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MAGAZINE
April 2014 Edition
PO Box 3052 Glendale NSW 2285
Westlakes Automobile Club
Index
Your WAC
Committee
New & Renewing WAC Members
Brent Blackwell
Cyril
Croker
Damian Grahame
Michael Guest
Graeme Humbles
Sue Humbles
Holly Hunter
Jack Hunter
Malcom Hunter
Richard Hunter
Jared Liverod
Jessica Liverod
Jonny Liverod
Carolyn Meek
Jamie Lee Meek
Lauren Meek
Steven Meek
Tegan Meek
Aaron Mowett
Darren Mowett
Pauline Mowett
Tara Mowett
Brianna OttMark
Turnbull
Tenielle Turnbull
Tyler Turnbull
Ben SempleAdam
Williamson
Anne Williamson
Kent Williamson
Will Garland
Renewed Members for 2014
New Members for 2014
Hi everyone!Welcome to the 2014 WAC Season! I hope you enjoy the first Wheelspin edition of the year. As I am new to the Magazine Editor position, I would love any help/advice/stories/photos that you can throw at me!As most of you know, I will not be competing for part of this season as I am currently creating another rally driver and unable to fit in my race seat, let alone be allowed in it! Not competing will give me a great opportunity to cheer on our WAC competitors from the sidelines as well as snap a few pictures – I’m really looking forward to it but I can’t wait to get back in the seat as soon as possible. My last event was the unexpected roll and a half in the black Familia, so very keen to get back out there with you all in our new car later on in the year.2014 is shaping up to be a great year, with 5 events planned and executed perfectly by our wonderful club volunteers.These events would not be possible without their tireless work, and we really do need more volunteers to ensure we don’t burn them out! If you can help out at any events this year, in any way,
please let one of the Committee members know. You can find out on Page 9 how helping out can
earn you free entries!We have some great stories and picture contributions this edition and we’ve also had some FANTASTIC photographers attending our events of late, and I have included some of their pictures in this edition. Make sure to check out the WAC Facebook page for updates and links to photos taken at events as well.I am currently on the hunt for Wheelspin contributions. Do you take pictures? Did you recently compete for the first time? Would you like to cover an event for us? Maybe write a story on the build of your new rally weapon? We all love engine porn pics! Send ‘em in guys n gals! (I said ENGINE porn…) You can send your submissions to [email protected] or come and see me at the track. This is YOUR magazine, lets make it awesome!
Good Luck to Everyone for 2014!
Tara Rogers
www.facebook.com/WestlakesAutomobileClub
Upcoming WAC Events
Other Upcoming Events
2nd February Multiclub
Motorkhana
1st Outright
Kenneth Atkins
Suzuki Buggy
2nd Outright
Evan Van Leeuwen
Camdak
3rd Outright
Chris Granger
Mozzie
23rd FebruaryState
Motorkhana
1st Outright
Warwick Butt
Mini Special
2nd Outright
Corrinne East-Johnston
Mini Special
3rd Outright
Phillip East
Mini Special
16th March
WAC
Khanacross
1st Outright
Adrian Turnbull
Subaru
2nd Outright
Keith Toward
Buggy
3rd Outright
Jason Parrot
Subaru
Latest WAC Results
23rd MarchState
Motorkhana
1st Outright
Corrine East-Johnson
Mini Special
2nd Outright
Phillip East
Mini Special
3rd Outright
Warwick Butt
Mini Special
12th AprilWAC
Rallysprint
S2 - 1st Outright
Giddins/Brown
Evo5
S2 - 2nd Outright
Jamieson/Farrell
Evo6
S2 - 3rd Outright
S.Jones/R.Jones
Subaru
S1 – 1st Outright
A.Turnbull/K.Turnbull
Subaru
S1 – 2nd Outright
Grimes/Durham
Celica
S1 – 3rd Outright
K.Turnbull\A.Turnbull
Subaru
Working Bee
On Saturday 22nd March, WAC members pitched in and gave Awabawac Park
some much needed maintenance. The turnout was fantastic and much
appreciated. Our helpers came armed with mowers, whipper snippers, garden
shears, tools and utes in an effort to bring our grounds up to scratch.
Spectator areas have been mowed and whipper snipped. Fences around the
Spectator Areas have also been repaired and the large ditch near the toilets and
canteen was filled in.
In addition to the major landscaping, the toilets and canteen area were given a
much needed spruce up, whilst the Motorkhana areas were graded much to Kyle
Allen’s drifting delight.
To those that attended our much needed working bee –THANK YOU!! If you can
help your club maintain your motorsport park in any way – please come along to
our next working bee.
Come and help the Club – you could
earn a FREE Entry*!
HOW?*Participate in a Working Bee or
Official/Volunteer at an event and
every 3 times you help you earn either: a FREE entry for a
Motorkhana or Khanacross OR
$50 off a Rallysprint entry.
As we have started a brand new year of motorsport and have welcomed many new faces to Awabawac Park, it is time for a few reminders in regards to venue safety.Motorsport can be dangerous and Westlakes Automobile Club takes every precaution to ensure your competitive and spectator experience is as safe as possible. To ensure the safety of all who enter Awabawac Park, it is essential that all rules set by the club are followed. Regulations, Speed Limits and Restrictions are all covered in each and every drivers’ briefing, however we’d like to cover a few of them here for everyone’s benefit.
Safety in Motorsport
Stay inside the designated spectator areas at all times. Barriers and fences are there to protect you. You are not permitted outside this area for any reason.
Do not sit or climb on fences or barriers. This can cause damage to the boundary and also poses a risk of injury to the individual.
Ensure children have adequate supervision and do not go near moving vehicles or wander beyond the spectator zones.
Spectating
Abide by the event regulations set out in the Supplementary Regulations and Drivers’ Briefing.
Only carry people in your vehicle that are signed on and only if there is a seat for that person. Do not carry extra persons, even if only between events/courses.
Take care and observe when entering and exiting the pits/car park area. Be aware of pedestrians in these areas. Do not drive faster than a walking pace.
Competing
Hi one & all,
The first Khanacross for the year was run & won on Sunday (16th), 53 competitors is a good attendance for the start of
this series. There were 2 long tracks contested on what was a little wet here & there, after overnight rain & several
downpours during the week it wasn't too bad at all !
I saw a few new faces having their first adventure into the unknown, it was also good to see the juniors with their
parent or partner in the silly seat, you know its funny to listen to the stories of a no- fear male telling their female
partners to slow down, cause they are scaring them, (no names revealed - red laser turbo)!!
The moment you wish you could take back when it happens, was when Rob Monk in his immaculate Corolla was trying
a scando flick, he was looking right, car went left, then he had to do a seven point turn to end up going the right way, in
front of all to see - was good entertainment, thanks Rob.
I couldn't believe the number of Subaru's in the field, must come with every box of cornflakes you buy these days!
Whoops, didn't mean to upset anyone ....much, lol.
William Swan was so obsessed with beating his dad that he forgot about the last right hand turn on track 4 & said hello
to some barriers (pretty sure I saw a smile on dads face).
Members Event Reports
WAC Khanacross – Sunday 16th March
Ok its my turn to be embarrassed, in 21 years I have never gone through a stop garage, but there is always a first for
everyone, started with my misjudgement of how close the tyres were to my car & caressing a few, so annoyed at myself for
doing so, proceeded to rectify the situation by tearing into the garage & through it, without a hope in hell of stopping!!!
You would think the officials might give an old bloke a break, but oh no! 84 seconds added.
Many thanks to Saturday's set up crew consisting of: Steve & Tegan Meek, Steve O'Brien, Ben Semple, Dave Wykes
& Kristy ( I forgot about the 12'oclock wheel alignment ) Turnbull.
Sundays Officials were: John Williamson, Kristy Turnbull (Event Secretary), Steve Meek & Leon Swan (Scrutineers), and Dave
Anderson (Director). The Track Officials - Darren Green, Dave Grant, Graham & Adam Clarke, ( Timekeepers) Dave Wright
(Trainee Timekeeper) Peter Phillips, Keith Smith (Trainee Track Officials). Many thanks goes to all these people.
In the Canteen: the team of Narelle van Leeuwen with Daughter Gemma; Phoebe & CamieTurnbull and Courtney O'Brien
(between competition runs) did a terrific job keeping the patrons fed & watered, thanks very much “ladies.” It would be
nice to see some more people involved in some way in the Canteen, it is not an easy task to gather supplies, cook & serve the
food etc, but I suppose there is more chance of winning Lotto than getting any extra help, we can only hope !!!
Thanks to all the competitors for their patronage on the day, hope you enjoyed yourselves & look forward to seeing you
again.
Regards
Col Pogson
Members Event Reports
WAC Khanacross – Sunday 16th March CONTINUED…
M23 State Motorkhana – Rnd 2 NSW Championship, Rnd 3 WAC
A weird and oddly fun day was had by the 37 Competitors from 8 different clubs. The weather was awesome. Maybe a bit warm for some. The first event being the Waltz Slalom brought even the most seasoned experienced drivers undone. The reverse aspect always makes it more interesting. Car setup and helmets can be a driver’s worst enemy when it comes to reversing.Event 2 – Lazy Eight, personally this event was my most embarrassing moment since I started this sport a year ago. My very first Green Garage! I’m not sure what happened exactly, maybe I am not used to going in a straight line back to the Garage, there is always a flag or something to have to go around. The funniest part about the whole thing is I was going so hard, and was so pleased with my performance that I didn’t even realise what I had done until I seen my husband Dave give me a “What are you doing” shrug. Only then do I look at the sea of Green Flags that are surrounding my little Bubble. Stopped in the wrong garage oh! the shame of it. I did have a big laugh and earned myself a round of applause from the crowd.Event Number 3 on the day was definitely my favourite – Try Angles, very quick and one that you have to stay focused for. It seems so much longer than a lot of the other courses and a momentary lapse of concentration can undo anyone... Hey Dave!Event Number 4 on the day was the Gate Slalom. Who doesn’t just love this one. I had some handbrake issues on this one. Being that it didn’t feel as though I had one anymore. I ran up through the Slalom and was on my way back, I turned a sharp left and ripped on the handbrake as hard as I possibly could. In turn this caused the Bubble to lift up onto two wheels. Whoa what a rush! Obviously the Handbrake was still working. Event 5 was Reverse Lazy Eight, nice and quick and I managed to go into the right garage on this one. Which was great because whenever I do anything clumsy or wrong it always seems to be in front of Col Pogson and I keep earning myself a mention in his Weekend Reports.Last but not least Event 6 the Double Loop, looks a lot harder than it is. Great course to finish off a day that flowed very smoothly. Congratulations to all that entered I hope you all had as much fun as I did. I would like to thank all those who make these events as great as they are.
See you at the next Motorkhana.Deb Wright
Members Event Reports
I still can't quite believe my luck, getting to jump in and navigate for Chris
Giddins (2013 NSW Rally Championship winner) at the Bago Rally on 15 March
2014. Not only because my limited experience would still place me firmly in the
"novice" category, having only started navigating 10 months ago; but because if I
were his regular navigator, Damian Grahame, there's no way I would allow
anyone else into that seat! Chris' Evo VI is a bit of a weapon, and Chris handles it
with incredible precision and familiarity; making for a ride that is very fast,
beautifully rhythmic and brilliant fun.
The Bago Rally, based out of Kendall on the mid-north NSW coast, was the first
round of the Pipe King Southern Cross Rally Series. Scott Keys and the Hastings
Sporting Car Club did a commendable job putting the event together and
promoting it, and it kicked off with a great field of 43 entrants.
The structure of the event was almost identical to the 2013 round, with 5 stages
repeated, the longest being about 17ks and the shortest about 4ks. The roads were
generally in great condition, with just a couple of short, rough sections.
Members Event Reports
Bago Rally – Round 1 Pipe King Southern Cross Rally Series
Bago Rally – Round 1 Pipe King Southern Cross Rally Series Continued…In 2013, I was navigating in a Toyota Celica, and remember how fast the long straights were at the end of Stage 4.
That was nothing compared to how quickly we were moving in the Evo this time around! At one time, I looked
up and thought to myself that I really should be feeling scared - pure testament to the insanity of the rally-
obsessed. The car hit 160k/h with ease, and all the while Chris is continuing to chat to me, telling me about this
one time that he crashed on this very road - he's an extremely relaxed driver!
The final stage started on the Old Highway, with 600m of Tarmac then dirt for 400m before a wide left-hand
bend. The first time around, Chris pushed the Evo hard, hitting 180k/h on the tarmac, and then backing off
moderately when we reached the dirt. Second time around, there was no backing off. The speedo only goes to
180k/h, and we were definitely going faster than that when the wheels found the gravel - he lifted off only
slightly, bringing the speed down to about 170k/h to tackle the left-hand turn. It was incredibly exhilarating!
For a novice, I think I did an "ok" job on the day. The hardest part was remembering to concentrate, and not
allow myself to be distracted by the blur of the forest or Chris' conversation. We did have one moment, on the
very first stage. The road went over a crest and forked, straight on, or to the right. The call was "Keep Right".
Chris missed it, went straight on through the parawebbing, pulled up behind the road closure official's car and,
looking for a quick escape route, cut through some more bunting to get back on the road. He was quick to point
out that he hadn't made a mistake like that in years, and that it's probably because he was having trouble
adjusting to my voice, which is (surprisingly) higher-pitched than Damian's. Not a particularly creative way to
pass the blame to the navigator, I thought.
Members Event Reports
Members Event Reports
Bago Rally – Round 1 Pipe King Southern Cross Rally Series Continued…
We finished the event first outright, by over 3 minutes. In second place was Richard Shimmon in his RX7, with
Scott Fletcher, my brother, as the co-driver. Without Scott's help, I would probably have never made it into a
rally car - he has spent countless hours teaching me everything he knows about the sport and co-driving. It
was very satisfying to find that we finished the event 1st and 2nd outright.
Overall, it was a brilliant day - two weeks later, I'm still buzzing. The event was well-run, compact, relaxed and
great fun; thanks to both the organisers and the team, both Chris and his "service crew", Darren Green.
Needless to say, I'm very much looking forward to the next event!
Katie Fletcher
Counting down the Calendar for our first event from the end of a season takes
forever but finally it was here and we set off to the J & K Services Rallysprint
to be held at Echidna Gully, Armidale. It had also been years since NESCC had
held an event like this and we were all very excited to get to run it. The field
was full with 30 competitors from NSW and QLD with varied cars such as 4wd,
Classic, and even an Alpha. Everything was in one location at Echidna Gully
from the Accommodation, Food, Service Park, Racing and even a Bar so it
made for a very relaxed, social and enjoyable weekend.
We had been told the event was to be on shire roads that were fast but they
were better than we had expected and yes they were fast! We can now proudly
say we finally have had our Subaru in 5th gear and loved it. There was a nice
open hairpin that we couldn’t help but call Awaba style on run 1 after going
through it.
Chris Giddins and Damian Grahame were in second position at lunch time in
the Evo and boy they were quick. Every time they went out, they took another
couple of seconds off their previous time. Peter Roberts and Jim Gleeson
would keep doing this also keeping them in first. It was going to be a close
event between the two Teams in their Evo’s. After Lunch Chris and Damo went
to go out for their first run in the reverse direction however Chris knew
straight away that something was not right and pulled out due to Turbo issues.
Members Event Reports
NSW Rallysprint Series Round 1
Adrian Turnbull and myself (Kristy Turnbull) could not stop grinning. Every time we were
out on the stage it was a highlight and then to come in and be joined by fellow
competitors having a laugh it just made it so much better. Our service Crew Mark Turnbull
and Tegan McCormack were happy with only filling the fuel tank up and cleaning the
windows as there was no incidents or problems with the car, although there was an RA40
there that you could tell Tegan just wanted to jump in and go for a run. Our times kept
coming down each time we went out and we were so excited to finish with the added
bonus of being in 4th outright.
Peter Houghton and P Bosner turned up in true Mr Houghton style by driving his Datsun
1600 to the event. I would love to think I will still be enjoying life when I am older but I
admire the way he can still throw a Rally Car around at 78 years young. He is so neat and
makes it look easy – which it isn’t. In true form the car looked just as fantastic at the end
of the event for the drive home again.
Jack Whiteman and S Beaufoy in the Purple Datsun 1600 also looked smooth and fast,
maybe its something do with old school Datsun 1600’s that just look great with the right
driver and navigator in them.
Members Event Reports
NSW Rallysprint Series Round 1 Continued…
Members Event Reports
NSW Rallysprint Series Round 1 Continued…
Scott Sherry and Chris Cherry set out in Scott’s Skyline after having
repairs for the past 8 months, but boy they were worth it to have some
fun again. They improved on their times throughout the day and
finished with smiles on their faces with the car straight, what more
could you ask for? An extra special Congratulations to Scott as this was
his first time ever driving in the forest and Chris for jumping in.
Shannon Jeffries and R McShane set out for Shannon’s Debut run in his
Lancer. Another Team to have a ball of fun while improving on times
and getting used to the car. The grins on their faces said it all - which
continued into the night.
All in all everyone seemed to have a lot of fun Racing at Armidale,
catching up with friends and making new ones. I know we will be back
and thank you NESCC for putting on such a great event.
Kristy Turnbull
Thanks to Aaron Beard for the photos
Hi All,
What a drama filled event Saturday's Rallysprint was! 46 starters battled some wet & dry surfaces, the threat of rain,
track degradation, several rollovers, a few off road excursions - either by driver error or mechanical failure; but
somehow we had a good time, even though the finish was late in the evening due to stoppages and the lack of
volunteers to help keep things running smoothly.
Thank you to the officials:
John Williamson (Steward & Secretary), Kristy Turnbull (Documentation), Ben Semple, (Timing, Recovery) &
Darren Green (Director).
Track Safety Points:
Craig Fitzpatrick, Joshua Foreman, Graham & Adam Clarke (again), Luke Daly, Scott Sherry, Peter Philips , Leo
Main, Scott Micales & Tony Raiti.
In the Canteen were: Kylie Inskip & Warren Roach,Tenielle, Phoebe, & Tyler Turnbull, Steve Ducat - great job guys !
A couple of funny incidents noted were the Honda Civic of Nigel Dobbie doing a 180 heading down towards the
creek, missing everything except the washing of the underwear when he got home & Rob Monk in his
Corolla (becoming our spectator entertainer lately) with his love affair of the banks & we’re not talking money
banks.
Col Pogson
Members Event Reports
WAC Rallysprint - 12th April
A LITTLE PANEL BEATING AND SOME REPAIRS TO THE BONNET OF THE DATSUN 1600 AND ITS READY
TO RACE AGAIN!
ANOTHER BLACK FAMILIA DOES A BARREL ROLL AT AWABA
THE GEMINI LOOKING A LITTLE WORSE FOR WEAR AND VERY MUDDY BUT WITH NO MAJOR
DAMAGE
COMPETITORS CHECKING OUT A SURPRISINGLY GOOD TRACK CONSIDERING THE RECENT
WEATHER
Members Event Reports
WAC Rallysprint - 12th April
PHOTOS BY MAGAZINE EDITOR
Congratulations!
A big congratulations to Kyle and Chelsea who have recently gotten ENGAGED!
We wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Thanks to Kyle’s sister Tiffany for the pictures of Kyle and Chelsea with their nephew.
Nice sticker…
I’m always keen to see photos our members send into Wheelspin Magazine -
especially when it involves the keen competition between our 4WD drivers, and
the never ending Evo/Subie debate! Recently, William Swan sent me this picture
of the new sticker he has had made up for his Subaru….
As much as I love my Evo’s – I thought this sticker was pretty funny and clever!
Although it appears someone in the club thinks William should finish his sentences… Soon after he sent me the photos, Wheelspin received these updated photos– sent in by an anonymous source…
“Hear No Evo, See No Evo, Fear No Evo”
The Good Ol’ Days
Awaba in the late ‘70s
Check out the old truck pan in the background for the office &
catering!
Awaba in the early ‘80s
Stephen Marselos -Motorkhana
Awaba in the late ‘90s
David Granger -Khanacross
How great are these photos sent in by Ronald Dean?
Awabawac Park back in the 1970s, ‘80s and 90s!
Great Shots @ Awaba
F23 MotorkhanaPhotos: Steve Daggarhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/sdaggar
Great Shots @ Awaba
F23 MotorkhanaPhotos:John Valentinehttps://www.flickr.com/photos/pominoz68
Promote your SponsorsThanks to all the businesses that help our
members stay on the track!
If you’d like to show your sponsors some love, send in your pictures to [email protected]
