The £7700 Corvette C6
Discussion
Saw your car at the Pomeroy yesterday -apologies for not saying hello!
Hugely impressive drive in the 40 minute "reliability" run in the afternoon -if I'm not mistaken you were second quickest after the Alpina CSL.
Clive looked and sounded fantastic, and it's quite an achievement to leave a GT40 and a McLaren M1B behind!
Brakes seemed to be working well, and the car looked beautifully balanced round Brooklands and Luffield where I was watching (I'm sure driver skill had something to do with it as well
).
It's really interesting which cars work and which don't on the track -the Bentley Continental GT was completely at sea, roll and terminal understeer, maybe not a complete surprise, same issues with the BMW Mini Cooper, but I can absolutely see why people rave about the GR Yaris!
Good luck with your score and ranking!
Hugely impressive drive in the 40 minute "reliability" run in the afternoon -if I'm not mistaken you were second quickest after the Alpina CSL.
Clive looked and sounded fantastic, and it's quite an achievement to leave a GT40 and a McLaren M1B behind!
Brakes seemed to be working well, and the car looked beautifully balanced round Brooklands and Luffield where I was watching (I'm sure driver skill had something to do with it as well
).It's really interesting which cars work and which don't on the track -the Bentley Continental GT was completely at sea, roll and terminal understeer, maybe not a complete surprise, same issues with the BMW Mini Cooper, but I can absolutely see why people rave about the GR Yaris!
Good luck with your score and ranking!
So, after weeks of work to repair Clive after the Morocco trip, he was ready to go at Silverstone on Saturday, competing in the Pomeroy Trophy. Not a race, although it always feels like it, being on the grid with other race licence holders.
I messed up the braking test, partly I just braked too late, partly due to them not feeling quite right (into the ABS immediately), despite an attempt at bedding them in on the way to work last week.
It's quite difficult (ok, impossible) to repeatedly brake from 120 to 90 mph on the Chippenham bypass at commuting time. The new, cheap big brake kit stood up well to the task, plenty of bite, no fade and no cracked discs so far.
Still, the afternoon, 40 minute test is what everyone looks forward to. It was cold, but dry, giving my two year old Nankang's half a chance. My overtaking was more cautious than it would be in a race, but I equally had a lot of courtesy shown to me too.
Here's the video:
It's a long watch, but hopefully entertaining in places. My usual style of over-driving and sliding about, whilst trying to post a half decent lap. A shame I was passed by the BMW on slicks, but he's a good driver and what an awesome car; I'll take 2nd place on the road. Pleased I overtook the GT40 this time, he beat me last year in the damp on the same tyres.
Clive had plenty of interest through the day, with a friend in the grandstand overhearing plenty of cheers and mentions of Clive as he went by.
I didn't get a photo of the infamous suitcase test, part of the competition to prove which is the best 'touring car'. This year they opened the boot, she laughed and didn't even try to put the pair of cases in, I think we could have got at least 4 in! This photo shows them performing the 'L' measurement, from rear axle to pedals, all part of the handicapping system.
What a car to be overtaken by!
Martin Short drove superbly in the Yaris, finishing 4th on the road, without sticky tyres it should be added.
Ok, it was cold, just a few degrees above freezing for much of the day, but all temperatures were well under control, coolant barely reached 200F, oil peaked at 252F and caliper temps were low too.
Unless I find a kind sponsor, that's me about done for the year competition wise. The tyres have had it now and they're about £1000 a set, still, mustn't grumble, I've had a great last few months in Clive.
I messed up the braking test, partly I just braked too late, partly due to them not feeling quite right (into the ABS immediately), despite an attempt at bedding them in on the way to work last week.
It's quite difficult (ok, impossible) to repeatedly brake from 120 to 90 mph on the Chippenham bypass at commuting time. The new, cheap big brake kit stood up well to the task, plenty of bite, no fade and no cracked discs so far.Still, the afternoon, 40 minute test is what everyone looks forward to. It was cold, but dry, giving my two year old Nankang's half a chance. My overtaking was more cautious than it would be in a race, but I equally had a lot of courtesy shown to me too.
Here's the video:
It's a long watch, but hopefully entertaining in places. My usual style of over-driving and sliding about, whilst trying to post a half decent lap. A shame I was passed by the BMW on slicks, but he's a good driver and what an awesome car; I'll take 2nd place on the road. Pleased I overtook the GT40 this time, he beat me last year in the damp on the same tyres.
Clive had plenty of interest through the day, with a friend in the grandstand overhearing plenty of cheers and mentions of Clive as he went by.
I didn't get a photo of the infamous suitcase test, part of the competition to prove which is the best 'touring car'. This year they opened the boot, she laughed and didn't even try to put the pair of cases in, I think we could have got at least 4 in! This photo shows them performing the 'L' measurement, from rear axle to pedals, all part of the handicapping system.
What a car to be overtaken by!
Martin Short drove superbly in the Yaris, finishing 4th on the road, without sticky tyres it should be added.
Ok, it was cold, just a few degrees above freezing for much of the day, but all temperatures were well under control, coolant barely reached 200F, oil peaked at 252F and caliper temps were low too.
Unless I find a kind sponsor, that's me about done for the year competition wise. The tyres have had it now and they're about £1000 a set, still, mustn't grumble, I've had a great last few months in Clive.
V10Mike said:
Saw your car at the Pomeroy yesterday -apologies for not saying hello!
Hugely impressive drive in the 40 minute "reliability" run in the afternoon -if I'm not mistaken you were second quickest after the Alpina CSL.
Clive looked and sounded fantastic, and it's quite an achievement to leave a GT40 and a McLaren M1B behind!
Brakes seemed to be working well, and the car looked beautifully balanced round Brooklands and Luffield where I was watching (I'm sure driver skill had something to do with it as well ).
It's really interesting which cars work and which don't on the track -the Bentley Continental GT was completely at sea, roll and terminal understeer, maybe not a complete surprise, same issues with the BMW Mini Cooper, but I can absolutely see why people rave about the GR Yaris!
Good luck with your score and ranking!
Thank you, you're right, second on the road in the afternoon. That Bentley was pretty rapid in a straight line, it beat me in the 1/4 mile in the morning, but yes, it was a bit of a boat through the corners. The handicap really doesn't seem to like the Corvette, I finished 66th out of 109 cars; even if I'd have got the braking test right I'd still have been 50th or so, not sure I could have done too much better. Thanks for the support, next time do come on over for a chat. Hugely impressive drive in the 40 minute "reliability" run in the afternoon -if I'm not mistaken you were second quickest after the Alpina CSL.
Clive looked and sounded fantastic, and it's quite an achievement to leave a GT40 and a McLaren M1B behind!
Brakes seemed to be working well, and the car looked beautifully balanced round Brooklands and Luffield where I was watching (I'm sure driver skill had something to do with it as well
).It's really interesting which cars work and which don't on the track -the Bentley Continental GT was completely at sea, roll and terminal understeer, maybe not a complete surprise, same issues with the BMW Mini Cooper, but I can absolutely see why people rave about the GR Yaris!
Good luck with your score and ranking!
You are fighting an uphill battle with the formula
Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Willhire89 said:
You are fighting an uphill battle with the formula
Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Yes, I can see that now. Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Provisionally it's the Impreza for the second time in recent years (well driven it must be said). It looks like the formula hasn't kept pace with modern, turbo-charged 4wd cars: the Impreza has won it twice, Skyline GTR last year and the Yaris GR gave a strong showing this year too. No sour grapes, all drivers are skilled behind the wheel, but the handicap doesn't look to penalise them quite as much. Fishy Dave said:
Willhire89 said:
You are fighting an uphill battle with the formula
Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Yes, I can see that now. Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Provisionally it's the Impreza for the second time in recent years (well driven it must be said). It looks like the formula hasn't kept pace with modern, turbo-charged 4wd cars: the Impreza has won it twice, Skyline GTR last year and the Yaris GR gave a strong showing this year too. No sour grapes, all drivers are skilled behind the wheel, but the handicap doesn't look to penalise them quite as much. Fishy Dave said:
Willhire89 said:
You are fighting an uphill battle with the formula
Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Yes, I can see that now. Big litres - ideally 1500cc to 2000cc
Age - the Vette is relatively modern
L - I have not seen your number but I'm guessing quite short
Outside the formula there's weight?
If you are up against a Mk1 Cortina you'll face 1600cc, early sixties, an L of 80 and a weight of 680kgs maybe
I have run in it eighteen times - what car won it (provisionally) ?
Provisionally it's the Impreza for the second time in recent years (well driven it must be said). It looks like the formula hasn't kept pace with modern, turbo-charged 4wd cars: the Impreza has won it twice, Skyline GTR last year and the Yaris GR gave a strong showing this year too. No sour grapes, all drivers are skilled behind the wheel, but the handicap doesn't look to penalise them quite as much. The braking area was really low grip this year, I very nearly didn't get it stopped, but just managed it. So it's not surprising your ABS kicked in straight away. The tyres were very cold too. I think that test is the hardest from a driving perspective, as you don't get to practice and the grip is an unknown, last year I braked too soon and had to roll in, this year was right on the limit of what was possible.
On the handicap issue, had Andy not failed the braking test last year (he stopped too soon and didn't roll in), he would most likely have won in his 1968 Mk1 Escort BDA. Mine is the only this century car to win, and i have to drive the car well to achieve that. Previous Impreza's haven't done as well. As a genuinely driven every day road car, it's doing really well to compete.
The GTR that won last year is not a new car, it's 30 years old now, mine is 18 years old. Engine size is the big issue for your car, it's massive compared to most, but mine isn't that small when you add the turbo correction factor. The GR Yaris wins on this front being just a 1.6 litre. But it loses on age. Martin needs no introduction and he was driving the wheels off it to get his great result. It looks like the handicap is doing it's job pretty well, with a 1929 car close behind.
Weight doesn't get counted, but if it were mine would probably be fairly neutral a difference, as it's a heavy bus with the more modern crash safety built into the shell, the AWD system and turbo add a lot of weight too, it's 1450Kg with half a tank of fuel and no driver. I do my bit to add to that.
If the system was changed I wouldn't complain, I'm just grateful to be allowed to compete in such a fabulous event. Being passed by the 1975 BMW CSL on slicks with PBE at the wheel was worth the entry fee on it's own, what a fabulous sight and sound. I race prepped the GT40 in the event also, and seeing that close up flat out was brilliant too, I enjoyed your exploits and Martin's too. The absolute highlight for me was following a car on M sections for a lap with it smoking the tyres on every corner, it was great fun, the driver was having a ball.
500TORQUES said:
It was great to chat with you on Saturday Dave, I love the car and your approach to it, which is similar to mine being run on a tight budget with the work done by yourself.
The braking area was really low grip this year, I very nearly didn't get it stopped, but just managed it. So it's not surprising your ABS kicked in straight away. The tyres were very cold too. I think that test is the hardest from a driving perspective, as you don't get to practice and the grip is an unknown, last year I braked too soon and had to roll in, this year was right on the limit of what was possible.
On the handicap issue, had Andy not failed the braking test last year (he stopped too soon and didn't roll in), he would most likely have won in his 1968 Mk1 Escort BDA. Mine is the only this century car to win, and i have to drive the car well to achieve that. Previous Impreza's haven't done as well. As a genuinely driven every day road car, it's doing really well to compete.
The GTR that won last year is not a new car, it's 30 years old now, mine is 18 years old. Engine size is the big issue for your car, it's massive compared to most, but mine isn't that small when you add the turbo correction factor. The GR Yaris wins on this front being just a 1.6 litre. But it loses on age. Martin needs no introduction and he was driving the wheels off it to get his great result. It looks like the handicap is doing it's job pretty well, with a 1929 car close behind.
Weight doesn't get counted, but if it were mine would probably be fairly neutral a difference, as it's a heavy bus with the more modern crash safety built into the shell, the AWD system and turbo add a lot of weight too, it's 1450Kg with half a tank of fuel and no driver. I do my bit to add to that.
If the system was changed I wouldn't complain, I'm just grateful to be allowed to compete in such a fabulous event. Being passed by the 1975 BMW CSL on slicks with PBE at the wheel was worth the entry fee on it's own, what a fabulous sight and sound. I race prepped the GT40 in the event also, and seeing that close up flat out was brilliant too, I enjoyed your exploits and Martin's too. The absolute highlight for me was following a car on M sections for a lap with it smoking the tyres on every corner, it was great fun, the driver was having a ball.
Yes, good to chat to you too, after competing so closely last year (you'd have beaten me were it not for your wheel issue) The braking area was really low grip this year, I very nearly didn't get it stopped, but just managed it. So it's not surprising your ABS kicked in straight away. The tyres were very cold too. I think that test is the hardest from a driving perspective, as you don't get to practice and the grip is an unknown, last year I braked too soon and had to roll in, this year was right on the limit of what was possible.
On the handicap issue, had Andy not failed the braking test last year (he stopped too soon and didn't roll in), he would most likely have won in his 1968 Mk1 Escort BDA. Mine is the only this century car to win, and i have to drive the car well to achieve that. Previous Impreza's haven't done as well. As a genuinely driven every day road car, it's doing really well to compete.
The GTR that won last year is not a new car, it's 30 years old now, mine is 18 years old. Engine size is the big issue for your car, it's massive compared to most, but mine isn't that small when you add the turbo correction factor. The GR Yaris wins on this front being just a 1.6 litre. But it loses on age. Martin needs no introduction and he was driving the wheels off it to get his great result. It looks like the handicap is doing it's job pretty well, with a 1929 car close behind.
Weight doesn't get counted, but if it were mine would probably be fairly neutral a difference, as it's a heavy bus with the more modern crash safety built into the shell, the AWD system and turbo add a lot of weight too, it's 1450Kg with half a tank of fuel and no driver. I do my bit to add to that.
If the system was changed I wouldn't complain, I'm just grateful to be allowed to compete in such a fabulous event. Being passed by the 1975 BMW CSL on slicks with PBE at the wheel was worth the entry fee on it's own, what a fabulous sight and sound. I race prepped the GT40 in the event also, and seeing that close up flat out was brilliant too, I enjoyed your exploits and Martin's too. The absolute highlight for me was following a car on M sections for a lap with it smoking the tyres on every corner, it was great fun, the driver was having a ball.
All good points well made, agreed, a pleasure to compete on the same bit tarmac as the McLaren, GT40 and CSL. Congratulations again, great job on your result, both overall and in all four phases of the competition. See you next year I hope.
Fishy Dave said:
Yes, good to chat to you too, after competing so closely last year (you'd have beaten me were it not for your wheel issue)
All good points well made, agreed, a pleasure to compete on the same bit tarmac as the McLaren, GT40 and CSL. Congratulations again, great job on your result, both overall and in all four phases of the competition. See you next year I hope.
Thanks Dave, all being well I will be there next year for another try.All good points well made, agreed, a pleasure to compete on the same bit tarmac as the McLaren, GT40 and CSL. Congratulations again, great job on your result, both overall and in all four phases of the competition. See you next year I hope.
One of the great things about the POM is it finds your weaknesses, last year it found mine in the afternoon test.
Looking at your driving (which is excellent) and the points you scored, even with a perfect brake test it's unlikely to win the event in the Corvette, it's the wrong car for the handicap system. It's the same issue with the GT40 i race prepared for the event, the L measurement used really hurts a mid engined car. You are both winning in the having a great driving experience though!
People try and work out what to use if they want to win the event, it's all part of the fun. You never know how it will affect you though, as that's fed into a system that uses everyone else's results as a factor, I've given up trying to work it out.
B'stard Child said:
Does anyone have a copy of the handicap rules? - I'm looking at a similar handicap process for an event I'm involved in and it would be good to understand how other events approach it.
If you go to the VSCC events page for the event, you can download the regulations with the handicap information.https://www.vscc.co.uk/page/events?eventID=1818
500TORQUES said:
B'stard Child said:
Does anyone have a copy of the handicap rules? - I'm looking at a similar handicap process for an event I'm involved in and it would be good to understand how other events approach it.
If you go to the VSCC events page for the event, you can download the regulations with the handicap information.https://www.vscc.co.uk/page/events?eventID=1818
It's been a quiet few months for Clive, mostly consisting of uneventful commuting without drama.
We attended a US car meeting at Yate last month, a good crowd of people and some very nice cars. including a half dozen Corvette's.
Modern shopping centre spaces not quite big enough.
I finally got around to fitting the very expensive, but beautifully made AMT Motorsport seat mount on the drivers side. I should have bought this from the start, but oh no, I thought I knew best and could come up with a cut-priced race seat solution, I was wrong. Finally I am sat at the perfect height, I'm comfortable in the Sparco QRT Evo L, the base is strong and light too. I wish I'd taken better photos though.
The base has an integral bar and eye bolts for a 6 point harness. So, I have swapped from a 4 point to a 6 point from Clive's new stable mate, a race-prepped Honda S2000.
Off topic, but we had success first time out, with a 1st in class and 4th overall at Castle Combe, yey. This does mean that Clive can have a well-earned rest from track duty for a bit. It's a very different drive, being 350kg lighter and revving a third higher. A certain other C6 pher will make his racing debut in the Honda in the near future.
We (the CSCC) had a lovely C6 Z06 in action at Thruxton earlier this month. I shoudl have recorded some video so you could hear the noise. It's an ex-Norwegian championship winning car.
To celebrate my little son Austin's birthday, we visited Five Zeros Supercar Cafe, in Bradford On Avon. A brilliant place, cooked breakfast and a decent coffee, chat to other car enthusiasts and drool over some tasty cars. We were there for almost two hours, my wife and son would happily go back. I was even allowed to park Clive inside.
We attended a US car meeting at Yate last month, a good crowd of people and some very nice cars. including a half dozen Corvette's.
Modern shopping centre spaces not quite big enough.
I finally got around to fitting the very expensive, but beautifully made AMT Motorsport seat mount on the drivers side. I should have bought this from the start, but oh no, I thought I knew best and could come up with a cut-priced race seat solution, I was wrong. Finally I am sat at the perfect height, I'm comfortable in the Sparco QRT Evo L, the base is strong and light too. I wish I'd taken better photos though.
The base has an integral bar and eye bolts for a 6 point harness. So, I have swapped from a 4 point to a 6 point from Clive's new stable mate, a race-prepped Honda S2000.
Off topic, but we had success first time out, with a 1st in class and 4th overall at Castle Combe, yey. This does mean that Clive can have a well-earned rest from track duty for a bit. It's a very different drive, being 350kg lighter and revving a third higher. A certain other C6 pher will make his racing debut in the Honda in the near future.
We (the CSCC) had a lovely C6 Z06 in action at Thruxton earlier this month. I shoudl have recorded some video so you could hear the noise. It's an ex-Norwegian championship winning car.
To celebrate my little son Austin's birthday, we visited Five Zeros Supercar Cafe, in Bradford On Avon. A brilliant place, cooked breakfast and a decent coffee, chat to other car enthusiasts and drool over some tasty cars. We were there for almost two hours, my wife and son would happily go back. I was even allowed to park Clive inside.
Edited by Fishy Dave on Tuesday 16th May 17:44
SunsetZed said:
Looks good, how did you hear about the event in Yate, that's my neck of the woods but I had no idea it was on or I would have attended. Is it an annual thing?
Thanks, I only saw it thanks to Felix mentioning it on Facebook. Have a search on FB for 'Yate American Car and Truck Meet'. The next one is tomorrow, at 19:00. Adam Kindness said:
Ive just read page 1 with a coffee - about half way down.... I know this guy LOL
Thats some journey the car has been on. Hope to catch you on track again some day
I hope you and Fiona have a good season, I'll catch up with you again I'm sure, well, not on track, you're too quick. Thats some journey the car has been on. Hope to catch you on track again some day
jimbobs said:
I was literally just typing the same sentiment as the post above. Look how far you’ve come with the car!
It’s been great reading about it - please keep posting!
I will do, as long as people keep reading It’s been great reading about it - please keep posting!
It's been quite an adventure, with travel, road trips, two books, championships and so much more. I can't imagine experiencing this in any of the other cars I've owned. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff