Everyone will be looking towards the revamped Ford line-ups to come up with the goods of a credible challenge to Skaifey.
Eastern Creek dabbled with a twilight race last year, it was a novel twist but it won't be seen again as the track deep in Sydney's west this year hosts a standard 300km event for its first of two rounds in 2003.
A track with some of the best facilities we see all year, and next door to Australia's Wonderland, the Creek has struggled in the past to bring in crowds worthy of the venue.
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Fast Fact
Boasting the fastest start/finish line in Australia, Eastern Creek was originally built as the home of the Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix when NSW snatched it from Victoria for a short time. The main straight also previously doubled as a drag strip.
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But then again, the new race format and new cars could do anything here and after two rounds we think interest in the V8s will be at fever pitch. It is an interesting track with a couple of fast corners - especially the one off the end of the main straight - and a few slow ones to pull the speeds right down for some overtaking.
The best spot for a poke at your mate is the first hairpin, but as we've seen in the past it can all go so wrong so easily here. Just as it can at the hairpin just the other side of the hill.
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What to expect
Larry's inside word
This is a track where 300km will be difficult. Other than Turn 1 I'm not sure there's much good about Eastern Creek. Car set-up is absolutely critical, if you've got the balance slightly wrong you've got no chance. Overtaking is not as bad as you imagine, and by now we'll have an idea of what the stewards think is acceptable, let's hope they allow for clean racing. All tyres wear out here, but it is always the rears go first.
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Craig Lowndes lost victory at the first hairpin last year, simply out-braking himself only a few laps from home. He caught it up and finished well enough to stand on the podium, others have totally cocked it up here and missed the corner altogether. It is yet another circuit dominated by Mark Skaife since his arrival at the HRT - which ones haven't been in recent years? He has won each round since 1999, and had pole in all bar one year and that one he missed after an error on his shootout lap.
It is not an easy track to get on top of. It's got some speed coming down the main straight, and really works the tyres and drivers at a couple of points. It needs good brakes too, in fact any weakness in your car will be very visible, and that is perhaps why Skaife and the HRT have done so well.
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Trackside
Spectating with our man Stan
OK, OK, so Eastern Creek doesn't rival Phillip Island in the picture-postcard stakes. But the Creek does have its gun spectator spots. The thing to remember, is that most of the incidents occur at turn 2, the hairpin. Unfortunately, turn 2 is out-of-sight from the main straight's spectator facilities. And, if you stand on the fence at turn 2, you can't see any other corner.
Hmm, so what to do? Stop stressing, 'cause Stan has a solution:
simply climb to the top of the huge man-made mounds which surround turn 2. It's a fair ole hike, and it can get breezy, but you'll discover EC's best kept secret- a possie providing views of half the circuit!
For the same reasons, Corporate Hill is another good elevated spot. These possies' main downside is that pitlane is obscured by the massive pit complex. Whoever designed the track should be shot! But those keen to view the pitstop action, should consider paying the extra dosh for a paddock pass, which gives access to the pit complex's roof. Here you'll witness the great 'punter migration'-fans darting from one side to the other, as the leaders charge down the straight, then sweep around the back. It really is quite bizarre.
Also consider sitting in the sole grandstand, which generates a good race day atmosphere. But be there early.
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Flashback
Skaife's points stranglehold
It was now becoming clear this title was all about Mark Skaife as he piled on his third win for the year at Eastern Creek. Again he had challenges, this time from Craig Lowndes as well as Marcos Ambrose, but he batted them off to take the honours. He even battled a clutch problem in his car, to stand atop the podium from his two Ford rivals.
One of the stories of the weekend was the stunning form of John Faulkner; he qualified third and ended the weekend in seventh overall after a DNF in the final.
Round results in 2002
1. Mark Skaife - Holden
2. Marcos Ambrose - Ford
3. Craig Lowndes - Ford
4. Garth Tander - Holden
5. Greg Murphy - Holden
6. Todd Kelly - Holden
7. John Faulkner - Holden
8. John Bowe - Ford
9. Paul Radisich - Ford
10. Steven Richards - Holden
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Be prepared
Guide to a good time
There can be some walking involved so wear sturdy shoes (no thongs) to access best spots
Take a hat and sunscreen due to limited shade
Don't plan to exit circuit in a hurry as Sydney will live up to its name as Australia's biggest traffic jam
Get in early if you want the best spot in the Grandstand, if you sit down low the pit garages block your view of the back section
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