Hot News
The GORBA club are off and racing again in 2010. The crews of Fox (705), Funston (243) and Middlemiss (277) headed to Donald for the Easter Long Weekend.
The Fox team were the only crew to successfully finish the event. Although this can be questioned with Andy making Karen very car sick on Saturday, changing navi\'s to Craig Funston on the Sunday morning to then end up coming back with panel damage on the front and rear end. They had an incident with some trees that just jumped onto the track! The damage was straightened out with a car winch and Andy was right to go out for the afternoon session with yet another navigator (this time Jason East).
The Funston crew unveiled the refreshed outlaw buggy that has had some TLC in the past 12 months. The new orange paint job wasn\'t to see too many race km\'s though, as the engine destroyed a bearing in the prologue recon ending the boys weekend in the buggy. Both driver and navi thoroughly enjoyed their race km\'s with Andy in his Patrol (it certainly opened their eyes as to what the 2 tonne Patrol can do on a race track compared with a buggy).
The Middlemiss team prologued 18th and 3rd in class in a great start to the weekend. It wasn\'t to be though, the ever reliable 20 valve succomb to engine dramas after a hit to the sump (causing a hole). It was race over and David & Alice became spectators on the side of the dusty but exciting race track.
Outright results: 1st Glen Owen, 2nd Greg Gartner, 3rd Peter Sibson
Both the Middlemiss and Funston crews are looking forward to doing some race km\'s at the Avalon event on May 1 to sort out refreshed motors and to give the cars a run before Sea Lake in June. Looking forward to seeing a great turnout at Avalon, lets all go racing in 2010!
Carol Slade & Ian Middlemiss got plenty of photos and footage from the weekend, stay tuned they will be uploaded soon.
Please find attached the 2010 GORBA Membership Form.
Full Membership $50.00
Junior (Under 18 years competing) $20.00
Family Membership (Immediate Family at same address) $70.00
Social Membership (Non competitor) $20.00
The GORBA Christmas breakup will take place at the Morefield Estate Community Hall on Saturday 28th November. There will be a test and try day out at Avalon on the same day weather permitting.
Please see attached flyer for further information.
Supported by Lavor Wash
Bright Spark Award – Andrew Jennings & Ian Middlemiss (252)
A contingent of 5 GORBA teams made the trek across to South Australia to enter the Hi-Tec Oils Waikerie Enduro. The weekend started off with rain during scrutineering (and while some teams set up camp) on Friday. The Middlemiss crew (or close to being the Middlemiss crew) made a beeline straight back to their trailer, while others (not to mention any names Dicko & Rod) ended up with fairly wet seats – putting cars on display is not all that it is cracked up to be in the rain! The 76 crew of Dicko & Rod were the quickest in the prologue from the GORBA crew. It was later revealed that the reason for this was because Dicko was wearing his old race suit, and it was so tight that he could only take one breath, meaning he had to do a quick time in order to get out of it! Jas & Wardy were setting themselves up for a good time until the towel was pulled from beneath them, facing them in the wrong direction. Stoddart & Clarkey performed well in the prologue, and were really looking forward to how the modifications to the buggy faired on race day. AJ & Ian were down on power in the prologue, but they traced in down to a problem with the alternator and replaced it ready for a day of racing. The 277 team had a slipping clutch off the line, but made it around, and made adjustments for race day. Dicko and Rod were too interested in making conversation with the locals to seriously race on Sunday, a whisper was they had a problem with a head gasket on lap one but they managed to sweet talk some cool water to enable them to complete the lap before retiring for the day. After a strong start the Purgatory Racing team succumb to engine gremlins approximately 60km’s around the first lap. AJ & Ian succumb to electrical gremlins on completion of the second lap which signalled day end. They did however have front row seats for the crash of the day, a car launched off a dune beside them, landing on its nose and cartwheeling through the top of a tree, and re-appearing on the other side. A very lucky navigator, with a substantial amount of damage to the car. David & Alice had an incident with some wire (that some inconsiderate person left on the track). They managed to carry the wire ¾ lap before it wrapped itself around the left axle and cv’s – destroying the lot. Luckily the pit crew weren’t too far away, once the wire was removed!!! New cv’s were fitted and they were able to complete lap 2. However the wire took hold good and proper damaging the bearing in their 3rd lap, so it was day over and recovery for the second time. The only team to finish the race from Geelong was the #15 entry of Jason and Wardy. They had a very consistent day working their way through the field, this was the first long course race in the buggy, a great effort to finish such a gruelling event, overall they finished 6th outright and 4th in class. Overall a good weekend was had by all, a great campsite at the track meaning everyone was amongst the action all the time.
Results are attached.
Recently at the GORBA Avalon event, a film crew from Britain put together a small story for their local program in the UK.
To view this video, please click the link below, then click "TRIBES" then "GORBA BUGGY RACING"
http://www.grid1.tv/#browse/media_vault/tribes?id=1
To view an Avalon Short Course video (from May 9) please click the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBaTz8hbL3Y
The day started out with misty rain and with hope that there would be less dust then normal. Brooke was able to say that the track would be without dust for at least the first couple of laps! There was an impressive turnout at the event, with 13 entries.
Jason Corless unveiled the Kawasaki green rimco entry (15) for the first time. This great looking buggy sported a Mitsubishi Evo 7 motor. It was great to see Jason out there on the race track after at least three years spent in the shed revamping his buggy.
Another vehicle to be unveiled after many years in the shed was the 281 entry of Andrew Keays and Paul Johnson. The Roo Jumper originally raced and built by Andrew’s father Clive in the 70’s. Its log book certainly makes for some historical reading, and it’s great to see another second generation racer out there on the tracks.
The 3rd vehicle to be unveiled at the weekend was the 497 entry of Des Harrington in the Ivan Stewart Pro Truck.
The race was to consist of 2 groups, who would each undertake 4 heats of 7 laps. The tin tops headed out first in the aim to disperse some of the mud puddles that had formed on the track.
Unfortunately in heat 2 the entry of Steve Moore and Dean Mott found that it wasn’t too fun of a ride when there was little to no oil in the rear shockers, it was certainly a very rocky ride.
AJ managed to have some great starts off the line, but unfortunately in the 3rd heat the 252 entry succumb to some gearbox grumbles putting an end to the day.
The 705 entry of Andy & Karen Fox looked very different from past races. With some work completed on the patrol in the off-season it is sporting a new shell. The green colour is certainly different from the white; however watch out for the promotional skins that will be on the sides in the near future. The Fox crew had a few fuel pump issues, with the patrol consistently blowing the fuses. However the reason that they didn’t go out for the last heat was due to a split in the brake lines. Andy & Karen’s story of the drive home (Andy in the patrol and Karen following behind) sounds quite interesting with the use of the handbrake and 4wd. Would have been quite a sight to see the patrol pulling up to lights on the way through Geelong with the back wheels locked up! The crazy people who drive their race car to the event!
Dean Bennett found that the track was very rough and quite low in places, which required some work between heats to ensure that the 535 entry would make it to the finish line.
In the family competition of the day, Richard Harrington got one on his father Des, beating the Ivan Stewart Pro Truck in the Trekka by just over 28 seconds.
The track conditions lent itself to some very close racing conditions, some entertainment for the crowd was the competiveness between Dicko & Rod (76), Steve & Dean (177) and David & Alice (277). And it has to be said that Dicko was certainly the culprit of the wayward tyres – Moorey was in the centre of the track, and Dicko was off the track so it was certainly Dicko spraying tyres.
It also must be pointed out that it was great to see the 277 entry finish the race this time, unlike at Donald there was plenty of fuel in the buggy.
1st outright – Jason Corless & Paul Ward (15)
2nd outright – Peter Sibson & Jason Munro (412)
3rd outright – David Middlemiss & Alice Slade (277)
Please find attached the results for the day.
Keep an eye out on the gallery page, some photos of the event will be added shortly.
Saturday 20th June at 7pm
Werribee Tenpin Bowling
Riverside Ave, Werribee (Melways Reference: 205 J11)
All experts required to help!
The will be a BBQ tea after the Avalon (May 9) event at the clubrooms.
The Beach Day this weekend has been cancelled due to suspect weather.
Memberships are now due, please find attached membership form.
Please find attached the March Newsletter
Hi all, Just a reminder of the upcoming Victorian Off Road Awards Dinner to be held in Sea Lake on 14th March. You need to reply!!! Please find attached a flyer and RSVP slip. Hope to see you all there! Regards, Alison 0438 701 141
The 2009 Race Dates have been updated, please refer to the Hot News 2009 Race Dates.
Mar 21/22 - BAGSHOT (Vic 1 & Mallee Shield)
Apr 18/19 - MELLOOL (Mallee Shield)
Apr 25/26 - DONALD
May 3/4 - KOORLONG (Mallee Shield)
May 9 - AVALON (GORBA 1)
Jun 6/7 - SEA LAKE MALLEE RALLY (Vic 2, GORBA 2)
Jul 11/12 - WAIKERIE
Aug 8/9 - MOYSTON (Mallee Shield, GORBA 3)
Sep 19/20 - TYRRELL (Mallee Shield, GORBA 4)
Oct 18 - GRINTERS PIT (Mallee Shield, GORBA 5)
Nov 15 - BAGSHOT (Mallee Shield, GORBA 6)
Next general meeting 28 january
The GORBA Christmas Break-up was held at the Morefield Estate on Saturday 6th December. A great night was had by all, the kids certainly enjoyed the jumping castle and the many raffles. Many thanks to all those involved with the organisation of such a fantastic night.
Awards for the evening included:
Club Champion Driver - Craig Dixon
Club Champion Navigator - Rod Knight
Best Rookie Award - Craig Funston
The Datto Award - Andrew Stoddart
Club Ambassador - David Middlemiss
Club Service Award - Eddy Wilson
Red Trevean Best Club Person Award - Brooke Mott
*Dicko has put out the challenge again for 2009, lets try and beat the 'retired man' and give someone else a turn at the Club Champion Award.
Once again many GORBA members had their annual pilgrimage to Discovery Bay to visit the Sand Dunes over the Christmas break. · Dicko enjoyed the time with no problems in the buggy, yet it is apparent to point out that he didn’t do much driving due to sitting to the navigator’s seat with his grandson’s Zane & Gage in the driver’s seat. Many newcomers quite enjoyed the ‘Zane Circuit’ on the sand. We look forward to seeing Gage out there next year. · AJ this year had more attempts at the wall, but still managed to visit the shrubbery (no damage though!) He did however do a great job leading the newcomers until succumbing to engine troubles. His buggy then became the donor buggy….loosing many parts to extend others fun on the dunes. Many thanks AJ. · Dean had a good start to the week and was enjoying having a buggy down there once again. A gremlin in the steering box could have ended his run prematurely but thanks to AJ he got going again. Not for long though…he managed to break an axle (navigator side) while showing Craig Funston the upsides of having a turbo! This required recovery from the bowl by the red Patrol of Don Cottee. · Craig Funston along with Dave Middlemiss had trouble adjusting to ‘Dicko’s Portland Pace’. It was said that the newbies were quite keen to get out there! Craig enjoyed the week of getting rid of some gremlins in his new buggy, but eventually had to put it on the trailer on three wheels. Craig has some big plans for his buggy in the off season; look out for it in 2009! · Dave Middlemiss had a great first time down on the dunes, adjusting to Portland pace seemed difficult at the start, but towards the end of the week really kicked in! His buggy did well on the sand, only to succumb to a steering problem which resulted in it being parked. It must also be mentioned that Dave & Alice are now engaged. Overall a great week or so was had by all, with Dicko & Merryn holding the fort as we all left to return to work! Wouldn’t it be nice to be retired and be able to stay… A few newbies visited this year and had an absolute ball, encouraging all members to make this pilgrimage as it is great for drivers, navigators and families to have a well deserved break.
Aerial Photo of Moyston Track
A successful Test & Try Day was held at the Avalon Track on Saturday 6th December. The day was held in conjunction with the Western District Car Club which ran the auto cross track. Some buggies that we in attendance included: Andrew Jennings, Craig Funston, Craig Dickson, Dean Mott, David Middlemiss, Andrew Keays, Travis Conrad, Roy Lawrence, Scott Fiskes, Steve Moore and Mark Deacon. Of the auto cross attendees, some that we know included: Dean Bennett, Richard McNay and Jason East. It was great to see so many cars at this fun event, with some cars being resurrected out of sheds! Looking forward to seeing these cars on racetracks in 2009. Following this was the GORBA Christmas Party at the Morefield Estate. A list of award recipients will be available shortly.
A very dusty but highly enjoyable track greated the competitors for the Sea lake Mallee Shield. More information will be available when the results are published. However we can say that David Middlemiss and Alice Slade recieved a trophy for 3rd in Class two. Andrew Stoddart & Chris Clarke finished despite a slipping clutch and some fancy fence work. The Ararat crew Brian & Adam Kent finished (I think) however Kevtam racing turned their engine into a baby rattle and Dicko and Rod were scared off by the fact the Purgatory boys were back on the track (most of the time). More info soon. PS if anyone has photos send them in so they can be put on the site.
The Australian Institute of Motor Sports Safety (AIMSS) has announced that current FIA belts rated for 5 years will now remain servicable for 10 years for non international events. They are now also planning to test the 2 year SIF belts that many of us use to see if their longevity can also be increased without compromising safety. More information can be found at offroadracing.com.au or at the cams website cams.com.au or www.aimss.com.au
The Geelong Off Road Club is applying to hold a test and try day at Avalon on December the 6th. More details to follow later in the year.
Purgatory Racing is on the way to Sea Lake after a succesful running in test of their new motor on Saturday.
Cams is offering Bronze licence training in October. www.cams.com.au.
It has been noted recently that the boys from Purgatory racing have finally swaped the hospital ward for the race track with a long awaited return for the Sea Lake event. Both driver and navigator have swaped the hospital gowns for their race suits, rebuilt themselves and their race engine and look out Dicko here they come.
Comming soon. Heaps of photos from the GORBA Mallee Shield. Stay tuned.
It was not the result our club members had wanted at the Pines last weekend. Both the Middlemiss boys and Glenn Owen & Deon Beatie have some repair work to be done before the next race. Unfortunatly gearbox problems in both their buggys led to an early exit on race day. It was heavy going with only 23 starters out of 69 able to finish. All the details are available at www.offroadracing.com.au
The Sea lake Off Road Club is once again offering a chance to look around lake Tyrell on Sunday the 21st September. See the flyer for details. This is a great chance to have a slow look at the track and its scenery without the hassle of having to pass Dicko. It is a great chance to show family and friends the race track. Thanks to the Sea lake club and landowners for making this possible.
The Sea Lake Mallee Shield event regs and entry form are now available. See event section for the forms. Note early entry and seeding for the event. This event has been well supported in the past and is a favoriate with our members.
Welcome to the brand new online home of G.O.R.B.A Geelong Off Road Buggy Association. From here you will be able to find the latest news, Results, Images and Registration Documents.
If you have any news or images you would like to add to the site please stick your hand up and contact one of the committee members and we’ll be happy to chuck them up.
If you have a site of your own or know anyone with a site that is relevant please feel free to put a link up to us. If you find anything on the site that is not looking quite right also feel free to get in contact with us.
Finally a big thanks goes to the team at Fox Digital Web for the web site design and development. If you need a web site these are the guys to talk to.
