Results for Round 2 - 2005
Sandown - Sunday, 10th April 2005

There was more than one storm brewing at Sandown International Raceway with multiple Champion, Murray SCOBLE’s return to the Jagdaim 2005 Sprinters and Lites series. Murray’s first run in over 12 months was electrifying as he set a new lap record for the Lites group. The second storm resulted in a complete halt to proceedings later in the afternoon but this did not stop Murray from putting on a memorable display with a controlled and aggressive drive in the wet.

Murray’s skill in the wet conditions impressed Brett Ramsey (the commentator & producer for Channel 31’s show, In Pit Lane) so much that he filmed his exploits on video for the show.

After just three laps into the timed session Murray went under the existing lap record for Sandown. He then got under that again to set another new lap record of 1.41.39 for a Jaguar XJ6 Lite. This was to be his fastest lap for the day as the heavens opened just after this session causing the track to be closed for over 90 minutes. This time was even more significant in that Murray was lapping Sandown in similar times some eight years ago in the faster Sprinter series.

The second round for the series, sponsored by the Technical Book Shop in Swanston Street, Melbourne, got off to a great start with very hot conditions and a fast track. However, practice was not good for Mike Crosbie in a Lite with problems in his car’s big end resulting in only two laps being completed before the car was retired.

Barry Kenna, in only his second run in his new car also had problems with practice in that he did not get a run. Co-driver, Gary Randall had completed his practice in their Sprinter, when it was discovered that the oil cap seal had broken and Barry missed his practice session as the car was repaired behind the pits.

Anthony Larkins co-driving in the Hogan Motorsports entry has a moment in pit lane when his Sprinter came into contact with the Ambulance. The bull bar on the Ambulance grazed the rear offside panel of his car resulting in a huge dent to Anthony’s confidence but nil damage to ambulance. Anthony got over his embarrassing moment and went out to record the second fastest time for the Sprinter class for the first timed session.

With the practice session over by midday, Barry Kenna finally got onto the track and recorded a best time of 1.55.15 but slower than his co-driver, Randall with a time of 1.42.75. Phil Pearmain was next best with 1.36.95 just slower than A. Larkins, and Jim Mulholland took the first session with a time of 1.31.81.

In the Lites it was now down to a two horse race with Scoble taking the points and a new lap record and John Larkins following with a best time of 1.48.10.

Word had reached the pit lane that a similar event at Phillip Island had been red flagged with a torrential rain storm stopping the event. As the second timed session was commencing, dark clouds were forming over Sandown and with just one lap completed, the skies opened with a downpour. The event was red flagged and proceedings came to a halt for over 90 minutes until the rain stopped.

Just as things were looking good, the Stewards went out to inspect the track and being the Chief Steward I was seated in the front passenger seat for the inspection. As our car turned out of Dandenong corner and approached the Pioneer bridge our car made some strange noises. I looked to the driver, who in turn looked at me. I then looked out the front to see the rear wheel of our car pass us on the inside. We came to a slow halt on the grass with the near side rear end now furrowing the grass verge of the track. With very little damage and the assistance of a tow truck we made it back to pit lane and declared the track open to re-commence the event.

Many of the competitors had decided to retire for the day as the storm came in but those who stayed were rewarded with unlimited runs on a fast drying track. In fact the only Jaguar that weathered the storm was the SCOBLE’s Motorsport entry. Murray completed two more timed sessions for the day and his first drive on a wet track had many other drivers looking in awe as he displayed his skills in the wet.

With all the Sprinters now on trailers, Mulholland was declared the winner with his first timed session.

Scoble was declared the winner in the Lites in his new car and also set a new lap record.

The next round will be at Phillip Island on Sunday 29th May with our New Zealand sponsor – Tracer Interiors & Construction Ltd once again providing trophies for the winner’s & the driver’s awards. The complete 2005 race calendar is as follows:

RACE DATES FOR 2005

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TABLE AND LAP TIMES FOR 2006 SERIES

JAGDAIM XJ6 SPRINTERS SERIES

JAGDAIM XJ6-LITES SERIES

You can follow the series on our website:   www.jagsprinters.org

Ross Coles
Secretary
Jaguar XJ6 Sprinters Drivers Association

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