Hi there to all my Rare Spares friends,

I recently had the opportunity to spend a couple of days on ‘The Variety Bash’ with David Rayner, Rare Spares General Manager. Variety, The Children's Charity is dedicated to transforming the lives of children with special needs. Apart from the various general fundraising opportunities Variety tries to create unique experiences; through Gala Dinners and motoring events such as The Variety Bash. This unique motoring event is a huge off road event, where the focus is firmly placed on having fun – and involves outrageously themed older cars. It was enjoyable spending time with such great people and their very unusual motor vehicles. I'm pretty sure that without The Bash and Rare Spares we would have lost most of those old cars to the scrap heap.

On a V8 Supercar note, it has been unfortunate to see Ford announce drastic cutbacks to their motorsport programs this year. Although, the cutbacks were inevitable, Ford just hasn’t had the sales that they need. One of the most disappointing cutbacks would have to be the Dick Johnson Racing Team, owned by Dick Johnson. I drove with Dick for a number of years during my racing career, and he would have to be the most loyal Ford supporter that I know; and I feel his pain.

However, despite the cutbacks and the fact that the Ford teams are running the same cars as last year, the V8 Supercar scene has seen a turn around this year with Ford dominating the series. I can only put this down to the top Ford teams doing a better job than the top Holden ones at present.

Apart from that, without the pressure of V8 Supercar racing I am enjoying many and varied racing categories and cars; from a 1971 Brabham single seater to a 2008 Lamborghini. In total for 2008, I have had the pleasure of racing seven different racing cars; for a ‘petrol head’ like me it’s very exciting.

My favourite would have to be the 1968 Camaro which I am current racing in the Biante Touring Car Masters Series, its got lots of grunt and character. The difference between the Camaro and the Lamborghini are vast. The Lamborghini has enormous grip and awesome brakes, and the Camaro just has awesome grunt, although not much grip and pathetic brakes.

It has been an eye opening experience for me, working with Rare Spares and seeing the huge range of products they have available is just outstanding. As everyone says, you can’t restore your car without Rare Spares!

By the way, make sure you keep an eye out shortly for the “NEW” Rare Spares TV Commercial! We shot it at the Western Sydney International Dragway recently, and it was great fun.

See you all soon,

JB