SUMMERNATS OR BUST

DEAR Street Machine, I just wanted to share this story with you, to remind everyone how great the car community is.

My best mate Paul and I left Bendigo at 5.30am bound for Summernats scrutineering. The trip was going great in my newly built GU Patrol towing my rat-rod ’36 Ford pick-up. We stopped at Gundagai to refuel the cars and ourselves. The Patrol was slightly cheaper to fuel than Paul – man he can eat!

Soon we were back on the road, but about 30km along, near Jugiong, the mighty Patrol said: “No more.” It had somehow lost all the water and it appeared the motor had nipped up.

Paul and I sat on the side of the road going through all the scenarios and the why, what, how and when.

Then we saw the yellow Turbo Taxi go past. A few minutes later, it was back. Simon Telford jumped out and asked if we were okay and if he could help. We explained what had happened and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself.

Telfo walked off and was on the phone for a few minutes before returning and saying he had a solution: He offered me a Ford Ranger to tow my trailer and rat rod to Summernats.

I was speechless; I couldn’t believe that someone from the Street Machine family would make such an offer. It was amazing! But after my past luck with Drag Challenge and Summernats – missing both due to car troubles – I felt I shouldn’t tempt fate in someone else’s vehicle. Telfo tried to persuade me for the next 20 minutes, but my mind was made up.

After that we made the call to send up a local guy, Clint from CJ Excavations, with a 45ft low-loader to take the Patrol, trailer and rat rod back home. While waiting for Clint we spent the next seven hours in a paddock. The plan was to then go on to Summernats, which we finally did.

Once we made it to the ’Nats, I was accepted into the world record burnout attempt. Paul gave me the keys to The Shitter, his twin-turbo and supercharged Austin Lancer, allowing me to fulfil one of my goals.

I have always told my missus that there are so many amazing, generous and special people in our performance car community. This day was no exception. I had so many offers from family and friends – and Telfo! – trying to get me and my rat rod to Summernats. I would like to thank each and every one of you; you know who you are! Also to my great mate Paul – thanks for the laughs and keeping me sane!

PS: To break the curse, Paul and I are thinking of leaving the mainland to have a crack at Tassie Nats! Marcus Lea, email