MSCA Wrap: Phillip Island - September 2023
Hi everyone,
The Husband had one very important job and that was to get the weather right. Usually, he has a hotline to the Weather Gods, but just like our intermittent home internet, it was patchy. The heavens opened and then it stopped, and then it rained again, and then it stopped. Wet track, dry track, gumboots on, gumboots off, that was the measure of the day. We welcomed Formula Fords, new and historic, and a few other new friends joined us too, like the vintage looking Beetle with the modern engine.
Remarkably, there were just two red flags and few recoveries for the day. One very lovely Lotus piloted by a very lovely gentleman decided to spice it up. The Very Lovely Lotus kissed the tyre barrier with her bee-hind and needed some plastic (fibreglass) surgery. Oh dear, I hope my enthusiastic egging-on in pit lane didn’t contribute to that little woopsie. Strange bits of foam were also reported on the track between turns 3 and 4 which coincided with the mysterious disappearance of brake markers.
Hats off to our competitors for their overall driving standards during what was challenging weather conditions. Despite this, there were still plenty of smiles, laughs and drivers just giving it a go. I just love the resilience and camaraderie of you all! A big thank you to our officials, especially our flaggies, who stood, cold and sodden, on a flag point to keep our drivers safe.
We had a great day. While the Formula Fords were fastest, among our MSCA drivers, Scott Goodsell set the fastest time of the day of 1:41:17 in his Porsche GT4 RS, skillfully coached by a good mate of the MSCA, Cam McConville. This was followed very closely by Andrew Smith in his lovely Porsche GT3 Cup Car with a time of 1:41:19. Tim Blakeney was right up Andrew’s tailpipe (1:43:2), flying the flag for Ford. Rumour has it there is only two points separating these two blokes in first and second place for the outright MSCA Championship.
A special mention to Daniel Leitner who was taking on the big boys in his WRX with a 1:44:0 and David Hawkes who was well under the 1:50 barrier with a time of 1:48:7 in his Lotus Elise. Both Daniel and David are one of a few drivers who have competed at all events this year. An honourable mention must go to Marisa Gangemi with her gammy wheel who managed to finish second in Regularity despite a dicky rim due to a nasty pothole enroute to the Island. Marisa currently leads the hotly contested Regularity class as we head into the final round at Sandown.
Sandown, Sunday 22 October
We end our competition calendar with a special tribute round to Mark Rae, our former Competition Secretary, that includes the Mark Rae Club Challenge. We will also be honouring Mark with a lunchtime procession. We welcome all of Mark’s MSCA friends to come along and share in this round. The FPV club will also be putting on a BBQ to keep us well-fed and ready for trackside action. Entries are open and we hope you can join us.
MSCA Awards Presentation lunch, Saturday 9 December
Join us at Massaros Estate, Kangaroo Grounds, to celebrate the end of season and congratulate this year’s winners. Hosted by The Husband, enjoy a two-course lunch with motorsport friends and hear from a guest speaker. Make a booking via the MA event entry system.
Come & Try Day – Phillip Island, Saturday 2 December
Our Come & Try Day is aimed at novice drivers and offers a safe introduction to grassroots motorsport. This popular program includes basic circuit driving techniques, classroom and practical sessions and coaching by skilled instructors. The MSCA supports diversity and inclusion in motorsport and we’re encouraging women and juniors to enter this event. This is a great opportunity to get your support crew, friends and family members involved. The event is untimed, so no one will ever know if they are faster than you. Entries are now open for this premier event so spread the word!
MSCA nominated instructors and officials, please also register for this event to confirm your availability.
I look forward to seeing you at Sandown
Take care,
Petrina