We had a good run all day, no moments or incidents to report, navving or drive wise and kept the car going hard all day. If you don’t go as hard as you can without being stupid, then it is not worth being out there. It is for this reason why Greg and I like rallying.
The Corolla kept on performing all day and in particular the night stages were great. Our times generally seem to improve marginally on the night stages. Fortunately, our road position gave us a clear break between the day and night light change. We were able get to the 3rd service after SS5 during the twilight and therefore did not have to carry the lights for a part light part dark run. On Sunday we noticed that the R rear trailing arm had been reshaped – don’t know or recall when we took the hit there but the handling remained consistent.
The condition of the coastal roads were superb. Great grip, but plenty of sideways action as well. One of the highlights (which made the long event extra $$ worth it) was River Road SS8. Even though it was a short 9km’s, the tight winding stuff was surprising but a pleasure to be on. The road book did not really indicate the winding nature of the road but once we were on it, it became clear it was going to be hoot. The cow paddock run with the grids was fantastic as was the stage ?? that had the flowing series of RGR over crests.
Our time were OK except for the first 2 stages where we felt we could have been faster (of course !).
The 3rd road card on exit from service was a joke…as others have already
said completely unnecessary. As for road card collection through out the day,
this a great idea if organisers actually do something with them….like
publish and circulate progressive scores …not just SS1 and SS2 in small
print on HQ bulletin board . I am not sure about others but waiting until
2:15a.m. for results, only to be told come back at 10am was a bit rich. If
that was not bad enough, then to not have short event entrants results released
at the same time as the long event was beyond me !!
Yes, post event, having a great time catching up and swapping stories is part
of the enjoyment of the sport but no results availability and to not be updated
as to reasons why, until a half attempt, at an awards presentation is really
bad. Thankfully, Darren from Mfoto (complete with PC) was again good enough
to be there at the pub showing off his photographic exploits, while we were
waiting…..
The cars around our road position who were keeping times with included Stuart and Paul in the Ignis and the Barrets. Shame about Plenderleith in the Levin going “off road” due nav driver communication problem – he is seriously quick all of the time in that car.
Great event (except for the slow results ????).
John Paul
