Owen to drive Commodore this year

It marks a return to the main game for Owen, second at Bathurst this year with Jamie Whincup and already a two-time Fujitsu champ.  "It's a great Christmas present - a great sponsor, great team and a great car," said Owen, himself the owner of a blue heeler.

"I've proved (this season) that with a good car I can drive straight to the front. All the ingredients are here and I don't think we'll be far behind those Vodafone cars at all."

Along with undoubted speed Owen, who ran endurance races this season with the Vodafone-backed Triple Eight, will bring initiatives and ideas learnt from that outfit.  A confident team owner Morris reckons Owen will be fighting it out for podiums, warning some of the series 'seat warmers' better move over: "This thing (Commodore) will be up the front."

As for VIP Petfoods owner Tony Quinn, a part-time racer, motors racing is about promoting his business.  "I'm a pet food maker that's found motorsport does wonder for the brand," said Quinn. "It's up to Steve now."