FROSTY’S ODE TO FORD’S GREAT MOFFAT
FORD legend Allan Moffat wants to set the record straight on one of the most famous finishes in Bathurst 1000 history.
“People are always stopping me and saying ‘ aren’t you the guy that came one- two?’,’’ Moffat said.
“Well I actually have to correct them and say ‘ I actually just came one. The guy who finished two was behind me’.’’
Prodrive Racing Australia will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the famous Ford one- two finish of 1977 this weekend when Mark Winterbottom drives in a XC Falcon- themed livery in his search for a second Bathurst 1000 title.
Winterbottom will also wear a 1977- inspired race suit, paying tribute to the magnificent Moffat drive where he beat teammate Colin Bond in one of the closest Mount Panorama finishes.
“Allan Moffat was one of my heroes growing up, and still is, so I feel very honoured to be racing in the livery he made so famous 40 years ago,” Winterbottom said. “It will be great to have Allan and Colin trackside to watch the race this year and a big thanks to The BottleO team for making all of this happen. Dean and I would like nothing more than to take the famous livery to another win on the 40th anniversary.”
Prodrive will honour Moffat as part of a Heroes and Legends’ round of racing, beginning with practice at Mount Panorama on Thursday.
The 1977 race was made famous when Bond sacrificed a Bathurst 1000 win to let No. 1 Ford driver Moffat claim one of his four Mount Panorama victories.
“It is hard to believe it has been 40 years,’’ Moffat said.
“But it was. I am 78 years old at the moment so believe me I have done my job.’’
Moffat gave the one- off livery the thumbs- up with Dean Canton to partner Winterbottom in the No. 5 Ford.
“It is the best livery I have seen in a long time,’’ Moffat said.
“I haven’t seen a car with this many logos on it look so great. The gold wheels just look so fantastic so I am really happy with it.’’
Moffat also backed Winterbottom to bounce back following a slow season start to claim V8’ s greatest prize by winning Sunday’s 1000km war.
“He has been up against harder situations in the past,’’ Moffat said.
“He is a fabulous driver and has shown what he can do in the past. He works hard and for everyone in his team and that is kind of a rare thing these days.’’