Calder Park in Winter

E30 Racing - Round 3, May 22-23

Report by Paul Kertes

Calder Park in winter conjures up images of black skies, driving rain and arctic temperatures. What a pleasant surprise it was then to be greeted by clement weather as E30 Racing Round 3 was held as part of the VMRC series at Calder Park in late May. This event marked the return of motor racing to Calder Park after a hiatus of over 12 months, so it was a little disappointing to discover a rather exiguous attendance of some 50 cars in total, spread over some 7 or 8 categories. Still, it provided us with generous track time, including separate Practice and Qualifying sessions, plus 5 races over the weekend. There was a distinct country race meeting feel to the weekend, with a fairly laid back approach by the organizers, sometimes to the point of farce – they couldn’t agree on how to grid up the cars in the first few events.

Improved Production boasted a near obese grid of 11 cars, 9 of which were E30 BMW’s. The two interlopers, a Gemini and a Proton Satria piloted by an erstwhile Holden HQ racer, were both forced to withdraw due to mechanical problems, leaving the last 2 races as pure BMW events. And what entertaining racing it was, with several close fought battles over the 5 races. In fact, a scene from one of our events graces an advertisement for Calder Park in the August 4^th edition of Motorsport News, and we had some brief (7 millisecond grab) coverage on that week’s edition of In Pit Lane on channel 31.

The weekend marked David Stillwell’s debut in E30 Racing, after recently convincing the appropriate officials of his worthiness for a C3 licence. Running his newly acquired E30, David began hesitantly, with a few pirouettes in the initial sessions as youthful exuberance overwhelmed reason. However, his progress over the 5 races was notable, with lap times improving from the mid 1 min 15s to a best effort of  1 min 12.9. David also managed to finish all 5 races, which some other more experienced racers couldn’t emulate.

Without the encumbrance of RX7’s and V8 Fords and Holdens to contend with, Graeme Bell found himself playing the Schumacher role, achieving pole position for all 5 races thanks to the extra grunt of his 2.7L E30 coupled with his acknowledged driving skills. Of the legal E30’s, Andrew Fuller couldn’t quite sustain his awesome form from Winton, but still managed first place in two races after qualifying fourth. Two races were also won by Phil Showers, with David Knight securing the last race victory. Neil Anderson had a forgettable weekend, starting well in the first 3 races, only to overheat by the 3^rd or 4^th lap each time, with a resultant DNF. Endless tinkering with the engine (an Ando trademark) between races highlighted a denial to accept a cracked head diagnosis, but eventually Neil accepted reality and did not start the last two races. He has since responded by changing the colour of his car.

The round victory went to Phil Showers on 28 points, with David Knight 1 point behind in second. Andrew Fuller scored 24 points for 3^rd place. Yours truly managed consistent finishes in all events to come in 4^th on 20 points, with Serge Lubicz on 17 points, Geoff Bowles 16 points thanks to a few unhappy “moments” and one DNF. David Stillwell garnered a commendable 14 points on debut, with Ando sadly unable to trouble the scorer – expect revenge at future events.

As always a good time was had by all, and although the VMRC lacks the attraction of crowded grids with more door to door jousting, the generous track time it provides should ensure more E30 rounds at Calder and Winton. These events are a marvelous opportunity for E30 newcomers to have their racing debuts, surrounded by the E30 racing fraternity but without the stress of full grids.