Support needed - Continental Meeting 2015
Discussion
Fellow Wedgers,
Some of you may know that there is an annual event which is organised by the TVR Car Club Holland, and which has been run, with a couple of exceptions, every year since 1980. It is known as the Continental Meeting, and this year’s event, which will be the 34th, will take place on Friday 26th June 2015. It really is a fantastic opportunity to drive your Wedge around the former F1 circuit at Zolder, in Belgium. But it’s so much more than a trackday – it’s a very social event, (not just some blokes standing around a car park or field kicking tyres) which draws TVRs from all eras, from the early 1960s Grantura to the mid-2000s Sagaris. Not only that, but it attracts TVR enthusiasts from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany etc. and a good representation from the UK. Most importantly though, its USP is that as well as the normal open pit lane track driving, there are several timed competitive elements, none of which are possible at any UK trackday. These consist of the acceleration test, in which cars line up side by side two at a time at the end of the main straight (against the normal driving direction) and are timed individually to the start of the main straight; the hill climb, which is a timed section from a standing start, across a chicane at the end of the back straight, and over a blind crest; a slalom test through a series of traffic cones, and concluding with a fastest lap competition. Entrants can attempt these tests as many times during the session as they like. Cars are divided into classes based on various factors including engine size and configuration and any performance modifications.
The basic logistics are that the hotel in Heerlen where the event is based is about 3 hours drive from Dunkirk / Calais, and that many people (us included) travel over on the Thursday to arrive there late afternoon. This gives time for any car preparation, scruitineering by the technical team for cars that will be on track (basic safety checks) and a relaxed evening meal. Friday morning everyone heads for the track, where the fun begins. After the track activities, it’s a 30 minute drive back across the border to the hotel at Heerlen for a few well- earned beers on the terrace, followed by a great meal and the prize giving.
It’s a testament to the format and organisation of this event that it has been running for so many years, and it continues to attract so many participants back year after year – this will be our 16th time since our first time in 1991. However, like any event, its ongoing success depends entirely on TVR owners and enthusiasts continuing to show their support by attending and participating in what I have to say is my favourite TVR event.
With this in mind, it would really be fantastic to have a good representation of the Wedge model at this year’s event, particularly as we are normally in a minority compared to the Griffs, Chims etc. I think it would also be a great way of showing our appreciation for the fantastic support given to the BBWF in 2013 by our Dutch friends (who could forget those orange suits!).
The entry forms should be available on the TVRCC Holland website soon, but in the meantime, I’m happy to provide any more information that I can – a small selection of my shots from 2014 below.
Some of you may know that there is an annual event which is organised by the TVR Car Club Holland, and which has been run, with a couple of exceptions, every year since 1980. It is known as the Continental Meeting, and this year’s event, which will be the 34th, will take place on Friday 26th June 2015. It really is a fantastic opportunity to drive your Wedge around the former F1 circuit at Zolder, in Belgium. But it’s so much more than a trackday – it’s a very social event, (not just some blokes standing around a car park or field kicking tyres) which draws TVRs from all eras, from the early 1960s Grantura to the mid-2000s Sagaris. Not only that, but it attracts TVR enthusiasts from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany etc. and a good representation from the UK. Most importantly though, its USP is that as well as the normal open pit lane track driving, there are several timed competitive elements, none of which are possible at any UK trackday. These consist of the acceleration test, in which cars line up side by side two at a time at the end of the main straight (against the normal driving direction) and are timed individually to the start of the main straight; the hill climb, which is a timed section from a standing start, across a chicane at the end of the back straight, and over a blind crest; a slalom test through a series of traffic cones, and concluding with a fastest lap competition. Entrants can attempt these tests as many times during the session as they like. Cars are divided into classes based on various factors including engine size and configuration and any performance modifications.
The basic logistics are that the hotel in Heerlen where the event is based is about 3 hours drive from Dunkirk / Calais, and that many people (us included) travel over on the Thursday to arrive there late afternoon. This gives time for any car preparation, scruitineering by the technical team for cars that will be on track (basic safety checks) and a relaxed evening meal. Friday morning everyone heads for the track, where the fun begins. After the track activities, it’s a 30 minute drive back across the border to the hotel at Heerlen for a few well- earned beers on the terrace, followed by a great meal and the prize giving.
It’s a testament to the format and organisation of this event that it has been running for so many years, and it continues to attract so many participants back year after year – this will be our 16th time since our first time in 1991. However, like any event, its ongoing success depends entirely on TVR owners and enthusiasts continuing to show their support by attending and participating in what I have to say is my favourite TVR event.
With this in mind, it would really be fantastic to have a good representation of the Wedge model at this year’s event, particularly as we are normally in a minority compared to the Griffs, Chims etc. I think it would also be a great way of showing our appreciation for the fantastic support given to the BBWF in 2013 by our Dutch friends (who could forget those orange suits!).
The entry forms should be available on the TVRCC Holland website soon, but in the meantime, I’m happy to provide any more information that I can – a small selection of my shots from 2014 below.
Last year was: double room (2 people with brekkie) for 2 nights - €250, prize giving dinner - €55, full trackday - €220 (restricted participation in the track stuff at €135), return ferry crossing Dover to Dunkerque - about £60. Plus dinner Thursday night, and petrol (drinks for the Friday are included).
Could be a nice warm up for BBWF.
Could be a nice warm up for BBWF.
The electronic registration form for this event is now up on the TVRCC Holland website:
http://tvrcarclubholland.nl/continental-meeting-20...
If anyone has any questions, please ask. This really is a great event, even if you don't participate in the track action (there are restricted programmes available at lower cost), and is fully deserving of your support.
http://tvrcarclubholland.nl/continental-meeting-20...
If anyone has any questions, please ask. This really is a great event, even if you don't participate in the track action (there are restricted programmes available at lower cost), and is fully deserving of your support.
It is without a doubt the best fun you can have in a TVR, but you do have to beware the man with the dB meter and his twitchy black flag.
If you think your car might be too loud, then it definitely is. However it seems that you are highly unlikely to be black flagged for sound on any of the timed events, other than free driving on the entire circuit.
http://vimeo.com/45077852
If you think your car might be too loud, then it definitely is. However it seems that you are highly unlikely to be black flagged for sound on any of the timed events, other than free driving on the entire circuit.
http://vimeo.com/45077852
ukkid35 said:
It is without a doubt the best fun you can have in a TVR, but you do have to beware the man with the dB meter and his twitchy black flag.
If you think your car might be too loud, then it definitely is. However it seems that you are highly unlikely to be black flagged for sound on any of the timed events, other than free driving on the entire circuit.
http://vimeo.com/45077852
Unless you know where the meter is located;)If you think your car might be too loud, then it definitely is. However it seems that you are highly unlikely to be black flagged for sound on any of the timed events, other than free driving on the entire circuit.
http://vimeo.com/45077852
Bump. Hopefully some Wedges will sign up for this great event. Even if you don't want to actually take part in the track activity (and you won't ever get a chance in the UK to do the type of competitive things that are part of the Zolder day - short of a race licence anyway), spectating is worthwhile, it's a good excuse for a trip to Belgium and the Netherlands, and to enjoy a really friendly and sociable weekend.
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