Post by Murray Guy (Grandad) on Nov 9, 2008 8:51:38 GMT 12
Baypark, if It wasn't for a few memories, a few officials last night ,
I'd be saying it has to be the premier speedway race track in NZ
for the big budget, big horsepower, big ego competitors ...
and pretty d**n good for the rest!
The spectacle put on by the winged warriers was unbelievable ...
I believe the winner doing 12.5 or so sec laps in the feature!
The super saloons likewise (but not quite) also putting on an awesome show.
Dean Waddell 81m seemed to shine a little brighter than the rest,
and I look forward to watching him take it to the Southern supers
next Friday and Saturday at Woodford Glen.
Baypark ... 9/10 for track surface and meeting flow from this competitors perspective!
Unfortunately Opening night, 25th October was postponed,
and my accepted entry for that event was to be missed.
I approach Willie Kay Promoter to see if my entry was transferable to last night - Yes, came back the reply.
Kyle (13m) and I arrive in plenty of time.
The comments flow from all and sundry regarding my presence at Baypark,
and what I had to do to (and / or for) Willie for my entry to be accepted!
Certainly was a pleasant change only have a 15 minute drive to a race track!
I nearly missed drivers briefing being in the clubrooms when the call went out. On entering Willie is responding to Brent McClymont's query regarding visiting drivers. Many, he says, are ringing him ...
my advice, ring, email Willie Kay.
The ref refers to the previous meeting acknowledging that the starts included a few drivers not playing by the rules and that this was, I think, going to be addressed this meeting?
Grid draws are unique at Baypark, along with a few other features.
After drivers briefing you pick a marble. I draw grid 11. Race two the grid is reversed. Race three feature the 6 highest points getters start off the front, highest starting position 6, second highest position 5 and so on. Seventh highest points start position seven.
Quite a good system for the punters and competitors I thought.
I ended up with all mid pack grids 11, 10 and 12.
Through the pit gate for race one and you cannot help but be gobsmaked at the width of the track, the size of the facility. Even though I've raced there many times, albeit not of late.
... pause to have coffee and check out the car ...
The track for race one ... That terracotta clay is certainly drivey. I had a bit too much stagger (88" left, 99" right) on the rear and possibly a couple of pounds too few in the right rear (9). While very happy with the cars handling overall, I was down a bit in the go forward department!
True to form (as witnessed on recent videos) it appears the refs at Baypark are totally oblivious to rules R11-14-5 RACE IN PROGRESS as are a few of the drivers. Amazing - even with a track as wide as Baypark they have competitors who manage to block from the pole line to the wall. One such 'P influenced (or other such mind bending drug') experienced competitor sweeps across my right front existing a corner to demolish my front splitter and munt my rim. I noticed the engine temperature was a bit higher than usual. Despite the druggies and absentee refs, a great race, a great track.
Back in the pits we reduce the stagger significantly fitting a 93/94" left rear, reduce tyre pressure a pound in the left front (91/2lb), up the pressure in the right rear to 11lb, and screw a little more weight into the left rear! Car takes a bit more fuel than at other tracks (she's a big track and we're revving higher).
Race two my grid is 10 and my race is much the same as the first, spending a lot of time on the brakes avoiding the windscreen wiper lookalikes as they negotiate their way around the track.
A spin in turns 3 & 4 didn't help me, fortunately able to gather her up quickly, no yellows, and get under way again.
The stagger and pressure changes certainly improved my performance.
Think we managed to still finish mid pack.
The meeting for me was going surprisingly pleasant, but not so for young Daniel Wyatt in his ex Steve Muir 44m Mazda.
A new competitor unknown to me, and possibly an ex competitor if he lets his frustration destroy his speedway.
It seems in race two he got a flat tyre. The infield officials black flagged him and he didn't come in. Daniel insists he didn't see it, but that was no excuse for the SNZ at Baypark, giving him a 21 day stand-down. We've got 20 plus saloons on the track, a new driver focusing on surviving, not out there to take photos of officials on the infield! These SNZ guys really go out of there way to help our sport grow (as I find out later)!
When penalties are being applied responsible parents, those who have authority over others, SNZ Officials must surely ask themselves, "What is it the penalty supposed to achieve, what outcome? What approach should I take to secure the best outcome for all?" Be sensitive to our officials I hear one or two crying, they are volunteers. Apparently some think it's okay to be biased, incompetant, break the rules, if you are a volunteer official - I don't! Officials have a part to play, just like competitors, and MUST play by the rules, with the application of a bit of common sence!
The feature race has me off position 12.
20 cars start the race (44m having been stood down).
The track for the saloons was clearly still drivey, the surface moisture clearly rising ... Excellent!
Unfortunately we have no video record of race three,
my wife thinking she was recording when infact it was paused - and visa-versa.
We do have some very nive random sky and concrete footage!
Nevermind, it was great racing on an excellent race surface.
The feature winner was a very deserving Michele Wymer 75m who started off grid 4. Brent McClymont 2NZ off grid 5 and Jeff Baron off grid 6.
Following appropriate tributes to the winner Michele infield commentator Grant Moffat sought a few responses from me.
It was with pleasure I was able to so enthusiastically express support for the venue based on my nights racing and part spectating ... only tempered (dampened) by advise from an infield steward after the feature race to present myself with my licence and wallet to the stewards room when off the track! These buggers can't help themselves, I thought. Give 'em a cap, a little infringement notice book and look out ... when what's really needed are glasses, a large print rule book and the integrity to apply it with impartiality and consistancy!
So what was my horrific offense that warrented such special treatment, plus the threat of a stand-down?
Sorry, it's now time for a snack ... (while I'm eating chuckle over this - I asked if he fined the competitors who jumped the starts the previous week, as refered to in the drivers briefing. He said no, we were short on time! ) ...
So here it is ... a copy (most would not have seen one of these. Reserved only for the very worst of offenders!)
A COMPETITION: SPOT THE MISTAKES ...
- I don't believe SNZ has an affiliated track called BAYPARK RACEWAY
- There is no such class as a 'Limited Saloon Car'
- Crossing of the pole line in ITSELF is NOT an infringement, not an offence. The notice should cite the actual offence and rule reference.
