CIRCLEWORK ISSUE 8

Online Edition EIGHT - Motoring & Sports Media.

Incorporating

DIRT! • RALLY ACTION EDITION • FEATURE CAR SPECIAL PART 1 • TWO WHEELS • V8 UPDATES • TRACK ACTION

CIRCLEWORKmagazine Editor (WA): Brian White brian@circlework.com.au Editor (NSW): Alan Beattie alan@circlework.com.au Administration: PO Box 237 North Beach 6920 Western Australia +61 (0)403 645002 Advertising: Kevin Froud - Commercial Advertising Manager Phone: 132 633 Mobile: 0407 927 100 Publisher: Brian White Media/Autotrader Cover Photo:

by Michael Vettas Circlework Photographers: Western Australia Brian White, Justin van Viersen,Troy Coulthard, Matthew Oswald, Merv French New South Wales: Alan Beattie, Kyle Sharp, Michael Vettas, Jeff Thomas Queensland: Brett Whinnen, Joe Strano Tasmania/Victoria: David Clifford, Adam Sutton, Thai Tran South Australia: Jason Fitzsimmons

Here Comes Another One. Holy crap can you believe we are about to stumble blearily into a new financial year?

Already! Only last week it was Christmas and I was drooling over a new Canon 5D Mark II. The plan was to have one in my hot little hands in time for Motorvation.

What happened was I fell asleep and woke up 26 weeks later with no more gear than what I had last year. It really is true that time speeds up as you get older.

This edition has its usual cross-breed of action and motor sports. We’ve got loads of filthy off road action with Michael Vettas doing a stellar job at the Rallies of Queensland and Canberra, he also spent some on-track time at the Evo vs STi day and filled his lungs with lovely black smoke at the Easternats. That boy works harder than anyone I know.

Circlework will be going through a few changes in the next couple of months. We’ve got some exciting stuff up our sleeves and it will benefit not only the website viewers but also the next wave of excellent sports photographers that are appearing. So keep your eye on the website www.circlework. com.au and we’ll be hotting things up coming back into the warmer weather.

Speaking of hot - it also won’t be long before the 2009 Miss Motorsport competition takes shape. Each year has progressed bigger and better than the previous and we aim to continue the tradition.

To keep you interested we’ve got a couple of great photos from our maestro fashion photographer Matt Oswald of the lovely Dana who took out our People’s Choice award in 2007.

Later,

Circlework magazine is published periodically by Brian White Media and Autotrader. Material published is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in full or in part without the written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Circlework may not be those of the publisher. Contirbutions are welcome and may be sent via brian@circlework.com.au

Brian

about:

Each edition we’ll introduce you to some of our valued photographers and writers. Without them we’d have nothing to say or any pretty pictures to show you. These are the men and women who are out in the heat and rain each weekend bringing you the best of their craft. Hound them for autographs if you see them. Legends.

5 MINUTES WITH BRIANWHITE PHOTOGRAPHER ( P E R T H )

Nick names: Can’t type them here. Children may be reading.

Cant’ live without: My Kombi, dog and iphone.

First Camera: Ricoh KR-5 Super.

Where do you live: In Perth Best advice ever given: Don’t waste years at Uni ‘studying’ photography. Get out there and learn from your mistakes.

Most Anxious moment: Having a spark plug from a race ski boat let go and just miss shooting me and a mate by a few inches.

Most rewarding moment: My first published feature car shoot in Street Machine magazine.

What are your favourite areas of photography: Extreme sports, hot rod feature cars, and anything a bit off beat.

Why these areas: Loads of interesting angles and action. And what’s not cool about hotrods?

What are your goals: Shoot salt lake racing in the US, Rallycross in Europe, and surfing in Tahiti.

Dumbest thing I have ever done: Wasting money on crap lenses.

Favorite past time outside photography: I love to drive. Nothing like a big road trip to nowhere.

What have been some of your favourite photographic shoots: Hanging out of a helicopter at the V8s and Superbikes, light painting a Torana in a fruit storage facility, bikini models for our calendar, hotrods in our cyclorama studio, & anything surfing!

Dirty Deeds - Rally of Canberra The Australian Rally Championship made its way back to the nations capital this weekend, with rumours about that the long running event was on its lasts legs and the newly formed labour government deciding not to support the event in 2009 as well as a weakened ARC field the event still managed to create some drama, great viewing and a whole lot of dust.

time was proving to be a strong contender yet again for the round with solid consistant driving, his brother Eli however wasnt doing as well after rolling his Subaru early on and forcing him to watch from the side lines for the remainder of the weekend.

Neil bates in his S2000 was still in contention with the Raymond brothers coming up strong from the rear, with a late fast run The ROC is known for being a dusty and of Caltex corner on the final stage of the a tough event on the cars and the service weekend the Raymonds managed to claw park on day 2 was testiment to that with back enough time to take outright third for quite a few needing major repairs. the round with Neil Bates and Coral Taylor in second and Simon Evans and wife Sue At the end of the first days competition Simon winning the round in his first drive in the Evans running in the EVO IX for the first Evans Motorsport EVO IX. Words: Michael Vettas Photos: Michael Vettas

Photo Gallery - Rally of Canberra

Photo Gallery - Rally of Queensland

Rally of Queensland Wrap Up A slippery start was the order of the day for the start of the Rally of Queensland, rain + dirt + Daewoo i mean holden EPICA + recce = bogged, that was my first 20min in to Rally of Queensland for 2009.

the stage for Day 2 and laying the foundation to take the event.

Day 1 of Rally proper started well for Simon and Sue evans in their Mitsubishi Evo IX taking an early lead against the APRC teams, at one point Simon had a 90 second gap to current APRC leader Cody Crocker in his Subaru. Evans the former Australian Rally Champion won every stage on Day 1 setting

With the QLD Rally now over Simon and Sue Evans take an 8 point lead in to the next round over Neil Bates and Coral Taylor which at this stage looks to be South Australia as the Coffs Rally has been postponed due to the recent flooding in the area.

Day 2 was no different with Simon winning all but one stage, a flat tyre in stage 10 put a hault to a clean sweep, his result This year saw the Asian Pacific Rally was emphatic with a 1:23 sec victory over Championship join forces with the Australian current Asia pacific Champion Cody Crocker Rally Championship, with Canberra losing SUBARU. The final standings for the APRC the APRC round Queensland jumped at the Rally Queensland saw Simon and Sue Evans chance, whats this mean? more competitors, in 1st, Cody Crocker and Ben Atkinson in 2nd more exposure, alot more professional and katsu Taguchi and Mark Stacey in their outfits fighting the dirt roads of the state MSF Evo IX in 3rd with Emma Gilmour and forests surrounding IMBIL in the North North Rhianon Smyth taking 4th.

West region of Queensland just 200km from Brisbane city.

The Australian Rally Championship was not without its dramas.

WRC Star Chris Atkinson led the crews in an official capacity as Car “0” the safety course The battle in the ARC field saw Glen and Matt car for the weekend.

Raymond pushing hard for a podium position all weekend. The Team struggled with brakes A number of ARC competitors like, Simon on Day 1 but a determined Raymond beat and Eli Evans, Nathan Quinn and Brendan Neil Bates by only one second on the final Reeves decided to enter the APRC event, 34km ‘Phat Lady’ stage of the event to take from what I heard it was to gain a better track line honours with Neil Bates and Coral Taylor position as the ARC cars would follow the coming in 2nd and the QLD locals brother 15 APRC teams therefore leaving the roads and sister combo Ryan Smart and Rebecca somewhat in tatters.

Smart coming in third.

Words: Michael Vettas Photos: Michael Vettas

EasterNats the smell of burning rubber, 10,000 rpm Drags, Go to Whoa, Burnouts, Cruising, Show and Shine, Sound Off what more could you want from your Easter break?.

For me Easternats can only be descibred as Summernats with less idiots, i was forwarned about what to expect and i can honestly say it was better than i had expected.

Easternats is held over the easter holidays at the Sandown Race Track just outside Melbourne, this year saw over 700 entrants spread across the variety of events and over 3 days 40,000 + spectators came through the gates.

For me the main event was going to be the burnouts, I had never shot one before and i must say the smell of burning rubber, burnt arms from flying rubber saw me glued to the grass next to the strip, burnout masters like Richard Harrison in his 1976 Holden Gemini and Gary Myers in his magnificent 1966 Ford Mustang Coupe turned out to put on quite a show, but it was Leroy Rees in his Gold 1975 Holden HJ Statesman Sedan which stole the show, Leroy would dump fuel on to the wheels just as the tyres popped to cause quite a large flame, it made for some great action.

Seeing guys destroy their cars is something quite strange to me, bouncing off guard rails, dragging rear ends half way around the track and blowing engines was the norm and afte a while i got right in to it.

There isnt much else to say i think I will let the images do the talking, see you next year.

Words: Michael Vettas Photos: Michael Vettas

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Evo vs STi Track Day

Early morning golden light shon upon Eastern Creek Raceway for the 3rd Annual EVO vs STi Challenge, if you are unfamiliar with the event it is basically a supersprint event with Mitsubishi Evolutions and Subaru WRX/STI owners trying to beat each others timesa.

This year for the first year in many no rain fell over the Eastern Creek circuit, good or bad thing? good for racers bad for photographers. The day itself though is always exciting, the rivalry between both camps is something to be seen with many owners displaying custom made stickers giving it to either camp, at the end of the day though whoever wins and whoever loses are gracious and both camps shake hands in preperation for the next year.

As with the first two events the EVO camp came out winners with Cameron Dyal in his orange EVO XIII putting in the fastest time of the day with a 1.40.85 which would put most Porches GT2 Race Cars to shame.

Overall results are as follows: Official team averages: Team Evo 1.48.420 Team WRX 1.50.506 Fastest Evos: Cameron Dyal 1.40.854 Martin Notaras 1.42.2 Mark Rayner 1.44.5 Fastest WRXs: Jason Wright 1.44.289 Dean Evans 1.44.6 David Stelzer 1.45.7

Northam Round the Houses Photos: Merv French

Largest group of Fords to compete at Barbagallo Raceway Do you remember which Ford won ‘The Gallaher 500’ in ‘63 ‘64 & ‘65? It was none other than the mighty Cortina GT. In 1963 it was piloted by Harry Firth/Bob Jane with a second Cortina GT in third. 1964 saw Bob Jane/George Reynolds cross the line first with Cortina’s in 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th & 7th. The GT 500 was the weapon of choice in ’65 driven by Barry Seton/Midge Bosworth followed in by Bruce McPhee/Barry Mulholland in the second car. Barry or Bo Seton, father of Glen still today drives a very quick Capri GT. The GT Cortina and latterly the Lotus Cortina were one of the mainstays of motor racing and rallying both here and around the world for many years until development commenced on the Escort.

The Escorts with their high powered BDA’s, Twin Cams & 2.0 liter Kent (Pinto) engines were at the pointy end in all facets of motor sport world wide.

The Escort morphed into the Sierra RS500 which as we know in the hands of the Johnson, Bowe, Seton, Brock and many others were unbeatable.

Today these and many other models of Small British Fords are still competing around the world with a significant group here in Western Australia.

These cars, whilst not always the original race cars, are faithfully restored and replicated for a host of motor sports events here in Perth.

Stan Starcevich played an important role in WA motor sport turning his hand to speedway as well as circuit racing. One of the notable cars he campaigned was an Mk1 Lotus Cortina. The car has been restored to its original specification by a local race car builder who, when the opportunity arises uses the car in sprints and regularity events.

Of special interest is the only remaining log booked (CAMS Approved race car) GT500 that lives here in Perth and is regularly on the grid and in the mix at selected events.

Other cars of interest are the Cosworth powered Escorts, Twin Cam/Lotus engine Cortina’s and Escorts, the giant killing RS1600 & 1800 BDA Escorts, the RS2000 Escorts, whilst not forgetting the Anglia’s, Zephyr’s, Zodiac’s and Capri’s.

Recently in Albany no less than 22 Capri’s, Cortina’s and Escorts competed in the hill climbs and Round-the-Houses regularity events.

The Clem Dwyer Regularity Event being held at Barbagallo Raceway on July 25 will be the place to be to see 50 of these racy little machines on the track at the same time, they will be competing in 4 x 5 lap events held on Saturday.

It will have been many years since 53 cars have been on the track at once let alone all small British Fords. Come along and meet the drivers and pit crews talk to them about their prides and joys and be witness to the single biggest field of small Fords on a race track in Australia.

This will not be a parade, each driver will be competing against the clock so will be driving competitively to get a win. There will be several trophies and prizes on offer so everyone will be on the money.

You will see two of the fastest Capri GT’s in Australia along with some very quick Escort BDA’s and Lotus Cortina’s mixing it with GT Cortina’s and RS2000 Escorts, just to name a few. Fast and Furious will be the byword of the day. See You There.

Events commence 11am on Saturday 25 July at Barbagallo Raceway Wanneroo and admission is free for all spectators.

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At the end of 2008 the Celica project was cancelled in lieu of a new project, a Commodore Rally Car. Why a Commodore? Apart from the fact that there are many on the road, parts are readily available and cheap, there was the The name may or may not sound all-important fun factor. familiar, however his face is probably Rear wheel drive is just plain good fun to well recognised around WA gravel rally and no one would argue that the tail out motorsport and for good reason. drift of a rear wheel drive rally car is not good entertainment to watch.

For at least the last 10 years Kiel Douglas has been a regular attendee at WA state rallies So the Commodore of choice? A 1995, VS, and club motorsport. You may have seen his V8 model was selected. Yes, V8. The idea face as a member of a service crew, standing being that not only does a V8 sound pretty at a spectator point or having a few quiet damn good hurtling through the forest, it also ales at a rally after party. affords reasonable horsepower straight out of the box at a reasonable price. Kiel also likes Something until now you will not have seen, the unique angle and whilst Commodores is Kiel wearing a race suit. are a daily sight on WA roads, not many are taken rallying.

2009 is Kiel’s well overdue entry into special stage rallying.

So with the exception of modern EFI and a re-mapped ECU, the old school designs of Why earlier did I mention that the name a cast iron, push rod, 5L V8 in all it’s glory might sound familiar? Well the Douglas family powers the selected vehicle. has a long history of motorsport on their Some will be asking themselves why isn’t a mantle piece, which stretches back to the Gen 3 or later alloy engine used? Simple, the 70’s when the late Ross Douglas campaigned rally regulations only allow engines from the Triumph 2.5 PI’s and the like through WA production of the era of the vehicle. forests with much success. Many who were around at the time would also remember Straight behind the 5L is an Extreme race the “Lovable Lemon” a yellow Leyland P76 clutch coupled to a manual T5 gearbox. At that Ross rallied. With that car Ross set the one point an up-rated auto was on the cards, record for the fastest ever special stage time however the manual box weighs a lot less down the narrow and treacherous Zig Zags and by all accounts, the autos just aren’t in Goosberry Hill (in the Eastern Suburbs of that reliable with 300 odd horse power being Perth). pushed through them on the dirt.

An Even Kiel

Ross did pass his pedigree onto his kids, with Kiel’s younger sister Kira already having shown her rally driving talents both in WA and on the ARC stage in the last few years.

Now it’s Kiel’s turn to uphold the family honours. So what kind of car did he chose to do it with?

Getting the V8 torque to the wheels is not that easy either. It was soon discovered that the factory Holden LSD was not up to the challenge, having lost its limited slip whilst still in road going trim. Instead a new KAZZ rear diff was sourced to take the load. During diff installation it was also discovered that the factory rear cross member is a weak Well the answer is not so simple. Some years point and the common stress cracking was ago a car was purchased and plans were set found. A new set of urethane bushes and a in place to build a Toyota Celica GT4 rally car. replacement cross member turned out to be The project started and then was shelved for the ideal remedy. several years as with all of us, life sometimes interferes with our plans.

It’s no secret the Commodore is a big car and

so therefore there’s a lot of mass to pull up at the end of a straight. The factory VS brakes were quickly discarded as scrap. The largest 4 pot front and 2 pot rear calipers (with slotted rotors) that would fit under the regulation 15” wheels were bolted on. Complimenting the set up, race brake pads, a bigger master cylinder and hydraulic handbrake also add reliability and good stopping power to the braking system.

handle well on the dirt and so the guys are happy the new set up works successfully.

Inside the car is similar to most rally cars, all of the stock; trim, seats and unnecessary items have been removed. First on the list of shell preparation was to strip the 60-80kg of sound deadening tar from the floor pan and fit a full roll cage. Bond Roll Bars produced a beautiful CAMS approved weld in cage kit and fellow rally competitor Lea Welch fitted Road holding was the next concern for the the cage in what can only be described as boys. Commodores may be popular road a work of art. Normally most production cars however not many are taken gravel cars require extra body shell welding around rallying. That meant that most specialist rally seams and mounting points to cope with the suspensions for Commodores were found rigors of rallying. The guys had a win with to be very expensive and would take time the VS when they discovered that Holden’s to source and then set up. Instead, off the own spot welding is quite substantial and all shelf, long travel Koni dampers were fitted the key areas are tightly held together from with adjustable bump/rebound, heavier after factory. With the cage in the car, the shell market coil springs and KMAC adjustable was stiffened a further 30% making for much strut tops. It was discovered well before the more precise handling and longevity. rally build, that stock Commodores (with IRS) Words: Karl Drummond Photos: Karl Drummond and Brian Percival

The factory dash and some other components have been retained as per the regulations, however items such as the factory stereo system and A/C unit soon found their way to the junk pile.

seat for a party.

The VS is no Group A WRX or Lancer Evo, yet before you even fire it up, you know the car will produce similar acceleration figures on the tarmac. The car hasn’t been officially timed on the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, however Driver and navigator both sit in the comfort with the current gearing a time comparable of Velo race seats and are held in place with with a hot 4WD turbo rally car is entirely 3” wide, 5-point FIA spec race harnesses. reasonable.

As with all race cars, fire extinguishers have also been bolted down to the floor in front As the engine grumbles to life and you select of the seats for ease of access. first gear, just driving the car on suburban Behind both the front occupants sit the roads turns heads and not with the normal spare wheels with a clever mounting booming stereo from some pimply faced P system. It was felt that the V8 may “shred” plater. rear tyres and it was worthwhile carrying Even when you have the car rolling and two spares in the rear compartment just in snap the throttle open, wheel spin is almost case. Having the tyres where the back seat instantaneous as the massive torque from once resided helps with weight balance and the 5L is summoned. It’s a bit unweilding ease of access via the back doors. Besides, and Kiel says that he has to take gravel stage the space in the boot was needed to carry starts easy or the car will spin well into 4th the 65 litre JAZ foam filled race fuel cell, gear! Once you’re moving on the dirt the car motorsport fuel pumps and battery. Again is a different beast. On the harder packed all of the boot items have been thought out surfaces the car feels like it accelerates as to best utilize space, provide ease of access fast as any rally WRX or Lancer with that and weight balance for the car. huge V8 bark to accompany the punch you back in your seat experience.

The VS sits on 15” alloy wheels, in this case The first corner is where the weight of the wrapped with MRF Rally tyres, however car is noticeable. Braking has to be done a tyres and wheels are changed to suit the little earlier with some solid down shifting, type of roads the car encounters. however as you transfer the weight and throw the car in, the IRS seems to take So the big questions, what does it go and over and the car feels stable. Just into the sound like? corner the throttle is cracked open again Well, animal is the best description! From and a huge controllable power slide ensues. the extractors feeding into a single pipe This is the kind of stuff that gives even the by the time the exhaust exits the back of most case hardened Rally Drivers a huge the car, there is only a glass pack straight silly grin when you finally prise them out of through muffler in line. The exhaust system the car! produces the kind of throaty growl and note that turns V8 fans weak at the knees. Future plans for the VS include a fully Coupled to a huge induction roar from a worked 5L producing even more tyre pod air filter, the “lump” produces a feisty shredding neddies and torque as well as a bark. Hear the VS driven in anger and it’s change of colour and further other minor not hard to see why the fans are cheering developments. as the big car slides into view.

Kiel’s aim for the year is to win his class; Sitting in the driver’s seat, you become over 2L, 2WD (PRC4), rookie driver and apparently aware of the Commodore’s bulk. have a good crack at the state 2WD The driver’s seat is as high up as it will go on championship. its custom mounts and there’s still enough With the GM weapon he’s built and a good room behind the well set back navigator’s opening result at the Quit Forest Rally, it’s

entirely possible he and his navigator Sharon will take the trophies.

Not bad for a man sworn to the Blue Oval a few years ago‌.

Any rally car build is a big operation and Kiel owes a debt of gratitude to several people for their time, expertise and help. This is especially true as the whole build from road car to rally car was completed in just 3 months. Thanks to Kalamunda Performance Wreckers, Lesmurdie Auto Wreckers, Precision Exhausts, Perth Brake Parts and to Alex, Jim, Neil, Lea and many others who worked tirelessly to have the car completed for the start of the season. It has certainly been a worthwhile and rewarding project.

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Fellows Goes to Back at

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David Fellows and Andrew Kittle have claimed their second consecutive King of the Desert title in their #2 twin turbo Toyota powered Jimco at an eventful 2009 Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race. Leading after the first leg of the race to Finke, Fellows and Kittle were involved in a thrilling battle with Coulthard, Burrows and Robinson which saw the lead swap several times, as the leading pack battled it out over the red desert sands on the 226km race back to Alice Springs.

day in second place just 10 seconds shy of Fellows, Coulthard snatched the lead from the sidelined Jimco and opened up a substaintial lead. Until a flat tyre first narrowed the gap then a broken axle destroyed all chances of finishing with just 70km to go.

Brad Prout was another Proclass competitor to be struck a devastating blow when his Red Devil Jimco caught on fire and burnt to the ground during the first section of the race down to Finke. Escaping the flames unscathed, Prout believes a fuel fitting in the primary fuel system may have caused the blaze, but with such extensive damage to the vehicle we will never be sure. Prout had been The Fellows/Kittle team took a total time for the quickest in the Prologue on Saturday and the 452 kilometre race of 3 hours 46 minutes was maintaining his place at the front of the and 39.50 seconds, with the section from field when the incident occurred.

Finke back to Alice Springs taking them 1 hour 56 minutes and 17 seconds. The race winner, David Fellows told a huge crowd Through the classes there were some exciting at the podium ceremony that he would be battles. Geoff and Liz Row were knocking on back to defend his title next year, but in the doors of the Proclass buggies in their all likelihood would be requiring another Chevy Trophy Truck. Finishing in fourth co-driver as Andrew Kittle was planning outright and taking the Extreme 2WD win to drive rather than co-drive in the future. in 3:58:53.57. Kuhn and Brebner made a successful debut in their Aussie built truck, Second across the line was the veteran crew claiming second in class, ahead of Muir and of Mark Burrows and Colin Hodge in the #21 Rayner from Alice Springs. While suffering Jimco Honda who took the race lead for a technical problems on the way to Finke, the short period while Fellows repaired a broken #401 truck of Brad Gallard set the quickest throttle cable. Burrows and Hodge who have time from Finke back to town, also highlighting won the Tattersall’s Finke Desert Race on the outright potential of the big trucks. While 5 previous occasions took a total time of 3 in the Performance 2WD Class, the Teagles hours 50 minutes and 47.70 for their second claimed the class win in the #555 Falcon Ute, place. Western Australia’s Beau Robinson ahead of #572 Kozak & Coci and #571 Rieck and Roy Lukies rounded out the podium and Rieck in third place, having a dream run in their “out of the box” #85 OBR Chevrolet buggy. The Prolite buggy class produced one of Which landed in Australia fresh from Jimco the closest races of the 2009 Finke with in the USA just a few weeks before the race. Sanderson pipping Watt to the finish line by just eight seconds. A miniscule margin for a In his final race at Finke, Chris Coulthard was race held over 452 kilomtres. Felhaber and unlucky not to make the podium. Starting the

Marshall took third in class and were the first beam buggy back to Alice Springs. Hicks and Braitling were the quickest of the Super 1650 buggies. Comfortably winning the class ahead of#244 Owen/Owen/Harries and the #230 Victorian buggy of Williamson & Taylor.

Sam Barnes once again punched way above his weight, dominating the Sportsman Class and leaving many more powerful contenders in his wake,.

Geoff Pickering made amends for his absense in Hyden. Taking his Production Class Mitsubishi Pajero to another class win.

While in the no holds barred Extreme 4WD Class, Sandy Bowmans good form continued.

Beating #803 Chapman & Challacombe to the finish line by 40 minutes. Garland and Suzuki’s Dakar proven Isuzu D-Max finished third in class a further 5 minutes back from Chapman.

The next round of the Australian Offroad Championship is the PWR Sunraysia 500 held at Mildura on July 24-26. With the championship wide open the fast paced offroad action is sure to continue.

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Pit Stop Cafe

V8 Supercar News National Updates on Australia’s most popular racing series.

Photo: Alan Beattie

TELSTRA: NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR OF SYDNEY TELSTRA 500 Iconic Australian company Telstra has been announced as naming rights sponsor of V8 Supercars’ flagship event of 2009 – the Sydney Telstra 500 – at Sydney Olympic Park this December.

Australia’s leading media-communications company secured the naming rights for the grand finale of the V8 Supercar Championship Series at Sydney Olympic Park for the next four years.

Chairman f the Hombeush Motor Racing Authority John Conde made the announcement at the official event launch at Martin Place today. It followed an historic early morning crossing of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by six V8 Supercars in full race mode to celebrate the inaugural Sydney Telstra 500.

V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said Telstra’s partnership in the blue chip event was a great coup for Sydney’s signature event.

“Telstra is one of Australia’s best known brands and to have this iconic Australian company put its name to the Sydney Telstra 500 is a glowing endorsement for the event. The Sydney Telstra 500 is an annual event of international caliber and one that must not be missed,” said Cochrane.

“Telstra is a long-term partner of V8 Supercars through BigPond’s platform sponsorship of our sport and an integral partner in our business through its world class online services.

“We are absolutely delighted to have Telstra on board.”

Telstra put its name to the race weekend as a leading part of its portfolio of sports, arts and community sponsorships and an investment in a uniquely Australian sporting event.

Telstra Media Group Managing Director Justin Milne said Telstra is further enhancing its support of V8 Supercars through the sponsorship of the final round of the series.

“Our support of the new Sydney Telstra 500 race is a further commitment to the investment we have made in bringing V8 Supercars to more

fans across this country and across the world,” Mr Milne said.

“Through BigPond online and on mobile, we will be taking V8 Supercars to a potential audience of more than 9.7 million.

“BigPond has been involved with V8 Supercars for more than six years and in that time we have been proud to bring fans of the sport even closer to the action with our technically innovative and award-winning online site and our rich interactive mobile site,” he said.

Telstra’s backing of the event compliments the commitment of the New South Wales Government that is providing Sydney Olympic Park and funding the construction of the facilities for the next five years.

“Premier Rees and his Government have made it clear they are in the business of staging big events to showcase Australia’s best international city and New South Wales to the world,” Mr Cochrane said.

“With the incredible support and vision of the Premier and Minister Ian McDonald the Government has backed the Sydney Telstra 500 as the city’s largest event in 2009 and beyond.”

A first year crowd of 150,000 people is expected to attend across the three days. The event will be televised live throughout Australia and New Zealand as well as broadcasts in 110 countries and 850 million homes internationally.

In addition to streaming the live telecast of the race online and on Telstra Next G™ mobiles, BigPond Sport will also stream live qualifying.

BigPond Sport also provides an international portal so fans overseas can view the live stream of the race.

At today’s launch it was announced that major concerts will take place on both Friday and Saturday nights with a significant line up of talent for both nights. The acts will be released on Monday 28th July for both concerts.

“We will have the best touring car racing on show by day and a celebration by night at what is the best purpose built entertainment precinct in the country,” he said.

“It will be the first time since 2000 that the entire main Olympic Park precinct has been used for a single event.

The Friday and Saturday night concerts are included in the price of a ticket on the day.

Spectators can attend a full day of action and entertainment, followed by the premier acts by night.

The public were treated with a taste of what to expect with a live concert from the Potbelleez at the launch.

“Olympic Park is tailor made as an entertainment and events precinct and this three-day spectacular will turn the area into a showcase street circuit which will make every Australian proud,” Mr Cochrane said.

events across Australia, New Zealand and Bahrain in the Middle East in 2009, as well as racing at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix.

In 2008 more than 1.65 million people attended a V8 Supercar event and 19 million Australians watched on the Seven Network. Event attendances ranged from 50,000 people in Darwin to around 300,000 in Adelaide and on the Gold Coast. V8 Supercars is considered to be the equal of the National Rugby League (NRL) and rugby union in terms of general popularity in Australia.

Major sponsors include BigPond and XXXX Gold.

In 2009 it will introduce key races in Townsville and on the streets of the Sydney Olympic Park at Homebush Bay. Also in 2009 all V8 Supercars will run on 85 per cent CSR Ethanol, a renewable fuel made from the bi-product of the sugar refining process.

“The declaration of this development area is the first big step towards transforming Reid Park into a raceway in time for the first V8 Supercar race next year.

“The Queensland Government is committed to bringing this international event to Townsville.

We are providing $14.61 million towards the total precinct construction cost of $29.58 million.

The Sydney Telstra 500 launch was attended by the superstars of V8 Supercars including current Champion Jamie Whincup, Cameron McConville, James Courtney, Will Davison, Mark Winterbottom, Russell Ingall, Rick and Todd Kelly, Fabian Coulthard and Mark Skaife, as well as a host of other V8 champions.

“In addition, we will contribute $2.5 million annually for the first five years of the event to ensure it is a success for Townsville.

Tickets to the Sydney Telstra 500 go on public sale via Ticketek outlets from 9am on Monday.

Prices are extremely affordable and range from a $35 Friday general admission to a premium, three day grandstand seat at $299. All tickets include free NSW Government public transport in Sydney.

“Last month I brought special legislation before the Parliament so that the development of Reid Park could be completed in time for next year’s series, and we will continue to work with V8 Supercars Australia, Townsville City Council and other stakeholders to ensure this event is one of the best in the world.”

ABOUT THE V8 SUPERCAR CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Ms Spence said a range of measures will be put in place during construction to ensure local residents incur as little inconvenience as possible.

The V8 Supercar Championship Series is one of the world’s largest and best known touring car categories, recognised internationally as a leader in motorsport and entertainment. The Championship consists of 14 Championship

“With the construction footprint now finalised, we can progress the detailed design of the track and facilities for release in the coming weeks.

For example: • Access will only be restricted in specific areas where works are underway; • Roads will remain open when not affected by construction;

• When roads are undergoing work, appropriate traffic diversions will be put in place to reduce the potential impact on commuters.

Ms Spence said suitable measures will also apply when the Championships are held, with V8 Supercars Australia required to develop a traffic management plan for the duration of the event.

“It is estimated that the event will generate $10 million a year in economic benefits for the Townsville region, with 130 full-time equivalent jobs created during construction.

“A further 180 full-time equivalent jobs will be created as a result of staging the three day event each year.

“Up to 70,000 people are expected to visit the city for the annual event, showcasing North Queensland to a massive audience.

“The V8 Supercar Championship series is the third most watched sport in Australia, behind cricket and the Australian Football League. In 2007 alone, almost 22 million Australian viewers tuned in to watch the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

“The series also attracts a potential international audience of up to 850 million viewers across 130 countries. This kind of coverage presents us with a great opportunity to promote Townsville as a tourism destination around the world.

“In this way, local accommodation and business operators that service the tourism industry will reap the benefits of this event all year round.”

Ms Spence said the designated area for construction of the Reid Park multi-purpose events precinct has been declared by gazette notice under the Motor Racing Events Act 1990.

This notice declares the area for construction of the proposed V8 Supercar event and advises members of the public that they can inspect the map of the construction site at the Townsville City Council offices.

TOWNSVILLE 400 The magnificent Dunlop Townsville 400 circuit is in the last stage of completion, promising to be one of the best racing circuits and sporting spectator facilities in the country.

Although more than 80,000 tickets have been pre-sold for the July 10-12 event, the nature of the circuit means there are plenty remaining.

Numerous accommodation options, including the up-market Tent City Complex, are also still available in Townsville and nearby North Queensland centres.

The multi-purpose pit lane facility is nearing completion, grandstands are being built and several huge viewing mounds for general admission patrons are in place and being grassed (see pictures attached).

The racing surface is curing having been finished six weeks ago and has had the glowing endorsement of numerous drivers including Mark Winterbottom, Garth Tander and the now retired Mark Skaife. Tander and Skaife have been over-seeing the project with input from several Championship drivers.

“The end result is that this tremendous facility is far, far better than we had ever imagined,” V8 Supercars Australia Chairman Tony Cochrane said.

“The look and feel of the circuit is totally unique to any other. And having the ability to build it from a blank piece of paper has given us unique opportunities in the track design and spectator facilities. ”At the same time it will provide year round facilities for Townsville and North Queensland.”

The Queensland Government commissioned the build by Leighton Contractors. It will be utilised as parklands, a community facility, conference rooms, training and functions when not hosting the Dunlop Townsville 400.

“What an incredible community asset this will be,” Mr Cochrane said. “This has really become a win-win for the people of North Queensland.”

The huge general admission mounds promise to be arguably the best viewing of any track in the country. They also mean that the facility can cater for high numbers of spectators. These ticket options are still available as are some limited grandstand seats.

“Contrary to what some people might think we are not yet sold out,” Mr Cochrane said. “There

are plenty of options for fans still available.�

Whilst hotel bookings are almost at capacity there are a number of other options available including the Homestay Program which has around 20 houses still available for rent, tent city where people simply walk in to a pre-built camping facility and in the nearby towns within easy driving distance.

V8SC AND NISSAN PART WAYS V8 Supercars Australia and Nissan Australia have reached agreement to end their partnership, in which Nissan provided the official Safety Car for the Championship Series.

Nissan fielded the world class Nissan GT-R as

the official safety car for the first four events of the 2009 V8 Supercar Championship Series with great success and exposure for both brands.

The decision to discontinue the partnership was amicable and taken in the best interests of both parties. The two companies look forward to

exploring other partnerships in the future.

GO WEST! V8 Supercars Australia has offered its absolute support to the West Australian Government with news a $27 million upgrade to Barbagallo Raceway in Perth will be considered later this year.

A detailed report on improving facilities for all Western Australian motorsport and the annual V8 Supercar Championship Series event in the west has been has been finalised by independent consultancy GHD. It recommends the $27 million be spent on a full upgrade of the Barbagallo track including lengthening it to 4.3km (from 2.4km), widening certain existing parts of the track, building a new pit lane facility on pit lane, control tower, corporate and public facilities as well as significant car parking. “We are enormously excited by the scope of the project and what it will bring not only to our

annual event but to motorsport in Western Australia which for years has needed a first class facility,” V8 Supercars Australia Executive Chairman Tony Cochrane said.

“The West Australian Government is enormously supportive of this upgrade and understands the significance of motorsport in the state at all levels.”

Mr Cochrane said the return of the Championship after this year was contingent on the upgrade.

“We are absolutely committed to a long-term arrangement in Perth, provided we have a venue that fits with the growth and current standards of our sport,” Mr Cochrane said.

“This is the last year of our current deal in Perth,” he said. “We need this commitment to ensure not only our return from 2010 onwards but also to serve motorsport in Western Australia, the home of current drivers Garth Tander, Dean Fiore and Michael Patrizi, all year round.

V8SA has a proud history of getting Government involved in upgrading and adding new circuits around Australia including Symmons Plains (Tasmania), Hidden Valley (Darwin), Bathurst (NSW) and Queensland Raceway

Photo: Brian White

Brake Fades & Brain Freeze

This month’s award goes to the wife of Bert Jansen. Bert owns the lovely pink Chev Biscayne in this month’s Performace Street Car section. Having only just clicked over 20,000 kms on her Evo 9 she had a slight ‘undoing’ near Bridgetown and this was the result!

Believe it or not, no-one was hurt in the accident which has left the Evo looking like a twisted sandshoe. A new Evo is on order but as Bert says “...if she does this to the next one we may have a divorce on our hands...�

Mrs Jansen 1 - Mitsubishi 0

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ISSUE 23

SMOKE HAZARD

circleworkmag.com.au • PETER FLINT’S COLLECTION OF FAST FORDS

burn baby burn

I’ve had the XW for nearly seven years, it was bought with the panel and paint already done and painted in its factory colour of Grecian Gold, although the previous owner stripped it back to bare metal for a respray. The interior was also complete when I bought the car, it’s factory original XW GS Fairmont. Initially the 460 cube motor previously was homed in a drag car and ran a best time of 11.46 down the quarter mile. Since being installed in the XW I spent a considerable amount of time and money on getting the engine bay up to show standard, at the same time trying to get the car to being as user friendly as

Story : Owner Photos : Brian White

possible. Cooling as always been an issue and I’m now using the largest Aluminium radiator I could find along with a couple of large thermo fans and an aftermarket water pump. The engine has a standard bottom end which has been balanced and runs a standard crank, cobra jet rods and aftermarket pistons with a compression ratio of about 11:1, hence the reason why it struggles to stay cool. The heads are Police Interceptor which had the exhaust ports opened up. A full Crane / MSD ignition is currently taking care of the firing.

Running a large solid cam allows the engine to spin to 7,000+rpm…if you let it... and runs a polished Air-Gap manifold and 850 Mighty Demon carby which is fed by a -10 fuel line, large mechanical fuel pump and a custom 140L Aluminium fuel tank .The best the engine performed in the car was 423rwhp. The car runs a C6 gearbox with TCI reverse pattern manual valve body and 3,000 rpm Dominator Converter. With a 3 ½ inch tailshaft and shortened 9 inch diff with a 3.50 LSD centre and 28 spline axles. The car is currently running on 15x10 & 15x6 Convo Pro rims with 265/50 & 185/65 tyres.

I have just removed the engine from the XW as it’s soon to be installed in my ute. Future plans for the XW consist of finding or building a 302 or 347 Windsor for the car which will bring the car back to as close as original as possible.

My aim is to have the car as streetable as possible which will allow me to drive the car regardless of the weather, whereas previously with the Big Block I couldn’t drive the car if it was any hotter than about 30 degrees and even then it didn’t really behave itself. Although in saying this, I’m checking out a Turbo charged, Fuel Injected 302 Windsor in the next few days.

WILD WILD WEST The ute was bought around 12 months ago (from Ebay), with the sole purpose of using it as a burnout car. It’s running an XC front-end although it’s actually a 1974 XB Falcon ute.

When I bought the car it was running a Tunnel Rammed Boss 302 Windsor, C4 Auto and a full spooled 9 inch diff with a 4-link rear end. I have since changed the diff gears from 4.86 to 3.70 (better suited for burnouts), installed some additional gauges and the fuel cell. The interior consists of aftermarket seats and a custom dash to house just the necessary gauges (Oil pres-

Story : Owner Photos : Brian White

sure, Water Temp, Tacho etc). I’ve changed the car to a push button start and everything else electrical is running off aircraft-like switches.

I only recently killed the engine doing a skid at Whoop Ass Wednesday at Motorplex about three weeks before Easter. Apparantly a main cap let go on the rod which then destroyed two bores and snapped the cam in three and punched a couple of small holes in the sump (which was full of metal bits).

Story : Owner Photos : Brian White & owner

The engine would quite easily rev to 8,500 rpm and was running well at Motorvation until all five wheel studs sheared off (despite thoughts that the nuts were just not tightened). Since pulling the engine down we have found out that the engine was running a fairly standard bottom end, although was running a large solid cam. I’ve salvaged the AFD 4V Aluminium cylinder heads along with the Offenhauser tunnel ram and twin 600 Holley’s from the car. These two parts were port-matched.

Future plans for the ute consist of slotting in the ex-XW 460 (after a gearbox rebuild) and

then doing more skids with the “Wild Boyz”.

Once installed in the ute it will be running a Tunnel Ram with twin 750 HP Holley’s, I will be setting up a large water tank in the tray to try and keep the engine cool, along with a couple of separate transmission coolers. There is already a 57 litre fuel cell in the tray and a Holley Fuel pump.

I would like to thank my wife Jo-anna for all her patience and understanding and my daughters Rebecca & Hayley (they both love Daddy’s “noisy” cars), and my brother Mark for all his help. Also my mates, Ryan, Waggers, Duane, Scotty & Sean (who is also the owner of Tyre Brigade in Kelmscott, who has done a bit of work on both cars and supplied all my burnout tyres so far).

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from the archives

Some past features from Performance Street Car

• MOTORVATION 2008 PHOTO SPECIAL

Eighth Edition

MOTORVATION 2008

24,000 Visitors.

850 Entrants.

42 Traders. ......Two Days of Motoring Madness!

This Page: Darren ‘Diesel’ Williams in the process of winning the title of Motorvation Burnout Champion. Steve Sines was biting at his heels with only one point seperating both lads.

Cover: Motorvation 2008 Grand Champion was won by Chris Dicker in his immaculate HQ Monaro. Chris’ car was featured earlier in the second edition of Performace Street Car magazine.

Story : Luke Nieuwhof Photos : Brian White All photos by www.circlework.com.au

TM

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get it seen - get it sold - call 132 663 to advertise - 169

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circlework.com.au

welcome to ANOTHER edition of psc Well 2008 doesn’t appear to have started off too slowly with a myriad of car shows, cruises, events, burnouts, drags, and club meets. And the circuit racing season hasn’t even kicked off at Barbagallo Raceway yet. Another whole chapter in itself!

As I’m penning this editorial on the news is reports of another P-Plater having his Commodore confiscated for pulling a donut on a public street. While I understand it’s almost a rite of passage for young men to prove themselves to their mates by showing off their driving ‘skills’, it still seems that whenever there’s a tv news report of a fatal crash, amongst the mangled wreck you’ll often see a P-Plate and/or a set of aftermarket rims.

It makes me sad and I won’t even pretend to have an answer to the problem. I just wish more people would take

it off the streets and into a safer environment like Perth Motorplex or Barbagallo Raceway where there is ample safety and ambulance officers on hand if things happen to go pear shaped. Also it has to be a hell of a lot cheaper to go racing for a day then copping a police fine, confiscation, or hospital/funeral expenses.

Anyway, we hope you have enjoyed a small sample of images from this years Motorvation event. Keep an eye out for the next edition of Street Machine magazine which will be running a wrap up report.

If you would like to browse through the other thousand odd images then feel free to log on to www.circlework.com.au.

Cheers, Brian

TM

166 - call 132 663 to advertise - get it seen - get it sold

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Ninth Edition

• SMOOTH AS SILVER

• INTERVIEW WITH CLINT OGILVIE

SMOOTH AS SILVER Easy does it with the new breed of street machiners making their rides look elegant and practical. Jacob Roades daily driver is a testiment of good sense and great looks.

The ute is now a popular modification base for car enthusiasts in Australia and with many clean examples being produced it is hard to stand out from the crowd.

cheap with the common modifications to electronic four speed transmissions such as Corvette servos and a minor shift kit.

The “out there” look is not what Jacob Rhoades has gone for with this Holden, instead aiming for a clean and neat street cruiser.

“I was prepared just to lower the ute as my cousin was managing Pedders in Midland at the time, I had all the bushes underneath renewed, GSR short throw struts and a specialised spring to get it at the height I wanted for the front. Specialised springs for the rear, comfort gas shocks, shortened bump stops and an adjustable panhard rod.

Also an adjustable strut brace to help with the flex.”

Rhoades did not go too haywire with the modifications first off, keeping things simple.

“I originally bought the ute for $4500 with a stuffed transmission,” he said. “Me being a mechanic I had some contacts that would rebuild the transmission for nice and

Quite the suspension upgrade!

“After the suspension was done, I purchased a set of 18” mags that I thought suited the ute quite well,” Jacob said.

“A nice Sony deck and speakers were fitted for the doors. I was happy to just throw some seat covers on the average seats and be on my way.”

It was then that the path hit a serious fork in the road for Jacob.

“Unfortunately one rainy night, the worst happened,” he said. “Being an S-Pac it was fitted with an LSD so it got a bit slippery sometimes with no weight in the back, so I managed to put it in to a tree hard enough to do some serious damage, bending the firewall and the chassis rail.

“So the choices were as followed, wreck the ute and start over with what money I did gain back from the mistake, or get another wreck with rear end damage and use the front end off that wreck

“After ample thought I made the decision to do the front cut. I purchased a wreck out of the local rag and began stripping both cars of their fuel lines, brake lines, interior, engines and gearboxes. Finally I had two stripped cars ready to be cut and rejoined into one complete straight vehicle. The cutting and welding process was carried out

by Mundaring Smash Repairs where my other brother Josh works.”

Getting such extensive work done to the ute allowed some attention to areas that did not get looked at before such as the paint work.

“Many hours were spent perfecting the panel work by Josh and I,” Jacob said. “The paint choice was mine, being the Holden Quicksilver and a Prizmatique pearl. Josh painted, cut and buffed the ute to get the finish like glass at his work.”

The interior also copped some attention, ensuring it would no longer be shamed by throw over seat covers.

.

“My cousin Corey Offer spent a lot of time re-trimming my seats to a cloth type of my choice, along with the door trims, carpet, roof lining and covering of all the little plastic covers that are involved in the interior,” Jacob said. “I prepared the dash, stereo surrounds and centre console to be painted the same colour as the car.

“My brother Jayson changed wiring harnesses so I could keep the cruise control fitted to the S-Pac along with power windows, electric antenna and electric mirrors. Two 10” subwoofers, two amps and a pair of splits were also accurately installed.”

Story : Luke Nieuwhof Photos : Brian White

The windows were tinted to limo grade to ensure the only eyes seeing the interior would be the passengers’.

The wheels are now 20 inch HP Racing Designs with Kumho rubber freighted over from Tempe Tyres.

The engine has been kept virtually standard with the addition of a cold air intake, removal of the bell mouth in the intake manifold and a performance exhaust. In the future Jacob would like to install an intercooled turbo set up on the V6 to give it a bit more oomph to match its looks.

Further changes Jacob would like to make include the brakes receiving 330mm slotted rotors all round and C4 callipers for the front with VE callipers for the rear to fill out the wheels. Statesman door handles and weather strips are on their way for the interior.

We asked Jacob what he liked best about his ute,

“I’d have to say the best thing about the ute so far would be the paintwork and the wheels,” he said. “When I take it out on cruise events such as West Coast Commodores I’m always receiving comments on both of those additions.”

SMOKIN: CLINT OGILVIE One of our favourite visitors to Perth of late has been Clint Ogilvie and his wife Robyn with their eye-bleedingly bright pink LC Torana burnout car. We sat down with Clint for a brief interview.

PSC: Clint we were fortunate enough to have you visit the left side of the country for the Good Friday Burnout Kings event in 2007, and again for Motorvation in 2008. What’s your thoughts been so far?

CLINT: No obscure hobbies I’m afraid. Pretty boring actually.

Between working six days a week, trying to keep my wife happy and trying to keep our three kids out of trouble. Whatever time is left is spent in the shed trying to keep the car going.. although we have joined forces with Gary and Deby Myers to bring the GAZZA NATIONALS to Melbourne and make it the biggest and best car show on the East side of Australia. So in between everything else we swueeze that in but I reckon there is plenty of time to sleep when you’re dead!

CLINT: The 2007 Good Friday Burnout King was the first time I have ever been over to your side of town and to say I was blown away would be an understatement.

The people in Perth are awesome and I couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was. Also that track (Motorplex) is by far the best track I have ever been on. I only got to spend a couple of days there on my first visit but recified that when I came over for Motorvation. If I’m lucky enough to get invited back again I’d start packing the car up right now!!!

PSC: So when you aren’t on the burnout pad scaring old ladies and making little kids cry, what takes up your time?

Any obscure hobbies you want to share with us?

Clint’s 1st visit to Motorplex.

Photos & Story: Brian White

Clint’s new look Torana in 2008 PSC: Love the new look of the Torrie. And for God’s sake why is it pink?

CLINT: Yep we’ve done some big changes to our girl. Hadn’t changed a lot the last few years apart from the blower so we thought it was about time she got a birthday! The main reason she is pink is because it is hard to stand out in the crowd. With so many top cars out there doing skids you have to do something to be noticed. Sometimes even I think the pink was a little too much but it does grow on you.

PSC: With all the excessive smoke you’ve pumped into the atmosphere, are you afraid of getting hate mail from Al Gore or rugby tackled by Peter Garrett?

CLINT: Well I figure Al Gore is on the other side of the world and I reckon I would give Peter Garrett a run for his money. So I think I will just keep doing what I love...KILLING TYRES!!!

welcome to ANOTHER edition of psc This edition marks the ninth month of Performance Street Car and like all good nine month periods we are about to give birth to another bundle of joy. This one however, won’t be slimy and vomit a lot but it comes in the form of a brand new online e-zine catering for the West Australian car enthusiast and motorsport competitor.

motorheads are made of.

Club secretarys and marketing folk feel free to email me on brian@bwmedia.com.au - let us know what you are up to and we’ll help promote you using the power of the internet and the assistance of the Auto Trader.

Launching soon the new website will revolve around you car nuts and the love of the automobile, whether it be for racing, street cruising, or the show circuit. We’ll have interviews with key people in the industry and, of course, the best photography around.

In the meantime, keep ckecking out Circlework.com.au for all the latest motorsport imagery from V8 Supercars, to drifting, hillclimbs, drag racing, and loads of other high energy action sports.

Until next month, drive safe.

Don’t feel left out if you are a two wheel fan or your interests lie in the world of off road or dirt racing. This ezine will be your own soap box to use to shout out to the world and show them what West Aussie

Brian

Tenth Edition

* FROM STREET TO STRIP - RUN WHAT YA BRUNG! * CIRCLEWORK EZINE LAUNCH

• SOARING AWAY • AMERICAN FURY

SOARING AWAY

Story : Luke Nieuwhof Photos : Brian White

From Street To Strip - Who needs to run the gauntlet of anti-hoon legislation when you can take your daily driver from the supermarket to the racetrack then back home! We look at two examples from mild to wild.

This is a slightly unusual article for me to write, given your editor Brian White asked me: “How about an article on your car?” Well, let’s give it a go.

This is my 1991 Toyota Soarer. They were never sold in Australia and thus all the cars of this type you see on our roads have been imported at one time or another by the owner or through a dealer.

They came with three engine options: a naturally aspirated three litre straight six for economy-minded buyers, a naturally aspirated four litre V8 for those who wanted the silky smooth luxury versions and lastly the twin turbocharged 2.5 litre straight six as found here for buyers wanting some oomph.

Despite being relatively heavy cars with more of an emphasis on luxury they were still very quick, doing 14.0sec. for the quarter mile off the factory floor in four speed automatic form, slightly quicker again for the five

speed manuals.

It was the pace, comfort and economy of a turbocharged car that appealed to me when buying the Soarer and is something I haven’t regretted since.

This car has to be everything to me. It has to be a race car, a getting to work car, a going on holidays car. That’s why the interior hasn’t been stripped out to lighten things up, I like having the comfort of electric seats, climate control and a decent sound system. Also that’s why I’m lucky you can’t see too close in on these photos, you might see the bug splatters I couldn’t get off the front, or that bird that may or may not still be in the undertray or the numerous scrapes and paint left by other cars at shopping centres.

It’s all part of it being a street car.

Only recently I’ve stepped it up to go Super Street racing at Perth Motorplex. Super Street is the entry level category at their big national open events and as the name would

hint, it is aimed primarily at street cars though there are plenty of race cars too. The only real requirement is that you have to dial in between 11.00 and 12.99. The racing is tough too, make no mistake. Good reaction times and runs close to your dial in are needed.

lot quicker. This provides good gains to quarter mile times given the Soarer transmission is designed for softer shifts due to its luxury car origins. A Greddy Profec B Spec II boost controller also went on along with an Apexi SAFC to tune the car with and it made a good 252 horsepower at the rear wheels.

It’s been a gradual path I’ve taken with the car, running that constant line between keeping it practical for the street but making it faster at the same time. I ran it fairly stock for a while, with times in the 14sec. region, and enjoyed success in my first full season of Fast Friday racing at the Motorplex, winning the 2005-2006 championship in Sports Compact.

During the off season there were a few modifications. In went an MV Automatics shift kit, which made the shifts a

Another Fast Friday season and I got enough wins to get the championship again, which was very satisfying and the Soarer did me well at the Sport Compact Drag Warz too with a win there.

Somewhere in the months following I decided Super Street would be good fun. Eventually I got my butt into gear and got Butler Built to do the exhaust on the car and also bought some Mickey Thompson ET Street drag tyres

photo by Greg Davis

to increase traction. Although they are street legal tyres, they only go on at the track because they will wear out after just 5000 kilometres due to the very soft rubber!

It was with this combination that the car ran 12.91sec. at its first Super Street outing on March 15 this year. I even made it through my first round in a very tight race with Dom Dercole, but unfortunately Darren Bakranich defeated me in the second round when I “broke out” (went under my dial in, an instant disqualification).

Racing at the Motorplex is certainly a buzz, even more so at these big events. It’s a great excitement level you reach. Racing on the streets has no comparison to racing on the track. The track is more exciting, safer and you don’t have to worry about the police.

For the off season there is a Greddy M Spec intercooler waiting to go on to the car as well as aftermarket “dump pipes”, which replace the restrictive factory pipe between the turbos and the rest of the exhaust.

That will probably be it for this car, because the fact is it just can’t be too extreme. It’s far more a daily driver than a race car and with only one parking bay at my apartment, that’s the way it has to stay.

Hopefully this also explains that we’re car nuts here at Performance Street Car too. Brian owns an interesting Kombi, though it may not quite come under “performance” quite so much. Unless he does one of those much talked about Subaru WRX motor conversions.

(Ed: Sadly the VW’s 40 horsepower doesn’t qualify it as ‘performance’ car and the closest it will get to the drag strip is the carpark, but face it Luke, VW’s are cool man!

Peace.)

If you have an interesting performance street car, let us know. We’d love to feature it. Simply email specs and a few snapshot photos to brian@circlework.com.au (.)

american fury There was a brief but glorious time in American history when free rein was given to automobile designers. No oil crisis, no greenhouse concerns – it was almost a free for all.

The quickest of the rockets produced from the factory in the golden age of the muscle car were the Plymouth Super Stocks, radical machines that were built in limited numbers with the quarter mile in mind.

Running 12 second times off the factory floor, they would still embarrass modern powerhouses such as the Dodge Viper and were great for scaring old people on the sidewalks.

One of the cars made it out to Australia and eventually it would end up in the hands of Al James who is still racing the car to this day as you see in these pages.

His father Doug James bought it from another racer in the 1970s and campaigned it with some success before having to sell his pride and joy in 1976.

Al became interested in the car and went after the man Doug sold it to, finding that he still had it stowed away in the shed! A deal was done and the car was back in

Story : Luke Nieuwhof Photos : Brian White

James family hands, ready for a return to the strip – where it belongs.

“By 1998 we had it back and started the restoration,” he said. “In 2001 we got it to the track, since then we have learnt a heap and continued to improve, the latest paint job is back to its factory colour ‘coppertone’ after taking it back to bare metal.”

The engine is now 100 cubic inches bigger than its factory specifications at 526ci. The parts list for those

at home is a 440 block stroked out, a 730 lift Bullet roller cam, Indy aluminium heads, Comp roller lifters, Crane roller rockers, Indy intake, BG 1100cfm carburettor and just to makes things interesting a NOS nitrous plate.

The team has been slowly learning how to tune a nitrous assisted engine and has so far pushed the big Plymouth to a 9.59 at 139mph.

The transmission is looked after by Colin at Transfix Automatics in Rockingham. It is a 727 that has been reverse patterned and manualised to better suit the drag strip.

The front wheels are 15 x 4.5 inch American Racing Torque Thrusts with Hoosier front runner tyres, which minimise resistance on the track and make for more direct steering. The rear wheels are 15 x 14 Ian Splatts with massive 15x14x32 Hoosier drag slicks to make sure all the power can get to the ground.

“It is also a good feeling driving something that no one else is driving, it is the only one in Australia.”

The scary thing about James’s ride is that is still bordering on street legal if not for the wheel tubs, which are basically customised wheel wells to allow bigger tyres to be fitted.

“The wheel tubs are the only thing that would stop this car from being called a street car,” he said. “Back in their day these cars had the twin carbs on a big block motor so it would be legal for it on the street now.”

James wanted to put in a big thank you to Transfix Automatics, Yunderup Panel and Paint, Roberts Civil and his crew Shane Page and Pete Henderson.

The car still runs the 1963 drum brakes which made slowing down from nigh on 225kmh a bit hairy so James has fitted a Simpson parachute as well to make things come to a stop in a big hurry.

“To sit in a big heavy Yank tank that lifts the front wheels off the ground (when it launches) is a great feeling,” he said. “It was a little unstable in the braking area at 140 mph but now a lot better with a parachute.

read it online from 24th april - circlework.com.au

“HURRICANE SOLARA” Words: Luke White Photos: Kyle Sharp What a machine this is. As an all round race car, this would have to be the most advanced drag car currently in the country bar none. And it’s a Sport Compact car…even better!

When I approached Mal (Malcolm Glasset the owner of this Toyota Solara aka HURRICANE) at the Boxing Day Scott Kalita Memorial Top Fuel event last year, he was quick to answer a yes when I asked him if we could lock the car in as a front cover shoot for the next issue. The car is awe inspiring and built to perfection, so a full studio shoot is what the car and Mal deserved. I therefore left that and the photography in the very capable hands of Kyle Sharp from Circle Work Photography. As you can see the end result could not have been better.

Mal is half of the x race team M&M Racing that was formed some years ago by Mal and his best mate Matt White. Together they threw all their available funds together to buy a Mazda R100 ½ chassis drag car to race between them. When more sponsors came on board, the boys were in a position to purchase another drag car, enabling them to fly the M&M flag at many sport compact events for some years.

This was Joe Signorelli’s Rotormaster full tube 20B Rx7 that Mal raced for some years with great success. Anyone can buy and drive a car but to have the success he has had in his previous rides, you have to give credit where credit is due.

Here is a list of what Mal had accomplished in his old 20b Rx7.       

Won ProRWD at Compak Attak ‘05 Won PRoRWD at Drag Wars ‘06 Top Qualifier PRoRWD at Jamboree ‘05 Runner Up PRoRWD at Jamboree ‘05 Runner up PRoRWD at A Final ‘06 Semi Finalist PRoRWD at Jamboree ‘06 Light of the Night (Pro Tree) at Jamboree ‘07

The infamous M&M R100 is still being raced today by Matt but the Rx7 (Mal drove to a PB of 7.26@187mph) was sold and the M&M

partnership had been broken. This was hard but Mal was driven to crack into the six second zone and financially the only way that he could do it was to sell everything he had to fund his dream. Mal wanted a consistent, fast and reliable package so that he could continue winning as he had with the Rx7 but he didn’t have his sights set on another rotary weapon.

This is where GAS Motorsports come into play.

Mal wanted to shake up the Pro Turbo ranks and show everyone what he is capable of; not just in the Sport Compact world but at the ANDRA Group 2 events also. With the level of exposure in ANDRA Group 2 Super Compact is it any wonder why guys like Mal are stepping up into world class cars like this.

Gary and Joe from GAS Motorsports have had a massive part in the development of the 2JZ engine here in Australia. If anyone is thinking of moving away from the rotary engine, then GAS would be your point of call.

As Joe had worked on Mal’s previous cars, Mal was more than happy with the prediction from the GAS boys: “You will run sixes guaranteed.” This was the fuel that ignited Mal’s fire in his quest to

be the fastest in the country.

Most of you may be aware that GAS Motorsports has close ties with TITAN Motorsports in the USA so Mal was quick to contact TITAN USA direct, to talk chassis’s. Mal was on a plane to the US without delay to meet the team, and to be sized up for the seat position and gearbox location. I don’t think I have ever seen so much carbon fibre in all my life, it just breeds class and gives that total race feel.

Soon enough TITAN were welding up his full tube chrome moly RJ Chassis to perfect precision.

They also supplied and mounted the 4 Speed Lenco with a Liberty Air Shifter which leaves Mal with two hands available to keep the Solara on track. The triple plate ACE clutch transfers the 2000 hp through the drive line to the fully fabricated rear end.

Mal commented that it is so smooth between gears compared to a Liberty or GForce clutchless box that “It feels like driving a limo”. Although another major contributor to the smooth ride would more than likely be the Koni Electric shocks, not just on the rears but the fronts have them as well. There are so many data outlets available on this car

you would be blown away. If you said forty then you would be close. All this is controlled through the latest on offer, the Motec CDI-8, which is the brains of the whole operation. This plus Joe’s experience helps Mal to sleep easy before a day’s racing.

TITAN build the fastest Sport Compact cars in the world and GAS build the most powerful Sport Compact piston engines in the world. The combination of the two, suggests that Mal will soon be at the top of the sport in our country. GAS build and tune all their own race 2JZ engines at their impressive workshop in Sydney so Mal was able to witness the whole engine build from start to finish. GAS use nothing but the best parts from Carello rods, JE pistons and Ferrerra valves so be assured that HURRICANE’s power plant is no different. Take the time to read through the spec info and you will see what I am talking about.

DEBUT When building a completely brand new car from start to finish you still need valuable testing and track time to make adjustments, whether it be the rear end or even something as minor as cock pit adjustments. Well Mal and GAS had other ideas. They entered the Boxing Day Top Fuel meeting at WSID and this was to be used as a test session, not your normal private test and tune, (to be honest a bit scary in my eyes).

Obviously they were super confident that the car would react correctly. Mal still had to do his license passes so he could continue on through the event. The GAS team was not terribly interested in competing fully at this event although Mal did top qualify. Mal did not want to run in competition, more to the point, his aim was to throw down some decent passes on a super well prepared track surface. So after a few test passes to sort our a few little issues, all he had to do was a full pass and his new license would

be approved.

Well the Solara steamed through the deep end to stop the clocks at 6.96@207mph for a first ever full pass! Not only were the crowd and the ANDRA Officials stunned but to say Joe was amazed was an understatement! You can understand how Mal felt when he was told the news. “Man it just kept pulling through the gears so I kept my foot into it. I knew it felt fast but 207mph is beyond my wildest dreams. We had intentions of coming out here today just to do a few shake downs and ease the power into it. We were all expecting mid sevens but to run a six already is just crazy�

After looking deeper into the data logging back at the workshop the week after, Joe decided to change the first gear ratio so it would hopefully not be so doughy through first gear. The team plan on doing a little more testing before the Compak Attak at WSID where Mal intends to really shake up the records list.

With a start like this and such a dedicated team of support behind him, it will only be a matter of time until the HURRICANE possibly takes number 1 Sport Compact car in the country.

Stay tuned.

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ISSUE TWELVE

circleworkmag.com.au

• PRETTY IN PINK

• CORTINA VERSION 5.0

PRETTY IN PINK

Story : Luke Nieuwhof Photos : Brian White

Ignore the American Graffiti inspired black shoeboxes, the yellow rods or even those garish harlequin customs. If you want the fairer sex ogling your ride – think pink.

Bert Jansen’s 1958 Chevrolet Biscayne pulls more girls than Justin Timberlake. They’re like moths to a bright pink flame. Elvis himself would have been proud.

“Originally it was blue on blue and I wanted something to make it stand out,” Bert said. Mission accomplished. “I originally had a softer pink in the Cadillac style but then went to this which is a bit more like Grease.”

I think I hear Olivia Newton John swooning.

She’d have to do some kind of convincing act to talk Bert out of giving up the keys to this fine machine though. It’s been in his family for 25 years although not always in such a pristine condition.

“I like the 58 Chev because it is the ugly duckling of the 50s,” he said. “It was never very popular at the time so

that’s why I like it now.”

Indeed the base-spec Chevs were mainly popular as fleet cars and often fitted with paltry six cylinders. There was one New York dealer who sold a drag edition however, believe it or not!

It’s definitely swan time for the Chev now and more than thanks to Bert’s handiwork along with partner in crime Mal Schmidt. Together they have painted it up and de-

chromed much of it, taking the badges off at the same time. He spent time hand making the grill which he says was inspired by the 54 Corvette and assists in giving people a lot of confusion when they go to ID the car.

The stares are just part of driving the Chevy equivalent of Mary Kay’s Cadillac.

“It’s awesome to drive, like a lounge chair with a steering wheel,” Bert said. “You could do miles in it. It’s not very quiet and there’s no seatbelts, but it’s wicked.”

And miles it has definitely done. It’s been over east and back three times and it’s so popular with the ladies that it’s done seven weddings – not to mention one funeral. Better than anything Hugh Grant could ever muster.

Those comfy bench seats have been kept with a black and white interior by Keith Williams, offsetting the rosy outside with a retro tinge. A custom made console has been put in

for the t-bar auto, something Bert confesses pride in and maintains is very practical. It’s still got the vacuum wipes, for the ‘old school touch’ according to our man, despite their foibles. Can you pick where the sun visors are from?

1962 XP Falcon – err, I knew that.

Also pretty in pink (not to mention chrome) is the 350ci V8 up front with four barrel carb, linked up with a 350 Turbo auto transmission. It runs a Borg Werner diff (it could be considered a Ford diff confessed Bert) and a stage two cam to boost that power band but has otherwise been kept pretty mild. It is a cruiser after all and the kilowatts needed to run any sort of times in such a heavy car could be put to better use powering several small countries.

Disc brakes reside up front with drums on the rear to pull things up from speed. The suspension has been modified slightly to allow for towing the vintage caravan at a reasonable level. Stock rims are home to Diamond Back 195 white wall tyres that just finish off the nostalgic look.

Friend Mal was indispensable in helping to adapt the diff, tailshaft and suspension set ups and line everything up.

“It all fell together,” Bert said. “Most of the parts are readily available from the US.” Speaking of the caravan, it gives another avenue through which Bert is able to use the car. He is part of the Vintage

Model: Dana Photographer: Matthew Oswald Miss Motorsport: People’s Choice 2007

on two wheels what’s happening around the traps in the bike world.

Words and Photos: Jeff Thomas

SOLO SPEEDWAY Newcastle Lad Wins Round One At Nepean Speedway

bike which resulted in injuries that left him in hospital for several weeks. As a result of the incident he has been tentative on track and has not had the results that his ability deserved. Today though he was on fire, dicing with the leaders and at the end of the fourth round with two round wins he was in the top four.

The weekend of the 2nd May was Round 1 of the 3 round G.M. The combatants for the final had been Engine Australia Winter series decided, the top four were Alex Davies, held at Nepean Speedway Kurt Shields, Sam Masters all from the west of Sydney.

Hunter Region and the invigorated Ricky Wallace from the Central Coast.

The day presented the ideal weather sunny The race commenced with a torrid and dry and with the charge into the first turn Masters and track well prepared Davies dicing for the lead leaving a good day’s racing Wallace and Shields to fight for the was at hand. minor placings. After four torrid laps Sam Masters crossed the line first The field of young stars followed by Davies, Shields and assembled from all corners of Wallace.

New South Wales as well as two speedway gladiators from Victoria.

At the presentation I was again reminded how young these guys areThe twelve riders are pitted against The winner on the day Sam Masters each other over four rounds with the thanked his Mum and Dad for bringing top scoring four riders going into the him to the meeting as he is too young final with the gate choice going with to drive. highest point scorer.

An unexpected contender Ricky Australia has a great pool of talent in Wallace came to the fore of the points the Speedway ranks with the English by the end of round one. Ricky had and European teams benefiting by shown a promise of talent when he large numbers of our young riders stepped up from the junior ranks. In competing, his second race in the seniors he had not forgetting Jason Crump and Leigh an unfortunate and freak accident Adams who are World Champions. when hit by an out of control airborne

Wellard Yamaha Strikes Again!!!

flow on the bike. The sloppy mud conditions from the week’s violent storms would prove to be a key factor in his performance.

The young gun came out with good starts and consistent riding going 3, 3, 2 in each moto. This was good enough to take second outright for the event narrowly missing top spot by just one point. With a grin from ear to ear he said “I just took each race as it came knowing that being in sixth place for the Championship I had nothing to loose. It helped keep the pressure of the day away The one common denominator was the and worked perfectly. I’m so stoked to be on results. The team took five more podiums the podium for the team and now only two and all riders secured valuable points that points off third in the championship” ‘I can’t moved them up the Championship ladder. wait for the next round” he went on to add.

With the drought in Western Australia finally breaking, conditions on the weekend could not have been more different for the third round of the State Championships from two weeks ago when the Wellard Yamaha riders took their biggest haul of podiums ever from the Hendley Park circuit.

250F mounted Craig Bolton (Causeway Yamaha) put the disappointment of a DNF in the last championship race at Wanneroo behind him. His goal was to gather as many points as possible to put him back in contention for the title chase. Craig has been working hard on his mental approach as well as his

Fellow Pro Team rider Daniel Strickland (Five Star Yamaha) was also hoping to increase his Championship lead in the younger age 250F class. Three holeshots for two wins and a second was exactly what the hard charger was looking for. Even with the track conditions going from mud in the morning to deep rutted

to win saw some fast clean riding every lap.

By the chequers, Jayden had just put a wheel in front to claim bragging rights as well as top spot on the podium. Kyle would have to settle for the second step, but was happy for a Wellard Yamaha one two never the less.

Kyle and Jayden are now tied for second in the title hunt just seven points off the leader.

With three rounds to go the battle is just heating up. multi lines in the afternoon, Daniel managed to keep his YZ 250F pinned and on two wheels all day. A perfect three from three was on the cards when a small mistake cost him a spot in race two. “Craig and I had our new 94 decibel GYTR mufflers on today and they really liven up the bottom end with usable power. We both got noise tested as well and true to Yamaha’s claims Craig went 90db while mine was 91db well under Motorcycling Australia’s new noise maximum. I’m also pretty happy to have gained a few more points lead in the Championship as the conditions were pretty tough” Daniel added Pocket rockets Jayden Rykers (Mandurah City Yamaha) and Kyle Webster (North City Yamaha) were both on fire for this meeting.

With their YZ 85’s working the hardest in the conditions, both managed to get the best out of their machines. As we have come to expect you could have thrown a blanket over the two riders in every race. Jayden did make a small mistake and crashed in race one which saw him finish in fourth. This just made him more determined, coming back with a win in the second. Team mate Kyle had racked up two seconds so far. This made the last race the most exciting of the day as both riders went into round three separated by just one point.

From the gate drop the boys battled every lap exchanging the lead and pushing as hard as they could. Even as team mates their desire

125cc Satellite rider Shaun Cornick (Highway Yamaha) was the fifth team rider to make the podium. He put in three good rides on the day to go 3, 4, 2 and pick up third outright for the day. In doing so he has cemented his second place for the Championship. “The more the track dried up the better I rode, but my main goal was to keep it on two wheels to ensure some good points which is what I did” Shaun explained.

“To pick up 12 podiums in two meetings is pretty awesome, but to top it off with four riders in the top two of the Championship and one knocking on the door is the best return the boys can give our supporters and advertising partners. The team will be doing some one on one coaching with Stephen Gall before the next Championship round so we hope to continue on the winning streak all the way to the end from here” stated Team Manager, Peter Strickland.

Parting Shot

Normally you’d say “Yeah Sure”...but you gotta love those Yanks so who knows... :) The KNIGHT XV is priced at $310,000 USD. Only 100 will be made available as a limited first run. Each vehicle takes 1,500 hours to build by hand.

---- Specifications ---Price $310,000 Production 100 Engine 6.8 liter V10 Torque 498 lb-ft HP 400 hp HP/Liter 58.8 hp per liter

And you thought a Hummer was ridiculously large!