However, it seems the mechanical gremlins that haunted them in 2006 have hung on for the start of 2007. Overheating problems attributed to an over boosting turbo and ECU issues resulted in the team’s new WRX being detuned to reduce the stress on the engine and to allow Glen and Matt to complete Day 1 in the hope of a more competitive day two.
Additional tuning and adjustment by crew chief, Stephen Raymond, allowed the pair to post some competitive stage times throughout day two. Whilst the engine issues were far from eliminated, the team took some comfort in the robustness of the new vehicle.
"We have isolated the causes of the overheating problems, but unfortunately there is no quick fix that we can implement here in service,” an optimistic Glen Raymond commented midway through day two. “I'm pleased with our stage times considering the issues we had on day one. The car handles well and I'm pushing as hard as I can under the circumstances."
It was shortly after the last service of the day that the crew were notified that despite their previous hard work, an alternator failure had ended the team’s event, two stages from the finish.
On his return to the service park Glen reflected on his weekend.
"I'm obviously disappointed, but at the same time I consider myself one of the lucky ones. Others have had bigger issues than me to deal with this weekend.
“Queensland has the reputation of being a hard event on crews and machinery. We have learnt alot about the new car that will help us when we compete in WA at the end of April. I had my first ARC drive in WA last year and loved it. I am really excited about going back to Busselton and Nannup," he added.
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