Oregon Trail 2001

Doo-Wop's 3/4 and Oregon Trail have been two events dedicated to "ringing out the wrinkles "in Bob and Scott Trinder's new Toyota Corolla GTS sponsored by Richmond Toyota, Richmond Autobody, Autoparts Plus, Ad-Print "The Decal People" & RMT Contracting. At Doo-Wops 3/4 Scott was left stranded only 8 miles into the first stage with a stalled engine. Unable to continue, overnight repairs were in order with a faulty distributor being diagnosed & replaced.

The Sunday run started with high hopes but soon turned to sorrow with an apparent fuel consumption miscalculation. After being towed to service for a refill, the car ran flawlessly for the remainder of the event (fuel top ups being required after every special stage).

Oregon Trail found Scott behind the wheel Saturday and Bob driving Sunday. The big news for Team Richmond Toyota was younger brother Adam's debut as co-driver for both drivers. Scott & Bob were impressed with Adam's abilities given his limited experience. "We never missed a beat - He rocked!" says big brother Scott. While the car's occupants were in fine shape, the same could not be said for the Trinder's Corolla. Niggling fuel system faults again plagued the hopeful crew on the first stage when the car developed a mysterious misfire. Switching fuel pumps helped finish SS1. On the transit to stage 2, however, problems re-appeared & the car stalled, unable to restart despite furious attempts. Retirement from day one was inevitable. A full assessment later in the day revealed a fuel filter plugged with rubber beads, apparently a result of decaying fuel lines. A quick replacement of fuel hoses/filters was completed & the team looked set for a good run Sunday.