Oran Park GP Historic Race Meeting - April 21 & 22

[DAVID PATERSON]

Well folks, after travelling to many race meetings in NSW as a spectator, official or pit crew, I am now heading south for my first interstate meeting as a competitor.

The organisers are expecting big fields of all classes of Historic Racing, from pre-war vintage racers, to early'80s open wheelers. Of course the highlight for me wil be the Historic Touring Car races. The organisers are expecting 60-80 cars, split in two divisions.

There will be a practice/familiarisation day on the Friday preceding the meeting. I will be there trying to learn the circuit and ensure the car is set up right, not there is too much adjustability in a Historic Touring Car. I've only been round the circuit in a Fire Truck, so this should be a bit of an eye opener.

I hope a few 10/10ers might trek out to see the old cars go round. I'm sure you'll enjoy the Tourers. If you're there, drop in and say G'day.

[Crash Test]

David- are you racing on the South or the GP circuit...because I can give you a bit of advice with respect to the GP track- dont go near the kart track! Several families of Rabbits live there, and i'd hate to see you run over Bugs Bunny!

PS- You lucky *******! Do you need someone to carry your bags??

[mtpanorama]

Oran Park is a great track. Not to many tricky places.It doesnt matter if you are on the short circuit or the GP, the esses are pretty tricky. If you come in too fast it spits you out the other side and you end up in the sand trap (been there done that).
The dog leg would have to be the best part of the track.Flat out in 3rd in the mazda over there on the limit of grip hoping to pull it up in time before turning up onto the straight.
I assume the datto would be about the same pace as what my mazda was so the biggest tip i can give you about OP is apex the corner coming onto the straight very late (and if you dont scrape the mirror on the outside wall you havnt been trying hard enough:d so you cxan carry as much speed down the straight. The rest of it is pretty easy from there.
Anything else just ask,ive been around a few times.
Ill try and make it for one of the meetings and catch up.

[elephino]

I'll see what I can do about making it. Don't know yet...

[Ray Bell]

Actually, I'm working in Canberra that weekend, but if I get a good early start Saturday, I might be finished in time to get there too...

Should try to make it.

But Oran Park is no great track, nor is it to be taken too lightly... it has killed more people than any other Australian circuit.

[Lorna]

I hope it goes well for you and you'll have to give us an update.

Apologies, but I will be absent on that day. There will be a slight problem with transport

[elephino]

No excuse Lorna

[Lorna]

So you will be coming to pick me up from England then elephino?

[elephino]

Sure, I'll be around to pick you up Friday at 6 in my Lear Jet.

[Lorna]

I hope you won't be late

[DAVID PATERSON]

Lorna, thanks for the kind wishes. I was very disappointed not to see you there.

Ray, thanks for the death reference. That was very helpful & encouraging.

MtPanorama, thanks for dropping in and saying G'day. It was great to finally meet up. I can now increase my meagre tally of 10/10ers I've met in person by 1.

[mtpanorama]

It was great to finally meet up. I can now increase my meagre tally of 10/10ers I've met in person by 1.

Not a problem at all David. It was good to meet you. That makes my total of 10/10ers ive met to 1.

[Lorna]

I'm still waiting for David to send me a picture of himself that doesn't involve him being disguised by the car and a crash helmet!

[Crash Test]

There's this photo...im the goose in the passenger's seat

[Lorna]

Hang on. I'll just get my magnifying glass

Thanks Crashtest

You are still being shy about this, David!

[DAVID PATERSON]

Lorna if you looked as good as I do, you'd be shy too.