A 'Lull' in racing.

The last championship race that we competed in was held in August this year with only the non-championship Ford & Friends event playing host to many in September.  While the event itself  had highlights, the Datti-Brothers can't really say the same.  Both of us were under the spell of a virus which hit both of us hard, long and took its toll in more ways than one.  It soon dawned upon me that this October event was the first time ever that I have not entered for a race in 5 and a half years. Not one!! We've since more or less recovered and are back on the mend but unfortunately there was simply no time to play with our toys during this period of viremia manifestation.

The 140Z is alive, still fires up and is parked in the pit garage 26 but it will need to be stripped in due course so as to inspect what the cause was/is which resulted in a sudden loss of oil during the Ford & Friends event.  The BRE Datsun only suffered a nuisance electrical wiring fault and proved to be the wire leading to the electronic ignition.  That being sorted is as least one race car virtually ready to race other than a complete spanner check and full race prep.

In lieu of all the recent medical set backs we have both suffered and given the amount of time remaining of this season I have taken the decision to call it a day for the remainder of the 2012 season and will look afresh at the 2013 season.  This then affords that the little Datti now be sent to the panel shop for some much needed TLC (after almost a full 2 seasons at every race) where after it will be refitted with its engine, cleaned up and be put up for sale.  It has served me unbelievably well (as best a racing goes) and has been proved by 'Mr Datsun' to give many a bigger engined car a serious run for its money.  Above all it was meticulously prepared for EVERY race event with as much effort, dedication and determination to best achieve a class win as what was put in in all his other cars that 'Mr Datsun' prepares on any given race day and for which I am utmost grateful for.  Hopefully this little Datti will remain in Cape Town for someone else to enjoy as much as I honestly have over the last 2 seasons.

So what's then going to fill the vacancy left by the little Datti.  Well, it will be filled by yet another Datti (what were you now thinking???) but this time with one that has been a long time in the making, planning and has patiently been put on the back burner so that as much authenticity could be garnered over a period of time.  Time has most certainly caught up to us and although many irons are still in the fire regarding parts still being sourced, imported and or hand built we still hope to get a large chunk done this year still.  While many have already seen or heard about this build, it remains one that I have painstakingly researched for the last 4 years and have finally taken the plunge to have it built as close as possible to the original, within reason.  Many original factory parts are truly no longer obtainable and will just have to be as close as is allowed using existing technical guidelines. 

This will be my last race car and will probably stay with me forever.  I intend racing it for at least a season (all depending) and will then contemplate hanging up the helmet and gloves.  For now though there is plenty to do and achieve in these upcoming few months that still lie ahead.

To our fellow race competitors whom we competed against, rubbed paint with and traded places with on the 'black stuff' as well as to all those followers that dedicated their time to come and support us, we both want to say a huge thank you, for without your support and encouragement it can sometimes be a tall up hill.  If time, money and good health permits and most importantly if  'Mr Datsun' can get the remaining car ready in time before the end of the year (excluding the Datti) we may still do it one more time this year.  No promises for now.

Thanks once again 'Mr Datsun' for all that you have already done and hopefully are still going to do 'Just one more time'.

Thanks 'Boet'