Austeam Racing » Put Yourself In The Drivers Seat

The day started early, packing up everything that was needed for the day – it had been a late one the night, before, Gav and I staying up late preparing a promo video to be shown on the big screen. Many hands of help to set up the LAN were offered, and this made getting things up and running very easy. An easy going atmosphere was the way of the day, most starting to arrive with their computer gear in hand, at around 2pm. Running a little behind schedule, Gav made his speech, thanking those in attendance, the Austeam Admin for their work throughout the year, the Series Managers as well as those who had travelled to be there on the day. Underway for the day, the first race was the American Muscle cars at Road America. This proved to be a hit, especially with David from Amnet, who said “this is a lot harder than I anticipated”. Race win went to Martin Davis, and in doing so, won himself a copy of rfactor, kindly provided by Image Space Incorporated and Austeam Racing. We had around 30 people come through including some of our Major Sponsors who we would like to once again thank.		Setting up for the big day
*Gary Ironmonger's Race Seat*	In between races, there was a lot of interest in two setups that were brought along. First was the giant 30in LCD belonging to David Knight. The sheer size of the screen made the 19 and 22in screens alongside look very small indeed. The other setup that amazed people was the race seat of Gary Ironmonger. Taking 12 months from conception to completion, the seat incorporates a Logitech G15 keyboard, G25 wheel and shifter, and 3 19in LCD’s for the best possible view while racing. On to race 2 – the Formula BMW 2.0 mod at Pukekohe. 17 drivers fronted the grid for the race. These cars always provide close racing, and this one was no exception. A tough and tight 15 lapper, race win was taken again by Martin Davis, with Ed Cullin in 2^nd. As Martin had already taken a prize it was decided that Ed would be handed a prize and again it was a license for an rFactor install.
After the second race of the day, around 6pm it was time for some dinner. Gav had the BBQ cooking away, as many of the drivers took the time to stop racing and get to know each other. Once dinner was over, it was back to racing. This time, an enduro event in the V8’s at Bathurst. The format was this…. Names drawn out of a hat for who you would drive with. 40 lap race Maximum 15 laps without pitting Every time you pit, change drivers Top Ten runoff Driver who does qual doesn’t start the race The was to be the best race of the night for many drivers, many having to quickly adjust to driving in someone else’s setup. Pole was taken by Peter Lacovich, driving with Phillp Middleton with a 2:12.692. It would be this combination and the pairing of Gary Ironmonger and Russ Cook who would fight it out for the win in the race. There were many spins and lots of fun had in the race. The pairing of Darrell Chatt and Daniel Collins had their fair share of troubles, and despite setting the fastest lap of the race, the car ended up looking rather second hand by the end. Race win went to the Ironmonger / Cook pairing, with Peter Lacovich / Phil Middleton only 2.1 secs behind in 2^nd.Time flies when you are having fun, and the race ended at around 12:45am. But there was one more scheduled race to go, using the TPSCC (Stockcar) mod.		*Darrell being watched by drivers waiting their turn in the driver (physical) swap enduro race.*
Many of the drivers hadn’t raced in this mod before, so there were quite a few spins in practice!! 8 drivers on the track for the last race, win taken by Gary Simons, who blitzed the field in the 15 lap race. It had been a long day, so it was decided to call it a day at 2am. All who made it to the end gathered around for the group photo. A big thanks must go out to all who helped clean and pack everything up, it took less than 20 mins to have all looking as we found it!! Overall, it had been a huge success, all the drivers having a fantastic time, and getting to know each other, many of them meeting for the first time. And all left, looking forward to the LAN next year. A special thanks to Chipmasters for the use of their premises allowing us to hold our get together once again, Appreciated by Austeam Racing and Gavin Chatt. Thanks Daniel Collins Be sure to visit Chipmasters and see what they can do for you. http://www.chipmaster.com.au/
THE LATE STAYERS Left to Right - Daniel Collins, Gary Simons, Gavin Chatt, Wayne Simons, Darrell Chatt, Ed Cullin, Ben Ackley, Damien Watson, *Gary Ironmonger, David Knight, Martin Davies, Ben Mercer, Gavin,* Phillp Middleton

Special Thank you to Image Space Corporation for their support and for the fantastic adventure the sim races receive each time we fire up rFactor. Thanks also for your continued contributions to the race sim community. Austeam Racing, proudly supported by our major sponsors:- More Pictures To Come

Note: Story By: Peter Lacovich


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