Sydney Off Road Racing Association
Patron Ian Irons

NSW's Premier Offroad Racing Club!

Welcome to the Sydney Offroad Racing Association's website. Check out our Calendar,  Be sure to have a good look around and leave any suggestions or comments in the Guestbook, or drop into the Forum to get involved in any discussions about your sport and club.

It is with great sadness to let you know of the passing of Ross Barnes last week

He was one of the tireless workers of SORRA at every event and working bee,

Ross's happy face will be missed in the tower and around campfires at events.

His  funeral will be on Thursday July 22, at 10 a.m. in the West Chapel at Rookwood.

At the Family’s request, please do not arrange flowers.

Their preference is that any contributions be donated to the Cancer Council.

Get your lights out and ready to race this weekend!!!!

Paperwork is now available for the July Race
Entry
Regs
Mini Buggies
Options for Entry and Payment

Could all membership Forms be sent to Gordon tootardy@optusnet.com.au
Membership forms Single Year & 10 year

Bradley Bishop was involved in a serious car accident last Sunday. He was
taken to St George Hospital with a smashed elbow and lots of cuts and
bruises and transferred to The Sydney Hospital where he underwent an
operation last Friday. Everyone at SORRA wishes Bradley a speedy recovery and
hope to see you about soon.

On the 16th May, the club is holding a Mini Buggy introduction DayThe purpose of this is to bring together as many people as we can, that have /& are building motor bike powered buggies or have bought the
smaller type ones from Lawn mower shops etc. The idea is to get them to form a club specifically for their machinesunder CAMS, if there are enough of them that want to make it happen, we can then help train the officials for their needs & this will also help us out when we need officials as well. If it comes off we will have a feeder group into the racing. Big & small

But I digress, we need your help, if you are able to come along on Sunday 16th May & give a hand it will be most appreciated, we won't work you too hard. Back up is what we are after. We have no idea how many are turning up yet, as we get closer to the day, maybe we will have a better idea.If you are able to lend a hand, give me a bell or just let me know.

Thanks Ian iirons@bigpond.net.au .

Gordon Tardrew's will be on show & for Sale up there on the day

CROOKWELL STATE ROUND

S.O.R.R.A MEMEBERS HAVE A BIG GO AT CONDO

Ten teams from the SORRA club decided that the Condo 750 Cross Country Rally at Easter was worth a try.

 A couple of teams had tried before with varied results. The Denham’s are always a top running team at Condo and Australian Safari events even with Warren Denham taking over the driving duties from father Terry/

With scrutineering etc on Friday afternoon at Condo showgrounds, all 30 and 80 bikes got down to final preparations.

Mickle/Wallder had speedo drive problems which were eventually fixed thanks to the local NRMA man, Mick Taylor. There is a strange story about haw a speedo drive circlip was found in the back blocks of Condo on an Easter Friday night, involving one pig, one Buggy driver, one 30 ton excavator and one smashed window.

Starting order for day one (Saturday), was be seeding. Most of the usual front runners were there and it was on from the start. There  were two stages before lunch time service, giving 200kms of competition and another 90+kms after lunch to finish the day.

Most members had some sort of drama on Saturday. The Denham’s changed a gear box at lunch only to get bogged permanently coming back through the field.

Mickle had a flat and got bogged for approx 10 mins. After this he only had top gear to run with for the rest of the event.

Jeff Thomas had a fairly good run except for a started motor problem and a few navigational issues, along with every one else.

Lennox and Twaddle had a few flats to deal with apparently borrowing one to finish the day.

Steve Taylor (Caption Slooooow), pottered around finishing the day in a good position.

Ian Irons had dramas, eventually snapping a king pin and putting him out for the weekend.

Jeff Cripps and team had a couple of flats and bent the front end on a stump, running out of late time for the day.

Dave Nikiforoff collapsed a rear wheel bearing and was unable to finish the day.

The Fraser’s lost a wheel insight of the finish control but managed to finish the stage after repairs.

The Adams family did not finish day one either showing that it was truly a very challenging course for the day.

DAY 2

The day dawned with perfect weather and a nice breeze to clear the dust. The grass hopper plague from Saturday afternoon continued to be a problem on Sunday. Nearly all teams were able to start on Sunday, although the Frasers pulled out very early before their gearbox let go completely.

All other teams that started Sunday finished the day in one piece.

The Denhams won the day overall coming through the field from behind.

Mickle and Wallder perceived all day in top gear and were amazed to get through the day only 9 minutes slower than the Denhams. They finished 6^th outright and 1^st 2WD prototype.

Jeff Thomas and Peter Calvert plugged away all day to finish 7^th outright and 1^st in Buggy class after 2 days and 600 kms of competitive stages.

Simon Lennox and Brent Twaddle finished the day with all wheels intact and finished 13^th overall.

Steve Taylor and Maria Nikiforoff cruised all day and finished 15^th outright and 2^nd in Buggy class.

The Cripps family finished day 2 as did Dave Nikiforoff. Both teams happy with the days events and their efforts.

All teams had only good things to say about the event. It was definitely a challenge for both Driver and Navigator. A lot was learnt by some, and all teams said they would be back next year.

All results are available on Condo 750 website

 ( Thanks Mickle for the report)

This is a snippet directly off the KMORC website.



Hunter Valley Off Road Racing Association members conquered all (almost) in
Round 1 of the NSW Off Road Championship held at Dondingalong Saturday and
Sunday.

Pro Buggy Class was dominated by the two Hunter Valley cars of Justin Guy /
Danny Richardson (#19 Jimco) and Jeremy Robards / Wendy Robards (#39
Rivmasta). The two teams battled closely on Saturday however the Guy /
Richardson combination gained the ascendency on Sunday to not only take the
Class victory, but also outright honours. The Robard team finished second
outright and second in Class. Peter Sowter from Taree battled power steering
issues both days to finish third in Pro Buggy Class.

Brian Duck from the Hunter Valley Club drove sensationally all weekend to
claim the Prolite Buggy Class in only his second race at the Dondingalong
Circuit. Duck finished well ahead of the class placegetters, #196 Conrad
Bignell, representing the Kempsey Club, and #133 Gordon Tardrew from Sydney.

Super 1650 Buggy was hotly contested but the Port Macquarie father and son
team of Chris and Len Levi, members of the Kempsey Macleay Off Road Club,
eventually took class honours in their #210 Manxco by a scant five seconds
from the Hunter Valley team of Scott and Michelle McNeil. The Levi team also
placed third outright. #279 Derek Rose / Mishell Densly, all the way from
Warialda, finished third in class.

In the Sportsman Buggy Class Billy and Traci Standing from the Hunter Valley
Club saw off the late challenges of the Kempsey team of Katherine Wellings /
Elizabeth Lee to take top honours.

Several Kempsey Macleay Off Road Club members struck car trouble over the
course of the weekend.

Club President Darren Perrin, with John Stevens navigating, retired with
rear suspension failure on Saturday, only to return for the Sunday section
of the race and to be forced to retire again with another suspension
failure. The Tim Baker / Andy Baker combination, in the Baker family VW Pro
Buggy, dropped out early on Saturday with power steering issues. They
returned to the track Sunday and showed some blistering pace until they were
once again forced to withdraw in the final Heat.

Pre race favourites, Phillip Page / Nicole Giorgi, never got to compete in
the Saturday portion of the program after a serious engine problem was
diagnosed. Parts were brought in from Newcastle to make the necessary
repairs and they returned to the track Sunday and promptly recorded the
fastest Heat time of the event.

Luke Gilkinson, with David Hartwig in the navigators seat of the #239 BNM
Buggy, provided the most dramatic action of the weekend when he rolled his
machine in the main spectator arena during the Saturday morning Prologue.
Luckily the damage was only light, and the pair were able to complete the
event. Gilkinson, from Warialda, was competing in his first Off Road race.

Despite the car numbers being slightly down on last year's race Kempsey
Macleay Off Road Club officials were extremely pleased with how smoothly the
event ran, and the good spectator attendance on both days.

Crookwell sup regs and entry available: Regs Entry

AGM Meeting this Wednesday night March 24th at Guilford Leagues Club 8pm

Lets get as many people there as possible to show support for the club for 2010.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE
 

“Club Members wishing to conduct private practice at Colo Park must book with Paul Grant but keys are available from Paul Grant, Ian Irons, Ian Boyd and Ross Barnes. Once you have booked your day/time you MUST ensure that you have two adults, who will not be involved in testing the vehicle, with you at Colo and a Private Practice disclaimer form must be completed by all who are attending and signed by them.  This completed form is to be presented when you pick up the key, also your current membership card and CAMS licence must be produced.  You will not be able to fill the form in at Colo, although the key holders will have forms available for you to complete but all those attending will need to fill in their names and sign the form before you will be given a key. At that time you will also need to make arrangements with the key holder as to what time the key will be returned. The form is available on the CAMS website ( see above link ).  You are invited to make a donation towards the upkeep of the track. There is also a sign on book kept at Colo Park which must be filled in when you are there.” 

This issue was raised at last night’s meeting as people have been complaining that having to collect keys from Paul add an hour to their travel time and were still trying to book through the other key holders.  We need to centralise all bookings but are willing for people to collect and return a key from their nearest key holder. The forms are essential and the two adults not involved in the testing is mandatory.  That rule has been around forever but not always enforced and the club leaves itself liable if we do not insist on the forms etc.

This years calendar available here

 First Club Round for 2010

Times available here

Good field of ten cars. Ian Irons had his car there but played the role of event director instead. Warm and dry conditions. Saturday was two heats of the short course, three laps each. Sunday three heats of the long course, three laps for the first two heats, then a five lap heat last, 68 kms total.

Warren and Tanya Irons first outright and first in Class 4, winning every heat easy, catching some dust of slower cars.

Jeff Thomas and Peter Calvert drove a steady race and came second outright.

Buddy Crow Junior and Kerry Crowe in car 322 drove a tremendous race for third outright, and first in Sportsman Class. He had a moment catching sand berm, sliding up and over the edge in sight of the spectators.

Elicia Crowe and Lachlan Riley also had a great race, coming fourth outright and second in Sportsman Class (or should that be sportsperson? I will leave that for a Forum discussion). It's worth noting that this car, number 322, did twice the kilometres of any car entered...well done!

Simon Lennox and Christie Mitchell entered a very stock V6 Pajero and achieved a credible 5th outright. After heat 2, Simon decided he needed more power and removed the exhaust. It sounded faster and he also tried for the most time off the ground on the main jump. He also drove home in it.

Nick Smee and Jordan Smee were late entrants for Sunday's three races, with a little off song super 1650, managed 6th outright in only their second race meeting.

Gavin Sheppard and John Bluckett, car 304, had a mixed bag of DNFs and blinding fast race heats. In fact two second fastest heats. In his first heat, he had the bolt that locates the selector shaft to the front of the gearbox strip out, and another heat, his new spark plug leads failed.

Josh and his father Glen Howells, car 305, were having a great run for their first outing in their immaculately prepared car that their father last raced 17 years earlier at this very track.

His sister, Alex Howell and her father, Glen also raced the same buggy, but unfortunately a gearbox failure in the last heat put an end to an otherwise good effort.

Steve Taylor and Louise Dorrian were circulating consistently, but uncharacteristically a broken heim joint on his rear arm prevented him from starting the last heat.

URGENT URGENT URGENT

Attention all members

Due to the ill heath of a few of the "old faithful" SORRA members the club running short of helpers for this weekend, so the race can be as as sooth running as possible if you have a spare day how about getting up to Colo to help out. Contact Ian if you can help out. Ian 040 777 4348

Sup regs for round one Sorra available here, children are welcome to bring push bikes for a social event after dinner.

Sorra would like to thank the following sponsors Boyd Motor Sport Products - Graffitigo' -
World 4 Pets - Pivot Power Products - Lenlord 4Wd Car Sales - AB Crowe Heavy Haulage - Roztek - WS Building & Project Management - BT Engineering - Micklefab -
A&K Automotive - No1 Engineering-Wags Pet Foods 

Congratulations to Scott Manuel ( Navigator 190 ) and his wife on the arrival of the newest member of SORRA on Monday 14th.

Sorra would like to thank the Crookwell Off Road Club for their contribution to our fundraising effort at the Ray Vesty Christmas Cup last weekend.

Its Party time!!
SORRA's Christmas Party/Presentation is on Saturday Dec 12th at the usual place,
6:30PM at Pitt Town & District Sports Club. 139 Old Pitt Town Rd, Pitt Town
Adults $40 Kids $10

LENLORD4WD SALES CHALLENGE

Lenlord 4WD Sales Richmond is our major sponsor again this year ( Nov 21st & 22nd )and  is giving one lucky entrant their entry fee back. Again we will be having the canteen working all weekend with the Saturday night Roast dinner (Lamb,Pork & Beef with vegies & the trimmings) & desert.

www.lenlord.com.au

The last round of the Championship looks like being a beauty. With the first positions in each of the classes seemingly in the bag, the races for 2nd & 3rd spots aren't.
Pro Class
907 Mark Everliegh, 985 Peter Sowter, 937 Mark Griffith, 913 Darren Stocks  51 Jeff Thomas are all in the mix  for 2nd & 3rd with 6 points the difference between them and if any of these cars have any problems, Dale Chadburn in 32 could pick up a spot.
Pro-lites
181 Steve Taylor & 148 Phil Page are fighting for the top spot, with 3rd possie on the line between 129 Damien Penfold & 136 Mick Lattimore. And Matt Martin 121  lurking a couple of points back.
Super 1650
See's 279 Derek Rose & 217 Laurence Cripps battling for number one with 255 Gary Hardie, 267 Anthony Fittler & 246 Shane McIntosh all in there with a chance for 3rd.
Sportsman
324 Les Webster & 317 Brad Bishop will be racing each other for the top points at this round. All year there has been nothing between these two cars.  3rd place should be  Gary Hydes 335,but with Billy Standing close on points any mistake will be punished.

Bring it on, Should be a top weekends racing.
Get your entry in now . Don't forget the  free entry draw, could make it a cheap weekend.

Entry list for  The LENLORD 4WD Sales Challenge round 7 of NSW Off Road
Championship at COLO PARK
as of Friday 13th November 09
Pro Buggy
#17 Jeff Cripps
#51 Jeff Thomas
#60 Phillip Field
#985 Peter Sowter

ProLite Buggy
#109 Kelvin Hill
#181 Steve Taylor
#136 Mick Latimore
#       Simon Lennox

Super 1650 Buggy
#217 Laurence Cripps
#277 Gerald Reid

Sportsman Buggy
#324 Les Webster
#317 Bradley Bishop
#322 Alisha Crowe
#366 Billy Standing
#       Jason Markwort
#       Gavin Sheperd
# Double entered  Glenn Howells son & Daughter

Performance 2WD
#5?  Mark-Paul Grant

Working bee this weekend!

Don't be shy, come on up & give a hand if your not running or pit crewing at Nabiac.
Still got lots to do ,Track work, pit area, camping area. Storm has taken
out PA system,, now needs loving care and attention. Driver
training/Stewards/Medical/dormitory still in construction phase we need
some people with chainsaws to clean up fallen timber.

Give Ian or Ross a ring.

Sup regs, entry and dinner forms are available on the calendar

Sorra is now offering 10 year memberships $500 for single and $700 for family please contact Ross for more information.

Results from Milbrodale Mountain Classic

Milbrodale Race report from Ian Irons available here

State Pointscore is available at Offroad Racing here

     *29/30th August Working Bee*    


Wheel Barrows needed (3 more would be good).
  Have you got one and can you bring it along to give the Club a
   hand on this day. All the more the merrier.
  We are pouring the Slab on Sunday  30th August and would
  appreciate any help we can get, we will feed you. just let us know  numbers for catering. Shelley's looking after the feeding, and the  first aid. Not that anybody would hurt themselves at a working bee, but just to be on the safe side!
For this weekend ,29/30th August , we need people with some chainsaws  (3 would be good)
Grader drivers, Loader drivers Tipper Drivers, Electricians in fact
anybody who can give a hand plenty to do on both days .Saturday
from about 10am , Sunday from 8am
If you are able to come let Ian  know 040 777 4348  or Ross 0419 975 720   
so we can cater for you

Things & materials needed for New building

Wish List
If you can help with any of these things as we get further into building
Waterproof fuse box
Rio for floor + hats to hold it up, Steel posts (round or square) to hold roof up, approx 12 feet long
8 or 10,     C section for mounting cladding onto (next post will give sizes)
 

Sydney Off Road Racing Association will be holding
a driver training day on Saturday 29th August at their Colo Park race
track which is 61 kms up the Putty Road.

SORRA received a grant from CAMS for junior driver training and the
construction of a stewards room at the Colo Park venue. The stewards
room will be used for the driver training lectures on driver training
days and as a stewards and medical room on race days.

SORRA representative Ian Irons said “this Driver Training Day is a
direct result of the CAMS grant and during the 2009 year we are
introducing more of this type of event to enable more younger people the
chance to widen their driver experiences and maybe introduce them to our
sport of off road racing.”

Irons continued “this is for all age groups, drivers and learners,
juniors - parents will obviously be in attendance with junior
participants - and even if you just want to play in the dirt. It is not
to train people to race, but to teach and show drivers what, how and why
things happen the way they do on dirt.”

If you’re interested in attending there will be a fee of $55 to cover
day licences, insurance and entry, however, you don’t need a race car to
participate, your street car will be fine.

“The training will help in your normal, everyday driving as well as
those times when you venture onto dirt. It is a very practical
introduction to driving on dirt but it is still a lot of fun to do, even
for the guys and girls that already have licenses’, CAMS or street!”
Irons said.

“Come along and have a go, it won’t hurt, you might learn something. At
the last driver training day, the ages ranged from 13 years old to 45
years young and some of the original group will coming along again to
this training day, and bringing friends for the experience.” Irons
continued.

If you’re interested in attending contact Ian Irons for bookings or any
extra information you might need on 0407 774 348 or 02 4577 4348 or
iirons@bigpond.net.au.

Minutes will no longer be available on the website, please contact Elaine

nikiforoff1@optusnet.com.au

or sorra webmaster

sorra@offroadracing.com.au

Good Luck to all those competing in Round 3 of AORC and Victorian ORC at Mildura.  Bradley and Kylie Bishop are leading the Sportsman Buggy class in the Victorian Championship as well as being well up there in the NSWORC.  David Nikiforoff and Scott Manual are also doing well in both Championships.

Bring your lights - Night Race!

 Round 4 is 18^th & 19^th July with Scrutineering commencing at 12 p.m. and Driver’s Briefing at 1.15 p.m.  There is a night race at the Event Director’s discretion (i.e. weather, condition of track etc.) and this will NOT be part of the junior championship.   It has been  suggested that a night race in winter at a club round should be over by 6.30 p.m. just in time for dinner and then a good night round the fire. Sup Regs are here.

About five or six people came up to COLO PARK on Saturday just gone to prepare a little for our upcoming Working Bee.here is some pics of progress on the Club's new driver training/Stewards/First Aid room.

If you haven't got your copy of the DVD from the State round at COLO PARK yet, this is  a gentle reminder. The link to WEB Productions is on the SORRA front page & also in the forum.
We need everybody that was at our meeting to purchase the DVD so the Webs can at least break even on their  investment of time and effort to make the trip down & put together a great DVD. All the comments We have had back on this DVD have been   very positive. Unreal,great footage of my car, so many different camera spots ,I think all the cars were on the DVD, were just some of them.

You can order a copy of the DVD on line at www.webbvideo.com.au

Minutes of the May meeting are now available here
 

RACE REPORT

SORRA ROUND 3 23/24-5-2009.

Following days of showers Saturday dawned sunny.  Unfortunately driving to Colo the weather alternated from showers to sunny periods, which continued all day.  The track was heavy and slippery in parts, but driveable. 
Reconnaissance, two OLT’s and the first group of Race 1 were conducted without rain but the heavens opened once again whilst the second group were racing and the rain became quite heavy and dark.  It was decided to abandon the second race due to the conditions.
At this time Wayne Horsfall with Ned as his navigator were leading the way, but Wayne said his tyres were not suitable for the conditions and decided to call it a day.  This left the Pro-Lite buggy of Gordon Tardrew to start Sunday as race leader.  Anthony Lia and Glen Spizzo had not arrived in time to take part in Race 1 because they had been bogged at home. 
That left us with 9 starters for Sunday with the double entry of 236 by Simon Lennox and Phillip Voult.  The weather on Sunday did not look promising with heavy showers greeting us first thing.  A slight delay to the start of 10 minutes whilst an area of the track that was underwater was carried out.  By the time racing commenced the shower had virtually stopped and although light showers/drizzle occurred during the morning, the day was mainly sunny. Mick Tori and the Del-Santos experienced problems as did Gordon Tardrew but he was lucky and completed each race and fixed in between races.  Jimbo Kearle had problems and did not finish Race 1.  He fixed on Saturday night and completed race 2,3 and 4.  Unfortunately Race 5 had to be abandoned as the 114 slid into a tree on the track beyond the toilet block and completely blocked the track.  First aid was called as both Jimbo and Nicole required assistance.  Jimbo was shaken and bruised but said he would be right for work on Monday.  Nicole had to be carried from the track as she had injured her knee.  On examination it did not appear to be broken but Shelley was concerned that she may have torn a tendon behind the knee and advised attending a Medical Centre for X-Ray. 
With the abandonment of Race 5 the results stood as on completion of Race 4 giving the outright win and 1st in Pro-Lite to Gordon Tardrew.  2^nd Outright and 1^st in Super 1650 was Dick Allport and Kristy Page and 3^rd Outright and 2^nd in Pro Lite went to Steve Taylor and Steve Brown.  220 Anthony Lia and Glen Spizzo took out 2^nd in Super 1650 and 114 Jimbo Kearle and Nicole Biggar took out 3^rd in Pro Lite. 

Thank you to the SORRA members, who were not racing this weekend, but came up to assist with recovery.  Wayne Caines and family, and Jeff, Laurence and Alexander Cripps.

As a result of the accident to Jimbo and Nicole, the need for a First Aid room in which to examine and treat injured people was highlighted.  Nicole had to be carried to the ladies toilet, which is not an ideal location.  We have received funding for the purpose of constructing a multi-use facility, Driver training/stewards room/first aid and have the material to do this.  What we need is MANPOWER and or WOMANPOWER.  The weekend of 4^th & 5^th July, which is already set down as a working bee has been nominated for this construction.  If you can give us either of both days you will be welcomed.  Please contact Ian Irons is you can assist as he will need to organise food and drink to keep you going.  Also anyone with tools, let him know what you can bring.  Please mark it on your calendars. 

Word from Colo is that there has been enough rain to pat the ground down around any recent trackworks, not torrential rain so far, clearing showers forecast for tomorrow, should be great racing with NO dust! See you there!

Sup Regs for the 23/24th May round are now available here ....with 6 races over two days and an entry fee of only $61 it's value for money racing on a great track.... I've also hear rumours on the grapevine that a couple of new cars may be there for testing! Well worth a look.
Saturday Arvo/ Sunday Need all the starters & helpers we can get, come on bring your toys out and have a play. Canteen will be happening all weekend & of course the Saturday evening Dinner.
Good for shake down run, get the bugs out and be ready for Wittitrin, or Fink. If you aren't racing ,come up & give a hand. If you have or know of someone with a 4WD ,we need all the recovery we can get (sometimes) , bring it up. It will be most appreciated!

And A HAPPY 21st BIRTHDAY to Laurence Cripps

April minutes now available

Report from Crookwell

DaleChadburn in his return to racing took 1st Outright at Crookwell andPhil Page was 2nd Outright. Bradley & Kylie Bishop in theirSportsman Buggy took 3rd Outright.



Bradley& Kylie Bishop competed at Donald and came in 1st in SportsmanClass. They came 1st in class at Crookwell which means thatcurrently they are leading Sportsman Class Championship in two states i.e. NSW& Vic. They are planning on competing at Sea Lakeon the long weekend. David Nikiforoff and Scott Manual came in 4th inPro-Lite Class at Donald and will also compete at Sea Lake.
 

Sup Regs for the Crookwell State round are available on the Calendar

Next working BEE is happening on the weekend after CROOKWELL State rnd
SUNDAY 26th April at COLO PARK. Need lots of hands to do fencing, part of
our lease includes having the property perimeter fenced. National Parks
has provided & paid for the materials to do the job, now its up to us as
a Club to do the work. I told them we would have it done within 6 weeks
of the delivery of the fencing materials.
So if any body is able to lend a hand on SUNDAY the 26th April 2009,Come
on up, the more hands the easier it is on everybody!

Minutes of the February meeting and the AGM are available here

At the February meeting of the NSW Off Road Advisory Panel the following motion was passed; 
“NSW ORAP proposes a ‘PRO Buggy Single Seat Class’ for comment from competitors with a view to incorporating it in 2010 NSW Off Road Championship.”
In order for this proposal to proceed it requires comment and feedback from all within the NSW Off Road Racing fraternity to gauge whether there is support for the proposal or not.
The NSW Off Road Panel has no wish to impose new rules upon our sport that have no favour or support but the result of the class re-structure, within the NSW Off Road Championship, has been a disproportionate number of vehicles, both two seat and single seat, ending up in Pro Buggy class at each event.
Creating a Pro Buggy Single Seat Class would go a long way towards even out the numbers of entrants in each of the buggy classes, at State Championship events.
Please return your comments, replies, suggestions or other to;
NSW ORAP

PO Box 4020

RATHMINES.NSW 2283

or email to;

jeff@myisp.net.au            or      suemcintosh246@bigpond.com

The DVD of the Lenlord Pink Ribbon Challenge is now available from www.webbvideo.com.au
If you have any questions regarding the DVD you can phone Simon or Leanne on 0417 284 054

The Oakville Fire Brigade Fun Day  is on again on the 15th of March more details here

SORRA ROUND 1 2009 RACE REPORT 

The first round of the SORRA Club Championship for 2009 was held at Colo Park on Sunday 1^st February.

The day was hot and dusty but relieved by a breeze that kept the heat from being oppressive.  10 Competitors took the field but problems ensued from the start. 
Dale Chadburn, trialling his new Pro Class only managed to complete 1 lap, and problems beset 236 which was double entered by Phillip Voutt and Simon Lennox.  Despite numerous problems they managed to hand in to the end though recording a couple of DNF’s. 
It was great to see the return of Adam Barnacoat and Matt Martin with their offspring as navigators.  Nataysia Barnacoat and Kerri Martin join Dan Horsfall to make three club members with junior navigators.  Adam and Nataysia scoring a class and outright win on their first race together.  Unusually Wayne and Dan Horsfall had problems and only managed to pick up third in class. 
Matt Martin had accelerator cable problems and retired from exhaustion.  Too long between races.
Jeff Thomas and Daneen Horsfall also retired before the last heat.  Alex Powe and Jes Jonkmans were early casualties, as were Wayne and Ron Caines in 536.  Steve Taylor drove his usual reliable race and took out the Prolite class and 2^nd outright.
Thank you to all the officials and volunteers especially Karen and Jodie Barnacoat for their assistance. 

Round 1 Sorra Club Day Sunday Feb 1st see forum for sup regs

Minutes from Jan meeting now up Jan 2009

Driver Training 26^th January 2008 COLO PARK

This is for all age groups, drivers & learners, juniors & even if you just want to play in the dirt. It is not to train people to race, but to teach and show drivers what, how & why things happen the way they do on dirt.

Our Club received a Grant from CAMS for our junior driver training, /Stewards room. This room will be used for lectures for the driver training and during race meeting will double as the Stewards room. Part of the funds received will purchase a computer, software and aids for the driver training. This Driver Training Day is a direct result of the CAMS Grant and during the 2009 year we are introducing more of this type of event to enable more younger people the chance to widen their driver experiences & maybe introduce them to our sport of Off Road Racing.

You don’t need a race car to participate, just your normal every day street car will be fine. The training will help in your normal (what’s that) every day driving as well as those times when you venture onto dirt. It is a very practical introduction to driving on dirt but it is still a lot of fun to do, even for the guys & girls that already have licenses’, CAMS or street!

Come along and have a go, it won’t hurt, you might learn something.

Sydney Off Road Racing would like to thank Hills District Tyres & Mechanical for all their help over the many years of our association. Ian & his company have decided to close the doors at the end of 2008 when the current lease runs out. They have, over many years, let our Club & all the other Clubs use his establishment for scrutineering, for Club, State and National Rounds (for regional scrutineering) and more times than not, Ian’s Dad Jack was there tending the Bar-B-Q & keeping the tea & coffee happening. Ian, as well as scrutineering, was always there to help! The convenience of this venue will be missed.

Ian’s place was also a drop in centre for those who needed info. His experience in all things mechanical, from building race cars to machining specialist bits, welding, inventing, diagnosing car problems ,the best tyre solutions for your car in any situation ,sport or otherwise ect, ect.

Come to think of it, some one asked me? Where are we gunna get tyres from now?

Ian will still be around, but not doing the Mechanical workshop or the tyres.

Boyd Motor Sport Products will still be serving you as they do now. Just click on to the web site or ring the mobile.

Also another icon, McClintock Brothers Printing has changed hands.

Aaron’s Grandfather & his brother started this institution way back. Aaron & his brother are the third generation in this company & will be staying on with the new owners.

Our Club, Sydney Off Road Racing would like to thank McClintock Brothers Printing for all their help over the years to produce the Club Calendars, Programs and all sorts of other assorted printing, usually at very short notice.

Aaron, his brother, his Father & their uncle, Bruce McClintock have all been motor sport enthusiasts and we’ve been lucky that Aaron chose Off Road Racing as his preferred genre so we could use his printing expertise to make us look good.

Final Pointscores have been added to the 08 Pointscore page

A great night was had by all at the SORRA Presentation night..... I hope Buddy gets what he wished for for Christmas!

Minutes Nov meeting up now

Yep, another year is almost over, so rather than filling your email inbox with messages have a look at the links below:

The December 2008 hightlights and gossip can be found in the December 2008 Newsletter - Click Here

To have a look at the 2009 Off Road Calendar & also the 2008  Presentation, Dinner & Christmas Party information slip - Click Here
Importantly give Ian Irons a ring or email him with the numbers attending the 2008 Presentation Dinner.

Finally it's membership time, so fill out the 2009 Membership Renewal Form & post it, or bring it along to the 2008 Presentation Dinner and fix it up there - Click Here

From 'The Editors', all the best for the Christmas season & have a great New Year!

RACE REPORT COLO PARK

 15/16^th November 2008

New South Wales Off Road Racing Championship Round 7

Sydney Off Road Racing Club Championship round 5

After Fridays hot & humid weather, the small showers of rain over the weekend kept the temperature and the dust down, to make it a top weekends racing. Thirty eight Cars fronted the lights at the start

The new parts of the track were fairly tight and twisty & near the end broke up a bit (some people tell me that’s an understatement) and bought the bigger horsepower & wider track cars back to the field, which, at the end of the day is what a good days racing is all about.

The Classes were interesting. The second and third places in the NSW Championship in 3 classes were still being fought out in the last race, amazing! A few hard luck stories with Simon Lennox replacing the oil seal in the gearbox on Friday evening, then on Saturday the clutch cable gave up but after all that he managed to get some pretty creditable times in the races he completed. Ian Cotton in the Nissan 4WD had his class won for the year and was still giving it his all when a tree grabbed a rear corner of the car & broke some bits off. Another with a tree fetish was the 190 car of David Nikiforoff who removed some of his car to place him in did not finish category early on Saturday.

Saturday.

Buddy Crowe in his 6ltr Chevy Jimco Buggy No 4 took the honours in the prologue with a 1min 43sec .86, followed by Jeff Thomas in 1300cc turboed No 51 with a 1.43.97 time, next was Darren Stocks with a 1.44.57. When the fun began in the real stuff Buddy and Jeff swapped fastest heat times between them in the 1^st & 3^rd heats. In the 2^nd the 212 car of Scott & Michell McNiel had the fast time with Phil Page (148) Kelvin Hill (109) Brad & Kylie Bishop (317) Michael Latimore (136) Jeff Cripps (17) Darren Stocks (913) & (95) Aaron McClintock nipping at their heels. Garry Simpson, Paul Tuck-Lee, Gary Hyde, Jimbo Kearle, Shane McIntosh, Anthony Lia, and Billy Standing were out of the competition at Saturdays end with problems of some putting paid to their weekend.

Sunday.

A little more rain to settle the dust and back into some really good close racing. The racing for the NSW Championship points was still very close and Buddy Crowe (who was not in the running for these points) retired his car to allow the real combatants to fight it out. Buddy’s Navs, Kerry & Alisa graciously stepped out of the seat to allow Top Gear reporter Mike Butler an experience in the Navigators seat. Mike & the Top Gear Photographer, Chris Benny also went for runs in Kelvin Hills, Greg Campbell’s & Simon Lennox’s machines. A big THANK YOU to all those guys from SORRA & to Aztec for his help (He’ll know what we mean)

Jeff Thomas & Louise in the 51 buggy won the Event and their Pro Class with a total time of 1hr 57mins 6secs.58. Phil Page & Dustin Baque 148 second outright & first in their Pro Lite Class 1.58.15.23 , third outright Scott & Michell McNeil 212 & first in the Super 1650 class 1.59.38.39 ,

2nd & 3^rd in Pro Class were 17 Jeff Cripps & 95 Aaron McClintock, that should give Aaron the Class for the Year. In Pro Lite 2^nd went to 136 Michael Lattimore with 181 (Mr. Consistency) Steve Taylor & Maria Raccosta in 3^rd. Wayne & Daneen Horsfall  260 took the 2^nd posy in Super 1650 followed by 211 Scott Brown & Troy Burgess.

In the Sportsman Class (1330cc) a sterling effort from brother & Sister, Bradley & Kylie Bishop. Not only taking 1^st in Class but being placed 4^th outright .Second place to Grant & Tim Walker, with Les Webster/Brett Blackshaw 324 in third spot.

Its getting close Now, It Should be a Beauty.
Would you believe 9 cars so far contesting Sportsman Class, About 24
cars entered at this point, Farmer, Honey, Phil Page ,Jimbo Kearle
,Simpson, Aztec ,Jeff Thomas ect, should make some great racing and video
footage.
WEB Video will be putting together a DVD of the event and Top Gear
magazine and three local area newspapers are covering it as well!
All this and the Famous COLO PARK Saturday evening Dinner,what more
could one want for a dirty weekend, Oh! we have hot showers too.

Top Gear Australia Magazine will be at the state round in November to photograph and interview drivers, all extra bodies would be appreciated at the Nov 2nd working bee to make the grounds and track look its best! Bring along your whipper snipper, garden tools etc to help out.

LENLORD PINK RIBBON CHALLENGE

Sup regs, entry and dinner order form are now up on the Calendar page.
There is a discount for early entry.  All competitors will go into a draw to be refunded $200.00

Minutes from the last meeting here

Win an Extreme Drive with Off Road Rush!!!*
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Off Road Rush and SORRA are offering a chance for those volunteers who
help our club to jump behind the wheel of a V8 powered A-Arm buggy in an
Extreme Drive package at Oran Park!


One of the lucky people who volunteer their time and sweat to keeping us
racing will win an Extreme Drive voucher when their name is pulled from
a hat at the end of the season.

The raffle will be eligible for those who have helped out at race days,
working bees etc, anyone with points in the Club Supporters point score.

So if you've always wanted to know what its like to plant your foot into
V8 powered buggy and attempt to put yourself into orbit, now is your
chance! Volunteering to help your club in 2008 could see you behind the
wheel for 21 laps of the purpose built Oran Park off road track!

It really is just too much fun!


www.offroadrush.com.au

Getting close now only a couple of working bees to go!
Come along and give yourself a better chance in the draw.
And it won't hurt to brush up on your knowledge of our track, it might be
a little different to what you think !
 

LENLORD CAR SALES (Specialist’s in 4WD Vehicles) Located in Richmond NSW ph 02 45 782 899.    www.lenlord.com.au  are coming on board again as      the major Sponsor for SYDNEY OFF ROAD RACING Asc Inc’s round of the

NEW SOUTH WALES CHAMPIONSHIP to be held at COLO PARK on the 15^th and 16^th November 2008.

An added attraction this year is the opportunity for some of the entrants to be able to hire incar camera setups that will give in and out of car footage and maybe some telemetry stuff. Simon & cohorts will be filming the whole race meeting for a DVD and this would obviously be a great time to give your sponsors something for their money,(you could even buy an extra DVD to give to the Sponsor, now that’s an idea!)

WEBB VIDEO, the guys that put together the Milbrodale Video, were up at COLO PARK for our race meeting last week to check out and find some great  filming posies ,to be ready for the NSW round of the Championship in November. You can check out their work at

www.webbvideo.com.au Snippets from Milbrodale & the COLO race can be viewed  at this site.

Our Club, SORRA, is holding a Raffle to raise some cash. More details to come later.

The LAST round of the NSW Championship is definitely shaping up to be a race not to miss, So make sure its on your Calendar and come to COLO PARK for a GREAT WEEKEND!

Please change you calendars the christmas party date has moved to the 13th Of December

Minutes for August  meeting are here

Sup regs and Entry form for the next club round available on the Calendar

Congratulations to our club members that have been recognised for the commitment to our sport. See here

“All members are reminded that essential requirements for Private Practice at Colo are: Current CAMS competition license, current SORRA membership, correct attire whilst in race vehicle on the track, all safety equipment used i.e. seat belts, nets etc., and if using a road registered vehicle on the track all people in the vehicle must be wearing seat belts.” Members who do not comply with this will have their privilege of  private practice withdrawn.

Next Club round is on Saturday and Sunday 19th and 20th July the sup regs and entry form available here. Minutes are also available from the last meeting here

Congratulations to Werner and Sue on the birth of the newest SORRA member!
Their baby daughter Emelie Isabella arrived on June 14th at 8.9lb and 53cm long. Mother and baby doing well, best wishes to you all from all the members.

Minutes from that April meeting here, May meeting minutes soon.

Working Bee
The next working bee is on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th, camping will be available at the track on the saturday night, Please contact Jeff Crips  or Ian Irons   if you will be able to attend. See here for their contact details.

Email from John Paterson addressing Off Road Racing noise issues, Tuesday, May 13, 2008

**

*Email from John Paterson on 13/05/08*

Hello all,

For some time now AORCom (the Australian Off Road Commission) has been occupied with addressing the challenge of competitors endeavouring to be compliant in regard to noise restrictions.

Following on from Donald, where exceptionally high readings were
recorded, it has been decided that a meeting of those interested, and
those needing to address this problem, will be conducted at Alice
Springs at the time of the Finke Desert Race.

This might also be an opportunity to further discuss the merits of
establishing a Competitors Association and any other item of interest if
time permits.

The 95 dB(A) limit on noise, whilst frustrating, cannot be ignored and
our sport must manage this problem responsibly, if we are to avoid
someone else doing it for us.

When looking at the NCRs there is very little scope when dealing with a
car that exceeds the noise limit, or any ineligibility for that matter,
but the focus of this meeting will be about rectification rather than
any penalty for not doing so. However, non compliance or no identifiable
attempts to rectify, cannot be ignored either, so your views on
resolving this will be welcome.

And some ground rules. The first must be to concede that we have a noise problem with some cars and regardless of what goes on around us, the commitment must be to address our problem; - without whinging about it and/or making ridiculous threats that do little to foster harmony or the future well being of Off Road.

It should also be pointed out that AORCom has no desire whatsoever to
hand out penalties for non compliance and if a co-operative and mutually
agreed approach can be determined this possibility will evaporate.

Ladies and gentlemen, the problem of noise is ongoing with drag cars,
speedway cars, power boats and all disciplines of race cars both on and
off the road. And for those who specifically asked, there are ways to
get minimal relief via negotiation with some councils; - not the EPA, -
providing extraordinary levels of management are employed regarding the
concentration of noise and the controlling of time windows to reduce the
impact. But be assured, this is much more difficult than everyone simply
controlling their own exhaust noise to an acceptable level. We will
expand on this at the meeting, along with fundamental O H & S issues.

The meeting will commence at 1.30 pm on Friday, June 6 at Peter Kittle’s
car dealership on the main road north of the Alice Springs CBD.
/(Scrutiny starts at 3.00 pm)./

Anyone is welcome to attend and as I have no idea who will or won't, or
their email address, I hope every addressee here can help spread the
word so that those who will be at Alice Springs at least know it is on.
And again, all are welcome.

With best regards,

Important Dates!

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