BOWE BACK BEHIND THE WHEEL OF TCM TORANA

John Bowe back behind the wheel of TCM Torana – Photo: Supplied

Two-time Bathurst 1000 winner John Bowe has got back behind the wheel of his popular Touring Car Masters Holden Torana for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out nationwide in March.

By DAN McCARTHY

A test day at Winton Raceway was the first time that the 1995 Australian Touring Car Champion had driven the machine since he participated in the Adelaide 500 nearly nine months ago.

Bowe described jumping back behind the wheel of his A9X Torana as a very pleasant experience when he hopped out of the car.

“It has been a difficult 2020,” Bowe said. “I’ve had track days booked and cancelled, and like most, I haven’t driven a race car for eight months.

“I got back in the Torana and, honestly, it felt like slipping into an old pair of shoes. By the third lap, I was back on the pace.

“It was just great to be back at a race track, as did all of the guys who work on my car. I’ve been racing at Winton since 1979 and I love the place.

“The track is great, the people are friendly, the only downside is the drive from Melbourne up the Hume Highway! But in all seriousness, I love going up there.”

Bowe completed the test in preparation for the opening round of the 2021 Touring Car Masters series which will take place in his home state of Tasmania at Symmons Plains from January 24-26.

On that weekend Bowe will hope to become the first driver in the history of the series to notch up 100 TCM race wins.

The Tasmanian explained the Torana performed faultlessly throughout the test and is looking forward to the upcoming TCM season.

“It’s a huge credit to Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars and Synergy Race Engines who look after the Torana and engine – they do a superb job,” he said.

“This coming 2021 season I hope to achieve my 100th Touring Car Masters win and that does not happen without the very best people around me. I’m so indebted to all of them over so many years.

“The Paynter-Dixon / PAYCE A9X ran faultlessly and we actually found a couple of tweaks that I think will help us over the coming season. Fingers crossed.”

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