342D Craig Owen & Olivia Wright
“Lil’ Mule”
Drivers
Sponsors
C.J. Earthworks
Truck Details
| Name | Lil’ Mule (The Reaper) |
| Make | CowperTruck |
| Year Built | 2011 |
| Weight | >1300kgs |
| Engine | Chevrolet LS1 5.7L |
| Transmission | Toyota Windom A540e |
| Diffs | Nitro Customs 9″ Front, Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 9″ Rear |
| Lockers | Howat Hydraulic Lockers |
| Suspension | Fox Shocks, 4-Link Front, 4 Link Rear |
| Wheels | 35×12.5R15 Anchee Grandtrec MT1 on 15×10″ OMF Alloys |
Truck History
| Previous Drivers | Accolades |
| Craig Owen (2024-) | First season |
| Sam Carlsen (2023-2024) | |
| Wayne Weatherley (2020-2023) | Multiple Top 10 round finishes |
| Neil Moratti (2013-2020) | Top 10 (2014, 2016) |
| Mark Thorburn (2011-2012) | Top 10 (2012), Round win |
The sister truck to the #391 CowperTruck of Russell Hall, this one was the higher spec model of the two, featuring 4-link suspension front and rear. Original owner Mark Thorburn competed a sole season in the Hot Red truck, claiming 5th Overall and a win at Te Puke during the season.
Neil Moratti would then purchase it and become a regular feature in the Top 10 for the next 7 years, claiming 6th Overall in 2014 and 7th in 2016. Also placing in the Top 10 at two events since, not bad for a buggy now past 10 years!
Wayne Weatherley would return to the sport in 2020 in the renamed “The Reaper” and achieve multiple Top 10 placings over the next four seasons.
With Weatherly upgrading to the ex 2NZ Nitro Custom of Neville Mather, Sam Carlsen made his debut in 2023, before upgrading himself part-way through to the ex Rowan Huckstep Mad Cow CowperTruck.
Craig Owen is the latest to make their debut in the OG Red CowperTruck, joining for 2025.