News - Modified Production Number 8
Gympie - Queensland Title, 9th June - Night One.
On a blustery, chilly day we headed to Gympie for the Queensland Title.
After having suspension problems previously at Gympie I had tried to strengthen the weaknesses in the front left hand side of the car. In heat one I started off pole but couldn't get drive off the start. The car was wheel spinning and I dropped back to 3rd. I got a hit in the front left hand wheel which saw the Z-bar break again.
A rush in the pits saw the front repaired and ready for the 2nd heat. Thanks to my main help, Shane Langton and all the East Coast A-grade boys that came to help with the repairs. I started off the rear in the 2nd heat and stuck with the pack for a few laps till the front left suspension let go again!
With frustration I had given up, but still had to repair the front end to get the car on the trailer. With help from Craig Franz I welded up some bits and got the car fixed, and decided to give it a run in the 3rd heat to see if I could get it to hold together. I had to really baby the car into the hairpin to ensure it held together and struggled through the heat with no power steering. I got past Zahl into 3rd, Shallcross was leading with Price in 2nd till a coming together saw Shallcross in the fence and Price sent to the rear, giving me the lead. I stayed in front to finish the race gaining some much needed points if I was to have a chance of competing at all tomorrow night.
Back to the drawing board now for the front suspension to redesign it to try and get it strong enough to survive the Gympie track.
We are heading back to the track tonight for the final heat and feature race. The aim will be to try and look after the car to see if we can get it to hold together to finish tonight. Shane Macdonald looks to be the main chance for the locals after passing Todd Doyle in his final heat with his car looking strong and getting a good handle on the track.