IAN WILSON / JAHMEIL TAYLOR RACE TO PLACING THIRD OUTRIGHT AND CLASS WINNERS IN THEIR TRIUMPH TR7V8
Motor sport enthusiasts would be well aware that on the conclusion of the 2008 Classic Adelaide Rally, Ian Wilson and Jahmeil Taylor placed third outright and won their class in Ian’s mighty TR7V8, only for the sub-frame of the car to be ruled illegal in post event scrutineering and thus being disqualified from the results.

This was a crushing outcome for Ian and Jahmeil, not only to have put all that effort, money and risk on the line for no reward, but more so, that the decision by the CAMS scrutineers questioned Ian’s integrity and reputation. Ian firmly believed his car met the requirements and regulations for this event, and eventually decided to challenge the disqualification decision.

This was not an easy process – it has cost several thousands of dollars, and several barriers needed to be breached to beat the bureaucracy and doggedness of the system and the people within it.

But guess what – it was worth it! CAMS have issed a Media Statement dated 19th May 2009 stating that Ian’s Triumph was in fact legal for the event and ordered the reinstatement of their results.

The official results therefore show IAN WILSON / JAHMEIL TAYLOR AS PLACING THIRD OUTRIGHT AND CLASS WINNERS IN THEIR TRIUMPH TR7V8, relegating Jim Richards and Barry Oliver in their turbo Porsche back to fourth.

Ian and Jahmeil – we celebrated your success on your initial placings, and shared your pain when disqualified. Congratulations on having the firm belief in your integrity and meticulous vehicle preparation sufficient to challenge the system and prove your position. Now we can all celebrate again – TRIUMPH TAKES THIRD PLACE IN 2008 CLASSIC ADELAIDE RALLY!

Accept the trophy with pride for a wonderful effort Ian and Jahmeil – well done!

Roger, Competition Secretary

Well the weather has finally broken and we have had a decent amount of rain – isn’t it great!  It will be interesting to see the countryside on our weekender, as at Easter time when we planned the trip, the fields were so dry, it was amazing.

Our condolences go to Judie Long on the recent death of her mother in England. Our thoughts are with you Judie at this difficult time.

Get well wishes to Sue Gibson – we are looking forward to seeing you up and about again soon.

Don’t forget our technical meeting on Tuesday May 12th at Café Buongiorno at Mitcham.

I am looking forward to the weekender – let’s hope we have good weather!

See you all soon.

Margie

There is not a lot of TSOA competition news since the last issue of TRak – most of the track action has been for the big boys in V8 Super Cars and F1. We did have the Easter Historics at Mallala though, and it was great to see some Triumphs as part of the action, even if most of them came all the way from Victoria!

Keith Ondarchie (TR4) and Barry Pritchett (TR6) both competed in Group Sb Historic Sports Cars and Keith’s son Alistair and Barry’s partner Ursula took the same cars out for the Regularity events. Also in Regularity was SA member (and Victorian resident!) Andy Ansell (TR7) and past member Laurie Cousin (TR2). Laurie did very well over the five Regularity events for the weekend, placing two 1st’s  two 2nds  and a 5th . Andy Ansell was also very consistent with a 1st , a 3rd and three 4ths .

The inaugural Mt Alma Mile Hillclimb was run over the weekend of 18-19th April and from what I hear was a resounding success, according to our field reporter, Jon Williams. As best as I can make out though, there was only one Triumph entered, that being a TR7V8 driven by Craig Haysman. Jon reports that it sounded great and went well!

Upcoming events include the MSCA 6-Hour Regularity at Mallala on 17th May and the commencement of the Hillclimb series at Collingrove in June. Speaking of Hillclimbs, if you missed the “Come-and-try” day on 26th April, and regretted that you had, well, there is another opportunity later in the year on 26th Sept. – so don’t miss that one. Details are on the Sporting Car Club website, which is an easy link from our own site.

A full 2009 Competition Calendar can also be found on our website under Competition news.

And one last thing –  TSOA was scheduled to provide flag marshals at the 5th July Sprint, but it seems that there has been sufficient numbers committed from other clubs for that event. TSOA duties have therefore been reallocated to the 25th October Sprint. I will call for volunteers later in the year.

That’s enough from me . . . see you trackside!

Roger

Wow the first quarter of the year has just finished – where has the time gone?

We have been involved in two family weddings – my younger brother married in Melbourne on the Adelaide Cup weekend, and Bill’s son Dean gets married on April 4th.  Dean is having the two Triumphs’ as his wedding cars, so this week will be spent cleaning the two PI’s and polishing them and adding the wedding touches of tulle and ribbons!! I am sure there will plenty of photos of the cars to show off after the big day.

As we celebrate Easter may our thoughts be with a couple of members who are on the sick list – Sue Gibson (having more ankle surgery) and Bryan Young’s wife who is extremely unwell.

I have included the supper roster for the next three months – we still have a few vacancies so if you are able to help out, please let me know.
Date    Sweet    Savoury
21/4/09    Judi  Long    Judi Long
19/5/09    Lorraine Cini    Margie
16/6/09    Maree Staehr    Wendy Harvie

2009 Budget for supper is $50.00 – $20. 00 for sweet, $30.00 for savoury. Please keep your receipts and I will reimburse you from the raffle money.Many thanks

Have a safe and Happy Easter to all.

Margie Berlemon.

Despite the promise of three GT6’s running in the MSCA Sprints on Sunday 1st March, only one actually turned up! Trevor Lindsay didn’t have his new windscreen fitted in time, and Rod Carey found that he needs to rebuild his engine. My little orange car didn’t disappoint though, posting a personal best time and placing third overall for the day.

Five TSOA members competed on the day, with results as follows :

Roger Lange (GT6) 1:19.59,

Peter Nelson (MX5) 1:26.47,

Jon Fechner (Mini Cooper S) 1:30.67,

Bruno Franchi (Mini Cooper S) 1:33.07

Steve Franchi (TR7) 1:44.78.

The next MSCA sprint in not until 5th July, but in between is the 6-Hour Regularity Relay Sprint to be held on 17th May. TSOA will have a team in this annual event, with preparations already under way. If you would like to be a part of the TSOA support crew, give me a call.

Neil Martin (TR7V8) was our only representative in the Austin 7 Club Regularity event at Mallala held on 15th March, posting a best time for the day of 1:31.92.

There are several upcoming events of note, primarily the historic races and Hillclimb over the Easter long weekend, the Mt Alma hillclimb (off the Yankalilla to Victor Harbor Rd) on 18-19 April, a “come and try” day at Collingrove on Apr 26th as well as the Modern Regularity event at Mallala on the same day and then local racing at Mallala over the weekend of 2nd/3rd May.

A full 2009 Competition Calendar can be found elsewhere on this website.

That’s enough from me . . . see you trackside!

Roger

Brian Argent enjoying his recently completed TR6 project. Nice job Brian!!

The 2009 Competition season commenced on the 8th February with the Austin 7 Club Regularity event at Mallala. Neil Martin (TR7) and Peter Nelson (MX5) competed and by the end of the day’s competition, Neil had progressed to 2nd with a best time of 1:31.73 and Peter to 3rd with 1:27.47. Both had a great day whilst the rest of us enjoyed the All British Day at Uraidla.

It was somewhat cooler than past years for the MSCA picnic presentation day held on the grounds of Peter Lehmann’s winery on Sunday 15th February. Those attending in support of TSOA this year included Bob and Pat Cini, Rory and Sue Gibson, Lyall and Sue Taylor, Alan and Maureen Gold, Richard Sutherland, Trevor Lindsay, Peter Liebich and Mary, Neil Martin and a work mate from Qld., Steve Kernick from Tanunda, and of course, Roger and Cherri. Thank you all for supporting TSOA at this event. All enjoyed a pleasant picnic lunch, a huge display of cars from each of the affiliated clubs, and the presentation of awards for the 2008 season that finished with presentation of Life Membership for MSCA founding member Peter Hall.

Upcoming events include Round 1 of the MSCA Sprint series on Sunday 1st March where we expect to see the GT6 trio of Trevor Lindsay, Rod Carey and Roger Lange take part, as well as the reliable Neil Martin in his TR7V8. Jon Fechner intends to debut his new Mini after selling his TR6 to a happy Victorian buyer last year. It promises to be a great day.

I have found out a bit more regarding the Mt Alma Hillclimb that appears in the calendar for the first time this year. It is an event being run by the Southern Districts Car Club over the weekend of 18/19th April on a closed section of the Mt Alma Road, off the Yankalilla to Victor Harbor Road. The competition section is essentially a Hillclimb over a 1 mile or 1.6 km course. Full details can be found on the SDCC web site at www.sdcc.asn.au – also found on this website are details for the Tarmac Rally Sprint being held over the weekend of the 30/31st May where some of our Tarmac competitors including Ian Wilson (TR7V8) may take part.

The Sporting Car Club are hosting two “Come and Try” Days at Collingrove this year, the first on Sunday, 26th April (Anzac Day long weekend) so if you have the faintest interest in finding out what Collingrove is all about then this is your opportunity. Go to the Sporting Car Club website (find the link on www.tsoasa.com) for full information and entry forms. Requirements are minimal but there is a small fee and an entry closing date.

The 6-Hour Regularity Relay is scheduled for 17th May and following our third place last year, TSOA is again fielding a team to contest this year’s event. As always, help is needed. This is a true Team event, with support required in a number of areas, from pit wall timing and lap board display, to sash changeover, driver support, and team runner. If you would like to be a part of Team Triumph this year, let me know – we need all the support we can get!

Clipsal 500 is fast approaching, as is the F1 carnival in Melbourne. Local races at Mallala including Historics at Easter time – something for everyone!

That’s enough from me . . . see you trackside!

Roger

The ladies technical luncheon in February, was well attended and we even discussed the up and coming TSOA Events!  We felt lucky so all went in for the Big Lottery that was happening in the evening, and trusted Peggy to purchase the winning ticket….well she bought a ticket and we won $13.25……not a fortune between six people but enough to reinvest in the Saturday night….well what can I say except we gave that money to the Lottery Commission!!  Better luck next time!!

The Victorian Fires are foremost on our minds, and our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go to the families who have lost their homes and livelihoods.  Nearly everyone knows someone who has been affected in this tragedy and as Australians we all do our bit to help out when we can – please God let the fires get under control soon so people can begin to rebuild their lives.

The next technical luncheon is Tuesday 10th March at 12.00noon at Café Buongiornoat Mitcham  – see you all there!

Margie

Twenty people braved the heat of 4th February for the mid week run to Old Noarlunga for lunch.  Unfortunately no-one took their Triumph due to the heat – all preferring to travel in air conditioned comfort.

All British Day was held at Uraidla Oval and TSOA had 42 cars entered.  The weather was pleasant and there were many cars to look at as well as the Uraidla market over the road.  Thanks to everyone who assisted on the day.

The MSCA presentation day was held on the lawns of Peter Lehman Winery in Tanunda and those who attended enjoyed a picnic atmosphere under the trees.  Unfortunately TSOA did not win the trophy for the best presentation.

This year’s weekender is again being arranged by Bill& Margie and is going to the mid north area where we are staying at Paxton Cottages in Burra.   Finer details are still being organised and details will be in future issues of TRAK.   The cost is $200 per couple.   Please note the date is now 30th/31st May due to the Regularity event being run on 17th May.  Please phone Margie to book your place on 0438 836837.

A note for the diary – Sunday June 21st will see a fund raiser for the SA Nationals in 2011 in the form of a Jazz Afternoon at the Sporting Car Club rooms.   Bob & Natalie are organising this event which will feature The Danny Hodgson Trio and Samantha.  Further details will be available in the near future.

The Competition Calendar for this year is published within the February issue of TRak as well as being posted on this website, and what a wonderful array of events is available to anyone even remotely interested in motorsport, whether it is club level or professional events, competitor or spectator.

Of particular interest to TSOA members will be the MSCA Sprint dates, and the Austin 7 Club Regularity events, both conducted at the Mallala circuit. The 6-Hour Regularity Relay is scheduled for 17th May – Team Triumph placed third in 2008 and will be looking to improve on this in this year’s event. The Modern Regularity SA Championship will be contested on 27th September – refer to the Austin 7 Club link on the TSOA website.

Also of note is two dates for “come and try” days at the Collingrove Hillclimb facility, one in April and the other in September. These days are available to anyone who hasn’t experienced hillclimbing before, and are a great introduction to the sport. Check out the Sporting Car Club website for details and entry forms. It is easy and cheap, and very little special preparation is necessary.

The All British Race Day, held at Wakefield Park NSW and complete with All Triumph races, is scheduled a little later in the year for 2009, being the 2nd August.  Race day is preceded by the usual Super Sprint hosted by the Austin Healey Owners Club. South Australian Triumphs will be there; perhaps a trio of GT6’s this year.

I have no information on an event scheduled for 18-19 April at a place known as Mt Alma. This will be a Hillclimb put on by the Southern Districts Car Club, so I will see what I can find out about it and keep you informed. The “Legend of the Lakes” event at Mt Gambier will be held over the weekend of 7-8 November and with the popularity of this Hillclimb up and around the blue lakes increasing each year, early entry is recommended – refer to the South East Auto Club website at www.seacsa.com  for details.

I have included the dates for major events that may be of interest – Clipsal, F1, SA Race and Hillclimb Championships, Classic Adelaide etc. just so that you know when to settle in front of the TV or put your hat on and go and have a look.

Lots to do, see, hear and experience. Let’s hope the Triumphs look and sound great, and go fast (as they usually do!)

That’s enough from me . . . see you trackside!

Roger