Pirtek Racing's Marcos Ambrose will chase Ford's first V8 Supercar title since 1997 (Glenn Seton) and the Blue Oval's fourth major motor sports title of the year at the VIP Pet Foods Main Event at Sydney's Eastern Creek this weekend.

2003 has been a good year for Ford in motor racing, in particular North America. All three of Ford's championship titles this year have brought first time winners, with Mattt Kenseth taking the NASCAR crown, Paul Tracy securing the CART World Series on the streets of the Gold Coast and Tony Pedregon scoring the Top Fuel Funny Car title.

Kenseth's win in NASCAR was not only his first championship; it was also the first title for famed team owner Jack Roush, who fields five Fords in the series.

Kenseth won the NASCAR championship with just the one win from 36 starts, but it was his incredible consistency of 11 top-5 and 25 top-10 finishes that earned him the title.

Ambrose met Kenseth and the Roush crew in August when he visited the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Tennessee. That night Kenseth finished fourth with teammate Kurt Busch winning.

This week Kenseth sent his best wishes to Ambrose and the Stone Brothers Racing team.

"I'd like to extend good luck wishes to Marcos Ambrose and Stone Brothers Racing as they fight to win the V8 Supercar Title," said Kenseth.

"From what I hear, he's put together a very consistent season much like the DEWALT Team did in NASCAR.

"Best Wishes, Marcos...Let's bring Ford Racing another Championship before the year is over!"

Paul Tracy took seven wins on his way to his first CART title in 13 years of competition and provided Australian fans with a great moment when he took the trophy on the streets of the Gold Coast.

A long time fan of the V8 Supercars, Tracy is a keen observer of the V8s and has formed close relationships with a number of drivers and team members.

"I always make sure I watch the guys on the Gold Coast and have a lot of respect for Marcos and his team," said Tracy.

"Championships are never a given, I should know! The Stone Brothers have done a great job and I know that they are determined to get the job done this weekend in Sydney.

"The Ford champions group of 2003 has room for one more member and I'd be delighted to see Marcos join Matt, Tony and I."

Tony Pedregon had to beat some of the fastest teams and drivers racing anywhere to win his first Top Fuel Funny Car championship. Amongst the toughest was team boss and 11-time champion John Force.

One of the most colourful characters in any sport, Force has a strong following in Australia after racing here in the 1970s.

Force sent his support to Ambrose as well as his many Australian fans.

"It's been a great year for Ford Racing and we're pushing for Marcos to win the V8 Supercar title and keep the streak going," said Force.

"Bottom line, I know we've got a lot of Ford fans down under and I hope they all come out for the last race and give the Stone Brothers all their support.

"We were fortunate enough to win the Funny Car championship for Ford for the seventh straight year here in the states and we also had a Ford Champion in NASCAR, so I guess that means we're going for a worldwide sweep."

The final word from the USA came from Director of Ford Racing Technology, Dan Davis. Davis oversees all of Ford Racing's programmes in the USA and even found time to come to Bathurst to watch this year's Bob Jane T-Marts 1000 along with the great grandson of Henry Ford, Edsel Ford II.

"A championship by Ford in the V8 Supercar series would be great, and just add to a series of major racing championships by Ford in this Centennial year," said Davis.

"We've been fortunate to have won the NASCAR Winston Cup title with Matt Kenseth, the NHRA Funny Car title with Tony Pedregon, and the CART Champ Car World Series title with Paul Tracy. All three had great seasons and their racing success did a lot to help us 'polish the oval' here in North America.

"I wish Marcos and Stone Brothers Racing all the best as they try and wrap up their championship. Like Jack Roush and Roush Racing, they have been Ford's strongest team for a number of years, and it would be great to see them win their first championship like Roush did this year.

"I had the chance to visit with the team and see Bathurst, so I know personally how motivated this team is, and the effort they are putting forth.

"You know, we love the Ford versus GM battle here in North America as much as anyone, and all of us at Ford Racing Technology are pushing for our colleagues to bring home this title."