Donnington 4th November
Discussion
Come on Henry, you know the rules on Naming and Shaming.
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/rules.
Edited by PetrolTed on Friday 3rd November 09:35
Is anyone going to be at the circuit on Friday night? Noticed on the final instructions no access until 7am Saturday but surely you guys racing will need to be in before that to set up pits etc?, we are travelling down from Scotland on the Friday so we need to get access to the circuit, providing there are no problems with this we will be having a few refreshments on the Friday night, if anyone is around feel free to come and join us for a beer.
Paul
Paul
Thanks for that Henry, I was going to talk to ATL to make me something to fit in the rear of the Belmont which will have to be an odd shape.
With regard to the (former) V8 series, I read the note in Autosport, where in some ways I have to agree with James. There were certain high profile V8 operators who haven't delivered the cars that they said they'd bring out. They all looked keen to get out at the various meetings we had, then didn't turn up, and it's been left to the like of you and I to try to make this series work.
I do find it odd that it was canned with 12 entries..... 12? I was told that I was the only entry (paid).
To open it up to anything that fits the "Supercar" banner, thus dropping the V8, would in my opinion be wrong, and lead to another Porsche GT3 championship.
The punters through the gate love V8's. That is what we have to build on.
I recall an ad-hoc survey done by a short circuit journo' at Rockingham, where people were asked if they came to see the Pickups, or the ASCAR's, bearing in mind that there were only 6-10 ASCAR's on the grid ,compared to 28-30 Pickups drafting in close formation. The answer was... the ASCAR's because they sound awesome, they are what racing's all about, and if the ASCAR's were canned, they wouldn't go anymore.
Rob.
With regard to the (former) V8 series, I read the note in Autosport, where in some ways I have to agree with James. There were certain high profile V8 operators who haven't delivered the cars that they said they'd bring out. They all looked keen to get out at the various meetings we had, then didn't turn up, and it's been left to the like of you and I to try to make this series work.
I do find it odd that it was canned with 12 entries..... 12? I was told that I was the only entry (paid).
To open it up to anything that fits the "Supercar" banner, thus dropping the V8, would in my opinion be wrong, and lead to another Porsche GT3 championship.
The punters through the gate love V8's. That is what we have to build on.
I recall an ad-hoc survey done by a short circuit journo' at Rockingham, where people were asked if they came to see the Pickups, or the ASCAR's, bearing in mind that there were only 6-10 ASCAR's on the grid ,compared to 28-30 Pickups drafting in close formation. The answer was... the ASCAR's because they sound awesome, they are what racing's all about, and if the ASCAR's were canned, they wouldn't go anymore.
Rob.
teamHOLDENracing said:
At the moment you have to decipher the EERC website, and even then it is nigh on impossible to get much info about the V8s. We couldn't even find an entry form for the Donington race..... and subsequently learned that if we had raced with EERC before all we needed to do was send the money. In other words if you are already 'in the club' it is implicit that you know how it all works. If you aren't already involved then frankly it feels like quite hard work to get in. Lets face it, if you make it difficult (even if unintentionally) you aren't going to attract drivers.
I'll agree with That I've tried to find info on the v8 series, sent a couple of e-mails asking about eligability and the power/weight limits, regs entry fees, race formats etc and had no reply at all. The only conclusion i can draw from that is they dont want my car.
thunderbelmont said:
I do find it odd that it was canned with 12 entries..... 12? I was told that I was the only entry (paid).
To open it up to anything that fits the "Supercar" banner, thus dropping the V8, would in my opinion be wrong, and lead to another Porsche GT3 championship.
As I said Rob, we had 4 confirmed TVR entries, but when it came to writing the cheques (when we finally got the entry forms) we enquired about the size of the field and what we heard meant we kept our cheques in our pockets for 2 or 3 days more. From what James told me yours was a credit from a previous race - otherwise, be honest, if you suspected there were only 6 or so real entries, would you have sent in more folding?
If there is a large enough V8 population that will actually come out and race then great. If not then I'm quite happy racing the GT3s, and bring em on I say.
It (was) a case of - is it a V8? if so, it's in.
There has been discussion about weights, power to weight, etc.. but it was decided to not bother and see how it went before drawing up definitive rules.
The race format was basically two 20/25/30min sprint races, with a single qualifying, plus maybe a free practice or warm-up, all depending on the timetable.
The registration fee's and the like are all on the EERC site, it's just a case of digging them out. As are entry fees.
Rob.
There has been discussion about weights, power to weight, etc.. but it was decided to not bother and see how it went before drawing up definitive rules.
The race format was basically two 20/25/30min sprint races, with a single qualifying, plus maybe a free practice or warm-up, all depending on the timetable.
The registration fee's and the like are all on the EERC site, it's just a case of digging them out. As are entry fees.
Rob.
teamHOLDENracing said:
From what James told me yours was a credit from a previous race - otherwise, be honest, if you suspected there were only 6 or so real entries, would you have sent in more folding?
If there is a large enough V8 population that will actually come out and race then great. If not then I'm quite happy racing the GT3s, and bring em on I say.
If there is a large enough V8 population that will actually come out and race then great. If not then I'm quite happy racing the GT3s, and bring em on I say.
I'd been asking Claire for a "status" of my account for some time, and was ready to top it up to pay for both Donington and Brands.
There are enough V8's out there, it's just getting them out to commit to race in the series. One of the problems is that many also run in Britcar (as I have said before), and many of the people with them want to do endurance style racing.
The other people we could do with attracting are those who make the drip over the ditch and do the likes of the Dutch Supercar Challenge, or Belcar, both of which run similar format races where we don't need to worry about refuelling, etc..
The packages has to be good enough to attract them and make it worth their while to stay here in Blighty.
Rob.
thunderbelmont said:
It (was) a case of - is it a V8? if so, it's in.
There has been discussion about weights, power to weight, etc.. but it was decided to not bother and see how it went before drawing up definitive rules.
The race format was basically two 20/25/30min sprint races, with a single qualifying, plus maybe a free practice or warm-up, all depending on the timetable.
The registration fee's and the like are all on the EERC site, it's just a case of digging them out. As are entry fees.
Rob.
There has been discussion about weights, power to weight, etc.. but it was decided to not bother and see how it went before drawing up definitive rules.
The race format was basically two 20/25/30min sprint races, with a single qualifying, plus maybe a free practice or warm-up, all depending on the timetable.
The registration fee's and the like are all on the EERC site, it's just a case of digging them out. As are entry fees.
Rob.
Rob, it is bloody difficult to find info about the V8s on the EERC website and nigh on impossible to find out what the entry fee was for the Donington race. Totally impossible in fact - it wasn't on there. And until the timetable was issued, the race durations weren't there either.
As a potential (and actual) entrant I don't think it is good enough and I have said as much to James.
I went to Donington today. Bouyed by the prospect of large grids, as per the EERC website (I know where to look 
) and a promising looking entry in the programme, it looked like it was going to be a cracking days' racing.
The old adage of 'it only takes 2 cars to make a motor race' was certainly tested in the 2nd Britsport race. From an initial programme list of 20 entrants, we were 'treated' to the spectacle of 6 cars starting, one of which retired very early on, one started late and I think at some stage during the race, every other one had a problem of some sort. In fact at one point, of the three cars running, one had spun, one had limped into the pits and the leader was making his mandatory pitstop. No cars on the track! I've never experienced that before in over 20 years of going racing. Thankfully we had Messrs Titchmarsh and Jones to keep us entertained over the PA, which they did really well considering...
And so to the Britcar Night race. 33 cars in the programme, 10 started
. Should have been 13 but the Monaro, GTS M3 and Danny Watts' 996 all had problems in quallie. So, spectacular as it was to see Martin Stretton absolutely ragging the nuts of the Barwell Aston (which sounded stunning BTW) in his attempt to catch the victorious Cole brothers in the Eclipse Mosler, it didn't turn out to be quite the contest we were promised.
I understand it's the end of the season, drivers, cars and budgets are tired, but why print glorified entry lists when it's pretty obvious that half of those cars aren't going anywhere near a racetrack? I think it's pretty misleading, to be honest, and I don't know of another race series that promises so much and ultimately fails to deliver. I would have thought the entry lists come from teams and drivers who have paid to race. If so, there's an awful lot of folks out there losing money, surely?
I'm sorry to be saying all this as I've been a fan of the EERC series since the outset but this seems to be happening more and more recently. I just hope that being granted championship status for 2007 means positive changes.
) and a promising looking entry in the programme, it looked like it was going to be a cracking days' racing. The old adage of 'it only takes 2 cars to make a motor race' was certainly tested in the 2nd Britsport race. From an initial programme list of 20 entrants, we were 'treated' to the spectacle of 6 cars starting, one of which retired very early on, one started late and I think at some stage during the race, every other one had a problem of some sort. In fact at one point, of the three cars running, one had spun, one had limped into the pits and the leader was making his mandatory pitstop. No cars on the track! I've never experienced that before in over 20 years of going racing. Thankfully we had Messrs Titchmarsh and Jones to keep us entertained over the PA, which they did really well considering...
And so to the Britcar Night race. 33 cars in the programme, 10 started
. Should have been 13 but the Monaro, GTS M3 and Danny Watts' 996 all had problems in quallie. So, spectacular as it was to see Martin Stretton absolutely ragging the nuts of the Barwell Aston (which sounded stunning BTW) in his attempt to catch the victorious Cole brothers in the Eclipse Mosler, it didn't turn out to be quite the contest we were promised. I understand it's the end of the season, drivers, cars and budgets are tired, but why print glorified entry lists when it's pretty obvious that half of those cars aren't going anywhere near a racetrack? I think it's pretty misleading, to be honest, and I don't know of another race series that promises so much and ultimately fails to deliver. I would have thought the entry lists come from teams and drivers who have paid to race. If so, there's an awful lot of folks out there losing money, surely?
I'm sorry to be saying all this as I've been a fan of the EERC series since the outset but this seems to be happening more and more recently. I just hope that being granted championship status for 2007 means positive changes.
I agree Trackside with what you said, i have been going to races now for around 25 years and have never seen the same, also i don't think i have ever seen the padock so car free, even on a track day, just think what it would have been like if the weather had not been so good.
I was also disappointed that the Topcats Sagaris was not racing, that also had troubles in qualifiying, but i am sure they were even more disappointed, never mind, i enjoyed what was there and i got to meet Mr TVR Monster him self And Race which made the day even better, shame i didn't know you was there tracksisde, you could have give me some tips on photography.
I was also disappointed that the Topcats Sagaris was not racing, that also had troubles in qualifiying, but i am sure they were even more disappointed, never mind, i enjoyed what was there and i got to meet Mr TVR Monster him self And Race which made the day even better, shame i didn't know you was there tracksisde, you could have give me some tips on photography.
To find the list of events and entry fees, you go here:
www.eerc.co.uk/cms/e107_files/afm/2006%20Calendar%20-%20Issue%2013.xls
Which you get at by clicking "Events" on the left or the top tab, and at the top of the pile, just under 24hrs Silverstone, is the "Events Calendar" which is the above Excel spreadsheet.
It gives race dates, lengths, and entry fees.
Yes it takes a little digging, but it's available.
Rob.
www.eerc.co.uk/cms/e107_files/afm/2006%20Calendar%20-%20Issue%2013.xls
Which you get at by clicking "Events" on the left or the top tab, and at the top of the pile, just under 24hrs Silverstone, is the "Events Calendar" which is the above Excel spreadsheet.
It gives race dates, lengths, and entry fees.
Yes it takes a little digging, but it's available.
Rob.
kevin63 said:
I agree Trackside with what you said, i have been going to races now for around 25 years and have never seen the same, also i don't think i have ever seen the padock so car free, even on a track day, just think what it would have been like if the weather had not been so good.
I was also disappointed that the Topcats Sagaris was not racing, that also had troubles in qualifiying, but i am sure they were even more disappointed, never mind, i enjoyed what was there and i got to meet Mr TVR Monster him self And Race which made the day even better, shame i didn't know you was there tracksisde, you could have give me some tips on photography.
I was also disappointed that the Topcats Sagaris was not racing, that also had troubles in qualifiying, but i am sure they were even more disappointed, never mind, i enjoyed what was there and i got to meet Mr TVR Monster him self And Race which made the day even better, shame i didn't know you was there tracksisde, you could have give me some tips on photography.
sorry to dissapoint old chap but the Sagaris wasn't in the rudest of health and rather than run it and totally destroy it we got the Marcos out for the race. Given a back of the grid start and 1st in class was a pretty good result and was down to so handy driving by both Warren and Richard. We certainly wanted to be out in both races and did all that was possible to make it happen, hopefully those watching apprecaited the effort put in by team and drivers alike
Cheers
Darren
(TopsCats Racing)
Darren
I do appreciate what you all did, someone even took the engine cover off the Saggy so i could take photo's, i was feeling for you all when i heard the bad news about the Saggy, when i phoned Andy up (Tvrmonster) he was gutted too.
I hope it is not too expensive for you to sort out and hope to see the Saggy on track in 2007.
I do appreciate what you all did, someone even took the engine cover off the Saggy so i could take photo's, i was feeling for you all when i heard the bad news about the Saggy, when i phoned Andy up (Tvrmonster) he was gutted too.
I hope it is not too expensive for you to sort out and hope to see the Saggy on track in 2007.
Edited by kevin63 on Sunday 5th November 15:55
kevin63 said:
...shame i didn't know you was there, Trackside, you could have give me some tips on photography.
I guess that was you with the 4 TVRs? I followed your group into the circuit in the morning.
d_drinks said:
...hopefully those watching apprecaited the effort put in by team and drivers alike
Cheers
Darren
(TopsCats Racing)
Cheers
Darren
(TopsCats Racing)
Darren
As Kevin said, I think the spectators certainly appreciated the efforts made by the few that did turn out to race this weekend. Warren and Richard's drive in the old warhorse was entertaining to watch, as the Marcoses always are. Sounded great during the night race when the air is a bit thinner too. Shame it was struck by the Lord of Darkness early on but it was fun watching it catch HH-F in the M3. I even got to see the Saggy go round for one lap in quallie; first time I've seen it so I too was disappointed it couldn't race.
Hello
I also went to this event, and agree with Kevin63 & Trackside. I’ve never seen both so few spectators and competitors. The paddock was almost desolate. It was a great shame as two years ago Donington put on a GT and fireworks event, and it was very popular. A friend and myself decided to go visit the grand prix museum instead, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. We’d never seen this before and it was an absolute revelation. I have a few pics I should post.
Kevin63 if you were in a light blue Cerbera parked looking onto the old hairpin I was just a few cars down from you, small world, I also came from S. Yorks.
I also went to this event, and agree with Kevin63 & Trackside. I’ve never seen both so few spectators and competitors. The paddock was almost desolate. It was a great shame as two years ago Donington put on a GT and fireworks event, and it was very popular. A friend and myself decided to go visit the grand prix museum instead, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. We’d never seen this before and it was an absolute revelation. I have a few pics I should post.
Kevin63 if you were in a light blue Cerbera parked looking onto the old hairpin I was just a few cars down from you, small world, I also came from S. Yorks.
Martin TH said:
Hello
I also went to this event, and agree with Kevin63 & Trackside. I’ve never seen both so few spectators and competitors. The paddock was almost desolate. It was a great shame as two years ago Donington put on a GT and fireworks event, and it was very popular. A friend and myself decided to go visit the grand prix museum instead, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. We’d never seen this before and it was an absolute revelation. I have a few pics I should post.
Kevin63 if you were in a light blue Cerbera parked looking onto the old hairpin I was just a few cars down from you, small world, I also came from S. Yorks.
I also went to this event, and agree with Kevin63 & Trackside. I’ve never seen both so few spectators and competitors. The paddock was almost desolate. It was a great shame as two years ago Donington put on a GT and fireworks event, and it was very popular. A friend and myself decided to go visit the grand prix museum instead, which turned out to be a fantastic idea. We’d never seen this before and it was an absolute revelation. I have a few pics I should post.
Kevin63 if you were in a light blue Cerbera parked looking onto the old hairpin I was just a few cars down from you, small world, I also came from S. Yorks.
Hi Martin
If you went to a similar event at Donington two years ago, then that was Britcar too! If I remember that had a cracking entry, it was wet I think and was an excellent event. Just goes to show how things can change, really...
BTW, what car were you in? I was parked up on the bank at Goddards chicane in my grey Elise with my brother's blue Nissan 200SX next to me.
Martin TH said:
You’re right it was Britcar; I’m remembering the diesel golf that was racing. At the time I said diesel would never catch on in motorsport .
.That's the one! Piers Johnson was going really well in Don Norchi's Volvo too, led at one point I think.
Martin TH said:
I was in a tired old red Astra, parked a couple of cars down from the 4 tvrs attending, overlooking the old hairpin.
In the background of this photo?
yep that's it , right next to a rather nice clk 430 with amg wheels
i've posted some pics I took on another forum, they can been seen here:
www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127237
regards
, right next to a rather nice clk 430 with amg wheels i've posted some pics I took on another forum, they can been seen here:
www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=127237
regards
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