Support get Bowe back on track.

John Bowe has taken to the track this afternoon for the opening practice session of the V8 Supercars at New Zealand's Pukekohe circuit, only with the help of a dedicated bunch of suppliers and supporters.

Bowe, whose entire array of team gear was stolen yesterday morning, was destined at one stage not to be racing this weekend. Rallied support from Team BOC's race equipment supplier, Stand 21 has literally saved the day.

"The guys at Stand 21 have been working around the clock to get the right gear for me to race this weekend. Since 5am yesterday, it's been 34 hours solid of sourcing and manufacturing," said Bowe.

"There has also been an enormous amount of support from the New Zealand community. I've been overwhelmed with the level of offers of help. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everybody that has taken the time to offer their assistance."

Bowe made an emotional plea to Aucklanders yesterday, asking for the return of his equipment. A call that has yet to be answered.

"Although I can now race at Pukekohe, I would dearly like to get my gear back. It means much more to me than anyone else and that's why I still have a sizeable reward offered for my gear's safe return," Bowe added.

In practice today, Bowe was able to put his hindered preparation behind him and set some fast times in the extended two hour session. His lap time of 0:56:21 placed him in 14th position ahead of tomorrow's qualifying and opening race.

Team mate and principal, Brad Jones was just a whisker away with a time of 0:56:24, putting him in 18th place.