Stephen Rushton is the latest driver to join the August’s Kumho Tyres V8 Sleuth Touring Car Classic with the Queenslander to be behind the wheel of the former Paul Weel Racing Ford Falcon.

Built in 2000 by Paul Weel and driven by Weel himself during the 2000 Touring Cars season until the Queensland 500, Dean Canto and RPM International Racing then purchased the car to race in the Bathurst 2000. 

The former K&J Thermal Products Falcon AU then spent time in the Supercars Development Series before Rushton purchased it from Western Australia and brought it back to its former glory.

“Buying this car has been something of me going through my second childhood or a mid-life crisis - I’m not quite sure which one it is actually,” Rushton said.

“It’s an awesome old car, we’ve had a full CAMS audit on it recently and it’s all good and ready to come to Winton.

“I love the concept of the Sleuth Classic as a way of getting these cars back out on the track together.”

Rushton’s entry is the second AU Falcon confirmed for the Father’s Day event with Dean Grant’s ex-Paul Radisich Shell Helix Ford also confirmed to be part of the event. 

While the car will be eligible for Glenn Seton Trophy, a class contested by former V8 Supercars from the pre-2003 ’Project Blueprint’ era, there will also be another special trophy available with the Garth Tander Trophy to be awarded to the post-Project Blueprint winner.  

Part of the Shannons Nationals visit to the Winton Motor Raceway in August, the event, open to former V8 Supercars and Touring Cars, will feature practice, qualifying and three races across the weekend.

Streamed live and free through the thenatioanals.com.au, the Classic will be a celebration of Australian touring car racing history. 

Click here for more information on the Kumho Tyre V8 Sleuth Touring Car Classic.