Fog completely immersed the Sandown racetrack on arrival for round 2 of the 2008 JAGDAIM XJ6 Sprinter series . As if part of the programme, the fog lifted in time for the practice session. Although the temperature was still below 10 degrees, things were hotting up for Kenna, with engine problems in practice causing him to park his sprinter in the garage for the day.

Another concern was the Sinclair Sprinter coming to a stop on the first lap at the Dandenong Road corner. Rob was forced to abandon his vehicle but managed to restart it at the end of the session.

The rest of the Sprinters finished their practice sessions and the first timed session saw the battle between championship leader, Wheeler (1.30.70) fighting off a very fast Rob Sinclair (1.32.77). On lap three, once again, the Sinclair car coasted to a stop on the main straight just as the chequered flag was shown. It was finally decided that the problem was with the fuel pump and a quick replacement with the assistance of other sprinter drivers had Rob's car ready for his continuing battle with Wheeler.

Mackrell (1.33.59) and Randall (1.36.56) were the next two sprinters onto the track but their session was stopped early with the red flag being displayed before they completed the third lap. The last group of Duncalf (1.37.55), Larkins (1.40.13) and Crosbie (1.43.81) all completed the session without problems with Crosbie's times still hampered with an old slow engine. Mike confirmed that the new engine (promised in 2007) is now finished and only waiting to be installed.

Sinclair was back for the second session, hoping that he had fixed his problem and he and Wheeler continued their battle with Brian winning 3 of the four laps. However the points went to Rob Sinclair with a best time of (1.30.96) and Brian (1.31.12) with a missed gear change being the reason for Rob getting under Brian. Mackrell and Randall were both slower than their first run with respective best times of 1.36.78 & 1.38.64. Crosbie was a lot faster with (1.39.80) but slower than Duncalf (1.39.25) but faster than Larkin (1.41.29).

The final timed session had Wheeler & Sinclair swapping places with Brian again leading for 3 of the four laps and both drivers lapping faster than they had for the day. Wheeler took the session and round points with a fastest lap for the day (1.30.58) just in front of Sinclair (1.30.68). With both of these drivers part of the Caulfield Jag 6 hour team for August our chances are looking good with both of them capable of very fast times for the Phillip Island track.

Mackrell (1.33.65) again led Randall (1.37.33) with Duncalf (1.38.98) just holding out Larkin (1.39.09) and Crosbie slower (1.44.69).

Wheeler continues to lead the series and has increased his lead by 1 point from Sinclair with Mackrell still in third place.

Click here to view the official results from the day for all entrants.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS TABLE AND LAP TIMES FOR 2008 SERIES
JAGDAIM XJ6 SPRINTERS SERIES

* DNC Did not compete
* NTL No recorded timed lap
** New Lap Record

The next round will be held at Phillip Island in 7 days on Sunday 1 st June 2008 running with PIARC for the first time.

The 2008 6 Hour Relay at Phillip Island in August will be run with an increase in from 40 teams to 50 teams and a second team of Sprinters running with Mike Crosbie & Trevor Mackrell fielding a new team for the event.

Ross Coles

Secretary
Jaguar XJ Sprinters Drivers Association
Contact: 0417351304 or email: secretary@jagsprinters.org