Previous Editions of Latest News
Round Three of the SuperTruck series would see us return to Perth, another circuit where Bobby the Builder and his Cat powered freightliner hold the track record and where pole positions and early race wins would secure our lead in number one spot in the 2006 Australian Championship, but not without excitement and adventure I might add!
As I mentioned, Terry 'the Bee' Honey was forced to returned to Auckland after Adelaide due to work commitments, however, Jeff 'sticks' Kernohan from Taupo and Big Al from Palmeston in NZ stayed on and built a spare SuperTruck engine at the truck engine workshop of Cavpower. In between the hard yakka of building engines the team went out to the gold cinema movies to see Pirates of the Carribean 'Dead Man's Chest, and at one point, despite how great the movies were all of us were asleep! The Adelaide round took its toll. Bob the Builder for the entire movie Ð he only awoke for his nut sundae and iced coffee – diet food! We also had a Whiteline Racing bowling challenge – can report that fortunately no one travelled down the alley with the ball and a good time was had Ð very competitive at times! Another major outing was to support the 'Doggies, Central Districts in the local SANFL. Jeff and Bobby the Builder flew over on Thursday where Terry Harwood of Westrac collected the guys and got them organised on their arrival to the west. They also then met up with Big Al who had survived his Nullabor crossing. With special thanks to Peter and the team at Diesel Motors we were able to utilise a crew bus to move us all around. The team met up with Len Jones of Adelaide Bandag and his brother Wayne who had decided to drive over also, their wives, Barb and Jenni were due to fly in Friday night. Rosemary and Charlie Barbaro of Adelaide Truck Wholesalers also flew in Friday to support the team. This out the way, the crew checked into the Joondalup resort where Wayne and his team again took good care of us but also all the other teams in the category. The SuperTrucks got in an early practice at 10.45 prior to the media rides which was just as well for us, as on return to the pits it was discovered we had developed two cracked front rotors Ð the team went about changing them in time for the media rides at 11.45 a.m. An afternoon session took place at 2pm where the team fiddled with tyre pressures and you may recall in the Adelaide newsletter I reported of a ongoing 'banging' noise that Bob can hear when he is circulating, well that was evident again. We believed we had found the problem, so the crew went about tightening up exhaust pipes, turbo, and secured all components generally all over. Lap times for the sessions started at 1.06's and by the end of the day had got to 1.02's – so we were going in the right direction. With the sessions complete, Jeff, Al and Bob headed to the local chinese for tea before the rest of the team flew in from Adelaide. Friday night, with thanks to Wayne at Joondalup resort, we had use of the limo, which is a stretched mercedes to pick up Mark, Sean, Barbi, Jenni and me. Spirits were high and even though it was late we were all excited about the weekend ahead. Saturday was an early start with practice, qualifying and a race on the agenda. Weather conditions were excellent. On arrival at the track all the team pitched in to set up the pit and the merchandise area which was manned all weekend by Vicki, Jodie, Bej and me with extra much appreciated help from Barbi and Jenni on the Sunday. On return to the pit apart from ongoing searches for the banging noise the team continued to fine tune tyre pressures to find the right set up. Qualifying took place at 11.35, Bobby completed 8 laps in the Cat powered freightliner achieving his best time in lap 7 which was a 1.02.14 which was just under a second quicker to nearest rival Zammit, followed by Bajeema and Bomberle. Saturday night all teams took part in a dinner held at Joondalup – a good laugh was had by all, with a dvd of european truck racing highlights in the back ground keeping us all entertained. It was an early start for us all again on the Sunday. Unfortunately the weather was looking pretty wild and woolly. As it would turn out, rain would hamper proceedings for most of the morning to turn into quite a nice day in the afternoon. The rain around was sure to make for interesting racing. We were a little nervous as our Cat powered freightliner is better in dry conditions due to the horse power, but then again I guess this would pose a challenge to the crew to get the drive and grip to the track. My National Anthem duties seem to be getting earlier and earlier, I was scheduled to yodle my notes just before the practice at 8.30 – bit of an effort after a red the night before! Practice was held at 8.30am where we completed 6 laps, we were still hovering in the 1.02's – a noticeable improvement was Bajeema who was also in this league. The first couple of laps of this session saw Steve Duggan of Cowara Transport get special permission to ride alongside the Builder. On return to the pit, a slight whistling sound that could be heard was found to be a faulty turbo. The bonnet was up and the turbo was being changed over. Rob and Terry from Westrac were busy rebuilding the faulty one to ensure we had a spare as it would be the rebuilt turbo was put back onto the SuperTruck – read on.
Of particular excitement in that race was the sideways action of Zammit as he tried to improve his position in the rain. The weather conditions certainly slowed down the field, with Bob recording the fastest lap time of 1.0902. The second race for the day was due to start at 11.30 however, organisers rearranged the schedule and sent the SuperTruck out at 12pm. This was the time scheduled for the Builder to visit the Westrac corporate facility.
Again after two warm up laps the SuperTrucks were underway. As predicted Zammitt got a dream start. By the first corner Middleton had got past Bajeema and last in the light trucks. By lap 2 had made up another four placings and by lap Three had moved into forth behind Zammit, Bomber, Hewatt and then Middleton. This would continue until lap 5, getting wide on Westrac Corner, Bajeema was there to pounce moving into fourth spot. In the final lap Middleton could not make up any ground and would have to be content in fifth behind, Zammitt, Bomberle, Hewat, Bajeema. On return to the pit Middleton commented that the Cat powered freightliner had lost considerable power Ð it was down 8 pound of boost and was vibrating under exceleration. It did sound as though a miss had developed. This was going along quite nicely with Bob the Builder signing posters, hats etc. Believing there was ample time, we leisurly returned to the pit, stopping along the way to sign more posters, when out of no where, huffing, sweating and yelling out was Al – hurry up! Your truck's on the grid, the other trucks are forming up!!! Al jumped on the back and with sounds of the Benny Hill theme song in my head, Bob tooted the buggy horn and we were airborne through the pits. Middleton jumped out, jumped in the truck, helmet on, seatbelts done up and off!! Trouble was, trucks were on the second warm up lap with the pace car to be released. Believing one more warm up lap would take place Middleton thundered around the circuit but was a half lap down when the green light dropped – Bobby the Builder had his work cut out for him. In extremely exciting fashion, one by one Bobby the Builder was pegging off the field working his way through the light trucks and crawling on the back of the SuperTrucks, only to get a little untidy coming into the top of the straight showing his 'drifting' techniques. Regaining composure and rejoining the field would have to be content with eighth, behind Bajeema, Bomberle, Coulter, Zammit, Lovett, Rose, Hewat then the Builder-come-gardener. The last race for the day was the SuperPrix, so the SuperTrucks are not only put to the rear of the field but also handicapped some quarter of a lap. However on the 7th lap into the 8th lap Middleton managed to get around Hewat and Lovett and returned to lap times in the 1.02's however, by this time, Mackin, Bajeema, Yardy, Coulter and Zammit had developed a lead that with the remaining lap time available was impossible to run down, so would have to be content with sixth. So we shared great success, great excitement and great times at a track we love coming too – the support for Bob the Builder and the Cat powered, Whiteline Racing freightliner is just awesome. And as for the team at Westrac, Jim Walker, Terry Harwood, Marcia Brickwood we say a huge thanks – your efforts were amazing Ð the magnificent banners and your level of corporate participation is outstanding and encourages our team to strive for greater results for all our sponsors and supporters. Sunday night the presentation was held at the WA Sporting Car Club, who most generously provided a band, barb-b-que and drinks for the SuperTruck teams. The staff of the Sporting Car Club are wonderful supporters of the SuperTruck category and we appreciate all of their assistance and the manner in which they welcome us to their circuit. Now the logistics are underway to bring all the SuperTrucks east bound. For our Cat powered freightliner, she will come home for testing on the dyno under load to find our missing pounds of boost and to rule out any possible injector problems prior to the next round in sydney on the weekend of 27-29 october, 2006. Before the next round at Oran Park in October, the Cat Powered Freightliner has a 'modelling' assignment at Bathurst, plans are under way for a static display at AustraliaÕs largest motor racing event. William Adams were also seeking her services for an exhibition in Melbourne, but unfortunately this weekend clashes with the round in Sydney. Yours
in racing and regards,
We really love getting your letters, so keep sending them...
Hi Sharon and Bob, Like previous years we all had a brilliant day out as a family and thoroughly enjoyed watching Bob roar around the race track at an awe inspiring speed and amazing skill. Our kids get such a thrill out of watching the racing and being able to talk to the both of you. This year we brought along another friend who is also now a very big fan of Bob the Builder. We would also like to thank you for the c.d you gave to us, Sharon it is really lovely to listen to. Thanks again and we look forward to seeing you again next year, Jason, Bec, Josh, Brayden, Jacob and Abbey xoxoxoxo
pictures below by Josh and Brayden
Previous Editions of Latest News July 06 Round 2: Mallala – Australian Championship May 06 Round 1: Oran Park – Australian Championship
Sept 05 Round 6: Oran Park – Australian Championship May 05 Round 5: Barbagallo – Australian Championship May 05 Round 4: Mallala – Australian Championship 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!
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However, more of that later, a Whiteline Racing newsletter would not be authentic without tracing the tracks of the team members since the last round in Adelaide!
On the Sunday leading up to Perth, Big Al who had never crossed the Nullabor decided to go by road for the experience – it seems the inside of his eyelids took a hounding and can remember little!
Once there, thanks to the wonderful carriers involved, Pacific National, GKR Transport, JollyÕs Transport, Cleveland Freightlines and Whiteline Transport all the Supertrucks had arrived and with the help of Rob at Daynite Towing the procession to Barbagallo had commenced.
Pit areas were being assembled as the crews from all the other teams had also started to arrive.
For our part, banners, signage and promotional material were put in place for the weekend.
Friday was practice day and media rides for the teams. Karen Maree of Transport & Machinery had drummed up excellent support for the media rides, which goes a long way in assisting teams with the huge expense in touring with the SuperTruck category and the cost of running them.
First session was held at 9.52 in good weather conditions. Having been given special permission, Michelle Fortune of GKR was in for hot laps and took part in a quickie around the circuit, Bobby came back in completing three more laps with his best time on the second with a 1.02.5, a second quicker than nearest rivals Bomberle and Bajeema.
Race One was to be held at 2.30 and to be decided over 6 laps. After two warm up laps, the field formed up for the start and by the first corner Middleton led the pack followed by Zammit, Bajeema and Bomberle. 
On return to the pit we commenced general checks and our team in conjunction with other members of the SuperTruck category, got stuck in to helping the Butler entry in repairs to their Cummins powered Kenworth which had developed a major problem with the fly wheel and bell housing. After a couple of hours under the bonnet the group felt confident they had managed to repair it, however, it would later be discovered that a serious vibration was apparent and still could not take it's place in the field – really disappointing for all those who assisted but a great example of comraderie.
Race One for Sunday was at 9.59am and to be decided over 6 laps. After two warm up laps went by the pace car was off and the green light was shown. By the first corner the field read Middleton, Bomberle, Bajeema, Hewat. Coming into the pit straight on completion of lap one Middleton was pretty twitchy, but hung onto the Cat powered freightliner in the wet and continued to lead. The positions would remain unchaged despite the moisture and spray on the track and the traffic problems associated with lapping the light trucks through to lap 6 with Middleton going on to take the chequered flag. 
Race Two was again over 6 laps, in reverse grid format from the last race meaning we would be starting from the rear of the field. However, Zammit who finished last, but qualified 2nd would get to start the race in pole, so this wasnÕt going to be easy negotiating the traffic when Zammit would get such a good start.
The rebuilt Rob Terry special racing turbo was fitted back onto the freightliner and it was felt this rectify the boost problem. Whilst the repairs were happening Bob the Builder attended the Westrac facility for an interview with Jim Walker and drawing of the lucky draws.
Laps 1-7 Bob the Builder worked away at pegging off the field but was severely hampered by a dual that was happening between Hewat and Lovett – as they protected their positions, this left Middleton unable to pass especially given officials warnings that no SuperTrucks were to touch rumble strips, any truck to do so would be shown the black flag, with lap times in the 1.05's to 1.06's. 
To Terry Harwood, 
