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IN THE NEWS
12/06/07
Our off season rebuild is coming along nicely. We do 1 night a week so slowly but surely.
Car is stripped down to a basic roller.
New bumpers are just about complete and looking sharp.
Side rails will get a tidy up too then its off to the sand blasters and then paint. Not to sure what colour to paint the
chassis at this stage, just know it won't be black again. (Too hard to keep clean and cracks are hard to see also).
We missed going to Taipa this year but maybe next time. Sounds like every one had an awesome time.
I'll try and get some workshop pic's on here soon so check back soon.
Check it out Pee Wee Rees has a great new part to his site. The full history of Rees Cars. Thanks to Jeremy Savell. http://www.reesracecars.co.nz/asp/history.asp
28/04/07
John Webster Mermorial One meeting I would like to forget I think.
I tried a differant size tyre on the RH Rear and it just didn't work. Durrrrrr
Why change a good thing at the end of the season and on at such a prestigious meeting too. Guess I wanted to
try and get out of the corners a little better but paid for it on the straights big time.
Race 1 Grid 16 and I got hammered, Turned, Hit, Bashed & Crunched. Just didn't have the top end to stay out
of trouble but we still came in 13th.
Race 2 Grid 4. And you know what? I didn't change back to my known combo and got hammered again. Only this time
I smashed my Knee on the dash (Knee Pad fell down) when Morrice 338A got me head on after being spun by Billy Neal. Got going
again and saw Steve Gain parked on the wall on Pit Bend. Couple of laps later and I hit a wet patch and the car under steered
and ended up hitting Steve hard. Spoke to him after the race and he was all good. Phu hate that. Total disaster that one.
Smashed my front bumper and bent the chassis rail too.
Race 3 Grid 19 We put the big RH rear back on and man we had our car back again. Had the pace and was doing it.
The red came on for Fox'ys effort on 95A roll but the car would not idle. (turned out to be the Dist cap had moved after the
big hits.) Green comes on and hooked 3rd gear and my acc cable broke so idled to the infield and the end of the season for
us. Not the way I wanted to end my season in the car but hey thats racing.
Once again thanks to Lee for great crew support over the season. With out him we would not have made it
to the meetings.
Next season Dave (SCARY) will be back in the hot seat and I am looking forward to crewing and tinkering with
the car for Dave.
Back to the shed for our off season rebuild etc.
More soon on the progress........................
15/04/07
All loaded up and no were to go. Wet and cold in Auckland Waikaraka was canceled. On the ph to 2 Ks to run down
there on the Sunday. Like all other clubs they welcome you with open arms. (good on you!). Now to get hold of and talk the
crew into coming along. Lee was into it Cool were off.
Driving down looked a bit bleck but the weather gods were looking after us and a great day was to be had. Alot
of others made the treck there too from Rotorua, Mount, Stratford too.
Rrace 1 we got grid 18 at the back. New track and a big hole had formed on pit bend by the time we got out there.
We got a good start and car was feeling great. The big out side lines and making ground fast. Wasn't sure of the result for
a while till it was posted to show a 3rd. Cool happy with that.
Race 2 put us on grid 1 Along side me was Andy Wier in Rinso's car 81A.
Green and were off and Andy was giving me a run for me money here. But he would have to go around the hard
way A. He pulled off to the centre and we now had a good lead.Could see in the mirrors one behind me slowly catching
and we were catching up to the back runners in the field. this could be fun but patience is the name of the game
and gapes opened (and closed) and we were through to the white flag. just 1 more and we got our 2nd win for the season.
That was a good one to get at an away track.
Race 3 (BUTCHERS PICNIC) What the heck is a butchers picnic? being new to this game soon found out. First up
best dressed so I elected for the rear and see what happens and maybe play. 2/3 into the race and my RH rear tyre blow. No
point in staying out here so hit the infield and look after the car for our last meeting at the Park The John Webster Memorial.
Some people may say I was a flag runner on that win but hey I'll take it. The car and set up we have right
now is working well and thanks for all the advice we have had over the season, Billy, Grunta etc Cheers guys.
Once again thanks to Lee for a great job done. He had a great time marshalling the demo derby for 2Ks albeit
in the dark.
One more meeting and then strip down for off season rebuild.
More soon..............
31/03/07
With not a lot to do after the Waikato Champs we draged the car out of the shed Sat morning. Had a couple of puntures
to fix and a quick nut and bolt check, load up all those spares etc and were off for a fun night.
Was a change to get there and have a relaxed atmospher about the place. Donna done the grid draws based on points to date
and as I don't have to many I ended up on pole. Bugger it, I have never had a flag and the track was drivie so nothing to
loose I went for it even tho its only a fun night. Had the lead for 2/3 of the race my right rear tyre fell to bits. The tread
pealed off which made the handleing hard, then there was a tap (or I should say a hard bunt) on me rear end and Billy slips
through on the inside to take the win. But hey 2nd was still my best result to date.
Race 2 were on grid 6.
This is were I like to be, lots A fun working ya way through. By lap 1 we was up to 2nd, Lap3 down to 3rd and then Grunta
99a spun on lap 3 and now were in the lead and thats were we stayed. Grunta got back on to the track in about 8th and chased
me down to finish 2nd.
1st win and we'll take it. On the victory lap me right rear went down so was lucky to get that one. On exiting the track
I spotted Grunter running at me with a bucket of water(I didn't know of the ritual) Through the window it came. That was
a cool down. Thanks to Billy for the lone of right rear for race 3 as we had used the only 2 we had.
Race 3 grid 16
But we ended up on about grid 8. Got a good start and were running about 2nd. 2 laps to go and bugger, right rear goes
flat again. Being a lone tyre I opped for the green stuff in the middle. DNF 1st one for a while but hey thats racing.
Pleople have been asking were we have got our pace from.
I guess we have found a formula,(ratios, Tyre sizes & set up) that is working for us right now.(not telling what they
are tho)
Thanks to Zak for crewing this week end. He's getting good at changing tyres now
Cheers Zak
Next meeting "Webster memorial"
More soon..................
10/3/07 Waikato Champs
Thanks to Huntly for accepted us all from Auckland (all 18 of us) to contest there championship.
Love to race at Huntly, such a friendly place to go. What can ya say that hasn't been said before. Two groups, two race
shoot out with top 15 through to the final.
Race 1; we drew grid 12. Got a good start and the car is going great. Track was drivie as always. Was a bit tame as every
one wanted to score to get through. We ended up 6th in that one and good enough.
Race 2; Grid 8. Greens on and a big gap opens up and were up to 3rd by turn 3 & 4. Couple of laps later and red is
on. I stopped at the entry gate only to see Rose 117A parked up high. Had to laugh at Roses parking skills.
Mean while my right rear went flap and I was ordered to the infield. Only thing to do was wait until the cheuqed flag
and pull out and croiss the loop to record a finish to score some pionts at least.
Turn out they put all cars that were running in the final.
Final; Grid 16 thought there was no hope from back here but once again by the 1st turn we were up to about 6th or 7th.
A lot of stirring was going on but managed to get through a lot of it. Was a big teams race at the end of the night. Huntly
V's Auckland with 11k Bob helping out the huntly boys. End of the back stright I saw Justin Hutchby take a big hit spinning
that car like a spinning top. I took to the wall cos there was cars diving every were and got through ok. Couple of laps later
tagged on turn 4 and spun but only lost a couple of places. Car was pulling great and I kinda knew we did ok but didn't know
untill Fiona calls at our trailer handing me an envelope saying congrats 6th place. Choice, Were very happy with that.
All first 6 places were Auckland cars. Awesome event and very well run as always. Thanks again to my crew Lee, Dave (SCARY)
and Reid. Great job guys.
More later.........
3/3/07 AUCKLAND CHAMPS
With little to do after the NZ's a little weld job and a few punctures we're off to the park for the Auckland Champs.
All the checks done ok and we draw grid 10 for the 1st one.
Race 1 and the track was tacky and slippery out wide on the turns. Turns 1 & 2 went ok but it all went to custard
on turns 3 & 4. Cars every where, got a bit knocked around but managed to punch through it all. Dumped the clutch and
we're back up to race speed again. I think we made a bit of ground out of all that. Being a championship every one seemed
to be racing for points. Well most any way.
Finished 7th in that one and and the car only needed the usual check over and gas. All good.
Race 2 Grid 23. Shoot its a long way back here to the front. Going to have to work on that one. The race pace was fast
and the track was cutting up big time on both bends.
no big dramas and we made 10 places up to 13th.
Race 3 Grid 8. Green is on and we're going no where. Brakes were hard on up front but I managed to slip out of it and
we're up to 4th on the 1st lap. Once again the track was rough and we were getting air bourne on the bends. Man this is hard
on the gear and the body. We managed a 3rd in the race to score a total of 55 points but outside the podium in 5th place over
all.
Once again very happy with that as we never expect any thing.
Again a big thankyou to my crew Lee & Zak for an awesome job. Lee has really got the tyre pressures sorted and working
well.
Back to the shed and basic checks for the Waikato Champs next week end. Looking fwd to that Cheers Mrs H.
More soon............
NEW ZEALAND CHAMPS
Well here we are NZs 11am Friday all the hard work and long hours in the shed and we're here. Going to be a long day and
thats what it was. All through the checks and over the scales ok. Was getting close to 6pm and my crew was stuck in traffic.
10 to 6 they arrived just in time for the grand parade. What a buzz for the 1st time in the NZs and the nerves are no better.
Race 1 we drew grid 10 and I was happy with that for the 1st one. Plan was to keep me nose clean and drive a tactical
race plan and with me nerves shot to bits it kinda went to plan. The car was running really well until we punctured LH front
so could do nothing more than slip down to the poll line and try and score some points.
Finished 18th & 6 points
Race 2 Grid 22 Once again same plan and the best plans go right out the door. Got through the field to about 4th &
yet another puncture and I didn't even touch the high poll line curb. Back down to the poll line and score those points.
Finished 12th & 12 points
Race 3 Grid 4 This time we had to go for it. NZs were not an option so lets try for the Grand slam. Car was on a flyer
and we were humming. (not bad for a $200 engine)
I kinda knew we were up there but didn't realise our placing.
Finished 3rd & 21 points.
39 points and 8th over all in blue group.
We had done it.
At this stage I gota give thanks to my crew Lee, Dave & Paul for an awesome job done and not to forget Seonid, Andrea
(#1 FAN) and Reid in the stands cheering us on.
SATURDAY
Man after a long day and night my eyes just didn't want to open. No major repairs just a small weld job and punctures
to fix and were off again but a much more respectable hour to arrive at the track.
Nerves are shot to bits again and the waiting for that grid draw.
Race 1 drew grid 22 Thats ok happy to sit it out and see how the race develops and that race plan. Gaps opened and closed
but I fingered patiece was the name of the game. The pace was hot. Good stuff
Fininshed 14th & 17 points
Race 2 grid 7 Now this race was a mixed bag. Once again hot pace and a lot of stirring going on.
Got a good start on the 1st corner and up to about 4th that is until 174r stuck me up the wall. Managed to get out of
that and racing again.
Finished 10th & 21 pionts.
Race 3 grid 17 This was going to be the tough one. Do we race or do we play. Wait and see. Patience again and it paid
off. I was up to 3rd at about lap 5 and the red came on. On the restart the 2 cars in front slowed and I'm now leading by
a good margin. That is until once again 174r got me again.(should of nailed him 1st but thats experiance in stock car racing
I didn't have. Have learnt now) Putting me backwards into the wall. (here we go, a repeat of last meeting) Na was ok and still
running but punched RH rear. We kept on going to finish
Finished 7th & 24 points.
Total 62 and 8th overall
As Lee put it we are 38th in NZ. He got a great way at looking at things.
An awesome championship and a lot learnt by me and the crew and thanks to Chris and Tina who joined us for saturday night.
I kept them busy in the pits all night and I value their help. Cheers
Next year I'm hoping Dave will be back in the seat and I can enjoy what I like most, preparing the car and tweaking it
here and there.
Hats off to the club for a great event.
Next meeting 3rd March Auckland Champs.
Looking forward to it.
More soon..............................
3/2/07
Modified Dirt Cup Night.
This was just going to be a run before the NZs. Was a night from hell.
Race 1 was so muddy and slippery; was a waste of time but you know how it is, when the flag falls ya go for it as best
ya can. Cars in all directions with the slightest of taps, and I was no exception hitting that wall hard and bashing my knee
on the dash. (thats never happened before, Knee pads from now on)
Race 2 Wet track again and the car wasn't handling too good. Hard racing and a lot of bashing but hey thats the stocks
for ya.
Race 3 now the track was a little better. Car was going ok but Ant's in 4a was giving me a hard time so back the other
way it went. He punched and slowed to the poll line. Every time I came past him he had a swing but to no avail.
2/3 into the race I got past Carlos 64a and 18a who were going at it only to get tagged on the next lap by Carlos spinning
me and getting mixed up in their battle. I went backwards into pit bend wall hard and rolling me turtle.
Just as well I had crew videoing it all cos I was KO and dont remember a thing. Got towed to the centre and from there
I drove the car back to the pits but can't remember doing it at all.
NZs in two weeks yeeeeeehaaaaaaaaaaaa
27/01/07
Friday Racing,now thats something different.
Just getting there was a mission with all the long w/end traffic. Just made it in time for the gate closes at 6pm.
Straight through all the checks no prob's.
Race 1, We drew grid 14. The track was very wet but suprising had some drive in it. Mid way through spun me self up. Grabbed
a gear and the dam gear lever came off in my hand. Managed to poke it back in and find 3rd.By the time I got back on track
we was at the back. Car was going real good and clawed our way back up to finish 13th out of the 23 starters. Happy with that.
Race 2 Grid 3, Once again a wet track but hey its the NZ Mod champs and its their night so thats ok. Off to a good start
and car was handling ok. Just the driver gotta get with the plan. Finished 5th in the end with no real drama's.
Race 3 Grid 17, O well not here tomorrow night so points don't matter.Must be time to play. Haven't really had a chance
to play before so was a lot of fun. Had a go at Carlos but he's been around a long time (cunning as a fox).
Nice to have the speed to race and nice to be able to play.
All in all was happy with the car and thanks to my crew Lee for a job well done. Lee has really got a handle on things
tires etc.
More soon..................
21/01/07
Practice Day. We just had to do this as our run this season has been a shocker to say the least. I went out for the 1st
stint and the track was, Well Wet,Dry,Drivey,Slippery, you name it we had it but all the same the car went ok.Felt a bit flat
but ok. I put lee out next as I wanted to see it from the out side what was going on. He was rapped for the opportunity to
have a play. Billy and Rinso gave him some tips, Thanks Guys.
All in all I was happy with the set up, just a little more pace. Maybe its more me (driving like a nana) than the car.
(old age you know).
More soon.................
14/01/07
Well the practice didn't happen so we went to Huntly for a play. Race 1 and I elected to go off the back as I
was unsure what the new cam and head was going to go like. ( O did I mention we got a new cam) This was a testing time and
a new track so gentlly goes. Hey the car was going well, track was awesome as expected. By the time the White flag came out
we had pulled in 2/3 of the field and last corner the right rear axle cried enough. We did't have a spare so all over rover
dispit the locals being very helpful we were on the trailer. ( gota get past this 1st race bugby). Hey we enjoyed our time
at Huntly and very keen to go back. Thanks Annett for the opportunity to race there. Cheers Bob for the axles, hope the
burbon tastes good. Also thanks to crew Lee and Paul for there hard work in the pits trying to get me back out and missing
all the action. Cheers guys.
7/01/07
All ready to rock and roll, NEW fly wheel bolts installed and engine is back in. chucked a new water
pump at it too. Aligned the power steering pump and belts so hopefully thats the end of flicking belts off.
Practice next week end so may be there to have a run.
More later.................
30/12/06
Last meeting for the yr and our luck is not a happening thing this yr.
1st race we're on grid 3 and off to a good start, about lap 4 and my power steering belt winds it self off again. (gotta
get on top of that 1)
Out there is not much fun with no power steering. Wasn't long before the pack was catching and I'm slipping down the
field. Time to play :)
7a was right there so nudged through on the inside, he must of taken exception to it cos he put me up the wall on
the next lap. "Cool aint stock cars so much fun".
He seemed to be wedged in under my front wheel. I managed to get free working back and forward and managed to finish
the race albeit a couple of laps down but a finish is better than a DNF.
Uh-Oh got a little man in the engine with a big hammer making a lot of noise. On the trailer and thats it for the night.
Watching the 2nd race was great to see all the action. Good on ya guys was a good show. Thanks to Lee and Chris for there
time in the pits for no racing time had.
1/1/07
Back to the shed and out with the engine to find a loose fly wheel.
What a releaf that was to find and not some thing more sinister.
Well be back next time.
More soon.............
9/12/06
Well the car is all back together and ready to go. Towed it to the park, through all the checks etc and 20mins before
kick off down comes the rain and washed franks track out.
All over rover.
Thats racing, (still hate that saying).
Next up will be the 30th I guess but at least we got nothing to do on the car till then. To busy leading up to xmas
any way's.
To all you petrol heads and stocky web surfers, have a marry xmas and we'll see ya at the park. Don't be shy to come
and chat to us any time in the pit's.
Cheers big ears..................
27/11/06
We made it.
First of all I gota give thanks to Seonid my wife for her support she has given me on this project and Lee and Sam for
there time in the shed, Cheers Guys.
After a full on week in the shed and a mad panic Sat morning we were loaded by 2pm. Off by 3pm to get there early to
get green sheeted, licenced etc. All went to plan passing all checks including the scales. (mums the word on the weight tho).
The new chassis paint job is now revealed. Not sure black is a servicable colour but were stuck with it now. We had a few
more adjustments to do i.e coils, set back etc basicly all of them. O yeah check out the new uniforms.
Well race 1, Grid 1, Shoot do I really want to be out there not knowing how the car is going to go with not
practise before hand.
Warm up lap was all we had. That was the desider, Stand on the brakes or go for it when the flag drops? Track felt
good so the latter was chosen. About lap 3 #12 blasted past, couple more laps and grunta 99 came past too. Wasn't long
before Billy Neal nailed me spinning me up. Bugger no clutch. While trying the grab some gears the selector broke in the box
and that was game over and the end of the night for us.
Well that's racing as they say. It sucks really but at least we got there.
Back to the shed for repairs and looking forward to next time out there.
More soon...................
17/11/06:
We just about finished. We've had a good week on the car this week. Power plant is in the hole, Dash and wiring all wired
for sound,(not making any sound yet tho,maybe this weekend)
We will be there for the Auckland champs meeting. Was hoping to get a run before then but just not to be.
Soon be long...............
7/11/06 UPDATE:
Not much happening in the shed of late. New dash board is finished and I must say looks good. Will be taking the Engine
in to be SNZ Sealed this week so by the end of the week we may have the engine ready to go in the hole.All other bits and
bobs are ready (paint etc) to be put back together and wired for sound.
Its all those little things that take time. O well here's hopeing we make it for the next meeting. EVERY THING CROSSED.
:-)
Watching the 1st meeting from the clubrooms wasn't much fun but great to see action straight off the flag drop. Good
on ya CJ good stuff.
More Later..................................
On The Wheels Again- 28/10/06
Well the car is back on it's wheels again. Yee ha, Been a while and a lot of hr's and hard work in the
shed but now it's looking like a car again. Chassis has had paint thrown at it, a new dashboard has been fabricated for
the new gauges etc and new wiring loom will be made to replace the birds nest that once was.(that went over the
left shoulder). So far we are on target for the 11th Nov practise but it's a busy time with work etc so time will tell. Looking
forward to opening on the 4th albeit watching from the stands. Watch this space for more updates soon......
NEWS FLASH-
Due to work comittments Scary has decided to hand the car over to me
to complete and drive for the season. He will look at his work load in the new year and I hope to see him back in the drivers
seat then.
The Off Season
This off season has been a biggy. Major rebuild to chassis and of course that roll cage upgrade. The chassis is now ready
for painting (maybe a different colour. watch this space) and then on to the assembly line. Hoping to make it for the 11th
Nov Pratice.
05/06 SEASON
Last season was our 1st season with this car and was an eventful one too.
I came on board to help Dave just prior to the start of the season rebuild and tidy up.
New side rails were fitted and a general tidy up was in order.
Lucky for us the 1st meeting was rained out cos we weren't quite ready.
The plan was to just play with the car, get used to a coil set up and have a little fun on the way. We found the engine down
on power so out with it to find broken rings etc. Dave had a spare engine in the wings ($250) from the wreckers, only a 3.9
EA so we chucked a cam at it and threw it in the hole to get us by for the season.
Turned out to be a good combo.
Billy Neil gave us a different diff ratio to try so as to run bigger tyres and that proved a success. We were on the pace
by now.
Dave insisted I get my licence. Back up driver he said.
I ended up driving more than him for the season.
Was a good learning curve season, setups etc.
More later.................
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