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Thu 26 Apr 2012
What a finish to the ITM400 that was !
Thanks to everyone who was down there helping us out. We hope to see you again for the V8SC race meeting, wherever it may be ... It goes quiet for a couple of weeks now, we have a TACCOC meeting the first weekend in May then the NSCC 6 hour Enduro the second weekend. We'll be looking for people for that one a bit closer to it.
Sun 15 Apr 2012
Dave has the following bags of ITM400 gear and will be handing them out at the Y on Thursday night or at sign-in on Friday morning - Neil Grant, Steve Jones, Dennis Ephraim, Tony Mannering. Hopefully by then we'll have added the Ed Morris and Gorey Giles bags to the collection :)
Wed 28 Mar 2012
Big weekend coming up ... We have 4 things to cover this weekend - Whangarei Rally is hoovering up most of the regulars between the Service Park and a Timing Crew, and we also have events at Pukekohe and Hampton Downs. If you can help at any of these and we haven't pressganged you yet please get in touch.
Fri 23 Mar 2012
ITM400 Briefing dates :
7pm 27 March, Palmerston North, Sport Manawatu,
7pm 2 April, Auckland, Northern Sports Car Club (nb NOT AUCKLAND CAR CLUB)
7pm 3 April, Hamilton, Hamilton Car Club
p Pit Lane Team - you should have had (and replied to) an email from Dave advising that we will be picking up all the pit lane gear bags. Apart from Ron and Phil in Palmy there is nothing for you to pick up at these briefings.
Tue 20 Mar 2012
Legends of Speed meeting this weekend - the report time both days is (corrected) 09:15. This is a combined meeting between the Historic Racing Club and the Auckland Car Club and should be a good one.
Fri 16 Mar 2012
ITM400 crew - by now you should all know who you are. I need to know who wants to stay at the Y, all please reply to that email. Thanks :)
Mon 20 Feb 2012
Good News Everybody !
You can have next weekend off and we'll see you back at Hampton Downs on 3rd and 4th March for the Legends of Speed meeting. Thanks to everyone who helped at the supertourers, it was amazing to hear the crowd roar when Murph punted Scott, with no single public area and everyone spread out around the track that was the first real indication of just how many people were there. The Supertourers are back at the Downs in June for round 4.
Mon 20 Feb 2012
I've updated the fuel page so that it matches the Code of Practise summary we were handing out at the Supertourers. If you had a copy of the old summary document, replcase it with this one please.
Thu 16 Feb 2012
Support classes this weekend (an email from Pete Thompson)
"as I understand we will have Honda cup and muscle cars out the back, and super tourers and challenge cup ( old nzv8 tourers) in pit lane."
Tue 14 Feb 2012
The schedule for the Supertourers this weekend is available on the downloads page. It's only 2 pages so print it out and bring a copy. I might even remember one myself this time :-)
Mon 13 Feb 2012
The team for the Supertourers this weekend is pretty well sorted now. If you've had an invitation but haven't replied and you want to come let me know asap so that we can make sure there is a ticket for you ! No report times as yet, watch this space.
Wed 8 Feb 2012
Shhhhh !
Hear that ? That's the sound of us quietly inviting people who have helped us so far this season to join the pit lane teams for the inaugral round of the Supertourers on Feb 17-19 and for the Aussie V8 Supercars ITM400 at Hamilton. The email for the rest of the team will be coming out in a few days ... but if you see this and want to come ... feel free to ask :)
Wed 25 Jan 2012
The BMW NZ Festival of Motor Racing continues at Hampton Downs this weekend
Hi Team
Last weekend at Hampton was excellent, enough action to keep everyone awake and some huge fields - from the chat on race control radio I think in one field there were more cars than grid places !
Round 2 is this weekend back at Hampton Downs, who would like to come and assist ? We particularly need people for Sunday so even if you can't do Saturday (or Friday) think about coming down for the Sunday.
I already have Ray and his team down for Friday and Saturday and Dave K for all 3 days, and Team Rinkin down for start line.
Cheers
Gary
Tue 17 Jan 2012
The BMW NZ Festival of Motor Racing starts at Hampton Downs this weekend and it's going to be a massive 2 weekends with hundreds of cars entered including all those F5000's, and this weekend according to the programme we have a display from the Red Chequers.
The 'weekend' runs from Friday to Sunday, we would like people for Pit Lane every day so whatever days you can give us would be appreciated. Pace yourselves though because you'll be getting almost this same email again next week :)
If anyone can help on any or all of the days this weekend please let me know, many thanks to those who have already said they will be there, and just a reminder to our Hamilton members that Hampton Downs is closer to you than it is to us ;-)
Sun 8 Jan 2012
So, coming up this year ... (for those who don't read long posts LOL) as well as the usual club level events we have two huge weekends in January of the Festival of Motor Racing, two big weekends in February with Summer Thunder (with the TRS) and the inaugral round of the V8 Supertourers, the ITM400 in Hamilton and the APRC Whangarei Rally in April (need a few people for the service park), and the WRC Rally NZ in June (need a whole load of people - bring your mates!).
Phew !
Sun 8 Jan 2012
Newsletter from The Motorsport Club
Happy New Year everyone – I hope, in spite of the weather you all had a good Christmas and New Year and are fighting fit, ready to take on 2012!
The summer is set to be busy and hopefully we can have a wee bit of sunshine to help our drivers keep it on the black stuff.
The HRC team are still looking for volunteers to assist at the Tasman Revival Series in Taupo – flag marshals, assembly grid, start line… if anyone would like to help out, please contact me asap as accommodation will be supplied – either by email – deb@themotorsportclub.com or on mobile, 0274 875 079. Huge thanks to the team that have already signed up.
Following straight on from this we have the NZFMR celebrating BMW Motorsport. This is set to be two HUGE weekends of close racing on 20- 22 and 26 – 29 January. I hear that the entries are approaching 350, so the sheer variety of cars, along with the "stars” will make for an action packed six days. Please advise your head of department or me directly if you are available for this. On each of the Saturday nights there will be a themed BBQ, with tickets just $25 – please visit the Hampton Downs ticketing website to find out more.
It seems timely to remind everyone with the sheer number of race meetings coming up that we need to supply ourselves with our own snacks, water and sunscreen. Every event organiser tries to ensure that they have provisions for us; however we shouldn’t rely on their supply alone. It also pays to have a change of clothing in your car so if you get wet, you can change. In short, do your best to look after yourself first.
The Toyota Racing Series rounds out our 3 in a row at Hampton Downs, with 15 international drivers coming to battle it out – five rounds over approximately six weekends. By the time they get to us on the 2 – 5 February, it will be for the penultimate round. Eric Thompson covers off the lead up to the series, and some of our Grand Prix history in his New Zealand Herald piece here.
And finally, we'd like to take the opportunity to congratulate Sir Colin Giltrap on his New Years Honours for services to Motorsport and philanthropy. It's wonderful to see him being recognised for the effort he's put into our sport.
Short and sweet this month as the sun is finally shining, the tide is coming in and the water is looking good.
Take care,
Deb
Thu 8 Dec 2011
This Sunday at Hampton Downs is Christmas at the Downs. It's 'only' a club day, with 160+ cars entered. Report time is 8am at Hamptons, and Deb promises Ham on the bone for lunch. Hands up who can be there to help ?
Thu 1 Dec 2011
Meeting times for Thunder in the Park this weekend
Saturday - meet at Bombay at 9:00 if possible, then I will be at the gate into the track with the tickets from 9:10 until 9:30. First qualifying session for the day is scheduled for 10:00.
Sunday - Meet at Bombay at 08:00, 1st race starts 09:00.
Wed 30 Nov 2011
From The Motorsport Club's (a.k.a. Race Control) newsletter : Historic Racing Club are holding the Tasman Revival Series at Taupo on 14 - 15 January and are looking for marshals to assist with the weekend. Some accommodation is available. If you would like a weekend in Taupo, bearing in mind we'll be assisting HRC with the running of the V8 SuperTourers down there, please advise Deb as soon as possible.
Wed 30 Nov 2011
Because so many people are only doing Saturday or Sunday this weekend and our ticket allocation is based on how many positions we are filling not how many people are filling them we need to do the tickets a bit differently this weekend.
The start line team isn't changing and they have their tickets already, I will have the other tickets and I will be at the gate into the circuit standing next to a ticket taker - as you turn up you can just go in and I will worry about your tickets. People who are coming both days please see me on Saturday afternoon to get a ticket for Sunday, or meet at Bombay on Sunday morning where they will be handed out.
Watch this space for details of when I will be at the gate, we haven't been given times yet.
Tue 29 Nov 2011
It's Thunder Time !!!
Judging from how many people replied to last weeks email saying they couldn't make the ACC race day but were coming to Thunder there are a bunch of people looking forward to this one ! Thunder kicks off Saturday morning at Pukekohe and we are still looking for a few people to fill out the Pit Lane complement.
There is a programme --> here <-- on the Thunder website, suggest you all print one. Watch this space for meeting times and places.
Tue 29 Nov 2011
The application form for 2012 ITM400 volunteers is now available. If you are on Skip's list you'll have received one, if not click --> here <-- to get one. Pit lane crew, the position you're applying for is "Pit Lane" and you don't fill out the overall size because we don't get them.
As always submitting the form just gets you onto the list of possibles, when we get closer to the event GR8 Events will give us a list of who has applied and that is who we choose our team from.
YOU MUST HAVE SENT IN AN APPLICATION FORM TO BE CONSIDERED FOR A PIT LANE JOB !
Thu 24 Nov 2011
Report time for Sunday for the Summer Series is 09:15 at the track.
Many thanks for Ray for his efforts, and also to the people who have already said they will be at Thunder the week after. I think we're already halfway to a full complement !
Tue 22 Nov 2011
It's round 2 of the ACC Summer Series this Sunday at Pukekohe if anyone is free to help out in the pits. This year more than ever we'll be wanting to take people to the ITM400 in Hamilton as a thank you for helping us at other meetings, so making yourself useful at a couple of the smaller days is virtually a free ticket to Hamilton :-D
Mon 7 Nov 2011
Next Sunday (the 13th) at Hampton Downs is the "baby Thunder" meeting. Classes running are as follows:
New Zealand Sportscars
GTRNZ / GT1 / GT2
Weldwell New Zealand Formula First Championship
Koken Tools Supermini Challenge
Bridgestone Porsche
GTRNZ / NZGT
Report time is 7.45am. Everyone welcome.
Mon 31 Oct 2011
Fujitsu 200 at Pukekohe and TACCOC at Hampton Downs this weekend
Saturday and Sunday at Pukekohe is the Fujitsu 200, that's the NZV8 meeting. I can't find anything that says what the supporting classes are but TMC's website listing for this meeting shows lap records for NZV8s, Toyota Racing Series (that's the wings and slicks class), Suzuki Swift Sport Cup, Formula Ford, and the V8 Utes. Should be a good'un.
This time there is a 3 hour enduro added on Saturday afternoon and the day will finish with fireworks.
No details yet of report times, finish time for Saturday, which class is in the enduro, or tickets. Watch this space :-)
Sunday at Hampton Downs is a TACCOC race day, if we could have a presence there I'm sure they would appreciate it but Pukekohe is the more important meeting.
Fri 7 Oct 2011
Dtes for the ITM400 in 2012 are 20 - 22 April.
Tue 4 Oct 2011
TACCOC Spring Classic is this Saturday at Pukekohe. Yes there is life outside (or before) rugby ! Report time is 09:15 at Jennian. And then on Sunday it's Bathurst !
Fri 9 Sep 2011
Winter Series this Sunday is cancelled
Sounds like due to lack of entries but that wasn't actually stated. They are having a test day instead. If anyone wants to help out I am sure you will be useful somewhere.
Thanks to The Motorsport Club for organising last weekend's training day up at Marsden Point Refinery. A couple of people asked if what we got could be put on the website. Unfortunately it was very hands on, putting notes up here would be like trying to teach someone how to drive by giving them a book about it. A couple of things can be noted though, mainly (1) the faster you get onto a fire the easier it is to put out (2) fires are hot (3) it is a very good idea to wear fire resistant (wool / cotton) clothes in pit lane if you're not in overalls (4) a dry powder extinguisher can make a fuel fire spread almost as well as water if you're not careful (5) E85 fuel vapour (that's the stuff the Aussie V8's use at Hamilton) is heavier than air so if there is a spill the vapour will roll or blow along the ground for a heck of a long way and can be ignited by a spark a dozen pit bays away (6) *LOOK* *EVERYWHERE* *FIRST*. You're no use to anyone if you grab an extinguisher and then get hit by another car and lastly (7) a 20 litre fuel spill (that's the size of the jugs we're trying to stop people using in the back of their pit bays) will easily make a fire the size of a queen size bed.
Thu 1 Sep 2011
Fire Training this Saturday, and who wants to be a Co-Driver in Targa ?
Fire Training - Wear long sleeves / legged fireproof clothing (overalls are great, jeans and cotton or wool shirts are fine), also need proper closed footwear and safety glasses or at least sunglasses. For those making their own way there Induction is 08:30 at the Refinery. Lunch provided, day expected to finish about 4. After match function at the Ruakaka Fire Station, dinner $10 per head.
Want to be a Co-Driver in Targa ? This just in from Targa HQ ...
Hello Everyone,
With less than 8 weeks to go until the big event most of you are probably in the process of fine tuning your vehicle and confirming accommodation. Unfortunately we know some have not been able to secure co drivers or sufficient service crew so it?s time for the Targa network to be put to the test!
If you or any of your motorsport contacts are able to help out in these roles please phone Mandy Myles between 9am -3pm -09 298 8322 or email: info@targa.co.nz
Provide your contact details, including age, height & weight, (for co driving positions) and a brief summary of your experience. Also please state if you have all your own safety gear including Hans unit or tools & transport and what financial assistance you could offer a team.
We know you all enjoy being part of the event and some of you would have just been waiting for the opportunity to arise this year so here it is!!!
Thank you in advance for your assistance?
Kind Regards,
Mandy Myles
Customer Services Manager
Mon 29 Aug 2011
Fire Training Reminder - Remember, training is Saturday this week. 9am start at the refinery which is 3 hours north of Auckland so you'll need to set your alarms for stupid o clock just like we do on rallies or at Hamilton ITM400 :)
Thu 11 Aug 2011
Suddenly it's a busy weekend coming up !
It's all on at Hampton Downs. Sunday is round 3 of the Winter Series which we knew about and Saturday is the VIP Petfood 12 hour enduro which was suddenly sprung on us. All welcome both days. Report time for Sunday is 8:15 for an 8:30 briefing, no times for Saturday yet but it's a 12 hour race and I imagine there needs to be some qualifying / testing first so expect an early start.
Fire Training - Saturday 3 September - Ruakaka Oil Refinery (Marsden Point)
Training day for all motorsport officials run by The Motorsport Club. Get in quick! Registrations now open. This will be a day not to be missed. Learn how different fuel types burn - and how to extinguish them. This will be a practical day, so dress prepared to put out fires. The day will start at 9am, and conclude around 5pm, to be followed by a function at the Ruakaka Fire Brigade. Registration form is at http://www.themotorsportclub.com//default.asp?id=261
Thu 28 Jul 2011
Firstly, this Sunday ...
It's the Volunteers / Have A Go day at Hampton Downs on Sunday. If anyone wants to go down to help in the pits lunch will be provided and you'll be eligible for rides in the afternoon.
Pukekohe's website says that Auckland Car Club have the track booked for Sunday but Race Control aren't aware of anything happening there and there's nothing listed on the ACC website.
Secondly, two weeks ago ...
was Whangarei Rally. Tony and Team Reese looked after the service park and I think Scott was up there too on Friday morning helping with the setup. On Friday afternoon Tony found out that RATS were responsible for overnight security this year, not a nice thing to find out on the Friday afternoon but with some 3am shift changes it was all covered. Exceptionally well done Guys !
Sat 2 Jul 2011
Gossip in an email just in from Debs -
This month will see further progress to a fire training programme for all volunteers pitched at several levels. This is pencilled to occur just prior to the season kicking off in earnest. More details to follow next month. It is likely to include a road trip, and maybe overnight stay.
Tue 28 Jun 2011
Early warning for Sunday 17 July
We have Whangarei Rally happening 15-17 of July so a bunch of us will be enjoying the ice creams at the Town Basin oops I mean helping with the service park or the timing crew. That is more or less sorted although I did hear a whisper that Tony wouldn't say no if some RATS wanted to help him and the Ratpack with the service park.
On the same weekend, on Sunday 17 July, ACC are holding round 2 of the winter series at Pukekohe. We need people for Start Line and a couple for Pit Lane.
If you are able to help with either of these but particularly Pukekohe, please let Dave Shergold or I know. Thanks.
Thu 16 Jun 2011
Finally, things are working again ! (well, sort of). For reasons unknown the company that hosts the admin side of the website changed a bunch of stuff around which resulted in a few directories disappearing. One of these was the directory that controlled access to the admin part of the website ... duh ...
Anyway ... ACC are running round 1 of the Winter Series at Hampton Downs this Sunday. We have enough people to make it happen (thanks to Teams Rinkin and Reese and Steve Jones) but we'll take anyone else who wants to come :) Report time is 0815, no tickets needed.
I think the next event on the calendar will be Rally Wrong Way in mid July. RATS are running the Service Park and a timing crew. The timing crew is sorted but so far we only have 2 people and a maybe for the Service Park. The email will be going out shortly :)
Tue 17 May 2011
Well done everybody, that pretty much wraps up the summer season. We now have a decent break until the winter season starts at Hampton Downs on 19 June.
Targa Rotorua is before that at the beginning of June for those who are involved, and the Whangarei Rally is coming up the 1st weekend in July and we will be looking for people to help out with the Service Park - but we'll hassle you about that later.
Enjoy the break :-)
Mon 9 May 2011
Coming up this weekend - the 6 hour enduro !
Rally New Zealand is done and dusty, with some of us working in the service park, some of us running Pit Lane and Start Line for the concurrent race meeting at Hampton Downs, and some of us forming a start timing crew out on the stages.
Next up after a few days back at work to recover is the 6 hour race at Pukekohe this coming Saturday the 14th - we need everyone we can get for Pit Lane duties as there is a lot of refuelling goes on and it all needs to be observed. Report time is (so far) 9:15 Saturday morning at the track. Race start is normally 1pm and the chequered flag is expected at 7pm.
Fri 29 Apr 2011
The calendar has been updated with the winter's events. Plenty for everyone to get stuck into and start building brownie points for next ITM400 :-) I'm told the most important thing we are needing people for at the moment is the 6 hour enduro.
Tue 12 Apr 2011
Email to the ITM pit lane team :
Hi Team
A few housekeeping things in no particular order :
For those who haven't been there before, the YWCA is located on the corner of Clarence St and Pembroke St, one block up Clarence St from Pak'n'Save.
Dave has the gear bags which contain 2 polo shirts, a swinger, a hi-viz vest and a set of foam earplugs, and is planning to have those available for collection from the Y from 6pm Thursday. If you have proper earmuffs bring them, and if anyone wants to swap a bigger hiviz for my 'L' (what were they thinking ??) see me down there :-)
I have a bunch of the small Marshalls and Officials Handbooks and the sheet detailing Red Flag Procedures for those who don't have them already, and I have a Speed Gun Protocol book for Dennis (but no report forms) and I have most of the car park vouchers. I'm aiming to be down at the Y by 7 on Thursday evening, although that may have to be pushed back a couple of hours.
We don't have a lot of car park vouchers (next year someone will have to go to the *first* briefing and collect a load of them) so will need to car pool. Meet at the Y at 06:00 on Friday and Saturday, and 05:45 on Sunday.
For those who are going straight to the track (in your full cars), sign-in starts at 06:15 Friday and Saturday, and 06:00 Sunday. Please let the flaggies have breakfast first as they have to get out sooner than us. Don't forget to collect your caps, minute by minute, breakfast and drink vouchers, and water.
The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is for showers so plan on getting wet, although yesterday the forecast was for rain, fingers crossed it continues to improve. Pit Lane will be busy if it is showery with lots of tyre changes going on.
Remember to bring the usual stuff - a whistle, a couple of pens, and a digital watch on which you can easily reset the seconds to whatever race control tell us is the official time.
The usual policy re cameras applies - forbidden in Pit Lane while you are working, watched for by race control and enforced by security. If you want to take photos do it as soon as you get there while race control and security are still yawning and waking up and the practise pitstops are happening, once things start to look like getting under way it's time for cameras to go back into bags for the day.
Those of you with Garmin gps's and Mapsource / Basecamp can download ==> the custom map I had done <== which shows the track and won't try to send you through any of the closed roads - very useful for out-of-towners trying to get around Hamilton.
See you all in a couple of days !
Gary
Mon 4 Apr 2011
Briefings for Hamiltonm are this week tonight for Flag and EEH Marshalls at the Northern Sports Car Club, and Thursday for the Pit Lane team at the Auckland Car Club in Mt Roskill. Both briefings start at 7pm. Remember for the Pit Lane team, Dave and I will be collecting all of your gear bags as per the email that you all replied to say you had received and understood :-)
Thu 17 Mar 2011
Report times for Legends of Speed this weekend are 8:15 Saturday, 8am Sunday. Lunch and water supplied but take your own water as well. No word about tickets but I think we'll be there before they become an issue, we normally are.
Tue 15 Mar 2011
This weekend at Hampton Downs is the HRC Legends of Speed meeting. If you are able to help us out in Pit Lane on Saturday and / or Sunday please get in touch. Here's the blurb from the Hampton Downs website :
Come and watch over 200 ENTRANTS compete in the following classes: AES Trade Zone, Alfa Trofeo, Tracer Saloons, BMW Open, BMW E30, Historics, Super Historics and Classic Trial competing on the new track!
The event has been running for 3 years and is extremely popular and successfull!
This event is where the Historic Racing Club honors NZ's many motorsport legends with a mixes of races with Classic Saloon Cars and historic single seaters.
Practice starts 10am Saturday.
Saturday afternoon racing.
Sunday all day racing!
Fri 4 Mar 2011
The Pit Lane Team for the ITM400 in Hamiton is finalised
Congratulations to the team, which is listed below. Welcome back to Hamilton, or just Welcome to Hamilton as the case may be. To those who aren't on the list, yes I was serious when I kept banging on about brownie points for helping us at other meetings ...
Fri 4 Mar 2011
Report times for Hampton Downs this weekend are 7:45 Saturday (no ticket required) and 8am Sunday (ticket required). Official Car Parking is 'at the end of the roundabout by the gate at flag point 3'. Best contact is Pete who will be there both days and who will (although he doesn't know this yet) be picking up our tickets for Sunday.
Mon 28 Feb 2011
THE MUSCLE CARS ARE BACK !!!
This weekend at Hampton Downs is round 5 of the IRC series, "Midsummer Thunder" featuring GT1, GT2, and the Central and Northern Muscle Cars :-D It's going to be a big weekend and we need people for both days. If you can help please let us know. Thanks.
Mon 28 Feb 2011
The team for the ITM400 in Hamilton has been chosen and the invitations have been sent out. To the old hands, welcome back. To the people coming for the first time,
welcome to the ITM circus and thank you for your efforts at other events over the season. The final list now that everybody has confirmed is as follows :
Pit Lane Marshalls
Speed Guns and Runners
Pit Exit Lights
Pit Entry Horn
Starters
Pit Entry Relief / Pit Exit Relief / 4th Starter
Sat 19 Feb 2011
ITM400 in Hamilton needs Flag Marshalls. You must be aged over 14, sensible, reliable, available for all 3 days and, umm, nope, that's about it. All welcome, not just RATS - email me for details.
Thu 17 Feb 2011
The Clubmans are big boys so we're going to leave them to fend for themselves this weekend and concentrate on the Tasman Revival at Pukekohe. The forecast is fine both days, come on down ! Report times 9am Saturday and 8am Sunday.
Mon 14 Feb 2011
It's the last double header for the season this weekend (maybe). Historic Racing Club have their Tasman Revival at Pukekohe Park Raceway Saturday and Sunday, and Auckland Car Club have their Clubmans meet at Hampton Downs on Sunday. All offers of help for any days gratefully accepted, and by all means bring your mates.
Thu 27 Jan 2011
Tickets for this weekend at HD are the same ones as last weekend so if you were there then you've probably already got one. If you haven't, John Rinkin or one of his minions will be at the track crossing gate in the outfield carpark between 7:30 and 8 both mornings.
Mon 24 Jan 2011
This Saturday and Sunday at Hampton Drowns is the second round of the Festival of Motor Racing. Team Rinkin have the start line under control, looking for people for Pit Lane, including a few for Friday.
Thu 20 Jan 2011
People hoping to do the ITM400 and who have got their forms in will probably have had an email from Rachael saying their application has been accepted. Just to clarify this, that doesn't mean you have a job yet. Rachael and GL decide who get all the other jobs but Pete, Dave and I decide who comes to Pit Lane.
Rachael sends us the list of people who have applied to work in Pit Lane, and from that list we choose who actually gets the positions.
This is based on all the usual things (experience etc) but also, new for this year, on how proactive you have been sorting out problems (eg kids) in Pit Lane at the other meetings you have done for us this season. Obviously if you haven't done any other meetings for us this season you will score zero for this ...
Thu 20 Jan 2011
Report time for Hampton Downs this weekend is 7:30 all days. John Rinkin has the tickets and will be delegating someone to hand them out between 7 and 7:20, at the gate at the top of the hill you go down to cross under the track.
If you are not definitely coming next weekend as well we may need to collect your tickets back on Sunday as the same tickets cover both weekends of the Festival.
Tue 18 Jan 2011
It's gonna get busy again !!
Hope you all made the most of the Christmas break, it's about to explode. We have BIG meetings at Hampton Downs for the next 3 weekends, plus a Clubmans day at Pukekohe this weekend. All hands on deck !
Fri 10 Dec 2010
Christmas At The Downs this Sunday at Hampton Downs, report time is 7:45 infield by the house. They have 180 entries so should be a good day to end the year on :)
Thu 2 Dec 2010
Meeting time for Thunder In The Park this weekend is 07:30 at Bombay on Saturday morning to collect passes. Report times for Friday for those attending is 9am at the track, and for Sunday 8am at the track.
Wed 1 Dec 2010
We would like to pass on our condolences and sympathy to Brian's family.
If anyone would like to attend the funeral service please feel free, it is being held at 12.30pm on Monday December 6 at Morrison's Funeral Directors, 220 Universal Drive, Henderson.
One of our founding RATS has passed away
It is with deepest regret and greatest sympathy that I have to inform you that one of our founding members, Brian Mannering, passed away early this morning after a long illness.
Thu 11 Nov 2010
HRC Transam Challenge at Hampton Downs this weekend
Hopefully Tony has the team sussed for this one ! Report times are 12pm on Saturday (yes, you get to lay in) and 8:15 on Sunday. Meet at Hamptons inside the circuit.
Classes running are Open Saloons (mainly Minis), NZGT (WRXs, evos, various Mazdas and Nissans and even a couple of Fords), GT1 and GT2 (the fastest tintops you'll see on our tracks), Formula First (the Ducklings), Bridgestone Porsches, and Formula Libre (wings and slicks). Should be a good weekend :)
Tue 2 Nov 2010
Meeting times for Fujitsu 200 at Pukekohe this weekend Finally, there's something to talk about :-)
Meet at Bombay (usual spot - in the carpark outside Subway) at 0830 on Saturday and 0815 on Sunday. I will have our passes, and will be leaving 5 minutes after that. It's Pukekohe, so remember Whistle Water Sunblock, and Raincoat. Gary.
Many thanks to Pit Bull who will be disappearing on Sunday to run the start line for the TACCOC racing at Hampton Downs.
Thu 7 Oct 2010
Alfa day at, umm, a track.
This in from Race Control ... The Alfa day is probably at Hampton Downs which I think has a shiny new skidpan.
Morning team,
Just a quick note to see if any of you are able to help with the Alfa Centerary Day on Saturday morning? Mix of racing, sprints, driver training and skid pan.
Report time 8am for an 8.30 first car.
Also, Taranaki Car Club are looking for a dozen people to help with their race day next Saturday 17th at Hampton Downs. Full details available for those who are interested.
Commodore Car Club have their sprints and racing (featuring Northern Muscle Cars) on Sunday 18th at Pukekohe.
Clash weekend coming between Taccoc and Tier 1. Anyone interested in assisting Taccoc at Hampton Downs, please let me know.
Cheers,
Deb
Thu 23 Sep 2010
NSCC clubmans this weekend at Pukekohe has been cancelled due to lack of entries :-( but it does make the Hampton Downs meeting a bit easier for us :-)
Tue 21 Sep 2010
Just thought I'd mention this because it's different this year ... On the calendar we have two events - the Premier Series meeting in November and Thunder In The Park in December (those 2 meeting names are links so you can double check what;s on at each meeting).
Thunder In The Park this year is not an NZV8 meeting. Thunder will feature V8 Muscle Cars, GT1 (the fastest Saloon Cars in NZ), GT2, NZGT, Bridgestone Porsche, Formula First, Pre-65, SS2000, Pro-7, HQ Super- Six & Super Mini classes. The meeting with the V8 Utes and the GT3's and the NZV8's is the Premier Series meeting in November.
Mon 20 Sep 2010
Hampton Downs this weekend is running the 2 day HRC Ice Breaker meeting. If you are free and can help one or both days please let Dave Shergold know. This is a bigger meeting than the NSCC clubmans day at Pukekohe on Sunday so unless you really want to do pit lane at Pukekohe (I'm doing the start line) we'd like you at Hampton Downs.
It's nice to see new blood coming through (and collecting the attendance points that will be quite important when we're doing the list for Hamilton/Top Gear), for the ACC Clubmans at Pukekohe just gone and this coming NSCC Clubmans we've used completely new newbies on the start line - so don't let lack of experience put you off giving it a try.
Fri 10 Sep 2010
The season is officially under way ! The Clubmans meeting last weekend at Pukekohe was a great start, nice to see some new faces helping us out at the smaller meetings along with the regulars. Just a reminder, those who have helped us out regularly at other lesser events will be first in line for invitations to things like Hamilton V8's and Top Gear Live.
This coming weekend is the last round of the Winter Series at Hampton Downs, which I don't thinkwe are involved in, then the weekend after there is a 2 day meeting at Hampton Downs and also a one day meeting at Pukekohe on the Sunday. All welcome whether you're part of the team or not, as we proved last weekend experience is absolutely not reqired ! :-)
Sun 29 Aug 2010
Here we go !!! Report time for ACC Clubmans next weekend (Sunday 5 Sep, aka "don't try to drive anywhere day") is 9:15am at Pukekohe. Pretty sure we have the start line covered for that one.
The weekend after that - Sunday 12th - is round 4 of the Winter Series at Hampton Downs, then two weeks later is the HRC Ice Breaker meeting at Hampton Downs.
Sun 22 Aug 2010
Rally timing We are putting a finish timing crew together for the 2010 Rally of the North (the Paihia rally). That team is full - Paihia always fills up fast - but if you want to try your hand at rally timing there's always the Targa rally at the end of October, I'm quite sure they would welcome some extra timing people. No experience necessary, enthusiasm an advantage. For more info about the rally including dates and places click here to visit Targa's website, or for more info about timing click here to email Gina Fabrello, Targa's Timing Manager.
Tue 3 Aug 2010
Hampton Downs Winter Series Round 3 this weekend
It's uncanny - not 6 hours after I posted that there was nothing happening, this happened ...
Hi everyone,
Just a quick reminder about the Hampton Downs Winter Series this Sunday, 8 August. 8am report time - coffee will be hot.
Similar sessions to last time, with an early finish.
Please let me or Anna know if you are able to assist.
Thanks,
Deb
Mon 2 Aug 2010
That was a quiet month wasn't it ! The website is still very much active and will generally be the first place that events are announced and volunteers called for, but just at the moment it really is the off season (unless you like rallies) and there's simply nothing to announce. It will start to get busy again once the season gets under way in another few weeks.
Sun 4 Jul 2010
Some events for the 2010 - 2011 season have been added to the calendar. All dates are provisional, although some dates are more provisional than others. The clubmans dates are probably the most provisional, and the Premier and Thunder meetings dates are probably reliable.
Tue 29 Jun 2010
Racing this Sunday at Hampton Downs
This just in from Race Control :
Hi guys,
This weekends round at Hampton Downs is going ahead.
Report time 7.45 - no password or tickets, and parking out the back of the secretariat. Classes include 26 SuperKarts!
Lunch will be provided.
Wed 16 Jun 2010
Racing at Hampton Downs this weekend has been cancelled due to lack of entries. Our next event is now the Whangarei rally. This is our second international rally, being a full on round of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC).
Update 17 June : Received an email from Race Control saying that the next race meeting is July 4 at Hampton Downs. That is round 2 of the Winter Series, and it's round 1 that has just been cancelled. Watch this space ...
Fri 11 Jun 2010
Added to the Calendar : There is an Escort Car Club meeting at Pukekohe this weekend which is a low key sprint meeting so we only need a low key presence which Ray Reese is covering for us, but if you want to lend a hand you will be appreciated and used - report time is 9:30.
If you'd rather get out on the track and have a play yourself on Sunday, due to cancellation the Hampton Downs track is having a public day, $100 per car for the whole day of track time.
The weekend after that is the first round of the Winter Series at Hampton Downs. Classes running in the series are Alfa, BMW, Formula First, Formula Libre, Honda Cup, Open Saloons, Sports and Sports Racing cars, and special guest class Super Karts. There are 4 rounds in this series, dates are on the calendar page. Our involvement is TBC but I expect it to be start line and pit lane.
Mon 31 May 2010
It's Queens Birthday weekend coming up and there is plenty to see and do. We have enough people coming to survive at Hampton Downs but more is always better so if you've suddenly realised you're available come on down - or up (thanks Iben) :-)
On a slightly related note between us we have a load of young'uns who are just about old enough to start helping in Pit Lane and boy are they keen. Once they start to join the ranks, how many of these smaller non-international events people have helped at will have to be considered when we are doing international events with restricted numbers (ITM400, Top Gear Live etc).
A bit further south Targa Rotorua is happening with documentation and scrutineering on Friday evening on the Village Green and racing Saturday and Sunday around the region. Visit the targa website for details.
Have a good weekend !
Thu 20 May 2010
Altherm 1000 at Hampton Downs There is a FOUR HOUR ENDURANCE RACE on Saturday afternoon 05 June 2010. Practice and Qualifying will be on Saturday morning. In other words it is a one day event. This is an inaugral event so there is not a lot of information about it, particularly we don't know what sort of cars or numbers to expect. The regs are wide open as to what may take part ...
Can anyone please help us out on this one ? Need people for Start Line, and also for Pit Lane if we have the numbers.
Thu 13 May 2010
Pukekohe this weekend just when you thought you could put your feet up and have a rest after Rally NZ, along comes an enduro. Guess your feet will have to have a soak instead :-) This just in from Race Control ...
Hi guys,
Yup, it's that time of year again, The Northern Sports Car Club is running its 6 hour race this Saturday.
Report time is 9.45 for a 10am briefing, practice starts at 11am, race starts 2pm and finishes at 8pm.
Lunch will be provided.
We recommend you bring lots of warm clothing, a complete change of clothes in your car, wet weather gear, and lots of thermos's of soup or hot water to make hot drinks! Waterproof footwear is also a must.
Mon 3 May 2010
RNZ 2010 maps are available by clicking here. This is appendix 3 to Rally Guide 2, the high res maps for the officials and competitors not the low res public map on the RNZ website. It's a 7 mb pdf file, to download it right-click it and save-as :-)
Mon 26 Apr 2010
We're back at Pukekohe this weekend for the Auckland Car Club race day. Report time is 8:45, with lunch and water provided. We'll be looking after the start line and the pits in that order depending on how many people we can muster.
Don't forget Rally NZ is only a week and a bit away now - Wednesday next week it all starts to happen down on Queens Wharf at the Service Park. The timing crew is (over)full but we still need everyone we can get to help out in the service park. Any days, all days, experienced, newbie, all welcome. Contact Dave Shergold or Phil Teal if they haven't already contacted you :-D
Mon 26 Apr 2010
ITM400 is done and dusted for 2010 Well done and thank you to everyone who helped us out in Hamilton for this event, they were long days and that southerly wind wasn't nice.
Message from Race Control - "to our team who worked the ITM400 - WE ROCK!"
Thu 15 Apr 2010
ITM400 sign in times : For anybody not going to the Y, we are in the second group for sign in / breakfast, our report time is 06:45 on Friday and Saturday, and 06:30 on Sunday. Note tha one - it's earlier on Sunday !
It would pay to bring a big bag, if I'm reading the notes right we will be getting issued a total of 6 bottles of drinks when we sign in each day.
23 hours to Pit Lane ...
Tue 13 Apr 2010
Meeting time on Friday morning Will be 06:00 at the Y to arrange carpools (parking passes are needed this year), cars that we're not using can be safely left there for the day. Pete will also be there from Thursday night after 8(ish) with the gear to be issued.
Tue 13 Apr 2010
ITM400 links these might be useful - grab 'em, print 'em, bring 'em ...
The most important of them all - the schedule !
Radio frequencies for the V8 Supercars
Entry list for the V8 Supercars
A map of the track
People have asked whether we are meeting at the Y or direct at the track - I asked Phil and this was his answer "Option to meet at Breakfast on Friday otherwise at take it from there - comfirm time for breakfast is.....XXXX" - so now you all know as much as I do, watch this space :-)
See y'all this weekend at the Y ... or at Breakfast ... (XXXX for breakfast ???)
Sat 10 Apr 2010
Rally NZ Merchandise You will have seen Phil's email calling for people for Rally NZ. The window for RNZ volunteers to order merchandise at the volunteer price is now open, and as usual we only have a couple of days. Click here to download the order form
The deadline for orders is next Tuesday the 13th of April, return the form to
Brenda Lupton
Administration
Rally New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 276 0882
Fax: +64 9 276 0881
Mob: +64 21 272 5592
brenda@rallynz.org.nz
The grapevine says that RNZ volunteers are being issued with a cap, a polo shirt and a polar fleece this year.
Obviously, you can only order gear at this price if (a) you are going to be joining us for RNZ, and (b) you are checking the website and see this notice.
Fri 9 Apr 2010
Hampton Downs this Sunday we have ACC Clubmans racing at Hampton Downs, we'll be covering the start line / pit exit / pit lane in that order depending on how many people we get. Report time is 0830 and the weather forecast is fine, and just for the record Hampton Downs is 10km closer to the Claudelands Bridge in Hamilton than the Harbour Bridge in Auckland ...
Mon 5 Apr 2010
The website has been given a makeover ! - As you've probably noticed, it's now a heck of a lot easier to read than it was, especially the links.
Along with moving the whole thing to a new server a lot of the back-end stuff has been converted from pure handwritten html to php/mysql which will make life easier in all sorts of ways - one small example, the calendar now sorts itself out into current/old events so that bit is always up to date. When I got the website up and running last November after a 3 year hiatus I had to throw something together in a couple of hours so that we'd have something that worked, and I said then "It will eventually be made to look swish and pretty". Well, here's a start.
Any feedback (thanks to everyone who said you couldn't read the links) will be taken on board for use in the next overhaul.
And for those who asked if I use Frontpage, nope, I'm a geek from way back and the only software used in the production and maintenance of this site is notepad :-)
Fri 26 Mar 2010
Briefings for the ITM400 officials are next week. Hopefully everybody who wanted to go and could do all 3 days put a form in applying for a position. Everybody who did that got a job. Briefings for Officials are coming up next week. Pete and I will be collecting gear for all of our Pit Lane team so that's one queue you can avoid. Briefings are Tuesday 30th 7pm in Auckland (Northern Sports Car Club) or Thurs 1 April at the Hamilton Car Club.
RATS aren't doing anything official this weekend but there's superbike racing at Hampton Downs and the weather forecast is good, why not head on down and see the rest of the track (there's more to it than pit lane and the front straight !)
Thu 25 Mar 2010
If you can see this, breath a sigh of relief. As many of you have noticed the website has been down more than it has been up lately, so it has been moved to a new host. If you can see this it means that we are alive and running on the new server, and that the site might actually be here when you check it (or when I try to update it!)
Thu 25 Mar 2010
GPSs and the ITM400 Those of you who have ever tried to get your GPS to direct you to anywhere in Hamilton when you're there for this weekend will know just what a huge pain it is when you need to be somewhere that's on the other side of the track, and your GPS keeps trying to send you down Mill St. This year here at RATS we've done something about it.
With the compliments of the NZ Open GPS Project, RATS is proud (and greatly relieved) to present a special free autorouting mapset for Garmin GPSs that not only knows that there is a track in the middle of Hamilton, but will NOT try to send you through the middle of it !
Click here for more details and to download the maps.
Thu 11 Mar 2010
All enjoying your 'holiday' ? Don't worry, it won't last :-) The Commodore Car Club are running sprints at Pukekohe this Sunday. RATS isn't going to be there but they need some more flag marshalls. If you would like to go ask us for Anna or Deb's contact details.
Also this Sunday, the Auckland Motorcycle Club have a test day at Hampton Downs. Same deal - RATS isn't there but they are way short of flaggies.
Also this weekend Targa are running the Targa Bambina tarmac rally around Franklin / Awhitu. RATS isn't there officially but a couple of us are helping out with mid-stage jobs. Targa are perenially short of helpers, so if you like the idea of a weekend watching cars racing on the roads around Rotorua head over to Targa's website (or email me) and we'll find you something to do for Targa Rotorua in June.
20-21 March there is the Legends of Speed meeting at Hampton Downs. We will be there officially for this one so need people for waving flags on the start line and to patrol pit lane.
Thu 25 Feb 2010
Back to reality and no not the Duayne Dibley variety. Now that the dust from Top Gear Live has settled and we've all had a few days to recover it's back to the Motorsport season. This Saturday sees the HRC 12 hour enduro at Hampton Downs which I don't think we have an official presence at although there are still some marshalls spots to be filled, and Sunday is an Auckland Car Club race day again at Hampton Downs - we are running the start line for this one, so we need some flag wavers. Please let Dave S know if you can help. Even if you're not part of our team you're still most welcome to come along and help us.
The list for the ITM (Hamilton) 400 is pretty much sorted, I think we might still need one more person to help with the pit garages. You must be able to do all 3 days 16-18 April, and if we have too many people the confirmed spot will be allocated on merit (i.e. how much we've seen of you previously) and anyone else will be put on the standby list. Based on experience we can expect one or two to pull out in the last couple of days before the event, so the standbys will probably get used.
Sun 14 Feb 2010
Happy Valentines Day !
Top Gear Live team - assembly time for Wednesday has been brought forward to 8am at the Showgrounds. It will likely be a long day (week!) so bring appropriate supplies.
For those not doing TGL next weekend, there is a 2 day meeting at Pukekohe and we could use people for all positions. All welcome.
ITM400 (Hamilton 400) - if you think you're going to be a pit lane / grid / flag marshall there you MUST have sent in an application by now. Yes it is up to us who we take in the pit lane crew if there are more people than places, but we can only choose from people who have applied. That is out of our control. You should also try to be available for one of the briefings. Pit Lane people go to the Officials briefing, Grid and Flag marshalls go to the marshalls briefing. Dates are on the calendar. You can go to the Auckland or Hamilton briefings, or both if you are really keen :-)
The current list of Pit Lane people is Rick, Benny, Corey G, Cameron, Ed, Ray, Dave S, Pete, Phil, Barry, Iben, David C-B, Kevin, Paul, Dave K, Greg, Ashley, Dennis, Carter, Harley, Gary, Graham, Andrew W and Kris. If you're not on that list and you think you have a pit lane job, speak up now :-)
Fri 12 Feb 2010
Top Gear Live 2010 - details are starting to dribble through. Aim to turn up about 9am on Wednesday, local crew (that's us) call time is 10am for the first rehearsals. We'll figure out parking on the day. We're looking to finish around 8 or 9 that night. Maybe. One meal each day will be supplied, and remember that if it's like last year there won't be time to nip out for anything during the day so come prepared with plenty of water and probably more food. Wear plain black shirts, trousers and shoes. Show times are Thurs 6.30, Fri 5.00 8.00, Saturday 12.00 3.30 and 7.30, Sunday 11.00 2.30 and 6.30, and shows are approx 90 minutes, so our days will finish probably about 2 hours after the last show starts. Remember no cameras in the non public areas (mainly the theatre while it's closed, and backstage). Do check out the TGL website if you haven't already, there's a lot more going on than just the car show and theatre show they had last year. And, of course, watch this space :-)
Wed 10 Feb 2010
Hamilton ITM400 team - You should have filled out an application form by now. Even if you're not sure whether you can make it you need to have a form in to be considered at all. Pit Lane marshalls need this form Officials Application and grid / flag marshalls need this form Marshalls Application. Post it back to Gary Lathrope as per the bottom of the form, or scan it and email it back to Rachael - one of us can give you her email address if you need it.
Fri 5 Feb 2010
Top Gear Live team - Dennis has a meeting with the show organisers next Thursday, hopefully after that we'll have some times etc. Check back here at the end of next week.
Thu 4 Feb 2010
No rest for the wicked, we're back to Hampton Downs this weekend for The New Zealand Motorsport Cup. Classes running are NZV8's, V8 Utes, Toyotas, Porsches, Minis, Ducklings and Muscle Cars. Days are Friday / Saturday / Sunday, report times are Friday 0745, Saturday 0830, and Sunday an almost civilised 0845. Everyone welcome, experienced or not we will find you a job ! Friday and Saturday in particular are supposed to be scorchers so remember hats, water and sunblock.
Thu 28 Jan 2010
We're at Pukekohe this weekend, don't go to the wrong circuit ! LOL The Festival of Motor Racing continues at Pukekohe this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The programme for all three days is the same one used last weekend, follow the link in last weeks update to get the pdf daily schedule with the Festival logo at the top. This is the version that was in the programme, and it's the one that Race Control run the meeting by. On the Festival's website there is a schedule in the competitor information section that is slightly different, don't use that one. Friday mornings "races" are practise, Friday afternoons "races" are qualifying.
There isn't any new information about this weekend so I'm going to take a punt and say report time will be 07:45 at the track each day, no tickets needed for Friday, park outfield on the grass hill near the bridge, Dave K will be at the gate handing out tickets for Saturday and Sunday until 07:50, bring plenty to drink, bring your mates if you think they'd like to have a go because we are a bit light on numbers, and remember to slip slop slap.
Special thanks to Dave K and Ray, who have pretty much held this series together for us.
Fri 22 Jan 2010
What an awesome day at Hampton Downs ! Big fields in all classes and the promise of good hard racing. Just what we like. Report time Saturday and Sunday is 0745. Dave K has the tickets to get us in the gate, and will be at Gate 1 handing them out both days until about 0750 so don't be late :) The official Official Parking is somewhere outfield behind the apartments, although the block marshall on the gate this evening couldn't process the phrase "official parking" when I asked exactly where so you may be able to find something more convenient. Remember to bring water and raincoats. Lunch provided is a bottle of water and a sandwich. If the weather is like today it'll only be very brief showers, but they're also very wet.
Print out this page and bring it with you, it's the daily programme which is the same every day. Friday these are practises and qualifying, Sat and Sun they are races. These are either very hard to find at the track, or easy to find if you want to pay $10. This same programme will be used next weekend at Pukekohe.
Wed 20 Jan 2010
HRC are back at Hampton Downs again this weekend. It's a 3 day meeting, Friday Saturday and Sunday. On Friday we are having a small but emphatic presence in pit lane while the HRC boys look after their start line, then on Saturday we're taking over the whole shooting match. We have enough people to scrape through but others are always welcome. Details for Friday are 0745 report time at the track and no tickets needed, haven't heard anything about Sat or Sun yet. Watch this space ...
Wed 13 Jan 2010
HRC at Hampton Downs this weekend. Information is slowly trickling in. We need to come up with 4 people for a start line crew, at least one of them must know what they're doing. We're not planning on having a presence in pit lane. Info on tickets and meeting places / times still to come, previously for HD events the meeting place has been at the track ... Check here later in the week for updates. Tony can't make it, Pete can't make it, I can't make it, if you want to give Start Line a go this is your chance. New people welcome, and Dave will be sending out the email invitation to everyone but remember, you heard it here first ! :-)
Wed 6 Jan 2010
HRC at Taupo this weekend is happening without us as far as I know, I haven't heard about anyone putting their hand up to go down. The next meeting we are working at then will be the HRC at Hampton Downs on the 16th/17th of Jan. Hope you all had a good Christmas and New Years, and we'll see you trackside :)
Wed 23 Dec 2009
Briefing Dates for Hamilton 400 have been added to the calendar. Grid and Flag Marshalls need to go to a Marshalls briefing, Pit Lane Marshalls need to go to an Officials briefing. Everyone who wants to be at the H400 must send Rachael back their Sporting Official Application form. RATS will be selecting the Pit Lane Marshalls team, but you still need to have applied for the job so we can select you :-)
Mon 21 Dec 2009
The Calendar has been updated to version 5 of the fixtures list with the addition of two HRC 12 hour enduros, one in Jan and one in Feb. The Jan one is at Taupo and RATS only involvement at this stage is an invitation from Race Control to be there, email David or Peter if you want more details on that one. On the fixtures list I see a note about needing numbers for accomodation, so that may be provided. The Feb enduro is at Hampton Downs so we probably have to be there.
If you have friends that you think might enjoy this sort of thing then by all means bring them along and give them a go - the calendar is getting awfully busy and we can't keep doing all this with the same dozen or so people ...
Tue 15 Dec 2009
Top Gear Live 2010 team has been found (for now). They asked us to provide 14 people, we said we would need 17, and it's possible we'll still need more. Problem being that as yet we don't know what we're actually doing ... Watch this space ...
The team so far is Dennis, Dave S, Gary, Iben, Carter, Mark, Benny, Dave K, Barry, Phil T, Pete, Brian, Ed, Tom, Harley, Mike and Ray. Congrats guys, it's going to be a good week - let's hope it's not mid-afternoon on the hottest day in 20 years with 99% humidity again when Mr Clarkson first arrives in the building. And particular congrats to the people who are on the team because they replied to the notice below !
Tue 8 Dec 2009
The Fuel Policy summary has been updated and a pdf version is available to download, see the 'fuel protocol' page for details.
Tue 8 Dec 2009
Top Gear Live 2010 Just to see who's checking the website on any sort of regular basis ... We have been requested to provide crew again for Top Gear Live 2010, February 17-21. We have worked through the list of people who came last year to see who wants to come back, with the condition that this time everyone who comes must commit to all 5-days. We've filled most spots but we still need a couple of people, and we're about to send out a mass email to all RATS members. If you can do all five days and would like to be added to the list of people who are getting invitations before we open it up to everyone, send us an email saying so.
Wednesday 17th February Rehearsal
Thursday 18th February - 1 show
Friday 19th February - 3 shows
Saturday 20th February - 3 shows
Sunday 21st February - 3 shows
Mon 7 Dec 2009
The calendar has been updated to version 4 of the fixtures list.
Mon 7 Dec 2009
TACCOC at Hampton Downs this weekend is under control, no more people needed.
Wed 2 Dec 2009
The programme for Thunder in the Park is available from here, right click to save it or left click to open it in a new window.
Wed 2 Dec 2009
Thunder in the Park media release is available here, sounds like it's going to be a good weekend !
Tue 1 Dec 2009
Thunder in the Park , Pukekohe, this weekend ! Meet at Bombay Motorway Services outside Subway at 08:15 on Saturday and 07:30 on Sunday to get your passes. Race Control have asked for some helping hands for Friday, contact Gary or Pete or Dave if you're available and we'll put you in touch with the right people.
Sat 28 Nov 2009
Report time for the Lotus/Monza meeting at Hampton Downs this weekend is officially 0730 at the track both days, 0800 should be fine. You'll need one of the emailed tickets to get in, email Pete or Gary if you don't have one.
Fri 27 Nov 2009
The calendar for the 2009/10 season is online.
Fri 27 Nov 2009
Welcome to the all new horrible looking RATS website. It's not nearly as pretty as the old one but it's not nearly as old either. It will eventually be made to look swish and pretty, until then please bask in the glory of having current information.