Sunday the 14th of April, 2019, dawned cool, with inclement weather looming – but all that soon dissipated as Sydney turned on a warm autumnal day for round 2 of the 2019 CSCA series.

As the CLA gang were setting up, the sound of what appeared to be 1000 rotary engines tried to sneak past on the way the North circuit for a rotary-only day – the ‘off beat ‘thump-thump’’ of a rotary is an acquired taste!

The early morning progressed well. Of the 76 runners, eighteen were from Club Lotus Australia, fourteen of which in Lotii – an excellent representation on a circuit that is probably the least favoured by the CSCA competitors.

Like the CLA round, at the drivers briefing the Group 1 contingent were ready to go on the dummy grid, with the weapon of choice being Lotus in the majority and arranged in a vast array of colours, engine sizes and series – it was great to see.

So, on to the results!

The fastest marque car of the day was Tim (or was that Dave) Mackie with a 1:00:8 – what a fantastic time and also fastest in R1. Tim coming out of the right/left coming on the straight with the left front wheel ‘cocked’ was a sight – well done Tim. Next up was the Green Machine Cup 430 of Martin Duursma with a 1:01.3 (fastest in M3) followed by Leigh Fuller with a 1:01:57 (fastest in P3). The close sprinting between Martin and Leigh was again great to witness and had the assembled throng on its feet as usual.

Mark Meletopoulo had a great run and set a 1:02:78, coming home second in M3. Mark was consistent and quick all day.

Liam Sheppard came home with 1:03:1, setting a PB by 1.45 sec on his way to the fastest time in M2. Liam really had the car moving and is improving with every outing – a great result.

Richards Wodhams came in with 1:03:8 and headed the P2 class. It was great to see the car and Richard back out on the track. Peter Deller was next in the Commodore with a 1:04:3, followed closely by Terrance Waugh with a 1:04:4 in Renault Sport Spider – great drive and a great and unique car that is beautifully presented.

John Deller posted a 1:05:0 in the Commodore, which was closely followed by Len Goodwin in the Elan 26R with a 1:05.6 – always great to see this car and driver on the track. Brett Stevens was next up in his new stead – the Exige S – basically in road trim with a 1:05:7 – a terrific time. We know that the horn works and its use on the track is certainly unique! Colin Rudd in the Elise Sport 220 came in with a respectable 1:05:8 and is continuing to get quicker and more confident in the car.

Rex Hodder was up next with a 1:06:2, leading the M1 field. Gino Valdes posted a 1:06.9 – a fast time on road tyres. Melanie Valdes was next fastest with a 1:10.2 and continues to improve. Both Gino and Mel finishing with big smiles on their face.

Peter Wolsey posted a 1:10:4 as he gets quicker in the V6 Exige, which is one of the best looking cars on the circuit. Graham Hobbs in the Civic posted a 1:13:1 and Gemma Gibson posted a 1:14:7 in the Elise S. This was only Gemma’s second CSCA round and she is improving round on round – it won’t be long before she is filling people’s rear view mirrors – great driving Gemma.

At the end of the day we went home with big smiles, a few PBs and no more rotary noise! The next event will be at SMSP (North) on the 25^th May, hosted by the Jaguar Club. We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in Motorsport,

The CLA Motorsport Committee.