This season is our 30th birthday!!!!

Race Report - Levels – 14 & 15 March 2009
North/South Challenge – renamed Clayton’s Challenge
(Thanks to Daniel Patrick & Les Hitchcock for the spadework)

Saturday – 14th March 2009 – fine and sunny
This was to be the annual North/South challenge, but due to only two north islanders venturing south – a big thanks to Shane Hobman (EJ Holden) and Gary Rush (Hillman Imp) – the challenge was reverted to a full points round.
We welcomed back Wayne Tuffley and Pete Fitzgibbon, who had Cliff to thank for all his hard work in getting the Farina race ready. Bill got his car sorted and Cliff fixed his gear box issues. Ian Perry had many words of thanks for Shane Hobman as he worked long and hard on his car after the smash between him and Stu last weekend. Stu is running in the ex No 6 car which he bought off Ray and Ray is running the No 4 car. Manny had gotten his gearbox issues sorted and Wayne P’s gear required major work to prepare him for this weekend. Angus Fogg had NZ V8 commitments at the final round at Pukekohe this weekend and was sadly missed. Gary Parker had prior commitments on the Saturday, but turned up on Sunday to race.

Qualifying:
Sixteen starters took to the track for qualifying including our two guests. Wayne Tuffley (Tuff) set out to prove that his absence from the track hadn’t lessened his driving abilities and quickly took pole position, followed closely by Jim Kelly, Wayne Patrick and Manny. Time wise you could throw a blanket over Cliff, Roy and Brian Scott and again over Johno and Greg Lyons. It was Shane’s first time at Levels, but handled the track well and Stu was getting to grips with his new Anglia and got a similar time to Shane. Gary Rush, Ian Perry and Ray completed the field with Pete and Bill having technical issues.

Race 1:
Tuff got a great start and lead for a while until Jim overtook him for the win. It was an exciting race between them both and they both ended up braking the lap record of 1.11.69 which was achieved by Glen Brazier back in October 2005.. Tuff first with a 1:11.507 and Jim K next with a 1:11.415.
Wayne P was having issues with brakes and handling and ended up third, but these issues were fixed thanks to Wayne Austin (a Pre65 Life Member) of Central City Motors in Timaru who came up with a portable brake skimmer. Cliff did really well, coming in 4th followed by Brian and Manny who had no 3rd gear and a hole in the exhaust. The battle continued between Johno and Greg L who were very close again. Stu had a plug lead come off and didn’t finish.
Pete blew a diff, but was out in race 2 thanks to Greg L who lent him another. Ian Perry blew a motor, but thanks to his friends in Christchurch who encouraged and helped him, he was back at the track in the morning to do battle once again.

Sunday – 15th March 2009 – another fine, sunny and very hot day.

Race 2: Reverse top half
A big welcome back to Gary Parker who had been in Noosa for his wedding anniversary. He arrived back in Christchurch at 11pm, worked until 1am and headed for Timaru at 6am – how’s that for dedication!
Roy found himself on pole with Manny beside him. Brian was on 3 with Cliff at his side then back to Wayne P, Tuff and Jim K. Tuff got a great start after Roy went from 1st gear to 4th. He and Manny went into the 1st corner side by side, but Manny was faster (even without 3rd gear). Wayne P got through on Jim K, but couldn’t quite catch up to Tuff who took the win. Bill Evans had finally sorted out the gremlins in his car and came through as the 1st four cylinder, followed by Greg L. Johno had a bad start and had a major battle to get past Shane Hobman.
Unfortunately, Ian had a DNF, but managed to fix the issue and came out in the last race.

Race 3 – reverse grid:
Pete was offered a drive of Cliff’s Nova and started off the back. The front guys lead for a while, but Wayne P had a point to prove and lead Tuff and Jim K to the lead. Roy’s tyres were affecting the performance of Bertha and came in 4th followed by Brian who was having issues changing gear. The battle of the four cylinders was between Johno, Stu, Bill and Greg L – each ending the race in that order, followed by Gary Rush, Ian, Gary Parker, Ray & Pete in the Nova.

Only one round to go and we meet again at Teretonga next week (22 March 2009). Looking forward to seeing you all there!

PS – Brian Scott Motors donated a trophy to the club to be given away at the end of each race meeting. It is for the most improved driver of the day/weekend.
It is decided by three observers and ironically – this weekend – it was won by Brian Scott.