They say the older you get the faster you were and that seems to apply to the years as well. The time has just absolutely flown by.
Well looking back to the last post made in October of 2014 I must say that a few things have changed. For one, the mighty 140Z was finally parked for good and was eventually sold off to a good guy who is smitten with Datsuns especially the B210 type. Yes, it was a hard decision but at the end of the day it was a decision made, stuck to and there are no regrets in making the decision. It was and always will be a very special car that delivered greatly, was a great crowd puller and was admired by many within the racing world. To say it is missed is probably an understatement but the memories will live on forever. It currently still holds the Killarney lap record for a 4 cylinder 8-valve normally aspirated car at 1:21.3. Long may it remain as such.
The little 1200 Datti has for the past 12 months been stuck up on a 4-post lift and remains up there until we can decide exactly the route forward to take. During that time a decision by MSA to revamp the 'Historic' rules was thrashed out over 2 lengthy boardroom meetings lasting in total some 6 hours and to which I was a part of. In a nutshell, the majority of the 'Historic' rules, baring some minor engine block clarification as well as cylinder head wording and suspension clarifications, saw that effectively the majority of the rules as was originally decided back for application in 2010 remain as such. Capacity rule was thrown out as was balance of performance. The pilots of such wonderful thinkings and ludicrous ideas soon had egg of their faces and not long afterward they all resigned from the positions of empowerment only two find that sanity prevailed at the end of the day. Enough about that for now. What was somewhat surprising is the turnaround which later ensued by the WPMC Classic Car category who uncharacteristically decided to do their own thing by moving to a pre-87 period cut-off which now also includes the pre-77 category. To make things even more complicated the pre-77 races are already combined with the Fine Car category race and run just slightly ahead on the start grid and will likely further also include pre-87 in time to come. (Good luck score keepers.) All this in the belief that it would attract more cars and competitors. Need I say it has not really had the desired effect at all (as yet) and last but not least the proposed set of pre-87 rules were thrown out by SPORTCOM and sent back to the drawing board as they excluded front wheel drive cars. Let's see what 2016 holds for us on the long circuit.
To say that we don't miss or talk about the past would be a blatant lie as we do discuss the past from time to time. In some of our most recent chats we have even considered the option to bring the Datti down from its 4-post perch, refresh the engine, give it a good once over and we may even land up doing the February race at Killarney coming 2016. It's not a definite but hey any excuse to thrash the old Datti once again in anger. Also there is still the TOMEI project which has had to take a further back seat during 2015 for a host of reasons but plans are in currently progress as we speak to use much of 2016 in tackling the project in full force at a quieter location. With luck, health and some much needed funds we hope to make the 1st race of 2017. See https://www.facebook.com/tomeidatsun for some details and pictures of the intended project.
For now both Datsun drivers are still in full swing on the dirt oval and are currently midway through the 2015/2016 season with the holidays now ahead. We will likely resume at the end of January 2016 and will then head through until just before the winter season sets in before we finally call it a day. A lot of excitement, challenges and thinking is yet to be done but nothing has changed in our outlook towards racing, other than we are getting on in years and will have to face up to it that sooner or later we will have to call it a day. Till that day arrives, we race. See https://www.facebook.com/richardsbrothersracing/
It would be rather uncharacteristic of me not to thank my 'boet' for all the effort, building of new oval track cars, preparation as always and unquestionable dedication to spending quality time together. Words don't quite fully describe it but hey, its always truly appreciated.
Thanks 'Boet'
