CIRCLEWORK May 2004
This Issue:
* Sotico Rally * Sandgroper Nationals * Round 1 WA Road Racing plus lots more...
Strett Cull - MCRC Kings of Wanneroo - 4th April 2004
Circlework Online Newsletter
EDITORIAL
Forward details to: PO Box 237 North Beach 6920 Western Australia
Well the new website is up and running. When I say ‘new’ what I mean is that the website is now set up on a new database server and web host. While the website as you see it in your browser looks pretty much the same, behind the scenes it’s a whole different story. The site has been moved from a server based in Brisbane to a new one in Miami, Florida. And the reason? Well it seems the aussie web hosts are charging up to 400% higher these days for hosting space than our US counterparts. I thought I was on a good deal - $29 a month for 200Mb of web space. It’s partly my fault as I thought initially 200Mb was plenty of room for putting up photos and thumbnails. Turns out, after only a few months I’ve shot WAY over my limit and my web host was insisting I upgrade to their next hosting plan - 300Mb for only $39 a month. I was just about to sign on the dotted line when I thought I’d better make an effort to see what else was available.
or email online@bwmedia.com.au Deadline for information is the 20th of each month. While most of the info here is sent in and copied from studious members who belong to other clubs and organisation, we take no responsibility for incorrect information or crazy spelling mistakes :) We recommend you check all dates/times and supplementary regulations with the organisational body direct.
THE TEAM Editor and bloke who is trying to piece all this together: Brian White Layout Assistance from: Amanda Burton Contributors: Denise Stronach (MCRCWA), Karl Drummond (Rally WA), Bindi & Belle (Dirt Drags). Cheers all !
CLICK ON THESE WEBSITES! bwmedia.com.au rallywa.com.au aus-superbikes.com.au mcrcwa.com.au rally.com.au motorplex.com.au historicracing.asn.au dirtdrags.com motorcyclingwa.org.au prkphoto.iinet.net.au dingbobtrikes.com streetmachine.com.au vwclub.asn.au wascc.com.au
EDITORIAL
It only took about an hour of ‘Google’ searching and I stumbled upon a treasure-trove of websites dedicated to giving unbiased reports on web hosting in the US. Most initial sites I found were slightly one-eyed in giving recommendations on web hosts as they were paid by said hosts in advertising dollars - cash for comment? :) Anyway, with so many cheap deals I couldn’t decide upon which one was better so I just flipped a coin. And the result? 2000Mb (yes, two Gigabytes) of space, countless extra benefits including cool scripts for adding classifieds listings, forums, feedback, and more. All for a grand total of $8.00AUD per month (less than $6.00 US). So thank you United States for having so many businesses and such a huge population that they are all cutting each others throats to give the best deals. If we had a similar ethic here we might not be copping another $3.00 per month price hike from Telstra for line rentals only weeks after announcing their $2+ billion profit. Thanks mate! In short, over the next couple of months I’ll be adding as many extra services and features as possible to bwmedia.com.au to make your web surfing experience worthwhile. And with room to spare! Keep an eye on the website - www.bwmedia.com.au - for regular updates on what’s happening around our glorious state and I hope to see you soon! Brian
COMING EVENTS: SOTICO SAFARI RALLY - SUNDAY 6TH JUNE 2004 This year competitors are in for a treat on the Light Car Club’s Sotico Safari Rally. Wendy Walker has taken over the reins of the Safari as Clerk of Course this year. With her new appointment, the event has been extensively revised for 2004. Wendy has been running the Light Car Club Darling 200 rally for the last few years and won the Rally Director of the year award in 2003 for her efforts. The Safari Rally forms round three of the State Rally Championship and round two of the Clubman Rally Championship. It is the only other fully pace noted event besides the Forest rally, giving competitors the chance to Recce the roads prior to competition. This year’s Safari will again be run within the Sotico Plantation, utilising the jumps and water splash made famous by Rally Australia for one of the stages. The event will be conducted on the Foundation Day long weekend, Sunday the 6th of June. Saturday the 5th of June has been reserved for competitors to Recce the stages and write pace notes. Most of the stages have been revised on the Safari this year. State competitors will complete eight stages with a competitive distance of 145km whilst Clubman competitors will compete on 99km over five stages. Surfaces will range from mostly gravel to sandy in places, with a mixture of twisty and open sections.
R A L LY
Simon Evans - 2004 Forest Rally - photo by Paul Kane
Spectators will be well catered for on the Safari this year too. Saturday afternoon will see the traditional street parade around the Boddington town site. Sunday morning will see competitors start from the Boddington Hotel Carpark before heading out into the Sotico Plantation. The first car will start at approximately 9:00 am. For the first time on the Sotico Safari, spectators will be able to view competing cars in the forest. Five spectator points have been designed, including a Super Special Stage in Boddington where competitors will compete side by side around the short course. Spectators will also to able to watch rally cars being serviced between stages in a central service & camping area, located at the old school site near the town centre.
With the advantage of full pace notes from the Saturday Recce, speeds are expected to be high. Being the half way point in the state championship, competitors will be looking to secure maximum points, ensuring plenty of sideways action and fierce competition. The finish to this year’s Safari has also been altered. The first five state and first three Clubman competitors will be directed to a ceremonial finish in their provisional order, held at the Boddington Hotel on Sunday afternoon. Remaining competitors will then also be directed to the finish at the Boddington Hotel, again allowing spectator interaction with crews and competing cars. This year the Sotico Safari rally will have another
innovation. A teams award will be offered to competitors. Three competing crews in the rally may form a team and nominate themselves to be eligible for the teams award. The team with the best overall result at the end of the rally will take the trophy. Not only will there be a ceremonial finish on Sunday afternoon, officials on the event are invited to the Boddington Hotel with competitors for the Officials’ Thankyou party. It will be an opportunity to mingle and share stories from the rally.
2004 LEWANA STAGES RALLY Saturday May 1st will see a return to the Blackwood River area for WA Rally teams to compete in the Lewana Stages Rally. Lewana Stages, conducted by the Ascot Motor Club, forms Round 2 of the WA State and Round 1 of the WA Clubman Rally Championships. Many teams will have competed in the Forest Rally in the Busselton/Nannup regions in late March, giving some familiarity with the surfaces.The 2004 Lewana Stages is being run through the Grimwade Pine Plantation, situated close to both Balingup and Grimwade town sites.
This year the Safari’s presentation dinner has changed too. The dinner will held 7:30pm on Saturday the 12th of June at Mulberry Farm. Competitors will receive two tickets with each entry and additional tickets may be purchased for $40.00 per person. The dinner will be a buffet style affair with a selection of dishes on offer. Drinks are also available at the bar. Being a weekend night, the organisers expect a big turn out. If you wish to reserve extra dinner tickets, it is advised to book early. With so much on offer for competitors, officials and spectators why not get involved? Volunteer officials are also required, so if you’d like a private spectator point or to help in another way, please see the web sites. Entries open for the Safari rally on the first of May. Supplementary regulations, entry forms, officials’ information and a spectator guide will be available from the Rally WA, Light Car Club and WA Car Club websites: www.rallywa.com www.lightcarclub.com.au , www.wacarclub.com.au
R A L LY
Dean Herridge - 2004 Forest Rally - photo by Paul Kane
Shane Orkney giving the 96FM Sigma a good workout. Photo by Karl Drummond
Chris Atkinson - 2004 Forest Rally - photo by Paul Kane
R A L LY
HQ Racing is always doorhandle to doorhandle. Nathan Callaghen and David Turner trade some paint. Drivetime TV Challenge. Barbagallo Raceway, 18th April 2004
WASCC
Bunbury played host over the Easter long weekend to over 200 hotrods from all over the country at the Sandgroper Nationals. Driving events as well as static show displays on both the Bunbury city foreshore as well as Busselton and saw a huge crowd checking out the miles of brightwork and multitude of colours. One thing about the rodders is they know how to go all out with paint styles and big blocks. A couple of prime examples included local Perth publican, John Claydon’s 1941 Willys Coupe and visiting from Victoria, Rod Hadfields flathead blown V12. To keep up to date on future events stay tuned to the Australian Street Rod Federation. www.asrf.com.au
Street Machine magazine has a new website! www.streetmachine.com.au
While most of us enjoy catching up on a Sunday at a car show or two, on April 16th why not catch up at a dog show instead? The RSPCA’s ‘Million Paws Walk’ is held nationwide and Perth’s meeting place is the South Perth Foreshore area. Come along and support a great cause with paws! Info, www.rspca.org.au
SHOWS
WANNA GO RACING? Here’s part 1 briefly describing the MCRC’s race classes. Each month we’ll cover a new class. CLUBMAN (State Series Class) Open to solo riders and machines from both C and D grade this class is primarily for riders new to racing or those with a little less experience than the A and B grade riders. Riders can develop into the state championship classes or can stay in Clubman class racing their mates while enjoying racing at a level they feel comfortable with. Each race on the day has a different format to ensure all competitors have the potential of winning. Motorcycles can be up to 1000cc capacity limit, with minimum race standards including: • Belly pan remove side and centre stands valve caps front and rear • Drive chain — joining link • Drill & wire sump and filler plugs • Hose clamp on oil filter and lock wire • No coolants allowed — distilled water only • Blank off handlebar ends • Recommended you remove glassware and number plates.
Wendy Wright giving the blokes a run for their money! Make sure you come to the track and catch the excitement as the 2004 season unfolds. The season kicks off this Sunday 2nd May.
BIKES
The biggest competitor entry for a number of years! – over 90 entrants will greet the starter at the opening round of five rounds of the WA State Road Racing Championships, to be held Sunday May 2nd at Barbagallo Raceway. The Motorcycle Racing Club of WA, promoter of the Championships is looking forward to an exciting season with big fields, a number of new competitors, and a feast of new model bikes ready to compete on the new track surface which is already proving that lap times are going to tumble this year. The race format will see the return of all last year’s classes – Championship status for Production Superbikes, Supersport, 250 Production, 125GP, Sidecars and the return of the popular Superstock and Clubman Series. Yamaha R1 rider Stuart Adams is back to defend his Superbike Title but will have stiff opposition from Strett Cull and Russell Nash, both riding the new model R1 Yamaha’s which have already shown that they are a weapon of contention with Cull taking out the Kings of Wanneroo Title last month from Adams and Nash. B Grader Danny Abrey should also be a front runner aboard the new 1000 Honda along with Ben Stronach (Drilling and Grouting GSXR Suzuki 1000) Mark Schnierer (Yamaha R1) winner of the 2003 Clubman Series and runner up Irishman Steve Alderson (GSXR1000). The fiercly competitive Supersport class is again sure to produce plenty of action with 03 Championship winner Strett Cull leading the charge with Alan Watts (CBR600), Wayne Smith (CBR6) and surprise entrant Mildura based Joshua Waters set to run at this round aboard a Yamaha R6 in preparation for the upcoming national round in June. Waters is
BIKES
the current 125GP national Champion who this year has moved up into the hotly contended Supersport class. In the 125GP class 16yr old Padbury rider, Bryan Staring looks in strong contention to take out this year’s state title from current title holder 17 year old Tom Hatton. Both these young guns are currently competing at national level with Staring currently placed 3rd overall in the Championships. The 250 Production class has received a boost with a new sponsor in Prime Realty and a number of new competitors which should produce some great racing. Sidecars, the three wheeled, driver and passenger combinations should provide plenty of action with the return of Rob Hair and Chris Burrows, the 2002 State Champions ready to roll again after a year away from the competition. 2003 Championship Winners Anthony Fagan and Bruce Rodgers could find the pressure on them at this opening round from not only the 2. Hair/Burrows combination but also dad Lindsay Fagan, a past State and National Sidecar Champion. All three teams running Kawasaki 1100 powered engines. Another team not to be discounted from the front pack is ex F2 Champions Clive Watson and passenger Dirk Jeal who this year have converted from the smaller formula 2 600cc to a Suzuki 1000cc engine. The Clubman Series open to entry level C and D grade riders has again attracted a large field of entries on a varied assortment of machines with Mike Ward, Glen Radica, Jeff Pickup and Cameron Lee being strong contenders with newcomers Leroy Maclou, Aaron Mather and Leon Smith sure to make their present felt.
Gutsy newcomer Brandon Pratt locates his fuel tank but wonders where the rest of his bike has gone! A minor disagreement with Shell Corner during the MCRC’s Kings of Wanneroo/Stars of Tomorrow event at Barbagallo Raceway - 4th April 2004
www.mcrcwa.com.au WA State Road Race Championship Round One ~ Sunday 2nd May Spectators entry $15pp includes FREE programme. $2 entry to pit paddock. Practice/Qualifying from 9am - 11.15am. Racing 11.45am - 4.30pm
Where’s Adam? That’s gotta hurt! - photo by Brian White Media
BUMP OF THE MONTH
Whatever happened to Ford vs Holden? The Saloon category boys trash two perfectly good Falcons :)
BUMP OF THE MONTH 2
This month’s web dedication goes out to Tyson, the skateboarding Bulldog. You gotta see this! Visit his homepage at www.skateboardingbulldog.com
V8 SUPERCARS 2 GAME GOES NUMBER ONE V8 Supercars ever-growing presence on the world sporting stage has been given an extra boost with the recent announcement that the newly released V8 Supercars 2 game has raced straight to the number one chart position in both Australia and France. Following the release of the V8 Supercars 2 game on Xbox and PC on 15th March, it immediately took the number one spot in the UK All Formats Chart in addition to taking the number one chart position in both Australia and France. The game has also placed as high as three in the Xbox charts in Electronique Boutique in the USA and has already sold through 6, 063 units in Australia and New Zealand making it the biggest week one sales of any Xbox title this year. AVESCO Chief Executive Officer Wayne Cattach said the development of a V8 Supercar game for motorsport fans around the world has exceeded all expectations. “This project has exceeded our best expectations in relation to its popularity both in Australia and overseas,” Mr Cattach said. “It has provided yet another successful channel through which to showcase the excitement and colour of V8 Supercar racing to our growing army of fans throughout the world. “We are delighted with our partnership with Codemasters which was the subject of careful selection to ensure the alliance would produce the results we sought.” V8 Supercars 2 is the second release of the official AVESCO licensed V8 Supercar game and includes a number of additional features including the addition of four new race tracks in Barbagallo Raceway, Lexmark Indy 300 Surfers Paradise, Hidden Valley Raceway and New Zealand’s Pukekohe Park Raceway. It also features five new teams including the Holden Racing Team, Ford Performance Racing, Team Dynamik, Team Kiwi and Team Betta Electrical. V8 Supercar fans are now able to race against their favourite V8 Supercar drivers including Marcos Ambrose, Mark Skaife, Russell Ingall, Steven Richards, Craig Lowndes and Garth Tander. V8 Supercar 2 will be released on PlayStation(r)2 later this year.
WIERD ON THE WEB
WHAT’S ON IN MAY WA: 1: Lewana Stages Rally (south-west) 2: MCRC State Champioships Round 1 (Barbagallo Raceway)
8 - 9: WASCC Auto Trader Trophy (Barbagallo Raceway)
9: T & E Enduro Club Ladies Motocross (Natural Terrain, Collie)
16: BSA Motocross (Noble Falls) 16: RSPCA ‘Mllion Paws Walk’ (South Perth) 23: MCRC State Champioships Round 2
Page Twelve Girls!
(Barbagallo Raceway)
29 - 30: WASCC Club Driving School (Barbagallo Raceway)
Future Hotrodders perhaps?
THE END
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