FORMER F1 MANAGER PETER VALE JOINS BRAD JONES RACING

Former F1 Team Manager, Peter Vale, joins Brad Jones Racing – Photo: LAT

Former Williams F1 Team Manager Peter Vale will take over the Team Manager role at Brad Jones Racing from the Gold Coast 600.

Vale, originally from Sydney, has spent over 25 years working in the UK in various positions including stints at Williams F1 and McLaren, now returns to Australia to join the Albury based squad, to take over the role previously held by Chris Clark, who will move to Melbourne to be closer to family.

Clark suggested Vale as his replacement, the two having previously worked together in Formula 1 at McLaren.

“I’ve known Peter since 1980, I left McLaren as he was coming into the business. Peter is a great operator, and we’ve kept in contact throughout the years. He always had an interest in Supercars so the timing couldn’t be more right for him to get involved. I think Peter will take the team to the next level, it will be a good change and he’ll bring a lot to the team.” said Clark.

Brad Jones Racing Commodore in the wet at Bathurst – Photo: Rhys Vandersyde

Vale had joined BJR at Townsville earlier this year to spend the weekend behind the scenes, taking in the Supercars atmosphere and learning about the team and role, before accepting the role.

“Back in late March I spoke with Chris Clark, he let me know of his future plans and asked if I would be interested in returning to Australia with the view of replacing him at Brad Jones Racing in 2018.” said Vale.

“As a kid growing up in Australia, the Supercar series had a big influence on me and is part of reason why I decided to go to UK and become involved in motorsport. While in the UK I kept up to date with the Supercar Series and the more Chris and I talked over the next several months the more the position at BJR appealed to me.”

“After a very positive conversation between Brad and I; Brad organized for me to attend the Townsville 400 event as a guest of BJR. This gave me the opportunity meet and interact with the team, helping me find out more about BJR, the Supercar and Dunlop Super2 Series first hand. The whole experience was positive so Brad and I agreed to move forward, Brad inviting me to Albury to visit the BJR workshop and meet the rest of the team before I headed back to the UK.”

Brad Jones is looking forward to adding Vale’s experience to his Supercars team.

“Peter has a lot of technical experience in motorsport, and I think his ideas will be a great asset to the team.” said Jones.

“He spent the weekend with us in Townsville, then a couple of days back in our workshop to see how we operate at the track and behind the scenes. He already has a few ideas and I think he’ll be really hands on in all areas of the business.

“From his extensive F1 experience I’m excited to see what he’ll bring to the table and think he’ll be a great contributor to the team.”

Jones was also appreciative of all the Clark had put into the team over the years.

“Chris has spent many years with us and has done a lot for this team. He’s been fantastic in helping us grow over the years, and a really good friend. It’s been great to have him here and we wish him all the best for the next chapter.” added Jones.

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