Motorkhana/Autocross, Bayers Farm, December 2002
TCS Racing is sponsored
by :
TRIPLE D
CONSULTING
Click here for photos of this event
Full results can be seen here for the autocross.
Full results can be seen here for the motorkhana.
This event was held on Sunday the 15th of December 2002. Our team drove up to Bayers Farm (just outside of Silverdale) a little early, partly to make sure we fond the place on time and partly to try and get some practice in. Unfortunately, while we had a great day things did not quite go to plan. Not long after arriving one of the club members offered to take us out and show us how to do a handbrake turn properly in the MR2. Two demonstrations, and about 1.5 minutes later, we no longer had a handbrake cable. We weren't really surprised, we knew it was in dire need of adjustment, however this meant we had to drive both events without a handbrake, and consequently we spent our time steering on throttle.
Only Troy was driving the MR2, Richard had decided to use his road car (a Mitsubishi Lancer) and Sean was unable to make it due to family commitments. Both Troy and Richard competed in the motorkhana, however only Troy competed in the autocross as Richard did not wish to damage his road car and didn't feel the need to drive the MR2.
Both cars were run using standard road tyres at standard pressures. The MR2 had recently had its rear shocks replaced, which proved highly useful as the vehicle was now able to turn and slide on the grass surface, rather than understeer like it had at the last Auckland Car Club Motorkhana we went to.
With a late start (12 pm) and estimates of 33 competitors there were only two motorkhana courses run and we only had two goes at each. Troy managed to do quite well on the first course, dramatically improving on his second run through, but did not do so well on the second course which required a lot of reversing. MR2 rear windows are quite small, and cones quickly disappear from view behind the large rear end and small window.
Richard did reasonably well in both events, but was still getting used to driving the Lancer on grass, and given recent events didn't want to use his handbrake for fear of damaging it. This meant that he struggled with under steer, especially when he planted his foot. Even with the extra power of the turbo-charger, the four wheel drive system insisted on under steering. Richard is keen to use this car again in some motorkhanas to try and find a solution to this problem. Richard had very little difficulty with the reversing events.
Due to many competitors disappearing later in the day Troy was lucky enough to get three runs of the autocross, however one might have been a better idea. Troy's first run went well, although he limited his speed to a maximum of 60k by staying in first gear. After having talked to a few other competitors, including one running a supercharged MR2 Troy decided to go faster, and on his next run started using second gear. Bad idea. The extra speed allowed Troy to go faster throughout the whole course, and he failed to anticipate the correct speed for one corner, damaging both the front right-hand corner of the MR2 and a gate/fence post. The damage to the MR2 was minor, so minor that he in fact raced again for a third time and was later able to drive the car home. Apparently this is not the first time that particular gate has been hit, and nor is it likely to be the last. On his third run, Troy came close to beating one or two club members who have been competing for many years, but unfortunately he knocked a cone over when he clipped it with his left hand side wing mirror, and this added a 5 second penalty to his time. Several club members have commented that Troys driving, particularly with regards to his control and times had improved greatly over the day.
We also discovered some other minor work that needs doing to the vehicle. One of the reversing lights does not work, and the right rear seat mount for the drivers seat needs replacing as there is too much movement between the seat and the mount according to the scrutineers - although the seat is securely mounted and safe to use. The front shocks also desperately need replacing.
TCS Racing would like to thank Trevor Bayer (and family) for allowing the HCMC the use of his farm for events, and also the HCMC for hosting this event. Troy would also like to apologise to Mr. Bayer for damaging his fence, and he's sure any bills relating to this will be forwarded to him care of the HCMC.
In the autocross Troy finished 8th out of 8 in class and 18th overall, out of about 21 entries.
In the motorkhana Troy finished 8th out of 14 in class and 25th overall, out of about 33 entries.
Richard finished 6th out of 6 in class and 32nd overall, out of about 33 entries.
Click here for photos of this event
Full results can be seen here for the autocross.
Full results can be seen here for the motorkhana.