CAMS NSW Hillclimb Championship » ARCHIVED REPORT: Ringwood Hillclimb RD 6 2009

Tim Edmondson sets new class record to claim victory at Ringwood – Image courtesy Eileen Barlow

Date: 2/8/09 | Host Club: Newcastle MG Car Club

August 2, MG Newcastle played host to a large field for round 6 of the NSW Championship at the popular Ringwood course just north of Newcastle. In keeping with the clubs organizing skills, perfect weather had been arranged as well.

Championship leader Tim Edmondson (Force PC) started favourite on the tight course, aided by the non appearance of second placed runner Tom Donovan who is off overseas shortly.

Steve Moxon (750cc Axtell) ignored the script however, with a sensational first run of 29.61s to lead by over half a second. The “Mudgee Man” (aka Doug Barry) in the Lola F3000 decided to spring his own surprise by posting the second quickest, from Edmondson, local ace Peter Robinson (PRS Ford) and Ron Hay in the historic RH Honda.

Doug Barry (Left) was 2nd Outright in the Lola & Peter Robinson (Right) claimed 3rd Outright

Doug Barry (Left) was 2nd Outright in the Lola & close behind Peter Robinson (Right) claimed 3rd Outright – Image courtesy Eileen Barlow

Then disaster struck for Moxon as CV joint problems halted his charge and Tim Edmondson responded with a couple of 29s runs, topping off his day with a final of 28.74s – a new class record and FTD.

Moxon could only watch as Ron Hay inched closer before a niggling problem ended his day as well. The duo of Barry and Robinson continued to work at the deficit. but in the end had to settle for fourth and fifth outright, only a few tenths behind.

Girl power was in abundance with four ladies in the top fifteen spots. Amy Mrcela (Elfin) the quickest at sixth outright, a few tenths ahead of co-driver Tracey Little (eighth O/R). Michele Guyer (March) and Christine Campbell (VW Beetle) also well placed.

As a result of the CV problem Searle Courtright (co-driving with Moxon) was left stranded in seventh outright with Nick Mason (Sparrow) rounding out the top ten.

Top Tin Top went to Heath Campbell,(the best of the VW Beetles) in a typically sideways drive (narrowly ahead of “The Missus”, Christine) and Ben Durie. Best junior was Ryan Bates (Charade).

Heath Campbell (Left) was Fastest Tin Top & Courtwright + Moxon well on the way to causing a boilover until a CV joint let go - Image courtesy Eileen Barlow

Heath Campbell (Left) was Fastest Tin Top & Team Courtwright/Moxon (Right) in the Axtell were well on the way to causing a boilover until a CV joint let go – Image courtesy Eileen Barlow

The result puts Edmondson in an unbeatable position for back to back wins in the NSW championship. As he commented later “It’s fantastic to be able to wrap up the championship with one event in hand, especially with the great competition we’ve had this year. I’m really looking forward to the next event at King Edward Park and trying to end the season on a winning note.”

Alan Barlow – NSW Hillclimb Website Editor

EDITORS NOTES:

Well done to Searle Courtright and Steve Moxon, they were well on the way to causing a boilover until a CV joint let go.
Heath Campbell looked pleased with the class win (or was that relief at finishing one better than Christine this time?).
Full marks to Doug Barry and Michele Guyer for fielding at Ringwood, those big cars must be a handful at the best of times.
It’s also good to see the Gadjet back after its off at Kempsey.
Congratulations to all at MG Newcastle on a well run event. Get your entry in early for King Edward Park, rumour has it that they have booked the same weather.