Point to Point to Point to Mt. Cotton. Saturday 17 February 2001.
Just when you thought attendance at our day runs was as good as you get, over 40 cars turn up for a Saturday afternoon and into the evening event. The fact that it was election day did not deter members from turning out in force or maybe that helped as the TV viewing was not much fun. I must admit that the prospect of being able to throw your Mini around in the wet without the fear of hitting a power pole or other rather hard unforgiving objects or the boys in blue taking a dim view had a lot to do with it.
The afternoon run started from the waterfront at Manly and headed to Wellington Point then to Cleveland Point, Victoria Point, Redland Bay and then Mt Cotton. Again everyone observed the club rules and stayed together. The sight of 40 plus Minis, a Moke and a Morris 1500, was not what you see every day along this bayside strip and the locals and day trippers were out in force to admire this wonderful little car as we drove past the popular Saturday afternoon spots. We arrived at the training centre to be joined by another half dozen Minis making the grand total 50.
Drivers were giving a talk by Mike & John, our two instructors for the evening, on various aspects of why and how skids are caused and how to get yourself out of them and stay out of trouble. They also made sure everyone was aware of the rules and strict guidelines to follow while on the skid pan.
The track was doused with a sprinkling of deisel fuel and a light sprinkle of water and the first driver sent out to see if he had listened to the blackboard lecture.
Drivers soon learnt that it does not take much speed to make a mini slide all over the place on such a slippery surface. After a few laps they started to gain confidence. It was amazing watching how, as the night progressed, their driving ability increased dramatically. After the first hour and a half the surface was given a good soaking and the drivers let loose to see what they had learnt. Some were quick learners and some were not so quick, but I think everyone learnt something. It was great to see the younger members having a go as that was what it was all about, driver education. A lot of the older ones learnt a lot as well I might add!
I must make mention of one of our female members who showed just what it was all about. Alayna Lapwood started off pussy footing around but by the end of the night she would have been at home at the Monte Carlo Rally giving the big guns a run for their money. Look out Andrew!!
This event is something that we will do again before the end of the year and make it an annual event or even a twice annual event. If you don’t want to have fun on the skid pan just come along for the run and the bbq dinner as it was just as much fun. Thanks to John & Mike and Michael McCormack for arranging the driver training and I must thank Glen Carpenter for allowing me to throw his Cooper around at the end of the night.
February 2001
