Fighting Torque 2008

[longbow]

Hi everyone, and a happy New Year! Well, as the title suggests the wheels have begun to turn in preparation for a re-run of last years event and I can release a few emerging details so those who are keen to attend can start to plan for it. The date has been set for Sun 10 August 2008 and the venue remains the same i.e. Wattisham Airfield. The distance will remain at 3/4 mile for two reasons; firstly I thought it was a near perfect balance of acceleration and top end which did give the cars enough of a run to pull clear gaps. Secondly Wattisham cannot support a longer run, and the only other venue open to me was Woodbridge which is largely run-down and the runway, although 2 miles long, is completely obscurred from view. What we are aiming to do is provide more comprehensive timing i.e. split times including 1/4 times and maybe 1/2 mile or 1km (TBD). The presentation of the data should also be better, using live display boards to keep a running log and also each lane will hopefully have a board displaying the last runs time and terminal velocity. The other thing I am keen to do is limit the modified cars in order to allow a much wider spread of standard supercars. Cars such as the Veyron, F40, Enzo etc were not enticed last year and this is something I am keen to address. The modified cars last year were a hoot to watch I agree, but its the manufacturer battles I am really keen on. I have drawn up a shortlist of cars and am looking to restrict entry to those types - if the spaces do not get filled then they will surely be opened up nearer the event. Of the allocated slots per type, 1 slot will be allocated to a wildcard/modified of that type. The negative aspect is that it won't be a TVR/Cerbera heavy event, however I will look to allow limited spectator entry for those who entered their cars last year so at least they can attend the event although this is by no means a promise. Apart from this, the event should largely run as per last year, which by all accounts worked very well. Anyone viewing this thread with one of the vehicles listed below and who would like to race, please email me.

Invited cars;

AC - Cobra [1]
Ariel - Atom [1]
Aston Martin - open [2]
Audi - RS2 [1]
- RS4 [2]
- RS6 [2]
- R8 [2]
Bentley - open [2]
BMW - 335d [1]
- M Coupe [2]
- M3 [3]
- M5 [2]
- M6 [2]
Bugatti - Veyron [1]
Chevrolet - Corvette C5 [1]
- Corvette C5 Z06 [1]
- Corvette C6 [1]
- Corvette C6 Z06 [1]
Dodge - Viper/SRT10 [3]
Ferrari - 355 [2]
- 360 [2]
- 430 [2]
- 575/550 [2]
- 599 [1]
- F40 [1]
- F50 [1]
- Enzo [1]
Ford - Mustang [2]
- GT40/GT [2]
Honda - NSX [2]
Jaguar - XKR [1]
- XJ220 [1]
Koenigsegg - open [1]
Lamborghini - Diablo [2]
- Gallardo [2]
- Murcialago [2]
Lotus - Esprit V8 [2]
- Carlton [2]
Maserati - open [2]
McLaren - F1 [1]
Mercedes - McLaren SLR [1]
- AMG open [4]
Nissan - Skyline [2]
Noble - open [4]
Pagani - Zonda [1]
Porsche - Carrera [3]
- GT3 [3]
- Turbo / GT2 [3]
- Carrera GT [1]
- 959 [1]
TVR - Cerbera [4]
- Tuscan [4]
- T350 [2]
- Sagaris [2]
- Griff [2]
Ultima - open [3]

Edited by longbow on Tuesday 15th January 21:43

[HarryW]

Looking forward to this if I get picked out of the hat, not forgetting mine was the fastest TVR last time if not the quickest on time due to the inexperienced of the numpty behind the wheel, spending more time spinning up the tyres than going forward .

Tis not all bad, I suppose 3x4.2, 3x4.5 & 3xS6 should cover the Cerb entry lsit. Happy to be classified as
a. standard 4.2
b. standard 4.5
c. modified 4.2 or
d. modified 4.5

is there enough LSx cerbs to make a class of their own too .

Be good to see some of the more powerful S6 cars there too.


Here's hoping, whens the list opening up Windsor.

[Cyclone1]

Hi Windsor and happy new year.....

Good to hear that the planning and then execution of FT2 is already up and running, August 3rd is already pencilled in either as a hopeful spectator or as a "modified" entrant. Last year was superb for a "1st" event and will prove to be an excellent platform to build on. Adding a touch more control around which cars are selected is a definitie step in thr right direction as it will give a clearer comparison of the cars competing, the only variable for debate will then be driver capability.

Roll on August....

Jules.

ps if any help is required then let me know.

Edited by Cyclone1 on Thursday 10th January 05:03

[BLUETHUNDER]

I will take my chances in the Vette this year,if i get accepted.

[Timmy2TARs]

Good stuff. Last year's event was lots of fun.

However - could I suggest getting a better photography company involved than the one that was there last time, as their images were pretty woeful (even without taking their dirty lenses into consideration), and if at all possible, permit more freedom to video the event.

As I understand from Dangly, he was restricted to filming the launches from a single spot only, so never bothered airing any of the footage as he felt it was too static. I appreciate military observations and sensitivities, etc..., but as I gather from him, it wasn't the military that issued the restriction, but Javelin (who obviously may have simply been complying with the military's instructions). Since he was there in an official capacity I would have expected him to have had a bit of leeway, however... if only to compensate for his 02:30 depart from deepest Wales to make it there in time

I hope this year's event is a great success!

[900T-R]

Can I fly the (normally aspirated) RV8 flag with a bonkers 4.3? Please??

[grahamn]

Put me down for a slot driving preferred but spector if not please.

[madbadger]

Would love to fly the Tamora flag.

[S5TVR]

Windsor,

I'd like to throw my name into the T350 hat as well after running last year. I'm pleased the format is unchanged and the timing enhancements you mention sound spot on. I would hope, if selected, that my car would run in the standard category as apart from after market wheels, exhaust & re-map it is a standard factory red rose and makes pretty much bang on the factory quoted numbers. Is standard vs modified again going to be based on actual power output compared to factory quoted output or will mods like after market exhaust, wheels re-maps etc put a car in the modified category ?.

Simon

[touching cloth]

Great to hear it is happening again and would love to be there again. TBH if Cerb slots are at a premium then I am easy as to whether I actually run or not, and if spectator spaces can be arranged then certainly happy to tool around with my camera and eat burgers all day - Of course if there ends up being space aplenty then will sign up for the full monty.

[nelly1]

I'm in if you need a Tuscan...

[FUBAR]

FT without a yellow TVR (in particular a yellow Cerb) just wouldnt be right. Nuff said

[longbow]

Thanks for the encouragement chaps and all of your comments will be taken on board. Yes, the photography/filming is a definite area for improvement and I agree, we really need to capture the whole race and not just the start/end, so I will give that a lot of thought. Also, when I say modified I mean within 5% of manufacturer stats as a ballpark figure. Obviously we're not going to dyno the cars, so it will be based on the owners integrity and my scrutineering!!

[_Neal_]

This all sounds really good - Especially the idea of enticing other supercars - that'll make for a great event. I'd be interested in both driving and spectating. Look forward to more details!

To echo above question on the standard v. modified front - for a 4.5, a standard car (i.e. "as it left the factory" non-RR spec) will, as far as I can ascertain from research on here and talking to owners/tuners, make around 330-370 bhp. To get to over 400bhp, let alone close to the quoted 420 you need remap, short induction hoses, de-cat and some luck! What are your thoughts? Will the standard cars on the day be those that are making as near as dammit manufacturers quoted figures, with modified being a nitro/LS-engined monster, or is there a place for genuinely "standard" cars too?

Neal

Edited by _Neal_ on Thursday 10th January 10:33

Edited by _Neal_ on Thursday 10th January 10:36

[BLUETHUNDER]

You cant have F.T without Fubes and T.C running head to head.It just wouldnt be the same.Twas the high light of the day for some.That really was Fighting Torque.

[grahamn]

BLUETHUNDER said:

You cant have F.T without Fubes and T.C running head to head.It just wouldnt be the same.Twas the high light of the day for some.That really was Fighting Torque.

A true heavy weight head to head

[longbow]

Neal said:

To echo above question on the standard v. modified front - for a 4.5, a standard car (i.e. "as it left the factory" non-RR spec) will, as far as I can ascertain from research on here and talking to owners/tuners, make around 330-370 bhp. To get to over 400bhp, let alone close to the quoted 420 you need remap, short induction hoses, de-cat and some luck! What are your thoughts? Will the standard cars on the day be those that are making as near as dammit manufacturers quoted figures, with modified being a nitro/LS-engined monster, or is there a place for genuinely "standard" cars too?

Ideally a 4.2 will be 360-370bhp and a 4.5 will be 420ish. A Red Rose (e.g. Nickcc) can be 440bhp. That way the times will be a true reflection of a 'good' car. A 340hp 4.5 isn't really reflective other than a car in a pretty bad state of tune, and also TVRs woeful quality control. I'll be running my 4.2 next year, so I'll need another good 4.2 that has been dynoed close to 360hp. There are a few 4.5s knocking out 420ish and one 440hp Red Rose. The special will either be the Bosscerb or one of the LS beasties I expect.

[touching cloth]

longbow said:

..I'll need another good 4.2 that has been dynoed close to 360hp.

365.7 here .... and there was me saying I wasn't bothered about running

[900T-R]

longbow said:

Ideally a 4.2 will be 360-370bhp and a 4.5 will be 420ish.

I thought in the real world both versions made similar power, with no more than a bit of added driveability and low down grunt for the larger-engined one?

Edited by 900T-R on Thursday 10th January 12:25

[HarryW]

longbow said:

Neal said:

To echo above question on the standard v. modified front - for a 4.5, a standard car (i.e. "as it left the factory" non-RR spec) will, as far as I can ascertain from research on here and talking to owners/tuners, make around 330-370 bhp. To get to over 400bhp, let alone close to the quoted 420 you need remap, short induction hoses, de-cat and some luck! What are your thoughts? Will the standard cars on the day be those that are making as near as dammit manufacturers quoted figures, with modified being a nitro/LS-engined monster, or is there a place for genuinely "standard" cars too?

Ideally a 4.2 will be 360-370bhp and a 4.5 will be 420ish. A Red Rose (e.g. Nickcc) can be 440bhp. That way the times will be a true reflection of a 'good' car. A 340hp 4.5 isn't really reflective other than a car in a pretty bad state of tune, and also TVRs woeful quality control. I'll be running my 4.2 next year, so I'll need another good 4.2 that has been dynoed close to 360hp. There are a few 4.5s knocking out 420ish and one 440hp Red Rose. The special will either be the Bosscerb or one of the LS beasties I expect.

Another standard 4.2 required late 4.2's were 4.5's so 380 is not unusual for them .

Standard cars and TVR can be a problem hence my opening statement earlier in which mine could be considered as any theme on a V8 Cerb you care to name. I won't bang on but mine is in effect a late factory spec 4.2 with RR compression .

I think there is only 1 special Cerbera and thats Boss, no disrespect to Steve and Brummie but a LSx Cerb is no longer a Cerb in this context, the lack of a AJP8 removes its soul.