Richards and McConville to team up for enduros

The final driver pairings for Team BOC and WOW Racing for the upcoming L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 have been announced.

Main series drivers Jason Richards and Cameron McConville will team up in the #8 Team BOC Commodore while former full-time Team BOC driver Andrew Jones returns in the #14 WOW Racing Commodore and will be joined by team owner Brad Jones.

2008 WOW Racing endurance driver Max Wilson was keen to race again in the V8 Supercar series for the two endurance races but commitments in the Brazilian Stockcar Championship prevented his return to Australia.

The decision to pair the full-time, main series drivers together was seen as the team's best chance of a podium finish.

The pair has a wealth of Bathurst experience with a combined total of 24 starts - and both have tasted the podium champagne, McConville finishing second with Craig Lowndes back in 1999, a feat equalled by Richards with co-driver Jamie Whincup in 2005 and again with Greg Murphy in last year's Bathurst 1000.

"It's interesting to see how many of the leading teams have paired their two best drivers together. This year will be one of the toughest endurance series we've ever seen," said Brad Jones, who is looking forward to getting back behind the wheel one last time. "Our decision to pair Jason and Cameron gives the team its best chance. We'll be in a strong position to race up at the front with the leaders.

"It is disappointing Max [Wilson] couldn't make the trip back to drive for us this year, but having said that I'm looking forward to helping Andrew out in what will be my final V8 Supercar drives. I've had some great moments at the mountain and I'm excited to get one last opportunity to race there."

Jason Richards says his combination with Cameron McConville could take them to the top step of the podium.

"The endurance races, particularly Bathurst have been traditionally strong races for me and teaming with Cameron will only enhance our chances," Richards continued. "I've been so close in the past three years, within two and a half seconds of winning each time.

"Together we'll be one of most experienced pairings which is important with a race like Bathurst. The BJR cars have a history of great performances at the mountain. I believe we can go one spot better than last year."

All four drivers meanwhile were on hand last Tuesday for a full days testing at the Winton Raceway track.