Success always has a price and in the Touring Car Masters (TCM) it's ballast. The more successful you are, the more ballast you must carry.

Given he has won five of the seven rounds of this year's championship, Coates Hire ambassador John Bowe and his 1969 Trans Am 'Mustang Sally' are required to carry a combined weight of 1,700 kg for the title deciding, final round of the championship, at Phillip Island this weekend.

Bowe is shooting for an unprecedented TCM title hat trick, despite carrying 120kg more and having 1200rpm less available to him, blunting ‘Sally’s’ pace. Throughout the season Bowe has struggled with the constant weight/rpm changes.

Currently second in the title chase Bowe is 56 points behind long-time rival Jim Richards and 70 in front of Andrew Miedecke. With 180 points still up for grabs, the title is on a knife-edge.

On receiving confirmation of his weights/revs for this weekend Bowe said, "I understand the need for close racing and a putting on a good show. But look what happened to Phar Lap when officials took similar measures; they broke him in the end. My supporters and sponsors need to understand we haven’t suddenly lost any talent or ability.

"I always give my best, it’s the way I race and if I’m good enough to win I do; or if I’m beaten by someone, I’m the first to go and shake his hand. That’s always been my way.

"I love the TCM category, it has massive appeal and sits well with the fans who genuinely relate to our cars, but there has to be a better way. My transporter will weigh less than Sally soon!".