1. No category

50th Anniversary
1954 – 2004
October
2014
Leaders in Motorsport
Since 1954
P
S
ISTON
LAP.
ESTABLISHED 1954
THE MONTHLY MAGAZINE OF
THE THORNLEIGH CAR CLUB INC.
www.thornleighcarclub.org
PISTON SLAP
THORNLEIGH CAR CLUB INC – OFFICE BEARERS 2014/15
P.O. Box 276, Pennant Hills NSW 1715
www.thornleighcarclub.org
www.cams.com.au
ROLE
OFFICE BEARER
PRIMARY CONTACT
President:
Vice Presidents:
Matthew Rath
Jim Richardson
Phil Coffey
Geoff Horler
John Crowley
Andrew Whitfield
Brett Manewell
Andrew/Nicole Crowley
Aron Elliott
Geoff Horler
Elizabeth Morrison
Currently Vacant
Belinda Manewell
Andrew Crowley
Trevor Parsonage
Dominic Connolly
Andrew Crowley
Michael Dobeson
M:
H:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
0415 525 534
(02) 9639 0638
0408 230 836
0408 118 087
0409 393 215
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
M:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Club Captain:
Vice Captain:
Editor:
Publicity Officer:
Minute Secretary:
Hon. Auditor:
Property Officer:
CAMS Delegate:
Alt. CAMS Delegate:
Meeting Officer:
Social Secretary:
Officials Registrar:
Web Master:
OTHER CONTACT
H:
H:
H:
(02) 9674 1862
(02) 9871 5034
(02) 9874 4852
0408 118 087
H:
(02) 9871 5034
0412 070 774
0421 334 426
0419 202 491
0418 285 322
0421 334 426
0407 078 179
H:
H:
(02) 9477 2687
(02) 9899 2509
0423 572 057
0409 987 210
Executive Committee
Competition Advisors
Editorial Committee
Social Committee
Matt Rath
Motorkhana
Ernie Boston
Andrew Crowley
Dominic Connolly
Jim Richardson
Khanacross
Aron Elliott
Nicole Crowley
Janelle Lansley
Phil Coffey
Touring Events
Jim Richardson
John Crowley
Stephen Lansley
John Crowley
Speed Events
Glenn Inkster
Geoff Horler
Belinda Manewell
Geoff Horler
Rallies
Trevor Parsonage
Glenn Inkster
Nicole Crowley
Andrew Whitfield
Brett Manewell
Andrew & Nicole Crowley
Michael Dobeson
Dominic Connolly
Monthly Meetings:
Second Thursday of each month except January
Thornleigh Community Hall – Central Avenue & Phyllis Street, Thornleigh
Video starts at 8:00pm, Meeting starts at 8:30pm
Magazine Articles to:
Email: [email protected]
Appreciated 2 weeks BEFORE the monthly meeting
CAMS Mailing Address:
NSW
NSW
National
CAMS Member Hotline:
NSW Office Contacts:
1300 883 959
(02) 8116 9866
[email protected]
P.O. Box 6126, Silverwater BC, NSW 1811
6A Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127
P.O. Box 147, Caulfield East, VIC 3145
The opinions & comments expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Club Executive or the Editor.
*****LEADERS IN MOTOR SPORT SINCE 1954*****
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
PRESIDENTS PAGE
OCTOBER 2014
Greetings fellow TCC members and welcome to October.
As the year draws to a close I would like to remind any members that are in the running for a
trophy (or think they may be in the running….you never know) that an article needs to be
submitted to Piston Slap and also the need to officiate at one of our TCC run events.
The last event which TCC will be running this year is our State Khanacross to be held at
Hampton on Sunday 19th October. I am looking for 8-10 officials to assist with the running of
tests on the day. If you are available please contact me or see me at the October meeting.
Thankyou in advance.
Another reminder, the October monthly meeting will be held back at the Thornleigh
Community Centre near Bunnings as will the November meeting. We will call for members
to vote on the venues at our November meeting, and proxy vote for those unable to attend,
to decide where we hold our future meetings.
Meeting Venues for the remainder of this year:
October
Thornleigh Community Centre 8:30pm meeting start
November
Thornleigh Community Centre 8:30pm meeting start
December
Where the TCC members vote for……Watch this space.
Stay safe and see you at the meeting.
Matt Rath
October Meeting:
Supper:
Raffle:
Howard & Lesley White
Jim Richardson
-1-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
EDITOR’S REPORT
Hi All,
Welcome to the October 2014 edition of the TCC Piston Slap.
Firstly, we wanted to thank all of the Office Bearers for 2013/14. Your efforts for the club are very
much appreciated. A big thankyou also to the Office Bearers for 2014/15. We know that with your
help and guidance, TCC will continue to grow and be a club that we are all proud of.
So you may be wondering why, with a newborn baby, we decided to take on an Executive role
within TCC? Well, it was joked about a few months back that once Emma was born, that I would
be at home with nothing to do and would be looking for something to keep me busy! Clearly this
was a joke, as having a newborn is a full time job. We knew we’d be busy with a baby, but we
wanted to help out the club again so felt it best to share this role. So in between feeds, changing
nappies, tummy time, reading books and playing the super fun game of spit the dummy, I put
together the magazine. Andrew has been chasing people, articles and results and does the final
edit and check before printing. Thankfully, Emma is starting to have longer sleeps through the
night so we aren’t quite as sleep deprived as we were in the initial weeks, however on saying
that, if you see a typo etc, it’s probably because we still aren’t quite firing on all cylinders yet!
Over the past 12 months, the TCC Exec have been discussing revamping TCC’s monthly
Magazine ‘Piston Slap’, including designing a whole new cover for the magazine. If you have any
ideas on what you would like on the cover, or to see in the magazine, or any ideas to help
revamp the magazine, please provide your ideas and suggestions to
[email protected].
There is a pointscore included in this magazine, so it is a good idea to see how you are travelling
and more importantly whether you are currently eligible for a championship trophy. To be eligible
for a championship trophy you must have officiated at one TCC run event, plus submitted an
original article for publication in Piston Slap that year. Our last event for the year is the State
Khanacross at Hampton on the 19th October and you only have two more magazines for your
articles. Even if you think you are too far down in a championship to be eligible, this is no reason
to not officiate or submit an article. There have been years where the championship has gone to
6th place as all members placing above that did not fulfil the championship criteria. If you believe
you are eligible for a championship trophy (i.e. have officiated and submitted an article) but it
doesn’t reflect this on the pointscore, please contact the TCC Vice Captain Brett Manewell.
Remember… You only get out of it what you put in...
Nicole & Andrew Crowley.
TCC welcomes the following new members…
Alfredo Topazio
Michael Borgefjord
Belinda Borgefjord
Ben Borgefjord
Mark Prew
Garrath Johnson
May you all find lots of enjoyment in your motorsport and friends in TCC.
-2-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
CLUB CAPTAIN’S REPORT
Let me introduce myself. My name is Andrew Whitfield, I’m a
Taurus and like Pina colada’s and long walks on the beach!
Now that’s sorted let’s talk about YOUR club.
TCC has a long and proud history of club level motorsport. My
aim as Club Captain is to continue this and promote the club to
potential new members with the support of each of you making
the club a dynamic one in which all members are involved.
We are currently working on the Calendar for 2015 with the assistance of the various discipline
panel members. If you know of an event that you feel you would like on the calendar please let
me or one of the panel advisors know and we will try to accommodate it in our Calendar.
By the time you’re reading this, the SMSP Supersprint, BLCC Sportsclassic Bathurst Rally and
the Australian Motorkhana Championship events will have been run and won.
The next few events on the calendar or of interest which all but get us to 2015 are:
Thursday 9th October
TCC Monthly Meeting
8pm at Thornleigh Community Centre, Cnr Phyllis Ave & Central Ave.
Saturday 18th October
BMSC Tumut Valley Rally
Type:
Special Stage Gravel Rally
Venue:
Tumut
Time:
8:00am Documentation, 9:30am Briefing, 11:15am Start.
Entries:
$540 State Event, $380 Development Series Event
This event is run on public and forest roads wholly within NSW State Forests near Tumut and is
the 5th and final round of the Techworkz Development Series and Excel Series. There are
approximately 148km and 113km competitive, in the State and DRS events respectively. Entries
for this event close on the 13th October. Cars can be regionally scrutineered, and there is no
scrutineering on the day of the event. For more information, including supp regs and entry forms
see the Rally NSW website www.rallynsw.com.au or BMSC website www.bmsc.com.au.
Sunday 19th October
TCC State Khanacross
Type:
Khanacross
Venue:
Hills Motor Park, Hampton
Time:
8:00am Documentation, 9:30am Briefing, 10:00am Start.
Entries:
$60 Adults, $25 Juniors
This is the second last round of the Interclub Challenge and last event to officiate at if you’re
hunting for a championship trophy. Food will be available for purchase at the event. Supp Regs
and Entry Forms will be available on the TCC website www.thornleighcarclub.org and Facebook
pages shortly.
Saturday 8th November
CACA Cataract Khanacross
Type:
Khanacross
Venue:
Cataract Scout Park, Appin
Time:
8:00am Documentation, 9:30am Briefing, 10:00am Start.
No further details are available at this stage so keep an eye on the CACA website
www.caca.org.au for further information. This event replaces the Khanacross which was
cancelled at the end of August.
-3-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Thursday 13th November
TCC Monthly Meeting
8pm at Thornleigh Community Centre, Cnr Phyllis Ave & Central Ave.
Saturday 15th November
CRC Pas De Deux
Type:
Touring Assembly
Venue:
Start Katoomba, Finish Lithgow
Time:
7:00am Documentation, 8:30am Briefing, Event starts after Briefing.
Entries:
$90 for a crew of two. Additional passengers are $15 each.
A one day classic rally with three levels of navigation: Masters, Apprentices and Tour to suit all
levels of experience. The event will be run on around 400km of public roads between Katoomba
and Bathurst with less than 3% of unsealed roads. Entry Fee includes event entry, one set of
maps and instructions, one month’s membership of CRC for those not affiliated with another club
and lunch provided on the day. Entries close on the 7th November. Limit of 80 cars. The Supp
Regs and Entry Form are available on the CRC website- www.classicrallyclub.com.au. For further
info contact - Jeff West on 0427 263 757 or Gary and Wendy Maher on (02) 4571 1229.
Saturday 15th November
SKDAC Minidulla Rally
Type:
Special Stage Gravel Rally
Venue:
Shallow Crossing and surrounds
This event is being run by Shoalhaven and Kiama District Auto Club with AMSAG. Both AASA
Rally and CAMS Clubman Rally licences will be accepted. There is no further information
available so keep an eye on the AMSAG website www.amsag.com.au.
Sunday 16th November
Triple H Motorfest
Type:
Social Event
Venue:
Pennant Hills Park
Time:
9:00am
Cost:
Adults – Gold coin donation entry to the Motorfest.
This will be a great event for TCC to promote ourselves to like-minded car enthusiasts and
hopefully build a stronger membership base for our club. For further information on how you can
be involved for your club, please contact Matt Rath or Dominic Connolly. A flyer for Triple H
Motorfest and attractions, etc, is located later in the magazine.
Saturday 29th November
HDCC State Khanacross
Type:
Khanacross
Venue:
Hills Motor Park, Hampton
This is the last round of the Interclub Challenge. No further details are available at this stage so
keep an eye on the HDCC website www.hdcc.com.au for further information.
We are now coming into some warmer hopefully drier weather so get ‘the beast’ out from under
the covers (boys behave), get out there and have a crack.
TCC CC
Andrew Whitfield
TCC Wakefield Park Supersprint
Sunday 24th May 2015
-4-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
CAMS State Council Update
State Council is where all clubs have an opportunity to be heard by our governing body, so if you
think there is something that CAMS need to look at, or something you’d like to know more about,
please let me know and I’ll make sure it gets heard.
State Panels
State Panels have called for nominations. If you think you have some ideas that could assist or
improve motorsport, perhaps you’d like to join a State Panel and share your ideas? For more
information on what’s involved in participating on a panel, see the CAMS website, or nominate
using the form
https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bf33fca722c027aac0c9f4475/files/2015_NominationFormPanelPosi
tions.pdf
Fabulous Officials
Do you know any? If so, the Chair of the Australian Officiating Committee would like to know
them too (or at least hear more about them)!
If you’ve worked with or, as a competitor, dealt with an official who you thought was fabulous at
what they do, let me know and I can pass their details on to the Australian Officials Commission
for recognition as a Fabulous Official. You can nominate them directly using the form
http://docs.cams.com.au/CAMS%20Forms/Officials/Officials%20Resources/Nomination%20form
%20-%20Fabulous%20Officials.pdf . Imagine their face when they receive a letter from the
Commission personally thanking them for their efforts as an official. They will also receive a
certificate of recognition to hang on the wall, add to the trophy cabinet or include with their
resume!
Frontal Head Restraints
Recall Notice – with all the recent discussion about frontal head restraints, be
aware that LEATT have recalled their M R X model. For full details see their
safety bulletin for details –
http://docs.cams.com.au/Corporate/Media%20Documents/Leatt%20MRX%20SM.pdf
SFI Standard versus FIA. As of 31/12/2015, SFI Standard frontal head restraints will no longer be
recognized as acceptable. This is due to the SFI Standard being lower than that of the FIA
approval. For more details on FHR and requirements see CAMS website at
http://docs.cams.com.au/Regulations/2014%20Bulletins/B14007%20Frontal%20Head%20Restraint.pdf
Supersprints
Drivers aged 14 years and over are now eligible to compete in Supersprints in NSW, subject to
certain pre-requisites. As soon as the Supersprint Panel release details of the pre-requisites, we
will let you know.
Play safe and stay safe.
Belinda Manewell
State Council Delegate
-5-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Have you actually renewed your licence?
I recommend that all members check that their CAMS licence is still current, or
that they have received their updated sticker to show the new competition
licence expiry date. And the reason I have suggested this? I have renewed my
licence twice this year and still have not received anything to show that I have a
current competition licence!
Just before the CAMS Come and Try Day this year, I tried renewing my licence
using the CAMS portal, but I couldn’t even get the portal to work. So I called the
CAMS office and was instructed to fill out the forms. I did this, sent my credit card details and
even though money was deducted, CAMS cannot find my payment nor my form!
In July, I tried the CAMS online portal again to renew my licence and again the portal did not
work. I really shouldn’t be surprised considering the portal has never worked for me and I really
wonder why I keep expecting anything different! Isn’t that a sign of insanity? Doing the same
thing over and over again and expecting a different result!
So I called the CAMS Office and the poor employee that I got was told how much a joke their
portal is. This guy sent me a new password and funnily enough, this didn’t work. He thought that
the temporary password may have expired (even though it was just sent to me) so sent me
another one. Didn’t work. So he tried logging in as me, and he couldn’t get it to work. He then
helped me renew my licence. I advised him that it is and has been an incredibly painful and
lengthy experience when trying to renew my completion licence with CAMS, especially when
other providers like AASA or AMSAG (before they used AASA insurance) you could renew your
licence and the whole process could be easily done on the spot and that I have never had an
issue with either of these providers, unlike CAMS which seems to be a real ordeal every time I
renew, or even attempt to renew.
So it’s now the end of September and I still have not received a sticker to show that I have a
current licence. I have managed to log on to the member portal and it now shows that I have a
current licence, but I don’t have a sticker to put in my licence book for taking to events, which
could make it difficult when trying to enter an event. Although most event secretaries know that
CAMS is somewhat unreliable with issuing of licences and other paperwork related processes, so
it might not be difficult to enter an event anyway!
I wonder if this issue with the licences only happens to the club level competitors which would
further demonstrate CAMS lack of ability or true desire to support club level motorsport or the
peasants involved. Which I guess why some of the same issues flow over to the officials licences
too!
If CAMS really wants to see why AASA and AMSAG provide such a formidable option, they only
really need to look at almost everything that they do (or don’t do), especially at club level. So
CAMS received an email with me expressing my frustration, so I wonder how long it will take for
me to get the sticker to show that I actually have a current licence.
So I suggest that everyone who has a competition licence and has renewed their licence, or
thought that they have renewed their licence this year, to check that they have actually received
their updated sticker.
Rod Mackay
-6-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Bits from Boston...
In the weeks before my event (Ernie’s Revenge) I looked up the list of
who had the Ansell Park grounds booked and went out one week to
the day before my date to check the grounds. To my surprise they
were in real good shape, not too soft and no dust, so I spent the next
week hoping the rain would stay away.
On the Friday before Jim Richo, Steve Lansley, Geoff
Horler and Greg Yates came out and helped me set up.
Jim kept referring to the rule book, I knew I was not as
per the rule book. It’s called stretching the rules. The
main problem was test 8 and 12. A much modified Six
Gate after much trying and retrying we put up bunting
between the flags where we did not want you to go, and
it worked. With no WD’s good work Steve.
On the day of the event it worked out with no rain and no
dust and what must have been the best surface I can
remember ever at Ansell Park. We got 38 starters, not
too bad for a non-championship event and with the events stretched a bit. I think everyone
enjoyed themselves.
Class B had 8 starters with Doug Wallace in his Mazda 121 taking out the class FTD’s in most
events, but Doug did not have a clear run, with only tenths of a second in each test. Matthew
Cleave, a Junior, in a Honda CRX only a few seconds behind at day’s end. Third was Bruce Cook
also in the CRX. The Honda had a busy day taking out 2nd, 3rd and 5th in class. It was smoking a
bit at day’s end.
Class C had 22+ starters by far the leading class, oh yes, and how does 10 Juniors sound? The
future of motorkhanas is in good hands. Now back to the event. First in class C was David
Masing, this time in the Hyundai. He won the class but 3 flags cost him FTD of the event, only
just holding out Ken Albery in a Mirage. Three flags that are the biggest flag penalties I think he
has ever taken, in one event. That VW was there with the Muller clan; there’s the Dad and the
two smaller Muller’s. On the dirt it’s a totally different car. The car looks out of place and picks
funny places to pick up the back wheel in the most, not what you would call nice way, and one
must say if there was prize for the most likely to roll over the VW would be on very short money.
Glenn Inkster has a new car (Honda Civic), not the same model as mine but a Civic hatch and I
think the same wheelbase as mine. Must check it out next time. Oh yes, he finished 8th in class.
This must have been family day as we had the Borgefjord family. Three of them in a Toyota
Soarer; a girl, a boy and their Dad. The two Juniors gave their Dad a terrible time, as every time
one of them did a faster time than him. That added up to 5 in total. I think this was their first
event.
On the day I looked at Aron Elliott and Garry Elliott and thought they looked fast and they took out
first outright for Aron and third outright, both in the Subaru Liberty. Well done to you both.
Many hands make light work so the saying goes and it’s true. The event was pulled down super
quick and packed away super quick and one last thing a thankyou to the time keepers Greg
Yates, Neil & Joy Hood, Rhonda Elliott, Steve Lansley and Wendy Maher (for the results). To
anyone who I have missed thank you for all of the great work on the day.
-7-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
The next day was Fathers Day. John Boston was in Western Australia doing something for
Toyota but he left two tickets at the gate for the Touring Car Masters; one for me and one for Phil
Coffey. A thank you for all the help with Ernie’s Revenge and the paper work that went with it.
We got there around 10am and there was an extra large turnout that slowed us up. We had a
good look at the older V8’s and cars of our time. There were lots of good cars from the Group A
days and even older, before fuel injection was thought off. They looked good and sounded great
but we were not in a good spot to watch the first lot of racing. We moved around and had a bite to
eat and then it started to rain. The rain had an effect on the racing. It stopped and it turned into
what can only be described as parade laps. After a while we packed up and went home. We did
not get far, about 2km and the road was dry! Funny weather these days.
The next event is the Nationals (Australian Motorkhana Championship) this year at Nirimba
TAFE. We have all been there. To make it easy on the officials, three tests will be set up and
three different clubs will be taking control of one test each. TCC is one of those clubs. By the time
you read this the 2014 Australia Motorkhana Championship will have been run and won. I hope
someone from TCC will have won something! We have several national class champions. Garry
Elliott was our first, then John Boston. I forget how many times he has won. They have, at times,
asked him to run the sponsor car and with no practice in a strange car he has won. This will be
my last try at a class win I think, because by the time the event rotates back to Sydney I think I
will be a bit too old.
Some of the national champions over the past few years have been included below.
For a full list of National Motorkhana Champions going back to 1972, check out the CAMS
Website www.cams.com.au
Next khanacross event will be at Hampton for TCC’s State Khanacross round.
Well that’s it for now. See you at the next khana………Ernie.
-8-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Ernie’s Revenge Results
6th September 2014
TROPHY WINNERS:
FTD:
st
1 Class B:
st
1 Class C:
st
1 Class D:
st
1 Lady:
st
1 Junior:
Aron Elliott
Doug Wallace
Dave Masing
Garry Elliott
Jess McGuinness
Matthew Cleave
Trophies will be presented at the TCC October Meeting.
-9-
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
THORNLEIGH CAR CLUB
MEMBER CENTREFOLD
FEATURING
Hi Bart and Michelle, a lot of people know you, some more
personally than others, as the dedicated recovery crew. How long
have you guys been doing this for?
(Michelle) Well Bart and I met during a rally at Sunny Corner back in
2009. Since then I’ve taken over the navigating duties in the Recovery
Crew. We are the last car always to leave the start of a rally but most of
the time never the first to finish. We have seen some hilarious and
distressing scenes when we have had to recover people, and about 50%
of the time, people remember recovery = beer BUT no one remembers
winching = carton!
Bart & Michelle Munachen
I wonder how well you can enforce rules that you make up…..hehe.
So with you two where do you sit on the car nut scale?
(Bart) Definitely a 10, give or take a little.
(M) A few years ago I never really cared for cars or wanted to know
much about them, so a 1. Though it’s probably since I met Bart and
joined Thornleigh my car nut scale has increased…probably a 7.
Excellent another success story for TCC, I’m glad to hear we are
helping cure you of distressing non attachment to cars Michelle.
So not being very involved with cars when did you start driving?
(M) I got my L’s when I was 17, (B) from the age of about 12…..then
legally from 16 and 9 months.
Nice so you have been involved with cars for a while then Bart?
(B) Yea since my mummy and daddy got together.
I didn’t know cars were around that long ago?
(B)…..yes Matt they were. Do you want to get hurt?
Ok, ok, back on track. So what was your first car Bart?
It was a great little Mk 1 Escort, 1300. Bog stock….except for the Metal
King brake pads I fitted to it which required left foot braking to warm
them up, which was unfortunately why I wrote the thing off . Went
straight into the back of a 4WD with a foot long gooseneck on the tow
bar….this gooseneck stopped the crank of the poor Mk1.
That sounds terrible, please tell us you have a brighter story Michelle?
(M) Sort of…..My first car I had for 6 years, very trusty ’99 Corolla. I bought it off
my parents when I got my P’s….I did however have 5 smashes in it in that time.
......right. My next question could take a while to answer then, so
how many cars have you owned and was there a favourite or
standout?
(M) Well between us we currently have 5 cars, 3 i30’s for Bartz Driving
School, the recovery truck which is a ’97 Pajero and Barts Datto.
- 10 -
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
(B) Yeah, though I have owned quite a few over the years, 2xMk1
Escorts, ’66 Mk1 GT Cortina, Mk2 RS2000 Escort, ’65 AP6 Valiant with a
gas injected 360 V8 which was fun. Also had 4 Datsun 1600’s, an ’82 XE
ESP Falcon but that had to be sold as it was going one way or another as
everyone was trying to steal it, such a nice car though, then the VT
Holden Wagon and the first Pajero which got written off at Forbes when a
cattle grid jumped out in front of me.
You have to hate it when that happens, mind of their own those
cattle grids. So being into cars for a while when did you join TCC?
(B) We joined TCC back in 2013 after becoming friends with a number of
other members. We always knew TCC existed….but they were the
enemy.
Well we are glad to have you on ‘the dark side’.
Bart any memorable moments for you over the years?
(B) There is so many…winning 1995 HDCC Khanacross championship in
my 1600 against Lindsay Durbin in his RS Turbo Liberty on the last round
with only 1 point between us. The roads at Hampton were nothing like
they are today, and if my memory serves me right; at the end of the day I
beat Lindsay by 4 seconds.
(M) Seeing Bart nearly smash his work car after trying to show off at a
Come and Try Day a few years back was funny. Also competing in the
first and only Motorkhana that HDCC ran at McGraths Hill. I had no idea
what I was really doing, so I was grateful when you [Matt] offered to jump
in and navigate, though taking over the pedals because I was driving like
a ‘nanna’ wasn’t part of the deal.
Well I had always wanted to see what dual controls were like in a car
haha. Seeing as you didn’t like that, any other dislikes on the road?
(M) No blinkers and not using their headlights in poor driving conditions,
especially when their car is grey, black or white.
(B) Definitely failing to indicate as well, together with people driving slow,
tailgating, I could keep going, but then again I am a driving instructor, so
would you like me to answer this question honestly???
I think we get a fairly good understanding. So any tips or tricks you
have learnt?
(B) Left foot braking, scando flicks, 5th gear doughnuts, front end throw
and that’s just leaving the car park.
What sort of driving instructor did you say you were???
(M) Unintentional skids when taking off at the lights or around corners.
*cough* hoon *cough*.
*Michelle hits Matt* (M) You deserved that.
….maybe. Anyways, what do you guys enjoy most about TCC?
(M) Very social club and I love officiating.
(B) The broad range of members in the club and being non judgmental, very open and welcoming. You also still have a club
magazine that’s old school and printed and I know this will go into it.
Thanks guys. So when you aren’t playing cars or recovering them what do you enjoy doing?
(B) Sleeping…..definitely sleeping. You have to remember that I have been a steering wheel attendant ¾ of my life. I eat, sleep and
breathe automotive…..which at times I’m sure annoys Michelle.
(M) Either playing with my cat Puss Puss, reading, surfing the net or playing with the kids at school.
It has been a pleasure talking to you guys, thank you very much and keep up the good work with the officiating and
recovery. I’m sure all the people you have helped rescue, sometimes in the middle of the night, really appreciate your
- 11 efforts.
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
TCC State Khanacross
Sunday 19th October
Hills Motor Park, Hampton
Second last event of both the NSW Khanacross Series as well as the Interclub Challenge
Last chance to officiate at a TCC run event for those chasing a championship trophy.
Supp Regs and Entry Forms will be available shortly on the TCC website.
For more information contact Matt Rath on 0415 525 534.
The Pas de Deux
15th November 2014
Promoted by the Classic Rally Club.
Come and join us for a round of the CRC’s and the Thornleigh Car Club’s championships for 2014.
A one day classic rally with three levels of navigation –
Masters
Apprentices
Tour
The event will be run on around 400km of public roads between Katoomba and Bathurst
with less than 3% of unsealed roads.
th
Entry fee is $90 for a crew of two. Additional passengers are $15 each. Entries close 7 November
2014.
The event is being run as a CAMS approved Touring Assembly so all the usual requirements will apply
e.g. Scrutineering, CAMS licences, etc.
The Supplementary Regulations and Entry Form are available on the CRC website www.classicrallyclub.com.au
For further info contact Jeff West at 0427 263757 or Gary and Wendy Maher at (02) 4571 1229
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
MICKEY ROURKE TELLS ABOUT THE RALLY
THAT DIDN’T GO TO PLAN
We all know rallying can be dangerous. Mickey Rourke experienced this first hand at the recent
Myall Stages Rally. The following is his account of the accident, his recovery and his thoughts on
his future in rallying.
I’ve been involved in club motorsport, mainly rallying, for roughly 30 years as both a driver and a
co-driver. I’ve had my fair share of accidents but until recently I’ve never been badly hurt in a
car. You could say I’ve been lucky. At the recent DRS round at Myall Lakes I was both lucky
enough to survive without being lightly toasted and unlucky enough to be hospitalised. I’ve had
some time to ponder since the accident. Here is a collection of my thoughts….
Background
For most of my rallying ‘career’ I’ve partnered with Nigel Bland. Nigel was best man at my
wedding and is my best friend. For many years we rallied Mazda RX-2’s with me driving and
Nigel co-driving. When my last RX-2 was stolen I bought the ex-Jim Middleton / Paul Bramble
VP Commodore and ran it for a year or two. Then I got married, bought a house with Arianne
and the rally budget evaporated into consolidated revenue. Consequently the VP sat in the front
yard of our house for 11 years as a unique garden ornament, much to the disgust of Ari, my
parents and my neighbours!
Aside from the finances, the other reason that it sat there for so long was because I felt that the
bolt-in roll cage provided inadequate safety for the speed of the car, so I sold it. I just didn’t have
the funds to buy a new one.
One day Nigel’s wife Fi granted permission and funding to rebuild the car so that we could go
rallying again. As Nigel funded the rebuild it was only fair that he do most of the steering. I still
got the occasional drive, was very happy with the arrangement and have fond memories of the
good times we shared. The rebuilt car had a substantial roll cage which came in very handy at its
final event which was Batemans Bay last year.
I’m 48 now with 2 kids, 10 and 13. Like many other Sydneysiders we have a sizable
mortgage. With age comes an increase in both responsibility and an aversion to risk. When Mick
Ryan of Rally School offered a group buy on the HANS Sport 2 at a bargain price of $280 I
jumped on it as I already owned a good quality helmet with HANS posts. At the time I suggested
to Nigel that he too should do the same but he declined as his helmet did not have posts. I recall
that there was general disagreement in the rally community about the safety value of the HANS
system for rally application as most collisions would not be frontal impacts – the type of accident
that the HANS device was specifically designed to mitigate. But as I suffered acutely from
Understeeraphobia I did not research the pros and cons of the device – I just had to have one for
my own peace of mind. In hindsight it was possibly the best $280 I’ve ever spent.
I am of light frame and weigh only 67kgs. My weight and build have not changed since I left
school. I have no fat and little muscle, hence my collarbones are particularly prominent. Prior to
using the HANS device, after each event I always suffered swelling and/or bruising from the
harness, even in events that did not end in disaster. A collateral benefit of the HANS was that it
came with padding and immediately cured the bruising problem. After only one event I became
very comfortable wearing it.
Last year we entered both the AMSAG Orange Rally and the International Rally of
Queensland. Tragically two lives were lost at these events.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Post IRoQ I became quite emotional when I imagined myself as driver and Nigel as co-driver in
the ill-fated cars. I do not think that I would deal at all well with such a situation. Nigel and I
discussed this and reasoned that we were both well aware of the risks and were taking all
available safety measures to mitigate those risks.
Having entered two events in a row with major incidents, and because Murphy’s Law suggests
that bad things always happen in 3′s, I was starting to worry that I might be jinxed. Our next
event was Myall Stages 2013… my turn to drive. Although we didn’t get beyond the first stage
(due to mechanical failure – a little different to my normal excuse…electrical failure!) fortunately
Murphy’s Law is flawed.
The rally after that was Bay Stages. Nigel drove and comprehensively rolled the car. Both of us
came out unscathed. All info to my wife was on a “need to know” basis. Thinking about it later
that was the biggest accident I’d ever been in. At the time I could not say whether or not the
HANS device made any difference to our wellbeing (post Myall 2014, I now know that it didn’t),
but I was sure glad to be wearing one.
The next two rallies I entered I navigated for Tommy Clarke. We rolled in both. Seems I was not
having my most successful year in the sport! The first roll was at Alpine and the second was at
Nat Cap Rally. Nat Cap was my fault due to being late calling a note. Both of those accidents
were not the sort of accidents that a HANS device would have made any difference in. But I do
know that Tommy is going sufficiently fast that I would not be comfortable navigating for him
without some form of FHR.
Next event for Nigel & I was the 2014 John Giddings Memorial Rally of Orange. It was the first
rally in Nigel’s new car – the ex-Ron Moore VT. Apart from the rear shock mounts breaking in
half and turning the rear end into a pogo stick the event was uneventful for us. The new car was
awesome.
Then came Myall 2014….
The Accident
During SS4, at the end of a longish straight, we understeered off on a sweeping downhill lefthander into a large diameter gum. I could see the tree approaching from at least 50 metres
away. We were never going to miss it and it hit pretty much dead centre. The tree did not
move. I estimate the impact speed would have been around 70-80 km/hr.
The Moment of Impact
In a big impact the human body is like a bag of jelly. The various body parts will take the path of
least resistance with the unrestrained parts continuing their forward trajectory. The forces
involved are the weight of those parts multiplied by the impact speed. It is pretty obvious that
higher impact speeds increase the forces on the body. But so does greater weight, so it is
important to purchase the lightest helmet that you can afford particularly for persons who choose
not to wear a FHR.
Like no other accident I’ve ever been in, I distinctly recall feeling significant tension on both
helmet tethers.
Whilst the tree hit the front of the car dead centre, injury-wise I fared worse than Nigel, possibly
because he was holding the steering wheel thus limiting his arm movements.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
What Happened After The Accident
With the engine pushed back into the firewall, the fuel rail that sits on top of the inlet manifold
ruptured upon impact and the car immediately burst
into flames. I yelled “FIRE!” and got out of the car as
fast as I could. Despite Nigel turning off the battery
isolator and emptying one extinguisher into the source,
the fire reignited as there was still plenty of pressure in
the fuel rail. At that stage I walked to the back of the
car to get the triangles out of the boot. I struggled to
remove one. That was when I knew something was
not quite right. I walked back up the road a little and
set the triangle up. I then went back to the car to get
the SOS sign to show the next competitor. I told Nigel
that I couldn’t help with the car but I was not sure if he
heard me as he had a helmet on.
Meanwhile Nigel got the extinguisher from my side of the car and emptied it into the source,
again to no avail. I showed the SOS sign to the next car and then had to lie down on my back. I
suspect I might have been about 20 metres from the car (I could not see it from my position). As
more competitors turned up, several other extinguishers were emptied into the fire but it was too
little too late and the car became engulfed in flames. To those competitors who used their
extinguishers I am most grateful and would be happy to reimburse you for them, so please
contact me (I don’t know who you are).
Some competitors assisted me by positioning jumpers beneath my back and adjusting my legs to
make me as comfortable as I could be under the circumstances.
By this stage the car was well ablaze and tyres were exploding. I could feel the heat from where I
was lying. I was worried about the fuel tank exploding. John Crowley, who was trained in first
aid, arranged for about 6 or 8 people to lift me together and carry me further away from the
fire. He also covered me in one of those silver blankets and comforted me by talking to me so as
I could be distracted from the pain/discomfort until the ambulance arrived. I don’t know how long
it took till the ambulance arrived but it seemed like a long time from where I was lying.
When the ambulance officers arrived they put me in a neck brace and gave me a green whistle to
dull the pain. They then put a kidney belt on me, which provided immediate relief from the
discomfort in my mid to lower back. I was transported back to Bulahdelah showground and
choppered to John Hunter Hospital’s trauma ward. They had to cut my race suit up to get it off
me.
My collarbones were not operated on until Monday afternoon. As JHH is a trauma hospital they
deal with all sorts of patients on a priority basis. There were a lot of busted up people in there
and they took priority over my non-life threatening injuries.
The treatment I received at John Hunter Hospital was excellent and I am very thankful to all of the
staff there. It is not until you really need to use the NSW Public Hospital system that you realise
how truly blessed we are in this country with our health facilities and the miracle makers who
work there.
Contributing Factors
Something we don’t do very well in the rally community is share details of accidents and their
contributing factors with other competitors. These details are generally known only by the
competing crews involved and the rally organisers. Often there may be a one or two word
summary of the reason for a DNF in the results, but the causes are not widely distributed. If all
crews were made aware of the contributing factors and outcomes of accidents then crews would
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
be better placed to make informed decisions about the level of risk mitigation that is right for each
crew.
In our case the contributing factors were:
Speed. The new VT was considerably more powerful than the old VP. It also had better
traction meaning we got to the end of the straight carrying more speed that the old VP
would have done. Entering the corner too fast in 4th gear and without any attitude on the
car was always going to end in tears. With the car going forward in a straight line and
Nigel trying to wash off speed by getting on the anchors, the locked diff kept the car going
in a straight line. Once it got onto the powdery dust on the outside of the corner there was
no stopping it.

Weight. The VT loaded with crew and fuel weighed around 1800kgs. That is a lot of
momentum to stop and change direction quickly.

Blind Rally. Previous Myall rallies were pace-noted. Commodores being lead tipped
arrows are in my opinion better suited to pace-noted rallies because their weight means
that emergency changes to direction become troublesome. In a noted rally the driver can
set the car up prior to the apex for what cannot be seen around the corner. In a blind
rally, if the car is still going straight and the corner tightens then it becomes a problem for
a Commodore to change direction, even with new steer tyres on the front.

Locked Diff. I was very uncomfortable with the diff and wanted to change it to the Kaaz
LSD from the VP. Unfortunately there were some compatibility issues that prevented us
from doing so prior to this event. Nigel had already changed the rear shocks for this event
and we’d always operated on the principle of only making one significant change to the
car per event, in order to gauge the effect of that change on the car. Locked diffs on
throttle off have a tendency to cause understeer. In a heavy car that problem is amplified.

Large Immovable Object. We were a bit unlucky that there happened to be a large gum
right where the car wanted to go.
Whilst not a contributing factor, Rallysafe was not available for this event. Yes we would have
subscribed were it available. No it probably wouldn’t have made much difference on this
particular occasion, other than ensuring that an ambulance was dispatched to the scene
immediately rather than after a short delay whilst lines of communication between the accident
scene, the nearest communications point and rally control were established.
My Injuries
I have 3 injuries that require separate treatment….
Collarbones
Both of my clavicles (collarbones) were broken. The left clavicle being an in-situ break that would
have healed by itself over time. The right clavicle was pretty smashed up and required
repositioning, plating and pinning. As there was no way around operating on the right clavicle the
specialists suggested that they may as well plate the left one while they were at it. I agreed. My
right clavicle now has a long plate and 12 screws. My left has a similar plate and 9 screws.
I haven’t seen the video yet, but according to Nigel I raised my right arm to cover my eyes
immediately before we hit the tree. I do not know if the raised position of my right arm contributed
to my right collarbone being smashed up more than my left one.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Back
X-Rays and CT scans show a crush fracture in my T12 vertebrae
with less than 25% loss of height. The neurosurgeon at John
Hunter Hospital explained that such factures fall into two
categories… those that require an operation to repair the
damage and those that do not. My injury fell clearly into the
latter case.
I am required to wear a TLSO brace to help stabilise and support
the lower thoracic and lumbar spine for about 8 weeks whilst the
damaged segment settles. I will have X-Rays every two weeks
so that the neurosurgeon can monitor the progress.
Lungs
I have two collapsed lungs that are not being made any better
whilst I wear the TLSO brace. The brace is quite restrictive, kind
of like a corset. Or like what I imagine a corset to be, having
never worn one. (Thought I’d better clarify that!) If I walk the 800 metres from my house to the
pub I am out of breath by the time I get there. According to my GP the lungs will fix themselves,
but I will need to do lots of walking and heavy breathing. (Now where did I put my trench coat
and dark glasses?!) I think my lungs will improve when I no longer need to wear the brace.
My Thoughts on Frontal Head Restraint Systems
I have no doubt in my mind that in this accident the HANS device saved me from far worse injury.
I believe this to be true because of the tension that I felt in the tethers at the moment of impact.
Broken clavicles were in my opinion collateral damage from wearing the HANS device. You only
have to look at the design of the device to understand why. The points at which the helmet
tethers to the HANS device are high up above the shoulders. With the force of my head and
helmet continuing forward upon impact and the top of the shoulders acting as a pivot point, the
obvious outcome was for the equivalent force to be transferred back towards my collarbones by
the lower portions of the HANS device. Coupled against the forward force of my torso, my
collarbones stood little chance of not breaking.
Even so, this is the lesser of two evils. I would much rather a couple of broken collarbones than a
neck extension! Wearing the HANS enabled me to be in a position to extract myself from the
vehicle. Had I not been able to extract myself due to a neck extension, and had Nigel been
unable to extract me, then I surely would have been toasted.
This situation warrants consideration by all rally competitors.
Would I wear a HANS device in rallying again rather than no FHR system? Absolutely.
Would I wear a HANS device in rallying again rather than another sort of FHR system? I don’t
think so. I’d be keen to investigate alternatives that may not cause the type of injuries I
sustained.
My Thoughts on a Comeback
Some of my friends and family have suggested that it would be foolish for me to make a
comeback. I completely understand their opinion and I can certainly see their point of view. But
it is hard to step away from something that you are passionate about. At this stage I believe it
would be unhealthy for my emotional wellbeing to make the call that I will never return to rallying
as either a driver or a co-driver. I am still keen as mustard to return but there are many, many
considerations that will affect my decision to either return or to quit.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Some of those considerations (in no particular order of importance) are:
Whether the existing back injury is likely to pre-dispose me to a more significant back
injury in a future incident. This issue is to be discussed with my neurosurgeon.

Whether my repaired collarbones can sustain harnesses. Whilst I have good arm
movement I am constantly conscious of the un-natural plates on both collarbones. I am
hoping over time that I will get used to this feeling.

Finances.

The emotional trauma that I am likely to cause those closest to me should I decide to
return.

My responsibilities as a partner and parent to care for my immediate family.

Whether, as a driver or co-driver, I could mentally deal with a situation where through a
result of my actions I’ve caused harm to another person, albeit unintentionally.
Those impediments may prove to be a bridge too far.
Should I decide to return then I will only do so with the very best of personal safety
equipment. That will include some form of frontal head restraint but probably not HANS.
I will also probably choose a lighter car that is less prone to understeer, or at least one that does
not have a locked diff.
Gratitude
An incident like this makes you think about life, which is not a bad thing. I might actually come
out of this with a much happier disposition than I had previously.
We only get one shot at life. I believe that we should follow our passions, but do so with the
highest level of safety we can afford.
I would like to thank everyone who played a part in assisting both me and Nigel following the
accident. I do not know who all of you are, but no matter what role you played I am very, very
grateful.
Article and images reprinted with permission from Rally NSW and Mickey Rourke.
NSW Rally Rego
is almost here!
CAMS and AMSAG have been working tirelessly with the RMS over the past 4 to 5 years on
developing a Rally Vehicle Registration Scheme. The scheme was launched on the 1st September
with selected test vehicles going through the process. Whilst the long awaited Rally Rego has been
launched, once CAMS and AMSAG are satisfied that the processes are robust, including RMS staff,
procedures, staff training and IT, the rally community will be advised and you can start to make
bookings for inspections. For further information keep any eye on the following websites.
www.rallynsw.com.au
www.amsag.com.au
- 19 -
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
BLCC Sportsclassic Bathurst Rally
This is not your typical post event report on an event on the TCC Calendar. You all know that
Andrew and I recently had a new addition to our family. Emma is the 3rd generation of motorsport
enthusiast. How do we know she is an enthusiast? She likes the sound of cars and in her short 8
weeks of life on the outside, she has attended more motorsport related outings than anything
else. Well except for trips to the shops!
For many of the older members who have brought their kids up through the club motorsport
scene, and many of the recent new parents in TCC, you will know all the things that we are going
through. For everyone else, I’ll let you share out experience!
Andrew and I got a lot of different parenting advice, but one of the most frequent pieces of advice
besides sleeping when the baby sleeps was to get the baby used to the activities and hobbies
that we do, so that meant going away for motorsport events which is our version of a holiday!
Andrew was a little hesitant to go away for a rally and leave me at home with a newborn, though
was more hesitant on bringing Emma along as he didn’t want me to have a bad weekend. I
wasn’t as worried though, as I knew if Emma wasn’t happy that all I needed to do was go back to
our accommodation and look after her back there.
So we packed for the rally. Normally Andrew packs so much that a weekend away looks like he is
actually going away for several months and even then he has still managed to forget spare
undies or socks etc! However this rally was different. The only one who had more items and
clothes than Andrew was Emma! The checklist consisted of her pram, play mat, toys, blankets,
feeding pillow, bassinette, burp towels and more clothes and nappies that you can even imagine.
For the latter items it is better to overstock, because if you don’t you are guaranteed to have the
dreaded number 3 poo-plosion! Our large Lancer family car, suddenly seems small!
Emma was great in the car on the trip down and only woke for some food when we arrived at the
accommodation. Thankfully we were staying opposite Rally HQ so this gave us a few hours to
settle in before needing to head out for the rally. John Crowley and Glenn Inkster were also
staying at the same place and were thankful for the room below us and not next door in which
you can hear every noise a baby makes!
I was lucky to have the presence of Michelle Munachen who had to pull out of navigating for Bart
in their recovery vehicle. This gave me a much needed second set of hands. With the rally soon
to start, we repacked the car with almost all of Emma’s things and headed off to the service park.
I decided to stay at the service park all day, rather than heading off
to spectate. There was just too much unpacking and packing
needed and I was just looking to make the day as easy as possible
for Emma, and more so myself!
Emma was great. She sat up in a pillow in my boot which was
helping protect her from the elements, though it did prompt Trevor
Parsonage to give me parenting advice about safe travelling options
for kids! The boot provides a great place to change all of those dirty
nappies.
Emma was great. She was happy being passed around and had
great cuddles with Trevor who was using her as a hot water bottle in
the afternoon when the temperature quickly dropped. She was
awake every time Andrew came in for service which I’m sure seeing
her made the day even more enjoyable.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Michelle and I packed up Emma’s things after the main dinner service
and left Glenn and Trevor to continue servicing for John and Andrew in
the Excel and Dominic and Greg Connolly in the Mini. Emma was still in
a relatively good mood (she did have some periods of unsettledness)
back at the hotel considering how big the day was for her. At 9:30pm
we got her all rugged up and took her over to the rally presentation in
the Bathurst Light Car Club rooms and waited for all of the boys to get
back. She slept through the noise of the presentation and being passed
from person to person for the next two and a half hours. The day
certainly wasn’t all smooth sailing, but for our first motorsport event with
Emma, it was certainly a very good experience and hasn’t scared us
away from doing it again. Fingers crossed that starting her exposure to
motorsport at this age will continue to encourage her enthusiasm!
Now, for those who want to know how the rally went….
John and Andrew were car 27 and Dominic and Greg were car 28 of a 26 car field (no Car 13 due
to superstitious Director plus another car pulled out). During the Driver’s Briefing, all crews were
advised that the rally was rough, that it was a blind rally and to drive accordingly. The weather
was great, warm and sunny during the day though the temperature dropped quite suddenly as
the sun started to go down.
The rally consisted of 167km of competitive stages on shire and forestry roads and started at
1:30pm so there were day and night stages. From all reports, the roads were definitely rough
however many said that the roads were actually in the best condition that they have been in some
time. The creek crossing was deep and Dominic had commented about their concerns on the
Mini getting through. Others joked that the Mini might end up floating down the creek!
Of the 26 starters, only 12 finished. Two of the cars only did the day stages due to using the
event as a shakedown for a rally in New Zealand. Sadly, the other crews retired due to
mechanical issues including broken brake lines, blown motors, leaking sumps and clutch
problems or rolling their cars. One car rolled down a fairly steep ravine and required recovery by
a tilt tray, while another car rolled between the flying finish and stop control. They got a time for
the stage but had to walk to the stop control and that was their day over. Thankfully all crews
were fine.
John and Andrew had a clean fun day finishing 11th, however they did lose the head off one of
the bolts that held their sump guard on, but don’t remember hitting anything that would have done
that. They crossed the creek, creating a bow
wave but got through with no problems. It’s a pity
there have been no photos of the rally cars going
through the creek. There should always be a
photographer where cars go through water as
they can make such magnificent shots. Unless
you stop in the creek and have to get out, that’s
when you don’t want the photographer there!
Photo courtesy of www.blcc.com.au
John and Andrew are also registered for the
Hyundai Excel rally series. By the end of this
event, John was leading the series.
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Greg and Dominic finished the rally in 12th and had a fun
day despite some mechanical troubles. At times one of
them was required to push the car whilst the other
steered. The one pushing was then required to run after
the car to jump in as they couldn’t stop! Where was the
photographer for that?!! And yes, the little Mini crossed the
creek and didn’t float away! It was great to see two big
smiles as they arrived back
at each service!
Photo courtesy of www.blcc.com.au
Greg and Dominic were given an award at the end of the rally for
competing in such a well presented car and finishing a tough rally in
a Mini which impressed the Event Director Gwyn Mulholland.
Congrats boys!
And as always, a big thank you to all of the officials.
A special mention to TCC members Bart Munachen in the Recovery Vehicle and Peter Batt
navigating for Mick Ryan in the 0 course car.
Photo courtesy of www.blcc.com.au
Photo courtesy of www.blcc.com.au
Results and more photos of the event can be found on www.blcc.com.au.
Nicole Crowley
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
MEMBER news
Congratulations to Trisha Davidson who was recently announced as the 2014
WAMS (Women of Australian Motor Sport) Senior Officials Exchange recipient.
The WAMS Senior Officials Exchange Program is now in its second year and
provides a senior female official the chance to take part in various officiating roles at
the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
As a member of TCC, we’d not only like to congratulate Trisha but also to thank
Trisha for representing Australian motorsport officials. We hope to hear of your
experience and this amazing opportunity at the recently held Formula 1 Singapore
Grand Prix.
WAMS was formed in 2010 as an interface to the FIA Women & Motor Sport
Commission. It is an official committee of CAMS aiming to increase the participation
of women across all facets of motorsport in Australia. For more information go to
www.wams.org.au
Congratulations to Roschelle (Batt) & Richard Morwood on the impending birth of
their little girl in December.
Congratulations to Jo & Batty on their impending Grandparenthood!
A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer,
the bank balance smaller, the home happier, clothes dirty,
the past forgotten and the future worth living for.
- Anonymous
Congratulations to Dave Masing &
Jess McGuinness on their recent
engagement whilst on a holiday in
Tasmania.
Congratulations to John Boston &
Cindy Mackaway on their recent
engagement.
We wish you both the happily ever
after you both deserve.
We wish you both all the happiness in
the world.
You know you're in love when you can't
fall asleep because reality is finally
better than your dreams.
- Dr. Seuss
Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes
someone special to catch your heart.
- Anonymous
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PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Non Pointscore Events
SUMMER TARMAC TWILIGHT RALLYSPRINT SERIES
North Shore Sporting Car Club are running a tarmac rallysprint series at the
Sydney International Dragway, Ferrers Road Eastern Creek.
The event will be run over one stage of 3.22km traversed up to five times giving a total distance
of 16.1km. Two recce runs will be done for crews and will consist of an untimed slow
familiarisation of the course at a speed limit of 60km/h.
As the event is a Level 1 Rallysprint, this means that you do not need a roll cage and many of the
other requirements for a rally event. Please read the Supplementary Regulations for further
information on this. The level of the event also means that you can run on a Level 2S licence.
This will not be available for purchase on the day.
The first round of this six event series will be held on Thursday, 23rd October. Documentation
starts at 4:00pm, with Driver’s Briefing at 5:15pm followed by Recce. The first car will start at
6:00pm with the event finishing at 9:15pm followed by the Trophy Presentation. Entries close for
Round 1 close on the 18th October. The number of entries will be limited to 80 accepted in order
of receipt.
The Entry fee will be $210.00 including GST for those registered for the NSSCC Summer
Rallysprint Series (Series registration is available for $30 per crew).
A discount entry for all six events is $1000 payable before the start of the first round and is non
refundable.
Entry fee for a non-registered crew is $240 per event.
The entry fee includes
* CAMS Permit Fee
* CAMS Insurance
* Event Door stickers and competition numbers
As this is a club only event, you will need to join NSSCC
($50 for membership that runs through to February 2016)
The minimum age of drivers and co-drivers is 14 years.
Cars must be regionally scrutineered, and all in-car
cameras must be installed prior to and inspected during
scrutineering.
The six rounds of this series are:
Round 1 Thursday 23rd October 2014
Round 2 Thursday 20th November 2014
Round 3 Thursday 18th December 2014
Round 4 Thursday 22nd January 2015
Round 5 Thursday 19th February 2015
Round 6 Thursday 19th March 2015
For further information including Supplementary Regulations and Entry Forms, go to
www.nsscc.com.au.
- 24 -
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Don't miss our Ultimate Track Days.
From novice to experienced drivers, Sydney’s Trackschool is committed
to bringing you the most thrilling and informative track day experience.
Track days are one of the few ways left for drivers to sensibly test their own driving skill set and the
performance of their vehicles. Without the dangers and restrictions of the open road, Trackschool track days
give you the freedom to practise your advanced driving skills. This might involve improving your cornering
lines, vehicle set-up, throttle and brake control or control of oversteer and understeer
Trackschool’s Ultimate Track Days offer you the thrill and fun of performance driving under the careful
supervision of real racing drivers. Our track day instructors have been chosen for their skill as drivers as well
as their ability to instruct at all levels. With their guidance and expertise you get an awesome track day
experience and some fantastic driving advice. When you deal with Trackschool, you are dealing with
motorsport professionals.
Trackschool has access to some of the best venues to the north and south of Sydney. Each purpose-built,
closed road environment is specially selected to provide the greatest possible variety of corners, all simulating
real conditions on the open road. Trackschool’s well supervised track days offer you, or your group, the
perfect opportunity to polish and extend your driving skills in a safe driving environment. Trackschool’s
combination of great tracks, superb supervision, technical support and professional instruction will give you
the confidence to improve your driving at your own speed and at an affordable price.
Wakefield Park Track Days
Keep an eye on
Price
From $295 per person.
www.trackschool.com.au
Vehicle
Use your own vehicle or inquire about about our race
prepped Honda Integra Type R, Mazda MX5, or Nissan
180SX
for upcoming dates.
Track amenities
Ample car parking, canteen, coffee shop, carports, lockup pit lane garaging, tower and corporate area.
Price includes
 15 minute sessions every hour
 Lunch in raceway café/canteen
 Experienced race drivers/instructors including
John Boston, Ian Dyk, Dean Evans, Ben Porter,
Tim Brook and David Sieders (Instructors may
vary on the day). All of our instructors have an
impressive motorsport portfolio.
 Theory sessions throughout the day for those
who would like it
Group organisation
Drivers will be divided into groups according to speed
and/or experience. There is a maximum of 4 groups,
(generally the weekdays have a maximum of 3 groups)
with no more than 12 cars in each group. This means
more track time for you and less traffic.
Clothing requirements
Please wear closed in
shoes, socks, long pants
and long sleeve shirt.
Bring a helmet (helmet
hire is available).
- 25 -
John 'Boz' Boston
John "Boz" Boston is the
driving force behind
Trackschool. John
started in motorsport in
1983 and has competed
at state, national and
international level in a
variety of categories on
both bitumen and dirt.
He won the 1989
Toyota/Modern MOTOR competition ‘Search For
A Champion’ and has won nine state and three
Australian championships in Motorkhanas, three
state Khanacross rally sprint championships,
multiple Improved Production Car titles, drove for
Mazda Australia in Japan in endurance events,
won the NSW round of the Australian Tarmac
Challenge in 2010 and also titles in 2008, 2009,
2010 at World Time Attack.
John made his debut in the Fujitsu V8 Supercars
at Homebush in 2010 and finished 10th. John is a
full time driver with the Toyota V6 Hilux Heroes
precision drive team, works in advanced driver
training and is a test driver for leading motoring
publications Wheels, Motor and Tarmac
Magazine.
PISTON SLAP
OCTOBER 2014
Other Motorsport Results
WRC - World Rally Championship
Driver Standings
1. Sebastien Ogier
2. Jari-Matti Latvala
3. Andreas Mikkelsen
4. Mikko Hirvonen
5. Thierry Neuville
Points
214
164
125
83
79
Last Event: Rally Australia 11-14 Sept 2014
1. Sebastien Ogier / Julien Ingrassia
2. Jari-Matti Latvala / Miikka Anttila
3. Andreas Mikkelsen / Ola Floene
Next Event: Rally de France 3-5 Oct 2014
ARC - Australian Rally Championship
Driver Standings
1. Scott Pedder
2. Brendan Reeves
3. Adrian Coppin
4. Tony Sullens
5. Michael Boaden
Points
390
367
302
264
115
Last Event: Rally Australia 11-14 Sept 2014
1. Scott Pedder / Dale Moscatt
2. Adrian Coppin / Tim Batten
3. Tony Sullens / Julia Barkley
Points
241
238
181
133
124
Last Event: Singapore Grand Prix 19-21 Sept 2014
1. Lewis Hamilton
2. Sebastian Vettel
3. Daniel Ricciardo
Points
2325
2052
2046
1982
1964
Last Event: Sandown 500 12-14 Sept 2014
1. Jamie Whincup / Paul Dumbrell
2. James Courtney / Greg Murphy
3. Garth Tander / Warren Luff
Next Event: Rally Victoria 14-15 Nov 2014
F1 – Formula One
Driver Standings
1. Lewis Hamilton
2. Nico Rosberg
3. Daniel Ricciardo
4. Fernando Alonso
5. Sebastian Vettel
Next Event: Rally de France-Alsace 3-5 Oct 201
V8 Supercars
Driver Standings
1. Jamie Whincup
2. Craig Lowndes
3. Mark Winterbottom
4. Shane Van Gisbergen
5. James Courtney
Next Event: Bathurst 1000 9-12 Oct 2014
- 26 -
Thornleigh Car Club Regalia
2014 Price List
All prices include TCC embroidered logo and GST.
Your name on regalia add $9.00
CAP
One size fits all
$19-00
SHORT SLEEVE POLO SHIRT
$34-00
Size:
MENS
Half chest measurement (cm)
S
53.5
M
56
L
58.5
XL
61
2XL
63.5
3XL
66
LADIES
Half chest measurement (cm)
8
47
10
49
12
51
14
53
16
55
18
57
20
59
L
68
XL
71
2XL
73
3XL
76
XL
68.5
2XL
71
POLY FLEECE JACKET – HALF ZIP
Size:
Half chest measurement (cm)
$55-00
XS
60
S
63
RALLY OR CASUAL WEAR JACKET
M
66
$75-00
POLY FLEECE LINED WITH HOOD
Size:
Half chest measurement (cm)
S
61
M
63.5
CHAMBRAY DRESS SHIRT - LONG SLEEVE
$47-00
- SHORT SLEEVE
Size:
L
66
$45-00
MENS – 2 Front Pockets
Half chest measurement (cm)
XS
53
S
56
M
59
L
62
XL
66
2XL
69
3XL
74
4XL
79
5XL
93
LADIES – 1 Front Pocket
Half chest measurement (cm)
8
0
10
52
12
54
14
56
16
58
18
60
20
62
22
64
24
66
Note: Half chest measurement means from underarm across chest to underarm.
If you want to order regalia, please contact Jim Richardson on 9639 0638 or email [email protected]
NOTE:
ALL ITEMS MUST BE PAID FOR AT TIME OF COLLECTION
*****LEADERS IN MOTOR SPORT SINCE 1954*****
THE CHAMPIONS OF 2013
DAVID MASING
1 Club Championship
st
1 Drivers Championship
st
1 Motorkhana Championship
st
GARRY ELLIOTT
3 Club Championship
nd
2 Khanacross Championship
rd
ANDREW CROWLEY
5th Club Championship
6th Rally Drivers Championship
Dean Batt - 1st Rally Drivers Championship
Craig Jefferies - 1st Speed Championship
Nicole Crowley -1st Ladies Championship
Bart & Michelle Munachen - Officials Award
ARON ELLIOTT
2 Club Championship
nd
2 Drivers Championship
st
1 Khanacross Championship
nd
BRETT MANEWELL
4th Club Championship
1st Rally Navigators Championship
ERNIE BOSTON
6 Club Championship
rd
3 Motorkhana Championship
th
Garry Elliott - Clubman Award
Graham Regan - Encouragement Award
Jessica McGuinness - Novice Award
David Masing – Ernie Boston Trophy