Baggy....agree....the Fifita defection is tough but only because of the lateness of it.....but it's nothing compared to the debacle in the Kiwis camp right now. Taumalolo didn't even have the decency to speak to the coach. Advised NZRL of his decision via txt. Kiwis selector Tawera Nikau spoke to him after the GF and not any mention of his intentions. Guys told they wouldn't be selected now being asked to join the squad. Jordan Kahu & Tohu Harris both late scratchings....all this is hardly ideal preparation on the back of Bromich and Procter being suspended earlier in the year. It's a total farce!!

Nah it won't be, CRICKET'S ON THE RADIO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well Cairns Taipans just won basketball BigPete

Pleasure to do for Thinker site mate.
Lots been happening since that update and the picture box, will be telling some stories. But its a mountain, and it rains and does everything, when things get stirred up. Mind you there has been a long drought for H2O happening in NSW. So this race will be an experience for drivers, having showered most of the race. It was raining at top of the mount and in CBD nil. That's the elevation it has and at times, when clouds are low, you see mist, but no gorilla's - only roos.

Mate, I might hold out on my recent gift card. Thank you for making it available. Have been noticing not nice things about Lottoland and at this point in time, I might like to not add, to the advertising of support. We'll see if if Lottoland gets the flick, as the reports I read were on front doors of newsagents.
Cheers - Big Pete

Hi you off seasoners.
Big Pete I watched bits and pieces of Bathurst.
Gotta take my hat off to those drivers in terrible conditions.
I have trouble controlling my Colorado 4wd at 40 k's on roundabouts.
If I missed it? are you a Holden or Ford man?
I drive a Holden but secretly a Ford supporter.

Can't agree more Bob m. Australia has a wealth of musical talent any one of which would have served the GF well.
Did we need a gay rapper, who almost no one knew, to promote our game. A stance taken by Todd Greenberg to show his personal thoughts on the Yes/No vote. How many people at NRL did you consult Todd before deciding?
I have no problem with "gay" people. Each to their own. Just was disappointed to see our great game brought into it.

Johnny Awesome - if u r checking in occasionally.

You might like to know that the next two Charity Shields of NRL, have been allocated to be played in Mudgee, at The Glen Willow Complex.
The 2018 match is to be played Saturday 24th February, 2018.
Also - St George Dragons, have struck a partnership with Mudgee, to take two NRL matches there for 2018 & 2019 seasons. So with the Charity Shield games it will mean two games there each year, as mentioned. Naturally, NRL Round opponents, wont be known until the draw is officially released, but at least Dragons and Bunnies supporters, can look forward to seeing their stars in action there and meeting them - face to face.

Cheers mate and keep well
Big Pete

Out of interest Anonymous witch user were you

Good Saturday 14th evening to you mate.
I'm in between watching Liverpool v Man Utd in EPL on SBS at the moment. I picked a draw this week, as Liverpool might keep it tight at Anfield.
Anonymous signed off, on each occasion as Mary S.

Mate, Adelaide Sixers look a strong unit this NBL year.
But you guys were doing a Willie Nelson this week, away.
On the Road Again..........anyone humming out there.
By the time a few more come on site and have a short chinwag, they'll be buzzing.

Cheers
Big Pete

Evenin there Mark A.
Back in early days, there were many makes of cars and classes for Production cars, in the race. Cortina, FJ Holden (not Frankie), Mini Cooper S etc. and the race was in miles, of course. Bathurst 1000 is now known as Supercheap Bathurst 1000, like Hardie Ferodo you mention. James Hardie 1000, Armstrong and Gallagher 500, takes us back to early days.
But majority makes in the latter days are now Holden v Ford. Throw in a Mercedes and a couple of Nissans and you have the makes of the race.
Yes, we see where both manufacturers have gone offshore and now Toyota has joined them. Correct, the cost to make anything in Oz has spiralled and many companies of many types of production (even biscuits and canned produce), find it cheaper in Asia and elsewhere. Not good....I know!

There will still be cars produced and people will still be buying them from dealerships and driving them in your town, my town and everyone's town and State.

The other Supercar races around the country, that you mention, are the same crowd and drivers. Bathurst 1000 is a round of one of the V8 Supercars series.

Agree Mark, Australia is one of a couple of premier tourist destinations. But funny how some of those tourists, get a leg in the door and they are back or buying real estate here. Even setting up, or buying into industry here.

So in closing, several are saying that the popularity of the Bathurst 6 & 12 Hour race, that given time, the 12 hour race will catch up in stature to the V8's. The Liqui-Moly has numerous classes, European models (cars) and many overseas drivers love this race, like a "mini" Le-Mans. The cars here start the race with their headlights on, as it is dark of a morning and all teams have three or four drivers to a car, as they need it, come end of race.

Some love their motor racing and others just take it as it comes, like various codes of football. Locally here, when its race week, its on and we all love it and the excitement and festivities that motor racing brings. There'll be more to come, as a multi, multi-million dollar application is in for a second track at The Mount. A more flatter track, so that Moto GP bikes and possibly in time to come, Formula 1 racing cars, like the Grand Prix events that are run. But for now, I am just dreaming of the latter and by then, Louis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Riccardo & Nico Rosberg etc., may well be retired.

Cheers mate and I hope I have tried to assist your question, with a multitude of comparisons, in answers.
Big Pete

A rather good question Thinker, but I 'd hate to see it happen.
Competitiveness would be taken away from the race.
The way the race is run, I couldn't see where the skill would be in a driverless car.
What do you do in interviews, pull the bonnet up and talk to the engine.

Nah mate, not for me - stick to driverless trains, as they have set tracks to run on.
Hope brother Pabdul isn't reading, as he'd be without a train drivers job.

Keep well
Big Pete

Hi all,
I’ve have had a combination of holidays and work to contend with, hence my hiatus from the site. I agree Big Pete, how good is the Saints partnership with Mudgee. I’ll definitely have to book some time off and go down and see the games live. May even catch up you Pete. Sorry for not replying to anyone else either, haven’t been on line for a while. Pete, you are also welcome to get my email from Mr Thinker anytime mate. Saints have had a long affinity with Mudgee anyway, it makes sense to support the region. Mudgee rugby league has a long history dating back to the early 1900’s as I’ve noted in earlier posts this year. I remember when they officially became the Red and white Dragons back in 1978. It was a happy day for me because I was a Saints man since 1969 and playing league in the region and having that affliation with the mighty St George Dragons was an absolute honour. I remember in 1986? Mudgee Dragons won their first premiership as the Mudgee Dragons in group 10 with none other than Ron Hilditch being captain and coach, they beat Blayney. I also remember [my memory banks fade in and out] Saints came to Mudgee to play the Mudgee Dragons in their inaugural year 1978 as a showcase for the region. My PE teacher at the time Stewart Skinner played halfback for the Mudgee Dragons that year. Mudgee got belted by Saints but no-one cared we had the mighty Saints in town.
Time to get some brekky happening.
Cheers all from the original Mr Johnny Awesome.

Hey Christine,
What about the GTR XU1 torana's, I'm a Holden man through and through.
Cheers from Mr Awesome

@ Christine & Johnny Awesome.

Yes Christine - the GTHO's were also known as Ford Super Roos.
Cant forget the likes of Alan Moffat, Fred Gibson and Pete Gheoghan driving them.
Hmmmm......seems to be some much hidden knowledge with our Christine. Well done there Missy and certainly brought back some great memories on that post you made.

Also Johnny A - Torana XU1's were a car to be reckoned with, as that was a time when the late Peter Brock dominated the track/race for HDT.

Cant forget about 1987, those super Texaco Ford Sierra Cosworths either. Lovely looking car entered by Rudy Eggenberger (Germany). Both cars came home 1/2 and were finally disqualified due to wider front wheel guards and suspected fuel doctoring. Do you happen to remember that?
Peter Brock was declared the eventual winner, but not until about 1988 was the decision handed down.

If ever any of you happen to visit Bathurst, don't forget to have a peek of The Victors Walk in front of Bathurst Regional Council building. It displays every winner of The Great Race in plaques that are set into the footpath.

Cheers folks, keep well and have a great week.
Big Pete

'a' & Christine,
I endorse your sentiments there, but not because Fatty was a former Manly and Qld player, as I never thought I'd see the day when a Qld'er picked on their fellow players, as I've seen similar posts elsewhere.

I haven't viewed The Footy Show for yonks. I'd casually have a peek, but the show was so repetitive, that you knew it, week in week out.

Fatty became a bit of a boofhead, as his years ticked on.
I have friends that visit Burleigh Heads each year and Fatty is quite often seen walking down the beach and one doesn't bother to speak these days, as his head is like a pumpkin and full of it.
I think he was the reason why Blocker Roach left The Footy Show, some years ago, and at Manly, when as a former forwards coach.

Big Dazza Brohman also gone, but I didn't mind The Big Marn. Again, both ageing stock, with a use by date, that appears as though it is Oct 2017.
I think Fatty was on the show for 24 years. Just missed out on his 1/4 of a century.

Big Pete

Yep he made it all about himself not about football

Christine,
We know what you meant, and what you weren't inferring.
It was what we said, that takes the cake.
'a' being a Qld'er and me a Manly fellow, when we both agreed on where that show was heading and the manner in which is was run.

I agree with you Christine, we, the viewers, want to hear about and see footy, not silly dares or former players, acting the goat and clowning around. I did love The Big Marn in his school class sessions, instructing the kids.

Cheers
Big Pete

Good see some of the regulars are still around. I struggle in the off season but do follow (but without the same passion) the A-League and NBL Basketball. Obviously follow the NZ teams.

With the NRL draw released yesterday already we have howls from this side of the ditch re how the Warriors have such a tough draw. Excuses excuses....I'm trying to see if there's a suitable weekend where the Warriors play in Sydney and I might make the trip and go to a couple of other games too. I've already locked in a trip to Australia next year...heading to the Sunshine Coast late February.

Big Pete you sound a keen EPL man. I have to say I've always leaned towards Liverpool but with my parents both being Scottish I'm an avid Glasgow Rangers supporter. You'll know it's been a tough few years for my club.

Keep well all!!