No more Observing

Isn’t it funny how life works?  After operating as a northern consultant to a few West Coasters interested in buying stockcars over the last two seasons the tables were turned after a recent change in personal circumstances.  Thanks to Nat “the boubonator” “soon to be Savell” Stowell my recent engagement became public knowledge, so I guess its only a matter of time before the latest news gets out – I’m heading for the dirt!  

A while back one of these coasters rang me and said he “knew a bloke by the name of Peter Ross” I said “Pooh Bear” and he replied “none other”.  Pete had been building a chassis for sale, and I was invited to come down and check it out.  I’m not sure how Pooh got his name, but I guess it’s because he might be a bit of a gruff bear at times, and certainly an aggressive driver on the track.  Currently 5nz, with over 20 years racing, driving and building experience he certainly knew what he was talking about.

Pete and Evan Ross were half way through building a new chassis, and after a quick look a deal was struck.  Two great guys, without a doubt there would be no way I’d be getting out there without their help.  If you need any stockcar engineering catch up with them as they build all sorts, including bell housings.  Anyway, this is what I ended up looking at, a beast I think you’d agree.
 

A deal was struck.  Sleep has been minimal since the agreement due to the excitement of a lifelong dream nearing fruition. I must say a big thanks again to Pooh for taking all my phone calls, and listening to my questions – I’m sure there has only been one occasion when I got the ‘Bear’ part of the name.

Currently domiciled in Wellington the plan is race down in Greymouth with the close friends I made while down there, at least for the early days.  This would not be possible without the help of these mates, and the first enormous thanks go to Tony and John Oliver at Oliver’s Auto Services, who race and prepare the immaculate 38gm Tri-rail.  Two of the most honest guys I’ve ever met, Olly and I played West Coast NPC rugby for 3 years together, and we spent most training sessions talking about stockcars as you do.  If you’re ever stuck with a mechanical breakdown on the West Coast look no further than Olivers Auto Services – these guys will see you right every time.

Two other trouble makers who will be keeping me on track so they can wind me off the end will be Gorgeous Guy Stewart and Towbar Dave (Gareth) Terris.  Another two blokes who love the social side of racing as much as the contact, and in true streetie fashion will have spares for china.  Thanks in advance Guys.  Final thanks must go to my first sponsor, Greymouth Car Centre, who will be helping with the paint side of things.  Clevos a good man, but I’ll be watching out for both him and Dutchy on the track at Greenstone Park, as they’re as mad and bad as each other, with two very fast cars.

Anyway, enough rambling.  Here are a final couple of pics of the rebuild, as you can see Pooh Bear is doing an awesome job on the beast.   It will be quick no doubt; the only problem will be the driver I suspect.  Finally, a huge thanks to new fiancée Veronica, for being 110% behind making the dream come true, and of course Macgor for providing a site that helps those winter months go so fast.  A Big cheers to all the above.

Hadleigh Smith (formerly known as an observer)
p.s excuse the dates on the photos (cheers visacard) and that makes 17 on the coast!!