Saturday the 19th of August 2023 found us at Sydney Motorsport Park for the fourth round of the 2023 super sprint series, hosted by us!
We were greeted at the circuit by a beautiful late winter’s day, which offered up sunny skies with cool temperatures, Mr. Sun providing enough heat to put some warmth into the tarmac and tyres. 69 drivers set a time during the day, and we were grateful for the excellent support from competitors across all CSCA-affiliated clubs. Thank you!
The top of the timesheet, perhaps unsurprisingly, was commanded by Daniel Nolan in the Nola Chev, driving under the MG Car Club Sydney. The 1977 Nola Chev is an absolute monster, and a frequent winner in Group Q & R racing at historic meetings around the country. Daniel is no slouch himself, and ran a 1:36.14, with close to five seconds of clear air before any of the more modern cars.
Then, it was Club Lotus’ time to shine, with Andrew Tendli, Colin Rudd, Martin Duursma and Richard Wodhams completing the top five. Tendli ran a 1:40.84 in the Elise Motorsport, topping the R5 class in doing so. Colin Rudd went third quickest overall, securing the fastest M3 time in the Exige.
Colin was followed by Martin in the Exige Cup 430 second M3, Richard claimed first in P2 with a 1:43.82. Brett Stevens and Ralph Thompson were just a hair behind, both steering Exiges to 1:44s, Ralph just two tenths slower than Brett.
Peter Taylor had a good run in the Exige 410 to sit atop P3 class, followed by Christopher Pearse in the Exige 420. Behind them, Peter Deller led a pair of quick Holdens, closely matched with Michael Baxter, Peter’s 1:47.50 putting him third R3 behind a pair of fast Nissans driven by Keith Hammond and Mathew Wootten and just ahead of Tim Mackie running a 1:48.07 in an HSV GTS.
Following the big Holdens was Gregory Baker, who ran a 1:49.36 in the impressive Nissan Pulsar GTIR. In 21st overall, Kyle Lange claimed the top spot in M1 with a 1:49.87 in his Elise, putting eleven Club Lotus Australia drivers in the top 21.
Meanwhile, Tina Cho continues her steady move up the timesheets, running a 1:47.09 in the WRX R3, brother Derrick following with a 1:59.14 in the Civic Type R. John Culvenor’s Elan beautifully presented and tidily steered to a 2:08.54 and closely matched with Sprite Car Club driver Bruce Melville in another Elan S3.
A huge ‘Thank you!’ to the many members, family and friends who assisted us in running the round both in the lead-up to the day and with the many roles required to make it all happen at the track. As always, while the driving is fun it’s the social side that makes these days special, and that was enjoyed equally by competitors, volunteers and spectators alike.
