This course was basically an introduction to car control with very basic maneouvers, emphasizing on weight balance and car control. We were introduced to the slalom, staggered gate and finally an obstacle evasion exercise. It was a real eye-opener to a large majority of the participants on driving which we all take so much for granted.
Breakfast with the instructors before leaving for the Dato Sagor Track for a day of fun and learning.
The instructors' table:
Team BC Machine table, where everyone was proudly attired in their sponsor shirts. Thanks to Maxxis tires for their generous support.
Briefing by Sean Khoo (Lead instructor), with Yoong (aka MrNismo) and Joe-Han in the foreground listening on and adding comments, while all the participants listen intently.
Sean pointing out to all the participants how NOT to feed the crocodiles in Sg. Perak.
Sean's briefing of seating and steering work as all the participants look on.
Yoong was used as the puppet for demo purposes.
Sit up straight with wrists over the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel.
Yoong demonstrating steering gripping positions.
2 o'clock and 10 o'clock position.
3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position. 
All participants were warned not to drive "kung-fu style" as shown in the pic below because this prevents evasive steering work if emergencies do occur.
No "forklift" steering work as well as this will allow slip and eventual loss of control.
Yoong demonstrating the "push-pull" steering work where each hand only covers 180deg. of the steering wheel and there are no overlaps/crossing of arms.
Demo of pedal work where most importantly, the left foot should always be on the dead pedal except for de-clutching and re-engagement. This also helps you steady your upper body when turning.
Yoong was the marshall that day, directing traffic as everyone was ready to go for the slalom exercise.
First up was Jay Kang and his Perdana.
Next was Lao San and his super white Vios.
Ah Seow doing well with his Ford Sampan TX3 through the slalom.
Ah Aun and his E36 Bimmer had a good exercise through the slalom being a rear wheel drive.
Andre (003) with his lean, mean EG6 showed everyone it's handling prowess.
Andrew (Snappy) with the Silver Banana (Perdana) rolling from cone to cone, accompanied by the sounds of screeching tires.
Daniel's Civic SOHC did great despite a lack in power. But it's all about balance and driving finesse.
Ah Seow's Ford at it again. He couldn't get enough of the slalom. Look at the Sampan roll, yet Ah Seow handled it superbly.
Lao Heah and his powerful Accord. He handled it with much dexterity although the car was nose heavy. Great effort!
Participants were stopped as it was about lunch time and to respect the locals as its prayer time.
A few participants doing routine checks on their arsenal. Bert with his Mazda Interplay (as shown in pic with bonnet open).
After lunch, the instructors went to work straight away to set the track up for a low speed slalom which was to be done in forward then in reverse continuously. Yikes!
The Perdana's initiated the event while the instructors took timing.
Snappy's Perdana had an appetite for cones as it ate up at least 3 of them... In reverse!!!
The Civic had a smooth drive with no taste for cones. What can I say, it's an acquired taste! :)
The heavens clouded up and decided to favor us with some rain. It drizzled initially and soon started pouring cats & dogs. Naturally, we were quite pleased with the slippy surface and the E36 was taken out for a wringing in the wet.
Sean was requested to teach Lao Heah oversteer control but sadly, the rear brakes were not locking up. So another candidate car was chosen, Andrew's (Snappy's) Perdana, and Sean took it out to show us all oversteer control, handbrake turn, 360deg. flick, and j-turn in a single lane (no cones were harmed in this video!).
Not one to be left out, Yoong set off in his Caldina GT-four with both Andrews (003 & snappy) and Tougeking as passenger. They had a blast to be in a drifting SUV.
Not about to be outdone, Tougeking also joined in the slipping fun with his Touge Machine.
A picturesque view from the grand-stand as a majestic eagle flew by.
Lao Heah's application to get into Yoong's (MrNismo's) "over-the-drain" club.
Club president agrees that it's all good. *shows thumbs-up*
Sean looks on, "I heard tires, then throttle kau kau, then tires again. I told myself gone liao!"
Top row (standing) : Daniel, Ah Khoon, Lao Heah, Tan, 003, Henry, Ah Aun, Fasso.
Middle row (leaning over) : Jay, Tommy, Snappy, Kang, Lao San, Ah Seow.
Front row (squatting) : Botak, Yoong (aka MrNismo), Sean (aka Ah Sien), Joe-Han, Ah Bert.
That night at the chalet, the participants were cooling off in the beautiful pool, with permission from the staff for night use of course. All sorts of fun were had as you can view from the video.
As we were going to check out of the chalet the next morning, the hotel staff requested for a team picture to be taken. Naturally, being the nice chaps we were, obliged with the request in turn that our cameras be included :P
It was a great event and all participants had a fantastic time with a lot learnt. We at Team BC Machine would just like to wish the event organizers a HUGE thank you for all the times had. A successful event in totality.
Stay tuned to this blog for updates on future events!
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