Where Have All The Racing Cars Gone?
Discussion
Gregor Marshall said:
Unfortunately some of these cars have got very expensive and people aren't committing to racing them, but clubs like CTCRC and HRDC are trying their best and even helping out other series buying races/grids from other clubs/championship organisers. I'm certainly no expert in it and don't know the intricate details, but that's basically it and you will see in last week’s Autosport there is an article about the surge in 1970s racing - Julius and I got 29 cars for our first races, but I have a list of 101 eligible cars that have raced in the last 5 years, so their care cars out there, it's just attracting them and hopefully with the HRDC experience and our marketing we can attract more.
I personally don't think forming a championship would make any difference for this type of racing, most are out to enjoy it and socialise and at the end of the day it's not just winning (of course it is really, but not for everyone!!). The CTCRC has introduce championship prize money and I think that has helped them a little, but it's not the be all and end all for the majority of their drivers.
Everyone has favourite tracks and bucket list tracks and all I can say is Lydden Hill has been supported by both CTCRC and HRDC over the years, as it is such a friendly place and produces great racing. Thruxton was one of my late Dad's favourite tracks and it really sorts the men out from the boys, and you can ask any racing driver that about Thruxton.
Exactly - there are cars out there, but where are they? It's a shame given how much time/money it costs to build a car for competition to just 'moth ball' it and not get out, plus it's a shame for the spectators not to have the variety of machinery and just be subjected to the usual 'Formula Lotus Cortina (replica)' that we seem to be having in historic touring cars at the moment.I personally don't think forming a championship would make any difference for this type of racing, most are out to enjoy it and socialise and at the end of the day it's not just winning (of course it is really, but not for everyone!!). The CTCRC has introduce championship prize money and I think that has helped them a little, but it's not the be all and end all for the majority of their drivers.
Everyone has favourite tracks and bucket list tracks and all I can say is Lydden Hill has been supported by both CTCRC and HRDC over the years, as it is such a friendly place and produces great racing. Thruxton was one of my late Dad's favourite tracks and it really sorts the men out from the boys, and you can ask any racing driver that about Thruxton.
I agree what Julius has done has been great for historic motorsport, just some of his regulation decisions baffle me... E.G. allowing Mk 1 Jaguars to run 3.4litre engines (as they did in period), then stipulating that they were only allowed to run up to 2668cc or something daft (2.4 litre plus an overbore of sorts), then reverting back and saying they can run 3.4 litre engines again... Must say if i'd had to pay for 2 engines to be built by someone decent like Pete Lander @ Sigma, one engine which is effectively now useless for competition, I can't say i'd be overtly happy at giving Thurgood entry fees.
As you mention I saw the CTCRC offer prize money, and that's interesting/different for historic motorsport, good for the club trying something different to the crowd. My dad raced with the Classic Saloon Car Club in the 80s run by Peter Deffee, sounds like it was a great series with more production-based classes and a fair few competitors driving their cars to the circuits. Thruxton is indeed a great circuit, however add in the wear it would take on a race A Series engine sitting mostle at max revs with considerable oil-surge with the high load corners, and the fact that after 1 practice session/1 race you need a new £750 set of Dunlop CR65s - throw-in the race fees and the HRDC membership fees you need to pay to enter, soon starts getting a bit costly for 1 and a bit hours of track time. Not sure why Lydden/Thruxton eat tyres with such veracity, not experienced anything like it elsewhere.
I can help with the part of the question that said "where are they?"
My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
AnotherGuy said:
I can help with the part of the question that said "where are they?"
My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
Please share some pics for us to drool overMy own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
AnotherGuy said:
I can help with the part of the question that said "where are they?"
My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
I do understand that completely. Particularly the faff!My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
I haven’t raced or rallied this year, largely due to working away a lot and that’s not compatible with then competing at a weekend. I am now “between contracts” and have some time so have entered a rally in a few weeks time in a mk2 Escort and a race at Donington in September in a Caterham. In preparation I have a track day booked at Cadwell on Thursday and a track evening at Donington next Tuesday but I have realised that I am not really looking forward to it, all due to the hassle of getting tyres and fuel sorted, towing the car to the venues, sorting out the camper van so I have somewhere to stay etc etc etc. Is the buzz really worth it any more? Not sure. Maybe I will come back on Thursday with my enthusiasm restored!!??
AnotherGuy said:
I can help with the part of the question that said "where are they?"
My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
Nice, cool pair of cars with the Escort and the Sunbeam! My own Group One Mk3 Escort RS1600i is in a lockup - having not made an appearance for the best part of 10 years. My previous car in that championship a Talbot Sunbeam Ti was sold to a competitor who raced it briefly before it too was assigned to a barn and has not been see since.
The why is more complicated, but lack of time (I had 2 small children), cost and perhaps more importantly the faff of it. I needed a support car with a towbar, an expensive trailer and somewhere to store it all at home. Turns out I have none of that now - hence I don't race.
(if anyone wants a low-cost CTCRC Group One car - then PM me directly)
andy97 said:
I do understand that completely. Particularly the faff!
I haven’t raced or rallied this year, largely due to working away a lot and that’s not compatible with then competing at a weekend. I am now “between contracts” and have some time so have entered a rally in a few weeks time in a mk2 Escort and a race at Donington in September in a Caterham. In preparation I have a track day booked at Cadwell on Thursday and a track evening at Donington next Tuesday but I have realised that I am not really looking forward to it, all due to the hassle of getting tyres and fuel sorted, towing the car to the venues, sorting out the camper van so I have somewhere to stay etc etc etc. Is the buzz really worth it any more? Not sure. Maybe I will come back on Thursday with my enthusiasm restored!!??
Fingers crossed for you, hope it goes well! I haven’t raced or rallied this year, largely due to working away a lot and that’s not compatible with then competing at a weekend. I am now “between contracts” and have some time so have entered a rally in a few weeks time in a mk2 Escort and a race at Donington in September in a Caterham. In preparation I have a track day booked at Cadwell on Thursday and a track evening at Donington next Tuesday but I have realised that I am not really looking forward to it, all due to the hassle of getting tyres and fuel sorted, towing the car to the venues, sorting out the camper van so I have somewhere to stay etc etc etc. Is the buzz really worth it any more? Not sure. Maybe I will come back on Thursday with my enthusiasm restored!!??
As mentioned by both, I can appreciate the time-sink aspect of things, and also the faff/hassle - I guess that's just a price to pay for the feeling of being able to use your pride and joy flat out on a track. Fortunately i'm fairly free of ties at the moment so the time aspect isn't such an issue, however can see how starting a family etc. would deter one from competing as often/at all
Back in '99, when I was 16, I helped run a National Supersports Clubmans car which won the championship that year, we sold it and a few years later the formula died and all of the rear engined cars vanished, a different formula carried on for front engine K Series powered cars.
I recently wanted to see if I could find the car as it's atwo seater so would be great for having tuition in on track days initially. I've managed to find it! It's in bits in a barn and has been sat there since 2006! I'm picking it up this weekend! Will be a great project to rebuild it and get it back on the track.
Unfortunately looking around it doesn't look like it's eligable for any current formulas, it's a proper race car, not a road going car and has a Vauxhall red top 2L in the back of it, that rules it out form 750MC, Sports 2000 might be possible if I was to spend a load of money and fit a Duratec, I doubt Clubmans will allow it back as it's a front engined formula now.
Real shame as they're great cars and there could be a few more out there like this looking for something to race in.
I recently wanted to see if I could find the car as it's atwo seater so would be great for having tuition in on track days initially. I've managed to find it! It's in bits in a barn and has been sat there since 2006! I'm picking it up this weekend! Will be a great project to rebuild it and get it back on the track.
Unfortunately looking around it doesn't look like it's eligable for any current formulas, it's a proper race car, not a road going car and has a Vauxhall red top 2L in the back of it, that rules it out form 750MC, Sports 2000 might be possible if I was to spend a load of money and fit a Duratec, I doubt Clubmans will allow it back as it's a front engined formula now.
Real shame as they're great cars and there could be a few more out there like this looking for something to race in.
I wondered about this for ages, then an email dropped reading:
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
Oilchange said:
I wondered about this for ages, then an email dropped reading:
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ytTUe_M90&t=1169s"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
Would that be the same as this one? 1.1K for 750mc which had a massive variation in ability of drivers/cars, i.e. recipe for disaster...
EddyP said:
Back in '99, when I was 16, I helped run a National Supersports Clubmans car which won the championship that year, we sold it and a few years later the formula died and all of the rear engined cars vanished, a different formula carried on for front engine K Series powered cars.
I recently wanted to see if I could find the car as it's atwo seater so would be great for having tuition in on track days initially. I've managed to find it! It's in bits in a barn and has been sat there since 2006! I'm picking it up this weekend! Will be a great project to rebuild it and get it back on the track.
Unfortunately looking around it doesn't look like it's eligable for any current formulas, it's a proper race car, not a road going car and has a Vauxhall red top 2L in the back of it, that rules it out form 750MC, Sports 2000 might be possible if I was to spend a load of money and fit a Duratec, I doubt Clubmans will allow it back as it's a front engined formula now.
Real shame as they're great cars and there could be a few more out there like this looking for something to race in.
Awesome story, well done managing to locate the old car! As you say rear-engined clubmans cars are rare nowadays, would be great to see some pictures or a Readers Rides thread with your backstory of the car and any progress you may make I recently wanted to see if I could find the car as it's atwo seater so would be great for having tuition in on track days initially. I've managed to find it! It's in bits in a barn and has been sat there since 2006! I'm picking it up this weekend! Will be a great project to rebuild it and get it back on the track.
Unfortunately looking around it doesn't look like it's eligable for any current formulas, it's a proper race car, not a road going car and has a Vauxhall red top 2L in the back of it, that rules it out form 750MC, Sports 2000 might be possible if I was to spend a load of money and fit a Duratec, I doubt Clubmans will allow it back as it's a front engined formula now.
Real shame as they're great cars and there could be a few more out there like this looking for something to race in.
jm8403 said:
Oilchange said:
I wondered about this for ages, then an email dropped reading:
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ytTUe_M90&t=1169s"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
Would that be the same as this one? 1.1K for 750mc which had a massive variation in ability of drivers/cars, i.e. recipe for disaster...
jm8403 said:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ytTUe_M90&t=...
Would that be the same as this one? 1.1K for 750mc which had a massive variation in ability of drivers/cars, i.e. recipe for disaster...
Different but equally ridiculous entry fee. Would that be the same as this one? 1.1K for 750mc which had a massive variation in ability of drivers/cars, i.e. recipe for disaster...
I don't get it, maybe they are making money but I won't be chasing them to enter.
jm8403 said:
Oilchange said:
I wondered about this for ages, then an email dropped reading:
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9ytTUe_M90&t=1169s"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
Would that be the same as this one? 1.1K for 750mc which had a massive variation in ability of drivers/cars, i.e. recipe for disaster...
Club Enduro races with 750MC are typically £675-795 for two or three hour races, Roadsports typically £320-360 for 45mins. The only 750MC races that have ever really had a four-figure entry fee are £1200 for double-headers (2 x 100min) at Spa Francorchamps.
750MC said:
The video and comments about class changes in that link above are not a 750MC event, the driver just had a 750MC decal on the dash from a previous race.
Club Enduro races with 750MC are typically £675-795 for two or three hour races, Roadsports typically £320-360 for 45mins. The only 750MC races that have ever really had a four-figure entry fee are £1200 for double-headers (2 x 100min) at Spa Francorchamps.
That's not too stupid then? Guess the race like dan can be done for <1.5k then including fuel/food.Club Enduro races with 750MC are typically £675-795 for two or three hour races, Roadsports typically £320-360 for 45mins. The only 750MC races that have ever really had a four-figure entry fee are £1200 for double-headers (2 x 100min) at Spa Francorchamps.
750MC said:
The video and comments about class changes in that link above are not a 750MC event, the driver just had a 750MC decal on the dash from a previous race.
Club Enduro races with 750MC are typically £675-795 for two or three hour races, Roadsports typically £320-360 for 45mins. The only 750MC races that have ever really had a four-figure entry fee are £1200 for double-headers (2 x 100min) at Spa Francorchamps.
This is actually cheap. I was a committee member with an Historic club briefly, and circuit hire costs these days are horrific. Having said that, and it might just be a perceived opinion, it is more expensive these days, Dunlop L or M sections, for example, used to be around the price of a mid range road tyre, now they are premium plus prices (thankfully I have a light car, so a set can last a season, but you’re lucky to get 2 races out of them from something like a mustang).Club Enduro races with 750MC are typically £675-795 for two or three hour races, Roadsports typically £320-360 for 45mins. The only 750MC races that have ever really had a four-figure entry fee are £1200 for double-headers (2 x 100min) at Spa Francorchamps.
Personally, I’ve probably hit the ‘middle aged spread’ of being relatively skint, and now having wife, kids and a house to do up, so not only is it no cash, it’s also no time. I’ll do a few road class hillclimbs and sprints in my everyday car (up GTi), and keep the car (we’ve had it 50 years after all), and revisit when funds/time allow.
Edited by ChevronB19 on Thursday 25th August 20:42
ChevronB19 said:
This is actually cheap. I was a committee member with an Historic club briefly, and circuit hire costs these days are horrific. Having said that, and it might just be a perceived opinion, it is more expensive these days, Dunlop L or M sections, for example, used to be around the price of a mid range road tyre, now they are premium plus prices (thankfully I have a light car, so a set can last a season, but you’re lucky to get 2 races out of them from something like a mustang).
Personally, I’ve probably hit the ‘middle aged spread’ of being relatively skint, and now having wife, kids and a house to do up, so not only is it no cash, it’s also no time. I’ll do a few road class hillclimbs and sprints in my everyday car (up GTi), and keep the car (we’ve had it 50 years after all), and revisit when funds/time allow.
There you have it, if they are making a profit good luck to them but I suspect it is simply keeping the average joe away and therefor a lot of race cars that would be out there, aren't.Personally, I’ve probably hit the ‘middle aged spread’ of being relatively skint, and now having wife, kids and a house to do up, so not only is it no cash, it’s also no time. I’ll do a few road class hillclimbs and sprints in my everyday car (up GTi), and keep the car (we’ve had it 50 years after all), and revisit when funds/time allow.
Edited by ChevronB19 on Thursday 25th August 20:42
I was looking at racing last year with a particular club, I had the time and (limited) funds but they upped the entry fees from what was already a steep bill to silly money. And they wondered why they couldn't fill the slots and cancelled events...
ChevronB19 said:
This is actually cheap. I was a committee member with an Historic club briefly, and circuit hire costs these days are horrific. Having said that, and it might just be a perceived opinion, it is more expensive these days, Dunlop L or M sections, for example, used to be around the price of a mid range road tyre, now they are premium plus prices (thankfully I have a light car, so a set can last a season, but you’re lucky to get 2 races out of them from something like a mustang).
Personally, I’ve probably hit the ‘middle aged spread’ of being relatively skint, and now having wife, kids and a house to do up, so not only is it no cash, it’s also no time. I’ll do a few road class hillclimbs and sprints in my everyday car (up GTi), and keep the car (we’ve had it 50 years after all), and revisit when funds/time allow.
I think this is another issue (for historic racing at least) - so many series stipulate entrants must run this tyre. It's no bad thing as (for pre-66 touring cars) the tyres are similar to what the cars ran back in period the the crossply aspect means you get to indulge in lovely angles of slip through most corners. However, £740+ delivered for 4 x 13" tyres? Christ, I felt like i'd been held at knifepoint by Dick Turpin... Personally, I’ve probably hit the ‘middle aged spread’ of being relatively skint, and now having wife, kids and a house to do up, so not only is it no cash, it’s also no time. I’ll do a few road class hillclimbs and sprints in my everyday car (up GTi), and keep the car (we’ve had it 50 years after all), and revisit when funds/time allow.
Edited by ChevronB19 on Thursday 25th August 20:42
Chunkychucky said:
I think this is another issue (for historic racing at least) - so many series stipulate entrants must run this tyre. It's no bad thing as (for pre-66 touring cars) the tyres are similar to what the cars ran back in period the the crossply aspect means you get to indulge in lovely angles of slip through most corners. However, £740+ delivered for 4 x 13" tyres? Christ, I felt like i'd been held at knifepoint by Dick Turpin...
Not a bad point. There have been multiple suggestions in series I race(d) in to move to moderns, but tyre cost of L or M is one I’m relatively ok with, the car is *so* much more fun to drive on those tyres.As for ‘where have all the cars gone’, I found out my dad has a centaur chassis in a friends barn ‘that he’d forgotten about’ for 30 years (that makes us sound rich - we’re not, he bought it for £200).
Oilchange said:
I wondered about this for ages, then an email dropped reading:
"Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
If you think this is bad you should try rallying. Cambrian rally is £1085 for 15 miles of tarmac and 45 gravel! You can do the low speed recce also but it’s got mental. "Good evening,
Despite the low number of entries at the GT Allcomers race at Snetterton it was a really good event, and quite a large crowd of locals turned out to support it.
Lots of you I know, called to express your disappointment that you would be unable to come along due to the extreme short notice. I’ve also had lots of calls to see if we would put something else together on a similar format at a later date.
We now have another unique opportunity to run on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the weekend of 22nd and 23rd of October. The format would be exactly the same as at Snetterton i.e. a 30 minute qualifying and a 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop to allow for a second driver if required, with an entry fee of £895 plus VAT."
£1100 just to enter a race!
That is why I'm staying away, I simply won't pay that much.
I was doing mighty minis last year, 2 x 20 minute races and 15 min quali for circa £400 entry fee, whole weekend cost me about £800.
High end rallying is getting so dear that running my newly built historic mini on hscc races will be far cheaper.
ChevronB19 said:
(By the way, if you *are* loaded, L sections are slightly better in the wet than M sections).
I’m not loaded, I found out because we ran in 2 series years ago, one that specified L, the other L or M. Difference was a few tenths.
Good to know, thanks for that Ed - sounds like I need to take another mugging at the hands of Mr Turpin at some point...I’m not loaded, I found out because we ran in 2 series years ago, one that specified L, the other L or M. Difference was a few tenths.
As an aside, did you get to the HRDC meeting at Castle Combe? Heard Charles Knill-Jones had a big one, as he was entered in an A35 would have been interested to know if his accident was attributable failing on the car...
Hope he's alright!Also - having seen a picture of the paddock from the meeting, it really served to illustrate the number of people that pay 'The Jordanians', Westbourne Motorsport, CCK Historic et al fees to prep their cars/take them to the meetings in their massive trucks. Didn't appear to be anywhere near as many 'privateers' with 1 car/1 trailer in the paddock
Just checking the qualifying results from Castle Combe, and i'm struggling to comprehend what is written on the screen...
Did Julius Thurgood seriously run all-pre 1960s Touring Cars in one single 'Touring Greats' class structure? If so it boggles the mind.... Given the entry fees charged, it might be nice to walk away with a £5 tin pot in recognition of a Class Podium or something, but that's never really going to happen racing a Austin A35 Academy car in the same class as a 3.4 Jaguar Mk1... bonkers.
Did Julius Thurgood seriously run all-pre 1960s Touring Cars in one single 'Touring Greats' class structure? If so it boggles the mind.... Given the entry fees charged, it might be nice to walk away with a £5 tin pot in recognition of a Class Podium or something, but that's never really going to happen racing a Austin A35 Academy car in the same class as a 3.4 Jaguar Mk1... bonkers.
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