I'm racing in 2005!
Discussion
I've taken the plunge and will be competing in my very first season of racing in the 750MC Stock Hatch Championship! 
I'll be running a Mk1 Golf GTi 1600cc, which I road tested today. It's a cracking little car, ideal for my very first season. I think it will do well in the group B category, once I'm up to speed. It was a prepared as a fun, trackday car by a guy who has been racing in Historic Touring cars for over 10 years, so he knows his stuff. He has agreed to come along to the first couple of races to help out and get me into a routine.
I'm selling my pride and joy, a 2003 Civic R, in order to do this. The local and county newspapers have agreed to cover my season so hopefully It should generate interest and awareness of me.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to it! It's a great championship with packed grids and plenty of entertainment!
Any advice from experienced racers out there would be most welcome.
I'll post some pics of the car as soon as I have them.
Thanks!
I'll be running a Mk1 Golf GTi 1600cc, which I road tested today. It's a cracking little car, ideal for my very first season. I think it will do well in the group B category, once I'm up to speed. It was a prepared as a fun, trackday car by a guy who has been racing in Historic Touring cars for over 10 years, so he knows his stuff. He has agreed to come along to the first couple of races to help out and get me into a routine.
I'm selling my pride and joy, a 2003 Civic R, in order to do this. The local and county newspapers have agreed to cover my season so hopefully It should generate interest and awareness of me.
I'm thoroughly looking forward to it! It's a great championship with packed grids and plenty of entertainment!
Any advice from experienced racers out there would be most welcome.
I'll post some pics of the car as soon as I have them.
Thanks!
congratulations on getting started. that is in itself an achievement. I don't think you'll miss your type r though.
I race in stock hatches, and have done for a number of years. I think you 'll be the only one racing a golf, i think your first port of call should be to the 750 mc, and asking them to lower the weight limit of the car - IIRC its 975kgs which makes it heavier than a saxo!
you'll definately have some fun, try not to get to hung up about winning races out right as that will just bankrupt you. look to get o the finish as often as possible, and if you have to spend money on the car, do it towards reliability not performance as there is nothing more frustrating than travelling 150 miles to a circuit and then having your outing curtailed after 4 laps because of some electrical fault.
you will find most of the stock hatch boys friendly so they should lend you a hand if you come unstuck.
I race in stock hatches, and have done for a number of years. I think you 'll be the only one racing a golf, i think your first port of call should be to the 750 mc, and asking them to lower the weight limit of the car - IIRC its 975kgs which makes it heavier than a saxo!
you'll definately have some fun, try not to get to hung up about winning races out right as that will just bankrupt you. look to get o the finish as often as possible, and if you have to spend money on the car, do it towards reliability not performance as there is nothing more frustrating than travelling 150 miles to a circuit and then having your outing curtailed after 4 laps because of some electrical fault.
you will find most of the stock hatch boys friendly so they should lend you a hand if you come unstuck.
106rallye1 said:
congratulations on getting started. that is in itself an achievement. I don't think you'll miss your type r though.
I race in stock hatches, and have done for a number of years. I think you 'll be the only one racing a golf, i think your first port of call should be to the 750 mc, and asking them to lower the weight limit of the car - IIRC its 975kgs which makes it heavier than a saxo!
you'll definately have some fun, try not to get to hung up about winning races out right as that will just bankrupt you. look to get o the finish as often as possible, and if you have to spend money on the car, do it towards reliability not performance as there is nothing more frustrating than travelling 150 miles to a circuit and then having your outing curtailed after 4 laps because of some electrical fault.
you will find most of the stock hatch boys friendly so they should lend you a hand if you come unstuck.
Sounds like a very friendly crowd.
I'm going to concentrate on having fun, developing my skills and confidence and just enjoying the buzz of it all. I'm very fortunate to have the assistance of an experienced club racer with me. He'll attend whatever races he can, outside of racing his own Imp in the Historic Touring Car series. My Dad is also going to be a huge help and support throughout the season.
At least I'll be easy to spot; the only one running a Mk1 GTI!
We're going to get it weighed soon. We reckon as it is now, it's under weight for the regs for that car, so we're going to need to add some ballast.
This will be my third season racing an XR2 (class B) stock hatch, and as has been said we're all a friendly crowd. It's a great championship to race in, we always have packed grids and some very close racing.
I think in your first season it's best to concentrate on learning the circuits and race craft as well as getting into the whole swing of racing, don't be desperate to win the races just enjoy yourself. It is the most addictive and rewarding thing you can do, once you start you'll be hooked!
Feel free to come up to me in the paddock next season if you have any questions etc. I am no expert but may be able to help out! Myn's the white and blue XR2, usually number 67.
see you next year mate!
I think in your first season it's best to concentrate on learning the circuits and race craft as well as getting into the whole swing of racing, don't be desperate to win the races just enjoy yourself. It is the most addictive and rewarding thing you can do, once you start you'll be hooked!
Feel free to come up to me in the paddock next season if you have any questions etc. I am no expert but may be able to help out! Myn's the white and blue XR2, usually number 67.
see you next year mate!
106rallye1 said:
the car looks mint. Make sure you keep it that way!
word of advice though, make sure the cage is upto race standards and not just takked in as an afterthough. Ideally welded in place, if not bolted.
are you sure its a 1600?
Positive. I've seen the log book and it's registered with the DVLA as a 1600.
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Positive. I've seen the log book and it's registered with the DVLA as a 1600.
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hmmm, not sure that will hold much sway with the scutineers!
scrutineer "why is yor car so much quicker than anyone elses - are you sure its not an 1800?"
you " its in the log book as an 1600"
scrut " oh in that case then i won't strip it and check!"
not...
Positive. I've seen the log book and it's registered with the DVLA as a 1600.
[/quote]
hmmm, not sure that will hold much sway with the scutineers!
scrutineer "why is yor car so much quicker than anyone elses - are you sure its not an 1800?"
you " its in the log book as an 1600"
scrut " oh in that case then i won't strip it and check!"
not...
I'm quite satisfied it's a 1600.
Although I don't have the technical knowledge of VWs to prove it's a 1600, we've known the guy who has prepared it for years and it was specially converted from an 1800 to compete in Stock Hatch. He has considered the championship regulations in every aspect of its preparation. He's been racing himself for over 10 years so he's well aware that you can't pass a car through scrutineering stating it's a 1600, when infact it's an 1800.
At the end of the day, if the scrutinisers want to satisfy themselves its a 1600 by stripping it or doing whatever, I've got no problem with it.
>> Edited by Keith R on Tuesday 14th December 11:18
Although I don't have the technical knowledge of VWs to prove it's a 1600, we've known the guy who has prepared it for years and it was specially converted from an 1800 to compete in Stock Hatch. He has considered the championship regulations in every aspect of its preparation. He's been racing himself for over 10 years so he's well aware that you can't pass a car through scrutineering stating it's a 1600, when infact it's an 1800.
At the end of the day, if the scrutinisers want to satisfy themselves its a 1600 by stripping it or doing whatever, I've got no problem with it.
>> Edited by Keith R on Tuesday 14th December 11:18
HI Dan
Mine was the white and red chequered one (until I fell off at donington and got collected - big dent - it has gone to the scrap yard in the sky) I am reshelling it SLOWLY but i have brought the Yellow/greeny Nova for next year as I have built up so many nova spares - and am re building the old one as a spare car thought I would stick with Nova.
Mine was the white and red chequered one (until I fell off at donington and got collected - big dent - it has gone to the scrap yard in the sky) I am reshelling it SLOWLY but i have brought the Yellow/greeny Nova for next year as I have built up so many nova spares - and am re building the old one as a spare car thought I would stick with Nova.
craig 750 said:
Welcome to stock hatch!
I am another competitor, I will be starting my Third season next year.
I run a car that is not as popular as the 205's 106's and XR2's that most run. (A NOVA)
At the end of the day you will have great fun! and once you have the bug!!! There is no going back!
Nothing wrong with a bit of diversity!
I saw a Metro competing when I went to the last rounds at Snett.Nice one Keith! It's a very, ahem, enthusiastic series, but it's a very friendly club, and I'm sure you'll have a whale of a time.
I'm hoping to be back out in 750MC Kit cars next season, so should be racing at some of the same events as you (provisional calendar is now up at www.750mc.co.uk). If you want any advice or help, then feel free to ask!
I'm hoping to be back out in 750MC Kit cars next season, so should be racing at some of the same events as you (provisional calendar is now up at www.750mc.co.uk). If you want any advice or help, then feel free to ask!
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