MINI JAM 2008

It wasn’t any fun putting a drag car onto a trailer and packing the car in the rain, but the fine Queensland weather at Toyo Tires Sport Compact Group Mini Jam ‘08 made us forget all about that. Being the second round of the series, and with good points from the first round, we were keen to beat the Queenslanders at their own track. Unfortunately, there was another motorsport event in NSW which reduced the quantity, but not the quality of the competition!

Blacktrack Performance was showcased with 6 cars racing, including Pat’s ‘Critta’ RX3 (ST289), Shane’s ‘1JZ747′ Cressida (STRWD), Michael Cunningham’s ‘MAZDAA’ 1200 Coupe (STRWD), Phil Penny’s 1.8L turbo Fiat Honda S600 (ET) and Kym Vonholdt’s daily RX7 (STRWD).

The mornings’ session went well for the boys, especially for Shane who once again thrashed his PB with a 9.59 @ 155MPH and then a 9.364@ 156MPH ET, resetting the STRWD record books. Michael’s best qualifyer was a very respectable 12.45 @ 109.78 MPH.

Our afternoon session started off with a bad gearchange run of 10.74 @ 139MPH. This was soon forgotten with the next run netting a 10.181 @ 141MPH. The 3rd qualifying run, despite a red light on the tree, finally gave us the ET we’ve been chasing with the 520RWHP set up - 9.89 @ 146MPH. The incar camera decided to only record a few seconds pre burnout, so no incar footage is available for the run. This is close to my PB of 9.806, which was run almost 3 years ago with a different manual transmission combination and 100RWHP more.

Pat Long made various wheelie bar adjustments on his RX3 to try and tame the launches, but to no avail, netting a best of 9.98 @ 122MPH in qualifying. Phil Penny’s Honda ran very well with a best of 10.579 @ 121.85MPH. The top qualifyer for ST289 was QLD’s own Tim Kreis in the ‘Bushpig’ Cortina with a 8.297 @ 162.87

Unfortunately, the eliminations didn’t last very long for us, as we were knocked out first round by newcomer Daryl Parker in his red TAS Performance RX7, with a 10.4 on a 10.0 dial in to Daryl’s 8.878 on a 8.75 dial in. Pat and Phil made it through to the finals, with Pat taking the lose against Daryl, and Phil took a well deserved win against Brad Cooper.

We took the opportunity to do a couple of grudge runs during the night. Due to the 9.89 earlier in the day, it was decided to set the next boost level and try for a PB. Unfortunately, the 60ft time was slow, but with good clean gear changes, we managed a 10.003 @ 146.34MPH. The trap speed is the fastest ‘7SINS’ has ever gone, giving the parachute a good work out. The second run was a non event for us with a bogged launch and ET of 10.524 @ 143MPH. The surprise, however, was in the other lane, with Michael running a PB of 11.45 @ 119.4MPH in his 1200 coupe.

Once again, all cars drove onto the trailers with no issues, and arrived home safe. Big
thanks to all who support the series, whether it be a sponsor, competitor or as a spectator in the stands.

We are all looking forward to kick arse at the upcoming 3rd round -Compak Attak- at WSID, Sydney, on May 18th.

See you there!

Official event results www.sportcompact.net.au