OBC 2006

[grimbo]

Well it lookesd like it worked, if the pics are anything to go by. that was one of my concerns about spectating at next years OBC, being able to get close enough to actually see anything.

[turps]

Well it lookesd like it worked, if the pics are anything to go by. that was one of my concerns about spectating at next years OBC, being able to get close enough to actually see anything.

I was only at Viewmont, so dont know about the other stages. But we did get people pretty close to the winching sections.

[revor]

Hi all. Keith here, back in the states and I’ve still got a lung infection from that tasty water at Veiwmont!!
Well we only succeeded in killing the car.. Engine, Tranny, One Tire, Two Propshafts, A brake line and many other “little things”. What a Comp!!!
For my first ever event I guess I picked a whopper! Going on information gleaned from my driver whose last comp was 5 years ago in Queensland I think we should have done a bit more homework! That said I didn’t kill him and we’re still talking..
As for the Event itself and the incredible people involved, from all the staff and their tremendous efforts, to the competitors who’s good nature and patience, finely tempers their competitive nature.. These people are all champions in my book!!
I ran with group ‘C’ somehow I always get placed in groups like this, you guys in group ‘C’ and those at the presentation know exactly what I mean, but in short a fun and “enthusiastic” group of guys. Many thanks to Mick and Norm, our guides through this endeavor! I think I can say for all of us in group ‘C’ that these guys where fun and relaxed, making the transport stages and camps more fun than they should have been!!
You guys all know who you are and I hope to come next year and watch you compete (taking a lot of notes here) and perhaps if sponsorship $$$ comes through I will be back as a driver (too broken up to be a Navi that’s for sure) I will be with you all in 2008 to compete…
I already miss OZ and the Outback, it is unfortunate that I did not have more time to simply Visit.. Next time..
Finally, to all of you thanks and happy trails..
Now all I have to do is explain that interesting Group C chant to my wife……
Keith

[legsx1]

As a spectator at the event, one has to ask one self, "WHAT DID I GET FOR THE $360 FEE PAID", what was my money spent on, 2 nights camp fees at a ghost town, a great dinner at the prize giving(I noticed quite a few sneaked a free meal) and cost towards the diesel that our trip leaders truck used.

I think the fee is far too high for what we got in return

Dont get me wrong, the competion was great and I am pleased I made the effort to visit and watch it, along with the other 20 or so kiwis.

Also I can not understand why they dragged group D from Nundooka into Silverton camp on the thursday night and then group D got up early in the morning and drove back to Poolamacca on the Friday morning, which was basically where we had come from on the Thursday. I ask why didnt we stay out there on Thursday night, which would of saved all that travelling on the bloody dusty roads.

Overall it was agreat event which us kiwis will be back again for stronger than before

[Linda]

Aloha people.... Just thought I'd add my 2 cents worth...

Being a medic/marshal for the outback challenge for the last 4yrs, I would have to agree that for what spectators pay, I dont think you'd get your money's worth.... everyone should become a marshal, as were always short.... then you get front row seats, awsome pics, and get to tell spectators off!!! hehehehehe....



Thank god no one got seriously injured this year... cheers to that!

See you all out there next yr.... hey turps.... ;-)

[RedRhinoProducts]

All I can say is WOW! From start to finish our trip to OZ was top notch. My father and I had no idea what we were getting into and I think that's obvious! Despite our heavy and bloated truck we did the best we could with what we had. I spent several days and nights wrenching with the help of the crew at Silver City, thanks Dennis, Kenny, Jason, Julie and everyone else! I don't know what was more fun to be honest, racing or hanging out at the shop. Dennis and Julie were kind enough to let us sleep out on the floor in the showroom for a few nights. I was met in the morning by Big John the local tow driver cooking my eggs. What a guy! He even helped us with a crane to pull our busted Disco off the tray into our trailer. Everyone was just stellar!

So much happened it's hard to re-cap it all so I just want to say thank you to everyone who was involved. This was a major learning experience for me and I was so lucky to bump into people like Norm Walters and Jason or Adrian from Rangie Automotive to help us along the way. At this point I'm not sure if people were happy to help in general or just felt sorry for us!

The biggest thing I have taken away from this event is "less is more" and "GU running gear is king." Hench the fact that the Disco is sitting at Adrian's shop waiting for GU drive line! Thanks Adrian! Once it arrives back to the states were going to chop it and tray back it. Ditch the rest of the weight and at that point we might actually stand a chance. Even though I might be hard pressed to stay out the whole time. Julies cooking and coffee at Silver City was awesome!

As a first timer a few things pissed me off like the whole tire issue...we purchased a new set of tires the day before the event because we thought it was right to play by the rules and then we here this shit about the Procomp guy "White Jeep??" stomping his feet talking about lawyers if they didn't let him run. Grow up or go home I say is it really worth cheating? I guess there's always someone... Other than that I was pleased with the way the event went off. In the future though the event coordinators should make more time available for internationals, that is if they want to expand the event entry base. Even at the point of the Awards Ceremony Paul and Sharyn STILL HADN'T introduced themselves to us. Only because we knew who they were already did we know them. Bad form..and to be honest kind of a slap in the face. Not that we were special or anything but we came from the other side of the world. A nice hello and introduction woudl have been nice!

We will be back to spectate in 07 and back to compete in 08 if all things go well. So many people helped us and I think we have made some new friends for life and I am so thankful. This experience was amazing for my father and I and I recomend it for anyone with bigger balls then brains to give it a go for the first event!

Cheers!

PS - If anyone has photos of our Disco and wouldn't mind emailing them please send them to jason@get-rhino.com

[Ruffy]

That was one of the best posts of read on the OBC so far red rhino. Glad to hear you had a ball. Sorry you busted your truck but that's the event!.. Having never been to the OBC this is mere speculation but with years in offroading and comps in oz i can tell you that those guys were happy to help, not just feeling sorry for you. The off road fratenity are like brothers, you need help, we help.
As for your comments on Paul and sharon i couldn't agree more. I clerk of course CAMS off road events and make special effort to make sure every competitor knows who i am, as they should. Well done for speaking up and hopefully they'll take notice and learn from there mistake.
I like your theory of the GU running gear under the disco, and chopping and traying it, BUT your still gunna have a disco!!!!!!!
Cheers

[bogged]

As a first timer a few things pissed me off like the whole tire issue...we purchased a new set of tires the day before the event because we thought it was right to play by the rules and then we here this shit about the Procomp guy "White Jeep??" stomping his feet talking about lawyers if they didn't let him run.

Nobody mentioned lawyers before, thats gotta be as weak as it gets. Welcome to the modern world

Glad you had a good time though

[meiamaro]

LAWYERS!!!
FLAME SUIT ON!
Welcome to the McDonaldisation of Australia.
No direct digs at our Overseas Competors.
Rules should be black & white.
Not grey, purple and green.

Ian.

[paratrooper3rar]

Mabe everyone should stop wihning about this tyre issue. I can see where your all coming from but mabe you should worry about your own cars first.
Hardly any of the vehicles that competed are actually engineered to comply with all roadworthy and registering requirements (as per the rules). The Jeep in question (yes we know who) is one of only a VERY small amount! Dont see ppl kicking a stink up about that one do we. Play nice kids...

[Ruffy]

The only real issue is wether or not the gauge that was used actually measures 37 inches. If it does then problem solved. There's no arguing with the gauge.

[Bighazza]

The only real issue is wether or not the gauge that was used actually measures 37 inches. If it does then problem solved. There's no arguing with the gauge.

I thought that it was 36.5 inches???

[bru21]

why do they even bother with the tyre rule, everything else is free and in tuff truck its not always the case that bigger is better, especially after a week of abuse i find it hard to imagine cars with 49's going the distance for a week without big smashed internals or getting 500klm range without costing weight

[krimnl]

why do they even bother with the tyre rule, everything else is free and in tuff truck its not always the case that bigger is better, especially after a week of abuse i find it hard to imagine cars with 49's going the distance for a week without big smashed internals or getting 500klm range without costing weight

you wouldnt want to follow a car with 44" tyres through a mud hole if you were on 36's , this is why the tyre rule must stay , the easiest way to regulate the tyre size is to have pre approved tyres listed by the ccda. tyres must be presented to the ccda for approval then they are added to the list of approved tyres

[planb]

the easiest way to regulate the tyre size is to have pre approved tyres listed by the ccda. tyres must be presented to the ccda for approval then they are added to the list of approved tyres

i agree

only so many tyres out there

why not just list the ones you can run and the ones you can't

[XTREME MMM]

These are tyre rules I use in my Xtreme 4X4 Sport Events (XWC & XI). There is no mix up and it is all clearly stated. And it is YOUR responsibilty to comply not mine to check.


5D. WHEELS AND TYRES

D1. Tyre and wheel combinations are restricted to a measured 940mm diameter and 350mm width. (These measurements are horizontal measurements with tyre pressure at 24psi). Wheel and tyre combinations can protrude past the vehicle body but such protrusions must be covered by flare material.

D2. Agricultural tyres and wheel chains of any type are prohibited.


All to simple, if it does not comply and another entrant puts in a protest that protest will be upheld and the offending vehicle will fail to place.

Cheers
David (MMM)

PS:- Rules are rules, but I still think the vehicles that were involved would still have come where they did even if they were using smaller tyres. It appears that the whole situation was handled wrong.

[stuee]

why do they even bother with the tyre rule, everything else is free and in tuff truck its not always the case that bigger is better, especially after a week of abuse i find it hard to imagine cars with 49's going the distance for a week without big smashed internals or getting 500klm range without costing weight

IMO allowing larger tyres is going to boost the cost required to be competitive in the event another few notches (not that its cheap anyway). If they start letting in the big tyres I see the big $ entries running beefed up dana 60's orother similar hd axles that cost a mint to run. Then the bigger engines needed to turn them and so on. MMM's rules are nice and simple and everyone can check using these rules at home with a $2 tape measure.

Would like to hear more on the vehicle and nature of complaints in question before I comment but I don't like the sounds of it. I never saw the outback challenge as turning into a corprate event but maybe thats the way its going.

[Ruffy]

Could be 36.5 I was more stating the point that the gauge is god.
I agree there needs to be a limit on tyres and i think it's good where it is. The cost issue isn't the main reason though cos in reality the OBC is finacially out of reach for most of us anyway. And as with all forms of motorsport you'll always find someone willing to spend the dollars as it grows. However we need to keep it realistic. I mean as it stands now there was not one vehicle that competed in the 2006 OBC that would pass a Victorian roadworthy inspection, as safe as they may be to drive at highway speeds, so could you imagine how it would look if we were expecting GU's on 44's with 12"s of lift to travel on public roads for transport stages. Also the best way to put all vehicles on a level playing field is to limit traction. The best way to limit traction is tyre size. Tyre size limits keep Vehicle parity at a reasonable level, Just as a control tyre does in V8's or F1's.

[YankeeDave]

5D. WHEELS AND TYRES

D1. Tyre and wheel combinations are restricted to a measured 940mm diameter and 350mm width. (These measurements are horizontal measurements with tyre pressure at 24psi). Wheel and tyre combinations can protrude past the vehicle body but such protrusions must be covered by flare material.

.

that means 37"x13.7"

[meiamaro]

Does anybody now the details
on car#50 Paul Gambell & Shane Barlow.

Showed a mate the photo's and he's curious on th vehicels
specs and whats been done.

Cheers Ian.

[tuf355]

MMM rules are the go , plus a tyre list and have a local pre- insection if you are unsure !!! rather than going to the comp and finding out you have a problem. this is why we didnt compete in the OBC this year as i feel the cage rules were also unclear !!!!!

[bogged]

Does anybody now the details
on car#50 Paul Gambell & Shane Barlow.

Showed a mate the photo's and he's curious on th vehicels
specs and whats been done.

Cheers Ian.

I think there is a post in this thread from Shane, you could PM him.

[MYTTUF]

Here is the latest link for Version 5.1 of the CCDA rules http://ccda.info/cms/index.php?name=UpD ... tit&lid=84 where under vehicle specs in "touring class" rule 4.4.1 states amongst other things....tyres up to 36.5 X 13.5 inch or 928mm X 343mm can be used.

Now I don't know how that statement can be difficult to understand or interpret but due to reasons beyond all our control it seems it was. Anyway the CCDA rules are in my opinion as clear as Mean Mr Metcalfs and it would appear there may have been a measuring gauge issue that started these claims.

Oh and I believe the front runners would have done well on any tyres and it was good to see a spread of different tyres in the top 15.
Procomp
Procomp
Simex
Simex
Micky Thompson
Procomp
Simex
Simex
Simex
Simex
Swamper
MTR
Swamper
Simex
Simex

It was a great event but some claims on here have been way over the top and incorrect and as has been already stated, have prolly harmed the creditability of this great board. Others who were there have given great pics and reports of this great event and Jacko, your pics at night made it look better than it actually was!!!

Jonesy

[turps]

MMM rules are the go , plus a tyre list and have a local pre- insection if you are unsure !!! rather than going to the comp and finding out you have a problem. this is why we didnt compete in the OBC this year as i feel the cage rules were also unclear !!!!!

The CCDA has a ruling on tyre size.
Problem was there where 2 guages. One that was used when Procomp said if we can run these we will sponser. So they passed (i dont know how they where mounted or if they where). Then Procomp Part sponsered a number of competitors tyres at a really nice price (some may have gotton freebies). And I dont know the full details, just rumour.

Then at srcutineering, they used the OBC guage. And a number of them didnt fit. So those that trailered there cars Where on brand new tyres.
Where as I chatted to Cass at one stage and he said his fit. But he had roaded his abit before the event.
Now if the tyres dont fit they should have been told to grindem down or find another tyre.
So teams like GQHOON did burn outs untill they fit. I dont know what other teams did. But theres pics a couple pages back of Pete fixing his.

As for the OBC guage it supposedily went to a couple of engineering firms to confirm its size.

CCDA 4.1.9
STD class 4.2.1
As per manufacture
4.3 TOURING CLASS
4.3.1 TYRES
Tyre sizes shall be limited to 33x12.5 or metric equivalent based on a gauge with internal
dimensions of 840mm and 320mm.
Track increase shall be limited to 50mm.
Tyres shall be enclosed within the width of mudguards and flares
4.4 TROPHY CLASS
4.4.1 TYRES
Tyre sizes shall be limited to 36.5x13.5 or metric equivalent based on a gauge with internal
dimensions of 928mm and 343mm.
Tyres shall be enclosed within the width of mudguards and flares
4.5 CHALLENGE CLASS
4.5.1 TYRES
Tyre size is free.
Tyres shall be enclosed within the width of mudguards and flares
4.6 OPEN CLASS
4.6.1 TYRES
Tyre size is free.

[GQJacko]

Others who were there have given great pics and reports of this great event and Jacko, your pics at night made it look better than it actually was!!!

Jonesy

What do you mean Jonsey? the 4 trucks that went through on our night stage were worth watching! Just it was all over rather quickly.

Photos dont lie - well not until the age of digital!

Honestly the night shots are as they came from the camera.

It was good to meet you Jonsey and hope to catch you again next year.


Remember everybody, stick to the facts in your tyre debate!


Thought for the day "Never argue with an idiot, people might not be able to tell the difference" LOL!


Cheers

Jacko

[MYTTUF]

Jacko
I'm kinda technically challenged with some things. Photography is one of them. I am simply stating that your night time pics were fantastic, looking even better than "live". I assume the pics were as you took them and that you've got some good equipment.
Good work!
And I'll prolly return again next year (possibly back as a navi???), if not again as a blue coat with the kids!!
Jonesy

[Coighty]

Does anybody now the details
on car#50 Paul Gambell & Shane Barlow.

Showed a mate the photo's and he's curious on th vehicels
specs and whats been done.

Cheers Ian.

G'Day Ian
What do you want to know about the car ?
We finished 45th, had some winch problems which cost us dearly,( thanks a f$#%ing lot warn), we got over those probs and were generally doing well untill thursday nigth at Denian when we lost oil pressure and done some engine damage. Pulled the sump off on sunday and have destroyed the conrod bearings ( 5200rpm without oil will do that ).
The car will be on display at national 4x4 show in sydney 23 - 25 june at the EFS motorsport display. If you want to know any other details of the car just let me know.
Cheers Paul (owner of the 80)

[GQJacko]

i know what you meant Jonsey - was just winding you up!

Cheers mate and catch you next year if not before.

Jacko

[GQJacko]

More pics of 2006 OBC

No particular order

Cheers

Jacko

[meiamaro]

G'Day Ian
What do you want to know about the car ?

Just a brief build list on mods etc.

Thanks Cheers Ian.