Tarmac Series Autocross Report and Results

Fifty three competitors disregarded what appeared to be unsuitable weather for our autocross today and headed for Hampton Downs MotorSport Park to again challenge the skid pan. The team of helpers set out an interesting, and sufficiently tight course to give all vehicle types a decent area to have a play in. Some of the tighter areas were obviously going to suit the small cars, but the bigger cars also had room to stretch their legs a little. A reconnaissance run in 3 groups gave all a chance to see the correct route before we launched into the first timed run. In general the surface was very wet, traction was tenuous for most, but the rain stopped almost as soon as we got underway and times improved as the surface finally started to dry out, so much so that the first round saw the final runner, Richard Sutherland, fastest in his BMW 3 Series. The second run was dry and times began to tumble, and by the time the third run came around competitors had a good feel for the surface and again the times took a battering.
In the end our overall winner, and winner of our smallest Class A was Russell Jenkins in his Suzuki Swift. Russell has been a regular with us for a while and this is his first round win. Second was JJ Strydom in his smokey Corolla, also being the fastest Junior and top in Class B. Class C was taken out by Craig Russell in his Honda Integra, and Class D was won by Chris McPhail in his Nissan Pulsar GTiR. Our top women was Julie Mitchell, and fastest Fiat was Lee Sinkinson in his Fiat Tipo Sedicivalvole.
All in all, a great day was had by all who got out of bed early and made their way to the superb venue. Rain was something we only saw very briefly, although several Hamilton competitors reported travelling through hail on the way to the event.
Look forward to seeing you all at the 3rd round at Hiwi Road on Sunday 14 August.
Campbell
Results of Autocross

July 11th, 2011