Latest News
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Australian Grand Prix Thursday Recap23 Mar, 2017TODAY’S TIMES Practice One Position – 13th – 1m57.2394 // Fastest: Fabian Coulthard – 1m55.4910 Qualifying – Race OneQualified: 13th – 1m55.7340 // Pole Position: Fabian Coulthard – 1m54.3972 Qualifying - Race TwoQualified: 18th – 1m56.1489 // Pole Position: Fabian Coulthard – 1m54.8949 Qualifying - Race ThreeQualified: 15th – 1m56.0804 // Pole Position: Fabian Coulthard... Read More... |
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Team CoolDrive Australian Grand Prix Preview22 Mar, 2017TRACK TIMES Thursday 23rd March 12:50 – 13:20 – Practice One 17:00 – 17:10 – Qualifying – Race One 17:20 – 17:30 – Qualifying – Race Two 17:45 – 17:55 – Qualifying – Race Three 18:05 – 18:15 – Qualifying – Race Four Friday 24th March 13:50 – 14:20 – Race One 17:50 – 18:20... Read More... |
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Clipsal 500 Sunday5 Mar, 2017TODAY'S TIMES Qualifying – Position: 23rd // Provisional Pole Position: Shane Van Gisbergen Top Ten Shootout – Pole Position: Shane Van Gisbergen Race Two – Finished: 21st // Winner: Shane Van Gisbergen THE WORD FROM TIM ”Obviously not the day we were hoping for but we got through the day with a straight car... Read More... |
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Clipsal 500 Friday3 Mar, 2017TODAY'S TIMES Practice One – Position: 18th – 1:21.3546 // Fastest: Jamie Whincup – 1:20.4006 Practice Two – Position: 24th – 1:21.1148 // Fastest: Scott McLaughlin – 1:19.8355 Qualifying – Position: 23rd – 1:20.8376 // Provisional Pole Position: Shane Van Gisbergen – 1:19.7806 THE WORD FROM TIM ”I think we rolled the car out... Read More... |
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CoolDrive to Celebrate 40 Years in 201722 Feb, 2017One of Australia’s largest automotive aftermarket component suppliers, CoolDrive will celebrate 40 years in 2017. Founded in 1977 by Mr W. John Blanchard and Mrs Shirley Blanchard, who began selling automotive air conditioning component parts from their garage in Melbourne, CoolDrive has undertaken incredible growth in its 40 years. From originally focusing on... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Auto Parts - National Distributor for GME Australia20 Feb, 2017CoolDrive Auto Parts has recently announced a number of changes in relation to the supply of GME products to the market. In 2013, Standard Communications (GME) took the decision to consolidate its Australian State-based warehouses into two main Distribution Centre’s, Sydney and Perth. These changes worked exceptionally well in most respects, however regrettably resulted in... Read More... |
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2017 CAMS Foundation Rising Star Drivers Announced7 Feb, 2017The CAMS Foundation has confirmed the four young Australian drivers that will become part of the CAMS Foundation Rising Star program in 2017. Circuit racers Simon Fallon and Cameron Shields have been selected as the programme’s elite drivers, with Zane Morse and Ryan Suhle as the Rising Star’s karting graduates. CAMS Foundation Chairman, Valentina Stojanovska... Read More... |
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CoolDrive 2017 Footy Tipping Competitions6 Feb, 2017The football season is nearly here! Join CoolDrive’s NRL & AFL tipping competitions NOW to win some great NEW PRIZES! First Prize: Beats Studio Wireless Headphones. Valued at $479.95 Second Prize: UE MEGABOOM Portable Wireless Speaker. Valued at $329.00 Third Prize: Fitbit Charge 2. Valued at $249.95 PLUS! $50 Coles Group & Myer Gift Cards... Read More... |
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Team CoolDrive Celebrates History1 Feb, 2017Team CoolDrive is the first Holden Commodore out of the Brad Jones Racing stable to unveil its 2017 livery. Tim Blanchard’s Team CoolDrive Commodore has been ‘white hot’ in recent years, but for 2017 fans will be looking at a shining, dark blue livery on track. The livery was designed in-house and was brought to... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Wagga Wagga Opening30 Jan, 2017CoolDrive Distribution has today officially opened the doors to its 25th Australian branch, with the establishment of an official presence in Wagga Wagga in regional New South Wales.Prominently situated on one of Wagga Wagga’s busiest roads and in the hub of the local automotive area, the newest branch is CoolDrive’s seventh in New South Wales.The... Read More... |
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HULK 4x4 Products Now Available at CoolDrive25 Jan, 2017CoolDrive Auto Parts is further expanding its 4x4 and off-road offerings with the inclusion of HULK 4x4 products. The top quality products from HULK 4x4 are specifically designed to complement the growing 4WD movement in Australia, providing the accessories needed to completely fit-out off-road vehicles. The 22-item-strong product range includes everything consumers could need in lifting... Read More... |
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Now Stocking Aisin Clutches23 Jan, 2017CoolDrive Distribution is now stocking the full range of OE quality clutch kits from AISIN. World renowned for quality and reliability, AISIN clutches hold the largest market share of parts supplied and manufactured for Toyota. Available from all 26 CoolDrive branches nation-wide, the clutch kits contain the clutch cover, plate and bearing, all featuring AISIN’s... Read More... |
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Sydney Motorsport Park Preview24 Aug, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 26th August 1:30pm-2:30pm- Practice One 4:00pm-5:00pm - Practice Two Saturday 27th August 1:00pm-1:15pm - Practice Three 2:15pm-2:30pm - Qualifying (Race 18) 4:30pm-5:35pm - Race 18 – 120km Sunday 28th August 11:40am-12:00pm - Qualifying (Race 19) 2:00pm-3:35pm - Race 19 – 200km TRACK FACTS Circuit Length – 3.93 Kilometres Circuit Direction –... Read More... |
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Ignite Curved Lightbars Now Available15 Aug, 2016CoolDrive Distribution has expanded its lighting range, recently welcoming Ignite’s Curved Single Row LED lightbars to its product offerings.Ignite’s new curved lightbar range is available in three sizes, allowing fitments in a variety of applications from passenger and off-road vehicles, to all types of commercial, industrial and agricultural vehicles. Complementing the existing Ignite Straight Single... Read More... |
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New Rear View Mirror and Reversing Camera12 Aug, 2016CoolDrive Distribution has expanded its already impressive range of safety-related products with the addition of a new rear view mirror and reversing camera kit. It features a 4.3” TFT-LCD rear view mirror kit and patented Stealth Camera which can be discreetly mounted to the rear number plate. The patented Gator Stealth Cams mounting eyelets allow 120... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Opens Second New Zealand Branch10 Aug, 2016CoolDrive Distribution has opened its second branch in New Zealand and 25th overall, located in Mt Wellington, Auckland. The six-person team at CoolDrive Auckland will be headed up by Phillip Rogers, who recently joined CoolDrive from Auckland Auto Air. “The introduction of CoolDrive into New Zealand has exceeded expectations and the opening of our second... Read More... |
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Canberra Wins Branch of the Year8 Aug, 2016CoolDrive Canberra has been awarded the W.J. Blanchard Shield after being named CoolDrive Distribution’s Branch of the Year for 2016. Company founder John Blanchard Snr presented the shield to Darren Power, Canberra’s Branch Manager on the 29th July as part of CoolDrive’s annual Branch Manager’s Awards Dinner. “It is an absolute honour to have been named CoolDrive’s... Read More... |
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New Zealand Expansion Complete with Auckland Auto Air Acquisition29 Jul, 2016CoolDrive Distribution has completed the first phase of its expansion into the New Zealand market with the acquisition of the Auckland Auto Air parts business. Business partners for over 30 years, Auckland Auto Air was both CoolDrive’s first customer in New Zealand and its original distributor, and respective business owners John Blanchard from CoolDrive and... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Expands Engine Management with AFI Acquisition4 Jul, 2016CoolDrive Distribution is cementing its position in the engine management sector, with the acquisition of Sydney-based business, Australian Fuel Injection (AFI). AFI is a specialist supplier of automotive electronic, fuel injection, engine management and ignition system components and also stocks common rail diesel injection products to suit a wide range of vehicles and applications. As of 1... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Enhances Engine Management3 Jun, 2016CoolDrive Distribution today announced the acquisition of a specialist division of Automotive Services Solutions. As of 1 June 2016, the Engine Management Parts Division of Automotive Services Solutions, based in Brisbane, will become part of CoolDrive. The acquisition includes the electronic repair division, which specialises in the repair of electronic modules, including ECUs, brake... Read More... |
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Lighting Range Expands With Narva Inclusion1 Jun, 2016One of Australia’s leading automotive lighting and electrical companies, Narva, has joined CoolDrive Distribution’s product portfolio. CoolDrive now stocks Narva’s extensive lighting products including driving and fog lamps, emergency lighting, RV & interior lighting as well as LED, sealed and conventional lighting options for trucks and trailers. Narva’s comprehensive electrical accessories range is also available including globes,... Read More... |
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Strongarm Gas Supports Now At CoolDrive31 May, 2016CoolDrive Distribution is continuing to expand its product offerings, with the full range of StrongArm gas charged replacement lift supports now available. The StrongArm range of gas supports are the ideal solution for lifting, lowering and counterbalancing weight in a vast range of applications including canopies, caravans, boat hatches and toolboxes. “It is recommended that gas supports... Read More... |
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Winton Supersprint Preview19 May, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 20th May 13:55-14:25 - Additional Drivers Only Practice Session 14:35-15:35 - Practice One 16:10-17:10 - Practice Two Saturday 21st May 11:45-12:00 - Practice Three 13:20-13:35 - Qualifying (Race 10) 16:00-17:10 - Race 10 – 120kms Sunday 22nd May 11:35-11:55 - Qualifying (Race 11) 13:45-15:35 - Race 11 – 200kms ... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Sponsors Olympic Athlete10 May, 2016CoolDrive Distribution is proud to announce its sponsorship of amateur boxer Jason Whateley, who will be representing Australia at the 2016 Olympic Games. Whateley, the current Australian National Champion in the heavyweight division, funds his career through his work as a qualified personal trainer, “CoolDrive is actually my first corporate sponsor and having them on... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Continues New Zealand Expansion9 May, 2016CoolDrive is further expanding its presence in New Zealand with the recent acquisition of Total Air Conditioning in Albany, Auckland. Effective as of 1 May 2016, the Total Air Conditioning business has become CoolDrive’s second acquisition in New Zealand. “CoolDrive is excited to continue our expansion in New Zealand following last month’s acquisition of Direct... Read More... |
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Perth Supersprint - Preview3 May, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 6th May 12:00-13:00 - Practice One 14:40-15:40 - Practice Two Saturday 7th May 10:35-10:50 - Practice Three 11:40-11:55 - Qualifying (Race 8) 14:45-15:45 - Race 8 – 120km Sunday 8th May 10:45-11:05 - Qualifying (Race 9) 14:00-15:30 - Race 9 – 200km THE FACTS ON TIM & BARBAGALLO - Tim raced here... Read More... |
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Phillip Island Preview13 Apr, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 15th April 13:55-14:55 – Practice One 15:55-16:55 – Practice Two Saturday 16th April 11:30-11:45 - Practice Three 13:30-13:45 - Qualifying (Race 6) 16:30-17:30 - Race 6 – 120km Sunday 17th April 11:40-12:00 - Qualifying (Race 7) 14:10-15:35 - Race 7 – 200km TRACK FACTS Circuit Length: 4.445km Circuit Direction: Anti-Clockwise Average Speed:... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Moves to New Zealand with Direct Auto Parts Acquisition4 Apr, 2016CoolDrive is pleased to announce it has acquired the business and assets of Direct Auto Parts Ltd., effective 1 April 2016. Based in Albany, Auckland in New Zealand, Direct Auto Parts is an established and well regarded supplier of rotating electrical and auto electrical components. CoolDrive is a family owned distributor of automotive electrical, lighting,... Read More... |
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Tasmania SuperSprint Preview30 Mar, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 1st April 11:25-12:25 - Practice One 13:45-14:45 - Practice Two Saturday 2nd April 11:20-11:35 - Practice Three 14:35-14:50 - Qualifying (Race 4) 16:45-17:40 - Race 4 – 120kms Sunday 3rd April 11:40-12:00 - Qualifying (Race 5) 14:05-15:30 - Race 5 – 200kms MEET TIM Thursday 31st March @ 11:30-12:30pm Birchalls (Biante... Read More... |
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Clipsal 500 Preview29 Feb, 2016TRACK TIMES Friday 4th March 10:25-11:05 - Practice One 13:20-14:00 - Practice Two 15:45-15:55 - Qualifying (Race 1) 16:10-16:20 - Qualifying (Race 2) Saturday 5th March 10:35-10:55 - Practice Three 13:50-14:55 - Race 1 – 125km 16:15-17:20 - Race 2 – 125km Sunday 6th March 11:30 – 11:50 - Qualifying (Race 3) 12:40-13:10 - Top... Read More... |
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Footy Tipping Is Back10 Feb, 2016The CoolDrive Footy Tipping competition is back for the 2016 AFL and NRL seasons. This competition is open to all account holders and employees of CoolDrive and always provides a close finish. We have some great prizes up for grabs this year with... 1st Place - Microsoft Surface 3 Tablet 2nd Place - Apple Watch ... Read More... |
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Team CoolDrive Launch 2016 Livery8 Feb, 2016Team CoolDrive is the latest V8 Supercar team to launch their 2016 campaign. The #21 car out of the Brad Jones Racing stable has a new name, a fresh look and a different engineering lineup heading into the season ahead. Tim Blanchard will be driving a relatively new chassis when he takes over ‘Alice’, the Freightliner Racing chassis... Read More... |
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CoolDrive Acquires AME Products1 Feb, 2016CoolDrive Distribution today announced the acquisition of electrical component distributor, AME Products. Like CoolDrive, AME is a family-owned Australian business widely respected for its expertise in the supply and distribution of a wide range of electrical brands and products. CoolDrive’s acquisition of AME is consistent with its commitment to growth and delivering a high level... Read More... |
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Christmas Opening Hours27 Nov, 2015With Christmas fast approaching here are the CoolDrive opening hours over the holiday period. December - Monday 21st to Wednesday 23rd - Open normal hours Christmas Eve - Thursday 24th - Open 8.30am to 11am Christmas Day - Closed Boxing Day - Closed Tuesday 27th - Thursday 31st - Open normal hours New Years Day - Closed January 4th - Resume normal... Read More... |
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The Importance of a Thermostat in Engine Cooling8 Oct, 2015The thermostat has two important jobs to perform; to accelerate engine warm-up and to regulate the engine's operating temperature. A quality thermostat ensures excellent fuel economy, reduces engine wear, provides adequate heater output, and also prevents overheating. This is accomplished by blocking the circulation of coolant between the engine and radiator until the engine has... Read More... |
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Interview with Team CoolDrive Race Engineer Chris Stuckey30 Sep, 2015The role of a race engineer in a V8 Supercar team is critical; they have a huge influence over the performance of the car and are heavily relied upon by the drivers. So we asked Team CoolDrive’s race engineer Chris Stuckey from Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport a few questions about what his role actually involves and... Read More... |
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Red Dot Celebrates 50 Years28 Sep, 2015CoolDrive congratulate Red Dot as July 2015 is the 50th Anniversary of business operation. Maintaining a successful business is always a challenge, and we all know how difficult it is to exist for several years, let alone 50 years. It takes great products, a commitment to customers, and business partners who share high service values. As... Read More... |
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Trip of a Lifetime for Sanden Winners24 Sep, 2015The end of May saw our “win a trip to Japan promo” winners land themselves at Japans Narita Airport. Congratulations to Paul and Lee Sibir from Transair Refrigeration in Sydney & Rikus and Sulindie Pretorius from Mariks Industries in Rockhampton. These CoolDrive customers had the opportunity to mix some business with pleasure on their all... Read More... |
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Newcastle Wins Inagural W.J Blanchard Shield24 Sep, 2015CoolDrive Newcastle store has been named ‘CoolDrive Branch of the Year’ and in doing so has won the inaugural W.J Blanchard Shield, honouring the company’s founder. Newcastle Branch Manager Shayne Edmonds accepted the W.J Blanchard Shield from company patriarch John Blanchard senior, at the annual Branch Manager’s Awards Dinner in Melbourne late last month. Held... Read More... |
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Kristina Wins Her Way to Vegas7 Sep, 2015Kristina Cullimore, an external rep for CoolDrive Distribution, is headed to Las Vegas in November this year for the world’s largest aftermarket parts expo. Together with CoolDrive colleagues, Queenslanders Jeff Brassington and Darren King, Victorian Kristina won an internal sales promotion which earned them the trip of a lifetime to Las Vegas, which includes an extended... Read More... |
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MAHLE Letrika Joins CoolDrive4 Sep, 2015Ever expanding its product portfolio, CoolDrive Distribution has added the Mahle Letrika range of commercial vehicle rotating electrical equipment to its offering. Renowned for its European -built quality, reliability and efficiency, the Letrika brand is now part of the giant global Mahle aftermarket group. Focussing on the heavy truck, bus, mining, marine and agricultural vehicle... Read More... |
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Spring CoolTalk Out Now3 Sep, 2015The Spring edition of CoolTalk is out now. This edition features the arrival of the well known MAHLE Letrika brand of rotating products at CoolDrive as well as Hayman Reese. Other interesting stories include the announcmenet of the inaugrual winner of the W.J.Blanchard Shield for Branch of the Year, RedDot celebrating 50 years, an interview... Read More... |
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LDM Makes Engineer Swap In Sydney Lead-Up20 Aug, 2015Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport is looking to bounce back this weekend in Sydney as the V8 Supercars Championship visits Sydney Motorsport Park – and has shuffled its team line-up in the garage. LDM drivers Nick Percat and Tim Blanchard will swap engineers this weekend, with Percat’s regular engineer Brendan Hogan moving to the other side of... Read More... |
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Upcoming VASA Training17 Jul, 2015SightGlass Training Module 1 is designed for those new to the industry and as a refresher course for existing technicians. The full day training session 8:00am to 5:00pm, is delivered by VASA President Ian Strangroome and VASA Vice President Brett Meads and covers: HVAC fundamentals System components Basics HVAC electrical circuits Basic equipment use Refrigerant... Read More... |
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CoolTalk WordFind Solution17 Jul, 2015How are you going with the WordFind in the current edition of CoolTalk? If you are struggling to find all the words, here is the solution, just click on the image! Read More... |
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CoolDrive Extends Range into CB Radios15 Jul, 2015CoolDrive is now stocking the Crystal M range of CB Radios. Starting with the DBH20 Handheld UHF CB Radio the range includes DBH20R, the DBH50R, and the professional DB477C in car UHF CB Radio. The DBH 20 is a dual handset, 2 Watt output radio with a 10km range, 80 Narrow band channels, automatic squelch... Read More... |
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Team CoolDrive looking to improve in Townsville7 Jul, 2015After a tough debut in a new chassis at Darwin two weeks ago, Team CoolDrive is looking for improved results heading to Townsville this weekend for races 16 and 17 at the Castrol Edge Townsville 400. Identifying a number of areas for improvement, Lucas Dumbrell Motorsport has worked tirelessly under the careful eye of Team... Read More... |
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Lithium DC-DC In Vehicle Battery Charger6 Jul, 2015CoolDrive is proud to announce a new Redarc DC-DC In-vehicle Battery Charger designed specifically for charging Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) type batteries. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are becoming more popular due to their improved storage capacity relative to size and weight, making them perfect for recreational vehicle power systems. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries require specific charging... Read More... |
