The Targa 2009 is well under way and I have received some updates from “El Presidente” and team about progress to date. The reference to Ed in the following excerpts (and slight exaggeration from this author) is not a reference to the famous talking horse – it is in fact the “esteemed power behind the throne” who sent the “ed”ited version to me (for further editing! I expect there will be a (more accurate, truthful, and complete) report in an upcoming Dixi.
Without giving away all the details the run is going well despite highly changeable weather:
Day 1 – “Found the start line, found the car keys and of we go… All is well and Hampton Downs is fantastic” – and something about a billiard table – did he really have time to stop for a frame on the way round? On through the Waikato to arrive at wonderful Taupo. A couple of sessions on the track – wet and dry he called them – perhaps he’s into some DIY as well? (It is the ITM car after all) Finally headed into town for a show in Tuwharetoa Street – sorry that was – drove into Tuwharetoa Street for a car show (parc ferme overnight).
Gerry and Peter - Taupo Motorsport Track
Gordon at Taupo Motorsport Track
Of course the real effort was put in by the support crew – all that spit and polish and elbow grease – no wonder the car looks so good ladies. And the trusty mechanics – Robbie and Grant – kept the beast running for the boys.
Day 2 – “Found the car and the keys. Later that morning we caught up with the service crew in Piopio (where they had had a leisurely breakfast at the Fat Pigeon Cafe – perfect. Ed). The Dayle ITM BMW 635csi has once again performed faultlessly and the car has only required a spanner check & a clean at this service.”
Ailsa, Robbie and Grant - The Fat Pigeon Cafe
Then…
“The first stage after lunch was near Waitomo Caves which was yet again another fantastic road – fast & flowing. This then led us to the last stage before service in Otorohanga. Once again the car was going extremely well. Then suddenly….. 2kms from the end of the
stage it dropped a cylinder & we toured out of the stage, checked all the
plug leads etc then decided to drive to the service in Otorohanga (only 5km
away).”
So all you budding BMW mechanical experts – what was the problem??
Did the cylinder really fall out of the engine? Had the fuel line / injector thingie got blocked? Had the spark plug lead fallen off, or perhaps it was just a dead spark plug.
Good guesses (perhaps) but definitely no cigar.
The answer was… continued here…
