Webb Chat
Street Machine Magazine|January 2018

As he winds back his show-judging commitments, the legendary Owen Webb gives us a peek behind the curtain at the world of automotive judging.

Craig Parker
Webb Chat

AFTER 27 years at the centre of Australia’s show scene, judging supremo Owen Webb OAM recently announced he’s winding back his car show commitments – which includes standing down as chief steward at the Street Machine Summernats and Meguiar’s MotorEx. During his phenomenal career, few have matched the passion, drive and ability to motivate and inspire car builders as the man they call Webby.

With this ending of an era, we asked Owen to reflect on how the sport has evolved over the years and for his take on his remarkable contribution to the world of automotive show judging.

How did this all come about?

As a panel beater and spray painter with my own restoration business, I built a few cars in the 80s and 90s that did well at shows, including Bruiser, my black XW ute, and my blue XY sedan Wild Thing. After Wild Thing’s success at Summernats 1, Chic Henry approached me about joining the judging team for Summernats 3. I said yes, thinking that I might do it for a year or so, before getting back to a few other cars that I still wanted to build.

How did you learn the art of judging?

I was fortunate enough to be paired with Carl Dolezal. He was a very experienced paint judge that had been doing it since day one. He taught me a lot. The other experienced judges like Bill Giles (chief steward at Summernats 1 to 11) and my good friend John Taverna were also very helpful. That’s just how it is; all the long-term members, like Tony Cairns, Brian Willis, John Hristias, Carina Bates, Clint DiGiovanni, Matt Gilkes and Mark Hayes have always helped everyone else.

What’s changed over the years?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM STREET MACHINE MAGAZINEView all
ROYAL CARRIAGE
Street Machine Australia

ROYAL CARRIAGE

BENNY ROYAL TOOK A FAMILY HEIRLOOM TOYOTA CORONA, SHOVED A 1JZ IN IT AND HEADED OFF FOR FIVE DAYS OF DRAG-AND-DRIVE

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
DEBUT TOUR
Street Machine Australia

DEBUT TOUR

WITH A SCREAMING HOLDEN SIX, DEAN TROUNSON'S HOME-COOKED HR STEERS WITH THE BEST OF 'EM

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
FULLY FRANKED
Street Machine Australia

FULLY FRANKED

A SNEAKY 670 HORSES OF FRANK MARCHESE POWER MAKES ROB GORGIEVSKI'S CONCOURS XW A PROPER TREAT

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
NOMADIC LIFESTYLE
Street Machine Australia

NOMADIC LIFESTYLE

DON'T BE FOOLED BY ITS DEMURE APPEARANCE THIS '57 CHEVY NOMAD IS A RAUNCHY RESTOMOD PACKING MODERN MUMBO

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
PERFECT 10 '!!!!
Street Machine Australia

PERFECT 10 '!!!!

THE SYDNEY HOT ROD & CUSTOM AUTO EXPO TURNS 10

time-read
3 mins  |
July 2024
VAN WILDER
Street Machine Australia

VAN WILDER

PETER MARRIOTT BUILT THIS TOUGH, 350 CHEV-POWERED HK PANEL VAN IN TRIBUTE TO THE LONG-LOST HT VAN OF HIS YOUTH

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
EXPRESS DELIVERY
Street Machine Australia

EXPRESS DELIVERY

IF YOU'VE ever been to the Bright Rod Run (and you damn well should've), odds are you've seen Joel Beatson lapping in an early Falcon.

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
RED HOT & BLUE
Street Machine Australia

RED HOT & BLUE

A REBORN PROGM8 SHOOTS FOR THE TITLE OF AUSTRALIA'S BEST SHOW-AND-GO COMMODORE

time-read
4 mins  |
July 2024
PEOPLE LIKE US
Street Machine Australia

PEOPLE LIKE US

WHEN Michael Gonzalez isn't busy making eight-second passes in CHOCTOP, his street-driven, LSA-fed VC Commodore, or cruising one of the many other cars in his collection, he can be found managing Springmount Raceway, home to Far North Queensland's biggest horsepower hoedown, Northern Nats (see p. 48 for full feature).

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024
DRIVING INNOVATION
Street Machine Australia

DRIVING INNOVATION

EVER WISH YOU COULD HAVE A BRAND-NEW VERSION OF AN ICONIC 1970s AUSSIE MUSCLE CAR, FULL OF THE LATEST TECH? DRIVE SOUTH IS WORKING TO MAKE THAT A REALITY

time-read
2 mins  |
July 2024