I thought it was about time for an update on how things have been going with the 38r Tanker so far this season.
12 Dec Waikato Champs
After racing the night before at Rotorua we came to the conclusion that the Tank was handling like a pig so we went right over it before Heading to Huntly and discovered a few things we had done wrong and had them sorted ready for Waikato champs. The car went good first heat but was a bit down on revs due to wrong diff gearing so we change and headed for heat 2.Heat 2 was going well sitting 2nd for two thirds of the race was taken out by 73H lying in wait for me I did see him but thought I could get around, It was not to be. He'll keep! ha ha.
3rd heat car went well finishing 4th and we were pretty happy for our 2nd outing in the 38r Tanker.
13 Dec King Country Champs
With the NZs being at 2ks this year we decided we would try get over there as much as we could and what better chance than the King Country Champs.
Car went well in the first 2 heats got tangled up a bit but ended up with a grid 5 start for final. At the green light I had a good start and could see clear track coming out of turn 2 but was tagged again and found myself facing the wrong way once going again I started to make up a lot of places and when a red light came on I could see I was sitting roughly around 6,7, or 8 after restart I got away good only to turn myself around in turn 2 , so that was me just coast to the end. All in all we were real happy with the car set up was good and we were on our way for the NZs.
28 Dec House of Travell Rotorua
After our previous meeting at Vegas the tanker was a bit of a handful so this was our last chance to get it right for the 240s. After heat 1 we knew we were back on track the car was going well and we came out of the meeting 4th on points.
2 Jan North Is Superstocks Meanee
Qualifying night went ok we managed to get through OK and had no majors to repair the following day.
Finals
Car was going well and going into the final heat we were sitting 8th so decided what the hell we'd go out and give heaps just race for ourselves you never know what might happen and as it happens we held our spot and came 8th overall.
15 Jan 240s Qualifying
We decided we would go out for practice just to make sure all was good and just as well because after exiting pit gate we found we had no top gear, so it was back to the pits and change the gear box.
Heat 1
Started on grid 2 didn't get far before it all turned to custard coming out of turn 2 I had managed to pick up the 8p Tanker on my bonnet and by the time things had cleared I was at the back of the pack. I managed to make my way back to 9th but had definitely made things hard for myself from here on in.
Heat 2
Got a good start from grid 11 made my way up to 5th car was all good and no dramas.
Going into heat 3 we were tied for 7th with 2 others so knew we needed a big effort t qualify. I started from grid 19 and got a good start had a clean run and came 3rd which was enough for me to qualify 5th in my group.
16 Jan 240s Finals
Everyone knows the story, we had been scrutineered and were all ready to rock as we moved around to the dummy grid as we were waiting for the grid to clear our tyres were checked and it was found that we had a non compliant left rear tyre and was told to load up we had been excluded from the meeting. When I say a non compliant tyre I mean that a front tyre had been put on a left rear rim which was no mistake of mine however we did put the wheel on the car without checking so we do take full responsibility. My only argument on the day was that we were still 15mins from race start and that I was not even in the car I know rules are rules but it's not Formula 1 we doing here and I believe that all was achieved that day was upset spectators and a very disappointed driver and crew. To everyone that phoned, txt, and spoke to me face to face thanks for all opinions and I can tell you that checking my tyres is now one of my priority's.
30 Jan NZ Champs
After a very long day sitting around in the sun waiting patiently for some racing it finally came at 6pm.
Kihikihi Domain was looking awesome and the NZ Champs committee had done a awesome job the complex was looking good the stands were great the pits were a little tight but there was a good atmosphere. The only let down was the track surface and as I was to find out later on the 38r Tanker agreed. The car had good pace and I seem to be able to make up good placing's but unfortunately due to track conditions every race I blew out a right rear shock, which in the end left me out of the placings and I finished up 7th or 8th in my group which is not enough.
So from here we head to the most awaited meeting of the Season the Enzed Superstock Teams Champs. I can't wait by far my favourite meeting and Friday can't get here quick enough. I believe the Rebels have the goods to go all the way myself, Kyle, Steiny, Mark Osborne, Lance Aldridge and our Manager Wayne Talbot are all ampted and ready to go, and as a little added extra, thanks to Anthony & Shelley Brown, my blocking mate also has a Tank so should be interesting. We have drawn Stratford and Nelson both strong teams but all going to plan we can do our fans proud. So will see ya in Palmy.
