Previous Editions of Latest News
Once back in Adelaide, crew member Mark ‘birdman’ Peacock carried out maintenance on the truck which included altering where the air cleaners are positioned. The purpose of this was to provide better airflow to the engine, resulting in a more responsive performance. As the Adelaide meeting was run, the team would discover that this adjustment was a positive improvement and gave the desired results. Jeffrey and Sally flew in on Tuesday with fellow kiwi crew member Terry ‘the bee’ Honey arriving on Wedesday. Terry and Jeffrey did preliminary checks and maintenance on their arrival.
It was at this stage the loss of our mate Cookie was reflected upon because he was always there helping and ‘debating’ with Bobby as to the best way things should happen – we miss him daily, but with special events such as this our loss is further highlighted. He would say “Don’t you worry about it Bobby it’s all okay! Unlike other tracks, the media rides were being held on Saturday rather than Friday, so Friday was used for up to five practices. First session of practice, Middleton completed some seven laps, where he found the SuperTruck to be over-steering out of corners, no traction, shuddering under brakes and we had again cracked a right-hand front rotor.
The crew replaced the rotor and made handling adjustments including
altering tyre pressures in their search for traction, however the
session was cut short due to track technical reasons. The final
session saw the team alter the rear roll bar setting which improved
the traction, eliminated the shuddering and were happy with the
set-up using on road tyres, however, the right front rotor that
we had replaced earlier cracked again. Saturday 21st May, 2005 Saturday would allow for the SuperTrucks to complete one practice, qualifying and there was a race for the co-drivers. 3.30pm that afternoon the teams would engage in corporate and media rides.
Qualifying Middleton in his Cat Dealer, No. 15 Freightliner SuperTruck would walk away with the fastest lap time, which would see a number one position off the grid on Sunday. Qualifying was very convincing with over a half second difference between Middleton in his Cat Powered Freightliner (1.25.4556) and Crick driving a Cummins powered rig (1.259.899) with the third qualifier Bajeema 2.5 seconds slower (1.27.8832). Middleton would comment that whilst happy with the truck, it was still slippery and taily and that the new tyres they used for the session had no grip and wheel spin. New tyres are often greasy as they excrete oil. The team’s intention was to refit worn tyres for race one on Sunday. Sunday 22nd May, 2005 On
arrival for warm up on Sunday, it was discovered that the Cummins
powered entry of Rodney Crick would
Race Two commenced at 11.55 am, the track by this time was overcast and cool and again over 6 laps. Starting from the rear of the field, Middleton would make spectacular moves to clear the traffic and be up the front within the first lap of the race. Middleton would remain in the lead and again take 1st place. Prior to Race Three, Middleton spent time with corporate visitors to talk about truck racing, Whiteline Racing and thanked sponsors for their assistance in contributing to the success of the team. The somewhat shy kiwi team were introduced also.
With lunch over with, back to business with Race Three
an 8 lap event which commenced at 1.35 pm. On return to the pit, it was discovered that the SuperTruck had a speed sensor issue. The crew removed and rebuilt the component and refitted it to the truck. Fingers were crossed that the rebuild would last for the final race of the day.
Middleton also ran the fastest lap times in all events for the weekend. On receiving his trophy at the presentation, apart from thanking his crew, sponsors and encouraging and congratulating other competitors, Bobby would dedicate his win to Gary ‘Cookie’ Cook in his memory. Okay, what’s next? The Queensland round has been cancelled, so Barbagallo Raceway in Perth will be the next time the giants take to the track. For our team, we will remove the diff and gearbox for general servicing and maintenance work. Apart from this, there is no other really major work to be carried out. The Cat Powered SuperTruck has exhibition commitments at the Perth Burswood Dome the week prior to the event at a large trade expo, and based on other years is a real draw card. It was so rewarding to have so many supporters able to attend the Adelaide event and we thank all that were there to cheer us on. We also acknowledge the wonderful assistance of sponsors Cavpower, Goodyear Tyres (who always provide technical crew for us at all the tracks we attend whether it be in Aus or NZ), All Transport Crash, BP Australia, ROH Wheels Australia, Select Trucks, Cleveland Freightlines, KCL Contractors, Gulf Western Oils and Diesel Exhausts.
The crew celebrated the victories to choruses of “We are the Champions” at Café Buono, followed by an ongoing pool challenge – the results of which vary depending on which crew member you ask!! I look forward to reporting back results from Perth, where we will be going all-out to bring home the chequered flag for Westrac Equipment. Yours
in racing and regards, Photos Paris Charles and Angie Matheson © 2005.
Previous Editions of Latest News May 05 Round 3: Winton – Australian Championship April 05 Round 2: Manfield – New Zealand Championship March 05 Round 1: Timaru – New Zealand Championship
Aug 04 Round 3: Barbagallo – Australian Championship May 04 Round 1: Mallala – Australian Championship Feb 04 Round 3: Pukekohe – New Zealand Championship Jan 04 Round 2: Manfield – New Zealand Championship Jan 04 Round 1: Timaru - New Zealand Championship
December 03 : New truck finshed with only weeks to spare before Timaru race!
|
Since
competing in Round One of the series in Winton the SuperTruck was
loaded and bound for Perth, where it would take part in promotional
work for the WA Sporting Car Club to promote the SuperTruck round
there 6-7 August, 2005. Some 80,000 people attended Barbagallo on
the Saturday and Sunday for the V8’s with the truck receiving
plenty of interest.
At
this round, Whiteline Racing alone would be catering 120 guests
in corporate, therefore, on Wednesday / Thursday our pit and entertainment
area was set up – looking very much like an alfresco street
café the stage was set up for a weekend of fun and racing.
In
our practice session on the Saturday, we again cracked another rotor
and it was the right-hand front. Prior to qualifying the team would
investigate the front right caliper for a bend. The other factor
they would look into was the fact that the right hand brakes were
running 20 degrees hotter than the left.
Race
One would take place at 10.30am over 6 laps. Starting from
his perfect qualifying position, Middleton would lead the race taking
the chequered flag amazing race fans with the sound and speed of
the Cat Powered Freightliner.
Race
Four was held at 3.25pm and was to be decided over 10 laps.
Again starting from the rear and handicapped, Middleton weaved through
the traffic again making it to the front and this is where he would
stay and finish, not only winning this race, but winning the overall
championship for the weekend. Another great result for Middleton,
Whiteline Racing, Cat Dealers and all sponsors of the team.
Media
wise, Channel 9 showed footage on their news service of the event
and the Advertiser published a story in the lead up to the event.
The Whiteline Racing, Cat Powered Freightliner also appeared in
full colour on the front of the program.