Run to Picton and Jinbai Ittai Karting Challenge
12 August 2013 / Peter Feutrill
7 cars and 10 members assembled at Hungry Jacks at Haywards Bay. Following some entertainment by a very old Labrador who was being encouraged to leave by the staff, we set off up the Pass. A beautiful Winter’s day and a beaut bit of road. The run went via some good back roads via Bowral, up the old Hume and over to the Kart track to sign on.
We had 30 competitors – a great turnout.
Expectations were high and the Chapter Challenge was resulting in some pretty good sledging, especially about power to weight ratios for some of the (shall we say) larger members. The safety briefing was excellent, especially the parts about which direction to drive and not to use both the brake and accelerator at the same time.
The ladies hit the track first for their 15 minutes qualification and I must say that there were smooth moves and only a couple of spins.
Then the gentlemen divided into 2 groups by the draw from a hat and set off – there were some great times and some great jousts and more than a little pushing and punting!
The ladies ventured back on for their final and it was Kim Ranger representing Illawarra 1st, Lesa Bunn from RPM 2nd and Natalie Strain from Sydney 3rd. Well done to all.
The men's B final was next and it was Graham Fletcher (on a count back) RPM – 1st, Alex Strain Sydney 2nd, and Chris Flak RPM – 3rd. Then the one they all came to watch the men's A final. There was less than a 0.7s covering the top 5, so big things were expected. Pole sitter James Lovell got an excellent start while the rest of the field played touchy, touchy through the first 2 corners. From 5th off the grid yours truly found himself in 3rd at that time and then ground down the second place kart to set off after James. Alas –it was not to be as he inched away lap after lap to run out the winner. Across the line - James Lovell 1st for Sydney, Peter Feutrill 2nd Illawarra and Louis Serret 3rd for Sydney. But hey then we went to award the trophies and found James was not a member, so not eligible to receive one. That means – yep you guessed it – the bridesmaid become the bride, so to speak. Trophies awarded to Peter, Louis and Steve Hudson.
The all-important Chapter Challenges was awarded to Sydney despite my calculations that I felt sure would favour Illawarra, RPM was second and Illawarra 3rd.
Afterwards we adjourned to the Horse & Jockey Hotel in Menangle for a chat, a boast or too and a nice meal. Many were sporting sore hands, arms, aching shoulders and ribs.
Another great fun MX-5 Club event. Looks set to be a repeat event with the next one hosted by RPM. Looking forward to revenge on Sydney at the next one!
