Leadfoot Festival

[Shano]

I spent Saturday at the Leadfoot Festival, Rod Millen's new hillclimb event. It was very well done with a magnificent property that has been purpose-developed for the hillclimb. The track was very challenging with some gnarly drop-away bumps, hairpin bends and lots of sections that took drivers by surprise by changing persona as the cars went faster - and in some cases this caught competitors out badly with a few very bent cars (fortunately no drivers were harmed in the making of this event).

Top competitors on Saturday were Andrew Hawkeswood (Evo), Emma Gilmour (in Possum Bourne's Coronet Peak Impreza), Clark Proctor in the mighty turbo V6 Escort, Phil Mauger in the ex-Hulme McLaren M23 (I didn't think those things had enough lock to get round the corners) and of course Rod Millen in the Toyota race truck - not much of Toyota left inside that fire-breathing monster.

But there were heaps of other magnificent cars there and bloody good peddlers, I thoroughly enjoyed it, but was unable to get there for the top 10 - shootout today. I hope someone else can fill in with the results, but in the meantime a few images.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_0005.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_0012.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9801.jpg

More later

I don't know why this photo has come up twice and I can't get rid of it - but the driver was a woman, she was very good and gave it a good thrashing.

[Shano]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9964.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9928.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9943.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_0038.jpg

[Rod Grimwood]

The woman in the blue monster is an amazing lady the way she physically throws it around. And she is no spring chicken either, saw her at Hampton last year.

[PaulieG]

Those are some awesome machines at the festival. Would be very nice to hear them roaring up the hill in person!

[GeebeeNZ]

Good news guys if you enjoyed the old ones on the hill (or missed them) nearly all the pre 1960 cars are VCC members who will be racing at the Roycroft Trophy event Hampton Downs April 14th and 15th. That includes Anne's 1906 Darraq, Rob's Gypsy Major engined Riley, Danny's Red Lancia Kappa, Terry's Bugatti, Peter's Alfa Monza etc plus Formula Juniors. Seeing them race together at Hampton Downs is a real spectacle and you get a chance to see them all up close and talk to the owners. www.waitemata.org

[Shano]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9863.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9860.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9869.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9852.jpg

[Shano]

Video clip.


http://youtu.be/PaBN0iO-ZJE

[Kiwiboss]

Great DVD footage Shano, and looks a whole bunch of fun with great weather but am i missing something looking at this? "Very Few Spectators"? mind you, i thought about going until i found out the ticketing prices!! Hmmmmmm. Maybe Mr Millen didn't want any crowd?

Dale

[David McKinney]

Looks like a fantastic event - thanks for taking us there, Shano

Is the red No.51 single-seater a modern build, or should I be kicking myself for not recognising it?

[GeebeeNZ]

David No 51 is Neil Tolich's Jocko Special. A Formula Junior imported from USA a few years ago. I think it has a Fiat 1100 in it.

[Shano]

Kiwiboss - the crowd wasn't big but a friend of mine who knows Rod said the event is not about making money so the size of the crowd is not a concern. I'd have guessed 500 - 600 people and I would also guess that this is about creating a motorsport legacy.

I always enjoy being able to get up close and personal to the cars and drivers so thanks to those who left the car bonnets up and were so happy to talk about the work they'd done on the cars. The quality of engineering and the commitment to presentation were astonishing.

I loved it. Hillclimbs were always one of my favourite events to watch and this one is a doozy. I'll be back for sure.

[Lee Tracey]

Thanks for the coverage shano. Can I have some more please sir?

Along with the small numbers the crowd seem noticable for the similar lack of support for the period clothing as at NZFMR.

Were either of the F40s genuine?

Cheers
Lee

[RogerH]

Thanks for the coverage shano. Can I have some more please sir?

Along with the small numbers the crowd seem noticable for the similar lack of support for the period clothing as at NZFMR.

Were either of the F40s genuine?
Cheers
Lee

One F40 was the real thing the other had a Lexus motor in it.

The event was beyond belief - really fantastic for entrants (or should I say invitees). I was fortunate to have three of my cars running there and the track was challenging and daunting. The social side was excellent with a cocktail party one night, a ball the next with a sit down dinner and then the lead from ZZ Tops playing for the guests ............

[Shano]

RogerH - which cars were yours? I might have some images of them - I have some more that I haven't put up.

[David McKinney]

David No 51 is Neil Tolich's Jocko Special. A Formula Junior imported from USA a few years ago. I think it has a Fiat 1100 in it.
Thanks Geeb

[Chris Kitzen]

Yep Dale the tickets weren't cheap for sure. I definitely wanted to go but wasn't planning on going due to the cost but ended up with three days there crewing (did virtually nothing) on the Vantage Subaru so no cost to me. Hard to know what you missed if you haven’t been but now if I don’t get the opportunity to crew again next year I would certainly pay to go at least one day – probably Sunday. It is just such a fantastic event and worth the money for sure. I understand Rod has a 10 year commitment to run it so it will be interesting to see the development each year.

[RogerH]

RogerH - which cars were yours? I might have some images of them - I have some more that I haven't put up.

The A40 Special and the Lola Mk2 (that unfortunately retired after two runs with clutch problems) plus the GeeCeeEss which Donald Suckling drove.

Any photos would be appreciated.

[PhotoSmith]

[QUOTE=RogerH;11640]One F40 was the real thing the other had a Lexus motor in it.

Peter Sunberg = Real
6921

Steve Cox 'Unreal'
6922

[PhotoSmith]

A great event, great cars, great drivers, can't wait till next year.
Only went on the Saturday, here are a few photos.......starting with the Millens.

6923
6924
6925
6926
6927

[PhotoSmith]

try again

[conrod]

I just have to echo what has already been said. I wasn't planning on going, but friends who were already there were calling and told me I had to come. So I went on Sunday, and was quite blown away by it all. One of the most amazing and best organised Motorsport events I have ever attended. The venue was amazing, the food was amazing, the cars were amazing, the people were amazing (everyone was SO friendly, including security and staff!) Not just for the blokes, plenty of woman there who looked like they were enjoying the event. (I am told the Saturday night ball was incredible)


Another little thing I noticed, there was no rubbish on the ground anywhere! (and I mean none!) Not a whole lot of rubbish bins to be seen, most were positioned by the food stalls. But I think it is fair to say everyone present was mindful and respected of what Rod had laid on,and this was really nice to see. For a fairly large event, this sort of immaculate crowd behaviour is pretty much unheard of these days. Says a lot about the type of people attending too I think.

Rod and his small team have done an amazing job, and must be congratulated.:) I will definitely go again next year for the whole event and can recommend to anyone.

Conrad Timms

[AMCO72]

Now, I have been reading all this guff on here about this event; how EVERYTHING was lovely...the people, the cars, the entertainment, the venue etc etc etc. It almost sounds as though there is something missing here.....like the heavy hand of officialdom!! Because the event was invite only, and conducted on private land, IS that how it was.....ie no need for officialdom? I don't know, it just sounds like the old days when we all had FUN. But of course the VCC folk are a bit like that....more relaxed, more willing to show and talk about their motors. Some of them are a bit 'funny' but they are real enthusiasts. Of course once the word gets out everyone will want to be part of the action. Fortunately, that wont happen. I am looking forward to the Roycroft event at HD in a couple of weeks; was a blast last year and should be even better this. Now, how can I trick the VCC into accepting my old MG1100 into being able to compete.

[Shano]

Amco - the only real officialdom was the marshals who I found firm but pretty friendly. Of course there's always someone who wants to stand in the danger zone and get annoyed when asked to leave. Oh and the two women policing the entry to the VIP food tent were pretty scary too - just ask me how I know.

The general layout of the "driveway" meant the best spectating areas were out of harms way and there were plenty of good spots to watch the action.

I have a request for any other photographers - Russell who owns the Suzuki RN 400 motocross bike is after some photos of it running - if anyone has one can they post them up here (Russell is going to have a look on here as well) - it's a seriously rare and historic machine and was fired up for the first time on Friday after a painstaking restoration.

This is the bike in the display area.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/benderboat/IMG_9823.jpg

[Greg Stokes]

WOW what an event with an awesome atmosphere, excellent venue etc. I met up with Tony Thacker of the Wally Parks NHRA Museum on the Thursday and headed down. On the Saturday he offered me a drive up the hill in the El Caballo 1927 Ford roadster that was built by Ak Miller. In 1953 it was in the Pan America race and was driven from California to Mexico and came 8th in a large sports car class. Neat thing considering my job at NZHRM is the fact that this car was the US Hot Rod Magazine Special!

This car is usually on display at the museum but the opportunity to drive this legendary car is something to remember for a long time. Powered by an Olds Rocket engine - it certainly hauls! It was a bunch of fun! I spun it out and gathered it up, kept the shoe in and skittered my way up the hill. Other drivers included Tony, Silky and Ron Hope from the Rat Trap Racing fuel altered team. It was a fantastic weekend all round and is a must do for next year.

Greg Stokes
NZHRM

[4dnut]

I can't rave about this event enough, it was spectacular! I am sure it will only grow.I competed
and left my wife in charge of the camera. Would anyone have any photos on my Escort?
White MK1 Zakspeed style(Castrol stripes)

[Shano]

This car is usually on display at the museum but the opportunity to drive this legendary car is something to remember for a long time. Powered by an Olds Rocket engine - it certainly hauls! It was a bunch of fun! I spun it out and gathered it up, kept the shoe in and skittered my way up the hill.
NZHRM

So that was you - that thing looked extremely hairy, plenty of power and not a lot of traction, suspension or steering. Congratulations on your run on Saturday - a most entertaining effort.

[PhotoSmith]

..........
It was a bunch of fun! I spun it out and gathered it up, kept the shoe in and skittered my way up the hill......

Greg Stokes
NZHRM

It certainly looked like a lot of fun from the otherside of the tape.

[GD66]

Go hard, son !
I feel the urge to paint eyes on the headlights, though....maybe too many cartoons as a kid...:o

[Steve Holmes]

Hey Greg, that must have been a real blast! Love the pics Martin, thanks for posting. Greg, where did you get the period race suit and helmet? Was the car on cross-plies or radials? Kind of look like radials to me.

[Steve Holmes]

I can't rave about this event enough, it was spectacular! I am sure it will only grow.I competed
and left my wife in charge of the camera. Would anyone have any photos on my Escort?
White MK1 Zakspeed style(Castrol stripes)

I love your car! Did your wife get any shots of you?

[4dnut]

I love your car! Did your wife get any shots of you?

That's the problem, I left her with the camera, which means I have no photos,does anyone have any?
Please help!!

[PhotoSmith]

That is one mint looking & sounding car you have, these are from the afternoon run on saturday.

[PhotoSmith]

Random collection of Open wheelers............

[PhotoSmith]

Rally cars this time......including Murphy's coming together with a tree.

[PhotoSmith]

Finally some saloon cars......

[4dnut]

That is one mint looking & sounding car you have, these are from the afternoon run on saturday.

Hi Martin,
Can I purchase photos from yourself? Do you have any others? It would be nice to have some photos from this event as I reckon is was quite special. I was really happy how the car went up the hill considering it wasn't really suited for this type of event. A couple people said to me it sounded quite good but it is hard to know in the car with a helmut on. I keep raving to people how cool this event was, I would love to do it again next year but if I don't i will be back as a spectator.

[PhotoSmith]

Hi Martin,
Can I purchase photos from yourself? Do you have any others? It would be nice to have some photos from this event as I reckon is was quite special.

Yes, Yes, and I've sent you a PM with my details, Cheers MS.

[PhotoSmith]

The A40 Special and the Lola Mk2 (that unfortunately retired after two runs with clutch problems) plus the GeeCeeEss which Donald Suckling drove.

Any photos would be appreciated.

only 1 of your A40, none of the Lola - did this only run on Friday?, and a sequence of the GeeCeeEss
at the 2nd hairpin.

Cheers
MS

[RogerH]

only 1 of your A40, none of the Lola - did this only run on Friday?, and a sequence of the GeeCeeEss
at the 2nd hairpin.

Cheers
MS

Thanks - nice photos. The Lola only ran on the Friday and had clutch problems - it didn't like being slammed into 1st gear to get up the hill.

Here is a photo of the Lola (somehow I've ended up with two photos??)

[Greg Stokes]

Go hard, son !
I feel the urge to paint eyes on the headlights, though....maybe too many cartoons as a kid...:o

Yeah its got funky looks hasnt it?


Hey Greg, that must have been a real blast! Love the pics Martin, thanks for posting. Greg, where did you get the period race suit and helmet? Was the car on cross-plies or radials? Kind of look like radials to me.

Yes it was a real blast Steve! The period suit and helmet was what Tony Thacker brought over with the car. Yep - radials.


It certainly looked like a lot of fun from the otherside of the tape.

Thanks it sure was.

[AMCO72]

I just know I'm going to get shot down over this one, but here goes.....In MY opinion, the Guys and Gals that drive old open-wheel race cars and sports cars should be required to wear open-faced helmets. Steve commented on how great the driver of the El Caballo hot-rod looked in his period suit and helmet...and another shot a bit later of a driver of an old 'something'...possibly an Aston, looked equally period in his flying goggles and leather covered helmet, and the GeeCeeEss driver and others. I have always thought full-face helmets look slightly ridiculous on drivers of older cars......yes yes yes...I know there is the safety thing and all the rest, but come on fellas, fork out another $200 on an open-face Bell and you will really look the part. As it is now, the whole image is ruined......Stig especially so.

[Rod Grimwood]

If you saw the person laying in the middle of the track at Phillip Island after being ejected out of the Cooper Bristol you would wonder about this behaviour of "period" helmets and belts (non in some case's). OK it is Classic but lets live and enjoy it. How often do you hear "I was just going for a run" after a bit of bad news.

On better note, looks like another brilliant week end and Rod and family along with band of happy helpers are to be congratulated again. Rod has always had that foresight and profesionalism and that is what got him to the top along time ago.

[Dave Silcock]

Once again I'm with you on this one Amco especially if your in an old saloon ,what the hell do you need a full face helmet for. When I drove my Cooper Vincent I used a full face, with such a tiny screen its the only way one could see.

[AMCO72]

Would really like to have oldfarts comments on this, as it is the VCC boys who I am thinking of here. Actually, in the event of a crash both styles will give the head reasonable protection, it is the neck that is the problem, and with the extra weight of a full-face, the neck is going to come in for some serious shaking. I always thought that the full-face idea was developed for the motorcross riders to stop all the shit getting thrown in their face, and then it went from there. Bike helmets are constructed a bit differently from car helmets anyway, as they are designed for a ripping or skidding action. I am sure I was born in the right generation, when we rode Triumphs and Nortons in a T shirt, shorts and jandals, and I'm still here to tell the tale!!!!!!!....Lucky ???......probably, as we used to regularly sit on 80 to 90 mph between Lincoln College and Christchurch back in 1959, 20 miles of sheer bliss; can still here the 750 Bonneville as I write this!!!!!! The modern generation of riders will never know the thrill that that sort of riding gives. Perhaps only farmers on their quad bikes get the same feeling.......I think it is called 'Shooting the Breeze'.

[Oldfart]

Gee Gerald I feel honoured! Personally I love the look of "period correct" but I suspect the authorities would make it a no go. For Targa I have always used an open face, but also use a neck brace (speedway style cuff)
My own Ford 10 special has a hideously ugly rollbar, it buys a few brownie points, but even she says it's so ugly. I also use belts, very unperiod. I am using a full face for Roycroft, but only because I have yet to find a halfway decent visor which will go over the glasses and also fit the helmet. Living in the stix makes finding these things a bit hard!
Ron Roycroft apparently said "you have to have a bit of attrition", but that might mean a few of us would not be allowed out to play!
Angus wears a full face?
FWIW #1 son is now in Pomland designing the new breed of Bonnies etc!

[Grant Ellwood]

Had a quick skim through some US vintage racing magazines,couldn't find any pics of guys wearing open face helmets but perhaps most organisers mandate full-face for liability reasons. I wouldn't wear open face any more, if you are in an open car you could get smacked in the face by debris With an old saloon there is the risk of the car folding up in a frontal impact and the driver's chin contacting the steering wheel a la Earnhardt, result - basal skull fracture. I agree about the looks of period style gear but safety is paramount rhese days.

[Paul Wilkinson]

The period look is fantastic but I imagine there would be huge liability issues if you made it compulsory. Making a driver wear a piece of kit that is not as safe as the 'best' choice could have huge repercussions. I suppose everyone should have the right to wear the safest kit they can find/afford. I fully agree on the aesthetic though. In a similar vein, I've seen quite a few historic cars ruined by modern roll protection...

[AMCO72]

Paul, don't get me started on roll-bars. If the cars never had them when they were raced, is it mandatory that they are retro-fitted. Some, in fact most of them, no ALL of them, are hideous. I know there was a case a year or so ago concerning a Buckler that turned up, as it had raced some decades before without a roll frame, and was refused a run, and a lot of ill feeling ensued. Just take a look at the blue and white Austin Healey 100 S with the after-market hoops and you will see what I mean. The helmet thing is of course down to personal choice, and here I was not saying that we race with cloth helmets and aviator goggles, but use open faced ones purely for the 'look'. The biggest problem with the Historic Racers is the drivers right foot......as Dale Mathers keeps telling us SLOW DOWN. I will have a look at some Goodwood videos, and will also have check-up at the Roycroft festival to see who is wearing what.

[AMCO72]

Amerikiwi says that 'safety is of paramount importance today'. Why should it be any more important today than say 40 or 50 years ago? Was 'safety' a word we didn't know in the old days? Maybe in America one can get sued pretty smartly for any misdemeanor, but that is not the case here in NZ.....yet. I seem to remember signing indemnity forms absolving the promoters from any litgation bought against them. I haven't signed one of these for years, or is it taken that once you have entered an event that indemnity is automatic. Anyway when I am watching Historic Racing these days I try not to look at the bits of pipe behind the driver, put there to save his head in the unlikely event of a roll-over, and in NZ it has been very unlikely amongst the Classic brigade.

[RogerH]

With helmets and old single seaters, I run a full face on the track but an open face in hill climbs. The reason is that in circuit racing with other cars, stones etc often get flung up from cars in front and I've had some big chips out of the lower part of the full face helmet (which would have been my face in an open helmet). At Leadfoot I ran an open face with goggles which looked period to the car.

With rollbars, the MSNZ rules are that if your car is pre 31 December 1960 who only need to meet or exceed period rollbar configuration. With the Lola I have no roll hoop and with the A40 Special a roll hoop that only comes half way up my back - both cars would look strange and out of period with roll hoops 50mm above the helmet.

[Grant Ellwood]

I totally agree with the period "looks" but the fact is these days driver deaths or serious injuries are almost unacceptable. I'm not a fan of how sanitised it has become, I thought it was a real shocker that he final Indy race at Vegas was halted after a few laps because Dan Wheldon was killed. In our day practice and qualifying deaths were shrugged off and the show went on. When I worked for Bryan Faloon it was pretty obvious his crash was fatal but the race resumed. Don't think that would be the case now even in NZ.
Personally I like the old look, just saying regulations, liability and public perception are surpassing our opinions.
And I do hate those new style roll bars, so tall they look like scaffolding on sports cars here.....

[AMCO72]

These comments on roll-bars are very interesting, I thought it was just me in my pedantic old way that was offended by them. RogerH says that pre61 cars only have to meet period specifications; so roll hoops/frames are fitted by current owners for 'safety' reasons. And if the frame does not extend 50mm above the drivers helmet he only gets half his face ripped off in a roll-over, so they are virtually useless. Note we keep talking about ROLL-OVER.....not crashes...front or side. Amerikiwi your term 'sanitised' just about sums it up. I looked at a photo of the A7 grid at last years Roycroft, and I couldn't see a single roll-frame, but it may have been the angle of the photo, and when Terry puts a roll-hoop on his Fathers Bugatti then I will call it quits!!!!!!

[Oldfart]

The weird thing is that 50mm is being quoted. The actual dimension is 100mm above the helmet.
I have very mixed feelings about this. I was going to take the bar off till a somewhat noteworthy local/international driver told me about another Connaught having been climbed over from behind, if there had not been a bar the driver, in his opinion would not have survived.
Roger, while I see your point about hillclimbs, have you considered what a fence might do? Ah the wonderful world of "what if"!!
AMCO is right too, they will do nothing for side crashes.
I don't think the Connaught of Grant Clearwaters looks too bad!

[AMCO72]

Yes oldfart, and I often think about the 55 LeMans crash. The Mercedes climbed the rear of the Austin Healey at high speed and launched itself into the bank and then the crowd. Lance Macklin, the Healey driver was unscathed....may have been a tyre mark on his helmet, but there was no roll bar on the Austin. Amazing! I think Fangio got a smear of green paint from the Healey as he ripped through the middle of the melee. There have been some amazing escapes in motoracing which could have ended up disasters.
And there is another one of our acronyms.......FWIW.......for what it's worth!

[GeebeeNZ]

I guess period looks compared to safety may depend on wether you are watching or driving. In the Roycroft Video Clip from last year you will see almost a complete lack of rollbars and most of the cars had no belts. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnEXiLjdadg&context=C4d56432ADvjVQa1PpcFP0vjhehCxxcM2wJW9ZFQXYh_YqnisLg4c=
I drove an Austin Seven Sports Car in that race without either and felt OK. In another race I also ran my Buckler Mk5 which is a much faster car and had both roll bar and belts but an open face helmet with goggles. The Buckler ran through the eighties in the Wellington Street Race Historics and Porsche Lemans at Pukekohe without a roll bar. I am mindfull of the fact that it rolled end for end at Whenuapai when the steering box let go. Thankfully I was not the driver. The reality is that Motor Racing is dangerous but you have to try and evaluate and minimise the risk. Thankfully the accident record of pre 1945 vintage racers in modern times is pretty good.

[AMCO72]

So in fact, was most of the racing in the 50's done without roll protection and without seat belts. I know some drivers used belts...George Smith for one, a large lap strap, but a lot of drivers were afraid of being trapped in cars, and were happy to take their chances when thrown out. Images of George Lawton being catapulted from his machine were not nice, and that was one time when no belts was no good.[at least, I think he had no belts] Some of the more innovative drivers of that era used bits of rope and clothing belts to keep them in place, but how effective they were is in doubt. As you say GeeBeeNZ, one has to evaluate and minimise.....and that is where debate comes in.....minimise, rather than remove ALL risk. I dont know, in the end of course it's up to the individual. We all think we are indestructable, and accidents happen to the other bloke, but sometimes we get involved in OTHER peoples accidents. The heading of this thread is 'leadfoot festival' so maybe a bit less lead in the right foot is the answer. Shivers this is starting to put me off.....now, where did I put those knitting needles!!!!!!!!

[Wal Will]

I wonder if this safety stuff deserves another thread. Along with a lot of people out there I grew up with races like the Waimate/Dunedin street events, where a couple of hay bales at the base of a lamp post were basically there to indicate danger - not to be hit unless you wanted to hurt yourself. I think that even now should the organisers be prepared to run the same course with the same safety features that there would be a lot of drivers prepared to race.
Illegal to ride a push bike with out a helmet, and on and on, to 5+ airbags in your car. I am well aware - having been around motor racing in the 60's - that there is great danger in motor racing. Every racing Drivers wife was asked "Dont you worry about all the risk?" when they were being interviewed. Having said all of that, I put on my helmet and do up the seat belt every time I race nowadays. I would not be let out the gate if I didn't, but I have the option of undoing the buckles once I am out there - but I don't - and to tell you the truth I think I drive faster because of it.

[Oldfart]

Agree, New Thread please!

[Trevor Sheffield]

Hoooooray Wal Will,

This issue deserves a separate thread for sure. I steered clear of classic racing even though I had a real desire to compete, specifically because there was no way I was going ruin my cars with a damned role over bar. What is more I have found myself under a open sports car completely inverted during circuit racing, so have an excellent perspective on the matter.

Cheers, Trevor

[bob homewood]

Yes I agree that it deserves a thread of its own,I think there will be a bit of ongoing discussion on this topic

[RogerH]

Until everything gets transferred to the new tread - the MSNZ Historic regulations for roll bar height is 50mm above the helmet - not 100mm - Appendix Six, Schedule AA 4.4 (3) (c) "Open Vehicles - the height of the main rollbar should be at least 50mm above the top of the helmet of the normally seated vehicle occupant".
The question is what is a "normally seated vehicle occupant"? A driver who is 5' 2" tall or one who is 6' 2" tall? Do you need to rebuilt the height of the rollbar every time a different sized driver gets in? Or do you build one for an average sized person (say 5' 9") and leave it at that?

[Oldfart]

Sorry Roger, don't know where my roll bar maker got the 100!
In regards "normally seated occupant" I would think that is very simple, it does not say "A" ... it says "the", so legal argument should it ever come to that would say is this "the" occupant right now, end of discussion I would believe.

[GeebeeNZ]

Oldfart, Sometimes it pays not to be tall