Excel practice / Navigator training day. 4th October 2009

[Mooa42]

Come one and come all! :clap:

Who should come?
• People interested in joining the series or finding out more about the series, (rules, regs etc)
• Existing competitors wanting some practice and tuition
• Juniors who are interested in running an Excel,
(we have a new Excel series in planning for 2010 which juniors can run in!)
• Anyone interested in navigating
• Current or former ARC drivers and navigators who want to impart their knowledge to those new to the rallying fold.
• Sponsors looking to support rallying
• Anyone

On Sunday the 4th of October, we are planning to run an Excel practice day/navigator training day at the Bagshot Motorsport Complex in Central Victoria. (for track location go to maps.google.com and search for “Bendigo Car Club, Bagshot Motorsport Complex”)

Cost has not been determined at this stage but I am hopeful of around $80 for drivers and maybe $20 for navigators wanting some tuition, juniors hopefully around $30, but this may all change; stay tuned.
At this stage we are hoping to have a former ARC champion on hand to give driving tips and a former ARC champion navigator to help the navigators. We are looking at running a long course autocross track for the experienced drivers and a 1km track for the newbies. For the navigators we will have a sample road book and plenty of cars to ride in so you can see what’s going on.

So what do you need to do to be a part of it?
I need to get some idea of numbers so I can plan the format for the day so either reply to this post, send me a PM if you know how or e-mail me on mooa42 at gmail dot com

Hope to see you there and I'll post more info as it comes to hand.
Tony

[DaveTrees]

Tony

Seeing I'll be there on the Saturday for the HRA rallysprint anyway, I'd be happy to hang around Sunday for a while & help out any newbie co-drivers.

In return, do I get to cut a few more pre-Alpine practice laps in my non-Excel ? :deal:

[Grumblebum]

Count me in!!!!! I hope the start will be at a reasonable hour.:clap::clap:

[Joejoe]

Sorry guys would have love to of been there, especially that the car is so so so close to being finished, but heading off on holidays...bugger!

[Mooa42]

Dave, I would think for training navs it would be imperative for you to drive them around in your car so you can assess them.

Grumble, you can turn up whenever you like, even stay the night at the track if you like.

JoeJoe, hopefully we can get you a nav trained up for Akedemos; even in your absence.

[DaveTrees]

Dave, I would think for training navs it would be imperative for you to drive them around in your car so you can assess them.


As long as i don't scare them off the sport for life !!

[greasystick]

Will be there with bells on. I'll also be bringing my partner. Seems she's getting a little interested in jumping in the silly seat as well.....

Cheers,

Stu.

[Mark H]

After all my sooking to JC, I'd better make sure I'm there.

Col, don't you start :p

[Col Vic]

What ..... me ? Oh, OK, Mark, you know you want to do it !!!!

Col

[DaveTrees]

It's Ok Mark ... you can have a drive of the Galant at the end of the day to get rid of that nasty FWD taste if you want :|

[danny]

Hi Tony,
Sounds like a great day. I'm the proud new owner of Emma Cugleys pretty little pink Hyundai and will try to make the trip over from Mansfield. Work commitments will dictatate that though but I will try my hardest,
Cheers Danny.

[burnsy]

Hi Tony,

Sounds like a great day, looking forward to it :)

[John C]

Can confirm that both Geoff Portman and Simon Evans have agreed to help out and train and retrain the attendee's so please come and bring as many new rally people as you can muster up , we are currently negotiating the instructors for the Co drivers but we can assure those interested in sitting left of the driver that it will be well worthwhile.

[Grumblebum]

Great news JC both Geoff and Simon are really easy to talk to and get on with-- will be a ripper day:clap: To anyone out there and there's heaps of you looking PLEASE come don't be shy I'll talk to anyone as will everyone else but seriously we need some co-drivers. This is a great way to have a look at the sport without any huge costs and its a great way to try before you buy:)
Cheers Pete

[nickoneill_123]

I'll try n make it up my excel not close to being finished anything we need to have, obviously a helmet but what else? im very new to this so sorry for the newby Q's :)

[Joejoe]

Fingers crossed I may be back in time for the event will keep you posted.

[Grumblebum]

I'll try n make it up my excel not close to being finished anything we need to have, obviously a helmet but what else? im very new to this so sorry for the newby Q's :)

Hi There all you need is a helmet/ fire extingisher/seat belts -stock seats are fine. You may also need extra bonnet restraint [I use a dog collar fastened from the underside] and your Excel:clap:
It will be a great day so dont miss out.
Cheers Pete

[Humphrey]

Hi Tony,

I would love to come up to Bagshot for the day and would be happy to sit with any drivers learning to steer their front drive rally cars. I would also love to talk and listen to some more experienced navs and learn some stuff! My Mirage possibly wont be repaired in time for that date but it will be for sale at the conclusion of the Alpine this year and then I will be looking for something (Excel) else/cheaper to move into. Sounds like it will be a great day up there...

Leigh Garrioch.

[Mooa42]

Thanks for all your responses;

Greasystick be good to see you both. The navigating will be aimed at newbies so shouldn't scare anyone off.

Mark H; you're expected with no excuses:)

Danny, welcome and be good to have you both along if your calender works out.

Burnsy are you bringing Simesays along, (he seems to have disappeared??)

Nickoneill, if you bring your Excel and a helmet we should be able to organise the rest on the day if needed.

JoeJoe I'll keep my fingers crossed you can make it; have you found a Nav?

Leigh, it'd be great to have you along, your experience would be greatly appreciated.

For those that haven’t been to Bagshot before, (and JoeJoe can testify to this), it can be quite hard on tyres, (JoeJoe had new tyres at the start of the last day and slicks by the end), so road tyres or second hand tyres should suffice.

Please find the Supp Reggs attached below.

We are in need of a scrutineer for the event and if anyone has some start and finish control experience it would be good to have you along (Linda if you want to bring your Excel maybe you and your family can help us with explaining to new ralliers about what to do at a start and finish control and have a go on the track as well??)

If anyone has any questions please ask on the forum as I am sure others want the answer too, (the event is aimed at those with no experience so any and all questions please:))

Tony

[DaveTrees]

Tony

I plan on being there (seeing I am competing the day before anyway) & will be happy to assist any new co-drivers. I can also do some control/timing stuff if required.

Aaron & Georgie are planning to be there too, I think.

I also plan to see if I can get in some driving instruction from Geoff or Simon over the course of the day, assuming you will let non-Excels onto the track ? :)

[gumbootracing]

I can scrutineer if you like Tony let me know Trevor

[Mooa42]

I can scrutineer if you like Tony let me know Trevor

Done!

Thanks Trevor.

I've got 9am pencilled in for Scrutiny so hopefully that's all the info you need.

BTW for all concerned the Sunday is the start of daylight savings so we will all have to get up an hour earlier.:(

.

[simesays]

G'day Tony & all...
I haven't disappeared Tony I have been working lots:splat:... but the good news is that the car is pretty much ready to go again and I'm looking forward to attending (unless work screws things up again!). Should be a great day and a chance to blow out cobwebs prior to Akademos. Congratulations and a big thank you in advance to all those responsible for putting this event together!:clap:
See you there!
Cheers Simon

[xcelmonkey]

Hi i will be attending and will try and bring my nav to get him some training lol. Thanks Pete for you help at the autocross today.

Matt

[johnd]

I'm now back from the land of the frog and snail, and will come up for some 'drive-by shootings!" :naughty:

[penut]

Sorry Tony, I actually planned to be there as I am the type of person the day is aimed at.

BUT

not able to attend.

I hope to read all about the stories.

I'll set myself for the next one.

Cheers

Will E

[Bargy]

I was dead set on coming, but I don't currently have a tow vehicle.

Unless someone is offering to share their Beast with me (PM if you have a spare spot), I'm out. Pity, I am looking for any opportunity to reinforce the lessons learnt from a recent session with Rick Bates.

[Bargy]

Ride sorted :clap: (not mentioning names - you can find out on Sunday) so I will be there despite the 1,400 km round trip from Canberra.

Are Geoff Portman and Simon Evans willing to give advice/feedback from the silly seat or only from a safe distance?

[DaveTrees]

but I don't currently have a tow vehicle.

Soft ! Drive it there & back ... what's wrong with this younger generation :whip:

[Bargy]

Soft ! Drive it there & back ... what's wrong with this younger generation :whip:

Thanks for the implication that I am part of the 'younger generaton'. I am not so sure.

Some would say that I have been getting soft in recent years...

Driving the HEMP to Bendigo would be fine. It is just if anything does goes wrong (timing belt or the like) it is a long way to come home to then redo the round trip with a trailer on back of a borrowed tow vehicle.

I gave up motorcycle racing (too many concussions) to take up rally driving.

I have also taken to flicking through the instruction manual before playing with a new electrical device (at least I am not yet to the stage of studying them).

... or perhaps it is a case of acquiring of wisdom?

Nah, just SOFT!

[DaveTrees]

I work on the theory that driving the rally car to & from events is a good incentive not to crash ... the downside being a distinct lack of pace, however :D

(but then my round trip to Bagshot is only 700km or thereabouts .... so I guess you're excused :potstir: )

[Grumblebum]

This is what the Hyundai Series is all about :)A group of enthusiasts all helping one another. Its also a great credit to Tony/JC and Col that we are getting interstate competitors at our events:clap:
Roll on Sunday Cheers Peter

[HMCA]

Thanks for the implication that I am part of the 'younger generaton'. I am not so sure.



Rick

Compaired to Dave your a few generations younger:lmao:

That'll get him going :attack:

[John C]

Come one and come all! :)

Officer in Effective Control :lmao: Tony Moore

Instructors Geoff Portman , Ross Runnalls, Simon Evans, Leigh Garrioch, Ross Allen, Col Hardinge, Dave Gallacher anyone else that turns up on the day

Who should come?
• People interested in joining the series or finding out more about the series, (rules, regs etc)
• Existing competitors wanting some practice and tuition
• Juniors who are interested in running an Excel,
(we have a new Excel series in planning for 2010 which juniors can run in!)
• Anyone interested in navigating
• Current or former ARC drivers and navigators who want to impart their knowledge to those new to the rallying fold.
• Sponsors looking to support rallying
• Anyone

On Sunday the 4th of October, we are planning to run an Excel practice day/navigator training day at the Bagshot Motorsport Complex in Central Victoria. (for track location go to maps.google.com and search for “Bendigo Car Club, Bagshot Motorsport Complex”)
Food available at the track - normal autocross type
Sunday Weather outlook top of 17 degrees no rain great day
Info PM Tony Moore or ring John Carney 0412 133122

[Mark H]

And don't forget that daylight saving starts Sunday morning as well.
Don't want to book in late (is there a bleary eyed smilie)

[Col Vic]

Tony has asked that if anyone has some intercom adaptors - peltor - terraphone, Philtronics to Stilo etc, could they possibly bring them along as we may have a few different helmets and intercoms going around.

Col

[watty]

Tony has asked that if anyone has some intercom adaptors - peltor - terraphone, Philtronics to Stilo etc, could they possibly bring them along as we may have a few different helmets and intercoms going around.

Col


I have a terrapahone - philtronics that i will bring along...

[Bargy]

Sorry for bailing on the Bagshot practise day. I was really looking forward to getting a drive in someone else's car to compare it with the HEMP...

After a big day laying pavers at my daughter's place, I packed my HiAce van with tools and kit for a fun day at Bagshot and headed off from Canberra at 6:30 pm last night.

We made it through to Turcutta (224km) when a red light came on on the dash. It was that one that ALWAYS goes off when the motor starts. You know, the one with a picture of a battery on it.

I stop at the servo in Turcutta to check it out. Everythng seems fine; the fan belt is still connected and the wires to the radiator are in place and dry. When I restarted the engine the light goes out. Woohoo, I am on my way again.

About 2 km further down the road, the light comes on again. Bugger. Must be the brushes in the alternator. Best I go back to the servo and work out my optopns.

I quickly realise that running with no alternator at night is not a long term option. I call home and ask my wife to call and join roadside assistance for me so that I can get assistance next morning without paying emergency callout fee. She rings back and says that there is a 48 hour period from joining until you get roadide assistance unless you want to pay an additional ~$150. So I call them, sign up, request emergency assistance and climb into the back of the van for a sleep while waiting for the guy to come from Gundagai.

I wake up to the mobile phone ringing with the guy ready to drag the van onto his towtruck (hydraulic tilt and extension flatbed - very cool recovery vehicle). He assumes the alternater is stuffed and tows the van back to Gundagai where there are no shops open until Tuesday.

After the van is unloaded, I retire into the back of the van to sleep it off. Before I fall asleep, I call my wife again to arrange for her to bring out a spare battery (meet in the morning whereever the current battery finally gives out).

Alarm goes off at 7:00 am and I head back towards home. Alternator seems to be charging again, but again that only lasts about 5 km 'till the dreaded red light clicks on again. At least I knew that a spare battery was on its way so, as long as the current battery makes it back to Yass I should be fine to make it home.

I actually managed to get home on the one battery.

So perhaps I could have made it to Bagshot after all. Getting home would have been an issue to deal with tomorrow.

I am now moping around the house putting off the task of pulling out both the battery (to put it on the charger) and the alternator (to pull it apart to verify that it is the brushes). Perhaps i need to do that and then take the HEMP for a run through Tidbinbila. Perhaps I won't - just my luck that I get it bogged.

So how SOFT is that!

[burnsy]

Just like to post a quick note to thank all that was involved in organising and running the training day today:clap:.

I had a blast and learnt heaps, now I just have to remember it all:crazy:

Once again thankyou to all, and we will see you at Akademos :)

Cheers Matt

[Col Vic]

Our day at Bagshot today was a huge sucess. The first photo shows the 10 Excels that were there when we took the photo's, there were at least 2 more arrived after that. All I saw all day were smiling faces. I'm sure others will be along soon to tell the stories.

Thanks go to Tony Moore and John Carney who put the day together and also to our driving instructors, Geoff Portman, David Officer, Simon Evans, Ross Allan and Leigh Garrioch as well as our co-driver trainers, Kate Officer, Ross Runnalls, Dave Gallacher and Mark Hallowell, and all the other helpers. Thanks to all of you for giving your day to help the next generation of rally people (although, Ross and Leigh are both part of that new generation).

The other photo is a bit of self indulgence. 5 Australian Rally Champions (Kate Officer - co driver 1984 & 1986, David Officer 1984, Simon Evans 2006,2007, 2009, Ross Runnalls co-driver 1881 & 1982 and Geoff Portman 1981 & 1982) and a ring in. In late September 1969 the ring in joined his first car club and entered his first event. 40 years later, he was able to celebrate that aniversary by being taken for a run over todays stages by each of the 3 Australian Champion Drivers, all his hero's from past and present and all along with their co-drivers, great people who have all become friends, something he would never have thought possible all those years ago. Thanks guys, most fun I have had in a long time and much appreciated.

Col

[DaveTrees]

Ross Runnalls co-driver 1881

Gee Col, I didn't think Ross was quite that old !! :lmao:

[HMCA]

JC, Col and Mr Moore

What a great job you've done with this event, to get those legions of our sport there is very special. I know Geoff is converted but how did you go with the others?

You could give them their own class

Seeing the banner kinda makes me feel like I was there. gotta be better then the Aust Motorkhana championships I got out to yesterday for a look.

I guess this was done to try and secure the State of Origin for 2010 and the World Series Cup. NSW may have to lift its game:kissme:

Again guys well done:clap:

[Mark H]

JC, Col & Tony.

Well done on on a great day.
It is no wonder this series is attracting new ( and old ) competitors.
The support from yourselves & within the group is fantastic.
The goodwill between all is a pleasure to be part of.

[simesays]

Firstly, a big thank you to the organising team that put this all together! :clap:
Next, a big thank you to all those that Col thanked who were brave enough to hop in beside us novices :crazy: and provide some feedback on what we could do to improve... still taking that all in!:clap:
What a fantastic day - as much track time as you could wish for, minimal (if any) waiting time between runs... aerobatic excitement from some drivers (we'll let them explain) and the weather was good too!
Seriously, where else could you have access to that kind of one on one advice and tuition from such well qualified instructors, with a heap of track time anywhere else but the Vic Excel Series... Simply awesome!

[John C]

Simon Is that me your referring to? :spank:

Irrespective of the answer I had a great weekend, on Saturday I competed in the HRA Rallysprint and I might add was soundly beaten by Tony. The Rallysprint was over 5 kms and included some of the next door neighbours tracks.

Thanks to all the officials/instructors and big thank you to all the excelrally crew that took part :grouphug:

Also like to thank the guys and girls that have ordered Victorian Hyundai excelrally Series jackets (13) I will take the next lot of orders at the Akedemos

Once again thanks to Tony and Nikki and the Bendigo Car Club great hosts.:clap::clap:

[Grumblebum]

What a great day a huge thanks to Tony,Col and JC but an enormous thanks to all the instructors who gave up their time and were happy to provide not only driver/codriver training but advice on excel set up.
Bargy you missed out on a classic --you've forgotten that Toyotas are the TAXIS of Japan-It would have been fantastic to get your input when comparing HEMP with some other EXcels:slap:
I was fortunate enough to have Dinta Officer take the Grumbomobile around the track-Dinta says I haven't driven one of these for a while and then shows what an Excel can do with the right pilot--cripes he WAS QUICK:clap: and shows how slow I am. Leigh and Geoff Portman then followed and again while each had their own individual style-- all were bloody quick.
I also received positive feedback concerning the handling /brake balance etc as well as a couple of suggestions to improve the package.
So back to the banner ?better than SEX? you betcha well at least its my take on the day and remember IT is SENIORS WEEK:potstir:
Cheers to all Peter
PS to Stuart and Nic many thanks for your input on the day and Peter and Sue You can always borrow the Grumbomobile if you need to.

[johnd]

Just a few pics from Bagshot.
(And to Grumbles, all I can say is........you ought to get out more!!!! :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL005.jpg
Simon at work!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL007.jpg
Ged 'getting some air' !!

[johnd]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL009.jpg
Simon grinning out the side window!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL010.jpg
Simon driving, instructed by Geoff Portman!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL011.jpg
Been pushed a bit hard?

[johnd]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL012.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL013.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL014.jpg

[johnd]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL014.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL015.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL017.jpg

[johnd]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL018.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v74/lancerjohn26/XL019.jpg

[Joejoe]

Another thanks from the Horsham crew. Really appreciate all the work that was done to get the day up and running. Personal thanks to Tony, Col and John Carney oh and Simon Evans for jumping in the car with me and the other instructors that gave up their Sunday. Thank you thank you thank you!

Cheers Joe

[Mooa42]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mTY5c9pePo

:clap:

[Wassa]

Thanks Mooa42, JC and Col for the great day on Sunday.
A big thanks to all the super experienced drivers and co-drivers who came along and donated there time to improving the sport. :clap: Hope there will be more of these days as they are a great opportunity to improve skills and share knowledge.

The car is currently at the 'beautician' and if all goes well, we will be there at the Akademos. :slap: (Tony, thanks for the photos showing my great parking skills :()
Many thanks to Mick for organising the parts so quickly.

PS: did anyone find a silver mug when they were packing up?

Wassa

[truessman]

Looks like it was a fun day. Cerberus Car Club is running an Autocross on Saturday October 24. So if you want another chance at putting into practice what was learnt, there are still some spots available.

Date - Sat 24 October
Where - Melton (Mt Cottrell track) - 45mins from Melb.
Cost - $55

Supp Regs are available at
http://www.vicrally.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=191

If we get enough Excels we're happy to tweak the scoring and provide an "Excel Challenge" class on the day.

MarkH will also be there as an OLT observor - so if you need an OLT done, this is a good chance.

Any queries drop me a note
tom_ruessman AT goodyear.com

Tom R
Cerberus Car Club