Off Season with Jason Bright 10 February 2015 01:24 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareJason Bright finished a respectable 11th in the 2014 V8 Supercar championship after a mixed year which included three pole positions, a race win at the Auckland ITM 500 and an unfortunately spectacular roll over at the Clipsal 500 that made highlight reels across the country. After a huge schedule of racing and corporate activities during the 2014 season Jason took some time off over the Christmas break to relax and recharge. Rare Spares recently sat down with Jason to talk about his time off and what is in store for the 2015 season. How would you sum up your 2014 season overall? I thought at times we showed our potential but we had a bit of a slump from Townsville through to Phillip Island that you cannot afford to have with the closeness of the competition these days. How tiring is a full season of travelling around the country, testing and 17 rounds across Australia and NZ plus your other sponsor and team commitments? It is a long year for sure but I have learnt over the years to make the most of the gaps in between each round or when there is a quiet period. Our meetings and associated appearances seem to come in bursts at different periods of the year and when it gets bust it gets very busy! How much time do you officially get off from your job? I think we are pretty lucky, when we get a break it is usually a good couple of weeks and you get to do things with the family and get away. Having said that, you never stop thinking about how to get more out of the car or the team and they are always only a phone call away. How have you spent your break this Christmas? We managed to get away for one week after Christmas for a family holiday but the rest has been spent working on my new trade and service franchise Taskforce. Is it a clean break? Do you still think about driving and the season to come? Yes for sure you do, you are always thinking about what you could have done better or improved upon. What does the first day back at work look like for you for season 2015? We have a pre-brief before the first test of the year to go through all of the changes that have been made in the off season and build a plan for the first test. And are you confident about your 2015 prospects? Yes. I believe that we finished the year very strong and can put the slump mid season last year behind us and that we have a good direction for this year. We have had some engineering changes which I think as a team will help us work together much better which is probably an area we haven’t maximised previously.
Ford V8 Supercar No More? 03 February 2015 02:47 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareAfter Ford Australia announced in May 2013 that it would be closing its manufacturing operations in Australia by 2016, naturally questions started to be asked about Ford’s continuing involvement in V8 Supercars and its financial support of the factory team Ford Performance Racing. The signs weren't promising and on 1st December 2013, Ford President Bob Graziano officially confirmed that Ford would be withdrawing financial support from V8 Supercars at the end of 2015, with a total withdrawal from the category at the end of 2016. Ford fans were on the whole extremely saddened, as the brand they have cheered for, shed tears with and owned themselves would no long have support of the manufacturer. Fords continued participation in the series moving forward was also now under a cloud. Tim Edwards who is Team Principal of Prodrive Racing Australia (PRA), commonly known as Ford Performance Racing (FPR), also confirmed the decision and made the following statement. “Ford Australia’s decision to not extend its commercial relationship with our team beyond the end of next season is extremely disappointing for our large and loyal fan base, but as a business this decision now allows us to concentrate on our long-term future,” Edwards said. “We have enjoyed a highly-successful relationship with Ford Australia with just shy of 50 race wins, 150 podiums and the last two Bathurst 1000 crowns together.” It is expected both PRA and Dick Johnson Racing Team Penske (DJRTP) will continue to campaign the new Ford Falcon FG X being debuted this year through 2015 and 2016, however the future of both the Falcon and Ford in V8 Supercars is now the new question on everyone’s lips. In 2017 V8 Supercars will reinvigorate the category with the new ‘Gen2’ rules package. This new technical framework opens up engine and body shape regulations which will allow turbo charged four and six cylinder engines to run alongside the existing V8 engines. The other large change will be to free up the body shape eligibility, and combined with the new engine allowances, has been designed to entice more manufacturers to the sport. Whether this means a Ford Mustang could potentially be competing in V8 Supercars from 2017 onwards is purely speculation, but it would be a welcome inclusion to the die-hard Ford fans, who have been cheering on the Blue Oval since the company first started its involvement in Australian motor racing in the 1960’s. The ‘Ford Works Team (Australia)’ was the first Australian motor racing team to be supported by Ford Australia after its formation in 1962 and at that years Armstrong 500 held at Phillip Island, Harry Firth and Bob Jane drove their Ford Falcon XL to victory. This began an incredible journey of Ford in motor racing in Australia with many unforgettable moments, including of course the unforgettable moment that Alan Moffat and Colin Bond completed a 1 -2 finish in perfect formation at Bathurst in 1977. Ford currently holds twenty three Australian Touring Car Championship titles, versus Holden’s nineteen titles and Ford has proudly won Bathurst a total of twenty times over the events history. For most Ford fans, the passion for the Blue Oval will remain irrespective of Ford’s involvement in V8 Supercars moving forward, however Australian motorsport would be all the better if the iconic and truly aussie Ford vs Holden rivalry could remain for years to come.
Shane Jacobson and Classic Cars 17 January 2015 12:41 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareShane Jacobson is a man of many talents. An actor, comedian, writer and director, his resume is long and varied. Shane is also an avid automotive enthusiast, with a slant toward classic machines. For many in Australia, Shane became a household name through the 2006 mockumentary movie ‘Kenny’ where he portrayed a Melbourne plumber who works for a portable toilet rental company. Jacobson has also rubbed shoulders with those in Hollywood, playing a small role in the well known Hollywood movie ‘The Bourne Legacy’ as factory security manager. Many automotive enthusiasts will however know Jacobson from his two seasons spent co-hosting the Australian version of Top Gear with Steve Pizzati and Ewen Page. The Australian team was never going to fill the large shoes and chemistry of the dynamic hosts in the UK version, but it was unfair to draw comparisons, as the Australian version was simply trying to use the successful model and do it in an ‘Aussie’ way. The show was entertaining and the co-hosts did the best they had with a significantly lower budget than their UK counterparts. After two seasons, Top Gear Australia ended. Shane’s love of all things automotive continued and it was an affair that started early in his life. One day while on his BMX as a kid, Shane saw a candy apple red EH Holden cruising into the car park. “It was love at first sight. I was mesmerised.” His classic car passion had started. In 2009 Shane filmed a movie with Paul Hogan named ‘Charlie & Boots’ which had acquired a couple of classic machines as part of the set. The cars in question were a HJ Kingswood and a HQ Holden Ute. After filming, Shane was sad at the thought these cars could fall in to unappreciated hands and just like that, decided to purchase them himself, which started his ‘collection’. Despite his various car purchases over the years, Shane had never owned his one dream car, the EH Holden. Then one day a conversation with his plumber yielded information of a vehicle he might be interested in. One thing led to another and before he knew it, his dream had become a reality. The car needed a little love so the rust has been removed and it was recently treated to a birthday with a respray. The EH is everything he had wished for in a car. “These classic cars have character and that’s why we love them” said Jacobson. Jacobson's collection includes his treasured EH Holden and even a Kombi.
Auto One Rare Spares Super Saturday 19 December 2014 01:06 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareAuto One Rare Spares Roxburgh Park held a ‘Super Saturday Sale’ as a Christmas get together that provided customers the opportunity to stock up on gifts and car parts before the break and take in all the activities and special guests in attendance. Held on 13th December, the all day sale offered 20% off storewide and adding to the bargains on offer, a BBQ and refreshments were offered to feed the masses. Thanks to a lucky door prize, two winners walked…or should we say rode away, in new mountain bikes. The Christmas spirit was alive and well with Santa making an appearance despite his busy schedule. Kids were able to take some selfies with the man himself and also receive lolly bags. If that wasn’t enough, a Jumping Castle certainly provided fun times for the kids in attendance. Rare Spares royalty in the form of racing legend John Bowe also came down to mingle with the crowds and as always was happy to have a good yarn and share the passion for cars with other enthusiasts. To find out about upcoming Rare Spares special events sign up to the Loyalty Club so you don’t miss out on great savings and exciting events in 2015. https://www.rarespares.net.au/loyalty/
What's In Your Garage? 09 December 2014 02:35 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareWhat’s In Your Garage What’s in your garage? That’s what Rare Spares is excited to know. With potentially thousands of garages and sheds around the country containing so many interesting and uncompleted projects, Rare spares set up a promotion to find out what is out there. Australia has responded in force, by opening sheds, pulling off the covers and wiping off dust so Rare Spares can share your incomplete restoration project with the world. The best part is, as well as having your project shared across the Rare Spares network, you have the chance to win a $50 Rare Spares voucher if your car is voted a favourite to help you complete that pride and joy. Along with the fortnightly winners, two runner ups will receive Rare Spares mystery prize packs. To enter, it is as simple as uploading an image of your project and sharing. The more friends and family that vote, the better the chance to win! To enter simply click the below link and you will be in with a chance. http://woobox.com/cs53qc The competition begins on Monday 3 November 2014, noon AEDT and ends on Wednesday 10 December 2014, at 5pm AEDT. All entries (submissions) must be received on or before the time stated during that submission period. Sponsor reserves the right to extend or shorten the contest at their sole discretion.
The Love of a Mustang 26 November 2014 10:27 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareThe Ford Mustang is arguably one of the world’s most iconic cars and by the end of 2015, the Mustang will be once again heading for Australian shores.With the ending of the locally produced Falcon and the associated performance models of FPV, Ford will be missing a performance model to sell to Australian consumers and the Ford faithful. This is where the famous Mustang re-enters the equation and will resume a love affair that has existed in Australia for 50 years. [More]
Rare Spares Bayswater Project Partner Night 21 November 2014 01:33 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareFor a group of lucky car clubs, the evening of Wednesday 12th November was the date of a special Project Partner night at Rare Spares Bayswater. A group of Rare Spares Loyalty Member Clubs were invited to the evening, including the Lions Pride Holden Car Club, the Eastside Cruisers, Southern Early Holden Club and the Early Model Holden Club. A perfectly warm Spring evening encouraged a large number of car club members to bring down their special machines and enjoy the benefits of the Project Partners night. Not only did the 20% off storewide prove a winner for those looking for new parts for their own project, but there was a great bunch of door prizes on offer. The lucky first place recipient took home the awesome prize of a TCM Hot Lap around Phillip Island. Runner up prize was a double pass to Phillip Island and a Pit Tour, with 3rd and 4th prizes a $100 Rare Spares voucher and Rare Spares merchandise pack respectively. With Pizza provided for dinner, everyone had more time to spend mingling with the huge number of high profile special guests who joined the night. Aussie racing legends John Bowe and Jim Richards joined V8 Supercar star Jason Bright and a group for TCM greats including Les Walmsley, Tony Hunter, Wayne Mercer and Gary O’Brian. To be part of some fantastic car club evenings, simply join the Rare Spares Loyalty Club https://www.rarespares.net.au/Loyalty/default.aspx
Gold Coast Project Partner Night 12 November 2014 11:08 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareOn Thursday 23rd October Rare Spares Gold Coast held a Project Partner night for Rare Spares Loyalty Club and Rare Owner members on a perfect spring evening. Attendees were able to access a store wide 20% discount for the evening, with many eager to access the huge savings, scooping up some bargains for their own projects. The Kustoms of Australia Gold Coast car club was happy to be involved, cooking a delicious BBQ for those in attendance. John Bowe was the special guest for the evening and spent time signing autographs and mingling with the crowd who were keen to hear tales from the racing legend. Rare Spares Gold Coast store owner Reg Vine was keen to get involved himself by debuting his just completed, fully restored 1956 Corvette. “It was great to bring the corvette out finally. JB absolutely loved it and even took some selfies in it!” laughed Reg Vine. Another attraction for the evening was the great prizes on offer. A double pass to the gold Coast 600, a Rare Spare merchandise pack and a $100 Rare Spares voucher were all given away to lucky winners. “It was a fun relaxed evening and we look forward to the next one.” It’s free to join the Rare Spares Loyalty Club and you can sign up to receive exclusive invites to upcoming Rare Spares events and have access to prizes and huge discounts. Simply head to https://www.rarespares.net.au/loyalty/
Auto One-Rare Spares Show N Shine 01 November 2014 10:56 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareThe Auto One/Rare Spares Roxburgh Park certainly know how to host a great event and their recent Show N Shine certainly lived up to expectations. Held on the evening of Friday 24th October at the Roxburgh Park store, the weather gods proved kind with beautiful conditions resulting in an incredible turnout of quality cars. Spectator numbers were also large, taking advantage of the beautiful machinery, store savings and food on offer. The Show N Shine also doubled as a fundraising activity for the local CFA, with Auto One models collecting gold coin donations as entry into event which raised $690.00 when combined with donations via the BBQ which provided energy for the eager crowd during the evening. To reward those in attendance, the store offered a huge 20% discount across the entire range with bargains snapped up by eager enthusiasts throughout the evening. A Show N Shine wouldn’t be complete without awards, with the Old Skool, Aussie Tuner, Jap/Euro & Show stopper categories awarded to winners and runners up with trophies and prizes. “With roughly 200 quality cars on display, it certainly made for a great sight and a great night out” said Brad De Pasquale from the Auto One-Rare Spares store Roxburgh Park. The event would not have been possible without the support of a group of sponsors, including: Pioneer, SP Tools, TDJ, Somerton Tyres, Kicker, Penrite, High Chem, Meguiars and Naparts. For more information on Rare Spares evenings, simply join the Rare Spares Loyalty Club to stay up to date with upcoming events via https://www.rarespares.net.au/Loyalty/default.aspx
Roxy VIP Night 11 October 2014 12:25 Rare Spares Rare Spares (0) ShareRare Spares continue to dish out great events, with a pre Sandown 500 VIP Night at the Roxy Rare Spares store on 11th September. The night was exclusively offered to the Rare Spares Loyalty Club and Rare Owner members. Special guests were called in to aid in the festivities which included BJR V8 Supercar drivers Jason Bright and Andrew Jones as well as Aussie racing legend John Bowe and other stars of Touring Car Masters including Paul Freestone and Gary O’Brien. V8 Ute driver Adam Marjoram from Auto One was also in attendance. Not only was a delicious BBQ setup to feed the masses, but a plethora of prizes was offered to those in attendance. The major prize given away was a rare hot lap experience with Jason Bright in his Team BOC V8 Supercar. Also on offer were 2 double passes to the Sandown 500 thanks to TCM and BJR, a $100 Rare Spares voucher and TCM and Rare Spares merchandise packs. With a nice turnout, great prizes, high profile drivers and a delicious BBQ, the Roxy VIP night is becoming quite a tradition. If you are keen to be part of exclusive events like these, simply become a Rare Owner or if you are a member of a car club, simply join our Loyalty program.