John Bowe | Athlete
John Bowe
Reviews
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25.01.2022 In these very difficult Covid-19 days in Melbourne I have been listening to lots of podcasts. Being a great follower and fan of Alan Jones I found this podcast with Sir Patrick Head fascinating. He was a founding member of the once great Williams Grand Prix team and this period was full of great innovation and very talented people, which I followed closely. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Credit to Motor Sport Magazine for their podcasts. Tell me what you think.... JB https://youtu.be/cXNxXgbLPzE See more
23.01.2022 This is an indication of the work that Gary O'Brien's Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars does. He has done a revamp of Danny Buzadzic's A9X hatch. A big revamp I might say! The workmanship is amazing!! That's why I was drawn to them when I switched to the Torrie!! He also has a few other cars in build, so if you are interested in going racing in Touring Car Masters, reach out to Gary or I. It's such a great category with fantastic racing and driving. Why do you think I love racing tho...se cars so much?!? JB See more
22.01.2022 THE FORDS OF TCM - MUSTANG SALLY Six TCM series titles. 97 race wins from 253 starts. A better than 50% strike rate for pole position. TCM lap record holder at ...Mount Panorama. The greatest TCM car ever? If were judging purely on the basis of results, Mustang Sally is in a league of its own. Originally raced by Drew Marget in Group N and the early years of TCM, Sally has dominated TCM for much of the past decade with John Bowe and Steve Johnson each taking this special Stang to a hat-trick of championship crowns. Earlier this year, Sally was passed on to a lucky new custodian. Will we see it on track in TCM again? Time will tell... Gulf Western Oil Pty Ltd | Shannons | Hoosier Tire Australia Images: Dirk Klynsmith Photography
22.01.2022 Saw this and thought Id share it. Its difficult to see my three boys at the moment but forever in my heart JB
22.01.2022 Did you see this great news? It's fantastic for what will be a ground breaking couple of race meetings for ARG and its range of categories. Who is going to be there and enjoy Tassie hospitality at its best? And yes we know there are travel restrictions, but don't forget it'll be on TV too: "Boost Mobile Race Tasmania will be broadcast live from Symmons Plains Raceway on 7mate, with two hours of coverage on Monday, January 25 from 3:30pm-5:30pm AEDT followed by a packed five hours of racing on Tuesday between 11:00am-4:00pm AEDT." JB
22.01.2022 Lots of people have been asking about this little rascal! Payce the wonder dog is going through a big chewing phase so he is not in my good books right now! A few shoes and girls sandals will attest to that but he has a beautiful temperament and is truly mans best friend!! Just need him to stop eating inappropriate things otherwise I will have to issue his first warning. Isn't he handsome though??... JB See more
21.01.2022 Let's talk about Men's Health, and specifically Prostate Cancer. If you're over 40 it's time to have a conversation with your doctor. Monitoring and early detection is key. My mate Hammo was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, which has prompted me to mention it. Pictured here with his surgeon, they're able to give a thumbs up because he's done the right thing. He had his PSA level monitored by a specialist for a couple of years, so they knew when to take action. Share and have that conversation please. JB
21.01.2022 One of the most satisfying tracks to drive on, Dick Johnson loved it and I learned to love it. He was blindingly fast there. But it took me a while to figure it out. Do you have a favourite Lakeside memory? JB
20.01.2022 Came across this photo recently and thought Id share. Bazz became a friend of Dick Johnson and myself back in the Sierra days and was a very special bloke and a champion on a bike. Lets remember his talent, both as a racer and a totally upfront motorsport commentator (not polished but honest and from the heart). Miss you mate!! Please share your Barry Sheene memories.... JB See more
20.01.2022 Supercars enthusiasts, what did you think? It seems to me that all things being equal (such as tyre choice) Scotty Mac has no equal!! A 10 second win in a parity category to me says that all the other drivers and teams should contribute to his going to America. An amazing performance and Im so happy for my great mate Dick Johnson for the amazing upsurge in his teams fortune, of course helped by the mighty Penske organisation. All I can say is a heartfelt well done!!... JB See more
20.01.2022 Gotta love the stuff you can find on Facebook. How cool is this?!? My dads first race car: a supercharged 1500cc MG TC special. I didnt realise he had wins in it. Dad is 88 now and still going ok in case you are wondering! Happy fathers day to all the dads out there.... JB See more
20.01.2022 Being a life long Porsche lover I thought I would show you this from the Goodwood members meeting. These are early cars before they grew fat guards, fat tyres and spoilers. Let me tell you, they are a handful! I race Mark Johnsons beautiful little 911 ST several times a few years ago and the engine is intoxicating but the handling is white knuckle inducing. Not for the faint hearted especially at high speed. Im sure the original pure body shape produces serious lift at spee...d and the very rear engine is like a pendulum so there is a very distinct way to drive them. But having said all that, a wonderfully satisfying experience! Hope you enjoy! JB See more
19.01.2022 Its a bit tough to sell here in Victoria right now, so Im reaching out to you to share this and hopefully find a buyer. Its a lady-owned 2017 Mitsubishi ASX belonging to my buddy Lesley. Its superbly maintained and serviced, and in really good condition with 80 thousand kms on it. Comment below or get in touch via the Carsales ad if youre interested. JB... https://www.carsales.com.au//2017-mitsubi/OAG-AD-18793428/
19.01.2022 Have you booked yet? Tomorrow is your last chance for this prize! Do it for your Dad, or for yourself! JB
18.01.2022 Heres a great demonstration of historic Formula One cars at Goodwood. How small they look compared to todays mammoth F1 cars. And how about the sound? I love the sound. How about you?? How do they compare? Share your thoughts please.... JB See more
18.01.2022 To my Supercar following friends, what were your thoughts on the Townsville races? The format is intense and I love it. The limited data is great. I called for that 20 years ago! But why allow the data on Monday when they race at the same place next weekend?? Doesnt make sense to me. It rewards the better resourced and costs money! However, I thought the racing was really good, especially the back end of the top ten and the mid field battles caused to some degree by strategy... and different amounts of tyre deg but I cant help thinking that with two tyre options it would throw up more surprises. I honestly feel that keeping the action intense and racey is critical to Supercars success at the moment. Maybe its not for the purist but the purists dont pay the bills. The advertisers do, the sponsors do and the fans do indirectly by watching TV and going to the track sometimes! The mid field pack needs a chance to throw a result, so limited tyres and two or even three compounds gives lots of chances even if its only for one race out of three. At the end of the weekend Jamie was the king and Scotty clawed back. All deserved! But we need a round winner. Scotty and Jamie are stretching their legs now, arent they!! My performance award of the weekend goes to Scott Pye. He raced so well, and lets face it, its called motor racing!! Racing is what its about, and he has my friend Phil Keed as an engineer, a man I hold in very high regard. Great to see Townsville showcased. Its a beautiful city and the best street track around in my opinion. Share your thoughts. Im really interested in what you think. JB See more
17.01.2022 Who watched the Supercars in Darwin and what did you think? Let me know your thoughts please. Personally I think they should have a round winner. The commentary team think so too and they are the best in the business. It went astray years ago when they started calling every race as a round. So every record was broken almost weekly. Personally I think they should stick to the program they have now for 2021 as well.... The racing is good. Not easy to pick the best performers and not too long to be boring enough to be talking about 10 second versus 15 second fuel drops. The round winner in Darwin was J Whincup. Ive been a long time fan. A fantastic driver and team performance. Lets face it, there is a reason they have won so much over the past 10 years! I also loved the Andy Jones/Larko stroll down pit lane discussing the teams and drivers. Its a fresh look and maybe every telecast can be done with the hosts in Sydney and only a few at the track. Thatd be a serious cost saving. But tell me what you reckon. JB See more
17.01.2022 As a keepsake I asked Greg Ralph to custom make a model of Mustang Sally for me. I wanted her in my favourite livery of all the ones she had!! It is a superb job. So accurate to the last decal. I'm in awe of his talent. Check out what else he can do: GR Diecast Custom Creations... JB See more
17.01.2022 Ever driven a Tesla? I hadnt until today. My mate David Levy from DLM in Gardenvale has a 3 month old Model 3 for sale and I asked for a drive to get the groceries!! Wow, its impressive. Very unusual as I suppose most EVs would be, but has lots of good things going for it. I love the noise of a good engine though! I must be old fashioned, right?!? Whos into Electric Vehicles?... JB See more
15.01.2022 I have never been one to say racing was better back in the day but would appreciate your opinions on this fantastic circuit with great cars, drivers and sound. What do you think? Formula One has some incredibly major issues looming as electrification takes over the road car world. Look forward to your thoughts! JB
15.01.2022 The Australian Racing Group have announced the start of their season in Tassie early next year. I’m hoping our Touring Car Masters season will begin there too. It’s so sensible having Tasmanian events in the summer when the weather is delightful. Having spent most of my life in Tassie I know how many hard core motorsport fans live there. I hope you come along and support the ARG with their new program of categories. See you there!... JB See more
15.01.2022 This could be a bit controversial, but what are your thoughts on this? Warranted, too far, something else? Id like to hear what you think. JB... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kq2E7LBClnY
14.01.2022 What were your thoughts on the Supercars second weekend at the Townsville fantastic street circuit? Despite lots of peoples wishes for different winners the major powers once again reigned supreme. By major powers I mean 888 and DJR Team Penske. Two poles for BJR was amazing and huge credit to all involved. They have really moved forward, but winning a race is still not on the radar it seems. The midfield battle is impressively intense though and full credit to Supercar TV ...for showing lots of it!! In my opinion though they need a tyre mix to shuffle it up, just like they did at Sydney Motorsport Park, which created wildcard results. Having said all that Scotty Mac won the round (which doesnt really exist as a thing to win) and the Triple Eight team and drivers were most impressive as is usual! Love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Just for the record, Im very disappointed with the continuation of stage 4 lockdown in Victoria, and particularly Melbourne. Surely there were better options like hotspot targeting and many of the rural areas that dont have Covid outbreaks should have some freedoms, particularly for small business. Thats just my thoughts though, so Im happy to hear your views on this too!! Stay safe. JB See more
14.01.2022 Being an F1 follower since I was a kid, and with F1 having raced at Spa in Belgium on the weekend, I wanted to share this. Turn up the volume! JB
11.01.2022 Motorsport legend, John Bowe is our great friend and Ambassador @fastrackv8race. In 2020, hes doing his farewell tour at all our venues. For an unforgettable JB hot laps blast: https://www.fastrackv8race.com.au/experiences/john-bowe/ #FASTRACKV8RACE .
10.01.2022 Heres something to think about. Hang in there everyone. And do it with kindness. JB
10.01.2022 Another visit to Albert Park, but this time on the bike and no dog. I dont get any looks without the puppy though. I wonder why?? Maybe its the legs. Victoria is going into stage 4 lock down tonight with disastrous repercussions, all because people havent been doing the right thing!!! Make sure you do please. ... JB See more
10.01.2022 How lucky am I?!? My friend and Australia's best engine builder Steve Makarios from Synergy Race Engines gave me this beautiful Snapper he caught in the bay. He is a great fisherman, like many Greeks. It was seriously delicious so in honour of Stevie I post this pic! Who else loves fishing? Share your best fishing pics! But first a little confession from me: I've never caught a fish in my life!! A sad tale eh!! ... JB See more
09.01.2022 Who misses racing??? Bloody hell I do and so does my mate Joe and all the people around us. Its our oxygen!! This is Joes 351 Windsor iron head Group N engine, which is the last piece in the puzzle of the complete refresh of his 69 Mustang. Michael and Andy have done an awesome job on the car.... Take a look next time we can go to a track and youll see Steve Makarios is the best Group S, Group N and Touring Car Masters engine builder in the country. Thats just my opinion of course, but I have a lot of experience! And doesnt it sound awesome?? The numbers are stunning but I cant divulge them. Hope we can get to a racetrack soon!! Wake up Victoria!!! Be safe. JB See more
08.01.2022 Had a beautiful day in Melbourne recently, and the ability to visit my buddy Joe Calleja (The Donkey Whisperer!!) at his farm. His donkeys Romeo and Giovanni love him and love their life. Who else has a love of animals? I have my little Payce the wonder dog who has helped keep me sane during lockdown. But who is in your life in the animal kingdom? Good people love animals I reckon!!... Share pics and stories in the comments please! JB See more
08.01.2022 With so much lockdown going on there are literally thousands of folks working on their restos, and of course you cant restore an Aussie Ford or Holden without Rare Spares. The new product releases are astounding. Even after 15 years as a Rare Spares Ambassador I am continually shocked, impressed and amazed by the variety and diversity of new bits to keep our iconic classics on the road. Tell me about your current project, with pics too if you have them!! Hopefully we can use our precious enthusiast cars again soon if everyone plays by the rules!! JB
08.01.2022 Here are my awesome grandsons Marcus and Thomas who have returned to Australia for a while from the US. So good to see them again now we Victorians are allowed out and about. The boys enjoyed the beach, although I kept my shoes on!! It's the first time I've seen them since the Rolex Monterey Reunion at Laguna Seca over there last year. It's not easy having family overseas during these Covid times. But Australia is the place to be that's for sure!... Do any of you have family in far away places? Share your stories with me in the comments. I'm a happy poppy JB See more
07.01.2022 Great era of F1 I reckon. What do you think? They were big horsepower cars and the circuits were not as safe as nowadays. Look how far forward the drivers feet were!! In a shunt they were the first thing that got smashed! Brave boys! JB
07.01.2022 Once a talent, always a talent! A mate of mine, Lex Wade, who has been a volunteer CAMS official for decades sent this to me and I wanted to share it. Jim Richards is one of if not the most talented drivers I ever raced against. An amazing bloke. Who agrees? JB
07.01.2022 A feast or a famine! After 8 months away from race tracks, it'll be 3 times at Winton in 1 week! Today I was helping my buddy Joe shake down his Group NC Mustang. His team of Michael and Andy have done a complete rebuild on it and it's mint. The engine has had an upgrade at Synergy Race Engines too. The car ran faultlessly all day and Joe did his PB comfortably too, so a good day. Winton is a great track for sorting a car out and the folks there are super friendly and helpful...! We are doing his little 2 litre March sports car tomorrow. Any day at a race track is a good day!! JB See more
07.01.2022 Anyone remember this guy? Wasnt he great?!? So many self confessed experts nowadays, thanks to social media. What do you reckon? Has it gone too far? I am only a Facebook person thanks to my mate Shane who knows how to do this stuff and is very intelligent so he doesnt let me make an idiot of myself here. People, as in some friends, have suggested I should also be on Instagram and Twitter. But do I really need it?... Im asking you all as serious enthusiasts, because serious enthusiasts of cars and motorsport are all I reach, and all I want to reach!! Besides, isnt Instagram for taking your clothes off?? Im not sure the world is ready for me taking my clothes off!! JB See more
06.01.2022 The way things are in the world, I know that lots of my friends have taken to cooking more than normal. Have you done the same? A good mate of mine for 40 years, David Cuff, makes artisan Tassie timber chopping boards with his company Big Chop and I could not resist this new addition Jamie Oliver tribute board for Jamies 20 year anniversary. I love the Jamie Oliver shows. Great guidance for us fun cooks. A portion of the sales will go to Jamies charity. They are very limite...d, but truly a thing of beauty. Almost too beautiful to use to be honest!! Just search Big Chop to get yours. And this is a non paid ad for a beautiful Tasmanian product! I paid for mine and am happy to do so!! Just support the good blokes! JB See more
06.01.2022 The closest I will get to a chequered flag for a while I figure. Its a sad sad situation thats for sure. The mask was supplied by my buddies from Fastrack V8 Race, Sandra and Dazz. Would rather be at the track. Wouldnt you?? Be safe please, especially Victorians!!... JB See more
05.01.2022 This little guy Payce is doing his best to preserve my sanity. What are all you unfortunate Victorians doing to keep your mental health intact? Its all making Queensland and South Australia look good, isnt it? Please for everyones sake follow the rules so Victoria can come out of this and we can get some racing in! A selfish thought I know, but its a lovely thought for us motorsport people!... Stay safe all. JB See more
05.01.2022 Finally!!! I had a chance to get back in the drivers seat of the mighty little Paynter-Dixon / Payce Torana at Winton. 8 months is the longest I have been out of a race car since I was a kid, so it's taken its toll but huge credit to Bendigo Retro Muscle Cars and Synergy Race Engines who look after the car and engine and do a superb job. This coming 2021 season I hope to achieve my 100th Touring Car Masters win and that does not happen without the very best people around me. ...I'm so indebted to all of them over so many years. The Paynter-Dixon / Payce A9X ran faultlessly and we actually found a couple of tweaks that I think will help us over the coming season. Fingers crossed. Next season is our first with ARG. They care about TCM and understand that people love our old muscle cars. They also have a free-to-air deal with Network 7 for their race meetings, which include S5000, TCR World Touring Cars, Trans Am 2 Silhouettes and possibly some local categories. Please support what is a new beginning for motorsport categories in Australia apart from the Supercars, which is strong enough and popular enough to stand on its own. Stay safe everyone!! JB See more
04.01.2022 I’d like to share this because I know you car lovers will like it: https://youtu.be/jdpjMRoShAM I looked at this M3 at Southern BM in Moorabbin, one of the members of Car Mechanica who are one of my motor racing supporters. They have a fabulous classic car department and are the most knowledgeable BMW people I have ever come across. If you need any job on your BMW, regardless of age, I can’t recommend them highly enough. Likewise if you are in the market for a classic or spec...ial BMW, give Jimmy a call at Southern BM. JB See more
04.01.2022 I recently got to visit my friend Joe Callejas APEX Racing workshop to check on progress. His boys Michael and Andy have completely refurbed and rebuilt Joes Group N 1969 Mustang. Its such a beautiful job. True craftsmanship. World class. Im very proud of them!! They are now starting on the Big Block 66 Corvette and have the famous 1952 Carroll Shelby Allard J2X pulled down for some maintenance and the little March 2 litre European sports car the same. All we need now is... some race meetings to race at. So please wear your masks and follow the rules, for all our sakes. The whole country thinks Victoria is unclean. Lets change that please! JB See more
03.01.2022 Had half a day out in my E Type. What a fantastic open road car it still is as it approaches its 60th birthday. Who has been using the New Year break to give their special cars some exercise?!? Shame we have been short changed on summer in Victoria!! Those chrome wire wheels are a bugger to clean afterwards!! JB
03.01.2022 These blokes are gold plated. They've been my friends for many decades, and still are my friends. I loved my times driving for BJR from 2002 until the end of 2006. But our involvement and buddy life goes back to when Kimmy was a skinny kid. They are racing Royalty in my view!... I'm sure BJR will continue on and enjoy lots of success taking it up to the mega teams, but it is genuinely the end of an era!! Enjoy the peace Kimmy!! JB See more
02.01.2022 The final race of the Euro F3 championship gives a win to Oscar Piastri a Melbourne boy. Reminds me of my youth when I followed Alan Jones progress closely through the ranks of motorsport, likewise later Mark Webber and Dan Ricciardo. Its so good to see Aussie people doing well internationally. I dont know Oscar personally but his performances through the season have been fantastic in a category that is very ferocious and competitive! Remember that old slogan "Come on Auss...ie come on"?? How good was that? Im hoping that Australian international companies can help him progress to Formula 1. Dont be slack, get on board. He obviously has what it takes. What do you reckon? JB See more
02.01.2022 I love this sort of stuff!! Hope the rest of you do too. Lotus had some amazing cars. Seems so long ago now!!! What motorsport history videos and articles have you seen? Share in the comments please! JB
01.01.2022 More postponements. But stay safe everyone. Just do the mask thing and follow the rules, guidelines, instructions, whatever. JB
01.01.2022 Instead of socks and undies for Fathers Day, put on a helmet! Treat yourself this Fathers Day by getting behind the wheel of a V8 race car and hurling around a Supercar championship circuit. Buy a voucher, book the date and time later.
01.01.2022 Heres something great to watch from back when F1 drivers used to change gear. Enjoy! JB
01.01.2022 Have you been following the Touring Car Masters "Holden Week"? Hows this one for a great memory? Were you there? Have you watched the face? Lets relive it and share your memories in the comments. Miss you buddy. JB
01.01.2022 How about this for a Touring Car Masters car? The Mercedes engine would be way too expensive to develop but the TCM category control engine would fit and is not expensive for a 650hp engine! Anyone game? Id love to see it!! What do you think??... JB See more
