Jump to content


Photo

Bathurst, Easter... anyone going?


  • Please log in to reply
34 replies to this topic

#1 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 29 March 2012 - 23:15

Off to Bathurst next weekend with 'the boys', and the Prancing Wombat Prod - Sport Lotusz. Sons, Dave [#32] & Tim [#31] hope to have the new gearboxes working in their Honda powered Elises. I only get to drive the truck. :cry: If you are there, and get a chance, call in and say hello. :wave:

Advertisement

#2 Wirra

Wirra
  • Member

  • 1,326 posts
  • Joined: December 08

Posted 29 March 2012 - 23:30

... Sons, Dave [#32] & Tim [#31] ...

Greg - Good that you remember their names. Do any of your 30 older children race, and, do you have any more?

Just wondering if the bikes are running or is that all in the wonderful distant past?
http://forums.autosp...howtopic=149156

Edited by Wirra, 29 March 2012 - 23:48.


#3 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 29 March 2012 - 23:44

:rotfl: :rotfl: Two is quite enough, thank you.

No bikes.....maybe the lawyers have decided that they are too dangerous. :rolleyes:

#4 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 30 March 2012 - 00:55

No... the police drove them away... or at least the motorcycle spectators...

Banned bringing in booze, made people buy it from the boozers at the top of the Mountain, built a Police Station up there surrounded by barbed wire etc, gave them all curry and arrested as many as they could.

Mind you, some deserved it, but they can't say they didn't prompt things!

Keep an eye out for my nephew. He'll be racing an HQ and I believe his engines will be in six of the Queensland HQs running there. Say hello to him if he gets his head out of an engine bay some time over the weekend...

#5 timbo

timbo
  • Member

  • 535 posts
  • Joined: December 07

Posted 30 March 2012 - 03:14

Its a toss up between Bathurst and the Festival of Sporting Cars meeting at Wakefield Park.
Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.....

#6 Piquet959

Piquet959
  • Member

  • 127 posts
  • Joined: September 11

Posted 30 March 2012 - 09:28

A mate of mine, Justin Brown, wil be racing his red BMW2002 there.

I understand that one Darryl Hansen in the ex Stilwell Mustang will also be there. Just a warning watch out for him. He is the one that caused all the carnage at Siberia at PI historics a couple of weeks ago.

He was fined $5000 with either 2k or 3k suspended. He is very erratic and verging on dangerous.

In the last three times he has Ben at PI he has been involved in three major incidents that have resulted in major damage to a number of cars. In my opinion none were racing incidents just poor driving standard being exhibited.


#7 2Bob

2Bob
  • Member

  • 581 posts
  • Joined: November 05

Posted 30 March 2012 - 20:33

Its a toss up between Bathurst and the Festival of Sporting Cars meeting at Wakefield Park.
Hmmmm, decisions, decisions.....


or, of course, the traditional historic races at Mallala. No contest as far as I'm concerned.

#8 2Bob

2Bob
  • Member

  • 581 posts
  • Joined: November 05

Posted 30 March 2012 - 21:09

or, of course, the traditional historic races at Mallala. No contest as far as I'm concerned.



Entry list here:

http://www.sportingc.....ntry List.pdf

Good VARIETY of historic tourers, 20 plus group Q and R including 5 big bangers (5 litre and over), 4 or 5 races for each group.

Will be good racing with interesting cars.

Always a relaxed, well organised meeting with helpful organisers and officials! If you aren't coming this year put it on the list for next year.



#9 brucemoxon

brucemoxon
  • Member

  • 1,007 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 31 March 2012 - 00:19

I'll be at Bathurst, behind a lens as I Canonise racing cars.



Bruce Moxon

#10 timbo

timbo
  • Member

  • 535 posts
  • Joined: December 07

Posted 31 March 2012 - 09:17

Entry list here:

http://www.sportingc.....ntry List.pdf

Good VARIETY of historic tourers, 20 plus group Q and R including 5 big bangers (5 litre and over), 4 or 5 races for each group.

Will be good racing with interesting cars.

Always a relaxed, well organised meeting with helpful organisers and officials! If you aren't coming this year put it on the list for next year.


I've already put the Denny Hulme Festival at Hampton Downs NZ on the list for next year, but I suppose a trip to Mallala could be organised as well.

You mention good racing with interesting cars.
Well, in Regularity I might make mention of car No.2, Graham Shipton driving a 1936 Auto Union.
A replica, no doubt, but whoever attends the meeting, all I can ask is PHOTO'S PLEASE.


#11 Lee Nicolle

Lee Nicolle
  • Member

  • 11,038 posts
  • Joined: July 08

Posted 31 March 2012 - 11:47

Entry list here:

http://www.sportingc.....ntry List.pdf

Good VARIETY of historic tourers, 20 plus group Q and R including 5 big bangers (5 litre and over), 4 or 5 races for each group.

Will be good racing with interesting cars.

Always a relaxed, well organised meeting with helpful organisers and officials! If you aren't coming this year put it on the list for next year.

Looks quite good. I will be there pending mishap. Lasy year I screwed my ankle and spent most of Easter going nowhere very slowly.

#12 cheapracer

cheapracer
  • Member

  • 10,388 posts
  • Joined: May 07

Posted 31 March 2012 - 12:50

ahh, what memories when I read the title ...

No... the police drove them away... or at least the motorcycle spectators...

Banned bringing in booze, made people buy it from the boozers at the top of the Mountain, built a Police Station up there surrounded by barbed wire etc, gave them all curry and arrested as many as they could.


Ahh yes but one year we got revenge and burnt the makeshift station down :lol:

Getting there was half the fun too, one year 2 of my mates didn't quite make it spending the night in Cowra jail - I'm certain they were just angry 'cause their cop car couldn't do 130 mph like a Kawasaki Z1000 can with 2 drunks onboard :lol:

#13 Catalina Park

Catalina Park
  • Member

  • 6,770 posts
  • Joined: July 01

Posted 31 March 2012 - 13:21

I don't think the bikes went back after the two sidecar blokes were killed in about 92.

#14 Piquet959

Piquet959
  • Member

  • 127 posts
  • Joined: September 11

Posted 10 April 2012 - 10:02

Not a good weekend for my mate Justin. The BMW through a leg out of bed in practice on Friday in practice.

Edited by Piquet959, 10 April 2012 - 10:03.


#15 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 10 April 2012 - 10:13

Young Ben got through fine...

He started the first 1-hour in 31st place or something, got up to sixth or seventh before handing the car back to the owner for the balance, after dropping to about 22nd a rocker support broke and it ran the final three laps on five cylinders and finished 26th.

So Ben started in 26th on Sunday, got up to fifth in among all the safety car periods, handed over and watched the car once again drift back down the field.

However, the owner did improve his lap times from 3:31s or so down to 3:17s between the first practice and the final race.

And Ben's spare engine got someone else through the meeting after they busted a piston or something.

#16 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 10 April 2012 - 10:38

The 'boys' did well in the Production Sports enduro 1hour, considering the new gearboxes didn't turn up, and they had to re-fit the Honda boxes. The rev-limiters were working hard down the straight.

Tim and Scott came in 2nd, behind Muston's Porsche GT-3 Cup, and Dave and Simon were 4th, behind Miedecke in the Daytona.

My turn to-morrow to have some fun in the '59 Beetle at the GEAR meeting at Wakefield Park. :up:

#17 brucemoxon

brucemoxon
  • Member

  • 1,007 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 10 April 2012 - 11:03

Well I had a lovely time.

Camped at the back of the pits, like the old days. Folks were fixing cars all night. Like the old days.

There were top-line single seaters, sports cars and sedans racing. Those F3s are flat from The Cutting to Skyline - super-fast. And running virtually zero wing (in fact, one car had the wing elements fall off - he only dropped back because The Chase was so scary).

Looked like this

Posted Image

And 'that' shot...

Posted Image Had to wait a bit after the actual crest because it was in shadow.

Now to get more GT3s to the 12 hour...



Bruce Moxon

#18 Lee Nicolle

Lee Nicolle
  • Member

  • 11,038 posts
  • Joined: July 08

Posted 10 April 2012 - 22:23

I am a bit surprised that CAMS allowed the F3s there.They are oh so quick and if they come unstuck it makes for a very scarey acident. It seems that none did. lap record for them is 2.04 6187.
But only 11 starters, hardly a showcase for the category. They should have had 20 cars at least or no race. I am sure other categorys could come up with far more starters.
Excellent pics Bruce. I feel for that guy with no wing. He would have been as busy as a 1 armed paperhanger. Those cars rely so much on the wing for stability. Even trimmed down flat they do make a LOT of stability without much drag.

#19 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 10 April 2012 - 22:41

Just marvellous!

Please give us more, but slightly smaller so I don't have to scroll across to see the whole pic...

And any shots of Ben, just for interest's sake?

Advertisement

#20 ellrosso

ellrosso
  • Member

  • 1,616 posts
  • Joined: May 07

Posted 10 April 2012 - 23:34

Yes, good stuff Bruce. Winslow said in A Action he thought 2 01 might be possible but that was obviously a bit optimistic. Going into the Chase in one of those at top whack would certainly get the heart going i'd imagine! Shame they struggle with the numbers all the time as they are terrific cars - be interesting to see what lap times they would do without a restrictor.....

#21 brucemoxon

brucemoxon
  • Member

  • 1,007 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 11 April 2012 - 02:01

Running without a restrictor would involve a pretty heavy reengineering / retune of the engine. They'd be mega-lean without it. Actually, they run them at detonation, using the excess fuel as a coolant to stop the pistons burning!

Only the newer (post 2004) cars were permitted to run there, as they have wheel tethers. A shame that there weren't more cars, yes. But watching the quickest of them through Reid Park was amazing - they're several seconds faster than a V8 Supercar across the top and lap faster, despite giving away about 40 km/h on Conrod and Mountain Straights.

I justify putting these cars on here as the newest of them are 2009-spec cars - ancient by racing car standards.

Ray, what car was Ben in? I might have something (no promises). And I don't have to scroll across - on either of my screens.



BM

#22 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 11 April 2012 - 07:19

Car 37, Bruce...

"Zoo Southern Allstars" might be on it. Brett Turner is the owner.

Yes, your pics will just fit on a full screen if you simply scroll over to get rid of the detail on the left. But there is no gain in running pics that size anyway. 750 pixels wide is plenty.

#23 Lee Nicolle

Lee Nicolle
  • Member

  • 11,038 posts
  • Joined: July 08

Posted 11 April 2012 - 08:28

The HQs are often **** canned but are faster than imagined.Under 3 min with a single carb 202 in a 1360kg car? On standard road tyres? Cant be done. But it has been for a long time. Peter Holmes 2 56 record has been set since 1997. Though that was 12-1 engines on Avgas on Bridgestomes. Though the current cars were only a couple of seconds slower.With around 10-1 compression and lesser tyres.
They do run to about 130mph down conrod, faster than some more exotic cars.
Those times would pit them against XU1s in GpN and the slower sports cars. And even the back of an Improved production field.
There was some discussion the other day re Clubbie type cars v HQs. They are simpler and far cheaper to run. And seldom break if assembled properly.
Though after racing a more powerfull car quite hard to come to grips with. Very much a mometum racer.

#24 Lola5000

Lola5000
  • Member

  • 1,664 posts
  • Joined: August 08

Posted 11 April 2012 - 08:38

I've already put the Denny Hulme Festival at Hampton Downs NZ on the list for next year, but I suppose a trip to Mallala could be organised as well.

You mention good racing with interesting cars.
Well, in Regularity I might make mention of car No.2, Graham Shipton driving a 1936 Auto Union.
A replica, no doubt, but whoever attends the meeting, all I can ask is PHOTO'S PLEASE.

same Shipton that raced an Elfin Mono #6441?

#25 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 12 April 2012 - 01:03

Originally posted by Lee Nicolle
The HQs are often sh*t canned but are faster than imagined. Under 3 min with a single carb 202 in a 1360kg car? On standard road tyres? Cant be done. But it has been for a long time. Peter Holmes' 2m 56 record has been set since 1997. Though that was 12:1 engines on Avgas on Bridgestomes. Though the current cars were only a couple of seconds slower with around 10:1 compression and lesser tyres.


They can still run close to 12:1, and a lot do...

The rules limit the size of the combustion chamber and this is possible, according to Ben, though he limits his to a tad under 11:1.

He did a 2:05 over the weekend and said he was being very conservative as it wasn't his car and he wanted to hand it over to the owner in the best possible shape in that first race. In the second race he was going to give it all a bit of a nudge but was constantly prevented by safety cars during his stint. He was on a hot lap when he was called in to hand over, in fact.

I would say there is some considerable time in the tyres, but while they are ostensibly road radials, they're pretty special ones aren't they?

.....There was some discussion the other day re Clubman type cars v HQs. They are simpler and far cheaper to run. And seldom break if assembled properly.
Though after racing a more powerful car quite hard to come to grips with. Very much a mometum racer.


Which are? The HQs?

When I talk about Clubmans, I don't mean the monster bewinged things of today that are barely faster than the older style, and wouldn't be if someone was serious with an older car. A decent older-style Clubman can be very quick and inexpensive to run, they are easier to work on and to trailer to events.

All the same, I don't detract from the efforts of those who have legal HQs and are doing the demon lap times in them. There are questions over the car which did the 2:59 at Bathurst this weekend, I understand, but we know there were legal cars within a couple of seconds of that time.


#26 smeetsie

smeetsie
  • Member

  • 74 posts
  • Joined: November 10

Posted 12 April 2012 - 01:27

same Shipton that raced an Elfin Mono #6441?


Yes - the very same one. The Auto Union though is a tourer - 2stroke - not exactly a race car. But Shippy runs it in all manner of events...Bay-to-Birdwood, Run to the Eagle etc.

Regards
Pete Smeets

#27 Lola5000

Lola5000
  • Member

  • 1,664 posts
  • Joined: August 08

Posted 12 April 2012 - 03:48

Yes - the very same one. The Auto Union though is a tourer - 2stroke - not exactly a race car. But Shippy runs it in all manner of events...Bay-to-Birdwood, Run to the Eagle etc.

Regards
Pete Smeets

I owned that Mono for about 10 years,great little car apart from the 36hp VW box mated up to a twin-cam.

#28 Lee Nicolle

Lee Nicolle
  • Member

  • 11,038 posts
  • Joined: July 08

Posted 12 April 2012 - 07:46

They can still run close to 12:1, and a lot do...

The rules limit the size of the combustion chamber and this is possible, according to Ben, though he limits his to a tad under 11:1.

He did a 2:05 over the weekend and said he was being very conservative as it wasn't his car and he wanted to hand it over to the owner in the best possible shape in that first race. In the second race he was going to give it all a bit of a nudge but was constantly prevented by safety cars during his stint. He was on a hot lap when he was called in to hand over, in fact.

I would say there is some considerable time in the tyres, but while they are ostensibly road radials, they're pretty special ones aren't they?

Ray, as a long time engine sealer for that category 12-1 is impossible now, and so is running 12-1 on 98 octane. 10.5-1 is about the max without cheating.
The Kenda tyres now used seem to be an ok tyre though still have yet to prove themselves. The Bridgestones were the best and lasted surprisingly well.The size used on HQs is really a thing of the past, it is a Fairlane tyre really from the 70s,, and even then it is an updated size.
As for times look at Natsoft, as for the the Holmes record that is there too.

Which are? The HQs?

When I talk about Clubmans, I don't mean the monster bewinged things of today that are barely faster than the older style, and wouldn't be if someone was serious with an older car. A decent older-style Clubman can be very quick and inexpensive to run, they are easier to work on and to trailer to events.
Apart from the purchase price an old style clubbie is far dearer to run. For its pace however is inexpensive.

All the same, I don't detract from the efforts of those who have legal HQs and are doing the demon lap times in them. There are questions over the car which did the 2:59 at Bathurst this weekend, I understand, but we know there were legal cars within a couple of seconds of that time.



#29 Pat Clarke

Pat Clarke
  • Member

  • 3,023 posts
  • Joined: September 04

Posted 12 April 2012 - 12:02

Quote Lee "When I talk about Clubmans, I don't mean the monster bewinged things of today that are barely faster than the older style, and wouldn't be if someone was serious with an older car".

Well said Lee

Pat

#30 Ray Bell

Ray Bell
  • Member

  • 80,061 posts
  • Joined: December 99

Posted 12 April 2012 - 13:25

Actually, Pat, I wrote that...

Once again, Lee's insistence on not quoting properly has made things difficult for all.

Here's what he actually wrote:

Originally posted by Lee Nicolle
Ray, as a long time engine sealer for that category 12-1 is impossible now, and so is running 12-1 on 98 octane. 10.5-1 is about the max without cheating.
The Kenda tyres now used seem to be an ok tyre though still have yet to prove themselves. The Bridgestones were the best and lasted surprisingly well.The size used on HQs is really a thing of the past, it is a Fairlane tyre really from the 70s,, and even then it is an updated size.
As for times look at Natsoft, as for the the Holmes record that is there too.

Apart from the purchase price an old style clubbie is far dearer to run. For its pace however is inexpensive.


Ben is also an engine sealer, as well as a very honest engine builder... in the 2011 HQ series in Queensland cars with his engine were (IIRC) third and fourth in the pointscore. The cars which came first and second in the pointscore, however, didn't turn up for the mandatory post-series scrutineering (done at the conclusion of the final event) and so they were disqualified.

As for Clubman vs HQ, you'll note that I included 'easy to work on' and 'trailer' in the equation. With the right engine etc, a Clubman could be flogged all year round for very little money. Tyres last many meetings because they're very kind to them, fuel is a non-issue.

#31 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 13 April 2012 - 21:13

Wonderful photos, Bruce.....perfect, just as they are. More please. :clap:

It was good to meet you at Bathurst, although I was a bit preoccupied with the leaky inter-cooler problem - we'll have a chat, next time. How is John?

Cheers, Greg

#32 brucemoxon

brucemoxon
  • Member

  • 1,007 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 13 April 2012 - 22:37

Wonderful photos, Bruce.....perfect, just as they are. More please. :clap:

It was good to meet you at Bathurst, although I was a bit preoccupied with the leaky inter-cooler problem - we'll have a chat, next time. How is John?

Cheers, Greg


And you. yeah, race meetings can be a pain! But didn't we meet briefly at Aub Revell's memorial?

Dad's well, thanks for asking.



BM

#33 brucemoxon

brucemoxon
  • Member

  • 1,007 posts
  • Joined: December 04

Posted 14 April 2012 - 00:52


Just for you Greg!

I only shot one session of the Prod Sports, so here you go...

Posted Image

Posted Image


BM

#34 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 14 April 2012 - 02:58

Very nice, thanks Bruce.....and you're right about meeting at Aub's memorial.

#35 GMACKIE

GMACKIE
  • Member

  • 13,045 posts
  • Joined: January 11

Posted 14 April 2012 - 09:54

Had a bit of a 'Nostalgia' attack last weekend, when I realised that it was exactly 49 years since my first drive at Bathurst [Easter, 1963].