2012 round 5 and 6 tcm

This weekend of racing would be all about Harry aka Andrew in his 95 WesTrac Lubrimaxx Camaro, chasing Sally, aka JB in Mustang Sally and Rhonda, aka Mark King in the Whiteline Transport King Springs 85 Camaro, pleading, help me Rhonda, help, help me Rhonda !!! I’ll explain all ……..The boys would be experiencing their first outing on the newly modified Eastern Creek circuit. The track certainly looked great with really good attendances, it was great to see the colour of the full grandstand and the noise that produces from racing fans.

The challenge for crew is keeping sight of your team on the track, with no big screens in pit lane and roof top viewing not taking in the entire circuit it was a case of waiting and seeing how the cars were faring and taking in the exciting and informative commentary of Adelaide journo Richard Craill and our very own George Miedecke calling his Dad’s race !!

As always though, it starts with the preparation pre event and prior to the Muscle Car Masters at Eastern Creek it was pretty full at Whiteline Racing headquarters with both cars with their engines out. Birdman, Andrew and Kingy usually have several phone hook ups discussing ideas and Birdy is never short of ‘tinkering’ to do.

For the 95 Camaro the engine was removed and replaced to repair damage resulting from the rocker failure at Ipswich, gear box and diff ratios changed to suit Eastern Creek with a new muffler fitted to replace the damaged one. A new windscreen was fitted as the other was badly stone pitted. A pitted windscreen can play havoc on the circuit when conditions are bright and sunny.

For the 85 Camaro, composite rear springs were fitted as per the 95 car, so too rear track rods, modified diff shocks and new front springs were fitted. New sway bar mounts added to front sub frame, new brake duct hoses fitted, new clutch pack fitted, gearbox and diff ratio changes to suit Eastern Creek, ballast added to change front and rear weight distribution, engine removed and replaced to find and fix a pesky oil leak.

With the long list of work completed by birdman with added assistance by Timmy Ede, the cars were finished in time for the load up and journey north.

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Round 5 1-2 Sept, 2012

2.9 km

PIC ROB LANG PIC ROB LANG

WHITELINE RACING NEWSLETTERPAGE 1

Bob was heading off in the B double on Tuesday for the journey to Eastern Creek travelling with KRO/Copyworld Racing, Stu and Smythy with the Porsches of Amanda Sparks, Greg Keene and Michael Almond.

Paul Currie drove up on Thursday from his home town Moyhu, with Andrew, Mark and Tim all arriving throughout the day. Tim Bush made his way up from Yass minus ‘pop’ JB (John Beeton) who had been rushed to hospital and despite his best efforts to talk his way out of hospital he didn’t make it for the weekend and we did miss him and his famous chutney on our rolls !! Get better JB.

Friday had three practice sessions on offer and for the first time, the cars would take to the track on the ‘extended’ circuit.

The first of the sessions for Andrew in the 95 WesTrac Camaro were about establishing a base line with the right ride height adjusted so too the rear roll centre. Andrew went out for the second session and was still experiencing balance issues, with adjustments done midway through. The Camaro was ‘okay’ but not great. It was following this session the crew found the underlying problem, a shocker had lost its gas pressure which was causing confusing set up issues. The team rectified this and added spring rubbers to increase front spring rate and changed shocker settings. We went out for the third session, got a couple of laps in and could tell we had made a significant step forward and were now much closer to the pace.

As for the 85 King Springs Camaro the first session was to bed in brakes, with a tyre pressure adjustment mid session. Prior to session 2, the crew came down considerably in the rear roll

centre and the front shocks were stiffened.

In the second session, Mark’s mission was to circulate and have quality time in the car. Mid session Mark pitted with the crew dropping the roll centre even more and as a result considerable improvement was made to the drive of the car. Towards the end of the session, the rear was binding up on exit now causing an unsettling in the rear. Prior to the third session, the crew inspected and found that due to the significant lowering this had caused a clearance issue with bolts which was modified. Kingy had his own shockers he had developed which were fitted with adjustable bump and rebound. The 3rd run on the track was good and we were certainly heading in the right direction, a little more roll centre adjustment, but the older tyres being used were losing grip and the session came to an end prematurely with an on track incident triggering a red flag.

Saturday

Weather wise, whilst cool the sun shone. Andrew was well supported over the weekend, with friends Jude and Wayne trackside so too Ruby who also was a great help selling merchandise and being in Sydney, James was able to lend a hand as well.

Practice one was held at 10.30 for the 95 car, Andrew completed 7 laps, with his best time achieved on lap 2 with a 2.0635 however, a bad oil leak had surfaced.

On return to the pit it was found to be a split oil cooler, but Andrew still felt he was off the pace despite being 2nd quickest for the session.

For Kingy in “Rhonda” it was more about time in the car – the tyres were oldies and it does make such a huge difference. The team carried out a small roll centre adjustment, but it was more about clocking up laps. Even so, Mark was still

9th quickest for the session, completing 7 laps the quickest on lap 4 with a 2.09981.

Qualifying

Qualifying was held at 12 pm with teams given a 20 minute window to clock up their best time. Andrew only completed 3 x laps in the 95 Westrac Lubrimaxx Camaro with the quickest time clocked on lap 2, with a 2.05.5384 with JB off pole. On return to the pit Andrew commented that the work was paying off and was happy with the progress, noting that they had found some extra pace they were looking for with only 2 x new tyres on. And further commented as the parity rulings are reviewed by the owners of the series, this too would give us a level playing field. Andrew feels that he has got out of this 69 Camaro all he can.

For Kingy, things were different. Rhonda was in a mood and broke an axle on the first lap – so yep, you guessed it, race 1 would mean a rear of field start for Mark, given not having been able to set a qualifying time.

Race 1

Race 1 was held at 2.30 and over 10 x laps. Andrew’s start could’ve been better but quickly got back on track and was in third as lap one settled down – he did make a challenge under brakes at the bottom of the hairpin, a new section of the circuit, but was not able to sustain it, however, remaining on the tail of Abelnica, managed to get around him on turn one on the 2nd lap. For the remainder of the race, Andrew in Harry 95 Westrac Lubrimaxx Camaro, would tail JB in Mustang Sally, whilst a new comer to the category Adam Bressington, Abelnica and Jim would vie for position, with the finishing order, JB, Andrew and Jim 1 to 3 respectively. Meanwhile, from a position Kingy has become acquainted with, from the rear again would show his skill, coming from

Dummy Grid - PIC ROB LANG

PIC ROB LANG

PIC ROB LANG

PIC ROB LANG

Builder and Georgy celebrate Andrew’s win - PIC ROB LANG

‘Birds Eye View’ - PIC ROB LANG


PIC ROB LANG

last to finish 11th and with a reverse grid of the top 10 the first race for Sunday, one more placing would’ve seen Mark in the 85 Whiteline Transport King Springs Camaro start out of pole.

Race 2 was held 10.25 on Sunday morning and over 10 laps. A reverse grid start, meant as a result of finishing 2 in Race 1 Saturday Andrew would be out of 9 and Mark out of 11. I remember having a convo with Andrew and Mark prior to this race expressing how great it would be for Andy to have a clean start given his stable mate was right behind him !!

In what was a cruel blow, on the warm up lap – Mark was out – thanks to yet another broken axle !!! Mark came into pit lane and did some action ensue. Timmy Bush and Paul had the 85 Camaro jacked up and the axle out and replaced – the boys worked fast with the hope to get the axle in so Mark could complete a lap to check all was okay for the final race of the day. But it was not to be, as Mark reversed out of the garage, the leaders were at the top of the hill for the final lap, he couldn’t make it out before they went through for the final lap. Bugger !! The way the boys worked, they deserved THAT lap – I really felt for them, their hats on crooked, grease on their faces combined with sweat – it just wasn’t fair – no reward for effort. In the meantime, Andrew in the 95 Westrac Lubrimaxx secured a good start off the grid maintaining his position, when on lap 2 he alerted the crew on their headsets that he thought he may have had a puncture given the poor handling that had developed, but Andrew kept circulating and over the next two laps the car came good again, putting the problem down to oil on the tyres. Once the handling returned to the 95 Camaro, Andrew went about his business finding himself in 2nd place by the 6th and was able to maintain this, finishing 2nd behind John Bowe, with Abelnica in 3rd and Jim Richards in 4th.

The final race of the weekend would see Andrew start out of 2 alongside JB – it was good start again for Andrew and was able to take advantage of starting possie as opposed to having to regain it. The yellow was triggered early due to carnage at the rear of the field at the start and wasn’t cleared in time for the cars coming around for the completion of the 1st lap. On the restart Andrew well and truly had Jim Richards in his rear vision mirror and on the 3rd was successfully challenged by Jim. The order was JB, Andrew and Jim 1 – 3. Another on track incident caused the yellow flag to be triggered once again, bunching up the field, however, Andrew was not able to capitalise - the result being 2 seconds and a third for the weekend, placing him in 2nd spot for the overall standings for the meet and was now tracking in 3rd in the Championship. For Mark, thankfully the axle fitted saw out the race and as per usual, Mark put in a great drive from the rear.

For this event, racing teams from New Zealand were competing and whilst not part of our TCM championship, the final race for the day was a Aust vs. New Zealand challenge. Given the mechanical issues with the 85 Camaro, it did not line up, but Andrew was a starter in the 95 Westrac Lubrimaxx Camaro, with Jim and Andrew finishing 2 and 3 behind Kiwi driver Wigston. JB in the dying stages of the race, after having led comfortably was forced to retire with a rear left tyre issue.

With loading up done, Bob the builder hit the highway, so too Tim Bush back to Yass and Paul home to Moyhu – the rest of us all headed to airports for flights home.

One of the first issues to address was the axle dilemma in the 85 car – tests on the axles would reveal quality issues with the product used to produce them and the heat treatment performed.

Clearly this will be rectified so too further preparation to both the Camaros prior to the next round at Sandown.

Kind Regs

Shaz

Bob PIC ROB LANG

3 legends take out weekend glory - PIC ROB LANG

PIC ROB LANG

Kind Regs

Shaz

For further information :

Sharon Middleton

0418826272

[email protected]

www.wline.com.au

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In another showcase of motorsport history, the Touring Car Masters took to the new Sydney Motorsport Park circuit to experience the new track, a first time for 24 of the 27 drivers. Surrounded by the motoring history and classic race cars that are the Muscle Car Masters weekend, the showcase series has already shown why it’s a crowd favourite with reigning series champion John Bowe claiming yet another pole after just three laps of the extended circuit.

Yesterday’s opening day on track saw the strong field have their maiden experiences on the extended circuit, the new additions providing for a further on track challenge, with some of the drivers now believing it to be some of the most technical tarmac on the series calendar.

A relatively quiet qualifying session had Bowe in his usual performance, joining the field at the start of the session to post three swift laps and on lap three, a 2:04.75 that would stand the twenty minute rush to secure the #18 Mustang would lead the field from the line for the opening race. Bowe saying,

“It’s the first time that any of us have raced on the new extended layout of the circuit and to the ARDC’s credit it’s been beautifully executed – it’s challenging, it’s like going on a freeway to a carpark, then back onto a freeway.

“It’s difficult to set the car up for the infield section even though we’ve been here a few times – it’s very easy to overdrive, so you have to be careful.

“I always try and do the minimum amount of laps in qualifying so I can save tyres for the races and with the setup we’ve got, it’s worked for us again.”

Touring Car Masters debutant Adam Bressington impressed in his maiden series outing, taking the rebuilt Camaro that won Steve Mason his 2007 series title, straight into the top ten, ready to start race one from sixth. Bressington was impressed with both the car and the category, explaining,

“We’re happy with the car, and all we want to do is just get out there and race; keep out of trouble and have some fun.

“The horsepower and the brakes are different to what I’m used to in the V8 Ute, but in that qualifying run the car felt really well balanced so I’m not going to change much before heading out this afternoon for our first race against what is a very strong field.

“My aim for this weekend is to run inside the top ten, and at the moment we’re well inside that. These guys always look like they race hard but fair and I really want to be a part of it all.”

The Touring Car Masters will be back on track this afternoon for Race 1 at Sydney Motorsport Park.

Bowe masters Sydney Motorsport Park to take pole 1, September, 2012

The opening race of round five of the Touring Car Masters season has seen an action packed ten laps as the 27 strong grid took up the challenge of the new circuit, with battles raging across the full field from start to finish, debutants impressing, regulars bringing sideways action, and legends showing style as Richards fought back and Bowe brought the field home for his tenth win of the season.

Off the line, Bowe fired away as Miedecke and Richards bogged down, seeing all-powerful launches take Walmsley, Pye and Tilley towards the head of the pack. With the track filled with pristine muscle cars, it was all clear through turn one and Miedecke would soon recover from his slow start to takes Abelnica into turn three for second. Kassulke took to the grass through turn four, while in Walmsley, at the wheel of Kassulke’s second entry, had made an opening charge from row four to fourth.

Bowe was soon clear at the helm, while Collins brought the XA to pit lane before heading back out to rejoin at the rear of the field. Edwards in the revised liveried SL/R was taking it all the way to the Tilley Falcon, the mighty GTHO’s power evident down the straight, but Edwards was in for the long haul as Richards came back from ninth to join, Pye right on the rear of the Javelin.

Abelnica was action packed, consistent lockups through turn 15 couldn’t slow the XB Coupe as he showed just why he’s in the leading pack. Crick took his Charger through to snatch a position from Mercer as Wedge looked through in the HQ, but Mercer closed the door to hold strong. A series debutant, Bressington has taken off from the line, making his way through to make his mark on third place by the close of lap two.

A four way battle soon broke out with Pye on Richards, on Edwards, all hunting Tilley in his impressive return to the series in which his sideways Falcon is known so well. Walmsley and Abelnica were continuing their fight, looking, moving, stepping out, working back, but eyes jumped to the Richards and Tilley action as they went side by side into turn four, Tilley holding position, his sixth under threat.

Bowe was in the zone out front, posting a 2:05.22 on lap three to set the benchmark, or to have posted what may become lap record on the new circuit. Almond had his Porsche all over the Karanfilovski Falcon around Corporate Hill and through the twisty turns six to twelve, while it was King versus Crick, with Wedge side by side with Makarios as they pushed on towards the half way point.

Stillwell had a challenge on his hands, his Mustang running smoothly once more, but his mirrors were filled with the Almond Porsche, as Keene lead Karanfilovski across the top. The muscle power battle was in full swing, Richards under Tilley to take sixth as the race came to an early end for the mighty #88 Falcon, a blown rod changing from second to third putting Karanfilovski off on the main straight in a billow of smoke.

The retirements wouldn’t stop there as series debutant Gomersall parked his stunning Torana at turn 16, having suffered a ball joint failure. Richards had soon taken Walmsley, and was looking ahead to the Abelnica XB, the Javelin taking fourth into turn one as the laps dropped away. Freestone took to the lane, a disappointing sight as he exited the top ten, before Benson was sent cruising back to the lane with smoke from the HQ. The Porsches were enjoying the tight circuit additions with both Almond and Keene continuing to attack the Stillwell Mustang, with King joining the challenge having charged from the rear of grid back into the top 11.

Pye had dropped from the on track fight, cruising along the main straight on lap seven, while King was all over Stillwell as the pair looked to the Westwood GTHO up ahead. Bowe was now more than ten seconds ahead of the pack with two laps remaining, as Richards closed in the Camaro of impressive debutant Bressington. Westwood was enjoying being back on the tarmac, and Mercer was trying to get back on after a brief off at turn 15, a corner capturing great attention as the muscle machines roared back into flight after the new section of track. Keene had mastered his Porsche once more, holding off the Charger of Crick before a smooth move set the fellow 911 of Almond onto the bumper of the Keene entry.

Richards was still looking to take the podium place, a switch back move through the final corners moving the 2010 champion cleanly into third. Walmsley and Tilley were still at it as the chequered flag was dropped, Crick making a move under Stillwell for 13th, while Edwards had rejoined the fight, with Tilley going sideways through turn 15, holding position as they headed for the flag. Taking it all the way, Cameron Mason, at the wheel of father and inaugural series champion, Steve Mason’s Shelby was using the track time to develop, having raced with the series years before in a Datsun 1600, his performance committed as he kept the pressure on Mercer all the way to the end.

With Bowe taking a convincing win from Miedecke 11 seconds back, Richards had fought through to claim third, with Bressington a new face and one to be noticed in fourth, Abelnica, Walmsley, Tilley, Edwards, Kassulke and Youlden rounding out the top ten. Race 2 will see a reverse grid to add to the action, taking the Youlden HQ to the front row once more and raising the question, can Bowe do it from tenth again.

Sunday 2nd September will bring the Touring Car Masters back on track for Race 2 from 1015, Shannons Insurance signing session at 1130, Race 3 from 1355, Rare Spares signing session at 1445, and the Tasman Trophy feature race closes the day as the Touring Car Masters go head to head with New Zealand’s Central Muscle Cars from 1610.

Mastering Sydney Motorsport Park – the action is on as Bowe leads them home 1, Sept, 2012

PIC ROB LANG

PIC ROB LANG


Media ReleasesMuscle Car Masters has once again exploded with action as the Touring Car Masters took to Sydney Motorsport Park’s newly announced Brabham Circuit to celebrate Father’s Day in style at Muscle Car Masters, Bowe coming home with a clean sweep of race victories as the battles raged across the field, the master machines seeing happiness and heartbreak, delighting the crowd and fellow racers alike.

Opening the day’s program with race two, the masters hit the tarmac for the reverse grid top ten seeing Youlden’s HQ once again on the front row, Kassulke in his XB on the outside of the track at the helm, with Edwards and Tilley ready to pounce, while Bowe, Miedecke and Richards were buried in the pack.

Ten laps of action had it all, Bowe charging through the pack as the laps fell away, freight trains of muscle cars going nose to tail as the Tilley Falcon went sideways, Edwards had the SL/R powering on, Almond, Bressington and Sparks starred, and Youlden impressed holding on in the leading pack. Wedge and Stillwell battled on, Richards and Miedecke were going full tilt in the hunt for Bowe but the #18 Mustang would do enough to take the second win of the weekend.

Race three set the grid and again it would be Bowe and Miedecke from the prime row, a committed pack looking to take on the final race with all the might they could muster. Bowe, Walmsley, Sparks and Collins had flying starts, but the action was in the pack as Stillwell and Bressington came together on the run into turn one, the pair off the track and a safety car called. On the restart, Miedecke looked around the outside at turn two, Bowe holding strong and soon driving away from the field. Mason went

under Collins in style as Keene was right on them, Edwards and Tilley again battling for racing room. Crick was off at turn 16, rejoining ahead of the Keene and Sparks battle, but Keene would soon be out as Almond, Sparks and Gomersall joined him in a four way fight for tarmac. A second safety car closed the pack and the final lap dash saw Bowe strong enough to secure a clean sweep of round five, stretching his series lead over Richards coming home second, and Miedecke third for the weekend, with Bowe saying,

“This is a terrific event to be at – the crowd has been amazing, blitzing the expectations and proving that the motorsport fans still love their nostalgia.

“I was a little bit quicker than Jim (Richards) in one area of the track and that allowed me to just get away from him in the one lap dash to the finish after second safety car period, but it was a challenging one after lots of hard work to get the car ready for a new track.”

“My car makes the most awesome starts so that helps a lot, and Dick (Savy) gets her right where I need her so we’re really happy to be out there impressing again.”

As the dust settled from race three, the Touring Car Masters field were back on track for the final action packed race of the Muscle Car Masters weekend, the battle for the Tasman Trophy against New Zealand’s Central Muscle Cars, a ten lap all in attack as the two sides of the Tasman came together. Lining up side by side, it was Bowe and Stubber from the front with Wigston, Miedecke, Edwards and Richards all poised to launch, and launch they did, the full field charging off the line and into turn one. Bowe versus Stubber, Wigston versus Miedecke with Edwards and Richards all there became the story of the opening

laps. Kassulke, Wedge and Mercer all had challenges of their own against the mighty NZ muscle, while Collins took it to the Torana pairing of Hopkins and Colebourne. Gomersall and Anderson were in true race spirit, but it was Winston and Stubber sideways through the back with Miedecke catching. Action to the end had Mercer off and back, but it was all go with Stubber, Wigston, Richards and Miedekce starring as Bowe headed for the pits from a 21 second lead after the rear left broke free, destroying Bowe imminent win. The final lap and the raw action continued, Wedge making ground on Anderson, Miedecke around Stubber, and Richards just car lengths of Wigston as they took the chequered flag. With the race seeing a Wigston win, Richards second and Miedecke in third, the Tasman Trophy came home to Australia as the Touring Car Masters dominated the front end of the possibly epic field., Miedecke thrilled for his Australian side, saying,

“We probably should have put better tyres on but we were on the pace for the start of the race, it’s towards the end that my rear tyres were very worn. I don’t think they were as worn as Stubber’s mind you, but I was really struggling to hang on.

“With Jim (Richards), Stubber and Wigston battling in front of me I was waiting to pick up the pieces and keeping my nose in on the action to try and do it for the Aussies.

“To Jim’s (Richards) credit he always drives cleanly, Wigston did a great job to hold us all off and Stubber was a bit like Tilley with the sideways racing, but the spectators would have enjoyed it all – we did.”

Father’s Day brings clean sweeps, big drama and Australia taking home the Tasman Trophy 2, September, 2012

PIC ROB LANG PIC ROB LANG PIC ROB LANG


Round 6 14-16 Sept, 2012 3.15 km

OtherNews Kingy’s Fishy StoryAndrew on SPEED NEWS

Media ReleasesWHITELINE RACING NEWSLETTER

PAGE 7

PIC ROB LANG Pic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson

With only one week in between, it was pretty hectic getting the work done on the Camaros before Sandown.

This included :

No. 95 – Engine removed and replaced to repair potential oil leak, gearbox ratios changed to suit Sandown, oil cooler repositioned to improve cooling, ballast adjusted in line with new regulations and front brake pad compound changed to suit Sandown.

No. 85 – Diff removed to check for damage from broken axles at Eastern Creek, gearbox ratios changed to suit Sandown, rear shocks re mounted to improve operation, front brake rotors replaced, new redesigned rear axles fitted, modified rear sway bar mounts to increase travel, modified front sway bar to increase clearance, minor modifications made to new rear suspension package.

Bobby headed off in the transporter, being towed by a Cavpower sponsored E630 Wednesday night, deciding to go half way to make the journey into the track easier on the Thursday morning for bump in at the track. Birdman and Brenton travelled in the Whiteline Racing crew bus leaving Adelaide early hours of Thursday morning and according to Brent, due to Birdman’s late hours leading up to this meet, made a nest on the back seat of the van for the journey to Victoria. Brent yakked to all his friends along the way, me, myself, I !! Paul drove down from his home town in his very quick yellow ute, Timmy Ede came across Thursday with wife Amanda and ankle biters Ben and Sam catching up with family in Melbourne and Andrew flew in Thursday morning. Mark King arrived mid morning Friday travelling directly from a fishing trawler to the track – more about that later !!

Friday consisted of two practice sessions, one early morning at 9.40 am. Andrew completed 13 laps in his Westrac Lubrimaxx No. 95 Camaro with the quickest on lap 8 with a 1.1784 and was third quickest – the usual 3 suspects were at the top, JB, Richards and Andrew. As for the 85 Camaro, Mark King was still enroute from a fishing trip, not expected back until the 2nd practice, so Bobby got behind the wheel to complete a few laps, especially given the axle problems Mark had encountered at Eastern Creek. Bobby was 15th quickest in that session with a 1.216164.

The second session was held at 1.25 with Andrew able to complete 12 laps the best on the 11th, with a 1.1753, so a slight improvement on the first session, but he was still third quickest with Jim putting in the fastest time with JB in second. Bobby suited up to take part in the 2nd practice completing a couple of warm up laps as Kingy arrived at the track in time to suit up and get behind the wheel for a few laps which was great. Thanks to his mate Jason of Hurleys Smash Repairs who was waiting at the airport to make the mad dash to Sandown. The tyres on the 85 camaro were worn so this made it difficult to make a clear decision on handling, but overall we were reasonably satisfied. Kingy’s quickest lap was on the 6th with a 1.20.4469. As for Andrew, he believes he is not able to get out anything more from the 95 camaro with the regulations as they stand and again believes the only way forward is to ensure parity within the category is truly dealt with.

Qualifying

Just prior to departure for qualifying, Andrew’s son George knelt down beside the Camaro as his Dad belted up and gave him very clear, but simple advice “Go Fast Dad”.

Andrew in the Westrac Lubrimaxx Camaro completed only 4 laps with the quickest on the last, time 1.163195 tad faster than practice yesterday, but so too were Jim and Bowe. The session was red flagged when Tony Edwards hit the wall when he experienced steering failure, however, even when it was recommenced Andrew chose not to run, as he believed he had got the quickest lap out of the Camaro, although did comment about improving off the hill.

Shaz trackside


As for Mark in the 85 Whiteline Racing King Springs Camaro, he got in 7 laps the quickest on the 7th with a 1.1816 having found considerable speed since yesterdays practice, qualifying 11th. Mark says there is still more time to be saved in the braking, but is still learning about what the limits and boundaries are.

Race 1 – 3.30 – 12 laps

Race 1 starting positions were as per how they qualified, so Andrew in 95 out of 3 and Mark in 85 out of 11.

With the green Bowe achieved a better start than Jim Richards on the front line, which is what Jim expected stating that the Javelin probably wouldn’t be quickest off the front line, this was good for Bullas behind JB and allowed him to follow through, and so Bowe would lead, followed by Richards, Bullas and Andrew. At the back of the grid off the start, the S.A. Porsche entry of Michael Almond No. 26 had a mechanical failure which resulted in it stalling, so the rush was on for the officials to clear it off the track before the field came around which would’ve resulted in a yellow flag, but fast work by the track crew was successful and the race continued without interruption. The signs were good with the first four cars maintaining their positions in record lap times, when on the start of the 6th, disaster for Andrew and the 95 Westrac Lubrimaxx Camaro when the front steering arm bolts broke. Andrew pitted so race one would result in a d.n.f. Meanwhile, Mark in the Whiteline King Springs 85 Camaro got off the grid without incident and on the 2nd lap started to make his moves, making up one spot, remaining in 10th for another 4 x laps, then again made up another spot on the 7th and then into 8th on the 8th lap and this is where he would finish. With space around him when the race settled in, Kingy did experiment with braking and was all smiles post race. This will mean in the reverse grid race Sunday, he would start off the 2nd row.

onlin for

oweack of d No. 26 h wasaroundack crew

he signs record

d the 95 broke. Mark in thedent and

i i

Bobby and Timmy take time out - Pic Brenton Matheson

PIC ROB LANG


As a result of yestrdays dnf for Andrew he would start from the rear and with an 8th spot finish in Saturday’s race, Kingy was off the 2nd row as it was a reverse grid of the top 10 start. With the green shown the field was away, or most of it, great start for Kingy in the Whiteline King Springs Camaro, but with the 99 entry of Steve Makarios stalled on the grid chaos ensued. By completion of the first lap, Kingy was holding his own in second behind Cricky, but acutely aware the veterans Bullas, Bowe and Richards were well and truly close up in the rear vision mirror. On the third Bullas made a successful move on Kingy however, Kingy broke back and remained in second until the 5th lap when Bullas moved on him and was now in third. Also on the 5th the race went to safety car conditions when Bill Pye visited the sand trap in a specky spin. On the eighth, Jim and JB were set to pounce and did, so the order was now Bullas, Crick, Richards, Bowe and Kingy. This all happened just prior to yet another safety car being triggered when Wayne Mercer also had a visit in the sand trap. The green was shown again, however, the race was shortened to 10 laps instead of 12 due to the time lost with the various on track incidents, which was a ‘bugga’ for Andrew making his way from the rear. By the completion of the first lap Andrew had already made his way into 13th, making multiple successful moves each lap pegging off the field, ultimately making it into 6th spot, with team mate Kingy in 7th. Another couple of laps would have been nice .

On return to the pit the crew got busy replacing what they thought would be the steering arm, but on closer investigation, there was significant front end damage with the crew working on repairs until 8ish, when it was decided some of the team would head back for tea and Mark and Brenton stayed at the track until after 10pm fixing it. I know it was this late, because they came home for the final quarter of the Collingwood vs West Coast Eagles clash which I was glued to in the apartment !!

On reviewing the camera footage of the race, the damage appears to have occurred when Andrew mounted the tyre kerbing – the steering actually got taken out of his hands such was the force.

With the 85 Camaro, Kingy had noted the brakes were a bit ‘spongy’ and as part of the routine checks done in between races a fault with the front right hand caliper was detected – air was getting in the system due to a spun thread on the bleeding nipple – this too was rectified.

Race 1 for Sunday was held at 9.30 and as the category was called up to the dummy grid, Andrew noted that the tyres on the car were not what he wanted and threw the organised team into chaos swapping tyres – not sure that birdman was that pleased with Andrew !!

“Go Fast Dad” Pic Brenton Matheson

Paul, Kat (PR Officer for TCM) and George - PIC ROB LANG

Tim Ede, Mark King & Paul enjoy a laugh - Pic Brenton Matheson Paul with his ‘what’s it to ya look’ Pic Brenton Matheson Jim Beam Girls, pretty girls and racing are the norm trackside - Pic Brenton Matheson


On return to the pit, the 85 Camaro had a broken left front brake rotor and Andrew had some cosmetic damage to the front bonnet and grill when the field baulked on a restart – Andrew made contact with Tony Edwards in a chain of close near misses. Bullas took out the race, followed by Crick, Richards, Bowe, Edwards, Andrew and Kingy.

The final race for the day was at 11.35 and over 12 laps. Andrew was out of 12 and Kingy out of 9. When the race got underway, it was fairly hectic whilst the field all settled down. In fact, Bowe and Bullas had a coming together and both were lucky to not sustain damage to end their race, but it cost them both dearly in lost time. Andrew made up several positions in the first lap to be in fifth, another spot in the second then on the third lap moved into second place behind Jim Richards and would continue to run behind Jim to the chequered flag. As for Mark, he did manage to make up a couple of spots in the 85 Camaro, losing the advantage back for a couple of laps, then managing to secure eighth.

Despite the roller coaster weekend for Andrew, he still remains in third position on the standings.

Work will be furious to get ready for the big one at Bathurst – a round the drivers and crew truly look forward to.

Kind Regs

Shaz

Pic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson

gs

For further information :

Sharon Middleton

0418826272

[email protected]

www.wline.com.au


Supporting the teams that support usSponsor Pitstop


In his return to racing this weekend, Gavin Bullas has taken his Mustang to the front to secure victory in Race 2 at Sandown Raceway as the Masters put on a show, the good, the bad and the sideways, while Greg Crick has come through in his ongoing testing of his #75 Mopar Chrysler to secure the best ever result for Chrysler since joining the Touring Car Masters in its inaugural year of 2007.

As the hard luck continued for Karanfilovski, armed with a borrowed engine, he headed from form-up to the grid and along the way broke an axle in the TIFS Falcon, seeing him not make it out for race two, while Makarios who lent the engine also had the hard luck as the lights went green, stalling on the front row of the grid as the reverse grid action heated up with Kassulke and Bressington sideways to avoid the stranded Synergy GTHO as Crick led into the opening turns.

Richards and Bressington were side by side as Bowe made the move around Pye going through Dandenong Road. Freestone’s complete rear end change overnight had him armed with a custom suspension setup thanks to Ron Harrop, and he was looking strong, under Mercer for 12th, but it was Miedecke on a charge from the rear of grid to move past both entries and into 11th by lap three.

Bowe was in the pack battling, all over Bressington as Miedecke continued his charge, hunting down the Collins XA up ahead. It was soon Collins and Freestone side by side, Bowe looked under Bullas going over the top of Dandenong Road, grabbing the brakes but holding firm until Bullas drove around the #18 Mustang, looking ahead to King in second.

Almond had a new drive shaft thanks to local outfit Triple R Racing, and was making progress off the rear of the grid, alongside KRO Australia garage-mate Keene who now had the new flywheel bolts holding strong in his Porsche entry. Bullas was gaining on Bressington up ahead, while Freestone and Miedecke continued their track battle. Making the move on the #7 Camaro along the back straight, Bullas found a way around the fellow Camaro of King that was till strong at the pointy end of the field, Bullas taking second.

Pye and Richards were side by side on the run along the main straight, while contact between Mercer and Almond

sent Almond to the rear of the field once more. Miedecke had made his mark on the top ten, but sadly for Collins, an engine failure saw the XA retire to pit lane, the weekend over after such a strong showing so far. Bullas had taken second from King and was on the hunt for Crick further up the road leading the strong field, and Miedecke was now looking for Kassulke while Benson and Stillwell swapped times in a battle for the Class race victory.

When Pye went too deep and fired off into the turn one sandtrap, the field was slowed and Crick’s lead diminished as the safety car was called to bunch the field on lap five. A quick removal from the safety teams and Pye was back on track, the field under green.

On the restart, Richards was all over Bowe for fourth, taking the place with four laps remaining. Bullas and Crick were hard into battle, side by side, trying for the move, looking again, before Bullas captured the race lead as back in eighth it was Bressington fighting to keep Kassulke in his mirrors. Richards joined the podium places as he dove under King for third, while Stillwell looked again to make a move on Benson’s #22 HQ.

Mercer shot his GTHO off at the turn one trap seeing a second safety car called, but another quick recovery had the #74 Falcon back on track and pushing to rejoin the end of the field as the lights went green for the final laps. Three wide into the opening turn was Bowe, Edwards and King, all safely through as Miedecke joined the fight. A shortened lap count was called and it was a final lap blast to the line, Bullas bringing it home as Crick took second ahead of Richards, the best result yet for Chrysler since the first Charger joined the series in its inaugural year.

Gavin Bullas – winner

“That was great! The boys worked really hard last night to put another gear box with different ratios in so that we could get off the turns better and it really helped.

“We’ve had some other drive issues that we’ve fixed in the rear end, and that too has worked really well.

“I’m really happy with how we’re going. The two safety cars was disappointing, but it was still a really good race and even with carrying the extra weight it’s a god fight and you’ve got to drive hard.

“It was a good race, a good run, and I’m very happy for Crick in the Charger too. It’s going to be interesting leading into the last race before Bathurst as we’ve got some good straight line speed and everyone’s stepping up. The boys have done a great job to make this happen straight up back in the series so it’s a good feeling.”

Andrew Miedecke – most placed gained

“The times are all looking good and the car’s a bit better now. After we had to repair it from yesterday’s broken steering arm, we made a couple of little changes and that made it more responsive into the turns. If we hadn’t lost the laps from the race, we could’ve been even closer, but it felt really good.”

Nigel Benson – Class B race winner

“It’s been a pretty good weekend so far and while we need a lot more horsepower, our brake package has been worked on since last round and is improved so I can go harder.

“The final race is going to be tough as Chris (Stillwell) is really putting the pressure on, but our car is feeling good and performing well so we’ll see how we go and aim for more good, clean results.”

Race 2 results

1 Bullas

2 Crick

3 Richards

4 Bowe

5 Edwards

- – - – -

11 Benson

Bullas secures return victory, as turn 1 bites and Crick takes Chrysler to the front 16, September, 2012

Pic Brenton Matheson

Media Releases


Round six of the Touring Car Masters has opened with series legends taking the glory as past champion Richards secured pole, while it was reigning champion Bowe who continues to dominate the field, taking the opening victory, having kept Richards and the strong field at bay, the racing showcasing that the masters are pushing harder as the field steps up.

Off the start, it was Bowe to the head, Edwards bogging down in his race-tape fixed SL/R after a broken steering arm in qualifying put the #9 into the Armco at turn three. Almond was left in the wake as his Porsche gave in to a clutch, going nowhere, but better luck for Makarios and Wedge as they headed to the outside of the track to find room and make their moves.

Disappointingly, Keene didn’t make the grid, needing to replace the flywheel bolts to avoid major engine damage. Thanks to Jim Richards, the KRO Australia crew have sourced the parts locally and can complete the changeover ready to have the #33 Porsche back on the grid tomorrow and ready to roll on come Bathurst next month.

Along the back straight for the first pass it was Kassulke, Collins and Crick nose to tail, Pye going wide coming into Dandenong Road, Crick pushing hard and starting lap two with a trip through the sand at turn one. Benson was looking strong, Edwards was on the hunt for Bressington up ahead, while out front Richards and Bowe were battling on, while Bullas was back in the hunt in third, putting in a record time of 1:16.42 in his series return.

The Wedge versus Mercer fight was in full swing, Holden versus Ford along the main straight as Freestone’s Camaro was closing in on King. Benson and Karanfilovski, armed with a borrowed Synergy Race Engines power plant, were mixing it up, and still it was Bowe leading the way, the Javelin filling his mirrors as Bullas and Miedecke continued the chase. Pye was into fifth, Bressington in eighth, with Freestone now right on King, the fight for tenth.

Stillwell and Sparks were bringing the action through the run towards the main straight, the action stretching right across the field, from the head to the tail, as Miedecke pulled to the side, slowing on the exit of turn four, a broken steering arm putting an end to the #95’s challenge. Edwards and Bressington were side by side into the final complex, Edwards forcing the Camaro out wide to take sixth, with Collins and Freestone closing in on the challenge.

Collins was wide through turn seven, over-steering and off line, spinning but gathering the XA to re-join mid field. Karanfilovski had made a trip to pit lane, but came back on track under fire from the leading three, going a lap down as he moved from the battle with four laps remaining. Richards looked the goods as he pulled side by side with the Bowe Mustang on the run into turn one, moving to the inside to capture the lead, Bowe holding his line to keep control of the race on the run to the back straight.

As Crick went wide once more, King and Freestone made their moves through turn two, Makarios gaining on the #25 Camaro ahead to pull side by side on the front straight as the Freestone entry appeared to be losing speed. Mercer made a round-up of Stillwell, each holding their line as Bullas made further gain on the leading dual as they approached two laps to go.

A random sight on track, a damper lay on the circuit, surprisingly none of the racers collecting the debris. Collins fired under Benson into turn one for to secure his place on the verge of the top ten as the field rounded for the final time, Bowe taking the chequered flag to take his 13th race win of the season, saying,

“Being that we’re running 6800rpm and 1670kgs, meaning we’re heavier and have less revs than everyone else, it really shows up the pedigree of the car.

“I got a ripper start, thought Jim (Richards) had me a couple of times there and we were really close in speed. Jim is awesome to race against, and that’s the hardest I’ve ever driven that car and I drove it hard for every single lap.

Benson took the Class B race win

“I like this track, but it is different with the weight and rev penalties in the car, but she’s a great car regardless, has developed a personality of her own and always makes for a great drive.”

Race 1 results

1 Bowe

2 Richards

3 Bullas

4 Pye

5 Kassulke

6 Edwards

7 Bressington

8 King

9 Makarios

10 Crick

- – - – -

12 Benson (Class B race winner)

Series Director and dual champion, Gavin Bullas, has returned from the Sepang 12 Hour podium to Australian shores just in time to prepare his BOSS Mustang for round six of the muscle car marvel that is the Touring Car Masters, this weekend at Sandown Raceway.

Having been back behind the wheel of an exotic sportscar with Jim Hunter and Grant Johnson to take on the MMER Sepang International 12 Hour just ten days ago, it was a challenging outing that all started with a missing Subaru Impreza, the vehicle arriving to the circuit a week late, meaning the crew were under the pump from the onset to install and setup the new suspension package.

As the weekend unfolded, the all-Australian line-up had to overcome gearbox problems, a blown turbo, and software gremlins before the 12 hour race itself had even gone to green, not the ideal preparation scenario for the team, and with Bullas harbouring a knee in need of reconstruction, the challenge had been well and truly set.

Starting the race, Bullas was in for the opening stint and with temperatures exceeding 36degrees, a dysfunctional air-conditioner was to strike as the fitness was tested with cabin temperatures soon exceeding 65degrees, but even so, as Bullas returned to pit lane after 40minutes for a driver change and to remove all windows for air flow, he had already opened a minutes buffer to next in class.

Johnson took the wheel and soon suffered a broken front sway bar, as well as a loss of all dash readouts and shift lights with ten hours still to run, but completed a full stint before handing over to vehicle owner, Hunter who would next contend the 65degree cabin temperature to maintain the class lead.

Darkness brought some relief to Bullas and the team, the heat no longer a major factor, and with consistent lap times by all drivers, regardless of the issues that continued to befall the Impreza, the team drove on with a broken rear sway bar to complete the final stages of the endurance event, holding on to second place in class, and coming home ninth overall. An impressive result for the all-Australian outfit who overcame all challenges to take their place on the podium, a feat Bullas will now look to repeat as he returns to his Mustang, explaining,

“I’m looking forward to getting back in the Mustang on a good track, with the fast long straights, and with the new engine that should set us up to be very strong in the field.

“We tested the Mustang at Winton when I got back into the country and put in a really strong showing, with the engine crisp and clean, so with the slight midrange miss from round two now gone, I’ll be looking to have another crack at JB (Bowe) who’s put in outstanding drives to go miles ahead.

“One thing is for sure – It definitely won’t be as hot at Sandown as it was for the Sepang drive, and there it was 75minute stints at the wheel, so to come back for the shorter races will be back to the ‘all in’ driving style ahead of the big one, Bathurst.”

The BOSS is back, from Sepang to Sandown 12 Sept, 2012

Bowe on a winner but Richards took the pole 15 Sept, 2012

Media Releases


Pic Brenton MathesonPic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson

Pic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson

Pic Brenton MathesonPic Brenton Matheson Pic Brenton Matheson




Media ReleasesRichards rounds up Round 6, with Bullas strong, and Benson bringing it home 16 Sept, 2012Touring Car Masters legend Jim Richards has broken through to take his first win in the Shannons Javelin, after opening the weekend with pole position, going on in the finale to keep Miedecke in his mirrors as he drove it home ahead of race two winner Bullas, while Benson broke through for his first Class B round win of the season with three class race wins.

The final race of the weekend opened with Bullas and Richards leading from the front, with an enthusiastic and determined pack of muscle cars stretching along the grid. As the flag dropped for the 12 lap finale, Sparks and Mercer launched into pack action, while the top six charged on towards the opening corner, the turn filling with tyre smoke as the pressure caused lockups in the head of the field.

Freestone made a big move to avoid the crushing pack, as Crick pushed hard to move into fifth. As they turned in to start lap two, Bowe and Bullas were locked in, contact between the duo of Mustang putting both hard chargers back into the pack, Bullas struggling to fight back through with damaged steering. Kassulke was in the heat of the battles once more, now in second, with Crick and Edwards looking strong as Miedecke again made a surge to the front.

Bressington and King were giving their Camaros all they had in the fight for sixth, Bullas soon upon them, while ahead, Miedecke had moved into third. Pye took the wide line to make a move on Benson, as eyes flicked to Dandenong Road where Miedecke took a keen dive under Kassulke, the Monaro out wide in the marbles, Kassulke using all his strength and race craft to keep the #52 off the fence.

Miedecke proved his determination

Three wide along the main straight had Makarios, Bowe and Stillwell all looking to turn one, the #99 GTHO leading the way as they made their moves cleanly, while out at the helm, Richards and Miedecke were pulling away. Nose to tail through the kink went King, Bowe, Benson and Stillwell, a battle pack so far unseen this season and the determination was evident as the masters charged. Bullas secured fifth from Edwards, Makarios made his way around Benson, and the Porsches of Keene and Almond raced side by side on the back straight, Almond edging infront.

Crick and Edwards were closing in on Bullas who had the leading duo in his sights, but swapping fastest lap times kept Richards and Miedecke fighting on with clear air to the field. Makarios was now taking on the Benson HQ, but it would all end too soon for Makarios, parking his Synergy GTHO at the run to turn three. It was on again for the Porsche entries, Keene now taking on his closest competitor, wife Sparks as they too went side by side along the front straight.

Benson fought hard for the Class B win

With four to go, Mercer had dropped from the pack, but Almond was recovering from earlier driveshaft issues, now taking the challenge to Class B series leader, Stillwell through turn four. Pye made a pass on Bressington over the top of the hill, Kassulke took

a detour through the turn one sandtrap, rejoining the field ahead of garage-mate Bowe who was back in the unfamiliar territory of ninth.

As they rounded for the final lap, Richards took the chequered flag to secure his first round win this season, ahead of Miedecke and Bullas, with Crick in an impressive fourth, and Edwards rounding out the top five. Never short of action, the Class B fight went right to the line as Stillwell gained, but Benson was victorious, taking a clean sweep of class race wins and the class round victory.

Jim Richards – Round winner

“That was god, we felt that we had it in us to win a race eventually and it’s all been a matter of making sure that everything was going well, that the car was doing everything we wanted it to, and it all was today, it was ready to win.

Class A: 1 Richards 2 Bullas 3 Bowe

“The car seemed to suit this track well, it didn’t have the handling issue we had last round, and each meeting we’ve gone along, it’s gone a little bit better so we’re seeing ongoing improvements.

“It’s great to have had pole position, and now the win to wrap up the round – really good for the crew, very much deserved.”

Nigel Benson – Class B winner

“That was a very good weekend for us, and especially good to take the win for Waddo (Greg Waddington). I expected the last race to be tough, we knew Chris (Stillwell) would be right there and it made for a really good battle.

“We’ve done a lot of work on the brakes, and they’re better but we’ve still got to sneak up on it a bit more and otherwise the race package we’ve got is really good, just need to find a little more horsepower but we’re doing well with what we’ve got.”

Gavin Bullas – Sandown Trophy winner (highest placed unseeded driver)

“After changing the gearbox the car was great in that last race, it felt good, and the couple of small changes we made really helped with driving off of the turns.

“It was a shame to have got the contact with Bowe through the last turn as it bent the steering, and I had a real shudder in the car, and the braking wasn’t ideal, but I tried as hard as I could to make up ground and it’s great to have got back to third.

Class B: 1 Benson 2 Stillwell 3 Sparks

“Going to Bathurst, we’ve got slight damage to sort out with Phil Munday as the steering rack pulled out of the chassis, but nothing major so we’ll look ahead to another good run at Bathurst.”

Touring Car Masters Round 6 results

Class A

Richards 168

Bullas 164

Bowe 138

Class B

Benson 180

Stillwell 168

Sparks142

Touring Car Masters Series Standings (post Round 6)

Class A

Bowe 923

Richards 846

Miedecke 727

Class B

Stillwell 949

Benson 807

Sparks 782


Pic Rob Lang


Greg Crick has created Chrysler history at Sandown Raceway during round six of the Touring Car Masters, coming home in fourth outright, the best result seen by a Chrysler product since the marque joined Australia’s favourite muscle car racing series in its inaugural year.

Crick had previously made his series debut driving the Makarios-owned GTHO Falcon, using his wealth of experience to help with development, having since received a commitment of manufacturer support from Chrysler’s Mopar performance parts brand, and making the decision to join the series full time in a 1973 Chrysler Charger E55, taking the number 75 to celebrate 75 years of Mopar Performance.

Taking to the circuit for the first time at the last round, Muscle Car Masters, Crick and his muscle machine were a popular addition to pit lane and utilised the Sydney Motorsport Park event to test and develop the vehicle that had made its own previous debut with the series at this event last season. The Mopar Charger crew made progress during the race weekend, going on to use the time between events for further research and development projects to come out and take the next step at Sandown’s round six.

In the opening practice sessions, Crick had his Mopar Charger into the top ten as the R&D continued in the paddock, the team

finding a second between practice one and two, and looking strong going into the 20 minute qualifier. With only half the qualifying session under green conditions, Crick used six laps to push the Charger onto the fourth row of the grid, taking seventh in just the second event for the team.

Race one saw Crick in the heart of the action early, going nose to tail with Collins and Bressington along the run into Dandenong Road, the performance of the #75 evident, before a journey through the turn one sand-trap thanks to a balance bar that had jammed on the roll cage and spiking rear brakes lost Crick some six places. Gathering momentum, Crick fought back to make five passes and was again into the top ten challenge, before the issue struck again, going wide through turn one but holding strong to bring the Mopar Charger home in tenth.

The second race of the weekend played host to the top ten reverse grid challenge seeing Crick launch from pole position as the field headed for turn one, the #75 Mopar entry leading the way and going on to put clean air between his control and the strong field. Keeping control for the opening half of the race before a safety car was called, bringing dual champion Bullas and 16 muscle cars back bumper to bumper. Off the restart, it was the Mopar Charger and Bullas’ Mustang side by side out of the kink, Crick conceding second place but staying within a second of the leader as he brought the Mopar Charger home.

Race three, the final 12 laps of the weekend and Crick would start from fifth, looking strong as he took on series regulars Edwards and Kassulke to be third by the close of the opening lap. As Miedecke and Bullas surged through, Crick kept the Mopar Charger strong at the head of the field, holding out the ongoing challenges and onto fourth as they crossed the line to complete the team’s second round of the series, a round where they would make Chrysler and series history as the highest placed finish for a Chrysler product since entering the popular category six years ago, and no there’s no doubt it was a good feeling, Crick explaining, “That’s fantastic, we’re just thrilled.

“It’s very rewarding to start to see the work that Les (Small) has done on the car come to fruition. We’ve had our dramas with brakes and we’re treating these events as test sessions to make progress with the car and compete further development, and we’ve now got the handling of the car better again, the brakes are better, and we’re going in the right direction.

“It’s very enjoyable, it’s a fantastic category, it’s really fun to drive out there, and while the safety car caught us out this weekend, this is racing and it’s all round a great effort from our crew along with the outstanding support we’re receiving from Chrysler and Mopar Performance.”

Crick creates Chrysler history at Sandown 17, September, 2012

Birdman and Bob pretty happy with the teams progess - Pic Brenton Matheson

Media Releases


Andrew on SPEED NEWSNews Alert 28 August, 2012

SPEED NEWS AUSTRALIA REFLECTS ON

A MASSIVE WEEK IN MOTORSPORT

WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST at 7.00pm AEST

Following a huge week of exhilarating

racing and dramatic finishes, SPEED News

Australia will deliver a comprehensive review

of all the action tomorrow night.

The 60-minute program will dissect the

week’s racing which saw Ryan Briscoe

answer his critics with a resounding win at

Sonoma ahead of team-mate Will Power

and Aussie Chris Holder dominant at the

Speedway Grand Prix in Cardiff.

The team will also review Jamie Whincup’s

emphatic Eastern Creek victory which saw

him regain the V8 Supercars Championship

lead, Tony Stewart’s meltdown in Bristol

and the World Superbikes big weekend in

Moscow.

Tomorrow night’s program will also feature

Touring Car legend Andrew Miedecke in

studio ahead of this weekend’s Touring Car

Masters in Sydney.

SPEED News Australia airs on SPEED every

Wednesday at 7.00pm AEST.

SPEED and SPEED HD are available to

FOXTEL sports subscribers.

Other News


Kingy’s Fishy Story

Immediately after Eastern Creek, Kingy took off for his annual pilgrimage to Swains to board Kanimbla with 16 mates – a trip that is steeped in tradition with this the 15th year.

The group is made up a long term mates, professionals from all walks of life who look forward to this time out together every year. Kingy tells me to join basically someone needs to pass on to make room for new members !!!!

Swains is some 150 nautical miles east of Gladstone Wharf – the boys took off on the Friday after Eastern Creek, steamed overnight to a location of exposed coral caves. The mother ship, Kanimbla anchors and after breakfast, 2 man tinny’s are launched and head out to ‘gather and collect’ just like caveman did in the early years of civilisation, only difference is, the 2 crew on board cook their meals, launch their gear, clean and snap freeze their fish while the fishermen share some scurvy sea stories. Long term mate Sam was Kingy’s buddy in the tinny and boy did they catch some fish and crays.

Take a look at some of the happy snaps. One of the guys was unwell prior to the departure of the mothership, but feeling better a couple of days into the trip, chartered a plane to meet the boys at sea !!! As a result he managed to get a couple of great aerial shots.

The journey back to the track was eventful with Kingy’s mind completely focussed on getting behind the wheel of his 85 Whiteline King Springs Camaro - his Gladstone to Brisbane leg went smoothly, but the connecting flight ex Canberra was delayed due to a medical emergency on board the aircraft !!

Anyhow, Kingy arrived fresh from R & R for this round and given he ‘bagged’ out fishing over the few days, was hopeful of snagging a podium finish at Sandown !


The Touring Car Masters is proudly supported by Shannons Insurance, Rare Spares and Unique Cars Magazine, with official suppliers Hoosier Tires and Australian Sports Marketing.

www.touringcarmasters.com.au

2012 Series Points

Round Event Dates

1 Clipsal 500 Adelaide March 1 – 4

2 Phillip Island (Shannons Nationals) May 25 – 27

3 Hidden Valley, Darwin June 15 – 17

4 Queensland Raceway August 3 – 5

5 Muscle Car Masters, Eastern Creek September 1 & 2

6 Sandown 500 September 14 – 16

7 Bathurst October 4 – 7

8 Sandown (Shannons Nationals) November 23 – 25

Dropped Round

Class A 'Outright'

Position Driver RND 1 RND 2 RND 3 RND4 RND 5 RND 6 RND 7 RND 8 Penalties TOTAL

1 John Bowe 176 129 180 180 180 138 -60 923

2 Jim Richards 148 109 157 108 156 168 846

3 Andrew Miedecke 164 93 130 108 164 98 -30 727

4 Bill Pye 135 75 78 111 66 117 687

5 Keith Kassulke 111 120 139 138 99 111 -39 679

6 Tony Edwards 0 150 152 126 117 132 677

7 Mark King 114 122 75 90 57 111 -33 569

8 Brett Youlden 105 53 105 90 90 - 543

9 Gavin Bullas 133 158 0 - - 164 -56 455

10 Eddie Abelnica 45 30 - 125 139 - 339

11 Les Walmsley 63 - - 142 120 - 325

12 Brad Tilley - - 142 - 132 - 274

13 Greg Crick - - - 75 42 134 251

14 George Nittis 81 75 51 0 - - 207

15 Chris Collins - 111 - - 61 27 199

16 Adam Bressington - - - - 78 114 192

17 60 0 45 59 0 21 185

18 Michael Wedge - - - 81 66 0 147

18 Garry Treloar - 81 66 - 0 - 147

20 Steve Makarios - 42 - - 17 33 92

21 Paul Freestone - - - 0 35 54 89

22 Bernie Stack 75 - - - - - 75

23 Doug Westwood 39 - - - 24 - 63

23 Graham Alexander - - 63 - - - 6325 Matt O'Brien - 30 - 0 0 - 30

Class B 'Pro-Sportsman'

Position Driver RND 1 RND 2 RND 3 RND4 RND 5 RND 6 RND 7 RND 8 Penalties TOTAL

1 Chris Stillwell 164 168 157 180 112 168 949

2 Nigel Benson 160 164 139 164 0 180 807

3 Amanda Sparks 66 139 157 126 152 142 782

4 Greg Keene 102 132 134 145 60 100 673

5 Wayne Mercer - 117 102 120 139 132 610

6 Michael Almond - - 100 153 112 100 465

7 Steve Mason - 81 162 138 - - 381

8 Tony Hunter 168 159 - - - - 327

9 John Nelson 138 108 45 - - - 291

10 Bob Middleton - 135 132 - - - 267

11 Rory O'Neill 114 30 105 - - - 249

12 Gary O'Brien 135 - - - - - 135

13 Cameron Mason - - - - 105 - 105

14 Jason Gomersall - - - - 101 - 101

15 Mick Wilson 78 0 0 - - - 78

16 Ross Almond 75 - - - - - 75

17 Phillip Showers - 0 - - - - 0

Event Dates

- 0 - - - -2012 Calendar

2012 round 5 and 6 tcm

Documents