Update: Targa Newfoundland

JeffH · 07-08-2009

Hey, all.

Hopefully you remember me from last year - I was on making a passionate plea for a head gasket in the midst of Targa Newfoundland 2008.

We didn't finish last year (not for lack of a head gasket, though - we found one, but then discovered that the engine had other issues), but we're back and ready to go for 2009 in the same GT... this time with a spare engine waiting to go if we need it.

I know the rally is still a while off, but in case I get wrapped up in preparations, I thought I'd let you know: if you want to see how we're doing during the rally, you'll be able to cyber-spectate a few different ways:

1. I'm dilligently trying to get an APRS setup in the rally car. For those of you not familiar with ham-speak, this is an amateur radio setup that transmits our location to anyone in range. As long as we're in range of an i-Gate (a receiver that's connected to the internet), you'll be able to see our track on a map that I'll be putting on my web site. Now... keep in mind that this is kinda experimental. Also, you'll probably only see stuff when we're close to major cities like St. John's and Gander.

2. I'll be twittering from the rally. You'll be able to see my posts here.

3. If all else fails, they'll post scores as they get them at Rallyscoring.com.

The rally gets going on Sunday, Sept. 13 with the unscored prologue stages. The competitive part of the rally runs from Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18.

I'm excited for this year. I'm treating our experience last year as a dress rehearsal. Now, all the bugs are shaken out and we're set to go.

Rionart · 07-09-2009

Hi Jeff,
If you need a hand with the prep, let me know...I have some spare time at the moment, and a reasonable knowledge of Opels....
I know Derek (Welsh Wizard) is planning on spectating at the Targa, and if circumstances permit, I hope to be there too this year...fingers crossed.
Please keep us all posted as to your progress....
rgds, Rob.

JeffH · 09-01-2009

Hey, all. Sorry for not posting an update sooner.

This year's Targa is coming up quick. Everything's set to go for this year's rally. The car's already in St. John's (it never left, actually) and our service van will be leaving for the Rock in a few days.

Before, I mentioned the GPS tracking gear that I'm going to be using; I've got the system up and running, so you'll be able to see where we are in real time on my site at Rally Tracking or here: Location of VA3EMU-9 - Google Maps APRS

If anyone here is out in Newfoundland the week of the rally, feel free to drop by and say hello. There are a number of car displays and meet-and-greets scheduled; check the Targa web site for details.

JeffH · 09-03-2009

Bad news: the GT won't be running this year.

I got word from Rob, the driver and car owner, that he's withdrawing. Long story, but apparently some issues with the car arose and it needs more work than the time left until the rally allows.

Rob has cancelled his entry, but I've managed to find a spot on another team: Michael Salter's co-driver has taken sick, so I'll be filling in for him in the Austin Healey.

I know some of you are going to be in Newfoundland during the race, so if you go to any of the car shows or meet & greets, please say hello. You can probably find me somewhere around car 201. The Austin Healey's no Opel GT, but it's still worth checking out anyhow.

Rionart · 09-03-2009

Bugger....

RallyBob · 09-03-2009

Definitely a bummer! But good luck with the Healey....

07-08-2009	#1 (permalink)
JeffH Opeler Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Whitby, ON Posts: 8 Real Name: Jeff Hagan	Answered: Update: Targa Newfoundland Hey, all. Hopefully you remember me from last year - I was on making a passionate plea for a head gasket in the midst of Targa Newfoundland 2008. We didn't finish last year (not for lack of a head gasket, though - we found one, but then discovered that the engine had other issues), but we're back and ready to go for 2009 in the same GT... this time with a spare engine waiting to go if we need it. I know the rally is still a while off, but in case I get wrapped up in preparations, I thought I'd let you know: if you want to see how we're doing during the rally, you'll be able to cyber-spectate a few different ways: 1. I'm dilligently trying to get an APRS setup in the rally car. For those of you not familiar with ham-speak, this is an amateur radio setup that transmits our location to anyone in range. As long as we're in range of an i-Gate (a receiver that's connected to the internet), you'll be able to see our track on a map that I'll be putting on my web site. Now... keep in mind that this is kinda experimental. Also, you'll probably only see stuff when we're close to major cities like St. John's and Gander. 2. I'll be twittering from the rally. You'll be able to see my posts here. 3. If all else fails, they'll post scores as they get them at Rallyscoring.com. The rally gets going on Sunday, Sept. 13 with the unscored prologue stages. The competitive part of the rally runs from Monday, Sept. 14 to Friday, Sept. 18. I'm excited for this year. I'm treating our experience last year as a dress rehearsal. Now, all the bugs are shaken out and we're set to go.

07-09-2009	#2 (permalink)
Rionart Manta Maniac Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,186 Provided Answers: 3	Hi Jeff, If you need a hand with the prep, let me know...I have some spare time at the moment, and a reasonable knowledge of Opels.... I know Derek (Welsh Wizard) is planning on spectating at the Targa, and if circumstances permit, I hope to be there too this year...fingers crossed. Please keep us all posted as to your progress.... rgds, Rob. __________________ Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.

09-03-2009	#5 (permalink)
Rionart Manta Maniac Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,186 Provided Answers: 3	Bugger.... __________________ Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason.

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09-01-2009	#3 (permalink)
JeffH Opeler Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Whitby, ON Posts: 8 Real Name: Jeff Hagan	Hey, all. Sorry for not posting an update sooner. This year's Targa is coming up quick. Everything's set to go for this year's rally. The car's already in St. John's (it never left, actually) and our service van will be leaving for the Rock in a few days. Before, I mentioned the GPS tracking gear that I'm going to be using; I've got the system up and running, so you'll be able to see where we are in real time on my site at Rally Tracking or here: Location of VA3EMU-9 - Google Maps APRS If anyone here is out in Newfoundland the week of the rally, feel free to drop by and say hello. There are a number of car displays and meet-and-greets scheduled; check the Targa web site for details.

09-03-2009	#4 (permalink)
JeffH Opeler Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Whitby, ON Posts: 8 Real Name: Jeff Hagan	Bad news: the GT won't be running this year. I got word from Rob, the driver and car owner, that he's withdrawing. Long story, but apparently some issues with the car arose and it needs more work than the time left until the rally allows. Rob has cancelled his entry, but I've managed to find a spot on another team: Michael Salter's co-driver has taken sick, so I'll be filling in for him in the Austin Healey. I know some of you are going to be in Newfoundland during the race, so if you go to any of the car shows or meet & greets, please say hello. You can probably find me somewhere around car 201. The Austin Healey's no Opel GT, but it's still worth checking out anyhow.

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