Russell Ingall reaches 500 race milestone

V8 Supercars long-timer Russel Ingall will race his 500th Australian Touring Car Championship/ V8 Supercars race start at the ETIHAD AIRWAYS Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

The Abu Dhabi race meet will also see the 2005 V8 Supercars Champion compete in his 217thAustralian Touring Car Championship/ V8 Supercars event.

Saturday's second race will mark Ingalls milestone which will now see him sit behind John Bowe and Mark Skaife with the most event starts in the sports history.

V8 Supercars CEO David Malone said Ingall's dedication to the support saw him achieve the significant milestone.

"I congratulate Russell for his long lasting commitment and perseverance in this sometimes challenging sport. 500 race starts is an outstanding achievement and now puts him in line with some of the greatest names motorsport has ever known," said Mr Malone.

"We thank Russell for years of on track entertainment and wish him all the best for his 500th race start in Abu Dhabi on Saturday."

This year will be Ingalls's 17th consecutive season competing in the V8 Supercars Championship which in his long history makes him the most experienced driver in the championship to date.
Currently sitting 12th on the V8 Supercars Championship Ladder, Ingall hopes to improve his standings on the ladder before the season's end.

"Hopefully I can get a few good races out before the end of the season. It would be great to end the season a little higher up the ladder," said Ingall.

"Abu Dhabi hasn't been the best track for me. I know my weaknesses now, so I am hoping to go out there and score some decent Championship points."

V8 Supercars will take to the YAS MARINA Circuit November, 2 - 4 at the ETIHAD AIRWAYS Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 7mate will broadcast Saturday's races from 5pm to 8pm and race 26 will be broadcast on Channel Seven on Sunday from 8pm.