The time is fast approaching for the mayhem that is a club go-kart day at Kingston Park Raceway. This kind of day is sure to bring out the competitive spirit amongst members, who will be able to display their steering skills. See the calendar for details. You may wish to wet your appetite by visiting KPR's website www.gokarts.com.au
North Coast Day Run
The LCQ North Coast Day Run on the 21st of July was an absolutely great day out. I don't think the eleven cars full of people will be able to stop raving about it till next year. What a day, great weather, roads, company, and food. Look for a full report and photos in the September edition of Lotus Notes.
The Avengers are back!
Lotus being one of the pioneers of product placement, were famous for their placement of the Elan in the 60's television series, the Avengers. The star of the show, Emma Peel (Dianna Rigg) drove a s2 Elan in the first series, and a powder blue S3 Elan (pictured below) in the second series. Channel Nine is running the second series on Thursday mornings at around one AM. Check local guides for precise times.
At the end of competition, there was no verdict that could possibly be reached other that Targa 2002 was a spectacular success for the team from LCQ. Their overall position was 42 out of 92 competitors in the modern class, first in class, and first in category. The Elise team, Ecurie_epoxy also won the team prize. This was on top of their Targa Trophy, meaning the boys brought home two trophies. What an effort.
While Jason was happy with his driving for the event, he reserved his best driving was the last two days of the event. He felt that this was due to his growing familiarity with the car, navigator, and the event as a whole.
Jason was emphatic in his praise of the car, saying that it really couldn't have run any better. Virtually no maintenance was required, and the fuel consumption averaged over 30 mpg for the event. Tyre wear was also almost non-existent. The car also continued to get quicker throughout the event as the racing suspension loosened up. Andrew Chapman's thorough preparation of the car must also have been a factor in its reliability.
Jason could not believe the support and dedication of Chris Beecham who not only offered his car, but organised and financially backed the whole operation. Thanks Chris!
In the coming editions of Lotus Notes you can look forward to seeing some excellent pictures, as well as reading the full report by Jason and Peter.
Targa News Flash as @ Sat 20 May AM
After three days of competition, Team LCQ in car 825 is in 50th outright, leading their class (by 3 minutes) and ahead of car 948, a 2002 Exige. They have also formed a team, with the Elises and the Exige, called ecurie_epoxy, or eSquared for short.
Jason has apparently scared navigator Peter Svensson only once, when he hit oil yesterday. The car is performing well, with the only maintenance bearing a change to cast iron disks after the prolog for "feel". Since then there has only been the application of a strategically placed zip tie by Andrew Chapman! Despite race conditions, the car is reportedly achieving a remarkable 30mpg in the fuel consumption stakes (perhaps there should be a category for that).
This year the club has a particularly strong representation at Targa Tasmania. The LCQ team consists of Chris Beecham who has prepared his 1997 Elise for Targa, Jason Mcmillen who will be driving, and Andrew Chapman who will be making sure that the thing keeps going for the whole time. Jason has experienced navigator Peter Svensson joining him. Peter has previously navigated for the likes of Dick Johnson, and Guy Beddington in previous Targas.
You can monitor their progress virtually by the hour at www.targa.org.au Don't forget to send your support messages to the crew of car 825.
Just to help get you enthusiasm up I have posted Jason's entertaining story of the two doctors under sponsored tilt at Targa 2001. This is available in the new Lotus Notes section of the site.
The latest calendar, including all the latest events planned at the April meeting is now available.
The April meeting photos taken by David Conran have been posted in the Events area.
On Friday the 15th LCQ had more than 10 cars in attendance at our dyno night at G & A Motor Repairs. All the Lotus in attendance produced power outputs that were exceptional for their capacity.
Tony Galletly's Seven running up
There
were no winners from the night, just people with more potential than others.
The excellent analysis provided by Greg
showed that the mixtures of most of the carburettor cars left substantial
room for improvement. They will most probably be busy there with Lotus in the
near future. Look for more photos in the events area soon.
Friday the 15th is the night to test your thoroughbred and see how many horses are tucked away in that lovely fibreglass enclosure at the LCQ Dyno Night at G & A Motor Repairs. Nibblies start at 7pm, and the noise starts in earnest at 7:30 when the first car opens the throttle. The address is 33 Spine St, Summner Park. The cost is $15 per car.
The March meeting again saw a record attendance for our AGM. The secretary Greg Gabb, and treasurer John Blackburn were both unable to continue due to work commitments. The club thanks them for their tremendous service to the club over the last few years.
Their positions were taken by Maggie Goodfellow, and Wybe Geertsma, who we are sure will continue with their efficiency and enthusiasm. A new position was also created, that of event co-ordinator, which was filled by Rob Quodling, with the intention of increasing the number and quality of club events in the future. See your magazine for more details.
Vroom Breakfast
The Vroom breakfast on the 23rd was absolutely huge with 30 people in attendance. Great food, great company, and great chat about great cars. It was great! :-) Conran photos.
