FIAT CLUB WAIKATO 2011 Tarmac Series Bent Sprint Results
August 14th, 2011
Hi,
Well, that is Hiwi Road done and dusted for another year. Despite threatening weather all day, and a couple of showers, everyone managed a dry run at some stage.
As usual for this venue a comprehensive drivers’ briefing was given, and the new competitors had that reinforced in their separate briefing. A total of 39 competitors showed up and by the designated time all had been dealt with administratively. With no scrutineering issues to resolve we had an eager group waiting for the road closure to come into place, and right on 10:00am the first car left the line for practice. We have noticed that the use of the Minis Waikato starting light system certainly speeds things up, and everyone was great at getting to the right place in the queue at the right time.
Practice proved to be exactly that with no dramas and no heroics. Then to the real battle, and times dropped immediately despite showers. As the day went on this pattern repeated in most cases. We did have a few minor glitches with a couple of the super reliable Japanese cars giving problems, and only one of the Fiats!
At drivers’ briefing we had warned that anyone who went through the fence near Ranstead Road would not only have to pay for the repairs, but would also have togo and tell the farmer. This obviously worked as even though Kevin Smith managed to park his Subaru Impreza WRX somewhat carelessly against a couple of bits of countryside and then gravel rashed the roof fairly badly, he kept it between the fences and didn’t need to take the long walk to inform the land owner of any damage. Kevin is okay, wounded pride and broken car the real damage.We were again thankful for having our paramedic on duty and Trish dealt with the situation cooly and calmly as always.
We had a bunch of winners on the day, Class A was again taken out by Russell Jenkins in his Suzuki Swift with a best time of 1:01.60, Class B was won by James Post in his Honda Civic with a time of 0:58.33, Class C was led home by Simon Rollinson in his Renault Clio RS at 0:56.11 and first in Class D, and overall, was Ben Finch in his Subaru Impreza at 0:53.54. Our fastest lady was Julie Mitchell with a time of 1:06.92, and fastest Junior was Brad Martin with a best time of 1:03.16.
All in all, a great day out in the country playing with our toys. Remember that the next round is the Dual Car Sprints at Hampton Downs on Sunday 4th September.
Ciao,
Campbell
Series Coordinator,
FIAT CLUB WAIKATO TARMAC SERIES