Over the course of the weekend we’ll be providing regular updates from the Tamworth Cup (Qld Vs NSW Challenge). Keep checking this thread for the latest news.
Last Update: Tuesday 3.50 PM
Tuesday 3.50 PM: My apologies! I had work engagements Sunday, but had hoped and planned to have web access to keep providing updated info from Tamworth. Unfortunately that didn’t work out and I’ve only just now made it back to Brisbane and “connected” land. Top couple of results have already been published at http://www.rctech.net and hopefully we’ll have full stories here later from some of our contributors who raced hard all weekend. Again, apologies that the “almost live” coverage failed on Sunday! Oh, and I suppose congrats to NSW.  Just wait till tommorrow night when revenge will be sweet… 😉

Saturday 8.30pm: Four rounds of qualifying done. Computer hiccup in the last round means some of these results are a bit “provisional” (particularly Open Nitro) until results can be checked. News from Heavy is that the Mi3 is fantastic, and he’s hoping for a big run tomorrow. Scott Parkinson continues to impress in modified – with very limited mod racing at club level in Sydney being available, he’s learning on the run this weekend. In terms of the interstate challenge, it’s evenly poised with Qld stronger in the electric classes and NSW in Nitro. Top three in each class with one round of qualifying still to run:
540: Tristian Hyde (Q), Steve Evans (Q), Cody Delboux (NSW)
Stock: Keith Mackrill (Q), Damien Barnier (Q), Brad Davis (NSW), Bob Vardy (Q)
19T: Russell Malise (NSW), Chris Russell (NSW), Tim Weier (Q), Heavy D (Q)
Pullstart: Matt Russell (NSW), Nathan Ryan (NSW), John Taynton (Q)
Open Nitro: Cory Callcott (NSW), Dallas Gardiner (NSW), Jason Dorn (Q), Greg Brooks (NSW)
Mod: Anthony Atack (Q), Peter Dooley (Q), Scott Parkinson (NSW)
Saturday 2.30 PM: No change at the front of the modified field after round 2 of qualifying. Still Anthony Atack, from Scott Parkinson (impressive after only recently switching from Stock to Modified) and Peter Dooley.
Saturday 1.30 PM: Heavy has dropped to 4th! Tim Weier is 3rd, Russell Malise 2nd. Dallas Gardiner (NSW) took round 1 TQ in Open Nitro, Jason Dorn and Michael 3rd and 4th. John Taynton is 2nd in Pullstart after 1 round.
Saturday 12.00 PM: It’s going very well for Queensland with most of the first round of qualifying done. Team Captain David Guyatt (yes – our very own Heavy D) is leading the team admirably and currently sits TQ in 19T (driving the all new Schumacher Mi3. In stock it’s a trifecta at the front with Damien Barnier leading Bob Vardy and Keith Mackrill, while in 540 Steve Evans is setting the pace. In modified the order is Anthony Atack, Scott Parkinson, Peter Dooley, Peter Joyce, Martin Nichol, Leonard Lai (who from all accounts did opt to run the TC5 – so expect him to get a handle on the car throughout qualifying today. Nitro classes were still underway, but Jason Dorn and Michael Redmon were at the front of the Open Nitro class thus far. Track layout is fast and open compared to previous years. More details when we have them.
Saturday 8.20 AM: Slow start to the morning action with the sugar-watered track still drying out. Heavy has been out in the Mi3 for a quick systems check and found everything working well, but the track too greasy for safe practice. He’ll be back out later in the next electric session.
Friday 9.54PM: Not much practice done this afternoon – the track too wet and greasy to be of much value. Practice from 8am tommorrow, racing from 10.
Friday 3.54 PM: Latest update: Practice about to start and will continue tonight. 2 hours practice tommorrow from 8am, then 3 qualifying heats. Then break for dinner before a fourth heat under lights (can you say “rocket round”?). Last chance qualifier Sunday morning before finals commence.
Friday 3.30 PM: Track is being dried now using blowers. On-track traffic is anticipated by 4pm,with practice continuing under lights later on. We’ll update you on who’s fast and who’s gone to the pub just as soon as we have more news.
Friday 2.20 PM: The rain has stopped in the last half hour, but the track is still very wet. There is some chance of track time today but only if there is no more rain. The other possibility being floated by the organisers is a delayed start tommorrow to allow practice time in the morning (this is strictly unofficial and just one possibility). Of course Tamworth has lights, so night practice this evening would also be feasible if the rain stays away and the track surface dries enough to be worthwhile. The bottom line is – no track time yet.
Friday 10.20 AM: It’s currently raining in Tamworth, so the track is wet and there are a few frustrated racers gathering to tell stories, or head off and explore Tamworth. Heavy D is considering running two classes (Stock and 19T using the Mi2-EC and the brand new Mi3. No news yet on Leonard Lai’s intentions regards the TC5!