Written by Mark Mcalary
Track Day 25th January 2025
The team gathered at Sydney Motorsport Park for a Team Drive Day; an event designed to reward the efforts of the team during the 2024 season while providing valuable on-track experience for drivers. The day’s focus was on providing seat time, refining driving skills, and ensuring the car’s reliability through multiple stints.
At 8:30 AM, the team attempted a shakedown , but the HV system failed to turn on. The team quickly diagnosed the issue using the Orion BMS and conducted a thorough inspection of the accumulator. By 9:40 AM, after exhausting all trackside troubleshooting options, it was decided that the issue could not be resolved at the circuit, and the team considered returning to Wollongong. However, a last-minute fix resolved the problem, allowing the car to continue running.
Once the car was operational, the team resumed testing at 10:00 AM with the shakedown. After ensuring the vehicle was stable, minor track adjustments were made to optimise the layout before drivers began their runs.
The first driver went out at 10:30 AM, reporting strong grip and stability, making for an enjoyable drive. Following the session, mechanical engineers adjusted the chain tension and repaired a bearing to ensure smoother operation for subsequent runs. Throughout the day, multiple drivers completed their stints, each providing valuable feedback on the car’s handling and performance. Some noted the car’s responsiveness and grip, while others highlighted areas where minor refinements could enhance drivability. Adjustments were made between sessions, including chain tension checks and bearing fixes, to maintain peak vehicle performance.
At 2:00 PM, the car was placed on charge, allowing for a brief break before the final rounds of driving. Once recharged, the team took the car for a run, noting the weight of the steering and providing additional driver insight. As the afternoon progressed, each driver had another stint until the car’s energy was fully depleted.
Driving concluded at 4:30 PM, with the team packing up and departing SMSP by 5:00 PM. Despite early technical challenges, the day provided valuable seat time for the drivers and an opportunity for the team to assess the car’s performance, or future design ideas.
We are very grateful to be back and can’t wait for the upcoming 2025 campaign!
Finally a new blog post!