Historic Formula Vee
Association of Australia | HFVAA
CAMS affiliated association
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| HFVAA Reminder - Membership for 2010 Thanks to those who renewed already this year we will be sending membership cards out this week. For thos looking for the membership form it can be found at the link here |
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| HSRCA Report - November "All Historic" Meeting Eastern Creek Raceway 28-29 November 2009 Extreme weather conditions prevailed for the last HSRCA meeting for 2009 at Eastern Creek 28/29th December. The 40 degree plus temperatures took its toll on a number of cars throughout the weekend in what was a record number of entries for Formula Vee. 13 cars made it to the grid for qualifying after Edwin Gavin's car failed to survive the heat during practice on Friday. Qualifying was a test of endurance for the cars as they performed in temperatures well over 40. Grouped with M&O Racing it was a real struggle as first Kevin Humphrey's parked his car at turn 5 on lap 2, then Bill Vesty's weekend came to an end when his Mako Mk II expired. Phil Lewis followed when his Rennmax also threw the towel in as Phil's weekend went from bad to worse. Greg Stott was fortunate to make it on the track when his car would not start. With time running out and frenzied help in the pits the car fired and he completed 3 laps to post the fastest qualifying time followed by Ian Cutcher and Mark Alexander. Allan Riches posted a respectable 2:09 in his first ever drive of the recently purchased Eamon Mathews Spectre. Allan continued to set personal bests all weekend. Race 1 on Saturday was again in extreme heat and again took its toll on the cars. Ian Cutcher,Nick Sebesfi and Chris Reeks failed to complete the race. These 3 drivers were able to sort out their cars for Sundays racing. Not so lucky was Phil Lewis whose weekend was a disaster. Phil ran out of engines and packed the Rennmax away to become a spectator for the rest of the weekend. Noel Gibson also packed his car on the trailer in readiness for the long journey home. Greg Stott ran away with Race 1 as he was able to put a few M&O cars between himself and the chasing pack of Vees. Mark Alexander was next over the line followed by Kevin Humphrey. Sunday was another battle with the heat, Race 2 was a real nail biter with the lead changing several times with 3 drivers all having a go at leading. The first 4 cars cars diced with each other as well as having to contend with slower cornering M&O cars. The M&O cars became part of the Vee equation and the race would be determined by an element of luck and positioning out of corners. In the end it was Greg Stott who got the luck and held off a steam rolling Nick Sebesfi by 1/100th sec. Followed by Ian Cutcher, Mark Alexander and Chris Reeks. It was great to see Chris Reeks back behind the wheel, Chris put in a solid and consistent performance all weekend although the heat made it very difficult for him. Reeks, Terry Freckelton and Paul English had their own race within the race. It was good to see Paul English race all weekend without mechanical issues – a long overdue change of fortunes. Jeff Genge and Allen Riches battled at the rear of the field with Jeff crossing the line ½ sec. Ahead of Allen. Race 3 seemed like a sprint after the 9 laps in the heat Race 2. The M&O cars again played a part in the outcome of this race. Positioning your car to take the fastest line around a corner and not follow a Formula Junior was the secret to success. Kevin Humphrey did this to perfection. He sat behind Greg Stott as Stott got bogged down by a slower car on the last lap, Kevin positioned himself beautifully to slip stream to the chequered flag in the Trophy race by 1/10th sec. Nick Sebesfi crossed in 3rd place followed by Ian Cutcher Chris Reeks, Terry Freckelton, Paul English, Allen Riches and Jeff Genge. Following on from Wakefield in September this was another fabulous weekend of Historic racing for Formula Vee. The numbers are growing, the racing is competitive,the driver respect on the track is highly evidenced by the number of racing incidents(none) and the friendship in the pits is contagious. ROLL OUT THOSE VEES AND JOIN US. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO REMOVE THE SMILE FROM YOUR FACE. CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT YEAR Greg Stott  Three wide right to left Chris Reeks (Elfin Malmark), Paul English (Moxon) & Terry Freckelton (Nota) |
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| HSRCA Results - November "All Historic" Meeting Eastern Creek Raceway 28-29 November 2009
See Natsoft for times and full race results Some photo to look at from JPM Photography |
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| HFVAA Victorian Update 18 November 2009 It was fantastic to see Andrew Lord (Stag), Julian Fordham (Elfin) and Reg Gardner (Nimbus) all competing in the Regularity event at the recent Sandown Historics. They all had a great time and their cars were all driven back onto the trailers at the end of the meeting. You can't ask for more than that. A more detailed report will follow soon. The purpose of the update is to let you know that the entries for Phillip Island in March 2010 are out not. I haven't been able to get confirmation that we can run the Vees in Regularity. but my suggestion is to enter anyway- and enter NOW. The entries fill up in a matter of weeks. Due to the large numbers, each year a class is excluded from racing on a rotational basis. This year it is rear engined Formula Junior however they are still running group M&O cars. I don't know how this will impact on any Vees wishing to race but I will find out- just enter anyway. I can't stress how fast the classes fill up. I'll forward on further info as it comes to hand. All the best Geoff Kelly HFVAA Vic Rep |
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| VHRR Reports - 18th Historic Sandown 7-8 November 2009 Three Historic Formula Vees entered Historic Sandown 7-8 November in regularity below is some accounts of the meeting I will put some pictures taken by Paul Hableton.in the gallery when I get a spare moment. Julian Fordham's Report We were unfortunately unable to attend at Friday practice as the master cylinder had failed, despite out every efforts to be ready. Although I quickly learnt one of the huge benefits of going formula vee racing, the availability of parts, and within a day we were ready for the track. After making it to the track and setting up, we went through scrutineering and the drivers briefing and I was ready for the track, heading out from towards the back of the pack it was an amazing feeling to quickly get up to top gear and be cursing towards the first corner. Having never driven at Sandown before, the first few laps were spent just understanding what was going on. Getting used to the car and trying to work out exactly how much grip it had through the corners. The first session ended early after are car had stopped mid apex in one of the corners. In the dummy grid waiting for the second session the car died and would not restart no matter how hard we tried. Although this was disappointing it was a good chance for me to watch the other formula vee's fly around the track. After the session, we ended up with a mini formula vee conference in our marquee with the three drivers, all the 'pit crews' as well as some others, who had or are looking to race in formula vee. It was great to have a chat, and a few people went over my car having a look at different parts and giving me tips and suggestions along the way. Hopefully doing some of these tips and tricks will let me catch up to Reg's car (who was flying all weekend). There was quite a lot of interest in the Vee's, I guess with the historic movement growing (anyone who was there on Sunday can tell you how packed the grandstand was) I think formula vee's will grow more and more. Over the weekend I had numerous chats with people who were looking to get into the category. Mike, who I had first met up at Rob Roy when he was asking me about my vee, came along with photos of 1975 vee he had just purchased! On the Sunday, despite the heat we had a great day, Although overall my car was getting sicker (No power above 4000), my driving was beginning to improve and I was getting a better handle of the car. There were many good moments over the weekend I think been overtaken down the back straight by a Bugatti Type 35 and a Ferrari 512 really made my weekend. Seeing a Bugatti drive past is one thing, flying down the back straight of Sandown then diving into the corners together was amazing and brought the biggest smile to my face! Overall I had a great weekend, thanks to the VHRR for organising, to Reg and Andrew for been out their competing together and Geoff Kelly for answering all my questions before getting to the track. Jules Reg Gardener's Report My son Phil and I took the car down on the Friday and secured a spot and managed to do the paperwork and get it scrutineered. Which saved messing around on the Sat. We were first up on the Sat but everything went off OK and as it was the first time it had been driven for at least five years I was a little apprehensive, and I’m sure that Julian and Andrew were the same as it was there first time out. Not ever having done a regularity before I just wanted to keep going faster which I did. Not really the right thing to do but it was good fun. The first session on the Sun I had trouble with third gear, but with a little adjustment on the linkage the last session was a bit better. The only thing on the Sunday was the time we had to wait between sessions, first one at 9.15 and the second was at 4.50 so we had a long HOT wait. See Natsoft for times look for Regularity Group 1 |
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| HFVAA Competition Secretary Report 22 September I trust everyone is well and happy in the Vee world ! At a recent meeting of the AHRMC the calendar for 2010 was determined as follows:
We hope these dates are firm however they provide an early indication for everyone to plan their interstate trips. Perhaps when we have a few more cars we might be able to set up a "Historic Vee championship" with rounds from different states. Something to think about for the future. With regards to the Tasman Revival the organising committee is supportive of Vee involvement however the onus is on us to provide a full grid of cars if we want a standalone race. We really have to start working on this if we are serious! Finally we had a good showing of Vees at Wakefield over the weekend. We even had a standalone race for vees. A small beginning but a beginning ! John Murn did the commentary for the races at Wakefield and he gave Vees a big wrap! It is now up to us and that means more cars on the track. I was approached by a regular competitor in another category who is keen to get into Vees and I know other club members had similar approaches from people expressing interest in racing a Vee. To assist in this if you hear of any cars looking for new and caring owners can you please let Ian Lee or myself know. The next race meeting in NSW is Eastern Creek at the end of November and I expect supp regs will be out soon. Check the HSRCA website. Finally I' m looking for a trailer for my Avanti. If anyone knows of a small enclosed trailer can they please let me know. Or even a Vee sized open trailer Best wishes to all Edward Gavin HFVAA Competition Secretary |
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| HSRCA Results - Wakefield Park 19-20 September
See Natsoft for times and full race results |
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| HFVAA Notes from the Target Scrutineering and pre-race inspection day 30 August 2009 Ladies and Gentlemen, Many thanks to those of you who could make it to the Target Scrutiny day last Sunday. For those who couldn't get there do not worry as we will have another one before the next Eastern Creek meeting. A common problem which kept arising with a number of the cars that I looked at on Sunday; That was lock-wiring of drain plugs! It is an easy thing to overlook when you are doing a pre event check on your car, the main offender being the rear drain plug on the transmission. Another thing to check is the date of manufacture of your extinguisher and the last time it was serviced. Also check the gauge if the needle is not in the green then get it serviced or replace it with a new one. Get it out and give it a good shake (I am referring to the fire extinguisher here!!!) as the contents will settle over time. Some attention should be paid to the hydraulic master cylinders, as a majority of these are made of aluminium. Our cars are not used every weekend and so they sit on stands awaiting the next joust. A habit to get into is to go and pump the brakes and if you have hydraulic clutches the clutch pedal as well about a half a dozen times at least twice a week. This will prevent the pistons seizing in the bores of the cylinders and will save you a nasty scare the next time you take it to a meeting and find that you have a solid brake pedal and no brakes!!!!!!! It will also save you having a collection of worthless master cylinders hanging around your shed. Seat belts: Although the life of the belts has been extended doesn't mean that if the belts are frayed (where they might be rubbing against the bodywork) they are still serviceable! If the belt has been frayed even by the slightest amount then it's integrity has been compromised and so has your well being if you should have a racing accident - the only alternative is to replace the belts with new ones!! After all how much do you value your life!!!! Whilst on safety items and although they are not part of Target Scrutiny, a crucial piece of gear is the helmet. Questions you should be asking yourself: 1. How long have I had it? The reason; Every time you pull your hat on and buckle it up you are crushing the foam lining and it does not expand again, therefore over say 3 or 4 years it will be a safe bet that your old faithful helmet is now really too big for you, so it should be replaced with one that fits. 2. What is the lining made of? Most of us use a helmet that meets AS1698, that's ok but it is also a safe bet that the lining is made of nylon, as a majority of road use helmets are. A helmet that is designed specifically for motor sport use has a flame retardant lining and is marked "Not suitable for Road Use", this is because of the narrow eye port. Which brings us to question number: 3. Which would you rather be wearing? Strictly food for thought - what price safety!!! Thank you once again for bringing your cars out to Phil's place last Sunday I hope that we will see more of you at the next one as having your car in the Target Scrutiny System really does save a lot of hassle/agro on race weekends. If you have any questions about what scrutineers may be looking for or any question about your car please feel free to contact me and I will do my best to assist you. Remember: "Keep the shiny side up and the greasy bit down" Cheers Noel Gibson Mob: 0414 0475 0758 Ph: 02 6583 8046 Email: rennmax1@hotmail.com |
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| Leyburn Sprints 15-16 August 2009 HFVAA Member Jason Miller took his recently completed 1981 Boekhorst Vee out for a run before it gets it C of D at the Leyburn Sprints. This is the first time the car ventured out since being reunited with it's identity, as the car was originally thought to be a JKV when it last ran in regularity at the 2007 Formula Vee Nationals. Jason had one competitor in a similar car at Leyburn, Merv Keehn in his CMS. Ultimately Merv got the upper hand after Jason had to dash home earlier than he would have liked. As Merv got faster Jason wasn't there to respond. The results of the Leyburn Sprints can be found here  Jason has documented the journey of the car from unknown chassis to Historic Racecar on the Aussie Vee Dubbers forum click here for a link. |
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| HRCC Results - National Historic Racing and Classic Car Festival Morgan Park Raceway 25-26 July 2009
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| Entries for Historic Sandown 6-7-9 November 09 Entry forms are now out for the Sandown Historic meeting in November. This is always a popular meeting so get your entry in quick to avoid disappointment.. racing and/or regularity. You can get an entry from the vhrr website- click on 'Sandown'. Don't hesitate to Victorian HFVAA Commitee Member Geoff Kelly if you need some advice or assistance. (Now IS a good time to join the HFVAA if you aren't already a member!) NOTE to enter regularity you do not need a Certificate of Description |
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| Race Report from meeting
at Lakeside 11/12 July 09 Very strange weather for Queensland was encountered for the return of Formula Vees to Lakeside. Many of the old and bold drivers from yesteryear turned up for the occasion making it a memorable weekend. The Historic Formula Vee cars were lined up with the Category 1 Formula Vees for the meeting again. However, we were very light on the ground. There was only had three cars present. That being, Alan Don, Jim Waugh and Peter Fisher. Most in attendance had never driven at Lakeside before so the Management committee of FVAQ made a very sound decision to not make it a point score meeting. A wise move as it turned out over the weekend. There were many “OFFS” within the category one people and it was only a matter of time before some one got shunted one way or another as the mix of drivers were from “my very first race in a FV” to “my very first race at Lakeside”. Consequently on Saturday Peter Fisher became innocently embroiled with an accident waiting to happen driver and bent his front end and trailing arm, which shut down his comeback race meeting short somewhat. He was ok and left vowing to be at the Historic meeting later in the month at Morgan Park. Good to see and hear. The battle for supremacy was left to Alan Don and Jim Waugh to fight out. Jim kept getting the jump on Alan at the starts but Alan Managed to wear him down further into each race. Unfortunately in one race, Alan crossed the forbidden zone (merging lines coming out of the Pits onto the track), whilst attempting to get around Jim and resulted in him getting a 30 sec penalty thereby giving Jim his first race win since taking up the challenge to drive Historic Formula Vees. Alan took out the weekends results both enjoying themselves immensely. We are all looking forward to the next historic meeting at the end of the month at Morgan Park. Big Bad Bob |
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Vale
Frank Fowler 1945-2009 Today the Formula Vee family lost a much loved member, Frank Fowler aged 64yrs. Frank raced the Finnese Vee in the 70s at Oran Park and Amaroo Park. After retiring from racing he maintained a connection with Vees and his last outing was at the 40th Anniversary Meeting at Oran Park Nov 2005 at which he drove Chris Reeks car. Funeral details are as follows:
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| HFVAA Annual General Meeting (AGM) 29 June 2009 A new committee was elected by the Historic Formula Vee Association members at the Annual General Meeting on 29th June 2009 The new committee for 2009-10 is:
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HSRCA
"Cutch" in control at Oran Park
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| Historic
Vees in Queensland,
May/June 2009 by Alan Don May was a busy month for the historic Vees in Queensland, with events on 4 of the 5 weekends. The monthS started on 3 May with the Historic Racing Car Club’s Historic Mt Cotton Hillclimb. Four historic Vees entered – Len Don in the Stag, Stephen Wilkins (Venom), Jason McPhail in the Mako, and Jim Waugh’s Spectre. As with all HRCC hillclimbs, the first run was an untimed sighter to give drivers the chance to get the feel of the track with less danger of a “red mist “ mistake. The first timed run cast the mould for the day, with Jason setting the pace ahead of Stephen, Len and Jim. The next 4 runs saw everyone improve times, with Jason pulling out a very rapid 52.01 on his second last run to take the prize by over 2 seconds from Stephen (54.16), Len (55.33) and Jim (59.06). Two weeks later David Harrison (Nimbus), Bob Roberts (HFV) , Len Don (Stag) and Alan Don (Nimbus) ran with the FVs at Queensland Raceway in a set of races for the FVAQ Club Championship. Bob’s QR hoodoo was working overtime, with a very slow and frustrating qualifying, and a DNF in one race each day. Qualifying had David first of the historics at 1:38.4236 on the National circuit, followed by Len (1:40.0457), Alan (1:40.2750) and Bob at a 1:50.9289. The first race was on the Clubman circuit, with David first historic (8th outright), Len 9th and Alan 11th with Bob‘s engine stopping before a full lap. Last race Saturday saw David again first (8th outright) followed by Len and Alan and Bob next with a less than perfect engine. Sunday morning’s race was a cracker. Bob had completely checked and reset his engine, and it was running sweetly again. David led the historics off the line, but Bob caught him by lap 3 and got past at Turn 6, only to overcook it and go gardening. He came back without losing too much time, setting the fastest lap of the meeting for a historic at a very quick 1:35.9339 (fastest Cat 1 1200 was 32.2758), but then ran out of fuel on lap 7. David was first historic home (9th outright) with Len leading Alan only 0.0631s apart, after 9 laps of passing and repassing (9th place was never so hard fought!). As with all mixed category races, you have to do your dicing before the leaders catch up. The last race saw Bob have a faultless run, carving through the field from the back of the grid to take 6th outright and first historic over David, with Alan going under Len under brakes in the last corner and just holding him out on the line by 0.2 seconds. Next weekend saw 9 Vees of varying ages and types front up to Morgan Park for Round 2 of the Queensland Supersprint Championship. There were 6 historic/historic era vees – Len Don (Stag), Alan Don(Nimbus), Peter Fry (Elfin NG), Merv Kheen (CMS), Dianne Phillips (Phoenix) and Fran Vermeulen (Stag). The younger cars were Darryl Carsberg’s Elfin, Stephen Wilkins’ Bee Cee, and Ben Plant’s Elfin Crusader. After a moist to wet Saturday and a dry Sunday, historic results were Len (also 3rd outright), Alan, Merv, Peter, Fran and Dianne. The inaugural Cootha Classic was run on the last weekend in May. 220 cars competed on the 1.5km up and down closed public road circuit at Mt Coot-tha, just west of the Brisbane CBD. The event celebrated the early motorsport history of Brisbane, as the venue was the site of the first hillclimb in May 1916, and was part of the Brisbane 150 celebrations supported by Brisbane City Council. With so many cars, demonstration runs by 31 historic racing motorcycles (including Barry Sheene’s Cosworth Manx Norton and 5 of Gregg Hansford’s Suzukis, one ridden by 4 times 250/350 World Champion Kork Ballington), the event was a festival rather than maximum track time. It gave us all a chance to wander the pits looking at the superb cars (including the ex Stirling Moss1952 Fraser Nash Le Mans and the 1921 Amilcar). We also had the chance to talk to Gordon Dickson, who used to race CMS and Malmark Elfin FVs in Victoria against drivers like John Bowe. It was interesting to listen to his recollections, and his comments on the cars. Chris Reeks’ Malmark was once owned by Gordon After the untimed sighting run, we all realised that the uphill section with 2 chicanes was fairly easy, but the turn and downhill on the old, rough and off-cambered road with its chicanes was the challenge for fast times. The first run had Alan Don leading on 66.13 from David Harrison (66.17), Len Don (67.21) and Robert Fry (70.73) in his first ever hillclimb. Sunday morning’s run saw David grab the lead with a 63.31 from Alan (64.11), Len (66.78) and Robert (67.16). The last run saw drama, with David’s car stopping in the first chicane with a broken throttle cable, and then catching fire around the cockpit. Somehow the outlet pipe from the fuel pump had come loose and fuel was pumped straight out over the front of the engine. David said that when it ignited, he recalls a ball of flame all around his head. Fortunately his helmet and balaclava, and race suit, prevented any bad burns, though he had a slight singe over the right eyebrow. David got out and used his extinguisher to quell the fire before the firies got to the scene (though it seemed like ages to us sitting strapped in at the start line, watching it happen). The car isn’t badly damaged – needs new belts, repairs to the seat top where it caught fire, and a new helmet and gloves. With that adrenalin rush, Alan pulled out a 61.72 to take the inaugural Group V title, from a rapidly improving Robert (62.53), David (63.31), and Len (63.56). Fastest car overall(49.39) was Bill Norman (Eldred Norman’s son) in an invited hillclimb special of his own making, using a Hyabusa engine in a car weighing 250kg, and fastest Historic car was Ron Hay in the Group R RH Honda hillclimb car at 49.47. David’s fuel pump was one of the old cast alloy with brass inlet/outlet, and the brass pipe had come loose. I found a note about this hazard on a US Historic Vee site, with the author recommending using the modern pressed metal pumps available now for safety. I’ve attached the article for your interest. Photos of the Cootha Classic are on www.digitalrealism.com.au (soon), www.osella.com.au ,and www.iancolleyphotography.com.au . June, in contrast, has been quiet, with the only HFV activity to be a car on display at the RACQ Motorfest as part of the FVAQ stand. No Gp V ran at the Queensland Hillclimb Championships this year, reflecting the busy May and the reality that we all have family obligations as well as racing. Next big event is the HRCC National Historic Meeting at Morgan Park on 25/26 July. Finally, Vees return to Lakeside for the first time in years on 11/12 July, for a round of the FVAQ Club Championship. I don't know how many Historic Vees will be there besides me, as grid numbers are limited and there are very strict noise levels (lower than CAMS). All races are rolling starts, which should be an interesting experience. |
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| SCC Hill Climb - Mount Cooperabung (Kempsey) 25 May 2009 Report of from the Bill Revill on the Mount Cooperabung of the NSW Hill Climb Championship Click here to read the report |
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| FVAT Formula Vee Nationals 24-25 October 2009 Formula Vee Nationals will be held in Tasmania this year on the weekend of the 24th-25th October at Baskerville Raceway. The Nationals is open to the following categories: 1600, 1200 and Historics. The Formula Vee Association of Tasmania is currently in negotiation with both Toll Shipping and TT Line in an effort to secure a cheaper Bass Strait crossing. Any questions regarding the Formula Vee Nationals can be emailed to: Stephen Barrington sackland@bordernet.com.au Pip Welch Welch@southcom.com |
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HRCC (Qld) Four Historic Formula Vees entered to run up Mount Cootha with HFVAA Member Alan Don proving to the be fastest in his Nimbus. Best Times:
Photos and report hopefully to follow soon. |
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HSRCA
Practice Results: Click here Race 1 Race 2 Race 3 Photos
Link: Click here Race Report This race meeting we had six historic vees
entered by: Friday We started off on Friday private practice, Mark Alexander, Noel Gibson and I staked our claim on turn 4 for the weekend viewing. Noel chose to sit out the practice day and prepare himself for the weekend. Mark went out in the first session to practice on old Bridgstones with the intentions of changing them over to Dunlops between sessions. For session 2, Mark was joined by me to run a new motor in, however, the first of many problems curtailed my efforts. The rocker gasket failed first lap out. Mark meanwhile was looking good circulating consistently. During the break between these sessions, Mark took the opportunity to up the ante by fitting new Dunlops, I chose to change the oil in my motor. Sessions 3 and 4 were non-eventful except that my new motor was pumping out oil at an alarming rate. My Eastern Creek hoodoo has struck again. Saturday It was a nice day at the Creek to go racing. As we were with a vastly mixed batch, getting a clear lap was difficult. But we all got through to record reasonable times, not good ones but reasonable ones. We were the first race after lunch, and the weather had warmed up considerably. One thing I learned straight away was that the cars with doors, like to push themselves around. At the start, and into turn 2 the suicide moves by the slower cars were something to keep clear of, I suppose that is what I get for not qualifying better. The race went well for all with no dramas, and most people improved their times by approx 2 seconds per lap over their qualifying time. My car now had so much oil around it that everyone is certain my car will never rust. The Vees looked like breaking into three groups of two to fight out positions but my partner Noel, had an oil leak and pulled out early leaving me to watch the other battles between Kevin and Cutch then Mark and Chris followed by a lonely me. This was our finishing order. After this race, we had a social BBQ lunch, something I feel needs to be encouraged more at race meetings to bring the fun and camaraderie back to the track. Sunday The first race today was a 6 lap Handicap
race. The vees started from the rear of the grid to avoid the sedan
congestion. It was a very interesting race, with everyone improving
their time further. I broke into the 2:06 territory for the first time
a pleasing effort. Again the Kevin and Cutch steam train were out in
front doing 2:02s followed by Chris and Mark with myself not dropping
off as much behind. However on the Cutch’s last lap, he spun at
turn 6 dropping to the rear. I was not too far from the back of Chris
and Mark until the last lap when a big grey truck??? chose not only
take the racing line but to close me off if I started to pass at every
corner. He slowed me down by over 5s in that lap. Again poor Noel had
an oil problem that forced his retirement. Last race of the day and it was set to be a good one. Noel had succumbed to his oil problem (2 leaking push rod tubes) Cutch also had 1 leaking tube but was fixed between races. As the race got underway we all got off to a good start, suddenly Kevin slowed coming out of turn 2 with a loose flywheel. The rest of us were in fairly close company until the start of lap 3 when I heard (and felt) a large bang. I pulled up after turn 1 to watch the remainder of the race. Thanks Cutch for the friendly waves each lap, it boosted my depression. The official who was with me commented that we all must get on well. I enjoyed watching the Mark and Chris duel into turn 2 lap after lap. If we get a few more cars out there then I could imagine a 4-5 car duel. On my return to the pit I found my problem, there is a 50mm hole in my crank case. I now have a new boat anchor. I would like to thank those from the
Association that came along, Steve Batty, Jeff Genge, Phil Lewis,
Richard Batty, Nick Sebesfi and Greg Hepburn. Also thanks to my fellow
competitors Chris Reeks, Noel Gibson, Ian Cutcher, Mark Alexander and
Kevin Humphries. I hope my hoodoo of Eastern Creek is over, in the last 3 trips there, I have gone through 5 motors. Whilst I initially hoped to get myself to Oran Park, due to family issues, I doubt I will run again this year. But I will be at the tracks to assist you all into your cars. Best Wishes, Paul English |
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