Race Report: The HSRCA's 2022 New Year Historics
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The Wakefield weather gods have not been very kind to us over the past number of race meetings, and the HSRCA’s 2022 New Year Historic meeting, held at Wakefield Park over the 29th and 30th of February, 2022, was to be no exception.
When the sky opened up and dropped the monster of all storms upon us, thunder and lightning and enormous torrents of water that did not spare any section of the race track, Saturday afternoon racing had to be abandoned. Actually there was one crack of thunder that had us all ducking for cover.
These conditions made it extremely difficult to effect any repairs and maintenance to our vehicles, and left some open wheeler competitors driving mobile bathtubs.
Photo courtesy of Jenny Tierney
Fortunately Sunday, although mostly overcast and humid, was dry with some extended sunny patches developing in the afternoon and proving rather hot and steamy.
Group N racing was rather exciting to watch, especially at the front of the field with the Mustangs of Brad and Jason Tilley being hounded by the extremely quick Holden Torana XU1 of Christopher Thomas.
There were some surprising outcomes during the four races, with mechanical issues having a hand in the many end results. Brad Tilley in the blue and white Mustang suffered two unusual mechanical DNF results. In one race fuel tank foam blocked the filter, costing a finishing position of the Thomas Holden Torana, slowing considerably as he approached the chequered flag.
The midfield activity was rather interesting as well, with a battle of three Toranas, two Ford Escorts and the Morris Cooper S vehicles of Brett Eggleston, Paul Battersby and Nathan Halstead. The Holden Torana of Paul Tierney also suffered a fuel pump failure DNF in the first race as well as rear brake issues affecting the performance of the car.
Photo courtesy of Mark Walsh
The second race on Saturday afternoon was abandoned due to the severe wet weather conditions. My EH Holden had some frustrating issues, with a crack developing in the sump allowing an oil trail to my pit area - please note fortunately no oil was deposited on the track. The problems continued on Sunday with a roller rocker dislodging from the pushrod creating a severe engine miss.
On Sunday the weather was more accommodating, allowing all the scheduled races to be completed, although with some minor panel damage which is rather disappointing. There were several standout competitor efforts over the weekend, Brett Eggleston in his Morris Cooper S improving with each race, well up the finishing order over all the races.
Photo courtesy of Mark Walsh
Chris Collett in his Morris Cooper S, as always, finished well up the field being the first Mini home until the last race where he experienced a DNF with a faulty oil cooler.
Photo courtesy of Jenny Tierney
Despite the adverse weather conditions creating some discomfort, we all enjoyed the adventure of competing at Wakefield Park in the company of some great friends. Acknowledgement for the support of HGNA members Ross Muller club DSO and his wife Necia, Bruce Whitford doing an excellent job upholding the rules for eligibility and valued HGNA member John Burke.
Photo courtesy of Mark Walsh
The current members of the HGNA would also like to welcome our new members Loris Mariotto in his Volvo 122 and Nathan Halstead in his Morris Cooper S.
Images courtesy of Mark Walsh
