Alfa Romeo Owners Club of Australia Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: redalfaracing on October 02, 2009, 07:01:32 AM

Title: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on October 02, 2009, 07:01:32 AM
The supp regs are now out for the 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial run by PAC.
Included in this years trial is an introductory trial. The Keith Rawson Introductory Trial. If any one wants to have a go at a Rally/Trial it is an easy way to go. can do it in a road car on a ns licence. About 90 kms competitive all navigation. Just would need a car with reasonable ground clearance and some rally tyres.
28th November out of Willow Grove. Happy to give more details. Supp Regs Here ; http://www.pakenhamautoclub.org.au/sup_regs_19.html

Plus, if any one would like to have their very own spectator point we are looking for road closure officials.
no officials licence required just a deck chair , food , drink (and a camera.)
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on October 02, 2009, 04:36:26 PM
If i were to change the shock absorbers in the alfetta, reckon it would be right to enter? Also, is there a source anywhere of used rally tires that might be suitable? i'm obviously not going to be quick so as long as they were usable they would be fine for my purposes.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on October 03, 2009, 08:01:40 AM
Mat, reckon the alfetta would be just fine, as long as it isn't lowered. 14 inch 2hd rally tyres are a bit thin on the ground but 15's are plentiful. i have plenty of 15 inch tyres that would do the job. good lights are probably the most important thing you need to think about. you can only drive fast if you can see where you are going. be great to see another Alfa in victorian rallying!!
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on October 03, 2009, 10:51:02 AM
Not sure if this would be a long term adventure or a short lived one, but i'd bloody love to give it a go  ;D

Only have one set of 15 inch wheels, and i'm not sure if younger brother would be keen on a lend. But then he did say he would navigate so i might get lucky. I'll start looking though.

I have a set of super oscars in the garage with all the necessary gear to get them functional, so lighting shouldn't be an issue.

Need to do the throw out bearing and starter motor in that car as well, so might be pushed for time, but i'll see how it's looking and keep you updated  :)
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Anthony Miller on October 08, 2009, 01:24:45 PM
Hey Mat, sent you a PM regarding wheels
Anthony
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on October 09, 2009, 11:48:57 AM
Thanks Anthony,

So far have made absolutely zero progress on this Alfetta. Too busy. Rally not looking good. May still be interested in the wheels anyway, leave it with me a week or two, assuming you are in no hurry. Need to sort out the 75 first.

Cheers
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on October 09, 2009, 09:55:08 PM
Mat, wouldnt worry about doing too much to the 'fetta. If it goes ok on the road, that would be good enough to have a dip. As i said, 2 hand rally tyres and some driving lights are all you need. 90 k's comp, have a few giggles.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on October 31, 2009, 09:27:04 PM
Mat, how you going with car prep for the introductory trial. only 2 entries so far. enter and worst you would do is 3rd!!! ( 20 in the full trial)


Still looking for officials. great night out , no experience necessary
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on October 31, 2009, 11:21:47 PM
To be honest it wasn't looking good Greg. Was very undecided if i wanted to put the car through it or not. Sounds like a great event, and if there is only two entries i guess i don't have a choice, i will just have to do it. Would be a real shame if events like this couldn't be run in the future due to lack of support.

Car is actually coming along pretty well. So far have replaced the di dion front bush, the two front gearbox mounts, new clutch throw out bearing, fully rebuilt gearbox (didn't do this bit myself unfortunately, just swapped it in for the old one), 2 new rear discs and four driveshaft boots.

Car will be drive able on monday, so with any luck from there it will just be a matter of mounting the super oscars, (going to pinch the wiring from the high beams temporarily, as it is already all relayed, unless anyone can think of a reason why this might not be such a good idea?), and doing the run around for wheels and tyres.

Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 01, 2009, 06:29:22 PM
Alright further update, and a few questions to go with it.

Firstly, i have managed to borrow a terra trip computer thing which i'm informed is pretty helpful. Gotta find time to set that up as well now.

In regards to navigation, are you aware what sort the trial will be run as? (did i miss it in the regs?) I'm just going to state right here that i know nothing about rally, and only found out there was more than one type of navigation today.

This being the case, would younger brother Scott be able to navigate do you think? Or should i be looking elsewhere for someone with a bit more experience?

Next thing, i don't have mudflaps on the car. Any recommendations on where to buy them? I highly doubt the usual sources for parts would stock such a thing.

Cheers
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 01, 2009, 08:47:11 PM
Quote from: Mat Francis on November 01, 2009, 06:29:22 PM
Firstly, i have managed to borrow a terra trip computer thing which i'm informed is pretty helpful. Gotta find time to set that up as well now.
Cheers
Yes Mat, a terra trip is pretty usefull. put the probe on the left front wheel. weld the nut supplied to the disc brake shroud thingy, so the probe can count the back of the wheel studs. need 1.5 mm clearance ( which turns out to be 1 turn of the probe. i think the thread is 7/16 unf if you need to get a nut)
Quote from: Mat Francis on November 01, 2009, 06:29:22 PM
In regards to navigation, are you aware what sort the trial will be run as? (did i miss it in the regs?) I'm just going to state right here that i know nothing about rally, and only found out there was more than one type of navigation today.

This being the case, would younger brother Scott be able to navigate do you think? Or should i be looking elsewhere for someone with a bit more experience?

Yes Mat i am aware as i wrote the road book. I can't really tell you anything about the navigation as it is suposed to be a surprise to all crews, but, if you can plot a grid reference onto a map and join dots together with a highlighter, then follow the lines you have drawn as you drive down the road ( the tricky part) you can probably do it. there will be experienced navigators (and even me) floating around whilst you are plotting to help out the crews in the intro trial. No one is going to want you going out with an incorrect route drawn on your map. You are supposed to enjoy yourself and want to come back for another go some day. I you find it too hard i doubt that you would? BUT, if you want to find an experienced nav it would probably help you, but not help Scott.

Quote from: Mat Francis on November 01, 2009, 06:29:22 PM
Next thing, i don't have mudflaps on the car. Any recommendations on where to buy them? I highly doubt the usual sources for parts would stock such a thing.

Revolution racegear have great mudflap material. sheet rubber stuff hold it on with pop rivets and cable ties

great to see you are interested. hope this helps. happy to answer any other questions.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 02, 2009, 02:04:01 PM
Thanks Greg. Plenty of info there to keep me busy for a while. I'm sure there will be more questions soon
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 02, 2009, 09:53:21 PM
no worries Mat. Jyst got back from driving the route with the checker. Roads looking great. You will enjoy it i think.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Evan Bottcher on November 02, 2009, 10:31:41 PM
Mat.

Please oh please have someone take photos.

That is all.  thanks, Evan.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 02, 2009, 11:29:49 PM
Don't worry Evan, there will be at least 2 professional rally photographers there and at least 50 Amateur happy snappers ( road closure officials) Most of the stuff ups... er  i mean action get documented!!!
Considered coming along and helping with a road closure? One of the biggest issues from now on is getting enough helpers so guys like Mat can have a night of motorsport. We need about 80 people for road closures and control officials.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 07, 2009, 11:44:13 AM
It is with great regret and apology that i have to inform you that i won't be making it to the trial this year  >:(

To cut a long story short, after test driving the car yesterday, it definitely wasn't up to scratch. Badly badly badly needed new bearings in the clutch housing and a subsequent driveline vibration sorted out.

In what was our personal record, dad and i removed and stripped everything off the housing in 45 minutes. I was still dead keen (even if dad wasn't), and quite ready to be up late at nights preparing the car.

Dropped the housing off to Huey, and was all set to pick it up on my way to Sandown this morning, the goal being to have the car 100% sorted by next Saturday.

Got back home just in time to get to work at the fish and chip shop, and all was well for a good three hours. Then, clean up time at 830, managed to do the stupidest thing i have done in a long time. I was cleaning the hotplate, got a bit enthusiast trying to do it quickly, and my hand slipped off the scourer thing i was using. Only touched the plate for a split second, but the boiling oil stuck to my hand long enough to make it pretty nasty. Spent my Saturday night in the hospital.

As such, under specific instruction from the doctor, i am not allowed to touch the car for a week, due to the obvious risk of infection. Whilst i may be able to finish the car and add all the necessary extras before the race, i have exams at tafe during the next fortnight, and find myself actually needing to study for the first time this year.

Sorry for the big lead up and disappointment, but it's just not going to work this time. The bug's still there though, i'll be looking out for future events i'm allowed to enter  :)
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Jekyll and Hyde on November 07, 2009, 12:26:44 PM
Quote from: Mat Francis on November 07, 2009, 11:44:13 AM
Spent my Saturday night in the hospital.

Wow - Back to the future!
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 07, 2009, 07:53:58 PM
Mat, i know exactly how you are feeling right now. After months of prep building my gtv6 i find that because of time lost in the last week with the flu i can't see that i can go to the Alpine with a fully prrepared car. Bitterly disappointed, but thats life. The up side is i now have a 99% finished gtv6 prc and by 1st event next year i will be ready.

I will try and entry in the George Woods, A novice trial , maybe you will be ready for that one too. How good would that be? 2 Alfas in the same trial.

Get that hand better soon.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 09, 2009, 02:31:24 PM
As long as it isn't before about mid December, then yes, count me in for the George Woods trial  :)
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 11, 2009, 08:27:15 PM
Mat, be in late Feb. 1st event for the year. You want to still come up to the trial on the 28th of November and do a road closure for me. be good to get a bit of a look at some side ways action in the dirt. Get in early and you can have a road on a sharp corner!
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 11, 2009, 10:05:10 PM
Alright deal. Count me in for a road closure  ;D

Evan- i'll take plenty of photos. Pity they won't be of my car
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 12, 2009, 09:15:29 PM
Mat, I have organised a really fast right hander, big wide road, hard surface. the fast guys will really back it in from a long way out. You will need a shovel to get the dust of your teeth , you will be grinning so much. Enjoy!


Any other takers?
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 21, 2009, 10:11:33 PM
Entry list for the event ( entries close 18:00 hrs Wednesday 25/11/09)
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 27, 2009, 05:57:01 PM
All set for a night of rallying around Willow Grove/ noojee tomorrow evening. 45 entries, first car away at 20:40. There will be a spectator point, guides available at trial hq . Dust suppressant has been added the last couple of days with more forecast. Mat Francis has secured his personal spectator point for the evening, hope he takes some great photos as i won't see any action. I will be stuck in trial hq all night.
Come along and see what it is all about.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on November 29, 2009, 04:33:53 PM
Wow! Where to start. Best day/ night out in a long time!

Picked up Jimmy at 230 yesterday, got all our stuff sorted and left about 3ish. We were having way too much fun just being out on the open road, and proceeded to get mildly lost somewhere around Yarra Junction. Eventually Jimmy made himself useful and got us back on track  :)

I think it was called yarra junction noojee road? Anyway, best piece of road i have ever driven. No question. About 40km of twisties, 80% of which is 100km. 100 clicks around many of those corners is suicide. Needless to say, the TS absolutely loved it. Left it in second, and just backed off a bit whenever we found the limiter. We genuinely could not believe how much fun we were legally having, and we weren't even there yet!

Arrived at HQ about 5 i think. Signed on, got organised, then went and kicked tyres/watched the cricket for about 2 hours.

Eventually we convoyed out to our closure, and the only disappointment of the night was that we didn't get to travel all that far along the course before we had to pull off. Had a quick explore, found a good viewing spot, and then just as we decided to go have a bit of a relax in the car for a while, (i had been up since 5am, and Jimmy, well, he got home at 5am...), it started to bucket down. Perfect.

Our biggest problem was that we forgot the aerogaurd. Absolute rookie mistake. As such we sealed ourselves in the car and talked s***/ killed mosquitoes for near enough to three hours. Not the world's most exciting activity, but i'd be lying if i said i didn't have fun anyway.

I'm not sure if it worked out so well for everyone else too, but just before the first car arrived the rain stopped. Couldn't have time it better if it was on a switch. Ventured up onto a fallen tree, which allowed us to see about 3 corners down the gully, and gave an awesome view of the exit of the last corner in sight

Last car came through about 1ish? sorta lost track of time by this point. waited about another hour, couple of sweep cars later, we flagged down a datto 1600. The guy told us we were right to go if we wanted, but there were still a couple of recovery vehicles coming through pretty hot. We could either wait for them, or just be very aware that they were coming if we chose to leave. Seriously, did he think we were going to turn down a challenge like that?   ;D

We only would of driven about 2km worth of course, but probably the most fun i've ever had behind the wheel. Boot full of tools, petrol, wet weather stuff, etc, only doing about 70k, but it was unbelievable. Completely different style of driving to anything i've ever done, but once i got the feel for it it was just awesome. Amazed at how balanced the car was once you got your foot into it. I'm stuffed now. I've got the bug good and proper.

Made it home some time around 4. Slept pretty well after all that.

Unfortunately we didn't take any photos. I didn't think it would be all that nice to have a flash going off in your face mid corner, and it would of been the only way you would of seen anything. We did, however, film near enough to every car coming past. So if Jimmy gets organised and passes the footage on to me, or even puts it up himself, you can still all get your fix.

I'll be driving the George Woods Trial if the preparation for it kills me.




Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on November 30, 2009, 09:15:04 PM
Mat, Glad you enjoyed it. The torrential rain proved to be a challange for all.

Drivers found the roads to be very slippery in places. Most roads were hard road metal base, but the first half of 1st competitive was granetic sand road which was still very grippy except for the occasional clay patches which were like ice. Add to this the fogged up windows and the fact that none of the crews had rallyed on these roads before meant there was a lot of "offs" early on.

Officials had to brave the rain, wind and lightning to mark cards and perform their allotted tasks.

The directing team had to battle with a faulty repeater on Mt Tanjil ( possible rain affected) which meant radio coms were patchy and when they worked were full of static.

I had to reroute the stage Mat was on and do a rewrite of transport 7 to avoid a clay surface road, which meant cancelling the section with the spec point on it.

Mat, i would be interested to hear how you ended up at rc6.4 ( Kenny Spur Track) when i had you on rc6.2 (Rowleys Ridge Road).

below is the very unofficial scores of the night,

David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial

O/R Crew Car POINTS
1 Mark Millar/Dion Clayton Datsun 240Z 17:10
2 Sean Hudgson/Phil Nicholas Datsun 1600 18:44
3 Rob Davis/Andrew Taylor Nissan Sunny GTi 20:16
4 Adam Bloomfield/Brett Williams Holden Commodore VH 27:22
5 Daniel Anderson(#)/Ian Rice(#) Hyundai Excel 27:32
6 David Gates/Bree Tapper Mazda MX5 29:34
7 Steve Porter/Aidan O'Halloran Mazda RX7 34:24
8 Michael Bansagi/Leeham Bansagi Datsun 1200 36:38
9 Aiden Peart/Darren Miller Datsun 260Z 36:55
10 Simon Ellis/Ian Ellis Subaru Legacy RS 44:26
11 Lachlan Smith(J)/Gerard Blum Ford Escort 46:49
12 Daniel Fynch/Michelle Fynch Toyota Corolla AE102 60:31
13 Mark Sichlau/Luke Vieceli Datsun 180B 67:17
14 Daryl King/Chris Barrett Toyota Corolla 75:22
15 Rowan Woollard/Chris Bolton Datsun 1600 83:33
16 Ross Stapleton/Chris Petrie(J) Subaru WRX STi 85:41
17 Tim Stuchbery(#)/Sue McCready(#) Holden
Commodore 90:42
18 Ben MacKenzie(#)/Liam Dunn(#) Datsun 1600 92:47
19 Matthew Barr/Mark Burnett Hyundai Excel 94:39
20 Daniel Smith/Michelle Smith Holden Astra 102:32
21 Rian Calder/Daniel Hall Ford Escort 110:08
22 Brett Mackieson/Stephen Doughty Diahatsu Charade De
Tomaso 116:27
23 Steve Piggott/James Maxwell Nissan Bluebird 119:48
24 Colin Sichlau(S)/Rick Thorpe(S) Isuzu Gemini PF60E 124:42
25 Robert McKenzie(S)/David Balfour(S) Subaru Leone 132:08
26 Ross O'Reilly(#)/Phil Hurle(#) Nissan Bluebird 910 143:54
27 Rohan Crouch(#)/Troy Allott(#) Holden Commodore 150:22

Did not finish the event
Trevor Woods/Kimberley Woods Datsun 1600 DNF(7) Too many flats
Cary Seabrook(J)/Tyler Seabrook(J) Datsun
Stanza DNF(6) Out of fuel
Mark Roberts/Correne Seabrook Datsun 200B SSS
DNF(5) Accelerator cable
Gavin White(#)/Michael Loxton(#) Datsun 1600 DNF(5) Engine
John Roberts/Robert King Ford Escort RS2000 DNF(4) Fog
Luke Sytema/Aaron Sytema Ford Escort Mk
2 DNF(4) Sick navigator
Tony Fleming(#)/Michael Sandefur(#) Holden Commodore
VR DNF(4) Hole in fuel tank
Ari Paterson/Carrie Morris Nissan Bluebird DNF(4) Alternator
Matt Swan(#)/Paul Franklin(#) Subaru WRX DNF(4) No visibility
Tim Roberts/Graham McGrath Subaru WRX RA DNF(3) No
reason given
Stuart Schoof/Richard Gill Datsun 1200 DNF(2) No
reason given
Jeff Lee(#)/Joanne Lee(#) Triumph 2500 PI Mk1 DNF(2) Diff
Matt de Vaus(#)/Todd Knight(#) Datsun Skyline DNF(2) Clutch fork
David Lawrance/Darren Davison Datsun 1600 DNF(2) Tipped over

# = Not claiming VCRS points J = Junior Cup S = Senior Cup

Keith Rawson Introductory Trial

O/R Crew Car POINTS
1 Kain Manning/Mathew Stratford Suzuki Swift GTi 22
2 Duncan Elliot/Zarny Tran Toyota Corolla 25
3 Andrew Kavanagh/Andrew Procter Datsun 180B 26
Did not finish the event
Nic Lorrain/Marty Moloney Mitsubishi Galant
GB DNF(4) Fuel pump
Rohan Teagle/Andrew Vernon Ford Escort DNF(3) Clutch


Penalty points are awarded firstly on time, there is a target time for each competitive. time taken over the target time is accrued as points. There are passage controls which if you enter the correct direction accrue no points , but if you enter from the incorrect direction give you 30 mins penalty. there are also informations on some via points which enable us to know if you take the correct route. Each information you miss gives you 30 minutes also. 

You notice the winner had 17:10 which means he took 17minutes and 10 seconds over the target time for the event. a great effort given the trying conditions. last place got 150:22 he is actually a very quick driver but this was his first navigational event. most of his points were from missed vias.


So you see Mat, in this type of event , to do well you need to balance being quick with finding all the vias. Some were easy but a couple were not so easy. At warp speed Hard to see tracks are impossible to find.


George Woods is on Feb 20th.


Get that Alfetta ready, now you know what to expect it may be helpful for your preparation.
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: Mat Francis on December 01, 2009, 07:14:48 PM
Bit more to it than the "drive fast and keep it on the track" sort of attitude i would of gone in with!

As far as ending up at Kenny Spur, i simply jumped in convoy and followed along. Whoever was in the Rangie and the black 1600 were dropped off at the first closure (about 1k in i'd guess?), and then Rob dropped us at Kenny Spur. I didn't know any better, as far as i knew we were at the road as planned.

As far as the Alfetta goes... looking like i'm gonna need to put another gearbox in. The syncros are brilliant, but it sounds like it's running straight cut gears  ::)

Fun fun!
Title: Re: 2009 David Nutter Ford Used Cars Yakkerboo Trial
Post by: redalfaracing on December 13, 2009, 10:16:24 PM
Results have become final tonight.

Very different to the previous unofficial results.

Checking control cards gave us a whole lot of WD's on 1 passage control.

See Mat, Drive too fast at the wrong time and you miss finding a little side road. Almost 2/3 rds of the field missed it.

See you at the George woods. 20/02/2010