2009 TSOA Christmas Dinner &Trophy Presentation
Saturday 12th December
6.30pm for Club sponsored Pre-dinner drinks
7.00pm start
Royal Adelaide Golf ClubTapleys Hill Road, Seaton
Cost – $40.00 TSOA Members
$50.00 Non Members
For further information please contact:Sue Gibson 8449 7814
Bookings with full payment by the November meeting please
PAST
Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov
Four Triumphs competed in the 2009 event – Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher, Craig Haysman and Ian Wilson in TR7V8’s. In Classic Competition, Stephen & Ginetta came 16th out of a field of 19, and in Late Classic, Craig was 19th, Steve 21st and Ian 30th out of 35 cars. Ian suffered a tyre failure leading to an inability to finish a section – in essence, putting him out of contention. However, the TR7V8 continued to place in the top order for the whole rally, that particular disappointment notwithstanding. There were only 2 cars in the Historic section. Not sure about you, but my interest is waning with the demise in numbers of the older vehicles. See ‘www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/results.html’
Mallala Racing 14 Nov
This was a scorcher. Temperatures gradually built up to 43 degrees as the day progressed. I was pit crew for an Elfin ME5 and was glad to leave after our events had finished which was before the evening session commenced. No Triumphs.
FUTURE
MSCA Tentative Calendar For 2010 (updated)
Picnic/Presentation Day: Sunday 21st February
Skills Enhancement Day: Sunday 28th February
Round 1: Sunday 28th March
6 Hour Relay: Sunday 23rd May
Round 2: Sunday 4th July (TSOA providing officials)
Advanced Driver Training: Sunday 8th August
Round 3: Sunday 19th September
Round 4: Sunday 24th October
OTHER
For those wondering about the costs involved in competing in MSCA Sprint meetings, the following may be of interest:-
TSOA or other MSCA member club membership (12mths) $60
MSCA membership(12 mths) $20
CAMS basic licence (12 mths) $95
Event entry (single) $75
Fire Extinguisher CAMS approved with metal bracket $25
Dorian Timer (see explanation below) $395
You will also need wool or cotton clothing, predominately leather shoes and a CAMS approved helmet. The vehicle’s bonnet requires an extra safety wire (or similar), seatbelts need to be in good condition and the vehicle has to pass safety scrutineering at the track. Cars range from the every day users to full race.
The other thing that you will need is an electronic timing device commonly called a “Dorian”. This allows for electronic timing of laps with an accuracy factor of a thousandth of a second, and renders the old manual methods of lap timing redundant. If you are interested in giving sprinting a try, a Dorian unit will be provided to you for the first event. After that, you will need to purchase one – current cost is $395 – this is a significant discount to the current market price for these gadgets, currently available through the MSCA. Seems a lot, but bear in mind that these things will continue to carry a value of close to the original outlay on the second hand market should you ever decide not to continue – they just don’t depreciate unless they have been poorly looked after.
If you wish to get more serious and compete in State or National series races, it gets more expensive.
TSOA or other MSCA member club membership (12 mths) $60
MSCA membership (12 mths) $20
CAMS CC or NC License (12 mths) $245 or $395
Event Entry (single) $270
Fire Extinguisher CAMS approved with metal bracket $25
Fire proof clothing, boots, gloves etc $1200 +
Dorian Timer $395
CAMS approved seatbelts $250 +
CAMS approved helmet $800
CAMS License medical (every 2 yrs for us old ones) $100
The costs above are approximate and the major ones less the car and on goings such as fuel. Your average Triumph race car will use approximately 1 litre of racing fuel per lap at Mallala. At around $2.40/litre, this can add up. There are also accessories like a car trailer. Before getting too serious, I suggest you look at the racing classes. What you can and can’t as well as what you are required to do to your car is regulated and varies from class to class. If you want to be competitive, look at the types of vehicle in the winning circle of the class and assess what they have changed in the vehicle to make it competitive. Remember though, horsepower generally = $. CAMS CC and NC licenses require passing an exam and a satisfactory observation of driver on the first race day.
The information provided here is purely to give an idea of costs associated with circuit sprinting/racing. If you would like to know more or require assistance to prepare your car – give me a call. Personally, I think the MSCA sprints are great value for money and provide an important feeder to State and National series racing.
See ‘http://www.cams.com.au/’ & ‘http://www.mscasa.com/index.html’
Cheers, Trevor Lindsay
Due to the extreme heat forecast for the Day of Triumph the event was cancelled. It has been rescheduled for Sunday 16th May 2010 at the same venue when hopefully the weather will be more favourable.
The WA National Rally has been and gone and a good time was had by all who attended The trip across the Nullarbor was fun and the weather not too hot. The detour down to the Head of the Bight where there were still a few whales with calves was well worth the extra few kilometres. Six of us stayed with Frankie and Lloyd Merritt at Boyanup on their dairy farm, along with John and Angela and Wayne and Carolyn. Frankie and Lloyd send their regards to all.
The week at the Abbey Resort in Busselton was very enoyable, well planned with various activities. Congratulations to Peter Davidge and Roger Lange who both won their class in the Show and Shine day, Peter getting a perfect score. Roger and Cherri also tied first on the Navigation Run. The Margaret River and south west area of WA is certainly worth a visit with some lovely country and scenery. All up we travelled a distance of 4419kms and the TR6 didn’t miss a beat!!
Next year’s Nationals will be in Kangaroo Valley NSW (south of Sydney) and runs from 11th to 18th September. Sounds like it will be a good week. Check out the web site.
Congratulations to John & Angela Williams who were married in the parklands on Friday 27th November.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Sue Gibson
Steve Ferguson poses with his beautiful TR7 V8 dhc – don’t ya just love it!
***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***NEWS FLASH***
Due to the unprecedented extreme weather conditions, and our desire to enjoy a club member’s day that is comfortable for all, not to mention our beloved Triumphs having to bake in century heat, . . . . . .
. . . . . the 2009 Day of Triumph scheduled for Sunday 15th November has been POSTPONED.
This decision has not been made lightly, but is seen in the best interest of TSOA and its members, their families, our Triumphs, the Concours and Pride of Ownership judges, and the volunteer officials.
We hope to have details of a re-scheduled event advised to you as soon as we can. This is likely to be sometime in the new year, and hopefully in cooler conditions.
Feedback (positive or negative) is always welcome –
Roger Lange – Ph 8132 1841 or rogncher@internode.on.net
Rory Gibson – Ph 8449 7814 or surogib@arcom.com.au
PAST
Phillip Island 26/27 Sept
Wild and variable conditions hosted Round 4 of the Victorian Motor Racing Championships. Whilst leading the pack in Race 1 and full of confidence in wet conditions, Tom Hutchinson (TR8) spun off the track at Lukey Heights into the gravel trap assisted by oil dropped by a fellow competitor. After this it was a matter of wrong tyre choice in the constantly changing wet/dry conditions and Tom was continually caught out so elected not to continue. Lyn Punshon, a fellow South Australian in a Cobra, destroyed his wet tyres and as there were no more available elected to race on slicks in the last race – a wet start. However the conditions changed to dry and he won that race. Such was the gamble on tyre choice over the whole weekend. See ‘www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/results.cgi’
Mallala MSCA Sprint Rd4 25 Oct Rod Carey, Roger Lange and myself took our GT6’s out for the last time this year. There was a full field of entries that varied from the older historics to every day drivers and modern race cars. None of us had any problems and all did respectable times. I am still out on whether my change from a 4.1:1 diff to a 3.7:1 diff was an improvement as my 2+ year old tyres have now lost their edge. My best time of 1:18.04 was 1.5 secs of my best. However, I didn’t run out of revs this time.
FUTURE
Mallala Racing 14 Nov This is Round 4 and the final round of this years State Race Championships. It is a Saturday twilight meeting that generally starts around midday and extends into the evening. Come up for a look.
Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov There are still only two confirmed Triumph entries so far this year being Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher in a TR7. See ‘www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/index.asp’
MSCA Tentative Calendar For 2010
Skills Enhancement Day: Sunday 21st February
Round 1: Sunday 28th March
6 hour: Sunday 30th May
Round 2: Sunday 4th July
Round 3: Sunday 8th August
Advanced Driver Training: Sunday 19th September
Round 4: Sunday 24th October
OTHER
Strathalbyn Swap Meet A note to myself. Next year get there well before midday or the show will have been and gone.
the-roadster-factory My parts arrived safely and I am particularly impressed with the quality of the rubber products. Much better than I have previously received from the UK.
World Championships Hopefully Casey Stoner (Aus) has come third in the MotoGP bike championship after missing a number of races with a mystery illness. Mark Webber (Aus) has secured 4th position in the F1 world championship. Not bad results for a small populace.
Car Movements Following the exodus of the ex Dennis Hawkins GT6 racer to Queensland a little while ago, Tom Hutchinson’s Mk11 GT6 race car has followed suit. (And then there were three!). However, a fellow work mate has just acquired a yellow Mk1 Spitfire from Queensland. Hope to see him as a new club member soon.
Presidential Rumblings It would appear one of our fold has caused a stir amongst our MG brethren by recent remarks published in this magazine. The offender was seen pushing an MG to try jump starting it at the October MSCA meet – perhaps somewhat tongue in cheek. Another racing year has drawn to a close. It would be nice to see some new faces from our fold on the track next year. If you think you may be interested, please give me a call and I will allay your concerns.
Cheers,
Trevor Lindsay
Bill organised another “twisty road” run through the hills ending up at Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary for afternoon tea on Wednesday 14th October. This run was attended by about 18 people who all enjoyed coffee and cake at the destination. It was good to see Bob and Natalie out in their new TR8 just in time for running it in before heading across the Nullabor to WA for the Nationals. Thanks to Bill for organising this run.
Congratulations to Ian Rigby and his navigator, Eddy, on winning the All Triumph Rally for the Tony Esau Memorial Trophy on Sunday 18th October. We couldn’t have asked for better weather conditions for this run and it certainly brought everyone out for the day, with over 60 people signing the Clubmans Book. Second place was a tie between John Wood and Steve Ferguson and navigator Tracey. It was a very tightly contested run with only 1/2 point separating first and second. Ian of course has the honour of setting next year’s event. It was great to see some new members come along and participate.
Thanks go to Margie and Bill for bringing the BBQ, tables and all the utensils and for ordering the meat, Arrand Ellery and Greg Page who did a wonderful job of cooking the BBQ, along with Peter Davidge and Peggy (who made the green salad) who assisted with serving up and everyone else who helped on the day.
Christmas dinner bookings are being taken and full payment is required by the November meeting please as the venue needs numbers.
The Day of Triumph is on Sunday 15th November at Civic Park opposite Tea Tree Plaza so please come along, bring a picnic lunch and support this event.
Don’t forget there is no meeting in December.
Sue
PAST
Winton 29/30 Aug Tom Hutchinson in his TR8 achieved three 2nd placings and a 1st at the Winton round of the Victorian Motor Racing Championship. The top three placed cars all swapped positions during the races, the other two being an MGB V8 and an MG Midget that I can personally attest to being very quick. Tom now sits 2nd in the points tally for MG & Invited British Cars. See www.natsoft.com.au/cgi-bin/result wws.cgi
Mallala 6 Sept The MSCA Come & Try Day by all reports was a great success despite the Fathers Day conflict. Neil Martin (TR7 V8) introduced his family to the delights of the Mallala circuit and may have woken some hidden desires. A slightly modified format is planned for next year following the popularity of this years event.
FUTURE
Collingrove Hillclimb 17/18 Oct The South Australian Hillclimb Championships will be held over the weekend of the 17th & 18th October at Collingrove. See www.sportingcarclubsa.org.au/Events.mvc/Hillclimb/SAHillclimbChampionships
Mallala MSCA Sprint Rd4 25 Oct The last sprint for the year will be held on Sunday 25th October. Neil Martin is a likely starter in his TR7, Rod Carey (GT6) also plans to be there as do I with my GT6. I wish to assess a different diff to see if I can keep off the rev limiter at a few locations. Roger Lange (also GT6) may be there depending on his national meeting trip organisational skills.
Climb to the Eagle 6 Nov This will be the 25th anniversary of the event. The cars will start in Victoria Park, travel to the Hahndorf Resort for morning tea and then on to Victor Harbor for lunch. Entries closed in September – just in case you were wondering.
Mallala Racing 14 Nov This is Round 4 and the final round of this years State Race Championships. It is a Saturday twilight meeting that generally starts around midday and extends into the evening. A good opportunity to spot whose brakes glow the hottest.
Classic Adelaide 18 – 22 Nov There are two confirmed Triumph entries so far this year being Stephen & Ginetta Rochester in their TR3A and Steve Fisher in a TR7. No news at going to press as to Ian Wilson’s intentions. Perhaps it is not a priority after last years disqualification and reinstatement fiasco. See www.classicadelaide.com.au/ca09/index.asp
OTHER
18 October Strathalbyn Swap Meet New Venue at the Strathalbyn Harness racing Club (Milne Road 500 metres from the West Tce/South Tce Roundabout). Buyers admitted from 7am on Sunday. Admission $5 adults, children free. Car parking free in complex plus street parking.
www.mag.gpweek.com I find this site informative for international categories of racing such as F1, MotoGP and World Rally. It may be worth a look if you don’t know of it. It is good for following Aussie Mark Weber’s F1 achievements and those of Casey Stoner in MotoGP, not to mention the politics of motor racing. It is refreshed weekly on Tuesday’s.
www.the-roadster-factory.com I recently stumbled across this site on the internet and I am sure there are some out there that haven’t yet found it. This is an American company that has weekly and monthly specials on parts for Triumph and MG sports cars. Some specials are 50% off normal price. I receive weekly newsletters and have just ordered some parts. I will be happy to share my experiences with anyone that is interested. Have a look at the site.
Auction 24 Sept A rusty rustic powder blue unregistered SA 1968 Mk3 Spitfire sold locally at auction in Kilkenny for $5250. My assessment was it would be worth $2000. In its favour, it was relatively complete and appeared original with minor panel damage to the rear. It was put forward as a 1965 Mk1. Purchaser was unknown but described as elderly, hairy and grey – which describes most of our club members.
Cheers,
Trevor Lindsay
Overall Entry – Concours and Pride of Ownership (POO)
To be eligible for entry, the owner of the car must be a current financial member of TSOA (SA) Branch – entry will not be permitted to those joining/renewing on the day.
The car must be currently registered (with the exception of Competition cars).
Late entries, i.e. cars arriving after the published judging commencement time, will not be eligible.
Concours Section
All cars must be driven onto the judging site (except Competition vehicles which may be trailered).
Entrants must score a minimum of 70% of the total points available in presentation section to be eligible for a Class or Outright trophy.
Standard classes will be – TR2/3/3A/3B, TR4/4A/5, TR6, TR7/8, Stag, Saloon, Dolomite, Spitfire/GT6, Herald/Vitesse, Pre-54, and Competition
Classes may be split/combined depending on the number of entrants in each Class. This will be determined by DOT Officials on the day.
Judges will award points for each car up to a maximum of 750 possible points in 5 judging sections as follows –Exterior (170 points) Engine bay (140 points) Underside (100 points) Wheels & tyres/boot (170 points)Interior (170 points)
Cars will NOT be judged on originality except in the event of a tie when the cars will be marked out of 250 points in accordance with the table shown on the entry sheet.
In the event of a tie, “originality” for each model shall be broadly determined as any equipment or manufacturing (i.e. official works modifications) produced by the original car manufacturer or an approved option available for that model.
Cars that win their Class for 3 years running, or win outright for 2 years running, will be placed in a Masters Class and are ineligible to enter the standard Concours Classes for 2 years. Masters Class Awards will be given to all Masters Class cars in attendance.
Trophies will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall place getters.
The Register Trophy (TR2,3,3A and 3B), the Michelotti Trophy (TR4/4A/5) and the Harris Mann Trophy (TR7/8) will be awarded to the highest points getter in that Class. Where the winner is also the winner of a Concours Class only one personal trophy will be awarded.
Trophies will be awarded to 1st place only if 3 or less cars are entered in Class, and 1st and 2nd place if 4 or more cars are entered.
Pride of Ownership Section
Entrants will be scored on presentation only (originality will not be considered)
Judging will generally follow the processes outlined in the Concours section except that the underside will not be considered.
Standard classes will be – TR2/3/3A/3B, TR4/4A/5, TR6, TR7/8, Stag, Saloon, Dolomite, Spitfire/GT6, Herald/Vitesse, Pre-54, and Competition. Restoration projects may be considered depending on what is presented on the day.
Classes may be split/combined depending on the number of entrants in each Class – this will be determined by DOT Officials on the day.
Masters Class cars are ineligible to enter POO section until 2 years after their Masters Class qualification.
Trophies will be awarded to Class winners.
Thanks to Team Temby for organising the interesting run to Mt Pleasant for morning tea and on to Springton where a direct descendent of the Herbig family gave an informative talk about the Herbig Tree, the Old School House and the Pioneer Cemetery. It was a lovely spring day for a run through the hills and from what I understand (I was unable to attend) all who went along had a good day. Good to see some new members joining in the social events.
The next event on the calendar is the Tony Esau Memorial Run on Sunday 18th October. As winners of the trophy last year, we have set this year’s run. Please come along and join in the day even if you don’t want to complete the questions, just come along for the club sponsored BBQ at the destination. (for further information contact Rory and Sue)
The Day of Triumph will be held on Sunday 15th November at Civic Park Tea Tree Gully. It is a good opportunity to bring the car out and enjoy the day and maybe win a trophy.
The final ladies Technical Session lunch for this year will be held on Tuesday 24th November. The date has been changed as most of those who attend will still be away on 10th November. There is also a change of venue for this lunch which will be at Cafe Dolci in the Mitcham Shopping Centre directly under the Wallis Cinema Complex.
Christmas dinner bookings are now being taken and payment is required in full by the November meeting please. There will be club sponsored beer, wine and soft drinks from 6.30-7.00pm.
Sue Gibson