I received a request from Eric "Puddles" Adler (he of Alconi fame) for the following info, can anyone shed any light on these queries?. The supercharged car to which he refers is the one whose engine passed on to Jody Scheckter. Thanks in advance.
Jeff Weinbren.
Can you help with some info from 1968 and 1969 Kyalami programmes?
I seem to recall our 1967 9 hour 1000cc Abarth lapped around 1.57sec, which was pretty good, because John Conchie was competitive in 1966 with his 1000cc Gordini that I remember driving in practice at 1.58 odd. I raced the Abarth in 1968 Rand Autumnm Trophy (date ? May 68). It failed scrutineering because the exhaust would not clear the 4" plank, so I asked our Portuguese mechanic 'Villa Rosa' to twist it. The idiot managed this by kinking the two pipes badly! Then, in the race I remember being amazed that the car was about 3 secs. faster, setting a class lap record in 1.53s! ( previous lap record - 1.56.4 Hillman Imp)
i So, if you have a Kyalami programme shortly after that 68 date, it should give the new Abarth lap record.
ii By the way, did that Abarth just disappear after Errol Shearsby? Gone without trace?
Next I raced the Supercharged car. Took a few races to get working but as an R8 it did shine in one event when I led for some laps after easily passing Chatz and his Alfa GTA along the pit straight after first lap. Retired leading, with differential oil smoking and boiling from the temp of 8800rpm input at the diff pinion! The great JP Beltoise came running up to the pit and wanted to buy the car right then and there.
iii What race could that have been?
SA GP was on 1 March 69, so would probably not have been supporting races for them, as I subsequently converted the body to R10, and I doubt I would have been ready for 1969 Rand Autumn Trophy on 26 April 69 (6 weeks), the event I think I competed in R10 form, recording a 2nd against Gough.
iv During the race with Chatz I seem to remember getting a class lap record of 1. 39.7, which would have been been noted on the next programs. Do you have one?
Eventually during the 69 Autumn Trophy Race with Peter Gough, I think he or we reduced this record to 1 38.6, which would have been in subsequent programs. I only recall racing R10 once before concluding engine deal with Jody.
So, only four simple questions!!
Edited by Jeff Weinbren, 13 May 2015 - 00:47.
