THE 2005 CHAMPIONSHIP
2005 CHAMPIONSHIP INTRODUCTION
The 2005 Championship begins in Adelaide at the Clipsal 500, from March 17 to 20.
Like last year, there have again been considerable changes during the off-season,
including more driver, team and sponsor changes than in previous years, as well as
many new rules in relation to safety, pit stops and practice sessions. To keep in line
with the FIA, all drivers must now wear the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device;
pit stops now have a maximum of six crew members allowed to work on the car,
and only two rattle guns are permitted in changing tyres; and there are no more
Saturday and Sunday morning warm-up/practice sessions.
The Holden Racing Team are hungry for more race wins, and hopefully this year
the team will have luck on their side. Good Luck Mark and HRT!!
MARK & TONI TO HAVE A BABY!!
Some exciting off-track news has just been announced - Toni Skaife is
pregnant!! The baby is due in March 2006, and will be Toni's first, and
Mark's second. Congratulations to Mark & Toni, and here's hoping for
a happy and healthy delivery for mother and baby!!
MARK AND TODD WIN BATHURST!!
On 11 October 2005, Mark Skaife & Todd Kelly took a well-deserved
victory at the Super-Cheap Auto 1000 at Bathurst!! They managed to
stay clear of the carnage and controversy, in what was a thrilling race
around the world-famous Mt Panorama Circuit.
Mark started the race, after qualifying 4th in the Shootout. He also set
a new lap record in the latter stages of the race. Todd drove fast and
sensibly, and handed the car back to Mark for the last stint, ready to
challenge for the lead. Mark took the lead after passing Jason Richards
in the Chase, and led to the end.
The win was Mark's first round win since 2003, and Todd's third for
the year. It was Mark's 5th Bathurst win, and Todd's 1st, made even
more special for him, because it was won on his 26th birthday!!
Congratulations to Mark, Todd and the Team for a fantastic win!!
Mark & Todd on the Podium, Mt Panorama, Bathurst, October 2005.
“This photo comes from the V8X site”
MARK AND TONI IN "NEW IDEA" MAGAZINE!!
The June 11 "New Idea" Magazine features a fantastic article about Mark
and Toni, their relationship, his racing, and some great photos (including
the photo below). Another must-read for all Mark Skaife fans!!
Mark & Toni in "New Idea" Magazine, June 2005.
“This photo comes from "New Idea" Magazine, June 11 Issue”
HRT LAUNCH 2005 CARS
“This logo comes from the official Holden Special Vehicles Site”
On Tuesday 15 February 2005, the Holden Racing Team launched their 2005 cars.
The new livery is vastly different to previous years, with the cars reverting back
to the year 2000-style predominantly red livery. Naturally, there are new racing
suits, uniforms, posters and merchandise, which are available around the tracks.
Mark & Todd with the 2005 Holden Racing Team Commodore.
“This photo comes from the HRT Site”
2005 ADELAIDE 500 PHOTOS
Mark at the HRT Club 1 Function, Adelaide, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Jane Alexander © 2005"
Mark, Me & Todd at the HRT Club 1 Function, Adelaide, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Lucas Docking © 2005"
Mark in Victoria Park, Adelaide 500, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Jane Alexander © 2005"
Mark exiting Pit Lane, Adelaide 500, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Jane Alexander © 2005"
Mark on the way to the Driver's Parade, Adelaide 500, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Jane Alexander © 2005"
Mark's Window, Adelaide 500, March 2005.
"This photo was taken by Jane Alexander © 2005"
SEASON CALENDAR AND ROUND FORMATS
Adelaide 500
March 17 - 20
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 250 km Race - Saturday
1 x 250 km Race - Sunday
Pukekohe - New Zealand
April 15 - 17
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 100 km Race - Saturday
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Barbagallo
May 6 - 8
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 120 km Race - Saturday
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Eastern Creek
May 27 - 29
Top 10 Shootout
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Shanghai - China
June 10 - 12
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 100 km Race - Saturday
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Hidden Valley
July 1 - 3
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 20 Min Race - Saturday
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Queensland Raceway
July 22 - 24
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 280 km Race - Sunday
Oran Park
August 12 - 14
Top 10 Shootout
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Melbourne 500 - Sandown
September 9 - 11
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 500 km Race - Sunday (With Co-Drivers)
Bathurst 1000 - Mt Panorama
October 6 - 9
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 1000 km Race - Sunday (With Co-Drivers)
Indy 300
October 20 - 23
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 140 km Race - Saturday
2 x 100 km Races - Sunday
Symmons Plains
November 11 - 13
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 42-Lap Race - Saturday
2 x 42-Lap Races - Sunday
Phillip Island
November 25 - 27
Top 10 Shootout
1 x 100 km Race - Saturday
2 x 140 km Races - Sunday
Here are Mark's results for the 2005 season .....
| CIRCUIT |
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE
2
|
|
| Adelaide 500 |
(9th)
|
DNF
|
3rd
|
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE 1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE
3
|
|
| Pukekohe - New Zealand |
7th
|
3rd
|
4th
|
5th
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE 1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE
3
|
|
| Barbagallo |
4th
|
1st
|
29th
|
6th
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE 1
|
RACE
2
|
||
| Eastern Creek |
2nd
|
7th
|
7th
|
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE
3
|
|
| Shanghai - China |
1st
|
3rd
|
1st
|
23rd
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE 2
|
RACE 3
|
|
| Hidden Valley |
1st
|
2nd
|
2nd
|
26th
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
|
|
|
|
| Queensland Raceway |
6th
|
12th
|
||
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE
2
|
|
|
| Oran Park |
3rd
|
16th
|
30th
|
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
|
|
|
|
| Melbourne 500 - Sandown |
6th
|
2nd
|
||
| (With Todd Kelly) | ||||
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
|
|
|
|
| Bathurst 1000 - Mt Panorama |
4th |
1st
|
||
| (With Todd Kelly) | ||||
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE 3
|
|
| Indy 300 |
3rd
|
3rd
|
3rd
|
2nd |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE
1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE
3
|
|
| Symmons Plains |
7th
|
25th
|
12th
|
9th
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SHOOTOUT
|
RACE 1
|
RACE
2
|
RACE
3
|
| Phillip Island |
DNS (11th)
|
15th
|
9th
|
8th
|
** The Official Holden Racing Team Site **
*********** Mark Skaife "There Goes My Hero" ************