News - Modified Production Number 8
Archerfield - 16th November, 2006. Round One of HDS series.
With in excess of 40 cars nominated, this was always going to be a tough night. Nothing could prepare me for just how tough it was going to be.
Heat one I started out of 9th. The car was quick, the track was good. I had moved up to fifth when the leader, Darryl Etherden's car's engine blew. As his car came to almost a complete stop, the field front runners all came together. I thought I had allowed enough racing room to pass the expired Etherden's car, but at the last minute the rear of my car stepped out on the hooky track and collided with his. The rear barwork of Etherden's car cut into the rear of mine and destroyed the shocky and buckled the tyre. The car felt strong and I anticipated it could have been a good finish. Bad luck number one.
Heat two saw me get grid draw 2. I never got started off the line properly. The accelerator cable had stretched in heat one's impact. I managed to complete less than 1/2 of a lap before having to pull onto the infield. I tried to tie a knot in the cable and got back out onto the track, but only completed one lap before having to surrender another heat race. Bad luck number two.
Unfortunately these things ALWAYS come in threes.
Heat three I was from the back again, starting out of 10. I held back on the start to let the other guys sort themselves out. I didn't want to get caught up in any crazy stuff after having 2 bad heats. I settled into the race about lap 3 and coming through turn three, the front left wheel got air, then the car got a little too much air under it and I barrel rolled into turn 4. The car landed on it's roof. Being upside down with all your weight pushing on the harness, it's really difficult to release the harness. I had difficulty climbing out. The car is a mess and I'm not sure at this stage what is and isn't salvageable.
The brand new car isn't much to look at now. Unfortunately all the hard work of building it and all the effort can be destroyed in an instant. It was only it's second race meeting, and unfortunately it will be a while before it gets to hit the track again.