Theres no doubt that Glenn Seton is a true master of the mountain, and this weekend hell be back to join the anniversary celebrations, looking to again tame the terrain he finally mastered last season, and this time itll be at the wheel of Doug Westwoods 1971 Ford Falcon GTHO, a vehicle that also brings back the memories of his fathers outings in the mighty Falcons.
It all started after Westwoods ironically named Falcon Fire GTHO Falcon went out in a main straight fireball at round one of the Touring Car Master season, Seton brought in to consult on the new suspension package as Westwood and his crew took the project back to basics for a fresh start. As fellow Masters, Tilley Racing went to work on the engine, Seton would be back in familiar territory, working alongside friend and another Dick Johnson Racing name, ex-head mechanic, Michael Flanders, who now heads the Falcon Fire Racing program.
With Westwood looking to take his GTHO further up the field, it was time to get right on top of the suspension setup, the mighty Falcon driver approaching none other than Seton to assist with suspension geometry, the build of custom shock absorbers through Glenn Seton Racing, and to provide both setup feedback and driver tuition, ensuring that the Falcon Fire Falcon would continue its progress through the re-development, edging closer to a maiden podium.
As the golden anniversary of the great race rolls around, it wouldnt be right to not have a Seton lapping the iconic circuit, and theres no doubt that the most successful man to have never won the great race is excited to be back, saying,
To now be involved with such an iconic event on such a special weekend, in a series of cars from the era at the heart of Bathurst, and in a car similar to one my father drove while I dreamed from the garage, theres nothing better.
Coming off of last years success in this series at the wheel of the XB, its going to be another great experience to take Dougs (Westwood) GTHO out. To have had the offer of driving the car, with the number 30 from my many years here back on the door, after the work the team have put in to go to the next level, Im appreciative and Im excited to soon be arriving at the track.
Vehicle owner and regular driver, Doug Westwood, last year took home the Rare Spares Hard Charger award at Mount Panorama and acknowledges that while it was tough to step out of the drivers seat on such a special racing occasion, theres no one more deserving and more appropriate to put at the wheel of his pride and joy, explaining,
It would be remiss if this anniversary didnt involve a Seton. This is a good chance for me to take a step back in order to take two steps forward in the vehicles development and Glenn (Seton) has had a great input with the car and with my driving development this year so theres simply no one better to hand over to.
This weekend will be important for us with Glenn adding prestige and profile to our team, giving him the opportunity to be involved at another important time in Australian racing history, and for us to realise the true potential of the car, giving us a basis for moving forward.
The Westwood/Seton team is thrilled to have on-going support from Sydney-based Able Floors who specialise in commercial vinyl and polished concrete flooring, their staff sharing a passion for motor sport, with owner Fred Mesiti saying,
We had made the decision to join Falcon Fire Racing to support Doug (Westwood) and his team thanks to our shared interest in motor sport, and having seen the efforts the team goes to in order to strive for their best, something we always do for our customers, its a great fit. With Glenn (Seton) now on board for this weekend, its an ideal opportunity for us to continue our involvement with a friend, and now a racing legend, as they take on another iconic event at Bathurst.
Another exciting development has been the welcoming of proud new sponsor Husqvarna Hiperfloor Polished Concrete Systems, and they have come on board just in time for this prestigious occasion as Seton and the Falcon Fire Racing team head for the biggest Bathurst event seen to date. The addition of Husqvarna certainly adding to the enthusiasm of a team unit already striving to achieve at one of the toughest places in the motor sport environment. Seton and the Falcon Fire GTHO Falcon will be on track from Thursday for round seven, the penultimate round of the Touring Car Masters season.
The Touring Car Masters is proudly supported by Shannons Insurance, Rare Spares, Unique Cars Magazine and the 2012 Australian Muscle Car Masters, with official suppliers Hoosier Tires and Australian Sports Marketing.
