THE QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF THE MAZDA MX-5 CLUB OF NSW

MIATALAND | 100TH ANNIVERSARY | TECH TALK TYRES | WYANGALLA WANDERING

AUTUMN 2020 Print Post Publication: I00006993

Autumn Cover Competition PETER HILKMANN ANDREW EDGAR KIM JACOBS

TOM WILDE

MARK LAWRENCE ROB WILKINS

PETER BARNWELL JAMIE MARTIN

2 Club Torque

INSIDE

EDITOR NEWS PETER BARNWELL President’s Report...... 04 Membership Report...... 05 DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Member News...... 06 NatMeet News...... 09 KIM JACOBS

PUBLICATIONS OFFICERS PETER BARNWELL • KIM JACOBS FEATURES [email protected] On The Run...... 08 Member of the Year...... 11 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mazda 100th Anniversary...... 16 Beautiful Bermagui...... 20 Ian Combes • Tony Heathwood MX-5 Cup Rd’s 1 & 2...... 22 Steve Wakeling • Adele Weatherall Motor Sport Tech Changes...... 26 Jeff Rowe • Senia Gaunson Tyre Tech...... 40 Norm Barker • John Hansen Miataland...... 43 Jennifer Keenahan • John Purcell Rod Nicholas • Ron Tollenaar Barry Luttrell • Jenny Luttrell Brian Clayton • Joe Kovacic John Cassidy • Sharon Cassidy EVENTS Andrew Digney • Peter Barnwell Pheasant Wood Track Day...... 07 Bryan Shedden Norah Head Run...... 10 Wyangalla Wandering Run...... 12 Club Track Days Rds 10 & 11...... 14 Laggan Run...... 15 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Intersate Challenge...... 18 ROB WILKINS Bay Aid Run...... 19 Copeland run...... 19 Tony Heathwood • Brendan Barr Black Cat/White Cat Run...... 24 Anda Clayton • Bill Short Daylight Saving Feast...... 25 Jan Gibson • Senia Gaunson Faulty Towers Dinner...... 26 Phil Belcher • Keith Monaghan Pheasant Wood Regularity...... 27 Ron Tollenaar • Rod Nicholas 5 Hills Run...... 28 Barry Luttrell • Jenny Luttrell Forster/Blackhead Run...... 29 John Cassidy • Sharon Cassidy Jindabyne Joy Ride...... 30 Historic Aviation Run...... 31 Supersprint Rd’s 4/5/6...... 32 ADVERTISING Kangaroo Valley...... 34 LESA BUNN Mogo Munchies Run...... 34 [email protected] RPM Does Kelso Run...... 35 Sliq Run...... 36 Motorkhana Rd 3...... 37 Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW Inc. South Coast Aus Day Run...... 38 PO Box 729, Cronulla NSW 2230 Tea Gardens Run...... 39 nsw.mx5.com.au Mountain to Coast Weekend.....42

Club Torque 3 COMMITTEE

President...... [email protected] President’s Keith Monaghan...... 0418 976 279 Vice President...... [email protected] Lesa Bunn...... 0423 276 152

Treasurer...... [email protected] Report Julie Sando...... 0438 538 837 Secretary...... [email protected] Keith Monaghan Wesley Hill...... 0422 035 893 Club Captain...... [email protected] Michael Soulos...... 0413 113 399

Autumn 2020 - prep’ in time Membership Database...... [email protected] I must apologise for the delay in NatMeet 2020 has been Bryan Shedden...... 0422 340 010 the production of the Club Torque postponed and I would like to magazine. This magazine is thank the NatMeet committee Membership...... Ken & Maggie Liston ...... (02) 9872 1639 produced by volunteers and for all the work they have these people also run their own done in the development of Competition Secretary...... [email protected] businesses. Finding someone the event and the work they Ian Combes...... 0433 159 726 with the time available and the have done in organising Publications and skills to produce this magazine the postponement of the Club Torque Editor...... [email protected] has been difficult. I would like event. This will allow us the Peter Barnwell...... 0409 494 373 to thank Kim and Peter for their enjoyment and the interaction Kim Jacobs...... 0422 006 866 offer to produce this magazine. with the members of our club Regalia...... [email protected] and the clubs from the other Christine Cameron...... 0414 497 976 COVID-19. As per the states later in the year. BreakFast Club Coordinator...... [email protected] government’s regulations we Peter Battisson...... 0417 269 325 have had to cancel all club Since the last Club Torque Andrew Lord...... 0414 323 726 activities until further notice. magazine, the club has run It is critical at this time that Canberra Convenor...... [email protected] a large number of events. James Schiemer...... 0428 777 231 we keep in contact with each This included the President’s Giulia Schiemer...... other. Please use our Facebook Picnic and the Australia Day pages to let us know what MX-5 Picnic. These have been Hunter Convenor...... [email protected] Brian Thomson...... 0412 605 589 activities you are doing over this well attended and enjoyed by Rob Emmett...... 0407 469 675 period of self-isolation. This all those that participated. I could be a chance to do those would like to thank all the Illawarra Convenor...... [email protected] minor mods or updates to you Jeff Rowe...... 0419 405 877 volunteers for their help in Pam Rowe...... pride and joy. Please let us know running the events for the club. and post the photos. RPM Convenor...... [email protected] Chris Wyatt...... 0428 604 138 The Historic and Classic Gillian Fletcher...... 0438 782 419 The convenors conference was registration systems is up held in December and a great and running. I would like to Mid North Coast year of events was developed thank all the people that were Convenor...... [email protected] Allen Martin...... 0418 218 073 and was running well but until involved with the development Peter McDonnell...... 0417 575 454 this COVID-19 situation is sorted of our scheme and the people these events have been put that are now running the South Coast Convenor...... [email protected] on hold. I would like to thank Brian Clayton...... 0418 225 749 scheme for their time and Anda Clayton all the people who attend the effort. conference for their time and Sydney Convenor...... [email protected] input. Please keep yourselves well Bryan Hicks...... 0407 225 064 Andy Bottomley...... 0488 998 510 and we will get together when This year is the 30th anniversary allowed at the end of this EX-OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVES of the club and the 100th event. anniversary of Mazda. The plan Competition Event Secretary...... [email protected] Barry Luttrell...... 0411 231 107 is to combine the Presidents Keith Monaghan Picnic with this celebration in President MX-5 Cup...... [email protected] October. We hope this current Paul Nudd...... 0421 990 038 situation is over by then and the Website Coordinator ...... [email protected] event will be the club coming out Gus Elias of lockdown party. Club Historian Elaine Caldwell...... (02) 9451 1432 4 Club Torque MEMBERSHIP We’ve had 201 new members join since the CURRENT last magazine was published in June 2019. As at 18 may 2020... MEMBERSHIP

A warm welcome to the MX-5 Club of NSW. New members are encouraged to contact their Chapter Convenors for local events and to visit our website - nsw.mx5.com.au for the 1060 full range of social, technical and sporting events.

Sydney Welcomes 120 New Members Mid North Coast Welcomes 4 New Members Sam Abdallah Damon Gardner Derek Mock Gayle Adamson Jill Opie Michelle Aginsky Natalie Gardner Anne Moffat Michael Adamson Mike Opie Gary Akehurst Andrew Gee William Moffat Chris Allison Stewart Gilmour Craig Morrison South Coast Welcomes 6 New Members Luigi Badolato James Gilray Louise Morrison Dace Abolins Janet Mann Geoff Smith Zack Bailey Fraser Granville Bill Newling Peter Diven Malcolm Mann Rose Smith Thomas Beasley Christine Hamilton Tom Newsham Adam Bennett Nas Hanafi Chi Ho Ng Marie Berroa Peter Harris Mitchell Noy Illawarra Welcomes 10 New Members Anthony Bevern Ariel Heilpern Ben Oldfield Tod Adams Barry Kilborn Susan Taylor Sam Borg Geoff Hempsall Grant Paisley Robyn Blood Scott Lanham Cathy Tribe Matthew Botros Nathaniel Hender- Rick Paratschek John Ettenhofer David Long Heather Long Adel Boudib son Rosanna Parat- Rob Hunt Joseph Boudib Neil Henderson schek Dale Bourke Cameron Hines Nash Parton RPM Welcomes 14 New Members Portia Brown Patrick Hines David Pashley Annette Andersen Virginia Ellis Maureen Norris Andrew Brunskill Matt Hinley Julian Pitt Bruce Andersen Richard Evans Steve Norris Christina Campbell Max Hodges Tom Place Andrew Ballard Craig Hubbard Jean-Luc Stevens Kejin Cao Daniel Holohan Elisabeth Pohl Deborah Dempsey Marcia Hummel Penny Williamson Babelio Castillo Jr Sue Hood David Porter Robert Dempsey James Manion Alessio Cerrone Craig Hunt Andreas Purnomo Scott Collins Ted Johnson Eamon Quirk Hunter Welcomes 22 New Members Barry Courtney Tyler Johnson Paul Rinaldo Andrew Abrams Mulcahy Jordan Pascoe Maurice Curach Simone Kirkman Ryan Ruiz Kevin Andrews Judith Cornish Steven Pryor Tony Davis Vivek Krishna Robyn Scott Luke Andrews Chris Farragher Jane Schmaler Emily Doherty Prasad Gretel Shanahan Denise Birrell Eva Farragher Rick Schmaler Kim Downton Dennis Loh Kevin Shanahan Bobbi Church Roger Fortune Richard Stow-Smith John Drummond Louie Loo Mark Simpson Chris Church Glenn Hawkins Peter Truscott Calvin Drury Petra Lowen Basil Smith Craig Clendinning Brad Kark Ruth Truscott Cameron Dunbar Jai Lynch Chuck Sorg Lorraine Cobeanou- Aaron Loosemore Jordan Farr John Makhoul Julie Sorg Lachlanh Farrell John Makris Ruslan Sovinskyy Canberra Welcomes 25 New Members Ray Fedeli Michael Malgo Andrie Tan Aston Barnes Steve Hinton Diane Prattley Anthony Mancini Terri Ferreira Julie Tan Chris Barnes David Horne Gary Prattley Kelly Fulcher Imraan Matthews Michael Tan Louise Blessington Ashley Howse Christopher Roberts Anthony Gale Barton Mawer Alex Wallner Anna de Feo Rhys Howse Judy Roberts Ken Gale Robert Mc Martin Helen Wallner Valerio de Feo Michael Keating Vaidehi Sargeant Rodney Gallagher Irene McIntosh Sean Walsh Bernie Figge Anthea Kerrison Rozalie Sherwood Danny Gamwalla Nicholas McIntosh Patrick Wilcox Kylie Figge James Larkey Ted Sherwood Roy Gamwalla Nichole Mckenzie Guy Winslow Zena Finn Simon McKern Charlie Gardner Bruce McPherson Rick Wong Brett Goyne Matthew O’Regan Membership Renewals - if you are having any difficulties logging into the Membership portal to process your renewal, please contact Bryan Shedden on 0422 340 010 and he will happily assist in resolving any issues. It rarely takes more than a few minutes and then you are good to go for another year.

Club Torque 5 MEMBER NEWS GETTING TO THE OTHER SIDE...

READY AND WAITING... We sat at home in COVID-19 lockdown getting fatter by the There hasn’t been a Club Torque for a year so there was minute while, at the same time, developing a drinking problem. plenty of subject matter to choose from. We decided to cut We watched what seemed like hundreds of movies but can’t off anything pre-September last year because it’s stale. come at that ridiculous Supercars ERacing “game.” Hope that doesn’t rub too many of you the wrong way. We Don’t see the point of it…not real. will need your help in the future for the magazine. The grass was mowed to within a millimetre of its life, the We have chosen a mix of general interest, motor sport edges were trimmed, gardens weeded and the gutters and social content to make the magazine as interesting as cleaned. The house never looked so good. possible to the widest audience. Out in the garage, our MX-5s were fully serviced and polished A couple of momentous events deserved special attention sitting there with forlorn looks on their faces burning rego. including Mazda’s 100th Anniversary. Can’t believe it started It’s a scenario we are sure was repeated hundreds of out as a cork manufacturer. thousands of times around Australia but in the case of MX-5 And of course we can’t forget Joe Kovacic, the heart and owners, the deprivation of wheel time in our favourite form of soul of our club’s motorsport activities and also 2019 transport was perhaps a fair bit sharper. Member of the Year. You are a legend Joe. Pretty much everything stopped around here which is ironic Former Club Torque Editor Mel Keller deserves accolades given that petrol prices are at their lowest level in, oh, about a for her efforts in bringing this specialised publication to life two decades...…. for years. Thank you Mel and promise, we won’t annoy you Thankfully there is light at the end of the COVID tunnel and we much more once we get this edition out of the way and get can resume a semblance of normalcy that includes driving our more organised. cars on the road and at the track. Speaking of which. Australia has flattened the curve enough to allow us to take on For future editions, Kim and I would like as many reports and some curves of our own. pics of MX-5 related activities as you can provide to make Anyway, it was better to play it safe than the alternative that our lives easier and give us more time to enjoy our cars. doesn’t bear thinking about. Don’t hold back, post it on the website or on Facebook and if This is our first Club Torque and it’s only caused a couple of we need more, we’ll get in touch. disagreements between Kim and I. We sat side by side for Drive safe. See you on the road. hours preparing it and the COVID-19 lockdown was actually beneficial to the process. Cheers, Kim and Barney

6 Club Torque 2019 PRESIDENT’S MOTORSPORT AWARD VOLUNTEERS The President’s Award this year has been awarded to long The NSW MX-5 Club successfully hosts a wide range time member Michael Soulos for his work in not only being of motorsport events, each one requiring an army of the club’s captain but also his efforts organising a number of volunteers. We will publish a volunteers roster for track days, popular events including the Brass Monkey, The Presidents motorkhanas and hillclimbs and encourage members and Picnic and the 30th anniversary run. friends to join us. Michael has also put his support behind the board in some For regular motorsport competitors; volunteering at one round of the difficult is now a requirement for scoring championship points. situations they have faced in previous Further information on volunteering at our motorsport events years. can be found on the Motorsport page of our website nsw. Michael is a mx5.com.au/motorsport. committed MX-5 No previous owner who enjoys experience is driving his car necessary and all in many events volunteer roles and is a worthy accrue points recipient of this towards the Club’s prestigious award. Member of the Year award. Congratulations Ian Combes Michael. Competition Secretary.

Club Torque 7 Run With It Social runs are at the very heart of our Club. But how do you choose which run is right for you? We have considered our run distances and times, the technical challenges of the roads involved and the posted speed limits along the way and developed this grading system for all Club runs. Now you can just sit back and enjoy the drive.

EASY Runs are casual runs of around 100kms to a breakfast or lunch venue and back. The route avoids 100km - 110km/hr roads as much as possible. Recommended for all drivers.

CRUISER Runs are around 100 - 200kms to a lunch venue and back with at least one stop. The drive is mostly on 80km - 100km/hr roads and are suitable for all drivers.

LONG Runs are between 150 - 250kms and feature a variety of terrains and road conditions with a meal and regular stops along the way. We recommend that you do at least 1 “C” run before a long run.

HARD Runs are between 150 - 400kms with a mix of highways and some challenging roads. Hard runs are social with regular convenience, refreshment and sightseeing stops. Suited to confident MX-5 drivers.

CHALLENGINGRuns are technical runs of up to 600kms or more per day with few, if any, stops. Featuring early starts and twisty, demanding back country roads, challenging runs are for experienced drivers.

At all times, run participants must accept sole responsibility for safe and courteous conduct on the roads. Drivers must hold a current driver’s license and vehicle registration, obey all road rules and drive with respect for the prevailing conditions.

8 Club Torque Club Track Day Round 3 Pheasant Wood Words • Ian Combes Pics • Rob Wilko Sunday March 22, 2020

Round 3 of the 2020 was given to whether we competition track day should run the event or not. championship was held on In the end, the club went ahead March 22 at the new Pheasant with the event, but took every Wood circuit at Marulan (was conceivable precaution to keep the Marulan Driver Training everyone safe. Centre). In hindsight, that was a good The club had been running move as the club will not be driver training days on the new running another event for some circuit layout for some time, time… and we ran a regularity at the The conditions for the event tail end of 2019, but this was were excellent - fine, and mild. the first competition day that Forty two entrants on the day the club had run at Pheasant clocked up a lot of track time, Wood. with everyone who wanted The Pheasant Wood circuit is them getting 7 eight-minute a tight track, and as everyone sessions in. knows, is lined with many very Spins were rare, and there intimidating-looking concrete were no incidents of any kind. walls. The day was a great success However the track is very wide, – everyone had a great time, with good grip, so is actually and the track day was easy to safer than the Amaroo Circuit at run, so the club will be running SMSP. more events at this venue in the The COVID-19 restrictions had future. started to tighten in the leadup Hopefully the NEAR future to this event, and some though

Club Torque 9 PUTTING LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT Norah Head Lighthouse Run SYDNEY CHAPTER Pics • Rob Wilko Wednesday September 25, 2019 In glorious weather a bunch of MX-5s departed from Pie in the Sky café on the Old Pacific Highway north of Sydney driving to Somersby along quaintly named Dog Trap Rd to Ourimbah, then stopped at Tuggerah Lakes for a break. The group reassembled in convoy and drove to stunning Norah Head for a guided tour of the lighthouse, a historic structure still in full use protecting the shipping lane between Sydney and Newcastle. After ascending then descending the many stairs up and down to the mirrored light room, our MX-5ers drove a short distance to Toukley for lunch then dispersed to their home base. Happy days, awesome images.

10 Club Torque MARSHALLING THE TROOPS Member of the Year - Joe Kovacic Words • Peter Barnwell Pics • Rob Wilko

He likes social drives too particularly if there’s an element of motor sport Joe Kovacic would have to be one of time having a chat with the various involved… some driving challenge the best grid marshalls on the planet. competitors about mostly their car or to visit new places. If you are fortunate enough to see or the weather. him in action, it’s a revelation. Member of the Year is a prestigious He calls track day groups to the grid award in the MX-5 Club of NSW Want to see quick thinking, a clear over the PA, gives some people the as it’s decided on a point score head, diplomacy, not taking any hurry up and then sorts them out over a 12 month period with points prisoners and compassion all rolled before despatching them on their allocated for a member’s attendance into one, well Joe’s your man. six or seven laps. or participation in club events. He makes a race grid run like All while getting the next group Comptroller of the club’s awards, clockwork and if you don’t like it, bad organised on the dummy grid. our resident mathematician luck. Joe likes to get behind I met Joe about six years ago at my the wheel too and first MX-5 Club track day at Amaroo often takes his son and instantly found him engaging. or daughter’s car, sometimes his own car, His ability to quickly assimilate for a session and he’s information about a driver’s not a bad steerer though performance and then rank them nowhere near as good on the grid without getting flustered as either of his kids. is a rare skill. Better yet is the way he laughs at you if you tell porkies Pity about that eh Joe? about your performance. How could you argue with that? It all comes naturally to Joe who was identified early in his membership Bryan Shedden, says the last MOTY days just over 10 years ago as spread sheet was the size of War someone who could make a handy and Peace. grid marshall. From a purely points awarded In action he’s like perpetual motion perspective, Joe Kovacic is a worthy with one hand holding a mic and MOTY winner, but that doesn’t take the other clutching a fistful of print into account the fact that he’s a outs, walking around the dummy really good bloke into the bargain. grid barking orders and at the same Go Joe.

Club Torque 11 DAM GOOD FUN Words and pics • Rod Nicholas

‘We have to get up early’ I said time and scurried away with his drive. to my navigator (aka Mrs Run wishy-washy grey whatever. From Boorowa to Cowra for lunch Leader). `The run leader has to be At the appointed time we made a was a short and peaceful trip. At there to welcome everybody.’ break for it. Have you ever tried to least, it was peaceful for me out in Up before the crack of dawn. get a convoy of twenty cars to head front of everybody (which is a Mad scramble to gulp down coffee. off together? bonus for the run leader). Rush to get to the meet point Don’t bother, it is impossible. before anyone else. Regardless, we all made it on to The folks at the Rose Garden Arrive moments before the first car. the Barton Highway and headed Coffee House in Cowra did a Chat amiably for a few minutes and off to Boorowa for a coffee/tea/ fantastic job feeding us all. No one whatever break. watch, out of the corner of my eye, went away By the time we reached the as car after car after car rolls up. hungry, especially those game Lachlan Valley Way we were all It was an imposing sight—twenty souls who ordered the ‘Bad Boy pretty much together and marvelled MX-5s of various hues all standing Burger’ (it was bigger than my ready to run. And in the middle … at how green the countryside head!). a non-descript Toyota something- looked after the recent rains. or-other. Interrupted only by a lone car that The driver quickly realised he was leap-frogged along our long line, in the wrong place at the wrong only to turn off unexpectedly just before Boorowa, it was a nice L L W Y A N G A A W A N D E R I N G

12 Club Torque March 9, 2020 CANBERRA CHAPTER

W N G A L L A W D E R I N G Y A AThe short blattN from Cowra to capacity of 1,217,000 mega litres leg of the run (there’s a mixed Wyangala Dam was a hoot. It’s is more than twice the volume of metaphor or pun or something a great bit of road and from my Sydney Harbour, and at its best cleverish in there) a charming recollection covers 54 square kilometres—it country road, almost no traffic we had it to ourselves. The sight wasn’t quite so impressive when for 70 kilometres bar MX-5s, of a kilometre and half of MX-5s we visited. an ideal top-down day … oh must be a treat for anyone with The original dam wall can only yeah! It was homeward bound a heart. be seen when the water level from Boorowa following the Wyangala Dam is not quite falls below same route we used to get the lake it used to be. At only 30 per cent. It has a catchment there, although a few took the 12.8 per cent full, it is looking of 8,300sqkm, but the recent opportunity to re-caffeinate. somewhat forlorn, and rains certainly haven’t flooded The outcome? A 400-kilometre there was no sign of the water- the place. trip, fantastic weather, good sports activity that features in After an extended photo shoot, open roads, good tucker, great many of the photos on the ‘net. we headed back to Boorowa company. Still, it is an impressive sight— along the Frogmore Road. It was A thoroughly successful day out, the original (1935) mass a and a whole lotta fun. concrete gravity dam of 58.8 very nice drive, with generally (PS If you haven’t put your hand metres is sound road surface (the up to lead a run, I urge you to dwarfed by the newer (1971) roadworks at Frogmore give it a go. The organisational rock-fill embankment dam that were recent, and decidedly aspects are not onerous, and the reaches a further 23.5 metres, unexpected), and the culverts opportunity to be at the pointy complete with a road bridge over that appeared along the way end of a convoy is well worth the the spillway (now closed to the made for an interesting stomach effort. public, unfortunately). lurch. And twenty cars! OMG!) Wyangala Dam’s storage This may have been the best

Club Torque 13 ROUND 10 TRACK DAY Wakefield Park MOTORSPORT Words • Joe Kovacic Monday September 23, 2019 A cool Spring day greeted a small want to stand out in the rain, the track By the end of the day some drivers field of 64 enthusiastic motorsport was declared wet and too dangerous managed to get seven sessions with competitors for our tenth round of club to race on, so an early lunch break was some drivers getting 46 timed laps. track days at Wakefield Park. taken. Fastest lap of the day went to Peter Our Clerk of Course Ian Combes refined With the track drying out over lunch, Barnwell with a time of 1.08.09.. his drivers briefing allowing drivers to race proceedings recommenced at Jie Ren and Jamie Martin set new class get out on track by 9.00am. 12.30pm. records. We had a total of five run groups One hour into the afternoon session Racing in classes 2, 5, 9 and 10 is including four first timers incorporated another storm front hit us this time very competitive with less than 0.5sec into group five. with some small hail and rain. difference between P1 and P2. Race proceedings were suspended As clouds rolled in from the south and Thank you to all our motorsport officials temporarily for about 15 minutes we were hit by a rainstorm at 11.45am. and congratulations to all the other allowing the sun to come out again for As Grid Marshall, Joe Kovacic, did not drivers on their results. an uninterrupted afternoon session. CLASS 1ST PLACE TIME 2ND PLACE TIME 1 Gregory Unger 1.17.58 Peter Hilkmann 1.19.89 2 James Burke 1.15.18 Bryan Hicks 1.15.42 3 Jie Ren 1.10.18 Eu Foong Loh 1.26.84 4 Jamie Martin 1.13.87 Michael Tarrant 1.16.52 5 Gerardo Martin 1.14.29 Matt Tarrant 1.14.74 6 Gus Elias 1.11.86 John Karayannis 1.12.70 7 Peter Feutrill 1.11.71 Keith Monaghan 1.12.87 8 Ray Estreich 1.11.83 Alan Gibson 1.14.49 9 David Lawler 1.09.31 Malcolm Steel 1.09.72 10 Russ Maxwell 1.08.81 Alan Townsley 1.08.82 11 Peter Barnwell 1.08.09 Keith Bridgement 1.10.52

HOOROO KEITH Words • Joe Kovacic & Peter Barnwell Pic • Rob Wilko Congratulations and well always exhibited the done to Keith Bridgement epitomy of sportsmanship who had his last day in behind the wheel. club motorsport track Keith found it increasingly days at Wakefield Park on difficult to indulge in both September 23, 2019, and his love of travel and has retired from the sport. motorsport - something Keith and his blue had to give, and travel meticulously maintained took pole position. Subaru WRX have been We wish him all the best a regular feature at our in his retirement and MX-5 trackdays, he is a travels. highly skilled driver who

14 Club Torque PLENTY OF BRAGGIN AT LAGGAN PUB LUNCH CANBERRA CHAPTER Words • Ron Tollenaar Pics • Ron Tollenaar • Rob Wilko • Rod Nicholas Friday February 7, 2020 In another life and it was not going to onto the bustling town a previous social ruin our day. of Crookwell. setting my nickname On to Goulburn and Along the route we was Rainman, so the iconic Paragon took in the amazing it was not without Cafe where we views of the wind a little trepidation joined by another turbines placed on that I peeked out of four members, two of either side of the the curtains on the whom, looking at you road, some only fifty morning of my first Rob and Tony, had metres away, what an organised run with come from Sydney to impressive sight they the Canberra Chapter join us. were too. and scanned the The cafe staff Passing through sky for any tell-tale and service at the Crookwell it was only signs. A few clouds Paragon cannot be a short sprint to our about but nothing recommended highly final destination, the threatening so we’re enough, getting out historic Laggan pub, off to a good start. coffee, scones, cakes where we enjoyed a A quick run to the and other yummy hearty country meal, rendezvous point at things for 25 people some refreshments Queanbeyan and in record time. and the telling of the the “early birds” are The word was soon usual tall stories. already gathered. passed around the Much fun was had by Over the course group that Dimmey’s all and by about 2.30 of the next twenty department store we were ready to minutes the rest of next door, which has return to Canberra by the group arrived, and been around almost various routes and 13 assembled cars as long as Goulburn the roofs were down set off at 9.20 headed itself, was closing again - no more rain for Bungendore and its doors for the last for the run home. on to Tarago where time and many of indeed the rain A big thank you our members were started to fall. to everyone who tempted inside to turned out for Ah well, we really snap up a bargain or my first run in couldn’t complain too three. challenging weather loudly as we hadn’t So, we regathered conditions, and had decent rains in in the central square remember to pack an Canberra for well and threaded our way umbrella next time I’m over two months and slowly through the leading the run. with fires still burning Goulburn traffic and

Club Torque 15 MAZDA MARKS IT’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY Words • Peter Barnwell

Mazda Motor Corporation (which began as Toyo Cork Mazda President and CEO, Akira Marumoto said, Kogyo making cork, later moving into machine tools) “Mazda originated as a company producing cork and celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding on then took the path to manufacturing automobiles. January 30, 2020. “Now, our cars have found friends with many Though here in Australia we have known the name customers from over 130 countries and regions. We “Mazda” for perhaps 60 years, the company made would like to express our sincere appreciation to the its first motor vehicle, a three wheel motorcycle utility customers, dealers, suppliers, business partners and sold through Mitsubishi dealers, back in 1931. the local community, who have supported us over the years through good and bad times, to whom we owe The company has come a long way since then and our 100 years of existence.” is seen as one of Japan’s premium auto makers with a range of popular, strikingly styled models including “As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we our favourite MX-5. will continue to put people first and cherish our ‘uniqueness of co-creating with others.” Speaking at a recent centenary function in Japan,

SPECIAL EDITIONS MARK MAZDA’S CENTENARY Words • Peter Barnwell Celebrating 100 years since its foundation, Mazda R360 Coupe was easy to drive and handle while Corporation is about to introduce a 100th Anniversary also boasting impressive reliability, a strength best Special Edition series of its major models including demonstrated on a 1,500km Perth to Esperance and the MX-5. back endurance drive in 1961. The special edition models pay homage to Mazda’s Unprecedented at the time, the R360 defined history drawing inspiration from the company’s first what would become Mazda’s guiding principles; to passenger car, the R360 Coupe. challenge the norm and celebrate the joy of driving. Designed to make car ownership desirable and Today, Mazda’s goal remains unchanged and traces accessible to all, the R360 Coupe pushed boundaries of the innovative thinking that characterised this early - even in the design-liberal 1960s. model abound today. Powered by a four-cylinder engine mated to an As a nod to the company’s roots, the 100th automatic transmission and a lightweight body, Anniversary Special Edition series borrows the

16 Club Torque MAZDA MARKS IT’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY Words • Peter Barnwell

“As we strengthen co-creation and cooperation of its foundation took place on January 30th at with all those connected with the company, we will an auditorium in the company’s headquarters in continue to challenge ourselves to create unique Hiroshima. products, technologies, and experiences that our There, company representatives expressed customers love.” appreciation to all stakeholders who supported the Mazda was to have marked its centenary at the 2020 company and reaffirmed resolution for the next one Geneva International Motor Show in March but that hundred years. Approximately 500 lucky people was cancelled due to COVID-19. including executives, employees and representatives of workers' union and affiliated companies attended Unfortunately further plans for centenary anniversary the ceremony. themed exhibits and a Mazda Open Day 2020 - an open house event at Mazda’s headquarters from May Perhaps Mazda may be able to belatedly mark its 22 through 24, 2020 seem unlikely at this stage. centenary later this year. A ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary

SPECIAL EDITIONS MARK MAZDA’S CENTENARY

distinctive burgundy and white of the high grade floor mats. R360’s two-tone design. Set to come to Australia later in 2020, Mazda’s 100th All special edition models are finished in Snowflake Anniversary Special Editions will be available in White Pearl Mica, with a rich burgundy interior. limited numbers across the Mazda range. The same Burgundy leather introduced on Mazda3 Customers can register their interest to be the first to adorns the seats, and the colour scheme is repeated know more. Numbers, pricing and on sale dates will on the floor mats and floor carpet. be release in due course. Models are also distinguished by 100th Anniversary Special Edition badging, which combines the current 100th Anniversary Special Edition models: Mazda MX-5 Mazda2 Mazda3 Mazda brand mark with the round logo created when Mazda6 Mazda CX-3 Mazda CX-30 Toyo Kogyo was first formed. The logo features on Mazda CX-5 Mazda CX-8 Mazda CX-9 the front fender, key fob, wheel caps, head rests and

Club Torque 17 WINTON RACEWAY INTERSTATE CHALLENGE 2020 TRACK DAY ROUND 2 Words • Ian Combes Saturday March 7, 2020

Following the less than Classes with a 1st, 2nd and wonderful 2018 Interstate a 3rd (3 cars each). Challenge at Winton which NSW won the restricted was run by another club, Class with a 2nd and a the NSW Club decided 3rd (2 cars each) and the to organise and run the standard NB Class with a 2020 event. Running an 1st. event in another state is The full results are on the a challenge, but the effort webpage. was worth it. The Victorian/Tasmanian After some furious club was far too strong on promotion on both sides the day winning with 990 of the border, we ended points from NSW with 640 up with 32 entrants from points. NSW and 31 from Victoria/ Tasmania. The home track advantage was obvious too and our The weather for the event team suffered a number was great – sunny, but not of niggling mechanical too hot. Also, no rain, which failures such as a failed was a relief after 2018. clutch, possible gearbox For this event, we decided failure and a harmonic to stick to the long track to balancer detachment. minimise disruption. With In fairness, the Mexicans 4 run groups and minimise also copped a bit of mad disruptions during the day, luck on the mechanical most entrants got 7 x 8 side but watching them at minute runs on the day. Winton is quite a revelation Since this was the Victorian as they know the track event, (even though the intimately and just how NSW Club ran the day), we deep you can go under were using the Victorian brakes and how soon you vehicle classes, which can get on the throttle – mean that most NSW cars everywhere. ended up in modified or By contrast, many in the open. NSW contingent The NSW and Victorian were still in the learning vehicle classes don’t stage. line up very well, so the Next year may be a matchups are getting more different story as it will be difficult every year. held in NSW, possibly on Victoria won the Open and the (hopefully) extended NAC Classes with a 1st (1 5.2 km Pheasant Wood full car each), SMOD Class circuit, the second longest with a 1st (1 car each), track in Australia to The CDMOD and ABMOD

COPPING A HIDING SOUTH OF THE BORDER A COPPING Bend in SA. Bathurst is a closed street circuit.

18 Club Torque BAY AID ESCAPADE ILLAWARRA CHAPTER Words • Tony Heathwood Pics • Tony Heathwood • Brendan Barr Saturday/Sunday February 22-23, 2020

Jeffrey presented Tony and Johnny Eight vehicles set off via a Badger with their five year member scenic tour of downtown badges. The winery treated us to a Mollymook, followed by a beautiful fantastic tasting of great Coolangatta but confronting drive south passing wines before to lunch. kilometre after kilometre Lunch seemed to be enjoyed by all. of burnt out forest almost all the way from Nowra to “The Bay”. On a bright warm Saturday morning 14 members (from Illawarra, RPM It was also inspiring at the same time and Sydney in 7 vehicles) left from with clear signs of the trees Haywards Bay heading south via and undergrowth starting to re-grow. Jamberoo, Kiama and Gerringong Once in the Bay we were greeted by towards Milton. the wonderful folks at Zorbas Motel First stop was morning tea at Annabel’s and the fabulous view that this venue Cafe, Milton where we were joined by provides. We separated for lunch and shopping and came back together at Tony and Jenny would like to thank Brendan and Anna and four members all who attended the events of the from the South Coast Chapter. around 4 p.m. for the traditional drinks and nibbles on the back lawn of the weekend for making it such a success The women unanimously voted to do motel overlooking the water. and injecting much needed funds into some shopping in Milton before heading the South Coast communities. to “The Bay”. Shopping went well until Dinner and more drinks at the Bay Jenny Heathwood caused a small furore Soldiers Club was enjoyed by all. by misplacing her Mastercard. The Sunday return trip contained only six onset of panic was overcome with the vehicles with a short stop at Bewong realisation that it had likely been left at for honey and coffee, through heavy home in her car (this proved to be the traffic to Coolangatta Estate winery at case upon return home). Shoalhaven Heads for lunch where we were joined by nine more members. THE GOLD STANDARD Mid Week Copeland Gold Mine Run Sixteen members and their cars met at Joined by the repaired car, we travelled Thornton McDonalds for a scenic run through Gloucester and into the foot hills HUNTER CHAPTER through the back roads of the Lower of the Barrington Ranges arriving at the Words • Barry & Jenny Luttrel Hunter Valley to the historic gold mine at Copeland Gold Mine ruins. A short bush Thursday March 19, 2020 Copeland. walk provided an overview of the area Complying with Government regulations which had been mined for gold from Many thanks to all members who we all maintained our 1.5 metre distance 1876 for about 60 years. contributed to making the run a great and no physical hand shaking etc. With Leaving the mine site we travelled day. perfect weather and light traffic, we back to Gloucester for lunch at the travelled through lush green farmland, Roundabout Inn Hotel where we were a real contrast to the burnt landscape of provided with a private room and chairs our previous runs. spaced at least 1.5 metres apart where Arriving at historic Clarence Town one we all enjoyed well-presented meals. car suffered a flat tyre, so the remainder After lunch we made our own way home of the group continued onto Stroud for completing the last Hunter Chapter an extended morning tea while waiting activity for some time due to Corona for the tyre to be repaired. Virus issues.

Club Torque 19 FOUR DAY BLAST TO BEAUTIFUL BERMAGUI Words • Steve Wakeling trawler operating Pics • Rod Nicholas • Anda Clayton so it is possible to buy fresh fish at the trawler owner’s fish and chip shop adjacent to the wharf. We headed to the pub (the only one in town). . Saturday morning saw us head down the back way to n a sunny Friday morning, February 14, at the Tathra for morning tea at the wharf. Orespectable hour of 11.00am, seven MX-5s This is a great drive for MX-5s. Don’t leave too early set off from Bungendore for a four-day run down to as the cow manure on the road will still be fresh (we Bermagui and environs. I had nominated Bermagui were still too darn early). as the destination in October, well before the We headed to Bega and then on to Central Tilba for bushfires so it was pleasing to be able to travel to a lunch. bushfire affected area and be part of the ‘return of the The drive from Tathra to Central Tilba is magnificent. tourists’. Lots of fast sweeping curves and distant views of We were in for a treat going down the Clyde mountains. Mountain as it had rained the day before creating Tilba Tilba and Central Tilba were not physically numerous waterfalls. impacted by fire but were without power for days/ We drove through kilometres of burnt-out forest so it weeks at a time. My trial run there on a previous was amazing to encounter waterfalls just a metre to Saturday saw the town without power and deserted. our left. Even the pub was closed. We bypassed Batemans Bay and headed to Mogo for Luckily this time around the town was open for lunch where we met up with Brian and Anda from the business so we spread out for a long lunch and South Coast club with two more MX-5s. shopping. After a noisy lunch (compulsory with large numbers After lunch several of us departed together and we of MX-5 people) we proceeded to visit all the shops headed back to Bermagui via Wallaga Lake and still functioning in Mogo. The eastern side of the town was still reasonably intact, so we did our bit to help with their recovery. After lunch we headed south to Bermagui arriving abut 4.00pm. Although there were large areas of burnt out forest along the way there had also been recent heavy rain, in some places flooding, so there were now large expanses of green fields. It was amazing country to drive through. After booking in at the Bermagui Motel, we all headed off to check the place out. Bermagui still has one

stopped at the Camel Rock Brewery to again participate in the ‘return of the

20 Club Torque FOUR DAY BLAST TO BEAUTIFUL BERMAGUI tourist’. Well CANBERRA CHAPTER worth a visit. Tuesday 14 - Friday 17 February, 2020 Dinner that evening was at the wharf upstairs at the Sundeck Restaurant overlooking Bermagui Harbour within walking distance from the motel. It was pretty over darn good. the weekend but on our Sunday was morning tea at the Bermagui Mudworks, drive through on Saturday it was packed with people just out of town. This is not a place where you can get and cars. a mud bath and spa. A couple of potters do their thing Maybe another time. there. Although they sell coffee and tea, it’s best to We did a quick visit on Sunday arvo. let them know groups are coming and bring your own The town—apart from the pub—was quiet. The burnt nibbles. out buildings and scarred hillsides cast a sad pall over the place, but the recent rains had painted the fields bright green with fresh grass, and there is an air of hopefulness around. We had planned to go back home via the Brown Mountain and Cooma, but two very large boulders had blocked the mountain road. Although they had been removed (blown up) by Monday morning, the authorities had asked tourists to take another route, so we did. We had arranged something special for lunch. Although many parts of the South Coast have been Mimosa Winery and Restaurant is in the middle of ravaged by bushfires it is still a beautiful place and nowhere, on the back road from Bermagui to Tathra, well worth a visit, just watch out for bushfires, floods about 20 minutes from Bermagui. One end of the and huge boulders. We managed to miss them restaurant is open to the views over the vineyards all and still had lots of laughs, a great drive and a and to the mountains beyond. It made news a few magnificent time. years ago when a very large goanna entered the restaurant and was chased out by a young waitress. Lunch was long and excellent. One the way back to Bermagui we stopped at ‘Blue Pools’ at the far eastern end of town. Worth a swim on a hot day. It looks like a large natural formation, but I’m told dynamite helped a bit Dinner that evening was local pizza and really fresh fish and chips in the motel’s covered BBQ area. Lots of laughs and a disorganized exit when the lights when out at 9:30pm. Monday morning saw us depart and head back up the Clyde for lunch at Braidwood. We had planned to visit Cobargo

Club Torque 21 MX-5 CUP ROUND 1 Words • Ian Combes Pics • Rob Wilko Saturday February 1, 2020

lap times were a few seconds off Second was Peter MacDonald ound 1 those expected on a fully dry track. with a win and two second places in class B. Third was Stuart Another storm front was McFadyen with a win, a second approaching but didn’t reach and a third in the open class Wakefield Park for race 1. The winners were those that switched Class results were: to dry track tyres for the race. The was held at Wakefield Park Open: Stuart McFadyen, Paul Rin challenging conditions on storm did arrive for race 2, which Nudd, Curran Brennan, Steven was wet and did a lot to mix up February 9. Originally, we had 17 Head, Ben Cathcart, Lou Iezzi, the order. Race 3 was again (very) entries but we lost 2 due to storm David Lawler. problems at home - this was the wet. Class A: Stewart Floresta, weekend of the big wet in Sydney. Fastest lap of the day for an MX-5 Stephen Brennan, Ian Combes, was in race 1 with Paul Nudd Fifteen cars went out to set some Ben Oldfield. slow qualifying times on a wet recording a 1:09.2868 followed by and slippery track with the rain Curran Brennan with 1:09.4571 Class B: Graham Withers, Peter still falling. Those drivers with then Stuart McFadyen with MacDonald, Jeff Parsons, Terry wet weather tyres had a huge 1:09.9616 Johnson. advantage. Overall points winner on the day Just to make things interesting, for was Graham Withers with two race 1 the track was drying and wins and a second in class B.

22 Club Torque MX-5 CUP ROUND 2 Words • Ian Combes Pics • Rob Wilko Saturday March 14, 2020

concern, so it was a credit to the not see the edge of the track. drivers participating that there ound 2 Overall it was a great day of were no incidents, even with some racing despite the weather. close racing. Class C was won by David Race 1 was 90 per cent dry and Johnson with three wins, followed several drivers set PBs during the by Ian Combes, Kerry Smith, Rob race. was held in very challenging Herrick, Peter MacDonald and Rconditions on March 14 at SMSP Todd Herring put on a show for us Rob Withers. GP Circuit. carving through the field from the Class B was won by Steven Head back to get to the front in two laps. Rain plagued racing as it did with two seconds and a win, in the first round of the series Race 2 was WET. followed by Mitchell Hall, Jason at Wakefield though some Russell and Craig Thornton. competitors reckon conditions at Those with wet tyres had a SMSP were worse. significant advantage in grip Class A was won by Stuart and those behind them had McFadyen with three wins, Originally, there were 22 entries a significant disadvantage followed by Ben Oldfield, Mathew but one dropped out before racing compounded with zero visibility Fraser and Paul Nudd. started. through the wall of water thrown The Open Class was won by Todd up by cars in front with full wets. Due to wet, slippery conditions Herring with three wins, followed wheel changes were a constant Race 3 also was WET with the by Andy Harris, Verne Johnson, chore and visibility was a real same problem for those without Tim Herring, Richard Herring, Ian wet tyres. Paul Nudd ran off on Caldwell and Terry Johnson. turn 1 last lap because he could Overall winner on the day was Todd Herring with Stuart McFadyen second and David Johnson third.

Club Torque 23 Black Cat/ White Cat Run ILLAWARRA CHAPTER Words • Adele Weatherall • Pics • Bill Short Thursday November 28, 2019 Waiting, waiting. Eighteen the F5 Freeway Twin Bridges Devonshire Tea. We were not members met at Mt Keira opened in 1980. disappointed in the meals. The Summit Park and watched the food was terrific. Some of the Further on to Menangle and past group from RPM enjoy their best and more innovative that the ruin of the old Rotolactor. morning tea while the Illawarra we have had in a while. The Those of us old enough will group waited patiently for the cooks are two young women one remember the exciting sight of kiosk to open. Waiting, waiting. of whom took over the Café 18 cows going round and round For a member who shall not be months ago. They use herbs, in circles while being milked. named. After a phone call to said flowers and some vegetables The traffic lights, trucks and member we found out he had from their garden and honey left hand turns kept us on our forgotten and was doing a job on comes from the bee hives on toes traversing Campbelltown the roof of his house. Not good site. Everything is cooked to where we only (temporarily) enough BB. order which leaves plenty of time lost one car. They weren’t ‘lost’ to chat. We all said we would like Wes then gave us a bit of a just followed directions and to return to try the other choices history lesson about John stopped along the way. Then on the menu. Macarthur before 11 cars across through Narellan towards (including a Porsche, whose Bringelly. Who cleans all those Feeling happy after his fabulous driver wore matching red shoes) mansions? If Macarthur was breakfast, Tony sent Jenny snaked further up Mt Keira and alive today he would be leading across the road to buy herself out onto the Picton Road turning the Housing Rebellion instead a pair of lovely earrings from La off at Wilton and going down of the Rum Rebellion. Nancy Petite Maison. through Douglas Park. We then Bird Walton would also have So…. plenty to do and see on a crossed the causeway over the trouble finding her new Airport at run from Wollongong to Mulgoa. Nepean River and drove under Badgerys Creek. Another tick for the MX-5 the rocky overhang of the small Lena and Wes told us they Club. Thank you Hill’s for your gorge. To our right we marvelled picked the ‘Black and White organisation. at the gigantic stanchions of Cat’ on the strength of a terrific

24 Club Torque Daylight Saving Feast 2020 ILLAWARRA CHAPTER Words • Jeff Rowe • Pics • Jan Gibson Saturday March 7, 2020

When we thought about a Daylight The third, Saving run the first thing that came and best, to our minds was ‘Fish-n-Chips’. decision we Then we thought let’s be different made was and do something in Wollongong’s to spend the northern suburbs. afternoon/ Do you know how hard it is to get a evening with fish and chip shop that is open after a top group 4.00pm? in March? Well after some asking around and a few phone calls we decided on the Bulli Beach Café. Certainly not a fish and chip shop but the view of the beach is as good as you can get and it did come with glowing recommendations. This turned out to be our first good decision. A great venue, fabulous food, fish and chips if you want them, and very helpful staff. We will visit again and recommend to others. Our second good decision was to start our run from the Mount Keira Lookout. Such a great view north and south to remind ourselves of of people who how lucky we are to live where we just want to do. enjoy life with From there our group headed north members of along the Old Princes Highway. this great car With the ‘SatNav’ keeping the driver club we have under strict control we were on our the pleasure of way to Helensburgh and Stanwell belonging to. Tops. Our group was joined by more You are always members in Helensburgh for the run assured of a to Bulli. good laugh and The view south from Stanwell Tops more to eat is one of the most spectacular in the than you need out enjoying what was left of the world. and as much to drink as you should. sunshine from a nice day. We do From Stanwell Tops we turned south The view of Bulli Beach was great, enjoy Daylight Saving. to travel down the hill and across an it was windy but not too cold and With the shadows getting much engineering marvel, ‘The Sea Cliff the lights from ships at anchor and longer we all said our good byes Bridge’. Our route then was along Wollongong City in the distance and closed another enjoyable the coast past some great beaches looked peaceful. Daylight Saving event until we until we arrived at Bulli. There were still a few people hopefully do it again next year.

Club Torque 25 FAWLTY TOWERS REVISITED ILLAWARRA CHAPTER Words • Senia Gaunson • Pics • Senia Gaunson • Brendan Barr Friday December 6, 2019 While it wasn’t strictly an MX-5 Run, he hid him and a rodent more of an MX-5 Illawarra outing, chase ensued. with many of our group Dinner was a bit of a hit leaving their little cars in the garage and miss. Bread rolls to avoid the soot in the air, off we flying around the room, ventured to Centro we were depending on Wollongong to meet up with our Brendan’s cricket skills MX-5 family and the Fawlty Towers to make sure we got group for dinner. one. Pumpkin soup was We started the evening with quite yummy (provided you didn't get the bowl with chef's false teeth in it), chicken a little raw in the middle and dessert (not sure what it was) quite delicious. Our honorary member, Jean had Happy Birthday sung to her by Sybil and when she was asked her age, she responded “50”, to which Manuel interjected “you’re lying, she told you to say that”, all in fun. Basil, Sybil and Manuel have been cocktails and laughs, setting up the our family favourites for years, mood for a fun night of comedy. although we did miss Polly this time around, having enjoyed the show Basil never disappoints, poor little almost 10 years ago in the Blue Manuel was bashed, bullied and Mountains, also with the MX-5 Club. made to kill his hamster (rat), with lots of squeals in the audience when NEW MOTORSPORT TECHNICAL RULES Words • Ian Combes Pics • Rob Wilko The 2020 motorsport technical The first year will probably be a rules are on the Club website! learning exercise. The technical They have been a long time rules are pretty solid. coming, but the Motorsport The benchmark times (which technical rules for the 2020 the new rules use) have also competition year have now been been carefully worked out, but published on the Club's web page many are theoretical, so it will under Club Track Days. take some time to get practical These rules have been very experience with some of these extensively discussed and benchmarks. debated within a technical working group convened for the purpose.. The 2020 technical rules are defined here: The rules came into effect on the http://nsw.mx5.com.au/motorsport/club-track-days/ 1st January. vehicle-classes-2020

26 Club Torque The regularity was the club’s first competitive event at the newly revamped Pheasant Wood Circuit, and was a practice run for a planned 2020 club track day at the circuit. After some considerable interest in a track day at Pheasant Wood, there was a disappointing turnout of 29 competitors on the day. After a familiarisation session for those who wanted it, there were two 10 minute practice sessions for everyone, after which drivers needed to nominate a target time for the afternoon regularity sessions. It was hoped to run five regularity sessions, but a sharp thunderstorm forced an early close to the event a bit after 3pm, with competitors completing 4 7-lap sessions.

heasant ood egularity P SundayW November 3, 2019R

For most of the day, conditions were very good for motorsport. The level of grip on the circuit surprised many people. The day was completely incident free, with no-one even having a spin. The winner on the day was Ralph Thompson, who took out a remarkable double, also settings the fastest lap – a sensational 58.6 second lap. President Keith Monaghan followed up his 2016 win with a second place in this event. Matthew Tarrant rounded out the top three. The event was a great learning experience for 2020 track days but let’s hope we have a few more competitors this year. Everyone there on November 3 thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Club Torque 27 HI FIVES Five Hills Run CANBERRA CHAPTER Words • Norm Barker • Pics • Rob Wilko Sunday January 12, 2020 This was the first run for 2020, our annual Five Hills Run, on a very smoky but warm day. Not great conditions for the tops down but a very quiet day for a cruise around Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, going up and down five of the hills. There were 17 MX-5s lined up in front of the Russell offices. To help with the run this year we divided the group into two and ran one anticlockwise (led by Stephen Wakeling) and the other clockwise (led by Norm Barker). This year’s run tackled Mt Pleasant, Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain, Dairy Farmers Hill and Red Hill. After a briefing, Stephen’s group headed to the first hill, Mt Pleasant which is in the grounds of Duntroon/ADFA. The second group went to Red Hill and stopped for photos of the group. Group 1 continued to Mt Ainslie, which involved a steep climb on a winding road. Another short stop but they couldn’t see much due to he smoke. Group 2 went to Dairy Hill in the National Arboretum stopping briefly to take in the hazy view.

Group 1 then drove past the Australian War Memorial and down Anzac Parade. At the bottom of Anzac Parade, the group turned right and followed the lake along to Black Mountain. This is another steep and winding road but didn’t stop, just circled the car park, and headed back down only to encounter Group 2 as they were going up. The warm, smoky Sunday evening meant the roads were very quiet and everyone was able to keep together, which made a spectacular sight going around the lake. At the bottom of Black Mountain Group 1 made its way west to the National Arboretum and up to the top of Dairy Farmers Hill. Group two headed around the Lake and along to Anzac Parade, up to the War Memorial and then to Mt Ainslie. The group stopped at the top for a photo or two, but the smoke was so thick we were not able to see anything. Group 1 left the National Arboretum, followed the route us past the Canberra Zoo and across the top of Scrivener Dam, through Curtin and Deakin and up Red Hill. At the top the convoy formed up in the car park for some photos. Group 2 drove down from Mt Ainslie and through Duntroon and ADFA to Mt Pleasant but did not stop. Both groups then descended on Lennox Gardens for a picnic. People spread out on the lawns and chatted. We were joined by a mob of kangaroos who thought the green grass was just great. Everyone had an enjoyable drive and time together over the picnic, getting to know some new members. And even with the smoke, it was a successful run More of Rob's photos can be seen on our Chapter Facebook page.

28 Club Torque FORSTER VIA BLACK HEAD RUN MID NORTH COAST CHAPTER Words • John Hansen Tuesday February 11, 2020

It was a fine summer day for many things well and picnic beach, the Bullring outdoor our midweek run to Black Head meals is one of them. Soon ocean pool and eventually along Beach for a morning tea picnic the tables were covered with Head Road to Bonnet Head and then down to Forster for delectable foodstuffs which were lookout. lunch. Our group met up at devoured as Susan and John There were stunning views of ‘Olivers’ at the Port Macquarie gave us a potted history of the the coastline and for those who Service Centre a.k.a the ‘donut’. area: were willing to “walk the plank” Eager participants were “Blackhead Beach is known for to the end of lookout for dizzying members, Peter (Heritage clear water and the headland is views to a dolphin nursery. Burgundy NB), Cathy and thought to hold treasure that the Photographers Wayne and Peter Wayne (burgundy NB), Peter famous pirate Black Beard hid nonchalantly held cameras (black NB), Karla and Michael when he visited the area, but over the drop to take shots (blue NB), Judith and John that is another story...” while others firmly held onto the (Galaxy Grey NC) and Allen The word ‘treasure’ really picks handrails. Our pirate captains (dazzling red ND). up the interest and soon Susan insisted that we walked a short Roofs were lowered and Peter and John had us acting like way along a walking track before led us down the Pacific Highway fellow pirates and scouring proceeding to the Bowling Club to the Forster turn off where the area for treasure trove. for lunch. we would meet up with our run A treasure box was found on The day had become extremely leaders Susan and John in their a table, prised open and the hot and we found that it was green NB. treasure greedily shared. The relaxing to eat in air conditioned It was good to see green shoots contents of which will remain comfort. Good food and emerging from blackened tree secret to avoid the risk of an conversation, the hallmark of our trunksand ironic to see fields ambush from rival car clubs. club topped off a very enjoyable that had been a sea of burnt Our pirate run leaders then day. brown now under water due to took us up to the headland park Thanks go to our coordinators the recent torrential rain. Soon with a magnificent view of the Allan and Peter for organising we were at the Rainbow Flat beaches to the north. the run, Peter for being the first turn off onto the Lakes Way Susan and John were now in run leader and Susan and John road and then to the turn off to full tour guide mode and we for providing us with a very Blackhead Road where Susan followed them back along the interesting run, treasure hunt, and John were waiting for us. road into Forster to have a look potted local history and site Most of us hadn’t driven that at the historic waterfront and seeing guide tours of their local road before. The name Hallidays ended up at John Wright Park area. Point was familiar as it had where we could see the whole Once again our club members been mentioned many times in of the Forster Tuncurry Bridge. were able to enjoy not only our bushfire reports. It was opened on the 18 of July cars but had the opportunity to Soon we were at Black Head 1959 ending 69 years of ferry see new places and explore the Beach reserve which had a service across the bay. scenic local area. Thanks also well-appointed amenities block We crossed the bridge to Wayne for photographing our and sheltered picnic tables for connecting the twin towns and antics. morning tea. Our club does turned left passing the main

Club Torque 29 “There was movement at the station for the word had passed around...”(Banjo Patterson) JINDABYINE JOYRIDE CANBERRA CHAPTER Words • Rod Nicholas Sunday November 17, 2019 Maybe it was the promise of Onwards, then, to Jindabyne capital, and now a quiet rural great high-country roads. Maybe and the Wildbrumby Distillery. town lazing along the Snowy it was the lure of lunch at the Kosciuszko Road is a beautiful River. Wildbrumby Distillery. Maybe piece of rural highway that winds Our group started to go their own it was the weather. Whatever it gently through open country to way here; a few strolled along was, it certainly got a crowd of join the Alpine Way up into snow the quiet riverbank, others were MX-5 enthusiasts excited. country. keen to get to the Christmas Barn As a novice run leader, I thought Wildbrumby is set in beautifully in Bredbo before it closed, and turning up early for the pre-run maintained grounds, and others decided to just head for briefing would be sensible, but although it was doing good home. as I pulled into the carpark (five weekend trade, they had enough I hope that whichever way they minutes early) I could see there room for our noisy mob. went they enjoyed the drive. I were a dozen people waiting According to the Wildbrumby know the smallish group I led already. story, it was skiing and schnapps to Cooma via the Maffra Road By the time I started the briefing I that brought Wildbrumby relished the empty road as it had 31 eager faces staring at me, founder, Brad Spalding and his gently curled back and forth waiting for the starter’s orders, wife Monika to the region. along the ridgeline, the sweeping and 18 cars ready to roar into life. turns, the long views, and—most Inspired by Monika’s grandfather, of all—the feel of the wind as we The run to Cooma from Hume Stephen Hagleitner, Brad had zoom zoomed, topless, through was uneventful (with hardly a a dream to one day introduce the countryside. patrol car in sight), and I was authentic schnapps to Australia’s more than surprised to find the Snowy region. And a good dream Reaching the outskirts of Cooma, convoy very much intact as we it was too. we took the shortcut through rolled to our first stop at the Polo Flat, turned onto the Monaro Using a still imported from Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre. Highway and headed back to Germany, they have been making Canberra. We flooded in, dispensing orders award-winning schnapps, gins for coffee, tea and cakes, and and vodkas since 2005. The Christmas Barn mob were settled down to a good chat still at it as we cruised through There were no complaints about as we waited our turn to view Bredbo (implausibly, they told me the hospitality, food, coffee or a presentation in their new later they spent ‘almost nothing’ refreshments offered here, and ‘Immersion Theatre’. It was worth there, although how they defined judging by the number of carry the wait. ‘almost nothing’ is anybody’s bags being discretely placed guess). Our introduction to the Snowy in the boots of the cars, there Hydro Scheme wet the whistle for were no complaints about the We clocked up a touch short of further research on this immense schnapps either. If you haven’t 400 km from our Hume start point project and demonstrated visited Wildbrumby, it is well and back on a lovely late spring the ingenuity and strength of worth the drive. day. character of the many people It was a short trip back into Thank you to everyone who came involved. Jindabyne to meet up with the along for the run. I had a hoot And I must add, the folks at Snowy River Way and a short being out in front with such a the Discovery Centre are great but enthusiastic run into Dalgety, well-behaved mob. - very accommodating and once a short-priced favourite wonderful to ‘do business’ with. for the location of our nation’s

30 Club Torque HISTORIC AVIATION MUSEUM CANBERRA CHAPTER Words • Jennifer Keenahan Pics • Phil Belcher Sunday March 22, 2020

Our MX-5 Club Qantas 747. weather, run for this week This was a fabulous brilliant started at the photo opportunity sunshine, HARS Museum in for all. We enjoyed and blue Albion Park south morning tea in the skies of Wollongong. café after which we enabled The members who split into two groups us to supported the event for our allocated thoroughly were not deterred tour. enjoy the by COVID-19 but Pete, a retired lovely views this we all followed pilot, was one of park has to offer. the recommended the guides and he We sat in a circle guidelines and certainly made the under the shade maintained social tour interesting of a tree where distancing. with his wealth of we enjoyed a We were fortunate information and picnic lunch and that Phil had knowledge. exchanged our a personal At about 1 p.m. supermarket and connection at we headed off for toilet roll stories. HARS and we were the run to Killalea After a good laugh given permission National Park. about these difficult to park our MX-5 We were so times we knocked cars in a row under fortunate to have elbows and headed the wingspan of the such perfect off home.

Club Torque 31 SMSPRound Amaroo (South) 4Circuit WakefieldRound Park 5 Words • Joe Kovacic Words • Joe Kovacic Pics • Rob Wilko Pics • Rob Wilko Saturday August 10, 2019 Sunday September 22, 2019

Hosted by NSW Road Racing class record for Class 6B in a Pics CT140, CT141, CT142, Club on a beautiful but windy blistering time of 61.13 secs. CT143, CT145, CT146 winter’s day. We had the pleasure to see an It was a fresh and cool start to We usually see a whole group of ex-F3 car, a Dallara, competing Round 2 hosted by MX5 Car MX5s on the starting grid which in Group 1. The Dallara has Club of NSW at Wakefield Park. did not occur this time. a nineties F1 Judd 3.9L V8 As the day warmed up, some A full field of 88 cars contested engine producing 650hp and a hot times and lap records were in six run groups over six, timed weight of 450kgs. set by some of the drivers. seven minute sessions giving The Dallara driver, Dean Tighe, Some competitors managed to plenty of track time. managed to set an impressive get six runs if they wanted them Run Group 6 was dedicated to all time track record time of due to the efficient running of Women in Motorsport with 15 52.13 secs. competitors. Thanks to all seven MX5 Club Our ten driver’s results are as follows After lunch run Group 1 only had drivers who represented our Keith Monaghan 1st Place one car on the grid. club gallantly against a barrage Group 1 cars cannot be of ARDC drivers. Jamie Martin 1st Place combined with any other groups Congratulations to Luke Andrew Digney 2nd Place so Luke Kovacic had the whole Kovacic on having the fastest Ken Hardy 2nd Place track and session to himself and MX5 on the day and to Jamie 3rd Place managed to set a short lived Martin on his win in Class 2A. Jamie Collins Marty Voormeulen 3rd Place Our seven driver’s results are as follows Luke Kovacic 1st Place Jamie Martin 1st Place Class 2A 1.07.00 Russ Maxwell 3rd Place Malcolm Steel 2nd Place Class 2B 1.04.52 Ed Cory 4th Place Ken Hardy 4th Place Class 2B 1.06.65 Jason Russell 3rd Place Mark Kavanagh 5th Place Class 2B 1.06.99 Luke Kovacic 2nd Place Class 6B 1.01.13 Ralph Thompson 3rd Place Class 6B 1.02.81 Russ Maxwell 4th Place Class 6B 1.03.40

32 Club Torque WakefieldRound Park 5 SMSPRound Gardner (GP) Circuit 6 Words • Joe Kovacic Words • Joe Kovacic Pics • Rob Wilko Pics • Rob Wilko Sunday September 22, 2019 Sunday October 20, 2019

the dummy grid. The final Round 6 of the 2019 represented the MX5 Club of We had our largest field of the year NSW Supersprint Championship NSW. with 17 MX5s on the starting grid. was hosted by the ARDC Club at This is our lowest ever number Thanks to all 10 registered MX5 Club Sydney Motorsport Park Gardner of competitors for a NSW CAMS drivers who represented the club GP Circuit on Sunday October Supersprint round. Thanks to brilliantly against a barrage of ARDC 20, 2019. our five drivers who competed drivers. A sunny and warm spring day against a horde of ARDC Club Luke Kovacic clocked the fastest greeted all 85 competitors drivers. MX5 time on the day. Keith Monahan, of which only five drivers Jamie Martin and Luke Kovacic all chalked up 1st Places in their classes. Our five driver’s results are as follows Our ten driver’s results are as follows Luke Kovacic 1st Place Class 6B 1.44.61 1st Place Class 1B 1.13.02 Ralph Thompson 2nd Place Class 6B 1.48.27 1st Place Class 2A 1.13.85 Ken Hardy 3rd Place Class 2B 1.57.26 2nd Place Class 2A 1.16.25 Marty Voormeulen 4th Place Class 5C 1.53.64 2nd Place Class 2B 1.13.02 Ian Combes 5th Place Class 5C 1.55.62 3rd Place Class 2C 1.14.76 3rd Place Class 5C 1.10.81 1st Place Class 6B 1.05.94 3rd Place Class 6B 1.08.84 4th Place Class 6B 1.13.06 3rd Place Class 6C 1.08.68

Club Torque 33 KANGAROO VALLEY RUN ILLAWARRA CHAPTER Words • Senia Gauson • Pics • Keith Monoghan Saturday February 1, 2020

Bryan Shedden’s Drive and maintaining cold brews (some even twilight drive and our “Navigationally non-alcoholic) were dinner at Kangaroo challenged tag”, ended most appreciated. Valley Friendly Inn, up dropping from car 8 Food was good, planned for January to car 16 after a quick company and banter 4, was postponed U turn. was fun, so none due to fires, so 16 Fortunately no one of us really minded cars headed off in 38 followed us. We were the heat too much. degree temperatures all keen to call into Fran Congratulations to from Haywards Bay on Pritchard’s place and Bob Downing, who Saturday afternoon, check out her labyrinth, was presented with roofs up, air-con on, however, a bit of a the Runner Up New along some beautiful navigation issue (not Member of the Year country roads and the us this time) resulted 2019 award by Keith favoured Macquarie in a trip directly to Monaghan. Pass (which some of us Kangaroo Valley and a Well done Bob. navigators are known cold ale, but hopefully It appears we are set to cringe through, while we’ll catch up with Fran to remember every the drivers put their another time. foot down with glee and January/February run Kangaroo Valley madness in their eyes). to Kangaroo Valley with greeted us with 43 extreme temperatures, We came out of it so degree heat, even the last year torrential fast, trying to catch toilet seats were hot storm, this year 43 up to the lead group, The air-conditioning degrees, as Bryan said, that we over-shot in the pub was on but “crikey it was hot”. the turn on Tourist struggling, so a few MOGO MUNCHIES SOUTH COAST CHAPTER Words • Brian Clayton Pics • Anda Clayton Friday February 14, 2020 Valentine’s Day dawned sunny. recent rain had turned the we all enjoyed a nice lunch and We were joined at Heritage paddocks from black to green. some pleasant chit chat. Bakery by Anne,Graeme, Geoff Unfortunately, the many houses Then it was time for some retail and Rose. and buildings which have been therapy, efforts being made to Four of us had time for coffee destroyed will take a little more boost the local economy after and then the six of us set off than rain to restore. the impact of the fires on their in convoy to Mogo. We had a We arrived in Mogo and parked normal holiday tourist trade. pleasant and uneventful drive our cars, just minutes after the Some made bigger contributions to Mogo, however, the evidence Canberra crew. There was a than others. of the terrible bush fires was all period of introductions and catch When it was time to leave four of around us as we drove along up with a few old friends. the South Coast chapter made the highway. Then it was time to address the their way back home while Anda It was heartening to see the menu and sit for lunch. Hearty and I joined Canberra for their first signs of regrowth and the meals were soon arriving and Bermagui weekend.

34 Club Torque RPM Does Kelso RPM CHAPTER Words and Pics • John and Sharon Cassidy Thursday June 2, 2019 A patchy grey sky greeted us as away, only to be stopped at the garage door opened at 8 am 09:31 by Senior Constable on a rather cool Sunday morning Kendall and the rest of the as we were Kelso bound, via the Blue Mountains Boys in first meeting spot at Glenbrook Blue, as they conducted a with our run leaders. booze bus operation A throaty roar passed us en- One by one we filed route. As we neared the foot through the breath analysis of the mountains, it was the test with the thumbs up. unmistakable “Devil's car” of Senior Constable Kendall Jason and Amanda, waving as was very accommodating they left us in their dust. and even posed for pics. Smiling faces were waiting as we With no arrests issued, and a quick glance around town slid into the slip road and parked we continued through the before heading off in a convoy along the waiting 6 cars at the mountains. that had increased from seven to Glenbrook Information centre car At Medlow Bath we gave a twelve. park. cheery wave and toot or two Our entourage was complete Hot soup would have been a to one of our sponsors (Blue when we were joined by Steve perfect accompaniment as we Mountains Mazda) and then and Kathy Jordan and co who waited for the departure time on to the winding tarmac of organised the event at the very while being entertained by Victoria’s Pass, a little later, popular Kelso Pub. Graham’s gregarious stories; our first stop was the delightful The food was hearty and varied, alas we only had Graham’s hamlet of Little Hartley, meeting the company was wonderful, and stories to warm us. with more RPMers. the drive was terrific. A heartfelt The clock ticked over to 09:30 We took the opportunity for a thank you to Graham and Gillian, and Graham and Gillian led us stretch of the legs, good coffee as well as Steve and Kathy.

2019 SEASON CLASS RESULTS Class 1B Keith Monaghan 1st Place 25 points Class 2A Jamie Martin 1st Place 125 points Andrew Digney 2nd Place 22 points Class 2B Ken Hardy 2nd Place 102 points Malcolm Steel 5th Place 69 points Class 2B Mark Kavanagh 6th Place 34 points Class 2C Jamie Collins 9th Place 20 points Class 5C Marty Voormeulen 2nd Place 85 points Mike Kelsey 6th Place 20 points Class 5C Ian Combes 8th Place 16 points Class 6A Greg Bunn 5th Place 20 points Class 6B Luke Kovacic 2nd Place 116 points Ralph Thompson 3rd Place 96 points Class 6B Russ Maxwell 4th Place 84 points Dave Alland 6th Place 36 points Class 6B Ed Cory 9th Place 18 points Class 6C Jason Russell 4th Place 64 points

Club Torque 35 SLIQ RUN UP THE PUTTY ROAD BREAKFAST CHAPTER Words and Pics • John and Sharon Cassidy Sunday January 19, 2020 Sunday January 19 saw a hardy group of Breakfast Clubbers take on the Putty Rd in some welcome January rain. Typically the bane of a roadster enthusiast’s existence, the precipitation was happy relief from the oppressive heat of January and the constant fire threat around Sydney and NSW. Indeed, all participants in the run were able to witness firsthand the devastation these fires have wreaked on communities along the Oscars was the breakfast venue us on the run. Gerardo and Putty and into the Hunter. of choice upon arrival at the Maria’s company is always Drivers saw plenty of scorched Hunter Valley Gardens. Although cherished at BreakFast Club flora and melted road signs and it’s been some time since the runs with Gerardo’s superb barriers. The evidence of the BreakFast Club has visited driver craft a welcome sight to sheer ferocity of the fires was Oscars, it’s easy to remember behold from fore or aft. obvious to all and made for a why this has been a firm Artur came along during his solemn journey through certain favourite. Sydney holiday which was a big sections. The staff here is warm and love effort considering he’s living in While fire may have decimated nothing more than to connect Hobart these days. Brett came the natural environment here, with their guests on a personal along as a guest and had such a it seems to have left the road level. good time he’s promised to join surface relatively unscathed The breakfast fare is spot on up and join us again. apart from a short section here too, with a good variety of Lastly, it was great to have through the canyon that was dishes to suit all tastes. After Ted and Tyler along in their restricted to 60km/h due to some some hearty conversation (a red “works” NA. Ted tells us risk of rock fall BreakFast Club staple) some of a lot of work has gone into it The rest of this great road was the crew headed back to Sydney and it’s a work in progress, open for business as usual. And the scenic way – via Wisemans we look forward to following business as usual is exactly and the riverside hamlets of the developments. Tyler did a what the BreakFast Club did, Spencer and Mangrove. sterling job of leading the group taking great delight in the This is yet another part of NSW into the Hunter Valley amidst deserted road and the variety that has been touched by the some tricky conditions with of corners. Some caution was bushfire crisis, with the scorched excessive sun glare and an required due to the slippery leaves providing a great contrast unseasonal plethora of roadkill conditions, however this only to the gently rippling water’s providing some challenge at added to the mystique and edge. times. adventure the Putty road Finally, a big shout out to some Great drive Tyler! supplies time after time. special participants who joined

36 Club Torque MOTORKHANA Motorkhana is the ideal introduction to provide them with a fun set of which provides plenty of space to motorsport as it is conducted motorkhana style challenges to test for any mistakes, and the surface at low speed (1st gear), with no and develop their skills, as well as is watered throughout the day to requirement for helmets, and with offering some tricky bits for more ensure a low grip surface and so lots of help and support. experienced drivers. We accept minimise wear and tear on cars and The Mazda MX-5 Club of NSW entries from drivers as young as 12 tyres. arranges motorkhanas at Sydney years under parental supervision - A number of experienced club Motorsport Park skidpan. Our these events are a great option for members are on hand to provide motorkhana days are designed kids learning to drive. one-on-one support to the to cater for drivers who are The Sydney Motorsport Park participants. inexperienced in car control and skidpan is a large flat concrete area Motorkhana Point Score 2019 OPEN COMPETITOR ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3 TOTAL 10/3/2019 14/7/2019 23/11/2019 1 John Karayannis 7 10 15 32 2 James Russell-Cook 15 15 - 30 3 Gus Elias 10 7 10 27 4 Graham Fletcher 39 4 - 7 5 Michael Phan 3 4 - 7 6 Paul Fraser 5 - - 5 7 Kenneth Frost 2 3 - 5 8 Mark Kavanagh - 5 - 5 9 Jason Atkins - - 5 5 10 Jason Harvey 4 - - 4 11 Bryan Shedden - - 4 4 12 John Dohnt - - 3 3 13 Craig Bishop - 2 - 2 14 Benjamin Funayama - - 2 2 15 Simon Stewart 1 - - 1 16 Glenn Thomas - 1 - 1 17 Sean Byers - - 1 1 LADIES COMPETITOR ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3 TOTAL 10/3/2019 14/7/2019 23/11/2019 1 Francesca Meliton 7 10 15 32 2 Kareene Kavanagh 15 15 - 30 3 Lindsay Green 10 - - 10 4 Yuki Chau Kam Yu 10 - - 10 5 Karina Parris-Stephens - 7 - 7 6 Terri-Lee Ferreira - - 7 7 7 Rochelle Prattley 5 - - 5 8 Keiran Taylor - 5 - 5 JUNIOR COMPETITOR ROUND 1 ROUND 2 ROUND 3 TOTAL 1 Alex Shedden 15 15 15 45 2 Logan Tomczynski - 10 - 10

Club Torque 37 TIE ME KANGAROO DOWN SPORT SOUTH COAST CHAPTER Words • Brian Clayton • Pics • Anda Clayton Sunday January 26, 2020 Australia Day dawned fine order, someone else and warm but with the found a couple of sets of threat of bad weather in thongs (flip flops to the the afternoon. This caused uninitiated). a couple of chapter These were considered an members to withdraw from ideal piece of equipment the run. for a sporting contest Nonetheless we set off and before long some from Milton bright and people were hurling them early planning to arrive at out of sight while others the dam at the appointed were simply providing hour. amusement to the crowd. We had planned to meet As interest waned in Mark Mansell at the Log the thong throwing Phil Cabin along the way. Belcher placed his lovely Together we drove off NA in the middle of the car through Nowra, Berry, park exhibiting a boot full Kiama all the while of goodies. watching our speed on a Challenges were issued double demerits weekend. to unload that lot from Surprisingly we were Phil’s boot into your own among the first to arrive boot. Only one person and set up our provisions attempted the challenge in the shade of the shed. and was successful, Soon enough larger before the threatened convoys started to arrive thunder storm arrived. and greetings exchanged This brought a hasty with old friends. retreat. Then it was time to put Thank you, Jeff and Pam the snags on the BBQ and the Illawarra chapter, and settle down for some for organising a great lunch. Just as some day out, and Phil Belcher of us were thinking an for the boot stuffing afternoon nap was in competition. Sout th Coas t Run t to Austr alia Day

38 Club Torque TEA GARDENS RUN VIA MYALL SHORES MID NORTH COAST CHAPTER Words • John Hansen Tuesday November 5, 2019 Tuesday 5 November found a group Travelling down the highway we had and discussed MX-5 cars, of course, of three intrepid MX-5 cars with their no idea that some of the places we we said our goodbyes and departed owners assemble outside ‘Olivers’ at passed through such as Rainbow for home. I thought that if I had the Port Macquarie Service Centre Flat and Possum Bush and Nabiac put a sail up, the wind would have under a very inauspicious rain would become almost household scooted us along as it buffeted us, flecked sky for the Mid-Week Run. names in the coming weeks this was just on the way to the car Greg Cox was run leader in his grey as bushfires swept through the park. GT RF Limited Edition MX-5. Also surrounding areas. Thanks to run leader Greg and our on board was coordinator Allen in In fact the town of Old Bar itself club coordinators Allen and Peter his gleaming red ND and Judith and would become isolated due to the for organizing the run and all who John in their grey MX-5 NC. subsequent fires. took part. It just shows that MX-5 The flecks of rain developed into At Bulahdelah the wind picked members can still have an enjoyable light drizzle accompanied by a fairly up and became rather fierce and time even if the weather doesn’t stiff wind. after meeting Jane we travelled cooperate. Little did we know that this was down to Tea Gardens and then the In hindsight, it was a sobering going to be last of the rain that we Myall Lakes where we intended to thought that within a few weeks, would see for some time. drive up to the Bombah Point car the scenery that we had driven Our small convoy set off down the ferry, then back to Tea Gardens for through would become blackened well-worn track to the ‘Flow Bar’ lunch at “Mumms On The Myall” and charred, communities become at Old Bar for morning tea and a restaurant. isolated, houses destroyed, lives regroup to consider our options for However by the time we arrived at lost, animals killed, various club the rest of the day. Tea Gardens the weather became members would be involved in Due to the weather it was tops up all more miserable. After a hurried fighting bush fires with their local the way to Old Bar. conference we decided that in the brigades and all of them would be The food at the Flow Bar lived up circumstances we should abandon hoping for rain. to our expectations and those of us the rest of the run and head straight who are searching for the perfect to the restaurant. egg and bacon roll still kept the Flow Initially the restaurant had indicated Bar’s version in the top five. that it had very heavy bookings as We had hoped to meet up with other the Tuesday was also Melbourne members however the worsening Cup Day. However many people weather conditions kept them away. had decided not to brave the Due to the deteriorating weather weather and the venue wasn’t full conditions we decided to proceed and we were able to secure almost straight down the highway to a private table. Bulahdelah instead of detouring After a convivial lunch where we along the old Pacific Highway. solved most of the world’s problems

Club Torque 39 getting the most from your MX-5 Words and pics • Andrew Digney o you’ve got an the softer the rubber and the $110ea for 195/50R15 and MX-5 and want to better the dry grip. $150ea for 215/45R17 fitted try some motorsport. Race tyres (R-Specs) are and balanced. Your budget isn’t below 200 tread wear and If you do regularly compete Sas boundless as your 200 tread wear is considered in track events, my personal enthusiasm, so where do you the lowest number for a experience has shown that start? best dry grip road tyre with most 200 tread wear tyres Most would prefer to keep acceptable wet grip. will generally heat cycle out spending to a minimum and Generally, the higher the (the rubber becomes hard for your first driver training and the tyre suddenly and or track day that’s the way it noticeably loses dry track should be. grip) before you reach the However, if motorsport does tread wear indicators and become a habit, a little that’s even with reasonable expenditure is likely to be road kilometres in between required. events. For starters, we’ll assume TYRE PRESSURE you have a reliable car. If As important as tyres are, so that’s a yes you need to sort is tyre pressure. out turning and stopping Without getting into tyre and if the budget allows, temperatures which can improved handling. number, the longer a tyre also be a factor of alignment Tyres and brakes are the will last. As the tread wear settings and probably more easiest two changes that number decreases, so does relevant to cars with modified can enhance your car’s the amount of tread and suspension, experience performance on the track. subsequently the wet grip of has shown that usually a For our club, larger groups of the tyre. hot tyre pressure of 3 to 5 cars currently belong in the PSI higher than the factory You want good lap times but Stock and Clubman classes recommended pressures don’t want to spend an arm and that is where the focus of will meet most people’s and a leg doing it. this story will be. requirements for better lap There are many good tyres times. TYRES such as the Bridgestone The tyres fitted to the MX-5 RE71R, Federal 595 RSRR, BRAKES from the factory offer decent Yokohama AD08R etc to For standard or lightly wet and dry grip and are choose from. modified cars, all models of predictable but are not going The current bang for buck the MX-5 have acceptable to help you produce the best tyre (in limited sizes) is the brakes. However, to get the possible dry lap times. Hankook RS4, it is producing best possible braking out of That’s where 200 tread wear record lap times in some your factory brakes, try using tyres will help improve those of the lower Club classes/ higher friction brake pads, lap times. categories and at a price in other words track pads or Tread wear is a manufacturer cheaper than many of its race pads. rating applied to the rubber of competitors. All MX-5 models use around a tyre, the lower the number, Usual pricing is around 66 per cent front brake for

40 Club Torque getting the most from your MX-5 Words and pics • Andrew Digney stopping, so the front brakes castor settings have changed are twice as important as the across different models but rear brakes and generally just camber and toe requirements upgrading your front pads will are very similar across the whole give a dramatic improvement range. without spending too much The factory alignment is money. sometimes not great and for best Hawk HP+ or Blue pads track times even an alignment (mx5mania.com.au) or to a stock car can make a Carbotech R10 or R12 pads difference. (carbotech.com.au) appear As a rule, toe in will help a car popular but there are many other hold a straight line (great for the brands available. road) but zero toe or toe out will being 15% stiffer springs. Allow $150 to $350 for front improve a cars ability to change Overall vehicle usage and your pads. direction (great for the track). personal budget has a lot to do One disadvantage is that the Camber is again dependent with individual set-ups. higher the friction, the more low on use but even on a stock car However, what is generally speed brake squeal you will get. regularly used on a track will accepted is that a set of I will gladly accept brake squeal benefit from maximum available coilovers is the quickest and for improved brake performance negative camber (particularly easiest best single handling any day of the week. on the front wheels) to help get modification for a Clubman Class the best tyre contact patch for A decent brake fluid helps with car. cornering grip. the higher brake temperatures Anything from BC, Yellowspeed and reduces the chances of Even with modern manufacturing and MCA Coilovers (reputable brake fade. processes, there are noticeable brands, $1300 to $3000) all discrepancies between individual Replacing your fluid with a High the way to Who’s your Daddy cars off the same production line, Temperature DOT 4.1 Brake custom set-ups gives you so a professional alignment can Fluid is the best insurance the flexibility to adjust ride make a significant difference. against brake fade. heights and subsequently Differences from -0.5 up to -1.8 For the DIY types allow for 2 camber settings, rebound and of maximum available front bottles at around $50-60 (Penrite even damping rates (in more camber on the same model MX5 Racing 600) for a full fluid flush expensive coilovers) plus the are proof of the variability of and brake bleeding. ability to corner weight your car production line tolerances. for best possible handling. ALIGNMENT Allow around $100-150 for a In summary, besides driver The MX-5 comes with double decent alignment. training (that’s what our club wishbone suspension all round SUSPENSION motorsport events are for) (NA, NB) or double wishbone tyres, front brake pads and an There are a myriad of available front and multi-link rear alignment are the quickest way components and a myriad of suspension (NC, ND). of improving your stock vehicle. opinions on what are the best These suspension set-ups allow modifications. When progressing to Clubman for fully adjustable suspension Class and beyond, suspension See comparative photos of settings including toe, castor and improvements should be your two NDs on the same hill climb camber. next consideration. corner with the only difference As the models have progressed,

Club Torque 41 HUNTER’S MOUNTAINS TO COAST WEEKEND HUNTER CHAPTER Words • John Purcell • Pics • From Members Saturday/Sunday October 26/27, 2019 “The best laid plans of mice and around the big tree stump to men often go awry,” (Robbie decide on waiting, or returning Burns - 1785). to Gloucester and heading to If nothing else, MX5 club run Port Macquarie via the Pacific leaders - and those being led Highway - a trip of around 4.5 - need to be adaptable. This hours. We wisely chose the latter certainly became true on our and retraced our run, arriving at Mountains to Coast weekend. our motel at 8:00pm, tired but in Saturday was a great day for good spirits. top-down touring, if just a little bit Needless to say, no-one warm. Eleven cars left Mcdonald’s complained about not sleeping Raymond Terrace for the run via after the previous 12-hour day. Dungog and Stroud Hill Road The new morning saw us at the then on to Gloucester for the Rivermark Café where we enjoyed morning tea stop. a wonderful breakfast while Topping up our fuel it was back overlooking the Hastings River. on the road and travelling along Three MX5s and a motor bike Thunderbolt’s Way to Walcha. joined us from Mid North Coast Along with the great scenery, Chapter, and led us on a partly the wind had started to blow and impromptu tour of the area. large dust willy-willys on the dry This was due to the fact that their paddocks kept pace with our cars organiser for the day was out from time to time. fighting the nearby bush fires. Lunch was enjoyed at the Royal Impromptu or not it was a great Café Walcha. Pre-ordered from morning with a run down to the Gloucester it was fresh, ready North Brother Lookout which has and waiting when we arrived. spectacular views over Laurieton Checking the Fire apps on our and North Haven and out to sea. phones we noted a fire near Then it was back up to the Oxley the Oxley highway (which was Highway taking Comboyne Road the route to our final stop at (and yes they had a ‘road closed’ Port Macquarie) but indications sign at this end) to Comboyne for showed that it was under control a brief stop before returning to and our route was open. Byabarra Café for lunch. Recharged after lunch we settled Refreshed and sated from our in for a great run on the twisty scrumptious lunch we returned sections of the Oxley Hwy to our MX-5s and headed home towards Wauchope - and this is via the Pacific Highway checking where our plans came to a halt. out several new fires now burning Stopping at Gingers Creek along the coast. Roadhouse we were greeted by Many thanks to Barry and Jenny the news that the highway had for organising the run and special just been closed due to the fire thanks to Allen and the crew from and could remain closed for Mid North Coast for providing us anything between 1 - 4 hours. with a wonderful day. Ice creams in hand everyone We look forward to returning their participated in a discussion hospitality in the near future.

42 Club Torque TAKE ME TO MIATALAND “MX-5 `Heaven” Words • Peter Barnwell In Italian Province And You Can Drive Them

up preferring Japanese models because most of the best limited editions were made for the domestic market there. He ships them to the UK from Japan then drives them home to Italy after attending business meetings. Every trip is full of emotion he Italy’s amazing to visit at any since I was still going to says. time but there’s a special appeal university but the desire to have Mancini says he doesn’t have a for MX-5 owners at a place in it and drive it didn't pass me by.” favourite because each one is Umbria (near Tuscany) called “After a long wait until 1998, I “unique.” ’ Miataland. took delivery of my first MX-5… “Every now and then it's nice to At an 18th century stone a used NA black with beige top, take the time to rediscover them, farmhouse/resort near the hilltop a 1.6L, 90HP model imported to review the always different town of Todi, owner Andrea from Germany.” solutions of personalization, the Mancini has a collection of 40 After getting behind the wheel colour combinations, the stereo plus MX-5s across all models in he said, “It was special for me, systems and some refinements right and left hook. As his guest, because it was my first top such as wooden steering wheels you can choose any of them to down driving experience and the (Nardi) or alloy wheels (often take for a drive including day confirmation of all the positive BBS). Each of them is unique." long explorations of the entire feelings I had initially had.” Mancini says Miataland evolved region. Mancini said the MX-5 is a over time because the collection It sounds unreal. special car because it gives you became bigger and bigger, and it Mancini’s cars are from the US, driving sensations that few other simply didn't fit in the garage and Japan and Europe in varied the garden anymore. specification. All are maintained “It needed a new `house’, a in top order. Mancini has more suitable place, with plenty of than passion for the MX-5. space. Then there was the It was love at first sight in1990 idea of somehow bringing the that’s developed into an collection to life. After all, the obsession. cars would have liked to be “I saw it (on the January 1990 cars (regardless of price) can driven more than just sitting in a issue of "Auto") in a pre-test give you. “It's a light car, and garage gathering dust.” together with the Lotus Elan.” even with not a lot of power, it Miataland has six themed rooms, “And saw it ‘live’ at the Rome gives you a great taste of sporty each characterized by a colour Fair again in 1990.” driving.” matched to that of one of the “It was a passion at the time I He spends a lot of time finding limited series. couldn't turn into possession the right cars then picking them Sounds pretty good to me…..

Club Torque 43 Thank you for your support Major Sponsors

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