Race Report:
Aug. 30/09
Island Rallysport Edge of the Rock Rallycross #1
Parksville, BC
This was on property owned by Leemar Manufacturing in Parksville. We utilised a (approx) 1 mile dirt oval with with several crossroads and intersections in the middle.
Our host was very generous -They graded the track a few days before the event, did some spot rolling and levelling during our lunch break, watered the track, and opened a concession for our small group of about 10 drivers. They were kind enough to to all of this for free.
It was a bit warm for racing, but a bit of breeze helped cool people off and cleared the (massive amounts of) dust off the track. We started the morning with a really fun layout about 1700m in length, and did an afternoon layout that had a different start, but was otherwise unchanged. This let the rookies like myself - First time Rallycrossing, for me - focus on driving more than learning two different courses. There were a number of tight hairpins, and some fast sweepers and a straight stretch leading to the finish - Low and high speed sections offered great variety in the course.
The track wasn't too rough - Some fist sized stones could be found if you looked, but finer gravel and some sand composed the majority of the track. There was one place on the first layout that had a bit of a berm in a corner that a couple competitors nudged their bumpers on, but the 4x4 cleared it without issue. I didn't bottom out (to my knowledge) at all, either.
I met Ken Hawkins and his 1Ga at the track, and he whumped my ass in competition thanks to gravel experience and what seemed like a pretty well sorted car. I was happy to finally see him after the non-meet that was Tofino.
Overall, I had a great day with no major damage to the car (The glass in my drivers side mirror popped out, see the parts section. I have a bit of an exhaust rattle, but I think a hanger was shaken loose- I moved it a bit and it's okay now. My stereo faceplate and rearview mirror both found themselves in my lap over the course of a single run, but that's due to a lack of foresight on my part...).
I think I may have to do this again...
There are events in the works for September and October. I will post the dates when I get them.
