Race report #164 - Thursday 1st May, 2014

[gordon]

RACE REPORT #164 - May 1st 2014

Its been a while since we had drivers in the double numbers competing at an FRC event, so it was really encouraging to see twelve turn out, ready to compete in our inaugural Nissan GT-R Super Series (NSS) and our Restricted GT (RGT) classes. It was also great to see the return of longtime FRC veteran Dougie who last raced regularly back in 2012, other than a one-off event in 2013.

We all qualified the same Nissan GT-R and everyone's qualifying run was a first-time experience with the Nissans since no one was given a chance to practice the cars before. (Luke was busy finishing chip installation on the last two cars even while qualifying was in progress!). Steve did what turned out to be an amazing time when, as first qualifier, he lapped in 8.141 sec. Only as qualifying progressed did we realise that this would be quicker than everyone else was capable of. Despite this, the first seven qualified under a blanket of 0.845 sec. With twelve entrants, we broke the class into A and B subgroups of six drivers each, Arden being quickest of the B group. Luke B. was fastest in Restricted GT, setting a new lap record of 5.038 sec with a Ramesh-prepared Scalextric Porsche 911 GT1. With ten entrants, RGT was also split in to A and B subgroups, in this case with five drivers each.

Ramesh stood out in the NSS group A races with two wins and a second while Luke B. did likewise in group B. Nearest rivals were Steve in A and Arden in B. In RGT group A, the competition for honours was between Luke B, Arden and Ramesh. Were it not for impact damage in the final race dropping him to last place, it could well have been Arden's day to top the podium. The group B races were also hotly-contested, but Alex proved to be the most prolific winner, with Steve and Jon being the best of the rest.

The results

























Congratulations to the winners.

2014 Overall Class Points Update





Next event's classes: Class grouping G: Group 5 Sports Car - 5 races @ 30 laps, F1 - 5 races @ 40 laps. As usual, don't forget to see the updated fastest times for the FRC classes to know what the benchmarks are for your cars, the updated class average qualifying times and the updated 2014 Class Points Standings.

See you on the circuit...
Gordon

[Luke]

Some thoughts I pondered on over the weekend.

WOW ..! New lap record in RGT again ..? Didnt even realize that happened that night, only untill reading here.

So much more power one can get out a motor (maybe refreshed) I thought but next time I am called to scrutineer a car that Steve & Gordon already checked, you'll will hear this - Leave me alone! I dont know what they are doing

It had a day - My daughter was checking out my cars, remembering and telling me how she took a drive with my (Orange Lambo) fastest car ... Had to tell her its not anymore, it have fellas with faster cars ... A couple seconds after - she said in the sweetest voice ever - "Dad, it must be Pixie Dust they using to get their cars faster." I thank the Lord always, for her being such a blessing in my life

Anyway, about getting faster - Just now qualifying maybe done like this - A man puts down his car on track & pick it back up the same time and he asked - Wha time ah just do dey boy ..?

Luke

[Luke]

Double Dose Pondering

All in all - A great turnout & the activities went well but with the Nissan Super Series class have to say, it was somewhat disappointing to find out in the last 2 minutes (after chipping the last 2 NSS cars) that this new IROC class wasn't going to go the distance with the normal 6 races. I tried my best to adjust with this situation but didnt do such a good job - seeing the positions I held with those 3 races.

RGT class on the other hand had a bit of heated feelings ... I'm not going into details but in keeping with FRC's code of conduct, the peace & fellowship with others along with appreciating Gordon's kind hospitality ... I personally have to apologize for speaking (a little bit) loudly a few times during the night's activities. I'm very sorry and will (try my best) not to let this happen again. Taking into consideration, its only the fourth time having done something like this (Loud speaking - Shane, Brent, Alex & Arden) in the past 5 years. Racing @ FRC since Wednesday 8th. April 2009 or for 164 Race Reports ... Whichever one comes first.

I have missed a few events (but followed up reports) over the years and sure I can count them on one hand too.

How about a penalty fine of $20 for this sort of outburst to help curb inappropriate behaviour ... FRC could sure make some extra cash here because of others who may/could pay as much as $100 a night ~ just kidding okay we dont need to go there. Slotcar racing has always been an enjoyable hobby for many and undoubtedly for some of us, its part of our lives. The enjoyment has grown much more because of some well organized (FRC & TSCC) places to partake with others alike in this pastime. On the point with pastime and others alike ... Personalities & Attitudes will clash because some of us race, build & tune slotcars (with the exceptions of a few persons - all 3) better than others but remember its all complimented with humility.

I will remember regardless ~ to be like this because in the long run, all of this wont matter no matter what

Enjoy while it lasts

Luke

[gordon]

Very philosophical conclusion there Luke. In the mean time however, we should enjoy our racing and allow others to enjoy theirs too. So let's all be competitive, but treat our competitors fairly with our driving on the track. If we knock someone out the slot, let it be an error - not intentional - and lets be big men and do the requisite penalty.

[Luke]

GG,

We both know it comes with age ... and as if, you only picked out the last part of my post because I perfectly understand all of what you saying and as man, I always do my requisite penalties ...

In looking back, I didnt write anything about treating competitors unfairly with driving on the track - only wrote bout talking a bit loud.

Have a feeling, although some things are better left unsaid - is like somebody call you up and complain or what ..?

Tell me if I won a grand prize with that ..? hehe

Luke

[gordon]

You forgot about one of the loudest at FRC... Boo! Glad he made it last Thursday and hope to see him more often.

[steveaca]

Great night of racing as usual at FRC. Those GT-Rs were really fun to drive-thanks Luke ! I know that there are some who feel that the tyres should be changed to silicones for better grip but I like the cars as they are. The Restricted GT class was also great fun. It looks like there was an error in the points though as both Luke and Alex seem to have gotten points in both Group A and Group B.
Looking forward to the next event.
Steve

[gordon]

Steve, Alex and Luke got points in both A and B because they raced in both groups.