Latest News - ssMEDIA

A speed bump start to season 2011

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -1100

Last time Eddie Abelnica visited the Winton Motor Raceway circuit, it was back in 2006 with the Biante Historic Touring Cars. The event proved to be a weekend of ups and downs with positive times in practice, a 23rd in qualifying, followed by a race one DNF, race two 4th, and finishing the weekend taking his Ford Mustang to a race three win in record time.

Today he returned to the Winton tarmac for another day of a racers life, as the tables again turned as the excitement of rolling an immaculately prepared 1974 Ford XB Coupe out of his brand new Melbourne's Cheapest Cars Racing trailer, became the disappointment of having his new beast towed back to the pits after completing just six laps.

Taking to the track ready to restore his harmony with the race car, Abelnica commenced his warm up laps as he began the first shake down of his 2011 Touring Car Masters entry. Feeling good and finding his peace in the drivers seat, there was no warning as he entered turn nine and felt the jolt as the tail shaft let go.

Abelnica and the Melbourne's Cheapest Cars Racing crew were disappointed at the drama of the first outing for the XB, and with the first round in Adelaide only five days away, the pressure is on to send Eddie to the Clipsal 500 Adelaide race ready. Despite the set-back, Abelnica explained…

"I’m really looking forward to being back racing, and to debut the XB at Adelaide will be a challenge, but its all looking relatively good.

“We had planned to have a full test run before, but only got in six laps before our mechanical drama so it’s a tight turnaround, but even my short time in the car today has cleared my mind of any concerns with the car, so yes, this has been a speed bump on the road but we’re very positive for Clipsal.

"I've raced in various categories before, faced many challenges and I know that this season will be one of the hardest yet with a full and well credentialed field. Having said that, the laps today have given me confidence in the big car and she's not only going to look great on the track, but also have the performance to match."

This bump in the road for Abelnica may well be another challenge after the vehicle build was completed in only 25 weeks - an incredibly short turnaround for such a complex classic - but as the Melbourne's Cheapest Cars Racing team continue to work this evening, and with the outstanding livery to be applied in the coming days, the XB Coupe will soon be on the road to the season opener in Adelaide and it'll be on.

Next Melbourne's Cheapest Cars Racing event: Touring Car Masters (presented by Autobarn), Round 1 - Clipsal 500 Adelaide SA, 17-20 March

A new face for a new season...

Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:00:00 -1100

A new face for a new season...

Since its introduction to the circuits of Australia, the Touring Car Masters has showcased a selection of immaculately prepared touring cars of the pre-1977 era and held its place as one of Australia's premier racing categories.

Season 2011 is set to be the biggest year yet with restructured point scores and race format regulations set to open the championship hunt. With one of the most challenging driver and vehicle line-ups to date, including the addition of even more pristine Australian racing machines, the series will travel from coast to coast as it returns to Barbagallo and visits the streets of the Gold Coast for the first time. This year will also mark a return to the track for some of our most passionate competitors, and the introduction of some new faces.

This week, the Touring Car Masters board has welcomed a fresh face to their team, announcing the appointment of Kat O’Shaughnessy of ssMEDIA in the role of Media and PR Manager. The excitement starts now with just six weeks until the full throttle season launch on the streets of Adelaide, Kat’s home.

With a passion for motorsport from a young age and realising that communications and media were clear talents, Kat has studied event management and marketing, while working in retail, hospitality, tourism and of course, sport. Starting on the Australian rally scene with the Confederation of Australian Motor Sport and Rally Sport Club of SA, Kat then won multiple South Australian Tourism Awards for a local hotel and micro-brewery, before moving into local football marketing and events, but it was inevitable that she would return to her true passion of motorsport.

Experience in an executive marketing role has been supported by media centre commitments with the V8 Supercars Australia Championship series from late 2007 through 2009, when she joined the growing business of ssMEDIA and soon took on the role of Brand and Media Manager for Australian touring car legend John Bowe.

Already attracting many heroes of the sport including former V8 Supercar drivers, the Touring Car Masters series board are excited to open the door to Kat’s fresh ideas, unwavering passion and drive to make 2011 the best year yet by bringing the series, its drivers and machines further into the lives of the Australian Motor racing fans.

Gavin Bullas, a past champion of the series and its Media Director said “Kat will be a welcome addition to the Touring Car Masters family for 2011 and beyond, with a real passion for motorsport running through her veins. I’m sure she will thrive with the excitement of being among the noise, drama and tire smoking cars and personalities of the TCM.”

The Touring Car Masters is proudly presented by Autobarn, and supported by Shannons Insurance, Rare Spares, Australian Sports marketing, Unique Cars Magazine and official suppliers Hoosier Tires and Australian Sports Marketing.

*ends*

Tasman Revival to welcome racing legends Bowe and a classic Brabham

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 00:00:00 -1100

Australian motor sport legend, John Bowe, is again to live a dream when he suits up at next weekend’s third running of the Lotus Sydney Tasman Revival, in a rare 1967 Brabham BT23B-2.

The Lotus Sydney Tasman Revival is to feature Australia’s largest array of unique, classic and fondly remembered racing machines, from vintage pre-1960’s, single seat open wheelers including formula 1 and formula 5000, production sports cars, and historic touring cars.

Owned by Trevor Simpson, the Brabham has a rich international racing pedigree and has been fully restored to its classic prowess. Bowe piloted the Brabham for its first Australian outing at the Winton Festival of Speed earlier this year, and combined with a plethora of classic machines, will take the wheel at Eastern Creek for another glimpse back in time to the Grand Prix’s of yesteryear.

Simpson is busy preparing his pride and joy, ready for its next race meeting this weekend.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend. This will be only the second race for the Brabham in Australia. There will be some stiff competition, but both John and I are certainly looking forward it.”

The Brabham BT23B-2 is one of just three originals released with the Coventry Climax FPT engine, aptly named B-1, B-2 and B-3. B-1 was last recorded in the UK in 1974, B-3 sadly destroyed, and Simpson’s B-2 lives on, ready to reignite its racing heritage with Bowe in the hot seat.

The Brabham will run in Group O for 1960 to 1970 vehicles with treaded tyres and no wings, the era where the Tasman series was at its peak. This outing will be rich with motor sport heritage for both vehicle and driver, and Bowe is also keen to get back on track and take the seat where the legends who inspired his own racing story once were.

“Every year until 1968, my family and I used to go to the Longford races, and sometimes Dad would race. I watched the greats of the era, Jack Brabham, Jim Clark, Kevin Bartlett, Frank Gardner, and it had a huge effect on me as a little kid.

“The Coventry Climax engine in particular, is of immense interest to me. They were the engine of the era, and in the late 50s to mid 60s, they were winning world championships.

“I am extremely grateful to Trevor for helping me live my dream. A car without wings will again present some interesting challenges as far as driving style goes, but as a lover of all things motor racing, and having some great laps under the belt, I simply can’t wait!”

Year: 1967

Model: Brabham BT23B-2

Engine: Coventry Climax FPT 2.5lt

Power: 250bhp

Gearbox: Hewland FT 200

Wheels & Tyres: 9” front and 12” rear, Avon tyres

Original components: frame, fuel tanks, instruments, brake calipers, uprights, wheels, suspension and water tanks

Bowe versus Bathurst – today, yesterday, the good, the bad and the ugly

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -1100

Bowe versus Bathurst – today, yesterday, the good, the bad and the ugly

It’s almost time for the biggest event of the Australian motor sport year and as always, Bathurst promises to be an event of emotion, drama, risk and reward.

The recent decision by the Touring Car Masters to conduct parity adjustments during the race meeting at Bathurst has attracted strong comment from series leader John Bowe.

Bowe said “I don’t mind some minor juggling trying to equalise the cars and drivers, but this is too much especially at a track like Bathurst. The cars have 4 speed gear boxes so gearing is crucial, it also costs heaps of horsepower too.”

Place getters in the first 2 races will incur rev restrictions of 300, 200 and 100 accordingly, meaning that if a driver wins both races 1 and 2, they will face a rev restriction of 600rpm going into the final race. At a circuit of the likes of Mount Panorama, this will be an incredible challenge to both man and machine.

“I am not, and never have been a fan of parity categories. I have seen attempts to paritise things destroy a number of categories over time including GT Performance and Nations Cup. Motor sport should be about doing a good job, doing your best to achieve, not working towards the lowest common denominator.”

Bowe currently sits 19 points clear in the Touring Car Masters championship for season 2010. With his season having had some almighty highs, and with some cracks possibility starting to show in the series, for now all eyes and minds are clearly focused on the challenges of Mount Panorama. The Mountain is it, all that now matters.

“Bathurst is an awesome track to drive, regardless of Mustang, V8 Supercar or BMW – I have enjoyed it in all. The pure pleasure of driving is heightened at tracks of the likes of The Mountain, and there are only a couple of tracks in the world that can give you that feeling. I feel very lucky to still be able to race there!”

The lead up to Bathurst for Bowe’s WesTrac CAT/Wilson Security Mustang is on track to push for further successes at the challenging mountain circuit, so stay tuned to find out how the next meeting of Bowe versus Bathurst unfolds.

Bowe versus Bathurst – the history of an Australian legend at a legendary Australian circuit

Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercar Championship…

1985     Bowe’s first Bathurst start, Volvo 240T, Volvo Dealer Team with Robbie Francevic, DNF
1986     Volvo 240T, Volvo Dealer Team with Graham McRae and Neville Crichton, 11^th
1987     Nissan Skyline RS DR30, Peter Jackson Nissan Racing with Glenn Seton, 2^nd(promoted from 4^th after disqualification of Eggenberger Ford Team)
1988     Ford Sierra RS500, Shell Ultra Hi Racing with Dick Johnson, John Smith and Alfredo Costanzo, 2^nd (completed in team’s 3^rd entry after both primary cars failed during the race)
1989     Bowe’s first Bathurst win! Ford Sierra RS500, Shell Ultra Hi Racing with Dick Johnson, 161 laps, 6h30m 53.44s
1990     Ford Sierra RS500, Shell Ultra Hi Racing with Dick Johnson, DNF
1991     Ford Sierra RS500, Shell Ultra Hi Racing with Paul Radisich and Terry Shiel, DNF (engine failure)
1992     Ford Sierra RS500, Dick Johnson Racing with Dick Johnson, 2^nd
1993     Ford EB Falcon, Dick Johnson Racing with Dick Johnson, DNF (B O’Brien t-boned Johnson at the top of the mountain on lap 96, destroying the DJR Falcon)
1994     Bowe wins at Bathurst! Ford EB Falcon, Shell FAI Racing with Dick Johnson, 161 laps, 7h 3m45.84s (after fighting off a teenage Lowndes, and having won the Sandown 500 just weeks earlier)
1995     Ford EF Falcon, Shell FAI Racing with Dick Johnson, DNF (Seton makes contact putting Bowe in the wall exiting the cutting on lap 110)
1996     Ford EF Falcon, Shell FAI Racing with Dick Johnson, 2^nd
1997     Ford EL Falcon, Shell Helix Racing with Dick Johnson, DNF
1998     Ford EL Falcon, Shell Helix Racing with Cameron McConville, DNF
1999     Ford AU Falcon, PAE Motorsport with Jim Richards, DNF
2000     Ford AU Falcon, Briggs Motor Sport with Jim Richards, DNF
2001     Ford AU Falcon, Briggs Motor Sport with Simon Wills, DNF
2002     Ford AU Falcon, Ozemail Racing Team with Brad Jones, 16^th
2003     Ford BA Falcon, Ozemail Racing Team with Brad Jones, 10^th
2004     Ford BA Falcon, Ozemail Racing Team with Brad Jones, 3^rd
2005     Ford BA Falcon, Team BOC with Brad Jones, 21^st
2006     Ford BA Falcon, Team BOC with Brad Jones, 11^th
2007     Bowe’s final V8 Supercar meeting at Bathurst. Ford BF Falcon, Paul Cruickshank Racing with Jonathon Webb, 14^th

ATCC/V8SC Statistics…

23 race starts
9 top ten shoot outs (more for his entry with Dick Johnson behind the wheel)
13 finishes
7 podium finishes – 2 wins (1989 and 1994), four 2^nd and one 3^rd

More notable Bathurst memories…

1997 Bowe wins 3 Hour GTP Showroom Showdown. Ferrari F355 with Garry Waldon, 67laps, 3h 1m 41.32s
2010 Bowe wins Bathurst 12 Hour! BMW 335i with Gary Holt and Paul Morris

Touring Car Masters…

2009 Chevrolet Camaro SS, WesTrac CAT/Wilson Security Racing, Qualifying – no time recorded (technical difficulties), Race 1 6^th, Race 2 2^nd, Race 3 4^th

Next John Bowe Racing event: Touring Car Masters, round 5 Bathurst, 7 – 10 October

ssMEDIA makes its mark with livery design accolades

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -1100

The ssMEDIA designed XA GT Falcon of Leanne Tander (Wilson Security Racing) has taken out the award for best presented car and crew at the Australian Muscle Car Masters, round four of the 2010 Touring Car Masters season.

Posting her second best result for the season, and following Wilson Security garage-mate Bowe home in the final race, Tander and her crew completed a positive weekend being awarded the most outstanding presented car and crew. A notable achievement for the small team and their hard work preparing the #11 Ford XA Falcon.

This follows up the ssMEDIA design of Tander and her Wilson Security/McGrath Foundation racing machine, being named as one of the 50 great liveries of the 50 years of Falcon, recently unveiled by Auto Action Magazine in vol 1406.

Check out more of ssMEDIA’s livery creations in the Touring Car Masters series on the machines of Australian motor racing legend John Bowe, Chris Stillwell and Tony Hunter.

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA – Full collection now available!

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -1100

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA - Full collection now available!

Now that media and fans alike are experiencing the world of JB through his new website johnbowe.com.au, the next exciting development has arrived...

The ‘John Bowe Collection' by ssMEDIA is complete and all prints are now available!

A joint venture with the design talents of ssMEDIA and the decorated career of Australian motor sport legend John Bowe has resulted in this exclusive collection.

These unique illustrations capture the many vehicles that have formed JB's racing story, featuring memorable beginnings in the 1989 Shell Ford Sierra through to current day in only the second racing vehicle JB has owned, his 1969 Mustang Trans Am.

"ssMEDIA's work is art, pure and simple. These illustrations of the cars I raced reflect exactly how they were. I have never been sentimental about my old race cars but when I saw Scott Yorston's design work the memories came flooding back and I had to have some for my office. They are truly outstanding and would be a terrific boost to any collection. Make no mistake, this is world class, and at a genuinely bargain price! Cheers JB."

With the full collection now available to own and prices still from only $65, you too can own a piece of Australian motoring history.

On sale this weekend at Hidden Valley - ask about the John Bowe Collection at the Wilson Security Racing merchandise truck, or log on to ssMEDIA.com.au!

Don't forget to keep an eye on johnbowe.com.au as we bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

To purchase one or all of these prints please go to the John Bowe Collection page...

johnbowe.com.au NOW LIVE!

Thu, 13 May 2010 00:00:00 -1100

Welcome to the new home of Australian motor sport legend, John Bowe!

ssMEDIA is proud to bring you johnbowe.com.au - the place to find everything for this truly admired sports professional and ambassador. Be the first to know the latest news, view images and videos, meet the sponsors, discover more about JB's incredible racing career, purchase exclusive merchandise including the John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA, and help show your support for JB's charity work.

Keep an eye online as we continue to develop to bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

Log on now...

johnbowe.com.au soon to go live!

Thu, 06 May 2010 00:00:00 -1100

johnbowe.com.au soon to go live!

Welcome to the new home of Australian motor sport legend, John Bowe!

johnbowe.com.au is the place to find everything for this truly admired sports professional and ambassador. Be the first to know the latest news, view images, meet the sponsors, discover more about JB's incredible racing career, purchase exclusive merchandise including the John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA, and help show your support for JB's charity work.

Keep an eye online as we continue to develop to bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

Get geared up for johnbowe.com.au as we launch for round 2 of the Touring Car Masters, Winton Motor Raceway 14 - 16 May.

Further information:
Kat O'Shaughnessy
Brand, Media & Communications Consultant
ssMEDIA
kat@ssmedia.com.au
0421 962 571

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA now available

Mon, 03 May 2010 00:00:00 -1100

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA now available

A joint venture with the design talents of ssMEDIA and the decorated career of Australian motorsport legend John Bowe, see the launch of this exclusive collection.

These unique illustrations capture the many vehicles that have formed JBs racing story, featuring memorable beginnings in the 1989 Shell Ford Sierra through to current day in only the second racing vehicle JB has owned, his 1969 Mustang Trans Am.

With the collection soon to include the 1995 Championship winning Ford Falcon EF, lively times of 1999 CAT Ford Falcon AU, JB's 2003 Ozemail Ford Falcon BA - the first BA in Australia to hit the circuit, a 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo debuted in Australian racing by JB and his introduction to Touring Car Masters in the 1969 WesTrac Camaro.

"ssMEDIA's work is art, pure and simple. These illustrations of the cars I raced reflect exactly how they were. I have never been sentimental about my old race cars but when I saw Scott Yorston's design work the memories came flooding back and I had to have some for my office. They are truly outstanding and would be a terrific boost to any collection. Make no mistake, this is world class, and at a genuinely bargain price! Cheers JB."

With prices from only $65, you too can own a piece of Australian motoring history.
On sale exclusively at ssMEDIA.com.au!

Holdsworth reveals Leethal look

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -1100

Holdsworth reveals Leethal look

Fujitsu Racing driver Lee Holdsworth has today revealed his latest helmet design which he hopes will mark the start of his 2010 championship onslaught.

The debut ssMEDIA lid design combines striking colour with carbon fibre detailing, and is sure to live up to the ‘Leethal' reputation. With prominent positioning for sponsors, the unique combination of personal brand and class, and forefront design work by Scott Yorston of ssMEDIA, Holdsworth is thrilled to add this stunning design to his armoury.

"I'm absolutely stoked with the new design ssMEDIA created for me. The idea is to adopt a personal design that fits in with my "Leethal" brand. It's a design that I'll hopefully hold onto for the rest of my career."

"Armed with my new lid, I've got that extra confidence every driver craves going into a challenging event like Hamilton." Holdsworth said.

The Fujitsu Racing Team are confident they can achieve just as impressive results this weekend in Hamilton, having experienced consistent speed at street circuits and are proving they are out to win this season with Holdsworth currently placed fifth in the Championship Series.

Latest News - ssMEDIA

A speed bump start to season 2011

A new face for a new season...

Tasman Revival to welcome racing legends Bowe and a classic Brabham

Bowe versus Bathurst – today, yesterday, the good, the bad and the ugly

Bowe versus Bathurst – today, yesterday, the good, the bad and the ugly

Australian Touring Car Championship/V8 Supercar Championship…

ATCC/V8SC Statistics…

More notable Bathurst memories…

Touring Car Masters…

ssMEDIA makes its mark with livery design accolades

The ssMEDIA designed XA GT Falcon of Leanne Tander (Wilson Security Racing) has taken out the award for best presented car and crew at the Australian Muscle Car Masters, round four of the 2010 Touring Car Masters season.

This follows up the ssMEDIA design of Tander and her Wilson Security/McGrath Foundation racing machine, being named as one of the 50 great liveries of the 50 years of Falcon, recently unveiled by Auto Action Magazine in vol 1406.

Check out more of ssMEDIA’s livery creations in the Touring Car Masters series on the machines of Australian motor racing legend John Bowe, Chris Stillwell and Tony Hunter.

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA – Full collection now available!

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA - Full collection now available!

Now that media and fans alike are experiencing the world of JB through his new website johnbowe.com.au, the next exciting development has arrived...

The ‘John Bowe Collection' by ssMEDIA is complete and all prints are now available!

A joint venture with the design talents of ssMEDIA and the decorated career of Australian motor sport legend John Bowe has resulted in this exclusive collection.

These unique illustrations capture the many vehicles that have formed JB's racing story, featuring memorable beginnings in the 1989 Shell Ford Sierra through to current day in only the second racing vehicle JB has owned, his 1969 Mustang Trans Am.

With the full collection now available to own and prices still from only $65, you too can own a piece of Australian motoring history.

On sale this weekend at Hidden Valley - ask about the John Bowe Collection at the Wilson Security Racing merchandise truck, or log on to ssMEDIA.com.au!

Don't forget to keep an eye on johnbowe.com.au as we bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

To purchase one or all of these prints please go to the John Bowe Collection page...

johnbowe.com.au NOW LIVE!

Welcome to the new home of Australian motor sport legend, John Bowe!

Keep an eye online as we continue to develop to bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

Log on now...

johnbowe.com.au soon to go live!

johnbowe.com.au soon to go live!

Welcome to the new home of Australian motor sport legend, John Bowe!

Keep an eye online as we continue to develop to bring you further into the world of the man and racer they affectionately call JB.

Get geared up for johnbowe.com.au as we launch for round 2 of the Touring Car Masters, Winton Motor Raceway 14 - 16 May.

Further information:Kat O'ShaughnessyBrand, Media & Communications ConsultantssMEDIAkat@ssmedia.com.au0421 962 571

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA now available

John Bowe Collection by ssMEDIA now available

A joint venture with the design talents of ssMEDIA and the decorated career of Australian motorsport legend John Bowe, see the launch of this exclusive collection.

These unique illustrations capture the many vehicles that have formed JBs racing story, featuring memorable beginnings in the 1989 Shell Ford Sierra through to current day in only the second racing vehicle JB has owned, his 1969 Mustang Trans Am.

With prices from only $65, you too can own a piece of Australian motoring history.On sale exclusively at ssMEDIA.com.au!

Holdsworth reveals Leethal look

Holdsworth reveals Leethal look

Fujitsu Racing driver Lee Holdsworth has today revealed his latest helmet design which he hopes will mark the start of his 2010 championship onslaught.

"I'm absolutely stoked with the new design ssMEDIA created for me. The idea is to adopt a personal design that fits in with my "Leethal" brand. It's a design that I'll hopefully hold onto for the rest of my career."

"Armed with my new lid, I've got that extra confidence every driver craves going into a challenging event like Hamilton." Holdsworth said.

The Fujitsu Racing Team are confident they can achieve just as impressive results this weekend in Hamilton, having experienced consistent speed at street circuits and are proving they are out to win this season with Holdsworth currently placed fifth in the Championship Series.

Further information:Kat O'ShaughnessyBrand, Media & Communications ConsultantssMEDIAkat@ssmedia.com.au0421 962 571

Further information:
Kat O'Shaughnessy
Brand, Media & Communications Consultant
ssMEDIA
kat@ssmedia.com.au
0421 962 571

With prices from only $65, you too can own a piece of Australian motoring history.
On sale exclusively at ssMEDIA.com.au!

Further information:
Kat O'Shaughnessy
Brand, Media & Communications Consultant
ssMEDIA
kat@ssmedia.com.au
0421 962 571