Vrrooom Report for October
The “VRROOOOM” REPORT
(a.k.a. Competition Report, by Roger Lange, Competition Secretary)
Results from recent events include the MSCA Twilight Sprint held on Saturday 22nd September, at which we had 5 TSOA members competing. Colin Gaetjens had a great day in his Mitsubishi TR Evo with a best time of 1:24.03, Rod Carey had the little Spitfire jumping with a best of 1:31.65, Neil Martin produced a personal best from his TR7 with 1:39.60, and el Presidente Bill also a personal best with 1:50.79 in his blue Dolomite. My day was abruptly ended after just a lap with a snapped accelerator cable . . . bugger.
As reported last month, Neil Martin fronted up for the SA Championship round of the Austin 7 Club organised Regularity event the following day (Sep 23rd), and along with Peter Nelson (TR8) proudly flew the Triumph flag – after the first round, Peter and Neil were placed 1st and 2nd respectively! The Championship was decided over 4 rounds however, but still great results for these two, with Peter placing 2nd overall, and Neil coming in 4th. Congratulations!
Whilst in the celebratory mood, let’s give it up for Neil Martin one more time! Neil competed with his trusty TR7 in the Australasian Masters Games Hillclimb event held at Collingrove and came home with a silver medal! Well done Neil!
Tom Hutchinson travelled to Winton with his TR8 racer for the Historic Meeting held over the weekend of Oct 14/15 and enjoyed some success in the Marque Sports category, placing 2nd, 1st and a DNF after suffering a fuel overflow problem – it seems Tom was looking for more traction and filled the fuel tank to get more weight over the rear wheels. The idea worked, with Tom streaking away in the lead from the start, and should have resulted in another win, but the “meatball” flag saw his race come to a premature end.
Of the upcoming events, I understand that the Mt Gambier Hillclimb is great, and it would be nice to think that we could have some Triumphs competing in future years. Many of the people I have gotten to know through the MSCA tell me that they thoroughly enjoy this weekend, so maybe next year?
I am not sure if Tom Hutchinson or Ian Wilson intend to do the Rd 4 of the SA Race Championships, but do know that Ian (TR7V8) will be having a strong go in Classic Adelaide in a few weeks. Ian suffered a broken diff in the early stages of Targa West that effectively put him out of the placings, but after repairs, went on to post some fastest stage times and great spectator appeal with the sound and sideways attitude of his bright yellow beast. Ian featured on the television special on Targa West as well – so let’s hope that all goes well for Classic Adelaide.
Speaking of which, if you are interested in getting up close and personal with the Classic, you can volunteer as a marshall – they give you training and support, and you get really close to all those lovely cars with several famous drivers. Give it a go!
I will report on the National Rally next time around . . . that’s enough from me . . . see you trackside!
Roger