Teretonga - 29th April 2007 

By Jan McInnes

With the 3 hour endurance race being held on the Saturday, our qualifying and racing were all held on Sunday, so everything was pretty cruisy. Most teams arrived either Friday or Saturday and settled into their camps. Tony and his team found "board" in a dental surgery out at Otatara and we were told that they filled the spittoon with ice and beers and it served very well as a chillybin. Another crowd gathered in our motel room and after a couple of drinks and nibbles (thanks Lyn & Johno) we wandered over to the club then on to the Lone Star where after a bit of a wait we had a fantastic meal. Jim Paki Paki, Karen and Cliff tried to join us, but "there was no room in the inn", so to speak. The evening was cool, but lovely so the walk home was nice and refreshing.
The weather gods shone on us again and the day was sunny and beautiful, even though it was a bit cool.
 
We had 15 cars entered, but only 12 managed to make the meeting. Qualifying saw a predictable pole position of Steve Ross, who continued his winning run for both race 1 & 2. Next to him on the grid was a surprised Cliff Brunning in his Chevy Nova who had done his best time at this track yet. Wayne Tuffley (Tuff) & Manny were the next on the grid followed by Tony, Roy, Johno, Maurie, Ben, Bob and last, but not least Ray.
 
Race 1 - scratch
As mentioned earlier, Steve made it look easy winning this race, but he was kept honest by Tuff who was hot on his heels. The top 5 finishers were all V8's with the next finisher being Johno in his very fast Cortina. Manny had gearbox woes and ended up finishing 10th in the race in 3rd gear. Ben had major motor issues and didn't finish, but Bob, Maurie & Ray did.

Race 2 - reverse top half
Because of his 6th place finish, Johno was on pole for this race with Roy beside him, followed by Tony & Cliff then Steve & Tuff. As predicted the stronger V8's came through easily enough with Steve winning and Cliff finishing 2nd. Tuff appeared to have some performance issues, but he and Roy had a great battle throughout the race. Manny got his gearbox fixed and finished 4th behind Tony (who's pushrods were behaving this weekend). Johno won the battle of the four cylinders followed by Maurie, Bob and Ray.

Race 3 - handicap
This was a relatively easy grid to do due to only 10 cars competing. Ray led the charge and the next group comprised of Bob, Maurie & Johno. Next on the grid was Tony, Roy & Tuff and last, but not least Manny, Cliff & Steve. Steve would have made it a win for race #3, but he and Cliff had an altercation at the elbow and Cliff managed to both not finish and also take out the left rear corner of Steve's new car. Tony won this race with Roy second followed not far behind by Bob, who ended up winning the reverse grid for the season.

It's hard to believe, but that was the end of yet another season. We had the usual ups and downs throughout the season, but congratulations go to all the winners (please see the points for all placings) and we all look forward to another season which should begin about October.
We are looking forward to both old and new faces and cars and welcome you all to join with us next season.