, great Barry Sheene.
•    SBR wins the V8 Supercar Team Championship for the second year running.
•    SBR wins the Snickers Pit Stop Challenge in the final at Phillip Island.
•    Marcos is again awarded the Barry Sheen Medal at the V8 Supercars Gala Awards Dinner.
•    In a career that saw Marcos claim two championships numerous race and round wins spanning 5 years SBR farewells its most successful drivers.
            

Comments from Ross

“We were in with a good shot at Bathurst with Marcos, our strategy was still looking good even after the whole balaclava debacle. The incident with Murphy was a big blow to the team as it would have been great to win the race with Marcos before he moved on. It was definitely another one that got away.

It was very satisfying to see Russell win the championship. After watching the #4 car crew enjoying much success it was fitting to see the #9 car boys to finally get the trophy.
Marcos showed his class at Phillip Island winning in his last round. It was special to see Marcos on the podium when Russell was handed the championship trophy. .

I think Marcos needed to have a year off from V8’s as the intensity and pressure was starting to show. He was getting frustrated with the decisions being handed down by the stewards so with one more year left on his contract with us we released him to pursue his dreams in America with our full support. We still remain in contact and good friends.

People often ask me why we let him go, but ,Jimmy and I are firm believers that if your soul is not in what you’re doing its best to move on and pursue your passion.

Russell gave me a bottle of wine he had carried all over Europe when raced there, he had waited to open it to celebrate a special career moment. I still have to catch up with him for that drink.”
2005 Photo Gallery