Robin Read and nitromethane
Discussion
One of many great memories I have of Super-Pro was running our car against Robin's. He and his crew added another dimension to the racing and, despite being a clutch car, they soon go to grips with the tree and dialing in. It looks like he'll be returning which is excellent news, both for him and for Super-Pro.
I'm no nitro expert but I am aware of insurance implications for the track operator in that, no nitro = cheaper premiums.
I guess the risks are concerned with the explosive potential so I don't see the difference between doorslammers and dragsters with the possible exception of the front engine configuration and it's history maybe? The same is possibly true regarding engine size? Bigger engine = bigger explosion perhaps?
Of course, being the Super-Pro nutter I am, I see this as yet another reason to view it as a quasi-elite class capable of headlining any domestic and some international events, even more if the slow end of the bracket is trimmed back a bit. The domestic German scene is now dominated by Super-Pro and it is starting to push out some of the contrived and thinly populated heads up classes in Hungary. Does anyone know if Drachten has plans for it? They desperately need more entrants and they already have an organisation with enthusiasm to make it work.
Whatever (climbs down from soap box), welcome back Mr Read and family. It's been too long.
I guess the risks are concerned with the explosive potential so I don't see the difference between doorslammers and dragsters with the possible exception of the front engine configuration and it's history maybe? The same is possibly true regarding engine size? Bigger engine = bigger explosion perhaps?
Of course, being the Super-Pro nutter I am, I see this as yet another reason to view it as a quasi-elite class capable of headlining any domestic and some international events, even more if the slow end of the bracket is trimmed back a bit. The domestic German scene is now dominated by Super-Pro and it is starting to push out some of the contrived and thinly populated heads up classes in Hungary. Does anyone know if Drachten has plans for it? They desperately need more entrants and they already have an organisation with enthusiasm to make it work.
Whatever (climbs down from soap box), welcome back Mr Read and family. It's been too long.
firewalker said:
This is the Daimler powered RED no?
He's ran it at York a few times now, exhibition on Nitro.
That's the one. There were two AFAIK, Russ Carpenter's and Robins and were dubbed "Junior Fuellers". 2.5 litre Daimler/Jag V8 Hemis on nitromethane and quite spectacular to boot! Robin was running high sixes when we were racing against him. The noise!!!! It has to be heard.He's ran it at York a few times now, exhibition on Nitro.
I agree with your general sentiments Ratfink but, for as long as drag racing has spluttered along in Europe, "pro" classes have mostly struggled for numbers (a) due to the cost and (b) one mega funded team often makes it all a bit of a futile exercise for the others. I understand the brackets are not for the purists and we'd all love to see big fields of nitro cars, pro-mods etc., but history would seem to demonstrate that it rarely is the case. Even now, finals days are less well attended than the day before so this purist view of unlimited racing is not supported by the ticket buyers - they want to see loud and fast racing vehicles and plenty of 'em... In other words, a spectacle. Nobody really cares who is the FIA champion.
I'm just being practical by advocating that something like the current Super-Pro format, maybe a speeded up a bit, add a few nitro fed machines, is worth developing further. Imagine a few more Martyn Jones type teams out there?
I'm just being practical by advocating that something like the current Super-Pro format, maybe a speeded up a bit, add a few nitro fed machines, is worth developing further. Imagine a few more Martyn Jones type teams out there?
A good debate, thanks to all for that.
I want to take issue with the view that Martyn Jone's car is a TMD. It isn't. As far as I know, Syd and his crew have no intention in runnning TMD and never have. However, it is a 5 second blown methanol dragster and provides all the spectacle of TMD cars - but running SuPro. Robin Read will provide a spectacle with his "junior fueller" to match 98% of the British pro cars - whilst running in SuPro. The speeds, ETs and all round performance in SuPro has steadily improved down the years and continues to do so.
I admit to finding it difficult to explain all the facets of ET racing to "some people" but, to us bracket fans, it is this complexity which is attractive. Cricket lovers would understand the point.
I accept, SuPro will not fill Santa Pod but I do maintain that, with correct development and marketing, it can provide a vital component in any promotion by providing it's own brand of spectacle, showmanship and competition.
BTW, my favourite class would be a decent field of nostalgia funny cars.
I want to take issue with the view that Martyn Jone's car is a TMD. It isn't. As far as I know, Syd and his crew have no intention in runnning TMD and never have. However, it is a 5 second blown methanol dragster and provides all the spectacle of TMD cars - but running SuPro. Robin Read will provide a spectacle with his "junior fueller" to match 98% of the British pro cars - whilst running in SuPro. The speeds, ETs and all round performance in SuPro has steadily improved down the years and continues to do so.
I admit to finding it difficult to explain all the facets of ET racing to "some people" but, to us bracket fans, it is this complexity which is attractive. Cricket lovers would understand the point.
I accept, SuPro will not fill Santa Pod but I do maintain that, with correct development and marketing, it can provide a vital component in any promotion by providing it's own brand of spectacle, showmanship and competition.
BTW, my favourite class would be a decent field of nostalgia funny cars.
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