Time for a proper update on the little Hyundai
So firstly, the 2nd half of 2018 was one with few highlights. Ran around at the back, struggling for pace.
At the Phillip Island enduro mid year we lost all of Friday due to a mis-diagnosed camber bolt that had given up the ghost.
Saturday was effectively rained out, the track becoming part of Bass Strait
Our enduro was shortened from 40-something laps before going red-flag and time certain before the CPS window had even opened on lap 14!
Of those 14 laps, 11 were under multiple SC periods, however I found myself 11th after starting outside the top 30, which was weird.
Sprint rounds were okay, but poor handling teamed with a slow motor meant not much really happened.
We changed motor for the end-of-year enduro event at Winton, which was an utter-disaster.
The motor ran hot all of Friday before dying just 7 laps into the 1hr 30min race.
So that was a pretty disappointing end to the year.
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2019.
In the off season, we swapped out engine back to the one we had as it seemed fine albeit under-powered.
Every panel from the doors forward was replaced, as was the radiator, wheel bearings and brake assembly. Then some new stickers for the new season and we were good to go.
(Hint: I'm the green one).
Round 1 at Sandown. Hopes are high, anticipation and excitement piquing.
Day 1 was the day from hell. Everything that could go wrong, did, culminating in sheering the front axle, trashing the bearing and brake disc in the process. That ended our day early so we took the chance to take the car home for some overnight repairs.
By 1am repairs were complete (because nothing goes to plan) with a very tired mechanic, somewhat relieved.
Day 2...successful. Everything ran smoothly. Car was running well, racing was good with a few great duels with different competitors .
Final day, all going well. Good second race in the books. Time for race 3.
A bad start made for a hot-headed driver who really wanted to make up some ground.
*Good pass into Dande Rd...tick. Now this next bloke is looking a little weak. If I get good run through T2/3 chicane, I reckon I'll be close enough for a move at the end of the back straight...*
Well...that really didn't work out well. Tried too hard, dropped a wheel of the outside kerb and ran out of road (and talent) before I could gather it up.
About those new panels
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2019....take 2.
Thanks to some handy work by friends and family, we were back on track in time for Round 2 (without a lap of practice in between).
In addition, the motor (top end) got a spruce up and exhaust swapped for something better.
The driver performed pretty average over the weekend. But the car ran well. No incidents and by the final race, everything started to click over the weekend.
That weekend also brought with some exciting news. I had been moved from reserve list to entry list for the Winton SuperSprint on this weekend just past (undercard for Supercars)!
What a weekend! Great fun, caught up with plenty of people over the weekend and finally got to race the boss on track.
Such a cool experience to be competing at a Supercars round. Really hoping we get the chance to do it again someday!
I was more competitive than expected, running pretty solid in the mid pack before getting turned around in race 2.
Even with some issues I was able to get back up 30th (of 42) by the 4th race on Sunday which was groovy.
Looking forward to the rest of the year, although the budget has taken a bit of hit of late so I'm not sure when I will next be on track just yet.
