National Trials Series final at New
Plymouth 23-04-2011
as told by Jenni Templeton
We arrived at Bell Block for scrutineering but the famous mountain
was no here to be seen. Everyone assured me that there is one there you
just can’t see it most of the time.
About 70 had entered and the organization was great with a list of where
everyone was starting am and pm available for all to study as well as a
sausage sizzle.
We were staying at the Belt Rd camp in a lovely cabin on the cliff top
looking out to sea and just a short walk down the hill to where the AGM
was taking place. With only one remit this didn’t take long and the
election of officers was duly completed.
During the night the wind seemed to be blowing up a storm and the waves
were crashing below on the rocks. I was sure it was raining too so
didn’t really want to get out of bed and head out to the rally site at
Egmont village, but when we got there the wind had dropped and there was
no rain either. We were 4th off on our first hazard and didn’t get very
far but neither did the D class trucks in front off us. That was to be
the story for the whole day with such hard hazards that C and D class
trucks were getting scores A and E might normally get. Moose had the
same points as the Lada after his first hazard! A lot of hazards were
never zeroed which says a lot and the final score for the whole day for
the winning truck was 818! Lots of hill climbs, most with a vertical
face at the end, and rough sidlings, with a few deep little drains to
criss cross just in case you thought there was no mud.
It was a great course for spectators with a ridge where they could see
almost all the hazards without walking very far. Phillip Walton was one
of 8 DNFs as he somersaulted over backwards and snapped the back diff
right thru. Had to be carried back to the trailer by the digger looking
very sad.
Darrel and Kevin had a good day finishing 12th in C class just ahead of
Deano and Archie.
Warwick Farmer took out A class with Ian second. James Hawken won C
class, Brendon James came third and Glenn dArth won E class. Brent Ward
took out the day and D class and Jet boat won F and cleaned up the whole
season.
At the final prize giving we won A Class and the Northern Zone for the
year so have decided its time to step up a class for next season.
Overall winner for the year was Dan Cowper.
Lots of sore heads the next day after a very late night and much fun had
by many from the reports we heard.
The first rally for the start of next season will be at the same
place in Labour weekend so look forward to seeing a few more King
Country members out there competing.
Becks is going to drive our A class truck next year and needs a co
driver, preferably one with a tow vehicle, trailer and mechanical
skills!
Maybe we will be able to catch a glimpse of that mountain then.
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