French car owners in NZ

Well Eddie,

thems fightin' words you know!! You'd better be backing that up with some pretty decent run times down in Tokoroa!!! ;) Looks like the challenge has been laid down between Pugs and Renos- what about the Citroen owners out there?

Ben
 
Hey, that's me! (actually, a hybrid really as my citroen has the same motor as Pug 405mi16). Still hoping to get there. Does anyone else have motorsport experience here? I've done club racing for years, so have some definite opinions about safety (have seen some bad things!). Re- helmets... there is a particular safety standard code (Snell 95) that is required for club level motorsport. A 2nd hand helmet from cash converters is a huge no-no. Drop a helmet and they can be wrecked (with no visible signs of damage). A bad fitting helmet can itself be a danger in an accident. Most importantly, some sort of pre-event safety checking of vehicles should be done, and a dress standard tightly enforced (usually "no loose cuffs on wrists and ankles, suitable footwear"). Simple things can be overlooked when racing a road car.... for example... that wheel brace sitting on the floor in the back of your car could easily kill you if you roll your car over a bank! This may sound over the top, but ask anyone who has done hillclimbs, circuit racing etc, and you should get the same things suggested.

I will follow up with Mark to see if he might come. He is a Motorsport NZ authorised scrutineer, so may be happy to do some checks. Problem is, if someone's car is deemed unsafe, is someone prepared to make the call that they shouldn't/can't race???!!

food for thought.
Phil
 
Don't espect any flash times from me, I don't want to overcook things, as this will be my first real motorsport experience (haven't sent away the membership forms for the local car club yet, despite having had them for a few months now).

Phil: would a motorcycle helmet be suitable, and what things should I check before I go, (my suspension needs replacing etc)? Bear in mind things can't cost too much, I'm a poor student...

Thanks for any info,
-Eddie
 
Anyone concerned about safety ought to personally check the following things:

- all WOF standard items, esp
- tyres ok?
- balljoints, wheel bearings, etc
- seats.... if you grab them, can you wobble them? If so, FIX IT
- remove any loose floor mats
- empty out interior of anything loose
- are you wheel nuts tight (don't laugh....)
- bonnet closed properly?
- seat belt !
- helmet: any chips or damage? A tired-looking helmet is almost certainly rooted. Must fit properly... a loose helmet can kill you
- head rests... a head rest that comes up to the back of your neck is lethal. In an accident it will act as a fullcrum point, snapping your head BACK over it. either set it up against the back of your head, or remove it.
- throttle return spring.... when you rev your engine, does the throttle snap closed? Ever seen a racecar with the throttle jammed open?
- battery: essential that it is tightly and securely fastened down.

These are basics that I would advise everyone thinks about carefully. It's very easy in the excitement to be a little careless. Offerred as advice only.

Also.... note that almost all insurance policies do not cover motorsport !

PG
 
Hey Phil,

thanks for posting that, I agree with all of it!!

I must admit I am in the same boat as Eddie really, a lot of intentions but never been racing yet. Some of the other peole involved with the idea of this club have had racing experience - but not me- I am just the person posting ideas to get people to come along.....

What we are after is something safe (as safe as caning your car flatstick along country roads can be) whilst not getting caught up in all the regualtions/rules etc(Motorsport NZ seem to have gone over the top since the Queenstown thing....) that have tended to discourage people from getting involved in this sort of thing in the past.

I had wondered about something like a gymkhana in a car park with cones timing etc without requiring full on safety gear/scrutineering etc. The thing about getting someone to scrutineer and what have you is that they have to be willing to give up their time to do so. If they do, brilliant, and hopefully we can foster/further attitudes like that in such a club....

To anyone not sure about entering but are keen on the idea- come along and watch, just don't forget to bring your french car along...


Anyway, thats my two cents worth..

Cheers Ben
 
Hi all,
just a reminder that it's this weekend, and we'd like to see you all there if you can make it. Anyone interested feel free to drop me a line, on 025 246 2291 or 06 356 8043.

Cheers Ben
 
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