CHAMPIONSHIP PRESSURE BUILDS

September 9 2008 Ford Performance Racings preparation for the years first V8 Supercar Championship Series endurance race has been unbelievable according to Steve Richards.

The team is currently leading the championship, with Mark Winterbottom second in the driver standings, but the 200-point maximum for this Sunday's L&H 500 could see huge shifts in the title battle.

"These next two races are probably the most important in our championship with 300 points up for grabs at each," said Richo. "Two solid results could move us into first and second in the championship; one bad result could put us out of contention.

"Our preparation has been unbelievable though; we've had a good couple of tests and we're working together really well. We went through a regimented process whereas the other guys on track seemed more bothered about doing quick times.

In its bid to stay one step ahead, FPR has tested twice since last month's round eight at Winton and engineers have spent days considering tactics for the new qualifying format, which will see two mini races, worth 50 points each, determine the starting order for Sunday's feature race.

The team will run Richo and Frosty together in the Castrol FPR Falcon to give them the best possible chance over the 113-lap race. Results from Dean Canto and Luke Youlden in the Orrcon Steel Ford Credit FPR Falcon meanwhile will be just as crucial as FPR works to guard its lead in the team competition.

"We've put all our eggs in one basket with me and Richo being in the one car so we've got to get a good result or both our championships suffer," said Frosty. "We could have teamed up with our other drivers and split the odds, but we want to win."

Practice for the L&H 500 at Phillip Island will start this Friday (12 September) at 12:45.