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2018 Thunder Down Under Mark Aston Memorial Enduro


branco

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This weekend 6 teams travelled to Nelson for a rather unique enduro event.

Dave West assembled 6 reasonably similar Thunderslot cars, each 1 placed in a sealed bag and team Captains selected a bag for their team.

 

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The other unique feature of this weekend was sadly the last event to be held at it's present location. Tony and Sue are building a new home and the track, shop and general hang out place for slot nuts will be ressurrected at the new place soon. Good luck with the move.

 

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Nelson (2 teams), Blenheim(with Westy), Hawkes Bay(with Millings), Christchurch and Dunedin were all set to go for 6 hours of mayhem. 30 minute stints x 12, so 3 races for each driver.

 

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1st heat ready to go.

 

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1st stint completed.

 

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2 hours done and a record for the day by Adam Bidwell of Blenheim, 431 laps.

 

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Slotmadmac cleaning the tyres of our tintop Lola

 

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Blenheim edging clear of the rest, this sector featured an epic duel between Graeme Saxton (Dunedin) & Mark "Branco" Millings (Hawkes Bay). They were neck and neck for virtually the entire race thrilling the large crowd with not only their driving skills but the constant banter between the pair of them, classic.

 

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With just an hour to go, driver fatigue started to set in and a couple of cars needed replacement tyres due to coming off the rim. NSR Challenge winner Alan Simpson won this segment in Black lane, the hardest of the 6 lanes.

 

The final results and driver performances.

 

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So congratulations to Blenheim on a fine victory.

L-R Dave West(DRW21), Andrew, Adam & Dad Neil Bidwell.

 

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The racing was just an excuse for some, the whole event was really just another well run, friendly get together that shows what can happen when grown men have a great hobby.

The late Mark Aston would have been so very proud that these people took time out to battle for a Trophy that bears his name.

Once again congrats to all, thank you Sue & Tony and your crew of helpers.

Safe travels all.

 

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2019 NZ RTR Nationals Gt 3rd

2017 NZ RTR Nationals NSR Classic 2nd

2017 NZ RTR Nationals Group C 3rd

2017 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd

2015 NSR Classic Challenge 2nd

2014 NSR Classic Challenge 3rd

2015 Garden City Invitation Overall Champion

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Great write up and another great event in Nelson. Thanks to Tony for hosting and to Dave for setting the cars up. With the exception of Branco, our Hawke’s Bay crew was completely outclassed, but as Branco pointed out, at least we finished in the Top 10.

Podiums are for short people.

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