"Modern Classics" 40 minute race series
Discussion
My race report:
Well, I had my first race in the car on Saturday at Donington Park. My first race for 18 months. I was very nervous beforehand but I thoroughly enjoyed it in the end.
We had some issues, though. When we got to the circuit on Friday evening we discovered that the radiator had come loose at a Mallory track day last Saturday, and the fan had then chopped through its own wiring and damaged the alternator belt! Not possible to fix the fan (just don't run the engine too much when stood still!) and a couple of phone calls around to see if I could get a new belt locally didn't achieve the desired result so I had to plan to run it as long as I could and hope the belt would not snap! The contingency plan was to change the battery at the pit stop/ driver change if necessary! Fortunately the belt held.
Scrutineering in the morning was also difficult. The wiring has been a little problematic throughout but we thought we had it sorted. Wrong. The rear lights refused to work (when they had previously) and when we fixed that, the brake lights refused to work. I could have done without that stress! We got it fixed eventually only for the ignition switch to break up in the collecting area for Practice. No electricity! My trusty mechanic, Dermot, jury rigged a solution and we got out. More stress.
I had decided to race on some second hand Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tyres that I had bought off a PCGB Club Championship racer - however these tyres are well known to be not great in the wet. The weather forecast was for heavy rain on Saturday so at the last minute I had acquired a set of 15 x 7J Teledial wheels and mounted a new set of Toyo R888s (from my Toyota race saloon) as a contingency, figuring that these would be less bad in the wet than worn Michelins. Unfortunately in the Paddock we had found that the teledials did not fit - they were the right wheels but I had not factored in that the previous owner had fitted wheel spacers, and the nuts impinged on the inside of the wheel. My mood was not helped when Kevin Eacock wandered over, looked at my Michelins and said, "be careful, be very careful". Cheers. More stress.
Practice went OK - I took it very easy in very slippery conditions but there was vibration from the front discs. I had not noticed this at Mallory but it was marked at Donington. Warped front discs. Great. We qualified 26th out of 28 and 5th out of 6 in class. I min 53. The class pole was Robert Alman in a BMW 325 with 1 min 40. I was delighted just to be out there.
Come the race and the wet weather had thankfully held off. It was a rolling start but I was so far back I couldn't see the lights go out! I caught up the back of the pack and was going quite well for a couple of laps, ahead of a couple of cars. At Mcleans on about lap 3 I caught up with a Golf Turbo; he left the door open and I tried to go up the inside. Unfortunately he hadn't seen me and turned in, I braked but still tagged his bumper and bent my front left wing and losing the driving light in the process. He fishtailed on to the grass but carried on behind me. Sorry, it wasn't deliberate, honest.
The next few laps felt pretty good and the gap to the cars behind and to the cars in front was fairly consistent until I over cooked it at Redgate and had a tank slapper. I had turned in too early and got on the power too early and thought I'd held the slide until I got on the grass and around I went. Fortunately no one hit me and I carried on but a couple of cars got back ahead of me.
We had a slow pit stop after 20 mins for the driver change - caged 924s are not easy to get in and out of with my level of flexibility! and my co-driver continued until the race was red flagged on about 32 minutes. The leading BMW M3 had gone off at Redgate after losing brakes. It was a big hit but fortunately the car and cage did its job and the driver was wearing a Hans device. He is Ok, but has a broken wrist.
We finished 23rd out of 27 starters, and 6th out of 6 in class. Not great but what the hell. It was fantastic fun despite the morning stress. My fastest lap time was 1 min 31.6 and the nearest lap time to me in my class was 1 27.4 (MX5 and the 250 Bhp Honda S2000) and the class winner had a fastest lap of 1min 24. Lots to do to improve but not too far off an Elise (1 min29) in class B and bearing in mind that I was probably the second least powerful car (next to a Smart 4:2, yes, really) on the grid I wasn't too unhappy. The bench mark for me is probably the 2 x Mazda MX5 Mk3s with 170Bhp (20 Bhp more than me) and about the same weight as me. If I can get anywhere near them, within a couple of secs, I'll be very happy.
As an aside, I have looked at the lap times in the sister "Future Classics" series and I am delighted to have been quicker than a 944 (2.5) and a BMW E21 323, and very nearly the same lap time as a 4 litre TVR Griffith. I need to persuade the 944 (2.5) and the BMW E21 to come and race in my class so we can have a battle together!
All in all It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and at least I was out there racing again. The car has some problems to sort (brakes, electrics, bent wing) but it handles really well and is enjoyable to drive and that's the main thing.
I won't pretend that racing is cheap but at this level, with this sort of car, and with a co-driver that shares costs it is more affordable than many realise. Roll on Oulton Park on 21 Sept.
Well, I had my first race in the car on Saturday at Donington Park. My first race for 18 months. I was very nervous beforehand but I thoroughly enjoyed it in the end.
We had some issues, though. When we got to the circuit on Friday evening we discovered that the radiator had come loose at a Mallory track day last Saturday, and the fan had then chopped through its own wiring and damaged the alternator belt! Not possible to fix the fan (just don't run the engine too much when stood still!) and a couple of phone calls around to see if I could get a new belt locally didn't achieve the desired result so I had to plan to run it as long as I could and hope the belt would not snap! The contingency plan was to change the battery at the pit stop/ driver change if necessary! Fortunately the belt held.
Scrutineering in the morning was also difficult. The wiring has been a little problematic throughout but we thought we had it sorted. Wrong. The rear lights refused to work (when they had previously) and when we fixed that, the brake lights refused to work. I could have done without that stress! We got it fixed eventually only for the ignition switch to break up in the collecting area for Practice. No electricity! My trusty mechanic, Dermot, jury rigged a solution and we got out. More stress.
I had decided to race on some second hand Michelin Pilot Cup Sport tyres that I had bought off a PCGB Club Championship racer - however these tyres are well known to be not great in the wet. The weather forecast was for heavy rain on Saturday so at the last minute I had acquired a set of 15 x 7J Teledial wheels and mounted a new set of Toyo R888s (from my Toyota race saloon) as a contingency, figuring that these would be less bad in the wet than worn Michelins. Unfortunately in the Paddock we had found that the teledials did not fit - they were the right wheels but I had not factored in that the previous owner had fitted wheel spacers, and the nuts impinged on the inside of the wheel. My mood was not helped when Kevin Eacock wandered over, looked at my Michelins and said, "be careful, be very careful". Cheers. More stress.
Practice went OK - I took it very easy in very slippery conditions but there was vibration from the front discs. I had not noticed this at Mallory but it was marked at Donington. Warped front discs. Great. We qualified 26th out of 28 and 5th out of 6 in class. I min 53. The class pole was Robert Alman in a BMW 325 with 1 min 40. I was delighted just to be out there.
Come the race and the wet weather had thankfully held off. It was a rolling start but I was so far back I couldn't see the lights go out! I caught up the back of the pack and was going quite well for a couple of laps, ahead of a couple of cars. At Mcleans on about lap 3 I caught up with a Golf Turbo; he left the door open and I tried to go up the inside. Unfortunately he hadn't seen me and turned in, I braked but still tagged his bumper and bent my front left wing and losing the driving light in the process. He fishtailed on to the grass but carried on behind me. Sorry, it wasn't deliberate, honest.
The next few laps felt pretty good and the gap to the cars behind and to the cars in front was fairly consistent until I over cooked it at Redgate and had a tank slapper. I had turned in too early and got on the power too early and thought I'd held the slide until I got on the grass and around I went. Fortunately no one hit me and I carried on but a couple of cars got back ahead of me.
We had a slow pit stop after 20 mins for the driver change - caged 924s are not easy to get in and out of with my level of flexibility! and my co-driver continued until the race was red flagged on about 32 minutes. The leading BMW M3 had gone off at Redgate after losing brakes. It was a big hit but fortunately the car and cage did its job and the driver was wearing a Hans device. He is Ok, but has a broken wrist.
We finished 23rd out of 27 starters, and 6th out of 6 in class. Not great but what the hell. It was fantastic fun despite the morning stress. My fastest lap time was 1 min 31.6 and the nearest lap time to me in my class was 1 27.4 (MX5 and the 250 Bhp Honda S2000) and the class winner had a fastest lap of 1min 24. Lots to do to improve but not too far off an Elise (1 min29) in class B and bearing in mind that I was probably the second least powerful car (next to a Smart 4:2, yes, really) on the grid I wasn't too unhappy. The bench mark for me is probably the 2 x Mazda MX5 Mk3s with 170Bhp (20 Bhp more than me) and about the same weight as me. If I can get anywhere near them, within a couple of secs, I'll be very happy.
As an aside, I have looked at the lap times in the sister "Future Classics" series and I am delighted to have been quicker than a 944 (2.5) and a BMW E21 323, and very nearly the same lap time as a 4 litre TVR Griffith. I need to persuade the 944 (2.5) and the BMW E21 to come and race in my class so we can have a battle together!
All in all It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and at least I was out there racing again. The car has some problems to sort (brakes, electrics, bent wing) but it handles really well and is enjoyable to drive and that's the main thing.
I won't pretend that racing is cheap but at this level, with this sort of car, and with a co-driver that shares costs it is more affordable than many realise. Roll on Oulton Park on 21 Sept.
Also interesting to compare times with the sister Future Classics series, seeing as both the 944s and the 3 litre 911 SC are eligible for both - Luke would have finished 3rd in that race behind Tim Bates again and the TVR Tuscan.
Maybe as an experiment we should take the front half of the MC grid and the FC grid and let them race together, and the same for the 2 x back halves of the grids!
Maybe as an experiment we should take the front half of the MC grid and the FC grid and let them race together, and the same for the 2 x back halves of the grids!
There are pics from the weekend (inc the Modern Classics and Future Classics practice and race) here: http://www.davidstallardphotography.com/p822225447
David is the club's official photographer.
If you contact the CSCC Office:
http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/contact.htm then they may be able to pass on your message/ request to the E21 competitor.
David is the club's official photographer.
If you contact the CSCC Office:
http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/contact.htm then they may be able to pass on your message/ request to the E21 competitor.
e21Mark said:
That's not too bad. I usually do a sprint at Brands in October and that's not much less, for what equates to 5 or 6 minutes on track!
Thanks for the info. I'll keep watching and hopefully look to do a round or two next year. I'll need to see what class I'd be in too, as my cars being modified slightly?
Club membership is £39 for 12 months and series registration is £99. Luke has already told you what the entry per round is. I guesstimate £50 per meeting on race fuel and a set of tyres for 4 rounds maybe. There are other consumables but you can race reasonably cost effectively, particularly if you share the car.Thanks for the info. I'll keep watching and hopefully look to do a round or two next year. I'll need to see what class I'd be in too, as my cars being modified slightly?
As for the car and the class - it all depends on engine size and the regs are simple. Mods are allowed as long as its the original TYPE of engine and gearbox (and not sequential unless a production Tiptronic/ DSG type as originally fitted) and there are one or two other bits and pieces. Best to have a look at the regs on the CSCC web site. Its pretty straightforward.
Cars can be eligible for more than one series. Some people may race in both series or you can pick the one that you think best suits your car. For eg, my POrsche 924S could race in Future Classics or Modern Classics but I chose the latter because FC has a class of 2 litre to 3 litre and my 2.5 litre car would not be competitive in that class. In MC there is a class for 1.8-2.5 litre cars so I chose that. It would be good if the E21 323 and the 2.5 litre 944s raced in MC in my view so that a few of us could have our own battles with similar performance cars but, for the moment they have chosen to run in FC.
There is a class in Modern Classics for 4WD 2 litre turbo cars and the first generation Imprezzas are eligible as long as the remainder of the series regs are adhered to.
I have had a quick look at the photos of the car on the web site and it seems to meet the body regs. Probably best to PM to discuss further (I'm the series drivers rep) but it looks OK at first glance. You'd be very welcome.
I have had a quick look at the photos of the car on the web site and it seems to meet the body regs. Probably best to PM to discuss further (I'm the series drivers rep) but it looks OK at first glance. You'd be very welcome.
Edited by andy97 on Saturday 5th October 18:32
I think that qualifying and finishing 7th in a car you reckon has no handling, no brakes and no grunt is excellent. I wish.
Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
andycaca said:
I was there on Saturday as guest of Richard Hayes in the black Celica GT4 (number 8 I think). We took quite a few photos throughout the day, so if Andy97 would like a DVD of the pictures to use for publicity or any other purpose, please message me.
I would like to enter a round or two next year in my own car (I spoke to Hugo from CSCC briefly during lunch) but I have a couple of reservations about my car's eligibility. I also use the car for sprinting in the Toyota Sprint Series and as such it has a large rear wing that can be removed. The front bumper has been heavily modified for better aero and cooling, so that can be removed and replaced with standard with a little bit of extra effort. However, I have had to cut out the wheel arches and to make them much higher to fit 17" wheels instead of the standard 14".
Is this kind of body mod a complete failure point for entry? At this stage I am not overly concerned with scoring points or going for a win - but would like to take part in a race with other drivers at the same time. I recall seeing an "invitation" category which my car could fall under.
Andy
The offer of the DVD is excellent, many thanks. My suggestion is to post it to the CSCC office.I would like to enter a round or two next year in my own car (I spoke to Hugo from CSCC briefly during lunch) but I have a couple of reservations about my car's eligibility. I also use the car for sprinting in the Toyota Sprint Series and as such it has a large rear wing that can be removed. The front bumper has been heavily modified for better aero and cooling, so that can be removed and replaced with standard with a little bit of extra effort. However, I have had to cut out the wheel arches and to make them much higher to fit 17" wheels instead of the standard 14".
Is this kind of body mod a complete failure point for entry? At this stage I am not overly concerned with scoring points or going for a win - but would like to take part in a race with other drivers at the same time. I recall seeing an "invitation" category which my car could fall under.
Andy
As for eligibility, I have asked the question of the Office about the wheel arches - it may not be allowed but we'll see what the answer is.
Andy, I'm sorry but the answer on the wheel arches is no, I'm afraid.
Quite simply the "standard silhouette" also means that wheel arches are limited to the same size aperture as standard - the reason for this is deliberate; wheels and tyres are therefore limited in size to those that can fit in a standard wheel arch, and that means that its difficult to increase brake size too much and the amount of rubber that can fit. This in turn is a very, very simplistic way of discouraging a power arms race as the power available has to be controlled through standard(ish) sized wheels. Sorry
Quite simply the "standard silhouette" also means that wheel arches are limited to the same size aperture as standard - the reason for this is deliberate; wheels and tyres are therefore limited in size to those that can fit in a standard wheel arch, and that means that its difficult to increase brake size too much and the amount of rubber that can fit. This in turn is a very, very simplistic way of discouraging a power arms race as the power available has to be controlled through standard(ish) sized wheels. Sorry
N
Keep us posted when next years calendar comes out - can't wait for Spa.Many thanks, I did really enjoy it, one of my most enjoyable races ever. I know that I don't have much talent, and I know that if I finished 27th out of 34 in a game of golf I'd be hacked off, but racing is so different. I just love taking part. I'd love to be on the podium one day but I realised a long time ago that isn't going to happen, but I reallydoubt that the guys at the front enjoy themselves more than me! And seeing as I race a cheap old 924S I'd almost guarantee that my smiles per GB pound compared to theirs would put me on Pole in the enjoyment race! LOL.
bromers2 said:
andy97 said:
I think that qualifying and finishing 7th in a car you reckon has no handling, no brakes and no grunt is excellent. I wish.
Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
Great write up Andy - you sound like you really enjoyed it.Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
Keep us posted when next years calendar comes out - can't wait for Spa.
N
Keep us posted when next years calendar comes out - can't wait for Spa.Many thanks, I did really enjoy it, one of my most enjoyable races ever. I know that I don't have much talent, and I know that if I finished 27th out of 34 in a game of golf I'd be hacked off, but racing is so different. I just love taking part. I'd love to be on the podium one day but I realised a long time ago that isn't going to happen, but I reallydoubt that the guys at the front enjoy themselves more than me! And seeing as I race a cheap old 924S I'd almost guarantee that my smiles per GB pound compared to theirs would put me on Pole! LOL.
bromers2 said:
andy97 said:
I think that qualifying and finishing 7th in a car you reckon has no handling, no brakes and no grunt is excellent. I wish.
Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
Great write up Andy - you sound like you really enjoyed it.Here's my race report. I had the most awesome time to finish.....27th, in a car that does handle (but definitely has no grunt!)
We were out at Snetterton last Saturday for the CSCC's last race of the season. After the disappointment of the startline accident at Oulton (not me) I was keen that this was going to be a successful meeting for everyone.
32 cars on the grid was very healthy. We were joined by 7 Jaguars from the JEC series - their own championship was over for the year so they had decided to join us for a 40 min race for a change. Other older Jags were in the Future Classics race.
The weather was AWFUL - heavy rain over night meant a soaking track and persistent drizzle throughout the day meant that it barely dried. Great. Not. I am normally nervous about these sorts of conditions but surprisingly I was OK. Maybe because there is reasonable run off at Snetterton and maybe because I knew I'd be near the back so could take it steady!
Practice was a challenge - we were the first cars on track and it was immensely slippery. I kept it on the island for 29th on the grid! Times were immaterial in the conditions but plenty of cars spun.
The race was hilarious fun - still a soaking track aided by a little oil down and cue lots of fishtailing, opposite lock and sideways moments out of corners and going straight on on the way in to the hairpin despite the wheels pointing at 30 degrees. Amazingly no one hit me, I didn't hit anyone else, I didn't spin but I did have an awesome battle with a big Jag XJ40 throughout my 20 min stint. He was faster down the straights but I was far better under brakes and through the twisty bits so I could get ahead. Great fun. The BMWs and Porsche 911s in the top class were just amazing in the conditions and it was a privelidge to be in the same race as them.
I handed over for the usual (slow) pit stop and my co-driver continued on to the finish, also really enjoying himself. Afterwards we were both like school kids, grinning with tales of tail out slippery heroics Lol!
The car handled very well really and felt very controllable. The lack of power did not seem so much of a handicap this time and I'm sure in the dry that the Jag would have been away in the distance. Again, lap times are a bit irrelevant really but I had the same race pace as a 3.4 litre Ferrari Mondial which was nice, and was quicker than 4 other cars. The car wasn't embarrassed in the corners though and even the quicker cars only just seemed to creep away, until the straight. Pity we weren't on the twistier 300 circuit. The car needs a bit more grunt but I am already looking forward to next year.
Keep us posted when next years calendar comes out - can't wait for Spa.
There is always that chance but it all depends on the relevant dates. The last couple of years they have only been a week apart so the CSCC decided that it was a step too far to expect many members to do both and therefore chose to promote its own grids at the Spa Summer Classic. If the dates are further apart then maybe the CSCC will investigate both.
Nothing stopping an individual doing Spa with the CSCC and then travelling on to the 'Ring I suppose and entering yourself. Hugo at the CSCC office may even be able to help facilitate that if you ask, not sure?
Nothing stopping an individual doing Spa with the CSCC and then travelling on to the 'Ring I suppose and entering yourself. Hugo at the CSCC office may even be able to help facilitate that if you ask, not sure?
CSCC will be running Modern Classics again for 2014. It was an encouraging first year with good grids in the 20s+ at Snetterton (x2), Brands, Donington, Oulton and Castle Combe. We have good interest already for the new year and a good calendar here: http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/calendar.htm
The series will be largely the same as it was in 2013 but there is the addition of one new class and that's for FWD only cars of any age and of any capacity (or a max of 2 litre turbo), so if you already race in CSCC Tin Tops with us you can have a second race, or if you have a FWD 2 litre turbo or a > 2 litre FWD car that CSCC does not yet cater for such as an Alfa GTA, Post 2000 VAG turbo, Astra VXR, Focus ST or a Mini Turbo then you can race in MC in this new class.
Its not the intention for MC to be a full post year 2000 series but this new class is a toe in the water exercise to give these sorts of cars some where to race within CSCC and maybe to see if there is a demand for a series for these cars in its own right at some point in the future.
The regs are here: http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/Forms/2014%2...
The series will be largely the same as it was in 2013 but there is the addition of one new class and that's for FWD only cars of any age and of any capacity (or a max of 2 litre turbo), so if you already race in CSCC Tin Tops with us you can have a second race, or if you have a FWD 2 litre turbo or a > 2 litre FWD car that CSCC does not yet cater for such as an Alfa GTA, Post 2000 VAG turbo, Astra VXR, Focus ST or a Mini Turbo then you can race in MC in this new class.
Its not the intention for MC to be a full post year 2000 series but this new class is a toe in the water exercise to give these sorts of cars some where to race within CSCC and maybe to see if there is a demand for a series for these cars in its own right at some point in the future.
The regs are here: http://www.classicsportscarclub.co.uk/Forms/2014%2...
Edited by andy97 on Monday 23 December 12:02
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