SBR launch three-seater car for fans.

Back-to-back V8 Supercar champions Stone Brothers Racing have officially launched a new three-seater ride car programme.

The car has been specially engineered by SBR staff and has been built from the ground up to handle correct weight distribution around the cockpit. One passenger sits in the traditional ride seat beside the driver, while the second seat is mounted at the rear between the driver and front-seat passenger.

The car is very similar to the Pirtek Falcon of Marcos Ambrose and Caltex Ford of Russell Ingall - except in the engine department.

The ride car is powered by a six litre engine which is capable of around 700 horsepower with an amazing 500 ft. lbs of torque. All this means that the ride car will not have to rev as hard as SBR's race cars, but will provide similar power to weight ratios as the Pirtek and Caltex Falcons with two passengers on board, according to team co-owner Ross Stone.

"Over the years the one thing that we get more requests for than anything else is a ride in the car," said Stone. "Most of the time it is someone requesting a ride for someone else. They want to surprise them for a birthday or anniversary or something like that.

"Unfortunately we just cannot cater for these requests because of the logistics involved and that is why we came up with the ride car concept.

"The three-seater will provide all the sensations of a V8 Supercar and then some and the best part is that we are taking it to most parts of Australia so most fans will get a chance for a ride without having to travel to Queensland."

The majority of the time the car will be driven by SBR endurance driver and 2004 V8 Supercar Rookie of the Year, Warren Luff, who is also running in this year's V8 Development Series with Decina Racing.

Ambrose and Ingall will also get behind the wheel at nominated days throughout the year.

It has been painted in a neutral silver colour and can carry the decals of any corporation wanting to hire it for the day, according to SBR's Commercial Manager, Brian Lawrence.

"First of all the car has been designed for the fans," said Lawrence. "We wanted to build something that was as close to the real thing as possible and for the fans to have the chance to experience the buzz of a V8 Supercar - that was important for both Ross and Jimmy (Stone).

"Secondly, we wanted something that could service our existing partners, but also be usable by companies and groups outside the sport who wanted something different for their customers or members.

"The car can be completely sign-written in the colours of any organisation wanting to hire it for the day."

Ingall, was more than impressed with the new car at a recent shakedown at Queensland Raceway.

"Like everything SBR does, the ride car is a quality bit of gear," said Ingall. "It is not an old smashed up car that has been converted into a ride car, it has been built from the ground up specifically for the purpose of giving people the thrill of V8 Supercar racing. It looks great, sounds great and goes fantastic.

"This is the best car of its type that I have seen and there is no doubt that it is going to put a smile on a few faces."

The ride car will be based at SBR's workshop at Yatala in Queensland, but is expected to be run in most states of Australia - the majority of which will happen the day after a V8 Supercar meeting.

Fans will have the chance to have a look at the new ride car at the SBR Fan Day at the team's Yatala headquarters on Saturday February 26 from 9am to 2pm.