Sat, 26th September, 2015 Winton Motor Raceway campground (Malcolm’s Clubman racing)

4 degrees outside and 8 degrees inside though the days are getting warmer, about 20 yesterday after lunch. Another beautiful clear sky day with just a light breeze.

Steve walked over to meet Malcolm at the pits to get ready for scrutineering then qualifying at 11.30. I drove into Benalla to meet Kerry at the Bakery for a cuppa then a walk around the shops. A few nice novelty shops with lots of great gifts. Picked up some buns for lunch so back to the van to make lunch then drove around the track to the pits.

Stopped at the end before pit entrance to get a couple of photos.

We could cross pit lane and stand by the wall to watch the cars zoom by. Doesn’t look as exciting as when the V8s are here.

Watched the Clubmans qualify. There were a small group of little cars like Aussie Racecars that ran with the Clubmans – cute little things.

Malcolm got two laps in before a fan belt broke. Steve got his hands dirty.

Kerry and I headed back to the van for a cuppa and to relax under the awning watching the other groups zoom by. You can see most of the track from here.

The trucks were massive, noisy and made lots of smoke and dust. Enjoyed sitting in the sun with just a shirt on.

The campground is beside the windy bit which is a great viewing spot.

Drove back to the pits to watch Malcolm’s first race. Up on pit wall to watch. He was as the rear as he only got the two laps in qualifying so didn’t put in a good time.

One lap down.

Unfortunately another belt broke after the 3^rd lap so he had to retire. Kept the pit crew busy trying to work out why. Peter, the owner/builder of PRB Clubmans, watches on.

Such a shame as he was going really well. Hopefully they have found the issue but there are not practices so will just have to wait till tomorrow’s race.

Cleaned up and watched a few more races of the other groups.

Dinner tonight at Raffertys with some of the other drivers. Finer dining which was delicious and we finished with Flambe Alaska – yum yum. Gave Malcolm and Kerry a chinese coin with a small nugget of gold in the centre – hoping the coin will bring him some good luck for tomorrow. They thought it was great and Malcolm plans to take it on the track with him. Cool night again.