Our History
The Beginning
Truck racing began in Australia in 1988 at a rain soaked Calder Park raceway in Melbourne. The race trucks were simply road-going tractor/prime mover units, which were unhooked from their trailers, had a race seat and harness fitted, then put onto the track to race.
The trucks came in all different forms with sleeper-cabs fitted and bogie drive units etc.
Some Statistics
◦The largest crowd ever in truck racing was at Oran Park in the mid 1980’s with a record 29,596 enthusiasts attending.
◦The largest field of trucks was also at Oran Park in the 1980’s with some 22 trucks racing.
The Evolution
In the early days, truck race meetings were one-off events held throughout Australia. However, the sport has evolved into the form that it is today.
A regular series was developed with rounds in various states of Australia. Regulations have been changed, with all trucks being required to be a single drive unit, minus sleepers and other accessories which had been present in the past.
The trucks became purpose built racing machines, built simply to race and never pull a trailer or load again. In 1993, the rule book was re-written and the ‘A’ class was renamed to Supertrucks and the formula was opened up to greater modifications for racing.
At the same time as the Supertruck formula was changing, another truck racing formula was established. The Light Truck category was introduced which had become predominantly Isuzu SBR/FSR but available to any vehicle under the 3 Tonne, 7500 cc engine capacity.
The Light Trucks intention was to create a class of race truck, which was more economical, lighter in weight and more nimble than their Supertruck counterparts which attracted more budget conscious rev heads who wanted to get involved in truck racing.
Racing Circuits Visited
The exciting sport of Truck Racing has attended the following circuits:
•Oran Park – NSW
•Winton – Victoria
•Calder – Victoria
•Sandown – Victoria
•Mallala – South Australia
•Willowbank – Queensland
•Lakeside – Queensland
•Barbagello – Western Australia
•Baskerville – Tasmania
Aussie Truck Racers
Have also ventured across the Tasman to New Zealand and raced at the following circuits:
•Pukekohe – Auckland NZ
•Ruapuna – Christchurch NZ
•Timaru – South Canterbury NZ
•Bay Park – Tauranga NZ
•Teretonga – Invercargill NZ
•Manfield – Palmerston North NZ
Many an Aussie (eg Crick, Russell, etc) have introduced themselves to the experienced and determined competition of the kiwis and also encountered some spectacular incidents at the New Zealand circuits.
In response, the Kiwis (eg Salter, Tulloch Richards, etc) have frequented our shores and certainly responded with some awesome, hair raising competition.
- Demonstrations & Displays:
- Racing on the Thunder Dome
Drag racing at Barnsdale and Eastern Creek – Note: The fastest 1/4 mile time to date by a Supertruck is 13.2 seconds.
Legendary Drivers
Supertruck racing is a field of motor sport that is a major draw-card for drivers of other categories wishing to experience a ‘drive’ in a race truck. Just the size, dimensions and the precision needed to successfully navigate these thundering, smoking monsters around the track has enticed many an experienced driver to ‘give it a go’.
To name a few …
From touring cars …
- Brad Jones
- Alan Grice
- Dick Johnson
- Gary Willmington
- Mal Rose
- Robbie Frankovich
From overseas …
- Denny Hulme – NZ – Formula One World Champion,
- Jim Richards – NZ – Touring Car Champion
- Avon Hyde – NZ – Touring Car Champion
- Gary Daveys – NZ – Rally Champion
- Kurt Gorgoson – European truck racing Champion
Drivers who commenced their career in Supertrucks …
- David Sieders – V8 Utes
- Paul Freestone – Porsche Cup
- Celebrities: Brian Wilsher – Radio Presenter 2GB
Other: Barry Sheene – Motor Bike World Champion
and many, many more ……
Get Involved
Current Drivers
Today, the truck racing drivers age range from the 20’s to the 60’s, with the older drivers still experiencing the adrenaline rush, that’s just so, so addictive. Current drivers, their history, credentials and teams can be found on our home page.
However, one particular driver, and his team are the ‘stayers’ of Supertruck Racing. This driver has been pushing and throwing his machine around many circuits dating back to when racing first commenced in Calder in 1988, until today.
Frank Amoroso is his name and he is a legend. He also still clings onto that rush of adrenaline every time he dons his race suit, kisses his wife Marie for luck, fastens his helmet and swings his (not so young) body into the driving seat.
He has won some and lost some but still has the enthusiasm and testosterone to ‘give it another go’.
Keep on peddling Frank, congratulations to you, your wife and your Pitt Crew.
Pit Crews
Mainly voluntary but are men who are passionate, dedicated and committed, happily feeding their lust for the love and thrill of truck racing, they appreciate every single truck they are able to buy from the semi trailer dealership indiana.
The trucks are hot and heavy after a 1 – 15 lap event, yet these volunteers buzz around checking, calculating and coordinating the vehicle aiming to squeeze that tiny bit more thrust or momentum, just to gain an edge on their competition.
Pitt Crews are the pumping heart and the revving soul of truck racing with never a worry about getting ‘down and dirty’.
The Women of Truck Racing
Unfortunately, at the moment, there are no female truck race drivers. However, behind every successful race truck driver there are women lending their support, encouragement and commitment to the team.There’s no doubt that Supertruck Racing is a man’s world. The smell of race fuel, grease, smoke, sweat and dust certainly can’t be compared to a Tupperware Party!! However, the women just love the thrill, the spectacle, the courage, commitment and strength that it takes to be a “Real Man” that being a “Truck Racer” commands.The Women mainly organise (the men) the social activities and many from other racing categories are openly quite envious of the comradery, friendship and support between race truck teams. There is no doubt that these teams are united in supporting each other whether it be to crawl under a big MACK to fix a broken wing nut or help install a new motor. It is truly enlightening to be a part of this great association.
Teams know how to party
Definitely YES,
At day’s end, with the sun setting in the west and the smell of smoke, tyres and fuel slowly dissipating in the night air, a cool tinny or 12 surely washes down well. Especially when in the company of the New Zealanders. The hospitality shown to the Aussies when in NZ is “an affair to remember”. If ever you get the chance to party with the Kiwis, don’t miss it !
A good day’s racing surrounded by great mates (male and female) and a VB. Bliss !!
