Istra Challenge 2009 (English Version) - Page 3
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After a short night's rest we had to start Friday morning at 9 o'clock for a road book of approximately 70 km. Our plan was to keep second spot and drive with no excessive risk. The 1st place was not in reach anymore unless a mechanical failure happened.
It was splendid road book with long steep slopes and descents of 300m. In the 2nd special we hear a rattling sound under the Jeep ! After checking we see nothing. Then further but the crashing sound remained! We stopped, examined the jeep and what proved to be….
The rear right spring was broken in two! By means of a large attachment link we could hold back the spring and proceed to the last special. This was a very short technical special where little difference could be made. We finished smoothly on the 4rd spot and concluded the road book. By doing that we stayed on our 2nd spot.
First we went to eat and then we went again repairing the Jeep.
Saturday morning the briefing was held in the valley where the Trophy day took place. We had to form teams of 3 4x4’s. The Hongarian Boros shacked up with the pizza men. They were going to do everything to step up in the ladder. We formed a team with our Belgian friends Jo & Pieter and the Austrian Harald Seigfried well-known in 4x4 the world. The first test started with speed, in the last part we had overcome a steep slope. In the uphill slope we took the Samurai on tow and let our twin engine Gigglepin do the rest! Then the Suzuki went ahead and down the steep slope thru the finish. Then we went down, followed by the Austrian. We drove a good time.
The next test was a lot more technical with side hill slopes where our top winch could save us. And it did. We where watching our direct competitors in that special where they made a big error! The Italians drove over a tree where a ribbon was attached! 15 minutes sentence time!
Not good for the tree, but for us that good news.
We start the test and finish it perfectly. Then we went to the last winch stage. With no problems we succeeded that special. Thanks to Jo & Pieter and Harald which completed successfully this last day with us!
First we checked out, then I shifted the transfer case in 2WD and did a couple of joy donuts.
Pedal to the metal! Gloriously!
Then we went back to camp, loaded the trucks with our gear and put a new shirt on for the prize giving.
As expected the Hongarian Boros was well deserved first, we 2nd and the Italians 3rd !
After the prize giving we headed straight for home. Sunday afternoon were we in Aartselaar.
Thank Freddy for your fantastic co work and to everyone who has contributed to this success tale.
Thanks!!!!!!!
King of the Hill
