Pondering the Nationals

[LoBelly]

The LoBelly racer is close to ready for Club reg.

Today my brother and co-builder rings to say that the Phillip Island 6 hr regularity trial details are posted and he's keen.

Turns out its Sep 30/Oct1 and $1400/team
Can probably get a team together without much fuss but might not get licencing in time.

So for the sake of comparison

Nationals is $250/driver which for 2 of us gets us to a third of the Phillip Island event.

And Phillip Island is no sweat.

How long to the Nationals from Melbourne (cobra on trailer) - ball park
How much is accom etc.

What do you spend? - if that's not too personal

Personally I think that I'd prefer to go to the nationals but it would have to be a 'team' decision.

Will have just started a new contract so no goodwill for days off etc.

your thoughts/experiences ?

ta
LoBelly

[boxhead]

Me personally would prefer the Nationals, especially if you havent been before, I have been as a visitor and will admit it was nothing more than a big tease not having my own car there and vowed not to return until I had my car ready to attend.

[REPTYL]

The Winton 6 hour is on the 1st weekend in November.
You could have your cake and eat it too.
I sent a group email out to all the Vic members 2 weeks ago to fill a team for the event. Only took 2 days to fill a team of 6 Cobras. ($200 each for Sat and Sun).
If Judy and I both race at the Nationals it costs over $1000 for the weekend.
Although it's unfortunate that the weekend costs so much, it would be my first pick if you only did one a year (Shelby Fest a close second).
One other important thing to consider. The 6hr is a reglularity event with 29 other cars on the track, the nationals is a club sprint (Shelby Fest also) with only a few cars on the circuit at one time.

[400TT]

Without hesitation, the Nationals. Have you actually been to the Nationals, even as a visitor.

Even without a vehicle I wouldn't miss the Nationals. My GT40 is going to miss it again.

This is what Nationals has going for it:

• Variety of Events - Sprints, Go-To-Whoa, Drags, Hill Climb
• Show & Shine
• More Cobra's than you can poke a stick at(some GT40's & Daytona's)
• Even more Cobra fanatics.
• Fantastic Social Events.
• Cobra manufacturers & suppliers with plenty of time to talk. Well more than usual.

[LoBelly]

Thankyou all.

I think the Phillip Island 6hr is out. I don't think I can get the licencing etc in time.

That doesn't mean that the Nationals is in though. It might all be just a bit to soon for any form of reg and too far just to watch.

I have to say that it is my personal preference to try to make it but there are a lot of hurdles

Having said that, I just got back from a 'build day' at the brother's. Fitted a clutch pedal stop, some bracing at the back of the car, some mounts for the harnesses and fitted the (4 point) harnesses too. My brother got them from a guy at his work who rallies at a great price.

Then we went for a burn - as its my car I got to be the passenger (I'm told I'll be allowed to drive it one day soon ).

The job just prior to this one was the front brake rebuild - jag (now a flash red rather than rust) with some 'bitey' pads, new internals and new front hoses, Well they work - stomping on the brakes gave me head-rush as we slowed so rapidly - also discovered why people go for the harnesses. Man - those staps sure hold you in check (and anyone who's met me knows that's a lot to hold back)

Also took the engine over 4000rpm for the first time (almost to 5000rpm ). The engine was just sitting - not properly assembled - for about 15+ years prior to our firing it up. Slowly bringing it back.

Anyway with the sound and the feel and the wind etc, you can imagine that I'm really keen to get out for a play soon.

So, how long does it take to get to Wakefield from Melbourne?

ta
LoBelly

[Aussie Mike]

About 7 Hours or so.

Cheers

Michael