Tag Archives: McLaren

2013 Willall Mount Alma Mile Hillclimb

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DSC_0702Have you ever found yourself out driving on a sunny afternoon, and purely by chance discover an incredible little section of road you never knew about? You drive it for the first time with a grin on your face, and maybe even double back for another go at it. And then you start to think…. ‘wouldn’t it be cool if we could close this little section of road off for a hillclimb competition?’

DSC_0711That’s precisely how this previously unknown little country track, 10km out of Victor Harbor on the Yankililla road, became the fastest hillclimb course in the state. Now in its fourth year, the two day Mt Alma Mile event has quickly gained a reputation as a showcase for the state’s high performance tuners, as well as an accessible challenge for grassroots amateurs looking to test themselves against both the hill and other competitor’s cars.

DSC_0016You would very rarely ever find yourself at Mt Alma on the other 363 days of the year because it’s a road that kind of links nowhere to nowhere, and the fact that it turns to dirt at its summit even further reduces the likelihood of using it.

DSC_0029This is a huge shame, and every year I attend Mt Alma the sheer beauty of the countryside slaps me in the face, as if almost in laughter that this stunning countryside is just over an hour from the city yet I only ever come here once a year. Motorsport aside, you could just come here for a lazy Sunday picnic and have a great day out.

DSC_0013This has to be one of the most scenic pit paddocks in South Australian motorsport. Continue reading →

Real racing, just in 1/32 scale

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DSC_0103You’re behind the wheel of a Ford GT GT3 tearing down the back straight, door handle to door handle with a Gallardo GT3. The hairpin is looming, and one of you will have to yield to avoid an accident. Who will give first? Who will push that little bit too hard and spear off the track? Who will give it a little too much gas on exit, sending the tail into a drift and washing off valuable speed.

For most of us this is the stuff of dreams, but I’ve just had refreshed to me a way you can experience this, at 1/32 scale.

DSC_0114Slot car racing is certainly not a new thing, but I’ve never really tried it because I’d written it off as child’s play. But when a friend was taking his 1 year old to go slot car racing at Hobby Habit on Daws Road, I came along to have a shot. And I had an absolute blast.

Like anything, it is only as expensive as you make it – a good quality 1/32 Scaletrix car will set you back around $45-65 depending where you buy it. And you don’t even need to own the expensive track infrastructure – for just $5, Hobby Habbit on Daws road will let you use any of their 10 tracks for as long as you like. There’s fast and flowing tracks that are reminiscent of Phillip Island, tight and twisty street circuits like the Macau grand prix track, a banked oval speedway where you can achieve some pretty impressive speeds and your basic figure of 8 loops and beginner tracks.

c2812_porsche_spyder_dhl c3303_ford_wb_falcon C2974 Ferrari 308GTB 001Although you’ve gotta be careful when shopping for your car, because the sheer range and variety of obscure race cars of decades past that are available could easily end up costing you a fair sum. Restraint is needed.

DSC_0118And then you can get into modifying them for more speed. Carbon fibre chassis, bigger engines, magnesium wheels and grippier tyres are common modifications. I’ve even heard stories from my Dad about how he used to re-wind the electric motors, changing them from their regular 18-20,000rpm speeds to well past 70,000rpm, bringing much more speed and a distinctive high pitched howl.

I’m not really ready for another new hobby just yet, but slot car racing could be a cost effective way of fitting in some proper competition over the summer break. The first Any Given Reason slot car challenge? Hmm… maybe.