FROM THE MUD 22 June 2002

With three trials being run since the last issue of Lightshaft its clear to see that this years major trophy competition will be closely contested with Grant Campbell, Geoff Taylor and Steve Mason all showing early season form.

The weather has been kind to us again this year with enough moisture at each trial to keep everyone happy and ground conditions that are not too hard on the cars. Hopefully by the time you read this however, we've had a bit more rain during the week to dampen the property at Murrindindi for OST5 where we have had quite a few dry visits these past few years.

At the last OST group meeting Steve Mason brought along the first NZ style chassis off the jig we have made up. The chassis was promptly snapped up by Peter Reid, an interested spectator from last years John Pryce trial. Peter, who made the trip down from Woodend, will start the long process of building up a car for next season and already has a donor Honda Civic waiting in his paddock to shed its good bits for the project. Chassis 2 and 3 are now in the pipeline/pipebender in preparation for the World Championship Trial that is to be held in New Zealand in 2003. I heard this morning that there are at least 4 cars coming down from the UK for this event and we also have strong interest amongst our club members for a return visit. Anyone interested in building a car can either contact Steve on 0419 565 876 for a fabricated chassis or Keith Mitchell on 0412 559370 for a loan of the jig and plans.

After many years at Nigel Newman's Carby Shop premises, the OST group meetings have now moved to Paul Grey's factory at GFS Printing, 5 Samantha Court Knoxfield. Melways 73 C7. Meetings will continue to be the first Monday after the first Wednesday of the month, if you can't work that one out, call Steve or Keith as above! At last months meeting as well as unveiling the new chassis, we discussed ongoing safety improvements to our sport and it was resolved that from next season a fire extinguisher will be required to be carried by each vehicle. This requirement will be incorporated into the OST scrutineering checklist with type, minium size and mounting points etc. to be finalised by the OST Committee. It is recommended that you don't wait till next year to make your purchase and if you wish to avoid the rush, draft specifications will be available at OST 5 - Murrindindi. As usual at each trial, there will continue to be a fire extinguisher at the starting pegs of each section.

FROM THE MUD

After the normal summer hiatus it's back to the mud for many as the OST season commences for the 53rd time. I believe this is also the longest consecutively running motoring event in Australia, which is an achievement the Austin 7 Club can be proud of.

There are 12 events scheduled this year that will again take us through to October, with visits to new properties at Foster and Gilderoy, plus the old favourites from last year.

Competitors are also planning for a re visit to New Zealand in 2003 for another run at the ANZ Cup and cars are now being designed and built specifically for that cross Tasman assault. More details of this in future articles of Lightshaft.

Until then, Lady and Gentlemen, start your engines!