Former V8 Supercar legend John Bowe leads the way as The Touring Car Masters presented by Autobarn heads to Hidden Valley, Darwin (NT) for round three on 18-20 June.

A confessed fan of the Hidden Valley circuit, the two-time Bathurst winner has competed at Darwin every year since the event began and is now set to race his third different car in as many years as he debuts his newly-acquired 1969 Ford Mustang in the Top End.

A favourite for the Darwin event following his clean sweep in round two at Winton Raceway (VIC), Bowe's winning Mustang put him back on top of the Touring Car Masters championship standings for the first time since the opening round of the 2008 series.

As well as returning to a Ford product, this year, with the WesTrac Cat / Wilson Security Mustang, Bowe also reclaimed his celebrated number 18, made famous during his 11-year run with Dick Johnson Racing.

Bowe's return to the top in the #18 Ford has a remarkable synchronicity with Dick Johnson Racing driver James Courtney who currently leads the V8 Supercar standings in the #18 Ford - notably putting the #18 in the lead of the premier category for the first time since Bowe was in the seat.

Like the V8 Supercar championship battle, Bowe will have his work cut out for him to hold onto his series lead with stiff competition from the likes of seven-time Bathurst winner Jim Richards, reigning series champion Gavin Bullas, and former V8 Supercar drivers Andrew Miedecke and Leanne Tander among the many top drivers capable of toppling the Tasmanian.

With 33 cars and three championships on track and on the line simultaneously, the Touring Car Masters is assured to present intense race action all the way from the front to the rear of the field for the entire weekend.

The under five-litre cars, Mustangs, Chargers, Pacers, Porsches, HQ's and the Torana of reigning champ Trevor Talbot, will be mounting a charge to reel in the Gawler Self Storage Porsche 911 of the runaway Group 2 series leader, Bernie Stack.

In the Northern BM Ford Escort, Phillip Showers is set for a showdown with his main rival, as the TIFS Warehousing Alfa GTAM of Tony Karanfilovski challenges for the Group 3 / under two-litre series lead.

The Touring Car Masters presented by Autobarn will be on track for the first practice session at 10am Friday 18 June and will contest three races across the weekend.

Fans can also catch live race action of the Touring Car Masters during the V8 Supercar television broadcast on Channel 7 on Sunday 20 June. Check local guides for details.

JOHN BOWE:

"I love going to Darwin - it's a great event. I've raced there every year since the event began.

"This will be the third different car I've raced in three years - the Chev Camaro in '08, the HQ Monaro last year and now the WesTrac Cat / Wilson Security Mustang.

"There's a huge depth of talent at the front of the field with guys like, Jim and Gavin, Miedecke, Brad Tilley and now Leanne Tander has come to terms with these big, difficult cars; it really is anyone's guess how the weekend will unfold.

"I really enjoy the layout of the track and I've had some success there in the past. Hopefully we can sneak another win this year - who knows, maybe being back in the number 18 Ford will be a lucky charm."

The Touring Car Masters is proudly presented by Autobarn, and supported by Biante Model Cars, Shannons Insurance, Rare Spares and official suppliers Hoosier Tires and Australian Sports Marketing.

www.touringcarmasters.com.au

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For further information, images or interviews contact:

Marscelle Tully
Media Manager
Touring Car Masters

Live PR & Media
0408 581 147
marscelle@liveprmedia.com