We'll follow Bert's build up to the next event - show you what goes into making sure the car is able to perform at its best on the day.
2004 Season
RALLY OF SOUTHLAND - 6 June and RALLY OF OTAGO - 22 & 23 May Done in the weeks before Otago and Southland by Carl Rabbidge of Motorsport Pacific Asia.
Full strip down that resulted in chassis repairs, enlarged brakes, DMS suspension, TRD engine and suspension mounts, full engine rebuild including forged pistons, head, crank, oil system and con rod modifications. Changes to the camshaft and valves, plus engine management system and exhaust system. Changes to the suspension geometry and weight distribution.
28 March Sara and Michelle drive Bert down to Christchurch for Carl to make some adjustments. Two 4am starts for both ladies as their flight back to Palmerston North leaves at 5.25am!! 22 March Only two months till our first major rally, so it's all go - Bert is in having his windscreen repaired and a few alterations (additions) to his roll cage at Matt Burke Engineering in Marton. After that, its a huge trip south for more fine tuning.
16 March The decision has been made and Bert will be with us for another season. Now the race is on to make the modifications we need to in order to ensure he's spick and span and ready to rally. 2003 Season
RALLY OF HAWKES BAY
8 Aug Phone call from Garry Grant saying Bert's fuel pump was totally knackered after a huge whack at some stage (probably 2nd to last stage at Rotorua as that's when the noise started). Huge surprise the car kept going (thank you whoever up there is on our side!)
Urgent message through to Michelle at Toyota New Zealand who had the replacement fuel tank down here in Nelson for Garry to put in, in just a few hours.
7 Aug Due to pick Bert up today - the only thing that's getting Sara through having to talk about her rallying in assembly today at school! 4 Aug Bert into Bowater Toyota to get his gearbox problem diagnosis confirmed. Sven had suggested it could be the synchro giving problems - yes, he's right. Thanks to Toyota NZ, parts were winging their way down to Nelson to enable Chris and his team to work their magic. Sara has been most impressed by Bowater Toyota's awesome workshop and super friendly staff.
HUGE THANKS to Deane who advised us to check our clutch so we didn't end up parked up on the side of the road with the same problem they had at Rotorua. It was checked and although not exhibiting the same problem, it still needs some work done on it.
Time is running out though as Bert still needs a bit of a fix up at Garry Grant Motosport Fabrication. Luckily, Garry has offered to work day & night to have him ready on time - in return for one of Sara's chocolate cakes! (and did he really say triple time <g>?)
INTERNATIONAL RALLY OF ROTORUA 7 June Complete clean up - underbody protection removed and, over the ensuing week, replaced, modified as needed. General checking and fixing of things. RALLY OF SOUTHLAND 17th May Floor pan is now back in the correct shape. Templates have been made for flap extensions and most of the extra under body protection we need. The adjustable brake balance has been fitted. 12th May Towed Bert to Timaru where Carl went over him thoroughly - took four hours to hose the mud off!! INTERNATIONAL RALLY OF OTAGO We've only just started this diary on 28th April - but work has been steady on making sure the car will be fit & ready to tackle the Otago roads as best as it can. It must be noted that Sara & Dave started organising things the moment they new they'd be teamed up for the season! Everything has to be perfect by this coming Friday as we've got a shakedown event in Timaru on Sunday 4th May. 6th May Dave & Carl working on putting in the co-drivers seat. Goes into get some more sponsor stickers tomorrow and also the laminating on the window. 4th May Post event check out - everything looking good! 3rd May Big check over down in Timaru - adjusting Sara's seating position, steering wheel position etc. Put the ENZED banner on the front window - cool! 30th April Trip to Richmond Auto Electrics to get Bert's battery checked out - it was trying to charge all the time, so it was replaced with a new one - at a big discount (thanks Grant!) 29th April Bert into Garry Grant Engineering first thing this morning for the fitting of the tool box - great job! Looks cool. Battery leaking though, so its into the auto electricians tomorrow! Into Garry Grant Engineering to discuss plans for securing the first aid kit & tool box. 28th April Into Victory Automotive for the pre-event check up. Thanks to Duesenberg Brothers Racing from USA for kindly flying Garry Orton back to New Zealand to enable him to carry this out. Straight off the plane from the US & into working on the car (just joking, he was coming home anyway!). Thorough check to make sure it'll pass the audit OK & drill holes for the seal to go on.
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