2002 TVRCC Sprint Championship

Friday 15th March 2002

Go on, have a go! Pete Humphries explains what it's all about

The 2001 Speed Championship concluded with Steve Lyle emerging as the victor in his V8S and with Ian Bannister (Vixen) and Robin Harris (Griffith 500) as runners up. Now is the time for competitors to start making their preparations for the 2002 TVR Car Club Speed Championship.

As always, the championship is open to all TVR Car Club members, no special preparation or training is necessary and you can compete in your standard road-going TVR. The handicap system that we've developed over the last few years is working well and allows TVRs of all shapes and sizes to compete on an even basis. The main change this year is the inclusion of a new Scottish region, in response to the growing number of TVR sprinters in the North.

Speed competitions are an ideal way to enjoy the full performance of your road-going TVR in a safe environment. If you enjoy driving fast (what TVR driver doesn't?) then you should seriously consider having a go. Many TVRs offer such huge performance that it would be highly irresponsible to use their full potential on the road.

Track days offer a much safer environment and are an ideal way to learn the limits of the car - and your own limits as a driver. However, you have to remember that you aren't alone on the track; track days are definitely not the place for competitive driving or hooligan behaviour.

Having got to grips with the car at track days it is understandable that drivers will want to see just how fast they can go. What we all want is an opportunity to drive at ten tenths, hear the scream of tyres and the roar of exhaust, go for those huge opposite-lock power slides and not worry about what happens if it all goes horribly wrong.

Well, we aren't the only group of people in the country who feel this way, and someone has already come up with the answer: Speed Competitions

What are Speed Competitions?

Speed competitions are a friendly and low-cost form of motorsport organised by and for motoring enthusiasts. There are two types of speed event: sprints and hillclimbs. At sprints you drive individually around a course of about a mile, against the clock. Courses vary from a lap of a racing circuit such as Brands Hatch, to a course marked out in cones at a disused airfield.

Hillclimbs have a similar format but take place on a special-purpose course up a hill instead of on level ground. Hillclimbs are generally seen as more challenging but can be more rewarding too. There are various prizes at each event, but the main reason to come along is to have a chance to drive as fast as you dare without any worry about traffic jams, speed limits, flashing blue lights or some other idiot pushing you off the road.

Steve Lyle's article prompted me to try my hand at speed competitions in 1997, at that time there were relatively few TVRs competing and the main opposition came from Porsches and BMWs. Since then the number of TVRs competing has increased substantially and TVR is now one of the best represented marques. It really is very easy to join in and new competitors are always welcome. For those who might want to join in the fun, here are answers to some common questions:

Is it dangerous?

Some events take place on race circuits, which are similar to the environment we find at track days. These have some corners with nice big run-off areas where it is safe to be a complete hooligan, and some where a little more discretion is required. Other events take place on airfield circuits with huge run-off areas and nothing to hit other than the odd traffic cone - maximum hooligan mode is the norm here. Whatever the type of course, you are alone on the track so there is no danger of colliding with another car. Rescue crews and paramedics are present at all events but have a very boring job, you simply don't see people getting hurt.

Above all this is a low-cost, low-risk form of motorsport and none of us would be there if we thought there was a real risk of stuffing our pride and joy. Having said that, any time you drive your car there is the possibility of damage. Your normal road insurance will not cover you during competitions, but you can arrange specialist competition insurance from around £40 per day. You may want to consider taking out this insurance if you're planning to compete in something expensive.

In my opinion many airfield circuits are so safe you could reasonably go without, but that's a decision you have to make for yourself.

Will it hurt the car?

Speed competitions involve a busy day with several runs of the course, but each run lasts only a minute or so. In that time the tyres and brakes have barely got warm. The wear and tear is minimal and should be no problem for the average TVR, no special preparation is required.

Will I be fast enough to compete?

Like many sprint competitors, these competitions were my first venture into motorsport. After the first couple of events, I found I could keep up with the other cars and even beat them from time to time. I'd like to say this was because of my superb driving skills but I'm a realist - the truth is TVR don't make slow cars, you can enter in virtually any TVR and be competitive. That isn't a reason to enter, though - the whole point is that we're there to have fun.

You will meet people of all ages and driving abilities, my own driving leaves a lot to be desired and tends to be rather 'diagonal' on occasion but that doesn't stop me having a good time. If you take home a trophy once in a while that's a bonus.

How much does it cost?

Protective gear for the driver will cost between about £200 and £300. Annual fees and subscriptions will cost about another £50. Finally, entry fees for each event start at around £50.

Where are the competitions?

There are TVRs competing in events across the country. The best established groups are in the Midlands and in Southern England. However we also have growing numbers of TVRs competing in Northern England, Wales and Scotland, so wherever you are there's a fair chance you'll find TVRs competing nearby. The TVR Speed Championship consists of twenty one events. In Scotland we've taken seven popular rounds from the Scottish Speed Championship. In the Midlands, we've taken our seven favorite rounds from the Midland Speed Championship. In Southern England we've taken seven rounds from the Central Southern Speed Championship. The scoring is based on each competitor's best five results. Competitors are of course free to do as many or as few of the twenty one events as they wish.

The events are:

If you want to come see what this sprinting lark is all about, cheer us on and see TVRs just like yours being driven in anger, come to any of the events and introduce yourself, and you can be sure of a warm welcome.

Spectating requires prior arrangement at some events but at most events you can simply turn up on the day. If you want to get a front row seat sign up to marshal at any event and you will be greeted with open arms - marshals are always in short supply! (No training or previous experience necessary to be an assistant marshal.) For an information pack containing regulations for the championship, an application form, and full details of how to get started in speed competitions, e-mail me at Peter.Humphries@jyra.com. Remember, life is not a dress rehearsal!