2012 HRC Icebreaker, Hampton Downs

[nigel watts]

The plan was to go to the Icebreaker meeting on the Sunday.
Check the forecast - starts out dry and turning to showers after 3.00PM - sounds ok to me!
Up at 5.30 - raining in Tauranga - that's ok because it'll be dry over the hill - won't it?
Actually it pretty much rained all the way up to the circuit.
As I drove into the circuit at about 8.30ish it started to fair piss down at which point I was thinking that it might not have been a bad idea to stay in bed - had my raincoat & brolly so what the hell, in I went.
Turned out to be ok once the heavy rain turned to light drizzle.
Enough to keep the track wet and spice up the spectacle a wee bit - and of course the sun came out after lunch.
So, here are the images I made - you'll have to be a bit patient as I've got heaps that I have to work through & process before I upload.
Finally I'd like to say a big "Thank you" to all of the competitors and their teams for turning out. Much appreciated.
Cheers
Nigel

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

Race 15 - Arrow Wheels Sports & GT Challenge

[nigel watts]

[kiwi285]

Great shots Nigel - keep them coming as time permits.

[nigel watts]

Race 16 - Formula Junior & Historic

[ERC]

Might have to have a word with messr's Honore (Ferrari) and Roberts (Corvette) as our rules demand some form of front lighting as when racing in handicaps in grubby weather, it isn't always easy to see drivers coming up to overtake. Great pics.

[Kiwiboss]

Great pics Nigel, you could have called me to check conditions, but them we wouldn't have these great shots, well done!!

PS: Didn't realise how wet it was until looking at these pics

Yes Ray, tut tut no rain lights and the race was call "wet" in the morning

Dale M

[ERC]

Yes Ray, tut tut no rain lights and the race was call "wet" in the morning

Dale M

MSNZ only require rear rain lights and the flaggies do report drivers who do not have working rear lights. Bruce Manon was penalised last season by the officials but his rear lights were in fact working - though they are not too bright. (I think all the power goes into the engine...)

As most of you know, we are very light on series technical rules, but this is one of the few rules we do have and believe it is a safety issue in bad weather, as many of us have limited rearward visibility. Lights do show up, even through a misted rear screen and wet mirrors. The only other additioanl rule we have is that all cars must have a race harness, even though under MSNZ rules, you can race a standard car with a lap and diagonal belt.

[EType]

Here's a drivers view:



Stewart

[Rod Grimwood]

Thanks Nigel, great shots as per the schedule.

[Steve Holmes]

Nigel, many thanks for making the effort to get to HD and take these. The weather looks miserable! I'd have stayed in bed! Beautiful photos as always Nigel.

[nigel watts]

Thanks Mike, Dale, Rod & Steve
Wouldn't have missed it for the world.

Race 24 - Historic Muscle & Under 3000cc Historic Saloons

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

[nigel watts]

[Snoozin]

Great shots!

If it's ok, here's a link to some I took on the Saturday only (unable to make it Sunday!).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/snoozin...7631539013798/

[Rex Bentham]

Well done Nigel & Co, great photos. Anyone brave enough to stand out in that weather with an expensive piece of electronics deserves a medal!! What the track photos don't show is the presentation of most of those cars, especially in the Muscle Car grid. Both inside and out they are immaculate, and a credit to the guys doing the work. I'm glad our races were scheduled so we could watch them on the
track. Also some very good times, especially when the track dried out. Bring on more of that!!

Rex

[Snoozin]

Hey Nigel, what kind of gear are you using? They're nice sharp images Would love to have a yarn sometime trackside.