Ambrose’s shock exit

Next week’s Symmons Plains round of the V8 Supercars championship had been billed as the return of the Launceston great but promoters were left stunned yesterday when Ambrose dropped the bombshell that he would be taking a back seat.

A statement from DJR Team Penske said the 38-year-old had requested to be temporarily relieved as their frontline driver.

Ambrose, who won 28 races over five seasons and captured back-to-back V8 Supercars titles in 2003-04, said his transition back from NASCAR racing in the US had been harder than expected.

‘‘It has become clear to me over the first two events of the season that I need more experience in these cars to do what is required of the lead driver and to be competitive for the team and our partners,’’ he said.

Ambrose competed in three races in Adelaide, finishing 16th, 16th and 12th, but in the non-championship round at Melbourne last weekend was well off the pace before a chaotic pile-up during a rolling start ended his final race.

Delaying his expected arrival in Tasmania, the father-of-two flew to Queensland, where his team is based, and yesterday it was announced  Scott Pye would take over the driving duties for the No.17 Ford Falcon.

Ambrose thanked his team and backed Pye, saying he would remain available for endurance races and would still attend Symmons Plains.

‘‘Although this decision may disappoint fans, to whom I apologise, I will continue be a great teammate and will be at the track to support the team in Tasmania.

‘‘I look forward to getting back on the track later this season and will be ready to do my best for DJR Team Penske.’’

While team owner Roger Penske thanked Ambrose for his contribution, the announcement will severely dent crowd figures at Symmons where Tasmanian motor sport fans had been eagerly awaiting his return.

Penske explained: ‘‘Marcos came to the team requesting to be replaced from his upcoming driving responsibilities, while he continues the transition back into V8 Supercars competition.

‘‘Entering the season, Marcos understood that the competition in this series is at a very high level and now realises that more time is required for this transition. This was a difficult decision for Marcos, but I appreciate him thinking about the greater good of the team.’’

A V8 Supercars spokesman said the organisation would measure the impact of the announcement over the next fortnight.

However, other motor sport observers were less restrained.

AutoAction website editor Rob Margeit called the decision ‘‘more than a little puzzling’’.

‘‘His much-feted comeback is, in effect, only one championship round old and already he’s throwing in the towel?’’ he said.

Margeit was ‘‘at a loss to explain the logic’’ behind the statements that the veteran needed more experience.

‘‘I don’t think I’m the only one feeling the disappointment of Ambrose’s ‘fizzer’ of a comeback right now. Let’s hope the team and Ambrose are true to their words and this is a ‘‘temporary’’ setback. The sport needs him.’’

The Symmons Plains round of the championship will feature two 60-kilometre races on Saturday, March 28, before a 200km race the next day.