Tell me about - Banger racing
Discussion
I went to remove some parts from a car that's going to be banger raced the other weekend, and in the process met some of the friendliest and most decent petrolheads I've ever come across.
They were a bit cagey at first which suggests they've had some stick about what they do in the past from other folk.
After I'd wasted a load of their time asking daft questions I knew a little more (only been to see banger racing once). The (lo)tech engineering really appeals to me - and they had some "demon tweaks" too.
They said there are mags devoted to the sport, but Google hasn't been my friend so far.
Anyone got a bit more gen?
BTW - if you wish to slag off banger racers, please save it for a different thread -these guys were much more reasonable and decent than a lot of so-called enthusiasts I've met.
They were a bit cagey at first which suggests they've had some stick about what they do in the past from other folk.
After I'd wasted a load of their time asking daft questions I knew a little more (only been to see banger racing once). The (lo)tech engineering really appeals to me - and they had some "demon tweaks" too.
They said there are mags devoted to the sport, but Google hasn't been my friend so far.
Anyone got a bit more gen?
BTW - if you wish to slag off banger racers, please save it for a different thread -these guys were much more reasonable and decent than a lot of so-called enthusiasts I've met.
Are you looking to give it a go? I only watch it but my mate, who takes part in another class, knows the ins and outs.
From what I gather, you need an eligible car, AFAIK it needs converting to carb though I think this could be different at various promotions. Mondeo Zetecs with an adaptor to fit a Weber are the chariots of choice round here. There's some safety regs, like an H frame roll bar, battery cut off, harness, bonnet tie downs (think bonnet pins but industrialised), plates along the doors and all interior trim binned.
Racing is full contact with a Destruction Derby at the end of the last race. I'm not certain but I believe they get starting money which helps towards costs too.
I'm probably too much of wuss to give it a go but it's very entertaining to watch!
From what I gather, you need an eligible car, AFAIK it needs converting to carb though I think this could be different at various promotions. Mondeo Zetecs with an adaptor to fit a Weber are the chariots of choice round here. There's some safety regs, like an H frame roll bar, battery cut off, harness, bonnet tie downs (think bonnet pins but industrialised), plates along the doors and all interior trim binned.
Racing is full contact with a Destruction Derby at the end of the last race. I'm not certain but I believe they get starting money which helps towards costs too.
I'm probably too much of wuss to give it a go but it's very entertaining to watch!
Lugy said:
Are you looking to give it a go?
Er - no. Don't have the time, money dedication or the guts. These guys race mostly Mondeos - although they had a fabulous Nissan Almera in which the floor pan had detached all around the edges due to rust.I was really intrigued with the engineering though - I had to ask what those corner bits welded on above the bonnet were for (to stop the bonnet slicing the driver in two if forced backwards in an impact).
I did a little at an annual meet organised by SAAB GB,1987,1989 and 1990 at Brafield stadium.
All cars were old SAABs and we wrecked them in a destruction derby at the end,boy that's violent.
I also won a Master Technician heat but got spun out in the final and couldn't restart the red hot engine.
I've got it all on old skool video tapes.
I'll get a pic of the car from 1987.
All cars were old SAABs and we wrecked them in a destruction derby at the end,boy that's violent.
I also won a Master Technician heat but got spun out in the final and couldn't restart the red hot engine.
I've got it all on old skool video tapes.
I'll get a pic of the car from 1987.
Ouch.... did it still run?! Guessing he didn't fancy running for a while after that.
Used to watch it every week down at Newton Abbot raceway (so, yes, late 1980s) when it was Granadas, Triumph 2500s and oh so lovely sounding XJs. Returning home on a Wednesday evening covered in rubber dust and a bit oily from watching on the earth banks, great stuff.
Lots of field based bangers in the darkest depths of Devon in the mid 1990s as well, watching from the roll cage of my Land Rover was a good platform, if a little uncomfortable...! Often descended into a good fight too, crash helmets and aggrieved chaps pumped up on adrenaline from a good crash, yes, messy.
Watched a couple of times recently at Arlington Raceway, between Hailsham and Eastbourne. Just as nuts as it used to be, and a fair mix of vehicles in the unlimited class. Discovered where all the Novas and Corsas have gone as well, the stock car and junior stock car mob appear to have every last one of them!
Used to watch it every week down at Newton Abbot raceway (so, yes, late 1980s) when it was Granadas, Triumph 2500s and oh so lovely sounding XJs. Returning home on a Wednesday evening covered in rubber dust and a bit oily from watching on the earth banks, great stuff.
Lots of field based bangers in the darkest depths of Devon in the mid 1990s as well, watching from the roll cage of my Land Rover was a good platform, if a little uncomfortable...! Often descended into a good fight too, crash helmets and aggrieved chaps pumped up on adrenaline from a good crash, yes, messy.
Watched a couple of times recently at Arlington Raceway, between Hailsham and Eastbourne. Just as nuts as it used to be, and a fair mix of vehicles in the unlimited class. Discovered where all the Novas and Corsas have gone as well, the stock car and junior stock car mob appear to have every last one of them!
It's great fun , I used to do it in the north east at newton aycliffe and Hartlepool years ago , it's a great way to introduce yourself to Motorsport , a couple of guys who used to race at the same time have gone on to be successful in rally cross , I know this as I've seen them on the tv being interviewed , I knew I should have took it more seriously !
Most people think it's for idiots but I only ever met good people , hard racers but genuine blokes .
Most people think it's for idiots but I only ever met good people , hard racers but genuine blokes .
vx220 said:
Is there anything like the field race they did on Top Gear? IIRC the Starion episode?
Buy a snotter, DIY "cage", helmet/covered arms and drive round a field? Might be a cheap day out between a few mates
This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now, I did something similar with a few bike racers except with 50cc scooters a few years ago. I reckon finding someone willing to let you use their land would be the biggest issue. Buy a snotter, DIY "cage", helmet/covered arms and drive round a field? Might be a cheap day out between a few mates
Lugy said:
This is something I've been wanting to do for a while now, I did something similar with a few bike racers except with 50cc scooters a few years ago. I reckon finding someone willing to let you use their land would be the biggest issue.
I guess so, probably get earache from the neighbours, as well as damage to the landStill, it could be amazing!
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