Marcos, . . . what is going on ?

[TS-50]

http://www.v8superfans.co.nz/marcos-ambrose-gold-coast-drive-set-to-be-last/



[h=1]Marcos Ambrose Gold Coast drive set to be last[/h]

• August 10, 2015
• in DJR Team Penske, Latest News, V8 Supercars

Marcos Ambrose’s co-driving duties at the upcoming Gold Coast 600 is set to be the Tasmanian Devil’s last V8 Supercar drive for the year after Team Penske’s President, Tim Cindric confirming to Auto Action.
Ambrose gave up his full-time drive temporary at DJR Team Penske after the Australian Grand Prix round. The former NASCAR driver is also not confirmed at DJR Team Penske as a driver for the 2016 season.
Tim Cindric also confirmed that the team would not run a wildcard at this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 after speculation that the team would enter a wildcard with their IndyCar star drivers, but didn’t rule out the IndyCar stars being at Bathurst as guests.
The British born Kiwi, Fabian Coulthard continues to be linked to the Queensland based team despite a strong showing in the Freightliner Racing Commodore this season currently sitting 6th in the standings and being as high as 3rd, team boss Brad Jones has also confirmed that Coulthard has received offers from rival teams.
“I’m probably offering him the same amount of money but without the bonus system” Jones said “But you’ve got to be in a fast car and that’s what we’ve got to offer”

 

[djr18fan]

The V8Superfans article is dated 10 August and quotes Auto Action. Yet Auto Actions website has an article dated 11 August merely stating:
DESPITE HIS comeback being touted as the best thing since sliced bread, it is looking more and more likely Marcos Ambrose won’t be driving full-time in V8 Supercars next year. The Spy has been listening to the pit lane rumour mill, and hears the NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner isn’t being factored into DJR Team Penske’s potential two-car plans next year, leaving the former V8 champ out in the cold.
http://autoaction.com.au/spys-scoops/

Nothing about this year.

If Marcos does not drive in the Enduros this year, who would partner Pye?

 

[Donut King]

It's over. IMO the guy has no intention of coming back full time, probably not even as a codriver unless things go really well this year in the enduros.

Ever since the announcement his website has been offline, his facebook page has stopped posting anything and same goes for his twitter page. Not really the actions of a competitor/brand looking to maintain the image and build up for a return to former glories, more one which doesn't quite know how to manage their exit amid a storm of publicity.

Yes he has stuck around the team and appears at the events/test days etc but any continued involvement is more likely to be in a behind the scenes capacity rather than a behind the wheel one.

 

[Car61]

Settle Petal !!!

If Marcos does not drive in the Enduros this year, who would partner Pye?

The Gold Coast 600 is the 3rd event of this year's 'enduros' (Sandown/Bathurst/Gold Coast)

Marcos will drive in (at least) those 3 events! [drive]

 

[Gerry]

Who is this Marcos you speak of?

 

[Car61]

Oh yee of little faith... [tsk]

 

[djr18fan]

The Gold Coast 600 is the 3rd event of this year's 'enduros' (Sandown/Bathurst/Gold Coast)

Marcos will drive in (at least) those 3 events! [drive]

Having brain fade there. Could have been shock. Or thrown by the word "upcoming". Thought the GC round was the first of the enduros. Makes sense after all.

 

[Poita]

It's over. IMO the guy has no intention of coming back full time, probably not even as a codriver unless things go really well this year in the enduros.

I contacted UBET to get odds for Ambrose not being there next year, they stated they are only interested in giving odds on things where chance played a part.

 

[TS-50]

I contacted UBET to get odds for Ambrose not being there next year, they stated they are only interested in giving odds on things where chance played a part.

[crackup]

 

[Markus]

I`m starting to wonder if it was a wasted effort to sign him up to begin with.

 

[Quasi]

Yeah, have to agree that it all seems to have been an anti-climax.

 

[Racin Jason]

Meh............................

 

[Damo]

If this is the case, the enduro races will be the most important races in Ambrose's career. If he drives well and gets good results he can announce his retirement and say that he can walk away satisfied that he did a "good" job. On the other hand if he still can't get "comfortable" in the car and uses that as an excuse for him driving like shit or sticking it into the wall, then he will be walking out with his tail between his legs and have a legacy that will make him look like a fool. Just my opinion.

 

[ROB17]

Is it possible that all along this was nothing more than a cleverly thought and and seamless publicity stunt to pluck Marcos out of NASCAR and bring him home whilst maximising media exposure for the birth of DJRTP?

Apologies in advance for my cynicism [f]

 

[TS-50]

Looks Like Marcos has made a decision . . .

http://www.speedcafe.com/2015/11/08/ambrose-elects-against-enduro-return-for-2016/

 

[DJRMAD]

Given the great job Scott Pye is doing do we need Marcos ?

Pye has clearly shown in a good car that he can run with the front guys, Coulthard will also be very strong and has proven that he too can produce what is needed to run at the front.

I really dont think we need Ambrose, all you get from looking back is a sore neck!

 

[Gerry]

Maybe with Marcos on board for the get go, things fell into place.
His retirement is a sad day for motorsport fans but he has to do what's right by his family.
I hope he is able to stick around in some form if it's advantageous for the team.

 

[Racin Jason]

Marcos who? I am massively disappointed that he didn't have a serious go but I fully understand wanting to spend time with his family after being away for so long. Good luck Marcos and thanks for the memories.

 

[Henry]

Marcos' return and the prospect of a DJR Renaissance represented the one significant drawcard left for the category in my eyes at the start of the year. Had it all fallen into place, I believe that Marcos would've been looking similarly racy to Scott at this stage of the season, but it didn't. I can't say I can fault any of Marcos' moves or motives, but his departure is just one less reason for me to care what's happening on Race Weekend. Thank heavens the Fords have 1) been allowed to be competitive this year, and 2)PRA and DJRTP have utilised a competitive package to push for the pointy end, else I'd have given it all away I think

Anyway, I'm sorry that the Marcos deal didn't bear the fruit that it was anticipated it would, but if he's been any part of the process that's seen #17 move to where it's lurking now, whatever he's been paid has been worth it. Thanks, Marcos, for the enjoyment you've given a jaded motorsport fan for almost two decades now, enjoy whatever fills your time from here on!

 

[Bartman09]

Marcos' return and the prospect of a DJR Renaissance represented the one significant drawcard left for the category in my eyes at the start of the year. Had it all fallen into place, I believe that Marcos would've been looking similarly racy to Scott at this stage of the season, but it didn't. I can't say I can fault any of Marcos' moves or motives, but his departure is just one less reason for me to care what's happening on Race Weekend. Thank heavens the Fords have 1) been allowed to be competitive this year, and 2)PRA and DJRTP have utilised a competitive package to push for the pointy end, else I'd have given it all away I think

Anyway, I'm sorry that the Marcos deal didn't bear the fruit that it was anticipated it would, but if he's been any part of the process that's seen #17 move to where it's lurking now, whatever he's been paid has been worth it. Thanks, Marcos, for the enjoyment you've given a jaded motorsport fan for almost two decades now, enjoy whatever fills your time from here on!

Marcos isn't finished with the TEAM Henry. He will still be there next year don't worry.