V8 Ute driver Cameron "Conkers" McConville will double the driving duties at next weekend's Armor All Gold Coast 600, by racing the Bundaberg Holden SS in Round 5 of the Auto One V8 Ute Series - protected by Armor all, then strapping into a 2 seater Formula One Minardi for a number of laps with special guests on board.
McConville is no stranger to juggling driving duties, he has just returned from the Bathurst 1000 where he raced in the main-game V8 Supercar race. The Melbourne based driver is looking forward to the experience and can't wait to get behind the wheel.
"I'll actually be driving it around the Gold Coast. I think it's probably a world first - there wouldn't be too many people that have driven a Ute and an F1 car in the same weekend!"
Organisers are hoping to add to the International flavour of the event, which sees 28 of the world's best drivers join Australasia's own V8 Supercar heroes - including several with Formula 1 race experience, headed by current HRT F1 racer, Vitantonio Liuzzi.
The car, commissioned and owned by Australian entrepreneur, Paul Stoddart, is being transported to the Gold Coast as a joint initiative between V8 Supercars and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.
McConville will be a chauffeur for the dignitaries and celebrities in the Minardi F1 two seater, which has also been driven by an elite group, including; Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell.
The car is based on a 2002 spec Minardi that Mark Webber raced in his opening Formula 1 season. With a 700-plus horsepower Cosworth engine, and a car weight of 545kg at his disposal, McConville is sure to set a new outright lap record on the revised Surfers Paradise street course.
"Formula 1 engines have such a unique sound and any time you get to hear one in full flight it is an awesome experience," said McConville.
"I've driven a Honda Formula 1 car before and this two-seater, but never on a circuit like this."
"I'll be giving my passengers the ultimate F1 experience - however ensuring that they are kept safe at the same time - I want to bring the car home in one piece."
McConville will pilot the Minardi F1 right before he hits the track for the final of three V8 Ute races over the weekend on Sunday, 23rd October.
Race 3 will be televised live on Network Seven and will decide the winner of Round 6 of the 2011 Auto One V8 Ute Racing Series - protected by Armor All.
See below full race schedule for the V8 Utes at the Armor All Gold Coast 600:Friday, 21st October 7:50am PracticeFriday, 21st October 3:00pm QualifyingSaturday, 22nd October 10:15am Race 1Sunday, 23rd October 8:30am Race 2Sunday, 23rd October 12:30pm Race 3
