What IF tracks could be run in both directions?
Discussion
bigmowley said:
andygo said:
I used to compete in single venue stage rallies and Oulton was always interesting the wrong way round.
SS 1 often used to be started from the pit lane, then a run up to Lodge, (often track was frosty), corner just over the crest, cold brakes and slicks.
Just where was your braking point and remembering that there is zero room for error an the exit of Lodge.
Next up was Druids, again zero run off on the exit, followed by the car going quite light over the crest and slightly sideways down the hill at Clay Brook.
Going the correct way round was a doddle in comparison.
Beat me to it SS 1 often used to be started from the pit lane, then a run up to Lodge, (often track was frosty), corner just over the crest, cold brakes and slicks.
Just where was your braking point and remembering that there is zero room for error an the exit of Lodge.
Next up was Druids, again zero run off on the exit, followed by the car going quite light over the crest and slightly sideways down the hill at Clay Brook.
Going the correct way round was a doddle in comparison.
I have also done Oulton backwards a few times and it’s bloody difficult and quite horrid. The Lodge bit made me LOL, it’s awful backwards, like driving into a funnel. Cascades backwards isn’t a barrel of laughs either.I have also driven Mallory Park backwards, which surprisingly isn’t too bad, not that dissimilar to forwards really it’s only got 4 real corners when all said and done. Gerard’s is a bit slow in and very fast out when you do it backwards, it’s sort of opens out backwards.
Fundamentally safety and run off areas are the big issues, there is a lot of thought and experience in the placement of barriers, kerbs and gravel traps. Good fun for a one off but not for serious Motorsport..
ChevronB19 said:
I have a distant (and probably incorrect) memory that Legends cars regularly did Mallory backwards, and possibly also pickups?
Does anyone remember the attempt to replicate Nascar with European saloons?Here they are going ‘the wrong way’ around the oval section of Mallory Park.
https://youtu.be/zuMkOhfCflM
bigothunter said:
Lost Soul said:
Sod that, never mind Hall Bends to the Mountain, imagine flat chat across the start line and your first corner is Barn 
Leave that challenge to the rally boys 
Sketchy without abs and with a damp track...
Edited by drakart on Friday 23 June 14:33
SpudLink said:
Does anyone remember the attempt to replicate Nascar with European saloons?
Here they are going ‘the wrong way’ around the oval section of Mallory Park.
https://youtu.be/zuMkOhfCflM
Even better https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU0PPDHHTTE&ab...Here they are going ‘the wrong way’ around the oval section of Mallory Park.
https://youtu.be/zuMkOhfCflM
Yes, I saw one of those races ,and some more ersatz NASCAR at the largely un-mourned Rockingham too. Dire . I then went to see the Bank of America 500 at Charlotte- and even my wife enjoyed that. A drizzly day in the Midlands , or a steamy , Marguerita fuelled night in North Carolina ? Hmm , not a tough choice .
SpudLink said:
ChevronB19 said:
I have a distant (and probably incorrect) memory that Legends cars regularly did Mallory backwards, and possibly also pickups?
Does anyone remember the attempt to replicate Nascar with European saloons?Here they are going ‘the wrong way’ around the oval section of Mallory Park.
https://youtu.be/zuMkOhfCflM
They went round Knockhill and Pembrey 'backwards'.
Great series back in the day with close racing - better than BTCC and was hyped up as a rival series and featured regularly on Top Gear Motorsport.
A shame the Pick-Ups don't go round Mallory anti-clockwise anymore.
ChevronB19 said:
Just for info, the historic 500cc cars are doing a demo (on top of their normal race) running anti-clockwise at Brands Hatch today, same direction they raced in in the early 50’s.
That would be great to see.( I take it that they are using the Indy circuit).
NB: Great if there are any photos or links to it,
Milkyway said:
ChevronB19 said:
Just for info, the historic 500cc cars are doing a demo (on top of their normal race) running anti-clockwise at Brands Hatch today, same direction they raced in in the early 50’s.
That would be great to see.( I take it that they are using the Indy circuit).
NB: Great if there are any photos or links to it,
I’ve done track days at Knockhill in both directions and both ways have their merits.
As has been said the hairpin is interesting coming down from the start finish straight but honestly I prefer the original way.
I was spectating when Dougie Taylor came over the top of the start finish straight and collided with a rider exiting the pits resulting in both being killed. An unfortunate result of the exit from the track to the pits never having been constructed as an entry to the track.
Early Eurocars ran in the reverse direction at most circuits .
Lydden was an exception as the run offs,tyre walls and gravel traps were all in the wrong direction.
These days the restrictions are much tougher and circuit permits wouldn't be granted on safety grounds .
As others have mentioned demonstration runs are permitted and stage rallies run to different criteria.
Lydden was an exception as the run offs,tyre walls and gravel traps were all in the wrong direction.
These days the restrictions are much tougher and circuit permits wouldn't be granted on safety grounds .
As others have mentioned demonstration runs are permitted and stage rallies run to different criteria.
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