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Report by Nick Morris |
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Having taken possession of XRAYâ s T2 008 EU tourer prior to the ACT Indoor Titles in July, my focus was on the Super Stock title at the 2008 EP On-Road Nationals, which were to be held at Canberra's premier and only recently revived, asphalt track at "Kambah". With my first real opportunity to test at the track being the warm-up meet, I reviewed several set-up sheets available on the Internet to gain a base set-up. The warm-up revealed grip levels at the still green Kambah track as low to medium with a view that grip would increase over the following week of practice as VHT (traction compound) was applied. |
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My Set-up
As local, all previous set-ups utilised a front-way due to the open, flowing nature of the track, coupled with low roll centres and a high final drive ratio. I also opted for the thin upper deck available as a factory option. At the warm-up meet, my chosen set-up was close to the mark with only minor changes being made to roll centres and spring rates as we progressed through each round. The biggest change to my set-up was in the final rounds with a move to a spool instead of a one-way, made specifically due to the forecasted "wet" weather expected for weekend of the Nationals. |
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Qualifying
Saturday brought rain, as predicted and only two rounds of qualifying were completed of the planned five rounds, which saw me, gain maximum points in both qualifiers. My XRAY handled the cooler conditions best, with the multi-diff spool set-up. With rain delays throughout the day, I resisted the urge to make changes to my set-up. The only changes being a move to the lighter spool at the front to reduce the rotating weight. Shortly after, the rain set in and Day 1 qualifying ended. |
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Sunday saw the weather deteriorate even further with the morning a complete washout. The forecast suggested clearing showers in the afternoon, which allowed for the 3rd round of qualifying to be completed. The result saw a slower qualifying round across the class, with me once again topping the results with 50 points. With the announcement that qualifying would be shortened to 5 rounds only, I was guaranteed TQ.
The rain then settled in again and a decision was made to abandon the rest of Sundays racing. State delegates decided to utilise the planned rain day with the decision to run a single qualifying round and then move straight into the finals.
Monday morning bought sunshine and warmer weather, a more than welcome change for all the racers who had chosen to stay and compete. The 4th round bought with it increased track temperature and increased grip levels. This translated to my XRAY breaking into the 20 laps with a 5:13sec, a full 8 seconds quicker than my next competitor.
With 4 rounds of qualifying and a perfect 100% record, the XRAY domination was complete taking TQ with a further 4 XRAY s filling the minor placing for the A main finals. |
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Finals
A Main1 - With a not so clean start with the 2nd placed car stranded on the grid and then myself, clipping the inside board going into turn 1. I managed to maintain my position and settle into my rhythm. The balanced set-up of my XRAY meant no significant changes in handling as my tyres came up to temperature. About three or four laps in, I was able to apply maximum pressure to the rest of the field, which saw me pull away and secure a comfortable victory. |
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A Main 2 - A first corner accident, which resulted in me being on my roof and having to be marshalled. Coming from last place and having to make up a large deficit, I set about the task, regaining several positions after the first few laps. I continued to improve on my position getting myself back to 3rd by lap 4 and finished the race in 2nd. |
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A Main 3 - The pressure is on. A clean start saw me stay in front for the entire race. Similar to the first A Main, the race was uneventful with me settling into a rhythm, I continued to pull away with a consistency of 0.15 for the race. |
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Super Stock (10.5)
1 Nick Morris (TQ) XRAY T2'008
2 Aidan Kelly
3 Craig McPhee
4 Darren Laughlin
5 Kyle Hazell
6 Grant Mount XRAY T2'008
7 Adam Clarke XRAY T2'008
8 Rick Austin
9 Mark Wallin
10 Ben Armstrong Team XRAY
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A win in the final race saw my XRAY T2â™008 EU and I achieve a National Title and along the way, set a track record and fastest lap for Super Stock. Overall, a dominant display by XRAY, dropping only a single point across the seven races. |
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Modified
1 Simon Nicholson (TQ) 2 Darrin Campbell
3 Ryan Maker Team XRAY
4 Peter Jovanovic Team XRAY
5 Steven Jovanovic
6 Andrew Abbott
7 Tim Lee Team XRAY
8 Troy Laughlin
9 Brad Vercoe
10 Michael Clarke Team XRAY
Stock
1 Grant Mount (TQ) Team XRAY
2 Rodney Maslovsky
3 Russell Freeman
540 (Demo Class)
1 Bob Beniston Team XRAY
2 Michael Hudson (TQ)
3 Calvin Holmes |
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Thanks must go to Custom Model Cars Australia for supplying the ultimate touring car, the XRAY T2â™008 EU edition. The soon to be release evolution of the T2, the T2â 009 will surely continue to raise the bar for touring car racers, and ensure the XRAY dynasty continues into the future. |
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