It sounds like the Australian events (called "Motorkhanas") are essentially
the same as the british driving tests. We have b/n 6 and 8 club
motorkhanas per year, state championships consisting of 10 - 12 rounds
and a single event national championship.
Classes are divided into wheelbase-based classes with subclasses for fwd,
rwd and 4wd.
There is also a class for specials - most commonly these are space-frame
jobs that use a front wheel drive engine/gearbox mounted at the rear of
the car (driving the rear wheels of course). These usually have 'fiddle'
brakes as well - an extra pedal to operate only the rear brakes.
You get very good at pedal dancing, handbrake turns and quick steering.
On occaision I have even had my tennis elbow flare up after a particularly
vigous motorkhana.
The surface can be grass, dirt or sealed. The tests for championship events
are all chosen from a book of standard tests - dimensions are mandated for
these tests. Club events often see a bit of improvisation in shape or
dimension.
For example, when the Spridgets are invited to a big Healey club motorkhana,
the dimensions are often 2 or 3 times the book standard!!!!!
There are tough penalties for hitting cones, failing to stop in a 'garage'
or
going the wrong direction.
The best motorkhana drivers are a true sight to behold!
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Phil Ethier" <pethier@isd.net>
To: "John J. Black" <transmancat@bbnow.net>; <AH1962SP@aol.com>;
<ARoman4047@aol.com>; <british-cars@autox.team.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 16, 2000 10:29 PM
Subject: Re: UK fleet driving test = USA autocross?
> From: John J. Black <transmancat@bbnow.net>
>
>
> >Hi Phil
> >Sorry to say the British Auto test scene is nothing like the American
> >Autocross, I happen to like both, the US version is a twisty circuit
> against
> >the clock. The Auto test is testing driving skills including backing into
a
> >small spaces, getting close to cones etc without hitting them and other
> such
> >fun ideas, plus your against the clock. It usually involves lots of
parking
> >brake turns and a great deal of steering wheel twirling, often lock to
lock
> >in a short space of time.
>
> What we used to call funkhana (variation of gymkhana which was synonymous
> with autocross in the Twin Cities in the 60s.
>
> I drove an excellent funknana (the funkhana was excellent, my driving of
it
> was not) at the Vintage Triumph Register national convention a few years
> back. The theme was "Alice in Wonderland". Very imaginative, and lots of
> fun was had by all.
>
> Phil Ethier Saint Paul Minnesota USA
> 1970 Lotus Europa, 1992 Saturn SL2, 1986 Chev Suburban
> LOON, MAC
> pethier@isd.net http://www.visi.com/mac/
>
>
>
>
|