Race Report - Teretonga - 22 March 2009
(Thanks to Daniel Patrick & Les Hitchcock for the spadework)

This meeting was cut down to a one day meeting due to the cancellation of the endurance series due to lack of entries. Documentation and testing was on Saturday afternoon and most turned up to set up their pits and to complete the paperwork and any necessary scrutineering.
We had a bit of a depleted field from last weekend, but welcomed back Angus Fogg from his travels up north. We also welcomed Greg L and Bill Evans who initially weren't going to come south. Also, Dave Robertson who has been running his Hillmand Imp in the clubmans in Teretonga - he joined us this weekend to make up numbers and to race with the Pre 65.
Unfortunately, the previous couple of weekend's good weather didn't follow us, but there was no rain and no wind.

Qualifying:
Fourteen starters took to the track for qualifying including our north island guest - Shane Hobman. A great battle ensued between Wayne Tuffley (Tuff) and Angus Fogg - and Foggie unofficially broke the lap record, but of course this can't be recorded as it wasn't a race. Jim K was the next closest and Wayne Patrick was taking it quietly to settle things down. Manny was the next fastest followed by Roy. Stu was hoping that is gremlin issues were sorted posted the best time for the four cylinders and lead Greg L, Brian Scott, Johno & Bill Evans. Shane Hobman had never raced at Teretonga but found it challenging - liking it to a "thinking" track. Dave Robertson and Ray made up the rest of the field..

Race 1:
Angus won the race followed closely by Tuff, then Jim K and Wayne P. Jim K broke the lap record of 1.07.46 which was achieved by Tuff back in December 2007, but this was broken again by Tuff who set a new record with a 1:07.20. The battle continued between Johno and Greg L who were very close again followed closely by Stu who was finally having some luck in finishing the races. Unfortunately, Bill blew a motor and didn't finish.

Race 2: Reverse top half
The start of the race was marred by a coming together with Angus, Jim K & Johno, which upset Johno's cars handling and Jim K blew a diff. Greg L & Stu had a great battle, with Greg holding out for the four cylinder win. Wayne P had a great start from 4th and got through to the front very quickly. He managed to hold on to the lead until he was passed by Angus & Tuff, with Tuff being the victor. Angus came within 1:100th second of Tuff's new lap record. Dave Robertson also didn't finish.

Race 3 - reverse grid:
The fast guys were off the back by 55 seconds from the front guys and Jim K made the mistake of going off with the group in front and copped a 10 second time penalty for his efforts. Roy took the win after being able to pass the slower cars with ease, but was being chased down by Wayne P, Tuff and Angus - another lap they would have passed him. Johno held out Manny, Shane, Brian, Stu, Ray and last but not least Greg L, who had a broken gearbox.

That's it for the 2008-2009 season. It's been great racing and great results. Next event is the AGM and prizegiving on 13th June at the Golden Gate Lodge in Cromwell.

PS - The Brian Scott Motors donated a trophy for the most improved driver of the day/weekend goes to Wayne Tuffley.