Well another National Meeting has occurred and from all reports everyone enjoyed the variety and organizing capabilities of the small but very enthusiastic members of the TSOA SA who planned and implemented the event.

This year’s event was over a total of some 9 days if you wished to go and be involved in all parts of the National Meeting. The first 5 days from Saturday October 15 until Wednesday October 19 saw the group of 120 delegates from six states and the ACT based in Mount Gambier in the South Eastern part of South Australia, not far from the Victorian border.

Then the delegates drove back towards Adelaide and were all booked in at the McCracken Country Club Resort, a top grade complex set in its own golf course in the seaside town of Victor Harbor for Thursday October 20 and Friday 21 October 2011.

There was also a further two days on Kangaroo Island available as a wind down from this weekend and a bit more of the friendship, great driving roads and fine food.

The South Australian TSOA National Meeting Committee certainly had us all going each day, there was plenty of driving trips and lots of food! To this end there was an early morning walking group offering which commenced at 06.15. This was referred to as; “An Amble with Alex” I hope that those who went on this event had a good time!

As is always arranged the first day involved getting settled into your accommodation after Registration. Here we got our goody bag and lots and lots of maps and brochures. Then in the evening we had Happy Hour and dinner at the Motel – Silver Birch. There were two Motels beside each other on one of the major through roads in Mount Gambier and our group was spread between both of them.

Most of the members spent a considerable amount of time getting ready for the Sunday when we assembled for the Pride of Ownership display on the lawn beside the Lady Nelson Information Centre.(The Lady Nelson was a two master cutter used extensively in navigating along the Australian coastlines back in the early years of the 19th century under the control of Capt James Grant & Mathew Flinders – It was used in the discovery of Tasmania and a replica ship is now based in Hobart)

Those who wanted to entered the judged section while everyone else lined up along on the grass verge.

While the judging was taking place we were given free access to the Mt Gambier Interpretive Centre Museum which traced the history of the area.

After the Pride of Ownership there were two options, one option was to go on a river cruise on the Glenelg River some 60 Kms from Mount Gambier; the other option was to have a go at the fully organized Motorkhana under the full CAMS rules.  By that evening after another great meal we fell into bed.

The next day, day 3, was a competitive Navigation  & Observation Run in a huge sweep to Port Macdonnell, (the locals call this “portmac”) where most enjoyed their lobster lunch.

The 3 & half hour run of some 215 Kms (131.6Miles) took us through the townships of Casterton (Birthplace of the Kelpie), Heywood , Merino, Digby, Dartmoor then along the wild coastline on our way to Port Macdonnell – the Southern Lobster region of S.Aust.  A well organized BBQ meal was had by all that evening put on by the Mount Gambier Vintage & Veteran Car Club.

Day 4 was another totally different organized event which gave us the opportunity to view the World Heritage listed park containing the Wonambi Fossil Centre and the Naracoorte Caves. The drives took us through some of the finest Terra-Rossa soils area around the South East known generally as the  Coonawarra  well respected for its Red Wine growing. Also we stopped in Penola which is one of the towns with the rich history associated with Saint Mary MacKillop.

Then back to Mount Gambier for another wonderful evening commencing with a very noisy Happy Hour and then a sit down meal at our Motel.  Lots to talk about from today with some of our friends at our table.

Day 5 was check out from the Motels and after breakfast pack the cars and head out of Mount Gambier on our 450 Kms drive to Victor Harbor, the day was quite hot and sunny so it was fortunate that we got away pretty early.  This trip took us across country and then through the Coorong which is starting to become habitable by the wildlife which had avoided it during the severe droughts experienced in previous years.

We turned off this road and took the ferry across the Murray River at Wellington and passed through another special wine growing region called Langhorne Creek and on to the edge of the very historic town of Strathalbyn, here we turned left and headed for Goolwa and then into Victor Harbor to our next place of short residence, McCracken Country Club Resort. Again we had another wonderful evening this time experiencing the happy hour and a chance to talk about the day with new friends at our table from other states.

Unfortunately again I missed the Amble with Alex next day, Day 6.

On the itinerary today was a trip on a steam train to Goolwa and then a Hillclimb at Mt Alma which is only 36 Kms from Victor Harbor.

The hillclimb was organized by a local CAMS approved oganisation accredited to run speed events specially for our group and was most suited to the more highly-powered Triumphs.

We were given a practice run to start with, and this was in dry conditions but the rain then started and all the other runs were in the wet.

The course was an extremely steep asphalt road of  just under 3Kms which ended very soon after the finish line by then becoming a dirt road;  so as you came over the finish line it was necessary to brake hard’

Each of the 3 groups had their turn and waited at the top on the side of the dirt road for the last in their group to come up the hill.  Once the last car in their group had completed his or her run then we all returned back down the hill. The last group had the pleasure of waiting to hear the awesome sound of Ian Wilson in the Yellow TR 8 come up the hill, followed by a wonderful sounding Series 1 XJ6 Jaguar which was not very standard!

In all we had 4 runs and then all packed up and headed back to Victor for the traditional drinks and Dinner, this time at the Hotel Victor in the heart of this pleasant seaside village, once’ in the very early days of the State of S.Aust a whaleing industry was all that happened here. Now a much liked tourist destination.

On the last day, day 7, we had a slightly later start of 09.00 on our next drive through to, yes you guessed it another well known wine district; known as the Southern Vales with McLaren Vale as its central  township. This run was a brunch run to a delightful setting with a feature lake complete with ducks and geese, called McLarens on the Lake. Again far too much lovely food awaited us.

After this we were given the afternoon off to do as we pleased with most doing a leisurely meander back to our accommodation, to get ready for the final dinner, the Presentation dinner at The  McCracken Country Club Resort.

This was another memorable evening with the traditional “Triumph Nationals Theme Song” commencing the evenings offering, followed by the National Meeting Awards presentations, then there was dancing to finish off the night, mainly for all those who still had energy!

And so another Triumph National Meeting came to a close the next morning with those who did not choose to go to Kangaroo Island, packing their cars for return journeys to their homes wherever that was, to now consider if they intend backing up in 2012 to meet in the central Goldfields of Victoria to again meet up with some of the Triumph friends made while in South Australia.

“Around the Cones” and “Up the Hill”

The 2011 TSOA Nationals included two competition events – a Motorkhana conducted near Mt Gambier, and a Hillclimb at Mt Alma, near Victor Harbor. Both events were extremely enjoyable for those who participated, and also for the spectators who chose to watch the action.

The Motorkhana was conducted for us by the South East Auto Club under the management and guidance of Bob Byham – SEAC are very experienced with these types of events, so needless to say, the Motorkhana ran like clockwork. The Nationals participants were given a series of “tests” with a route marked out by traffic cones and a map to memorise before embarking out on to the course. Each “test” became a little tougher and a little faster – five “tests” in all, with two runs at each course.

For most, all that was required was first gear and quick turns of the steering wheel. The braver drivers included a bit of wheel spin and some sideways action, but nothing near what the locals showed us was the quickest way around the set course. Just point the nose of the car at a cone, a quick touch of the handbrake and rapid turn of the wheel spins the car sideways around the cone, accelerating on to the next point. All very Ken Block!

At the conclusion of the event, the times for each completed “test” are aggregated and the lowest overall score wins. Penalties are added for knocking over cones or not completing the set course.

The Nationals Motorkhana participants were rewarded as follows :

4 cylinder Unmodified                       –           Daryl Tonkin (Qld) TR7

4 cylinder Modified                            –           Greg Morsillo (NSW) TR7 Sprint

6 cylinder Unmodified                        –           Brian Falloon (Qld) TR5

6 cylinder Modified                             –           Bryan Young (SA) 2.5 lt Vitesse

8 cylinder Slightly Modified                 –           Roger Lange (SA) TR8

Outright placings were awarded to

1st  Place Overall (331 Points)             –           Greg Morsillo (NSW) in the TR7 Sprint

2nd Place Overall (339 Points)             –           Roger Lange (SA) in the TR8

3rd Place Overall (367 Points)              –           Laurie Bromley (NSW) in a TR7V8

From Mount Gambier we travelled to Victor Harbor and on the Thursday of the Nationals, were treated to a Hillclimb event at Mt Alma, off the Victor to Yankalilla Road. The weather was not kind to us, with a light rain persisting during the afternoon. The Southern Districts Car Club conduct an annual event at Mt Alma called the ‘Mt Alma Mile” – the course is a little used public road that winds its way up quite steeply over a measured mile. The first section of approx 400 metres is straight and quite fast, followed by several corners and a chicane marked out by tall traffic cones. A testing course, and quite fast for those who wanted speed, and with a steep incline to test horsepower and torque.

Once again, our day was organised by the outfit most suited to do this – the Southern Districts Car Club and it’s offshoot, “Ultimate Motorsports”. Under the guidance of Michael Clements, the team from SDCC run very professional events, and we were most fortunate to be able to have them organise and run the hillclimb as a part of our Nationals.

The wet surface provided a surprising amount of grip, probably due to the limited amount of traffic that regularly uses the road. I was told that the really quick cars complete the one mile climb in around 45 seconds on a dry track. Ian Wilson and Craig Haysman both put their TR7V8’s up the course for a bit of fun and to show what horsepower and a properly set up car can do. Ian put in a best time of just 52.5 seconds and Craig 53.6 seconds – quite remarkable given the conditions and a providing us all with a very impressive sight and sound display.

Winners of the Nationals Class and Outright trophies were :

4 cylinder Unmodified (1:10.95)        –           Greg Bird (Qld) in Daryl Tonkin’s TR7

4 cylinder Modified (1:01.58)             –           Roger Lange (SA) Dolomite Sprint

6 cylinder Unmodified (1:17.76)         –           Bill Berlemon (SA) Mk II 2.5 PI

6 cylinder Modified (1:08.96)              –           Bryan Young (SA) 2.5 lt Vitesse

8 Cylinder Slightly Modified (1:04.38)  –           Robert Hanton (Qld) TR7V8

Outright 1st Place Overall (1:01.58)     –           Roger Lange (SA) Dolomite Sprint

Outright 2nd Place Overall (1:02.02)    –           Brian Falloon (Qld) in Roger’s Dolomite Sprint

Outright 3rd Place Overall (1:04.25)     –           Greg Morsillo (NSW) TR7 Sprint

The Competition Cup is awarded at each Nationals to the State with the best outcome from the competition events conducted  , and with calculations to include those States who may not have a large number of competitors to contribute. This year’s competition came down to a three way contest between Qld, NSW and SA, with the best three individual performances at each event counting towards each State’s overall score.

In third place, with a score of 202.58 was NSW, in second place was Queensland with a score of 197.35, and first place and this year’s Nationals Competition Cup Winners was South Australia with a score of 196.24. Congratulations to Roger Lange and Bryan Young who contributed to the SA score at both competition events, and to Neil Martin and Bill Berlemon who contributed at the Hillclimb and Motorkhana respectively.

The TSOA (SA) National’s Committee and all those who enjoyed these events owe a debt of gratitude to Bob Byham and the team from the South East Auto Club, and Michael Clements and his team from ltimate Motorsports / Southern Districts Car Club. Superbly run events that were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Roger Lange, 2011 Nationals Competition Events Coordinator

HillclimbThe Collingrove Challenge was held on the 11th of September. Bryan Young entered his Triump Vitesse and placed 12th against some strong late model competition in Road Registered Saloons over 2001cc. Bryan’s best time for the day of 43.66 seconds. The next Hillclimb event is state Championships on the 15th&16th of October. Byran has entered for this event. There is also a Hillclimb event at Mt Alma as part of the TSOA Nationals 15thth-22nd of October.

Targa Classic Adelaide September 13th -18thTwo Triumph TR7 8Vs were entered for the new Targa Classic Adelaide Tarmac Rally. A Red TR& V8 entered for Haysman/Branum and a yellow and blue entry under the names of Fisher/Ainsworth. The entry of Haysman/Branum running consistently in the top 10 outright until the end of the Montague stage on Saturday morning. A mechanical problem meant they were not able to register a time in the next 4 stages. The last 3 timed stages saw them post an 11th, 10th& 9th outright respectfully. They were to finish the event 43rd overall.The Fisher/Ainworth car performed consistently over the event finishing 29th overall and 24th in Classic outright.

Round 4 of the MSCA Supersprint series was held Sunday 18th SeptemberNeil Martin TR7 V8, Roger Lange GT6 and Trevor Lindsay entered the event. Trevor had a great time giving some of the quick clubman cars a hurry up eventually finishing the weekend in 5th position with a best time of 1.18.98. A mere 2.81 seconds behind the quickest car of the day. Neil Martin continues to improve his times in his road registered TR7 V8 with a best time of 1.29.66 for the day. Roger Lange “lunched” his engine on his last run (the meaning of “lunched”; an engine that has had a severe internal haemorrhage). Roger was planning to do a road trip to Sandown Raceway with Trevor in November but this plan has now been cancelled. Trevor will now be Triumph SA’s only representative against a large field of MG’s.

Neil Martin would have competed in the Regularity event at Mallala on the 25th of September. A full report of Neil’s performance will be feature in the November column.

Coming Events for October

Oct. 1-2 Hillclimb-Vintage Collingrove

Oct. 6-9 Super Cheap Bathurst 1000 Bathurst

Oct.7-9 Japanese F1 GP Suzuka

Oct. 15-16 State Hillclimb Championships Collingrove

Oct 14-16 Korean F1 GP Yeongam

Oct 23 MSCA Super Sprint Rd 5 Mallala

Oct 21-23 Armor All Gold Coast 600

Oct 28 -30 India F1 GP New Delhi

Nov 4-6 Sandown Historics Melbourne

Rick Staehr

We have just returned from the 2011 TSOA Nationals and what a superb event it was, 4 nights at Mt Gambier and 3 nights at Victor Harbor, with a 3 day add on in K.I. for those wanting to do more.

The event was well balanced with something for everybody with Pride of ownership, observation run, crayfish lunch, motorkhana, Naracoorte caves, steam train ride, and a great hill climb with a bit of moisture added from the sky to make more interesting.

I am sure these events will be reported in detail later in this copy of Trak or in next month’s Magazine, so I won’t double up here.

At this point I must congratulate the team who planned this event over the last 2 and half years, they presented a tremendous and interesting event that was so good you would believe it was put together by a team of professional event organizers.

We done and thankyou to the organising committee, Natalie and Bob Farrell, Sue and Rory Gibson, Peter and Julie Davidge, Roger and Cherri Lange, Alex and Sue Smithson and Peggie Argent, for their efforts with special thanks to Duane Kaak for acting as M.C. for the full event.

Now for some important upcoming events that should be in your diary, full details in this copy of Trak.
All Triumph Day for the Tony Esau Trophy                             Sun 20th November
This is our Premier observation run for 2011, be there in your Triumph.

Christmas Dinner and Trophy Presentations                        Sat 10th December
A must for all members and trophy winners – bookings and full payment by post or in person by November 15th General Mtg.

All British Day on the Uraidla Oval                                             Sun 12th February 2012
A great picnic day for all members, entries close on 30th November

Entry forms are available on the ABD web site at http://www.allbritishday.com/  or you can access them from our own http://tsoasa.com/ web site under links – member added links.

Till we meet again

John Sampson

TSOA SA member Barry Clark’s TR4A with Mark Webber on board at this year’s F1 event in Melbourne. Not too shabby Barry! What a Triumph!

The Nationals were two years in the planning and it is now all over!!!   The week was full of fun and camaraderie and it is always nice to catch up with our interstate colleagues.  The weather in Mt Gambier was very kind to us and it was even hot on the Wednesday travelling back to Victor Harbor.  Unfortunately the weather in Victor was typical for the area with drizzly rain.   We hope that all those who attended had an enjoyable time and will consider going to Victoria in 2012.

The All Triumph Rally for the Tony Esau Memorial Trophy is on Sunday 20th November meeting at Burnside Townhall carpark at 9.00am.   There will be a club sponsored BBQ at the destination which is a tightly held secret until the day, with the run being set by last year’s winners, Bill and Margie.   This will be the last Sunday run for the year with the Christmas dinner rounding off what I hope has been another successful year socially.

The Christmas Dinner and Trophy Presentation night is on Saturday 10th December at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club and payment is required in full at the meeting on 15th November.   The menu and cost are listed in TRak and it should be another successful night, the venue being very popular.

The annual after Christmas run is heading to Middleton Tavern for lunch meeting at Crafers Inn at 10.00am for coffee departing at 11.00am sharp.

Sue Gibson

Wow what a month of diverse activities for our club members last month, sometimes I wonder how some people find time to fit it all in, certainly it was “Adelaide Alive”  for Triumph motoring enthusiasts in September.

We started with a mid week club run on September the 7th from windy point to Meadows for afternoon tea, and for the competition members a chance to attend the S.A. Hillclimb event on the 10th and 11th of September assuming they were not involved in our premier club display “The Day of Triumph “ held opposite the TTP on Sunday 11th.

The weather was not as good to us as the Sunday before, or the couple of Sundays after, but 45 of the clubs finest cars and approx 80 club members who attended put on a creditable display and promotion of the Triumph marque.The overall winner on the day was the very well prepared and presented newly restored red TR6 of Geoff Mockford, with Noel and Cindy Schmidt in their red TR3A coming in a creditable second on the day, all other results will be reported on later in the Mag.

Continuing on – the “Classic Targa Adelaide” held on public roads of the Adelaide hills and surrounds from the 13th to the 18th for all motoring enthusiasts, with Round 4 of the sprints at Mallala on the 18th for our competition guys again.

Our Tuesday 20th general meeting had a near record attendance when we had a display of over $500K worth of “Triumphant Italians” (you may know them as Ferrari’s) on stage with the owners giving us a short talk on their Italian Love affairs.

And today (25th September) we held our club yearly breakfast get together on Dequetteville Terrace to watch the wonderful world class event “The Bay to Birdwood Rally” with 1800 classic cars on display, a display that took over two and a half Hours to pass any one spot on the approx 70Km of roads the entrants travelled. ……………Hot off the presses!!, …….I understand Noel and Cindy Schmidt were selected in the final 10 in the concour’s in their beautiful red TR3A, well done!!Who would want to live in any other city ?

I am sure reports and photographs on most of the above events will be reported later in the magazine.

Now to October, approximately 35-40 club members are waiting in anticipation to participating in the S.A run National rally to Mount Gambier and Victor Harbor with a side trip to K.I. for some. This is a unique opportunity to meet with old interstate friends for some, and make new friends for others, along with inspecting the variety of interstate Triumph vehicles present on the rally.

Thanks to all those who helped organise the above events, and to all members who participated in these continuing to help make the club the success it is.

REMEMBER NO GENERAL MEETING IN OCTOBER DUE TO NATIONAL RALLY

Till we meet again

John Sampson

The mid week run in September ended up at Balance in Meadows for afternoon tea.  There were seven Triumphs given a run that day along with a few other vehicles.  The run took us to Stirling, Mylor, Echunga and Macclesfield and back to Meadows on country roads.  Thanks to those people who came along and thanks to Tony for organising and Natalie for typing up the directions.

The annual Day of Triumph was held at Civic Park in rather inclement weather, however it was pleasing to see over 40 cars brought out despite the forecast and rain.  Congratulations to all winners and thanks to all the judges, scorers and helpers on the day.  A big thank you to Bill and Margie for providing the tent and also donating two bottles of wine for the gate prizes, also Bob Cini for getting to Civic Park very early to keep the entry clear and returning the key to the Council.   A list of trophy winners will be in TRAK.

There is a mid week run on Wednesday November 2nd being organised by Bill Smith and details are in the magazine.

The Christmas Dinner is fast approaching and payment in full is required at the November meeting.  Bookings are being taken now and if you wish you can post payment to the Club address.   The date is Saturday 10th December at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club where we will enjoy pre dinner drinks (club sponsored) from 6.30pm and a 3 course dinner (with choice of two in each course) at a cost of $45 for members and $59 for non members which represents very good value.  The menu is published in the magazine.  We would love to see all the Day of Triumph winners present to accept their trophy(s).

Sue Gibson

The new club year begins, and in reflection I would once again thank all those club and committee members who helped make the last year so successful.

Thanks goes to Rick Staehr for accepting the committee position of Competition Secretary and also filling in and assisting in publishing our TRAK magazine for the next couple of months while Richard is away on holidays, it is good to welcome a new enthusiastic member to our committee. Congratulations Rick.

While on the subject I would thank the retiring committee member Trevor Lindsay for his efforts as competition secretary over the last two years.

While the AGM is over and the new Committee has been established, if you have any skills or aspirations as club Treasurer or Social secretary there could be an opportunity next year, but in the mean time you could gain a year’s experience working with the current incumbent, a great opportunity – think about it and if you are interested or speak to Peter, Sue or myself.

Three important dates for your diaries for September :

1. The Day of Triumph Sunday September the 11th – Not only is this a great picnic day for all members to attend and mingle with fellow Triumph owners, but it is a tremendous opportunity to promote our marque at this fantastic venue, so polish your car and come and enjoy the day.

2. The General meeting Tuesday September 20th we will have 3 special “Triumphant Italians” on stage, prancing horses ranging from 1965 to 2005 models, so come along and enjoy the noise.

3. The Bay to Birdwood breakfast Sunday the 20th on Dequetteville Tce  @ 9.00am – BBQ provided but BYO food.

For full details refer further in the magazine.

Our AGM was also a special event celebrating the 50th birthday of the TRIUMPH TR4, August 1961. The stage and tables were suitably decorated by Rick and Maree Staehr and there were three highly polished great looking examples of the TR4 for the full house to admire.

Thanks to Richard Bingham, Bill Jones and Steve Hutchinson for bringing their cars in for the night and joining in the celebrations.

Till we meet again

John Sampson

GT6 in the Mist – 2011 All British Weekend at Wakefield Park.