PH in the Toyota Sprint Series
Grassroots motorsport in a grassroots rear-drive coupe - PH takes on the Toyota Sprint Series in a GT86
Plenty of competition with 11 other GT86s!
Surprisingly, we didn't see any Toyota-engined Lotus models during the day. Given so many non-Toyota cars were at Blyton, there seems no reason why an Exige or Elise couldn't compete. Surely sprinting is what the Club Racer spec was designed for?
With the GT86 having now been available for a year, Toyota wants increased involvement from owners. It's an enthusiasts' car, bought by those who enjoy driving and have probably done some track days previously, so a timed sprint is a logical progression for them.
GT86 the ideal car for a first sprint
Moreover, the sprint format is ideally suited for those without a dedicated track toy. With no other cars on track during you timed run, the chance of an incident is much reduced, whilst the 'flying lap' nature of the runs puts less stress on the car's consumables. But then that does mean less time on track, which is especially galling after a silly mistake results in a slow time...
Having said that, for the £125 entry fee (plus £5 for a one-day licence), no driver will feel short changed about the amount of driving time. We had two sighting laps, two untimed practice runs and then seven against the clock before the event finished at five. The competitive element, both against personal times and others in similar cars, adds some additional spice over a conventional track event. The only other requirements for entry are covered arms and legs plus a helmet.
Sunday saw 12 standard GT86s compete; the plan for the 2014 season is to have 20 cars competing in a separate championship within the overall Sprint Series. There was a fantastic diversity of owners at the event, each of course with their Toyota as common ground. One guy had owned a Celica 190 for eight years without finding a suitable replacement until last year; another replaced his Smart Roadster with a one at just 19 (making him Britain's youngest GT86 owner). It's a truly eclectic yet very friendly group, one that can hopefully be bolstered as the series grows in prominence. BRZ owners are permitted too...
Blyton's tight infield needs patience
Having spent some time at Blyton recently under the tuition Mark Hales, this event should have been a chance to shine. But one day of expert coaching does not a racer make. I knew most of the lines, although the infield section at the start was unfamiliar (yep, excuses already) and the desire to produce a competitive time regrettably meant some of the fantastic coaching wasn't properly utilised. After a couple of awful early runs and some enjoyable exploration with all the systems off, my last time of 1:40.7 was the fastest of the day. I reckon sub-1:40 would have been achievable after a couple more runs. Maybe.
As if to indicate the gulf in abilities, the GT86 times stretched from a 1:37 to beyond 1:50. My time placed me fifth out of the dozen in our class, or fastest from those of us without a race suit. Yes, it's tenuous, but I'm claiming some kind of success.
The sprint was attended by seasoned pros and track novices, reflecting its appeal for all ability levels. If you own a GT86 or a BRZ, you're guaranteed to have fun in the Toyota Series regardless of previous endeavours. There are still two events left in the 2013 calendar; try one now and you will undoubtedly return for 2014.
[Links: Toyota Sprint Series, Javelin Trackdays, Fensport]
 |
 |
 |
 |
Photos: Saidro Photography
Took some photo's
We sort of made this bit of the paddock GT86 corner
No Gingers or Greys came to play
One of the other guys pictures here https://picasaweb.google.com/104300457193959678858...
and some video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5H9B7p4MhAQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OauFR3zHD2o
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWZQ7Pd2cYs
http://youtu.be/vIfQGODMwlI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pcz045jR1W8
Alec
But still, that was a pretty good time you got there....does that make me the fastest noob there then? 
Either way, hope to see you around sometime, hopefully in a GT86 again at another sprint
LordGrover, you definitely need to get involved, was a awesome day!
'Surprisingly, we didn't see any Toyota-engined Lotus models during the day. Given so many non-Toyota cars were at Blyton, there seems no reason why an Exige or Elise couldn't compete. Surely sprinting is what the Club Racer spec was designed for?'
Lotus cannot enter, as the car has to have been sold originally by Toyota/Lexus, and in the regulations
'G-1, Body shell must be originally manufactured by Toyota.(or Subaru if GT86 / BRZ)'
Hence no Lotus in TSS
It is a really well-run series and the Class X seems to be growing in size this year which will hopefully continue.
As mentioned above it is hard to argue with the cost as being anything other than great value for money. With sighting laps, 2 practice runs and 8 timed runs you get a lot of track time and plenty of opportunities to find the lines and improve over the day (accepting fuel costs, tyre wear, breaking engines are not included in the price!)
It is a really well-run series and the Class X seems to be growing in size this year which will hopefully continue.
As mentioned above it is hard to argue with the cost as being anything other than great value for money. With sighting laps, 2 practice runs and 8 timed runs you get a lot of track time and plenty of opportunities to find the lines and improve over the day (accepting fuel costs, tyre wear, breaking engines are not included in the price!)
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff