Fans have asked and we have delivered...what is it like being a successful owner of a V8 Supercar team? Our own newsletter editor Rahul caught up with one; Warren who runs the Howard Racing Team.

The team who won the 2006 Fujistu V8 Supercars championship, is the most successful team with the most poles and wins that any team has had in the development series. So get set for a V8SFG exclusive interview unseen before!

RAHUL: Many fans are intrigued to what the Team Manager of a V8 Supercar team does; care to shed some light on what you do? 

WARREN: Overall management of the Howard Racing Team-  dealing with sponsors, drivers, engineer’s suppliers, V8SA and the organisation of all team matters. I also do relationship building and future planning for Howard Racing moving forward in the future.

RAHUL: What does your schedule look like on a race weekend, for example at this weekend’s Bathurst?

WARREN: Truck parks up Tuesday AM and team arrives. Wednesday for set up etc. Managers briefing, Thursday 2x 40 min sessions, Drivers Briefing, Friday 1x 30min Qualifying and 1x 14 lap race .Saturday 1x 14 lap race, Pack up and travel home on Saturday night.

RAHUL: How did you become the Howard Racing Team Manager?

WARREN: I worked my way up with numerous teams and gained experience over many years.

RAHUL: Managing the whole operation of a V8 Supercar team must be stressful at times; would you swap it for any other job out there?

WARREN: Some days I think I would, but all jobs have bad days. Overall no, I love my role and job

RAHUL: How do you rate your campaign this year to win the 2009 Fujitsu Development Series so far?

WARREN: Only slightly off track due to getting turned around at Sandown and QR. Unfortunately you can not anticipate or control what other drivers do on track.

RAHUL: What has been the highlight of the 2009 campaign for Howard Racing?

WARREN: Pole and round win at the Clipsal 500.  It was the first race for the year and nobody rated our new driver as a contender. As a team we knew we could win but we were under the radar, the first round win was pretty rewarding.

RAHUL: So far what has been the highlight of your career as Team Manager of Howard Racing?

WARREN: There are so many, if I had to choose a particular event it would be winning the Fujitsu series in 2006. However to date an on-going highlight would be that Howard Racing Team has the best record in the Fujitsu series category for the most poles, race wins, and round wins unmatched by any other team.

RAHUL: What would you say are the elements that hold Howard Racing together, as a team?

WARREN: We have always had and will continue to have first-rate individuals who are skilled in their field and a generally good people who make up the team We hold great importance on team players, not only who can get the job done right but who get along well with the team.  We have always had a great synergy collectively as a team and focus on winning races, rounds and championships.

RAHUL: Where do you see yourself and Howard Racing in 5 years time?

WARREN: Watch this space, we might surprise.

RAHUL: If given the opportunity, would you consider as a team stepping up to the main series?

WARREN: Yes, if the right opportunity was there to commit to a long term arrangement we would consider the main series.

RAHUL: Is there anything you would like to say to all the Howard Racing Fans out there?

WARREN: Thanks to all the fans who have supported us over the years. Keep backing us as we have a focus on winning and need all the support we can get. Come down to our workshop and say hello.

RAHUL: Thank you for taking some time to speak to the fans at V8SFG. We wish you the best for Bathurst and Homebush.

Copyright - V8SFG 2009 | Author - Rahul