MSCA Wrap: Sandown - July 2021
Hi everyone
Here we are again in lockdown. Hooray for us for getting trackside at Sandown before the lurgy shut us down. The vibe was high, the virus was low and conditions were set for a perfect day. We were not disappointed. We had 119 drivers and around 35 volunteers and officials who contributed to another terrific track day. It was great to see friends, old and new, catching up and enjoying themselves. Despite having a few more recoveries than we’d hoped, the day ran smoothly thanks to the great work of Andrew, Tim and David in the tower. The coffee and fine weather brought out a variety of cars, from modern BMWs to classic MGs. One little MG came to grief with the armco but thankfully the driver walked away unhurt and, as I’ve said many times before, cars can be fixed, people not so easily. We had 10 women competing at our event which was great to see! The MG ladies gave regularity a red-hot crack in preparation for the upcoming Phillip Island 6 hour.
There was a lot of chatter about PBs across the garages which only added to the happy vibe of the day. Could it have been our new dorians? Surely not. I’m not buying that silly theory. I’m going with outstanding driving and perfect track conditions. Miss Elise and I had a wow of a time. She found her mojo and I let her. It was one of those rare and exquisite days when it all came together in beautiful flowing synchronicity. People asked me what I did differently. Who the hell knows?! Sure, I tried a different line here and there, used my vision and tried to be super smooth; basically, all the things we teach our Come & Try folks. Somehow it seemed to work. Together, Miss Elise and I knocked 4 seconds off our previous best time and set a PB. We now hold Team Astbury bragging rights at Sandown…just.
There were some fast times set throughout the day. Congratulations to Tim Blakeney who was fastest outright in his beautifully presented Ford XR6 with a fabulously fast time of 1:15:5. Next was Sally-Anne Hains in her Porsche 997 with a time of 1:17:4. You go girlfriend!
A special thank you to all our volunteer officials who make this and every event possible. I often stop and look around the paddock and feel grateful for the dedicated team of volunteers who just make things happen. You are awesome. A special shout-out to the MSCA flaggies who were being assessed throughout the day and did a great job to help keep us safe.
Winton, Sunday 15 August
We are heading to Winton next month. We are cautiously confident that this event will go ahead, knowing realistically we are dealing with the unpredictability of the virus. This variability is the new rhythm of our lives, and we are getting used to rolling with it. So, it’s all systems go unless the nasty virus and government tell us otherwise.
We are hosting the Triumph Challenge which is sure to be a fantastic spectacle. We will also be celebrating Jim Cain’s 100th event as Dummy Grid official. What amazing achievement! I hope you can join us in acknowledging this outstanding milestone. Entries are opening and numbers are strong, so get in now to avoid disappointment.
Come & Try Day, Phillip Island 20 November
Our Come & Try Day is back again! This popular program is aimed at novice drivers and offers a safe introduction to grassroots motorsport. The day includes basic circuit driving techniques, classroom and practical sessions and coaching by skilled instructors. The MSCA advocates for diversity and inclusion in motorsport and has a dedicated women/junior C&T group. To promote the involvement of women/juniors, we are offering a special entry fee. We are also encouraging MSCA clubs to get behind this initiative and are offering a discounted rate for entrants of MSCA affiliated club members. This is a great opportunity to get your support crew 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.
MSCA nominated instructors, please also register for this event to confirm your availability.
I look forward to seeing you at Winton. Stay well and please take care.
Petrina