Historic Formula Vee
Association of Australia | HFVAA
CAMS affiliated association
| Historic Formula Vee News | ||||||||||||
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VALE Aub Revell It is with much sadness to announce the passing of Aub Revell our club Patron. Aub Died in Ryde Hospital on Saturday morning aged 91 years. Aub was one of the founding fathers of Formula Vee in Australia and was the first FVANSW President. The family have requested a private cremation , so there will be a Memorial service to honor the life and times of Aub Revell: Eastern Creek Raceway - Jack Hinxman Room (function room on top of the pit building) at 10AM Tuesday June 29. | ||||||||||||
| HFVAA Reminder - Membership for 2010 Thanks to those who renewed already this year we will be sending membership cards out this week. For those looking for the membership form it can be found at the link here |
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Private Practice Day at Eastern Creek Just a reminder that there's another Private Practice Day at Eastern Creek on Friday 6th August. Great chance to give your Vee a run and to hone your skills before the next race meeting. Leigh Hemming and Daniel Bando will be out with both cars so join them for the day. Only $95 for members of ARDC - $120 if not. See you there. | ||||||||||||
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Winton Festival of Speed From the VHRR, if you are thinking of entering the Winton Festival of Speed to be held in August, then do so ASAP or else you may be disappointed. Don't miss out!!! For all members of the HFVAA you should have now received your copy of the May Newsletter, for all those that haven't yet joined- get your subs in before the next one comes out. Again, any articles on your car, help needed to search the history, requests for photos or any thing vee related that you want to share, put it in the Newsletter. This is a useful tool for communicating within the vee community so don't hesitate in using it. Sharing the history of your car can be quite interesting to others and you never know what info/photos others have!! All the best Geoff Kelly Ph 87744154 HFVAA Vic Rep VHRR Group V Rep | ||||||||||||
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Winton Festival of Speed The Winton Festival of Speed meeting is to be held on 13th,14th & 15th August. If anyone from interstate would like to join the guys in Victoria at this fantastic historic meeting, let Geoff Kelly know and he will try and arrange something in the pits to put all the vees together, and other activities to make the 'out-of-towners' welcome. Geoff's contact details are on the contacts page. | ||||||||||||
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BABY GIRL BANDO HAS A NAME Daniel Bando and his wife Jasmine, the proud parents of BABY GIRL BANDO, were so smitten with their new arrival, it has taken them a few weeks to finally decide on a name. And it's LAYLA. Now, as they are soooo smitten, I have yet to have the spelling confirmed. So congratulations once again but this time for finding a name. Now we can all hum Eric Clapton's little ditty every time we see Daniel. | ||||||||||||
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EASTERN CREEK HSRCA MEETING - 1st/2nd MAY Practice It seemed like forever since the last meeting at Wakefield Park so it was a little surprising not to see more Vees at practice on Friday. There were 4 cars. Leigh Hemmings was first to arrive and was joined by Ian Cutcher( who arrived without his Cams license and duly went home again ), Greg Stott and Jeff Genge. Our category was in the first session but ended after 2 laps for the Stott Mako.  A bolt from the pressure plate rattled its way around the bell housing and made a mess of everything inside. With help from Lee and others the engine and gearbox were soon removed and in the back of Frank Kleinig's ute for emergency surgery. It was all back together by 4.30pm in readiness for Saturday qualifying. QUALIFYING Once again it was a mixed group of cars which makes qualifying with a quick time difficult. Of the Vee's it was Leigh Hemmings 1st – 2:01:09 -2nd o/right, 2nd Greg Stott – 2:01:7 – 3rd o/right, 3rd Mark Alexander – 2:03:9 - 7th o/right, 4th Kevin Humphry – 2:04:5 - 8th o/right, 5th Ian Cutcher -2:04:6 - 9th o/right, 6th Jeff Genge – 2:08:5 - 14th o/right, 7th Alan Brown – 2;14; 07 - 18th o/right.  RACE 1 Leigh Hemmings has quickly shown he is the driver to beat in Historic Vees. This race was no exception as he skillfully manouvered his car into a very good position in front of slower cornering cars to win by 6/10th of a second from Greg Stott. 3rd was Mark Alexander followed by Ian Cutcher, Kevin Humphry, Jeff Genge and Alan Brown. RACE 2 This was a very interesting race as it was a reverse grid/ handicap race. It was a first for the Vee drivers. The grid was split into 5 groups in reverse qualifying order. The slower group 1 was started first then followed by the other groups in order at 10 second intervals. Group 3 – Jeff Genge, Alan Brown Group 4 – Mark Alexander, Ian Cutcher, Kevin Humphry Group 5 – Leigh Hemmings, Greg Stott  The race proved a great oopportunity for racing, catching and passing practice for the Vee's. The race was only 6 laps but proved to be very busy and hard work. Leigh once again proved his winning ability while Ian Cutcher, in a spectacular shower of dust and stones, showed how not to take turn 6. Greg Stott beat Mark Alexander into second spot by the smallest of margins followed by Jeff Genge, Ian Cutcher, Kevin Humphry and Alan Brown. This was an excellent race enjoyed by all.  RACE 3 This was shortened to 5 laps due to an extensive delay following an accident in Group Na. The race started late in the day with thhe sun in the drivers eyes on the long Eastern Creek straight. Leigh again lead the way to the finish line leaving Stott, Alexander and Cutcher to fight it out for the minor placings.  On turn 8, for the entertainment of the flagging Nick Sebesfi, Stott turned his car around while in 2nd place and was swamped by Alexander and Cutcher who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. Stott 4th, Humphry next followed by Genge and Brown. Individual Lap Times The biggest improver of the weekend was Alan Brown who knocked 3 seconds of his qualifying lap time to record a PB of 2:11:02.  Drivers fastest individual lap times were Leigh 2:01:09, Greg 2:01:34, Mark 2:02:11, Ian 2:04:49, Kevin 2:04:5, Jeff 2:07:29   NEXT HSRCA MEETING for NSW is Wakefield Park 18th-19th September 2010 * BE THERE* Don't FORGET - 21st May 2010. Racing at Wakefield Park for 1200cc Fromula Vees. ASTOR INVITATION – this is a one day event with plenty of racing in Vee only races. I understand there are between 10 and 12 entries at this stage so it is reasonable to expect good quality racing. Give it a go guys – a day off work- home again Friday night and for the weekend- keeps the wife and kids happy. Everybody wins. | ||||||||||||
It can't be possible. Wakefield Park in winter? It looks like Chris Reeks has just lost the lead. I told him the line was never that wide!  | ||||||||||||
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VHRC Historic Sandown Over a very hot weekend on 6th 7th and 8th of November the Victorian Historic Racing Register held Historic Sandown. The meeting had a large number of competitors with the headline event being the Biante Touring Car Masters. Sandown was particularly significant for me as it was to be my first foray into motor sport. I had entered in the regularity event along with Reg Gardner in a Nimbus and Julian Fordham in an Elfin. Sandown was always going to be a steep learning curve but little did I realize just how steep the learning curve would be.  Having attended historic racing meetings for a number of years I decided it was time to move from spectator to competitor. But what to buy, the choices are endless. So after weighing up the options I decided a Formula Vee was the way to go. A quick search of the internet a trip to an information day and bingo courtesy of Geoff Kelly I was the owner of a fully operating Formula Vee. Although restored there were a few items that needed attention. Geoff had recommended that I get the car checked out by an experienced Vee mechanic, the tyres needed to be replaced and as the last driver was a lady get a wider seat was required. So with no mechanical or racing experience I entered Historic Sandown. In early October I arranged for the car to be delivered to Andy Goodall to check it over and fix any problems. I was on holidays for the last 2 weeks of October so things were going to be a bit tight but I had a plan and all seemed under control. Or so I thought! Andy called me on my holidays to say he had rectified a few things and it was ready to be collected. Due to my usual lack of spare time the car could not be collected until the Thursday night before the Friday practice. I had secured the necessary second hand tyres but these could not be fitted until Friday morning. Not a problem, how hard can it be to get a set of tyres fitted? Well if you call Kmart Tyre & Auto Service apparently very hard. When I explained what I wanted there was some discussion at the other end about damaging race rims. They said they weren’t interested. I explained they were standard rims and got the response “Listen mate we don’t want to do it”. Memo to self: 1. Never go to Kmart; 2. Never miss a chance to tell that story Fortunately Beaurepairs had a far more positive attitude and by 8.45 on Friday the new tyres were fitted and I was on my way. All was running to plan. Now all I had to do was fit the new wider seat at the track and off we go. On returning from my holidays the project for the week was to make the seat wider. Unfortunately the car was with Andy but that shouldn’t be a problem, should it? All I had to do was cut the seat down the centre and make it 8cm wider, fiberglass it up and whack it in. So I cut it down the centre made it wider, fiberglassed it up and on Friday morning at the track I whacked it in. And so on Friday morning at Sandown at 9.30 I confronted my first of what was to a long list of disasters designed to test and break my will. The seat was now too wide, it didn’t fit. Time to reflect. I’d missed the 9 o’clock practice but not to worry there were 2 more sessions that day. I wandered over to register and bumped into my next door neighbor and told him of my seat problem. He suggested that the TAFE boys could help. He was right they were keen to help. A plan was devised measurements taken and the seat was taken away to be cut. While the boys were doing their stuff I was sitting on a tyre reflecting on the frantic morning’s events.  I
was thinking maybe it would be good to have a friend along to
help maybe it would be a good idea to get everything done before
the meeting. All of a sudden a puff of smoke appeared from
the engine and oil was everywhere. I now know that
apparently you don’t leave the ignition on as it cooks the
coil. Who would have thought! Like I said I have no
mechanical experience. The TAFE boys returned with the cut
seat only to be told, we have a bigger problem. They
couldn’t come up with an answer to the oil everywhere so a
quick call by the guys and Brett MacLennan came to have a
look. Brett couldn’t work it out but knew John Dean
could. Brett called John and fortunately he was at the
track. John looked at the car called Dandy Volks said he needed a xyz123 and a 667241 (or words to that effect). Dandy Volks had them. Practice session 2 slipped by. Off I went to Dandy Volks, got the parts and returned. John installed the parts and the car fired up. Practice session 3 passed. The day’s events had taken a toll. Back at the seat rectification team the TAFE official had decided they couldn’t cut the seat as it was a modification and they didn’t want to be liable – fair enough. . It was time to go home to modify the seat. You know it’s just not your day when you get out the jigsaw, start cutting and the jigsaw burns out. Undaunted I did the rest by hand. Twenty beers later I went to bed.  Saturday a new day up at 5.30 at the gate by 7.00. Seat fits, ready to go. I do a little test to check the engine turns; it doesn’t. At this point I am about to give up. I ring John Dean he is at the track and diagnoses the problem as dodgy battery isolation switch not a big problem. John tells me to get down to scrutineering and get out on the track. At this stage I’ve missed the briefing. I give up. So while I am sitting on my tyre contemplating what might have been John walks back and asks, what are you doing? I mumble some pathetic self pitying statement about briefing, too late, it’s all over. John says forget that I’ll push you down to scrutineering so he drags me down there, the car passes, drags me back tells me to get my gear on and get out there. All of a sudden a group of people are helping me. On with the suit and boots, I grab my helmet some holds it while I get in the car. He looks at the new helmet still with the stickers on the visor and says you really are a first timer; someone else is sorting out the seat belts and says I’m glad I’m not your mother. My newly formed crew start pushing the Vee I drop the car into what I think is second and I’m off. All I kept thinking was don’t stall the car, don’t stall the car, don’t stall the car, - F*#@% F*#@% F*#@% I’ve stalled the car. By this time the cars are on the track. John not surprisingly anticipated a stalled car and there he is pushing me again. Into second and off we go onto the track at last.   My time first time driving the car, my first time on a track and my first lap time for the weekend 2 minutes 28 seconds. My last time on Sunday afternoon 2 minutes and one second. There are lots of other stories of highs, lows and assistance from strangers. In conclusion without the support and encouragement of John Dean, Brett MacLennan, TAFE and the guys around me it wouldn’t have happened. An exhausting, exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable weekend. I’ll be back with my Vee. But this time with no little jobs to do at the meeting. | ||||||||||||
| HFVAA General Meetings We are in the process of confirming dates for our General meetings. The dates below are confirmed but more will be added in the future. These meetings are important for members to convey their ideas and generally have a say in what goes on in their club. This year we have the Tasman Revival and it is the Formula Vee 45th anniversary which we will be celebrating at the Tasman Revival. Therefore it is important for all the members to put forward their ideas for the HFVAA celebrations and to get their cars on the track. HFVAA General Meetings are held at The Hills Club which is situated at 2 Jenner St ,Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 (02) 9639 2733 Meeting Dates 4th August 7.30pm | ||||||||||||
| Driver Profiles The HFVAA is updating the web site and the "Drivers" section has been left vacant too long and we would now like to rectify it. Could all drivers and members please contact Steve Batty on steve@expost.biz or Greg Stott on gregstott@live.com.au to receive a profile form. We have profiles from the last Tasman meeting of all competitors at the meeting, so if you have no objection the HFVAA would like to use this as your profile. Contact us if you have a problem. For drivers who have not driven at the Tasman Revival, when sending in your profile could you also attach a photo of your car. It would be good to have profiles from all states and race reports | ||||||||||||
| HFVAA The Ringwood Park Hill Climb a round of the NSW Formula Vee State Championship. Saturday 27th February 2010, dawned just like any other - with not a hint of what was lurking in the bowels of Chilli - a catastrophe that would devastate some parts of that country, but would strike real curiosity into the Latte swigging Sydney Sunday Beach Set!!!! A tsunami of such proportions that it would have everyone descending on to the very shores that stood in danger of being obliterated!!!!!! But as we all know now 'twas a fizzer - so much for scientific predictions of doom and gloom !! At Ringwood Park however there was no such fear being shown, well at least not until after the obligatory drivers briefing where everyone stood around and chatted amongst themselves whilst the CC tried in vain to impart some really important stuff - like the start procedure and the very important things like if you clobber a witches hat you will incur a penalty of a number of seconds for each hat you collect, and that there was the potential to accumulate the entire number of said seconds of your run right at the finish line, where there are about 7 of them, just waiting to grab your right front wheel and haul you in!!!!!! Also if you make a mistake don't try to make it up on that run just cruise back to the start and have another go - each driver had three runs in a row, which is really good 'cause if you blink at the start of your first run you've missed it 'cos it's all over, so the second one you know where the track goes - and where that huge gum tree is - and your tyres are nearly warm - run three and you have your eyes on and looking for those witches hats!!!! The players: 9 x 1600s. 4 x 1200s. One was double entered. 3 x Historic F/Vee. One was double entered. The plan: To get up and back down the hill in the fastest time, without cutting corners parking it in the infield, farming, or just generally spinning to avoid the witches hats!!!! So, to the start all cars are lined up on the dummy grid and one player comes up to me and asks what's the procedure!!!!! I won't embarrass the gentle man 'cause he's a mate of mine, 'cept I will say that his car is very nice!!! Being a true mate I told him where to go - no, truly I did and it must have worked 'cause he didn't come and ask me any more questions. But like all good plans this was about to become unravelled. Then again we were dealing with race car drivers!!! As the cars were lining up on the dummy grid a few well meaning and seasoned hill climb veterans (myself included) took it upon ourselves to tell each driver about the start procedure, but the red mist had already descended and they couldn't here anything except the theme song from Rocky (all episodes) and so it was, all but three got it right and two of those were in an Historic F/V. All the while the CC was saying that the red light will come on and then the orange light will come on and then the green light will come on you may start in your own time!!!! everyone was having a social chat - just like at any race meeting DB, so they missed it all and so what happened when the red light went out ??????? A boot full of revs dump the clutch and let's haul arse!!!! OOPS - miss time, second run and the starter - who by the way is standing right beside your right front wheel with the timing stick says to you WAIT FOR THE G. R. E. E. N. (he had to spell it) meanwhile we are telling those who are waiting the same thing but Rocky was too loud. The first few runs saw nearly everyone finding the limits of adhesion on cold tyres and then there were some who thought that the grass was a little too long in places and we saw the launch of the grass cutting capabilities of the Stingers and Jacers, whilst our very own KH (only the name has been changed to protect him from embarrassment) decided that there were far too many witches hats near the finish line and in fact the finish line should really be twenty or thirty metres further away from the actual alignment spectacular cross country/off road capabilities of the Nimbus but despite this new alignment the event stayed on the black stuff. Dylan Thomas (Stinger 1600) was the first to show how not to come back down the hill and what happens when you drop a wheel into the dirt and on the first rotation you notice the gum tree and on the second and not quite third rotations what the view from the infield is like. But it was Jayson Williamson in his Jacer 1600 that collected the big money with a huge effort closing in on the finish line (the corner is really tight) the afore mentioned car eating witches hats reached out and got him. Several other drivers were in the hunt for spin of the day but I think the award must go to Dylan. The 1200s were a little better behaved with Sue Cannon, although showing a small amount of anxiety at the beginning soon showed that she could tame this hill -until ...... she had double entered her car with Daniel Pauperis and well, being as kind as I can they are not exactly of the same proportions and it was near the lunch break when it ended for them, the sump extension was ripped off as Daniel was driving onto the dummy grid thus ending both of their chances for improvement. Barrie offered Sue his car - which he had just purchased from down Mexico way and was coming to grips with it, but Sue found it difficult to select first gear and became a spectator hoping that Barrie wouldn't become too good and overhaul her best time!! He didn't. The Historics and Kevin was seen feeding Colin Simpson (who was double entered in the car) more than a few sausage sangers at lunch time probably if he could have got just one more into him Colin wouldn't have gotten as close as he did!! Greg Stott wasn't too shabby either and had the day gone on a little more I think he would have finished a little closer to Kevin and Colin. The Historic cars did not disgrace themselves in such Level 1 company, indeed word around the pits was let's have another one and invite the Historic F/V cars - food for thought. The time sheets show that: 1st outright and 1st in class1600: Dylan Thomas (Stinger) with a 31.73 10th outright and 1st in class 1200: Sue Cannon (Elfin) with a 34.32 11th outright and 1st in class HF/V: Kevin Humphrey (Nimbus) with a 34.35 12th outright and 2nd in class HF/V: Colin Simpson (Nimbus) with a 34.37 14th outright and 3rd in class HF/V: Greg Stott (Mako Mk1) with a 34.84 A great day plenty of runs for all and apart from Sue's car having the sump ripped off there were no incidents. If and when the NSW Formula Vee blokes have another one expect an invitation. Noel --------------------------------- The HFVAA was
represented by 3 drivers at the innaugural FVANSW hillclimb at Ringwood
which was round 1 of their Club
Championship. Greg Stott   |
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| Race Report – Wakefield Park 19 – 21 Feb. 2010 Friday practice is always more civilised than race days. Sleep in, a leisurely breakfast and then a pleasant drive, this time to Goulburn. We arrived at the track just after 10am and, after setting up, we enjoyed a Wakefield Cafe cappuccino. Heavy cloud cover kept the temperatures down, although it was hot when the sun broke through, and a cooling breeze meant it was a good day for knitting or, as someone was overheard saying, perfect driving weather. Practice session 1 was our first chance to see the snazzy red Elfin of Leigh Hemmings go through the paces. He & Greg were the only Vee’s out there. The other cars out were from a different category with much larger engine capacities. These sessions are always a good way to experiment with tyre pressures & set up before the pressure of racing. But it seems that if anything is going to go wrong it always waits until qualifying or Race 1 & preferably happens on the start line. Greg was the only Vee out in session 2 with only 2 others on the track. Midday saw Paul English arrive & set up but he didn’t stay for session 3. Greg almost had the track to himself with only one other car out there. The wind was breaking the clouds up by now. Edward Gavin had arrived & was fitting new mirrors. Practice session 4 went out at 2:30pm with Leigh joining Greg and three others, the track closed at 4pm so we headed off to our accommodation but, not before drinks at the Old Goulburn Brewery. Friday night was cold so at 8am on Saturday the track felt quite autumnal & crisp under a clear blue sky with no wind. Drivers briefing was at 8:15am and we had a full contingent of 6 drivers in the Vees. Qualifying was at 10am and there were 20 cars on the track. Leigh in 185 sensibly got out there first & was able to get good clear track time. Greg, Nick, Paul, Edward & Allan found it difficult to get a clean lap in, getting bogged down behind the clumsier cornering cars. Leigh showed that it pays to be out in front and red cars are always faster – posting a qualifying time of 1:16:8, earning him 6th place on the Grid. Greg was in 7th with a time of 1:17, Nick was in 12th with a time of 1:18:8, Paul was in 13th with a time of 1:19:7, Edward in 14th with 1:20:2 & Allan was in 17th with 1:24:7. Our first race was straight after the lunch break & the day was becoming hotter. There was plenty of time to polish cars & rehydrate before kitting up & getting to the marshalling grid. I like to stand near corner two where the cars climb up the hill. As the flag dropped, the chirping of the crickets was drowned out by the swarm on the track. The Vees were _______ off the short but sorted themselves into a gap behind the first 9 cars. Two extra cars had been added to the end of the grid from the Na Category, a 57 Simca & a 56 MG Magrette. Leigh held first place for most of the race. Greg edged in front when they were baulked by slower cars & again when he dived under Leigh at the end of the straight. Paul had a moment on the last lap & pulled back onto the track behind the race winner, under yellows. Should he have completed his last lap or followed the winner into the pits? Decision pending. The breeze was picking up & the clouds were rolling in as we waited or Race 2, which had been reduced to 8 laps because some cars were being lapped ... twice (??) It was somewhat cooler with the cloud cover and déjà vu as they gridded up. Car #24 in 4th was missing from the grid so everyone moved up into the gap. The flag dropped and car #88 (in 3rd) stalled and after the pack had passed, #1 was towed to the infield. Car #31, in 2nd, spun in the fish‐hook in lap 2 but managed to keep going without upsetting anyone else. Leigh managed to keep the leaders in sight but had another car between him & the other Vees. Paul & Edward were dicing for position & staying very close to the corners up the climb. Nick seemed to have a problem, waving the other cars through. Apparently nothing serious, a throttle cable problem. The verdict was – a very frustrating race. Sunday mornings in Goulburn are very quiet (most petrol stations don’t open until 8am). Another perfect driving day under clear blue skies, and a gentle breeze was an influx of new flaggies – Steve & Phil who took up positions on turns 2 & 10. There was a change to the racing schedule so that Race 3 would only have category M, O & Vees. This put all the Vees together behind the faster cars. By 10 O’clock the wind was picking up, blowing hats off. At 10:25am we were set for Race 3. 10 cars on the track – 12, 88, 31, 13, 185 (Leigh), 25 (Greg), 66 (Nick), 9 (Paul), 8 (Edward), and 164 (Allan) and car #24 starting from pit lane. It was a great start with all the Vees together and car #24, a 1968 Gryphon, trying to work his way through. By the end of lap 1 he had passed 3 Vees. There was some great dicing between Leigh & Greg with Nick in 3rd place. Edward & Paul were battling behind them. #88 pulled in & Allan in #164 pulled in, just before the last lap board came out, with a motor problem. It was a nail biting finished with Greg right up on Leigh’s tail. Would he pull out from the tow or not?? ... Not! Race 4 was 1st up after lunch and everyone was back in together. With cars fuelled and drivers fuelled they were raring to go. The race was bought forward to 1:10pm on the grid and some of us were a bit rushed & I wasn’t in my favourite spot for the drop of the flag. There were 18 cars on the track & this time #24 was allowed to start on the track but at the rear of the grid. After the first lap, #24 was half way through the pack, Leigh & Greg were keeping together in open space with #24 coming up behind them & Nick just behind him. #24 manages to pass them on the straight & pulls away. Nick can’t catch him but manages to close the gap through the top of the track. Paul has a tin top right on his hammer & it pulls in front coming onto the straight. Greg pushes too hard on turn 2 & drops a wheel in the dirt. #24 manages to catch the top of the field by lap 4. Leigh & Greg were nose to tail in a very dangerous fashion, Greg in the lead coming onto the straight. But, his joy was short lived as Leigh got his nose in front to take the chequered flag. #24 finished in 3rd place overall – a huge effort for Team Shustring!! It was still hot & sunny and the wind was starting to blow the clouds in at 10 past 3 for Race 5. We had 11 cars on the track. #12, #31, #13, Leigh, Greg, #89, #77 Nick, Paul ,#124 & #24. Car #12 stalled on the start & #77 managed to pass all the Vees. On lap 2 Greg took Nick on the outside of turn 2, as a big gap opened behind #77, meaning the Vees got to race cleanly on their own. Nick stuck his nose in on Leigh for a try at second. Leigh was back in front by turn 2 and #24 was back into 3rd place on the last lap. Finishing 12, 31, 24, 13, 89, 77, Leigh, Nick, Greg and Paul. All in all it was a great weekend of racing, others in the stand agreed – “that was an exciting race!!” Veenus | ||||||||||||
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HSRCA
MEETING 19th
- 20th
September 2009 Through the eyes of a
very appreciative driver. The
weekend started 4
weeks earlier with a trip from the Central Coast to Cooma to pick the
car for
the race meeting. The Stott Elfin pitted
after 1 lap with an electrical problem. Race 1 turned out to be
a great tussle between Lewis, Alexander
and Cutcher after Stott's Elfin failed to make the starting grid having
to pull
into pit lane on the warm up lap with the return of the electical
problem. Paul
English was also a non finisher in race 1. Ian Cutcher was the
first winner of the weekend with the Lewis showpiece ½ second
behind then
followed by Alexander, Batty and Genge. Phil's car finished the
race with the rear covered in oil from an axle seal problem. This was
to prove
a problem all weekend for Phil. Ian Cutcher was to suffer the same
problem. Phil's constant
tweeking paid dividends in race 2. First across the line
of the Vees, the Renmax MkII finished 1.5 seconds ahead of Cutcher in
his
Renmax. Third went to Stott then Alexander, Batty and Genge. Race 3 produced the 3rd
winner of the weekend with the Stott/Reeks Elfin getting the chequered
flag by
just 1/3 second ahead of Alexander with Cutcher just 1/3 second further
behind. Race 4 was an
unexpected first for the HFVAA in NSW. The race was full of
passing manouvres - under brakes, slip streaming and nose to tail
dicing for
the first 6 of 10 laps. Phil was making a real
challenge for the lead on the last lap when he dropped a wheel off the
circuit
at the Fish Hook giving Stott the break to win by 2 seconds. This was
the
biggest winning margin of the weekend and shows how close the racing
was
WITHOUT incident. This
concluded a great
weekend of Historic Formula Vee racing both on and off the
track. It was fantastic to be
back. Bring on Eastern Creek. |
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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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