Results for Round 5 - 2006
Sandown - Sunday, 15th October 2006

Just two weeks ago, a team of Sprinters proved that they can mix it with more experienced car clubs in the 6 Hour relay and they returned back to Phillip Island for the 5 th round of the JAGDAIM XJ6 Sprinters/Lites 2006 series.

With dark clouds overhead and a damp track, series leader, Brian Wheeler dominated the first timed session with all three laps under 2 minutes, with a best time of 1.57.49. Despite Wheeler's very quick time, the interest was back in the pack with Redel and MacKrell both circulating in the low 2 minutes bracket with respective times of 2.01.34 and 2.02.92. The next group of Duncalf, Kenna, Rob Sinclair and Crosbie were having their own race with all four Sprinters separated by less than 2 seconds. This group was followed by Randall and Hugh Sinclair, (having his first run on the famous island racetrack).

The Larkins, John and his son Anthony were flying the flag for the Lites group with John dominating with a best time of 2.18.74. John, who has only just returned from a holiday in Europe , was more comfortable with a group of Jaguars on the racetrack than the Italian motorists on their motorways.

Dirk Redel and Trevor MacKrell reduced their lap times in the following session with Redel (co-driver with Wheeler) recording a 1.59.58 lap and MacKrell 2.01.00. Rob Sinclair, Barry Kenna and Paul Duncalf continued their battle with each recording laps in the 2.07's. Gary Randall and Hugh Sinclair also managed quicker times but Mike Crosbie was having problems and returned to pit lane early. But it was Wheeler who left the rest of the field in his wake with his fastest ever lap times recorded at the island in the 1.56's.

Anthony Larkins also had problems and was back in the pits after the opening lap leaving John to take the points for the session and he even managed a very quick time of 2.15.66.

The red flag was shown in the third timed session, halting proceedings after 2 laps with Hugh Sinclair spinning at Honda corner, avoiding any contact with the tyre wall but unable to get back onto the track. A re run of the group was not sanctioned due to numerous delays during the programme. The red flag was also shown another three times with stoppages caused by a Commodore hitting the pit wall coming out of turn 12.

Another Commodore suffered gearbox problems resulting in oil being dropped for more than 400 metres onto the track. The other incident was more spectacular with an ex-race car blowing both front tyres in an attempt to stop after the throttle on his Commodore jammed wide open at 230 kph entering turn.

The Overall lap times for most of the Sprinters and Lites for this session were marginally slower except for Kenna 2.06.43 and Randall with a 2.13.91. Wheeler was fastest in the Sprinters 1.57.21, followed by Redel 2.00.89, MacKrell 2.01.22, Rob Sinclair 2.07.15, Duncalf 2.08.63 and Crosbie 2.12.70. John Larkins 2.15.83 was quicker in the Lites than Anthony with a best time of 2.25.43.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TABLE AND LAP TIMES FOR 2006 SERIES

JAGDAIM XJ6 SPRINTERS SERIES

JAGDAIM XJ6 LITES SERIES

* DNC Did not compete
* NTL Did not record a timed lap
** New Lap Record

Series leader Wheeler taking the chequered flag

The next appearance for the Sprinters & Lites will be the sixth and last round of the JAGDAIM XJ6 SPRINTER/LITES 2006 series to be run at Sandown on Saturday 4 th November. Wheeler only needs to complete one lap to take the title with a 19 point lead over co-driver, Dirk Redel. With no team orders, Redel could finally get the chance to remove the bridesmaid outfit and look for his first win, as he cannot loose second place in the series. Rob Sinclair also has third place secured but the real interest will be in fourth place with seven drivers all having a chance to take the honors.

John Larkins after many years of competing finally has the chance to have his name engraved on the Lites trophy as he is also 19 points in front of his son. John likewise only needs to complete one lap to hold the perpetual trophy above his head.

You can also follow our series in The Jag Magazine which is available bi-monthly.

David Bailey Photography has joined our Association and he will be supplying images for our website and magazine reports. You can visit his website at: www.dcb-photo.com

Ross Coles
Secretary
Jaguar XJ Sprinters Drivers Association
Contact: Phone 0417351304 or email:

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