Just Reading Along the Way ... Dick Moments I found
this interesting because I live Stateside where Brocky was on
Reading
the Dick Johnson moments, I had to laugh because it was televised
and the mechanic for the Redkote Paints Ford Thunderbird #38
|
Actually, that seemed to be Sears Point. Sears Point has more enbankments than Watkins Glen. SPR is a California track.
Even more ironic:
Dick's car was
a red 38 Thunderbird -- he couldn't drive car number 17 Stateside.
The reason was in 1989, the 17 belonged to Hendrick Motorsports, a General
Motors running (Chevrolet Lumina) team with three-time series champion
Darrell Waltrip, who ran 25 of his 28 full-time seasons in General Motors
badged cars (1974-1998), winning all 84 races, three championships, and
four majors in such. The sponsors were Tide washing powder, AC Delco,
and Exxon Superflo oil. That's more ironic because Exxon bought
Mobil last year. Could you imagine in
Dick's Stateside
runs, he had to give up the #17 to the rival manufacturer, whose sponsor
then would eventually buy one of Brocky's current endorsers?
When Peter Brock
visited Daytona for testing for a Mobil promotion, he told Jeremy Mayfield
"Read My Lips - I am retired." The real reason, IMO, he wouldn't
run Jeremy's car was simple. It's a Ford Taurus! (#12 Penske-Kranefuss
Racing Mobil 1 Ford Taurus) Imagine the horror of
Aussie fans seeing
their Holden man in a Ford in a Daytona test! (When Mr. Waltrip
went to the Ford camp, his results plummeted -- failing to make races.
He only missed 7 races -- 6 in a 1990 injury, and 1 freak DNQ in 1997
-- in his distinguished career while driving General Motors
products (mostly
Chevrolets, save a few Oldsmobiles in 1978-80 and Buicks 1981-82).
But he has missed 12 races because of a poor team in the Ford camp.
Now you see what Brocky would have done if he had run that Taurus!)
Bobby Chang
Posted 19-09-2000
Back to the top
Ford Drivers
Can't Drive
Now that Ford has admitted that their
ugly ducklings are inferior racecars technically, it's time for them to
rollout the excuses. Let's selectively examine the stats, "Holden
have won most of the races". Let's ignore that it's one team.
Lets ignore that it's by far the most professional touring car team in
Australia, and probably the world. Let's ignore that Gary Rodgers Motorsport
(GRM) have done an absolute fantastic job to get where they are.
Lets ignore that they don't need "a parity issue" to make them competitive
with HRT. Obviously, this course of action was not available to
them.
So what did GRM do? I submit that the evidence before us suggests that they learnt the lesson by doing the hard yards. They intelligently figured out the not so subtle truth. They are now very competitive and have demonstrated that their two young drivers, with excellent team management and commitment, can take it up to HRT. Gary Rodgers knew that front runners can set the pace and conserve their tyres far better than back markers who are obliged to do more desperate things to move to the front. And that’s been their tactics and planning for some time now.
Now if you are a Ford runner, you
have excuses galore. I wonder if there is a single Ford driver that
is any good. When was the last time Longhurst won a race?
Larkham is a nice bloke but what's his record? Baird and the
Rat have big reputations that mean nothing in V8 Supercars, just ask Alan
Jones! Steve Johnson has the goods and will become a winner.
Seton is a great driver who insists on making his own racecars that are
crap. John Bowe is good only in the best equipment that he presently
does not have. Let's be fair dinkum now. Can you really compare
the Ford blokes with the likes of Lowndes, Skaife, Perkins, Ingall, Richards,
Tander, Bargwanna, and Murphy?????????
ABSOLUTLY NOT! Head and shoulders
above I say. Holden have by far the best driving talent. No
wonder my Ford friends are quiet. It's not really a parity issue
at all, is it?
The truth is that Ford fans are being
let down by a lack of talent and a rotten racecar.
Steve
Posted 25-04-2000
Back to the top
Due to popular demand, the Brock page will source more information about our hero. In particular, his family, friends, his personal likes, dislikes, hero's, favorite early road cars and interesting stories about significant events in his life.
It's quite surprising, but the Brocky page has a huge following of school aged fans. We have been asked consistently for, "more information on Brocky please". Our unofficial response to these requests has been, "you have to be kidding, how much more could you want?" We then went about advising visitors about books & video's they could source to meet their needs. It finally occurred to us (we are a bit slow at the Brock page at times) that there is a real interest for information not related to just statistics and nice pictures of Brocky.
The new information to come to the page is aimed at providing a far better insight into the man and what shaped and influenced his life and fantastic career. For all our school-aged fans, It should help with your school projects as well. We trust you will find it interesting and enjoyable.
On behalf of
the Brock05 team, I'd like to thank you for your valuable feedback.
Stephen
Editor
PS: Is
a page dedicated to Brocks HDT roadcars going to offend anyone?
Posted 07-04-2000
Back to the top
Scott's 21st
Birthday, a success thanks to Peter Brock and the team at Holden Australia.
Re letter
posted 7/10/99
We received an
email today 02-01-2000 from Scott's Mum as follows:-
Dear Nigel
Just to jolt your memory I am the Mum that sent a request to your web site re Scott's 21st (Peter Brock theme). Well it is all over with great success. Scott received a great poster with a personal message from Peter and through our contacts Holden got into the act and sent posters, a great Holden Anniversary book (which he received two others from guests) The whole theme was set out in blue red and white with lots of posters etc. Scott was so elated with Peter;s best wishes he was lost for words.
Thankyou for helping me in my successful request. I have enclosed a photo.
Best wishes
JULIE HANN
Thankyou Julie we are happy to helped
out in some small way. Happy 21st Birthday mate and all the best for the
future Scott.
Thanks also to all they guys in our
Armed Forces whom are away serving abroad in Timor and other countries
during their special birthdays and especially those who were away for
Christmas and our Millenium Celebrations. Happy New Year Guys.
Nigel aka Hornet and Gwenyfar (webmaster)
Posted 02-01-2000
Back to the top
Hi:
My name is Andrew
and im a big Brock 05 fan. I would like to thank you for setting up this
web site and sharing the "Brock Magic" with every one. Bathurst has never
been the same since brock retired and the town is in mourn. I have a copy
of Peter Brock the legend and i never watch it because it brings a tear
to my eye with all the tributes and so on. I love your 05 site and I still
cry when i read/see Peter Perfect and anything else in this site. I'll
never stop loving Peter Brock and I think that this site is a very good
reminder of the KING OF THE MOUNTAIN Peter Brock!
Long live Peter
Brock,
05 Forever,
Brocks Skyline
&
Bathurst and
every where else will allways be 05 Country!
Andrew December
1999
Back to the top
What can I say - GREAT SITE, that's what! Good mix of info, photos, bits and pieces.
Well worth the visit.
As you may have guessed, I'm a wee bit of a Brock fan myself. I've attached a photo of Brock driving my car at his final Touring car appearance at Mallala in 1997, and another one of it at Brock's Skyline at Bathurst in October 97.
Feel free to include them in your site if you want to.
If you're interested, check out my Holden Torana Club site at
http://www.smasa.com.au/documents/clubs/holden_torana/index.html
Cheers, Dave
Gammon (Dangerous) 15/10/99
Back to the top
I have a huge
big favour to ask of Peter Brock and was wondering if he would be able
to be contacted throught this address.
My son,
Scott will be celebrating his 21st on December 1999 and his biggest
love is Peter Brock and V8 racing. We are having his 21st at home
with a Peter Brock theme.
My favour
to ask Peter if he would be able to send Scott his personal best wishes.
Details are as follows:
Details
Suppressed please email the Editor
The reason I
want this party to be special is Scott is in the Australian Army, presently
in Malaysia and on stand by for Timor.
We will continue
to organise Scott's party and pray he will be with us for his 21st and
not in Timor.
Our whole family has travelled to Bathurst to see Peter and of course our once a year race in W.A. We love hearing news of his family and I felt so happy for Peter and Bev when James won his first race last weekend at Bathurst.
Best wishes to the Brock family and whoever may be able to help me contact Peter for this favour.
Regards
JULIE HANN
(Scott's Mum)
7/10/99
Back to the top
Just one question. What year did ATCC
be also known as V8 Supercars?
It's a bet me and a friend have. He
says 1996 but i think earlier around
1993. Tell me oh guru! 3/10/99
Another question.
With the introduction of the Alloy
'350' Chev in the VT Commodore, will
the Holdens run this engine? Or are
they still running with the Group A
rule of 5000cc or less? 27/9/99
Burgess
at dollente@primus.com.au
Back to the top
Oh great town of Bathurst out west
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy King doth come
Nine times he hath won
And is coming to win again.
Mount Panorama, the home of the King
And his trusty V8 car.
There's no doubt about it
He rules the tar
Now listen as those yobbos sing
And the lights flash green and the
cars are off
They struggle to maintain a grip.
Round the first corner the wheels start
to slip
A Ford just coughs and stops
Lap 161, last lap board is out
The last and best victory for the King
at the Mount
Long live the King!
Joshua R
Blue Mountains, NSW
Back to the top
I thought I would share it.
Good luck to brocky in the big race.
Kick johnson's ass so it matches his
face.
As he wave's to the crowd on his Victory
lap.
You will find the rest of the field
in a pile of crap.
Im not a poet and i cant even dance
but if he wins tomorrow singing's a
chance.
If the poor bloke loses the days not
a waste,
he'll probably run second to Lowndes
and his mate.
But with that all a side and Johnson
gets on the stand.
let go of it Dick so you can clap with
both hands.
Well thats it from me and thats it
from him,
if Johnson wins its a SIN SIN SIN.
A computer and beer it just dont mix
but the thought of fords winning its
making me sick.
Back to the top
I feel sad about Brock too ,but when I heard your music choice on the computer I felt like crying. I think I know quite a lot about Brock because since I was 5 I knew about the Bathurst race. Dad has always told me that Brock is the best.
I want to say good luck and goodbye to Brock and that Dad's got a fortune now in pictures, posters, and model cars ! A lot signed by Brocky.
About your web site. Please cut down on the "how can I live without you" sort of music. Just joking. 1
Dad plans on buying Brocks racing cars but I think he is going to far Dad's not going to have enough room to fit all this in our yard. I don't think the Guinea pigs are going to like this because there will be no grass to eat.
If I was going to tell Brocky not to leave in a song it would be, "Please don't go, don't go away, please don't go…" by KC & the Sunshine band.
Yours sincerely
Sarah Jane
PS : even Carly was crying.
Back to the top
Bathurst Australia
The first weekend in October has traditionally been the time for a motor sport spectacular that Is revered by Australians. The event is known as the "Great Race" or generally as the Bathurst 1000 motor race.
This race represents the zenith of achievement for Australian's who are more likely to remember the winner of Bathurst than a world Formula One champion. Don't believe me? Just ask Allan Jones who has been trying to win this event since he retired from Formula One racing.
On the first October weekend in 1997, Australians were witnesses to an event that was hardly great. An event which excluded the long traditional struggle between Australia's two motorsport rivals, Holden and Ford. There were no Australian sedans racing here. Instead Europeans and their race teams invaded the Mountain. I ask that Europeans don't get the wrong message here. Australian's enjoy most forms of motorsport and indeed respect the achievements of other countries. But why should we enjoy and event that is dominated by teams and cars that are not part of our experience and not part of our heritage
An event that is to exclude the Holden vs Ford battle is doomed to fail in the eyes of most Australian's who traditionally watch and enjoy Bathurst. Australian's are proud to say that their form of Sedan racing known as V8 Supercars rank as some of the best touring cars built. They are the fastest touring cars in the world despite regulations that restrict their full potential in the interests of controlling the costs of racing this class of car. One only need examine the crowd figures for the V8 category and then compare with our 2 litre cousins to reach the conclusion that the category is by far the most popular motor sport class the country has seen in over twenty years. Since 1993 most tracks have recorded all time record crowds. The only problem that beset the sport was our pathetic television coverage. Channel 7 actively discouraged the lifeblood of the sport, sponsors, with their indifferent coverage. In Victoria fans had to wait until late in the night to see a delayed coverage of highlights compressed into 50 minutes. Thank God that Channel 10 was awarded the contract in 1997. For the first time in over a decade, motorsport fans were no longer second class citizens to the Australian Football League. I would like, however, to congratulate Channel 7 on their skillful coverage of the weekends race. I thought their ability to neglect to focus on the small crowd around the track was remarkable camera work
Is there any wonder why the fans stayed away in droves in the first weekend in October. The ARDC have insulted the majority of the motorsport public with their insistence that 2 Litre is the future of Australian motorsport. Australian's want to see their cars at Bathurst and not those of other nations. Indeed, they want to see our drivers and our hero's in the traditional battle on the traditional battleground. The 2 Litre European race was a simple skirmish and a prelude to what will be ultimately be the GREATEST RACE, the Primus 1000 on October 19. On this date one will witness an all time record Bathurst crowd and a commitment by Australian motorsport fans to a uniquely Australian event. Perhaps its also an opportunity for the Mountain and Bathurst to regain the pride and tradition lost on the first October weekend of 1997.
A message to the ARDC and Channel 7 Thanks for nothing!
Stephen
Back to the top
This next letter is a reply
to a letter that appeared in Auto Action.
The Car Buff's Bible.
Family Feud!
I refer to "Two-Litre convert" (AA#
749). I am usually happy to read an account from a disaffected motorsport
fan who has refound his faith.
I was, however, horrified upon
reading Mr Clarke’s letter to find myself categorised as a "…beer swilling
V8 yobbo"! - His obvious inference being that fans like I are generally
anti family and anti motorsport.
I take offense to Mr Clarke’s huge generalisation, apparently based upon an incident with a drunken V8 supporter at Bathurst in 1993, because I, like the majority of Australian motor sport fans, appreciate V8 Supercar racing.
I would like to assure Mr Clarke that many families attend V8 racing and find it a reasonably pleasant experience to introduce not just their "sons" but their daughters to motorsport.
That was the part that was published in Auto Action No-754,September 5th 1997.
Now read what was left out of the article.
Bob mentioned that he attended a recent round of the BOC Gases Super Touring car round in which the crowd was "huge". Sorry Bob, I’m not aware of any "huge" crowds for 2 Litre racing, especially recent ones! Incidentally, many do not believe for one moment that, Super Touring car fans have a monopoly on good manners, good taste, and dedication to the future of motorsport in this country.
I was bemused to read that Bob had "confirmed" his reservations to the "Great Race". Once again Bob, I trust you will enjoy the solitude of the moment up at the mountain, because mate, there’s going to be heaps of room. Fair dinkum mate, I hope those wine swilling 2 Litre yobbo’s don’t harass you nor spoil your "future of Australian motorsport" fantasies!
Stephen
Gold Coast QLD
Back to the top
Dear Sir,
As regular followers of motorsport we feel compelled to expose the propaganda being promoted involving the two Bathurst 1000 (sic) events for 1997.
Oogie Racing, having requested and received a refund from our advance deposit for one of the biggest campsites on the mountain, have now received a letter from the Bathurst 1000 Events Management.
The letter starts off "the first Sunday in October will be reserved once again for Australia’s greatest touring car race". We feel as many others, that this is not the case as there has never been a 1000 event for Super Tourers.
The letter also states, "Many drivers have attained legendary status by winning at Bathurst and have now chosen to start their own "Rebel Race".
The V8 Supercars haven’t started a ‘rebel race’, it is still the traditional race, but held on a different date. This is proven again by the fact that Super Tourers have never had their own 1000km race at Mount Panorama, other than as a support category.
The letter then states the drivers made the choice because they were not getting a fair share of the spoils. (BEM Chief Executive) Greg Eaton then states himself that "in spite of all the noise and rhetoric that IMG has delivered" he can’t see any visible changes for the better.
Well Mr Eaton, what about a prize pool of $750,000.00, tyre subsidies for privateers, entry fee reduced by $1,000.00, joining incentives for TEGA members and classes of privateers with one class on control tyres with incentives for their class only?
We are in total disbelief that TOCA Australia Chief Executive, Mr O’Reilly is threatening to sue over breach of trade practices, referring to the Australian 1000 Classic when the promotional literature sent to us for the Super Tourers blatantly feature a photo of Craig Lowndes, the current V8 Supercar Champion.
This surely must be propaganda at its highest level and we hope that when we arrive at Mount Panorama on October 12 for the Real Race the air has cleared from the Fart Sack 1000.
The only good thing to come in two litres is Bourbon.
Ken Schippell, Wayne Bartly
Oogie Racing
St Clair NSW
Back to the top
Yes Ken & Wayne, its quite a scandal to find the ARDC & Channel 7 promoting their Default 1000 race in such a manner. Its a bigger pity that our 2 Litre colleagues have been caught up in this war of words. I enjoy all forms of Touring Car racing, however it is they who have declared war. So the battle lines are drawn. Quite frankly their arguments are weak and delusional. They insist on telling the majority of supporters that there is no future in V8’s. They say they have closer racing and higher levels of technology. Both arguments are transparently false and reflect the desperation of their position.
Consequently, they insult the majority of fans who are enjoy the spectacle of V8 Supercar racing. In doing this they insult the promoters and the sponsors who keep the whole industry alive. If you were a sponsor would you pour money into a 2 Litre car event that attracts 4,000 spectators or an event that attracts an average of 25,000 to 39,000 spectators? It sounds like sour grapes and desperation to me!
I wonder, …What if they put on a race at Bathurst and nobody came and nobody cared??? A race of second hand cars brought to you by Channel 7
& the ARDC. Remember Channel 7, yes they were the ones who were unable to broadcast any more than highlights of our Touring Cars last year. The same guys who were not interested in 2 Litre Touring cars (at least Channel 10 have and continue to do so)? Channel 10 is at least backing a winner.
Read about the farce for yourself on the first Monday in October.
Steve (Ed)
Back to the top
Allan Gow and the Vauxhall brigade are getting a bit boring re Bathurst and the Two Litre toys. They seem unable to understand that the crowds like cars they identify with.
I’ll concede that pre-Kennett, we may have liked BMW’s (they now stand for everything that is wrong with Victoria) . an Audi may have drawn some interest, but us on lower wages will never drive these things.
Brocky has ensured a huge crowd for the real 1000 and if he wins it will be his 10th victory no matter what the Vauxhall brigade say.
There is more to racing than closeness of vehicles. A V8 sounds far better that four cylinder, or V6. Smoke should always come from the rear wheels and there should be Australian content in the premier category.
Vauxhall, Volvo, Nissan, Renault, who would want one, let alone wear a T-shirt with "Vauxhalls Rule"? Lets get real.
Glenn
Mildura
Back to the top
Yes Glenn, its interesting to read the arguments of the so called Super Tourer fans. They talk about the future of Australian racing being two Litre. They forget the lessons of our Group A days where crowds stayed away in droves! They also conveniently forget to mention the pathetic crowds they achieve here in Australia (4,000 & 4,200 and 7.500 so far). They never mention the record crowds achieved by the V8 Supercars this year alone. They complain about a two horse race with Holden & Ford but neglect to highlight the two team monopoly of BMW & Audi!
A message to the minority of Aussie motor racing fans. Wake up out there and smell the coffee! Aussies love V8 racing and have voted with their feet!
Steve (Ed)
Sorry under advice from the editor -in- chief the next letter had to be withdrawn, He didn't want to upset any Volvo driver's. They are bad enough on the road let alone upset one.
Back to the top
In your face racing! That’s what we want to see, nothin beats the sound of a V8 at full noise or the sight of half a dozen Fords and half a dozen Holdens trying to climb into each others boot at each corner - and straight, for that matter.
This is what touring car racing is and has been for a generation of fans like myself and I am mortified at the prospect of an inferior product trying to steal the Great Race…especially when it is those second-hand golf buggies that they call Super Tourers (the European teams must be making a killing on second hand parts).
How on God’s green earth could anyone find these Whoopee Cushions o9n wheels exciting has got me!
Now these motorised Roller Skates have the front to try and stake a claim on the greatest motor sporting event of the year, the Bathurst 1000! - the birthplace of the greatest-ever rivalry to grace the race tracks of Australia.
The Ford vs Holden V8 battle has raged for nigh on 30 years!
Even though the tried and failed introduction of Group A, the V8 Tourer has shone through, and the support base that the Supercar series has now stands as a testament to the popularity of this form of motorsport.
Super Tourers are a totally different class and should remain separate and should stop tying to ride on the success of the Bathurst 1000, a place where legends were and are made but only on the back of the V8 Supercar.
Dave
Portland Vic
Back to the top
Yes Dave, there is much propaganda from the Two Litre cronies who promote their "default AMP Bathurst 1000 race" (I feel sorry for AMP being contracted to the ARDC) as the "Greatest Race". Yes, it is a great race. It is so because the V8 racing has made it so! The history and reputation comes from what Australian’s relate to and not what traditionally Europeans and the rest of the world relate to. Europe has Le Mans, USA has Indy & Daytona and Australia the Great Race. The cars and the participants make the Bathurst spectacle, not the date of the event folks.
Steve (Ed)
Back to the top
Here we go again. The chief little dicks of Two Litre state V8Supercars will be dead by the turn of the century. (AA3743). Then they go on to acknowledge that Two-Litre are not capable of matching V8 attendance’s. They then demand that V8 move its race date, re Bathurst. They are also not concerned about small fields and no crowds at their "Fart Sack" Two-Litre events. It gets better. They state Two-Litre has suffered and will continue to suffer; they’re also furious with newspapers reporting the numbers of spectators at recent events. And now its sue, sue, sue for breach of trade. They whinge there arse off over the response they received from V8 over the sue threat.
And cop this - one of ‘em still wants a punt on Two-Litre being #1. Shit, when God was handing out brains he thought he said trains and asked for a slow one! Fair Dinkum!
Listen up some, fellas. We V8 fans are in no way confused over Bathurst. I’m yet to be introduced to anyone who can’t identify one of your "shit cans" from the "bangers"! Your ridiculous claims and apparent desperation is very obvious. The fact is you’re copping a hiding from the V8 and your mouths confirm it.
So what’s your plan now? Pray to God that Brocky contests your "Fart Sack" 1000? Sorry lads, not even Brock could save it. Keep praying fellas and wear knee pad. These knees have lost some skin !
Two-Litre is wimp - the talk is big on current attendance figures. Will the "Fart Sacks" be around in 2000? So what’s the prediction? Just how many Yuppies and Europeans will attend the "Fart Sack" 1000?
Judge Banger
Nobby Head QLD
