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Round 3 of the 2008 Australian Championship at Barnagallo Raceway, WA


Steam off the brakes as the Builder goes through his paces

The break between the Adelaide and Perth round gave us some breathing space to prepare the Aust 1 Cat Powered Freightliner for racing in the West.

In addition, Bob was co-ordinating the logistics of transporting the super trucks from the east to the west – a job that would not have been possible without the incredible sponsorship and support of carriers such as GKR Transport – special thanks to Kevin Small and his team, Cleveland Freightlines, special thanks to Frank and Margi Lenzi, and Pacific National with special thanks to Trevor Gould and David Cartan and of course our gang at Whiteline Transport. Perth based Rob Waters and his team at Daynite are a great help moving the vehicles around town and at the track.

Also of valuable support has been Warren, Mark and the team at Enffue for supplying the environmentally friendly, bio-diesel product for the teams to race with and for sending Mark to Perth to assist teams with the fuel requirements. During these preparations, it was noticed some coolant had been lost from the reservoir and after investigation it was decided not to take any chances and remove the cylinder head from our ever reliable CAT engine, which had just completed eight successful seasons of hard racing with pretty much refreshing done only.


Reverse grid action for the builder into Cat Corner

It was decided that it was time for a new cylinder head and so with the assistance of Cavpower, a new cylinder head was sourced and taken to Chris Milton to modify it to suit race specifications. The back springs and shocker ratings have been dramatically adjusted hoping this will overcome the lack of grip on the back tyres that plagued the builder in Adelaide. On checking the driveline it was found a universal needed to be replaced. Apart from this, an overall general spanner check and lubing was carried out.

A very adamant Bob the Builder not just satisfied to keep his driving to the track, decided he would drive the replica highway truck with the b-double race combination to Perth, departing Adelaide depot mid morning Monday. Must say it did look very impressive leaving with Nuggy and myself giving the final waves of good bye on the corner !!! The time frame was pretty relaxed, with the builder and the super truck not due in until late Wednesday for the customer day being held by Grant Geary and the Dura Lite team.

Bob the Builder arrived into Perth midnight on Tuesday night. A fairly stock standard trip, other than a road closure and bypass around a truck and car accident near Ceduna then a roll over at Norseman of a truck with a load of pipes. The highway truck was losing air and not wanting to risk the trek down Greenmount into Perth, which is very hilly, Steve Underwood came up with a second prime mover. Richard from WesTrac who worked with our team for the race weekend, also found himself addressing the air issue with the highway truck at the track on Saturday so all would be right for the Builder’s return journey to Adelaide.


Burning some rubber

Terry ‘Bee’ and Big Al flew out of Auckland on Wednesday with Birdman – Mark and myself leaving Thursday night for the west. Wednesday morning action got underway to unload the CAT powered, Aust 1 Freightliner super truck and get it sparkling clean and looking her absolute best for the Dura-Lite Customer Function. When it was started there was a crackling, popping and backfire apparent, but on checking and further running was put down to water intake on the journey across the Nullabor as it righted itself. Grant Geary and his team entertained a couple of hundred guests who have made this event their annual ‘must do’ on their calendar. COR-Dura-Lite gave a lucky winner of their prize draw the thrill of hot laps at Barbagallo on Friday at the media rides.

Big Al and Terry fresh in from a long journey from Auckland were right into the thick of it on arrival. Missing from our team this week was Jeff from Auckland who was in Europe, having got caught by the Perth round being moved forward. The team set up camp at Barbagallo on Thursday. Conditions were wet. Thursday night they joined Rob Waters and the team of the No. 2 Cat powered Kenworth for tea prior to collecting Mark birdman Peacock and myself having flown in from Adelaide. The head wins were strong taking us 3.45 hours to get there. Can’t be certain, but reckon Mark and I probably sorted out the worlds problems on that journey !!
Rob Waters who owns Daynite Towing has purchased out right the No. 2 Cat powered Kenworth previously run by Daniel Bajeema. Brett who crewed for Daniel is now co-driving for Rob having had his inaugural debut in Mallala and did a great job at that, as well as being the chief mechanic for the truck.


Bob the Builder leads the group around for a start

Rob has added another dimension to the racing in more ways than one. We have Bob the Builder in the Cat powered Freightliner, now we have Bananas in Pyjamas, B1 and B2 in Rob and Brett in the No. 2 Kenworth. The kids think it’s great (so do the big kids). On return to Joondalup we all hit the sack for an early start on Friday. Well, what can be said about Friday. Those who came to the Mallala media rides will remember the rain, well it all happened again – it bucketed down.

Bob the Builder took part in the first practice session at 10.45 a.m. – whilst it wasn’t raining to begin with, the weather was threatening and the track was still holding water from the earlier rains. Partially through the session the rain started up again, however, enough laps had been done to establish the engine power was good, slipping and sliding, but responding in a good way. Media rides were held at 11.45 – we completed 7 rides with Tom and Paul from Mitchells (guests of WesTrac) part of the action and the Dura Lite raffle winner, Ben on board also. Transport and Machinery magazine, strong supporters of truck racing had also arranged a number of rides which we assisted with. There is no doubt the CAT Freightliner looked pretty specky sliding into corners in the wet with delighted smiles on faces as they got out of the truck.


Not even the weather could dampen the enthusiasm at the COR- Dura Lite function (photo courtesy Grant Geary)

Given the weather conditions just continued to worsen, we did not take part in the late arvo session, as it was impossible to determine what the truck was doing. Friday night the team headed to the Old Bailey for a meal, but again we all hit the wall early – so turned in for a good night’s sleep before the two race days ahead.
On arrival to the circuit Saturday morning, we were met with a scene as described by Bradley Harwood as the back streets of Baghdad. Over night the weather was such, the winds completely flattened the entire corporate marquees, including the fairly permanent structure of WesTrac. So much so, they were completely removed with a new corporate city constructed on Saturday. Luckily no one was in the marquee when the storm came through. The steel poles used for the marquee are designed to withstand 2 x ton of force. The W.A. Sporting Car Club have actual footage of when and how it happened. The marquees were lifted off the ground and unceremoniously dumped, bending poles and tearing tarpulins.

The weather for Saturday was beautiful, whilst brisk first thing, the sun shone and no rain was in sight. A complete contrast to the previous day. The team was enhanced this weekend by John Bennion and Mark Maura of Beaurepaires from Welshpool, Richard from WesTrac and Mark’s partner Karen helped with setting up, posters, etc. As always, the wonderful Harwood family were there for us, Terry, Vicki, Jodie, Bradley, Mason and Jodie’s girlfriend Sophie (Soph). The girls worked tirelessly in merchandise all weekend and Vicki also helped with crew meals.

Today would see a practice session, qualifying and one race. Practice was held at 9.15 and we would complete 8 laps. We were fastest out there for the session with a 1.04. On return to the pit, the team would look for an oil leak, which was found to be from the dip stick – so a new seal was fitted. There was some bar adjustment to achieve drive and traction , the air cleaners were cleaned and the intercooler and brake squirters were checked. Qualifying was held at 11.29. There are always strategy games behind the scenes for qualifying as to the order onto the track for qualifying. To get in fast laps, you need a clear track, so it is important to get out first or plan your run that you will do the lap without coming up on traffic. John Falk’s crew chief Kiwi is up on this and was attempting to make changes on the form up grid to cater for this. The first 6 laps of qualifying Bob the Builder kept them all in the 1.02’s with his best lap on lap 6. The builder pitted where the team made bar adjustments and checked tyre pressures as the tyres seemed to be ‘rolling’ under. Returning to the track, the builder broke into song singing Danny Boy over the headset, enjoying the tactical games on the track with other teams. Whilst completing another nine laps, the lap 6 time would be the quickest and would win him pole position, with close rival John Falk in 2nd with 1.02.4. Falk did three more laps than the Builder but was unable to match his time.

On return to the pit, the team changed the rear brakes and reset the back tyre pressures in readiness for race 1. Race 1 was held at 3pm and was to be decided over 6 x laps. Bob the Builder got a great start and led the field into WesTrac corner and would continue to extend his lead as he got further into the lap. On completion of lap 1, again heading into WesTrac corner for the 2nd lap a cloud of white smoke bellowed out from the Aust 1 Freightliner with the rest of the field struggling to see through it. We unfortunately had done a turbo and would result in a DNF which would prove costly as close rival Falk would take out the win.


The pit lit up awaiting the new turbo parts

The Super truck was towed in off the circuit where the team diagnosed and confirmed that the problem was the turbo, which is thought to have failed due to the truck producing too many pounds of boost. When it failed some further damage was done to the wheel and Terry Harwood was then busy sourcing a repair shop for machining. To the rescue was Turbotech Turbochargers of Ascot in Western Australia. Ian Biddle and Geoff Haley met Steve and Terry at their workshop and did not hesitate in opening up their premises to do the work needed to get us mobile again for Sunday’s races.

We are very appreciative of their service and immediate response to our dilemma. Steve and Terry returned to the track about 8pm where Al, Richard and Mark where on standby to fit the replacement turbo. Late in leaving the track, the hunt was on for somewhere for tea – quick and easy as we were all feeling pretty tired from the events of the day. Sunday started out very brisk, but a beautiful, sunny winter’s day would prevail.
Sunday would see a warm up and four races. Prior to the practice we would fit mufflers for noise omissions and to retard boost and would complete 7 x laps of practice at the 8.30 session. At this stage of the game, we were the quickest of the entrants, with Falk not far behind.

Prior to race 1, official proceedings took place on the start/finish line which included me singing the anthem.
Race 1 was held at 9.40 and was to be 6 x laps. On commencement of the race, Bob the Builder would lead into Cat Corner, closely followed by Falk in 87, Zammit in 40, Waters in 2, Amorosso in 96 and Rose in 6 being up the pointy end. Bob the Builder in his CAT powered Freightliner would continue to extend his lead, with action aplenty behind him, with Waters and Zammit coming together entering into pit straight and continuing to dual for the entire race. This however, would not impact on the builder and he would win race 1 for the day, with Falk in 2, Waters in 3, Zammit in 4th.

The team were happy that the turbo’s had held up to the race conditions. The builder said the super truck appeared to be a ‘bit doey’ in laps 2 and 3, but seemed to clear itself. On return to the pit, the crew would change the fuel filter. Race 2 was held at 11.10 and again was over 6 x laps, but would be a reverse grid form up. On the start the builder held back, as the field was looking pretty crammed heading into turn one – this proved to be a good tactic as Waters spun, causing Waters and Zammit both to the infield. The field reformed into Indian file, while the damage was assessed where both the 2 and 40 entry were got going again and a complete restart was called.


Bob being interviewed by Brad Thompson for Speedweek

So starting all over, on commencement of the race, by Cat Corner Seton and Zammit went infield, however, this did not trigger another restart as they re-entered the field at the rear once the field had gone through. Bob the builder made up four positions and by lap 3 had managed to get up into fourth, behind Amoroso, Waters and Falk. Throughout lap 3 and into 4 Waters and Amoroso would vie for position allowing Falk in the meantime to sneak past to take the lead. By lap 5 the builder managed to peg off Amoroso who is always difficult to pass and given that Falk is his co-driver knew he would not make it easy for him, so by the start of lap 6 it was 87 Falk, 2 Waters then 1 Bob the Builder with Zammit making a great charge from the back of the field, also pegging off Amoroso to gain 4th.

The Builder was the fastest out there for the race, completing a 1.03.5 on lap 6, obviously once clear of traffic.
On completion of this race, Bob the Builder would head up to the WesTrac facility where Johnno Holliday would interview him. This job is normally carried out by Mr. Jim Walker, who unfortunately was called away overseas at the last moment and was unable to be part of the raceday action. Bob also drew out the raffle. On return to the pit, the large truck, ute and tractor pull demonstration was still underway, so Bob and I jumped into the Whiteline pit mobile and did a lap of the circuit. I had a face ache by the end of it from laughing so much – what a buzz.

Race 4 was held at 1.25 and was to be over 6 laps and would again start from the rear. The start was good for the entire field and by completion of lap one, the builder had made up several places and was sitting in 6th. Heading down to Cat corner for the 2nd time, the Builder would pass several trucks on an outside run, only to find the Cat Powered Freightliner lost rear traction when the wheels hit the sand. Getting very sideways, the ultimate blow came when the 96 entry of Amoroso would t-bone him and the damage was extensive. Sitting on the circuit this would trigger yet again another red light, bringing on a race stoppage. The damage was too severe with the tow truck required. This would mean another DNF for the weekend and would completely play into the hands of Falk who would now not only take out the round, but also the lead in the championship.
The race was restarted with 87 Falk winning, 40 Zammit in 2nd and 6 Rose in 3rd.

On return to the pit the damage was assessed. The complete front end was destroyed and to add insult to injury the sudden stop did no favours to the brakes with the front left rotor cracking whilst sitting in the pit.
The initial thought was we would not take part in the final race for the day at 4.30. Initially the view was to start dismantling it would make it a problem to load up on to the transporter. Steve and Charlie Zammit’s and John from Fletch Christian’s team came over and between all parties it was decided that an attempt would be made to get the Freightliner mobile even if it was a case of circulating to get points. There were arms and legs at every angle, grinding, machining you name it – it was happening.

Needless to say, The builder and his injured Freightliner lined up on the grid for race 5 (much to the delight of the crowd), the super prix which is 10 x laps with not only reverse grid but also the super trucks are handicapped from the light trucks. The race started and it was a clean start for all competitors. From laps 1 through to 8, the builder not only was circulating but was pegging off trucks one by one.
So too was Falk, Rose, Zammit and Amoroso who were 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. The builder would nab Amoroso in lap 8 on CAT corner and would take out 4th in what was a great effort, with a truck that had the set up of an agricultural farm implement.

In addition, The Builder clocked the quickest time of all trucks on the 8th lap of a 1.03.1.
Needless to say the roar from the crowd as the builder circulated was fantastic and for our team and those who had assisted in getting the Aust 1 Cat Powered Freightliner back onto the circuit it was just rewards for a job well done. The Builder then put on a great display of burn outs in front of the WesTrac Cat Marquee –
It was fair to say this was not a good weekend in the office for our team. Started out great with achieving pole and a win, but really it was a battle all weekend.

Of all of the races, there is no doubting the Builder and his CAT powered freightliner is the quickest machine on the circuit, however, motorsport does require a degree of lady luck, which just wasn’t with us this weekend.
It has cost us the lead at this stage in the Aussie title for the fourth year, however, there are 2 x rounds to go and we don’t give up easily. The track record achieved by the Builder in 2004 still remains in tact.
Special thanks must go to WesTrac for their incredible support and also to Diesel Motors for supplying the team with a crew bus for the weekend.

Although mentioned previously, the assistance of Turbotech was vital in keeping our championship aspirations alive, so special thanks again to Ian and Geoff. After the racing, the job of loading up took place, then we headed up to McCracken House at the circuit where the WA Sporting Car Club put on a bbq and presentation for the teams. This is the first round we have not taken home a trophy.

We headed back to our accommodation, as we would need to be mobile 4am for Terry, Mark and myself to fly out, with Al departing later that morning. The builder left Perth late on Monday for the return journey to Adelaide where Mark will begin the repairs and preparations for Oran Park August 29-31, 2008.

Yours in racing and regards,
Shaz

The Trans Tasman Series dates are :

12th & 13th January, 2008 – Timaru
5th & 6th April, 2008 – Timaru

The Australian Series is scheduled as follows:

26th & 27th April, 2008
Oran Park – Sydney

17th & 18th May, 2008
Mallala – South Australia

2nd & 3rd August, 2008
Barbagallo – Western Australia

30th & 31st August, 2008
Oran Park – Sydney

1st & 2nd November, 2008
Mallala – South Australia


The backstreets of Baghdad - what remains of the corporate marquees !!		A Sporting Car Club had their work cut out for them prior to Sunday race day.

Terry busy as a bee under the bonnet		The new corporate city ready in time for race day

Even the Whiteline pitmobile took place in the big truck and ute parade		Race 4 nightmare - Amoroso t-bones the Builder just beyond Cat Corner - costly

Burn out Bob		Karen (Mark from Beaurepaires partner) even had her nails painted in yellow and black cat colours

Bob catches up with Jake Stampton		ne of 2 trips on the back of a tow truck - this time due to the turbo

Some of the damage from the Amorosso t-bone		The crew doing their best to get Bob the Builder back on the track

Shaz and Jodes in merchandise

		Dura Lite raffle winner Ben Parker all smiles about his hot laps in the Aust 1 Cat Freightliner

Mark, Terry & Al have a breather		John & Mark of Beaurepaires

Shaz keeping an eye out		Mark pondering setup


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