"What a couple of weeks - I can't believe Bathurst has rolled around so quickly and with the recent tragic events surrounding Peter Brock - there is no question this years event will be an amazing tribute to the man who tamed the Mountain an amazing ten times, (counting his 24 hour win in 2003 as well.)

This year's event will be very special - and I am extremely humbled to be part of it with the Dick Johnson Team. Sharing car 18, the APVC Ford with Alex Davison, this will be my first attack on the 1,000 race, and the team is in pretty good shape.

We finished 14th in the Sandown 500 recently, had a great test day last week, and the team is finding good form at the right time of the year.

I have raced at Bathurst in utes, the GTP 3 hour races, and the 24 hour races in 2002 and 2003, but never before in Australia's "Great Race." Watching it as a kid, it was always my dream to one day get the chance, so this weekend will be a culmination of some 15 years in the planning from when I first started racing karts.

At least I will get loads of track time, as Car 81 - the Summit Fleet Leasing/JAXQuickfit Ford will also race in round 6 of the Fujitsu V8 Supercar series. This will give me a great opportunity to settle in and plenty of laps before Sunday's big race.

The cars are a little different, Car 18 has more front end grip and a different throttle application, but the basics are pretty much the same. My plan is to go as hard as we can in the Fujitsu series, then
back up Alex in Car 81 for the Supercheap Auto 1,000.

The aim is to have a trouble free run, but Mt Panorama has a mind of its own, so luck will play a major part on the day. A top 10 finish is our goal, and I think we have the car speed to achieve that, we just need a couple of double sixes in the luck department.

Thanks to all those that have helped me "live the dream" over the past few years - particularly Phil, Glenda, Glyn, Gary Phillpotts, Jeff Board, the team at Ford and DJR and all those that come up to me at race weekends, sent emails and shown great support. I have been given an amazing opportunity, and it is up to me now to deliver.

Peter Brock's signature so often encouraged people to 'live their dream" - therefore for me, it is a very special significance to be part of this weekend's Supercheap Auto 1,000 knowing that the King of the Mountains life will be celebrated with a spectacular tribute, and that his soul will forever reign over Australian motorsports holy grail.