 After
performing extremely reliably in 2002, Graham (Gittens) and
I decided not to do any major modifications to the Turbo Starlet.
As has been demonstrated in the past, sometimes too much modifications,
especially in power, decreases the reliability of a car. While
it would be nice to have a few more horses under the hood, we
need to sort out the brakes first, and make sure that we are
able to stop the car, before we make it go faster. Remember,
that car is running a standard engine and turbo and brakes,
the only real modification is the addition of a limited slip
diff. and a blow off valve.
So in the off season all the guys at ProAuto Works Inc had
to do was basically spanner check everything and change the
oil (Mobil 1 of course). They did a compression test on the
engine, and discovered that we were losing compression on
cylinders 3 and 4, which we will hopefully rectify before
the March 16th Tarmac Rally. We also had a problem with the
oil pump (possibly on it's way out) resulting in the oil light
constantly coming on while idling. So we had to keep one eye
on the road and the other on the light during each run at
Cherry Tree Hill.
 Having
never driven the course before, I was VERY cautious on the
practice run, especially with the oil and cement on the straight
approaching the right hander up towards St. Nicholas Abbey.
I also respected the jump by Fosters Fun Land. I have seen
what happens when you don't (ask Stuart Maloney). The "yump"
at the top before the Mahogany Trees is also a bit tricky,
with the road turning right at the apex. If your not careful,
you could find yourself becoming part of the scenery along
with the trees (ask Mikey Hassel, Alan Kinch, Philip McConney,
Ryan Hutchinson). So all in all, not a course to be taken
lightly, but definitely an enjoyable one, with it's winding,
undulating roads, and the chance of getting air.
Thanks to my sponsors, Nassco, Philips Lighting, St. James
Travel and Mobil 1, for supporting Graham and myself in 2003.
Without them, I wouldn't have been able to finish 3rd in Modified
Open, missing 2nd place by 0.9 seconds, with Gitts finishing
a mere 0.5seconds behind me, to take 4th.
|
